Take-off and landing stations

Abstract

The invention relates to a take-off and landing station (1) for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft (2), the aircraft being used to transport people and / or loads, the aircraft having a flight module (3) and a transport module (4) which can be coupled to the flight module (3), the flight module having a plurality of drive units (17) arranged on a support structure (16) of the flight module (3). The take-off and landing station (1) has a holding device (21) with a plurality of gripping and resting elements (11), the gripping and resting elements being used to rest, fix and / or orient the support structure (16) during take-off and landing of the aircraft (2) or the flight module (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a take-off and landing station for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft for transporting persons and / or loads. Background Art

[0002] Aircraft for transporting people and / or loads are becoming increasingly important, since they enable rapid transport essentially independently of infrastructure such as roads, tracks, bridges, tunnels, etc. This applies in particular to smaller aircraft that can take off and land vertically and therefore do not require a take-off and landing runway.

[0003] Nevertheless, a ground station for take-off and landing has proven to be advantageous for such aircraft. WO 2013 / 055265 A1 discloses a system for automatic take-off and landing of an unmanned aircraft. The system comprises a ground station with means for communicating with the aircraft, an assembly with a gripping arm for grabbing the aircraft and launching the aircraft, a computing unit for calculating a convergence point between the gripping arm and the aircraft, and a control unit, wherein the control unit is designed to control the gripping arm in such a way that the aircraft can be moved between a storage position and a convergence point.

[0004] However, the described system is only suitable for handling smaller unmanned aircraft on the ground. In addition, only one aircraft can be handled separately in the ground station, and the aircraft can also only be handled in its entirety / all aspects in the ground station. Summary of the invention

[0005] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a more efficient take-off and landing station for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft for persons and / or loads. In addition, the take-off and landing station is to enable a functionally safe and hazard-free take-off and landing process. In addition, it is desirable to incorporate a logistics system for managing the modules of the aircraft.

[0006] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claim. Advantageous further developments of the invention are given in the dependent claims.

[0007] The take-off and landing station according to the invention is particularly suitable for modular aircraft for vertical take-off and landing for transporting people and / or loads. The aircraft (which has a flight module and a transport module that can be coupled to the flight module) can not only take off and land but also be temporarily stored partially or modularly (separated into its modules) in the take-off and landing station.

[0008] The flight module has a support structure with a plurality of drive units arranged on the support structure.

[0009] The transport module has a transport cabin for housing persons and / or loads to be transported and furthermore has a connecting device for connecting the transport cabin to the flight module.

[0010] The connecting device can be detachably connected to the transport module, so that the transport module can be operated even without the connecting device.

[0011] The connection device may comprise a longitudinally extending rod, one end of which has a coupling device for connection to the flight module and the other end of which is connected to the transport module.

[0012] The rod can be extended so that a safety height distance of the coupling device is established above the transport cabin, so that a corresponding safety distance between the transport cabin and the flight module in the coupled state can be ensured. The safety height distance can be equal to the longitudinal extension of the rod and can be determined so that an adult person using the transport module cannot touch the coupling device and the coupled flight module when standing. The safety height distance can be (starting from the available height of the transport cabin of, for example, 2 m) at least 0.5 m, preferably 1.0 m and more preferably 1.50 m.

[0013] The safety height distance is selected in such a way that safety risks for persons using the transport module are minimized, for example by preventing such persons from coming into contact with the coupled flight module when using the transport module.

[0014] According to the invention, the take-off and landing station has a holding device with a plurality of gripping or resting elements for resting, fixing and / or orienting the support structure during take-off and landing of the aircraft or the flight module.

[0015] The holding device ensures stable and secure reception and holding of an aircraft of the type described above or also of a flight module of an aircraft of the type described above that is decoupled from a transport module.

[0016] The holding device can preferably be constructed to be firmly erected relative to the terrain or the building platform, wherein gripping and resting elements arranged on the holding device receive and hold the aircraft or the flight module at a safe distance above the terrain level or the platform level and orient the flight module in a flight-technically optimal manner for a safe takeoff or safe landing of the aircraft or the flight module in a take-off and landing station.

[0017] The compact, functionally concentrated embodiment of the take-off and landing station according to the invention thus enables not only an arrangement on the terrain but also, for example, an arrangement on or in buildings, building structures or other accessible objects, such as ships or floating platforms.

[0018] The holding device with the gripping and resting elements is designed in particular in such a way that the weight of the aircraft or of the flight module can be borne even when the drive unit / propeller is out of operation.

[0019] The gripping and resting elements are designed and arranged in such a way that damage to the flight module or the aircraft can be reliably avoided during take-off and landing.

[0020] Some or all of the gripping and positioning elements can be designed, for example, in the form of stationary or movable, single-link or multi-link gripping arms, in the form of variable linear units or similar multi-axis mechanical structures (eg industrial robots).

[0021] Some or all of the gripping and resting elements can be designed, for example, in a fork-like manner for resting against and partially laterally enclosing a support beam of the support structure, which ensures a higher safety against lateral slipping of the resting position of the flight module.

