Mounting base for vertical take-off and landing aircraft with descent-guiding mechanism, and method for guiding descending onto mounting base for vertical take-off and landing aircraft

Abstract

To provide a mounting base for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft to be mounted on an upper surface thereof and to be moved, the mounting base having a descent-guiding mechanism capable of safely and surely guiding the vertical take-off and landing aircraft having moved to above the mounting base to descend onto the mounting base, and the mounting base being movable to an apron or the like.SOLUTION: Provided is a mounting base for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft on an upper surface of which the vertical take-off and landing aircraft can be mounted. The mounting base includes: a descent-guiding mechanism for guiding the vertical take-off and landing aircraft to descend onto the mounting base; and a mounting base moving unit enabling moving the mounting base.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a platform for placing and moving a vertical take-off and landing aircraft on its upper surface, the platform having a descent guidance mechanism for descending a vertical take-off and landing aircraft that has moved above the platform by air taxiing or the like, and a method for guiding the aircraft to such a platform.

[0002] The present invention typically refers to the case where a vertical take-off and landing aircraft lands on a runway and then air-taxies, and thus uses the word "descent" rather than "landing", but in general it may also be referred to as landing.

[0003] It is also possible that in the future the drone may land directly on the platform, and such a case is also within the scope of this patent. [Background technology]

[0004] It is expected that many landing strips and parking areas for vertical take-off and landing aircraft will be required as the number of take-offs and landings increases in the future. It is desirable for the landing strips, which are the core of these landing strips, to be able to accommodate an increase in the number of take-offs and landings, to shorten the intervals between take-offs and landings, and to be space-saving.

[0005] The vertical take-off and landing aircraft referred to here is an aircraft (aircraft) that can take off and land vertically, called a VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft). In manned aircraft, this is called a "flying car" or "flying taxi," while in unmanned aircraft, it is also called a drone.

[0006] It should be noted that any flying object capable of vertical landing or descent is included in the vertical take-off and landing aircraft of the present invention, even if it is not called a vertical take-off and landing aircraft.

[0007] In addition, it is expected that taxiing (self-propelled movement of vertical take-off and landing aircraft) is difficult for vertical take-off and landing aircraft to move from a landing strip to parking areas, charging spots, maintenance areas, etc. This is because vertical take-off and landing aircraft often do not have wheels for taxiing, so air taxiing (hover movement) using propellers as thrust is necessary. This is because the downwash generated by this could have a negative impact on the safety of surrounding aircraft and personnel, noise problems could occur, and it is necessary to ensure a wide separation distance between taxiways and parking areas for safety.

[0008] Therefore, when moving the aircraft after landing, it is desirable to minimize air taxiing and to have the aircraft descend onto a platform adjacent to the landing strip on which the aircraft can be placed, and then to have the platform be transported by self-propelled or towed.

[0009] It is desirable for this platform to be as small as possible to accommodate a vertical take-off and landing aircraft that has air-taxed from the landing strip, and to achieve this, a highly accurate descent guidance system to the platform is required.

[0010] Patent Document 1 is aimed at helicopters rather than vertical take-off and landing aircraft, and is an invention that aims to provide technology that enables pilots to easily recognize the target location, such as the approach line and approach direction to a landing strip, and to guide the helicopter safely and quickly to the landing strip.

[0011] Here, the device is equipped with a light-projecting means and a light-emitting means provided in the vicinity of the light-projecting means, the light-projecting means being configured to project light that can only be seen from a certain limited direction and to change the direction in which the light is projected at a constant speed, and the light-emitting means is configured to emit a flash in all directions, and the flash is emitted when the direction of the light from the light-projecting means matches a specified direction.This signal light is capable of resolving any directional discrepancy between the correct approach line to the landing strip and the current entry line, and the technical idea of ​​a landing guidance device using a light-emitting means and a light-projecting means is disclosed.

[0012] However, this invention is intended for safe landing on landing strips with plenty of space, and primarily as a device to indicate the deviation in direction between the approach line and the current approach line; it combines what are known as boundary guidance lights and position marker lights in aviation lighting into one unit, and is not intended for descending onto a platform for vertical take-off and landing aircraft in a small space, taking into account subsequent movement (transportation).

