WO2005021360A1

WO2005021360A1 - Rotating automobile

Info

Publication number: WO2005021360A1
Application number: PCT/BR2004/000064
Authority: WO
Inventors: José Carlos Poletto
Original assignee: Poletto Jose Carlos
Priority date: 2003-09-01
Filing date: 2004-05-10
Publication date: 2005-03-10
Also published as: BR0302886B8; BR0302886B1; BR0302886A

Abstract

The present invention is an automobile (1) that can rotate with a very small turning radius and swivel on its centre. It has wheels (3) centralized in the front and rear that are simultaneously drivable, and a pair of fixed wheels (4) in the middle. It uses the dome-shaped steering system, and it can have single or double wheel sets (3). It can be designed to float and have directed propulsion, as well as a swinging suspension system (9) that allows equal and total adherence of each wheel (3).

Description

Descriptive Report Rotating Automobile The present invention is related to the technical area of the automobile metallurgy combined with synthetic materials. In the state of techniques, basically all cars used for people transportation and transportation of light loads have four wheels, two drivable front wheels and two fixed rear wheels. They are placed in pairs, one on each side. There are some three-wheeled small models, with a single isolated wheel in the front or in the rear. Some more sophisticated cars have their main drivability in the front wheels with some help from rear wheel steering. The traction is in the front wheels, in the rears or even in all. There are also vehicles for special loads, off- roads and machines with four, six or more wheels with different kinds of drivability and traction, but they are all destined to perform for heavy duties or to overcome all terrain types. Any automobile, in the state of techniques, to leave the place where it is parked, usually needs to perform several maneuvers and uses a space a lot larger than its size. The drivable wheels of all vehicles of four or more wheels have limited steering degree. The goal of this invention is an automobile (car) that, regarding the current state of techniques, is a lot easier and faster to park and to drive around cities and roads, being able to swivel on its axle. It is of easy construction, very stable, agile and safe, and with more efficient breaking and guidance, even in slippery roads. Due to very little turning radius needed, it requires less space and effort from the driver and also much less time and risks when parking. It will allow parking lots to be used in a more efficient way. This is an automobile that can be equipped with accessories that allow it to float through directed propulsion on flooded road segments and streets. The invention, the Rotating Automobile (1) seen from the side, has three wheel lines (axles) (Fig. 03-B), with wheels in the front, middle and rear (Fig. 01 ). The front and rear wheels, simultaneously drivable (Fig. 02), require Dome- shaped Directional System sets (2 and Fig. 06 to 10), or suspensions similar to the front ones in scooters and motorcycles, using single or double wheel set. The two wheels in the middle (4) are fixed as to drivability, and they have rear frames similar to any other traditional car (Fig. 12). The rear wheel set with opposite steering to the front one allows the car to make turning circles within a very little radius or even swivel on its axle (Fig. 02). The Rotating Automobile (1 ) can have any size, from small ones - smaller than the examples in the drawings (Fig. 03 and 04) to big ones - as the pick-up model (Fig. 05). O Dome-shaped Directional System (2) features a base fixed to the automobile platform (chassis) (5), the base dome (6), and a mobile internal frame, the directional dome (7), which can rotate in all directions. The directional dome (7) has a tubular axle (8) in the upper part, and it has rollers, casters and bearings (11) in different places on the sides that ride on tracks (12). In the directional dome (7) the wheels are installed (simple or double - 3) and a complete suspension (Fig. 06 to 10). The traction, using the transmission axle, is basically performed by the middle wheels (4), but it can be done by the rear and/or front ones, or even by all wheels. When electricity is chosen, the engines can be installed in each wheel. In the traction for the wheels front or back done by transmission axle, it should be installed telescopic axle (22) going by the tubular axle (8). With transmission by middle wheels (4) and for swiveling (Fig. 02-C), it is necessary a control of the satellite gears (already existing system) and/or of the wheels, of way one decides which side one wants the car to rotate. The direction mechanisms can be any of the already existing ones in the state of techniques. They can be mechanic, electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, isolated or combined, with or without electronic system controls, but always having the increment of a connection mechanism that synchronizes the front wheels steering with the steering of the rear wheels to the opposite direction (Fig. 02). This connection between the front and rear wheels also allows the use of any of the mechanisms mentioned. In the examples presented, one is through crossed steel cables (17) and the others are