Wing for aircraft, high-lift assembly and aircraft

Abstract

The invention discloses a wing for an aircraft, a high-lift assembly and the aircraft. The wing comprises a main wing and a high-lift assembly. The high lift assembly includes a high lift body movable between retracted and extended positions and a connection assembly movably connecting it to the main wing. The connection assembly includes an elongate rail extending along a rail longitudinal axis between first and second ends and having a middle portion. Rails are mounted to the high lift body and are mounted to the main wings by roller supports to make them movable. The roller support device includes a plurality of support units each mounted to the main wing and having a support surface that engages with an engagement surface provided on the track. The plurality of support units includes first and second end roller units and an intermediate roller unit between the first end roller unit and the second end support unit. The rail includes a recessed portion aligned with the intermediate roller unit along the rail longitudinal axis in the retracted position such that a contact force between the intermediate roller unit and the engagement surface is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a wing for an aircraft. Other aspects of the invention relate to a high-lift assembly for such a wing and to an aircraft comprising such a wing and / or comprising such a high-lift assembly. Background Art

[0002] The described wing for an aircraft comprises a main wing and a high lift assembly, the high lift assembly comprising a high lift body and a connection assembly, the connection assembly movably connecting the high lift body to the main wing so that the high lift body can move between a retracted position and at least one extended position (e.g., can move relative to the main wing). The high lift body can be or can include a leading edge slat or a trailing edge flap for a wing of an aircraft.

[0003] The connection assembly includes an elongated track extending between a first end and a second end along a track longitudinal axis and having a middle portion located between the first end and the second end. The elongated track may have a curved form or a straight form along the track longitudinal axis. At least one or both of the first end and the middle portion of the elongated track are mounted to the high lift body.

[0004] The first end may correspond to the leading end of the connection assembly, for example, the end positioned toward the intended direction of forward motion of the wing during flight of the aircraft. Alternatively, the first end may correspond to the trailing end of the connection assembly, for example, the end positioned away from the intended direction of forward motion of the wing during flight of the aircraft. In the case where the high-lift body is a leading edge slat or includes a leading edge slat, then the first end may correspond to the leading end of the connection assembly. In the case where the high-lift body is a trailing edge flap or includes a trailing edge flap, then the first end may correspond to the trailing end of the connection assembly.

[0005] The first end of the elongated track can preferably be mounted to the leading edge slat or the trailing edge flap by any appropriate means, for example, by a spherical bearing device, preferably mounted to the leading edge slat or the trailing edge flap in a fixed manner relative to the chord plane. As will be described, the elongated track can preferably be mounted to the main wing by a roller bearing device, so that the elongated track and the leading edge slat or the trailing edge flap can move relative to the main wing. The elongated track can be in the form of, for example, a C-shape, so that its surface is relatively positioned with the circumferential surface of the roller bearing device, wherein the distance between the upper surface and the lower surface of the elongated track is greater than the diameter of the roller bearing device, so that the roller bearing device can only engage with one of the upper surface or the lower surface of the elongated track at any time. That is, the distance between the upper surface and the lower surface of the elongated track is selected so that a gap is provided between the roller bearing device and the upper surface or the lower surface of the elongated track, so that the roller bearing device cannot engage with the upper surface and the lower surface of the elongated track at the same time and thus wedge into it.

[0006] The elongated track is mounted to the main wing by roller bearings so that the track can move along a longitudinal axis of the track, for example along a predetermined path on the longitudinal axis of the track, such as between a stowed position in which the high-lift body is in a retracted position and a deployed position in which the high-lift body is in one of the at least one extended positions.

[0007] The roller bearing arrangement comprises a plurality of bearing units which are mounted to the main wing and have bearing surfaces which engage with engagement surfaces provided on the elongated rail.

[0008] A wing for an aircraft comprising a connection assembly for movably connecting a high lift body to a main wing is known, comprising a track mounted to the main wing via roller bearings. It is known that keeping such a track short has the benefit that the front spar of the wing is not penetrated by the track, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and the risk of subsequent leakage in use. The roller bearing of the known assembly is subject to the transmission of forces from the wing to the elongated track, and therefore the roller units of the roller bearing are usually positioned as far apart as possible in order to maximize the lever arm between these roller units, thereby minimizing the transmission of forces through these roller units. This configuration requires additional tracks to support the bearing, which may make the bearing more complex than necessary, while also requiring additional components, which may increase the weight of the design. Summary of the invention

[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an uncomplicated, lightweight and low maintenance design of a main wing and associated high lift body and connection assembly.

