A method of cleaning a photovoltaic panel

Abstract

The application provides a photovoltaic panel cleaning method, and the specific steps comprise: (1) a walking mechanism drives a cleaning robot to move on the photovoltaic panel; (2) a cleaning mechanism and a dust suction mechanism are started to clean dust along the way; (3) a rolling brush assembly collects the dust to a first dust suction port and a second dust suction port; (4) a fan draws air to suck the dust in the first dust suction port and the second dust suction port into a settling chamber; (5) the dust flows in the settling chamber; (6) large-particle dust is blocked by a first blocking block and falls into a primary settling groove under the action of gravity under the downward and outward inclined flow guide of a first flow dividing part; and (7) small-particle dust flows into a total settling tank under the action of the upward and outward flow guide of a second flow dividing part and finally falls into a secondary settling groove.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of photovoltaic panel cleaning technology, and more specifically to a method for cleaning photovoltaic panels. Background Technology

[0002] With the gradual depletion of traditional fossil fuels and increasing public concern about environmental pollution, solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation, as one of the main green energy sources, is being used more and more, and the scale of solar power plants has reached unprecedented levels. However, during the actual operation of PV power plants, due to long-term exposure to the outdoors, fine dust particles in the air easily accumulate on the surface of the PV panels, forming dust buildup. This leads to a reduction in the power generation efficiency of the PV modules, causing significant economic losses to PV power generation companies. Therefore, cleaning solar PV panels has become an important issue in the operation and maintenance of PV power plants.

[0003] Most photovoltaic cleaning equipment on the market currently uses fixed tracks to keep the equipment stationary on an inclined surface. It cannot be moved or moved, and the same equipment needs to be installed on each photovoltaic array. This not only increases costs but also has many drawbacks. Because the photovoltaic arrays are large and far apart, the photovoltaic panels on the robot cannot be cleaned in time after they are covered with dust. Moreover, the fixed track needs to be reinstalled once the robot is moved. On the other hand, this type of cleaning robot does not collect dust, which can easily cause secondary pollution.

[0004] To address the aforementioned issues, a patent document, such as Chinese Patent Application No. 201921791080.1, published on June 12, 2020, discloses a solar photovoltaic panel cleaning robot, comprising a walking mechanism and a climbing mechanism. The walking mechanism includes a rectangular frame, with roller brush brackets connected to the front and rear edges of the frame. Roller brushes and roller brush drive devices are mounted on the roller brush brackets. A suction nozzle is located inside the roller brush and connected to a suction pump mounted on the rectangular frame. Lateral walking wheels are fixedly mounted below the rectangular frame and connected to the lateral walking drive device. A gantry frame is fixedly mounted above the rectangular frame, and a climbing mechanism is located below the gantry frame and inside the rectangular frame. The gantry frame and the climbing mechanism are connected via a lifting device. The climbing mechanism includes a longitudinal walking drive device, longitudinal walking wheels, and a suction cup, which is connected to a vacuum pump mounted on the rectangular frame. This cleaning robot can automatically clean dust from the surface of photovoltaic panels. It is flexible, efficient, and can be effectively applied to various photovoltaic power generation sites. It is an intelligent photovoltaic panel cleaning device.

[0005] The structure described in this paper simply involves a rotating roller brush sweeping up dust and then sucking it into a dust collection bag through a suction nozzle. It doesn't collect the swept dust. Therefore, the size of the suction nozzle needs to be adjusted according to the length of the roller brush to effectively suck up the swept dust. This increases the difficulty of controlling the size of the suction nozzle during manufacturing. Furthermore, the dust sucked into the dust collection bag isn't further processed. As a result, both large and small dust particles remain in the same place, easily causing the dust collection bag to fill up quickly and requiring frequent replacement and cleaning, ultimately affecting the cleaning efficiency of the photovoltaic panels. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method for cleaning photovoltaic panels that is simple to operate and makes dust removal more effective.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, a photovoltaic panel cleaning method is provided, wherein the cleaning method is implemented by a cleaning robot. The cleaning robot includes a chassis, a walking mechanism, a cleaning mechanism, and a dust collection mechanism. The walking mechanism is located on both sides of the chassis, and the cleaning mechanism is located at both ends of the chassis. The dust collection mechanism is located at the center of the chassis and connected to the cleaning mechanism.

[0008] The dust collection mechanism includes a settling chamber, a fan, a first dust collection port, and a second dust collection port; the first dust collection port is located at one end of the settling chamber, the second dust collection port is located at the other end of the settling chamber, and the fan is located at the center of the settling chamber.

