Seal assembly for seam

Abstract

The sealing assembly provided by the invention is simple in structure and easy to mount and dismount, and meets the pneumatic sealing requirement of the seam when the leading edge slat of the airplane is in the zero position. The sealing assembly comprises a support, wherein the support is fixed to the first side wall of the seam; the sealing piece comprises a sealing piece head and a sealing piece tail which extend in the length direction along the first side wall, the sealing piece head is used for sealing the seam, and the sealing piece tail is detachably matched with the support.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a sealing assembly for a slot, and in particular to a sealing assembly suitable for a narrow slot of a leading edge slat. The invention belongs to the field of aircraft wing leading edge structural parts. Background Art

[0002] After the leading edge slats of the aircraft are folded, the seam between the slats and the skin of the fixed leading edge of the wing needs to be pneumatically sealed, otherwise the seam will easily leak, causing abnormal vibration and noise.

[0003] The seals used in the slots are mainly in the form of sealing profiles. Bolts and nuts are installed at the edge of the sealing profile to fix the sealing profile to the side wall of the slot. This method is difficult to implement in the narrow cavity of the slat and requires operating space for the installation tools specially designed for installing nuts and gaskets. In addition, a large number of bolts and nuts also cause a waste of work time when replacing the seals. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of the above problems in the prior art, the inventor provides a sealing assembly with a simple structure and easy installation and disassembly, which meets the aerodynamic sealing requirements of the seam channel when the leading edge slat of the aircraft is in zero position.

[0005] In a first example of the sealing assembly, the sealing assembly includes: a support, which is fixed to a first side wall of the seam; and a seal, which includes a seal head and a seal tail extending in a length direction along the first side wall, the seal head extending into the seam for sealing the seam, and the seal tail is detachably matched with the support.

[0006] According to the above-mentioned construction, by detachably cooperating the sealing member tail portion with the support, the sealing member head portion can be easily installed to seal the gap between the slot wing and the fixed leading edge surface, and can be easily disassembled for maintenance and replacement.

[0007] In the second example of the sealing assembly, the first example is optionally included, and the sealing assembly further includes: the support has a support groove extending in the length direction, and the seal tail of the seal has a seal groove edge extending in the length direction and cooperating with the support groove.

[0008] According to the above-mentioned structure, the sealing member can be matched with the groove and the groove edge of the support to prevent the sealing member from being separated from the first side wall.

[0009] In a third example of the sealing assembly, one or more of the first example and the second example may be optionally included, and the sealing assembly further comprises: a seal tail portion of the seal has a seal groove parallel to a seal groove edge, and the seal groove accommodates an edge of a support groove.

[0010] According to the structure as described above, the second clamping groove can cooperate with the groove edge to enhance the sealing effect.

[0011] In a fourth example of the sealing assembly, one or more of the first to third examples may be optionally included, and the sealing assembly further comprises: the support has a pressing tongue protruding in the length direction and spaced apart from the first side wall of the seam, and the sealing head of the seal has a pressing tongue space cooperating with the pressing tongue.

[0012] According to the above-mentioned structure, the pressing tongue cooperates with the pressing tongue space of the sealing member head, and presses the sealing member head when the sealing member head tends to separate from the first side wall.

[0013] In a fifth example of the sealing assembly, one or more of the first to fourth examples may be optionally included, and the sealing assembly further includes: the support includes a recessed groove in the width direction toward the pressing tongue at a protruding position where the pressing tongue protrudes from the support, and the pressing tongue space of the sealing head of the seal includes a protruding portion protruding toward the pressing tongue space that cooperates with the recess.

[0014] According to the above-mentioned structure, the cooperation between the recess and the protrusion can prevent the tongue depressor from escaping from the tongue depressing space in the length direction.

[0015] In a sixth example of the sealing assembly, one or more of the first to fifth examples may be optionally included, and the sealing assembly further includes: the support further includes a recessed portion extending from the recess toward the main body of the support, and the raised portion of the seal head of the seal also protrudes toward the seal tail and also fits into the recessed portion.

[0016] According to the above-mentioned structure, the sizes of the recess and the protrusion can be increased, and the structural strength of the cooperation between the recess and the protrusion can be increased.

[0017] In a seventh example of the sealing assembly, one or more of the first to sixth examples may be optionally included, and the sealing assembly further includes: the sealing member is made of rubber, the sealing member has a built-in reinforcement member, and the reinforcement member is made of aluminum alloy.

[0018] In an eighth example of the sealing assembly, one or more of the first to seventh examples may be optionally included, and the sealing assembly further includes: a seal head portion of the seal having a built-in first reinforcement member, and a seal tail portion having a built-in second reinforcement member.