through mechanic/electric/electronic systems (18). All suspension items being used by the state of techniques (arms, hydraulic shock absorbers, springs, gas or air (10) and the fixing accessories) are adaptable in any of the suspensions of the Rotating Automobile (1). Tubing and wires go through the directional dome axle (8). The Dome-shaped Directional System (2) can have a swinging system (14) that balances the wheels of the double wheel directional set for total and equal adherence of each wheel, either on uneven terrain or in curves. A hydraulic set (16) harmonizes the movements either by electric-electronic controls or because of the placing of the swinging axle (15) taking into consideration the ideal gravity center in the wheel set along with the weight that the Rotating Automobile has itself (Fig. 10). The hydraulic set or any other controls must have self-blocking system to avoid sudden inversion of the inclination of the wheel set (sudden movements and obstacles). Also, as long as the two wheel sets have the same distance as the middle wheels, partial compensations can be done with little inclinations of the front and rear dome- shaped suspensions (2) to the back (Fig. 09-A). The Rotating Automobile can be designed to ride, float and be propelled on flooded road segments and streets. For that, it should have well distributed weight, the engine has to be installed in the car body, and other arrangements anticipated in the state of techniques. It must have higher doorsills or adaptable plates in the lower internal parts of the doorways or also, doors with special seal. The car has to be equipped with a water propelling set (28, 29, 30 and Fig. 04, 07 and 11). The traction wheels have built-in propeller blades (28 and 29) installed in an intra-wheel or directly in the wheel. They pull water from the outer sides and push it against the deflectors (30) installed along with the respective suspensions. These deflectors drive the jet of the water back. They work in any traction wheel, but always in pairs. When there is differential between the wheels, there must be a blocking system of this differential (already used system) so that the pair of wheels rotates in the same direction. When the wheels of the Dome-shaped Directional System (2) are double wheel set (multiple), the spare tire is dispensable since the Rotating Automobile (2) can perfectly ride on one wheel, front or rear one. Therefore, a wheel can be taken out or moved to wherever necessary. They should be steered to 90 degrees in order to make it easy to have access to the wheels of the Dome- shaped Directional System. The main items and every detail of these inventions can have varied sizes, according to the needs. Every detail, of any model or variation, can be applied to any other similar. For a better understanding, detailed information on the drawings containing the inventions, that integrate this report: Figures 01 - Variations of wheel combinations of the Rotating Automobile (upper view): 01 -A - Single wheel (one wheel) in the front and in the rear; 01 -B - Double wheel set (two wheels) in the front and in the rear; 01 -C - Double wheel set in the front and single in the rear; 01 -D - Single wheel in the front and double in the rear. The middle wheels have always the same setting, one wheel set on each side. They are usually single, but for heavy-duty transportation they can be double. Figures 02 - Functioning of the driving system and steering of the front and rear wheels of the Rotating Automobile, showing the place of the center part (pivot/steering pin) of the turning radius, and several driving system options: 02-A - Connection between the front and rear Dome-shaped Directional Systems by crossed steel cables (17) (the wheels are steered for a normal turning); 02-B - A chain-belt from the steering shaft to the front Dome-shaped Directional System (2) and another from the electric/electronic system to the rear Dome- shaped Directional System (electric/electronically synchronized with the front one) (18, 19 and 23). The center of the rotation is on one of the middle wheels; 02-C - Both Dome-shaped Directional Systems (2) are connected by gears, so much the lineman with the direction (23), as the behind with the electric/electronic system (18). The Rotating Automobile (1) is swiveling (the pivot is in the center of the Rotating Automobile); Figures 03 - Example of small Rotating Automobile (1). In this example the engine (26) is rear-mounted and the traction in the middle wheels. Only the items necessary to the presentation of the invention are drawn: 03-A - front view; 03-B - side view; 03-C - upper view (without car body); 03-D - perspective view; 03-E - perspective view from the lower part; 03-F - tridimensional view without car body and part of the engine compartment cover;

03-G - tridimensional view of the base. Figures 04 - Example of Rotating Automobile for two persons. In this example the engine is rear-mounted and the traction is done by the front and rear wheels. It is equipped with accessories for directed and propelling (28, 29 and

30) on watery road segments. These accessories are mounted in Dome-shaped

Directional Systems (2), in front and rear:

04-A - upper view; 04-B - side view;

04-C - perspective view from lower part;

