Patent Publication Number: US-2022227476-A1

Title: Leading edge assembly, wing, and aircraft

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of the International Application No. PCT/EP2020/073976, filed on Aug. 27, 2020, and of the German patent application No. 102019123379.8 filed on Aug. 30, 2019, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by way of reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to a leading edge assembly, a wing, and an aircraft. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Leading edge assemblies are known and can form an integrated part of a wing of an aircraft. For example, leading edge assemblies can comprise high lift devices to increase the amount of lift the wing can provide during flight of the aircraft. Usually, leading edge assemblies comprise multiple elements which are mounted one after the other to a fixed wing section of the wing. 
     It is generally desirable to reduce the assembly time of wings and aircraftaircraft. Further, it is desirable to reduce contamination of elements of the leading edge assemblies prior, during, and after assembly. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An object of the invention is to reduce the assembly time of wings and aircraft and to reduce contamination of elements of the leading edge assemblies prior, during, and after assembly. 
     According to a first aspect of the invention, the object is solved by a leading edge assembly configured for a wing. The leading edge assembly comprises a housing which is configured to be connectable to a fixed wing section of the wing and in which a first opening connecting an exterior of the housing with an interior of the housing is formed. The leading edge assembly comprises an actuating element which is movably connected to the housing such that the actuating element is movable between a first position and at least one second position. The actuating element extends through the first opening. The actuating element comprises a first section which is arranged in the interior of the housing. The actuating element comprises a second section which is arranged in the exterior of the housing and which is configured to be connectable to a high lift device. 
     The leading edge assembly is configured for the wing. The leading edge assembly is mountable to a remaining section of the wing to form the wing. The leading edge assembly comprises the housing. The housing may comprise a wall with an inner surface facing the interior of the housing and an outer surface facing the exterior of the housing. The housing, in particular the wall of the housing, can separate the interior of the housing and the exterior of the housing and can thereby prevent contamination of the interior and elements arranged in the interior of the housing. The housing is configured to be connectable to the fixed wing section of the wing. When the housing is connected to the fixed wing section of the wing, the housing and the fixed wing section form together at least a section of the wing. The housing is connectable to the fixed wing section of the wing and elements, such as the actuating element, the seal, the drive mechanism, and a roller bearing of the leading edge assembly, can be preassembled by connecting the element or the elements to the housing before the housing is connected to the fixed wing section. Due to the preassembling, the leading edge assembly can be connected to the fixed wing section as a preassembled module and the individual elements do not need to be connected to the fixed wing section one after the other, which may reduce the assembly time during which the wing and the aircraft can be assembled. This is particularly the case if multiple leading edge assemblies are mounted to the wing. 
     The first opening is formed in the housing and connects the exterior of the housing with the interior of the housing. Since the opening connects the exterior of the housing and the interior of the housing, the opening allows that an element can be arranged, for example the actuating element, such that the element extends through the opening and thereby connecting an element arranged in the interior of the housing, such as at least a section of a drive mechanism or a roller bearing, and an element arranged in the exterior of the fairing, such as the high lift device. 
     The interior of the housing can be regarded as the space which is surrounded by the housing and in which elements can be arranged, such as at least a section of a drive mechanism and the first section of the actuating element. The interior of the housing may be thought of as the space which is enclosed by the housing. The interior of the housing can be regarded as being defined by the housing. If an element is arranged in the interior of the housing, the element may be regarded as being enclosed by the housing. Further, the exterior of the housing can be regarded as the space which is not surrounded by the housing and in which elements can be arranged, such as the high lift device and the second section of the actuating element. The exterior of the housing may be thought of as the space which is not enclosed by the housing. For example, a fuselage of the aircraft is arranged in the exterior of the housing when the leading edge assembly forms a section of a wing which is mounted to a remaining section of the aircraft to form the aircraft. If an element is arranged in the exterior of the housing, the element may be regarded as being not enclosed by the housing or as being arranged outside of the housing. 
     The leading edge assembly comprises the actuating element which is movably connected to the housing, such that the actuating element is movable between the first position and the at least one second position. Preferably, the actuating element is movable from the first position to the at least one second position and from the at least one second position to the first position. The actuating element extends through the first opening. The first opening is formed such that the actuating element can extend through the first opening in the first position, in the at least one second position, and when the actuating element is moved between the first position and the at least one second position. 
