Mechanism For The Recovery Of Energy In Self-Propelled Vehicles

Abstract

The invention relates to a mechanism for the recovery of energy in self-propelled vehicles. The inventive mechanism consists of either: (a) a balanced rotary compressor with tangential pistons, comprising two or more cylinders which are connected to a crank having two or more pins; or (b) a rotary compressor with tangential pistons, comprising an extendible crank. The novel system enables the recovery of wasted energy in motor vehicles in the form of pneumatic pressure for the possible use thereof in auxiliary systems belonging to the vehicle or in the engine.

1 . A mechanism for the recovery of energy in self-propelled vehicles consisting of a compressor with tangential pistons, a mechanism contained in two circular parts coupled to each other, wherein one or more pistons tangential to the rotating shaft, coupled to the outer arm of one or more pivoted levers pivoting on a shaft, are actuated by a crank with a single pin sliding on the groove made in the inner arm upon rotating the shaft or the block and essentially characterized in that in this mechanism with two or more pistons ( 13 ), each one is actuated individually by an independent pin ( 15 ), separated from one another by the same number of degrees as the cylinders ( 12 ) containing them and another group with the same number can be added, in any angular position with respect to the previous one but which must be the same as each other so as to be actuated by the same pins. This improvement is for the purpose of enabling balancing the assembly during the rotation of the block ( 11 ). 
   
   
       2 . A mechanism for the recovery of energy in self-propelled vehicles consisting of a compressor with tangential pistons, characterized in that the crank ( 14 ) and the grooved inner arms of the pivoted lever ( 16 ), which are actuated by the pins, are located in a sealed central chamber separated from the rear chambers of the cylinders by the rotating shaft of the latter, for the purpose of facilitating the lubrication and maintaining them independent. 
   
   
       3 . A mechanism for the recovery of energy in self-propelled vehicles consisting of a compressor with tangential pistons, characterized in that the air is drawn from the rear chamber of the cylinder through a check valve ( 123 ) during the forward shifting of the piston and injected into the compression chamber in its return through a duct ( 124 ) made for that purpose. 
   
   
       4 . A mechanism for the recovery of energy in self-propelled vehicles consisting of a compressor according to  claims 1 ,  2  and  3 , characterized in that it is connected to the drive shaft of a vehicle by means of a clutch which is activated upon actuating the brake thereof, the block rotating with all its elements (cylinders, pistons, connecting rods and pivoted lever) whereas the crank remains fixed to the structure taking advantage of the kinetic energy to compress air, exiting through a rotary valve ( 19 ) located in the front shaft of the compressor and to be stored in a suitable container for its subsequent use. 
   
   
       5 . A mechanism for the recovery of energy in self-propelled vehicles consisting of a compressor with tangential pistons with a single extendible pin according to  claims 2  and  3 , characterized in that the block ( 21 ) with all its elements (cylinders, pistons, connecting rods and pivoted lever) rotates joined to the drive shaft of the vehicle, either by gears, belts or other means, and the crank remains fixed to the structure. This extendible crank consists of a pin ( 25 ) joined to the end of a rod ( 213 ) with side grooves ( 214 ) and a sealing gasket in the lower end, contained in a cylinder ( 211 ) joined to the shaft ( 210 ) of the crank, both of them perforated ( 212 ) so as to allow the passage of pressure (pneumatic or hydraulic) to the base of the cylinder. During the running of the vehicle, the rod remains retracted, the pin centered and the pistons inactive, when the brake is applied, pressure is sent to the cylinder, the rod extends up to its maximum run, oriented and limited by two lugs ( 215 ) threaded to the cylinder, which lugs slide on the side grooves of the rod, causing the movement of the pivoted levers and the pistons, compressing air which is sent to a container through a rotary valve ( 19 ) located in the front shaft of the compressor. When the brake is deactivated, the driving agent is returned and the air pressure exerted on the pistons retracts the pin and the compressor is left without a load. The actuation of this mechanism is controlled by a valve ( FIG. 7 ) which can have pressure protection and regulation so as to activate the system when needed or deactivate it during the driving in reverse, or others.