[0022] However, some or all of the gripping and resting elements can also be designed, for example, in a beam-shaped manner for a flat resting of a support beam of the support structure, which allows for higher tolerances in the resting position of the flight module.

[0023] A plurality of gripping and resting elements can for example form the basic shape of an annular frame or a hexagonal frame. The size and arrangement of the gripping and resting elements can preferably be selected so that the resting of the flight module takes place at a specific resting point of the support structure, which is sufficiently spaced apart from the components of the drive elements of the flight module.

[0024] Preferably, the gripping and resting elements are arranged so that the resting point of the resting flight module is separated from the driving element placed closest to the central axis of the flight module by a small radial distance, so that the driving element of the flight module is outside the range of action of the gripping and resting elements and obstruction is avoided.

[0025] The landing of the aircraft or the flight module can optionally be carried out in that the aircraft or the flight module approaches the take-off and landing station and is grasped by one or more gripping and resting elements when a predetermined approach zone is reached.

[0026] Optionally, the holding device and / or the gripping or resting element can be designed to be variable with respect to their length, i.e., to be displaceable. The length variation can be achieved, for example, by moving a plurality of sections of the holding device or of the gripping or resting element into one another in a telescopic manner. This makes it possible to adapt the take-off and landing station to aircraft or flight modules of different geometrical designs, so that different aircraft or flight modules can be gripped and held, fixed and / or oriented.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment, the retaining device has a plurality of longitudinally extending cylindrical or arc-shaped supports, thereby enabling such spaced-apart reception and retention of the flight module or aircraft at terrain level or platform level, with the retained flight module being at a safe distance from the movement space of the personnel using or operating the aircraft.

[0028] A plurality of supports, preferably distributed around the circumference of the take-off and landing station, give the holding device a particularly stable stand with respect to the static and dynamic loads generated by the aircraft or the flight module during take-off and landing.

[0029] Preferably, the length of the support is designed to be adjustable, so that the held aircraft or flight module, in particular with the drive unit out of operation, can be raised or lowered relative to the terrain level or platform level.

[0030] Thus, the retained aircraft can, for example, be gently placed on a foundation provided for its placement or be lifted from a foundation, or the flight module can be guided downwards for coupling to a transport module located below the flight module or can be lifted after being decoupled from the transport module.

[0031] For this purpose, the support can be designed to be telescopically extendable or retractable, so that the support can be extended or shortened in the direction of its longitudinal axis.

[0032] According to a particular embodiment, the carrier and / or the gripping and contact element of the holding device are of elastic design.

[0033] The support and / or the gripping and resting element are particularly configured to cushion the hard landing impact of the flight module or the aircraft. The elasticity can be achieved, for example, by means of an elastic spring element, for example made of rubber, integrated into the support or integrated into the resting element.

[0034] In an advantageous embodiment, the take-off and landing station has a first area which is designed to accommodate a transport module for coupling to and decoupling from a flight module.

[0035] The first area is used to arrange and store the transport module so as to be combined with the flight module to form a modular aircraft or conversely to decouple the aircraft, wherein for this purpose the first area is constructed on the one hand for coupling the transport module positioned there to the flight module for taking off the aircraft and on the other hand for decoupling the transport module from the flight module after the aircraft has landed and for storing the transport module.

[0036] In other words, in the first region the transport module can be placed in a manner that matches the position of the adjacent flight module, so that the coupling of the two modules can be realized simply and smoothly.

[0037] The gripping and resting elements of the holding device can also be designed and arranged in such a way that the flying module can be positioned in coordination with the position of the transport module positioned in the first area.

[0038] After being decoupled from the transport module and after the transport module has been arranged in the first area of ​​the take-off and landing station, the flight module can continue to be used flexibly and independently movable.

[0039] The first region can be designed in such a way that a plurality of aircraft, flight modules and / or transport modules can be processed in parallel and simultaneously.

[0040] Furthermore, the first region can be designed in such a way that the transport module is arranged at the level of the surrounding terrain or of a surrounding platform.

[0041] Advantageously, the first region has at least one receiving device for receiving and positioning a transport module, preferably a transport cabin of a transport module.

[0042] The receiving device is used for temporary storage and positioning of the transport module, wherein the receiving device preferably holds the transport cabin of the transport module so that the transport cabin can be manipulated even when disconnected from the connecting device of the transport module, which can be used in particular to save space if the connecting device is designed to extend longitudinally in the shape of a rod.

[0043] The receiving device can be designed, for example, as an annular or upper-open shell-like enclosure of the transport module, whereby the transport module is held in an enclosed state.

[0044] Preferably, the shape of the receiving device corresponds to the outer shape of the corresponding transport module, so that the receiving device can at least partially surround the transport module.

[0045] In other words, the receiving device can follow the outer contour of the respective transport module or of the transport cabin and rest as flush as possible against it.

[0046] Furthermore, the receiving device has the possibility of centering and / or locking the received transport module or the received transport module.

[0047] This makes it possible to securely store, precisely position and guide the transport modules or transport cabins, as well as securely load and unload them.

[0048] A transport module or transfer module can be stored and positioned in or on the receiving device for flight preparation and for coupling to a provided flight module or can be received and stored in or on the receiving device before or after decoupling from the flight module for post-flight work.