[0010] This object is achieved in that the plurality of support units comprises a first end roller unit, an intermediate roller unit and a second end support unit, wherein the plurality of support units are positioned such that the intermediate roller unit is positioned between the first end roller unit and the second end support unit relative to the longitudinal axis of the track. The roller unit may be mounted to the main wing in any suitable manner, for example may be fixed or fastened to the main wing, for example may be bolted to the main wing.

[0011] Furthermore, the absorption of loads (e.g., substantially all loads or main loads or primary loads that may be the majority of loads) between the main wing and the elongated rail may be accomplished by the roller bearing arrangement. The elongated rail and the roller bearing arrangement are configured such that: in the retracted position, the loads (in particular the main loads) are transferred (e.g., exclusively transferred) between the elongated rail and the main wing (preferably between the elongated rail and the roller bearing arrangement) via the first end roller unit and the second end bearing unit (e.g., the main loads are transferred, e.g., exclusively transferred) between the elongated rail and the main wing via the first end roller unit and the middle roller unit, while in the extended position, the loads (in particular the main loads) are transferred between the elongated rail and the main wing (preferably between the elongated rail and the roller bearing arrangement) via the first end roller unit and the intermediate roller unit. This can be achieved by means of an elongated rail and a roller support arrangement which are configured such that, in the retracted position, there is (only) a (load-bearing) contact between the elongated rail and the first end roller unit and between the elongated rail and the second end support unit, while in the extended position, there is (only) a (load-bearing) contact between the elongated rail and the first end roller unit and between the elongated rail and the intermediate roller unit.

[0012] Having an intermediate roller unit allows the elongated track to be fully supported without the need for additional guide rails. At the same time, the length of the track can be reduced and the loads can be reduced in the retracted position, especially during cruising flight.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the elongated track further comprises a recessed portion which, in the retracted position, is aligned with the intermediate roller unit so that the contact force between the intermediate roller and the engaging surface of the elongated track is reduced or eliminated, thereby avoiding excessive constraint of the roller support device, thereby generating additional forces acting between the roller support device and the elongated track. In addition, the configuration without additional guide rails plus the first roller unit / support unit and the second roller unit / support unit can allow a more compact arrangement structure, thereby providing the possibility of easily incorporating the drive mechanism into the connection assembly, such as combining a rack and pinion or a drive strut with a rotary drive. In this case, all or most of the loads (e.g., the main load or primary load) between the wing and the elongated track can be absorbed by the first end roller unit and the second end support unit.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the intermediate roller unit may be configured to disengage from the engagement surface when the high-lift body is in the retracted position, such that there is a void gap between the intermediate roller unit and the engagement surface, and the first end roller unit and the second end support unit are configured to engage with the engagement surface when the high-lift body is in the retracted position. The second end support unit may be configured to disengage from the engagement surface when the high-lift body is in the extended position, and the intermediate roller unit and the first end roller unit are configured to engage with the engagement surface when the high-lift body is in the extended position. Allowing the first end roller unit and the second end support unit to engage with the engagement surface when the high-lift body is in the extended position can reduce the contact force by increasing the length of the lever arm between the support devices.

[0015] The elongated track (e.g., the engagement surfaces) may be configured to engage simultaneously with a first end roller unit and an intermediate roller unit or a second end support unit. Thus, the elongated track may only engage simultaneously with two (e.g., exactly two) roller units and / or support units (e.g., on one side of the elongated track). As will be further described in more detail in the following paragraphs, where the connection assembly includes a second set of engagement surfaces (e.g., a mirrored set of engagement surfaces), the elongated track may engage simultaneously with four (e.g., exactly four) roller units and / or support units, which may correspond to two roller units and / or support units per set of engagement surfaces. Limiting the number of roller units and / or support units that engage with the elongated track may reduce the risk of the elongated track being over-constrained.

[0016] The recessed portion may define a discontinuity in the engagement surface to divide the engagement surface into a first engagement surface extending in a first direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the track and a second engagement surface extending in a second direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the track, wherein the first end roller unit is configured to engage with the first engagement surface, and the intermediate roller unit and the second end support unit are configured to engage with the second engagement surface. Where a set of separate engagement surfaces is provided, forces acting on the elongated track may be more evenly distributed along the elongated track.

[0017] The recessed portion may comprise a gradual transition to the engagement surface in the form of a ramp. Thus, the contact force may gradually decrease as the roller unit and / or the support unit advances along the ramp and may be completely eliminated, for example, when the roller unit and / or the support unit is disconnected from the engagement surface.

