Device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy

Abstract

Device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy and for storing energy. The device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy (1) includes a mechanical energy storage (2) connected to the input of a generator (19) by gearboxes. The mechanical energy storage (2) has at least one mainspring (3) as a source of mechanical energy. The mainspring (3) is connected by a gearbox, to a mechanical energy storage shaft (4), and then, through an escape wheel (9) and an escapement (10), to a balance wheel (13) with a hairspring (14). The mechanical energy storage shaft (4) is then connected, through a gearbox, to a flywheel (20) mounted on a flywheel shaft (18) mounted at the input of the generator (19). The flywheel shaft (18) has a clutch (21) separating the flywheel shaft (18) into a gearbox component and a flywheel component (18).

Description

[0001] Device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy

[0002] The object of the invention is a device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. The device is used for storing electrical energy using mechanical energy. Stored electrical energy comes in particular from renewable energy sources such as solar panels and wind farms. The device can be used both in industry and in households.

[0003] Electrical power generating equipment based on the principle of mechanical windup watch, with mechanical energy stored in the mainspring and then transmitted through gearboxes to the generator, is known in the art.

[0004] For example, from document CN110289671A, a device for producing electrical energy is known, operating on the basis of collected mechanical energy and designed to power a mobile phone. For the collection of mechanical energy, a winding wheel connected to a mainspring contained in a drum and having toothed wheels on the external surface is used. A flat spiral spring is used as the mainspring. The drum with the mainspring is then connected to a DC motor by a gearbox set. The gearbox set consists of a balance wheel with a hairspring and an escape wheel co-operating with an anchor-type escapement. The escape wheel is part of a multi-stage gearbox transferring rotational motion to the DC motor. Engagement of the escape wheel with the anchor-type escapement and their cooperation with the balance wheel with the hairspring governs the rotation of the gearbox and causes an impulse transfer of energy to the DC motor. In addition, the device is equipped with a voltage stabiliser and a capacitor for temporarily storing electrical energy.

[0005] In turn, from document KR102298657B1, a device is known for generating electrical energy through the system of mainsprings and gearboxes driving the generator with energy from unwinding mainsprings. A flat spiral spring is used as the mainspring. The mainspring is strained either manually or with an electric motor. Furthermore, it is used as a primary source of motion - mechanical energy, converted into electrical energy, the operation of the device being assisted by the operation of magnets. The gearbox that turns the generator rotor does not come into contact with the gear wheel driven by the mainspring, but is driven by the magnet characteristics, and not by the force of the main spring. This enables the rotation force of the mainspring to be used for a much longer time with a large number of gear wheels. Anchor escapements are used in these gear wheels. The first anchor escapement makes a reverse motion to the left and to the right, cooperating with the second anchor transmitting the motion to the gear wheel in the gearbox set. Thus, this gear wheel moves gradually by a certain angle, transmitting rotational motion at regular intervals to another gear wheel, in the same way as in manually wound mechanical watches.

[0006] Also from solution JP2OO22331O6A, a device for producing electrical energy is known. The device uses a mainspring, in the form of a spiral flat spring, connected to the generator by a gearbox set containing an escape wheel with an escapement. The device uses the principle of operation of a manually wound mechanical watch, wherein the device can be used for all electricity-consuming applications, including industrial applications, in machinery and appliances. In the device, the mainspring is strained manually. When released, the mainspring causes rotation of the first and second gear wheels. A multi-stage gearbox and an escapement mechanism cooperates with the second gear wheel. The escapement mechanism comprises an escape wheel, a balance wheel with a hairspring and an anchor escapement. The second gear wheel is also coupled to another multi-stage gearbox comprising six gear wheels and driving the generator. Each of these gear wheels has a different gear ratio so that their rotational speed can be increased. Through the operation of the escapement mechanism, the second gear wheel is driven at regular intervals by an impulse from the mainspring. Thanks to this design of the gearbox, the generator can be continuously driven for an extended period of time.

[0007] The purpose of the invention is to solve a technical problem resulting from the impulse power supply of the generator in devices comprising a mainspring connected by a gearbox to the escapement mechanism with the generator input. An additional purpose of the invention is to ensure the scalability of the device for various needs and to provide a necessarily long lifetime.

