阅读说明：本技术 用于在缩回位置与伸出位置之间驱动襟翼安排的系统 (System for driving a flap arrangement between a retracted position and an extended position ) 是由 马库斯·吉贝特 布拉任科·科斯科维奇 于 2019-07-16 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种襟翼系统包括前缘襟翼、致动器、第一、第二和第三固定连杆,第一和第二连接连杆及辅助连杆,第一至第三固定连杆包括分别将其可旋转地支撑在第一至第三结构性固定点上的第一至第三支撑接头,第一固定连杆包括与第一连接连杆的端部(其另一端部与第一襟翼接头联接)联接的第一连接接头,第二固定连杆包括与第一连接连杆的中心区域可旋转地联接的第二连接接头,第三固定连杆包括与第二连接连杆的端部(其另一端部与第二襟翼接头联接)可旋转地联接的第三连接接头,第二连接与第一固定连杆在相应端部内的位置由辅助连杆相联,固定、连接及辅助连杆安排成将前缘缝翼从缩回位置主动地放置到伸出位置。本申请还提供包括该襟翼系统的机翼和飞行器。(A flap system includes a leading edge flap, an actuator, a first, second and third fixed links, first and second connecting links and an auxiliary link, the first to third fixed links including first to third support joints rotatably supporting them at first to third structural fixing points respectively, the first fixed link including a first connecting joint rotatably coupled to an end of the first connecting link (the other end of which is coupled to the first flap joint), the second fixed link including a second connecting joint rotatably coupled to a central region of the first connecting link, the third fixed link including a third connecting joint rotatably coupled to an end of the second connecting link (the other end of which is coupled to the second flap joint), the position of the second connecting link within the respective ends being coupled by the auxiliary link, the fixed, connecting and auxiliary links being arranged to positively place the slat from the retracted position to the extended position. The application also provides a wing and an aircraft comprising the flap system.)

1. A flap system (2, 72) for driving a leading edge flap between a retracted position and an extended position, the system comprising:

-leading-edge flaps (54, 73),

-an actuator for moving the actuator in a direction opposite to the direction of the movement,

-a first fixed link (8),

-a second fixed link (18),

-a third fixed link (34),

-a first connecting link (24),

-a second connecting link (42), and

-an auxiliary link (48),

wherein the first fixed link (8) comprises a first support joint (14) for rotatably supporting the first fixed link (8) on a first structural fixation point (10),

wherein the second fixed link (18) comprises a second support joint (22) for rotatably supporting the second fixed link (18) on a second structural fixation point (20),

wherein the third fixed link (34) comprises a third support joint (38) for rotatably supporting the third fixed link (34) at a third structural fixation point,

wherein the first fixed link (8) comprises a first connection joint coupled with an end of the first connection link (24) which is coupled at the other end with a first flap joint (28),

wherein the second fixed link (18) comprises a second connection joint rotatably coupled with a central region of the first connection link (24),

wherein the third fixed link (34) comprises a third connection joint rotatably coupled with an end of the second connection link (42) which is coupled at the other end with a second flap joint (44),

wherein the second connecting link (42) and the first fixed link (8) are each coupled at a position within the respective end by an auxiliary link (48), and

wherein the fixed link (8, 18, 34), the connecting link (24, 42), and the auxiliary link (48) are arranged for actively placing the leading edge flap (54, 73) from a retracted position into an extended position.

2. The system (2, 72) of claim 1,

wherein the first fixed link (8) has a length greater than the second fixed link (18).

3. The system (2, 72) of claim 1 or 2,

wherein in the retracted position the first fixed link (8) and the second fixed link (18) enclose an angle of less than 10 °.

4. The system (2, 72) of any one of the preceding claims,

wherein in the retracted position the first connecting link (24) and the first fixed link (8) enclose an angle in the range of 25 ° to 45 °.

5. The system (2, 72) of any one of the preceding claims,

wherein the third fixed link (34) has a length which is at most half the length of the first fixed link (8).

6. The system (2, 72) of any one of the preceding claims,

wherein the fixed link (8, 18, 34), the connecting link (24, 42), and the auxiliary link (48) are arranged for: actively placing the leading edge flap (54, 73) from a retracted position to an intermediate position in which a chord axis (68) of the flap (54, 73) is adjusted to a desired angle; and for subsequently providing a translational movement along a chord axis (68) of the flap (54, 73), while the orientation of the chord axis (68) remains substantially constant.