[0013] On the other hand, the main purpose of the present invention is to guide the drone to the platform in the small space after the landing strip. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0014] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-157699 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0015] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a mounting platform for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft to be placed on its upper surface for movement, etc., which has a descent guidance mechanism that can safely and reliably guide the descent of the aircraft when it moves above the mounting platform by air taxiing (which may also be called hover movement) after landing on a landing strip, and then descends to the mounting platform.

[0016] Another secondary objective is to make it possible to transport the platform for such a vertical take-off and landing aircraft to an aircraft parking area or the like. [Means for solving the problem]

[0017] A mounting base for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft according to a first aspect of the present invention includes: The vertical take-off and landing aircraft mounting platform is capable of mounting a vertical take-off and landing aircraft on its upper surface, and is characterized by having a descent guidance mechanism that guides the vertical take-off and landing aircraft to descend onto the mounting platform.

[0018] Here, "descent" refers to a vertical take-off and landing aircraft lowering its altitude after moving above the platform at a relatively low altitude by air taxiing (or hovering), etc. Note that the landing of a normal flying object may also be considered "descent" if the situation is similar.

[0019] Furthermore, the "descent guidance mechanism" can be anything that can guide the descent of a vertical take-off and landing aircraft, but because the surface area of ​​the landing strip is smaller than that of a landing strip used for normal landings, the mechanism must be capable of providing appropriate guidance.

[0020] Next, a second aspect of the present invention is a mounting base for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft according to the first aspect, The descent may be characterized as occurring after the vertical take-off and landing aircraft has been moving by air taxiing.

[0021] The present invention is particularly effective when the aircraft moves by air taxiing, and is therefore an embodiment of the invention.

[0022] Next, a third aspect of the present invention is a mounting platform for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft according to the first or second aspect, The descending guide mechanism is a plurality of light-emitting bodies that emit light of different colors and are provided on the placement table. The present invention may be characterized in that:

[0023] This is an extremely simple descent guidance mechanism, and it is preferable that the pilot of the aircraft be able to visually determine the proper position by the color of the light-emitting elements (preferably LEDs) installed on each side of the top surface of the mounting platform.

[0024] For example, when the four sides of the mounting table are in the appropriate position above the light-emitting body, a blue light can be seen directly, when the side is slightly off to one side, a yellow light can be seen visually, and when the side is in an inappropriate position that protrudes too far, a red light is seen, so that the color of the light-emitting body appears different depending on the distance from the appropriate position.

[0025] It is more preferable to install light sources that are linear and long. Also, light sources do not necessarily have to be installed on all four sides. Even if they are installed on three or two sides, they can still be effective to a certain extent depending on the operation or the skill of the pilot.

[0026] Furthermore, the light only comes on during descent and can be turned off after descent, making operation extremely easy.

[0027] Furthermore, with this configuration, precise descent guidance is achieved in accordance with the dimensions of the mounting table, making it possible to reduce the area of ​​the top surface of the mounting table.

[0028] Instead of providing these light emitters on the mounting table, they may be provided around the mounting table, for example, on a frame (or platform, etc.) configured so that the mounting table fits in. In other words, similar light emitters are provided on the frame sides corresponding to each side of the mounting table. In this case, if four sides is difficult, three sides will suffice.

[0029] In this way, there is no need to provide light-emitting elements on each mounting base, and the light-emitting elements provided on the frame are used only when the mounting base enters the frame when the vertical take-off and landing aircraft is descending, which simplifies the structure of the mounting base and provides great economic benefits.

[0030] Next, a fourth aspect of the present invention is a mounting platform for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft according to the first or second aspect, wherein the descent guidance mechanism comprises: an aircraft position detection unit provided on the stand for detecting the position of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft during descent; an aircraft position notification unit that notifies whether the position of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft during descent is normal or not based on the detection result of the aircraft position detection unit; The present invention may be characterized in that:

[0031] Here, the aircraft position detection unit is not particularly limited, but for example, -Means of recognizing aircraft by processing images from cameras; - A means to read the identification code (barcode, QR code (registered trademark), etc.) printed on the aircraft, -Means to obtain aircraft position information from communication devices such as ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast), Wifi, and Bluetooth (possible via devices that improve accuracy such as RTK) - A means of calculating the appropriate landing position based on the size and position of the aircraft by acquiring information from the UTM (Unmanned Aerial System Traffic Management) system, and calculating the positional relationship with the platform using a distance measurement sensor (laser positioning); -Measures using a technology called LIDAR (light detecting and ranging, or Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging), - A method that utilizes a technology called SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) It is also possible to use a combination of these detection means.

