WO2015092459A1 - Air flow control device - Google Patents

Air flow control device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2015092459A1
WO2015092459A1 PCT/IB2013/002842 IB2013002842W WO2015092459A1 WO 2015092459 A1 WO2015092459 A1 WO 2015092459A1 IB 2013002842 W IB2013002842 W IB 2013002842W WO 2015092459 A1 WO2015092459 A1 WO 2015092459A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
port
driving direction
air flow
flow control
control device
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2013/002842
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
John Victor Gano
Original Assignee
John Victor Gano
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by John Victor Gano filed Critical John Victor Gano
Priority to PCT/IB2013/002842 priority Critical patent/WO2015092459A1/en
Priority to TW103143194A priority patent/TW201536611A/en
Priority to UY0001035902A priority patent/UY35902A/en
Priority to ARP140104808A priority patent/AR098873A1/en
Publication of WO2015092459A1 publication Critical patent/WO2015092459A1/en

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F01N13/00—Exhaust or silencing apparatus characterised by constructional features ; Exhaust or silencing apparatus, or parts thereof, having pertinent characteristics not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F01N1/00 - F01N5/00, F01N9/00, F01N11/00
    • F01N13/007—Apparatus used as intake or exhaust silencer
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F01N13/00—Exhaust or silencing apparatus characterised by constructional features ; Exhaust or silencing apparatus, or parts thereof, having pertinent characteristics not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F01N1/00 - F01N5/00, F01N9/00, F01N11/00
    • F01N13/08—Other arrangements or adaptations of exhaust conduits
    • F01N13/082—Other arrangements or adaptations of exhaust conduits of tailpipe, e.g. with means for mixing air with exhaust for exhaust cooling, dilution or evacuation
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F01N13/00—Exhaust or silencing apparatus characterised by constructional features ; Exhaust or silencing apparatus, or parts thereof, having pertinent characteristics not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F01N1/00 - F01N5/00, F01N9/00, F01N11/00
    • F01N13/08—Other arrangements or adaptations of exhaust conduits
    • F01N13/085—Other arrangements or adaptations of exhaust conduits having means preventing foreign matter from entering exhaust conduit
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F01N2590/00—Exhaust or silencing apparatus adapted to particular use, e.g. for military applications, airplanes, submarines
    • F01N2590/08—Exhaust or silencing apparatus adapted to particular use, e.g. for military applications, airplanes, submarines for heavy duty applications, e.g. trucks, buses, tractors, locomotives

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an air flow control device of a omnidirectional vehicle.
  • the document WO201 1098857 describes a omnidirectional vehicle which is arranged for being driven in two opposite directions, avoiding the need to maneuver and/or to rear drive when the driver wants to reverse the direction of travelling.
  • this kind of vehicle when powered by a thermal engine still needs an exhaust device with an outlet.
  • the exhaust gasses may be directed towards the front direction of driving and thus being directed in the direction upwind of the occupants.
  • the port of such air flow control device may cause extra drag force when it faces the air flow created by the movement of the vehicle, causing extra losses.
  • the air flow control device may also be penetrated by water and/or foreign objects which may cause damages to the system.
  • the air intake device is designed to intake air from a front face of the vehicle, but in the reverse driving direction, the pressure conditions are strongly different (as the previous front or upwind face is now a rear or down wind face), so that the efficiency of the intake is questionable, thus affecting the overall efficiency of the thermal engine.
  • the present invention aims to solve these aforementioned drawbacks and is directed to propose first an air flow control device for a omnidirectional vehicle which operates an efficient exchange of gasses, whatever the driving direction is.
  • a first aspect of the invention is an air flow control device, arranged for being mounted on a omnidirectional vehicle being able to be driven at least in a first driving direction and in a second driving direction different from the first driving direction, the air flow control device comprising at least a first and a second ports arranged to perform an exchange of gasses between the vehicle and an atmosphere, characterized in that the at least first port is arranged at a first front face of the vehicle defined by the first driving direction, and in that the at least second port is arranged at a second front face of the vehicle defined by the second driving direction.
  • the air flow control device provides at (east one port at each of the extremities of the vehicle (defined by the respective driving directions), thereby enabling the exchange of the gasses in a best direction, depending on the driving direction.
  • the first port is at a first front face in the first driving direction, it faces the air flow in the first direction, but this first front face becomes a rear face of the vehicle when it is driven in the second direction (if opposite to the first direction).
  • the driving direction is a direction of propulsion relative to the outline of the vehicle, as opposed to a direction of steering relative to the compass directions (North, East, West and South).
