Flight simulator with maintenance hatch for servicing a cockpit replica or a simulation cockpit

Abstract

The present invention relates to a flight simulator (100) comprising a support structure (101), a cockpit replica (102) which replicates the cockpit of a real aircraft and a viewing window (103) through which a field of view outside the cockpit replica (102) is provided, wherein the cockpit replica (102) is attached to the support structure (101), and a visualization unit (104) for visualizing a simulated environment in the field of view around the cockpit replica (102), wherein the visualization unit (104) at least partially surrounds the cockpit replica (102) with the viewing window (103).Furthermore, the flight simulator (100) has a handling mechanism (105) for handling the visualization unit (104) relative to the support structure (101), wherein the visualization unit (104) is detachably attached to the support structure (101) in such a way that the visualization unit (104) can be moved by means of the handling mechanism (105) in such a way that a maintenance opening can be provided between the visualization unit (104) and the support structure (101), through which the cockpit replica (102) can be accessed from the outside.

Description

Technical FieldThe present invention relates to a flight simulator having a handling mechanism for handling a visualization unit and to a device for servicing a flight simulator. The invention further describes a flight simulator system and a method for maintaining the flight simulator.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONFlight simulators are used for training purposes for pilots. The flight simulators have an exact replica, a so-called cockpit replica, of an aircraft-specific cockpit in which all functional elements of a specific aircraft type on which the pilot is to be trained are set up. The cockpit replica has corresponding viewing windows through which the pilot can look into the environment. A visualization unit, a so-called "visual dome" or visual system, is set up around the viewing windows, which / she simulates an environment of the cockpit, so that the pilot can perceive a simulated environment through the viewing window.In order to simulate corresponding flight movements, the cockpit replica and correspondingly the visualization unit are arranged at a distance from the ground and movable. Each cockpit replica is simulated for a corresponding aircraft type. Accordingly, the flight simulator must be populated with a corresponding cockpit replica in order to simulate a desired aircraft type.The replacement and maintenance of such cockpit replicas is extremely complex and results in a long shutdown time of the flight simulator. Thus, for example, a permanently installed platform on the building side is currently provided, so that the cockpit replicas can be exchanged from the flight simulator at a distance from the ground.Since the visualization unit surrounds the cockpit replicas at least partially in order to surround the viewing windows and to be able to present the pilot with a real image of the environment, often only access for the maintenance of the cockpit replicas and access for the replacement thereof is possible only from a rear, rear side, since the other sides of the cockpit replicas are covered by the visualization unit and are thus inaccessible, so that the maintenance and a replacement of the cockpit replicas is complex.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIt is an object of the present invention to provide a flight simulator and a corresponding maintenance device, so that simple access for the maintenance and for the replacement of the cockpit replicas or the simulation cockpit is made possible.This object is achieved with a flight simulator, a maintenance device, a flight simulator system and a method for maintaining a flight simulator according to the subject matters of the independent claims.According to a first aspect of the present invention, a flight simulator will be described. The flight simulator has a support structure. Furthermore, the flight simulator has a cockpit replica which simulates a cockpit of a real aircraft and has a viewing window through which a field of view outside the cockpit replica results. The cockpit replica is fastened on the support structure. The flight simulator further comprises a visualization unit for visualizing a simulated environment in the field of view around the cockpit replicas, wherein the visualization unit at least partially surrounds the cockpit replicas with the viewing window.Furthermore, the flight simulator has a handling mechanism for handling the visualization unit relative to the carrier structure, wherein the visualization unit is detachably fastened to the carrier structure in such a way that the visualization unit can be moved by means of the handling mechanism in such a way that a maintenance opening can be provided between the visualization unit and the carrier structure, through which the cockpit replicas can be reached from the outside.In another aspect, a method of servicing the flight simulator described above is presented. The method comprises moving the visualization unit by means of the handling mechanism in such a way that a maintenance opening is provided between the visualization unit and the carrier structure, through which the cockpit replicas can be reached from the outside.The support structure of the flight simulator consists, for example, of a framework, for example, of steel rods or sheet metal parts, on which components of the flight simulator, in particular the cockpit replicas, the visualization unit and the handling mechanism, are fastened. The carrier structure can furthermore be designed as a carrier platform with a flat support and mounting surface. Furthermore, the carrier structure can have a corresponding planar support and can also have carrier elements which extend from the planar support and for example laterally encompass the visualization unit and / or the cockpit replicas at least partially in order to form a corresponding edge fastening or holder. The support structure can also be referred to as a "Mother ship" (mother ship), on which all relevant components are installed. The carrier structure can be arranged spaced apart from the floor by means of a carrier mechanism. In particular, as described further below, a movement mechanism can be formed between the carrier structure and the ground in order to simulate accelerations caused by flight movements and ground movements. The support structure can also rest directly on a floor without flight movements being simulated. In the configuration as a so-called "fixed base simulator", the handling mechanism can likewise partially release or decouple the visualization unit in such a way that the maintenance opening can be formed.The cockpit replica or the simulation cockpit simulates or is a detail-true replica of an aircraft-type-specific cockpit in which corresponding functional elements of a specific aircraft type on which the pilot is to be trained are set up. The cockpit replicas can be detachably fastened to the support structure in order to be exchanged by the support structure. Thus, an adaptation to another aircraft type is possible in that a corresponding cockpit replica simulating a specific aircraft type can be arranged. The cockpit replica has a corresponding cockpit tip which specifies a corresponding (simulation) flight direction. The cockpit replica has corresponding viewing windows through which the pilot can look into the environment.The cockpit replicas can furthermore have an assembly platform or base platform which is usually arranged on the floor of the cockpit housing of the cockpit replicas. In particular, functionally relevant installations for the simulation are arranged in the base platform. The cockpit replica is thus also referred to as a "swap unit", which can be exchanged in its entirety according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. All cockpit-internal mechanical and electrical connections to the base plate are not interrupted during the replacement process. It is thus possible that sensitive systems such as a control loading system do not have to be calibrated again or even set up after a replacement process.The visualization unit, a so-called "visual dome" or a "visual system", is set up around the viewing windows, which simulates an environment of the cockpit so that the pilot can perceive a simulated environment through the viewing window. The visualization unit has, in particular, corresponding screens or a canvas that simulates a corresponding environment of the cockpit replicas. Furthermore, the visualization unit can have one or more projectors, which project corresponding images onto a projection surface directly or via a mirror system, which images in particular surround the viewing windows of the cockpit replicas. In this case, the visualization unit is reinforced, for example, by a supporting framework which