[0049] Here, the receiving device for receiving the transport module can be arranged relative to the holding device for receiving the flight module so that a specific operating position of the flight module or the aircraft can be achieved, for example the operating position required in the take-off state and / or in the landing state.

[0050] According to an advantageous embodiment, the first region has a lifting device for raising and lowering the aircraft and / or the transport module and / or the transport module.

[0051] Thus, for example, the transport module or the transport cabin can be lowered to terrain level or platform level after being decoupled from the flight module and / or from the connecting device of the transport module and / or can be raised from terrain level or platform level before the transport module is coupled to the flight module, in order to, for example, ensure comfortable boarding and disembarking of persons or easier loading and unloading of the transport module.

[0052] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the take-off and landing station has a shielding device which is designed to shield a transport module located in the take-off and landing station from the flight module.

[0053] The shielding device is designed to shield one or more transport modules, which are arranged in a take-off and landing station, from one or more flight modules.

[0054] The shielding device creates a spatial separation between the flight module and the transport cabin of the landed aircraft in the manner of an umbrella structure or canopy structure and thus increases the safety and comfort for the persons to be transported and / or for the operators for handling the loads to be transported by means of the transport module.

[0055] The shielding device in the form of an umbrella or canopy structure can be independently constructed and fixed to a holding device and is preferably arranged below the position of the drive unit / propeller of the flight module of the aircraft received in the take-off and landing station, but at least above the first area.

[0056] A shielding device in the form of an umbrella structure or canopy structure can partially or completely cover the first area and possibly further areas of the take-off and landing station.

[0057] By means of such a shielding device, the take-off and landing station can also be protected during the operation of the flight module, whereby the take-off and landing station can be continuously used. In particular, safe and comfortable loading and unloading of the transport module or safe embarkation and disembarkation of the passengers can be achieved thereby, whereby the safety and comfort of the take-off and landing station can be further increased.

[0058] Advantageously, the shielding device has an adjustable opening, wherein the opening is designed to be adjustable until it is completely closed and preferably to be adjustable in terms of its opening cross section. For example, the opening can be designed in the manner of a variable aperture. The opening can be temporarily partially or completely closed both in the presence of one or more aircraft and in the absence of one or more aircraft.

[0059] The opening can be opened for take-off and landing of the aircraft in such a way that, in particular, a transport module that is being unloaded can be guided through the adjustable opening.

[0060] When the aircraft is landed and the transport module is uncoupled, the opening can be completely closed or partially closed so that the longitudinally extending connecting device of the transport module is closely or tightly surrounded by the closable opening, so that good shielding of the transport compartment relative to the flight module can be achieved even in the presence of the connecting device.

[0061] The safety and comfort when boarding and disembarking or loading and unloading the transport module can be further improved by means of an at least partially closed shielding device, since the transport module, in particular in the first area of ​​the take-off and landing station, is arranged so as to be adequately protected relative to the rotating drive means / propellers of the flight module located above the transport module.

[0062] Furthermore, the shielding device thus enables in particular the first area of ​​the take-off and landing station to be utilized even during operation of the flight module, for example when the propellers are rotating, so that embarkation and disembarkation times or loading and unloading times can be shortened.

[0063] The shielding device can be designed to be weatherproof and can therefore be used to protect at least components of the first area of ​​the take-off and landing station and to protect at least persons using the first area from weather influences.

[0064] The shielding device can be designed to be partially light-transmissive, for example made of glass.

[0065] The screening device can advantageously have air deflector flaps.

[0066] The air deflector blades can preferably be arranged and designed in such a way that the outflowing air generated by a taking-off or landing flight module or aircraft is deflected and directed in a targeted manner.

[0067] The air guide blades can be implemented, for example, as radially outwardly directed, annular and / or curved plates, which are made of glass, for example. The air guide blades can be arranged overlappingly in the horizontal direction and spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction.

[0068] According to various embodiments, the take-off and landing station can have at least one further second area, wherein the second area is designed to store one or more transport modules or one or more transport modules of the aircraft.

[0069] The second area is designed for storing a complete transport module or transport module (without connecting devices), preferably for storing a plurality of transport modules or transport modules.

[0070] According to various embodiments, the first region and the second region or the further region can be directly adjacent to one another, so that the corresponding transport module or transport module can be moved easily and over a short distance from the first region to the second region or the further region after landing of the aircraft or before take-off of the aircraft, and vice versa. Preferably, the second region can partially or completely surround the first region.

[0071] The take-off and landing station can thus be designed compactly and space-savingly, wherein free accessibility to the transport modules or transport modules stored in the second area can be ensured, while access to the first area reserved for flight operations can be better controlled.

[0072] For comfortable mutual accessibility of the two areas, the first area and the second area can be arranged in one plane, for example on or parallel to a terrain level or a building platform level, and can be accessible on a common plane.

[0073] The first region, like the second region, can also be formed on a plurality of planes.

[0074] A plurality of first regions may be provided, which can be associated with a second region.

[0075] According to further various embodiments, the first region and the second region can be spatially separated from one another by means of a closable partitioning device, for example a partition wall having a closable opening.

