DE102012002900A1 - Apparatus for cleaning inclined surface e.g. front surface of photovoltaic system, has upper and lower guide units that are interconnected with supporting column which includes rod-shaped support elements to hold cleaning elements - Google Patents

Abstract

The cleaning apparatus has a support strand (12) that is set in modular construction. An upper guide unit (16) is arranged in an upper end portion (14) of support strand. A lower guide unit (20) is arranged in a lower end portion (18) of support strand. The upper and lower guide units are interconnected with a supporting column (22) which includes several rod-shaped support elements (28). Several cleaning elements (26) are held in the support elements.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for cleaning, in particular inclined surfaces having objects, in particular of solar or photovoltaic systems.

Such a device is particularly suitable for cleaning inclined surfaces, as they have in particular facades, roofs, outdoor solar systems and similar objects.

There are, for example, mobile cleaning devices are known which have a rotating in operation brush, which is attached via a bracket to a boom of a vehicle.

A disadvantage of such cleaning devices is that for permanent cleaning a user must be present who drives the vehicle. In addition, unevenness in the ground can be transmitted to the brush via the vehicle, which can lead to inconsistent cleaning results and possibly to damage to the object. Furthermore, these structures are usually complex because, for example, a sensor is in use to adjust the contact pressure of the brush on a cleaning surface or to keep constant. The systems are basically complex due to the necessary personnel deployment and additionally prone to failure and maintenance-intensive, which brings high operating costs even without costly repairs and downtime.

It is an object of the invention to provide a device that allows for simple and inexpensive construction and reliable operation, a cleaning of objects, in particular solar or photovoltaic systems.

The object is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1.

According to the invention, the cleaning device has a support strand in a modular construction which comprises an upper guide unit at a top end region, a lower guide unit at a lower end section and a support column interconnecting the two guide units, which comprises at least one rod-shaped or bar-shaped carrier element on which at least one Cleaning member is held.

The modular design with a guided by the guide units on the object to be cleaned support column, which may include one or more simultaneously holding the cleaning member rods, it is possible to realize with minimal constructive effort nevertheless all the essential components of an optimally suitable for the desired purpose cleaning device. In particular, the modular design allows not only a low weight and low manufacturing and operating costs, but above all a conceivable easy adaptability to different sizes of objects to be cleaned, which is particularly important in the field of cleaning solar or photovoltaic systems of great practical importance.

The cleaning member is inventively held on the support column on the two guide units. As a result, the cleaning member is guided on two sides during a linear movement, for example, along the object to be cleaned. However, it is also conceivable to guide the cleaning member only on one side.

The cleaning device may be designed so that it is permanently connected to the object to be cleaned, or in such a way that it is only temporarily attached to the object to be cleaned and removed after cleaning, for example for cleaning another object.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are also to be taken from the subclaims, the description and the drawings.

The support member or the support column may be formed at least partially telescopically, in particular to allow easy length adjustment.

According to one embodiment, the carrier element can be plugged together with at least one further carrier element and / or with at least one of the guide units.

The carrier element, which can be designed to be telescopic, is therefore designed in particular as a modular component and, depending on the width of the object to be cleaned extending perpendicular to the cleaning direction, can be connected to any desired number of further carrier elements. By this plug-in system no custom-made support elements are necessary because it can be used on a set of particular identical support elements. Preferably, so many carrier elements are connected together until the entire width of the object to be cleaned is covered. If the length of the at least one carrier element exceeds the width of the object to be cleaned, this can be compensated in particular via the guide units, for example by an inherently adjustable, in particular resilient connection between at least one guide unit and the respective carrier element. The plug-in system enables a particularly cost-effective production of the cleaning device.

According to a further embodiment, the guide units define a holding plane relative to which a longitudinal extension of the support column is arranged in parallel and perpendicularly spaced. The holding plane is arranged in particular parallel to the surface of the object to be cleaned. The guide units are thus to some extent offset to the rear so that they keep the support column at a distance to the surface to be cleaned of the object when coupled in particular with edge regions of the article and thus only the cleaning member which is held on the support column, with the surface to be cleaned of the object is in contact and touches them.