[0032] In addition, the aircraft position notification unit is preferably guided by a combination of color, blinking, and lighting of light-emitting elements (preferably LEDs) installed on the four sides of the top surface of the mounting platform.

[0033] For example, depending on the appropriate distance from the light-emitting elements on the four sides of the mounting base, if it is too far off the mark the light will flash red, if it is just a little off the mark the light will flash yellow, and when it is in the correct position the light will flash blue, etc., and the light will guide the user to the correct position using the light-emitting elements installed on each side.

[0034] Here, it is more preferable that the light emitters installed on the four sides are linear and long, and that the light is distributed in the upward, diagonally upward, and horizontal directions.

[0035] Alternatively, the aircraft position notification unit is not limited to being installed on all four sides of the mounting device, but may be installed on only one side in the front (in front of the pilot of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft) and displayed as a line of divided lights. This has the advantage of allowing the pilot to focus his or her attention on the front.

[0036] Specifically, the linear lighting is divided into five parts, with the central part indicating the forward position, the two sides indicating the left and right positions of the aircraft, and the two sides further indicating the rearward position of the aircraft.

[0037] In addition, notification using sound is also suitable as an aircraft position notification unit, and it is preferable to use it in combination with guidance using light-emitting objects, but it may be used alone.

[0038] The notification using sound is preferably a specific improper position, for example, voice guidance such as "You are 50 cm too far to the right" or a warning sound such as "beep, beep, beep..." at intervals.

[0039] With regard to the brightness of the light-emitting body, it is more preferable to provide an automatic dimming function according to the surrounding brightness, taking into consideration the glare prevention for pilots of vertical take-off and landing aircraft.

[0040] In this way, the aircraft position information obtained by the aircraft position detection unit is notified from the aircraft position notification unit, making it possible to provide the pilot with appropriate descent guidance.

[0041] It should be noted that the specific means of the aircraft position notification unit described in this embodiment may also be used as the "descent guidance mechanism" in the first embodiment, which does not include an aircraft position detection unit.

[0042] Next, a fifth aspect of the present invention may be a mount for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft according to the first or second aspect, characterized in that the mount has a mount moving section that enables the mount to be moved.

[0043] This is extremely useful because it allows a vertical take-off and landing aircraft that has reached a low altitude in the air, mainly by air taxiing, to descend using the descent guidance mechanism and then be moved to the required location with the vertical take-off and landing aircraft still on board.

[0044] Specifically, when operating a large number of vertical take-off and landing aircraft, being able to move the vertical take-off and landing aircraft between the take-off and landing field (landing strip), the parking area, and the maintenance space while mounted on a mounting platform is extremely effective in terms of effective use of space and increasing the number of take-offs and landings. In particular, by performing precise guidance of the mounting platform, a mounting platform with a small upper surface area can be used, so if the vertical take-off and landing aircraft can be moved while still mounted on the mounting platform, the effect is great.

[0045] Specifically, the method for moving the mounting table is as follows: a) The mounting platform is equipped with wheels, a drive source for the wheels, a direction control mechanism, etc., making it self-propelled. b) Towed by a forklift, towing car, manned or unmanned transport vehicle, etc. c) Slide the automated guided vehicle (AGV, AMR, etc.) under the platform and lift the platform. Run. There are various methods, including the above, and all of them may be autonomous unmanned driving, unmanned operation from a remote location, or manned operation by an operator.

[0046] In particular, it is preferable to install steering wheels on the mounting platform itself and to enable movements (travel modes) such as "arc traveling mode," "parallel traveling mode," and "turn-on-the-spot mode." In this way, the mounting platform can be moved to the appropriate position more quickly and with minimal movement.

[0047] In order to operate the platform in a movable manner, it is preferable that the dimensions of the platform be slightly larger than the dimensions of the landing part of the aircraft (skids or wheels, etc.) For a standard vertical take-off and landing aircraft, a roughly square shape with each side measuring about 3 to 4 meters is assumed, although this will depend on the size of the aircraft.

[0048] In order to descend onto such a platform, precise descent guidance as in the above-mentioned embodiment of the present invention is preferable, compared to landing on a relatively large landing strip (roughly square with each side measuring approximately 20 to 30 meters).

