DE102018133355B4 - Annular support structure and assembly for lightweight applications - Google Patents

Abstract

Ring-shaped support structure (1) for accommodating a plurality of support arms (22) arranged around the circumference of the support structure (1) for lightweight construction applications, which, along a parting plane (2) which runs axially normal to the ring axis (3), into two ring-shaped elements (4.1 ; 4.2), each annular shell-shaped element (4.1; 4.2) comprising:• at least one closed annular anchor (5),• an outer row and an inner row of a plurality of distributed over the circumference of the annular shell-shaped element (4.1; 4.2). arranged half-clamps (6.1; 6.2; 7.1; 7.2), wherein between the half-clamps (6.1; 7.1) of the outer row that are adjacent in the circumferential direction of the ring-shaped support structure (1) there is in each case a skin panel (12) spacing these half-clamps and a skin field (12) connected thereto on an outer Edge (14) of the annular shell-shaped element (4.1; 4.2) shaped flange (13) are formed, and wherein the skin panel (12) - starting from the ring anchor (5) - Schr äg or perpendicular to the flange (13) on the outer edge (14) of the annular shell-shaped element (4.1; 4.2), and wherein between the half-clamps (6.2; 7.2) of the inner row, which are adjacent in the circumferential direction of the ring-shaped support structure (1), there is in each case a skin field (16) spacing these half-clamps (6.2; 7.2) and a skin field (16) connected thereto at an inner edge ( 18) of the ring-shell-shaped element (4.1; 4.2) and wherein the skin area (16) - starting from the ring anchor (5) - is inclined or perpendicular to the flange (17) on the inner edge (18) of the ring-shell-shaped Elements (4.1; 4.2), with each half-clamp (6.1; 7.1) of a first annular-cup-shaped element (4.1) lying opposite a half-clamp (6.2; 7.2) of the second annular-cup-shaped element (4.2) in the assembled state in such a way that the two opposite half-clamps (6.1 , 6.2; 7.1, 7.2) together each form a clamp (8; 9), and each flange (13; 17) of the first ring-shaped element (4.1) being respectively attached to a flange (13; 17) of the second ring-shaped element ents (4.2) and the two annular shell-shaped elements (4.1; 4.2) are connected to one another at the flanges (13; 17) lying against one another.

Description

The invention relates to an annular support structure for accommodating polarly arranged support arms and an assembly of the annular support structure and the polarly arranged support arms. The support structure according to the invention and assembly are used in lightweight construction, for example for the construction of very light, stable multicopters.

Up to now, ribbed injection molded components or multi-piece and therefore heavy sheet metal components have been used for such carrier structures.

the DE 10 2016 010 873 A1 discloses a lightweight multicopter structure that is characterized by high strength and rigidity with minimal structural weight. The supporting structure has at least two drive carriers, each with a drive or a drive combination at each end, whose connection at the crossover point is designed to be statically independent of a supporting fuselage body. Furthermore, the support structure comprises a base plate which is suspended below and/or above the drive carrier on connecting elements and which carries all other components of the aircraft.

In the U.S. 5,127,759 A describes a connector for a tubular truss assembly formed of tubes loosely fitting between selected adjacent connectors. The tubes are held in place either by a set of connectors in which the tubes are mounted or by a clamp connected between the connectors to compress the connectors.

From the EP 2 792 445 A1 a hollow profile connection for connecting at least two hollow profiles is known, with at least one gusset plate being provided for connecting at least two hollow profiles, which makes contact with the hollow profiles in their end area on the outside. The end areas of the hollow profiles are tubular with an insertable profile part having ribs, so that the end areas of the hollow profiles have a cross-section formed by webs or ribs. The gusset plate and the hollow profile part are connected to one another by a friction stir weld connection. The connections between the gusset plate and the hollow profile produced by friction stir welding run along the ribs or webs, i.e. in the direction of extension of the respective hollow profile exactly in the area that is correspondingly pressure-resistant due to the web or the rib. The connections created by friction stir welding can be punctiform and/or continuous and/or linear. Profiles are inserted into the ends of the hollow profiles, which provide the required compressive strength. After being inserted into the profile, the ribs that protrude radially outwards in the intended number are in contact with the inside of the profile and are thus able to absorb pressure exerted on the hollow profile from the outside.