7. The system (2, 72) of any one of the preceding claims,

wherein the leading edge flap (54, 73) comprises a main body portion (74) and a nose portion (76),

further comprising a third connecting link (78), a second auxiliary link (80), and a fourth connecting link (90),

wherein the second connecting link (42) is coupled with an end of the third connecting link (78), wherein the third connecting link (78) is coupled with the second auxiliary link (80) at an opposite end,

wherein a central region of the second auxiliary link (80) is rotatably supported on the first flap joint (28) and is coupled at one end with the third connecting link (78) and at the opposite end with the fourth connecting link (90), and

wherein the flap nose is coupled with the fourth connecting link (90) and the first flap joint (28).

8. The system (2, 72) of any one of the preceding claims,

wherein exclusively a single actuator is used.

9. An airfoil (6) having a leading edge region (4) and a trailing edge region and at least one system (2, 72) as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8 mounted within the airfoil (6).

10. The wing (6) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the system (2, 72) is arranged in the leading edge region (4).

11. The wing (6) of claim 9 or 10, wherein the system (2, 72) is designed for moving the flap (54, 73) below the leading edge (64) until an angle of 117 ° is formed between the local flap chord (68) and the local wing chord (70).

12. The wing (6) of any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the flap system (2, 72) is further designed for limiting a gap (66) between a trailing edge (62) of the flap (54, 73) and a leading edge (64) of the wing (6) to 2% of the local wing chord (50).

13. An aircraft (76) having at least one wing (6) according to any one of claims 9 to 12.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a system for driving a flap arrangement between a retracted position and an extended position, a wing having such a system, and an aircraft.

Background

In commercial aircraft, so-called high lift systems are usually provided on the wings, allowing to increase the lift generating area of the wings and their camber. These high lift systems comprise mainly trailing edge flap arrangements and leading edge flap arrangements. For example, a leading edge flap arrangement includes a flap that extends from a recess at the underside of the wing to a position upstream of the wing. For such so-called krueger flaps, there are many different actuating mechanisms.

Krueger flaps are typically located at the underside of the wing with the trailing edge pointing in a forward direction and the leading edge pointing aft. During flap deployment, the flap generally follows a rotational motion to reach a position forward of the wing leading edge and create a gap therewith, wherein the flap leading edge points in the direction of flight and wherein the trailing edge points in the aft direction.

DE 102011018906 a1 shows an exemplary leading-edge flap system with krueger flaps. Here, an additional retaining element is attached to the trailing edge of the flap to influence the gap between the flap and the wing leading edge.

EP 2509859B 1 shows a high lift system which may also comprise a krueger flap which has a design to shape the resulting gap between the flap and the leading edge of the wing to be strictly convergent.

Disclosure of Invention

Common kinematics for extending a leading edge slat in the form of a krueger flap generally provide for a rigid movement of the leading edge flap attached to a lever that rotates about a rotational axis. Thus, the angle between the chord axis of the flap and the chord axis of the wing is substantially proportional to the position of the lever. However, it may be advantageous to provide different motions to optimize the gap between the leading edge flap and the wing leading edge, as well as the airflow over the flap and wing.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to propose an improved flap system for providing movement of leading-edge flaps, which flap system improves the flow in the flap region, while the system should be as simple as possible.

This object is achieved by a flap system having the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments can be gathered from the dependent claims and the following description.

A flap system for driving a leading edge flap between a retracted position and an extended position is proposed, the system comprising: a leading edge flap, an actuator, a first fixed link, a second fixed link, a third fixed link, a first connecting link, a second connecting link, and an auxiliary link, wherein the first fixed link comprises a first support joint for rotatably supporting the first fixed link at a first structural fixation point, wherein the second fixed link comprises a second support joint for rotatably supporting the second fixed link at a second structural fixation point, wherein the third fixed link comprises a third support joint for rotatably supporting the third fixed link at a third structural fixation point, wherein the first fixed link comprises a first connection joint coupled with an end of the first connecting link, the first connecting link being coupled at the other end with a first flap joint, wherein the first and second support joints are connected at a first and second end of the first connecting link, the second fixed link comprises a second connection joint rotatably coupled with a central region of the first connection link, wherein the third fixed link comprises a third connection joint rotatably coupled with an end of the second connection link, the second connection link being coupled at another end with a second flap joint, wherein the actuator, the second connection link and the first fixed link are each coupled at a location within the respective end by an auxiliary link, and wherein the fixed link, the connection links and the auxiliary links are arranged for actively placing the slat from a retracted position to an extended position.