[0076] Thus, the first area may only be accessible via a controllable entrance or exit.

[0077] For example, a pivoting door or a sliding door can be arranged as an inlet or outlet in the partition device.

[0078] The direct take-off and landing area of ​​the flight module can thus be protected against unauthorized or unwanted access, which serves in particular to protect the take-off and landing station against hazardous operating situations.

[0079] The partition device can be designed to be transparent or partially transparent, for example for visual inspection or for reasons of safety or comfort.

[0080] The take-off and landing station can have camera monitoring of the first area and / or the second area. Thus, it can be ensured, for example, that the take-off or landing can be performed only after the integrity of the first area has been confirmed.

[0081] Furthermore, the take-off and landing station can have communication facilities, for example a ground control station. The communication facilities can be designed for internal communication and / or external communication, wherein internal communication is understood to be communication between the ground control station and aircraft or modules thereof, such as flight modules or transport modules, present in or near the take-off and landing station, in order, for example, to prepare or carry out landing and take-off. Furthermore, internal communication can include, for example, information about free capacity, for example the number and nature of available transport modules, maintenance and repair requirements, or the integrity of the first area for take-off and landing procedures.

[0082] External communications of the ground control station involve, for example, communications with the air traffic control system in order to register the flight there and obtain flight approval, or to obtain information from the weather service station. This external communication can be compared with the control tower at the airport, which gives each aircraft take-off and landing permission after consultation with the air traffic control system.

[0083] In addition, the take-off and landing station can have a display device, which can show the status of the flight module, the transport module and / or the take-off and landing station to the user or operator. Thus, for example, a specific transport module or a specific transport module can be assigned to the occupant or a waiting time can be displayed.

[0084] The take-off and landing station enables efficient, comfortable and safe transport logistics, since the transport modules stored in the second area can be easily transferred to the first area when necessary and can be coupled there with the flight module to form an aircraft for subsequent take-off. It is thus also possible to store differently equipped transport modules or transport modules, for example for transporting loads, for transporting people, etc., in the second area in order to be able to quickly access a transport module / transport module when necessary. On the other hand, it is possible to easily transfer a transport module that has landed in the first area with the aid of the flight module to the second area and replace it with another transport module as required for further flight of the aircraft.

[0085] According to further different embodiments, the first region can be designed to be vertically adjustable relative to the second region. In other words, the plane of the first region can be raised above the plane of the second region or lowered below the plane of the second region, for example. This can be done, for example, by means of a lifting device for the first region and / or a lifting device for the second region.

[0086] As a result, the positioning of the transport module and the flight module relative to one another can be designed more universally and can be adjusted more simply. For example, transport modules of different heights can be associated with the flight module.

[0087] In order to increase the flexibility and rapid configuration of the transport modules between the first area and the second area, it is possible to configure the second area to be horizontally movable, for example horizontally rotatable, relative to the first area. This can be done, for example, by means of a movement or rotation device of the first area and / or a movement or rotation device of the second area.

[0088] According to further different embodiments, the take-off and landing station can have a logistics system for arranging transport modules or transport modules in the first area and the second area. The logistics system allows simple and reliable transport of transport modules or transport modules from the first area to the second area and vice versa by connecting the two areas to one another by means of the logistics system.

[0089] For example, the logistics system can have a conveyor belt or a conveying track with or without a receiving device for conveying a transport module or a transport cabin. For example, a transport module can be placed against or suspended along a defined conveying line by means of a conveyor belt or a conveying track.

[0090] To increase safety, provision can be made for the logistics system, with a spatial separation between the first area and the second area, to be guided only through a closable opening which at the same time is not a closable partition for the entry and exit of persons.

[0091] Alternatively or additionally, the logistics system can also enable the transport of transport modules in the second area, so that, for example, the transport modules to be loaded or unloaded can be arranged in a loading position or unloading position in the second area, while the remaining transport modules can be arranged in waiting positions in the second area.

[0092] According to further embodiments, the logistics system may have a plurality of receiving devices for receiving and positioning transport modules or transport cabins, for example receiving devices for receiving and positioning transport modules or transport cabins while the transport modules or transport cabins are stored in the second area and / or while the transport modules or transport cabins are temporarily arranged in the first area.

[0093] The receiving device can therefore be arranged in the first area and / or in the second area, wherein preferably in each case one receiving device can be conveyed into the first area and can be conveyed out.

[0094] The receiving device can be connected, for example, to a conveyor belt or a conveyor track or to each other in an incoupable and decoupable manner and can be moved in this manner.

[0095] Preferably, the receiving device can also be designed to be rotatable itself, ie to be rotatable about its own axis.

[0096] A specially designed receiving device can be designed to be matched to a transport module for transporting persons or to a transport module for transporting loads.

[0097] Furthermore, the receiving device can be designed to inductively charge the energy storage device of the stored transport module.

[0098] The receiving device located in the second area can be preferably arranged and transported concentrically around the midpoint or central axis of the first area, that is, the conveying line of the receiving device can be configured, for example, to be circular or to have a contour corresponding to a polygon, wherein the circular or polygonal contour is arranged symmetrically around a common center with the midpoint or central axis of the first area.

