Hinge assembly for an aircraft component, aircraft component, wing and aircraft

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hinge assembly for an aircraft component, an aircraft component, a wing and an aircraft. In particular, it relates to a hinge assembly (8a) for an aircraft component, the hinge assembly (8a) comprising a first hinge plate (9) and a second hinge plate (10), each hinge plate comprising a plurality of fingers (13) to (17). The fingers of the first hinge plate and the fingers of the second hinge plate are interleaved. Between at least some of the fingers, a sealing assembly (28) to (32) is provided. The provision of a hinge comprising interleaved fingers allows the manufacture of a hinge assembly having a complex aerodynamic profile, whilst performing a sealing function by means of a seal filling the gaps between the fingers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to hinge assemblies, such as hinge assemblies used in aircraft, for example, hinge assemblies used between the body of a wing and a movable wingtip assembly. The invention also relates to a wing having a movable wingtip assembly employing such a hinge assembly, and an aircraft having such a hinge assembly. Background Technology

[0002] The maximum wingspan of an aircraft wing is effectively limited by airport operating regulations, which control the various clearances required for maneuvering around the airport (such as the wingspan and / or ground clearance required for gate and safety taxiway use). Therefore, folding wingtip devices have been introduced into passenger aircraft, where the wingtip devices can move between a flight configuration used during flight and a ground configuration used during ground operations. In the ground configuration, the wingtip devices move away from the flight configuration, reducing the aircraft's wingspan and thus allowing the use of existing gates and safety taxiways.

[0003] The folding wingtip assembly is connected to the fixed wing via a hinge assembly to allow movement between flight and ground configurations. However, when the wingtip assembly is in flight configuration, any small steps, gaps, or other discontinuities between the outer end of the fixed wing and the inner end of the wingtip assembly can cause aerodynamic losses, such as drag and pressure leakage. Therefore, it has been proposed to introduce seals between the moving parts of the hinge assembly.

[0004] When selecting or designing seals for such hinge components, several conflicting factors need to be considered. First, the seal needs to be rigid enough to maintain the wing's aerodynamic profile in the flight configuration. However, the seal also needs to be flexible enough not to interfere with the movement of wingtip devices between the flight and ground configurations. The seal must also be resilient enough to withstand the harsh operating environment of the aircraft.

[0005] Similar considerations apply to other movable aircraft components that form the aerodynamic surfaces of an aircraft—such as slats, flaps, spoilers, ailerons, elevators, rudders, and air brakes.

[0006] A barrel hinge assembly covered with a flat rubber seal has been suggested. However, this type of seal is difficult to integrate into aircraft components with complex surfaces such as the hyperboloids of an wing. Furthermore, there is a possibility that the unsupported edge of the seal may face the airflow direction during use, which could disrupt airflow across the hinge. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This invention provides a hinge assembly for an aircraft component, comprising: a first hinge plate and a second hinge plate, each hinge plate including a plurality of fingers, the fingers of the first hinge plate and the fingers of the second hinge plate being interleaved; and a sealing assembly located between at least some of the fingers. The provision of a hinge including inserted fingers allows for the manufacture of hinge assemblies with complex aerodynamic profiles, while performing a sealing function by filling the gaps between the fingers.

[0008] Preferably, the hinge plate has an aerodynamic surface and the sealing assembly is arranged flush with the aerodynamic surface of the hinge plate.

[0009] Advantageously, the sealing assembly includes a plurality of finger seals attached to the fingers of the hinge plate, each finger seal being arranged to seal against the fingers of another hinge plate.

[0010] Ideally, each finger seal has a triangular cross-section and is arranged to make sealing contact with a corresponding chamfered surface along the edge of the finger on the other hinge plate. Therefore, the sealing connection between the fingers can be arranged in a predetermined orientation. For example, the sealing connection can be arranged to be inclined away from the intended direction of oncoming air during use.

[0011] Preferably, each hinge plate has a recessed portion in the middle of its finger portion, and the sealing arrangement further includes a corresponding finger tip seal attached to at least some of the tips of the fingers and arranged to abut against a corresponding recess of another hinge plate for sealing. This further enhances the seal between the hinge plates.

