Sealing assembly for a suture channel

Abstract

The application provides a sealing assembly with simple structure, easy installation and disassembly, and meets the aerodynamic sealing requirement of a slot when a leading edge slat of an airplane is at zero position. The sealing assembly comprises a support fixed to a first side wall of a slot, and a sealing member comprising a sealing member head and a sealing member tail extending in length direction along the first side wall, the sealing member head is used for sealing the slot, and the sealing member tail is detachably matched with the support.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a sealing assembly for a slot, in particular to a sealing assembly for a narrow slot of a leading edge slat. The present application belongs to the field of structural components of an aircraft wing leading edge. BACKGROUND

[0002] After the leading edge slat of an aircraft is retracted, the slot between the slat and the skin of the fixed leading edge of the wing needs to be aerodynamically sealed, otherwise air leakage will occur, which will cause abnormal vibration and noise.

[0003] The sealing member for the slot is mainly in the form of a sealing profile. By installing bolts and nuts 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 a special installation tool for the operation space of the nut and gasket. And a large number of bolts and nuts also cause waste of working hours when replacing the sealing member. SUMMARY

[0004] In view of the above problems of the prior art, the present application provides a sealing assembly with simple structure, easy to install and disassemble, which meets the aerodynamic sealing requirements of the slot when the leading edge slat of the aircraft is in zero position.

[0005] In a first example of the sealing assembly, the sealing assembly comprises a support fixed to a first side wall of the slot, and a sealing member comprising a sealing member head and a sealing member tail extending in a length direction along the first side wall, the sealing member head extending into the slot for sealing the slot, and the sealing member tail being detachably coupled with the support.

[0006] According to the above configuration, by detachably coupling the sealing member tail with the support, the sealing member head can be easily installed to seal the slot space gap between the slat and the fixed leading edge surface, and easily disassembled for maintenance and replacement.

[0007] In a second example of the sealing assembly, optionally comprising the first example, the sealing assembly further comprises a support having a support clamping groove extending in a length direction, and a sealing member tail of the sealing member having a sealing member groove edge extending in a length direction and cooperating with the support clamping groove.

[0008] According to the above configuration, the clamping groove and the groove edge of the sealing member and the support can be cooperated to prevent the sealing member from being separated from the first side wall.

[0009] In a third example of the sealing assembly, optionally comprising one or more of the first example and the second example, the sealing assembly further comprises a sealing member tail of the sealing member having a sealing member clamping groove parallel to the sealing member groove edge, and the sealing member clamping groove accommodating an edge of the support clamping groove.

[0010] According to the above configuration, the second heavy slot and the slot rim are matched to enhance the sealing effect.

[0011] In a fourth example of the sealing assembly, optionally including one or more of the first example to the third example, the sealing assembly further includes: the support has a tongue protruding in the length direction and spaced apart from the first side wall of the slot, and the sealing head of the sealing member has a tongue space matched with the tongue.

[0012] According to the above configuration, the tongue is matched with the tongue space of the sealing head to press the sealing head when the sealing head has a tendency to separate from the first side wall.

[0013] In a fifth example of the sealing assembly, optionally including one or more of the first example to the fourth example, the sealing assembly further includes: the support includes a notch recessed toward the tongue in the width direction at the protruding position of the tongue protruding from the support, and the tongue space of the sealing head of the sealing member includes a protrusion protruding toward the tongue space matched with the notch.

[0014] According to the above configuration, the tongue is prevented from being separated from the tongue space in the length direction with the notch matched with the protrusion.

[0015] In a sixth example of the sealing assembly, optionally including one or more of the first example to the fifth example, the sealing assembly further includes: the support further includes a recessed portion from the notch toward the main body of the support, and the protrusion of the sealing head of the sealing member is also protruded toward the sealing tail and also matched into the recessed portion.

[0016] According to the above configuration, the size of the notch and the protrusion can be increased, and the structural strength of the notch matched with the protrusion can be increased.

