Safety device and transfer cart

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of transport equipment, and discloses a safety device and a transfer vehicle, the safety device comprising a mounting seat, a stop component and an elastic torsion member; the mounting seat is arranged on a frame of the transfer vehicle and located at the lower end of the frame; the stop component is rotatably arranged on the mounting seat; the stop component has a stop end, which can be rotated to above the frame to stop the cleaning robot in the horizontal direction, or be rotated to below the frame to avoid the cleaning robot; the elastic torsion member is connected to the mounting seat and the stop component; the photovoltaic array has an array support, when the transfer vehicle moves to the photovoltaic array, the array support can press the stop end to make the stop end rotate to below the frame. The safety device has simple structure, low manufacturing and maintenance cost, and the stop component has no hysteresis, so the error probability is zero, and the cleaning robot is effectively prevented from falling and being damaged due to accidental movement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of transfer equipment technology, and in particular to a safety device and a transfer vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] In large-scale photovoltaic power plants, automated photovoltaic cleaning robots are commonly used to clean dust, bird droppings, and other contaminants from the photovoltaic panels, or for inspection purposes. These cleaning robots need to move between rows of photovoltaic arrays, and transfer vehicles are the key equipment for enabling the transfer of cleaning robots across arrays. The workflow is typically as follows: the cleaning robot travels from photovoltaic array A to the transfer vehicle, the transfer vehicle carries the cleaning robot to the target photovoltaic array B, and finally the cleaning robot travels from the transfer vehicle to photovoltaic array B.

[0003] In existing technologies, to prevent cleaning robots from falling due to accidental movement on the transfer vehicle, electronic sensors are usually installed on the transfer vehicle to detect the position of the cleaning robot. Then, before the cleaning robot is about to enter a dangerous state, a safety switch is activated based on the electronic sensor to protect the cleaning robot. However, this structure is complex, has a high probability of error, and is costly to manufacture and maintain. The activation of the safety switch is also prone to lag, resulting in untimely protection and thus accidental damage to the cleaning robot. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a safety device and transfer vehicle to solve the problems in the prior art where the overall structure of electronic sensing elements and safety switches is complex, the probability of error is high, the manufacturing and maintenance costs are high, and the safety switch is prone to lag when activated, resulting in untimely protection and thus accidental damage to the cleaning robot.

[0005] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] On one hand, the present invention provides a safety device for stopping and protecting a cleaning robot on a transfer vehicle capable of moving between several photovoltaic arrays, the safety device comprising:

[0007] Mounting base, the mounting base is disposed on the frame of the transfer vehicle and located at the lower end of the frame;

[0008] A stop assembly is rotatably mounted on the mounting base; the stop assembly has a stop end that can rotate to extend above the frame to stop the cleaning robot in the horizontal direction, or rotate to retract below the frame to avoid the cleaning robot.

[0009] An elastic torsion member is connected to the mounting base and the stop assembly, for driving the stop end to always rotate and extend above the frame; the photovoltaic array has an array bracket, which can press against the stop end when the transfer vehicle moves to the photovoltaic array, so that the stop end rotates and retracts below the frame.

[0010] As an optional solution to the above-mentioned safety device, the stop assembly includes a rotating shaft, a stop block, and a fixing block. The rotating shaft passes through the mounting base in a horizontal direction, one end of the rotating shaft is connected to the stop block, and the other end of the rotating shaft is connected to the fixing block. The free end of the stop block is the stop end, and the stop block is perpendicular to the rotating shaft.

[0011] As an optional solution for the above-mentioned safety device, the elastic torsion member includes two members, both of which are sleeved on the outside of the rotating shaft. The two ends of one elastic torsion member are respectively connected to the stop block and the mounting base, and the two ends of the other elastic torsion member are respectively connected to the fixing block and the mounting base.

[0012] As an alternative to the aforementioned safety device, one of the two elastic torsion members has a torsion direction on the stop block opposite to the torsion direction on the fixed block of the other.

[0013] As an optional solution to the above-mentioned safety device, the distance between the center of the rotating shaft and the free end of the fixed block is smaller than the distance between the center of the rotating shaft and the upper surface of the frame.

[0014] As an optional solution to the above-mentioned safety device, the stop assembly further includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector passes through the stop block and is threaded to one end of the rotating shaft, and the second connector passes through the fixing block and is threaded to the other end of the rotating shaft.

[0015] As an optional solution for the above-mentioned safety device, the mounting base, the stop block, and the fixing block are all rectangular structures.

[0016] As an optional solution for the above-mentioned safety device, the mounting base, the stop block, and the fixing block are all hollow along the length direction.

[0017] As an optional embodiment of the above-mentioned safety device, the safety device further includes a blocking block located below the array support for blocking the stopping end of the stopping assembly.