  • the air flow control device is comprising a command unit, arranged for setting an exclusive exchange of gasses through the at least first port, or through the at least second port depending on the driving direction.
  • the air flow control device is arranged for actively directing the gasses to the correct port.
  • the exclusive exchange through one port is intending to mean that all the flow of gas passes through the said port. In other words, 100% of the flow is passing through the said port.
  • the air flow control device is comprising an internal valve arranged at a T junction of a pipe for setting the exclusive exchange of gasses through the at least first port or through the at least second port.
  • An internal valve at an internal T or Y junction has the advantage to centrally control the direction of the gas flow within the air control device, thereby reducing internal turbulences, dead volumes and pressure effects over long pipes.
  • the internal valve is controlled with an electrical signal.
  • This control signal may be sent form an Electronic Control Unit of the vehicle, which is monitoring the driving of the vehicle, including the driving direction.
  • the internal valve is controlled with a mechanical signal, such as a command from the air flow or wheel movement (by friction for example), which is economic.
  • the air flow control device is comprising one flap-gate arranged at each of said at least first and second ports, and each flap-gate is arranged to open and close said at least first or second ports, depending on the driving direction.
  • the closure of the port which is in the front direction of the driving direction avoids the aerodynamic losses, and avoids the need to implement a filter or a grid to stop water, bugs, or gravel at the port.
  • the internal pipes are protected against mud, and any foreign material projected onto the front face of the vehicle during its movement.
  • both or all flap- gates are closed, thus protecting the air flow control device from the entry of excess humidity and/or animals, and/or reptiles (in tropical climates) and/or snow in cold climates. This is important in the case where the port is shared by an exhaust device and an air intake device.
  • the vehicle presents two lateral sides and comprises:
  • a first driver place arranged at a first lateral side, to receive a driver when the vehicle is driven in the first driving direction
  • a second driver place arranged at a second lateral side, to receive a driver when the vehicle is driven in the second driving direction
  • This embodiment minimizes the dust which deposits on the rear screen of the vehicle, to be accumulated onto the part of the screen which may be principally or primarily used by the driver if the vehicle is driven in the opposite direction.
  • the air flow control device is an exhaust device comprising a command unit, arranged for setting an exclusive exchange of gasses through the at least first port if the driving direction is the second driving direction, and for setting an exclusive exchange of gasses through the at least second port if the driving direction is the first driving direction.
  • This embodiment provides a smart exhaust device for an omnidirectional vehicle, as the combustion gasses are always directed to the rear face or down wind face of the vehicle, thereby preventing the combustion gasses from being directed to the occupants who are facing the driving or upwind direction. This avoids pollution of the occupant's compartment, inconvenience and visibility issues.
  • the combustion gasses are then directed to the first port when the vehicle is starting to move in the second direction.
  • the air flow control device is an air intake device comprising a command unit, arranged for setting an exclusive exchange of gasses through the at least first port if the driving direction is the first driving direction, and for setting an exclusive exchange of gasses through the at least second port if the driving direction is the second driving direction.
  • This embodiment provides a smart air intake device for an omnidirectional vehicle, as the fresh air is always collected at the front face of the vehicle, the one which faces the air flow, thereby providing repeatable pressure conditions.
  • the fresh air is collected through the second port when the vehicle is starting to move in the second direction.
  • the air flow control device comprises at least one grid at each of the first and second ports. This prevents from foreign objects to enter the air flow control device.
  • a second aspect of the invention is a omnidirectional vehicle being able to be driven at least in a first direction and in a second direction different from the first direction, comprising an air flow control device according to the first aspect.
  • the air flow control device is an exhaust device which is comprising a command unit, arranged for setting an exclusive exchange of gasses through the at least first port if the driving direction is the second driving direction, and for setting an exclusive exchange of gasses through the at least second port if the driving direction is the first driving direction.
  • the omnidirectional vehicle comprises an air flow control device according to the first aspect which is an air intake device which is comprising a command unit, arranged for setting an exclusive exchange of gasses through the at least first port if the driving direction is the first driving direction, and for setting an exclusive exchange of gasses through the at least second port if the driving direction is the second driving direction.
  • an air intake device which is comprising a command unit, arranged for setting an exclusive exchange of gasses through the at least first port if the driving direction is the first driving direction, and for setting an exclusive exchange of gasses through the at least second port if the driving direction is the second driving direction.