The object of the invention is to provide a support structure that is suitable for lightweight applications, which on the one hand is easy to produce but on the other hand can also absorb high loads. In addition, the support structure itself and also each assembly with the support structure should be as easy as possible to dismantle.

The object is solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Further developments are specified in the dependent patent claims.

• • mindestens einen konzentrisch zur gesamten ringförmigen Trägerstruktur ausgebildeten geschlossenen Ringanker,
• • mindestens eine Reihe einer Mehrzahl von über den Umfang des ringschalenförmigen Elements verteilt angeordneten Halbschellen, wobei zwischen den in Umfangsrichtung der ringförmigen Trägerstruktur benachbarten Halbschellen jeweils ein diese Halbschellen beabstandender, im Folgenden als Hautfeld bezeichneter Flächenabschnitt, und ein damit verbundener, an einem Rand des ringschalenförmigen Elements geformter Flansch ausgebildet sind, und wobei das Hautfeld - ausgehend vom Ringanker - schräg oder senkrecht bis zum Flansch verläuft.

One aspect of the invention relates to an annular support structure for accommodating a plurality of support arms arranged, preferably polarly arranged, over the circumference of the support structure for lightweight construction applications. This support structure is divided along a parting plane, which runs axially normal to the ring axis, into two ring-shell-shaped elements that are detachably connected to one another. Each ring-cup shaped element includes the following:

• at least one closed ring anchor configured concentrically to the entire ring-shaped support structure,
• At least one row of a plurality of half-clamps distributed over the circumference of the ring-shaped element, with a surface section between the half-clamps that are adjacent in the circumferential direction of the ring-shaped support structure, hereinafter referred to as the skin area, and a surface section connected thereto at one edge of the ring-shaped Elements shaped flange are formed, and the skin field - starting from the ring anchor - runs obliquely or perpendicularly to the flange.

In the assembled state, each half-clamp of a first ring-shell-shaped element lies opposite a half-clamp of the second ring-shell-shaped element in such a way that the two opposite half-clamps each form a clamp, with each flange of the first ring-shaped element resting against a flange of the second ring-shaped element and the two ring-shaped elements the abutting flanges are connected to each other. The clamp axis of each clamp is preferably directed radially toward the center of the ring.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the clamps are aligned to accommodate a plurality of support arms arranged polarly over the circumference of the support structure, with the clamp axis of each clamp preferably being directed radially in the direction of the center of the ring. The elements in the form of annular shells which are detachably connected to one another are advantageously of identical construction, but are oriented in opposite directions to one another. The at least one closed ring anchor is preferably formed concentrically to the entire ring-shaped carrier structure.

According to the invention, each ring-shell-shaped element has an outer row and an inner row of half-clamps distributed over the circumference of the ring-shell-shaped element, with the skin area between the circumferentially adjacent half-clamps of the outer row - starting from the ring anchor - being inclined or perpendicular to a flange on the outer edge of the annular shell-shaped element and wherein between the circumferentially adjacent half clamps of the inner row the skin area - starting from the ring anchor - runs obliquely or perpendicularly to a flange on the inner edge of the annular shell-shaped element. Preferably, in the mounted state, opposite outer half clamps together form outer clamps and opposite inner half clamps together form inner clamps, with one outer clamp and one inner clamp always forming a pair in which the outer clamp and the inner clamp move in the radial direction, i.e. in In the direction of the center of the ring, lie one behind the other on the same axis and together form a passage.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the skin area between the half clamps of the outer row, which are adjacent in the circumferential direction, runs obliquely, starting from the ring anchor, up to the flange on the outer edge of the annular shell-shaped element.

