Rectifier for converting bidirectional movement into unidirectional rotation

Abstract

The present invention relates to a rectifier for producing a unidirectional output rotation comprising an outer casing subjected to the action of a bidirectional input movement. The rectifier comprises a first and a second movable section that are solidly attached to the outer casing. The first movable section comprises transmission means to act on an output shaft when the casing rotates in a direction of rotation and the second movable section comprises transmission means to act on the output shaft when the casing rotates in the other direction of rotation. The first transmission means communicate to the output shaft an inverted rotation with respect to that of the casing and the second transmission means communicate to the output shaft a rotation in the same direction as the casing. The rectifier comprises a first and a second fixed sections to support shafts that cooperate with the first and second transmission means.

Description

[0001]

[0002] Rectifier with bidirectional motion in unidirectional rotation

[0003] Technical sector

[0004] The present invention relates to the technical field of transforming bidirectional input movements into unidirectional output movements. In particular, it relates to a rectifier for obtaining a unidirectional rotation of an output shaft from input movements captured by said system and which have directions or senses that may be different from those of the output shaft.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] Motion transformation systems of the type mentioned in the previous section, in which the input motion is bidirectional and the output rotary shaft is unidirectional, require an appropriately designed motion rectifier that allows the two input directions to be transmitted to the output shaft, such that the latter rotates in a single direction independently of the input motion directions. It should be noted here that, when referring to two input directions, two opposite external directions are being considered applied to a shaft that is intended to rotate in a single direction. Thus, the two directions in which the outermost part of the rectifier, which is in contact with the fluid (water, air, gas, etc.), will move are those in which the motion is transmitted.) or with the parts whose movement is to be rectified; that is, said fluid or parts may present different directions of movement (in a number greater than two), but this external part of the rectifier will be responsible for preliminarily transforming them into the two input directions mentioned, as is known in the sector.

[0007] For example, in the case of wave energy, water is subject to various flows, currents, and movements within its volume. A rectification system, with the part in contact with the liquid, is responsible for mechanically discriminating and capturing only the two directions of rise and fall of the water mass. Therefore, there are two directions of movement to transmit to a shaft that generates the energy. In this document, "direction" and "sense" are used interchangeably with the same meaning, unless such differentiation is explicitly expressed in the corresponding case. When, for illustrative purposes, it is appropriate to use these terms in their physical or mathematical sense.

[0008] As an example of bidirectional motion rectification, the Utility Model document ES1089231 U has been located, which discloses an embodiment of an electrical generating system powered by turbines that capture energy from different directions coming from wave / wind energy, and which, with a series of rotating transmission elements such as gears, crowns or similar, are connected to a one-way coupling formed in turn by a toothed wheel and a coupling element transmitting a one-way rotational movement to the central rotating shaft. This solution requires several shafts and gears to transform the movement from different directions into a single direction, which means that several mechanical elements are involved and transmission problems may arise, for example, due to small misalignments, or failure of any of the various mechanical elements involved in the transformation of the movement.Furthermore, it is a bulky system that complicates its installation.

[0009] Bearing in mind the aforementioned drawbacks and others related to the current technique, and additional improvements over the latter, it would be appropriate and useful to have a rectifier that allows easy mounting on any unidirectional shaft that rotates in both directions on its exterior through various drive mechanisms, providing a robust unit resistant to torsional forces. These improvements, among others, are achieved with a bidirectional motion rectifier that presents the characteristics and / or technical elements that will be described in the following sections.

[0010] Object of the invention

[0011] According to the objectives set forth in the previous section, the object of the present invention is a rectifier for rectifying a bidirectional input motion into a unidirectional output rotation. Said rectifier comprises an outer casing subject to the action of a bidirectional input motion; this bidirectional input motion causes the casing to rotate in two opposite rotational directions. The rectifier further comprises at least one first and at least one second movable or rotating section that move integrally with the outer casing. The first movable section comprises first transmission means adapted to act on an output shaft concentric to the casing only when the casing rotates in one of the two rotational directions, and the second movable section comprises second transmission means adapted to act on the output shaft only when the casing rotates in the other of the two rotational directions.Furthermore, the first transmission means are adapted to communicate to the output shaft a rotation inverse to that of the outer casing and the second transmission means are adapted to communicate to the output shaft a rotation in the same direction as that of the outer casing, whereby the output shaft always rotates in the same direction.Likewise, the rectifier comprises an intermediate section arranged between the movable sections comprising means for supporting the transmission means of the movable sections; or a first fixed section with means for supporting the transmission means of the movable section and a second fixed section with means for supporting the transmission means of the movable section; or an intermediate section arranged between the movable sections comprising means for supporting the transmission means of the movable sections and a first fixed section with means for supporting the transmission means of the movable section and a second fixed section with means for supporting the transmission means of the movable section.