[0012] At least some of the fingers may have integral finger seals and finger tip seals.

[0013] Each seal preferably includes an elastic flexible strip that can be overmolded onto the finger portion or the tip of the finger portion.

[0014] Advantageously, the sealing assembly also includes a lower sealing assembly located between the lower sides of the hinge plates. The lower seal helps to fill the gap under the hinge plates and thus prevents or reduces pressure leakage.

[0015] At least some of the fingers are arranged to extend below another hinge plate by means of finger extensions, and the lower sealing assembly preferably includes an extension seal located between the finger extension and the lower side of the opposite hinge plate.

[0016] At least some of the fingers may have an integral extension seal and a finger tip seal.

[0017] A reinforcing element may be provided to support the fingers. The finger seal may be arranged to extend along a portion of the reinforcing element.

[0018] At least some of the fingers are preferably attached with lugs arranged to receive hinge pins. The axis of the hinge may be located below the hinge plate.

[0019] The present invention also provides a movable aircraft component including such a hinge assembly.

[0020] The present invention also provides an aircraft wing comprising a body and a wingtip assembly attached to the body by means of such a hinge assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 This is a front view of the aircraft;

[0023] Figure 2a It shows Figure 1 One of the wings of an aircraft, wherein the wingtip device is in flight configuration;

[0024] Figure 2b It shows Figure 2a The wings, but the wingtip devices are in a ground configuration;

[0025] Figure 3a This is a perspective view of the hinge assembly constructed according to the present invention in the unfolded position, viewed from above.

[0026] Figure 3b From Figure 3a A perspective view of the hinge assembly from above, in its first folded position;

[0027] Figure 3c From Figure 3a A perspective view of the hinge assembly from above, in its second folded position;

[0028] Figure 4a yes Figures 3a to 3c A three-dimensional view of one of the hinge plates in the hinge plate;

[0029] Figure 4b yes Figure 4a Exploded view of the hinge plate;

[0030] Figure 5a yes Figures 3a to 3c A perspective view of another hinge plate of the hinge assembly;

[0031] Figure 5b yes Figure 5a An exploded view of the hinge plate; and

[0032] Figure 6 yes Figure 3a A cross-sectional view of the hinge plate in the unfolded position along the hinge line. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Reference Figure 1 The aircraft, generally indicated by reference numeral 1, comprises a fuselage 2 and wings 3. The tip of one wing of the wings 3 on the aircraft 1 is... Figure 2a and Figure 2b This is shown in more detail below, now refer to Figure 2a and Figure 2b :

[0034] The wing 3 includes a fixed wing 4 extending from the wing root to the tip at the fuselage 2. A wingtip assembly 5 is located at the tip of the fixed wing 4. The wingtip assembly 5 is capable of... Figure 2a The flight configuration shifts to such Figure 2b The ground configuration is shown. In the ground configuration, the wingtip device 5 is moved to reduce the wingspan of the aircraft 1 (relative to the flight configuration). This allows the aircraft 1 to have a relatively large wingspan during flight, while still complying with airport parking restrictions and safe taxiway usage when on the ground.

[0035] In the flight configuration, the wingtip device 5 is actually an extension of the fixed wing 4, such that the leading edge 6' and trailing edge 7' of the wingtip device are continuations of the leading edge 6 and trailing edge 7 of the fixed wing 4, respectively. Similarly, the upper and lower surfaces of the wingtip device 5 are continuations of the upper and lower surfaces of the fixed wing 4. The fixed wing 4 and the wingtip device 5 together constitute the main wing 3 of the aircraft 1.

[0036] To enable the wingtip assembly 5 to move relative to the fixed wing 4, a forward hinge assembly 8a and a rear hinge assembly 8b are provided. When the wingtip assembly moves between a flight configuration and a ground configuration, the forward hinge assembly 8a supports the leading edge 6' of the wingtip assembly 5, and the rear hinge assembly 8b supports the trailing edge 7' of the wingtip assembly. The forward hinge assembly 8a and the rear hinge assembly 8b are substantially identical, and therefore the construction and function of one of the hinge assemblies, hinge assembly 8a, will be described here.