04-D - perspective view;

04-E - tridimensional view without car body and sectional view of traction set compartment. Figures 05 - Example of Rotating Automobile with cargo bucket. The engine is with the middle wheels. The front Dome-shaped Directional System (2) has single wheel, and the rear one has double wheel set:

05-A - side view;

05-B - front view; 05-C - upper view;

05-D - perspective view from lower part;

05-E - tridimensional view;

05-F - tridimensional view without body and cargo bucket;

05-G - tridimensional view of the base with wheels and engine compartment. Figures 06 - Dome-shaped Directional System (2) - with variation 1 of suspension. With tilting arms in both sides of the wheel (single or double). When using single wheel it is possible to keep just one arm and one set of shock absorber/spring (10):

06-A - side view; 06-B - front view;

06-C - front and back set with steel cable connection (17), and sectional view showing the base dome (6) and the directional dome (7) of the back Dome- shaped Directional System; 06-D - tridimensional exploded view. Figures 07 - Dome-shaped Directional System (2) with accessories for water propelling set - with variation 2 of suspension. Similar to variation 1 (Fig.

6) but with an arm in the middle of the double wheel. This variation is equipped with wheels (28 and 29) for water propelling and deflectors (30) (Fig. 11 ):

07-A - side view:

07-B - front view;

07-C - upper view;

07-D - tridimensional view, partial view and partially exploded view; 07-E - tridimensional exploded view. Figures 08 - Dome-shaped Directional System (2) with variation of suspension 3. With double wheel and telescopic suspension in the middle

(shock absorbers with springs - 10). When the wheels do not have traction, the axle (21) is fixed and each wheel rotates freely on their respective bearings: 08-A - side view;

08-B - front view;

08-C - tridimensional exploded view. Figures 09 - Dome-shaped Directional System (2) with variation of suspension 4. Similar to variation 3 (Fig. 08) but with the shock absorbers with springs on the sides, keeping the central frame:

09-A - side view with a slight inclination to the back, regarding the platform;

09-B - front view;

09-C - tridimensional exploded view, with sectional views of the base dome (6) and on the directional dome (7). Figures 10 - Dome-shaped Directional System (2) with variation of suspension 5. It brings a swinging system (14) that balances the adherence of the double directional set allowing the same and total adherence to each wheel:

10-A - side view;

10-B - front view; 10-C - tridimensional view of the set, without the base dome;

10-D - tridimensional view of the suspension (without the base and directional dome, wheels and sectional view of the central part of the suspension); 10-E - tridimensional exploded view of the Dome-shaped Directional System (2), and sectional view of the central part of the main suspension arm; 10-F - enlarged figure with sectional views. It shows only the essential elements to the swinging, and it simulates the swinging movements of the set in superimposed positions where the wheels (case and wheels axle) are installed; 10-G - similar to Fig. 10-F with variation of the position of the swinging axle (15). Figures 11 - Water propelling set done by the automobile wheels: 11-A - upper view of the variant base set (wheel, intra-wheel and deflector); 11-B -tridimensional exploded view where the propelling propeller blades are in an intra-wheel (29) that can be mounted in each traction wheel. The intra-wheel has self-rotation direction, that is, special to each side. The variant base wheels, on the other hand, are the same for the whole automobile, regardless of the side; 11-C - tridimensional sectional view of the propelling propeller blades of the intra- wheel (29);

11 -D - side view of each piece of the variant base;

11-E -upper view of the deflector (30) and of the second wheel variant (28) where the propelling propeller blades are part of the wheel (the example is an alloy wheel that is specific for each side of the automobile); 11-F -tridimensional exploded view of the second wheel variant with propelling propeller blades that are part of the wheel. Figures 12 - Example of suspension for the middle wheels (4). In this example the coiled spring can be replaced by a torsion bar when fixing the arm, and the shock absorber can be placed in the front part of the wheel: 12-A - upper view; 12-B - side view; 12-C - tridimensional view; Specifications: 1. Rotating Automobile (base). 2. Dome-shaped Directional System - one of them centered in the front, and the other in the rear of the Rotating Automobile (1). 3. Dome-shaped Directional System wheel (2) (single or double, with one or two wheels). 4. Middle wheels (one wheel set on each side of the Rotating Automobile).