[0049] Next, a sixth aspect of the present invention may be a mount for the vertical take-off and landing aircraft according to the third aspect, characterized in that the mount has a mount moving section that makes the mount movable.

[0050] This has the advantage that the movable mounting base and the descent guiding mechanism are of a simple configuration consisting of a plurality of light-emitting elements provided on the mounting base that emit light of different colors, and can be introduced relatively easily.

[0051] Next, a seventh aspect of the present invention may be a mount for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft according to the fourth aspect, characterized in that the mount has a mount moving section that enables the mount to be moved.

[0052] This provides a movable mounting platform, and the descent guidance mechanism has an aircraft position detection unit and an aircraft position notification unit, enabling precise guidance, which has the advantages of minimizing the area of ​​the top surface of the mounting platform and requiring less power to move the mounting platform.

[0053] Next, an eighth aspect of the present invention is a mount for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft according to the first or second aspect, comprising a mount moving unit that can move the mount, the descent guidance mechanism has an aircraft position detection unit provided on the stand for detecting a position of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft during descent, The apparatus may be characterized in that the table moving unit moves the table in accordance with the machine body position detected by the machine body position detection unit.

[0054] In this way, when the vertical take-off and landing aircraft descends, the platform can be moved so that the aircraft can land in a predetermined position.

[0055] For example, a vertical take-off and landing aircraft can be operated by continuing to descend vertically and moving the platform to the expected final descent (landing) point. Note that the descent direction of a vertical take-off and landing aircraft is not limited to vertical, and may include horizontal or diagonal movement depending on the situation.

[0056] In addition, instead of or in addition to moving the mounting platform, a vertical take-off and landing aircraft may be configured to have an automatic aircraft moving mechanism that receives detection result information from the aircraft position detection unit and automatically moves the aircraft to an appropriate descent position based on the detection result.

[0057] Such unmanned operation, or even manned automatic operation, is subject to legal restrictions and is currently difficult to implement, but it is conceivable that it may become possible in the near future.

[0058] In addition to the hardware invention of the mounting table, each of the aspects described above can also be expressed as steps for realizing the invention, and these can also be claimed as method inventions.

[0059] A ninth aspect of the present invention is a method for guiding a descent of a vertical take-off and landing aircraft, comprising: The method is characterized by having a step of guiding the descent of a vertical take-off and landing aircraft that has flown above a platform on which the vertical take-off and landing aircraft can be placed.

[0060] This makes it possible to perform descent guidance without relying on the hardware of the descent guidance mechanism.

[0061] Next, a tenth aspect of the present invention is a descent guidance method for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, wherein the descent is a descent that occurs after the vertical take-off and landing aircraft has moved by air taxiing.

[0062] This is an effective method specifically for air taxiing.

[0063] Next, an eleventh aspect of the present invention may be a descent guiding method for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft of the ninth or tenth aspect of the present invention, characterized in that the step of guiding the descent is a step of emitting light of different colors from a plurality of light-emitting elements provided on the mounting table.

[0064] In this way, appropriate descent guidance can be achieved in a simple manner.

[0065] Next, a twelfth aspect of the present invention is a method for guiding a descent of a vertical take-off and landing aircraft according to the ninth or tenth aspect of the present invention, wherein the step of guiding the descent comprises: - detecting the position of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft during descent; - notifying whether the position of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft during descent is normal or not based on the result of the step of detecting the position of the aircraft; The present invention may be characterized in that:

[0066] This allows for more precise descent guidance.

[0067] Next, a thirteenth aspect of the present invention may be a descent guidance method for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft of the ninth or tenth aspect of the present invention, further comprising a step of moving the stand.

[0068] A fourteenth aspect of the present invention is a method for guiding a descent of a vertical take-off and landing aircraft according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, further comprising the step of moving the stand.

[0069] A fifteenth aspect of the present invention may be a descent guidance method for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, further comprising a step of moving the platform.

[0070] The thirteenth to fifteenth aspects all include a step of moving the mounting platform, and are extremely useful since they enable proper operation of the takeoff and landing site for vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.

[0071] Next, a sixteenth aspect of the present invention is a method for guiding a descent of a vertical take-off and landing aircraft according to the ninth or tenth aspect of the present invention, wherein the step of guiding the descent comprises: - detecting the position of the VTOL aircraft during descent; - The method may further include a step of moving a platform for the vertical take-off and landing aircraft in accordance with the aircraft position detected in the step of detecting the aircraft position.

