WO2011061391A1

WO2011061391A1 - Cylinder structure moving in fluid

Info

Publication number: WO2011061391A1
Application number: PCT/FI2010/050912
Authority: WO
Inventors: Juhani Korhonen
Original assignee: Juhani Korhonen
Priority date: 2009-11-19
Filing date: 2010-11-12
Publication date: 2011-05-26

Abstract

A cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) is attached to a support structure (112) having a fulcrum (114), in relation to which the cylinder structure (100, 102) moves up and down by rotating or swinging back and forth. The cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) comprises a space (150), a cylinder (104) and a piston (106) arranged in the cylinder (104). When the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) is in the uppermost position (POSITION 1) of the up-and-down motion performed in relation to the fulcrum (114) of the support structure (112), the piston (106) is set to its highest position inside the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) where the distance between the piston (106) and the fulcrum (114) is at its greatest, at least part of the space (150) is filled with liquid and the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) is sealed against the liquid (118) surrounding the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800). When the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) is in the lowest position (POSITION 2) of the up-and-down motion performed in relation to the fulcrum (114) of the support structure (112), the piston (106) is set to its highest position inside the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) where the distance between the piston (106) and the fulcrum (114) is at its shortest, at least part of the space (150) is filled with air and closing means (116) of the cylinder (104) are opened for the liquid (118) surrounding the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800).

Description

Cylinder structure moving in fluid Field

The invention relates to an apparatus moving in a liquid, and a cylinder structure. Background

A cylinder structure usually comprises a cylinder and a piston moving inside it. The cylinder structure may be used for producing continuous motion, like a combustion engine does. Cylinder structures may also be used for pumping gas or liquid through pipes from one location to another.

However, it is challenging to manufacture a cylinder structure that operates in a liquid. Also, special solutions are required for producing the motion of the cylinder structure moving in a liquid. Therefore, there is a need for a cylinder structure moving in a liquid and an apparatus comprising the moving cylinder structure. Brief description

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved cylinder structure. This is achieved by an apparatus to be used in a liquid and comprising at least two cylinder structures. The cylinder structures are arranged to be attached to a support structure; the support structure comprises a fulcrum, in relation to which the cylinder structures are arranged to move up and down by rotating or swinging back and forth; each cylinder structure comprises a space, a cylinder and a piston arranged in the cylinder; when each cylinder structure is in its uppermost position, the piston is arranged to be set to a location inside the cylinder structure where the distance between the piston and the fulcrum is at its greatest, the space is arranged to be filled with liquid and closing means of the cylinder are arranged to seal the cylinder structure against the surrounding liquid; and when each cylinder structure is in its lowest position, the piston is arranged to be set to a location inside the cylinder structure where the distance between the piston and the fulcrum is at its shortest, the space is ar- ranged to be filled with air and the closing means of the cylinder are arranged to open the cylinder structure for the surrounding liquid.

The invention also relates to a cylinder structure. The cylinder structure is arranged to be attached to a support structure having a fulcrum, in relation to which the cylinder structure is arranged to move up and down by rotat- ing or swinging back and forth; the cylinder structure comprises a space, a cylinder and a piston arranged in the cylinder; when the cylinder structure is in its uppermost position of the up-and-down motion performed in relation to the fulcrum of the support structure, the piston is arranged to be set to its highest position inside the cylinder structure where the distance between the piston and the fulcrum is at its greatest, the space is arranged to be filled with liquid and the cylinder structure is arranged to be sealed against the liquid surrounding the cylinder structure; and when the cylinder structure is in its lowest position of the up-and-down motion performed in relation to the fulcrum of the sup- port structure, the piston is arranged to be set to its highest position inside the cylinder structure where the distance between the piston and the fulcrum is at its shortest, the space is arranged to be filled with air and closing means of the cylinder are arranged to open the cylinder structure for the surrounding liquid.

The invention further relates to a method for producing motion in an apparatus intended to be used in a liquid and comprising at least two cylinder structures. The cylinder structure comprises a space, a cylinder and a piston arranged in the cylinder, and each cylinder structure is attached to a support structure having a fulcrum, in relation to which the cylinder structure is arranged to move up and down by rotating or swinging back and forth; the method comprising moving the piston, when the cylinder structure is in its uppermost position, to its highest position inside the cylinder structure where the distance between the piston and the fulcrum is at its greatest, filling the space with liquid, and sealing the cylinder structure against the liquid surrounding the cylinder structure; and moving the piston, when the cylinder structure is in its lowest position, to its highest position inside the cylinder structure where the distance between the piston and the fulcrum is at its shortest, filling the space with air, and opening closing means of the cylinder for the liquid surrounding the cylinder structure.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the de- pendent claims.

The cylinder structure of the invention provides a plurality of advantages. The cylinder structure is intended to be operated in a liquid, and the cylinder structure enables the operation of an apparatus intended to be used in a liquid. List of figures

The invention will be described in greater detail in connection with the preferred embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1A shows an apparatus to be used in water,

Figure 1 B shows an embodiment of the apparatus,

Figure 1C shows an embodiment of the apparatus,

Figure 1 D shows an embodiment of the apparatus,

Figure 1 E shows the cylinder structure in its lower position, Figure 1 F shows the cylinder structure in its lower position,

Figure 2A shows the cylinder structure in its upper position, Figure 2B shows the cylinder structure in its lower position, Figure 3A shows the cylinder structure in its upper position, Figure 3B shows the cylinder structure in its lower position, Figure 3C shows a pumping piston in the extreme position in a piston cavity,

Figure 3D shows the pumping piston in the other extreme position in the piston cavity,

Figure 4A shows a cylinder structure with weights in its upper posi- tion,

Figure 4B shows the cylinder structure with weights in its lower position,

Figure 5A shows a cylinder structure in its upper position, Figure 5B shows a cylinder structure in its lower position, Figure 6 shows a movable weight,