[0099] The combined effect of the different implementation variants allows for precise and efficient logistics of the transport modules, not only with respect to each other but also when arranging the transport modules for the flight module and when loading and unloading the transport modules, which simplifies the handling process at the take-off and landing station and makes it more reliable.

[0100] According to further embodiment variants, the take-off and landing station can have one or more charging modules.

[0101] The charging module can charge the aircraft, in particular the transport module and / or the flight module.

[0102] Each charging module can have one or more rechargeable energy storage devices, for example in the form of rechargeable batteries or supercapacitors, a charging device and / or solar cells. The rechargeable energy storage devices can be arranged in and / or on the take-off and landing station, while the solar cells can be attached to the outer surface of the take-off and landing station, for example to a shielding device.

[0103] By means of the gripping or resting elements of the holding device, the aircraft or the flight module can be oriented in such a way that a connection to a charging device of the charging module can be achieved for supplying energy to the flight module.

[0104] The charging device may be designed to transfer electrical energy from an external energy supply grid into one or more energy stores, for example by means of a coupleable / pluggable electrical connection.

[0105] The charging device can be arranged on the holding device or on the shielding device.

[0106] The energy store can be designed to store electrical energy transmitted and / or generated itself by means of solar cells and to supply energy to the take-off and landing station and / or to the received transport module, flight module or aircraft.

[0107] The take-off and landing station can thus be designed to be energy-autonomous, since the power supply for the take-off and landing station and the modules to be handled (transport modules, flight modules) can be provided within the take-off and landing station and temporarily independently of an external energy supply.

[0108] The charging module is preferably designed for inductive charging of the energy store, so that no cable connection is required.

[0109] Preferably, the charging module can be designed for charging a rechargeable energy storage device of a flight module and / or for charging a rechargeable energy storage device of one or more transport modules.

[0110] A plurality of charging modules can charge a plurality of aircraft, in particular a plurality of transport modules and / or flight modules, in parallel, thereby minimizing the duration of the stop and maintenance of one or more aircraft and thus increasing the efficiency of the take-off and landing station. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0111] Other advantages of the present invention can be seen from the accompanying drawings and related descriptions. In the accompanying drawings:

[0112] Figure 1 An exemplary diagram showing a take-off and landing station with an aircraft;

[0113] Figure 2 An exemplary diagram showing additional take-off and landing stations with aircraft;

[0114] Figure 3 a schematic diagram showing a side view of a take-off and landing station; and

[0115] Figure 4 Schematic diagram showing a top view of a take-off and landing station. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0116] In the examples set forth below, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the examples and in which are shown for purposes of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terms, such as "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "front," "rear," etc., are used with reference to the orientation of the drawings being described. Because components of the embodiments can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terms are used for illustration and are in no way limiting.

[0117] It goes without saying that other embodiments may be used and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. It goes without saying that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the features of the different exemplary embodiments described herein may be combined with each other. The following detailed description should therefore not be understood in a restrictive sense, and the scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0118] In the scope of this specification, the terms "connect", "link" and "couple" are used to describe direct and indirect connections, direct or indirect links and direct or indirect couplings. In the drawings, identical or similar elements are provided with identical reference numerals whenever this is appropriate.

[0119] Figure 1 A take-off and landing station 1 is shown with a vertical take-off and landing aircraft 2 arranged therein.

[0120] An aircraft 2 arranged in the take-off and landing station 1 has a flight module 3 and a transport module 4 coupled to the flight module 3 .

[0121] The take-off and landing station 1 has an interior first area 5, which is Figure 1 The first region of the interior is designed for take-off and landing of the aircraft 2. In this region, a transport module 4 is arranged, which is used for coupling or decoupling with the flight module 3, for boarding and disembarking of personnel, or for loading and unloading of loads.

[0122] The transport module 4 has a transport module 19 of droplet-shaped design and a detachable connection device 20. The connection device 20 comprises a longitudinally extending rod and a coupling device in order to connect the transport module 19 to the flight module 3 at a safe distance.

[0123] The flight module 3 has a plurality of drive units 17 arranged in one plane on a support structure 16, wherein each drive unit 17 can have an electric motor and a propeller operatively connected to the electric motor. In the center of the flight module 3 there is a central unit 18 with a coupling device, to which the transport module 4 can be coupled.

[0124] Furthermore, the take-off and landing station 1 comprises a holding device 21 for holding the flight module 3 during take-off and landing of the aircraft 2. The holding device 21 has four supports 13, which are arranged around the first area 5 of the interior of the take-off and landing station and fixed in the terrain foundation. Fork-shaped gripping and resting elements 11 are arranged on the upper ends of the supports 13, respectively.

[0125] The flight module 3 (with or without a coupled transport module 4) can be held, positioned and fixed on its support structure 16 by means of the four gripping and resting elements 11 of the holding device 21. A different number of supports 13 and gripping and resting elements 11 can also be provided.

[0126] The gripping and resting element 11 is rubber-coated and has an inherently elastic design in order to dampen hard landing shocks during landing of the aircraft 2 or of the flight module 3 , against which the support structure 16 of the flight module 3 rests.