[0008] The invention relates to a device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, comprising a storage of mechanical energy connected to a generator input by gearboxes. The mechanical energy storage includes at least one mainspring which is a source of mechanical energy and which is connected by a gearbox to a mechanical energy storage shaft, connected by an escape wheel and an escapement to a balance wheel with a hairspring, and then connected to the generator input. The essence of the invention is that the mechanical energy storage shaft is connected by a gearbox to a flywheel mounted on a flywheel shaft, the flywheel shaft being secured at the input of the generator and having a clutch separating the flywheel shaft into a gearbox component and a flywheel component.

[0009] Preferably, a second gear wheel is mounted on the mechanical energy storage shaft and is connected to a multi-stage gearbox cooperating with a fourth gear wheel mounted on the flywheel shaft. This combination enables the flywheel momentum to be regulated by selecting appropriate gears in a multi-stage gearbox.

[0010] It is good if a balance wheel brake is mounted in a motion area of the balance wheel. The balance wheel brake stops the balance wheel and mechanical energy storage shaft, and therefore also stops the mainsprings expansion. In turn, by releasing the balance wheel brake, the device can be automatically actuated, occurring as a result of unlocking the rotation mobility of the mechanical energy storage shaft. When the balance wheel brake is released, the mainspring connected by a gearbox to the mechanical energy storage shaft sets it in motion. The application of the balance wheel brake has enabled the operation of the mechanical energy storage to be controlled automatically or manually. The balance wheel brake may be actuated when the mainsprings are expanded with the simultaneous actuation of an electric motor re-straining the mainsprings. After straining the mainsprings, the electric motor is stopped and the balance wheel brake released.

[0011] It is equally good if a mechanical energy storage has a set of separate mainsprings, each of which is connected to the mechanical energy storage shaft through a gearbox. Using different quantities of mainsprings allows easy and cheap adaptation of the mechanical energy storage to the necessary applications. The increase in the number of springs makes it possible to extend the operating time of the device.

[0012] It is also appropriate if the mechanical energy storage has a straining mechanism for straining the mainsprings, containing at least one electric motor. This makes it possible to reduce or even eliminate the need to strain the mainsprings manually.

[0013] It is particularly advantageous if the straining mechanism for straining the mainsprings has electric motors assigned to each mainspring. This enables each mainspring to be strained separately and to maintain a condition of the device in which at least one mainspring is ready for operation. This enables the electrical energy generated by the device to be permanently available. Another mainsprings may be re-strained and used to drive the mechanical energy storage shaft. It is also appropriate if flat spiral springs are used as the mainsprings, each of which is secured inside a spring drum having on its outer surface a toothed rim connected to a fifth gear wheel mounted on the mechanical energy storage shaft. This provides a simple structure which, in addition, is durable and reliable.

[0014] It is also reasonable for each spring drum to have a rotation locking mechanism assigned to it so that the motion of the individual mainsprings can be locked and each of them can be actuated successively.

[0015] It is particularly good if the straining mechanism for straining the mainsprings has an electric motor designed to be connected at least to renewable energy sources, in particular to photovoltaic panels. This enables the storage of energy from renewable sources using mechanical solutions based on simple and reliable design. This also restricts the use of various types of batteries that are expensive to produce and dispose of. Only parts which are easily recyclable may be used in the construction of a device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy.

[0016] Preferably, the fifth gearwheel is mounted on the mechanical energy storage shaft with a clutch protecting the fifth gear wheel against reverse motion, so that the escapement is protected against damage and an independent straining of each mainspring can be introduced.

[0017] It is good if the device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy is housed in a sealed housing.

[0018] It is equally reasonable if each mainspring has assigned a first individual sensor and a straining shaft has assigned a second individual sensor, the first individual sensor and the second individual sensor measure the distance movement by their assigned components. It is also appropriate if the device incorporates a control component, preferably a computer.

[0019] It is also advantageous if the mechanical energy storage comprises a coupling shaft connected to all the mainsprings and, in addition, comprises a power reserve mechanism connected to a first auxiliary gear wheel mounted on the upper surface of the selected spring drum and to the second auxiliary gear wheel mounted on the straining shaft.

[0020] Another invention relates to a device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy described above for use in wheeled vehicles for moving on land.