With the flap system according to the invention, certain aerodynamic flap positions can be reached, which result in a higher high lift performance. The main advantage is that the trailing edge of the krueger flap remains below the wing leading edge point until an intermediate position with a flare angle of approximately 117 deg. measured between the local wing chord and the leading edge flap chord. The gap between the trailing edge of the flap and the leading edge of the wing may also be 2% or less of the local wing chord. This prevents flow separation on the main wing during deployment of the krueger flap. In a subsequent movement, an extended position may be reached, which may include an angle of about 130 ° between the local flap chord and the local wing chord, while maintaining the size of the gap. In summary, the flap system according to the invention is able to provide more complex movements of the leading edge flap which optimize the flow at least in the leading edge region. Eliminating direct coupling of the angle adjustment and flap deployment states.

The arrangement of the links linking the three structural fixing points will cause the angle between the flap and the wing chord to change up to a certain condition. Thereafter, the flap angle may remain substantially constant, or may increase only slightly. This means that the desired deployment angle of the flap can be reached almost in the middle position before the flap is fully deployed and still below the local wing chord. The flap may then provide a substantially translational movement, i.e. a movement during a subsequent substantially parallel movement.

The leading edge flap may be a flow body having an elongated shape and having a leading edge and a trailing edge. It may be curved in a manner similar to a conventional krueger flap or another flow-affecting control surface that affects an aircraft. The main flap is a leading-edge flap intended to be moved relative to the leading edge of the wing. In the retracted state, the flaps are arranged in recesses in the underside of the wing when the flap system is installed in the wing. The movements referred to in this application relate to deployment movements from the recess to a position forward of the leading edge of the wing.

The flap system according to the invention is based on the arrangement of six links in the first embodiment. The three fixed links are rotatably supported at three separate structural fixation points. The two connecting links are rotatably supported on two separate flap joints which are arranged at a distance from one another on the leading-edge flap. By the interconnection of the fixed link and the connecting link (which connection also includes the use of an auxiliary link), the spatial position of the flap joint, and thus of the flap, is determined. To drive the arrangement of links, an actuator may be coupled with one of the fixed links. Hereinafter, these components will be described in more detail.

The actuator may be a rotary actuator, which is illustratively coupled directly to one of the fixed links. In the mounted state on the wing, the actuator can also be connected to a structural fixing point. By means of the rotary actuator, the respective fixed link rotates around the respective structural fixed point and thereby moves all links directly or indirectly coupled thereto.

The first and second fixed links each include an end rotatably supported on a separate structural fixation point and an opposite end rotatably coupled with the first connecting link. By rotating the first and second fixed links around their respective support joints (which are coupled with the structural fixation point in the mounted state), the first connecting link is forced to perform a movement determined by the positions of the first and second structural fixation points, the lengths of the first and second fixed links, and the coupling position on the first connecting link.

For example, the first connecting link may be divided into two halves along its main extension. At the outer end of one half, a first connecting link is connected with a first flap joint. At the other half, it may be coupled to the first and second fixed links. It may be preferable to couple the first fixed link with an outer end portion of the first connecting link, and the second fixed link with a position on the first connecting link offset toward a center of the first connecting link. In the retracted position, the first and second fixed links may be arranged substantially parallel to each other, and the first fixed link may include a length greater than the second fixed rod. Thus, in the retracted position, the first connecting link is substantially inclined relative to the first and second fixed links. As a result, during a first portion of the deployment process, the first connecting link will maintain its orientation, and the outer end portion of the first connecting link will thereby move along a substantially circular path.

Depending on the length relationship of the first and second fixed links and the location of the first and second structural fixation points, the orientation of the first connecting link will change along the deployment process such that the radius of the path of movement of the outer end of the first connecting link is smaller and smaller after the first part of the deployment process.

At the same time, the third fixed link and the auxiliary link force the second connecting link to perform a certain motion. The auxiliary link and the third fixed link determine the orientation of the second connecting link while the auxiliary link moves directly from the first fixed link. It may be preferred that the second flap joint performs a similar movement as the first flap joint, i.e. a rotational movement with a decreasing radius after the first part of the deployment. The flap system according to the invention can thus be adjusted in such a way that the leading edge of the flap is in a relatively far forward position even in the case of a trailing edge of the flap below the wing chord line to which the flap system is attachable. The leading edge flap will preferably assume an angle of approximately 117 deg. relative to the wing chord while the trailing edge of the flap remains below the chord line, followed by a substantially parallel or translational movement. This may result in an angle of about 130 °. Thus, a gap is maintained between the flap and the leading edge of the wing.