  • a third aspect is a omnidirectional vehicle being able to be driven at least in a first direction and in a second direction different from the first direction, comprising:
  • a first air flow control device being an exhaust device, which is comprising a command unit, arranged for setting an exclusive exchange of gasses through its at least first port if the driving direction is the second driving direction, and for setting an exclusive exchange of gasses through its at least second port if the driving direction is the first driving direction,
  • a second air flow control device being an air intake device for supplying air to an engine, and which is comprising a command unit, arranged for setting an exclusive exchange of gasses through its at least first port if the driving direction is the first driving direction, and for setting an exclusive exchange of gasses through its at least second port if the driving direction is the second driving direction,
  • the at least first port of the exhaust device is common with the at least first port of the air intake device, the exhaust device and the air intake device comprising in common a first common pipe for communicating with the at least first port,
  • the at least second port of the exhaust device is common with the at least second port of the air intake device, the exhaust device and the air intake device comprising in common a second common pipe for communicating with the at least second port.
  • the ports are common to the exhaust device and to the air intake device.
  • each of the at least first and second ports are sized to meet a minimum cross section required by either the exhaust device or the air intake device.
  • the cross section of the ports and associated pipes are sized to meet the minimum requirement of the both devices.
  • the at least first and second ports are downwardly oriented.
  • This embodiments meets the requirement of both devices (exhaust and air intake), as a downward window will not affect the exhaust function, and will not be sensitive to dynamic pressure which may be prejudicial to an air intake device.
  • the exhaust device and the air intake device comprise in common a first Y junction having a first branch connected to the first common pipe, a second branch connected to an exhaust manifold and a third branch connected to an air intake manifold,
  • the exhaust device and the air intake device comprise in common a second Y junction having a first branch connected to the second common pipe, a second branch connected to the exhaust manifold and a third branch connected to the air intake manifold.
  • the air intake device is comprising:
  • the omnidirectional vehicle further comprises an air flow control device being a ventilation device arranged for creating an air flow in an occupant compartment of the vehicle.
  • FIG. 1 represents a omnidirectional vehicle with an air flow control device according to a first embodiment of the invention being an exhaust device, the vehicle being driven in a first direction;
  • figure 2 represents the omnidirectional vehicle of figure 1 , driven in a second direction;
  • FIG. 3 represents an omnidirectional vehicle according to a second embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 1 a represents a vehicle 30 comprising a engine 20.
  • the engine 20 may be a conventional internal combustion engine with pistons, but may also be a turbine such as a gas turbine.
  • the engine 20 is coupled to an air flow control device according to the present invention, which is an exhaust device 20.
  • the exhaust device 20 may comprise a catalytic converter and/or a muffler, not represented for the clarity of figure 1.
  • the exhaust device 20 comprises a first port 11 arranged at a first longitudinal extremity of the vehicle 30 and a second port 12, arranged at a second longitudinal extremity of the vehicle 30 along an axis of movement.
  • the exhaust device 20 also comprises an internal valve 13 which is arranged to direct the combustion gasses from the engine 20 to the port arranged in an opposite direction of the driving direction.
  • the vehicle 30 is driven to the left side, being a second driving direction, as shown by the arrow, and the internal valve 13 is directing the combustion gasses to the first port 11 arranged at the first extremity of the vehicle 30.
  • the combustion gasses are exhausted in a rearward direction or down wind direction, away from the front face of the vehicle in this second driving direction.
  • the figure 2 is showing the vehicle 30 of figure 1 driven in an opposite direction being a first driving direction compared to figure 1.
  • the combustion gasses should not be exhausted by the first port 11 of the first extremity of the vehicle 30.
  • the internal valve 13 is controlled (by an Electronic Control Unit of the vehicle 30 for example), to direct the combustion gasses to the second extremity of the car, through the second port 12.
  • a detail shows the second port 12, which is equipped with a flap-gate 14, arranged to close and open the second port 12.
  • a flap-gate 14 When the combustion gasses are directed to the second port 12, its flap-gate 14 is opened, but when the combustion gasses are directed to the other first port 11 , the flap- gate closes the second port 12, to avoid foreign particles (gravel, water, mud, bugs...) to be projected inside the air flow control device, and reducing the air drag forces.
  • the same flap-gate may be installed onto the other first port 11.
  • the figure 3 represents an omnidirectional vehicle according to a second embodiment of the invention.
  • the vehicle is driven in the second direction, so that the combustion gasses are directed to the first port 11.
  • the second embodiment comprises an exhaust device according to the invention, and an air intake device according to the invention.
  • the exhaust device and the air intake device share the first port 1 1 and the second port 12 to exchange gasses with the atmosphere.
