DE102017211370A1 - Method for operating an aircraft and aircraft - Google Patents

Abstract

In order to allow a particularly comfortable journey of a user, the invention relates to a method for operating an aircraft (1), wherein the aircraft (1) during a flight phase (6) along a catenary (2) moves and in this case an energy storage device (4) of the aircraft (1) is powered by means of a coupling device (3) via the overhead line (2) with energy. During a movement phase (7), the aircraft (1) is decoupled from the overhead line (2) and is supplied with energy from the energy storage device (4). Furthermore, the invention relates to an aircraft (1).

Description

The invention relates to a method for operating an aircraft and an aircraft according to the preambles of the independent claims.

From the DE 697 16 964 T2 is a computerized transport system with such cable-guided aircraft known. When operating at least one of the aircraft this is moved during a flight phase along a catenary and in this case an energy storage device of the aircraft by means of a coupling device via the overhead line with energy.

In addition, from the US 7714536 B1 a method for electrically charging a battery of an unmanned drone known. Here, the battery is charged during a coupling of the drone by means of an electrical overhead line.

From the US 7318564 B1 is a system for electrically charging an energy storage of a drone known. The drone is unmanned and is inductively charged by means of coupling with an electrical overhead line.

Object of the present invention is to provide a method for operating an aircraft and an aircraft, by means of which a particularly fast transport of passengers or cargo can be done.

This object is achieved by a method for operating an aircraft and by an aircraft with the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments with expedient developments of the invention are specified in the respective dependent claims and in the following description.

In order to provide a method for operating an aircraft of the aforementioned type, by means of which a particularly fast transport of occupants or cargo can take place, it is provided according to the invention that the aircraft is decoupled from the overhead line during a movement phase and supplied with energy from the energy storage device becomes. This means that the aircraft carrying the user or other load is moved along the overhead line during the flight phase and is supplied with energy via the overhead line and is supplied with energy from the energy storage device during the movement phase after decoupling from the overhead line. During the flight phase, the aircraft is approached along the overhead line to a destination of transportation. If the aircraft or the energy storage device is sufficiently supplied with energy, the aircraft is decoupled from the overhead line and moves by means of energy from the energy storage device in the movement phase on to the destination of the aircraft. In particular, the aircraft carries out the flight phase along the overhead line only with the corresponding energy requirement of the aircraft or falls below a limit value of a state of charge of the energy storage device. Advantageously, the aircraft can thereby be operated continuously and the user or other cargo can continue to be moved to its destination during a loading operation of the aircraft or the energy storage device of the aircraft. Advantageously, this results in a particularly short transport time or travel time for the user to the destination.