[0072] This has the advantage of making it easier to control the vertical take-off and landing aircraft. Effect of the Invention

[0073] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a mounting base for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft equipped with a descent guidance mechanism that enables the vertical take-off and landing aircraft to descend safely and accurately onto a mounting base on which the vertical take-off and landing aircraft can be placed, and further it is also possible to move such a mounting base.

[0074] It is also possible to realize a descent guidance method for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft, and further a method for moving a mounting platform together with the descent guidance method.

[0075] In either case, this will make a significant contribution to the smooth operation of vertical take-off and landing aircraft at airfields, for which demand is increasing. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0076] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the mounting platform for the vertical take-off and landing aircraft with the descent guidance mechanism of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of a mounting platform for the vertical take-off and landing aircraft according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mounting platform for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a mounting platform for the vertical take-off and landing aircraft according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a mounting platform for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of a mounting platform for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a partial plan view of a mounting platform for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 5 is a plan view seen from below of a mounting platform for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0077] Hereinafter, a description will be given of a mounting platform for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft with a descent guidance mechanism according to a first embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. Note that, in the following, the scope necessary for the explanation to achieve the object of the present invention is shown in a schematic manner, and the scope necessary for the explanation of the relevant parts of the present invention will be mainly explained, and the parts that are omitted from the explanation will be regarded as being based on publicly known technology.

[0078] <Configuration> FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the operation status of a mounting platform for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft with a descent guidance mechanism of the present invention, and shows a situation in which a vertical take-off and landing aircraft V that has landed on a landing strip 50 takes off from the landing strip 50 at a low altitude by air taxiing (also called hover movement) (route ET in the figure), moves to above a nearby mounting platform 1 at a low altitude, and then descends from there to the mounting platform 1 which has a descent guidance mechanism and is placed on its upper surface.

[0079] After that, the platform 1 on which the vertical take-off and landing aircraft V is placed can be moved on the ground (route TX in the figure) by a moving means described later to, for example, an aircraft parking area 31, a maintenance area 32, etc.

[0080] It is also possible to have the platform 1 without the vertical take-off and landing aircraft V waiting in the waiting area 33 in preparation for the next landing, or to reverse the process of landing by moving the platform 1 with the vertical take-off and landing aircraft V mounted thereon from the parking area 31 and bringing it close to the landing strip 50, and then having the vertical take-off and landing aircraft V air taxi to the landing strip 50 for takeoff.

[0081] In this way, the distance traveled by air taxiing, which has a large impact on the surrounding area, can be shortened, and thereafter, the vertical take-off and landing aircraft V can be moved by ground motion of the mounting platform, which has less impact on the surrounding area.

[0082] FIG. 2 is a front view of a mounting platform for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft with a descent guidance mechanism of the first embodiment of the present invention, which comprises mounting platform 1 having an approximately square upper surface onto which the vertical take-off and landing aircraft V descends, and light-emitting elements 2 provided on each side of the upper surface of mounting platform 1 as a descent guidance mechanism contained within the mounting platform.

[0083] The mounting table 1 shown in FIG. 2 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped mounting table main body 11 and wheels 12 for moving provided at the four corners of the lower side of the mounting table main body 11.

[0084] In addition, legs may be provided instead of wheels 12, and the space excluding the legs of the mounting table main body 11 may be made available for a transport means (e.g., AGV, AMR, forklift, etc.) to enter when moving the mounting table 1.

[0085] The light-emitting body 2 consists of a red light-emitting body 2R that emits red light, a yellow light-emitting body 2Y that emits yellow light, and a blue light-emitting body 2B that emits blue light, and the light emission state is such that red light can be observed in the area indicated by R in the figure, yellow light in the area indicated by Y, and blue light in the area indicated by B.

[0086] Here, at the appropriate upper position from the light-emitting element 2 on the four sides of the mounting base 1 (positions where the vertical take-off and landing aircraft V may continue its descent), a blue light is visible, at sides that are slightly off to one side (positions where adjustments are required for the descent of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft V), a yellow light is visible, and at sides that are too far out and in an inappropriate position (positions where the vertical take-off and landing aircraft V cannot land on the mounting base 1 if it continues its descent), a red light is lit, so that the color of the light-emitting element 2 appears to differ depending on the distance from the appropriate position.