Figure 7A shows a cylinder structure having a variable volume, Figure 7B shows a piston cavity having a variable volume, Figure 8A shows an apparatus with multiple branches and connected to external equipment,

Figure 8B shows the apparatus with multiple branches,

Figure 9 shows a flow chart of a method based on piston motion, and

Figure 10 also shows a flow chart of a method based on the operation of liquid, air and closing means. Description of embodiments

Figure 1A shows an operating principle of an apparatus. In this example, the apparatus comprises two cylinder structures 100, 102, but generally there may be two or more cylinder structures. Each cylinder structure 100, 102 comprises a cylinder 104, a piston 106, and a cylinder structure space 150. The cylinder structures 100, 102 are arranged to be attached to a support structure 112 comprising a fulcrum 114, in relation to which the support structures 100, 102 move up and down in the circumferential direction. Circumferential motion may be circular motion about the fulcrum 114 or swinging with respect to the fulcrum 114 in the circumferential direction. The material of the cylinder structures may consist of one or more materials. The material may be metal and/or plastic, for instance. The piston 106 may be made of full metal, for example.

Figure 1A shows a situation where the cylinder structure 100 is in its uppermost position or in close proximity thereof. When the purpose is to sink the cylinder structure 100 downwards in water 118, the air is transferred to the end on the side of the fulcrum 114 of the cylinder structure 100 shaft. Accordingly, the water is transferred to the end of the cylinder structure 100 that is furthest away from the fulcrum 114. When the purpose is to move the cylinder structure 102 upwards in the water, the air is transferred to the end of the cylinder structure 100 that is furthest away from the fulcrum 114. Accordingly, the water is transferred to the end on the side of the fulcrum 114 of the cylinder structure 100 shaft. The places of air and water may be changed by, for instance, pumping them from one location to another or turning the cylinder 104 or the piston 106 depending on the locations of water and air. When the positions of the cylinder structures 100, 102 change, the above measures performed for them change. The piston 106 may move or be immobile. If the piston 106 moves, the motion of the piston 106 may be restricted by mechanical stoppers 130, for example. The shaft 112 may be entirely uniform or comprise two parts that are combined at the fulcrum 114. The apparatus of Figure 1A may be placed in, for instance, water, which means that the apparatus may be in a lake, sea or pool, for example. The fulcrum 114 of the support structure 112 may be supported on the bottom of a lake, sea or pool, for example (the support is not shown in Figure 1A).

Figure 1 B shows an embodiment in which the piston 106 moves closer to the fulcrum 114 when the cylinder 104 is in its lower position. Accord- ingly, the piston 106 moves further away from the fulcrum 1 14 when the cylinder is in its upper position. The piston 106 is sealed by closing means 1 16 to prevent the water 1 18 from passing past the piston 106 to the airspace. According to the principle of Figure 1A, the air also moves below the piston 106 into the cylinder structure space 150 when the cylinder 104 is in its lower position. Accordingly, the air is transferred below the piston 106 when the cylinder 104 is in its upper position.

Figure 1 C also shows an apparatus intended to be operated in a fluid. Each cylinder structure 100, 102 may comprise a cylinder 104, a piston 106, a space 1 1 1 , and a second space 109 in the cylinder 104.

Let us now examine in closer detail how motion in water can be produced. In its uppermost position (POSITION 1 ) the cylinder structure 100, 102 may be subjected to buoyancy N-i , which is smaller than downward- directed force Fi caused by gravitation. Thus, said cylinder structure 100, 102 sinks downwards in the liquid 1 18. Accordingly, the cylinder structure 100, 102 in its lowest position (POSITION 2) may be subjected to buoyancy N₂, which is greater than downward-directed force F₂ caused by gravitation. Thus, said cylinder structure 100, 102 rises upwards in the liquid 1 18.

When the cylinder structure 100, 102 is in its uppermost position (POSITION 1 ), the piston 106, which may be made of metal, is transferred inside the cylinder structure 100, 102 to a location where the distance between the piston 106 and the fulcrum 1 14 is at its greatest. As shown by Figure 1 , in this case the piston 106 is in its uppermost position inside the cylinder structure 100. Simultaneously, the piston 106 is closest to the surface of the liquid 1 18 and furthest away from the bottom. Since the cylinder structure 104 is sealed against the liquid 1 18 surrounding the cylinder structure 100, 102, the liquid 1 18 cannot access the inside of the cylinder structure 100.

When the cylinder structure 100, 102 is in its lowest position (POSITION 2), the piston 106 is transferred inside the cylinder structure 100, 102 to a location where the distance between the piston 106 and the fulcrum 1 14 is at its shortest. As shown by Figure 1 C, in this case the piston 106 is in its uppermost position inside the cylinder structure 102. Simultaneously, the piston 106 is furthest away from the surface of the liquid 1 18 and closest to the bottom.

Each cylinder structure 100, 102 may also comprise closing means 1 16, which close or open the second space 109 in the cylinder 104 for the liquid 1 18. The closing means 1 16 may be seals or valves, for example. When one of the cylinder structures 100, 02 is in its uppermost position (POSITION 1), i.e. closest to the liquid surface, the closing means 116 of the cylinder 104 are closed to isolate the cylinder structure 100, 102 from the surrounding liquid 118, and the second space 109 in the cylinder 104 is filled with air, for exam- pie. The filling of the second space 109 with air may already be started before the cylinder structure 100, 102 reaches its uppermost position, but the purpose is to fill the second space 109 with air in its uppermost position.

When one of the cylinder structures 100, 102 is in its lowest position (POSITION 2), the closing means 116 are opened and the piston 106 is pu- shed into the second space 109 in the cylinder 104 under the pressure of the liquid 118, for instance. The piston 106 may be moved or brought to move by means of a motor (not shown in the figures). When the piston 106 is pushed to the second space 109, it displaces the air or liquid 118 in the space 109. The air and/or liquid 118 that exits the second space 109 may be transferred via pipes to the other parts of the cylinder structure 100, 102. The air may also be returned to the atmosphere, and the liquid in the space 109 may be returned into the liquid 1 8 surrounding the cylinder structure 100, 102.