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

[0018] In an eighth example of the sealing assembly, optionally including one or more of the first example to the seventh example, the sealing assembly further includes: the sealing head of the sealing member has a built-in first reinforcing member, and the sealing tail has a built-in second reinforcing member.

[0019] In a ninth example of the seal assembly, optionally including one or more of the first through eighth examples, the seal assembly further includes: the carrier has a tongue protruding in the length direction and spaced apart from the first side wall of the slot, and the seal head of the seal has a tongue space cooperating with the tongue, and the first reinforcement is positioned in the seal head closer to the first side wall than the tongue space and overlaps at least a portion of a contact area of the tongue space with the tongue.

[0020] According to the above configuration, the tongue cooperates with the tongue space of the seal head, and presses the seal head and the first reinforcement therein when the seal head has a tendency to be separated from the first side wall.

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

[0022] Compared with the traditional slat seal, due to the characteristics of no fastener installation, the installation and replacement time of the seal can be greatly reduced, and the maintainability is better. In addition, the internal cavity space of the slat can also be saved, and the noise is minimized. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023] In order to describe the embodiments of the above and other features of the present application, a more particular description of the application briefly described above will be rendered by reference to the examples of the application illustrated in the drawings. It is to be understood that these drawings are only schematic and are non-limiting examples of embodiments of the application, and that the application will be described and explained with additional features and details by using the accompanying drawings and supplemental text. In the drawings:

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

[0025] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a carrier of a seal assembly according to an embodiment of the present application;

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

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

[0028] Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Figure 4 ; and ; and

[0029] Figure 5B From Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken by line BB;

[0030] Figure 5C From Figure 4 A cross-sectional view captured by the CC line;

[0031] Figure 5D From Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of line DD; and

[0032] Figure 5E From Figure 4 The cross-sectional view of the line EE.

[0033] The accompanying drawings are drawn roughly to scale; however, the dimensions in the drawings are merely schematic and do not need to be drawn strictly to scale, but are intended to make the illustration clearer. In other embodiments, other relative dimensions may be used.

[0034] Throughout this and all subsequent content, the same features appearing in different figures are indicated by the same or similar reference numerals.

[0035] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0036] 1 Sealing assembly

[0037] 10 supports

[0038] 11 Support slots

[0039] 12 Card slot edge

[0040] 13. Tongue pressing

[0041] 14 Notch

[0042] 15. Recessed portion

[0043] 20 Seals

[0044] 20a Seal Head

[0045] 20b Seal tail

[0046] 21 Seal groove edge

[0047] 22 Sealing groove

[0048] 23 Tongue depressor space

[0049] 24. Protrusions

[0050] 31 First Reinforcing Component

[0051] 32 Second Reinforcing Component Detailed Implementation

[0052] The present invention is primarily directed to a seal associated with a narrow slot in any manufacturing field. In particular, the present invention is directed to a seal assembly for a narrow slot of a leading edge slat of a wing of an aircraft.

[0053] The term "fixed" as used herein is intended to describe a component connected to another component and capable of maintaining a position relative to one another so that forces, torques, etc. can be transmitted from one component to another.

[0054] The term "in communication" as used herein is intended to describe a component having a direct or indirect path of force transmission, i.e. direct or indirect contact, from one component to another.

[0055] The term "lengthwise" and variations thereof as used herein refers to a direction extending toward and away from the depth of the slot. For example, a lengthwise direction can be a feature extending generally along a direction parallel to an axis of symmetry or an elongate direction of the component. Similarly, the term "thicknesswise" and variations thereof as used herein refers to a direction extending generally perpendicular to the side walls of the slot. The term "widthwise" and variations thereof as used herein refers to a direction extending generally perpendicular to the corresponding lengthwise and thicknesswise directions.

[0056] The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" and variations thereof, as used herein, are intended to be open-ended transitional phrases, terms, or words that require the presence of the named ingredient / steps and permit the presence of other ingredients / steps.

[0057] In the present invention, unless specifically stated otherwise, the terms "first", "second", and / or the like are not intended to imply any order, location, number, or importance, but are simply used to distinguish one element, component, region, and / or location from another element, component, region, and / or location.