[0018] The recessed portion may be defined by a reduction in thickness of the elongated track, for example a portion of the elongated track. The elongated track may include a first flange and a second flange connected by a web to form a C-shape. The recessed portion may be defined by a reduction in thickness of one or both of the first flange and the second flange. Where both flanges include a reduction in thickness, the reduction in thickness may be longitudinally aligned on the track longitudinal axis.

[0019] The second end support unit may be a roller unit.The second end support unit may comprise a contact pad arrangement and may comprise at least one contact pad surface, the at least one contact pad surface comprising a raised surface, thereby increasing a contact area therebetween.

[0020] The second end support unit may include a conical or frustoconical support member, which may include a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the track when the support member engages with the engagement surface. The second support unit may include a protrusion mounted to the main wing, and the elongated track may include a recess having a profile configured to receive and cooperate with the second support unit. Therefore, the second end support unit may be shaped to provide a guide for the engagement between the elongated track and the second end support unit.

[0021] The elongated track may include a first internally oriented engagement surface and a second internally oriented engagement surface and a first externally oriented engagement surface and a second externally oriented engagement surface. The first internally oriented engagement surface may face the second internally oriented engagement surface, and the first externally oriented engagement surface may face away from the second externally oriented engagement surface. Each of the first end roller unit, the intermediate roller unit, and the second end support unit may be configured to engage with at least one of the first internally oriented engagement surface and the second internally oriented engagement surface and the first externally oriented engagement surface and the second externally oriented engagement surface.

[0022] A plurality of support units may include a pair of first end roller units, one of the first end roller units may be configured to engage with a first externally oriented engagement surface, and another of the first end roller units may be configured to engage with a second externally oriented engagement surface, and the intermediate roller unit and the second end support unit may be configured to engage with at least one of the first internally oriented engagement surface and the second internally oriented engagement surface.

[0023] The plurality of support units may include a pair of first end roller units, a pair of intermediate roller units, and a pair of second end support units, one of the first end roller units, one of the intermediate roller units, and one of the second end support units being configurable to engage with a first externally directed engagement surface, and another of the first end roller units, another of the intermediate roller units, and another of the second end support units being configurable to engage with a second externally directed engagement surface. Having one or more pairs of roller units and / or one or more pairs of support units may allow the roller units / support units to withstand greater loads, and may therefore be useful in situations where it is known that the loads will be particularly high.

[0024] The connection assembly may include a track having a first set of engagement surfaces and corresponding first end roller units, intermediate roller units, and second end support units, and also having a second set of engagement surfaces, corresponding first end roller units, intermediate roller units, and second end support units. The second set may be a mirror image of the first set. Both the first set of roller units / first set of support units and the second set of roller units / second set of support units may be connected to the main wing.

[0025] Another aspect relates to a high lift assembly for a wing as described in any of the preceding paragraphs. The high lift assembly comprises a high lift body and a connection assembly configured to movably connect the high lift body to a main wing so that the high lift body can move between a retracted position and at least one extended position. The connection assembly comprises an elongated track extending between a first end and a second end along a longitudinal axis of the track, and the elongated track has a middle portion located between the first end and the second end. The first end and / or the middle portion of the track is mounted to the high lift body, and the elongated track can be configured to be mounted to the main wing via a roller support device so that the track can move along the longitudinal axis of the track, wherein the roller support device comprises a plurality of support units, each of the support units can be configured to be mounted to the main wing and has a support surface that can be configured to engage with an engagement surface provided on the elongated track.

[0026] According to this aspect, the plurality of support units include a first end roller unit, an intermediate roller unit, and a second end support unit, and the plurality of support units are positioned such that the intermediate roller unit is positioned between the first end roller unit and the second end support unit relative to the longitudinal axis of the track. The elongated track and the roller support device are configured such that: in the retracted position, the main load is transferred between the elongated track and the roller support device via the first end roller unit and the second end support unit, and in the extended position, the main load is transferred between the elongated track and the roller support device via the first end roller unit and the intermediate roller unit.

[0027] Another aspect relates to an aircraft comprising a wing according to any of the preceding paragraphs, the wing comprising a high lift assembly as already described.

