DE112012001360B4 - New kind of future airships - Google Patents

Abstract

Airship (100) with a wide and flat, airplane-like, non-cigar-like shape, with a centrally arranged fuselage structure (1) and a passenger cabin (11) arranged on the top or in the upper region of the fuselage structure (1), comprising: - two on both sides wing-like structures (10) arranged for this fuselage structure (1) or for the fuselage, a plurality of separate gas containers (2) being provided inside the wing-like structures (10), and at least one drive means, preferably a propeller (3), in the front area and a drive means in the rear area of the airship (100), namely on the upper side of the airship (100), characterized in that through recesses (31) are formed in the wing-like structures (10) of the airship (100), in or by which the drive means can be pivoted.

Description

The invention relates to an airship according to the preamble of claim 1.

Conventional, classic and traditional types of e.g. zeppelin airships (egg-shaped, short or long) are known from the prior art.

For example, the U.S. 5,823,468 A , the US 2009/0 072 082 A1 and the GB 2 033 860 A different airships with pivoting drives.

In the EP 0 583 666 A1 describes an airship with three gas containers separated from one another and each connected to one another by foils. A central gas container is arranged in the hull area of the airship and the two further gas containers are each located at the outer ends of the foils. Furthermore, two pivotable drive means are arranged in the foils laterally on both sides of the central gas container. the EP 0 583 666 A1 However, it does not show any wings made in the form of a sandwich construction, with several separate gas containers surrounded by a common outer shell being provided inside each of the two wings, and that at least one drive means is provided in the front and one drive means in the rear area of the airship at the same time, which can be pivoted through continuous recesses in these sandwich-like constructed wings.

The object of the present invention is to create an airship which improves the disadvantages of the prior art. The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 1.

• - zwei beidseitig zu dieser Rumpfstruktur bzw. zum Rumpf angeordnete Tragflächen tragflächenartige Strukturen, wobei im Inneren der tragflächenartigen Strukturen Tragflächen jeweils mehrere voneinander abgetrennte Gasbehälter vorgesehen sind, und
• - zumindest ein Antriebmittel, vorzugsweise einen Propeller, im vorderen Bereich sowie ein Antriebmittel im hinteren Bereich des Luftschiffs und zwar auf der Oberseite des Luftschiffs, wobei in den tragflächenartigen Strukturen Tragflächen des Luftschiffs durchgehende Ausnehmungen ausgebildet sind, in oder durch die das Antriebmittel verschwenkbar ist.

According to the invention it is provided that

• two wings, wing-like structures arranged on both sides of this fuselage structure or the fuselage, wherein a plurality of separated gas containers are provided inside the wing-like structures, and
• - At least one drive means, preferably a propeller, in the front area and one drive means in the rear area of the airship, namely on the top of the airship, with continuous recesses in the wing-like structures of the airship in or through which the drive means can be pivoted.

The invention preferably relates to airships with a multiple, wider and wider hull, e.g. approximately triangle-like ( 1 , 2 , 5 etc.) or round and oval etc., those with more than one large, inner gas container and / or ballonets, those with several propellers including other modern and necessary instruments and equipment, as well as larger passenger salons (for more passengers) and chambers (storage compartments ) and various cabins (e.g. sleeping cabins) are equipped. These airships no longer use classic gondolas that hang in the lower area of the airship.

One of the many advantages of these novel types of airships is e.g. B the possibility of higher speeds, or, in addition, with the help of agreed, powerful propellers and engine types, to achieve a higher ascent, or to fly faster and longer distances (greater flight range). Furthermore, there is almost no fire risk due to the use of flame-retardant gas (e.g. helium or a similar purified gas), light and stable building and construction materials, e.g. different types of carbon fibers, polycarbonate, polyethylene fibers, or aluminum composites, etc.

These types of new types of airships are equipped with at least two gas containers with associated devices, systems and instruments. They are also provided with all the necessary instruments such as various gas pumps, ballonets, safety and rescue systems (systems and devices), lifeboats and life jackets, etc., automatic and manual fire extinguisher systems and devices, modern navigation equipment, GPRS, communication systems (radio and satellite telephones, direction finders, receivers, emergency call systems and systems), video devices and surveillance / monitoring systems equipped with VCR systems including several screens inside and outside the airship for observation and control purposes. These external cameras and monitors show the surroundings directly and live for the tourists. At the same time, they are also important observation instruments for the captain and the entire technical and safety crew of the airship in order to continuously observe and control the airship from all sides, as well as the interior rooms, stores, drives, devices and gas containers and the situation . They also serve as documentation systems.