[0058] First, reference is made to Figures 1 to 5E A seal assembly 1 according to the present invention is schematically illustrated. Therein, Figure 1 is a perspective view of a seal assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention mounted on a slat; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a support of a seal 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 a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Figure 4 ; Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of Figure 4 ;Figure 5C is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of Figure 4 Figure 5D is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of Figure 4 Figure 5E is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E of Figure 4

[0059] Embodiment 1

[0060] In one embodiment of the present application, a sealing assembly 1 for a slot generally comprises a bracket 10 and a seal 20.

[0061] The bracket 10 is fixed to a first side wall of the slot, for example, the bracket 10 can be pre-installed on the end rib of the slat in the form of a countersunk rivet.

[0062] The seal 20 comprises 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, and the movable part of the leading edge slat compresses the seal 20 by pressing the surface of the seal head 20a away from the first side wall of the slot.

[0063] The seal tail 20b detachably cooperates with the bracket 10 to detachably fix the seal 20 to the first side wall of the slot via the bracket 10. And the seal head 20a does not need to be installed to the slot by fasteners such as bolts and nuts, so it does not need to reserve the operation space of tools in a narrow position. The internal cavity space of the slat can be saved, and the noise is minimized.

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

[0065] ​​​Furthermore, the tail portion 20b of the seal 20 may have a seal groove 22 parallel to the seal groove edge 21, and this seal groove 22 may accommodate the groove edge 12 of the support groove 11. The double groove and groove edge cooperation enhances the airtightness of the sealing assembly 1. It should be understood that the sealing assembly 1 used herein is merely an example, and the invention is not limited thereto.

[0066] Example 2

[0067] In Embodiment 1, the movement of the seal 20 from the first sidewall of the joint is restricted by the engagement of the seal 20 with the groove and edge of the support 10. However, the sealing assembly 1 of the present invention is not limited to this and may additionally include the structure described below to further restrict the movement of the seal 20 from the first sidewall of the joint.

[0068] In this embodiment 2, the sealing assembly 1 similarly includes the support 10 and the seal 20 as in embodiment 1. Figure 2 As shown, the support 10 may have a tongue 13 that protrudes in the length direction and is spaced apart from the first sidewall of the groove, and the sealing head 20a of the seal 20 may have a tongue space 23 that mates with the tongue 13. The tongue 13 mates with the tongue space of the sealing head 20a, thereby enhancing the resistance of the sealing head 20a of the seal 20 to movement in the width direction.

[0069] For example, the tongue space 23 can be in the form of a groove and is located on the surface of the outer sidewall of the sealing head 20a facing the channel.

[0070] Preferably, the tongue space 23 is in the form of a slit and is located inside the sealing head 20a, so that the tongue 13 can press against the sealing head 20a when the sealing head 20a is disengaged from the first sidewall of the slit.

[0071] Variations

[0072] When the tongue space 23 is in the form of a slit, the support 10 may include a notch 14 recessed toward the tongue 13 in the width direction at the protruding position of the tongue 13 protruding from the support 10, and the tongue space 23 of the sealing head 20a of the seal 20 may include a protrusion 24 that mates with the notch 14 and protrudes toward the tongue space 23. This mate between the notch and the protrusion can prevent the tongue 13 from dislodging from the tongue space 23 in the length direction.

[0073] Further preferably, the support 10 further comprises a recessed portion 15 from the notch 14 towards the main body of the support 10, and the protrusion 24 of the seal head 20a of the seal 20 is also protruded towards the seal tail 20b and also fits into the recessed portion 15. In this way, the increased size of the notch and the protrusion can increase the structural strength of the notch and the protrusion fit thereat.

[0074] Embodiment 3

[0075] In Embodiment 1, the movement of the seal 20 away from the first side wall of the slot is limited by the fit of the seal 20 with the clamping groove and the groove rim of the support 10. However, the sealing assembly 1 of the present application is not limited thereto and can additionally comprise the following structure to further limit the movement of the seal 20 away from the first side wall of the slot.

