WO2017022264A1 - Cleaning device - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a cleaning device that cleans the surface of a solar panel unit formed by connecting a plurality of solar panels, wherein insertion members, which are inserted in spaces between adjacent solar panels and are movable along the spaces, are provided on facing sides, at least three insertion members on each side, and the device is moved in a state in which at least two of the insertion members on each side are inserted into the space during a cleaning operation; therefore, it is possible to achieve a highly reliable cleaning device. In addition, the highly reliable cleaning device can be achieved by one of a first movement unit and a second movement unit selectively being in contact with the solar panel according to the direction of movement.

Description

Cleaning device

The present invention relates to a cleaning device for cleaning a light receiving surface of a solar cell panel.

Recently, from the viewpoint of environmental protection, an increasing number of households install solar panels on the roof that convert sunlight into electric power. In addition, discussions on alternative energy for oil / nuclear energy are taking place on a global scale, and the measures for the feed-in tariff system for renewable energy such as solar power generation have been implemented. A large-scale solar power plant is managed, and the electric power business by the in-house utilization of the generated electric power and the sale of electric power is being carried out.

Until now, solar panels were supposed to be able to generate electricity without maintenance, for example, the surface could be cleaned by rain. However, since the solar cell panel generates power by sunlight, if dirt such as dead leaves or dust adheres to the surface, the amount of power to be generated is rapidly reduced. Especially in areas with low rainfall, such as desert / dry areas, and areas with a lot of deposits such as volcanic ash, yellow sand, and snow, it is necessary to clean the surface of the solar panel in order to generate power efficiently throughout the year. We are cleaning.

The solar cell panel cleaning device described in Patent Document 1 includes a cleaning unit having a blade unit that moves in contact with the light receiving surface of the solar cell panel, a recognition unit that recognizes a dirt state at regular intervals, and a raining state A rain sensor that performs detection, determines whether or not cleaning is necessary based on information recognized by the recognition unit, and when it is determined that cleaning is necessary and the rain state detected by the rain sensor is a rainable state that can be cleaned Operate the cleaning unit.

As shown in Patent Document 1, a cleaning device in which a cleaning device moves on a solar cell panel from a wheel moving on a rail or a rail installed on the periphery of the solar cell panel or the like, In a large power generation unit in which battery panels are connected vertically and horizontally, the device becomes large and unusable.

Therefore, as shown in Patent Document 2, a self-propelled cleaning device in which a cleaning unit moves around on a solar cell panel has been proposed.

JP 2012-190953 A (released on October 4, 2012) JP 2010-186819 A (released on August 26, 2010)

However, the self-propelled solar panel cleaning device that moves on the solar panel installed on the roof or roof of the building is not restricted to a predetermined orbit in the moving direction, and thus deviates from the route that should be originally moved. There is a fear. In particular, since the solar cell panel is often installed at a high place, the dropping of the cleaning device may cause a serious accident. The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and provides a highly reliable panel cleaning apparatus.

The cleaning device of the present invention is a cleaning device for cleaning the surface of a solar cell panel unit formed by connecting a plurality of solar cell panels, and is inserted into a gap between adjacent solar cell panels, along the gap. At least three insertion members that can be moved are provided on opposite sides, and during the cleaning operation, at least two of the insertion members move in a state of being inserted into the gap.

The cleaning device of the present invention is movable in a first direction for performing a cleaning operation and a second direction that intersects the first direction. When the cleaning device moves in the second direction, the insertion member is Including those that move while pressing against the side of the solar panel unit.

The cleaning device of the present invention includes a first moving means for moving in the first direction and a second moving means for moving in the second direction, and the second moving means is a solar cell panel. Including those driven in the direction away from the sides of the.

When the cleaning device moves in the second direction, the cleaning device of the present invention is configured such that, among the insertion members, the insertion member excluding the insertion member that presses against the side of the solar cell panel is more than the panel surface of the solar cell panel. Including those held on top.

The cleaning device of the present invention is a cleaning device for cleaning the surface of a solar cell panel unit formed by connecting a plurality of solar cell panels, and is a first for performing a cleaning operation on the surface of the solar cell panel. And a second moving unit for moving in a second direction that intersects the first direction, and the first moving unit and the second moving unit according to the moving direction. One of the two moving parts is selectively brought into contact with the solar cell panel.

Further, when the cleaning device of the present invention moves in the second direction, the cleaning device includes a device that moves while pressing a part of the cleaning device against the side surface of the solar cell panel.

In addition, the cleaning device of the present invention includes a member that is pressed against the side surface of the solar cell panel when the cleaning device moves in the second direction.