On the other hand, the skin area between the half clamps of the inner row, which are adjacent in the circumferential direction, preferably runs perpendicularly, starting from the ring anchor, up to the flange on the inner edge of the annular shell-shaped element.

Both annular shell-shaped elements are advantageously designed without branches. This means that each ring-shell-shaped element is formed from just one piece and does not require any additional stiffening structures that are commonly used, such as ribs, frames or spars. Thus, a simple construction of the annular shell-shaped support structure from two identical unbranched shell elements is possible. The carrier structure is therefore particularly suitable for production from sheet metal or fiber composite materials.

The ring shape of the ring anchor can be, for example, a circular ring shape, an oval shape or polygonal. According to a preferred embodiment, the ring anchor is octagonal.

The clamps distributed over the circumference of the ring-shaped support structure are suitable, for example, for accommodating polarly arranged support arms, which can be inserted, for example. A corresponding assembly is a further aspect of the invention. The support arms can function as bending beams and/or torsion beams.

The clamps advantageously allow the support arms to be accommodated in a form-fitting manner inside and outside of the ring anchor. As a result, both versions with detachable and non-detachable connection of the support arms are possible. The form-fitting accommodation of the polarly arranged support arms advantageously enables a very simple and stable plug-in connection of the support arms in the sense of stable structures that are nevertheless easy to disassemble. According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cross sections of the clamps and the support arms are not round, which secures the support arms against twisting.

The ring-shaped support structure according to the invention has a particularly advantageous, inherently rigid structure for absorbing high loads—in particular bending and torsional moments. The at least one closed ring anchor is used to absorb tensile or compressive forces that occur as a result of the load on the support arms. Surprisingly, the ring-shaped support structure also achieves good absorption and uniform distribution of the loads introduced by the support arms, in particular the bending and torsional moments. As a result, there is a very high potential in terms of applications in lightweight construction.

In addition, the support structure itself and the assembly of the support structure and the support arms are each characterized by very simple disassembly, which is particularly advantageous for the transport of large aircraft. One possible application is, for example, in the construction of very light, stable multicopters, also known as drones.

• 1: eine Trägerstruktur, bestehend aus zwei gleichen, gegenüberliegend angeordneten, ringschalenförmigen Elementen,
• 2: ein einzelnes ringschalenförmiges Element einer ringförmigen Trägerstruktur und
• 3: eine ringförmige Trägerstruktur mit eingesteckten Tragarmen.

Further details, features and advantages of embodiments of the invention result from the following description of embodiments examples with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

• 1 : a support structure consisting of two identical ring-shaped elements arranged opposite one another,
• 2 : a single ring-cup shaped element of an annular support structure and
• 3 : a ring-shaped support structure with inserted support arms.

the 1 shows an annular carrier structure 1, which is divided along a parting plane 2, which runs axially normal to the ring axis 3 oriented in the z-direction, into two structurally identical but oppositely oriented and detachably connected annular shell-shaped elements 4.1, 4.2.

A ring-shaped support structure 1 according to the invention can be round, for example circular or oval, or polygonal. According to the 1 until 3 the ring-shaped support structure 1 is octagonal.

Each annular shell-shaped element 4.1; 4.2 contains several polarly arranged function areas. These functional areas include at least one closed annular anchor 5 configured concentrically to the entire annular carrier structure 1. The closed annular anchor 5 is characterized in that it is not replaced by other functional areas of the annular shell-shaped element 4.1; 4.2 is interrupted. In this way, the ring anchor 5 is suitable for absorbing tensile or compressive forces.

Further functional areas are formed in the two identical, oppositely oriented, ring-shaped elements 4.1, 4.2 by a plurality of outer half-clamps 6.1, 6.2 and inner half-clamps 7.1, 7.2 distributed over the circumference of the ring-shaped element 4.1, 4.2.