The space 118 may be filled with air or liquid 118 by pumping air or liquid 118 via a pipe or hose 120, 122, the upper end of the pipe 120 extending to the air above the water. The air may also be pumped from an air container (not shown in the figures), which may be arranged at the support structure, the cylinder or the bottom of a sea, lake or pool. The air may also be returned to the air container. An air pump 124 may be a pneumatic appliance, which may be arranged at the support structure 112. A water pump may also be arranged at the support structure. Although the figures do not show pipes or hoses in greater detail, the pipes or hoses may be located inside or on the surface of the support structure and extend from the pump 124 to the cylinder structures 100, 102.

Figure 1 D also shows an apparatus intended to be operated in wa- ter. Each cylinder structure 100, 102 comprises a cylinder 104, a piston 106, a first space 108 in the cylinder 104, and a cavity inside the piston 106. In general, there may be one or more cavities inside the piston 106.

The cylinder structures 100, 102 may be pivoted to turn to different positions while moving up/down in the water (as shown in Figure 1), but the pivoting and/or turning of the cylinder structures 100, 102 is, however, not necessary. The turning may be performed mechanically, pneumatically, hydrauli- cally or electromagnetically. In addition, the cylinder structure 100, 102 may be moved towards the fulcrum 1 14 or away from the fulcrum 1 14. The cylinder structure 100, 102 may move towards the fulcrum 1 14 in its lowest position or in the vicinity of its lowest position, and the cylinder structure 100, 102 may move away from the fulcrum 14 in its uppermost position or in the vicinity of its uppermost position. The motion may be produced by, for instance, telescopic rods of the support structure 1 12 or such that the cylinder structures 100, 102 move with respect to the support structure 1 12. To the solution described, however, the method of implementation is not relevant. Thus, in its uppermost position the cylinder structure 100, 102 produces a torsion that presses the cylinder structure 100, 102 from the upper position downwards. Accordingly, in its lowest position the cylinder structure 100, 102 produces a torsion that lifts the cylinder structure 100, 102. The pressing and lifting forces applied to different cylinder structures 100, 102 move the cylinder structures 100, 102 and the entire apparatus intended to be used in the liquid.

Each cylinder structure 100, 102 further comprises closing means 1 16, which close or open the first space 108 in the cylinder 104 for the liquid 1 18. The closing means 1 16 may be seals or valves, for example.

The total volume of at least one cavity 1 10 inside the piston 106 may be larger than the space 108 in the cylinder structure 104. When each cavity 1 10 is filled with air, the cylinder structure 100, 102 may be subjected to buoyancy N₂, which is greater than the downward-directed force F₂ caused by gravitation.

Let us next examine, for example, cylinder structures 104, the piston 106 of which comprises one cavity 10. A similar examination can also be applied to cylinder structures 104, the piston 106 of which comprises more than one cavity 1 10. When one of the cylinder structures 100, 102 is in its uppermost position (POSITION 1 ), i.e. closest to the liquid surface, the closing means 1 16 of the cylinder 104 are closed to isolate the cylinder structure 100, 102 from the surrounding liquid 1 18, the cavity 1 10 is filled with liquid 1 18, and the space 108 in the cylinder 104 is filled with air. The filling of the cavity 1 10 with liquid may already be started before the cylinder structure 100, 102 reaches its uppermost position, but the purpose is to fill the cavity 1 10 with liquid in its uppermost position. When the cavity 1 10 is filled with liquid, a situa- tion may arise where the buoyancy Ni applied to the cylinder structure 100, 102 is smaller than the force Fi caused by gravitation. Thus, the cylinder structure sinks downwards in the liquid 1 18.

When one of the cylinder structures 100, 102 is in its lowest position (POSITION 2), the cavity 1 10 is filled with air, and the space 108 in the cylin- der 104 is filled with liquid 1 18, and the closing means 1 16 of the cylinder 106 are opened, whereupon the liquid 1 18 surrounding the cylinder structure 100, 102 and the liquid in the cylinder 104 are combined. In dynamic operation, the filling of the cavity 1 0 with air may be started already before the cylinder structure 00, 102 reaches its lowest position, but the purpose is to fill the cav- ity 10 with air in its lowest position. The cylinder structure 100, 102 in its lowest position rotates from its lowest position upwards. This upward-directed rotation is caused or contributed by buoyancy N₂.

The space 1 10 may be filled with air by pumping air to the cavity 1 10 via a pipe or hose 120, the upper end of which extends to the air above the water. The air may also be pumped from an air container (not shown in the figures), which may be arranged at the support structure, the cylinder or the bottom of a sea, lake or pool. The air may also be returned to the air container. A pump 124 may be a pneumatic appliance, which may be arranged at the support structure 1 12. Although the figures do not show pipes or hoses in greater detail, the pipes or hoses may be located inside or on the surface of the support structure and extend from the pump 124 to the cavity 1 10 inside the piston 106 and to the space 108 in the cylinder.

Figure 1 E shows an embodiment of the cylinder structure in its upper position and thereafter. The cylinder structure 100 comprises a first space 108, which is on the circumference of the cylinder 104 between the cylinder 104 and the piston 106. The cylinder structure 100 may also comprise a second space 109, which is on the bottom of the cylinder 104. The piston 106 may also comprise a cavity 1 10. If it is considered that the cylinder structure 100 is made of, for instance, metal and the first cylinder structure space 150 contains air (i.e. all spaces 108, 1 10 and/or 109 that may be comprised in the cylinder structure contain air), the cylinder structure 100 floats to a desired extent in the liquid 1 18. When the cavity 1 10 is now filled with liquid 1 8, the cylinder structure 100 is immersed in the liquid 1 18 and the motion of the apparatus in the liquid may begin.