Further, when the cleaning device of the present invention moves in the second direction, the second moving part is driven in a direction away from the side of the solar cell panel unit.

According to the present invention, a highly reliable cleaning device can be provided.

It is a top view which shows schematic structure of the cleaning apparatus of the solar cell panel which concerns on this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the cleaning apparatus of the solar cell panel which concerns on this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the cleaning apparatus of the solar cell panel which concerns on this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the cleaning apparatus of the solar cell panel which concerns on this Embodiment cleans a solar cell panel unit. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the cleaning apparatus of the solar cell panel which concerns on this Embodiment cleans. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the cleaning apparatus of the solar cell panel which concerns on this Embodiment cleans. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the cleaning apparatus of the solar cell panel which concerns on this Embodiment cleans. It is explanatory drawing which shows the process in which the cleaning apparatus of the solar cell panel which concerns on this Embodiment cleans a solar cell panel unit. It is explanatory drawing which shows the process in which the cleaning apparatus of the solar cell panel which concerns on this Embodiment cleans a solar cell panel unit. It is explanatory drawing which shows the process in which the cleaning apparatus of the solar cell panel which concerns on this Embodiment cleans a solar cell panel unit. It is explanatory drawing which shows the process in which the cleaning apparatus of the solar cell panel which concerns on this Embodiment cleans a solar cell panel unit. It is explanatory drawing which shows the process in which the cleaning apparatus of the solar cell panel which concerns on this Embodiment cleans a solar cell panel unit. It is a top view which shows schematic structure of the cleaning apparatus of the solar cell panel which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a top view which shows schematic structure of the cleaning apparatus of the solar cell panel which concerns on this Embodiment.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, the cleaning device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the embodiments, the same or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated. In the description of the embodiments, for convenience of explanation, expressions such as “up”, “down”, “left”, and “right” are used, but these expressions are based on the drawings shown and do not limit the configuration of the invention.

Moreover, in the following embodiment, although the cleaning apparatus of a solar cell panel is demonstrated, the form of this invention is not restricted to the cleaning apparatus of a solar cell panel, If it is a cleaning apparatus utilized for the panel unit which connected the panel. Good.

FIG. 1 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of a cleaning device for a solar cell panel according to the present embodiment. The frame 10 of the cleaning device 1 is constituted by connecting and fixing frames 10a to 10g made of rod-shaped aluminum squares or the like in a cross beam shape.

The chassis 11 is attached under the frame 10a. Two wheels 12 a and wheels 12 b are attached to the chassis 11. A pulley 13a and a pulley 13b are attached coaxially to the wheel 12a and the wheel 12b, respectively. Further, a belt 14 is attached to the pulleys 13 a and 13 b and is connected to a pulley 16 driven by a motor of the drive box 15.

A chassis 11 'is attached under the frame 10b. Two wheels 12a 'and wheels 12b' are attached to the chassis 11 '. A pulley 13a 'and a pulley 13b' are attached coaxially with the wheel 12a 'and the wheel 12b', respectively. Further, a belt 14 ′ is attached to the pulleys 13 a ′ and 13 b ′, and is connected to a pulley 16 ′ driven by a motor of the drive box 15 ′.

In the cleaning device 1, the wheels 12 a and 12 b attached to the chassis 11 and the wheels 12 a ′ and 12 b ′ attached to the chassis 11 ′ constitute a first moving unit, and the first moving unit is used as the drive boxes 15 and 15. By being driven by the motor ', the cleaning device 1 can move in the y-axis direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 1), which is the first direction.

The chassis 18 is attached under the frame 10c. Wheels 19 a and wheels 19 b are attached to the chassis 18. The chassis 18 is angled about 2 ° to 5 ° clockwise with respect to the frame 10c parallel to the X axis so that the wheel 19b is located on the inner side of the cleaning device 1 than the wheel 19a. Attached.

A pulley 20a and a pulley 20b are attached coaxially to the wheel 19a and the wheel 19b, respectively, a belt 21 is attached to the pulleys 20a and 20b, and is connected to a pulley 23 attached to a motor of the drive box 22. By driving the motor of the drive box 22, the pulley 23 is rotated, the pulleys 20 a and 20 b are rotated by the belt 21 connected to the pulley 23, and the wheels 19 a and the wheels 19 b are rotated. It can move in the x-axis direction (up and down direction in FIG. 1).