[0012] Preferably, said support means of the first fixed section and / or the second fixed section are one or more axles that respectively support the first transmission means of the first mobile section and the second transmission means of the second mobile section.

[0013] Preferably, the intermediate section comprises at least two faces adapted to support, respectively, the axes of the first mobile section and the axes of the second mobile section.

[0014] This rectifier can be easily mounted on any shaft, with the option of fitting various drive mechanisms on its exterior. This way, the moving sections and parts responsible for transmission, including the central shaft, are protected without affecting the rectifier's performance.

[0015] Being a unit composed of several sections, the device is compact, facilitating installation and providing robustness. It also allows for modular assembly, allowing rectifying vapors to be mounted on a single axis to achieve a cumulative effort from the captured forces.

[0016] According to another characteristic of the invention, the first transmission means of the first mobile section and / or the second transmission means of the second mobile section comprise (as retaining or locking elements for the transmission of only one direction of rotation of the outer casing) one or more ratchet mechanisms and / or one or more clutch mechanisms.

[0017] This ensures rotational rectification, so that the moving sections form robust bundles, providing greater resistance to unwanted twisting.

[0018] Another feature of the invention relates to the fact that the first transmission means of the first mobile section comprise an odd number of concentric stages of planetary gears from the outer casing to the output shaft, the latter being the center of said stages of planetary gears.

[0019] In this way, they achieve the reversal of the input rotation of the outer casing, which is necessary to obtain the unidirectional rotation of the output shaft.

[0020] Similarly, the second transmission means of the second movable section comprise an even number of concentric stages of planetary gears from the outer casing to the output shaft or are directly coupled to said output shaft, whereby they do not reverse the rotation of the latter with respect to the input rotation of the casing.

[0021] This configuration makes it resistant to damaging forces or twists, and presents greater homogeneity in the distribution of transmitted forces.

[0022] Additionally, as the central shaft rotates independently of the outer casing, and with the friction of the rotation transmission gears, a rapid change of direction can be achieved without inertia, since the inertia that the central shaft may have does not influence the outer part of the piece, so that the external drive mechanisms, if they change the direction of rotation of the outer casing, do so without problems since if force is stopped being applied to the outer casing, it stops quickly.

[0023] Preferably, both the first moving section and the second moving section use one or more stages of planetary gears to achieve a multiplier effect determined by the number of such stages and the sizes and positions of its components. This makes it easily adaptable to various speeds, providing great versatility for different applications.

[0024] According to another embodiment, the second transmission means of the second movable section comprise a coupling without intermediate gears between the outer housing and the output shaft. Thus, the second movable section could be a solid element that transmits rotation directly to the shaft. This option, despite presenting problems with power loss in the transmission, results in a simpler and more advantageous device for certain applications.

[0025] In accordance with another additional feature of the invention, the first movable section and / or the second movable section move integrally with the outer casing through at least one respective key and keyway engagement; that is, the first movable section may have one or more keys or keyways, and the outer casing will correspondingly have respective keyways or keyways. The same feature applies to the second movable section in relation to the outer casing. Regarding this integral movement engagement, both for the first and second movable sections can be achieved through a series of projections and recesses that complement each other to correctly fit and transmit the rotation of the outer casing to the movable sections. In a preferred embodiment, these projections and recesses are complementary teeth.

[0026] According to a further feature of the invention, the outer casing comprises at least one blade or vane arranged to receive the thrust of the bidirectional input movement; that is, the rectifier would be suitable for wave energy, to transform the movement of the fluid in which it is submerged or immersed completely or partially, into a rotation of the outer casing in one direction or another.

[0027] Additionally, another feature of the rectifier of the present invention is that the outer casing may comprise one or more Salter duck-type devices or one or more floating devices, the latter of which may be secured via support arms to achieve a lever effect that transmits the reciprocating motion. According to another aspect of the invention, the output shaft of the rectifier may comprise one or more flywheels secured thereto to smooth the rotation of the output shaft, making it more constant or uniform.

[0028] Finally, according to another characteristic of the invention, the rectifier comprises at least one mechanical energy accumulator, in the form of a torsion spring, arranged between the outer casing and the ratchet mechanism, to accumulate the energy produced in the rotation of the outer casing and transmit it progressively.

[0029] Description of the figures

[0030] The following drawings are briefly listed and described, by way of non-limiting example, attached hereto to illustrate and facilitate the interpretation of the bidirectional motion rectifier disclosed in this invention.

[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic functional block view of one of the preferred embodiments of the rectifier of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 is a schematic view of the first fixed section of the rectifier of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 3 is a schematic view of the first movable section of the rectifier of the present invention.