[0019] In a ninth example of the sealing assembly, one or more of the first to eighth examples may be optionally included, and the sealing assembly further comprises: a support having a pressing tongue protruding in the length direction and spaced apart from the first side wall of the seam, and a sealing head of the seal having a pressing tongue space cooperating with the pressing tongue, and the first reinforcement is positioned in the sealing head closer to the first side wall than the pressing tongue space and overlaps at least a portion of the contact area between the pressing tongue space and the pressing tongue.

[0020] According to the above-mentioned structure, the pressing tongue cooperates with the pressing tongue space of the sealing member head, and presses the sealing member head and the first reinforcing member therein when the sealing member head tends to separate from the first side wall.

[0021] By adopting the new configuration of the combined seal for slat sealing according to the present invention, the seal can be quickly installed without fasteners in the narrow slot area of ​​the leading edge slat, and the seal has good maintainability and is easy to replace. At the same time, after the leading edge slat is folded, the aerodynamic sealing of the cavity between the leading edge slat and the fixed leading edge skin of the wing is achieved to prevent abnormal vibration and noise of the aircraft caused by air leakage.

[0022] Compared with traditional slat seals, the feature of fastener-free installation can greatly reduce the installation and replacement time of seals, and has better maintainability. In addition, it can save space inside the slat cavity and minimize noise. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] In order to describe the implementation of the above and other features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be presented with reference to the exemplary embodiments of the invention shown in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood that these drawings only depict exemplary embodiments of the invention and should not be considered as limiting the scope thereof. The invention will be described and explained through the use of the accompanying drawings and with additional features and details. In the drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a sealing assembly installed on a slat according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a support of a sealing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a seal of a seal assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a seal of a seal assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5A is from Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA;

[0029] Figure 5B is from Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line BB;

[0030] Figure 5C is from Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line CC of ;

[0031] Figure 5D is from Figure 4 a cross-sectional view taken along line DD of ; and

[0032] Figure 5E is from Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line EE.

[0033] The drawings are roughly drawn to scale, however, the dimensions in the drawings are only schematic and not necessarily drawn strictly to scale, but are intended to provide a clearer description. In other embodiments, other relative dimensions may be used.

[0034] Here and throughout the following, identical features appearing in different figures are denoted by identical or similar reference numerals.

[0035] List of reference numerals:

[0036] 1 Sealing assembly

[0037] 10 Support

[0038] 11 Support slot

[0039] 12 Card slot edge

[0040] 13. Tongue Depression

[0041] 14 Notch

[0042] 15 Concave part

[0043] 20 Seals

[0044] 20a Seal head

[0045] 20b Seal tail

[0046] 21 Seal groove edge

[0047] 22 Seal slot

[0048] 23 Tongue Depression Space

[0049] 24 Raised part

[0050] 31 First reinforcement

[0051] 32 Second reinforcement DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] First of all, the present invention mainly relates to seals related to narrow slots in any manufacturing field. In particular, the present invention relates to the field of aircraft wing leading edge structural parts, such as sealing components for narrow slots of leading edge slats.

[0053] As used herein, the term “fixed” is intended to describe a component that is connected to another component and is capable of maintaining a constant relative position to each other so that forces, torques, etc. can be transferred from one component to the other.

[0054] The term "fit" as used herein is intended to describe that there is a direct or indirect force transmission path from one component to another component, ie, direct or indirect contact, so that force, torque, etc. can be transmitted from one component to another component.

[0055] As used herein, the term "length direction" and variations thereof refer to directions extending toward and away from the depth of the slot. For example, the length direction may be a feature extending generally along a direction parallel to the axis of symmetry or the direction of elongation of the component. Similarly, as used herein, the term "thickness direction" and variations thereof refer to directions extending generally perpendicular to the sidewalls of the slot. As used herein, the term "width direction" and variations thereof refer to directions extending generally perpendicular to the corresponding length direction and thickness direction.

[0056] As used herein, the terms "comprising," "having," "including," and variations thereof are intended to serve as open-ended transitional phrases, terms or words requiring the presence of specified elements / steps and also allowing for the presence of other elements / steps.

[0057] In the present invention, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, the terms "first", "second", etc. are not intended to indicate any difference in order, position, quantity or importance, but are merely used as labels to distinguish different positions and components, to distinguish one element, component, region and / or position from another element, component, region and / or position.