[0009] The settling chamber includes a first settling box, a second settling box, and a total settling box. The first settling box is located at one end of the settling chamber and is connected to a first dust suction port. The second settling box is located at the other end of the settling chamber and is connected to a second dust suction port. The total settling box is located between the first and second settling boxes. The fan is located above the total settling box. A first airflow channel is formed between the first dust suction port and the fan, and a second airflow channel is formed between the second dust suction port and the fan. The first airflow channel is inclined inward and upward from the first dust suction port toward the total settling box, and the second airflow channel is inclined inward and upward from the second dust suction port toward the total settling box. An air outlet is provided on one side of the fan.

[0010] A primary settling trough is provided below the first and second settling tanks, and a secondary settling trough is provided below the main settling tank; a first blocking block is provided inside the first and second settling tanks above the primary settling trough.

[0011] The cleaning mechanism includes a roller brush assembly that collects dust into a first suction port and a second suction port.

[0012] The specific steps include:

[0013] (1) The walking mechanism drives the cleaning robot to move on the photovoltaic panel.

[0014] (2) The cleaning and vacuuming mechanisms are activated to clean the dust along the way.

[0015] (3) The roller brush assembly collects dust into the first suction port and the second suction port.

[0016] (4) The fan draws the dust from the first and second dust inlets into the settling chamber.

[0017] (5) Dust flows in the settling chamber.

[0018] (6) Large dust particles are blocked by the first blocking block and fall into the first settling tank by gravity.

[0019] (7) Small dust particles flow into the main settling tank and eventually fall into the secondary settling trough.

[0020] The cleaning robot with the above structure uses a cleaning mechanism and a vacuuming mechanism to perform cleaning operations. The walking mechanism drives the cleaning robot to move. During the movement, the cleaning mechanism uses a roller brush assembly to clean and collect dust along the way, improving the degree of cleaning automation. The vacuuming mechanism uses a fan to draw air out of the settling chamber, creating a negative pressure in the settling chamber. This causes the dust collected by the roller brush assembly to be sucked into the dust settling chamber through the first and second suction ports. As the dust flows in the dust settling chamber, larger dust particles are blocked by the first blocking block due to gravity, thus breaking free from the suction and falling into the primary settling tank. This process collects large dust particles, while smaller dust particles, with lower gravity, continue to flow towards the main settling box and eventually fall into the secondary settling tank. This allows for multi-stage collection and storage of dust. Furthermore, the first blocking block extends the dust's flow path, reduces its flow velocity, and ensures that the dust falls into the settling tank more effectively.

[0021] Furthermore, the first blocking block includes a first body, a first diverting part and a second diverting part. The first diverting part is disposed at one end of the first body and extends downward and outward along one end of the first body. The second diverting part is disposed at one end of the first body and extends upward and outward along one end of the first body. The vertical projection of the end of the first diverting part is located in the primary settling tank.

[0022] Step (6) specifically includes large dust particles falling into the primary settling tank by gravity under the guidance of the downward and outward inclined flow of the first diversion section.

[0023] Step (7) specifically involves small dust particles flowing into the main settling tank under the upward and outward guiding action of the second diversion section, and finally falling into the secondary settling tank.

[0024] This design causes the dust to flow in two directions. Larger dust particles will fall directly into the primary settling tank under the downward and outward guiding action of the first diversion section, while smaller dust particles will continue to flow above the settling chamber to the secondary settling tank under the upward and outward guiding action of the second diversion section. Since the larger dust particles are heavier, they can enter the primary settling tank more easily and reliably under the guiding action of the first diversion section, thus achieving multi-stage dust collection.

[0025] Furthermore, second blocking blocks are provided at the connection points between the first settling tank and the main settling tank, and at the connection points between the second settling tank and the main settling tank. These second blocking blocks are positioned at the upper and lower ends of the settling chamber, forming a dust channel between them. The width of the dust channel is smaller than the width of the projections of the first and second blocking blocks in the dust channel direction. This design further alters the flow direction of the dust by using the second blocking blocks, thereby reducing the dust flow velocity and ensuring that the dust falls more effectively into the settling tank. Furthermore, by adjusting the width of the dust channel, backflow of dust entering the fan is prevented.

[0026] Furthermore, at the bottom of the first settling box and the second settling box, there is a dust discharge ramp extending downward towards the primary settling trough; step (6) specifically includes that when the dust falls into the bottom of the first settling box and the second settling box, the fan draws air and drives the dust to roll along the dust discharge ramp, and finally falls into the primary settling trough.

[0027] With this design, if dust falls to the bottom of the first or second settling tank without directly entering the primary settling trough, the inclined surface of the dust discharge ramp, combined with the airflow within the settling chamber, will carry the dust along the ramp and into the primary settling trough, ensuring that the dust falls accurately into the primary settling trough.