In a preferred embodiment, the first fixed link has a length greater than the second fixed link. This enables the flap system according to the invention to provide a specific course of movement of the first flap joint as described above. The difference in length will cause a significant change in the orientation of the first connecting link in a particular deployed state.

Preferably, in the retracted position, the first and second fixed links enclose an angle of less than 10 °. Thus, in this position or deployed state, the first and second fixed links are arranged substantially parallel to each other. This causes the movement of the first link to follow a generally circular path until a more aggressive change in the orientation of the first link occurs, causing the first flap joint to move with a decreasing radius. The movement of the first flap joint is thus a helical trend.

In the retracted position, the first connecting link and the first fixed link enclose an angle in the range of 25 ° to 45 °. The first connecting link is coupled to an end of the first fixed link opposite the first structural fixed point. To achieve this, it is preferred that the ends of the first connecting link and the first fixed link are in a rearward-most position when the flap is retracted. Thus, the first connecting link is oriented slightly forward. During deployment, the angle enclosed by the first fixed link and the first connecting link may be substantially the same in the fully extended position, depending on the size of the second fixed link.

Preferably, the third fixed link has a length that is at most half the length of the first fixed link. Due to the preferred forward position of the third fixed link, the end opposite the third support joint only needs to perform a relatively small radius of movement. Therefore, a smaller length is required. In this regard, it is pointed out that the second connecting link as well as the auxiliary link may comprise a length which is comparable to the length of the third fixed link, in particular a length which is at most half the length of the first fixed link.

Preferably, the fixed link, the connecting link, and the auxiliary link are arranged to: actively placing the leading edge flap from a retracted position to an intermediate position in which the chord axis of the flap is adjusted to a desired angle; and for subsequently providing a translational movement along the chord axis of the flap, while the orientation of the chord axis remains substantially constant. Thus, all links used in the flap system will be designed in such a way that this behaviour is enabled. The orientation of the chord axis should thus be kept constant. Since the kinematic chain relies on a rotational movement, it may be sufficient to have the orientation of the chord axis of the flap vary within a range of ± 2 °. Thus, the flap presented as described above will be moved to a forward position in which the chord has assumed the desired angle just before reaching the chord axis of the wing. The flap may then be moved in a substantially translational motion along the chord axis with a gap between the leading edge of the wing and the leading edge flap.

In an advantageous embodiment, the leading edge flap comprises a main body part and a nose part, wherein the system further comprises a third connecting link, a second auxiliary link, and a fourth connecting link, wherein the second connecting link is coupled with ends of the third connecting link, wherein the third connecting link is coupled with the second auxiliary link at opposite ends, wherein a central region of the second auxiliary link is rotatably supported on the first flap joint and is coupled with the third connecting link at one end and is coupled with the fourth connecting link at an opposite end, and wherein the flap nose is coupled with the fourth connecting link and the first flap joint. The leading-edge flap is thus divided into two parts, which are movable relative to one another. They may illustratively be coupled by a hinge. This allows the flap to be easily stored at the underside of the wing, since the flap nose can be folded into the direction of the flap body. For deploying the flap nose, a set of third, fourth and second auxiliary links is provided. The third connecting link transmits the movement from the first connecting link to a second auxiliary link, which is preferably designed as a rocker. Thus, when the third connecting link is pushed towards the first flap joint, the nose portion of the flap is pulled towards the first flap joint. This causes a compression/folding of the flap in the retracted position. Thus, the third connecting link will be dimensioned such that the distance between the attachment point of the third connecting link and the respective end of the nose-directed portion of the third connecting link exceeds the distance to the first flap joint. During the extension movement, the third connecting link is pulled onto and beyond the second flap joint, so that the second auxiliary link rotates to push the nose portion outwards.

Also, a single actuator may be used exclusively. Thus, the advantages of the flap system can be achieved by moving only one of the links without having to utilize a second actuator for, for example, changing the angular or translational position of the flap relative to the wing to which the flap system is mounted. The flap system according to the invention is simple but effective in providing the desired movement of the flap.