In this context, it has proven to be advantageous if the aircraft carries out the movement phase at a distance from the overhead line. This means that the aircraft is moved during the flight phase along the overhead line and moves after its decoupling in the movement phase spaced from the overhead line. For example, the overhead line with other overhead lines traffic main veins forms the traffic guidance of the aircraft. By means of these traffic main lines, the aircraft can be moved during the charging process to a vicinity of the destination of the user. If the aircraft has been moved along the overhead line close enough to the destination so that the state of charge of the energy storage unit is sufficient to move the aircraft to its destination during the movement phase, the aircraft is decoupled from the overhead line and moves with energy during the movement phase from the energy storage unit to the destination of the user. Consequently, it is a self-sufficient aircraft because it can move in the movement phase spaced from the overhead line by means of energy from the energy storage device. By means of the aircraft, so-called energy jumping, also referred to as energy hopping, can be performed. In energy jumping long-distance mobility can be made possible by means of a trolley network of several overhead lines. In this case, the aircraft moves in a first phase of flight along a first overhead line, moves during the movement phase of the first overhead line decoupled with energy from the energy storage device away from the first overhead line and to a second overhead line. Subsequently, the aircraft is coupled to the second overhead line and moves in a second phase of flight along the second overhead line. This process can be repeated any number of times, leaving the aircraft Long distances to transport the user long distances to his destination. This has the advantage that a range of the aircraft is particularly high and the user can reach very many different destinations by means of the aircraft.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the aircraft is coupled during the flight phase with a flight drive and is coupled during the movement phase with the aircraft propulsion or with a driving module or with a swimming module. In other words, the aircraft is coupled with the flight drive during the flight phase, so that the aircraft flies during the flight phase along the overhead line. During the movement phase, the aircraft can fly by means of the aircraft drive, drive on a ground by means of the driving module and / or float on a body of water by means of the swimming module. Thus, during the movement phase the aircraft can move particularly advantageously to air, to water and / or to land. Advantageously, thus different destinations for the user are particularly easy to reach. The user can remain in the aircraft, in particular in a body designed as a passenger compartment and move together with the aircraft to air, water and / or land. There is thus advantageously no need for the user to change from the aircraft to another means of transport.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that information is exchanged between the aircraft and the overhead line during the flight phase. This means that the overhead line is able to forward the information which can be forwarded by means of the coupling device to a computing device of the aircraft. The information may be, for example, information relevant to locomotion of the aircraft, such as weather information. Advantageously, the aircraft can thus carry out its movement planning as a function of the information. For example, the computing device uses the information to create a movement route of the aircraft to the destination or changes the route of travel to the destination as a function of the information. Thus, as a result of the exchange of information between the aircraft and the overhead line, a movement route for the aircraft can be created which leads to the destination particularly quickly and safely.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the aircraft carries out the flight phase and / or the movement phase autonomously. This means that the computing device of the aircraft carries out the movement planning and moves the aircraft autonomously in the flight phase and / or in the movement phase in accordance with the movement route determined during the movement planning. The user can consequently transmit the destination to the aircraft when starting the aircraft and is then transported in a particularly comfortable manner from the aircraft to the destination.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it has proven to be advantageous if the aircraft determines the state of charge of the energy storage device during the movement phase and drives the overhead line for carrying out the charging of the energy storage device with energy on the overhead line falls below a limit state of charge of the energy storage device. This means that the state of charge of the energy storage device is monitored, for example, by means of the computing device of the aircraft, and the computing device incorporates the state of charge of the energy storage device into the movement planning. This can advantageously be ensured that the aircraft is supplied with sufficient energy at any time.

Another aspect of the invention relates to an aircraft which is movable during a flight phase along a catenary. The aircraft comprises a coupling device by means of which the aircraft can be coupled to the overhead line. In addition, the aircraft comprises an energy storage device which can be supplied with energy via the overhead line. In order to ensure a particularly comfortable journey for a user of the aircraft, the invention provides that the aircraft can be decoupled from the overhead line during a movement phase and can be supplied with energy from the energy storage device.

The invention also includes further developments of the aircraft according to the invention, which have features as have already been described in connection with the developments of the method according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding developments of the aircraft according to the invention are not described here again.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a flight drive is provided, which is driven by energy from the overhead line and the energy storage device and by means of which the aircraft can fly. By means of this aircraft propulsion system, the aircraft can fly along the overhead line during the flight phase and fly away from the overhead line during the movement phase. Thus, the aircraft can advantageously during a charging of the Energy storage device are guided along the catenary and to move along the overhead line to a desired by a user of the aircraft destination. As a result, the user can advantageously fly the entire route to the destination and cover this particularly fast.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a driving module and / or a floating module is provided which is each driven by energy from the energy storage device. This means that the aircraft comprises the driving module and / or the swimming module at least temporarily and that the aircraft is movable during the movement phase by means of the driving module and / or the swimming module. Since the driving module and the floating module can each be driven by energy from the energy storage device, the respective movement of the aircraft can be carried out by means of the driving module and / or the swimming module at a distance from the overhead line. For example, the aircraft comprises a base body, which can be coupled to the aircraft drive and / or the travel module and / or the swimming module. Advantageously, the aircraft can thus travel by means of the driving module on a ground or by means of the swimming module on a body of water floating in the movement phase spaced from the overhead line move.

The aircraft is preferably set up to carry out a method as has already been described in connection with the method according to the invention.

The invention also includes developments of the method according to the invention, which have features as they have already been described in connection with the developments of the motor vehicle according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding developments of the method according to the invention are not described again here.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines Kopplungsvorgangs eines Luftfahrzeugs mit einer Oberleitung;
• 2 eine schematische Perspektivansicht einer alternativen Ausführungsform des Luftfahrzeugs in einer Flugphase, wobei sich das Luftfahrzeug entlang einer Oberleitung bewegt;
• 3 eine Perspektivansicht des Luftfahrzeugs, wobei von einem Grundkörper des Luftfahrzeugs ein Flugantrieb und ein Fahrmodul abgekoppelt sind.