  • the exhaust device and the air intake device comprise also in common a first common pipe 17a to communicate with the first port 11 , and a second common pipe 17b to communicate with the second port 12.
  • the first common pipe 17a is connected to a first Y junction 16a
  • the second common pipe 17b is connected to a second Y junction 16b.
  • First and second internal valves 13a and 13b respectively are arranged at the first and second Y junctions to direct the gas flow to the right first or second port 11 and 12 respectively, depending on the driving direction.
  • first and second Y junctions comprise both a first branch connected to their respective first and second common pipes 17a, 17b.
  • the first and second Y junctions also comprise both a second branch connected to an exhaust manifold 16, and a third branch connected to an air intake manifold 15.
  • the first internal valve 13a is directing the combustion gasses from the exhaust manifold 16 to the first common pipe 17a and its associated first port 11 , as the driving direction is the second direction.
  • the second internal valve 17b is directing the fresh air flow to the air intake manifold 15, from the second common pipe 17b and its associated second port 12.

Abstract

Air flow control device, arranged for being mounted on a omnidirectional vehicle being able to be driven at least in a first direction and in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the air flow control device comprising at least a first and a second ports, characterized in that the at least first port is arranged to exhaust combustion gasses towards the first direction, and in that the at least second port is arranged to exhaust combustion gasses towards the second direction.

Description

AI R FLOW CONTROL DEVICE
The present invention relates to an air flow control device of a omnidirectional vehicle.
The document WO201 1098857 describes a omnidirectional vehicle which is arranged for being driven in two opposite directions, avoiding the need to maneuver and/or to rear drive when the driver wants to reverse the direction of travelling. However, this kind of vehicle, when powered by a thermal engine still needs an exhaust device with an outlet. Depending on the direction of driving, the exhaust gasses may be directed towards the front direction of driving and thus being directed in the direction upwind of the occupants. In addition, the port of such air flow control device may cause extra drag force when it faces the air flow created by the movement of the vehicle, causing extra losses. In the end, the air flow control device may also be penetrated by water and/or foreign objects which may cause damages to the system.
In the same omnidirectional vehicle, the air intake device is designed to intake air from a front face of the vehicle, but in the reverse driving direction, the pressure conditions are strongly different (as the previous front or upwind face is now a rear or down wind face), so that the efficiency of the intake is questionable, thus affecting the overall efficiency of the thermal engine.
The present invention aims to solve these aforementioned drawbacks and is directed to propose first an air flow control device for a omnidirectional vehicle which operates an efficient exchange of gasses, whatever the driving direction is.
With this goal in mind, a first aspect of the invention is an air flow control device, arranged for being mounted on a omnidirectional vehicle being able to be driven at least in a first driving direction and in a second driving direction different from the first driving direction, the air flow control device comprising at least a first and a second ports arranged to perform an exchange of gasses between the vehicle and an atmosphere, characterized in that the at least first port is arranged at a first front face of the vehicle defined by the first driving direction, and in that the at least second port is arranged at a second front face of the vehicle defined by the second driving direction. The air flow control device according to the present invention provides at (east one port at each of the extremities of the vehicle (defined by the respective driving directions), thereby enabling the exchange of the gasses in a best direction, depending on the driving direction. In other words, as the first port is at a first front face in the first driving direction, it faces the air flow in the first direction, but this first front face becomes a rear face of the vehicle when it is driven in the second direction (if opposite to the first direction). Then, whatever the driving direction is, there is always a port facing the air flow, and another port at the down wind side, so that the gasses are always exchanged in the right direction. The driving direction is a direction of propulsion relative to the outline of the vehicle, as opposed to a direction of steering relative to the compass directions (North, East, West and South).
Advantageously, the air flow control device is comprising a command unit, arranged for setting an exclusive exchange of gasses through the at least first port, or through the at least second port depending on the driving direction. The air flow control device is arranged for actively directing the gasses to the correct port. The exclusive exchange through one port is intending to mean that all the flow of gas passes through the said port. In other words, 100% of the flow is passing through the said port.
Advantageously, the air flow control device is comprising an internal valve arranged at a T junction of a pipe for setting the exclusive exchange of gasses through the at least first port or through the at least second port. An internal valve at an internal T or Y junction has the advantage to centrally control the direction of the gas flow within the air control device, thereby reducing internal turbulences, dead volumes and pressure effects over long pipes.
Advantageously, the internal valve is controlled with an electrical signal. This control signal may be sent form an Electronic Control Unit of the vehicle, which is monitoring the driving of the vehicle, including the driving direction.