The chassis 24 is attached under the frame 10d. Wheels 25a and wheels 25b are attached to the chassis. The chassis 24 is angled about 2 ° to 5 ° counterclockwise with respect to the frame 10d parallel to the x axis so that the wheel 25b is located on the inner side of the cleaning device 1 than the wheel 25a. Attached.

A pulley 26a and a pulley 26b are attached coaxially with the wheel 25a and the wheel 25b, respectively, and a belt 27 is attached to the pulleys 26a and 26b, and is connected to a pulley 29 connected to a motor of the drive box 28. By driving the motor of the drive box 28, the pulley 29 is rotated, the pulleys 26a and 26b are rotated by the belt 27 connected to the pulley 29, and the wheels 25a and 25b are rotated. It can move in the x-axis direction (up and down direction in FIG. 1).

In the cleaning device 1, the wheels 19 a and 19 b attached to the chassis 18 and the wheels 25 a and 25 b attached to the chassis 24 constitute a second moving part, and the second moving part is used as the drive box 22 or the drive box 28. By driving with a motor, the cleaning device 1 can move in the x-axis direction (up and down direction in FIG. 1), which is the second direction.

The blade holder 30a and the blade holder 30b are attached to the lower side of the frame 10e. The blade 31 is attached to the blade holders 30a and 30b. The blade 31 is preferably made of an elastic material in consideration of water and dirt wiping performance and weather resistance. For example, it is preferable to use a rubber blade using EPT rubber, urethane rubber or the like.

The blade 31 sweeps dust on the surface of the solar cell as the cleaning device 1 moves in the y-axis direction while contacting the surface of the solar cell panel. The blade 31 is attached in a state of being tilted several degrees counterclockwise with respect to the x-axis so that water used for cleaning flows easily.

The blade holder 32a and the blade holder 32b are attached to the lower side of the frame 10f. The blade 33 is attached to the blade holders 32 a and 32 b and is made of the same material as the blade 31.

The blade 33 sweeps dust on the surface of the solar cell panel as the cleaning device 1 moves in the y-axis direction while contacting the surface of the solar cell panel. The blade 33 is attached in a state where it is inclined several degrees clockwise with respect to the X-axis, so that water used for cleaning flows easily.

A spraying device 34a, a spraying device 34b, and a spraying device 34c for spraying cleaning water are attached to the lower side of the frame 10g. When the cleaning device 1 moves in the + y direction (left direction in the figure), cleaning water is sprayed by the spraying devices 34a, 34b, and 34c in front of the blade 31 so that dust can be easily removed.

A spraying device 35a, a spraying device 35b, and a spraying device 35c for spraying cleaning water are attached to the lower side of the frame 10h. When the cleaning device 1 moves in the -y direction (right direction in the figure), cleaning water is sprayed by the spraying devices 35a, 35b, and 35c in front of the blade 33 to facilitate removal of dust.

A guide holder 36a, a guide holder 36b, and a guide holder 36c are attached to the frame 10a toward the outside of the cleaning device 1. A guide 37a, a guide 37b, and a guide 37c are attached to the guide holders 36a, 36b, and 36c, respectively.

The guide 37a is attached so as to be outside the wheel 12a (left side in FIG. 1). The guide 37b is located near the center of the frame 10a. Moreover, the guide 37c is attached so that it may become an outer side (right side of FIG. 1) rather than the wheel 12b.

The guide holder 38a, the guide holder 38b, and the guide holder 38c are attached to the frame 10b toward the outside of the cleaning device 1. A guide 39a, a guide 39b, and a guide 39c are attached to the guide holders 38a, 38b, and 38c, respectively.

The guide 39a is attached so as to be outside (the left side in FIG. 1) from the wheel 12a '. The guide 39b is located near the center of the frame 10b. Moreover, the guide 39c is attached so that it may become an outer side (right side of FIG. 1) rather than the wheel 12b.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing a schematic configuration of the solar cell panel cleaning device according to the present embodiment, and is an explanatory view of a portion centering on the frame 10c as viewed from the side. A chassis 18 is attached to the lower surface of the frame 10c. A wheel 19a and a wheel 19b are attached to the chassis 18 via a bearing box 40a and a bearing box 40b, respectively. An actuator 41 a and an actuator 41 b are attached to the chassis 18.

The actuator 41a is connected to the bearing box 40a, and the wheel 19a can be lifted or brought into contact with the solar cell panel surface by pushing or pulling the bearing box 40a toward the panel surface. The actuator 41b is connected to the bearing box 40b, and the wheel 19b can be lifted from or brought into contact with the solar cell panel surface by pushing or pulling the bearing box 40b in the panel surface direction. . The wheel 25a and the wheel 25b attached to the chassis 24 are also equipped with a similar wheel vertical movement mechanism.