In the following, embodiments of the invention are described. This shows:

• 1 a schematic representation of a coupling operation of an aircraft with a catenary;
• 2 a schematic perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the aircraft in a phase of flight, wherein the aircraft moves along a catenary;
• 3 a perspective view of the aircraft, wherein from a main body of the aircraft, a flight drive and a driving module are disconnected.

The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the described components of the embodiments each represent individual features of the invention, which are to be considered independently of one another, which each further develop the invention independently of one another and thus also individually or in a different combination than the one shown as part of the invention. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

In the figures, functionally identical elements are each provided with the same reference numerals.

In 1 is a schematic side view of a coupling process of an aircraft 1 with a catenary 2 shown. The aircraft 1 is during a flight phase 6 along the catenary 2 movable. During the flight phase 6 is an energy storage device 4 of the aircraft 1 by means of a coupling device 3 over the overhead line 2 be supplied with energy. The coupling device 3 comprises at least one coupling element 5 , which with the overhead line 2 can be coupled and on which present by induction energy from the overhead line 2 on the aircraft 1 is transferable. At the aircraft 1 In the present case, this is a means of transport for a user by means of which the user can be transported to a destination.

In order to allow the most comfortable journey of the user to the destination, it is provided that the aircraft 1 during a movement phase 7 from the catenary 2 is decoupled and with energy from the energy storage device 4 is supplied. During the movement phase 7 becomes the aircraft 1 in the present case by means of energy from the energy storage device 4 moved to the destination. The movement phase takes place 7 spaced from the overhead line 2 , Below a state of charge of the energy storage device 4 a defined limit, so the aircraft can 1 , as in 1 is shown during the movement phase 7 on the overhead line 2 to move, by means of the coupling device 3 with the overhead line 2 pair and the flight phase 6 carry out.

In 2 is a schematic perspective view of the aircraft 1 during the flight phase 6 shown, wherein the coupling device 3 in the in 2 shown, alternative embodiment of the aircraft 1 two coupling elements 5 each having one of two single strands 8th the overhead line 2 are coupled.

In 3 is the aircraft 1 shown in a perspective view. In this illustration, it can be seen that the aircraft 1 a basic body 9 , a decoupled driving module 10 and a decoupled flight drive 11 includes. The main body 9 can with the air drive 11 and / or with the driving module 10 be coupled to the movement phase 7 perform. During the flight phase 6 is the main body 9 only with the aircraft propulsion 11 coupled. The at least one coupling element 5 in which it may be a current collector or a data collector, may be in its design and in its position relative to the main body 9 vary. In addition, a shape, design and execution of the aircraft 1 variable.

In connection with the 1 to 3 described aircraft 1 is based on the recognition that drones, which means an unmanned aerial vehicle, are currently used primarily in air traffic for aerial photography. In addition, research and development is increasingly being conducted in the area of passenger air traffic. In a test phase are already so-called multicopters, which are equipped with seats for users and control units and can fly. These multicopters can be manually controlled by a user or move autonomously. In the future, multicopters will increase the mobility of individual users and will expand traffic, especially in urban areas, from roads to airspace. As a result, traffic on the roads can be relieved. In the described multicopters, a connection, in particular a change, between means of transport, for example from a motor vehicle to a multicopter and subsequently to another motor vehicle, is produced in so-called hubs. In addition, the multicopters, such as in the passenger transport of the automotive industry, electrification takes place. Even with the multicopters, however, a range of current energy storage devices is problematic. Furthermore, there are on a recent market few to no multicopter, which can be used for passenger air transport. Moreover, when changing between the means of transport for the user time losses and loss of comfort.

These disadvantages can be remedied by means of the 1 to 3 described aircraft 1 to be bypassed. With the help of the overhead line 2 with which the aircraft 1 If necessary, the aircraft can make physical contact 1 be loaded and guided. The overhead line 2 can thus also ensure order in the airspace through the overhead line 2 , in particular by several overhead lines 2 , divided into individual corridors. The aircraft 1 is by means of the overhead line 2 guided corridors. In addition, a problem of the range of the energy storage device could 4 be solved. The by means of several overhead lines 2 given corridors are ideally located along existing mobility routes. The user is using the aircraft 1 picked up from his current location. The aircraft 1 can then approach one of the predetermined corridors if necessary and by means of the coupling device 3 with the overhead line 2 connect. The coupling device 3 in the present case comprises a cable 12 and the coupling element 5 , which in this case is a customer. The aircraft 1 is by means of the overhead line 2 charged by physical contact or by induction and moves along the catenary 2 through the given corridor towards the desired destination. In the catenary 2 current flows, by means of which the aircraft 1 is rechargeable. In addition, over the overhead line 2 Data and / or information to be transmitted.