     The actuating element comprises the first section which is arranged in the interior of the housing. Preferably, the first section is arranged in the interior of the housing when the actuating element is in the first position and the first section is arranged in the interior of the housing when the actuating element is in the at least one second position. In this case, the first section is preferably arranged in the interior of the housing at any time during movement of the actuating element between the first position and the at least one second position. Alternatively, the first section may be arranged in the exterior of the housing when the actuating element is in the first position and the first section may be arranged in the interior of the housing when the actuating element is in the at least one second position. This is particularly the case when a second opening is formed in the housing. The first section of the actuating element may be drivingly coupled to a drive mechanism of the leading edge assembly. 
     The actuating element comprises the second section which is arranged in the exterior of the housing, such that the second section of the actuating element may be mounted to an element arranged in the exterior of the housing such as the high lift device. The second section is configured to be connectable to the high lift device. When the high lift device is connected to the second section of the actuating element, the actuating element can drive movement of the high lift device. 
     In summary, the leading edge assembly helps to reduce the assembly time during which wings and aircraft can be assembled and helps to reduce contamination of elements of the leading edge assemblies prior, during, and after assembly. 
     According to a preferred embodiment of the leading edge assembly, the leading edge assembly comprises a seal with a first section connected to the housing and a second section abutting the actuating element when the actuating element is moved between the first position and the at least one second position such that the exterior of the housing and the interior of the housing are separated from each other by the seal. Since the seal separates the interior of the housing and the exterior of the housing, the seal may further prevent contamination of the interior and elements arranged in the interior of the housing. Further, since the second section of the seal abuts the actuating element when the actuating element is moved between the first position and the at least one second position, the seal can separate the interior of the housing and the exterior of the housing during movement of the actuating element between the first position and the at least one second position. The seal separates the interior of the housing and the exterior of the housing, which does particularly not exclude that the interior of the housing and the exterior of the housing are also separated at least by the wall of the housing and the actuating element. Particularly, the seal, the wall of the housing, and the actuating element separate the interior of the housing from the exterior of the housing. Especially the seal reduces contamination of elements of the leading edge assembly arranged in the housing prior, during, and after assembly. 
     According to a preferred embodiment of the leading edge assembly, the leading edge assembly comprises the high lift device which is mounted to the second section of the actuating element, wherein when the actuating element is in the first position the high lift device is in a retracted position and when the actuating element is in the at least one second position the high lift device is in at least one extended position. It is particularly preferred that the actuating element drives movement of the high lift device. Preferably, when the actuating element is moved between the first position and the at least one second position, the actuating element drives movement of the high lift device such that the high lift device is moved between the retracted position and the at least one extended position. The retracted position of the high lift device may correspond to a configuration of the wing when the aircraft is on ground or in normal flight. Preferably, the retracted position of the high lift device is the position of the high lift device in which the high lift device is arranged closest to the wing tip section. Further, a first extended position of the at least one extended position of the high lift device may correspond to a take-off configuration of the wing. In addition, a second extended position of the at least one extended position of the high lift device may correspond to a landing configuration of the wing. Preferably, the second extended position of the high lift device is the position of the high lift device in which the high lift device is arranged furthest away from the wing tip section. It is further preferred that in the first extended position of the high lift device the high lift device is arranged between the retracted position and the second extended position of the high lift device. Preferably, the high lift device is movable from the retracted position to the first extended position and from the first extended position to the retracted position. Further, the high lift device is preferably movable from the retracted position to the second extended position and from the second extended position to the retracted position. 
     According to a preferred embodiment of the leading edge assembly, the high lift device is a slat. In case the high lift device is a slat, a particularly preferred embodiment is provided. 
     According to a preferred embodiment of the leading edge assembly, the high lift device is a droop nose. In case the high lift device is a droop nose, a particularly preferred embodiment is provided. 
     According to a preferred embodiment of the leading edge assembly, the high lift device is a Krueger flap. In case the high lift device is a Krueger flap, a particularly preferred embodiment is provided. 