[0058] First, refer to Figures 1 to 5E , the sealing assembly 1 of the present invention is schematically described. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a sealing assembly installed on a slat according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a support of a sealing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a seal of a seal assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a seal of a seal assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5A is from Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA; Figure 5B is from Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line BB; Figure 5C is from Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line CC of ; Figure 5D is from Figure 4 a cross-sectional view taken along line DD of ; and Figure 5E is from Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line EE.

[0059] Example 1

[0060] In one embodiment of the present invention, a sealing assembly 1 for a slot generally comprises a support 10 and a sealing member 20 .

[0061] The support 10 is fixed to the first side wall of the slot channel. For example, the support 10 can be pre-installed on the slat end rib flange in the form of countersunk riveting.

[0062] The seal 20 includes a seal head 20a and a seal tail 20b extending in the length direction along the first side wall. The seal head 20a extends into the slot for sealing the slot. The movable part of the leading edge slat compresses the seal 20 by squeezing the surface of the seal head 20a away from the first side wall of the slot.

[0063] The seal tail 20b is detachably matched with the support 10, so that the seal 20 is detachably fixed to the first side wall of the slot via the support 10. In addition, the seal head 20a does not need to be installed to the slot by fasteners such as bolts and nuts, so there is no need to reserve operating space for tools in a narrow position. The internal cavity space of the slat can be saved and the noise can be minimized.

[0064] Preferably, if Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the support 10 may have a support slot 11 extending in the length direction, and the seal tail 20b of the seal 20 may have a seal groove edge 21 extending in the length direction and cooperating with the support slot 11. By cooperating with the slot and the groove edge, the movement of the seal 20 away from the first side wall of the seam in the thickness direction and the movement of the seal 20 in the width direction can be prevented. In addition, the seal 20 and the support 10 can easily cooperate and disengage from each other by sliding, which can greatly reduce the installation and replacement time of the seal, has better maintainability, and avoids time-consuming and labor-intensive fasteners such as bolts and nuts. In addition, the processability can be improved, and the interference and manufacturing tolerance problems caused by assembly can be avoided.

[0065] Further, the seal tail 20b of the seal 20 may have a seal slot 22 parallel to the seal groove edge 21, and the seal slot 22 may accommodate the slot edge 12 of the support slot 11. The double slot and the groove edge cooperate to increase the sealing effect and airtightness of the seal assembly 1. It should be understood that the seal assembly 1 used here is only an example, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0066] Example 2

[0067] In Example 1, the seal 20 is limited from moving away from the first side wall of the slot by cooperating with the groove and the groove edge of the seal 20 and the support 10. However, the seal assembly 1 of the present invention is not limited thereto, and may also additionally include the following structure to further limit the seal 20 from moving away from the first side wall of the slot.

[0068] In this embodiment 2, the sealing assembly 1 similarly includes the support 10 and the sealing member 20 as in the embodiment 1. Figure 2 As shown, the support 10 may have a pressing tongue 13 protruding in the length direction and spaced apart from the first side wall of the slot, and the seal head 20a of the seal 20 may have a pressing tongue space 23 matched with the pressing tongue 13. The pressing tongue 13 cooperates with the pressing tongue space of the seal head 20a to enhance the resistance of the seal head 20a of the seal 20 to movement in the width direction.

[0069] For example, the tongue-pressing space 23 may be in the form of a groove and located on the surface of the first side wall of the outer portion of the seal head 20a facing the slot.

[0070] Preferably, the tongue-pressing space 23 is in the form of a slit and is located inside the seal head 20a, so that the tongue-pressing space 23 can press the seal head 20a when the seal head 20a is separated from the first side wall of the slot.

[0071] Modifications

[0072] In the case where the tongue-pressing space 23 is in the form of a slit, the support 10 may include a notch 14 recessed toward the tongue-pressing space 23 in the width direction at the protruding position of the tongue-pressing space 23 protruding from the support 10, and the tongue-pressing space 23 of the seal head 20a of the seal 20 may include a protrusion 24 protruding toward the tongue-pressing space 23 that cooperates with the notch 14. Such cooperation between the notch and the protrusion can prevent the tongue-pressing space 23 from slipping out of the tongue-pressing space 23 in the length direction.

[0073] Further preferably, the support 10 further includes a recessed portion 15 extending from the recess 14 toward the main body of the support 10, and the raised portion 24 of the seal head 20a of the seal 20 also protrudes toward the seal tail 20b and is also fitted into the recessed portion 15. In this way, the increased size of the recess and the raised portion can increase the structural strength of the recess and the raised portion fitting therein.