Figure 1 F shows the cylinder structure 100 in its lower position.

When the cylinder structure 100 according to Figure 1 E has sunk to its lower position, the liquid may be transferred from the cavity 110 to the first space 108 and the cavity 110 may be filled with air. Simultaneously the piston 106 may be moved towards the bottom of the cylinder 104 so that air escapes from the feasible second space 109. This change causes a change in both the centre of gravity and average density of the cylinder structure 100, and the cylinder structure 100 starts to rise in the liquid 118 under the influence of the buoyancy. The second space 109 may be dimensioned according to the cavity volume 110. The total volume of the cavity 110 may be larger, equally large or smaller than the space 108 in the cylinder 104.

In the cylinder structure 100, 102, the spaces 108, 109, 110, 111 define a general cylinder structure space 150, which is comprised in the cylinder structure 100, 102.

In an embodiment, the piston 106 may be locked in its desired position to stop the motion of the piston 106. The locking of the piston 106 may also be opened at a desired moment or in a desired situation to allow the motion of the piston 106. In an embodiment, the piston 106 is locked in its place when the cylinder structure 100 is in its upper position, whereby the piston 106 may protrude away from the bottom of the cylinder 104, and the locking of the piston 106 is opened when the cylinder structure 100 is in its lower position. After the piston 106 has moved under the pressure of the liquid 118 into the cylinder structure 100 to its extreme position or to a desired extent, the piston 106 may not be relocked or opened until in the upper position of the cylinder structure.

Figure 2A shows a cylinder structure 100 (102 or 800) in its upper- most position or close to its uppermost position. The cylinder structure 100 according to the example comprises a cylinder 104, a piston 106, a second space 109 in the cylinder, a cavity 202 inside a wall of the cylinder 104, and a weight 204 in the cavity 202. The weight 204 may comprise metal, such as steel and/or lead. The weight 204 may be fixed or movable in the cavity 202. If the weight 204 moves, it may move or be transferred as far as possible from the fulcrum 114 of the support structure 112 in its upper position or when it comes closer to its uppermost position.

The piston 106 inside the cylinder 104 is movable, and the piston 106 is set as far as possible from the fulcrum 114 of the support structure 112 in its uppermost position or close to its uppermost position. The cylinder 104 does not necessarily comprise closing means, but if the cylinder 104 is pro- vided with closing means 116, the closing means 116 are closed so as to protect the inner parts of the cylinder 104 from the surrounding liquid 118.

Figure 2B shows a cylinder structure 100 (102 or 800) in its lowest position or close to its lowest position. If the weight 204 moves, it may move as close as possible to the fulcrum 114 of the support structure 112.

The piston 106 inside the cylinder 104 is set as close as possible to the fulcrum 114 of the support structure 112 in its uppermost position or close to its uppermost position. If the cylinder 104 is provided with closing means 116, the closing means 16 are opened so as to bring the inner parts of the cylinder 104 in connection with the surrounding liquid 118. In this case, the pressure of the liquid 118 may push the piston 106 into the second space 109. An external power source, such as a motor, may also be used for moving the piston 106.

In the embodiments of Figures 2A and 2B, liquid 118 may be pumped into the cavity 202 from the space 111 between the cylinder 104 and the piston 106 and from the second space 109 of the cylinder when the cylinder structure 100, 102 comes closer to its lowest position or is in its lowest position. In this case, the cylinder structure 100, 102 is within a predetermined range of its lowest position POSITION 2. Simultaneously, the air that has been in the cavity 202 is transferred, either pushed by the liquid 118 or by pumping, into the second space 109 and the space 111 between the cylinder 104 and the piston 106. Liquid 118 may be held in the space 111 between the cylinder 104 and the piston 106 and in the second space 109 of the cylinder, and air may be held in the cavity 202 until the cylinder structure 100, 102 comes closer to its uppermost position or reaches its uppermost position, i.e. is within a predetermined range of its uppermost position POSITION 1.

Accordingly, air may be pumped into the cavity 202 from the space 111 between the cylinder 104 and the piston 106 and from the second space 109 of the cylinder when the cylinder structure 100, 102 comes closer to its uppermost position or is in its uppermost position, i.e. is within a predetermined range of its uppermost position POSITION 1. Simultaneously, the liquid 118 that has been in the cavity 202 is transferred, either pushed by the air or by pumping, into the second space 109 and the space 111 between the cylinder 104 and the piston 106. Air may be held in the space 111 between the cylinder 104 and the piston 106 and in the second space 109 of the cylinder, and liquid 118 may be held in the cavity 202 until the cylinder structure 100, 102 comes closer to its lowest position or reaches its lowest position, i.e. is within a predetermined range of its lowest position POSITION 2.

The cylinder structure may also operate in a reverse manner. In the embodiments of Figures 2A and 2B, air may be pumped into the cavity 202 from the second space 109 of the cylinder and from the space 111 between the cylinder 104 and the piston 106 when the cylinder structure 100, 102 comes closer to its lowest position or is in its lowest position. In this case, the cylinder structure 100, 102 is within a predetermined range of its lowest position POSITION 2. Simultaneously, the liquid 118 that has been in the cavity 202 is transferred, either pushed by the air or by pumping, into the second space 109 and the space 111 between the cylinder 104 and the piston 106. Air may be held in the space 111 between the cylinder 104 and the piston 106 and liquid 118 may be held in the second space 109 of the cylinder and in . the space 111 between the cylinder until the cylinder structure 100, 102 comes closer to its uppermost position or reaches its uppermost position, i.e. is within a predetermined range of its uppermost position POSITION 1.