Advantageously, the internal valve is controlled with a mechanical signal, such as a command from the air flow or wheel movement (by friction for example), which is economic.
Advantageously, the air flow control device is comprising one flap-gate arranged at each of said at least first and second ports, and each flap-gate is arranged to open and close said at least first or second ports, depending on the driving direction. The closure of the port which is in the front direction of the driving direction avoids the aerodynamic losses, and avoids the need to implement a filter or a grid to stop water, bugs, or gravel at the port. Thus, the internal pipes are protected against mud, and any foreign material projected onto the front face of the vehicle during its movement.
Advantageously, at times when the vehicle is parked, both or all flap- gates are closed, thus protecting the air flow control device from the entry of excess humidity and/or animals, and/or reptiles (in tropical climates) and/or snow in cold climates. This is important in the case where the port is shared by an exhaust device and an air intake device.
Advantageously, the vehicle presents two lateral sides and comprises:
- a first driver place arranged at a first lateral side, to receive a driver when the vehicle is driven in the first driving direction,
- a second driver place arranged at a second lateral side, to receive a driver when the vehicle is driven in the second driving direction,
and wherein the at least first port is arranged on the second lateral side, and wherein the at least second port is arranged on the first lateral side. This embodiment minimizes the dust which deposits on the rear screen of the vehicle, to be accumulated onto the part of the screen which may be principally or primarily used by the driver if the vehicle is driven in the opposite direction.
Advantageously, the air flow control device is an exhaust device comprising a command unit, arranged for setting an exclusive exchange of gasses through the at least first port if the driving direction is the second driving direction, and for setting an exclusive exchange of gasses through the at least second port if the driving direction is the first driving direction. This embodiment provides a smart exhaust device for an omnidirectional vehicle, as the combustion gasses are always directed to the rear face or down wind face of the vehicle, thereby preventing the combustion gasses from being directed to the occupants who are facing the driving or upwind direction. This avoids pollution of the occupant's compartment, inconvenience and visibility issues. In other words and as an example, as soon as the vehicle is reversing from the first direction (where the combustion gasses were exhausted by the second port) to the second direction (opposite from the first direction), the combustion gasses are then directed to the first port when the vehicle is starting to move in the second direction.
Advantageously, the air flow control device is an air intake device comprising a command unit, arranged for setting an exclusive exchange of gasses through the at least first port if the driving direction is the first driving direction, and for setting an exclusive exchange of gasses through the at least second port if the driving direction is the second driving direction. This embodiment provides a smart air intake device for an omnidirectional vehicle, as the fresh air is always collected at the front face of the vehicle, the one which faces the air flow, thereby providing repeatable pressure conditions. In other words and as an example, as soon as the vehicle is reversing from the first direction (where the fresh air was collected by the first port) to the second direction (opposite from the first direction), the fresh air is collected through the second port when the vehicle is starting to move in the second direction.
Advantageously, the air flow control device comprises at least one grid at each of the first and second ports. This prevents from foreign objects to enter the air flow control device.
A second aspect of the invention is a omnidirectional vehicle being able to be driven at least in a first direction and in a second direction different from the first direction, comprising an air flow control device according to the first aspect.
Advantageously, the air flow control device is an exhaust device which is comprising a command unit, arranged for setting an exclusive exchange of gasses through the at least first port if the driving direction is the second driving direction, and for setting an exclusive exchange of gasses through the at least second port if the driving direction is the first driving direction.
Advantageously, the omnidirectional vehicle comprises an air flow control device according to the first aspect which is an air intake device which is comprising a command unit, arranged for setting an exclusive exchange of gasses through the at least first port if the driving direction is the first driving direction, and for setting an exclusive exchange of gasses through the at least second port if the driving direction is the second driving direction.