[0087] The details of the light emitter 2 will be described below. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a mounting platform for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft with a descent guidance mechanism according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which the light emitter 2 is provided linearly along the four sides of the upper surface of the mounting platform 1.

[0088] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the platform for the vertical take-off and landing aircraft with a descent guidance mechanism according to the first embodiment of the present invention, showing part A in FIG.

[0089] The light emitters 2 provided on each side are composed of, in order from the inside of the mounting table 1, a blue light emitter 2B, a yellow light emitter 2Y, and a red light emitter 2R.

[0090] Here, the light emitted from the light emitter 2 is reflected by the reflector 3 and radiated upward in a limited area.

[0091] A transparent cover 13 for protecting the light emitting body 2 and the reflector 3 is provided above the light emitting body 2 on the upper surface of the mounting table 1, and a top plate 14 is provided on the area of ​​the upper surface of the mounting table main body 11 other than the transparent cover 13. The transparent cover 13 and the top plate 14 are part of the mounting table 1.

[0092] <Operation> Next, the operation of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0093] The mounting platform 1 of the present invention is kept waiting near a landing strip (takeoff and landing field) for vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, and after landing on the landing strip, the vertical takeoff and landing aircraft V that is seeking descent flies in by air taxiing above the mounting platform 1.

[0094] Then, the light emitters 2 provided on the four sides of the platform 1 emit red, yellow, and blue light, and the pilot of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft V can visually confirm one of the three colors by checking the light emitters 2 on each side. If the light emitters 2 on all sides emit blue light, it can be understood that the aircraft is descending to the normal position where it can descend.

[0095] Also, if the light color of the light-emitting body 2 on any side appears yellow, it will be understood that the position is slightly misaligned, and the aircraft will descend while guiding it in a direction that will correct this, until the light color of all light-emitting bodies 2 appears blue.

[0096] Also, if the light emitted by the light-emitting body 2 on any side appears to be red, this means that the position is significantly off, and it would be dangerous to continue descending in this state, so it is advisable to first ascend and then descend again.

[0097] In this way, guided by the color of light emitted by the light-emitting body 2, the vertical take-off and landing aircraft V can descend correctly onto the upper surface of the platform 1.

[0098] Although the luminous colors of the light emitter 2 are red, yellow, and blue, the colors are not limited to these and any distinguishable colors may be used. Also, although the three-colored regions have been described, they may be two colors to distinguish only whether or not the region is displaced from the normal position.

[0099] After descending, platform 1 carrying the vertical take-off and landing aircraft starts moving toward an aircraft parking area, a maintenance area, or the like.

[0100] As one example of the method, wheels 12 are provided at the four corners of the underside of the mounting platform 1, and these wheels 12 are traveling wheels with steering. By driving these wheels with a driving mechanism (not shown), the mounting platform 1 itself can be made to travel and move with the vertical take-off and landing aircraft V placed thereon.

[0101] As another method, a space is provided below the platform main body 11, an automated guided vehicle (AGV or AMR) is allowed to enter, and then the top surface of the automated guided vehicle is lifted up to raise the platform 1 on which the vertical take-off and landing aircraft V is placed, and the automated guided vehicle is then driven to move it.

[0102] In this way, a safe and accurate descent of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft V and its subsequent movement after descent were achieved.

[0103] Next, a descent guidance system for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment will be described with the same reference numbers, or the description thereof may be omitted.

[0104] <Configuration and operation> FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a platform for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft with a descent guidance mechanism according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the platform for the vertical take-off and landing aircraft with a descent guidance mechanism.

[0105] Here, the device has a mounting base 1 consisting of a mounting base main body 11 and wheels 12 for movement, an aircraft position detection unit 5 provided on the upper surface of the mounting base 1, and an aircraft position notification unit 6 provided near each side of the approximately square upper surface of the mounting base 1.

[0106] The aircraft position detection unit 5 has a camera (or image sensor) that can photograph the aircraft V above, and an image analysis unit (not shown; it may be provided externally rather than on the mounting base 1) that calculates the position (north, south, east, and west directions) and altitude of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft V from the captured image.

[0107] The method of calculating the position and altitude of an object from a camera image is a known technique, and may be appropriately selected and used taking into consideration accuracy, cost, and the like.

[0108] The machine position notification unit 6 is provided with linear light emitters 7 (preferably LEDs) on the top surface of the mounting table 1, slightly inside each side.