[0028] Furthermore, a first limiting post is provided between the first settling tank and the main settling tank, with the top surface of the first limiting post extending downwards at an angle from the end near the main settling tank towards the end near the first settling tank; a second limiting post is provided between the second settling tank and the main settling tank, with the top surface of the second limiting post extending downwards at an angle from the end near the main settling tank towards the end near the second settling tank; a second blocking block is provided on the top surfaces of the first and second limiting posts at the lower end of the settling chamber. This arrangement, with the inclined limiting posts, ensures that dust falling above the limiting posts can fall into the primary settling trough.

[0029] Furthermore, the walking mechanism includes a walking mounting plate, a walking housing, a walking motor, a driving wheel, a driven wheel, and a walking track. The walking mounting plate is fixed to the chassis. The driven wheel is rotatably mounted on one end of the walking mounting plate via its shaft. The driving wheel is located at the other end of the walking mounting plate. The walking motor is mounted on the chassis, and its drive shaft passes through the walking mounting plate and connects to the driving wheel. The walking track is wound between the driving wheel and the driven wheel. The walking housing is mounted on the walking mounting plate and covers the walking track. With this configuration, when cleaning the photovoltaic panels is required, the walking motor drives the driving wheel to rotate, which in turn drives the driven wheel, thus moving the walking track. When turning is required, only one of the walking motors located on either side of the chassis needs to stop rotating, and the other walking motor rotates to achieve turning, which is simple and effective.

[0030] Furthermore, the cleaning mechanism also includes a roller brush drive assembly, which comprises a roller brush drive motor, a roller brush drive wheel, a roller brush drive driven wheel, and a roller brush drive belt. The roller brush drive motor is mounted on the settling chamber via a roller brush mounting bracket, and the roller brush drive wheel is mounted on the drive shaft of the roller brush drive motor. The roller brush assembly is located at the top of the settling chamber and below the roller brush drive assembly. The roller brush drive driven wheel is mounted on the roller brush assembly, and a roller brush drive belt is located between the roller brush drive driven wheel and the roller brush drive wheel. This configuration allows the roller brush assembly to be driven by the roller brush drive motor for dust collection.

[0031] Furthermore, the roller brush assembly includes a first roller brush mounting bracket, a second roller brush mounting bracket, a roller brush drive shaft, a roller brush lifting servo, a first lifting arm, a second lifting arm, a first roller brush, and a second roller brush. The roller brush lifting servo is disposed on one side of the top of the settling chamber, and the first lifting arm is mounted on the drive shaft of the roller brush lifting servo. The first lifting arm is mounted on the first lifting arm. The second lifting arm is rotatably disposed on the other side of the top of the settling chamber via a second lifting arm connecting shaft, and the second roller brush mounting bracket is mounted on the second lifting arm. The roller brush drive shaft is disposed on the first roller brush mounting bracket. Between the first and second roller brush mounting frames, one end of the roller brush drive shaft passes through one end of the first roller brush mounting frame and is connected to the other end of the first roller brush mounting frame via a first roller brush bearing. A first roller brush is mounted on the roller brush drive shaft on the first roller brush mounting frame. The other end of the roller brush drive shaft passes through one end of the second roller brush mounting frame and is connected to the other end of the second roller brush mounting frame via a first roller brush bearing. A second roller brush is mounted on the roller brush drive shaft on the second roller brush mounting frame. The roller brush drive driven wheel is located on the roller brush drive shaft between the first and second roller brush mounting frames.

[0032] With this setup, when cleaning the photovoltaic panels, the roller brush drive motor starts, causing the roller brush drive wheel to rotate, which in turn causes the roller brush drive driven wheel to rotate, which in turn causes the roller brush drive shaft to rotate, thereby causing the first roller brush and the second roller brush to rotate. When it is necessary to raise or lower the first roller brush and the second roller brush, the roller brush lifting servo motor rotates, causing the first lifting arm and the second lifting arm to swing up and down to achieve the lifting action. Thus, the photovoltaic panels can be cleaned while the cleaning robot is moving.

[0033] Furthermore, the cleaning mechanisms at both ends of the chassis are placed in a centrally symmetrical manner; the first roller brush has a right-hand thread structure, and the second roller brush has a left-hand thread structure; the first and second suction ports are located between the first and second roller brushes. Thus, through the right-hand thread of the first roller brush and the left-hand thread of the second roller brush, when the first and second roller brushes rotate, the thread structure of the first roller brush will move to the right, thereby collecting the dust on the left side of the chassis to the first or second suction port; the thread structure of the second roller brush will move to the left, thereby collecting the dust on the right side of the chassis to the first or second suction port, thus facilitating the suction of dust from the first or second suction port; step (3) specifically includes:

[0034] (3.1) The rotation of the first roller brush moves the dust on the left side of the chassis to the right.