Preferably, the fixed link, the connecting link, and the auxiliary link are arranged to: actively placing the slat from a retracted position to an intermediate position in which a chord axis of the flap is adjusted to a desired angle; and for subsequently providing a translational movement along the chord axis of the flap, while the orientation of the chord axis remains substantially constant or increases slightly (for example by about 10 ° to 15 °). Thus, all links used in the flap system will be designed in such a way that this behaviour is enabled. Thus, the flap presented as described above will be moved to a forward position in which the local flap chord has assumed the desired angle just before reaching the local chord axis of the wing. The flap may then be moved substantially translationally along the chord axis to a fully extended position with a gap between the leading edge of the wing and the leading edge flap.

As described further below, the particular angle of the intermediate position may be approximately 117 °. In the extended position, the angle may be about 130 °. However, these angles may vary slightly (e.g., about +/-2 °) depending on the design of the aircraft.

The invention further relates to a wing having a leading edge region and a trailing edge region and at least one flap system according to the above description.

Advantageously, the system is arranged in the leading edge region.

Preferably, the flap system is designed for moving the flap underneath the leading edge of the wing until an angle of 117 ° is formed between the local flap chord and the local wing chord. This prevents flow separation on the upper side of the wing. The position of the flap directly below the leading edge point of the wing is considered to be the above and further below mentioned intermediate position.

In the subsequent extension from the intermediate position to the extended position, the local flap chord amounts to an exemplary angle of 130 ° relative to the local wing chord. The flap then has been moved along the wing leading edge in a substantially translatory movement while maintaining the gap.

The flap system is further designed to limit the gap between the flap trailing edge and the wing leading edge point to 2% of the local wing chord. This coordinates the airflow from the flap to the upper side of the wing. The gap between the flap trailing edge and the wing leading edge should not be more than 2% of the local wing chord. This prevents flow separation on the wing during flap deployment. This may include intermediate positions. Also, this may include an extended position.

Finally, the invention relates to an aircraft having at least one such wing.

Drawings

Other features, advantages and potential applications of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In this respect, all features described and/or illustrated form the object of the invention both individually and in any combination, irrespective of their composition in the independent claims or their reference to other claims. In addition, in the drawings, the same or similar objects are identified by the same reference numerals.

Fig. 1 to 7 show a first exemplary embodiment of a flap system according to the invention in different views.

Fig. 8 to 12 show a second exemplary embodiment of a flap system according to the invention in different views.

Fig. 13 shows an aircraft with a wing comprising at least one flap system according to the invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a flap system 2 mounted in a leading edge region 4 of a wing 6. The flap system 2 comprises a first fixed link 8 which is rotatably or rotatably mounted on a first structural fixed point 10. For example, the inner end 12 of the first fixed link 8 comprises a first support joint 14 connected to the first structural fixed point 10 of the wing 6. The first fixed link 8 further includes an outer end 16 opposite the inner end 12. The term "outer end" is to be understood as the end outside the contour of the wing 6 in the extended position. In fig. 1, the retracted position is shown. Here, the first fixed link 8 extends further inwards from the leading edge region 4, illustratively along a substantially horizontal axis.

The flap system 2 further includes a second fixed link 18 rotatably or rotatably mounted on a second structural fixed point 20. For this purpose, the second fixed link 18 comprises a second support joint 22. In the retracted position, the second fixed link 18 extends further inwardly from the leading edge region 4. In this position, the first and second fixed links 8, 18 illustratively enclose an angle of about 10 °, which may also vary up to 10 ° -15 °. The first structural fixation point 10 is slightly forward and above the second structural fixation point 20. The second fixed link 18 comprises a length that is lower than the length of the first fixed link 8.

The flap system 2 further includes a first connecting link 24 coupled at one end 26 with the end 16 of the first fixed link 8 and coupled at an opposite end 30 with a first flap joint 28. The first connecting link 24 further includes an intermediate joint 32 that is in turn coupled to the second fixed link 18 at an end opposite the first support joint 20.

The first connecting link 24 is forced to move when moving the first and second fixed links 8 and 18. This determines the movement of the first flap joint 30. Due to the orientation in the retracted position and the relationship of the first and second fixed links 8, 18, the first flap joint 30 will perform a rotational movement, the radius of which decreases from a certain deployment phase.