[0028] It should be noted that although in the above description, the elongated rail has been described as being mounted to the main wing by a roller support device, a slider support device may be used instead of the roller support device. In this example, the first end roller unit, the middle roller unit, and the second end support unit may each be represented by a slider support unit, so that there is sliding contact between them when there is contact between the engagement surface and the slider support unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an aircraft showing a wing of the aircraft;

[0030] Figure 2 is a connection assembly according to the prior art;

[0031] Figure 3A and Figure 3B is a view of the disclosed connection assembly in a first configuration;

[0032] Figure 4A and Figure 4B is a view of the disclosed connection assembly in a second configuration;

[0033] Figure 5A and Figure 5B is a view of another example of the disclosed connection assembly;

[0034] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B is a view of another example of the disclosed connection assembly;

[0035] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an engagement profile for a second end support of an elongated rail;

[0036] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B is a view of yet another example of the disclosed connection assembly;

[0037] Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B is a view of yet another example of the disclosed connection assembly;

[0038] Fig.10 is the final example of the disclosed connection component. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] exist Figure 1 In FIG. 1 , an aircraft 1 according to an embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The aircraft 1 comprises a wing 3 formed according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown in , the connection assembly 9 relates to a first connection assembly 91, and the wing 3 includes a second connection assembly 93, which connects the slat 7 to the main wing 5 in a position spaced apart from the first connection assembly 91 along the wing span direction 95, and wherein the second connection assembly 93 is formed in the same manner as the first connection assembly 91. Figure 1 The wing thickness direction 67 is also shown. Figure 1 The middle connection assembly 9 is illustrated as connecting the slat 7 to the main wing 5 , but it should also be understood that the connection assembly 9 may be used to connect a trailing edge flap to the main wing 5 of an aircraft.

[0041] Figure 2 FIG. 1 shows a connection assembly 1006 for a wing of an aircraft according to the prior art, the connection assembly 1006 being configured to connect a slat to a main wing of the aircraft. The connection assembly 1006 may be combined with Figure 1 A wing 3 similar to the depicted wing is used, wherein the wing 3 comprises a main wing 5, a slat 7 and (according to the present disclosure) a connection 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.

[0042] According to the prior art, the connection assembly 1006 includes a slat track 1017, which extends between a front end 1021 and a rear end 1023 along a track longitudinal axis 1019 and has a middle portion 1025 located between the front end 1021 and the rear end 1023. The front end 1021 of the slat track 1017 is fixedly mounted to the slat 1007. The rear end 1023 and the middle portion 1025 of the slat track 1017 are movably mounted to the main wing 5 through a roller support device 1027, so that the slat track 1017 can move along the track longitudinal axis 1019. The roller support device 1027 includes a guide rail 1029 fixedly mounted to the main wing 5 and a first roller unit 1031 fixedly mounted to the rear end 1023 of the slat track 1017 and engaged with the guide rail 1029. The roller support device 1027 comprises a second roller unit 1033 which is fixedly mounted to the main wing 5 and engages with an engagement surface provided at the middle portion 1025 of the slat track 1017. Figure 2 As shown in FIG, the slat track 1017 has a profile including an upper flange portion 1039, a lower flange portion 1041, and at least one web portion 1043 connecting the upper flange portion 1039 with the lower flange portion 1041. The second roller unit 1033 is arranged in a recess 1045 between the upper flange portion 1039 and the lower flange portion 1041 and engages with engagement surfaces provided at the upper flange portion 1039 and the lower flange portion 1041.

[0043] Figure 3A The main wing 5 of the aircraft including the high lift assembly in the retracted configuration is schematically illustrated, while Figure 3B Shows Figure 3A As shown, the high lift assembly includes a high lift body 7 and a connection assembly 9, which connects the high lift body 7 to the main wing 5 in a movably manner.

[0044] The connection assembly 9 comprises an elongated rail 17 extending along a rail longitudinal axis 19 between a first end 21 and a second end 23 and having an intermediate portion 25 located between the first end 21 and the second end 23. In this example, the high lift body 7 is mounted to the first end 21 of the elongated rail 17, but may additionally or alternatively be mounted to the intermediate portion 25 of the elongated rail 17.

[0045] like Figure 3B As best shown in FIG. 1 , the elongated track is also mounted to the main wing 5 by roller bearings 27. The roller bearings 27 allow the track 17 to be movable relative to the main wing 5 along the track longitudinal axis 19 and therefore also enable the high lift body 7 to be movable relative to the main wing 5. Figure 3AAs shown, the roller bearing device 27 comprises a plurality of bearing units, in this example three bearing units 34a to 34c. Each of the bearing units 34a to 34c is mounted to the main wing 5 and can be mounted in any possible way. In this example, the bearing units 34a to 34c each comprise a roller bearing and can therefore be bolted to the main wing 5 so as to enable rotation relative to the main wing 5, in this example about a roller axis 20 extending in the axial direction of the roller bearing device. Here, each of the bearing units comprises a bearing surface 22 for engaging with an engagement surface 35 of the elongated rail 17.