can be formed, for example, partially by the stiffening frame described below, and a thinner housing wall or skin which surrounds the cockpit replica at least partially, in particular for intercepting interference light. Accordingly, the visualization unit can be designed as a spherical segment or tubular in order to enclose the cockpit replicas or their viewing windows, but can leave a rear part of the cockpit free.With the approach of the present invention, the visualization unit is at least partially detachably fastened to the carrier structure, for example with viewing and / or plug connections, wherein the visualization unit can be moved relative to the carrier structure by means of a handling mechanism, which is part of the flight simulator and is fastened to the carrier structure, for example, in order to at least partially disconnect or decouple the visualization unit from the carrier structure. In particular, the visualization unit can be moved in particular in such a way that a maintenance opening (i.e. a service and / or replacement opening, through which the cockpit replicas can be reached for maintenance and / or replacement) is formed between the visualization unit and the support structure. Thus, the cockpit replica can be reached through the service opening. This opens up the possibility of implementing maintenance work on the cockpit replica by a maintenance person passing through the maintenance opening. In addition, this service opening can be used to replace the cockpit replicas, for example using the service device described below. The term "maintenance" is thus understood to mean the carrying out of maintenance work and also the exchangeability of the cockpit replicas.Compared to the cockpit nose counter to the flight direction, additional functional units are often fastened, which have to be removed when replacing the cockpit replicas. The visualization unit is set up laterally and in front of the cockpit replica in the flight direction. With the present invention, the visualization unit can thus be removed from the support structure in such a way that the cockpit replicas can be removed from the front, from above and / or laterally and the support structure in the flight direction. In other words, at least one side of the cockpit replicas, which is covered or enclosed by the visualization unit, becomes free by moving the visualization unit and the corresponding maintenance opening is formed there. In this case, the entire visualization unit can be moved or at least a section of the visualization unit can be moved in order to correspondingly form the maintenance opening.It is thus no longer necessary to create a free space from behind in order to reach, i.e. to service or replace, the cockpit replicas. Accordingly, according to the invention, the maintenance opening is created above, laterally or in front of the cockpit replicas, so that a front charging system, top charging system or a lateral charging system for the cockpit replicas is made possible.As described in greater detail below, the visualization unit can be moved by a translatory, rotatory or composite movement in order to produce a service opening or a service or unloading opening. For this purpose, the moved parts can be guided and held in position by means of mechanical guides along a predetermined path or by means of suitable kinematic mechanisms.According to an exemplary embodiment, the handling mechanism is correspondingly / is configured to move the visualization unit along a translatory movement direction relative to the carrier structure in order to form the maintenance opening.According to an exemplary embodiment, the handling mechanism is configured to lift the visualization unit from the carrier structure, in particular along a vertical direction. For example, a corresponding device, such as the lifting rods described below, can be used.According to an exemplary embodiment, the handling mechanism comprises at least one extendable lifting rod, which is arranged between the visualization unit and the carrier structure in order to lift the visualization unit from the carrier structure. The lifting rod can be designed, for example, as a link rod and can be correspondingly opened and folded. Furthermore, the lifting rod can be telescopically retractable and extendable, for example.According to an exemplary embodiment, the lifting rod can be extended and retracted by means of a drive unit, in particular by means of an electric, pneumatic or hydraulic drive unit. For example, an electric linear motor can be used in particular in order to indicate the visualization unit from the carrier structure exactly and uniformlyAccording to an exemplary embodiment, the lifting rod has a lifting spindle, which forms a spindle drive with the electric drive unit in order to lift the visualization unit from the carrier structure. Thus, in particular, a distortion-free movement of the visualization unit can likewise be made possible by a uniform movement without the imaging devices being decalibrated in the visualization unit.According to an exemplary embodiment, the handling mechanism comprises at least one further or a plurality of extendable lifting rods, which are arranged between the visualization unit and the carrier structure in order to lift the visualization unit from the latter. The lifting rod and the further lifting rod are arranged spaced apart from one another, wherein the lifting rod and the further lifting rod are synchronously controllable in order to uniformly lift the visualization unit.For example, a common drive unit may be coupled to the lifting rods in order to enable a uniform movement of the visualization unit. The drive unit can be coupled, for example, via belts or to a common lifting spindle in order to enable a uniform and low-vibration movement sequence. Furthermore, a mechanical transmission can be used, for example, in order to uniformly transmit a uniform movement, which is initiated by a common drive unit, to the lifting rods.In another exemplary embodiment, each lift rod may be operated with a drive unit associated therewith. The drive units can be synchronized centrally via a control unit and thus controlled uniformly. In particular, linear motors can be used which can be controlled exactly and can control respective movements of the rods accordingly exactly without distortion or vibrations occurring during a raising and lowering of the visualization unit.A possible uncontrolled lowering of the load or of the visualization unit can be made possible, for example, by a safety device which is configured to be prevented by self-locking and / or corresponding safety brake devices in a drive train of the drive unit. A plurality of spindle drives which are mechanically coupled to one another can, for example, lift and secure the load and at the same time generate a movement which is constantly smooth.The linear upward movement of the visualization unit can be secured, for example, by vertically arranged linear guides. The linear guides can be, for example, guide rods which project perpendicularly from the carrier structure. A corresponding coupling pin, which is fastened to the visualization unit, can be coupled, for example, in a corresponding guide groove along the guide rods, so that the direction of movement is / is predefined and fluctuations are prevented. Accordingly, for example, a guide slide can be fastened to the visualization unit, which can be moved along the guide rods.According to a further exemplary embodiment, the handling mechanism is configured to displace the visualization unit along the carrier structure, in particular horizontally.According to a further exemplary embodiment, the handling mechanism has at least one guide rail which is fastened to the carrier structure and has a carriage, in particular one which can be driven (by the drive unit), which carriage can be moved along the guide rail, The visualization unit is fastened to the carriage in order thus to be moved relative to the carrier structure.According to a further exemplary embodiment, the handling mechanism couples the visualization unit to the carrier structure pivotably by means of a hinged connection in such a way that the visualization unit is pivotable relative to the carrier structure by means of a pivoting movement in order to form the maintenance opening. The drive unit can be fastened, for example, to the articulated connection in order to correspondingly generate a rotational driving force which leads to the pivoting of the carrier structure. By way of example, lifting rods can likewise be provided, which raise a region of the visualization unit and thus generate a rotation of the visualization unit at the articulated connection. Thus, it is not necessary to lift the entire visualization unit, but rather to leave the visualization unit connected to the support structure at the articulation point and to initiate a pivoting movement for creating the maintenance opening. The articulated connection has, in