[0127] In the stationary state of the aircraft 2 , the flying module 3 rests with the underside of the supporting structure 16 on the fork-shaped upwardly open gripping and resting elements 11 , so that these are sufficiently spaced apart from the drive elements 17 of the flying module 3 .

[0128] The support 13 is designed to be adjustable in length (indicated by the arrows with changing directions), so that the aircraft 2 held by the gripping and resting elements 11 can be raised from or lowered onto the platform 15 of the first area 5. A vertically adjustable lifting device 15 (indicated by the arrows with changing directions) is integrated into the platform 15 of the first area, so that the aircraft or the uncoupled transport module 4 or only the transport cabin 19 can be raised or lowered, and in particular the transport module 4 can be positioned relative to the flight module 3 for coupling or uncoupling.

[0129] Furthermore, the take-off and landing station has a shielding device 9 which can be provided, for example, as in Figure 1 , the shielding device 9 can be designed as an umbrella-like device in a planar or slightly curved and circularly delimited manner, and the shielding device covers at least the first area 5. The shielding device 9 can be designed as an unsupported device or as in the embodiment according to Figure 1 As provided in the example of FIG. 2 , it is fixed to the holding device 21 .

[0130] The shielding device 9 has a closable opening 22 arranged centrally above the first area 5 in the form of an iris diaphragm, which opening can be partially closed when an aircraft 1 or a transport module 4 is present in the inner first area 5, in that it surrounds the connecting device 20 of the transport module 4, and can be completely closed when no aircraft 1 or transport module 4 or connecting device 20 of the transport module 4 is present. In other words, the opening 22 can be completely closed even when only one flight module 3 is held by the holding device 21 above the inner first area 5.

[0131] The first interior region may have means for supplying power to the take-off and landing station 1 , optionally for supplying power to an integrated charging module and optionally for supplying power directly or indirectly to the aircraft 2 or to its modules (flight module 3 , transport module 4 ).

[0132] In addition, communication facilities for internal and external communication may be provided. In addition, monitoring means may be provided, by means of which at least the internal zone 5 may be monitored, thereby only when confirming that the internal zone 5 is intact, can take-off or landing be performed.

[0133] Furthermore, the first region 5 may have mechanical and / or electronic systems for orienting and / or guiding the flight module 3 or the aircraft 2 during take-off and landing.

[0134] Figure 2 A further embodiment of a take-off and landing station 1 is shown with a vertical take-off and landing aircraft 2 which has a flight module 3 and a transport module 4 coupled to the flight module 3 .

[0135] Figure 3 and 4 Schematically shown in different views Figure 2 The take-off and landing station 1 is shown.

[0136] The following is only described based on Figure 1 The difference between the implementation schemes of take-off and landing stations 1.

[0137] according to Figure 2 The take-off and landing station 1 has, in addition to the inner first area 5, an outer second area 6 which surrounds the first area 5 in a circular shape and completely. The second area 6 is designed to store a plurality of transport modules 4 (not shown). Figure 2 The first region 5 of the take-off and landing station 1 is designed in terms of functional expansion for the temporary arrangement of the transport module 4 relative to the flight module 3 .

[0138] In terms of structure, according to Figure 2 The second area of ​​the take-off and landing station 1 comprises a base plate 12, on the basis of which a support 13 for holding the device 21 is built. The support 13 is designed to be curved in order to carry a shielding device 9 designed as a roof structure, which covers the first area and the second area 5, 6. The roof structure 9 has air deflectors 10, which are designed in this embodiment as an outwardly curved, annular glass plate in order to block the wind and weather influences of the drive unit 17 of the flight module 3.

[0139] The upper edge of the closable opening 22 in the screening device 9 above the first region 5 is bordered by a plurality of beam-shaped, hexagonally arranged, interconnected support elements 11 (see for details). Figure 3 and 4The beam-shaped support elements 11 are rubber-coated and elastically designed to cushion the hard landing impact of the flight module 3 during landing. When the aircraft 2 is stationary, the underside of the support structure 16 of the flight module 3 rests on the beam-shaped support elements 11, so that these support elements are sufficiently spaced apart from the drive elements 17 of the flight module 3.

[0140] The base plate 12 may have means for supplying power to the take-off and landing station 1 , optionally to an integrated charging module and optionally to directly or indirectly supply power to the aircraft 2 or to its modules (flight module 3 , transport module 4 ).

[0141] Furthermore, technical equipment for communication facilities and monitoring devices can be arranged in the base plate 12 .

[0142] The first and second regions 5, 6 are spatially separated from one another by means of a partition 14. The partition 14 is designed in this embodiment as a glass wall having a closable inlet or outlet to the inner region 5. In contrast, the second region 6 is freely accessible from the outside.

[0143] The first and second areas 5 , 6 contain a logistics system 7 which comprises one or more conveyor belts and a plurality of shell-shaped receiving devices 8 (storage shells 8 ) which are movable by means of the conveyor belts.

[0144] The storage housing 8 of the logistics system 7 is provided for receiving and positioning the transport module 4 and further transport modules (not shown).