The wheel 12a is attached to the chassis 11 attached below the frame 10a via the bearing box 45a. The actuator 43a attached to the chassis 11 is connected to the bearing box 45a, and the actuator 43a can be operated to float or contact the wheel 12a from the surface of the solar cell panel. A similar wheel vertical movement mechanism is mounted on the wheel 12b.

A wheel 12a 'is attached to a chassis 11' attached below the frame 10b via a bearing box 45a '. The actuator 43a 'attached to the chassis 11' is connected to the bearing box 45a ', and the actuator 43a' can be operated to float or contact the wheel 12a 'from the surface of the solar cell panel. A similar wheel vertical movement mechanism is mounted on the wheel 12b '.

The pulleys 20a and 20b are connected on the same axis of the wheels 19a and 19b, respectively, and are connected to the pulley 23 via the belt 21. By driving a motor mounted on the drive box 22, the pulley 23 is rotated to drive the wheels 19a, 19b. The tension roller 46a attached to the drive box 22 can maintain the tension of the belt 21 appropriately.

A guide holder 36 a is attached to the frame 10 a toward the outside of the cleaning device 1. The guide holder 36a is bent downward, and a guide 37a is attached in the vicinity of its tip. The guide 37a has a rod 48a protruding from the cylinder 47a. The feed amount of the rod 48a from the cylinder 47a can be changed. Further, the position of the rod 48a can be fixed at a specific position.

Further, although not shown in FIG. 2, the guide holders 36b and 36c are the same guide holders as the guide 36a. The guide holders 36b and 36c have guides 37b and 37c, respectively, and the guides 37b and 37c have cylinders 47b and 47c and rods 48b and 48c, respectively.

A guide holder 38a is attached to the frame 10b toward the outside of the cleaning device 1. The guide holder 38a is bent downward, and a guide 39a is attached in the vicinity of its tip. The guide 39a has a rod 50a protruding from the cylinder 49a. The way of movement of the guide 39a is the same as that of the above-described guide 37a.

Although not shown in FIG. 2, the guide holders 38b and 38c also have guides 39b and 39c that are the same guides as the guide 39a, and the guides are cylinders 49b and 49c and rods 50b and 50c. have.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of the solar cell panel cleaning device according to the present embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram viewed from the side of the frame 10a and the chassis 11 as the center. A chassis 11 is attached to the lower surface of the frame 10a. A wheel 12a and a wheel 12b are attached to the chassis 11 via a bearing box 45a and a bearing box 45b, respectively. In addition, an actuator 43a and an actuator 43b are attached to the chassis 11, respectively.

The actuator 43a is connected to the bearing box 45a, and the wheel 12a can be lifted from or brought into contact with the solar cell panel surface by pushing or pulling the bearing box 45a toward the solar cell panel surface. . The actuator 43b is connected to the bearing box 45b, and the wheel 12b is lifted from or brought into contact with the solar cell panel surface by pushing or pulling the bearing box 45b toward the solar cell panel surface. Is possible.
Pulleys 13 a and 13 b are connected on the same axis of the wheels 12 a and 12 b, and are connected to the pulley 16 via the belt 14. By driving a motor mounted on the drive box 15, the pulley 16 is rotated to drive the wheels 12a and 12b. The tension of the belt 14 can be properly maintained by the tension roller 51 attached to the drive box 15.

The guide holders 36a, 36b, and 36c are attached to the frame 10a toward the outside of the cleaning device 1. Guides 37a, 37b, and 37c are attached to the guide holders 36a, 36b, and 36c, respectively. The guide 37a has a rod 48a protruding from the cylinder 47a, the guide 37b has a rod 48b protruding from the cylinder 47b, and the guide 37c has a rod 48c protruding from the cylinder 47c. The function of each guide is the same as that of the above-mentioned guide.

The blade holder 30a is attached to the frame 10e, and the blade 31 is attached to the blade holder 30a. A blade holder 32a is attached to the frame 10f, and a blade 33 is attached to the blade holder 32a. Further, a spraying device 34a for spraying cleaning water is attached to the lower side of the frame 10g, and a spraying device 35a for spraying cleaning water is attached to the lower side of the frame 10h.

The water used for cleaning may be supplied from the outside using a hose, or may be supplied from a tank provided on the frame of the cleaning device 1. The power of the cleaning device 1 may be supplied from the outside, or a battery may be mounted on the frame of the cleaning device 1.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a state where the solar cell panel cleaning device according to the present embodiment cleans the solar cell panel unit. The solar cell panel 100 is fastened horizontally and vertically to form a solar cell panel unit 101. The solar cell panel 100 is fixed to a gantry (not shown), and the solar cell panel adjacent in the x-axis direction is fastened with metal fittings, bolts, and nuts, and a bolt fastening portion 102 is formed. In general, the solar cell panel unit 101 is installed horizontally or tilted in the direction of any side of the solar cell panel.

There is a gap between the solar cell panel 100 and the solar cell panel adjacent in the x-axis direction. The gap is wider than the diameter of the guide rod, and the rod inserted in the gap is movable. A bolt fastening portion 102 is formed in the gap. Two bolt fastening portions 102 are provided per side parallel to the y-axis direction of each solar cell panel.

The cleaning device 1 controls each motor, actuator, and other devices by a control means (not shown) mounted on the cleaning device 1 and moves on the solar cell panel unit 101 for cleaning. Note that the control device may be provided in a place other than the cleaning device, and the cleaning device 1 may be controlled by wireless or wired communication.

The cleaning device 1 at the upper left of the solar cell panel unit 101 moves to the lower left of the solar cell panel unit 101 while cleaning. The cleaning device 1 cleans the solar cell panel 100 while moving in the −y direction.

When the cleaning device 1 is moved in the y-axis direction, the actuators 41a and 41b attached to the chassis 18 and the actuators 52a and 52b attached to the chassis 24 are contracted and the actuators 43a and 43a attached to the chassis 11 are contracted. 43b and actuators 43a 'and 43b' attached to the chassis 11 'are extended. That is, the actuator of the first moving unit is extended and the actuator of the second moving unit is contracted. As a result, the wheels 19a, 19b, 25a, 25b for moving in the x-axis direction do not contact the solar cell panel, and the wheels 12a, 12b and the wheels 12a ', 12b' contact the solar cell panel 100. In this way, by bringing only the wheels in the moving direction into contact with the solar cell panel, the non-moving wheels do not move on the solar cell panel, and the resistance during movement can be reduced.

In this embodiment, actuators are provided on both the chassis for moving in the y-axis direction and the chassis for moving in the x-axis direction. That is, the wheels that contact the solar cell panel 100 were switched by providing actuators in both the first moving unit and the second moving unit.

However, an actuator may be provided in either the first moving unit or the second moving unit. For example, even if an actuator is provided only on the chassis 11, 11 ′ for moving in the y-axis direction, it is possible to switch the wheel that contacts the solar cell panel 100. Similarly, even if an actuator is provided only on the chassis 18 and 24 for moving in the x-axis direction, the wheel that contacts the solar cell panel 100 can be switched.

The guides 37a, 37b, and 37c of the cleaning device 1 move along the left side of the solar cell panel unit 101, and the guides 39a, 39b, and 39c move along the right side of the solar cell panel 100.

When the cleaning device 1 moves in the y-axis direction, the rods 48 a, 48 b, 48 c are positioned in the vicinity of the left side surface of the solar cell panel unit 101, and the rods 50 a, 50 b, 50 c are located on the right side of the solar cell panel 100. It is located in the vicinity of the side surface, that is, in the gap with the adjacent solar cell panel.

Each rod of the guide is in a state where the maximum amount is drawn out from each cylinder, is inserted into a gap between the solar cell panels, and is positioned so as to sandwich the solar cell panel 100 from both sides. Since the solar cell panel 100 moves while being sandwiched between the rods, even if the cleaning device 1 is likely to move in the x-axis direction due to wind or the like, the side surfaces of the solar cell panel 100 abut against the guide rods, and the solar cell is It is possible to prevent displacement in the x-axis direction. The cleaning device 1 moves in the −y direction and cleans the solar cell panel 100. At this time, the rods of the guide sequentially move over the bolt fastening portion 102, but at least two of the three rods on one side are in a position where they abut against the solar cell 100. At least four rods are located on the side. Since the rod which is an insertion member is located on the side surface of the solar cell panel 100, the displacement of the cleaning device 1 in the x-axis direction can be prevented.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the cleaning device for the solar cell panel according to the present embodiment is cleaned, and shows a state where the rod gets over the bolt fastening portion when the cleaning device moves in the y-axis direction. is there. When the rod passes through the bolt fastening portion, it moves over the bolt fastening portion. The rods 48c and 50c do not move depending on the force received from the x-axis direction, but the amount of feeding from the cylinders 47c and 49c is changed by receiving the force received from the y-axis direction. When the rods 48 c and 50 c come into contact with the bolt fastening portion 102, the rods 48 c and 50 c are shortened by the force received from the bolt fastening portion 102 and get over the bolt fastening portion 102.