particular, an axis of rotation about which the visualization unit can rotate. The articulated connection can be designed, for example, as a hinge. Accordingly, the articulated connection can be formed by a plurality of articulated elements or hinges in order to form a robust mounting of the visualization unit with the carrier structure.Several exemplary embodiments are explained below, which describe different swivel directions relative to a simulation flight direction. The cockpit replica has a corresponding cockpit tip which specifies a corresponding (simulation) flight direction. The cockpit replica has corresponding viewing windows through which the pilot can look into the environment.According to another exemplary embodiment, the articulated connection is configured to pivot the visualization unit about an axis of rotation which is configured orthogonally to the simulation flight direction and horizontally.According to another exemplary embodiment, the articulated connection is configured to pivot the visualization unit about an axis of rotation which is configured orthogonally to the simulation flight direction and vertically.According to another exemplary embodiment, the articulated connection is configured to pivot the visualization unit about an axis of rotation which is configured parallel to the simulation flight direction.In an exemplary embodiment, the articulated connection may enable pivoting about a plurality of the above-described axes of rotation. Furthermore, a combination of a translatory movement and a swivel movement is possible in order to at least partially decouple the visualization unit from the carrier structure.According to a further exemplary embodiment, the visualization unit has a stiffening frame which is arranged in the base region of the visualization unit for stiffening the structure of the visualization unit, wherein the stiffening frame is coupled to the handling mechanism in such a way that the stiffening frame is movable together with the visualization unit in order to form the maintenance opening. The stiffening frame can consist, for example, of a framework on which the thin housing or the sheathing of the visualization unit is arranged. Furthermore, heavier installations, such as the projectors or mirror units, for example, can be arranged on the stiffening frame. In addition, the stiffening frame can be formed at least in regions along the housing of the visualization unit in order to reinforce the latter. This allows the sensitive visualization unit to be lifted without distortion.According to a further exemplary embodiment, the flight simulator has a movement mechanism which is arranged between the carrier structure and a ground, wherein the movement mechanism is configured to move the carrier structure together with the visualization unit and the cockpit replica in order to simulate a flight. The movement mechanism can have, for example, pivotable and retractable and extendable lifting rods in order to simulate flight movements. The movement mechanism can be equipped, for example, by means of electric drive units in order to transmit corresponding movements via the lifting rods to the carrier structure and correspondingly to the cockpit replicas and the visualization unit.According to a further exemplary embodiment, the carrier structure has a support section for placing the cockpit replicas. In the support section, in particular a support unit with a support plate for supporting the cockpit replicas is provided. In particular, a plurality of support units with a corresponding support plate can be arranged at a distance from one another on the corresponding support sections of the carrier structure in order to produce a robust and detachable fastening to the cockpit replica.According to a further exemplary embodiment, a centering element is arranged in the support section, which centering element engages in a corresponding centering receptacle of the cockpit replicas for positioning the cockpit replicas relative to the carrier structure. Additionally or alternatively, a centering receptacle is formed in the support section, in which a corresponding centering element of the cockpit replicas engages for positioning the cockpit replicas relative to the carrier structure. The centering element can protrude, for example, pyramidally or conically or conically from the bearing plate, so that a corresponding receiving opening of the cockpit replica can be placed. In other words, the centering element can be designed as a conical mandrel which is inserted into a correspondingly conical socket in a lower mounting plate of the cockpit replica. Thus, after placing the cockpit replicas on the support plate, an alignment or centering of the cockpit replicas can be achieved. Subsequent complicated centering and alignment is therefore not necessary.According to a further exemplary embodiment, the support unit is coupled to the carrier structure at least by means of a damping device in order to damp high-frequency oscillations and structure-borne noise between the carrier structure and the cockpit replica. The damping device can be designed, for example, as a damping spring which is arranged between the carrier structure and the cockpit replica. Furthermore, the damping device can represent a hydraulic damper. Thus, by means of the support unit, in addition to the secure repositioning and fastening of the swap unit or the cockpit replicas, vibration decoupling can be implemented.In an exemplary embodiment, four spaced-apart support units are possible in order to enable exact positioning and good low-vibration coupling to the support structure.According to a further exemplary embodiment, the damping device has a rubber bearing, wherein the rubber bearing has a rubber sleeve which is arranged in a receiving opening of the damping device. The rubber sleeve has a protrusion in order to space the damping device from the bearing plate. The bearing plate has a fastening pin which is mounted in the rubber sleeve. In the exemplary embodiment, the support unit can be exactly adjusted on the one hand by means of the fastening pin and fastened to the carrier structure. In addition, the rubber sleeve comprises the fastening pin and, at the same time as the protrusion (or bead), carries the bearing plate, in order thus to act in a vibration-damping manner.According to a further exemplary embodiment, the flight simulator has / has a plurality of screw devices which has / have a fastening screw which can be screwed from the carrier structure into the cockpit replicas for fixing purposes. The cockpit replica has in particular a corresponding threaded hole into which the fastening screw can be screwed. For example, the centering element described above can ensure that when positioning the cockpit replicas on the support unit, the fastening screw can be reliably driven into the threaded hole. In particular in an exemplary embodiment, the screwing device has a drive device for driving the fastening screw in order to automatically (i.e. for example by means of control by a control unit) couple the cockpit replicas to the carrier structure. The screw device can be part of the support unit, for example, and can be mounted in a vibration-damping manner via the support unit with the support structure.For example, a plurality of screw devices may be used. In particular, each support unit can have a corresponding screw device, for example.The screw device has, in particular, a captive securing means (for example via a thread limitation), so that the fastening screw cannot be screwed out of the screw device.According to an exemplary embodiment, the screw device is configured such that the fastening screw extends through the carrier structure and can be operated from a side of the carrier structure which is opposite the support section of the carrier unit. Thus, for example, a user can easily reach the fastening screw from a lower side of the support structure opposite the cockpit replica and can operate it accordingly. Furthermore, the screw device can be arranged on the opposite side of the support structure control and drive devices in order to detect the position of the fastening screw and / or to control the fastening screw. For example, a rotation of the fastening screw can be controlled by means of an electric motor in order to enable automatic fastening of the cockpit replicas. A corresponding position sensor, in particular a rotational position sensor, of the screw device can correspondingly determine the screw-in position of the fastening screw in order thus to determine the exact screw-in status of the fastening screw in the cockpit replica and correspondingly control the fastening screw.According to a further exemplary embodiment, a proximity sensor is provided on the support section, wherein the proximity sensor is configured to determine a distance and / or a position between the support section and the cockpit replica. The proximity sensor can be designed, for example, as an ultrasonic sensor