[0021] The main advantage of the invention is to ensure continuous driving of the generator. This has been achieved by using a flywheel rotating only one way. A clutch dividing the flywheel shaft on which the flywheel is mounted into two parts has been used as a protection against reverse motion liable to brake the momentum of the flywheel. Thanks to this design, the rotation motion is regularly transmitted by the gearbox from the mainsprings to the flywheel and to the generator. The mainsprings are impulse-expanded and the mechanical energy storage shaft also works at regular intervals. Due to this operation, the rotation impulses driving the flywheel are provided for a long time. The cyclic motion of the mainsprings and the mechanical energy storage shaft is regulated by an escape wheel and an escapement cooperating with a balance wheel with a hairspring. Consequently, the mainsprings do not rapidly and continuously expand. On the contrary, they are expanded regularly in small sections. The use of the mechanical energy storage with mainsprings enables the storage of energy in mechanical form. The use of subsequent springs or the selection of appropriate characteristics of the mainsprings used, in particular band springs, makes it possible to adapt the device to the conditions and needs in which it is to be used. The object of the invention is shown in embodiments in the drawing in which: Fig. 1 shows the functional diagram of the device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy in the first embodiment, Fig. 2 — functional diagram of the gearbox transmitting rotation to the generator; Fig. 3 - shows the functional diagram of the device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy in the second embodiment, Fig. 4 - mainspring in cross section, Fig. 5 - mainspring in exploded view; Fig. 6 shows the wall of the housing in a side view; Fig. 7 - shows the functional diagram of the device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy in the third embodiment, and Fig. 8 - functional diagram of the device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy in the fourth embodiment.

[0022] The device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy 1 (Fig. 1) includes a mechanical energy storage 2 with mainsprings 3. The mainsprings 3 are contained in the housing of the device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy 1. The mainsprings 3 are connected to a mechanical energy storage shaft 4, the external part of which extends beyond the mechanical energy storage 2. A first gear wheel 5 and a second gear wheel 6 are mounted on this external part of the mechanical energy storage shaft 4.

[0023] The first gear wheel 5 (Fig. 2) cooperates with a third gear wheel 7 mounted on an escape wheel shaft 8. An escape wheel 9 is rigidly mounted on the escape wheel shaft 8. The escape wheel 9 is connected by an anchor-type escapement 10 with a balance wheel shaft 11 on which a rigid projection 12 is made. The escapement 10 has an anchor fork that meshes with the rigid projection 12 of the balance wheel shaft 11 and an anchor that meshes with the teeth of the escape wheel 9. A balance wheel 13 with a hairspring 14 is rigidly mounted on the balance wheel shaft 11. Within the motion area of the balance wheel 13, a balance wheel brake 15 is also fitted, allowing the motion of the balance wheel 13 to be released or fully stopped if necessary. The balance wheel 13 itself has a large moment of inertia and rotates together with the balance wheel shaft 11. The balance wheel brake 15 is also responsible for regulating the rotation of the mechanical energy storage shaft 4. The balance wheel brake 15 stops not only the motion of the balance wheel 13, but also the mechanical energy storage shaft 4 and the motion of the mainsprings 3. The said components form the first module A regulating the rotational speed of the whole mechanical energy storage shaft 4.

[0024] The second gear wheel 6, on the other hand, cooperates with a multi-stage cylindrical gearbox 16 which is coupled to a fourth gear wheel 17 mounted on a flywheel shaft 18. A multi-stage gearbox 16, cooperating with a second gear wheel 6 and a fourth gear wheel 17, forms a second module B regulating the rotational speed of the flywheel shaft 18 and the momentum of a flywheel 20. Selection of appropriate gear wheels in a multi-stage gearbox 16 is used to regulate the momentum of the flywheel 20. The flywheel shaft 18 is mounted at the input of the generator 19. The flywheel 20 is mounted on the flywheel shaft 18. The flywheel shaft 18 is equipped with a clutch 21 separating the flywheel shaft 18 into the part on which the fourth gear wheel 17 is mounted and into the part on which the flywheel 20 is mounted. The clutch 21 has a reverse motion lock so that the stopping of the rotational motion of the mechanical energy storage shaft 4 is not transmitted to the part of the flywheel shaft 18 with the flywheel 20.