Preferably, the guide units are provided with holding means located in the holding plane, which are designed to couple the cleaning device with an object to be cleaned. The objects to be cleaned, such as solar modules, serve in particular with their edge regions for coupling with the guide units and can be z. B. be clasped or surrounded by the leadership units. In particular, it can be provided that the device can be placed on the object to be cleaned by means of the guide units in the manner of a self-retaining clamp.

According to a further embodiment, at least one of the guide units is designed such that they are supported on an edge region of an object to be cleaned and / or can encompass or engage behind an edge region of an object to be cleaned. In this way, the cleaning device is securely held during operation on the object to be cleaned. In addition, the guide unit can be guided by the edge region of the object to be cleaned. A movement of the support column perpendicular to a surface to be cleaned of the object is thereby reliably prevented, d. H. It is thereby ensured that the device has a constant distance to the surface to be cleaned.

According to a further embodiment, a tensioning device is provided, which in particular has at least one spring element. The bracing device, which can be integrated in particular in the support column, ensures that the upper guide unit and the lower guide unit are biased towards each other. This allows a quick and easy installation of the cleaning device. The individual modules of the cleaning device must therefore only be plugged together and placed on the object to be cleaned, while the tensioning device, in particular in the manner of a clamp, ensures a firm hold of the guide units on the object. There are thus no further fastening means necessary, although it is conceivable to use additional fasteners.

By means of the tensioning device, the cleaning device can be guided without play, in particular with frictional engagement. Thus, in a movement of the cleaning device along the object to be cleaned and gradients can be overcome.

Furthermore, the clamping device can create a tolerance with respect to a length of the support column or distance between the guide units which does not correspond exactly to the dimensions of the object to be cleaned.

According to a further embodiment, at least one guide unit comprises at least one roller. Preferably, both the upper and the lower guide unit have at least one roller, so that the cleaning device can be moved in particular smoothly along the object to be cleaned. Preferably, each guide unit has a plurality of rollers or roller pairs, so that - similar to the principle of a cable car - unevenness, for example due to brackets, and / or gaps in the edge region of the object to be cleaned can be compensated and ensures that always at least one role or a Roller pair of the respective guide unit is in engagement with the object.

Preferably, at least one of the guide units is designed as, in particular on the object to be cleaned attachable or attachable, carriages or carriages. The car may for example have several roles. By this construction, a stable and secure guidance of the guide unit is ensured. Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning device is provided as a whole in the form of a carriage or carriage, which can be placed or suspended on the object to be cleaned.

According to a further embodiment, the cleaning device can be driven by means of at least one of the guide units. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the cleaning device via an external, in particular belonging to the object to be cleaned drive, for example by means of a cable, is driven.

Preferably, at least one guide unit comprises an electric drive, for example an electric motor. The drive can be supplied with energy, for example, by a rechargeable battery or an external power supply.

Alternatively or additionally, a fluid drive is provided as a drive for the cleaning device. In this case, an electric drive is not absolutely necessary because the cleaning device can only be moved due to the pressure of a connected fluid supply, such as a high-pressure cleaner. The fluid drive can be arranged, for example, on a guide unit, the support column or the cleaning member.

According to a further embodiment, the cleaning member comprises at least one fluid drive. In particular, while the cleaning member is driven by the Schaufelrad- or turbine principle. In this case, one or more planetary gear can be used. The cleaning member preferably has a fluid drive unit at both end regions of a shaft defining an axis of rotation. If several cleaning devices plugged together, further drive units can be provided. In this way, the cleaning member can be rotated by the fluid, wherein the fluid is used simultaneously for cleaning the article.

In a development, the fluid drive is provided as a drive for the cleaning device. In this way, only a single drive is necessary, which both sets the cleaning member in rotation and drives the cleaning device as a whole. The cleaning member comprises in particular a drive section, which is provided with a friction-increasing material, such as rubber. This improves the propulsion.