[0046] like Figure 3B As shown in the figure, the track 17 includes a first flange 24 and a second flange 26 connected by a web portion 28. The first and second flanges 24, 26 and the web 28 are oriented in a C-shape to define a recess in which the roller / support unit is at least partially or completely positioned. Therefore, the elongated track 17 may include a first internally oriented engagement surface 35a and a second internally oriented engagement surface 35b that may face each other and may also extend parallel to each other and optionally parallel to the track longitudinal axis 19. In order to avoid the support units 34a to 34c from getting stuck, in some examples (such as Figure 3A and Figure 3B In the example in which the support unit is in the form of a roller support arrangement), the support units 34a to 34c may be dimensioned such that contact with only one of the engagement surfaces 35a, 35b is possible at any one time.

[0047] The support units 34a to 34c of this example are a first end roller unit 34a, an intermediate roller unit 34b, and a second end roller unit 34c. Here, the intermediate roller unit 34b is positioned between the first end roller unit 34a and the second end roller unit 34c relative to the track longitudinal axis 19 (e.g., positioned in the middle portion 25). In the retracted position, the first end roller unit 34a is positioned at the first end 21 of the elongated track 17 (e.g., positioned adjacent to the first end 21 of the elongated track 17), while the second end roller unit 34c is positioned at the second end 23 of the elongated track 17.

[0048] In this example, in the retracted position, the load is transferred between the elongated rail 17 and the main wing 5 via the first end roller unit 34a and the second end support unit 34c. In the retracted position, all loads or substantially all loads may be transferred between the main wing 5 and the elongated rail 17 via the first end roller unit 34a and the second end roller unit 34c, or the main load (e.g., most of the load) may be transferred via the first end roller unit 34a and the second end roller unit 34c.

[0049] The elongated rail 17 also includes a recessed portion 30. The recessed portion 30 is present in both the first flange 24 and the second flange 26 of the elongated rail 17. The recessed portion 30 extends into the rail and extends in a direction away from the roller axis 20 of the intermediate roller unit 34b. Since the recessed portion 30 extends away from the roller axis 20 of the intermediate roller 34b, the contact force between the intermediate roller 34b and the engagement surface 35 can be reduced or eliminated, and in some examples (such as this example), the intermediate roller 34b can be allowed to be disengaged from the engagement surface 35 (for example, from both the engagement surfaces 35a, 35b) so that there is a gap gap 52 between the intermediate roller 34b and the engagement surface 35. Therefore, the load between the main wing 5 and the elongated rail 7 can be transmitted through the first end support unit 34a and the second end support unit 34c (roller units in this example). Therefore, only the two roller units in contact with the engagement surfaces 35a and / or 35b can transfer forces between the main wing 5 and the elongated rail 17, thereby avoiding the generation of additional forces due to excessive constraint of the connection assembly 9 in the retracted position.

[0050] In this example, the recessed portion 30 comprises a gradual transition to the engagement surface 35 in which it is located, which in this case is illustrated as a ramp. The recessed portion may form a portion of the engagement surface 35 (meaning that the intermediate roller unit 34b may be in contact with a portion of the engagement surface 35). Additionally or alternatively, the recessed portion may represent a discontinuity in the engagement surface and may divide the engagement surface into a first engagement surface extending in a first direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the track and a second engagement surface extending in a second direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the track.

[0051] like Figure 3B As clearly shown in Figure 3A The connection assembly 9 and roller bearing arrangement 27 shown in the figure are mirrored about a plane 32 extending parallel to the rail longitudinal axis 19 and perpendicular to the roller axis 20. Thus, the connection assembly 9 comprises a second set of flanges 24a, 26a with a second set of engagement surfaces 35c, 35d and a second bearing arrangement with a second set of bearing units. For the sake of brevity, a description of the mirrored connection assembly will not be provided, but a person skilled in the art will understand that it is the same as described above with respect to the connection assembly 9.

[0052] As illustrated herein, the cross-section of the connection assembly 9 and the elongated rail 17 of the connection assembly has a generally pi symbol (π) shape, which is formed by the first C-shaped connection flanges 24, 26 and web portions 28 and the equivalent mirror image C-shaped flanges 24a, 26a and web portions separated by the intermediate space between them. However, it should be noted that there may be no intermediate space. In this case, the cross-sectional shape can be an I-shape or a double T-shape, while still including both the first C-shaped flanges 24, 26 and web portions 28 and the mirror image C-shaped flanges 24a, 26a and web portions 28. In this case, the web portion 28 can be shared between each set of flanges 24, 26, 24a, 26a.