[0145] The storage shells 8 and the received transport modules 4 can be transported by means of conveyor belts of the logistics system 7 via conveyor lines ( Figure 2 , 3 ) moves within the second area 6 or moves from the first area 5 to the second area 6 or vice versa from the second area to the first area.

[0146] A storage shell 8 can be temporarily arranged in the first area 5, which is used to receive and position a transport module 4 to be coupled or uncoupled from the aircraft 2 that is taking off or landing, wherein the storage shell 8 is centrally positioned relative to the first area and relative to the aircraft 2. In contrast, a plurality of storage shells 8 are movably arranged concentrically around the first area 5 in the second area 6, which are used to store temporarily unneeded transport modules 4 (not shown).

[0147] The shape of the storage shell 8 substantially follows the outer contour of the lower region of the transport chamber 19 of the transport module 4 , wherein the storage shell partially surrounds the transport chamber 19 .

[0148] Furthermore, the storage housing 8 has a device for inductively charging the transport module 4 .

[0149] Take-off and landing station 1 (as referenced above Figures 2 to 4 described) can be operated with the modular aircraft 2 as described below.

[0150] In principle, it is provided that either the aircraft 2, i.e. the flight module 3 with the coupled transport module 4, takes off or lands, or the flight module 3 takes off or lands alone. During the take-off and landing process, the flight module 3 can use the orientation system and / or control system of the take-off and landing station 1, so that a precise flight approach or flight departure with the required positioning of the flight module 3 or the aircraft 2 relative to the take-off and landing station 1 can be achieved.

[0151] Before takeoff and after landing, the flight module 3 rests with its supporting structure 16 on the beam-shaped resting element 11. The connection of the flight module 3 and the transport module 4 can preferably be carried out in an unloaded state. For this purpose, the transport module 4 can be positioned relative to the flight module 3 resting on the beam-shaped resting element 11 by means of a vertically adjustable platform 15.

[0152] Before the flight module 3 is coupled to the transport module 4 , the logistics system 7 of the take-off and landing station 1 positions the storage shell 8 with the transport module 4 in the first area 5 , so as to enable, for example, boarding or disembarking or loading or unloading of the transport module 4 and to establish the exact position for coupling with the flight module 3 .

[0153] However, the boarding or disembarking or loading or unloading of the transport module 4 can also take place outside the first area 5 in the second area 6 while the transport module 4 is being positioned with the aid of the logistics system 7 .

[0154] After the flight module 3 has been coupled to the transport module 4 , a joint takeoff with the flight module 3 is prepared and carried out.

[0155] The coupling process can also be carried out with the opening 22 remaining largely closed, whereas the opening 22 is opened for take-off and landing of the aircraft 2 .

[0156] The take-off and landing of the aircraft 2 is preferably possible only when absolutely no unauthorized persons, such as passengers or people on the ground, animals or loose objects, such as loose replacement parts, components, tools, etc., are located in the first area 5 separated by the closed glass wall 14. This prevents objects from spinning around or spinning out of the air, thereby increasing safety in the take-off and landing station.

[0157] During takeoff of an aircraft 2 , further transport modules 4 from the second area 6 can already be arranged for transfer to the first area 5 in order to be ready for the next coupling and takeoff process in the first area 5 after another aircraft 2 or flight module 3 has landed.

[0158] The transport module 4 and the take-off and landing station 1 can communicate with each other by means of a communication facility designed for system-internal communication.

[0159] For example, status notifications about the loading status and / or boarding status of the transport module 4 can be exchanged. In addition, the transport module 4 can communicate status notifications about reaching a safe state, so that positioning can be initiated with the help of the logistics system 7. The take-off and landing station 1 can communicate status notifications about reaching the final position of the aircraft 2 or the transport module 4, for example, to authorize boarding and disembarking for passengers.

[0160] It can also be provided that the flight module 3 and the take-off and landing station 1 can also communicate with each other by means of a communication facility configured for system internal communication. For example, the flight module 3 can be informed of the situation of the final fixed position for the transport module 4 in order to signal the feasibility of decoupling from the flight module 3 or coupling to the flight module 3.

[0161] A further status message can be sent by the flight module 3 , which message is about the completed coupling or decoupling of the transport module 4 , in order to signal the end of the take-off preparation or the landing process.

[0162] Further status notifications can be output via the flight module 3 regarding a successful landing on the resting element 11 of the retaining device 21x and / or regarding the arrival of the final position of the aircraft 2 or the flight module 3 in the take-off and landing station 1, for example in order to authorize the boarding or disembarkation of passengers or the loading or unloading of payload.

[0163] Further status information can inform about the integrity of the first region 5 and / or the loading condition of the transport module 4 , such as weight, locking, securing, etc., so that the take-off or landing process can be carried out without risk.

[0164] As used herein, the expression "and / or", when used in a series of two or more elements, means that each of the listed elements may be used alone, or various combinations of two or more of the listed elements may be used.

[0165] If, for example, a relationship is described that includes components A, B, and / or C, then the relationship may include the components: A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B combined; A and C combined; B and C combined; or A, B, and C combined.