According to a further embodiment, the cleaning member simultaneously forms a drive for the cleaning device. The cleaning member thus fulfills a dual function, since it both cleans the object and drives the cleaning device. A separate drive for the cleaning device is thus not required, which in particular allows a cost-effective design.

According to a further embodiment, the cleaning member is designed as a brush roller whose axis of rotation extends parallel to the longitudinal extension of the support column. The brush roller can also form the support column itself and / or be arranged with its axis of rotation concentric with the support column. Generally and independently of its specific configuration, the support column or at least one support element of the support column can be formed by the cleaning member, which is then held on the support member according to the invention, d. H. the carrier element can simultaneously form a part of the cleaning member. The cleaning member can thus ensure the function of the support column. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to form the cleaning member, for example, as a dishwashing brush, which is arranged on the support column. The axis of rotation is perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the support column.

According to a further embodiment, the brush roller is pivotally mounted about the support column. If the cleaning device reaches, for example, the end of an object to be cleaned, the brush roller can be pivoted, so that this end region can be completely cleaned or, after reversing the direction of movement of the device relative to the object, the brush roller is seen again in the direction of movement forward. The brush roller is pivotable in particular by 180 degrees to the support column. To detect reversal points, in particular at or near the ends of the object, at which the device must change its direction of movement or at which the brush roller is to be pivoted, for example, a sensor of whatever kind may be provided.

In a further embodiment, the cleaning member is spaced from the support column and connected in particular via at least one support member extending perpendicular to the support column with the support column. By such a spacing of the cleaning member, in particular designed as a brush roller, the cleaning member can be movably held on the support column, which can be achieved that the contact pressure of the cleaning member is essentially determined only by the weight of the cleaning member.

Preferably, a holding element provided for the cleaning member is designed as a fluid line for supplying fluid to a fluid drive and / or the cleaning member. The holding element thus fulfills a dual function. The fluid can be transported to the held by the holding element on the support column cleaning member to be applied there to the object to be cleaned. Alternatively or additionally, the holding element is designed to supply a fluid drive, in particular such that a suitable inflow direction of the fluid for the fluid drive is ensured and in particular a radial or tangential inflow direction is realized for a based on the turbine or Schaufelradprinzip fluid drive.

Alternatively or additionally, the retaining element may be formed as a pivot bearing for the cleaning member, in particular to be able to pivot the cleaning member to the support column can.

According to the invention, the holding element can thus have a large number of functions, whereby the manufacturing cost and assembly costs can be kept very low.

According to a further embodiment, the support column is designed as a fluid line for fluid supply of a fluid drive and / or the cleaning member. The fluid thus flows, for example, from a fluid tank which may be arranged on one of the guide units, or coming from an external fluid source, for example a connected high-pressure cleaner, by the support column and - optionally via a holding element provided for the cleaning member - to the cleaning member to this with Fluid supply, and / or the fluid flows through the support column to the fluid drive, which may be a fluid drive for the cleaning member or a device independent of the cleaning device fluid drive of the device.

The support column thus fulfills a further function, since they not only u. a. the cleaning member holds, but additionally forms the fluid line. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to arrange a separate fluid line to the support column.

According to a further embodiment, a fluid management system is provided, which is designed to resume already used fluid. In addition, the fluid management system, for example, fluid on the object to be cleaned z. B. by spraying, so that the fluid is not applied via the cleaning member. As a result, a better dosage of the amount of fluid and thus a particularly economical use of the fluid is possible.

In another embodiment, the fluid management system includes a stripping or picking system. The stripping system can in particular be designed as a roller, which is constructed, for example, of foam and absorbs excess fluid, in particular water. However, other stripping or receiving systems are conceivable in which the excess fluid is pumped off, for example via a vacuum system. In this way, used fluid can be reused, whereby the fluid consumption can be reduced.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the drawings. Show it:

1 a top view of an embodiment of a cleaning device according to the invention,

2 a side view of the cleaning device of 1 .

3a and 3b a top view of another embodiment of a cleaning device according to the invention with ( 3a ) and without ( 3b ) Cleaning member, and

4a and 4b a side view of another embodiment of a cleaning device according to the invention with different positioning of the cleaning member.

1 and 2 show a solar or photovoltaic system 10 as an object to be cleaned. As in 2 represented, this plant is 10 at an angle on a rack 11 mounted and z. B. part of a free-field system comprising a large number of elongated, arranged in multiple rows solar or photovoltaic modules.

At the plant 10 a cleaning device according to the invention is arranged. The cleaning device in this case has a carrier 12 as a holding strand. At an upper end area 14 instructs the wearer 12 a wagon 16 on, which forms an upper guide unit. Analog also has a lower end 18 of the carrier 12 a wagon 20 on, which acts as a lower guide unit. The cleaning device is using this cart 16 . 20 in a cleaning direction A along the plant 10 traversable.

The carrier 12 also includes a rod-shaped tube 22 as a support column. The pipe 22 consists of a lightweight material, for example made of plastic or aluminum, and in this embodiment comprises only a single piece of pipe 28 as a carrier element. Through the pipe 22 become the upper guide unit 16 and the lower guide unit 20 connected with each other.

Perpendicular to the pipe 22 extend two holding elements 24 , each at one end as a drive for a in the form of a brush roller 26 provided cleaning member are formed and at the other end a T-shaped, provided as a separate component connecting element 50 include, with which the retaining elements 24 swiveling with the tube 22 are connected. Each connecting element 50 comprises two tubular bearing pieces extending in opposite directions and a connecting portion extending perpendicularly to the bearing pieces and connected to a corresponding mating portion of the retaining element 24 can be connected.

The connections between the pipe 22 , the car 16 . 20 and the connecting elements 50 the holding elements 24 are realized simply by plugging together, where alternatively or additionally a locking or screwing system can be provided.

On the holding elements 24 is in each case a brush roller 26 attached as a cleaning member. Here is the brush roller 26 at each end with an output portion of a respective holding member 24 trained fluid drive 38 coupled and in this way on the two holding elements 24 with the pipe 22 which will be discussed in more detail below. The axis of rotation of the brush roller 26 runs parallel to the longitudinal extent of the tube 22 ,

The cars 16 . 20 define a holding plane 30 that is relative to the pipe 22 is offset to the rear. This level is in 2 shown as a dashed line. The carrier 12 can do this way by means of the car 16 . 20 in the manner of a clip on the system 10 be put on. On the surface to be cleaned of the system 10 Consequently, only the brush roller 26 on. The load on the surface to be cleaned is also due to the over the fasteners 50 the holding elements 24 realized articulated connection of the brush roller 26 to the pipe 22 essentially only by the weight of the brush roller 26 certainly.

In the in 1 illustrated embodiment, each of the car 16 . 20 two pairs of roles 32 on, which is on the edge area of the plant 10 support. The roles 32 or pairs of rollers can be mounted movably such that a pair of rollers 32 always engaged with the edge area, while the other pair of rolls 32 For example, gaps or brackets between individual solar modules of the system 10 overcomes, so that bumps in the edge area of the plant 10 be compensated.

To the cleaning device on the system 10 to attach is a bracing device 34 provided, which is the upper guide unit 16 and the lower guide unit 20 biased towards each other. In 1 is this bracing device by a spring 34 indicated, which between the pipe 22 and the leadership unit 16 is effective. In this way, the cleaning device with the system to be cleaned 10 free of play and - via the on the edge area of the plant 10 running roles 32 the two cars 16 . 20 - Frictionally coupled.

The brush roller 26 is with the help of two drive units, which as fluid drives 38 , For example, paddlewheel drives on the holding elements 24 are formed, set in rotation. The fluid, for example water, first flows through a supply line 40 a, the z. B. is connected to a high-pressure cleaner, not shown. The supply line 40 is about a connection 42 on one of the bearing pieces of the holding element 24 plugged so that the fluid in the holding element 24 and inside the tube 22 can get. The pipe 22 is at its the connection 42 opposite end portion by a closure which in a bearing piece of the other holding element 24 is arranged, closed, so that there is no fluid can escape.

Thus, the fluid flows through the holding elements 24 to the fluid drives 38 as parts of the retaining elements 24 frontally on one side of the brush roller 26 are coupled. The fluid in each case displaces an outlet section of the fluid drive via a paddle wheel 38 in rotation, with the brush roller 26 is coupled. Subsequently, the fluid passes through openings in the brush roller 26 on the surface of the system to be cleaned 10 ,

The fluid drives 38 are each formed such that the central, of which via the retaining element 24 inflowing fluid driven impeller drives two output sections, which are arranged on both sides of the impeller. Every fluid drive 38 is thus able to drive two brush rollers. In the embodiment of 1 and 2 However, every fluid drive gets it 38 only one output section for driving the single brush roller 26 used. The use of retaining elements 24 with bilateral downforce is not mandatory. There may be holding elements 24 be used, the fluid drives have only a one-sided output.

The means of the drive units 38 generated rotation of the brush roller 26 Can also be used to the entire cleaning device along the system 10 to move. It is in this case therefore no separate drive for the cleaning device required.

To do this, the friction of the brush roller 26 on the plant 10 To increase and thus produce a better propulsion for the cleaning device, has the brush roller 26 in particular an area with a special rubber coating, for example made of sponge rubber. So z. B. the bristles of the brush roller 26 consist of a corresponding material. But it is also conceivable, appropriately trained, z. B. provided with a rubber wheels on the brush roller 26 to arrange, which do not fulfill a cleaning function itself.

The brush roller 26 This allows the entire cleaning device on the system 10 pull. The frictional force is adjusted in such a way that, on the one hand, a sufficiently large propulsion force, but on the other hand, a specific purpose of a slip effect is present, so that the brush roller 26 not only unrolls, but can develop a good brushing effect.

In the embodiment of 3a and 3b includes the tube 22 two pieces of pipe 28 as carrier elements. The connection of the pipe sections 28 is realized simply by plugging, via a connecting element 50 a middle holding element 24 , wherein alternatively or additionally a locking or screwing system can be provided. In this way, the length of the pipe 22 can be varied as desired.

To the pipe pieces 28 be about the three holding elements 24 two brush rollers 26 assembled. This is in 3a shown while 3b for illustration, only the pipe sections 28 with the three connecting elements 50 the holding elements 24 shows.

The middle holding element 24 is between the two brush rollers 26 arranged so that it with its two drive units 38 both brush rollers 26 can set in rotation.

The cleaning device itself is in this embodiment by means of an electric drive 44 driven, which in the upper guide unit 16 is integrated. The fluid drives 38 So here are not for propulsion of the cleaning device, but only as a rotary drive for the two brush rollers 26 used. However, the drive of the device by a combination of a driving action of the brush rollers 26 on the one hand and the electric drive 44 at the leadership units 16 . 20 on the other hand.

The electricity for the electric drive 44 is powered by a rechargeable battery 46 made available. However, it is also conceivable, the electric drive 44 to supply energy with the help of a power line.

4a and 4b show a further embodiment in which one or more brush rollers 26 around the pipe 22 are pivotally mounted. This is about the fasteners 50 the holding elements 24 accomplished. The holding elements 24 thus have a variety of functions, since they as modular and attachable components, the brush roller 26 as fluid line supply with fluid, the brush roller 26 with the help of the fluid drives 38 drive and the brush roller 26 about their fasteners 50 also keep swiveling.

In 4a The cleaning device moves along the system 10 in cleaning direction A to the left. The device now approaches an end of the system 10 , which can be detected for example via a sensor, not shown, is the brush roller 26 pivoted 180 degrees to this end of the system 10 to reach. After this "folding" is the brush roller 26 thus on the left end of the system 10 , Thereafter, the cleaning device is moved in the opposite direction and thereby the left end area cleaned. Will then be the right end of the system 10 achieved as in 4b is shown, the brush roller 26 again 180 degrees around the support column 22 pivoted to clean this end area too. However, it is also conceivable that the brush roller 26 already during the cleaning process in front, ie with respect to the current direction of movement in front of the pipe 22 , is located. In this case, therefore, initially the end of the solar or photovoltaic system 10 cleaned before the "folding" takes place.