[0037] exist Figure 3aThe diagram illustrates a hinge assembly 8a constructed according to the present invention. The hinge assembly 8a includes two hinge plates 9 and 10, one of which, 9, is attached to a fixed wing 4, and the other, 10, is attached to a movable wingtip 5. Both hinge plates 9 and 10 are made of materials suitable for the hinge's operating environment: in this example of a wing and wingtip assembly, suitable materials include aluminum and carbon fiber composites. Each of the hinge plates 9 and 10 includes a body 11, 12 and a plurality of spaced-apart fingers 13 to 17 having intermediate recesses 18 to 22, giving the hinge plate a castellated appearance.

[0038] In this example, the hinge plate 9 attached to the main wing 4 has three fingers 13 to 15 and two recesses 18 and 19. The hinge plate 10 attached to the movable wingtip assembly 5 has two fingers 16 and 17, a central recess 21, and two recesses 20 and 22 at the ends of the hinge plate. The hinge plates 9 and 10 can be installed in opposite ways depending on the desired configuration and application of the hinge, and the hinge plates can have different numbers of fingers. For clarity, the hinge plates and fingers are shown in the figures as flat members in a common plane; however, in the application of wing hinges, the profile of the hinge will be arranged to follow the profile of the aerodynamic surface of the wing, which is typically a hyperboloid.

[0039] The fingers of each hinge plate are arranged in an alternating pattern, such that the fingers 13 to 15 of the main wing hinge plate 9 alternate with the fingers 16 and 17 of the wingtip hinge plate 10. Figure 3a In the extended position of the hinge shown, the end of the finger portion of each hinge plate is adjacent to the recess of another hinge plate, such that the finger portions 13 to 15 are located in the recesses 20 to 22 respectively; the finger portions 16 and 17 are seated against the recesses 18 and 19 respectively.

[0040] Multiple hinge lugs 23a to 23e are mounted on the underside of hinge plates 9 and 10, and each finger portion 13 to 17 of hinge assembly 8a has one hinge lug. Lugs 23a, 23c, and 23e are respectively mounted below fingers 13 to 15 of the main wing hinge plate 9, and lugs 23b and 23d are respectively mounted below fingers 16 and 17 of the wingtip assembly hinge plate 10. Each hinge plate 9 and 10 has a transverse flange 24 and 25 extending downward from the body 11 and 12 on the opposite side of the finger portion. Openings 26 in the flanges 24 and 25 and in the bodies 11 and 12 are arranged to receive fasteners for attaching lugs 23a to 23e to the corresponding hinge plates 9 and 10. Lugs 23a to 23e are aligned along an axis such that their lug openings can receive hinge pin 27, which defines the axis of rotation of the hinge. Lugs 23a to 23e can rotate about hinge pin 27 as the hinge assembly moves between ground and flight configurations.

[0041] Figure 3a The hinge assembly 8a is shown in the deployed position; when the wing is in... Figure 1 and Figure 2a In the flight configuration, the hinge occupies this position. According to the present invention, a sealing assembly is provided. A first aspect of the sealing assembly includes a sealing arrangement structure for the upper aerodynamic surface of the hinge, which will now be referred to with reference to FIG4. Figure 6 The sealing assembly is described.

[0042] The sealing assembly includes a plurality of elongated sealing members 28 to 32 attached to the finger-like portions 13 to 17 of the hinge plates 9, 10. Each sealing member 28 to 32 includes a flexible strip of a suitable material such as polyurethane or silicone. Figure 4a and Figure 4b As shown, the main wing hinge plate 9 has sealing members 28, 29, and 32. Figure 5a and Figure 5b As shown, the wingtip assembly hinge plate 10 has sealing members 30 and 31. Each of the sealing members 28 to 31 is L-shaped, having a first portion (a) arranged along the long edge of the finger to which the sealing member is attached and a second portion (b) arranged along the edge of the tip of the finger. The sealing member 32 for one of the fingers of the end fingers 13 of the hinge assembly only requires a seal arranged along the edge of the tip of the finger. Of course, the first and second portions of each sealing member 28 to 31 can be replaced by separate seals. The sealing members 28 to 32 can be attached to the corresponding fingers of the sealing member by means of chemical bonding, mechanical fastening, or overmolding.