Each half clamp 6.1; 7.1 of a first annular shell-shaped element 4.1 is in the assembled state of a half clamp 6.2; 7.2 of the second annular shell-shaped element 4.2 in such a way that the two opposite half clamps 6.1, 6.2; 7.1, 7.2 together form a clamp 8, 9. Two opposite outer half clamps 6.1, 6.2 form an outer clamp 8 and two opposite inner half clamps 7.1, 7.2 form an inner clamp 9.

Both the outer clamps 8 and the inner clamps 9 are aligned radially with their clamp axes 10, with an outer clamp 8 and an inner clamp 9 always forming a pair, in which the outer clamp 8 and the inner clamp 9 move in the radial direction in lie one behind the other on the same axis. In this context, a radial alignment means that the clamps 8 , 9 are directed with their clamp axes 10 in the direction of the ring center 11 .

Between circumferentially spaced apart outer half clamps 6.1; 6.2 of one of the annular shell-shaped elements 4.1, 4.2 are each an outer skin panel 12 and a flange 13 connected thereto, which is located on an outer edge 14 of the annular shell-shaped element 4.1, 4.2, which is concavely curved inwards between the adjacent outer half clamps, hereinafter referred to as the outer flange 13 called, formed, wherein the skin panel 12 - starting from the ring anchor 5 - to the outer flange 13 runs obliquely. According to the in the 1 shown external view of the first annular shell-shaped element 4.1, the outer skin fields 12 - starting from the ring anchor 5 - to the outer flange 13 sloping down. In the structurally identical, oppositely oriented annular shell-shaped element 4.2, the outer skin fields 12 run from the ring anchor 5 of the annular shell-shaped element 4.2 to the outer flange 13 of the annular shell-shaped element 4.2, rising obliquely. The outer flange 13 of the first annular shell-shaped element 4.1 lies along the parting plane 2 on the corresponding, in 1 not visible outer flange 13 of the opposite annular shell-shaped element 4.2. On the opposite outer flanges 13 of the two annular shell-shaped elements 4.1, 4.2, the oppositely oriented, opposite half clamps 6.1, 6.2 are connected via fastening means 15 to form clamps 8. In this way, the annular shell-shaped elements 4.1, 4.2 are connected in the area of the outer edge 14.

Between circumferentially spaced inner half-clamps 7.1 of the first ring-shell-shaped element 4.1, an inner skin panel 16 is formed which - starting from the ring anchor 5 - perpendicularly up to a flange 17 on the inner edge 18 of the first ring-shell-shaped element 4.1, the inner flange 17, runs.

According to the in the 1 shown outside view of the first annular shell-shaped element 4.1, the inner skin fields 16, starting from the ring anchor 5 to the flange 17, always dropping vertically. In the structurally identical, oppositely oriented annular shell-shaped element 4.2, the inner skin fields 16 run from the ring anchor 5 of the annular shell-shaped element 4.2 to the flange 17 of the annular shell-shaped element 4.2, correspondingly rising vertically. The inner flange 17 is located along the parting plane 2 on the cor responding, in 1 invisible inner flange 17 of the opposite annular shell-shaped element 4.2. On the opposite inner flanges 17 of the two annular shell-shaped elements 4.1, 4.2, the oppositely oriented, opposite half clamps 7.1, 7.2 are connected via fastening means 19 to form clamps 9. In this way, the annular shell-shaped elements 4.1, 4.2 are also connected in the area of the inner edge 18.

After superimposing the respective outer opposite flanges 13 and the respective inner opposite flanges 17 of the oppositely oriented annular shell-shaped elements 4.1, 4.2, the elements 4.1, 4.2 can be connected to one another by subsequent assembly, such as by screws, rivets, welding or gluing. However, the connection can also be produced in the course of the production of the annular shell-shaped elements 4.1, 4.2 themselves, for example by means of a shot-in method.

the 2 allows an internal view of a single ring-cup-shaped element 4 and the above-mentioned functional areas of the ring-shaped support structure. These functional areas include the at least one closed ring anchor 5, which is configured concentrically to the ring shape of the ring-shell-shaped element 4 2 that the closed ring anchor 5 is not interrupted by other functional areas of the ring shell-shaped element 4. Further functional areas are formed in the annular shell-shaped element 4 by a plurality of outer half clamps 6 and inner half clamps 7 distributed over the circumference of the annular shell-shaped element 4 .