or as an optical sensor. Furthermore, the proximity sensor can form a contact sensor which establishes a contact between the support section or the support unit and the cockpit replica. A corresponding control unit can process the sensor signals and, based thereon, automatically and automatically control a corresponding actuation of the fastening screw.According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for maintaining the above-described flight simulator will be described. The apparatus has a maintenance device and a drive device which is configured to move the maintenance device through the maintenance opening between the visualization unit and the carrier structure in such a way that the maintenance device reaches the cockpit replicas from the outside.The maintenance device can have, for example, corresponding elements which are provided for the maintenance or for the replacement of the cockpit replicas. For example, a corresponding maintenance tool can be conveyed through the maintenance opening to the cockpit replica. The drive device can be designed, for example, electrically, pneumatic or hydraulically. The drive device further comprises corresponding force-transmitting elements, such as rods, belt drives or gear elements, for example, in order to move the maintenance device through the maintenance opening. The drive device is thus considered to be a lifting device. The drive device can be controlled by an operator, for example. Furthermore, the drive device can be controlled by a control unit in order to provide an automatic movement of the maintenance device through the maintenance.According to an exemplary embodiment, the maintenance device has a platform for a person in order to transport the person to the cockpit replica through the maintenance opening. The platform can be selectively coupled to the device, in particular, depending on whether the conveying of the person is necessary. The maintenance device can thus be converted and used to form a working stand for service work on devices of the cockpit replicas, such as, for example, on the computers and a control cabinet of the cockpit replicas.The platform can be and fixed, for example, in an inactive position and in an active position in which an operating personnel can stand on the platform. The platform may also include a handrail to meet safety regulations. Safety-relevant control commands, such as the control of the handling mechanism for handling the visualization unit, can be automatically blocked, for example, when the platform is oriented in an active position in order to prevent injury to the operating personnel. Furthermore, a railing can be arranged on the platform. The position of the pedestal can be monitored, for example, by means of a monitoring sensor system.According to a further exemplary embodiment, the maintenance device has a handling device for handling the cockpit replicas. The drive device is configured to transport the handling device together with the cockpit replica through the maintenance opening.According to a further exemplary embodiment, the handling device has a receiving fork which can be introduced through the maintenance opening and between the carrier structure and the cockpit replica in order to lift the cockpit replica from the carrier structure.Additionally or alternatively, the handling device has a gripping element for selectively gripping the cockpit replicas, wherein the gripping element can be introduced through the maintenance opening in order to decouple or couple the cockpit replicas from the carrier structure.The gripping element can grip the cockpit replicas and accordingly release them from the carrier structure in order to exchange the cockpit replicas. Furthermore, for example, a coupling / decoupling with the cockpit replica can be made possible by means of a magnetic coupling or by means of a plug connection in order to release or fasten the cockpit replica from the carrier structure. The handling device is designed in such a way that the cockpit replicas can be moved through the maintenance opening.Accordingly, with the described maintenance device, an exchange of cockpit replicas can be made possible by means of the handling device.The maintenance device is thus designed for the manipulation of the cockpit replicas with gripping mechanism and rotatable and vertically movable lifting platform (platform) in order to service the cockpit replicas or to lift them into different levels.According to a further exemplary embodiment, the maintenance device has a storage device on which a cockpit replica can be deposited or from which a cockpit replica can be received by means of the maintenance device, wherein the drive device has in particular a rotary plate in order to align the cockpit replica relative to the handling device or the storage device.The maintenance device or its drive device can be positioned fixed in front of the flight simulator. The combination of translatory and rotatory movements of the maintenance device by means of the drive device enables the replacement process of the cockpit replicas to be carried out and the maintenance thereof to be carried out. For example, by means of the maintenance device or its handling device, the cockpit replicas can be lifted out of the motherboard or from the carrier structure through the maintenance opening and deposited on one of the two docking frames (depositing device). Subsequently, a further cockpit replica can be accommodated on a docking frame positioned differently and positioned in the Mothers ship (carrier structure). The cockpit replicas which have been deposited on a docking frame can be moved manually very easily with the aid of this docking frame or can be replaced by further cockpit replicas.In an exemplary embodiment, the cockpit replica is completely equipped in such a way that it represents a self-contained mechatronic system which can be put into operation even outside the motherboard or the carrier structure with the aid of a relatively simple docking station. In an exemplary embodiment, the storage device of the maintenance device described below can form a type of docking station, so that when the cockpit replicas are unloaded, it is equipped with all system-relevant functions and can also be used outside the flight simulator for the simulation.In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a flight simulator system is described. The flight simulator system includes the above-described flight simulator and the above-described maintenance device for maintaining the flight simulator. Furthermore, the flight simulator system has a control unit. The control unit is configured to control the handling mechanism for handling the visualization unit and the drive device in such a way that the handling mechanism moves the visualization unit in such a way that the maintenance opening can be provided between the visualization unit and the carrier structure. Furthermore, the control unit is designed to control the drive device in such a way that the maintenance device is movable through the maintenance opening and the maintenance device reaches the cockpit replicas from the outside.By means of the control unit, a maintenance or an exchange process of the cockpit replicas can thus be automatically implemented. A corresponding position sensor can determine, for example, the position of the visualization device and the cockpit replicas on the carrier structure. The corresponding sensor data can be received by the control unit. Based thereon, the control unit can accordingly move the visualization unit relative to the carrier structure. Furthermore, the control unit can drive the drive device and correspondingly the maintenance device (for example the gripping elements) through the maintenance opening and generate a coupling with the cockpit replica. Accordingly, the control unit can automatically control the drive device of the maintenance device in such a way that a controlled movement of the cockpit replicas through the maintenance opening is made possible. The present invention thus describes a comprehensive flight simulator system with which automatic control for maintenance and replacement of cockpit replicas is made possible.It is to be noted that the embodiments described here represent only a limited selection of possible embodiment variants of the invention. It is thus possible to combine the features of individual embodiments with one another in a suitable manner, so that a multiplicity of different embodiments are to be regarded as obviously disclosed to the person skilled in the art with the variant embodiments explicit here. In particular, some embodiments of the invention are described with apparatus claims and other embodiments of the invention are described with method claims. However, it will be immediately apparent to the person skilled in the art upon reading this application that, unless explicitly stated otherwise, in addition to a combination of features belonging to one type of subject matter