[0043] In the extended position of the hinge assembly, sealing members 28 to 31 are arranged such that a first portion (a) of each sealing member makes sealing contact with the edge of a finger of another hinge plate adjacent to the first portion (a) of the sealing member. For example, the first portion 28a of sealing member 28 attached to finger 14 of hinge plate 9 makes sealing contact with the edge of finger 16 of hinge plate 10. Similarly, the first portion 29a of sealing member 29 attached to finger 15 of hinge plate 9 makes sealing contact with the edge of finger 17 of hinge plate 10; the sealing portion 30a of finger 16 of hinge plate 10 seals against finger 13; and the sealing portion 31a of finger 17 is arranged to seal against the long edge of finger 14. Thus, sealing members 28 to 31 fill any gaps between fingers 13 to 17 such that the sealing assembly is substantially flush with the aerodynamic surface of the hinge plate.

[0044] Each of the sealing portions 28a to 31a has a triangular cross-section. The edges of each finger 13 to 17 are arranged to have a corresponding chamfered surface, such that when in the presence of... Figure 3a When in the unfolded position, each seal and its adjacent fingers are fitted together with a beveled joint, as in... Figure 6 As can be seen in the cross-sectional view, the faces of each sealing portion 28a to 31a and the long edges of each finger portion 13 to 17 are angled relative to the plane of the hinge plate. The direction of the angle is such that each interface between the sealing member and the adjacent finger portion is away from the oncoming airflow experienced by the hinge during flight conditions and toward the trailing edge of the wing 7, 7'; the arrows indicate the direction of the airflow. Compared to conventional hinge assemblies, this arrangement provides an aerodynamic profile and reduces parasitic drag and noise.

[0045] The short portion (b) of each sealing member 28 to 31 and sealing member 32 also have a triangular cross-section. In the deployed position (flying configuration), each of these sealing members is arranged to make sealing contact with a recess on the opposing hinge plate. For example, the sealing member 32 along the tip of the finger 13 on the hinge plate 9 is arranged to make sealing contact with the recess 20 on the hinge plate 10. Similarly, the sealing portion 28b on the tip of the finger 14 seals against the recess 21; the sealing portion 29b on the finger 15 makes sealing contact with the recess 22; the sealing portion 31b on the finger 17 of the hinge plate 9 seals against the recess 19 in the sealing plate 10; and the sealing portion 30b on the finger 16 seals against the recess 18 on the hinge plate 9. Each recess 18 to 22 has a corresponding chamfered surface, such that the sealing member at the tip of the finger forms a beveled engagement with the recess. This arrangement of seals and recesses further enhances the seal between the hinge plates while maintaining the aerodynamic profile. Furthermore, the tapered surfaces between these sealed connections allow the fingers to easily separate when moving from the flight configuration to the ground configuration.

[0046] In addition to maintaining the aerodynamic profiles between aircraft components, it is also important that sealing assemblies seal any gaps or voids between these components. Creating air paths between components can be highly undesirable, as high-pressure rising air can leak to the low-pressure upper surface, affecting lift performance. Therefore, another aspect of the sealing assembly includes a lower sealing assembly between the undersides of the hinge plates, arranged to reduce the likelihood of pressure leakage at the hinge.

