Hydrostatic machine

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hydrostatic machine comprising a rotary part (1) in a vertical position, which includes two pulleys (2), a belt (3) between the pulleys (2), and flexible and inflatable balloons (4) with respective valves (7), said balloons being connected to the belt (3). There is an emptying station (5) for emptying the balloons (4) at one end of the machine and a filling station (6) at the opposite end, the rotary part (1) being connected to a power output shaft.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Hydrostatic machine

[0003] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention, as the title of this descriptive document states, is a hydrostatic machine. It is an innovation that offers advantages previously unknown within current techniques.

[0005] TECHNICAL SECTOR

[0006] The present invention falls within the field of mechanics, especially in lighting, heating, weaponry, blasting, in the classification of fluid pressure actuating devices, hydraulics or pneumatics in general, as well as in systems that operate by means of fluids in general, fluid pressure actuating devices, details of pressurized fluid systems, not provided for elsewhere, specifically in common characteristics of fluid-driven systems, pressurized fluid-driven systems or details of these systems not covered by any other group of this subclass.

[0007] Similarly, it falls under the section for energy recovery means, amplifiers or converters of fluid pressure, transmission of pressure from one fluid system to another without contact between the fluids.

[0008] STATE OF THE ART

[0009] The present invention arises from the need to develop an efficient method to harness the natural energy of water and convert it into mechanical work or usable energy.

[0010] Traditional power generation systems often depend on specific conditions or require large infrastructures.

[0011] Consequently, this invention provides a hydrostatic machine that efficiently harnesses the buoyancy principle and hydrostatic thrust to generate energy or perform mechanical work continuously. Currently, no hydrostatic machine is known to exist with structural and constitutive technical characteristics equal to or similar to those described in this specification, as claimed.

[0012] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The object of the present invention is the creation of a hydrostatic machine that provides a notable innovation within its field of application in the current state of the art, the characterizing details that make it possible being conveniently included in the final claims that accompany this description.

[0014] The present invention relates to a hydrostatic machine comprising a vertically positioned rotating part with two pulleys, a belt that passes from one pulley to the other in a closed loop, and flexible, inflatable balls connected to the belt. The rotating part has a deflation station for the balls at one end and a filling station at the opposite end. At least one of the pulleys of the rotating part is connected to a shaft that assists in the movement of the balls.

[0015] This innovation solves the need to generate energy or mechanical work efficiently using natural resources, specifically water, without depending on complex infrastructures or specific conditions.

[0016] The hydrostatic pump is beneficial in applications seeking to harness renewable energy sources efficiently and sustainably. It is especially useful in sectors such as desalination plants, water treatment plants, and aquaculture.

[0017] Its ideal location is in areas near hydroelectric dams, where the working depth of 50 to 120 meters optimizes its performance, also allowing the use of the existing electrical system and ensuring good road accessibility.

[0018] Furthermore, its application can occur both inside a volume of liquid (usually water) and near its surface, which determines its versatility and importance by properly taking advantage of the difference in density between gases and other light fluids, and water or other liquids.

[0019] It is worth noting that this machine offers additional benefits by not requiring the draining of reservoirs to activate the turbines. This allows the reservoirs to remain in optimal condition. The machine's circular operation, by agitating the water and keeping it in constant motion, significantly contributes to improving water quality.

[0020] The hydrostatic machine is designed to operate both submerged and surfaced. In its submerged state, the rotating part positions the emptying station, above the water level, at the top and the filling station at the bottom. This allows the balloons to be filled with a light fluid at the lower end, enabling them to rise due to hydrostatic pressure, and then descend at the other end when emptied.

[0021] On the other hand, when the machine is on the surface, the process is reversed and a fluid heavier than air, such as water, is used, with the filling station at the top and the emptying station at the bottom.

[0022] The balloons are equipped with valves connected to guides by cams, allowing for precise control of filling and emptying. This arrangement ensures efficient management of the light fluid, guaranteeing that the balloons are filled and emptied at the correct time.

[0023] The preferred balls have an elongated cylindrical structure with spherical or conical heads to improve their aerodynamics, minimizing resistance during movement through the fluid. They also feature a quick-release system at their heads for easy chain connection, and a connecting tube at the back for individual inflation and deflation.

[0024] Constructed with a structural braid capable of withstanding high pressures, the balls are coated with high-strength and flexible materials, such as rubber or silicone, which have proven to withstand up to 10 atmospheres.

[0025] Inside, the balls have masts with rounded tips at the top, where the fastening pins are located.

[0026] It's worth noting that the deflation station has a system consisting of opposing chains or rollers, arranged to allow the balloon to pass through without resistance. For example, a deflation station might include converging tracks that press against the balloons, facilitating fluid extraction through the valve. These tracks can rotate independently or be driven by the balloon's movement.

[0027] In this way, the rollers or chains act like a press, pressing on the ball until it is deflated (of air or liquid). At that point, the pump reverses its action, releasing the pressure so that the rollers or chains return to their initial position and allow the next ball to enter.

[0028] Conveniently, the machine's pulleys are attached to shafts that allow the transmission of the motion necessary to operate devices such as pumps or electric generators, facilitating the efficient conversion and transmission of mechanical energy.

[0029] This system is powered by a reversible hydraulic pump, which is activated by part of the energy provided by the machine.

[0030] To use the hydrostatic machine, to generate energy by taking advantage of the principle of buoyancy and hydrostatic thrust, the flexible balls are filled with a light fluid when submerged, allowing them to rise due to the force of the water.

[0031] Upon reaching the surface, the balloons deflate and descend, creating a continuous cycle of motion that can be converted into mechanical energy. This motion is transferred through pulleys and shafts to operate devices such as pumps or electric generators, enabling efficient energy conversion in various environments, both submerged and above water.

[0032] EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES

[0033] To complete the description being made and in order to help in the better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, this descriptive report is accompanied, as an integral part thereof, by some figures in which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented.

[0034] Figure 1 shows a view of the rotating part, depicted submerged, that defines the hydrostatic machine.

[0035] Figure 2 shows a view of the quick-release ball attachment system.

[0036] Figure 3 shows a detail of the structural braiding of the balls. Figure 4 shows a view of the masts integrated into the balls.

[0037] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION.

[0038] The hydrostatic machine comprises a vertically positioned rotating part (1) including two pulleys (2), a belt (3) between the pulleys, and flexible, inflatable balloons (4) connected to the belt (3). At one end, the rotating part (1) has a deflation station (5) for the balloons (4), and at the opposite end, a filling station (6). Each balloon (4) has a filling valve (7). The rotating part (1) is connected to an output shaft for the generated work.

[0039] The rotating part (1) operates under submerged or surface conditions. When submerged, it positions the emptying station (5) at the highest point, for example, above the water level (A), and the filling station (6) at the lower end. This configuration allows the balloons (4) to function based on the principle of buoyancy and hydrostatic or aerostatic thrust. When submerged, the rotating part (1) allows the balloons (4) to be filled with a light fluid at the filling station (6) at the lower end, enabling them to rise along one side due to hydrostatic thrust. When emptying, they descend along the other side, as there is no thrust. If the rotating part (1) is on the surface, the filling station (6) is located at the upper end and the emptying station (5) at the lower end, thus reversing the filling and emptying process of the balloons (4).The filling station will preferably be filled by gravity from a dam or other elevated element.

[0040] In another preferred embodiment, each valve (7) is connected to a guide (8) by means of a cam (9), such that the position of the guide (8) moves the cam (9), which in turn opens or closes the valve (7). This arrangement allows for the controlled filling and emptying of the balloons (4) by determining when each valve (7) should open or close. The guide (8) is located on the edge of the rotating part (1), which actuates the cam (9) in each position. This ensures that the fluid flow is managed efficiently, allowing the balloons (4) to be filled and emptied at the appropriate time.

[0041] Preferably, the balloons (4) have a cylindrical structure, with a length exceeding their width and spherical or conical heads to improve their aerodynamics. This feature of the balloons (4) minimizes the resistance they experience when moving through a fluid, facilitating their movement and improving their efficiency, especially when used in submerged conditions. Preferably, the balloons (4) have a quick-connect system (10) at their heads, such as a pin or threaded connection, which facilitates connecting the balloons (4) in a chain.

[0042] Preferably, on the outside of the balls (4), there are at least two or three fixing studs that allow the balls (4) to be anchored to the traction chain.

[0043] Preferably, at the rear end of the balls (4) there is a connection tube for emptying and inflating the balls (4) individually.

[0044] In another preferred embodiment, the balls (4) are constructed with a structural braid (11) that is joined to form a system capable of withstanding pressures exceeding two atmospheres. This braid is coated with high-strength materials with high breaking load capacity and very good flexibility, such as rubber, silicone, or a two-component polymer that has been shown to withstand up to 10 atmospheres in tests.

[0045] Preferably, the balls (4) have on their inner part masts (12) with rounded tips at the top and, at the base of these masts, the fastening pins are located.

[0046] Preferably, the draining station (5) includes converging tracks (13) that press against the balloons (4). This arrangement facilitates the extraction of air from the balloons (4) as they pass between the opposing tracks (13), which reduce the space between them, squeezing the balloon (4) and allowing the fluid to exit through the valve (7).

[0047] Preferably, the tracks (13) are equipped with motors that allow them to move independently, although they can also be pulled by the movement of the ball (4).

[0048] Preferably, the emptying station (5) incorporates a deflation system for the balls (4). This system includes opposing chains or rollers, arranged so as to allow the passage of one of the balls (4) without resistance, and have the capacity to act as a press that applies pressure to the ball for deflation.

[0049] Preferably, this deflation system includes a reversible hydraulic pump powered by some of the energy generated by the hydrostatic machine. This feature allows the compression of the balls (4) until they are deflated. Subsequently, the hydraulic pump reverses its action, releasing the pressure so that the rollers or chains return to their initial position, which in turn allows the deflation process to be repeated with a new ball. Preferably, the pulleys (2) are attached to shafts that allow the transmission of the motion necessary to operate devices such as pumps or electric generators. This arrangement allows the pulleys (2) to act as a mechanism that facilitates the conversion and transmission of mechanical energy to other systems, ensuring their efficient operation.Having sufficiently described the nature of the present invention, as well as the manner of putting it into practice, it is not considered necessary to make its explanation more extensive so that any expert in the field may understand its scope and the advantages that derive from it, it being noted that, within its essentiality, it may be put into practice in other modes of embodiment that differ in detail from the one indicated as an example, and which will also achieve the protection sought provided that its fundamental principle is not altered, changed or modified.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Hydrostatic machine, characterized by comprising a rotating part (1) in a vertical position, which includes two pulleys (2), a belt (3) between the pulleys (2) and some flexible and inflatable balloons (4) with respective valves (7), connected to the belt (3), and by having at one end an emptying station (5) for the balloons (4) and at the opposite end, a filling station (6), the rotating part (1) being connected to a work extraction shaft.

2. Hydrostatic machine, according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotating part (1) is submerged, with the emptying station (5) outside the water level (A) at the upper end and the filling station (6) at the lower end. 3- Hydrostatic machine, according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotating part (1) is emerged, where the emptying station (5) is located at the lower end and the filling station (6) at the upper end.

4. Hydrostatic machine, according to claim 1, characterized in that each valve (7) is connected to a guide (8) by means of a cam (9).

5. Hydrostatic machine, according to claim 1, characterized in that the balls (4) have a cylindrical structure, with a length exceeding their width and with spherical or conical heads, to improve their aerodynamics.

6. Hydrostatic machine, according to claim 1, characterized in that the balls (4) have a quick-release coupling system (10) at their heads.

7. Hydrostatic machine, according to claim 1, characterized in that the balls (4) include on the outside at least two or three fastening pins so that the balls (4) are anchored to the traction chain.

8. Hydrostatic machine, according to claim 1, characterized in that the balls (4) have a tube at their rear end, attached to the valve (7), which allows them to be emptied and inflated individually.

9. Hydrostatic machine, according to claim 1, characterized in that the balls (4) are constructed with a structural braid (11) coated with rubber, silicones or a two-component polymer.

10. A hydrostatic machine according to claim 7, characterized in that the balloons (4) have, on their inner surface, masts (12) with rounded tips at the top, and the fastening pins are located at the base of these masts.

11. A hydrostatic machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the emptying station (5) includes converging tracks (13) that press against the balloons (4).

12. Hydrostatic machine, according to claim 11, characterized in that the tracks (13) are equipped with motors.

13. Hydrostatic machine, according to claim 1, characterized in that the emptying station (5) has a deflation system for the balloons (4) that includes opposing chains or rollers arranged so as to allow the passage of the balloons (4).

14. Hydrostatic machine, according to claim 1, characterized in that the deflation system has a reversible hydraulic pump that compresses the balls (4) until they are deflated.

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