A third aspect is a omnidirectional vehicle being able to be driven at least in a first direction and in a second direction different from the first direction, comprising:
- a first air flow control device according to the first aspect being an exhaust device, which is comprising a command unit, arranged for setting an exclusive exchange of gasses through its at least first port if the driving direction is the second driving direction, and for setting an exclusive exchange of gasses through its at least second port if the driving direction is the first driving direction,
- a second air flow control device according to the first aspect being an air intake device for supplying air to an engine, and which is comprising a command unit, arranged for setting an exclusive exchange of gasses through its at least first port if the driving direction is the first driving direction, and for setting an exclusive exchange of gasses through its at least second port if the driving direction is the second driving direction,
wherein the at least first port of the exhaust device is common with the at least first port of the air intake device, the exhaust device and the air intake device comprising in common a first common pipe for communicating with the at least first port,
and wherein the at least second port of the exhaust device is common with the at least second port of the air intake device, the exhaust device and the air intake device comprising in common a second common pipe for communicating with the at least second port. According to this embodiment, the ports are common to the exhaust device and to the air intake device. As the exhaust combustion gasses should be directed in a direction opposite to the driving direction, and the fresh air should be collected from the front face of the vehicle, it is possible to direct all the combustion gasses to one of the at least first and second ports, and to collect the fresh air trough the other of the at least first and second ports. In other words, this embodiment of the invention avoids to duplicate the pipe lines, muffler, catalytic converters, air filter, thereby reducing the amount of parts in an omnidirectional vehicle.
Advantageously, each of the at least first and second ports are sized to meet a minimum cross section required by either the exhaust device or the air intake device. In other words, in this embodiment, the cross section of the ports and associated pipes are sized to meet the minimum requirement of the both devices.
Advantageously, the at least first and second ports are downwardly oriented. This embodiments meets the requirement of both devices (exhaust and air intake), as a downward window will not affect the exhaust function, and will not be sensitive to dynamic pressure which may be prejudicial to an air intake device.
Advantageously, the exhaust device and the air intake device comprise in common a first Y junction having a first branch connected to the first common pipe, a second branch connected to an exhaust manifold and a third branch connected to an air intake manifold,
and the exhaust device and the air intake device comprise in common a second Y junction having a first branch connected to the second common pipe, a second branch connected to the exhaust manifold and a third branch connected to the air intake manifold.
Advantageously, the air intake device is comprising:
- an intake pipe connected to the third branch of the first Y junction and to the third branch of the second Y junction,
- at least one air filter arranged between the engine and the intake pipe.
Advantageously, the omnidirectional vehicle further comprises an air flow control device being a ventilation device arranged for creating an air flow in an occupant compartment of the vehicle.
Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly from the following detailed description of particular non- limitative examples of the invention, illustrated by the appended drawings where:
- figure 1 represents a omnidirectional vehicle with an air flow control device according to a first embodiment of the invention being an exhaust device, the vehicle being driven in a first direction;
- figure 2 represents the omnidirectional vehicle of figure 1 , driven in a second direction;
- figure 3 represents an omnidirectional vehicle according to a second embodiment of the invention. Figure 1 a represents a vehicle 30 comprising a engine 20. The engine 20 may be a conventional internal combustion engine with pistons, but may also be a turbine such as a gas turbine. The engine 20 is coupled to an air flow control device according to the present invention, which is an exhaust device 20.
The exhaust device 20 may comprise a catalytic converter and/or a muffler, not represented for the clarity of figure 1.
The exhaust device 20 comprises a first port 11 arranged at a first longitudinal extremity of the vehicle 30 and a second port 12, arranged at a second longitudinal extremity of the vehicle 30 along an axis of movement.
The exhaust device 20 also comprises an internal valve 13 which is arranged to direct the combustion gasses from the engine 20 to the port arranged in an opposite direction of the driving direction. In the particular case of figure 1 , the vehicle 30 is driven to the left side, being a second driving direction, as shown by the arrow, and the internal valve 13 is directing the combustion gasses to the first port 11 arranged at the first extremity of the vehicle 30. Thus, the combustion gasses are exhausted in a rearward direction or down wind direction, away from the front face of the vehicle in this second driving direction.
The figure 2 is showing the vehicle 30 of figure 1 driven in an opposite direction being a first driving direction compared to figure 1. To avoid the combustion gasses to be directed to the front face of the vehicle and polluting the vehicle compartment, the combustion gasses should not be exhausted by the first port 11 of the first extremity of the vehicle 30. Thus, the internal valve 13 is controlled (by an Electronic Control Unit of the vehicle 30 for example), to direct the combustion gasses to the second extremity of the car, through the second port 12.
A detail shows the second port 12, which is equipped with a flap-gate 14, arranged to close and open the second port 12. When the combustion gasses are directed to the second port 12, its flap-gate 14 is opened, but when the combustion gasses are directed to the other first port 11 , the flap- gate closes the second port 12, to avoid foreign particles (gravel, water, mud, bugs...) to be projected inside the air flow control device, and reducing the air drag forces. The same flap-gate may be installed onto the other first port 11.
The figure 3 represents an omnidirectional vehicle according to a second embodiment of the invention. The vehicle is driven in the second direction, so that the combustion gasses are directed to the first port 11. Compared to the first embodiment, the second embodiment comprises an exhaust device according to the invention, and an air intake device according to the invention.