[0047] Each of the finger portions 13 to 17 is provided with finger extensions 33 to 37. Each finger extension 33 to 37 is in the form of a plate as wide as the finger portion and extends outward from the tip of the finger portion toward the opposite hinge plate. Each finger extension 33 to 37 has a slightly downward bend, such that when the hinge is in the extended position, the tip of the finger extension is located below the bodies 11 and 12 of the opposite hinge plates 9 and 10. Each finger extension 33 to 37 carries a seal 38 to 42, which together form the aforementioned lower sealing assembly. Each extension seal 38 to 42 stands upright from the tip of the finger extension and is arranged to abut against the lower side of the opposite hinge plate for sealing. Therefore, extension seals 38 to 40, each supported by an extension 33 to 35 on a finger portion 13 to 15 of the hinge plate 9, are arranged to seal against the lower side of the body 12 of the hinge plate 10. Similarly, extension seals 41 attached to an extension 36 of a finger portion 16 and extension seals 42 attached to an extension 37 of a finger portion 17 are arranged to provide a sealing connection with the lower side of the hinge plate 9. Each of the extension seals 38 to 42 extends across the width of the finger extension and has a thick base, narrowing into a lip at its top end. Each lip is capable of compressing against the lower side of the hinge plates 9 and 10. Together, the extension seals 38 to 42 form a reliable and durable lower seal between the lower sides of the hinge plates. This aspect of the sealing assembly blocks the gap under the hinge plates and thus reduces the possibility of pressure leakage.

[0048] Each of the extension seals 38 to 42 is made of a material durable enough to withstand the working environment of the hinge, such as polyurethane or silicone. Extension seals 38 to 42 can be attached to the corresponding finger extensions 33 to 37 of the extension seal by any suitable attachment method, such as by adhesive or overmolding.

[0049] The hinge assemblies 8a and 8b of the present invention must be able to withstand large forces and extreme working environments. For this purpose, reinforcing elements in the form of reinforcing members 43 to 47 are provided. Reinforcing members 43 to 47 are arranged to support the fingers 13 to 17 of the hinge plate. Reinforcing members 44, 46, and 47 for the fingers 14, 16, and 17 are U-shaped, with the base of the U-shaped portion attached to the lower side of the corresponding finger at the base of the U-shaped portion, and the wall of the U-shaped portion extending downwards. Reinforcing member 43 for the finger 13 at the end of the hinge assembly and reinforcing member 45 for the finger 15 at the end of the hinge assembly are L-shaped, wherein one side of the L-shaped portion is attached to the lower side of the corresponding finger, and the other side extends downwards. Reinforcing members 43 to 47 can be attached to the fingers by suitable adhesives, mechanical fasteners, or a combination of chemical and mechanical bonding.

[0050] Figure 3b and Figure 3c A hinge assembly 8a of the present invention is shown functioning on a movable wing. As the aircraft moves on the ground at an airport, the pilot releases a locking mechanism to unlock the wing from its flight configuration. A wingtip folding actuator (not shown in these figures), such as an electromechanical motor, is then automatically activated. Any suitable locking mechanism and actuator assembly can be used with the hinge assembly of the present invention. The actuator pushes the wingtip assembly 5 upward about the hinge axis. The hinge plate 10 on the wingtip assembly rotates relative to the hinge plate 9. Figure 3b The folded position is shown. Figure 3a The hinge.

[0051] In this figure, hinge plate 10 has moved about the hinge axis to an inclined position relative to hinge plate 9. Sealing portions 28a to 31a along the long edges of the fingers have slid away from the sealing contact of the fingers adjacent to sealing portions 28a to 31a. Sealing portions 28b to 31b and 32 have moved away from recesses 18 to 22. The tapered surface between the seal and the recess allows the fingers to easily separate from the opposing hinge plate. The body 12 of hinge plate 10 has moved away from extension seals 38 to 40. Similarly, the movement of hinge plate 10 causes extension seals 41 and 42 to move away from the sealing engagement with the lower side of the body 11 of hinge plate 9.

[0052] Figure 3c This shows the wingtip device 5 when fully folded. Figure 2b The ground configuration is the position of hinge assembly 8a. In this position, hinge plates 9 and 10 are approximately right angles to each other. Additional locking mechanisms (not shown) may be provided to hold the wings in this position as the aircraft moves around the airport.

[0053] When the aircraft is ready for flight, the pilot activates the actuator again to push the wingtip device 5 back into the flight configuration, reversing the flight path. Figure 3c and 3b The sequence shown continues until the wings are fully deployed and the hinge assembly is in place. Figure 3a The sealing assembly is positioned such that all parts of the sealing assembly regain sealing contact with their respective components, and the wing is ready for flight. The sealing assembly forms an aerodynamic seal between the aerodynamic surfaces of the hinge assembly and also a pressure seal between gaps in the underside of the hinge assembly.