of the invention, any combination of features belonging to different types of subject matter of the invention is also possible.Brief Description of the DrawingsIn the following, exemplary embodiments are described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings for further explanation and for better understanding of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a flight simulator with a raised visualization unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 2 to 5 show schematic representations of pivot options of the visualization unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows a schematic illustration of a support unit on a support section of the support structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 shows a schematic illustration of a section A-A of the support unit from FIG. 6 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a support unit of FIG. 6 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 9 and 10 are schematic diagrams of a maintenance apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a flight simulator system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTSIdentical or similar components in different figures are provided with identical reference numerals. The representations in the figures are schematic.FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a flight simulator 100 with a raised visualization unit 104 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The flight simulator 100 has a carrier structure 101 and a cockpit replica 102, which simulates a cockpit of a real aircraft and has a viewing window 103, by means of which a field of view outside the cockpit replica 102 results. Cockpit replicas 102 are mounted on support structure 101. Furthermore, the flight simulator 100 has a visualization unit 104 for visualizing a simulated environment in the field of view around the cockpit replicas 102, wherein the visualization unit 104 surrounds the cockpit replicas 102 at least partially with the viewing window 103. Furthermore, the flight simulator 100 has a handling mechanism 105 for handling the visualization unit 104 relative to the carrier structure 101, wherein the visualization unit 104 is detachably fastened to the carrier structure 101 in such a way that the visualization unit 104 can be moved by means of the handling mechanism 105 in such a way that a maintenance opening can be provided between the visualization unit 104 and the carrier structure 101, through which the cockpit replicas 102 can be reached from the outside.The support structure 101 of the flight simulator 100 consists, for example, of a framework, for example, of steel rods, on which components of the flight simulator 100, in particular the cockpit replicas 102, the visualization unit 104 and the handling mechanism 105, are fastened. The carrier structure 101 has a corresponding planar support and can furthermore have carrier elements which extend from the planar support and for example laterally at least partially encompass the visualization unit 104 and / or the cockpit replicas 102 in order to form a corresponding edge fastening or holder.The cockpit replica 102 or the simulation cockpit simulates or is a detail-true replica of an aircraft-type-specific cockpit in which corresponding functional elements of a specific aircraft type on which the pilot is to be trained are set up. The cockpit replicas 102 can be detachably fastened to the carrier structure 101 in order to be exchanged by the carrier structure 101. Thus, an adaptation to another aircraft type is possible in that a corresponding cockpit replica 102 simulating a specific aircraft type can be arranged. The cockpit replica 102 has a corresponding cockpit tip which specifies a corresponding (simulation) flight direction. The cockpit replica 102 has corresponding viewing windows 103, through which the pilot can look at the interior of the visualization unit 104.The cockpit replicas 102 can furthermore have an assembly platform or base platform, which is usually arranged on the floor of the cockpit housing of the cockpit replicas 102. In particular, functionally relevant installations for the simulation are arranged in the base platform.The visualization unit 104 is configured around the viewing windows 103, simulating an environment around the cockpit, so that the pilot can perceive a simulated environment through the viewing window 103. The visualization unit 104 has, in particular, corresponding screens or a screen or a projection surface, which simulate a corresponding environment of the cockpit replica 102. Furthermore, the visualization unit 104 can have one or more projectors which project corresponding images onto a collector surface directly or via a mirror system, which images in particular surround the viewing windows 103 of the cockpit replicas 102. In this case, the visualization unit 104 is reinforced, for example, by a supporting framework, which can be formed, for example, partially by the stiffening frame 110, and by a thinner housing wall or sheathing, which surrounds the cockpit replica 102 at least partially, in particular for intercepting interference light. Accordingly, the visualization unit 104 can be designed as a spherical segment or tubular in order to enclose the cockpit replicas 102 or their viewing window 103, but to leave a rear part of the cockpit exposed.The visualization unit 104 is detachably fastened to the support structure 101, for example with viewing and / or plug connections, wherein the visualization unit 104 can be moved relative to the support structure 101 by means of a handling mechanism 105 which is part of the flight simulator 100 and is fastened to the support structure 101, for example. In particular, the visualization unit 104 can be moved in such a way that a maintenance opening is formed between the visualization unit 104 and the carrier structure 101. Thus, the cockpit replica 102 can be reached through the service opening. It is thus no longer necessary to create a free space from behind in order to reach, i.e. to service or replace, the cockpit replicas 102. Accordingly, the present invention provides the service opening above, laterally, or in front of cockpit replicas 102, thereby facilitating a front-end charging system, top-end charging system, or lateral charging system for cockpit replicas 102.The handling mechanism 105 is configured to move the visualization unit 104 along a translatory movement direction 106 relative to the carrier structure 101 in order to form the maintenance opening.As illustrated in FIG. 1, the handling mechanism 105 is configured to lift the visualization unit 104 from the support structure 101, in particular along a vertical direction. For example, a corresponding device, such as the lifting rods 108 described below, can be used.The handling mechanism 105 comprises extendable lifting rods 108 which are arranged between the visualization unit 104 and the carrier structure 101 in order to lift the visualization unit 104 from the carrier structure 101. The lifting rods 108 can be moved, for example, telescopically in and out.The lifting rods 108 can be extended and retracted by means of an electric, pneumatic or hydraulic drive unit 107. For example, an electric linear motor can be used in particular in order to indicate the visualization unit 104 from the carrier structure 101 exactly and uniformly.The lifting rods 108 are coupled to a lifting spindle 109 which forms a spindle drive with the electric drive unit 107 in order to lift the visualization unit 104 from the carrier structure 101. The lifting rod 108 and the further lifting rod 108 are arranged spaced apart from one another, wherein the lifting rod 108 and the further lifting rod 108 are synchronously controllable in order to lift the visualization unit 104 uniformly and simultaneously.For example, a common drive unit 107 may be coupled to the lifting rods 108 to enable smooth movement of the visualization unit 104. The drive unit 107 can be coupled, for example, via belts or to a common lifting spindle 109 in order to enable a uniform and low-vibration movement sequence. Furthermore, a mechanical transmission can be used, for example, in order to uniformly transmit a uniform movement, which is initiated by a common drive unit 107, to the lifting rods 108.In another exemplary embodiment, each lift rod 108 may be operated with a drive unit 107 associated therewith. The drive units 107 can be synchronized centrally via a control unit 1101 (see FIG. 11 ) and thus controlled uniformly.The linear upward movement of the visualization unit 104 can be secured, for example, by vertically arranged linear guides. The linear guides can be, for example, guide rods 112 which project perpendicularly from the carrier structure 101.The visualization unit 104 has a stiffening frame 110 which is arranged in the base region of the visualization unit 104 for stiffening the structure of the visualization unit 104, wherein the stiffening frame 110 is coupled to the