6 and 7 are explanatory views showing a process in which the solar cell panel cleaning apparatus according to the present embodiment cleans the solar cell panel unit. The cleaning device 1 is moved in the −y direction from the position of FIG. 4 to clean the solar cell panel 100. When the sensor 53b detects the end of the solar cell panel unit 101, the cleaning device 1 moves a predetermined distance in the −y direction from the time when the sensor 53b detects the end of the solar cell panel unit 101. 50c stops at a point located at the end of the solar cell panel unit 101.

Next, the cleaning device 1 fixes the feeding amount of the rod 48c and the rod 50c from the cylinder at the maximum position. On the other hand, the rods 48 a, 48 b, 50 a, 50 b are shortened from the cylinder so that their tips are positioned above the solar cell panel 100.

8 and 9 are explanatory views showing a process in which the solar cell panel cleaning apparatus according to the present embodiment cleans the solar cell panel unit. FIG. 8A is a main part explanatory diagram viewed from the left side of the solar cell panel unit, and FIG. 8B is a main part explanatory diagram of the solar cell panel unit viewed in the + y direction.

First, the actuators 41a, 41b, 52a and 52b are operated to bring the wheels 19a, 19b, 25a and 25b into contact with the solar cell panel 100. Next, the actuators 43a, 43b, 43a 'and 43b' are operated to separate the wheels 12a, 12b, 12a 'and 12b' from the solar cell panel 100. In this way, only the wheels for moving in the x-axis direction are brought into contact with the solar cell panel 100.

Further, the rod 48c and the rod 50c are fixed at the position where they are drawn out, and are brought into contact with the side surface of the lower side of the solar cell panel unit 101. The other rods 48 a, 48 b, 50 a, and 50 b are fixed at positions where they are not in contact with the solar cell panel 100 by reducing the amount of feeding so as not to hinder movement in the + x direction.

Next, the motor attached to the drive box 28 is operated to drive the wheels 25a and 25b to move rightward. In addition, the motor of the drive box 22 is not operated, and the wheels 19 a and 19 b are set to move in accordance with the movement of the cleaning device 1.

When the wheels 25a and 25b are driven, the wheels are attached at an angle of about 2 ° to 5 ° with respect to the frame 10d parallel to the x-axis, so that they move toward the inside of the solar cell panel unit 101. And Therefore, the rods 48c and 50c move in the right direction (+ x direction) while being pressed against the side surface of the solar cell panel 100. As a result, the cleaning device 1 moves to the right along the lower end of the solar cell panel unit 101. Since the rods 48c and 50c move while pressing the sides of the solar cell panel unit 101, there is no fear of the cleaning device falling from the solar cell panel unit 101, and a highly reliable cleaning device can be realized.

When the cleaning device 1 as shown in FIG. 9 is positioned at the lower end and the cleaning device 1 is moved in the left direction (−x direction), the motor attached to the drive box 22 is operated. The rods 48 a and 50 c are driven to the left and the wheels 25 a and 25 b are not driven, but moved according to the movement of the cleaning device. Move to the left while being pressed.

In this way, when moving in the x-axis direction, the driving device is driven away from the side of the solar cell panel unit, so that the rod is pressed against the side surface of the solar cell panel, and the operation of the cleaning device is stable. Therefore, the reliability of the cleaning device can be improved.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing a process of cleaning the solar cell panel unit by the solar cell panel cleaning device according to the present embodiment. As described above, the cleaning device 1 stops after moving rightward to the position of the right solar cell panel 100. The cleaning device 1 moves rightward to the right solar cell panel 100, and then starts moving while cleaning with a blade toward the + y direction.

First, the actuators 43a, 43b, 43a 'and 43b' are operated to bring the wheels 12a, 12b, 12a 'and 12b' into contact with the solar cell panel 100. At this time, the guides 37a, 37b, 37c, 39a, 39b, and 39c are at the positions of the grooves between the adjacent solar cell panels.

Next, the actuators 41a, 41b, 52a and 52b are operated to separate the wheels 20a, 20b, 25a and 25b from the solar cell panel 100. In this way, only the wheels for moving in the y-axis direction are brought into contact with the solar cell panel 100.

Also, the blades 31 and 33 are lowered and fixed at positions where they can contact the solar cell panel 100. Further, the lock of the rod 48c and the rod 50c is released so that the feeding amount can be changed. The other rods 48a, 48b, 50a, 50b were positioned above the solar cell panel 100, but the amount of feeding was adjusted so that they were positioned in the groove between the solar cell panel and the adjacent solar cell panel. Adjust. The locks of the rods 48a, 48b, 50a, 50b are also released so that the feed amount can be changed.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a process of cleaning the solar cell panel unit by the solar cell panel cleaning apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11A, cleaning is performed by moving the cleaning device 1 in the + y direction. Water is sprayed by the spraying device 34a, and the blade 31 in contact with the solar cell panel 100 is washed away with the sprinkled water while wiping the surface dust. Further, the solar battery panel is wiped with the subsequent blade 33. The rods 48a, 48b, and 48c move through the gaps that are the joints of the solar cell panels 100. However, since the bolt fastening portion 102 is higher than the other portions, the feeding amount of the rod 48a is reduced and the bolt 48 Get over the fastening part 102. FIG. 11B shows a case where the rod 48 b gets over the bolt fastening portion 102, and FIG. 11C shows a case where the rod 48 c gets over the bolt fastening portion 102. The cleaning device 1 is structured such that during movement in the + y direction, at least two rods are located on one side surface of the solar cell panel 100 and the solar cell panel 100 is sandwiched between at least four rods on both side surfaces. Yes. Therefore, since it does not shift in the x-axis direction while moving in the y-axis direction, the reliability of the cleaning device 1 can be improved.

When the cleaning device 1 moves in the + y direction while cleaning, and the rods 48a and 50a reach the end of the solar cell panel, the cleaning device 1 starts lateral movement. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a process of cleaning the solar cell panel unit by the solar cell panel cleaning device according to the present embodiment. The wheels 19a, 19b, 25a, 25b are brought into contact with the solar cell panel 100. Subsequently, the wheels 12 a, 12 b, 12 a ′ and 12 b ′ are separated from the solar cell panel 100. In this way, only the wheels for moving in the + x direction are brought into contact with the solar cell panel 100.

Next, the motor attached to the drive box 22 is operated to drive the wheels 19a and 19b to move rightward. Further, the motor of the drive box 28 is not operated, and the wheels 25 a and 25 b are set in a state of moving in accordance with the movement of the cleaning device 1. Further, the rod 48a of the guide 37a and the rod 50a of the guide 39a are drawn out and are in contact with the side surface of the solar cell panel 100. When the wheels 19a and 19b are driven, the wheels are attached at an angle of about 2 ° to 5 ° with respect to the frame 10c parallel to the X-axis, so that they move toward the inside of the solar cell panel unit 101. And Therefore, the rods 48a and 50a move in the right direction (+ x direction) while being pressed against the side surface of the solar cell panel 100.

When the cleaning device 1 is moved to the left side (−x direction) with the cleaning device 1 as shown in FIG. 12 positioned at the upper end, the motor attached to the drive box 28 is operated to move the wheel. The rods 48a and 50a are pressed against the side surface of the solar panel 100 by driving the wheels 25a and 25b to the left and setting the wheels 19a and 19b to move in accordance with the movement of the cleaning device without being driven. Move to the left while being pushed.

As described above, the cleaning device includes the first moving unit for moving in the y-axis direction and the second moving unit for moving in the x-axis direction. Since the cleaning device can move reliably on the solar cell panel by switching according to the above, a highly reliable cleaning device can be realized.

In addition, the driving device is driven in a direction away from the side of the solar cell panel unit, and the rod is pressed against the side surface of the solar cell panel to move in the X-axis direction, thereby reliably moving the cleaning device. Can be made. Therefore, it is possible to realize a highly reliable cleaning device that is free from fear of falling off the solar cell panel unit while the cleaning device is moving.
(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 13 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of the solar cell panel cleaning apparatus according to the present embodiment. Cleaning rollers 54a and 54b are attached to the cleaning device shown in the first embodiment. As a material of the cleaning rollers 54a and 54b, for example, a sponge such as urethane resin can be used. The cleaning rollers 54a and 54b can wipe off stains on the solar cell panel that could not be wiped off by the blade alone, and can improve performance.

When cleaning the solar cell panel using the cleaning roller, wiping with a blade is possible only on the rear side with respect to the traveling direction. When the cleaning device 1 moves in the + y direction, the blade 31 is separated from the surface of the solar cell panel, and the blade 33 is brought into contact with the surface of the solar cell panel to perform wiping. Further, when the cleaning device 1 moves in the −y direction, the blade 33 is separated from the surface of the solar cell panel, and the blade 31 is brought into contact with the surface of the solar cell panel to perform wiping. Further, when the cleaning measure 1 moves in the X-axis direction, the cleaning rollers 54a and 54b are separated from the surface of the solar cell panel.
(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 14 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of the solar cell panel cleaning apparatus according to the present embodiment. The chassis for driving in the y-axis direction is only one side, and one side is a driven wheel. Wheel covers 17a and 17b are attached under the frame 10, and the wheels are stored in the wheel covers 17a and 17b. Even if the drive wheel is only on one side, the guide moves in the y-axis direction between adjacent solar cell frames, so there is no fear that the cleaning device will skew. Cost reduction can be achieved by using only one drive wheel in the y-axis direction.

The cleaning device according to the present invention is not limited to a solar cell panel unit, but can be applied as a cleaning device for a panel unit formed by connecting panels. For example, the above-described cleaning device can be adapted to a building structure formed by combining a panel-shaped solar water heater or a panel.

The above-described embodiment disclosed herein is illustrative in all respects and does not serve as a basis for limited interpretation. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention is not interpreted only by the above-described embodiments, but is defined based on the description of the scope of claims. Further, all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of the claims are included.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Cleaning apparatus 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h ... Frame 11, 11 '... Chassis 12a, 12b, 12a', 12b '... Wheel 13a, 13b, 13a', 13b '... Pulley 14, 14 '... Belt 15, 15' ... Drive box 16, 16 '... Pulley 17a, 17b ... Wheel cover 18 ... Chassis 19a, 19b ... Wheel 20a, 20b ... Pulley 21 ... Belt 22 ... Drive box 23 ... Pulley 24 ... chassis 25a, 25b ... wheels 26a, 26b ... pulley 27 ... belt 28 ... drive box 29 ... pulley 30a, 30b ... blade holder 31 ... blade 32a, 32b ... blade holder 33 ... blade 34a, 34b, 34c ... spraying device 35a, 35b, 35c ... spraying devices 36a, 36b, 36c ... guide holder 37a, 7b, 37c ... guides 38a, 38b, 38c ... guide holders 39a, 39b, 39c ... guides 40a, 40b ... bearing boxes 41a, 41b ... actuators 43a, 43b ... actuators 45a, 45b ... bearing boxes 46a, 46b ... tension rollers 47a, 47b, 47c ... cylinders 48a, 48b, 48c ... rods 49a, 49b, 49c ... cylinders 50a, 50b, 50c ... rods 51 ... tension rollers 52a, 52b ... actuators 53a, 53b ... sensors 54a, 54b ... cleaning rollers 100 ... sun Battery panel 101 ... solar battery panel unit 102 ... bolt fastening portion

Claims (8)

A cleaning device for cleaning the surface of a solar cell panel unit formed by connecting a plurality of solar cell panels,
Inserted into a gap between adjacent solar cell panels, and at least three insertion members that are movable along the gap are provided on opposite sides,
During the cleaning operation, the cleaning device moves in a state in which at least two of the sides of the insertion member are inserted into the gap. Movable in a first direction for performing a cleaning operation and a second direction that intersects the first direction;
The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning device moves while pressing the insertion member against a side of the solar cell panel when moving in the second direction. It includes a first moving means for moving in the first direction and a second moving means for moving in the second direction, and the second moving means is separated from the side of the solar cell panel. The cleaning device according to claim 1, which is driven in a direction. When the cleaning device moves in the second direction, the insertion member excluding the insertion member that presses against the side of the solar cell panel is held above the surface of the solar cell panel unit. The cleaning apparatus in any one of Claim 2 or Claim 3 to do. A cleaning device for cleaning the surface of a solar cell panel unit formed by connecting a plurality of solar cell panels,
On the surface of the solar cell panel, a first moving part for moving in a first direction for performing a cleaning operation, and a second for moving in a second direction crossing the first direction A cleaning device, comprising: a moving unit, wherein one of the first moving unit and the second moving unit is selectively brought into contact with the solar cell panel according to a moving direction. The cleaning device according to claim 5, wherein, when the cleaning device moves in the second direction, the cleaning device moves while pressing a part of the cleaning device against a side surface of the solar cell panel. The cleaning device according to claim 6, wherein when the cleaning device moves in the second direction, the member pressed against the side surface of the solar cell panel is a rod. The said 2nd moving part is driven in the direction which leaves | separates from the side of the said solar cell panel, when the said cleaning apparatus moves to the said 2nd direction. Cleaning device.

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