[0053] Figure 4A Shown in extended position Figure 3A High lift body 7. Figure 4B Pictured Figure 4A Here, the elongated rail 17 has moved relative to the roller bearing 27. In the extended position, both the engagement surfaces 35a, 35b are not in contact with the second end bearing unit 34c. Furthermore, the recessed portion 30 is no longer aligned with the intermediate roller unit 34b along the rail longitudinal axis 19 (see also Figure 4B , which illustrates that there is no gap between the intermediate support unit 34b and one side of the elongated track 17, and there is a gap between the intermediate support unit 34b and the other side of the elongated track 17 to prevent the intermediate support unit 34b from being wedged into the track 17), so that the intermediate roller unit 34b contacts one of the engagement surfaces 35a, 35b like the first end roller unit 34a. Therefore, in the extended position shown, the first end roller unit 34a and the intermediate roller unit 34b transmit forces between the main wing 5 and the elongated track 17 (for example, all forces are transmitted through the first end roller unit 34a and the intermediate roller unit 34b, or the main forces are transmitted through the first end roller unit 34a and the intermediate roller unit 34b). Similarly, only two roller units / support units are in contact with the engagement surfaces 35a and / or 35b, and the third roller unit / support unit is disconnected from the elongated track 17. This avoids the generation of additional forces due to excessive constraint of the connection assembly 9.

[0054] Figure 5A and Figure 5B Another example of a connection assembly 9 in a wing of an aircraft is illustrated. Figure 5A and Figure 5B The example is similar to the previous one about Figure 3A and Figure 3B as well as Figure 4A and Figure 4BThe examples described are similar, and for the sake of brevity, similar features will not be described again. In addition, similar reference numerals will be used to refer to the same FIG. 3A to FIG. 4B Similar features, but with 100 more.

[0055] Compared with the previous figures, the second end support unit 134c is in the form of a pair of contact pads. Figure 5A and Figure 5B , two contact pads 134c are illustrated, but these contact pads are joined by a web portion 137 so that the contact pads are defined by a single second end support unit 134c including two contact pads, each of which has a contact surface 138a, 138b that can be configured to contact the engagement surface so as to enable sliding contact between the contact pad and the engagement surface. In this example, the contact surfaces 138a, 138b are convex surfaces so as to maximize the contact area and disperse the stress concentration in the contact area between the contact surfaces 138a, 138b and the corresponding engagement surface.

[0056] exist Fig. 6A and Figure 6B A similar concept is illustrated in , where the second end support unit 234c includes a portion in the shape of a truncated cone. In this example, the central axis 240 of the truncated cone is aligned with at least a portion of the longitudinal axis 219 of the track. It should be noted that although the second end support unit 234c includes the shape of both a truncated cone and a cylinder in this example, it may include the shape of a complete cone and / or may not include a cylindrical segment. In addition, the second end 223 of the elongated track 217 is chamfered to increase the distance between the first flange and the second flange. The frustoconical shape of the second end support unit 234c and the chamfered second end 223 help to align the second end support unit 234c with the elongated track 217, for example, when the track 217 is moved into contact with the second end support unit 234c to enter the retracted position.

[0057] Figure 7 The figure shows the installation to the main wing (see Figure 3A ) of the second end support unit 334c, and the elongated rail 317 includes a profile 342 (eg, a recess) that can be matched with the second end support unit 334c. Fig. 6A Similarly, the contour may be chamfered to help guide the second end support unit 334c into the mating contour.

[0058] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B as well as Fig. 9A and Fig. 9BThe example of the roller support device including a pair of first end roller units 434a, 436a, a pair of intermediate roller units 434b, 436b and a pair of second end roller units 434c, 436c is shown. Here, the elongated track 417 includes a first outer-directed engagement surface 435a and a second outer-directed engagement surface 435b. Fig. 8A In the retracted position shown, the first end roller unit 434a and the second end roller unit 434c are in contact with the engagement surface 435a, while the other first end roller unit 436a and the other second end roller unit 436c are in contact with the engagement surface 435b. Both the first externally oriented engagement surface 435a and the second externally oriented engagement surface 435b include a recessed portion that is recessed to extend in a direction away from the roller axis of the intermediate roller units 434b, 436b associated with the engagement surfaces 435a, 435b where the recessed portions are located. In this example, the elongated track 417 may include a single set of roller units / single set of support units that may be elongated so as to extend between the first set of engagement surfaces and the second set of engagement surfaces previously defined. As Figure 8B As shown, the first group of engagement surfaces and the second group of engagement surfaces can be combined to form only one engagement surface 435a, or can also be separated into two different engagement surfaces 435c, 435d. It should be noted that similar examples may also exist, in which there may be a first group of roller units / a first group of support units and a second group of roller units / a second group of support units, rather than a single elongated roller unit / support unit.