     According to a preferred embodiment of the leading edge assembly, the leading edge assembly comprises a drive mechanism which is configured to drive movement of the actuating element. Preferably, the drive mechanism is configured to drive movement of the actuating element which in turn drives movement of the high lift device. Especially, the drive mechanism is configured to drive movement of the high lift device between the retracted position and the at least one extended position, i.e., from the retracted position to the at least one extended position and from the at least one extended position to the retracted position via the actuating element. The drive mechanism may be powered electrically and/or hydraulically and/or pneumatically. The drive mechanism may comprise an actuator, which may be a rotary actuator or a linear actuator, or a pinion drive. 
     According to a preferred embodiment of the leading edge assembly, the drive mechanism is arranged in the interior of the housing. When the drive mechanism is arranged in the interior of the housing, the drive mechanism can be mounted to the fixed wing section together with the remaining section of the leading edge assembly. Thereby, the assembly time can be significantly reduced, since only one assembly step is needed to mount the leading edge assembly to the fixed wing section. 
     According to a preferred embodiment of the leading edge assembly, the drive mechanism comprises a rack and a pinion, wherein the rack is mounted to the actuating element and the pinion is rotatably mounted to the housing, wherein the rack and the pinion meshingly engage with each other such that rotation of the pinion drives movement of the rack. When the drive mechanism comprises a rack and a pinion, the rack is mounted to the actuating element, the pinion is rotatably mounted to the housing, the rack and the pinion meshingly engage with each other such that rotation of the pinion drives movement of the rack, a simple a lightweight drive mechanism is provided. 
     According to a preferred embodiment of the leading edge assembly, the leading edge assembly comprises a roller bearing, wherein the first section of the actuating element is mounted to the housing via the roller bearing. Preferably, the first section of the actuating element and a middle section of the actuating element are mounted to the housing via the roller bearing. A roller bearing provides a smooth movement of the actuating element between the first position and the at least one second position. 
     According to a preferred embodiment of the leading edge assembly, the roller bearing comprises a guide rail mounted to the housing and a first roller which is rotatably mounted to the first section of the actuating element, wherein the first roller engages a first engagement surface formed by the guide rail such that the first roller rolls on the first engagement surface when the actuating element is moved between the first position and the at least one second position. The first engagement surface provides a running surface for the first roller to roll on when the actuating element is moved between the first position and the at least one second position. The first engagement surface may be formed by an upper surface of the guide rail and/or by a lower surface of the guide rail. Preferably, the first engagement surface is formed by either the upper surface of the guide rail or by the lower surface of the guide rail or by both, the upper surface of the guide rail and the lower surface of the guide rail in a successive manner. The upper surface of the guide rail and the lower surface of the guide rail may face each other. It is preferred that a distance between the upper surface of the guide rail and the lower surface of the guide rail is larger than a diameter of the first roller, such that the first roller may engage only either the upper surface of the guide rail or the lower surface of the guide rail at the same time. The distance between the upper surface of the guide rail and the lower surface of the guide rail may be selected such that a clearance is provided between the first roller and either the upper surface of the guide rail or the lower surface of the guide rail, such that the first roller cannot engage with the upper surface of the guide rail and the lower surface of the guide rail at the same time and thereby block rotation of the first roller. It is further preferred that the first roller has a first axis of rotation extending in parallel to a wing span direction, to a leading edge of the fixed wing section, and/or to a leading edge of the high lift device. 
     According to a preferred embodiment of the leading edge assembly, the roller bearing comprises a second roller which is rotatably mounted to the housing, wherein the second roller engages a second engagement surface formed by the second section of the actuating element and by the middle section of the actuating element such that the second roller rolls on the second engagement surface when the actuating element is moved between the first position and the at least one second position. The second engagement surface provides a running surface for the second roller to roll on when the actuating element is moved between the first position and the at least one second position. 
     According to a preferred embodiment of the leading edge assembly, the actuating element comprises a lower flange section, an upper flange section, and a web section connecting the upper flange section and the lower flange section, wherein the second roller is arranged in a recess between the lower flange section and the upper flange section, wherein the lower flange section, the upper flange section, the web section, and the recess each extend along a longitudinal axis of the actuating element, wherein the second engagement surface is formed by the upper flange section and/or the lower flange section. The lower flange section, the upper flange section, and the web section may form a profile of a cross sectional area arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the actuating element. The profile may be a C-profile, a double-C-profile, an I-profile, an H-profile, or a H-profile. 