[0025] The generator 19 itself is used to generate electrical energy. Its area also houses electrical control units, generator's 19 own tooling, or also additional electrical equipment, for further transmission of the electrical energy generated, which are necessary for the operation of the device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy 1.

[0026] In the mechanical energy storage 2 with the mainsprings 3, band springs - flat spiral springs - were used as the mainsprings 3 (fig. 4, 5). Each of the mainsprings 3 is wound in a spring drum 22 in the same way as in mechanical watches. The unwinding of the mainspring 3 in the spring drum results in placing the coils of the mainspring 3 on the inner wall of the spring drum 22. Each of the band springs shall be secured inside the spring drum 22 having on its outer surface a toothed rim 23. A straining shaft 27 with which the first end of the band spring is connected indirectly, using a mainspring shaft 30, passes through each spring drum 22. On the other hand, the second outer end of the band spring is mounted on the side wall of the spring drum 22 with a protection against breakage of the band spring during its straining. During operation, the band spring, as it unwinds with its outer end, sets the spring drum 22 in rotation. The spring drum 22 itself, from the top and bottom, has slip surfaces that allow free rotation inside the housing of the device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy 1. The spring drum 22 is therefore stabilised and maintained horizontally and at a distance from the inner walls 29 of the mechanical energy storage 2 using slip rings made on the lower and upper external surfaces of the spring drums 22. To this end, slip rings, not shown in the drawing, are also made on the surfaces of the inner walls 29. For additional stabilization and horizontal setting of the spring drums 22, other means known in the art may be used, e.g. roller bearings, or additional stabilization sleeves mounted on the straining shaft 27 may be used.

[0027] In the embodiment, four band springs were used. On the mechanical energy storage shaft 4 in the area assigned to each spring drum 22, a fifth gear wheel 24 is mounted with a clutch. Expanding band spring causes a rotational motion of the spring drum 22 which cooperates with a fifth gear wheel 24 through the toothed rim 23, transferring the torque to the mechanical energy storage shaft 4. The clutch protects the fifth gear wheel 24 against unintentional reverse motion of the spring drum 22, protecting in particular the escapement 10 against damage. In the case of such motion, the fifth gear wheel 24 shall rotate freely around the mechanical energy storage shaft 4. During the straining of the band springs contained in the spring drums 22, there is no reverse motion of the spring drum 22.

[0028] A central straining mechanism for straining all band springs is mounted in mechanical energy storage 2. The central straining mechanism for straining all band springs has an electric motor 26 connected to the straining shaft 27. The straining shaft 27 is mounted in sockets on the inner surfaces of the upper and lower walls of the mechanical energy storage 2 and passes through all the band springs placed in the spring drums 22. A sixth gear wheel 28, with which the electric motor 26 cooperates, is mounted on the straining shaft 27. At the sixth gear wheel 28, there is also a reverse motion lock, thus preventing the reverse motion of the central straining mechanism for straining springs. At the straining shaft 27, the band springs are also fixed indirectly, using the mainspring shaft, with their first ends. Each mainspring 3 is therefore wound onto an intermediate component - the mainspring shaft 30 through which the straining shaft 27 passes. The electric motor 26 is designed to connect to any energy source, in particular renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and wind farms, or conventional energy sources. Thus, any energy source can be used to strain the band springs.

[0029] An additional manual straining gearbox 31 designed to strain the mainsprings 3 may also cooperate with the electric motor 26. The drive shaft of the manual straining gearbox 31 is ended with a shaped connector in the external socket 32 in the housing of the device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. A crank or other device which enables the mainsprings 3 to be strained manually or mechanically may therefore be attached in the socket 32. In other embodiments, the power shaft of the manually-strained gearbox 31 can extend beyond the housing of the device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. During the operation of the device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy 1, the balance wheel brake 15 is first released and the selected band spring is expanded, resulting in a rotational motion of the spring drum 22 which, through the toothed rim 23 and the fifth gear wheel 24, is passed to the energy storage shaft 4. The rotation of the energy storage shaft 4 causes the motion of the first gear wheel 5 and the second gear wheel 6.