[0109] Here, it is preferable that the light emitter 7 is capable of controlling multi-color emission and blinking, and guidance can be provided by a combination of the colors of the light emitter 7 and the blinking or lighting.

[0110] For example, Fig. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of part C in Fig. 5, and as shown in Fig. 6(a), the vehicle position notification unit 6 is configured such that light emitted from linear light emitters 7 (preferably LEDs) obliquely provided at the corners of each side of the mounting platform 1 can be distributed upward L1, obliquely upward L2, and horizontally L3 through a curved matte-finished acrylic plate 71. Here, based on information from the vehicle position detection unit 5, the vehicle position can be notified to the pilot of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft V by using the difference in the light emission color, lighting, and blinking of the light emitters 7, and the descent can be accurately guided.

[0111] FIG. 6(b) shows another example of the light-emitting body 7, in which an acrylic block 72 cut into the cross-sectional shape shown in the figure is used instead of the acrylic plate 71, and produces the same effect as in FIG. 6(a).

[0112] The light distribution in the upward direction L1, the diagonally upward direction L2, and the horizontal direction L3 emits light in the same way because the same light emitter is simply split into light beams by the acrylic plate 71 or the acrylic square bar 72. Here, the upward direction L1 can be used to notify the pilot, the diagonally upward direction L2 to notify the control tower or ITV (remote monitoring camera), and the horizontal direction L3 to notify ground staff, and it is also envisioned that in the future, control towers and ground staff other than pilots will be able to descend vertical takeoff and landing aircraft using a remote controller or the like.

[0113] As a more specific example, from the perspective of the pilot of a vertical take-off and landing aircraft V, if the detection result of the aircraft position detection unit 5 for the relevant side is too far off the line, it flashes red. If it is slightly off the line, it flashes yellow. The correct position is illuminated blue, allowing the pilot to recognize these lights, and if all four sides appear to be lit blue, the descent will continue, and if a specific side appears to be flashing yellow (slightly off the line), the descent will continue while changing the aircraft's position so that the problem is resolved, and if a specific side appears to be flashing red (too far off the line), the pilot will be guided to a safe descent by either making a major change to the position and continuing the descent, or by ascending and restarting the descent.

[0114] In this case, the light emission colors are not limited to the three colors of red, yellow, and blue, and any color that can be distinguished is acceptable. Also, the color is not limited to three colors, and one or more colors are acceptable, and the lighting and blinking settings are not limited to the ones described here.

[0115] As already explained, there are various means for detecting the aircraft position 5 other than using a camera, and the most suitable means can be selected from among these or other means depending on the situation.

[0116] Next, another example of the aircraft position notification unit 6 will be described. FIG. 7 is a plan view of the aircraft position notification section of the mounting base for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft with a descent guidance mechanism of the second embodiment of the present invention, in which an light-emitting element 8 serving as the aircraft position notification section 6 is provided on only one side of the mounting base 1 in front of the pilot P of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft V.

[0117] Here, the light-emitting area of ​​the light-emitting body 8 is divided into five, which are, from left to right, a rear position display section 81 of the aircraft, a left side position display section 82 of the aircraft, a front position display section 83 of the aircraft, a right side position display section 84 of the aircraft, and a rear position display section 85 of the aircraft. Each display section displays information obtained from the aircraft position detection section 5 in a predetermined display method (color, lighting and blinking, etc.) so that it can be visually confirmed by the pilot P.

[0118] In this way, the pilot P only needs to look ahead, and can perform an accurate descent operation from the aircraft's position information obtained from that.

[0119] Next, the movement operation of the descent guiding device in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0120] It is extremely important from an operational standpoint that the platform 1 with the descent guidance mechanism be able to move between takeoff and landing sites, parking areas, maintenance areas, etc. with or without a vertical take-off and landing aircraft mounted thereon.

[0121] The device includes a mounting table 1, a machine position detection unit 5 provided on the upper surface of the mounting table 1, and a machine position notification unit 6 provided near each side of the substantially square upper surface of the mounting table 1.

[0122] Furthermore, wheels 9 are provided at the four corners of the underside of the mounting platform 1. These wheels 9 are traveling wheels with steering. By driving these wheels with a drive mechanism (not shown), the mounting platform 1 itself can be made to travel and move with the vertical take-off and landing aircraft V placed on it. This method is extremely effective because of its simple configuration.