     Preferably, the second engagement surface is formed by either the upper flange section or the lower flange section or both flange sections in a successive manner Preferably, the second engagement surface faces the recess. The second engagement surface may be formed by an upper surface of the upper flange section and/or by a lower surface of the lower flange section. Preferably, the second engagement surface is formed by either the upper surface of the upper flange section or by the lower surface of the lower flange section or by both, the upper surface of the upper flange section and the lower surface of the lower flange section in a successive manner. The upper surface of the upper flange section and the lower surface of the lower flange section may face each other. It is preferred that a distance between the upper surface of the upper flange section and the lower surface of the lower flange section is larger than a diameter of the second roller, such that the second roller may engage only either the upper surface of the upper flange section or the lower surface of the lower flange section at the same time. The distance between the upper surface of the upper flange section and the lower surface of the lower flange section may be selected such that a clearance is provided between the second roller and either the upper surface of the upper flange section or the lower surface of the lower flange section, such that the second roller cannot engage with the upper surface of the upper flange section and the lower surface of the lower flange section at the same time and thereby block rotation of the second roller. It is further preferred that the second roller has a second axis of rotation extending in parallel to the wing span direction, to the leading edge of the fixed wing section, and/or to the leading edge of the high lift device. Since the second roller is arranged in the recess, the second roller does not occupy the space above or below the actuating element, and the actuating element can be held with only a single roller element. This simplifies the leading edge assembly, saves space and weight, and thus increases efficiency of the wing. Further, the leading edge assembly can be formed such that it is arranged entirely in front of the front spar of the fixed wing section and does not penetrate a front spar of a fixed wing section. 
     According to a preferred embodiment of the leading edge assembly, a second opening connecting the exterior of the housing with the interior of the housing is formed in the housing through which the actuating element extends when the actuating element is in the first position and which is arranged opposite the first opening. Due to the second opening, the leading edge assembly can be designed in a space saving way, since the housing can be designed smaller, since the housing does not have to enclose the first section of the actuating element at any time during movement of the actuating element between the first position and the at least one second position. 
     According to a second aspect of the present invention, the object is also solved by a wing configured for an aircraft. The wing comprises a leading edge assembly according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention. The housing of the leading edge assembly is mounted to the fixed wing section of the wing. The features, technical effects and/or advantages described in connection with the first aspect of the present invention also apply to the second aspect of the present invention at least in an analogous manner, so that no corresponding repetition is made here. 
     According to a preferred embodiment of the wing, the housing of the leading edge assembly is mounted to a wing box of the fixed wing section of the wing. When the housing of the leading edge assembly is mounted to the wing box of the fixed wing section of the wing, a direct mechanical coupling between the leading edge assembly and the wing box can be provided. 
     According to a preferred embodiment of the wing, the housing of the leading edge assembly is mounted to a rib of the fixed wing section, wherein the rib is mounted to the wing box. When the housing of the leading edge assembly is mounted to the rib of the fixed wing section and the rib is mounted to the wing box, an indirect mechanical coupling between the leading edge assembly and the wing box can be provided. Preferably, the leading edge assembly and the rib are preassembled by connecting the leading edge assembly and the rib prior to mounting the rib to the wing box, which saves further assembly time during assembly of the wing and the aircraft. Further, it is preferred that the housing of the leading edge assembly is mounted to a first rib of the fixed wing section and to a second rib of the fixed wing section. The first rib and the second rib can both be mounted to the wing box. Further, the first rib may be arranged on a first side of the housing and the second rib may be arranged on a second side of the housing opposite the first side. 
     Further, it is preferred that the wing comprises several leading edge assemblies, which are arranged spaced apart in a wingspan direction of the wing from each other. It is preferred that the distances between neighboring leading edge assemblies are the same in the wingspan direction. Especially, when the wing comprises several leading edge assemblies, all leading edge assemblies may be configured the same as described in one of the embodiments or may be configured differently, i.e., as described in different embodiments. 