[0035] (3.2) The rotation of the second roller brush will move the dust on the right side of the chassis to the left.

[0036] (3.3) The dust driven by the first and second roller brushes is concentrated at the positions of the first and second suction ports.

[0037] Furthermore, the end face of the first diversion section near the primary sedimentation tank is inclined upwards, and the end face of the first diversion section away from the primary sedimentation tank is inclined downwards. The end face of the second diversion section near the blower is inclined upwards and outwards, and the end face of the second diversion section away from the blower is inclined upwards and inwards.

[0038] The above configuration, with the lower end of the first diversion section tilted upwards, allows other dust particles entering the primary settling tank to enter the dust channel under the guidance of the first diversion section. The upper end of the first diversion section tilted downwards, allowing some larger particles passing through the second diversion section to enter the primary settling tank under the guidance of the upper end of the first diversion section. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the cleaning robot of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the settling chamber of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the flow direction of dust during vacuuming according to the present invention.

[0042] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the walking mechanism of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the cleaning mechanism of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.

[0045] Figure 7 This is a top view of the cleaning robot of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the workflow of the cleaning robot of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0048] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, a cleaning robot includes a chassis 1, a walking mechanism 2, a cleaning mechanism 3, and a vacuuming mechanism 4. The walking mechanism 2 is located on both sides of the chassis 1, and the cleaning mechanism 3 is located at both ends of the chassis 1. The vacuuming mechanism 4 is located at the center of the chassis 1 and connected to the cleaning mechanism 3.

[0049] The dust collection mechanism 4 includes a settling chamber 5, a fan 42, a first dust collection port 43, and a second dust collection port 44; the first dust collection port 43 is located at one end of the settling chamber 5, the second dust collection port 44 is located at the other end of the settling chamber 5, and the fan 42 is located at the center of the settling chamber 5.

[0050] The settling chamber 5 includes a first settling box 51, a second settling box 52, and a total settling box 53. The first settling box 51 is located at one end of the settling chamber 5 and is connected to a first dust suction port 43. The second settling box 52 is located at the other end of the settling chamber 5 and is connected to a second dust suction port 44. The total settling box 53 is located between the first settling box 51 and the second settling box 52. The fan 42 is located above the total settling box 53. A first airflow channel 431 is formed between the first dust suction port 43 and the fan 42, and a second airflow channel 441 is formed between the second dust suction port 44 and the fan 42. The first airflow channel 431 is inclined inward and upward from the first dust suction port 43 toward the total settling box 53, and the second airflow channel 441 is inclined inward and upward from the second dust suction port 44 toward the total settling box 53. An air outlet (not shown in the figure) is provided on one side of the fan.

[0051] A primary settling trough 55 is provided below the first settling tank 51 and the second settling tank 52, and a secondary settling trough 56 is provided below the main settling tank 53; a first blocking block 54 is provided in the first settling tank 51 and the second settling tank 52 above the primary settling trough 55.

[0052] The cleaning mechanism 3 includes a roller brush assembly 6 that collects dust into a first suction port 43 and a second suction port 44.

[0053] The cleaning robot with the above structure uses a cleaning mechanism 3 and a vacuuming mechanism 4 to perform cleaning operations. A walking mechanism 2 drives the robot to move. During this movement, the cleaning mechanism 3 collects dust along the path using a roller brush assembly 6, improving the automation level of the cleaning process. The vacuuming mechanism 4 uses a fan 42 to draw air from the dust settling chamber, creating a negative pressure. This causes the dust collected by the roller brush assembly 6 to be sucked into the settling chamber 5 through the first suction port 43 and the second suction port 44. As the dust flows within the settling chamber (the direction of dust flow within the settling chamber is as follows...), the cleaning mechanism 3 collects dust along the path, improving the automation level of the cleaning process. Figure 3 As indicated by the middle arrow, larger dust particles are blocked by the first blocking block 54 due to gravity, thus breaking free from suction and falling into the primary settling tank 55, thereby collecting large dust particles. Smaller dust particles, with lower gravity, continue to flow towards the main settling tank 53 and eventually fall into the secondary settling tank 56. This allows for multi-stage collection and storage of dust. Furthermore, the first blocking block 54 extends the flow path of the dust, reducing its flow rate and ensuring better dust settling into the settling tank.