[0123] Further details will be described below. Fig. 8 is a plan view (bottom view) seen from below, showing the operation of the platform of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft with a descent guidance mechanism according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0124] Here, we show that various driving states can be realized by the steering function of the wheels 9. Fig. 8(a) shows the on-the-spot turning mode, Fig. 8(b) shows the parallel driving mode, and Fig. 8(c) shows the arc driving mode. By combining these and setting different steering angles, various driving states can be realized.

[0125] The description of the method of moving the mounting table 1 in the second embodiment can be similarly applied to the first embodiment, and as for the method of moving the mounting table 1, various methods can be used as described in the means for solving the problems and in the first embodiment, so it is only necessary to select the most suitable method according to the situation. [Industrial Applicability]

[0126] The mounting base for vertical take-off and landing aircraft with a descent guidance mechanism and the method for guiding a vertical take-off and landing aircraft to the mounting base of the present invention have industrial applicability, as it is expected that they will be used as a mounting base for vertical take-off and landing aircraft with a descent guidance mechanism, or a method for guiding a vertical take-off and landing aircraft to the mounting base, for which demand is expected to increase in industrial use in the future. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] 1. Placement table 11. Mounting table body 12 wheels 2. Light Source 2R Red light emitter 2Y Yellow light emitter 2B Blue light emitter 5. Aircraft position detection unit 6 Aircraft position notification section 7. Luminous Object 8. Luminous Object V Vertical take-off and landing aircraft P Pilot

Claims

1. A support platform for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft on whose upper surface a vertical take-off and landing aircraft can be placed, the support platform having a descent guidance mechanism for guiding the descent of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft onto the support platform.

2. 2. The platform for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft according to claim 1, wherein the descent is performed after the vertical take-off and landing aircraft has moved there by air taxiing.

3. The descent guide mechanism includes: A plurality of light emitters that emit light of different colors are provided on the mounting table.

3. The vertical take-off and landing aircraft mounting base according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The descent guide mechanism includes: an aircraft position detection unit provided on the stand for detecting the position of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft during descent; an aircraft position notification unit that notifies whether the position of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft during descent is normal or not based on the detection result of the aircraft position detection unit; 3. The vertical take-off and landing aircraft mounting base according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

5. 3. The platform for vertical take-off and landing aircraft according to claim 1, further comprising a platform moving section for moving the platform.

6. 4. The platform for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft with a descent guidance mechanism according to claim 3, further comprising a platform moving section for moving the platform.

7. 5. The platform for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft with a descent guidance mechanism according to claim 4, further comprising a platform moving section for moving the platform.

8. a mounting table moving unit that can move the mounting table, the descent guidance mechanism has an aircraft position detection unit provided on the stand for detecting a position of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft during descent, 3. A mounting platform for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft with a descent guidance mechanism as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the mounting platform moving unit moves the mounting platform in accordance with the aircraft position detected by the aircraft position detection unit.

9. A descent guidance method for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft, comprising the step of guiding the descent of a vertical take-off and landing aircraft that has flown above a platform on which the vertical take-off and landing aircraft can be placed, using a descent guidance mechanism.

10. 10. The method for guiding a vertical take-off and landing aircraft according to claim 9, wherein the descent is a descent that occurs after the vertical take-off and landing aircraft has moved by air taxiing.

11. 11. The method for guiding the descent of a vertical take-off and landing aircraft according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the step of guiding the descent is a step of emitting light of different colors from a plurality of light-emitting bodies provided on the platform.

12. The step of inducing a descent further comprises: - detecting the position of said vertical take-off and landing aircraft during descent; - notifying whether the position of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft during descent is normal or not based on the result of the step of detecting the position of the aircraft; The method for guiding a vertical take-off and landing aircraft according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising:

13. 11. The method for guiding a vertical take-off and landing aircraft according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising the step of moving the platform.

14. 12. The method for guiding a descent of a vertical take-off and landing aircraft according to claim 11, further comprising the step of moving the platform.

15. 13. The method for guiding a descent of a vertical take-off and landing aircraft according to claim 12, further comprising the step of moving the platform.

16. The step of inducing a descent further comprises: - detecting the position of said vertical take-off and landing aircraft during descent; - moving a platform for the vertical take-off and landing aircraft in accordance with the aircraft position detected in the step of detecting the aircraft position; The method for guiding a vertical take-off and landing aircraft according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising:

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