[0034] Figures 4(a) and 4(b) are two views of the two faces of the intermediate section of the rectifier of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 5 is a schematic view of the second movable section of the rectifier of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 6 is a schematic view of the second fixed section of the rectifier of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 7 is a schematic view of the first movable section of the rectifier of the present invention with rotation indications of the different stages to explain the operation of said section.

[0038] Figure 8 is a schematic view of the second movable section of the rectifier of the present invention with rotation indications of the different stages to explain the operation of said section.

[0039] Figure 9 is a schematic view of the rectifier of the present invention with one or more inertia flying vapours added.

[0040] Figure 10 is a schematic view of the rectifier of the present invention in a wave power conversion application.

[0041] Figure 11 is a schematic side view of the rectifier of the present invention, with the first movable section exposed, and with a float mechanism in a wave energy conversion application.

[0042] Figures 12 to 14 are examples of application of the rectifier of the present invention in systems that combine rectifying vapors with different configurations.

[0043] Figures 15 and 16 are two schematic side and top views, respectively, of a system combining rectifying vapors of the present invention with Salter duck-type outer casings.

[0044] Figure 17 is a schematic view of a power transformation system combining two rectifiers of the present invention with output shafts having opposite directions of rotation.

[0045] Figure 18 is a schematic view of an energy transformation system with rectifying vapors for a first output shaft rotating in a first direction and rectifying vapors for a second output shaft rotating in a second direction opposite to the first.

[0046] Detailed description of the invention

[0047] A detailed description of the invention will now be given with reference to the figures presented in general terms in the previous section. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a rectifier (4) of the present invention, divided into functional blocks useful for explaining its operation, and Figures 2 to 8 show the faces of said functional blocks on which the various transmission means and shafts of the rectifier (4) are mounted.

[0048] The main body of the rectifier (4) is traversed by an output shaft (3) intended to receive the unidirectional rotary movement obtained by said rectifier (4). The first (4a) and second (4e) fixed sections have a static character and are sections intended to act as an anchor for the rectifier (4) (of its moving parts or pieces) so that they support, for example, the shafts (400, 401) on which the planetary gears of the first and second moving sections (4b, 4d) are mounted respectively. These fixed sections (4a, 4e) incorporate an inner bearing (402) in the center through which the central shaft (3) passes for its support and free movement; Figure 2 illustratively shows the inner bearing (402) corresponding to the first fixed section (4a), and the second fixed section (4e) comprises another similar bearing (not shown) also for the shaft (3) as can be deduced from the figures and from the present description.

[0049] The fixed sections (4a, 4e) are connected, respectively, to the first and second movable sections (4b, 4d) to cooperate in the transmission of the input movement to the output shaft (3), such that they support the transmission elements, as will be explained below. These movable sections (4b, 4d) are firmly connected to, or are integral with, an outer casing (1a) that captures the bidirectional input movement and are the sections that rectify and / or transmit the movement in a multiplied manner to the central shaft (3) in a unidirectional manner through planetary gears, toothed crowns and retaining means located concentrically in each corresponding section, as can be seen in figures 3 and 5.

[0050] According to an alternative embodiment, the outer casing (1a) could be shaded or integral with the mobile section (4d) (alternative not shown in the figures) so that the transmission of the rotation of the casing (1a) is carried out directly to the central axis (3), although it would be less effective, assuming energy losses in the system.

[0051] The retention means mentioned may be, for example, ratchet bearings or clutches, or any other means that perform the function that will be explained in detail later.

[0052] The intermediate section (4c) is intended to be a central anchoring and support piece arranged between the movable sections (4b, 4d) in combination with the aforementioned fixed sections (4a, 4e). The preferred embodiment would be with the five sections shown (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e); however, it is contemplated that there may be intermediate movable sections depending on the installation requirements. In the latter case, between movable sections there could be an intermediate support section (4c). In this way, alternatively, more equal sections could be arranged to distribute the forces more evenly on the shaft, for example, in the order of (4a-4b-4c-4d-4c-4b-4e) or (4a-4b-4c-4d-4c-4b-4c-4d-4e) or any configuration including a fixed section between the movable sections to support the gear shafts.

[0053] According to other alternative embodiments, the intermediate section (4c) could be dispensed with, supporting it only on the fixed lateral sections (4a, 4e), or even if it were less stable, the fixed lateral sections (4a, 4e) could be dispensed with, supporting both mobile sections with the intermediate section (4c).

[0054] In the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the intermediate section (4c) holds at least part of the shafts (400, 401) of the planetary gears of the mobile sections (4b, 4d).

[0055] In this illustrated embodiment, all sections (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e) are crossed by the central output shaft (3) which is rotated in a single direction. This one-way rotation is obtained by transmitting the bidirectional movement received by the outer casing (1a) to said central shaft (3) through the mobile sections (4b, 4d), the central shaft (3) being driven by section (4b) when the outer casing (1a) rotates the sections (4b, 4d) in a first direction, and by section (4d) when the outer casing (1a) rotates the sections (4b, 4d) in the opposite direction, with section (4b) being the one that rectifies the rotation so that the shaft (3) rotates according to the second direction of rotation.

[0056] Next, a description will be given of the interconnection between exemplary motion transmission means, both in one direction of rotation and in the opposite direction, with the different fixed sections (4a, 4c, 4d) and mobile sections (4b, 4d) that have just been described. For an embodiment in which the central or output shaft (3) must rotate clockwise (for example, for the generation of electrical energy), the mobile sections (4b, 4d) and the corresponding transmission means would be constructed as follows.

[0057] The first movable section (4b), which transmits the movement when the outer casing (1a) rotates in the opposite direction to the central axis (3), will comprise several concentric pieces. Starting from the outside, we find an outer ratchet bearing (100) that rotates integrally with the outer casing (1a); this integral coupling can be achieved, for example, by means of a keyway and key assembly. The outer casing (1a) may comprise one or several blades or vanes, or similar elements or parts, to efficiently capture the movement of the fluid in which the rectifier (4) may be immersed.

[0058] In another embodiment in which the outer casing (1 a) is intended to receive a mechanical directional movement, produced by solid parts or components, the latter would be connected, in an articulated manner, if necessary, with the casing (1 a), instead of the blades or vanes, or even in addition to the latter.

[0059] The outer ratchet bearing (100) is further coupled to an outer ring gear (103) by means of a key (108) and keyway (101) assembly. In the various specific cases set forth herein in which a key-keyway coupling is described to join the rotational movement between two pieces, the corresponding key and keyway could exchange their location with respect to the two pieces to be coupled together, or the key-keyway type coupling itself could be achieved in another manner in accordance with the claims.

[0060] For this case in which the shaft (3) must always rotate clockwise, the locking direction of the outer ratchet bearing (100) will be the opposite direction to said rotation of the shaft (3), that is, the housing (1a) will rotate the ratchet bearing (100) when it rotates counterclockwise. Therefore, in order to achieve that counterclockwise rotation becomes the desired opposite rotation on the output shaft (3), at least three toothed gears (105) are interposed in a planetary manner between the outer gear ring (103) and an inner gear ring (102). The gears (105) comprise a conventional bearing (104) in the center and are mounted on the shafts (400) of the fixed (4a) and intermediate (4c) sections so that they do not move with the movement, and can only rotate on themselves.The inner ring gear (102) is coupled by means of a key and keyway assembly with an inner ratchet bearing (106) in a clockwise direction; in turn, the inner ratchet bearing (106), on its inner part, is coupled, for example by means of a key and keyway (107), with the central shaft (3).

[0061] On the other hand, the second mobile section (4d) will be responsible for transmitting the movement to the central shaft (3) when the outer casing (1a) rotates clockwise. To this end, its corresponding transmission means comprise, firstly from the part located furthest outside, an external ratchet bearing (200) installed clockwise with an external keyway to fit at least the outer casing (1a) and with an internal keyway (201) to fit the external toothed ring gear (202). For this case in which, as mentioned, the shaft (3) must rotate clockwise, the locking direction of the external ratchet bearing (200) will be in the same direction as the rotation of the output shaft (3), that is, clockwise.An external toothed crown (202) is also included, with a key (209) in its external part and which coincides with the keyway (201) of the external ratchet bearing (200); the external toothed crown (202) has the teeth on the inside to fit into external planetary gears (203) (which are provided in a minimum number of three). In turn, these at least three external gears (203) that are arranged in a planetary manner include respective bearings (204) in their central part, and these bearings (204) are mounted on the shafts (401) that project and are supported in the intermediate (4c) and fixed (4e) sections so that they do not move with the movement, and can only rotate on themselves.

[0062] Continuing in the direction of the output shaft (3), there is an intermediate toothed crown (208), with teeth on both the inside and outside to couple, on the one hand, to the aforementioned external gears (203) and, on the other hand, to internal gears (206), whereby the movement can be transmitted from the former to the latter, also providing rigidity to the assembly. According to an alternative embodiment, this toothed crown (208) could be dispensed with if the gears 203 and 206 are in direct contact.

[0063] The internal gears (206) are also provided in at least three numbers and are arranged in a planetary manner with respect to a center constituted by the output shaft (3); they also comprise respective bearings which are mounted on the shafts (401) of the sections (4c and 4e) so that they do not move with the movement, and can only rotate on themselves. In connection with these internal gears (206) there is an internal toothed ring gear (205), with teeth on its external part and which, on its internal part, comprises a key for fitting into a keyway of an internal ratchet bearing (207) installed in a clockwise direction. The internal ratchet bearing (207) also includes another keyway (210) for fitting with the central shaft (3).

[0064] As mentioned above, the first (4a) and second (4e) sections have a fixed character and support the shafts (400, 401) on which the gears of the mobile sections (4b, 4d) are mounted. In this illustrative embodiment, the first fixed section (4a) will support at least three shafts (400) for holding the first transmission means of the first mobile section (4b), while the second fixed section (4e) will include at least six shafts (401) to connect with the second transmission means of the second mobile section (4d).

[0065] As for the intermediate section (4c), it comprises an inner bearing (402) in the center so that the output shaft (3) can rotate freely, and an outer bearing (402a) on its external part so that the outer casing (1a) can rotate freely on it. In addition, on each of its faces it acts as a support for the shafts (400, 401) together with the fixed sections (4a, 4e).

[0066] As can be seen from the described planetary gear stages, in the second moving section (4d) there is no change of direction between the rotation of the outer ratchet bearing (200) and the central shaft (3), so that optionally, the intermediate gears (203, 206) could be dispensed with. However, in one of the preferred embodiments these gears (203, 206) act as multipliers.

[0067] With this configuration, any oscillating movement in two directions of rotation received by the outer casing (1a) is transformed into a uniform movement in one direction of rotation on the central shaft (3). This device (4) also acts as a multiplier with a multiplication ratio selectable according to the number and size of the planetary gears (105, 203, 206). This increases the speed on the central shaft (3) with respect to the speed of the outer casing (1a). In general, and when either the first or the second transmission means take the form of planetary gear systems, the first mobile section (4b) will be connected to the output shaft (3) through an odd number of concentric stages of planetary gears and the second mobile section (4d) will have an even number of stages of planetary gears or it can be connected directly to the output shaft (3).

[0068] The operation of the rectifier (4) according to the components described above is as follows. The outer casing (1a) receives the rotation drive, and rotates in two opposite directions (A, B) as shown in figures 7 and 8. Being fixed to the outer ratchet bearings (100, 200) of the movable sections (4b, 4d), said bearings (100, 200) rotate together with the outer casing (1a) also in both directions (A, B). As mentioned above, the outer ratchet bearings (100, 200) of the movable or rotating sections (4b, 4d) are oriented oppositely, such that, when the outer casing (1a) rotates in any one of the directions (A, B), one of the ratchet bearings (100, 200) is locked and transmits the movement, while the other outer ratchet bearing (100, 200) runs freely and no movement is transmitted in the direction of the shaft (3).When the outer casing (1a) rotates in the other direction, the ratchet bearings (100, 200) operate in reverse.

[0069] Specifically, in a first rotation direction (A) of the outer casing (1a), the outer ratchet bearing (100) of the first movable section (4b) is locked and transmits the rotation of the outer casing (1a) to the outer ring gear (103), while the outer ratchet bearing (200) of the second movable section (4d) runs freely and does not transmit any movement to the outer ring gear (202). In this case, the outer ring gear (103) rotates in the same direction as the outer casing (1a). In this way, since the outer ring gear (103) is in contact with the planetary gears (105), the movement is transmitted and the planetary gears (105) rotate on themselves in the same direction as the outer casing (1a).

[0070] Said planetary gears (105) are in turn in contact with the inner ring gear (102), which has in its internal part an internal ratchet bearing (106) fixed to the central shaft (3). The planetary gears (105) rectify and transmit the movement to the inner ring gear (102), causing the inner ratchet bearing (106) and thus the central shaft (3) to rotate in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation (A) of the outer casing (1a).

[0071] In a second direction of rotation (B) of the outer casing (1a), the outer ratchet bearing (100) of the first movable section (4b) runs freely and does not transmit any movement to the outer ring gear (103), while the outer ratchet bearing (200) of the second movable section (4d) is locked and transmits the rotation of the outer casing (1a) to the outer ring gear (202). In this case, the outer ring gear (202) rotates in the same direction as the outer casing (1a). In this way, since the outer ring gear (202) is in contact with the outer planetary gears (203), the movement is transmitted and the outer planetary gears (203) rotate on themselves in the same direction as the outer casing (1a). Said outer planetary gears (203) are in turn in contact with the intermediate ring gear (208).The intermediate ring gear (208) is toothed on both the outside and inside, so that it transmits the movement of the outer planetary gears (203) to the inner planetary gears (206). These inner planetary gears (206) are in contact with the inner ring gear (205), which has on its inside an internal ratchet bearing (207) fixed to the central shaft (3), and transmit the movement to the inner ring gear (205), causing the internal ratchet bearing (207) and thus the central shaft (3) to rotate in the same direction of rotation (B) as the outer casing (1a). Consequently, for both directions of rotation (A, B) of the outer casing (1a) the rectifier (4) causes the central shaft (3) to rotate in a single direction.

[0072] In another preferred embodiment, the rectifier (4) comprises a flywheel (6). In order to obtain a more uniform output movement, the central shaft (3) may comprise at least one flywheel (6), which provides a more regular movement in the rotation speed of the central shaft (3). The flywheel (6) maintains the rotational inertia of the central shaft (3) while the rotation direction of the outer casing (1a) is changed. This option is illustrated in Figure 9.

[0073] The rectifier (4) will normally be greased at the factory. Alternatively or additionally, it may comprise one or more lubricating nozzles for some or all of the moving parts of the system; in a preferred embodiment, one or more of these lubricating nozzles will be arranged on the sides of the rectifier (4). In another embodiment, the integral coupling between the outer casing (1a) and at least one of the moving sections (4b, 4d) is achieved by means of perimeters with complementary projections and recesses on the surfaces of both elements intended for coupling, that is, between the outer surface of the first moving section (4b) and the inner surface of the casing (1a) and / or, correspondingly, between the outer surface of the second moving section (4d) and the inner surface of the casing (1a).

[0074] Application examples

[0075] Below, some practical examples in which the rectifier (4) of the present invention can be applied will be presented in an illustrative and non-limiting manner.

[0076] In a particular embodiment for the transformation of wave energy into electrical energy, the grinding device (4) is totally or partially immersed in water. In this embodiment, the water moves at least one outer casing (1a) that is fixed to the outer ratchet bearings (100, 200) of the rotating or mobile sections (4b, 4d). The outer casing (1a) may be or comprise, for example, one or more turbine blades or one or more Salter ducks.

[0077] Figure 10 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of an electrical generation system for wave energy, which is arranged totally or partially immersed in water, and which comprises a central shaft (3), a rectifier (4), at least one turbine blade comprised in or forming part of the outer casing (1a), a generator (5) and one or more inertial vapors (6); the system also includes, in this case, a stator (7) and a rotor (8).

[0078] At a suitable point on the coast, a practically closed submerged chamber is constructed with an opening in one of its walls, to which the electrical generation system of figure 10 is fixed. The wall to which the system is fixed is arranged in such a way that the swaying created by the sea waves rotates the casing (1a) in both directions of approaching and moving away from the coast. The electrical generation system with the rectifier (4) is arranged completely immersed in the water.This opening is funnel-shaped, with a water inlet (the one pointing out to sea or away from the coast, for example), square, wider than the diameter of the power generation system, and an outlet (the one pointing towards the power generation system, towards the coast for example) substantially round in accordance with the diameter of the system, in order to increase the speed of the water flow by the Venturi effect and to channel a greater quantity of water towards the chamber, thus taking advantage of the maximum possible water flow when the waves go towards the land.

[0079] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 11, the grinding device (4) could not be submerged and the outer casing (1a) driving the movable sections (4b, 4d) would comprise an arm with a float (1) at the end opposite the grinder (4). In this way, the float (1) is kept on the surface of the water and the oscillations produced therein are transmitted by the arm to the movable sections (4b, 4d).

[0080] In this application, preferably, a rectifier (4) rotates unidirectionally the central shaft (3) that is connected to the rotor (8) of an electric generator (5). However, in other cases, a plurality of rectifiers (4) can be installed sequentially on the same central shaft (3), as shown in Figures 12 and 13.

[0081] In figures 12 and 13, corresponding to an electrical generation system with a plurality of rectifiers (4) on the same central axis (3), a marine structure (2) is located at a certain angle with respect to the direction of the waves. A plurality of rectifiers are sequentially located on said structure (2).

[0082] (4) mounted on the same central axis (3), with arms included in the outer casings (1a) which comprise floats (1) at the end opposite the rectifier (4). In this way, as the wave advances, a sequential movement occurs in each of the arms of the casing (1a) which causes the movement of the mobile sections (4b, 4d) of the rectifiers (4) through which the central axis (3) is rotated unidirectionally. The central axis (3), in turn, provides the necessary movement for the electric generator (5) to start operating. In another variant of this system, one or each of the floats (1) can be fixed to a plurality of arms of the casing (1a).

[0083] In this vahante, at the end of the central axis (3) there is at least one electric generator

[0084] (5) which is directly connected to the shaft (3), which allows energy to be generated even with minimal movement. In another variant of this system, at least one of the electric generators (5) is connected by means of a clutch to the central shaft (3); this allows that, when the wave energy is greater than the production supported by a first of the electric generators (5), a second generator, also designated as an additional generator, is activated, increasing the energy production. Likewise, when the energy is not sufficient to move the first generator and the additional generator simultaneously, the additional generator is disconnected so as not to limit, or even reduce, the generation of the first generator. In another variant, the system comprises more than one additional generator.

[0085] The fact that the marine structure (2) and, therefore, the grinding device (4) are installed at a certain angle with respect to the direction of the waves will allow for several breaking points to be arranged sequentially, which will allow for maximum utilization of the wave energy. In one wave of this arrangement, said certain angle is between 20° and 70°. In another wave (Figure 14), a plurality of marine structures (2) can be arranged in series.

[0086] Additionally, in another section, at the front of the at least one float (1) there is arranged at least one additional rectifier (4) comprising a corresponding outer casing (1a), in the manner of a Salten duck. Figures 15 and 16 show, respectively, a schematic side view and a top view of this section. Specifically, in the option chosen to illustrate this section, the electrical generation system comprises a float (1) fixed to two arms that act as outer casings (1a) for the rectifiers (4) coupled to a primary central shaft (3), located on the left in both Figures 15 and 16.In turn, said float (1) has a plurality of secondary rectifiers (4) coupled to it, joined by a secondary central axis (3) (on the right in figures 15 and 16), and comprising outer casings (1a) of the Salten duck type. Thus, the system is capable of generating energy both with the large oscillations produced by the waves, as well as with the small undulations of the sea.

[0087] According to an alternative embodiment, between different mobile sections where the Salter ducks are arranged, mobile sections can be joined with a fixed section with anchor. This fixed section comprises the support shafts of the gears depending on the adjacent mobile section, that is, it can be modular by inserting a fixed section where an anchor is to be arranged. An example would be, for two consecutive Salter ducks instead of arranging two rectifiers in series according to the basic scheme (4a-4b-4c-4d-4e), it could be arranged according to the scheme (4a-4b-4c-4d-4a'-4b- 4c-4d-4e), where (4a 1) (not shown in the figures) would be a fixed section like (4a) or section (4e) replacing sections (4e) of the first rectifier and (4a) of the second rectifier, but on one of its sides with the support shafts of the gears of the mobile section (4b) and on the other side with the support shafts of the gears of the mobile section (4d), in addition to serving as a support on the support surface. So that, in this embodiment, the Salter ducks would be mounted on the set of sections (4b-4c-4d). In this case, the housing (1a) could be removed from sections (4a, 4e, 4a'). This example of including a fixing section (4a') between rectifiers arranged in series would be valid for other types of drive means such as turbines.

[0088] In another embodiment (Figure 17), at least two rectifiers (4) can be arranged mounted in opposite directions, where a first rectifier (4) rotates a first central shaft (3) in a first constant direction, and a second rectifier (4) rotates a second central shaft (3) in a second constant direction, opposite to the first. Likewise, one of the central shafts (3) is connected to the rotor (8) of a generator (5) and the other central shaft (3) is connected to the stator (7) of the same generator (5). In this way, the shafts (3) rotate the rotor (8) and the stator (7) in opposite directions, multiplying the relative speed between rotor and stator and causing the energy produced in the generator (5) to be greater. The generator (5) will be such as to allow the stator (7) to rotate.

[0089] In another case corresponding to two rectifiers (4) working with their respective output shaft (3) in opposite directions, the outer casings (1a) are conventional water mills.

[0090] In another variant of combination of axes (3) in opposite direction (Figure 18), a first central axis (3) comprises a plurality of rectifiers (4) arranged sequentially and a second central axis (3) comprises another plurality of rectifiers (4) arranged sequentially and oppositely. Likewise, the outer casings (1a) of the rectifiers (4) are arms with floats (1) at the end opposite to the corresponding rectifier (4).

[0091] Another example of application of the rectifier (4) of the present invention is found in systems for transforming tidal energy into electrical energy; similarly to the previous case of wave systems, the grinding device (4) is completely or partially submerged in water. The water moves at least one outer casing (1a) integral with the outer ratchet bearings (100, 200). The outer casing (1a) may be or comprise, for example, at least one turbine blade or a set of blades. In this specific case, the rectifier (4) will be subject to a lower frequency of change in the direction of rotation of the outer casing (1a).The system scheme could be similar to that of figure 10 corresponding to the application in wave energy and, as in the latter, in tidal energy systems a plurality of rectifiers (4) can also be arranged sequentially on the same central axis (3), and even at least two rectifiers (4) mounted in opposite directions, each of them on a different central axis (3).

[0092] As a further example of application of the rectifier (4) of the present invention, the transformation of the mechanical energy of the shock absorbers of a vehicle into electrical energy is illustratively provided. The oscillation of the spring or springs moves at least one outer casing (1a) respective of one or more rectifying vapors (4) of bidirectional movement. In this type of applications, the vehicle's shock absorber has a high oscillation frequency, so if the high rotational oscillation of the outer casing (1a) were directly transmitted through the outer ratchet bearings (100, 200) to the set of gears and toothed crowns of the mobile sections (4b, 4d), there would be a risk of breakage or premature deterioration of part of the components.Therefore, in this case, the movable sections (4b, 4d) comprise an additional torsion spring mechanism located between the outer ratchet bearing (100, 200) and the outer ring gear (103, 202) in order to accumulate the energy produced in the rotation of the outer ratchet bearing (100, 200) and transmit it more smoothly to the outer ring gears (103, 202). Furthermore, preferably, the retention means used in the sections (4b, 4d) are clutches.

[0093] The rectifier (4) is applicable to any system intended to convert a bidirectional input movement into a unidirectional output movement. The system may be subjected to a complex movement, not initially discriminable in two clearly defined directions or senses of movement, but the outer casing (1a) is responsible for “extracting” two senses or directions of rotation from this complex movement.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Rectifier (4) with bidirectional input movement and unidirectional output rotation, comprising: - an outer casing (1a) subject to the action of a bidirectional input movement such that it causes the rotation of said casing (1a) either in a first rotation direction or in a second rotation direction opposite to the first, - an output shaft (3) receiving the unidirectional output rotation concentric internally to said outer casing (1a), - at least one first mobile section (4b) integral with the casing (1a) and comprising first means for transmitting the rotation of said casing (1a), only in the first rotation direction, to rotate the output shaft (3) in the second rotation direction, - at least one second mobile section (4d) integral with the casing (1a) and comprising second means for transmitting the rotation of said casing (1a) only in the second rotation direction, transmitting the rotation to the output shaft (3) according to the first rotation direction, - and an intermediate section (4c) arranged between the mobile sections (4b and 4d) comprising means for supporting the transmission means of the mobile sections (4b and 4d), and / or a first fixed section (4a) with means for supporting the transmission means of the mobile section (4b) and a second fixed section (4e) with means for supporting the transmission means of the mobile section (4d) 2. Rectifier (4) according to claim 1, wherein the support means of the first fixed section (4a) and / or the second fixed section (4e) are one or more shafts (400, 401) which respectively support the first transmission means of the first mobile section (4b) and the second transmission means of the second mobile section (4d).

3. Rectifier (4) according to claim 1, wherein the first transmission means of the first mobile section (4b) and the second transmission means of the second mobile section (4d) comprise at least one ratchet mechanism and / or at least one clutch mechanism for transmitting, respectively, exclusively the first direction of rotation and the second direction of rotation of the casing (1a).

4. Rectifier (4) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein The first transmission means of the first mobile section (4b) comprise an odd number of concentric stages of planetary gears from the outer casing (1a) to the output shaft (3), the latter being the center of said stages of planetary gears such that the rotation of the outer casing (1a) is transmitted to the shaft (3) in the second direction of rotation.

5. Rectifier (4) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second transmission means of the second mobile section (4d) comprise an even number of concentric stages of planetary gears from the outer casing (1a) to the output shaft (3), the latter being the center of said stages of planetary gears so that the rotation of the outer casing (1a) is transmitted to the shaft (3) in the second direction of rotation.

6. Rectifier (4) according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second transmission means of the second mobile section (4d) comprise a coupling without intermediate gears between the outer casing (1a) and the output shaft (3).

7. Rectifier (4) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first mobile section (4b) and / or the second mobile section (4d) are integral with the housing (1a) through at least one respective key and keyway coupling.

8. Rectifier (4) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first mobile section (4b) and / or the second mobile section (4d) are integral with the casing (1a) through at least one coupling of complementary projections and recesses comprised in all or part of the contact surfaces between said first mobile section (4b) and / or second mobile section (4d) and the casing (1a).

9. Rectifier (4) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the outer casing (1a) comprises at least one blade or vane arranged to receive the thrust of the bidirectional input movement and rotate the outer casing (1a) according to the first or second direction of rotation.

10. Rectifier (4) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein The outer casing (1a) comprises at least one Salter duck-type device and / or at least one float optionally fixed with a corresponding arm for rotating the outer casing (1a) according to the first or second rotation direction.

11. Rectifier (4) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising at least one flywheel (6) integral in its movement with the output shaft (3).

12. Rectifier (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one mechanical energy accumulator, in the form of a torsion spring, arranged between the outer casing (1a) and the ratchet mechanism, to accumulate the energy produced in the rotation of the outer casing (1a) and transmit it progressively.

Images