handling mechanism 105 in such a way that the stiffening frame 110 is movable together with the visualization unit 104 in order to form the maintenance opening. The stiffening frame 110 can consist, for example, of a framework on which the thin housing or the casing of the visualization unit 104 is arranged.Furthermore, heavier installations, such as the projectors or mirror units, for example, can be arranged on the stiffening frame 110. In addition, the stiffening frame 110 can be formed at least in regions along the housing of the visualization unit 104 in order to reinforce the latter. This allows the sensitive visualization unit 104 to be lifted without distortion.The flight simulator 100 has a movement mechanism 111 which is arranged between the carrier structure 101 and a ground, wherein the movement mechanism 111 is configured to move the carrier structure 101 together with the visualization unit 104 and the cockpit replica 102 in order to simulate flight or aircraft-relevant movements. The movement mechanism 111 can have, for example, pivotable and retractable and extendable lifting rods in order to simulate flight movements or ground movements. The movement mechanism 111 can be equipped, for example, by means of electric drive units in order to transmit corresponding movements via the lifting rods to the carrier structure 101 and correspondingly to the cockpit replicas 102 and the visualization unit 104.FIGS. 2 to 5 show schematic representations of pivot options of the visualization unit 104 according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.The handling mechanism 105 couples the visualization unit 104 to the carrier structure 101 pivotably by means of a joint connection 201 in such a way that the visualization unit 104 is pivotable relative to the carrier structure 101 by means of a pivoting movement in order to form a maintenance opening. The drive unit 107 can be fastened, for example, to the articulated connection 201 in order to correspondingly generate a rotational driving force which leads to the pivoting of the carrier structure 101.In FIGS. 2 to 5, several exemplary embodiments are explained, which describe different swivel directions relative to a simulation flight direction 202. The cockpit replica 102 has a corresponding cockpit tip which specifies a corresponding (simulation) flight direction. The cockpit replica 102 has corresponding viewing windows 103, through which the pilot can look into a simulated environment.In FIG. 2, the articulated connection 201 is configured to pivot the visualization unit 104 about an axis of rotation 203 which is configured orthogonally to the simulation flight direction 202 and horizontally. The articulated connection 201 is fastened to an upper edge of the carrier structure 101, which also extends behind the visualization unit 104.In FIG. 3, the articulated connection 201 is configured to pivot the visualization unit 104 about an axis of rotation 203 which is configured orthogonally to the simulation flight direction 202 and horizontally. The articulated connection 201 is fastened to a lower edge of the carrier structure 101.In FIG. 4, the articulated connection 201 is configured to pivot the visualization unit 104 about an axis of rotation 203 which is configured orthogonally to the simulation flight direction 202 and vertically.In FIG. 5, the articulated connection 201 is configured to pivot the visualization unit 104 about an axis of rotation 203 which is formed parallel to the simulation flight direction 202.FIG. 6 shows a schematic illustration of a support unit 602 on a support section 601 of the carrier structure 101 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 shows a schematic illustration of a section A-A of the support unit from FIG. 6, FIG. 8 shows a schematic illustration of a support unit 602 from FIG. 6, the support structure 101 has a support section 601 for placing the cockpit replicas 102. In particular, a support unit 602 with a support plate 603 for supporting the cockpit replicas 102 is provided in the support section 601. In particular, a plurality of support units 602 having a corresponding support plate 603 can be arranged at a distance from one another on the corresponding support sections 601 of the carrier structure 101 in order to produce a robust and detachable fastening to the cockpit replica 102.A centering element 604 is arranged in the support section 601, which engages in a corresponding centering receptacle of the cockpit replicas 102 for positioning the cockpit replicas 102 relative to the carrier structure 101. Additionally or alternatively, a centering receptacle is formed in the support section 601, in which a corresponding centering element 604 of the cockpit replicas 102 engages for positioning the cockpit replicas 102 relative to the carrier structure 101. The centering element 604 can protrude, for example, pyramidally or conically or conically from the bearing plate 603, so that a corresponding receiving opening 702 of the cockpit replica 102 can be placed on top.The support unit 602 is coupled to the support structure 101 at least by means of a damping device 701 in order to damp oscillations between the support structure 101 and the cockpit replica 102. The damping device 701 has a rubber bearing, wherein the rubber bearing has a rubber sleeve which is arranged in a receiving opening 702 of the damping device 701. The rubber sleeve has a protrusion 703 in order to space the damping device 701 from the bearing plate 603. The support plate 603 has a fastening pin which is mounted in the rubber sleeve. In the exemplary embodiment, the support unit 602 can be exactly adjusted on the one hand by means of the fastening pin and fastened to the carrier structure 101. In addition, the rubber sleeve includes the fixing pin and, at the same time as the protrusion 703 (or bead), supports the supporting plate 603, thus having a vibration-damping effect.The flight simulator 100 has a screw device 704 which has a fastening screw 705 which can be screwed from the carrier structure 101 into the cockpit replica 102 for fixing purposes. The cockpit replica 102 has in particular a corresponding threaded hole into which the fastening screw 705 can be screwed. For example, the centering element 604 can ensure that, when positioning the cockpit replicas 102 on the support unit 602, the fastening screw 705 can be reliably driven into the threaded hole during operation. In particular in an exemplary embodiment, the screwing device 704 has a drive device 706 for driving the fastening screw 705 in order to couple the cockpit replicas 102 to the carrier structure 101 automatically (i.e. for example by means of control by a control unit 1101). The screw device 704 can be part of the support unit 602, for example, and can be mounted in a vibration-damping manner to the support structure 101 via the support unit 602.The screw device 704 is configured such that the fastening screw 705 extends through the carrier structure 101 and can be operated from a side of the carrier structure 101 which is opposite the support section 601 of the carrier unit. Thus, for example, a user can well reach the fastening screw 705 from a lower side of the carrier structure 101 opposite the cockpit replica 102 and operate it accordingly. Furthermore, the screw device 704 may be provided on the opposite side of the support structure 101 control and drive devices 706 in order to detect the position of the fastening screw 705 and / or to control the fastening screw 705. For example, a rotation of the fastening screw 705 can be controlled by means of an electric motor in order to enable automatic fastening of the cockpit replicas 102. A corresponding position sensor, in particular a rotational position sensor, of the screwing device 704 can correspondingly determine the screwing-in position of the fastening screw 705 in order thus to determine the exact screwing-in status of the fastening screw 705 in the cockpit replica 102 and correspondingly control the fastening screw 705.A proximity sensor 707 is also provided on the support section 601, wherein the proximity sensor 707 is configured to determine a distance and / or a position between the support section 601 and the cockpit replica 102. The proximity sensor 707 can be designed, for example, as an ultrasonic sensor or as an optical sensor. Furthermore, the proximity sensor 707 can form a contact sensor which establishes a contact between the support section 601 or the support unit 602 and the cockpit replica 102. A corresponding control unit 1101 can process the sensor signals and, on the basis thereof, automatically and automatically control a corresponding actuation of the fastening screw 705.FIGS. 9 and 10 are schematic diagrams of a maintenance device 900 for maintaining the above-described flight simulator 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 900 has a maintenance device 902 and a drive device 901, which is configured to move the maintenance device 902 through the