When a certain proximity to the destination or when falling below a defined maximum distance to the destination, the connection of the aircraft 1 with the overhead line 2 disconnected, that means the aircraft 1 is from the catenary 2 decoupled. Subsequently, the aircraft can 1 in the movement phase 7 Fly directly to the user's destination. In the present case, the defined maximum distance is set such that in the energy storage device 4 enough energy is available to move the aircraft 1 from the catenary 2 to the destination and from the destination of the user to a nearest corridor for recharging the energy storage device 4 to ensure.

A movement of short-distance traffic would be through the aircraft 1 into a third dimension, which opens up new business opportunities. In addition, for reaching the destination the shortest route, that is, as the crow flies, can be selected. In addition, a travel time of the aircraft depends 1 to the destination especially during the movement phase 7 not from a traffic volume. With appropriate modules, the aircraft can 1 on land and in the water. This means that it is not necessary for the user to change and connect different modes of transport.

By the aircraft 1 particularly large ranges and individual Premiummobilität for the user without time restrictions and comfort restrictions are made possible.

This can be achieved by getting the aircraft 1 in the movement phase 7 by means of energy from the energy storage device 4 moves. Upon reaching the overhead line 2 The aircraft is coupled 1 with this. In the present case, the overhead line includes 2 in the in 2 embodiment shown two single strands 5 , The at least one coupling element 5 of the aircraft 1 consists in the present case of an electrically conductive material, whereby the current in the in 2 illustrated embodiment of the aircraft 1 from a single strand 5 to the other single strand 5 the overhead line 2 can flow. In this case, electricity is the energy storage device 4 of the aircraft 1 passed and the energy storage device 4 charged by it. Alternatively, the energy storage device 4 inductively charged.

For driving on land or on water, the aircraft propulsion 11 , which in this case comprises rotors, are decoupled. The main body 9 , Which is in the present case a passenger compartment, can then on the driving module 10 and / or a swimming module can be placed to move in a manner similar to an automobile or a watercraft.

Overall, the examples show, as by the invention, a manned drone, in this case the aircraft 1 , in air traffic by power lines, in this case the overhead line 2 , Partially managed and can be loaded and a change of a mode of transport can be carried out while maintaining the passenger compartment.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 69716964 T2
• US 7714536 B1 [0003]
• US 7318564 B1 [0004]

Claims (10)

Method for operating an aircraft (1), in which the aircraft (1) moves along an overhead line (2) during a flight phase (6) and in this case an energy storage device (4) of the aircraft (1) via a coupling device (3) via the overhead line (2) is supplied with energy, characterized in that the aircraft (1) during a movement phase (7) is decoupled from the overhead line (2) and is supplied with energy from the energy storage device (4). Method according to Claim 1 in which the aircraft (1) performs the movement phase (7) at a distance from the overhead line (2). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the aircraft (1) during the flight phase (6) with a flight drive (11) is coupled and during the movement phase (7) with the aircraft propulsion (11) or with a driving module (10) or with a Floating module is coupled. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which information is exchanged between the aircraft (1) and the overhead line (2) during the flight phase (6). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the aircraft (1) autonomously performs the flight phase (6) and / or the movement phase (7). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the aircraft (1) determines a charge state of the energy storage device (4) during the movement phase (7) and falls below a limit state of charge of the energy storage device (4) the overhead line (2) for performing a charging of the energy storage device (4 ) via the overhead line (2) with energy. Aircraft (1) which is movable along a catenary (2) during a flight phase (6), with a coupling device (3) by means of which the aircraft (1) can be coupled to the overhead line (2), and with one via the overhead line (2) energy-storable energy storage device (4), characterized in that the aircraft (1) during a movement phase (7) of the overhead line (2) is decoupled and can be supplied with energy from the energy storage device (4). Aircraft (1) to Claim 7 in which an aircraft drive (11) is provided, which can be driven by energy from the overhead line (2) and from the energy storage device (4) and by means of which the aircraft (1) can fly. Aircraft (1) to Claim 7 or 8th , wherein a driving module (10) and / or a floating module is provided which is each driven by energy from the energy storage device (4). Aircraft (1) according to one of Claims 7 to 9 , which is adapted to a method according to one of Claims 1 to 6 perform.

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