[0074] Example 3

[0075] In Example 1, the seal 20 is limited from moving away from the first side wall of the slot by cooperating with the groove and the groove edge of the seal 20 and the support 10. However, the seal assembly 1 of the present invention is not limited thereto, and may also additionally include the following structure to further limit the seal 20 from moving away from the first side wall of the slot.

[0076] In this embodiment 3, the seal 20 may be made of rubber, and the seal 20 may have a built-in reinforcement member, and the reinforcement member may be made of aluminum alloy. The built-in aluminum plate provides sufficient out-of-plane stiffness to the rubber member and limits its movement in the thickness direction. Different from the structure of traditional rubber members and bolts, the structure of the present application reduces the peeling property of the support 10 and the rubber member of the seal 20.

[0077] Preferably, the sealing member 20 may be hollow to increase the elastic deformation amplitude of the sealing member 20 and reduce the weight.

[0078] Preferably, if Figure 5A , Figure 5D , Figure 5E As shown, the seal 20 has a first reinforcement member 31 built into the seal head portion 20 a and a second reinforcement member 32 built into the seal tail portion 20 b.

[0079] The support 10 has a tongue 13 protruding in the length direction and spaced apart from the first side wall of the seam, and the seal head 20a of the seal 20 has a tongue space 23 matched with the tongue 13. Further, the first reinforcing member 31 is positioned closer to the first side wall than the tongue space 23 in the seal head 20a, and overlaps at least a portion of the contact area between the tongue space 23 and the tongue 13 to enhance the structural strength therein and limit excessive bending of the rubber member.

[0080] like Figure 5B , Figure 5C As shown, the first reinforcing member 31 overlaps approximately half of the contact area. The pressing tongue cooperates with the pressing tongue space of the sealing member head 20a to prevent the sealing member head 20a from separating from the first side wall and presses the sealing member head 20a when it is about to separate.

[0081] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more clear, the technical solution of the present invention is clearly and completely described above in combination with the specific embodiments of the present invention and the accompanying drawings.

[0082] Although various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that the embodiments described are part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all embodiments, and they are presented in an exemplary rather than limiting manner. It is obvious to those skilled in the relevant art that the disclosed subject matter can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit and essential features.

Claims

1. A sealing assembly for a seam, characterized in that: The sealing assembly (1) comprises: a support (10) fixed to a first side wall of the slot; and A seal (20), the seal (20) comprising a seal head (20a) and a seal tail (20b) extending along the first side wall in the length direction, the seal head (20a) extending into the seam for sealing the seam, and the seal tail (20b) detachably fitting with the support (10).

2. The sealing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support (10) has a support slot (11) extending in the length direction, and The sealing tail portion (20b) of the sealing member (20) has a sealing member groove edge (21) extending in the length direction and cooperating with the support groove (11).

3. The sealing assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The seal tail (20b) of the seal (20) has a seal groove (22) parallel to the seal groove edge (21), and the seal groove (22) accommodates the edge (12) of the support groove (11).

4. The sealing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support (10) has a pressing tongue (13) protruding in the length direction and spaced apart from the first side wall of the slot, and The sealing member head (20a) of the sealing member (20) has a tongue-pressing space (23) that cooperates with the tongue-pressing space (13).

5. The sealing assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The support (10) includes a notch (14) recessed toward the pressing tongue (13) in the width direction at a protruding position of the pressing tongue (13) protruding from the support (10), and The tongue-pressing space (23) of the sealing member head (20a) of the sealing member (20) comprises a protruding portion (24) cooperating with the recess (14) and protruding toward the tongue-pressing space (23).

6. The sealing assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The support (10) further comprises a recessed portion (15) extending from the notch (14) toward the body of the support (10), and The protruding portion (24) of the seal head portion (20a) of the seal (20) also protrudes toward the seal tail portion (20b) and also fits into the recessed portion (15).

7. The sealing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing member (20) is made of rubber. The sealing member (20) has a built-in reinforcement member, and the reinforcement member is made of aluminum alloy.

8. The sealing assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: The seal (20) has a first reinforcement member (31) built into the seal head (20a), and has a second reinforcement member (32) built into the seal tail (20b).

9. The sealing assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that: The support (10) has a pressing tongue (13) protruding in the length direction and spaced apart from the first side wall of the slot, and The seal head (20a) of the seal (20) has a tongue-pressing space (23) that cooperates with the tongue-pressing space (13), and the first reinforcement (31) is positioned in the seal head (20a) closer to the first side wall than the tongue-pressing space (23) and overlaps at least a portion of the contact area between the tongue-pressing space (23) and the tongue-pressing space (13).

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