As is known, there are e.g. cargo airships that can reach and fly a range of up to 10,000 kilometers. In this way, the logistics of the future will be realized and made more attractive at the best and positive economic level with the lowest costs and profitability.

The novel designs and environmentally friendly types of airships of this application make it possible to reach even longer distances (ranges) with more total load (total weight) and at higher speed. It is also very important that this type of airships mainly play a major role as the most environmentally friendly transport vehicles in the world (compared to airplanes, no emissions, noiseless, no fine dust and CO ₂ pollution, etc.). In addition, these airships are a very interesting and attractive experience for passengers (tourists), as well as for the transport industry with many advantages and larger sources of income (cargo transport).

So far, different types of airship could possibly reach a maximum speed of up to 130 km / h, for example. These new and fully aerodynamic airship designs make possible with a pointed nose and wide stretched fuselage, such as in 1 , and an almost flat, saucer-like hull (see 2 ) and additionally lightweight, but strong and powerful turbines (drives / propellers) to take off the airship vertically, to soar in height and into different air planes and to fly faster and further at high speeds well over 300 km / h. Furthermore, all airship types have various movable wings (wings) and fins on / on / around the fuselage (see e.g. 1 , 4th ) on.

In addition, these types of airship have at least two turbines (propellers) in the rear part of the fuselage (right and left, see 2 ) and in some types of airships, for example, one or two turbines (propellers) in the front part of the fuselage ( 2 ) or on / on / in the wings / wings (see 4th and 6a) Installed.

These movable types of propellers (drives / turbines) can move in different directions ( 6th and 6a) and positioned in a horizontal or vertical stand (e.g. 6th ). This enables all such types of airships to take off vertically or land vertically, to ascend to different heights, to travel horizontally (depending on the weather conditions), to stop at one point in the air like a helicopter, to the right and at will / or to maneuver to the left (by combination with different movable wings / wings) and are also responsible for balancing the airship. These propellers / turbines can also be rotated in any direction to achieve the desired direction ( 6th and 6a) .

Furthermore, a flat lower part of the fuselage allows ( 1 etc.), to be able to drive these types of airships with an aerodynamic design with a pointed nose (which is different from the conventional types of airships such as zeppelin etc.) even safer and faster.

Of course, the entire wings of the airship (several different wings such as in 1 and 2 , 4th , 5 , 6th etc.) including all propellers (turbines / drives) using containers filled with light and flame-retardant gas (e.g. helium), as well as light but stable construction materials such as aluminum, composites, carbon and glass fibers, PE fibers, etc. Other reasons (instruments / materials / devices, etc.) such as the procurement of additional power for higher ascent, more stability, more safety and more speed speak in favor of these types of airship and that they are suitable for long-range purposes.

For the production of large parts of the fuselage structure and the inner and outer shell, various composites such as aluminum, (Alu-Composita), carbon fibers, special intelligence and mixed textiles with other fibers, fire retardants / fire retardants are also used, as is known and fibers which are light and strong and not easily combustible materials are used. The latest materials and technologies are selected and used for windows (window panes) and all walls and floors, constructions and materials.

In the event of accidents or skirmishes in the air, hardly any gas cylinders are damaged. There are also repair options in the air and on board. In such cases, the majority of gas containers of these airship types (contrary to conventional types with only one large balloon or two gas containers or ballonets), including all safety systems and devices, prevent the airship from crashing immediately.

The focus of this idea and invention relates to various shapes and designs of airships, designed and built with a wider shape of the hull with a flat base, and equipped with more than one huge gas container (in the right and left parts of the airship). In the middle of the airship is a conventional, airplane-like, large fuselage structure and a passenger cabin arranged on it ( 1 , 2 , 4th , 5 , 6th , etc.).

The propellers / turbines / motors and most of the built-in devices and instruments are electrically operated (use of electricity, solar energy, stored electricity / batteries etc.) and additional fuels / fuels with low pollutants can be used for hybrid drives (e.g. environmentally friendly fuels / Sprite / Biofuel / biofuels etc). Some or all of them The drives / propellers / motors used have a dual fuel function (hybrid) with little fuel consumption and low emissions.

As is known, gondolas are normally installed in most airships and hot air balloons in the lower part of the airship (hanging cabin). This is not only done for technical reasons, but also with the advantage that you can look closely at and observe the surroundings during a slow and almost noiseless journey.

It is important to note that with conventional types of airships, the pilot and passenger cabins on the underside, and / or the storage compartment, which are mostly attached to the bottom of the airships, are most likely under in the event of an emergency landing or fall into the water (ocean, sea, etc.) are forced into the water and sink.