     According to a third aspect of the present invention, the object is also solved by an aircraft comprising a wing according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention. The features, technical effects and/or advantages described in connection with the first aspect and the second aspect of the present invention also apply to the third aspect of the present invention at least in an analogous manner, so that no corresponding repetition is made here. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Further features, advantages and application possibilities of the present invention may be derived from the following description of exemplary embodiments and/or the figures. Thereby, all described and/or visually depicted features for themselves and/or in any combination may form an advantageous subject matter and/or features of the present invention independent of their combination in the individual claims or their dependencies. Furthermore, in the figures, same reference signs may indicate same or similar objects. 
         FIG. 1  schematically illustrates in a perspective view an embodiment of an aircraft comprising a wing with a leading edge assembly. 
         FIG. 2  schematically illustrates in a perspective view a first embodiment of the leading edge assembly of the wing shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  schematically illustrates in a perspective sectional view the first embodiment of the leading edge assembly shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  schematically illustrates in a side view the first embodiment of the leading edge assembly shown in  FIG. 2  which is connected to a fixed wing section of the wing shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  schematically illustrates in a side view a second embodiment of the leading edge assembly of the wing shown in  FIG. 1 , wherein the leading edge assembly is connected to the fixed wing section of the wing shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIGS. 6 to 9  schematically illustrate in side views a third embodiment of the leading edge assembly of the wing shown in  FIG. 1  and the steps how the leading edge assembly is connected to the fixed wing section of the wing shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10  schematically illustrates in a perspective view the first embodiment of the leading edge assembly of the wing shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 11  schematically illustrates in a top view the first embodiment of the leading edge assembly of the wing shown in  FIG. 1 , wherein the leading edge assembly is connected to the fixed wing section of the wing shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 12  schematically illustrates in a side view a fourth embodiment of the leading edge assembly of the wing shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 13  schematically illustrates in a side view a fifth embodiment of the leading edge assembly of the wing shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  schematically illustrates in a perspective view an embodiment of an aircraft  1  comprising a wing  3  which extends in a wingspan direction  5 . The wing  3  comprises several high lift devices, such as a slat  7 . Other high lift devices of the wing  3  are for example 1 a droop nose and a Krueger flap. 
       FIG. 2  schematically illustrates in a perspective view a first embodiment of the leading edge assembly  9  of the wing  3  shown in  FIG. 1 . The leading edge assembly  9  comprises a housing  11 , an actuating element  13 , four seals  15 , and a drive mechanism  17 . 
     A first opening  19  is formed in the housing  11 . The actuating element  13  extends through the first opening  19 . Further, the actuating element  13  comprises a lower flange section  21 , an upper flange section  23 , and a web section  25 . The web section  25  connects the upper flange section  23  and the lower flange section  21 . A recess  27  is formed between the lower flange section  21  and the upper flange section  23 . Further, the actuating element  13  comprises a lug  29  for connecting a high lift device to the actuating element  13 . 
     Two seals  15  of the four seals  15  are shown in  FIG. 2 . Two further seals  15  of the four seals  15  are arranged below the actuating element  13  and behind the actuating element  13 , respectively. Each seal  15  comprises a first section  31  and a second section  33 . Each first section  31  is connected to the housing  11  and each second section  33  abuts the actuating element  13 . 
     The drive mechanism  17  comprises a geared rotary actuator  35 , a first shaft  37 , and a second shaft  39 . The first shaft  37  and the second shaft  39  are connected to the geared rotary actuator  35 . The second shaft  39  extends through an opening which is formed in the housing  11 . An annular seal  41  comprises a first section and a second section. The first section of the annular seal  41  is connected to the housing  11  and the second section of the annular seal  41  abuts the second shaft  39  when the second shaft  39  rotates about a rotation axis  43 . 
     The actuating element  13  is movably connected to the housing  11  such that the actuating element  13  is movable between a first position and at least one second position. The drive mechanism  17  is configured to drive movement of the actuating element  13  such that the actuating element  13  is moved between the first position and the at least one second position. The second section  33  of each seal  15  abuts the actuating element  13  when the actuating element  13  is moved between the first position and the at least one second position. 