[0054] In this embodiment, a filter screen is also provided on the fan. When the fan draws air out of the settling chamber, the air in the settling chamber is filtered and drawn out through the filter screen. The fan is an exhaust fan. The technology of drawing out air to create negative air pressure in the settling chamber is the working principle of vacuum cleaners in the prior art. There are existing technologies, which will not be elaborated here.

[0055] like Figure 2As shown, the first blocking block 54 includes a first main body 541, a first diverting section 542, and a second diverting section 543. The first diverting section 542 is located at one end of the first main body 541 and extends downward and outward along one end of the first main body 541. The second diverting section 543 is located at one end of the first main body 541 and extends upward and outward along one end of the first main body 541. The width α of the dust channel is smaller than the width β of the projection of the first and second blocking blocks in the direction of the dust channel. This configuration causes the dust flow direction to become two paths. Larger dust particles will fall directly into the primary settling tank 55 under the guidance of the downward and outward diverting section, while smaller dust particles will continue to flow above the settling chamber 5 to the secondary settling tank 56 under the guidance of the upward and outward diverting section. Since the larger dust particles are heavier, they can more easily and reliably enter the primary settling tank under the guidance of the first diverting section, thereby achieving multi-stage dust collection.

[0056] like Figure 2 As shown, second blocking blocks 57 are provided at the connection points of the first settling tank 51 and the main settling tank 53, and at the connection points of the second settling tank 52 and the main settling tank 53. The second blocking blocks 57 are located at the upper and lower ends of the settling chamber 5, forming a dust channel 571 between the second blocking blocks 57 at the upper and lower ends of the settling chamber 5. The width of the dust channel is smaller than the width of the projection of the first and second blocking blocks in the direction of the dust channel. This design further alters the flow direction of the dust by using the second blocking blocks 57, thereby reducing the dust flow velocity and ensuring that the dust falls better into the settling tank. Furthermore, by adjusting the width of the dust channel, backflow of dust entering the fan is prevented.

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown, a dust discharge ramp 58 is provided at the bottom of the first settling tank 51 and the second settling tank 52, extending downwards towards the primary settling trough 55. This design ensures that if dust falls onto the bottom of the first settling tank 51 or the second settling tank 52 without directly entering the primary settling trough 55, the inclined dust discharge ramp 58, combined with the airflow within the settling chamber 5, will carry the dust along the ramp and into the primary settling trough 55, thus ensuring that the dust accurately falls into the primary settling trough.

[0058] like Figure 2As shown, a first limiting post 501 is provided between the first settling tank 51 and the main settling tank 53. The top surface of the first limiting post 501 extends downward at an angle from the end near the main settling tank 53 towards the end near the first settling tank 51. A second limiting post 502 is provided between the second settling tank 52 and the main settling tank 53. The top surface of the second limiting post 502 extends downward at an angle from the end near the main settling tank 53 towards the end near the second settling tank 52. A second blocking block located at the lower end of the settling chamber is provided on the top surfaces of the first and second limiting posts. This arrangement, with the inclined limiting posts, ensures that dust falling above the limiting posts can fall into the primary settling tank.

[0059] like Figure 4 As shown, the walking mechanism 2 includes a walking mounting plate 21, a walking housing 22, a walking motor 23, a walking drive wheel 24, a walking driven wheel 25, and a walking track 26. The walking mounting plate 21 is fixed on the chassis 1. The walking driven wheel 25 is rotatably mounted on one end of the walking mounting plate 21 via a walking driven wheel shaft (not shown in the figure). The walking drive wheel 24 is located at the other end of the walking mounting plate 21. The walking motor 23 is mounted on the chassis 1. The drive shaft of the walking motor 23 passes through the walking mounting plate 21 and is connected to the walking drive wheel 24. The walking track 26 is wound between the walking drive wheel 24 and the walking driven wheel 25. The walking housing 22 is mounted on the walking mounting plate 21 and covers the walking track 26. With this configuration, when the photovoltaic panels need to be cleaned, the walking motor 23 drives the walking drive wheel 24 to rotate, which in turn drives the walking driven wheel 25 to rotate, thereby driving the walking track 26 to move. When turning is required, one of the walking motors located on both sides of the chassis 1 only needs to stop rotating, and the other walking motor can rotate to achieve turning. It is simple and effective. In this embodiment, the turning method of the walking mechanism is the common turning method of tracked walking devices, which is the prior art and will not be described in detail here.