Accordingly, liquid 118 may be pumped into the cavity 202 from the space 111 between the cylinder 104 and the piston 106 and from the second space 109 of the cylinder when the cylinder structure 100, 102 comes closer to its uppermost position or is in its uppermost position, i.e. is within a predetermined range of its uppermost position POSITION 1. Simultaneously, the air that has been in the cavity 202 is transferred, either pushed by the liquid 118 or by pumping, into the second space 109 and the space 111 between the cylinder 104 and the piston 106. Liquid 118 may be held in the space 111 be- tween the cylinder 104 and the piston 106 and in the second space 109 of the cylinder, and air may be held in the cavity 202 until the cylinder structure 100, 102 comes closer to its lowest position or reaches its lowest position, i.e. is within a predetermined range of its lowest position POSITION 2.

In addition, the cylinder structure 100, 102 may remain in the same position with respect to the vertical direction, as shown by Figures 2A and 2B. The position may be changed when the cylinder structure 100, 102 comes closer to its extreme position or is in its extreme position. In this case, the turning may take place when the cylinder structure 100, 102 is within a predetermined range of its extreme position POSITION 1 or POSITION 2. After the po- sition has been changed, the cylinder structure 100, 102 may be locked in this position until the next change of positions is carried out. The locking and changing of positions of the cylinder structures 100, 102 may thus be synchronized with the rotating or swinging of the apparatus intended to be used in a liquid.

In Figures 2A and 2B, the weight 204 may move like the piston 106. Thus, the pressure of the liquid 118 may push each weight 204 upwards when the cylinder structure 100, 102 comes closer to its lowest position or reaches its lowest position, i.e. when the cylinder structure is within a predetermined range of its lowest position POSITION 2. Accordingly, each weight 204 may be returned back to its lower position by gravitation. An external power source, such as a motor, may also be used for moving the weights 204. What is explained in Figures 2A and 2B about transferring liquid and air from one space to another can naturally also be applied to Figure 1 B.

Figure 3A shows a cylinder structure 100 (or 102). When the cylinder structure 100 is in its uppermost position, the closing means 116 are closed. The liquid may be pumped from the space 108 in the cylinder 100 into the cavity 110 in the piston 106. Simultaneously air may be pumped into the space 108 in the cylinder 100. The space 108 corresponds to the space 111 of Figure 1 B. In the second space 109 of the cylinder structure 100, the piston 106 has been pulled back in the uppermost position of the cylinder structure and the second space 109 contains air. The second space 109 may be separated from the cylinder space 108 by the closing means 116, which may be seals. The volume of the second space 109 may be smaller than that of the cavity 110.

Figure 3B shows the cylinder structure 100 of Figure 2B in its lowest position. The piston 106 is pushed to the space 109, removing the air from the second space 109, whereupon the second space 109 becomes very small or disappears completely. Pushed by the piston 106, the air may exit the second space 109 via, for instance, a valve 250 to the pipe 120 and from there out to the atmosphere. Alternatively, the air may exit into the liquid 118 outside the cylinder structure 100. In the lowest position of the cylinder structure 100, air is pumped into the cavity 110 inside the piston 06 via the pipe 120, for instance. In the lowest position of the cylinder structure 100, the closing means 116 are also opened, and the liquid 118 can access the space 108 in the cylinder 100.

In the cases of Figures 3A and 3B, air may be transferred between the spaces 220 and 109 particularly when the piston 106 has no cavity 110, but the transfer is also possible when the piston 106 has a cavity 1 0. Thus, when the piston 106 is pushed into the second space 109, air can be transferred from the space 109 that becomes smaller to the space 220, and vice versa. In this case, the closing means 116 is not necessary. At the bottom of Figure 3B there is also shown a separate closing means 116, which may be a valve, for instance. When the valve 116 at the bottom of Figure 3B is used, the closing means 116 between the piston 106 and the cylinder 104 are not necessarily required. However, the closing means 116 shown at the bottom of Figure 3B functions in the same manner as the closing means 116 between the piston 116 and the cylinder 104.

Figures 3C and 3D show an embodiment in which the cavity 110 comprises a pumping piston 300. The rod of the pumping piston 300 is illustrated by a broken line. In the case of Figure 3C, the cylinder structure 100, 102 is in its uppermost position, the pumping piston 300 is inside the cavity 110 in its extreme position, and the cavity 110 is filled with water. The pumping piston 300 may have caused a suction while moving to the extreme position, whereupon water may have arrived in the cavity 110 via channels (not shown in Figure 3C).

Figure 3D shows a situation where the pumping piston 300 has been pushed to its other extreme position in the cavity 110. When the pumping piston 300 has been pushed from one extreme position to another, it has pushed the water out of the cavity 110, whereupon air may have flown into the cavity 110 via channels (not shown in Figure 3D). Alternatively, the pumping piston 300 may have produced a vacuum in the cavity 110. The pumping piston may be locked in the extreme position of Figure 3D mechanically or elec- tromagnetically, for instance, so that the air or the vacuum would remain in the cavity 110 and the water pressure could not move the pumping piston 300 needlessly.

Figures 4A and 5A show the operation of Figures 2A and 3A with slightly different cylinder structures. Figure 4A shows a cylinder structure 100 (102 or 800) in its uppermost position or close to its uppermost position. The piston 106 inside the cylinder is movable, and the piston 106 is set as far as possible from the fulcrum 114 of the support structure 1 2 in its uppermost position or close to its uppermost position. The closing means 116 are closed so as to protect the inner parts of the cylinder 104 from the surrounding liquid 118. Figure 5A shows a cylinder structure 100 (102 or 800) in its lowest position or close to its lowest position. If the weight 204 moves, it may move as close as possible to the fulcrum 114 of the support structure 112. The piston 106 inside the cylinder is set as close as possible to the fulcrum 114 of the support structure 12 in its uppermost position or close to its uppermost position. If the cylinder 104 is provided with closing means 116, the closing means 116 are opened so as to bring the inner parts of the cylinder 104 in connection with the surrounding liquid 118. In this case, the pressure of the liquid 118 may push the piston 106 into the space 109. An external power source, such as a motor, may also be used to move the piston 106. In Figure 5A, the closing means 116 at the lower edge of the piston may also be opened or kept closed.