[0030] The first gear wheel 5 transfers the torque to the third gear wheel 7, setting the escape wheel 9 in motion. As a consequence, the anchor-type escapement 10 is activated. The anchor of the escapement 10, engaged with the teeth of the escape wheel 9, transmits the motion via the anchor fork and the rigid protrusion 12 to the balance wheel shaft 11. Thus, the balance wheel 13 is set in motion, which, by operation of the hairspring 14, makes a pendulum, oscillatory motion. This is a reciprocating rotational motion. The period of this motion can be regulated by varying the length of the hairspring 14 or by the moment of inertia of the balance wheel 13. Oscillating motion of the balance wheel 13 is transmitted to the gear- connected components of the device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy 1 and regulates the speed of rotation of the escape wheel 9. Thus, the escapement 9 controls the rotational speed of the escape wheel shaft 8, and thus also the rotational speed of the mechanical energy storage shaft 4 and the unwinding speed of the mainsprings 3. If necessary, the motion of the balance wheel 13 may be stopped by the balance wheel brake 15, which also stops the operation of the mechanical energy storage shaft 4.

[0031] The second gear wheel 6 transmits the torque to the multi-stage gearbox 16, setting the flywheel 20 in motion. Through the clutch 21, the flywheel 20 operates independently of the mechanical energy storage shaft 4. The mechanical energy storage shaft 4 thus, during operation, moves the flywheel 20, the shaft of which is mounted at the input of the generator 19. Thus, the generator 19 is driven and generates electrical energy. The stopping or slow and impulse operation of the mechanical energy storage shaft 4 does not translate into such operation of the flywheel shaft 18 with the flywheel 20. The flywheel 20 through its inertia ensures continuous rotation, regardless of the periodic operation of the escapement 9 regulating rotation of the mechanical energy storage shaft 4. The flywheel shaft 18 continuously drives the generator 19. Mechanical energy from the mechanical energy storage 2 is transferred to the gearbox 16 in a impulse manner and then, through the operation of the flywheel 20, continuously to the generator 19. Mechanical energy is transmitted until all the mainsprings 3 are expanded.

[0032] The operating time of the device may be extended if the central straining mechanism for straining all band springs is actuated.

[0033] In the embodiment, the device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy 1 is located in a compact housing and the individual mechanisms are separated by inner walls 29. All components, including pins or shafts forming the device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy 1, are mounted in the walls of the housing with the use of bearings, as is commonly known in prior art solutions.

[0034] The device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy 1 in a compact housing may be located inside and outside buildings. The housing intended to be placed outdoors may be protected against weather conditions, thereby protecting the mechanical parts from damage.

[0035] Moreover, the housing can be sealed and then filled with a non-freezing liquid which further improves the resistance to the atmospheric conditions. In the case of a sealed housing, it has the means necessary to provide tightness and protection against weather conditions known in the state of the art. In particular, external panels of the housing may have seals adjacent to the inner walls 29. Alternatively, the housing panels can be fully covered with a material with sealing properties. The housing may also be suitable for operation during extremely low temperatures. The part of the device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy 1 containing the mainsprings 3 may be filled with a non-freezing liquid, for example glycol. This protects the mainsprings against negative temperatures. The device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy 1 designed to be filled with a non-freezing liquid has an additional inner wall 29 (Fig. 7) separating the mainsprings 3 and the straining mechanism for straining all band springs with the electric motor 26. In the case of a sealed housing, another type of protection of mechanical components against the influence of negative temperatures can be provided. For example, mechanical components may operate under conditions of substantially reduced pressure relative to atmospheric pressure. The negative pressure that can be created in the housing of the device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy 1 promotes the elimination of humidity and reduces the freezing of individual parts of the device. The sealed housing of the device can also be filled with gas, replacing air, which will also lead to a reduction in humidity.

[0036] Second embodiment

[0037] The second embodiment of the invention was realised by analogy with the first embodiment with differences concerning the design of the mechanical energy storage 2 (Fig. 3). Mechanical energy storage 2 lacks a central straining mechanism for straining all band springs. In this embodiment, individual straining shafts 27A were used for each spring drum 22 with a band spring. Each individual straining shaft 27A is rigidly connected to the spring drum 22 and is seated in sockets made in the inner walls 29 between each spring drum 22. In addition, at each spring drum 22 there is an individual electric motor 25 cooperating with the toothed rim 23 of the spring drum 22. The individual electric motor 25, cooperating with the toothed rim 23, strains the band spring contained in the single spring drum 22. With the reverse motion of the spring drum 22 occurring during the expansion of the band spring and the driving of the shaft of the mechanical energy storage 4, the connection between the individual electric motor 25 and the toothed rim 23 is disconnected.