Furthermore, the flap system 2 comprises a third fixed link 34, which is rotatably or rotatably supported on a third structural fixing point 36 by means of a third support joint 38. An end 40 opposite the third support joint 38 is coupled with a second connecting link 42, which in turn is coupled with a second flap joint 44 at an end 46 of the second connecting link 42. An intermediate joint 50 is positioned between the ends 40 and 44 of the second connecting link 42, to which the auxiliary link 48 is coupled. The opposite end of the auxiliary link 48 is coupled to the first fixed link 8 at an auxiliary link joint 52 that is disposed between the first support joint 14 and the outer end 16. Accordingly, the second connecting link 42 starts to move due to the coupling with the third fixed link 34. Relative to the intermediate joint 50, the second connecting link 42 acts in a rocker-like manner, so that the second flap joint 46 follows the rotational movement caused by the third fixed link 34. In addition to this, the intermediate link 50 is moved by the action of the first fixed link 8. The third fixed link 34, the second connecting link 42, and the auxiliary link 48 comprise substantially the same order of magnitude of length. However, the auxiliary link 48 has a curved shape due to the compactness of the arrangement of the three links. In addition, the third fixed link 34 includes an L-shape or J-shape.

The deployment of the flap joints 30 and 46 causes movement of the leading edge flap 54, which carries the flap joints 30 and 46. As noted above, in FIG. 1, the retracted position of the flap 54 is shown. Here, the flap 54 is arranged in a recess 58 in the underside 56 of the wing. Here, the leading edge 60 of the flap 54 is in a rearward position, while the trailing edge 62 is arranged in a forward position. The flap 54 closes the recess 58 to create a harmonic (harmonic) outer surface.

In fig. 2 to 4, further stages of deployment of the flap 54 are shown. Fig. 2 corresponds to fig. 4 and shows a detail between the trailing edge 62 and the leading edge 64 of the wing 6. Here, the trailing edge 62 of the flap 54 creates a gap 66 which should not exceed 2% of the local wing chord. Here, the flap 54 is in an extended position.

In fig. 3, the neutral position of the flap 54 is shown. Here, the local flap chord 68 and the local wing chord 70 enclose an angle α of approximately 117 °, wherein the trailing edge 62 of the flap 54 is directly below the wing chord 70. Subsequently, the flap 54 provides a substantially parallel movement and only slightly changes the angle α to about 130 °.

Fig. 5 shows the arrangement of the flap system 2 in a three-dimensional view. Here, it is apparent that the first connecting link 24 and the auxiliary link 48 are the only components designed as a single body. Since the links 8, 18, 24, 34, 42 and 48 cross each other during the unfolding movement, the remaining links 8, 18, 34 are arranged as links in pairs and symmetrically arranged. Therefore, the first fixed link 8 is made of two first stator links 8a and 8 b. The second fixed link 18 is implemented in the form of two second fixed sub-links 18a and 18 b. The same applies to the second connecting link 42 including the two sub-links 42a and 42 b. These are also shown in another perspective in fig. 6.

Fig. 7-12 show a modified flap system 72 that includes additional components. These components include different designs of flaps 73 in the form of a main body portion 74 and a nose portion 76. The second connecting link 42 is additionally coupled with a third connecting link 78, which extends from the second connecting link 42 to a second auxiliary link 80, which is rotatably supported about a central joint 82 on a first flap joint bracket 84. The two ends 86 and 88 of the second auxiliary link 80 rotate about the joint 82. The fourth connecting link 90 is coupled with the second auxiliary link 80 and is attached to a nose joint 92 arranged on the nose portion 76. Thus, the second auxiliary link 80 is forced into motion by the third connecting link 78 and thereby pulls or pushes the nose portion 76 outwardly.

In fig. 7, the flap system 72 is in a retracted position with the nose portion 76 in a compact folded form. In fig. 8, the flap is slightly extended, wherein the third connecting link 78 is pulled to the second connecting link 42, so that the fourth connecting link 90 is pushed outwards.

In fig. 9, the flap extends almost to the desired angle of about 117 ° at a neutral position, with the flap 73 directly below the wing chord.

In fig. 10, the flap 73 is shown after a subsequent substantially parallel movement, wherein the flap 73 reaches an angle of about 130 °. This is comparable to the illustrations in fig. 3 and 4 regarding the first exemplary embodiment. The positions shown in these figures are extended positions.

Still further, fig. 11 and 12 show flap system 72 in a three-dimensional view. Here, the fourth connecting link and the second auxiliary link are shown as a double link. The same applies to the third connecting link 78.

Finally, fig. 13 shows an aircraft 94 with two wings 96, to which such flap systems 2 or 72 can be mounted at the leading edge region 4.

Furthermore, it should be noted that "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be pointed out that characteristics or steps which have been described with reference to one of the above exemplary embodiments can also be used in combination with other characteristics or steps of other exemplary embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting.