Flying ball vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of ultra-low-altitude aircrafts, in particular to a flying ball vehicle which comprises a flying power device, a cabin, an undercarriage device and a control device, the undercarriage device comprises a plurality of undercarriage supporting legs and is arranged below the cabin, and the control device is electrically connected with the flying power device and the undercarriage device; the flying ball vehicle comprises a flying state, in the flying state, landing gear supporting legs can stretch out and draw back in the axial direction, the bottom ends of the landing gear supporting legs make contact with the ground, and the top ends of the landing gear supporting legs are connected with the bottom of the cabin so that the spacing distance between the cabin and the ground can be measured in real time; and the control device is used for controlling the flight power device according to the spacing distance, controlling the flight power device to reduce power when the spacing distance is increased, and controlling the flight power device to improve power when the spacing distance is decreased. In this way, the problems that in the running process of the flying ball car, the running stability is poor, and the comfort of passengers is low are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of ultra-low altitude aircraft, in particular to a flying ball car. Background Art

[0002] Due to the unique characteristics of golf, players need to be able to easily get to the golf ball's landing location, which can be quite far away. Therefore, a golf cart is an environmentally friendly passenger vehicle designed specifically for golf courses. It is also widely used in resorts, villa complexes, garden-style hotels, tourist attractions, and other places, making it an ideal choice for short-distance transportation.

[0003] Existing golf carts can only travel along designated lanes and cannot enter the golf course to prevent damage to vegetation and the possibility of the cart getting stuck. With the development of aircraft, small aircraft can be used as an alternative to traditional golf carts. By flying at ultra-low altitudes, they avoid contact with the ground inside the course during travel, thus preventing damage to vegetation. Therefore, flying golf carts can penetrate deeper into the course, reducing the walking distance for players.

[0004] However, the ground inside the golf course is undulating. Compared with traditional aircraft that are completely off the ground, flying golf carts are closer to the ground and therefore need to be able to adapt to the changes in the ground terrain. This places high operational requirements on passengers and is difficult to achieve. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to solve the problems that a flying ball car is difficult to adapt to terrain changes during operation, has insufficient safety and low passenger comfort, the present invention provides a flying ball car, comprising: the flying ball car comprises a flight power device, a cockpit, a landing gear device and a control device, the flight power device is used to provide flight power and control the flight altitude of the flying ball car, the flight power device is connected to the cockpit, the landing gear device comprises a plurality of landing gear legs, the landing gear device is arranged below the cockpit, and the control device is electrically connected to the flight power device and the landing gear device respectively; the flying ball car comprises a flight state, in which the landing gear legs can be extended and retracted in an axial direction, the bottom ends of the landing gear legs are in contact with the ground, and the top ends of the landing gear legs are connected to the bottom of the cockpit, so as to measure the distance between the cockpit and the ground in real time; the control device is used to control the flight power device according to the distance, and when the distance increases, the flight power device is controlled to reduce power, and when the distance decreases, the flight power device is controlled to increase power.

[0006] In some embodiments, the landing gear leg includes a fixed end and a telescopic end. The fixed end is fixed to the lower side of the cabin, the telescopic end is coaxially arranged with the fixed end, the telescopic end can approach or move away from the fixed end, and a buffer assembly is arranged between the fixed end and the telescopic end.

[0007] In some embodiments, the buffer assembly includes a sealed cavity in which a pressurized fluid is disposed.

[0008] In some embodiments, the buffer assembly further includes a pressure regulating assembly, which is in communication with the sealed cavity and is capable of regulating the pressure in the sealed cavity.

[0009] In some embodiments, the landing gear legs include multiple legs that are evenly distributed along the lower side of the cockpit. The multiple landing gear legs can respectively detect the interval distance, and the control device can calculate the inclination trend of the ground along the current forward direction of the flying caddy based on the multiple interval distances; the flight power device includes an ascending state and a descending state. In the ascending state, the flight power device can provide forward power while increasing the power for upward flight. In the descending state, the flight power device can maintain the forward power while reducing the power for upward flight; the control device is used to control the flight power device to switch between the ascending state and the descending state. When the inclination trend is upward, the control device controls the flight power device to be in the ascending state. When the inclination trend is downward, the control device controls the flight power device to be in the descending state.

[0010] In some embodiments, the control device can calculate the current inclination angle of the ground of the flying ball cart according to the multiple interval distances, and control the ascent rate of the flying ball cart according to the inclination angle.

[0011] In some embodiments, when the control device detects that the tilt trend change lasts for a first set time, it controls the flight power device to enter an ascending state or a descending state.

[0012] In some embodiments, the flying ball car also includes a landing state. In the landing state, the flight power device stops running. During the process of the flying ball car transitioning from the flying state to the landing state, the control device controls the power of the flight power device to gradually decrease while controlling the pressure in the sealed cavity to gradually rise to the maximum rated pressure.

[0013] In some embodiments, rollers are provided at the bottom of the landing gear legs.

[0014] In some embodiments, the cockpit includes a cockpit shell and seats arranged in the cockpit shell, the cockpit shell is provided with a boarding and alighting port, and the flight power unit is arranged on a side of the cockpit shell away from the boarding and alighting port.

[0015] In order to solve the problem of poor running stability and low passenger comfort of flying ball cars during operation, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0016] In the above technical solution, due to the particularity of the design of the flying ball car, its flight power device mainly provides flight power. However, due to the characteristics of ultra-low altitude flight, the cabin itself is very close to the ground. Therefore, during the flight, the landing gear device can, on the one hand, be in contact with the ground. When the flight power device has not yet changed the power output power due to the undulation of the ground, especially when the ground bulges upward, resulting in a shortened distance between the cabin and the ground, the landing gear device can provide a certain supporting force and use this supporting force to prevent the cabin from contacting the ground; on the other hand, through the telescopic characteristic, it can be telescoped with the undulations of the ground. Since the flight power device needs to adjust the output power according to the undulations of the terrain, the landing gear legs can detect the distance between the cabin and the ground, and use this as the basis for adjusting the flight power device, so that the flying ball car can adjust the flight altitude with the undulations of the terrain, so that the distance between the cabin and the ground remains constant, so as to achieve the purpose of smooth and safe operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a flying ball car according to an embodiment is shown;

[0018] Figure 2 A partial schematic diagram of a flying ball car according to an embodiment is shown;

[0019] Figure 3 A partial schematic diagram of a flying ball car according to an embodiment is shown;

[0020] Figure 4 A partial schematic diagram of a flying ball car according to an embodiment is shown.

[0021] Figure numerals: 10 - flight power unit; 11 - protective cover; 12 - propeller; 20 - cockpit; 21 - cockpit shell; 22 - seat; 30 - landing gear device; 31 - landing gear leg; 311 - fixed end; 312 - telescopic end; 313 - roller; 314 - sealing cavity; 32 - fixing plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The present disclosure will now be discussed with reference to several exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are discussed only to enable those skilled in the art to better understand and implement the present disclosure, rather than to imply any limitation on the scope of the present disclosure.

[0023] As used herein, the term "including" and its variations are to be interpreted as open-ended terms meaning "including, but not limited to." The term "based on" is to be interpreted as "based, at least in part, on." The terms "one embodiment" and "an embodiment" are to be interpreted as "at least one embodiment." The term "another embodiment" is to be interpreted as "at least one other embodiment." Terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "back," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "vertical," "horizontal," "transverse," and "longitudinal" indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily intended to better describe the present application and its embodiments and are not intended to limit the devices, elements, or components indicated to having a specific orientation, or to being constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Furthermore, some of the above terms may be used to indicate other meanings besides orientation or positional relationships. For example, the term "on" may, in certain circumstances, be used to indicate a dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances. Furthermore, the terms "installed," "disposed," "provided with," "connected," and "connected" are to be interpreted broadly. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; it can be a mechanical connection, or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be an internal connection between two devices, elements or components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances. In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. are mainly used to distinguish different devices, elements or components (the specific types and structures may be the same or different), and are not used to indicate or imply the relative importance and quantity of the indicated devices, elements or components. Unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0024] This embodiment discloses a flying ball car, such as Figure 1-4As shown, it may include: the flying ball car includes a flight power device 10, a cockpit 20, a landing gear device 30 and a control device, the flight power device 10 is used to provide flight power and control the flight altitude of the flying ball car, the flight power device 10 is connected to the cockpit 20, the landing gear device 30 includes a plurality of landing gear legs 31, the landing gear device 30 is arranged below the cockpit 20, and the control device is electrically connected to the flight power device 10 and the landing gear device 30 respectively; the flying ball car includes a flight state, in which the landing gear legs 31 can be extended and retracted in the axial direction, the bottom end of the landing gear leg 31 contacts the ground, and the top end of the landing gear leg 31 is connected to the bottom of the cockpit 20 to measure the distance between the cockpit 20 and the ground in real time; the control device is used to control the flight power device 10 according to the distance, when the distance increases, the flight power device 10 is controlled to reduce power, and when the distance decreases, the flight power device 10 is controlled to increase power.

[0025] It should be noted that the flying golf cart is a kind of flying cart that uses a set flying drive device as the main source of flight power, thereby driving the cabin 20 and the passengers in the cabin 20 to fly as a means of transportation on the golf course, wherein, low-altitude flight does not produce a high distance from the ground. Specifically, the take-off height can be set to 20-80 cm from the ground. Under the premise of ensuring obstacle clearance and flight stability, the flight height can be set as low as possible, for example, it can be set to about 20 cm from the ground. At this time, the flying golf cart can be similar to a conventional car-type golf cart. Due to the low flight altitude, it is difficult to be interfered with and threatened by flying golf balls or birds during the flight. Even if the flight is interrupted due to an accident, since it is very close to the ground, even if the flight power is weakened or a failure occurs, it can quickly land on the ground to avoid the risk of falling. At the same time, proper liftoff can avoid damaging and impacting the golf course's turf during flight, with minimal impact only on the ground where the landing gear makes contact during landing. This allows the flying golf cart to penetrate deep into the course and land closer to the golf ball's landing point. Compared to traditional golf carts, it has better adaptability to the course and eliminates the need for dedicated lanes, reducing construction costs and preventing the impact of lanes on the course's integrity. Due to the enclosed nature of golf courses, the system can be operated autonomously or remotely, allowing passengers to simply ride without having to operate the vehicle. Alternatively, direct passenger control is possible.

[0026] In the above technical solution, due to the special design of the flying golf cart, its flight power unit 10 primarily provides flight power. However, due to the characteristics of ultra-low-altitude flight, the cabin 20 itself is very close to the ground. Therefore, during flight, the landing gear assembly 30 can, on the one hand, be in contact with the ground. When the flight power unit 10 has not yet changed its power output due to changes in ground undulation, especially when the ground rises upward, resulting in a decrease in the distance between the cabin 20 and the ground, the landing gear assembly 30 can provide a certain support force and, with this support force, prevent the cabin 20 from contacting the ground. On the other hand, due to its retractable nature, it can be extended and retracted with changes in ground undulation. Since the flight power unit 10 needs to adjust its output power according to changes in terrain, the landing gear legs 31 are provided to detect the distance between the cabin 20 and the ground and use this distance as a basis for adjusting the flight power unit 10. This allows the flying golf cart to adjust its flight altitude according to changes in terrain, thereby maintaining a constant distance between the cabin 20 and the ground, thereby achieving the purpose of smooth and safe operation. During implementation, the parameters of one of the landing gear legs 31 can be selected as a reference, or the interval distance data collected from multiple landing gear legs 31 can be processed and transmitted to the control device. For example, the average value of multiple interval distances can be taken, or the maximum value can be selected to reflect the current ground change trend.

[0027] Among them, Figure 1-2 As shown, the flight propulsion device 10 may comprise a protective cover 11 and one or more propellers 12 disposed within the protective cover 11. The propellers 12 generate thrust through their own rapid rotation. Since the flying trolley is designed to always be close to the ground, the flight propulsion device 10 can also generate further thrust by utilizing the interaction between the airflow generated by the rotation of the propellers 12 and the ground. Multiple propellers 12 may be appropriately fixed to the upper side or side of the cabin 20. Specifically, the propellers 12 may form an angle with the horizontal direction to adjust the vertical flight power and the power distribution for forward flight.

[0028] Specifically, if Figure 1-2As shown, the landing gear legs 31 can be directly fixed to the underside of the cabin 20, or they can be integrated into a single unit using components such as a fixing plate 32 and then fixed to the cabin 20. This facilitates modularization of components. Furthermore, when the cabin 20 itself is relatively small, the fixing plate 32 can expand the spacing between the landing gear legs 31, thereby increasing the contact area between the multiple landing gear legs 31 and the ground, thereby improving the stability of the landing gear assembly 30. The landing gear assembly 30 not only provides support during flight but also provides better support for the aircraft during landing, i.e., when the flight power unit 10 stops operating, allowing the aircraft to be parked stably. The larger spacing between the landing gear legs 31 also ensures more stable support, preventing the "top-heavy" problem caused by the large flight power unit 10. The control device can be a computer or other device installed on the flying ball cart, or a server or other device with computing and control capabilities. The flying ball cart can be remotely controlled via a communication device. This allows the server to provide greater computing power when the computational load is large, reduces the energy consumption of the flying ball cart itself, and reduces the weight of the flying ball cart. Alternatively, the control device can include an operating device installed in the cabin 20, allowing passengers to directly control the operation of the flying ball cart.

[0029] As a specific implementation method, Figure 3-4 As shown, the landing gear leg 31 includes a fixed end 311 and a telescopic end 312. The fixed end 311 is fixed to the underside of the cabin 20. The telescopic end 312 is coaxial with the fixed end 311 and can move closer to or further away from the fixed end 311. A buffer assembly is disposed between the fixed end 311 and the telescopic end 312. The buffer assembly can generate a force to push the telescopic end 312 away from the fixed end 311, so that the telescopic end 312 can always be in contact with the ground when not restrained, thereby improving the detection of the distance between the cabin 20 and the ground. The buffer assembly can be an elastic component such as an airbag or a spring. In the case of a spring, due to its characteristics, as its compression increases, it will generate a greater elastic force. Therefore, when the cabin 20 is closer to the ground, the increased compression of the spring will further generate a greater force to push the cabin 20 away from the ground, making it capable of adapting to changes in ground conditions.

[0030] Specifically, if Figure 4As shown, the buffer assembly includes a sealed cavity 314, in which a pressurized fluid is provided. The pressurized fluid can be a pressurized gas or liquid, preferably a gas. The sealed cavity 314 can be made of a flexible or rigid material or a combination of the two. For example, a sealed sac-like structure made of rubber can be used, or a hard cylinder body such as a hydraulic cylinder can be used. When the side wall material of the sealed cavity 314 includes a flexible material, a circumferential limiting structure needs to be coated on the outside of the flexible material portion. At this time, when the pressurized fluid is introduced into the sealed cavity 314, the sealed cavity 314 can only extend in the axial direction due to the limiting structure, thereby being able to adjust its range of motion and the strength of the support buffer.

[0031] Therefore, in order to adjust the pressure in the sealed cavity 314 , the buffer assembly further includes a pressure regulating assembly, which is in communication with the sealed cavity 314 and can adjust the pressure in the sealed cavity 314 .

[0032] In addition, if Figure 2 As shown, the landing gear legs 31 include a plurality of legs and are evenly distributed along the lower side of the cabin 20. The plurality of landing gear legs 31 can respectively detect the interval distance, and the control device can calculate the inclination trend of the ground along the current forward direction of the flying trolley according to the plurality of interval distances; the flight power device 10 includes an ascending state and a descending state. In the ascending state, the flight power device 10 can provide forward power while increasing the power for upward flight. In the descending state, the flight power device 10 can maintain the forward power while reducing the power for upward flight. The control device is used to control the flight power device 10 to switch between the ascending state and the descending state. When the inclination trend is upward, the control device controls the flight power device 10 to be in the ascending state. When the inclination trend is downward, the control device controls the flight power device 10 to be in the descending state.

[0033] Since the cockpit 20 is in a vertical and stable state as a whole during flight, the upper ends of the landing gear legs 31 installed on the lower side of the cockpit 20 can be considered to be fixed at the same height. At this time, when the lower ends of the multiple landing gear legs 31 are in contact with the ground, Figure 2 Taking the three landing gear legs 31 as an example, when the lower ends of the three landing gear legs 31 are connected in sequence, a virtual plane that conforms to the current ground inclination at the current moment can be formed. By calculating the angle between the virtual plane and the horizontal plane, the current ground inclination angle can be obtained. As the flying ball car moves forward, the inclination angle will also change accordingly. The change is the inclination trend of the ground along the forward direction of the flying ball car. For example, when the inclination angle gradually increases, it can be considered that the ground in front is gradually rising, and the rise is intensified. Then it can be expected that the flying ball car needs to speed up the climb, that is, control the flight power device 10 to enter the ascending state. On the contrary, it is considered that the ground is concave, and the flying ball car can choose to reduce the climbing power.

[0034] Furthermore, the control device can calculate the current inclination angle of the ground on which the flying ball cart is mounted based on the multiple intervals and control the climbing rate of the flying ball cart based on the inclination angle. When the inclination angle is large, the propeller 12 of the flight power unit 10 is controlled to be closer to the horizontal position to quickly climb. When the inclination angle is small, the angle between the propeller 12 and the horizontal direction can be increased to maintain the forward speed while ascending.

[0035] Because the ground may experience minor fluctuations in height, i.e., not a slope, but simply rough ground, the flight power unit 10 has a certain hysteresis in its power adjustment. Even without adjusting the flight power unit 10, such fluctuations can be handled smoothly by relying solely on the support force of the landing gear unit 30. To improve passenger comfort and reduce the jolting of the flight vehicle caused by frequent adjustments of the flight power unit 10, the control unit controls the flight power unit 10 to enter an ascending or descending state after detecting a tilt trend change for a first set time. The first set time can be selected based on actual conditions. Specifically, only when the tilt trend change persists for a certain period of time is the flight vehicle determined to be climbing and requires ascending. Otherwise, the tilt trend is merely a fluctuation caused by the rough ground, and no adjustment is made.

[0036] The flying trolley also includes a landing state. In the landing state, the flight power device 10 stops running. During the process of the flying trolley switching from the flying state to the landing state, the control device controls the power of the flight power device 10 to gradually decrease, while controlling the pressure in the sealed cavity 314 to gradually rise to the maximum rated pressure. When approaching the destination, the flying ball car needs to land. During the landing process, the output power of the flight power device 10 gradually decreases until it is 0. Since the landing gear device 30 mainly plays the role of detecting the interval distance during flight, the supporting force is relatively small, and the power of the flight power device 10 decreases during landing, it is necessary to gradually increase the pressure of the sealed cavity 314 so that the landing gear device 30 can provide better supporting force. Although it is performing vertical take-off and landing, due to the flatness of the ground, in order to ensure that the entire flying ball car can still remain upright and stable, the landing gear device 30 needs to be able to adapt to the unevenness of the ground. Since the lengths of the various landing gear legs 31 are different during landing, in order to adapt to the ground, each landing gear leg 31 needs to maintain its current length. Therefore, by increasing the pressure of the sealed cavity 314 in the landing gear leg 31 to the maximum rated pressure, the landing gear leg 31 is close to a rigid state to prevent it from retracting.

[0037] As an implementation method, Figure 3 As shown, the bottom of the landing gear leg 31 is provided with a roller 313. Utilizing the setting of the roller 313, it is possible to prevent the landing gear leg 31 from being excessively worn against the ground during the traveling of the flying ball car.

[0038] Specifically, if Figure 1-2 As shown, the cockpit 20 includes a cockpit shell 20 and seats 22 arranged in the cockpit shell 20. The cockpit shell 20 is provided with a boarding and alighting port, and the flight power unit 10 is arranged on a side of the cockpit shell 20 away from the boarding and alighting port.

[0039] The flight power unit 10 faces away from the boarding and alighting entrance, so that the airflow generated by the flight power unit 10 does not enter or exit the cabin 20 .

[0040] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above-mentioned embodiments are specific examples for implementing the present disclosure, and that in actual applications, various changes may be made thereto in form and detail without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A flying ball car, characterized in that: The flying ball car includes a flight power device, a cockpit, a landing gear device, and a control device. The flight power device is used to provide flight power and control the flight altitude of the flying ball car. The flight power device is connected to the cockpit. The landing gear device includes a plurality of landing gear legs. The landing gear device is arranged below the cockpit. The control device is electrically connected to the flight power device and the landing gear device respectively. The flying ball car includes a flight state, in which the landing gear legs are capable of extending and retracting in an axial direction, with the bottom ends of the landing gear legs in contact with the ground and the top ends of the landing gear legs connected to the bottom of the cabin, so as to measure the distance between the cabin and the ground in real time; The control device is used to control the flight power device according to the separation distance. When the separation distance becomes longer, the control device controls the flight power device to reduce power. When the separation distance becomes shorter, the control device controls the flight power device to increase power.

2. A flying ball car according to claim 1, characterized in that: The landing gear leg includes a fixed end and a telescopic end, the fixed end is fixed to the lower side of the cabin, the telescopic end is coaxially arranged with the fixed end, the telescopic end can approach or move away from the fixed end, and a buffer assembly is arranged between the fixed end and the telescopic end.

3. A flying ball car according to claim 2, characterized in that: The buffer assembly includes a sealed cavity in which pressure fluid is arranged.

4. A flying ball car according to claim 3, characterized in that: The buffer assembly further includes a pressure regulating assembly, which is in communication with the sealed cavity and capable of regulating the pressure in the sealed cavity.

5. A flying ball car according to claim 1, characterized in that: The landing gear legs include a plurality of legs that are evenly distributed along the lower side of the cabin, the plurality of landing gear legs can respectively detect the separation distance, and the control device can calculate the inclination trend of the ground along the current forward direction of the flying ball car according to the plurality of separation distances; The flight power device includes an ascending state and a descending state. In the ascending state, the flight power device can provide forward momentum while increasing the upward flight momentum. In the descending state, the flight power device can maintain the forward momentum while reducing the upward flight momentum. The control device is used to control the flight power device to switch between the ascending state and the descending state. When the tilt trend is upward, the control device controls the flight power device to be in the ascending state. When the tilt trend is downward, the control device controls the flight power device to be in the descending state.

6. A flying ball car according to claim 5, characterized in that: The control device can calculate the current inclination angle of the ground of the flying ball car according to the multiple interval distances, and control the ascent rate of the flying ball car according to the inclination angle.

7. A flying ball car according to claim 5, characterized in that: When the control device detects that the tilt trend change continues for a first set time, it controls the flight power device to enter an ascending state or a descending state.

8. A flying ball car according to claim 4, characterized in that: The flying ball car also includes a landing state. In the landing state, the flight power device stops running. During the process of the flying ball car switching from the flying state to the landing state, the control device controls the power of the flight power device to gradually decrease, while controlling the pressure in the sealed cavity to gradually rise to the maximum rated pressure.

9. The flying ball car according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the landing gear leg is provided with a roller.

10. The flying ball car according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cockpit includes a cockpit shell and seats arranged in the cockpit shell. The cockpit shell is provided with a boarding and alighting port. The flight power device is arranged on a side of the cockpit shell away from the boarding and alighting port.

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