[0059] Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B The high lift body is shown in an extended configuration. Similar to the previously described, in the retracted configuration, a pair of intermediate support units 434b, 436b are disengaged from the corresponding engagement surfaces 435a, 435b, and in the extended configuration, the second end roller units 434c, 436c are disengaged from the corresponding engagement surfaces 435a, 435b.

[0060] Fig.10An example is shown with a pair of first end roller bearing units 534a, 536a but only a single intermediate roller bearing unit 534b and a single second end roller bearing unit 534c. Here, the elongated track 517 includes a first internally directed engagement surface 535a and a second internally directed engagement surface 535b and a first externally directed engagement surface 535e and a second externally directed engagement surface 535f. A pair of first end roller bearing units 534a, 536a engages with the first externally directed engagement surface 535e and the second externally directed engagement surface 535f, respectively, while the intermediate roller bearing unit 534b is configured to engage with the first internally directed engagement surface 535a and the second internally directed engagement surface 535b, as is the case with the second end roller bearing unit 534c. Since the intermediate roller bearing unit 534b is configured to engage with the internally directed engagement surfaces 535a, 535b, the recessed portion is positioned on the internally directed engagement surfaces 535a, 535b.

Claims

1. A wing (3) for an aircraft (1), the wing (3) comprising: a main wing (5), and A high lift assembly, the high lift assembly comprising: a high lift body (7), and a connecting assembly (9) which movably connects the high-lift body (7) to the main wing (5) so that the high-lift body (7) can be moved between a retracted position and at least one extended position, The connecting assembly (9) comprises an elongated track (17, 217) extending along a track longitudinal axis (19, 219) between a first end (21) and a second end (23), and having a middle portion (25) located between the first end (21) and the second end (23), wherein the first end portion (21) and / or the middle portion (25) of the track (17, 217) is mounted to the high-lift body (7), wherein the elongated track (17, 217) is mounted to the main wing (5) via a roller support device (27) so that the track can move along the longitudinal axis (19, 219) of the track, wherein the roller support device (27) comprises a plurality of support units (34a to 34c), each of the support units (34a to 34c) being mounted to the main wing (5) and having a support surface (22) for engaging with an engagement surface (35) provided on the elongated rail (17, 217), It is characterized in that The plurality of support units (34a to 34c) include a first end roller unit (34a), an intermediate roller unit (34b) and a second end support unit (34c), wherein the plurality of support units (34a to 34c) are positioned such that the intermediate roller unit (34b) is positioned between the first end roller unit (34a) and the second end support unit (34c) relative to the track longitudinal axis (19, 219), and The elongated rail and the roller support device are configured such that: in the retracted position, the main load is transmitted between the elongated rail (17, 217) and the roller support device (27) via the first end roller unit (34a) and the second end support unit (34c), and in the extended position, the main load is transmitted between the elongated rail (17, 217) and the roller support device (27) via the first end roller unit (34a) and the middle roller unit (34b).

2. The wing (3) according to claim 1, wherein: The intermediate roller unit (34b) is configured to be disengaged from the engagement surface (35) in the retracted position so that a gap (52) exists between the intermediate roller unit (34b) and the engagement surface (35), and the first end roller unit (34a) and the second end support unit (34c) are configured to be engaged with the engagement surface (35) in the retracted position; and wherein the second end support unit (34c) is configured to be disengaged from the engagement surface (35) in the extended position, and the intermediate roller unit (34b) and the first end roller unit (34a) are configured to be engaged with the engagement surface (35) in the extended position.

3. The wing (3) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The engagement surface (35) is configured to engage with the first end roller unit (34a) and one of the intermediate roller unit (34b) and the second end support unit (34c) at the same time.

4. A wing (3) according to any preceding claim, wherein: The elongated track (17, 217) includes a recessed portion (30), wherein the recessed portion (30) is configured to align with the intermediate roller unit (34b) along the track longitudinal axis (19, 219) in the retracted position so that contact forces between the intermediate roller unit (34b) and the engaging surface (35) of the elongated track (17, 217) are eliminated or reduced.

5. The wing (3) according to claim 4, wherein: The recessed portion (30) defines a discontinuity in the engagement surface (35) to divide the engagement surface (35) into a first engagement surface (35a) extending in a first direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (19, 219) of the track and a second engagement surface (35b) extending in a second direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (19, 219) of the track, wherein the first end roller unit (34a) is configured to engage with the first engagement surface (35a), and the intermediate roller unit (34b) and the second end support unit (34c) are configured to engage with the second engagement surface (35b).