[0060] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the cleaning mechanism 3 further includes a roller brush drive assembly 31, which includes a roller brush drive motor 311, a roller brush drive wheel 312, a roller brush drive driven wheel 313, and a roller brush drive belt 314. The roller brush drive motor 311 is mounted on the settling chamber 5 via a roller brush mounting bracket 315, and the roller brush drive wheel 312 is mounted on the drive shaft of the roller brush drive motor 311. The roller brush assembly 6 is located at the top of the settling chamber 5 and below the roller brush drive assembly 31, and the roller brush drive driven wheel 313 is mounted on the roller brush assembly 6. A roller brush drive belt 314 is located between the roller brush drive driven wheel 313 and the roller brush drive wheel 312. This configuration allows the roller brush assembly to be driven by the roller brush drive motor for dust collection.

[0061] like Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the roller brush assembly 6 includes a first roller brush mounting bracket 61, a second roller brush mounting bracket 62, a roller brush drive shaft 63, a roller brush lifting servo motor 64, a first lifting arm 65, a second lifting arm 66, a first roller brush 67, and a second roller brush 68. The roller brush lifting servo motor 64 is located on one side of the top of the settling chamber 5. The first lifting arm 65 is mounted on the drive shaft of the roller brush lifting servo motor 64, and the first roller brush mounting bracket 61 is mounted on the first lifting arm 65. The second lifting arm 66 is rotatably located on the other side of the top of the settling chamber 5 via a second lifting arm connecting shaft (not shown in the figure). The second roller brush mounting bracket 62 is mounted on the second lifting arm 66. The roller brush drive shaft 63 is located between the first roller brush mounting bracket 61 and the second roller brush 68. Between the two roller brush mounting frames 62, one end of the roller brush drive shaft 63 passes through one end of the first roller brush mounting frame 61 and is connected to the other end of the first roller brush mounting frame 61 through a first roller brush bearing (not shown in the figure). A first roller brush 67 is provided on the roller brush drive shaft 63 on the first roller brush mounting frame 61. The other end of the roller brush drive shaft 63 passes through one end of the second roller brush mounting frame 62 and is connected to the other end of the second roller brush mounting frame 62 through a first roller brush bearing (not shown in the figure). A second roller brush 68 is provided on the roller brush drive shaft 63 on the second roller brush mounting frame 62. The roller brush drive driven wheel 313 is disposed on the roller brush drive shaft 63 between the first roller brush mounting frame 61 and the second roller brush mounting frame 62.

[0062] With this configuration, when cleaning the photovoltaic panels is required, the roller brush drive motor 311 starts, driving the roller brush drive wheel 312 to rotate, which in turn drives the roller brush drive driven wheel 313 to rotate, which in turn drives the roller brush drive shaft 63 to rotate, thereby driving the first roller brush 67 and the second roller brush 68 to rotate. When it is necessary to raise or lower the first roller brush 67 and the second roller brush 68, the roller brush lifting servo motor 64 rotates, driving the first lifting arm 65 and the second lifting arm 66 to swing up and down to achieve the lifting action. Thus, the photovoltaic panels can be cleaned while the cleaning robot is moving.

[0063] like Figure 7As shown, the cleaning mechanisms 3 at both ends of the chassis 1 are arranged symmetrically. The first roller brush 67 has a right-hand thread structure, and the second roller brush 68 has a left-hand thread structure. The first suction port 43 and the second suction port 44 are located between the first roller brush 67 and the second roller brush 68. With this configuration, through the right-hand thread of the first roller brush 67 and the left-hand thread structure of the second roller brush 68, when the first roller brush 67 and the second roller brush 68 rotate, the thread structure of the first roller brush 67 will guide to the right, thereby collecting dust located on the left side of the chassis 1 to the first suction port 43 or the second suction port 44; the thread structure of the second roller brush 68 will guide to the left, thereby collecting dust located on the right side of the chassis to the first suction port 43 or the second suction port 44, thus facilitating the suction of dust from the first suction port 43 or the second suction port 44.

[0064] like Figure 2 As shown, the end face of the first diversion section 542 near the primary sedimentation tank 55 is inclined upwards, and the end face of the first diversion section 542 away from the primary sedimentation tank 55 is inclined downwards. The end face of the second diversion section 543 near the blower 42 is inclined upwards and outwards, and the end face of the second diversion section 543 away from the blower 42 is inclined upwards and inwards.

[0065] The above configuration, with the lower end of the first diversion section tilted upwards, allows other dust particles entering the primary settling tank to enter the dust channel under the guidance of the first diversion section. The upper end of the first diversion section tilted downwards, allowing some larger particles passing through the second diversion section to enter the primary settling tank under the guidance of the upper end of the first diversion section.

[0066] like Figure 8 As shown, the working method of the cleaning robot described above includes the following specific steps:

[0067] (1) The walking mechanism drives the cleaning robot to move on the photovoltaic panel.