The exhaust device and the air intake device share the first port 1 1 and the second port 12 to exchange gasses with the atmosphere. The exhaust device and the air intake device comprise also in common a first common pipe 17a to communicate with the first port 11 , and a second common pipe 17b to communicate with the second port 12.
The first common pipe 17a is connected to a first Y junction 16a, and the second common pipe 17b is connected to a second Y junction 16b. First and second internal valves 13a and 13b respectively are arranged at the first and second Y junctions to direct the gas flow to the right first or second port 11 and 12 respectively, depending on the driving direction.
In detail, the first and second Y junctions comprise both a first branch connected to their respective first and second common pipes 17a, 17b. The first and second Y junctions also comprise both a second branch connected to an exhaust manifold 16, and a third branch connected to an air intake manifold 15.
In the present case, the first internal valve 13a is directing the combustion gasses from the exhaust manifold 16 to the first common pipe 17a and its associated first port 11 , as the driving direction is the second direction. In the other hand, the second internal valve 17b is directing the fresh air flow to the air intake manifold 15, from the second common pipe 17b and its associated second port 12.
It is understood that obvious improvements and/or modifications for one skilled in the art may be implemented, being under the scope of the invention as it is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. Air flow control device, arranged for being mounted on a omnidirectional vehicle (30) being able to be driven at least in a first driving direction and in a second driving direction different from the first driving direction, the air flow control device comprising at least a first and a second port (12)s (11 , 12) arranged to perform an exchange of gasses between the vehicle (30) and an atmosphere, characterized in that the at least first port
(1 1) is arranged at a first front face of the vehicle (30) defined by the first driving direction, and in that the at least second port (12) is arranged at a second front face of the vehicle (30) defined by the second driving direction.
2. Air flow control device as claimed in preceding claim, comprising a command unit, arranged for setting an exclusive exchange of gasses through the at least first port (1 1 ), or through the at least second port
(12) depending on the driving direction.
3. Air flow control device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising an internal valve (13; 13a, 13b) arranged at a T junction of a pipe for setting the exclusive exchange gasses through the at least first port (1 1 ) or through the at least second port (12).
4. Air flow control device as claimed in preceding claim, wherein the internal valve (13; 13a, 13b) is controlled with an electrical signal.
5. Air flow control device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the internal valve (13; 13a, 13b) is controlled with a mechanical signal.
6. Air flow control device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising one flap-gate (14) arranged at each of said at least first and second port (1 )s, and wherein each flap-gate (14) is arranged to open and close said at least first or second ports (1 1 , 12), depending on the driving direction.
7. Air flow control device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle (30) presents two lateral sides and comprises:
- a first driver place arranged at a first lateral side, to receive a driver when the vehicle (30) is driven in the first driving direction,
- a second driver place arranged at a second lateral side, to receive a driver when the vehicle (30) is driven in the second driving direction,
and wherein the at least first port (1 1 ) is arranged on the second lateral side, and wherein the at least second port ( 2) is arranged on the first lateral side.
8. Air flow control device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, being an exhaust device comprising a command unit, arranged for setting an exclusive exchange of gasses through the at least first port (1 1 ) if the driving direction is the second driving direction, and for setting an exclusive exchange of gasses through the at least second port (12) if the driving direction is the first driving direction.
9. Air flow control device as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 7, being an air intake device comprising a command unit, arranged for setting an exclusive exchange of gasses through the at least first port (1 1) if the driving direction is the first driving direction, and for setting an exclusive exchange of gasses through the at least second port (12) if the driving direction is the second driving direction.
10. Omnidirectional vehicle (30) being able to be driven at least in a first direction and in a second direction different from the first direction, comprising an air flow control device according to any one of the claims 1 to 7.
1 1. Omnidirectional vehicle (30) as claimed in preceding claim, wherein the air flow control device is an exhaust device which is comprising a command unit, arranged for setting an exclusive exchange of gasses through the at least first port (11) if the driving direction is the second driving direction, and for setting an exclusive exchange of gasses through the at least second port (12) if the driving direction is the first driving direction.
12. Omnidirectional vehicle (30) as claimed in claim 10 or 11 , comprising an air flow control device according to any one of the claims 1 to 7 which is an air intake device which is comprising a command unit, arranged for setting an exclusive exchange of gasses through the at least first port (11 ) if the driving direction is the first driving direction, and for setting an exclusive exchange of gasses through the at least second port (12) if the driving direction is the second driving direction.