       FIG. 3  schematically illustrates in a perspective sectional view the first embodiment of the leading edge assembly  9  shown in  FIG. 2 . As can be seen in  FIG. 3 , the first opening  19  connects an exterior  45  of the housing  11  with an interior  47  of the housing  11 . The actuating element  13  comprises a first section  49 , a second section  51 , and a middle section  53  connecting the first section  49  and the second section  51 . The first section  49  is arranged in the interior  47  of the housing  11  and the second section  51  is arranged in the exterior  45  of the housing  11 . The middle section  53  can be arranged in the interior  47  of the housing  11  or in the exterior  45  of the housing  11 , depending on whether the actuating element  13  is in the first position or in the at least one second position. The second section  51  comprises the lug  29  to be connected to the high lift device. The second section  33  of each seal  15  abuts the actuating element  13  when the actuating element  13  is moved between the first position and the at least one second position such that the exterior  45  of the housing  11  and the interior  47  of the housing  11  are separated from each other by the seal  15 . The leading edge assembly  9  comprises a roller bearing  55 , wherein the first section  49  of the actuating element  13  and the middle section  53  of the actuating element  13  are mounted to the housing  11  via the roller bearing  55 . The roller bearing  55  comprises four rollers  57 . Each roller  57  of the rollers  57  are rotatably mounted to the housing  11  such that each roller  57  rolls along an outer surface of the actuating element  13  when the actuating element  13  is moved between the first position and the at least one second position. In particular, each of the rollers  57  engages an engagement surface formed by the first section  49  of the actuating element  13  and formed by the middle section  53  of the actuating element  13  such that each roller  57  rolls on the engagement surface when the actuating element  13  is moved between the first position and the at least one second position. 
       FIG. 4  schematically illustrates in a side view the first embodiment of the leading edge assembly  9  shown in  FIG. 2  which is connected to a fixed wing section  59  of the wing  3  shown in  FIG. 1 . More particularly, the housing  11  of the leading edge assembly  9  is mounted to a wing box  61  of the fixed wing section  59  of the wing  3  via two bolt connections  63 . 
       FIG. 5  schematically illustrates in a side view a second embodiment of the leading edge assembly  9  of the wing  3  shown in  FIG. 1 . The leading edge assembly  9  is connected to the fixed wing section  59  of the wing  3  shown in  FIG. 1 . A second opening  65  is formed in the housing  11 . The second opening  65  connects the exterior  45  of the housing  11  with the interior  47  of the housing  11 . The second opening is arranged opposite the first opening  19 . The actuating element  13  extends through the second opening  65  when the actuating element  13  is in the first position shown in  FIG. 5 . The leading edge assembly  9  comprises a track can  67 , which is arranged inside the wing box  61 . Alternatively, the track can  67  can be a part of the wing box  61  such that when the leading edge assembly  9  is connected to the wing box  61 , the actuating element  13  can extend into the track can  67 . 
       FIGS. 6 to 9  schematically illustrate in side views a third embodiment of the leading edge assembly  9  of the wing  3  shown in  FIG. 1  and the steps how the leading edge assembly  9  is connected to the fixed wing section  59  of the wing  3  shown in  FIG. 1 . The leading edge assembly  9  comprises two lugs  29 . Further, three lugs  29  are mounted to a rib  69  of the fixed wing section  59 , and one lug  29  is mounted to the fixed wing section  59 . First, the housing  11  is connected to the rib  69  as shown in  FIG. 7  by two bolt connections  63  via two lugs  29 , respectively, as shown in  FIG. 8  to form a preassembled module. Then, the preassembled module is connected to the wing box  61  as shown in  FIG. 8  by one bolt connection  63  via two lugs  29  as shown in  FIG. 9 . Therefore, the rib  69  is mounted to the wing box  61 . In addition to the bolt connections  63 , further connections can be provided between the housing  11  and the rib  69  and/or between the rib  69  and the wing box  61  and/or between the housing  11  and the wing box  61 . 
       FIG. 10  schematically illustrates in a perspective view the first embodiment of the leading edge assembly  9  of the wing  3  shown in  FIG. 1 . Two brackets  71 , which are L-shaped or L-angle brackets, are connected to the housing  11 . The two brackets  71  may be preassembled to the housing  11  and then connected to the wing box  61 . The brackets  71  may also be integrally formed with the housing  11  and each form a flange extending away from the housing  11 . 