[0038] In this embodiment, during the expansion of the band spring, the toothed rim 23 cooperates with the fifth gear 24 by transferring the torque to the mechanical energy storage shaft 4. As in the first embodiment, the clutch protects the fifth gear 24 against the reverse motion of the spring drum 22 occurring during the straining of the mainspring 3. This allows, with individual straining shafts 27A, the selected mainsprings 3 to be strained separately.

[0039] In addition, individual electric motors 25 have a lock to the rotation of the spring drum 22. The locks have a mandrel entering between the teeth of the toothed rim 23 and thus blocking the rotation of the spring drum 22. The mandrel is slidably seated in the housing of the individual electric motor 25 and is controlled by an electric actuator that implements changes in the position of the mandrel that block the motion of the spring drum 22. After releasing the lock and thus projecting the mandrel between the teeth of the toothed rim 23, it is possible to rotate the spring drum 22 and to expand the band spring. In the embodiment, four individual electric motors 25, out of five individual electric motors, have locks. In the area of the first spring drum 22, there is an individual electric motor 25 without lock. Thus, if the band springs are strained, at least one spring drum 22 shall always be coupled to the fifth gear wheel 24 and prepared for operation. It shall be possible to operate each spring drum 22 individually, starting with the first one, and to transfer the torque through successive band springs to the mechanical energy storage shaft 4.

[0040] In other embodiments, other mechanisms may be used for subsequent actuation of spring drums with mainsprings or for performing a specific sequence of actuations. In particular, a multi-stage gearbox may be used to limit the use of electric motors.

[0041] The electric energy storage 2 is also equipped with a control system cooperating with the non-shown sensors for the state of strain of mainsprings, assigned to each mainspring 3. The control system cooperates with individual electric motors 25. If the first mainspring 3 is close to full expansion, the control system shall release the lock and, by extending the mandrel, allow the next mainspring 3 to be expanded and the spring drum 22 to rotate. The control system shall sequentially unlock the rotational motion of the spring drums 22. At the same time, the indications of the sensors for the state of strain of mainsprings are used to start the individual electric motors 25 to strain the mainsprings 3 and to control the degree of strain of the mainsprings 3.

[0042] The device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy 1 comprising a mechanical energy storage 2 as described in the embodiments can be used to store excess electrical energy from photovoltaic panels in households. This is a particularly good use of the device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy 1 because it is easy to choose its size to meet a specific demand. The collected mechanical energy can be easily converted into electrical energy when required.

[0043] The device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy 1 comprising a mechanical energy storage 2 as described in the embodiments may also be used in wheeled vehicles for travel on land, in particular in cars and trucks, as well as in construction machinery. The device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy 1 makes it possible to supply electrical energy over a long period of time to the electric motors used in this type of vehicle. Third embodiment

[0044] Third embodiment (Fig. 6, 7) of the invention was realised by analogy to the first embodiment with differences concerning the construction of the mechanical energy storage. A set of electronic sensors designed to read the degree of strain of the mainsprings 3 was used in the mechanical energy storage. The set of electronic sensors consists of a first individual sensor 33A assigned to each spring drum 22 and a second individual sensor 33B assigned to the straining shaft 27. In the embodiment, electronic sensors of the odometer type are used in the set of electronic sensors, measuring the distance movement by the component to which they are attached.

[0045] The first individual sensors 33A measure the rotational motion of the mainspring drum. The sensor's indications regarding the displacement of the mainspring drum are converted into the degree of strain of the mainspring 3. The second individual sensor 33B measures the rotational motion of the straining shaft 27. The readings of this sensor are converted into the degree of strain of the mainsprings 3. For each mainspring 3, a motion lock was also fitted, cooperating with the toothed rim of the mainspring drum. Obviously, the set of electronic sensors 33 and motion locks are connected to a control unit, in particular a computer. The use of electronic sensors and motion locks allows for different expanding and straining scenarios of mainsprings 3.