The built-in air cushions under the airship are also designed to land gently on the water in such accidents and to stay longer on the water and / or to be moved by means of drives (such as a hovercraft / hovercraft or ship) together with the help of porch elements to get the ship or passengers as far as possible to the safe coast until they are rescued.

With the novel airship types according to the invention, however, at least 2-story cabins are installed above and below the airship ( 2 , 5 etc.). The upper and lower cabins on passenger and tourist airships are very practical and more attractive than, for example, earth observation options, with a relaxation and sleeping salon or cabins, restaurants etc. being provided on an intermediate floor (second floor with three floors of cabins) are. Storage and load compartments are located in the rear part of the lower cabin or level.

These new airships can be equipped with all the necessary security systems, service, sanitary, first aid and sanitary installations and relevant instruments, etc., and even luxurious equipment (shower, bathroom, sleeping compartment, etc.), depending on requirements and design. Necessary navigation, control and safety instruments and devices are of course present and installed on board as in conventional modern types of airships.

Flight instruments etc, anti-lightning systems and devices, air conditioning and oxygen capsules and devices for accidents, catering system, as well as drinking water and washing water for other purposes are available on board. Inflatable lifeboats (to be activated automatically and manually) with the necessary communication and tracking / signaling equipment etc. are installed or available on board (as is usually the case with airships).

As is well known, helium, for example, is a flame-retardant and lightweight gas that can be used in these types of airships (as well as others). In general, heavy and rapidly flammable oxygen is no longer used in airships.

Another advantage of these novel airships, as shown in various forms in this application, is that multiple gas and / or air cushions / gas containers and ballonets are used instead of one giant egg-shaped balloon. This prevents accidents in which the only giant balloon (gas container) is damaged or exploded, as was the case with the Zeppelin (Graf Hindenburg) or others.

In addition, these airships come with several individual and safely insulated gas containers / balloons or ballonets in different sizes and shapes (e.g. 3 , 4th , 5 ) equipped / equipped so that all containers and ballonets are hardly damaged at once. Therefore, the rest of the balloons (gas containers) will allow the airship to continue traveling until the airship is safely landed. All building and container materials, etc., are made from special high-quality, light but very stable and fireproof materials, fibers, composites and fabrics. In the event of damage, as mentioned, these can also be repaired while driving.

2 and 6a show several propellers / drive motors ( 1 , 6th ) for vertical take-off or landing. Front propeller ( 1 , 6a) or right and left propellers / turbines can rotate right and / or left and up or down. This means that the airship can go in all directions as well as backwards and forwards or stand in the air like a helicopter (left or right rotation of the blades of the propellers, for example 5 , and 6th ).

Propellers are e.g. in the front and / or rear surfaces of the fuselage ( 2 and 6a) Installed. At least two (each on one side of the fuselage, for example 2 and 6a) or outside the fuselage ( 1 ) are used in the new airship types (as drawn). These propellers enable the airship to take off and land vertically, to maneuver, to drive right and left, upwards and backwards or to stand in the air and are also responsible for balancing the airship in all conditions.

Other types of airships have at least two rear propellers ( 1 ) installed on the rear of the airship's fuselage. This type of propeller is best for smaller airship models because they can generate less power. Of course, these propellers can also be used together with other types of turbines and propellers on these novel airships.