Figures 4B and 5B show a similar operation as Figures 2B and 3B. However, the dimensions and shape of the cylinder structures are slightly different. Figure 4B shows the cylinder structure in its uppermost position, whereby the closing means 116 are closed. In Figure 4B, the space 108 of the cylinder structure comprises spaces 108A and 108B, of which the space 108A may contain air and the space 108B may contain air or liquid. In Figure 5B, the closing means 116 are open and the liquid 118 is able to access the space 108 inside the cylinder structure. The piston 106 pushes the air away from the second space 109 through the pipe 120 via the closing means 1 6 or the valve 250, for instance. Alternatively, the air may also be allowed to flow out into the surrounding liquid 118. Air is pumped into the cavity 110 inside the piston, and the water therein exits into the space 108 through a pipe (the pipe is not shown in the figures).

Figure 6 shows the principle of a movable weight. Each cylinder structure 100, 102 may comprise at least one movable weight 204, which moves in the cylinder structure 100, 102 synchronously according to the motion of the cylinder structure 00, 102. In this case, each weight 204 is up when the cylinder structure 100, 102 is up. Accordingly, each weight 204 goes up when the cylinder structure 100, 102 is down. The weight 204 may move in surroundings containing liquid. The weight 204 may be arranged, for instance, on the outer surface of the cylinder structure in the liquid surrounding the cylinder structure. Alternatively, the weight may be arranged such that the weight 204 is surrounded by air.

Figure 7A shows an embodiment in which the volume of the cylinder structure 100 (also of the cylinder structure 102, respectively) may be changed. In its uppermost position, the cylinder structure 100 may have a smaller volume than in its lowest position. The dimensions of the cylinder structure 100 may change in the longitudinal direction, in the width direction, or in both the longitudinal and width direction. In a longitudinal change, the centre of gravity of the cylinder structure 100 may be transferred further away from the fulcrum 114 when the cylinder structure 100 is in its uppermost position, and the centre of gravity of the cylinder structure 100 may be transferred closer to the fulcrum 114 when the cylinder structure 100 is in its lowest position. In addition, the cylinder structure 100 may move towards the fulcrum 114 in the lower position of the cylinder structure 100, and the cylinder structure 100 may move away from the fulcrum 114 in the upper position of the cylinder structure 100. Moving in the opposite directions is also possible, depending on whether the emphasis is on the upward-directed buoyancy or the downward-directed gravitation. When the volume of the cylinder structure 100 increases, air may be pumped to the cylinder structure 100 via the pipe 120.

Figure 7B shows an embodiment in which the volume of the cavity 110 inside the piston 106 may be changed. In the uppermost position or close to the uppermost position of the cylinder structure 104, the volume of one or more cavities 110 inside the piston 106 may be reduced. Accordingly, in the lowest position or close to the lowest position of the cylinder structure, the volume of the cavity 110 may be increased. The dimensions of the cavity 110 may change in the longitudinal direction, in the width direction, or in both the longitudinal and width direction. In a longitudinal change, the centre of gravity of the cylinder structure 104 may be transferred further away from the fulcrum 114 when the cylinder structure 104 is in its uppermost position, and the centre of gravity of the cylinder structure 104 may be transferred closer to the fulcrum 114 when the cylinder structure 104 is in its lowest position. In addition, the piston 106 may move towards the fulcrum 114 in the lower position of the cylinder structure 104, and the piston 106 may move away from the fulcrum 114 in the upper position of the cylinder structure 04. Moving in the opposite directions is also possible, depending on whether the emphasis is on the upward- directed buoyancy or the downward-directed gravitation. In the lowest position of the cylinder structure, the cavity 110 is filled with air, and the buoyancy of the cylinder structure is greater than the gravitation. In the uppermost position of the cylinder structure, the cavity 110 is filled with liquid, whereupon the cyl- inder structure sinks into the liquid although the volume of the cavity 110 is smaller than in the lowest position.

Figure 8A shows an example of an apparatus with multiple branches and intended to be used in water. The support structure 112 com- prises multiple branches, at the ends of which there are cylinder structures 100, 102, 800. In Figure 8A, broken lines also refer to branches, but they are not drawn completely. In an embodiment, the solution of Figure 6 may swing up and down without rotating around. In another embodiment, the solution of Figure 6 may rotate about the fulcrum 114.

The apparatus may comprise at least one sensor 610 measuring the rotation or swinging of the cylinder structures. The sensor may be an acceleration sensor, for instance. A signal produced by each sensor may be fed to a computer, which may control the operation of the pump 124 and the closing means 116 synchronously according to the motion of the cylinder structures. Thus, the cylinder structures may move by means of an external power source or without an external power source. The computer thus comprises a microprocessor, memory and a suitable computer program. In addition, the apparatus thus comprises suitable actuators for implementing the operation of the closing means 116.

In addition, in an embodiment the cylinder structure 100, 102, 800 may be moved towards the fulcrum 114 or away from the fulcrum 114. The cylinder structure 100, 102, 800 may move towards the fulcrum 114 in its lowest position or in the vicinity of its lowest position, and the cylinder structure 100, 102, 800 may move away from the fulcrum 114 in its uppermost position or in the vicinity of its uppermost position. The motion may be produced by, for instance, telescopic rods of the support structure 112 or such that the cylinder structures 100, 102, 800 move with respect to the support structure 112. To the solution described, however, the method of implementation is not relevant. Thus, in its uppermost position the cylinder structure 100, 102, 800 produces a torsion that presses the cylinder structure 100, 102, 800 from the upper position downwards. Accordingly, in its lowest position the cylinder structure 100, 102, 800 produces a torsion that lifts the cylinder structure 100, 102, 800. The pressing and lifting forces applied to different cylinder structures 100, 102, 800 move the cylinder structures 100, 102, 800 and the entire apparatus intended to be used in the liquid. In an embodiment the cylinder structures 100, 102, 800 may be pivoted to turn to different positions while moving up/down in the water, but the pivoting and/or turning of the cylinder structures 100, 102, 800 is, however, not necessary. The turning may be performed mechanically, pneumatically, hy- draulically or electromagnetically.