[0054] Variations may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the long portions of the finger-shaped sealing members 28a to 31a may extend downward above the reinforcing members 44 to 47, such that the fingers of the hinge assembly maintain a sealing contact with the reinforcing member within a certain range of motion of the hinge assembly.

[0055] The seals 28b to 31b and 32 along each finger and the corresponding extension seals 38 to 42 can be individually combined or formed as a single piece. The integral construction of each finger tip seal and its associated extension seal simplifies the assembly of the sealing assembly.

[0056] In the example embodiment, the finger seals are equally divided between hinge plates 9 and 10, such that each finger carries a seal that abuts against an adjacent finger for sealing. Of course, the seals can be arranged such that more or all of these seals are located on one hinge plate, while fewer or no seals are located on the other hinge plate.

[0057] The hinge assembly of the present invention can be used on other movable parts of an aircraft, and is particularly suitable for flight control surfaces such as rudders, spoilers, air brakes, slats, and flaps, because the hinge assembly of the present invention can maintain aerodynamic profiles and reduce pressure loss in each of these movable parts. Other variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A hinge assembly for an aircraft component, the hinge assembly comprising: A first hinge plate and a second hinge plate, each hinge plate including a plurality of finger portions, wherein the finger portions of the first hinge plate and the finger portions of the second hinge plate are interleaved; And a sealing assembly located between at least some of the fingers, characterized in that the sealing assembly includes a plurality of finger seals, each of the plurality of finger seals being attached to a corresponding finger of the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate, each finger seal being arranged to seal against a finger of the other hinge plate.

2. The hinge assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The hinge plate has an aerodynamic surface, and the sealing assembly is arranged flush with the aerodynamic surface of the hinge plate.

3. The hinge assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Each finger seal has a triangular cross-section and is arranged to make sealing contact with a corresponding chamfered surface along the edge of the finger of the other hinge plate.

4. The hinge assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Each hinge plate has a recess in the middle of the finger portion, and the sealing arrangement further includes a corresponding finger tip seal, which is attached to at least some of the tips of the finger portions of the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate and arranged to seal against the corresponding recess of the other hinge plate.

5. The hinge assembly according to claim 4, wherein, At least some of the fingers have an integral finger seal and a finger tip seal.

6. The hinge assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Each seal includes a flexible strip.

7. The hinge assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Each seal is overmolded onto the corresponding finger or finger tip of the seal.

8. The hinge assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The sealing assembly also includes a lower sealing assembly located between the lower sides of the hinge plates.

9. The hinge assembly according to claim 8, wherein, At least some of the fingers are arranged to extend below another hinge plate by means of finger extensions, and the lower sealing assembly includes an extension seal located between the respective finger extension and the lower side of the opposite hinge plate.

10. The hinge assembly according to claim 9, wherein, At least some of the fingers have an integral extension seal and a finger tip seal.

11. The hinge assembly according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a reinforcing element arranged to support the finger portion.

12. The hinge assembly according to claim 11, wherein, The reinforcing element is transverse to the finger portion, and the finger portion seal extends along a portion of the reinforcing element.

13. The hinge assembly of claim 1 or 2, further comprising lugs attached to at least some of the fingers, the lugs being arranged to receive a hinge pin.

14. The hinge assembly according to claim 13, wherein, The axis of the hinge is located below the hinge plate.

15. A movable aircraft component, the aircraft component comprising a hinge assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A wing of an aircraft, the wing comprising a body and a wingtip assembly, the wingtip assembly being attached to the body by means of a hinge assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

17. An aircraft comprising a wing according to claim 16.

18. An aircraft including a movable part having a hinge assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

19. The aircraft according to claim 18, wherein, The sealing assembly and the finger portion are arranged to form a sealing connection that is tilted away from the incoming air when the aircraft is in flight.

Images