Figure list

• 1 shows a new kind of airship 100 with four turbines (propellers 3 ) in a closed-gap position, including small medium-sized turbines and various moving wings 7th and wings 8th .
• 2 shows an almost identical airship 100 how 1 with four turbines (propellers 3 ) which are shown in this drawing with open gaps or flaps. In this state the airship can 100 take off or land vertically. 1 and 2 show slidable gap covers (sliding covers). Arms to the propeller 3 Moving up and down are in 6th (an example) shown.
• 3 shows several gas containers 2 with scaffolding and partitions 20th as safety walls (made of fireproof materials and e.g. with aluminum scaffolding, etc.) for separating the individual gas containers 2 in the event of an accident or fire etc. as well as fire sprinklers 15th . These measures are preferably used in all types of airship in this application. The isolation walls (partition walls 20th ), also between gas tanks 2 and trunk structure 1 , ensure more safety for the airship 100 and the crew and passengers, and prevent the outbreak of fire or damage in the event of an accident and help, for example, with repair work.
• 4th shows a large type of airship with multiple gas tanks 2 in different sizes and shapes as well as with four swiveling turbines / propellers 3 (two in front and two in rear) and the example shows the propellers 3 in the lower part of the airship 100 and the same movable propeller 3 pivoted in the upper or in the lower part, as well as several movable wings 8th .
• 4a shows a schematic representation of the function of the movable propellers 3 / Propulsion means / Turbines in three different positions (A, B and C).
• 5 Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the hull and shape of an airship 100 with at least four large gas tanks 2 (only design and model / shape of the airship are shown here), a wing 10 and a fuselage structure 1 .
• 5a shows an airship model with at least four large gas tanks 2 , a double-deck cabin, or a three-level cabin with middle cabins, windows and wing / wing 8th .
• 6th shows a pivoting propeller 3 (Turbine) on the hull of the airship, which is in the vertical forward position. The horizontal position (pivoted back to position A with the aid of a hydraulic arm 31 of the propeller 3 ) is for picking up the airship 100 responsible (with all other propellers 3 of the airship 100 ). The airship 100 shows a gap 30th with a sliding lid and vertical wings 10 (Hydrofoil, with rudder) on. These propellers 3 / Turbines can rotate left or right to allow for forward or reverse travel.
• 6a shows a schematic representation of an airship 100 in the air with a total of six turbines / propellers 3 in the vertical position aligned in the direction of travel (2x propeller 3 in the rear, and 2x propellers 3 in the front part of the fuselage, including 2x small medium turbines), different wings 8th and an upper passenger cabin 11 with windows, a shell, turbine / propeller shafts 30th , sliding covers and hydraulic turbine arms 31.

It is worth noting that the entire gas container 2 all kinds of these new airships 100 with particularly light but stable frames / cladding and fixings for the gas containers 2 (e.g. made of aluminum and or with carbon fibers, composites, etc.) and insulation walls (panels) are equipped with fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems, including the necessary instruments and devices, etc.

Advantageous further developments are at the top of the fuselage structure 1 and / or the wing-like structures 10 Solar cells, in particular for powering the drive means, arranged. Furthermore, on the fuselage structure 1 and / or on the wing-like structures 10 Wind catcher elements 4th , which represent an attack surface for air currents and winds, be arranged. Furthermore, on the fuselage structure, in particular on the underside 1 and / or the wing-like structures 10 inflatable air cushions 5 , be arranged. Such air cushions 5 allow the airship 100 Lands vertically on the water without moving the airship 100 lowers into the water. Furthermore, at the top of the fuselage structure 1 and / or the wing-like structures 10 Rescue parachutes that can be activated if required 6th be arranged. Details and variants of this are in particular in the embodiments of FIG 7-9 shown.

List of reference symbols

1

Trunk structure

2

gas tank

3

propeller

4th

Wind catcher element

5

Air cushions

6th

Reserve parachute

7th

Wing

8th

wing

10

Wing

11th

Passenger cabin

15th

Fire sprinkler

20th

Partition

30th

Turbine / propeller shaft and gap

100

Airship

Claims (7)

Airship (100) with a wide and flat, airplane-like, non-cigar-like shape, with a centrally arranged fuselage structure (1) and a passenger cabin (11) arranged on the top or in the upper region of the fuselage structure (1), comprising: two on both sides wing-like structures (10) arranged for this fuselage structure (1) or for the fuselage, a plurality of separate gas containers (2) being provided inside the wing-like structures (10), and - at least one drive means, preferably a propeller (3), in the front area and a drive means in the rear area of the airship (100), namely on the upper side of the airship (100), characterized in that through recesses (31) are formed in the wing-like structures (10) of the airship (100), in or by which the drive means can be pivoted. Airship (100) after Claim 1 , characterized in that the airship (100) comprises movable wings (7) and / or wings (8) and / or fins, the wings (7) and / or wings (8) and / or fins on the hull of the airship (100) are arranged. Airship (100) after Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the gas containers (2) are separated from each other and / or from the fuselage structure (1) by partition walls (20), it being provided in particular that the partition walls (20) are made of a refractory material. Airship (100) after one of the Claims 1 until 3 , characterized in that solar cells, in particular for supplying power to the drive means, are arranged on the upper side of the fuselage structure (1) and / or the wing-like structures (10). Airship (100) after one of the Claims 1 until 4th , characterized in that on the fuselage structure (1) and / or on the wing-like structures (10), wind catcher elements (4), which represent an attack surface for air currents and winds, are arranged. Airship (100) after one of the Claims 1 until 5 , characterized in that inflatable air cushions (5) are arranged on, in particular on the underside, the fuselage structure (1) and / or the wing-like structures (10). Airship (100) after one of the Claims 1 until 6th , characterized in that rescue parachutes (6) which can be activated if necessary are arranged on the upper side of the fuselage structure (1) and / or the wing-like structures (10).

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