[0076] In this embodiment 3, the seal 20 can be made of rubber, and the seal 20 has an internal reinforcement therein and the reinforcement can be made of aluminum alloy. The internal aluminum plate provides sufficient out-of-plane stiffness to the rubber and limits the movement of the rubber in the thickness direction. Differing from the conventional structure of rubber and bolts, the structure of the present application reduces the peelability of the support 10 and the rubber of the seal 20.

[0077] Preferably, the seal 20 can be hollow to increase the amplitude of elastic deformation of the seal 20 and reduce the weight.

[0078] Preferably, as shown in Figure 5A , Figure 5D , Figure 5E , the seal head 20a of the seal 20 has an internal first reinforcement 31 therein, and the seal tail 20b has an internal second reinforcement 32 therein.

[0079] The support 10 has a 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 space 23 fitting with the tongue 13. Further, the first reinforcement 31 is positioned in the seal head 20a closer to the first side wall than the tongue space 23, and overlaps at least part of the contact area of the tongue space 23 and the tongue 13 to increase the structural strength thereat and limit the over-bending of the rubber.

[0080] As shown in Figure 5B , Figure 5C , the first reinforcement 31 overlaps approximately half of the contact area. The fit of the tongue with the tongue space of the seal head 20a prevents the seal head 20a from moving away from the first side wall and presses the seal head 20a when it is about to move away.

[0081] In order to make the purposes, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the technical solutions of the present application are clearly and completely described below with reference to the specific embodiments of the present application and the accompanying drawings.

[0082] While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been described by way of example only and not limitation, the described embodiments being a part of only some embodiments of the present application. It will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that the disclosed subject matter can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit and essential characteristics of the subject matter.

Claims

1. A seal assembly for a slot, characterized by, The sealing assembly (1) includes: a holder (10) fixed to a first side wall of the slot; and a seal (20) including a seal head (20a) and a seal tail (20b) extending in a length direction along the first side wall, the seal head (20a) extending into the slot for sealing the slot, and the seal tail (20b) detachably mating with the holder (10), wherein, the holder (10) has a 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 space (23) mating with the tongue (13).

2. The sealing assembly according to claim 1, wherein, the holder (10) has a holder slot (11) extending in the length direction, and the seal tail (20b) of the seal (20) has a seal flange (21) extending in the length direction and mating with the holder slot (11).

3. The sealing assembly according to claim 2, wherein, the seal tail (20b) of the seal (20) has a seal slot (22) parallel to the seal flange (21), and the seal slot (22) accommodates an edge (12) of the holder slot (11).

4. The sealing assembly according to claim 1, wherein, the holder (10) includes a notch (14) recessed in a width direction toward the tongue (13) at a protruding position where the tongue (13) protrudes from the holder (10), and the tongue space (23) of the seal head (20a) of the seal (20) includes a protrusion (24) protruding toward the tongue space (23) and mating with the notch (14).

5. The sealing assembly according to claim 4, wherein, the holder (10) further includes a recessed portion (15) from the notch (14) toward a main body of the holder (10), and the protrusion (24) of the seal head (20a) of the seal (20) also protrudes toward the seal tail (20b) and mates into the recessed portion (15).

6. The sealing assembly according to claim 1, wherein, the seal (20) is made of rubber, the seal (20) has a built-in reinforcement therein, and the reinforcement is made of an aluminum alloy.

7. The sealing assembly according to claim 6, wherein, the seal head (20a) of the seal (20) has a built-in first reinforcement (31) therein, and the seal tail (20b) has a built-in second reinforcement (32) therein.

8. The sealing assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The first reinforcement (31) is positioned in the seal head (20a) closer to the first side wall than the tongue depression (23) and overlapping at least a portion of the contact area of the tongue depression (23) with the tongue (13). The first reinforcement (31) is positioned in the seal head (20a) closer to the first side wall than the tongue depression (23) and overlapping at least a portion of the contact area of the tongue depression (23) with the tongue (13). The first reinforcement (31) is positioned in the seal head (20a) closer to the first side wall than the tongue depression (23) and overlapping at least a portion of the contact area of the tongue

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