5. Platform/chassis of the Rotating Automobile (lower part of the car body).

6. Base dome (fixed part of the Dome-shaped Directional System - 2)

7. Directional dome. 8. Tubular axle. Brake tubing, wires, other controls and transmission, and telescoping axle should go through it.

9. Suspension set (arms, springs, shock absorbers, bushing, axles and pins).

10. Shock absorber and spring (the suspension springs can be built into the shock absorber). 11. Rollers, casters and/or bearings.

12. Track.

13. Teeth or base to the connections with the steering box (23) and between the directional domes (7) of the front and back Dome-shaped Directional System, through gears, chain-belts, steel cables or belts. 14. Suspension swing with double wheel set similar adherence of each wheel .

15. Swing axle.

16. Hydraulic set to control the swinging movements.

17. Connection between the front and back directional domes (7) by crossed steel cables. 18. Synchronized connection with the front Dome-shaped Directional System through electric/electronic and/or hydraulic mechanism.

19. Chain-belt.

20. Axle support or box that receive the transmission axle or electric motor.

21. Wheel axle. 22. Transmission telescoping axle.

23. Driving system (directional).

24. Brakes.

25. Car body (the basic to place the invention components).

26. Traction set compartment and protections (engine, fuel tank or generator, and electric batteries, transmission axles, housing and differential).

27. Seat.

28. Wheel with internal propeller blades fixed on the wheel or in the intra- wheel. 29. Intra-wheel with internal blades (special for each side of the automobile). 30. Deflector to deviate the water jets to the back (anticipating the lowering of the wheel in the water due to suspension movement). 31. Front part. The basic materials of the invention are of different metallurgic and plastic types, such as steel, iron, aluminum, plastic and rubber. All of them, isolated or combined, have already been used by the automobile industries. Everything the invention requires, including electronic programs can be provided by an unlimited number of manufacturers anywhere. The manufacturing system is also the one already being used. The pieces are supplied and assembled by many manufacturers at a place designated by the assembling company. This company is responsible for the whole design, creation and destiny of final product. All of the Rotating Automobile components, even the ones mentioned and drawn, such as design, body, platform/chassis, motorization, transmission casing, differentials, steering wheel, axles, brakes, electric and hydraulic installation, seats, security and comfort items, controls, doors, windows, panels, implements and accessories that do not directly refer to the inventions, as well as the one that complete and integrate the set of inventions, such as hydraulic/electric/electronic sets, shock absorbers, axles, springs, bearings steel cables, belts, gears, wheels, implements and accessories, must keep the technologies already consagrated by the state of techniques and follow the same criteria already used by the industry and therefore can have many variations. Other items, such as bearings in the axles, tubing, cushions, lubrications, sealing, nuts, screws, extra pins and pieces were not drawn in detail because of the same reasons, that is, they are already part of the universal, necessary and consagrated technology. Since the inventions presented allow unlimited variations, the drawings shown should be considered illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Rotating Automobile (1) comprising an automobile that can make turns in a very little radius and even swivel on its center; characterized by using wheels centralized in the front and in the rear that they are simultaneously drivable in opposite directions (Fig. 01 to 05); the driving is performed by Dome- shaped Steering Systems (2) or by suspensions that are similar to the ones found in scooters or motorcycles; it can have single or double wheel set, and a pair of fixed wheels (4) in the middle, a wheel on each side. 2. Dome-shaped Directional System (2) comprising a driving system that has in its interior a complete set of wheels and suspension used according to claim 1, characterized by is a base dome (6) that is fixed to the automobile platform (5), and a directional dome (7) internally installed in the base dome and linked to it by a tubular axle (8), casters and bearings (11) that allows it to rotate freely in any direction; it is where the suspension and wheels with single or double wheel set is installed (Fig. 06 to 10). 3. Suspension that Balances the Double Directional Wheel Set Adherence used according to claims 1 and 2, characterized by a swinging system (14) that balances the double directional wheel set adherence installed in the Dome-shaped Directional System (2); the swinging system allows equal and total adherence of each wheel; it uses hydraulic, pneumatic and electric- electronic resources and, it takes into account the gravity center on the wheel set (Fig. 10). 4. Water propelling set used according to claim 1, characterized by propelling blades that are mounted in an intra-wheel or directly in the wheel (28 and 29), the blades pull the water from the sides and propel it against a deflector (30) installed along with the suspension; the deflector directs the water to the back.