[0046] The signal from the electronic sensors 33 reading the degree of strain of the mainsprings 3 is used to control the motion locks. If the mainspring 3 is strained, the electronic sensor 33 reading the degree of strain of the mainsprings 3 releases the motion lock and the mainspring 3 transfers the torque to the energy storage shaft 4. After the mainspring 3 is expanded, the motion lock is reactivated and the motion lock of the next strained mainspring 3 is released. Once all the mainsprings 3 have been expanded, the straining step takes place. In this example, it is advantageous to use a set of electronic sensors and motion locks with low power consumption so that during operation they can be supplied with electrical energy from the device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy

[0047] Using the set of electronic sensors and motion locks, other means of controlling the mainsprings 3 can also be implemented. For example, each successive mainspring 3 can be expanded by 20%. By winding the mainsprings 3 in the spring drums 22 in a manner analogous to that in mechanical watches, after the loss of 20% of the energy stored in each mainspring 3, the electric motor 26 can be activated and the mainsprings 3 can be strained even during their operation, whereby the mainsprings 3 driving the energy storage shaft 4 are strained at a slower rate than the mainsprings 3, the motion of which is blocked.

[0048] Using the set of electronic sensors and motion locks of the mainsprings 3, it is possible to regulate the degree of strain of individual mainsprings 3 by, for example, equalizing the degree of strain of the mainsprings 3 to the same level. Thanks also to the set of electronic sensors and the springs motion locks, it is possible to eliminate large disproportions between the degrees of strain of the mainsprings 3. If, under individual straining of the mainsprings 3, the electronic sensors detect a large disproportion where one of the mainsprings 3 is 10% strained and the rest 90% strained, it is possible to stop the straining of the mainsprings 3 until all are only 10% strained. Even straining of all mainsprings 3 can then begin.

[0049] In other embodiments, further methods of control of the mainsprings 3 may also be used. The first individual electronic sensor 33A can read the degree of expansion of the mainspring 3 and, when a predetermined threshold is reached, for example when the mainspring 3 has expanded by 95%, generate an impulse to block the expansion of this mainspring and to start the expansion of the next mainspring 3. Once all the mainsprings 3 have been expanded, the electric motor 26 with the tensioning shaft 27 is activated and the tensioning of all the mainsprings 3 is realised. Then the operation of the energy storage shaft 4 is stopped.

[0050] Fourth embodiment

[0051] Fourth embodiment (Fig. 8) the invention was realised by analogy to the first embodiment with differences concerning the construction of the mechanical energy storage. Four mainsprings 3 were used in the mechanical energy storage. Identical to the first embodiment, these are flat spiral springs wound in spring drums 22 with a toothed rim 23.

[0052] The mechanical energy storage 2 has an additional coupling shaft 34 with four gear wheels of the coupling shaft 35 mounted on it. The gear wheels of the coupling shaft 35 are engaged with the toothed rims 23 of the spring drums 22. All the mainsprings 3 therefore cooperate together - they are equally expanded and strained.

[0053] Between the electric motor 26, cooperating with the straining shaft 27, and the first mainspring 3, there is a reserve module C. its function is to indicate the degree of strain of the mainsprings 3 - with the mainsprings fully strained 3, it shows the "full" status, with the springs expanded, it shows the "empty" status. Furthermore, the indications of the reserve module C with the 'full' state can generate an impulse respectively to switch off the electric motor 26 and to expand the mainsprings 3, or with the "empty" state - to stop the expansion of the mainsprings 3 and to start the electric motor 26. The impulse shall also release the balance wheel brake 15 of the balance wheel 13 with the "full" state or apply the balance wheel brake 15 of the balance wheel 13 with the "empty" status, respectively. For this purpose:

[0054] - the reserve module C uses a state-of-the-art power reserve mechanism with a 'full' or 'empty' state indicator. The power reserve mechanism is a set of gearboxes used for mechanical watches. - a first auxiliary gear wheel 36 is mounted on the upper surface of the spring drum 22, coupled to the power reserve mechanism and directing the power reserve mechanism towards the "empty" state;

[0055] - at the straining shaft 27 a second auxiliary gear wheel 37 is mounted, coupled to the power reserve mechanism and directing the power reserve mechanism towards the "full" state.