The cylinder structure and the shape of the apparatus intended for use in water and/or the number of parts can be selected freely.

The solution of Figure 8A also shows an implementation, by which the apparatus is connected to other mechanics. The apparatus may comprise, for instance, a tooth ring 802 rotating a gearbox 804. The gearbox 804, for its part, may be connected to a pump 806, which may be, for example, a hydraulic pump or a piston pump and which supplies energy outwards. Accordingly, the pump 806 may be used for supplying energy via the gearbox 804 and the tooth ring 802 to the apparatus in order to rotate it. The present solution may be ap- plied to energy production and conversion, a lifter, or to rotate a hydraulic pump or a piston pump.

Figure 8B also shows an example of an apparatus with multiple branches and intended to be used in water.

The apparatus may comprise at least one sensor 810 measuring the rotation or swinging of the cylinder structures. The sensor 810 may be an acceleration sensor, for instance. A signal produced by each sensor 810 may be fed to a computer, which may control the operation of the pump 124 and the closing means 116 synchronously according to the motion of the cylinder structures. Thus, the cylinder structures may move by means of an external power source or without an external power source. The computer thus comprises a microprocessor, memory and a suitable computer program. In addition, the apparatus thus comprises suitable actuators for implementing the operation of the closing means 116.

In its different embodiments where the piston 106 is arranged to be movable, the piston 106 may move inside the cylinder 104 before water or air is transferred inside the cylinder structure 100, 102 or to or from the inside of the cylinder structure, but the procedures may also take place in different order or simultaneously. The cylinder structure and the shape of the apparatus intended for use in water and/or the number of parts can be selected freely.

Figure 9 shows a flow chart of the method. In step 900, when the cylinder structure 100, 102, 800 is in its uppermost position (POSITION 1), the piston 106 is moved inside the cylinder structure 100, 102, 800 to its highest position where the distance between the piston 106 and the fulcrum 114 is at its greatest, the space 150 is filled with liquid, and the cylinder structure 100, 102, 800 is sealed against the liquid 118 surrounding the cylinder structure 100, 102, 800. In step 902, when the cylinder structure 100, 102, 800 is in its lowest position (POSITION 2), the piston 106 is moved inside the cylinder structure 100, 102, 800 to its highest position where the distance between the piston 106 and the fulcrum 114 is at its shortest, the space 150 is filled with air, and the closing means 116 of the cylinder 104 are opened for the liquid 18 surrounding the cylinder structure 100, 102, 800.

Figure 10 shows a flow chart of method steps specifying the method. In step 1000, when the cylinder structure 100, 102 is in its uppermost position POSITION 1 , the cavity 110 is filled with liquid 118, the space 108 in the cylinder 104 is filled with air, and the closing means 116 of the cylinder 104 are sealed against the liquid 118 surrounding the cylinder structure 100, 102. In step 1002, when the cylinder structure 100, 102 is in its lowest position POSITION 2, the cavity 110 is filled with air, the space 108 in the cylinder 104 is filled with liquid 118, and the closing means 116 of the cylinder 104 are opened for the liquid 118 surrounding the cylinder structure 100, 102.

Although the invention is described above with reference to the examples according to the accompanying drawings, it is clear that the invention is not restricted thereto, but may be modified in various ways within the scope of the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus to be used in a liquid and comprising at least two cylinder structures, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that

the cylinder structures (100, 102, 800) are arranged to be attached to a support structure (112);

the support structure (112) comprises a fulcrum (114), in relation to which the cylinder structures (100, 102) are arranged to move up and down by rotating or swinging back and forth;

each cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) comprises a space (150), a cylinder (104) and a piston (106) arranged in the cylinder (104);

when each cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) is in its uppermost position (POSITION 1), the piston (106) is arranged to be set to a location inside the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) where the distance between the piston (106) and the fulcrum (114) is at its greatest, the space (150) is arranged to be filled with liquid, and closing means (116) of the cylinder (104) are arranged to seal the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) against the surrounding liquid (118); and

when each cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) is in its lowest position (POSITION 2), the piston (106) is arranged to be set to a location inside the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) where the distance between the piston (106) and the fulcrum (114) is at its shortest, the space (150) is arranged to be filled with air, and the closing means (116) of the cylinder (104) are arranged to open the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) for the surrounding liquid (118).

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim ^ c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that each cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) comprises closing means (116);

the space (150) comprises a first space (108) between the piston (106) and the cylinder (104);

in each cylinder structure (100, 102, 800), the piston (106) com- prises at least one cavity (110) inside it;

when the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) is in its uppermost position (POSITION 1), each cavity (110) is arranged to be filled with liquid (118) and the first space (108) in the cylinder (104) is arranged to be filled with air, and the closing means (116) of the cylinder (104) are arranged to seal the cyl- inder structure (100, 02, 800) against the surrounding liquid (118);

when the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) is in its lowest position (POSITION 2), each cavity (110) is arranged to be filled with air and the first space (108) in the cylinder (104) is arranged to be filled with liquid (118), and the closing means (116) of the cylinder (104) are arranged to open the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) for the surrounding liquid (118).

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim ^ characterized in that each cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) comprises at least one weight (204) arranged to move synchronously according to the motion of the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800).