       FIG. 11  schematically illustrates in a top view the first embodiment of the leading edge assembly  9  of the wing  3  shown in  FIG. 1 . The leading edge assembly  9  is connected to a front spar of a wing box  61  of the fixed wing section  59  of the wing  3  shown in  FIG. 1 . Each of the bolt connections  63  comprises a clamping side  73 , also known as Master, and a spanwise play side  75 , also known as Slave. 
       FIG. 12  schematically illustrates in a side view a fourth embodiment of the leading edge assembly  9  of the wing  3  shown in  FIG. 1 . The actuating element  13  comprises two lugs  29  for connecting a high lift device to the actuating element  13 . Further, two bores  77  are formed in the bracket  71  and two bores  77  are formed in the housing  11  to enable the two bolt connections  63 . 
       FIG. 13  schematically illustrates in a side view a fifth embodiment of the leading edge assembly  9  of the wing  3  shown in  FIG. 1 . The leading edge assembly  9  comprises the slat  7 , which is an example of a high lift device. The slat  7  is mounted to the second section  51  of the actuating element  13 . When the actuating element  13  is in the first position the high lift device is in a retracted position as shown in  FIG. 13 . When the actuating element  13  is in the at least one second position the high lift device is in the at least one extended position. The drive mechanism  17  comprises a rack  79  and a pinion  81 . The rack  79  is mounted to the actuating element  13 . The pinion  81  is rotatably mounted to the housing  11 . The rack  79  and the pinion  81  meshingly engage with each other such that rotation of the pinion  81  drives movement of the rack  79 . 
     The leading edge assembly  9  comprises the roller bearing  55 . The first section  49  of the actuating element  13  and the middle section  53  of the actuating element  13  are mounted to the housing  11  via the roller bearing  55 . The roller bearing  55  comprises a guide rail  83  mounted to the housing  11 . Further, the roller bearing  55  comprises a first roller  85 . The first roller  85  is rotatably mounted to the first section  49  of the actuating element  13 . The first roller  85  engages a first engagement surface  87  formed by the guide rail  83  such that the first roller  85  rolls on the first engagement surface  87  when the actuating element  13  is moved between the first position and the at least one second position. The roller bearing  55  further comprises a second roller  89 . The second roller  89  is rotatably mounted to the housing  11 . The second roller  89  engages a second engagement surface  91  formed by the middle section  53  of the actuating element  13  and by the second section  51  of the actuating element  13  such that the second roller  89  rolls on the second engagement surface  91  when the actuating element  13  is moved between the first position and the at least one second position. The actuating element  13  comprises the lower flange section  21 , the upper flange section  23 , and the web section  25 . The web section  25  connects the upper flange section  23  and the lower flange section  21 . The second roller  89  is arranged in the recess  27  between the lower flange section  21  and the upper flange section  23 . The lower flange section  21 , the upper flange section  23 , the web section  25 , and the recess  27  each extend along a longitudinal axis of the actuating element  13 . The actuating element  13  in  FIG. 13  is curved. The longitudinal axis of the actuating element  13  is also curved and follows the shape of the actuating element  13 . Particularly, the longitudinal axis of the actuating element  13  can extend from one side of the actuating element  13  to the other side of the actuating element  13  along a circular segment at the same distance from the two opposing second engagement surfaces  91 . The second engagement surface  91  is formed by the upper flange section  23  and by the lower flange section  21 . 
     It is additionally pointed out that “comprising” does not rule out other elements, and “a” or “an” does not rule out a multiplicity. It is also pointed out that features that have been described with reference to one of the above exemplary embodiments may also be disclosed as in combination with other features of other exemplary embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims are not to be regarded as restrictive. 
     While at least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention(s) is disclosed herein, it should be understood that modifications, substitutions and alternatives may be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art and can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. This disclosure is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the exemplary embodiment(s). In addition, in this disclosure, the terms “comprise” or “comprising” do not exclude other elements or steps, the terms “a” or “one” do not exclude a plural number, and the term “or” means either or both. Furthermore, characteristics or steps which have been described may also be used in combination with other characteristics or steps and in any order unless the disclosure or context suggests otherwise. This disclosure hereby incorporates by reference the complete disclosure of any patent or application from which it claims benefit or priority.