maintenance opening between the visualization unit 104 and the carrier structure 101 in such a way that the maintenance device 902 reaches the cockpit replicas 102 from the outside.The maintenance device 902 can have, for example, corresponding elements which are provided for the maintenance or for the replacement of the cockpit replicas 102. For example, a corresponding maintenance tool can be conveyed through the maintenance opening to the cockpit replica 102. The drive device 901 can be designed, for example, electrically, pneumatic or hydraulically. The drive device 901 also has corresponding force-transmitting elements, such as rods, belt drives or gear elements, for example, in order to move the maintenance device 902 through the maintenance opening. The drive device 901 is thus considered to be a lifting device.The maintenance device 902 has, for example, a platform 1001 for a person in order to transport the person to the cockpit replica 102 through the maintenance opening. In particular, the platform 1001 can be selectively coupled to the device, depending on whether the conveying of the person is necessary. The maintenance device 902 can thus be converted and used to form a working stand 1001 for service work on devices of the cockpit replicas 102, such as, for example, on the computers or a switch cabinet in the cockpit replicas 102.According to a further exemplary embodiment, the maintenance device 902 has a handling device 903 for handling the cockpit replicas 102. The drive device 901 is configured to transport the handling device 903 together with the cockpit replica 102 through the maintenance opening. The handling device 903 has, for example, a receiving fork 904, which can be introduced through the maintenance opening and between the carrier structure 101 and the cockpit replica 102 in order to lift the cockpit replica 102 from the carrier structure 101.Additionally or alternatively, the handling device 903 has a gripping element for selectively gripping the cockpit replicas 102, wherein the gripping element can be introduced through the maintenance opening in order to decouple or couple the cockpit replicas 102 from the carrier structure 101. The gripping element can grip the cockpit replicas 102 and correspondingly release them from the carrier structure 101 in order to replace the cockpit replicas 102. Furthermore, for example, a coupling or decoupling with the cockpit replica 102 can be made possible by means of a magnetic coupling or by means of a plug connection in order to release or fasten the cockpit replica 102 from the carrier structure 101. The handling device is designed in such a way that the cockpit replica 102 can be moved through the maintenance opening.The maintenance device 900 furthermore has a storage device 905, on which a cockpit replica 102 can be deposited or from which a cockpit replica 102 can be received by means of the maintenance device 902, wherein the drive device 901 has in particular a rotary plate 906 in order to align the cockpit replica 102 relative to the handling device 903 or the storage device 905.FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a flight simulator system 1100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The flight simulator system 1100 includes the above-described flight simulator 100 and the above-described maintenance device for servicing the flight simulator 100. Furthermore, the flight simulator system 1100 has a control unit 1101. The control unit 1101 is configured to control the handling mechanism 105 for handling the visualization unit 104 and the drive device 901 in such a way that the handling mechanism 105 moves the visualization unit 104 in such a way that the maintenance opening can be provided between the visualization unit 104 and the carrier structure 101. Furthermore, the control unit 1101 is designed to control the drive device 901 in such a way that the maintenance device 902 is movable through the maintenance opening and the maintenance device 902 reaches the cockpit replicas 102 from the outside.The maintenance device 900 or its drive device 901 can be positioned fixed in front of the flight simulator 100. The combination of translatory and rotatory movements of the maintenance device 902 by means of the drive device 901 enables the execution of the replacement process of the cockpit replicas 102 and their maintenance. For example, by means of the maintenance device 902 or the handling device 903 thereof, the cockpit replicas 102 can be lifted out of the motherboard or from the carrier structure 101 through the maintenance opening and deposited on one of the two docking frames (depositing devices 905). Subsequently, a further cockpit replica 102 can be accommodated by a docking frame positioned differently and positioned in the Mothers ship (carrier structure 101).By means of the control unit 1101, a maintenance or an exchange process of the cockpit replicas 102 can thus be automatically implemented. A corresponding position sensor can determine, for example, the position of the visualization device and the cockpit replicas 102 on the carrier structure 101. The corresponding sensor data may be received by the control unit 1101. Based thereon, the control unit 1101 can correspondingly move the visualization unit 104 relative to the carrier structure 101. Furthermore, the control unit 1101 can drive the drive device 901 and correspondingly the maintenance device 902 (for example the gripping elements) through the maintenance opening and generate a coupling with the cockpit replica 102. Accordingly, the control unit 1101 can automatically control the drive device 901 of the maintenance device in such a way that a controlled movement of the cockpit replicas 102 through the maintenance opening is made possible. In the present invention, a comprehensive flight simulator system 1100 is thus described, with which automatic control for maintenance and replacement of a cockpit replica 102 is made possible.Additionally, it should be noted that "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. It should also be noted that features or steps that have been described with reference to one of the above exemplary embodiments can also be used in combination with other features or steps of other exemplary embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims should not be regarded as limiting.List of reference numbers:100 Flight simulator 101 Support structure 102 Cockpit replica 103 Viewing window 104 Visualization unit 105 Handling mechanism 106 Movement direction 107 Drive unit 108 Lifting rod 109 Lifting spindle 110 Stiffening frame 111 Movement mechanism 112 Guide rod 201 Articulated connection 202 Simulation flight direction 203 Axis of rotation 601 Support section 602 Support unit 603 Support plate 604 Centering element 701 Damping device 702 Receiving opening 703 Protrusion 704 Screw device 705 Fastening screw 706 Drive device 707 Proximity sensor 900 Maintenance device 901 Drive device 902 Maintenance device 903 Handling device 904 Receiving fork 905 Depositing device 906 Rotary plate 1001 Platform 1100 Flight simulator system 1101 Control unit

Claims

Flight simulator (100), having a carrier structure (101), a cockpit replica (102) which simulates a cockpit of a real aircraft and has a viewing window (103), through which a field of view outside the cockpit replica (102) results, wherein the cockpit replica (102) is fastened to the carrier structure (101), a visualization unit (104) for visualizing a simulated environment in the field of view around the cockpit replica (102), wherein the visualization unit (104) at least partially surrounds the cockpit replica (102) with the viewing window (103), a handling mechanism (105) for handling the visualization unit (104) relative to the carrier structure (101), wherein the visualization unit (104) is fastened detachably to the carrier structure (101) in such a way that the visualization unit (104) can be moved by means of the handling mechanism (105), a service opening can be provided between the visualization unit (104) and the support structure (101), through which the cockpit replicas (102) can be reached from the outside.The flight simulator (100) according to claim 1, wherein the handling mechanism (105) is configured to move the visualization unit (104) along a translatory movement direction (106) relative to the carrier structure (101) in order to form the maintenance opening.The flight simulator (100) according to claim 2, wherein the handling mechanism (105) is configured to lift the visualization unit (104) from the support structure (101), in particular along a vertical direction.The flight simulator (100) according to claim 3, wherein the handling mechanism (105) comprises at least one extendable lifting rod (108), which is arranged between the visualization unit (104) and the support structure (101), in order to lift the visualization unit (104) from the support structure (101).Flight simulator (100) according to Claim 4, wherein the