6. The wing (3) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: The recessed portion (30) comprises a gradual transition to the engagement surface (35) in the form of a ramp.

7. A wing (3) according to any preceding claim, wherein: The second end support unit (34c) is a roller unit.

8. A wing (3) according to any preceding claim, wherein: The second end support unit (34c) comprises a contact pad arrangement including at least one contact pad surface having a convex surface.

9. A wing (3) according to any preceding claim, wherein: The second end support unit (34c) comprises a conical support or a frustoconical support, wherein the conical support or the frustoconical support comprises a longitudinal axis (240), wherein the longitudinal axis (240) is parallel to the longitudinal axis (19, 219) of the track when the conical support or the frustoconical support is engaged with the engagement surface (35).

10. A wing (3) according to any preceding claim, wherein: The second end support unit (34c, 134c, 234c) includes a protrusion mounted to the main wing (5), and the elongated rail (17, 217) includes a recess having a profile (342) configured to receive and cooperate with the second end support unit (34c, 134c, 234c).

11. A wing (3) according to any preceding claim, wherein: The elongated rail (17, 217) includes a first internally oriented engaging surface (535a) and a second internally oriented engaging surface (535b) and a first externally oriented engaging surface (535e) and a second externally oriented engaging surface (535f), wherein the first internally oriented engaging surface (535a) faces the second internally oriented engaging surface (535b) and the first externally oriented engaging surface (535e) faces away from the second externally oriented engaging surface (535f), and wherein each of the first end roller unit (534a, 536a), the intermediate roller unit (534b, 536b) and the second end support unit (534c, 536c) is configured to engage with at least one of the first internally oriented engaging surface (535a) and the second internally oriented engaging surface (535b) and the first externally oriented engaging surface (535e) and the second externally oriented engaging surface (535f).

12. The wing (3) according to claim 11, wherein: The plurality of support units (34a to 34c) include a pair of first end roller units (534a, 536a), one of the first end roller units being configured to engage with the first externally oriented engagement surface (535e), and the other of the first end roller units being configured to engage with the second externally oriented engagement surface (535f), and the intermediate roller unit (534b) and the second end support unit (534c) being configured to engage with at least one of the first internally oriented engagement surface (535a) and the second internally oriented engagement surface (535b).

13. The wing (3) according to claim 11, wherein: The plurality of support units include a pair of first end roller units, a pair of intermediate roller units and a pair of second end support units, each of the first end roller units, the intermediate roller units and the second end support units being configured to engage with the first externally oriented engagement surface, and each of the other of the first end roller units, the intermediate roller units and the second end support units being configured to engage with the second externally oriented engagement surface.

14. A high lift assembly for a wing according to any one of claims 1 to 13, the high lift assembly comprising: a high lift body (7), and a connecting assembly (9) configured to movably connect the high-lift body (7) to the main wing (5) so that the high-lift body (7) can be moved between a retracted position and at least one extended position, The connecting assembly (9) comprises an elongated track (17, 217) extending along a track longitudinal axis (19, 219) between a first end (21) and a second end (23), and having a middle portion (25) located between the first end (21) and the second end (23), wherein the first end (21) and / or the middle portion of the track (17, 217) is mounted to the high-lift body (7), wherein the elongated track (17, 217) can be configured to be mounted to the main wing via a roller support device (27) so that the track (17, 217) can move along the track longitudinal axis (19, 219); wherein the roller support device (27) comprises a plurality of support units (34a to 34c), each of the support units (34a to 34c) being configured to be mounted to the main wing (5) and having a support surface, the support surface being configured to engage with an engagement surface (35) provided on the elongated rail (17, 217); It is characterized in that The plurality of support units (34a to 34c) include a first end roller unit, an intermediate roller unit and a second end support unit, wherein the plurality of support units (34a to 34c) are positioned such that the intermediate roller unit is positioned between the first end roller unit and the second end support unit relative to the track longitudinal axis (19, 219); and The elongated rail and the roller support device are configured such that: in the retracted position, the main load is transmitted between the elongated rail (17, 217) and the roller support device (27) via the first end roller unit and the second end support unit, and in the extended position, the main load is transmitted between the elongated rail (17, 217) and the roller support device (27) via the first end roller unit and the middle roller unit.

15. An aircraft (1) comprising a wing (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and / or comprising a high-lift assembly according to claim 14.

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