[0068] (2) The cleaning and vacuuming mechanisms are activated to clean the dust along the way.

[0069] (3) The roller brush assembly collects dust into the first suction port and the second suction port.

[0070] (3.1) The rotation of the first roller brush moves the dust on the left side of the chassis to the right.

[0071] (3.2) The rotation of the second roller brush will move the dust on the right side of the chassis to the left.

[0072] (3.3) The dust driven by the first and second roller brushes is concentrated at the positions of the first and second suction ports.

[0073] (4) The fan draws the dust from the first and second dust inlets into the settling chamber.

[0074] (5) Dust flows in the settling chamber.

[0075] (6) Large dust particles are blocked by the first blocking block and fall into the first settling tank by gravity under the guidance of the downward and outward inclined setting of the first diversion section.

[0076] (7) Small dust particles flow into the main settling tank under the upward and outward guiding action of the second diversion section, and finally fall into the secondary settling tank.

[0077] Specifically, step (6) includes the following steps: when the dust falls to the bottom of the first settling tank and the second settling tank, the fan draws air and drives the dust to roll along the dust falling slope, and finally falls into the first settling tank.

[0078] In the above structure, when cleaning of photovoltaic panels is required, the walking motor drives the walking track to move. During the movement, the roller brush drive motor drives the first and second roller brushes to rotate, cleaning and collecting dust along the way. When the dust is concentrated on the first or second suction port, the fan sucks the dust into the settling chamber for collection. Since there are dust collection and cleaning mechanisms at both the front and rear ends of the chassis, the front end is cleaned once while the cleaning robot is moving, and the rear end can be cleaned again, avoiding the problem of dust being left behind during the front cleaning and improving the overall cleanliness.

Claims

1. A method for cleaning photovoltaic panels, wherein the cleaning method is implemented by a cleaning robot, characterized in that: The cleaning robot includes a chassis, a walking mechanism, a cleaning mechanism, and a vacuuming mechanism. The walking mechanism is located on both sides of the chassis, and the cleaning mechanism is located at both ends of the chassis. The vacuuming mechanism is located at the center of the chassis and connected to the cleaning mechanism. The dust collection mechanism includes a settling chamber, a fan, a first dust collection port, and a second dust collection port; the first dust collection port is located at one end of the settling chamber, the second dust collection port is located at the other end of the settling chamber, and the fan is located at the center of the settling chamber; The settling chamber includes a first settling box, a second settling box, and a main settling box. The first settling box is located at one end of the settling chamber and is connected to a first dust suction port. The second settling box is located at the other end of the settling chamber and is connected to a second dust suction port. The main settling box is located between the first and second settling boxes. The fan is located above the main settling box. A first airflow channel is formed between the first dust suction port and the fan, and a second airflow channel is formed between the second dust suction port and the fan. The first airflow channel is inclined inward and upward from the first dust suction port toward the main settling box, and the second airflow channel is inclined inward and upward from the second dust suction port toward the main settling box. An air outlet is provided on one side of the fan. A primary settling trough is provided below the first and second settling tanks, and a secondary settling trough is provided below the main settling tank; a first blocking block is provided inside the first and second settling tanks above the primary settling trough. The cleaning mechanism includes a roller brush assembly that collects dust into a first suction port and a second suction port; a second blocking block is provided at the connection between the first settling tank and the main settling tank and at the connection between the second settling tank and the main settling tank; the second blocking block is provided at the upper end and the lower end of the settling chamber, and a dust channel is formed between the second blocking block at the upper end and the lower end of the settling chamber, the width of the dust channel being smaller than the width of the projection of the first blocking block and the second blocking block in the direction of the dust channel; The specific steps include: (1) The walking mechanism drives the cleaning robot to move on the photovoltaic panel; (2) The cleaning and vacuuming mechanisms are activated to clean the dust along the way; (3) The roller brush assembly collects dust into the first suction port and the second suction port; (4) The fan draws dust from the first and second dust inlets into the settling chamber. (5) Dust flows within the settling chamber; (6) Large dust particles are blocked by the first blocking block and fall into the first settling tank by gravity; (7) Small dust particles flow into the main settling tank and eventually fall into the secondary settling trough.

2. The photovoltaic panel cleaning method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first blocking block includes a first main body, a first diversion part and a second diversion part. The first diversion part is disposed at one end of the first main body and extends downward and outward along one end of the first main body. The second diversion part is disposed at one end of the first main body and extends upward and outward along one end of the first main body. The vertical projection of the end of the first diversion part is located in the primary settling tank. Step (6) specifically includes large dust particles falling into the primary settling tank by gravity under the guidance of the downward and outward diversion part. Step (7) specifically involves small dust particles flowing into the main settling tank under the upward and outward guiding action of the second diversion section, and finally falling into the secondary settling tank.