4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that each weight (204) is arranged to be set to its highest position when the cylin- der structure (100, 102, 800) is within a predetermined range of its uppermost position (POSITION 1) or its lowest position (POSITION 2).

5. An apparatus as claimed in claim ^ characterized in that each cylinder structure comprises a second space (109), from which the piston (106) is arranged to be pulled back in the uppermost position (POSITION 1) of the cylinder structure ( 00, 102, 800).

6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the second space (109) of the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) is arranged to be filled with air in the uppermost position (POSITION 1) of the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) and the piston (106) is arranged to be pushed into said second space (109) in the lowest position (POSITION 2) of the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800).

7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the piston (106) is arranged to be pulled back from the second space (109) of the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) in the uppermost position of the cylinder structure and said second space (109) is arranged to be filled with liquid in the uppermost position (POSITION 1) of the cylinder structure, the piston (106) is arranged to be pushed into said second space (109) in the lowest position (POSITION 2) of the cylinder structure.

8. An apparatus as claimed in claim ^ characterized in that the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) comprises closing means (116) and the closing means (116) of the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) are arranged to open the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) for the surrounding liquid (118) in the lowest position (POSITION 2) of the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800).

9. A cylinder structure, characterized in that

the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) is arranged to be attached to a support structure (112) having a fulcrum (114), in relation to which the cylinder structure (100, 102) is arranged to move up and down by rotating or swinging back and forth;

the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) comprises a space (150), a cylinder (104) and a piston (106) arranged in the cylinder (104);

when the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) is in its uppermost position (POSITION 1) of the up-and-down motion performed in relation to the fulcrum (114) of the support structure (112), the piston (106) is arranged to be set to its highest position inside the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) where the distance between the piston (106) and the fulcrum (114) is at its greatest, the space (150) is arranged to be filled with liquid and the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) is arranged to be sealed against the liquid (118) surrounding the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800); and

when the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) is in its lowest position (POSITION 2) of the up-and-down motion performed in relation to the fulcrum (114) of the support structure (112), the piston (106) is arranged to be set to its highest position inside the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) where the distance between the piston (106) and the fulcrum (114) is at its shortest, the space (150) is arranged to be filled with air and closing means (116) of the cylinder (104) are arranged to open the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) for the surrounding liquid (118).

10. A cylinder structure as claimed in claim 9, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that

the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) comprises closing means

(116);

the space (150) comprises a first space (108) between the piston

(106) and the cylinder (104);

in the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800), the piston (106) comprises at least one cavity (110) inside it, the total volume of which is larger than the first space (108) in the cylinder (104);

when the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) is in its uppermost position (POSITION 1), each cavity (110) is arranged to be filled with liquid (118) and the first space (108) in the cylinder (104) is arranged to be filled with air, and the closing means (116) of the cylinder (104) are arranged to seal the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) against the surrounding liquid (118);

when the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) is in its lowest position

(POSITION 2), each cavity (110) is arranged to be filled with air and the first space (108) in the cylinder (104) is arranged to be filled with liquid (118), and the closing means ( 16) of the cylinder (104) are arranged to open the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) for the surrounding liquid (118).

11. A method for producing motion in an apparatus intended to be used in a liquid and comprising at least two cylinder structures, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) comprises a space (150), a cylinder (104) and a piston (106) arranged in the cylinder (104), and each cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) is attached to a support structure (112) having a fulcrum (114), in relation to which the cylinder structure (100, 102) is arranged to move up and down by rotating or swinging back and forth; the method comprising

moving (900) the piston (106), when the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) is in its uppermost position (POSITION 1), to its highest position inside the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) where the distance between the pis- ton (106) and the fulcrum (114) is at its greatest, filling the space (150) with liquid, and sealing the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) against the liquid (118) surrounding the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800); and

moving (902) the piston (106), when the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) is in its lowest position (POSITION 2), to its highest position inside the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) where the distance between the piston (106) and the fulcrum (114) is at its shortest, filling the space (150) with air, and opening closing means (116) of the cylinder (104) for the liquid (118) surrounding the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800).

12. A method as claimed in claim 11 , c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) comprises closing means

(116);

in the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800), the piston (106) comprises at least one cavity (110) inside it;

(1000) when the cylinder structure (100, 102) is in its uppermost position (POSITION 1), each cavity (110) is filled with liquid (118), the first space (108) in the cylinder (104) is filled with air, and the closing means (116) of the cylinder (104) are sealed against the liquid (118) surrounding the cylinder structure (100, 102); (1002) when the cylinder structure (100, 102) is in its lowest position (POSITION 2), each cavity (110) is filled with air, the first space (108) in the cylinder (104) is filled with liquid (118), and the closing means (116) of the cylinder (104) are opened for the liquid (118) surrounding the cylinder structure (100, 102).

13. A method as claimed in claim 11, characterized by moving at least one weight (204) of each cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) synchronously according to the motion of the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800).

14. A method as claimed in claim 13, characterized by mov- ing each weight (204) to its highest position when the cylinder structure (100,

102, 800) is within a predetermined range of its uppermost position (POSITION 1) or its lowest position (POSITION 2).

15. A method as claimed in claim 11, characterized by filling the second space (109) of the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) with air in the uppermost position (POSITION 1) of the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) and pushing the piston (106) into said second space (109) in the lowest position (POSITION 2) of the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800).

16. A method as claimed in claim 11, characterized by pulling the piston (106) from the second space (109) of the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) in the uppermost position of the cylinder structure and filling said second space (109) with liquid (118) in the uppermost position (POSITION 1) of the cylinder structure, and pushing the piston (106) into said second space (109) in the lowest position (POSITION 2) of the cylinder structure.

17. A method as claimed in claim 11, characterized by open- ing the closing means (116) of the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) for the liquid (118) surrounding the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800) in the lowest position (POSITION 2) of the cylinder structure (100, 102, 800).