[0056] List of designations

[0057] 1 Device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy

[0058] 2 mechanical energy storage

[0059] 3 mainsprings

[0060] 4 mechanical energy storage shaft

[0061] 5 first gear wheel

[0062] 6 second gear wheel

[0063] 7 third gear wheel

[0064] 8 escape wheel shaft

[0065] 9 escape wheel

[0066] 10 escapement

[0067] 11 balance wheel shaft

[0068] 12 balance wheel shaft projection

[0069] 13 balance wheel

[0070] 14 hairspring

[0071] 15 balance wheel brake

[0072] 16 multi-stage gearbox

[0073] 17 fourth gear wheel

[0074] 18 flywheel shaft

[0075] 19 generator

[0076] 20 flywheel

[0077] 21 clutch

[0078] 22 spring drum

[0079] 23 toothed rim

[0080] 24 fifth gear wheel

[0081] 25 individual electric motor

[0082] 26 electric motor

[0083] 27 straining shaft

[0084] 27A individual straining shafts

[0085] 28 sixth gear wheel

[0086] 29 inner walls

[0087] 30 mainspring shaft

[0088] 31 manually-strained gearbox

[0089] 32 manually-strained gearbox socket

[0090] 33A first individual electronic sensor

[0091] 33B second individual electronic sensor

[0092] 34 coupling shaft

[0093] 35 gear wheels of the coupling shaft

[0094] 36 first auxiliary gear wheel 7 second auxiliary gear wheel

[0095] A first module regulating the rotational speed of the mechanical energy storage shaft

[0096] B second module regulating the rotational speed of the flywheel shaft and the momentum of the flywheel

[0097] C reserve module

Claims

CLAIMS1. A device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, comprising a mechanical energy storage connected to a generator input by gearboxes, wherein the mechanical energy storage includes at least one mainspring which is a source of mechanical energy and which is connected by a gearbox to a mechanical energy storage shaft, connected by an escape wheel and an escapement to a balance wheel with a hairspring, and then connected to the generator input, characterised in that the mechanical energy storage shaft (4) is connected by a gearbox to a flywheel (20) mounted on a flywheel shaft (18), the flywheel shaft (18) being secured at the input of the generator (19) and having a clutch (21) separating the flywheel shaft (18) into a gearbox component and a flywheel component.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterised in that a second gear wheel (6) is mounted on the mechanical energy storage shaft (4) and is connected to a multi-stage gearbox (16) cooperating with a fourth gear wheel (17) mounted on the flywheel shaft (18).

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that a balance wheel brake (15) is mounted in a motion area of the balance wheel (13).

4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the mechanical energy storage (2) has a set of separate mainsprings (3), each of which is connected to the mechanical energy storage shaft (4) through a gearbox.

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the mechanical energy storage (2) has a straining mechanism for straining the mainsprings (3), comprising at least one electric motor (26) or a manualstraining gearbox (31).

6. The device according to claim 5, characterised in that the straining mechanism for straining the mainsprings (3) has an electric motors assigned to each mainspring (3).

7. The device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterised in that flat spiral springs are used as the mainsprings (3), each of which is secured inside a spring drum (22) having on its outer surface a toothed rim (23) connected to a fifth gear wheel (24) mounted on the mechanical energy storage shaft (4).

8. The device according to claim 7, characterised in that each spring drum (22) has an assigned rotation locking mechanism.

9. The device according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterised in that the straining mechanism for straining the mainsprings (3) has the electric motor (26) configured to be connected at least to renewable energy sources, in particular to photovoltaic panels.

10. The device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterised in that the fifth gear wheel (24) is mounted on the mechanical energy storage shaft (4) with a clutch protecting the fifth gear wheel (24) against reverse motion.

11. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that it is contained in a sealed housing.

12. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that each mainspring (3) has assigned a first individual sensor (33A) and a straining shaft (27) has assigned a second individual sensor (33B), wherein the first individual sensor (33A) and the second individual sensor (33B) measure the distance movement by their assigned components.

13. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that it comprises a control unit, preferably a computer.

14. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the mechanical energy storage (2) comprises a coupling shaft (34) connectedto all the mainsprings (3) and, in addition, comprises a power reserve mechanism connected to a first auxiliary gear wheel (36) mounted on the upper surface of the selected mainspring drum (22) and to a second auxiliary gear wheel (37) mounted on the straining shaft (27).

15. The device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy according to any one of claims 1 to 12 for use in wheeled vehicles for moving on land.

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