3. The photovoltaic panel cleaning method according to claim 1, characterized in that: At the bottom of the first and second settling tanks, there are inclined surfaces for dust discharge that extend downward toward the primary settling trough. Step (6) specifically includes the following steps: when the dust falls to the bottom of the first settling tank and the second settling tank, the fan draws air and drives the dust to roll along the dust drop slope, and finally falls into the primary settling tank.

4. The photovoltaic panel cleaning method according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first limiting post is provided between the first settling tank and the main settling tank. The top surface of the first limiting post extends downward at an angle from the end near the main settling tank to the end near the first settling tank. A second limiting post is provided between the second settling tank and the main settling tank. The top surface of the second limiting post extends downward at an angle from the end near the main settling tank to the end near the second settling tank. A second blocking block located at the lower end of the settling chamber is provided on the top surfaces of the first and second limiting posts.

5. The photovoltaic panel cleaning method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The traveling mechanism includes a traveling mounting plate, a traveling housing, a traveling motor, a traveling drive wheel, a traveling driven wheel, and a traveling track. The traveling mounting plate is fixed to the chassis. The traveling driven wheel is rotatably mounted on one end of the traveling mounting plate via a traveling driven wheel shaft. The traveling drive wheel is located at the other end of the traveling mounting plate. The traveling motor is mounted on the chassis, and its drive shaft passes through the traveling mounting plate and connects to the traveling drive wheel. The traveling track is wound between the traveling drive wheel and the traveling driven wheel. The traveling housing is mounted on the traveling mounting plate and covers the traveling track.

6. The photovoltaic panel cleaning method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cleaning mechanism further includes a roller brush drive assembly, which includes a roller brush drive motor, a roller brush drive wheel, a roller brush drive driven wheel, and a roller brush drive belt. The roller brush drive motor is mounted on the settling chamber via a roller brush mounting bracket, and the roller brush drive wheel is mounted on the drive shaft of the roller brush drive motor. The roller brush assembly is located at the top of the settling chamber and below the roller brush drive assembly. The roller brush drive driven wheel is mounted on the roller brush assembly, and a roller brush drive belt is located between the roller brush drive driven wheel and the roller brush drive wheel.

7. A photovoltaic panel cleaning method according to claim 6, characterized in that: The roller brush assembly includes a first roller brush mounting bracket, a second roller brush mounting bracket, a roller brush drive shaft, a roller brush lifting servo, a first lifting arm, a second lifting arm, a first roller brush, and a second roller brush. The roller brush lifting servo is located on one side of the top of the settling chamber. The first lifting arm is mounted on the drive shaft of the roller brush lifting servo, and the first roller brush mounting bracket is mounted on the first lifting arm. The second lifting arm is rotatably located on the other side of the top of the settling chamber via a second lifting arm connecting shaft, and the second roller brush mounting bracket is mounted on the second lifting arm. The roller brush drive shaft is located between the first and second roller brush mounting brackets. One end of the roller brush drive shaft passes through one end of the first roller brush mounting bracket and is connected to the other end of the first roller brush mounting bracket via a first roller brush bearing. The first roller brush is mounted on the roller brush drive shaft on the first roller brush mounting bracket. The other end of the roller brush drive shaft passes through one end of the second roller brush mounting bracket and is connected to the other end of the second roller brush mounting bracket via a first roller brush bearing. The second roller brush is mounted on the roller brush drive shaft on the second roller brush mounting bracket. The roller brush driven wheel is located on the roller brush drive shaft between the first and second roller brush mounting brackets.

8. A photovoltaic panel cleaning method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The cleaning mechanisms at both ends of the chassis are placed in a centrally symmetrical manner; the first roller brush has a right-hand thread structure, and the second roller brush has a left-hand thread structure; the first suction port and the second suction port are located between the first roller brush and the second roller brush. Step (3) specifically includes: (3.1) The rotation of the first roller brush moves the dust on the left side of the chassis to the right; (3.2) The rotation of the second roller brush moves the dust on the right side of the chassis to the left; (3.3) The dust driven by the first and second roller brushes is concentrated at the positions of the first and second suction ports.

9. A photovoltaic panel cleaning method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The end face of the first diversion section near the primary sedimentation tank is inclined upwards, and the end face of the first diversion section away from the primary sedimentation tank is inclined downwards. The end face of the second diversion section near the blower is inclined upwards and outwards, and the end face of the second diversion section away from the blower is inclined upwards and inwards.

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