13. Omnidirectional vehicle (30) being able to be driven at least in a first direction and in a second direction different from the first direction, comprising:
- a first air flow control device according to any one of the claims 1 to 7 being an exhaust device, which is comprising a command unit, arranged for setting an exclusive exchange of gasses through its at least first port (1 1 ) if the driving direction is the second driving direction, and for setting an exclusive exchange of gasses through its at least second port (12) if the driving direction is the first driving direction
- a second air flow control device according to any one of the claims 1 to 7 being an air intake device for supplying air to an engine, and which is comprising a command unit, arranged for setting an exclusive exchange of gasses through its at least first port (1 1 ) if the driving direction is the first driving direction, and for setting an exclusive exchange of gasses through its at least second port (12) if the driving direction is the second driving direction, wherein the at least first port (11) of the exhaust device is common with the at least first port (11 ) of the air intake device, the exhaust device and the air intake device comprising in common a first common pipe (17a) for communicating with the at least first port (1 1),
and wherein the at least second port (12) of the exhaust device is common with the at least second port (12) of the air intake device, the exhaust device and the air intake device comprising in common a second common pipe (17b) for communicating with the at least second port (12).
14. Omnidirectional vehicle (30) as claimed in preceding claim, wherein the exhaust device and the air intake device comprise in common a first Y junction (16a) having a first branch connected to the first common pipe (17a), a second branch connected to an exhaust manifold (16) and a third branch connected to an air intake manifold (15),
and wherein the exhaust device and the air intake device comprise in common a second Y junction (16b) having a first branch connected to the second common pipe (17b), a second branch connected to the exhaust manifold (16) and a third branch connected to the intake manifold (15).
15. Omnidirectional vehicle (30) as claimed in preceding claim, wherein the air intake device is comprising:
- an intake pipe connected to the third branch of the first Y junction and to the third branch of the second Y junction,
- at least one air filter arranged between the engine and the intake pipe.
16. Omnidirectional vehicle (30) as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 5, further comprising an air flow control device being a ventilation device arranged for creating an air flow in an occupant compartment of the vehicle (30).
PCT/IB2013/002842 2013-12-20 2013-12-20 Air flow control device WO2015092459A1 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/IB2013/002842 WO2015092459A1 (en) 2013-12-20 2013-12-20 Air flow control device
TW103143194A TW201536611A (en) 2013-12-20 2014-12-11 Air flow control device
UY0001035902A UY35902A (en) 2013-12-20 2014-12-19 AIR FLOW CONTROL DEVICE.
ARP140104808A AR098873A1 (en) 2013-12-20 2014-12-19 AIR FLOW CONTROL DEVICE

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/IB2013/002842 WO2015092459A1 (en) 2013-12-20 2013-12-20 Air flow control device

Publications (1)

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WO2015092459A1 true WO2015092459A1 (en) 2015-06-25

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AR (1) AR098873A1 (en)
TW (1) TW201536611A (en)
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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3533216A1 (en) * 1985-09-18 1987-03-26 Daimler Benz Ag Recovery vehicle for track-guidable vehicles
US7686130B1 (en) * 2006-08-21 2010-03-30 Fernando Quaglia Dual mode vehicle exhaust system and associated method
WO2011098857A1 (en) 2010-02-11 2011-08-18 John Victor Gano Bi-directional steering omni-directional driving electric road transportation vehicle
WO2011098848A1 (en) * 2010-02-11 2011-08-18 John Gano A method of bidirectional automotive transport
US20110289901A1 (en) * 2010-05-26 2011-12-01 Estes Christopher J Carbon dioxide sequestration in freshly mixed concrete using the exhaust from the concrete truck

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3533216A1 (en) * 1985-09-18 1987-03-26 Daimler Benz Ag Recovery vehicle for track-guidable vehicles
US7686130B1 (en) * 2006-08-21 2010-03-30 Fernando Quaglia Dual mode vehicle exhaust system and associated method
WO2011098857A1 (en) 2010-02-11 2011-08-18 John Victor Gano Bi-directional steering omni-directional driving electric road transportation vehicle
WO2011098848A1 (en) * 2010-02-11 2011-08-18 John Gano A method of bidirectional automotive transport
US20110289901A1 (en) * 2010-05-26 2011-12-01 Estes Christopher J Carbon dioxide sequestration in freshly mixed concrete using the exhaust from the concrete truck

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UY35902A (en) 2015-07-31
AR098873A1 (en) 2016-06-22

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