lifting rod (108) can be extended and retracted by means of a drive unit (107), in particular by means of an electric, pneumatic or hydraulic drive unit.Flight simulator (100) according to claim 5, wherein the lifting rod (108) comprises a lifting spindle (109), which forms a spindle drive with the electric drive unit (107) in order to lift the visualization unit (104) from the carrier structure (101).Flight simulator (100) according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the handling mechanism (105) comprises at least one further extendable lifting rod (108), which is arranged between the visualization unit (104) and the support structure (101), in order to lift the visualization unit (104) from the support structure (101), wherein the lifting rod (108) and the further lifting rod (108) are arranged spaced apart from one another, wherein the lifting rod (108) and the further lifting rod (108) are synchronously controllable in order to lift the visualization unit (104) uniformly.Flight simulator (100) according to one of Claims 2 to 7, wherein the handling mechanism (105) is configured to move the visualization unit (104) along the carrier structure (101), in particular horizontally.Flight simulator (100) according to Claim 8, wherein the handling mechanism (105) has at least one guide rail which is fastened to the carrier structure (101), and a carriage, in particular a carriage which can be driven, which can be moved along the guide rail, wherein the visualization unit (104) is fastened to the carriage.Flight simulator (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 9, wherein the handling mechanism (105) is pivotably coupled to the carrier structure (101) by means of a hinged connection (201) in such a way that the visualization unit (104) is pivotable relative to the carrier structure (101) by means of a pivoting movement in order to form the maintenance opening.The flight simulator (100) according to claim 10, wherein the cockpit replica (102) defines a simulation flight direction (202), wherein the articulation joint (201) is configured to pivot the visualization unit (104) about an axis of rotation (203) which is orthogonal to the simulation flight direction (202) and is configured horizontally.The flight simulator (100) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the cockpit replica (102) defines a simulation flight direction (202), wherein the articulation joint (201) is configured to pivot the visualization unit (104) about an axis of rotation (203) which is orthogonal to the simulation flight direction (202) and is configured vertically.Flight simulator (100) according to one of Claims 10 to 12, wherein the cockpit replicas (102) define a simulation flight direction (202), wherein the articulated connection (201) is configured to pivot the visualization unit (104) about an axis of rotation (203) which is formed parallel to the simulation flight direction (202).The flight simulator (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the visualization unit (104) comprises a stiffening frame (110) arranged in the bottom region of the visualization unit (104) for stiffening the structure of the visualization unit (104), wherein the stiffening frame (110) is coupled to the handling mechanism (105) such that the stiffening frame (110) is movable together with the visualization unit (104) to form the maintenance opening.Flight simulator (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 14, wherein the carrier structure (101) has a support section (601) for supporting the cockpit replicas (102), wherein in particular a support unit (602) with a support plate (603) for supporting the cockpit replicas (102) is provided in the support section (601).Flight simulator (100) according to claim 15, wherein a centering element (604) is arranged in the support section (601), which engages in a corresponding centering receptacle of the cockpit replicas (102) for positioning the cockpit replicas (102) relative to the support structure (101), and / or wherein a centering receptacle is formed in the support section (601), in which a corresponding centering element (604) of the cockpit replicas (102) engages for positioning the cockpit replicas (102) relative to the support structure (101).Flight simulator (100) according to Claim 15 or 16, wherein the support unit (602) is coupled to the carrier structure (101) at least by means of a damping device (701) in order to damp oscillations between the carrier structure (101) and the cockpit replica (102).Flight simulator (100) according to Claim 17, wherein the damping device (701) has a rubber bearing, wherein the rubber bearing has a rubber sleeve which is arranged in a receiving opening (702) in the damping device (701), wherein the rubber sleeve has a protrusion (703) in order to space the damping device (701) from the bearing plate (603), wherein the bearing plate (603) has a fastening pin which is mounted in the rubber sleeve.Flight simulator (100) according to one of Claims 15 to 18, a screwing device (704) which has a fastening screw (705) which can be screwed from the carrier structure (101) into the cockpit replica (102) for fixing, wherein the screwing device (704) has a drive device for driving the fastening screw (705) in order automatically to couple the cockpit replica (102) to the carrier structure (101).Flight simulator (100) according to claim 19, wherein the screwing device (704) is configured such that the fastening screw (705) extends through the carrier structure (101) and is operable from a side of the carrier structure (101) which is opposite the support section (601).Flight simulator (100) according to one of Claims 15 to 20, wherein a proximity sensor (707) is provided on the support section (601), wherein the proximity sensor (707) is configured to determine a distance and / or a position between the support section (601) and the cockpit replica (102).The apparatus (900) for servicing a flight simulator according to any one of claims 1 to 21, the apparatus (900) comprising a maintenance device, and a drive device (901) configured to move the maintenance device (902) through the maintenance opening between the visualization unit (104) and the support structure (101) such that the maintenance device (902) reaches the cockpit replicas (102) from outside.The apparatus (900) of claim 22, wherein the service facility (902) comprises a platform (1001) for a person to transport the person to the cockpit replica (102) through the service opening.The apparatus (900) according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the maintenance device (902) comprises a handling device (903) for handling the cockpit replicas (102), wherein the drive device (901) is configured to transport the handling device (903) together with the cockpit replicas (102) through the maintenance opening.The apparatus (900) of claim 24, wherein the handling device (903) comprises a receiving fork (904) which is insertable through the service opening and between the support structure (101) and the cockpit replicas (102) to lift the cockpit replicas (102) from the support structure (101) and / or wherein the handling device (903) comprises a gripping element for selectively gripping the cockpit replicas (102), wherein the gripping element is insertable through the service opening to decouple or couple the cockpit replicas (102) from the support structure (101).The device (900) according to any one of claims 22 to 25, further comprising a storage device (905) on which a cockpit replica (102) can be deposited or from which a cockpit replica (102) can be received by means of the maintenance device, wherein the drive device (901) in particular comprises a rotary plate (906) in order to align the cockpit replica (102) relative to the handling device (903) or the storage device (905).Flight simulator system (1100), comprising a flight simulator (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 21, a device (900) according to one of Claims 22 to 26 for servicing the flight simulator, a control unit (1101) which is configured to control the handling mechanism (105) for handling the visualization unit (104) and the drive device (901) in such a way that the handling mechanism (105) moves the visualization unit (104) in such a way that the service opening can be provided between the visualization unit (104) and the carrier structure (101), and to control the drive device (901) in such a way that the service device (902) is movable through the service opening and the service device (902) reaches the cockpit replicas (102) from the outside.Method for servicing a flight simulator according to one of claims 1 to 21, the method comprising moving the visualization unit (104) by means of the handling mechanism (105) in such a way that a service opening is provided between the visualization unit (104) and the carrier structure (101), through which the cockpit replicas (102) can be reached from the outside.

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