Both the outer half clamps 6 and the inner half clamps 7 are aligned radially with their clamp axes 10, with an outer half clamp 6 and an inner half clamp 7 always forming a pair, in which the outer half clamp 6 and the inner half clamp 7 move in the radial direction in lie one behind the other on the same axis. In this context, a radial orientation means that the half clamps 6 , 7 are directed with their clamp axes 10 in the direction of the ring center 11 .

Between spaced adjacent outer half clamps 6 outer skin fields 12 are formed, which - starting from the ring anchor 5 - each obliquely to the flange 13 on the outer edge 14 of the annular shell-shaped element 4, the outer flange 13, run. According to the in the 2 shown inside view of the annular shell-shaped element 4, the outer skin panels 12 rise starting from the ring anchor 5 to the outer flange 13 at an angle. This also increases - starting from the ring anchor 5 - the height difference between the half clamp base 20 and the upper half clamp edge 21 of the outer half clamp 6 up to a constant height on the outer flange 13 .

Between spaced adjacent inner half clamps 7 inner skin panels 16 are formed, which - starting from the ring anchor 5 - each perpendicular to the flange 17 on the inner edge 18 of the annular shell-shaped element 4, the inner flange 17, run 2 shown inside view of the annular shell-shaped element 4, the inner skin panels 16 rise starting from the ring anchor 5 to the inner flange 17 vertically.

the end 2 it can also be seen that the annular shell-shaped element 4 is designed without branches. This means that the element 4 in the form of a ring shell does not require any additional stiffening structures that are commonly used, such as ribs, frames or spars. Thus, a simple construction of the annular shell-shaped support structure from two identical unbranched shell elements 4 is possible. The carrier structure is therefore particularly suitable for production from sheet metal or fiber composite materials.

The clamps 8, 9 distributed over the circumference of the ring-shaped support structure 1 are suitable, for example, for receiving support arms 22 arranged in a polar manner, as is shown in 3 is shown. the 3 shows an assembly 23 of the ring-shaped support structure 1 and the support arms 22 inserted into the clamps 8, 9. The outer clamps 8, together with the inner clamps 9, enable the support arms 22 to be positively accommodated inside and outside of the ring anchor 5. The positive-locking accommodation of the Polarly arranged support arms 22, which can be designed as a bending and torsion beam, advantageously enables a very simple and stable plug connection of the support arms 22 in the sense of stable and yet easily removable structures. According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the cross sections of the clamps 8, 9 and the support arms 22 are not round, which secures the support arms against twisting.

Reference List

1

annular support structure

2

parting line

3

ring axis

4

ring-shaped element

4.1

first ring-cup shaped element

4.2

second ring-cup shaped element

5

ring anchor

6

outer half clamp

6.1

outer half clamp of the first annular shell-shaped element 4.1

6.2

outer half clamp of the second annular shell-shaped element 4.2

7

inner half clamp

7.1

inner half clamp of the first annular shell-shaped element 4.1

7.2

inner half clamp of the first annular shell-shaped element 4.2

8th

outer clamp

9

inner clamp

10

clamp axle

11

ring center

12

outer skin field

13

outer flange

14

outer edge

15

fasteners

16

inner skin field

17

inner flange

18

inner edge

19

fasteners

20

half clamp floor

21

upper half rim

22

support arms

23

assembly

Claims (12)