The pivoting of the brush roller 26 For example, with the help of an electric motor.

The cleaning device also comprises a roller 48 which forms part of an excess fluid stripping system. The roller 48 It consists of absorbent material and can thus resume fluid that has already been used for cleaning. The absorbed fluid can be directly or indirectly applied by suitable means to the brush roller 26 and / or be placed on the surface to be cleaned. It is also possible, the absorbed fluid a entrained tank 52 supply.

The roller 48 can also, depending on the arrangement relative to the brush roller 26 , be trained to the plant 10 to wet with fluid.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

Subject, solar or photovoltaic system

11

frame

12

Carrier, holding strand

14

upper end area

16

Cart, upper guide unit

18

lower end area

20

Cart, lower guide unit

22

Pipe, support column

24

retaining element

26

Brush roller, cleaning member

28

Pipe piece, carrier element

30

holding plane

32

role

34

Spring, tensioning device

38

Drive unit, fluid drive

40

supply

42

connection

44

electric drive

46

accumulator

48

Roller, stripping system

50

connecting element

52

tank

A

cleaning direction

Claims (21)

Device for cleaning objects, in particular inclined surfaces ( 10 ), in particular of solar or photovoltaic systems, with a retaining strand ( 12 ) in modular construction, which at an upper end ( 14 ) an upper guide unit ( 16 ), at a lower end region ( 18 ) a lower guide unit ( 20 ) and one the two leadership units ( 16 . 20 ) supporting column ( 22 ) comprising at least one rod-shaped or bar-shaped carrier element ( 28 ), on which at least one cleaning member ( 26 ) is held. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the carrier element ( 28 ) with at least one further carrier element ( 28 ) and / or at least one of the leadership units ( 16 . 20 ) is pluggable. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the guide units ( 16 . 20 ) a holding plane ( 30 ) relative to which a longitudinal extent of the support column ( 22 ) is arranged parallel and perpendicularly spaced. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the guide units ( 16 . 20 ) with in the holding plane ( 30 ) are provided, which are adapted to the cleaning device with an object to be cleaned ( 10 ) to couple. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the guide units ( 16 . 20 ) is formed such that it is located at an edge region of an object to be cleaned ( 10 ) and / or an edge region of an object to be cleaned ( 10 ) or reach behind. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a tensioning device ( 34 ), in particular having at least one spring element, is provided, through which the upper guide unit ( 16 ) and the lower guide unit ( 20 ) are biased towards each other. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the guide units ( 16 . 20 ) at least one role ( 32 ). Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the guide units ( 16 . 20 ) and / or the cleaning device as a whole as, in particular on the object to be cleaned ( 10 ) are mounted or mounted, carriage or carriage is / is. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning device by means of at least one of the guide units ( 16 . 20 ) is drivable. Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that at least one of the guide units ( 16 . 20 ) an electric drive ( 44 ). Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive for the cleaning device is a fluid drive ( 38 ) is provided. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning member ( 26 ) at least one fluid drive ( 38 ). Apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the fluid drive ( 38 ) is provided as a drive for the cleaning device. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning member ( 26 ) simultaneously forms a drive for the cleaning device. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning member as a brush roller ( 26 ) is formed, the axis of rotation parallel to the longitudinal extent of the support column ( 22 ) runs. Apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the brush roller ( 26 ) around the support column ( 22 ) is pivotally mounted. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning member ( 26 ) from the support column ( 22 ) and in particular at least one perpendicular to the support column ( 22 ) extending holding element ( 24 ) with the support column ( 22 ) connected is. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a holding element ( 24 ) for the cleaning member ( 26 ) as a fluid line to Fluid supply of a fluid drive ( 38 ) and / or the cleaning member ( 26 ) is trained. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support column ( 22 ) as a fluid line for the fluid supply of a fluid drive ( 38 ) and / or the cleaning member ( 26 ) is trained. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a fluid management system is provided which is adapted to resume already used fluid. Apparatus according to claim 20, characterized in that the fluid management system is a stripping system ( 48 ), in particular a roller.

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