[0166] Reference numerals list

[0167] 1 Take-off and landing station

[0168] 2 Aircraft

[0169] 3 Flight Module

[0170] 4 Transport Module

[0171] 5. First Area

[0172] 6 Second Area

[0173] 7 Logistics System

[0174] 8 Receiving equipment, storage case

[0175] 9 Shielding device

[0176] 10 Air guide

[0177] 11 Resting element, fork-shaped, beam-shaped

[0178] 12 substrate

[0179] 13 Pillars, brackets, columnar, curved

[0180] 14 Divider

[0181] 15 Vertically adjustable platform

[0182] 16 Support structure

[0183] 17 Drivers

[0184] 18 Central Unit

[0185] 19 Transport Pod

[0186] 20 Connection device

[0187] 21. Holding device

[0188] 22 Closable openings

Claims

1. A take-off and landing station (1) for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft (2), the aircraft being used to transport persons and / or loads, the aircraft comprising a flight module (3) and a transport module (4) which can be coupled to the flight module (3), the flight module comprising a plurality of drive units (17) arranged on a support structure (16) of the flight module (3), wherein: The transport module (4) has a transport cabin (19) and a connecting device (20) for connecting the transport cabin (19) to the flight module (3), the connecting device (20) having a longitudinally extending rod, one end of which has a coupling device for connecting the transport module to the flight module, and the other end of which is connected to the transport cabin, wherein the take-off and landing station (1) has: - a holding device (21) which is constructed to be firmly erected relative to the terrain or building platform and has a plurality of gripping or resting elements (11), which are used for resting, fixing and / or orienting the supporting structure (16) of the flight module (3) during take-off and landing of the aircraft (2) or the flight module (3), wherein some or all of the gripping and resting elements (11) are constructed in a fork-like manner for resting on and partially laterally enclosing a supporting beam of the supporting structure (16) of the flight module (3), and / or in a beam-like manner for flat resting of the supporting beam of the supporting structure (16) of the flight module (3); and a first area (5) accessible to a person, which is designed for arranging and storing a transport module (4) for coupling to and decoupling from a flying module (3) resting on a gripping or resting element (11), and The first region (5) has a lifting device (15) for raising and lowering the transport module (4) and / or the transport cabin (19), so that the transport module (4) or the transport cabin (19) can be lowered to the terrain level or the platform level after being decoupled from the flight module (3) and / or the transport module or the transport cabin can be raised from the terrain level or the platform level before being coupled to the flight module (3).

2. The take-off and landing station (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The holding device has a plurality of cylindrical or arc-shaped supports (13).

3. The take-off and landing station (1) according to claim 2, wherein: The length of the support (13) is configured to be adjustable.

4. Take-off and landing station (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein The carrier (13) and / or the gripping and support element (11) are of elastic design.

5. Take-off and landing station (1) according to claim 4, wherein: The elasticity is formed by means of elastic spring elements integrated into the carrier and / or into the gripping and support element (11).

6. Take-off and landing station (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The gripping or resting element (11) is designed to be variable in its length and to be extendable.

7. Take-off and landing station (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The first region (5) has at least one receiving device (8) for receiving and positioning a transport cabin (19) of the transport module (4).

8. Take-off and landing station (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The first area (5) is arranged at the height level of the surrounding terrain or surrounding platforms.

9. Take-off and landing station (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The take-off and landing station (1) has a shielding device (9) which is designed to shield a transport cabin (19) located in the take-off and landing station (1) from the flight module (3).

10. Take-off and landing station (1) according to claim 9, wherein: The screening device (9) has an adjustable opening (22).

11. Take-off and landing station (1) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: The shielding device (9) has an air guide plate (10).

12. Take-off and landing station (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The take-off and landing station (1) has a second area (6) which is designed to store one or more transport modules (4) or one or more transport modules (19).

13. Take-off and landing station (1) according to claim 12, wherein: The first region (5) and the second region (6) directly adjoin one another, wherein the second region (6) preferably partially or completely surrounds the first region (5).

14. Take-off and landing station (1) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein: The first region (5) can be separated from the second region (6) by means of a closable partition device (14).

15. Take-off and landing station (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein The first region (5) is configured to be vertically adjustable relative to the second region (6), and / or the second region (6) is configured to be horizontally adjustable relative to the first region (5).

16. Take-off and landing station (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein The take-off and landing station (1) has a logistics system (7) for arranging the transport module (4) or the transport module (19) in the first area (5) and / or the second area (6).

17. Take-off and landing station (1) according to claim 16, wherein: The logistics system (7) has a conveyor belt or a conveyor track for conveying the transport modules (4) and / or the transport cabins (19).

18. Take-off and landing station (1) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein: The logistics system (7) has a plurality of receiving devices (8) for receiving and positioning the transport modules (4) and / or the transport cabins (19).

19. Take-off and landing station (1) according to claim 18, wherein: The receiving device (8) can be arranged and transported in the second area (6) concentrically around a center point or a center axis of the first area (5) and / or can be transported between the first area (5) and the second area (6).

20. Take-off and landing station (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The take-off and landing station (1) has one or more charging modules.

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