Ring-shaped support structure (1) for accommodating a plurality of support arms (22) arranged around the circumference of the support structure (1) for lightweight construction applications, which, along a parting plane (2) which runs axially normal to the ring axis (3), into two ring-shaped elements (4.1 ; 4.2), each annular cup-shaped element (4.1; 4.2) comprising: • at least one closed ring anchor (5), • an outer row and an inner row of a plurality of half-clamps (6.1; 6.2; 7.1; 7.2) distributed over the circumference of the annular shell-shaped element (4.1; 4.2), wherein between the half-clamps (6.1 ; 7.1) the outer row each having a skin panel (12) spacing these half-clamps and a flange (13) connected thereto formed on an outer edge (14) of the annular shell-shaped element (4.1; 4.2), and wherein the skin panel (12) - starting from the ring anchor (5) - runs obliquely or perpendicularly to the flange (13) on the outer edge (14) of the annular shell-shaped element (4.1; 4.2), and between the half clamps (6.2; 7.2) of the inner row each have a skin field (16) spacing these half-shackles (6.2; 7.2) and a flan connected thereto and formed on an inner edge (18) of the annular shell-shaped element (4.1; 4.2). sch (17) are formed, and wherein the skin area (16) - starting from the ring anchor (5) - inclined or perpendicular to the flange (17) on the inner edge (18) of the annular shell-shaped element (4.1; 4.2), wherein in the assembled state each half clamp (6.1; 7.1) of a first annular shell-shaped element (4.1) is opposite a half clamp (6.2; 7.2) of the second annular shell-shaped element (4.2) in such a way that the two opposite half clamps (6.1, 6.2; 7.1 , 7.2) together form a clamp (8; 9), and wherein each flange (13; 17) of the first annular shell-shaped element (4.1) bears against a flange (13; 17) of the second annular shell-shaped element (4.2) and the two Ring-shell-shaped elements (4.1; 4.2) are connected to one another at the flanges (13; 17) that rest against one another. Annular support structure (1) after claim 1 , characterized in that the clamps (8; 9) are aligned to accommodate a plurality of support arms (22) arranged polarly over the circumference of the support structure (1). Annular support structure (1) after claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the clamp axis (10) of each clamp (8, 9) is preferably directed radially in the direction of the ring center (11). Annular support structure (1) according to one of Claims 1 until 3 , characterized in that the annular shell-shaped elements (4.1; 4.2) which are detachably connected to one another are structurally identical but are oriented in opposite directions. Annular support structure (1) according to one of Claims 1 until 4 , characterized in that the at least one closed ring anchor (5) is formed concentrically to the entire ring-shaped support structure (1). Annular support structure (1) according to one of Claims 1 until 5 , characterized in that in the assembled state opposite outer half clamps (6.1, 6.2) together form outer clamps (8) and opposite inner half clamps (7.1, 7.2) together form inner clamps (9), with one outer clamp each time (8) and an inner clamp (9) form a pair in which the outer clamp (8) and the inner clamp (9) lie one behind the other in the radial direction on the same axis and together form a passage. Annular support structure (1) according to one of Claims 1 until 6 , characterized in that the skin area (12) between the circumferentially adjacent half-clamps (6.1; 7.1) of the outer row - starting from the ring anchor (5) - is inclined up to the flange (13) on the outer edge (14) of the annular shell-shaped element (4.1 ; 4.2) runs. Annular support structure (1) according to one of Claims 1 until 7 , characterized in that the skin area (12) between the circumferentially adjacent half-clamps (6.2; 7.2) of the inner row - starting from the ring anchor (5) - perpendicular to the flange (17) on the inner edge (18) of the annular shell-shaped element (4.1 ; 4.2) runs. Annular support structure (1) according to one of Claims 1 until 8th , characterized in that the shape of the ring armature (5) is a circular ring shape, an oval shape or polygonal. Annular support structure (1) according to one of Claims 1 until 9 , characterized in that the ring shape of the ring anchor (5) is octagonal. Assembly (23) from a support structure (1) according to one of Claims 1 until 10 and polarly arranged support arms (22) which are accommodated in a form-fitting manner in the clamps (8, 9) via a plug-in connection. assembly after claim 11 , characterized in that the cross sections of the clamps (8, 9) and the support arms (22) are not round, which secures the support arms (22) against twisting.

Images