[0018] On the other hand, the present invention provides a transfer vehicle including the safety device as described above.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0020] The safety device includes a mounting base, a stop assembly, and a resilient torsion member. The mounting base is mounted on the frame of the transfer vehicle and located at the lower end of the frame. The stop assembly is rotatably mounted on the mounting base and has a stop end that can rotate to extend above the frame to stop the cleaning robot horizontally, or rotate to retract below the frame to avoid the cleaning robot. Thus, when the stop end of the stop assembly is above the frame of the transfer vehicle, it can stop the horizontal movement of the cleaning robot, thereby preventing the cleaning robot from accidentally moving and falling during the transfer vehicle's movement between several photovoltaic arrays. When the stop end of the stop assembly is below the frame of the transfer vehicle, the cleaning robot can move normally from the transfer vehicle to the photovoltaic array. Meanwhile, the elastic torsion member connects to the mounting base and the stop assembly, driving the stop end to always rotate and extend above the frame. Thus, when not affected by external forces, the stop assembly consistently protects the cleaning robot. The photovoltaic array has an array support; when the transfer vehicle moves to the photovoltaic array, the array support presses against the stop end, causing the stop end to rotate and retract below the frame. Therefore, when the transfer vehicle approaches the photovoltaic array, the stop assembly automatically avoids the cleaning robot, preventing any interference with its normal movement. This safety device has a simple structure, low manufacturing and maintenance costs, and continuously protects the cleaning robot during transport by the transfer vehicle. When the transfer vehicle approaches the photovoltaic array, the stop assembly automatically avoids the cleaning robot without any lag, resulting in a zero error rate and effectively preventing the cleaning robot from falling and being damaged due to accidental movement. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a first structural schematic diagram of the safety device provided in an embodiment of the present invention installed on a transfer vehicle;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a second structural schematic diagram of the safety device provided in an embodiment of the present invention installed on a transfer vehicle;

[0023] Figure 3 This invention provides a third structural schematic diagram of the safety device installed on a transfer vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0024] In the picture:

[0025] 1. Mounting base; 2. Stop assembly; 21. Rotating shaft; 22. Stop block; 23. Fixing block; 24. First connector; 25. Second connector; 3. Elastic torsion member; 4. Blocking block; 5. Transfer vehicle; 51. Frame; 6. Cleaning robot; 7. Photovoltaic array; 71. Array support. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. The terms "first position" and "second position" refer to two different positions. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the first feature in relation to the second feature includes the first feature directly above and diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "under," and "below" the first feature in relation to the second feature includes the first feature directly below and diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0028] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0029] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0030] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0031] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the present invention provides a safety device for stopping and protecting the cleaning robot 6 on the transfer vehicle 5, and the transfer vehicle 5 is capable of moving between several photovoltaic arrays 7.

[0032] The safety device includes a mounting base 1, a stop assembly 2, and an elastic torsion member 3. The mounting base 1 is mounted on the frame 51 of the transfer vehicle 5 and is located at the lower end of the frame 51. The stop assembly 2 is rotatably mounted on the mounting base 1. The stop assembly 2 has a stop end that can rotate to extend above the frame 51 to stop the cleaning robot 6 in the horizontal direction, or rotate to retract below the frame 51 to avoid the cleaning robot 6. Thus, when the stop end of the stop assembly 2 is above the frame 51 of the transfer vehicle 5, it can stop the horizontal movement of the cleaning robot 6, thereby preventing the cleaning robot 6 from accidentally moving and falling during the movement of the transfer vehicle 5 between several photovoltaic arrays 7. When the stop end of the stop assembly 2 is below the frame 51 of the transfer vehicle 5, the cleaning robot 6 can move normally from the transfer vehicle 5 to the photovoltaic array 7.

[0033] Meanwhile, the elastic torsion member 3 is connected to the mounting base 1 and the stop assembly 2, and is used to drive the stop end to always rotate and extend above the frame 51. Thus, when not affected by external forces, the stop assembly 2 always provides stop protection for the cleaning robot 6. The photovoltaic array 7 has an array bracket 71. When the transfer vehicle 5 moves to the photovoltaic array 7, the array bracket 71 can press against the stop end, so that the stop end rotates and retracts below the frame 51. Thus, when the transfer vehicle 5 approaches the photovoltaic array 7, the stop assembly 2 can automatically avoid the cleaning robot 6 and avoid affecting the normal movement of the cleaning robot 6.

[0034] The safety device has a simple structure, low manufacturing and maintenance costs, and always protects the cleaning robot 6 through the stop component 2 when the transfer vehicle 5 is transporting the cleaning robot 6. When the transfer vehicle 5 approaches the photovoltaic array 7, the stop component 2 can automatically avoid the cleaning robot 6. The stop component 2 has no lag, so the probability of error is zero, effectively preventing the cleaning robot 6 from falling and being damaged due to accidental movement.

[0035] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the stop assembly 2 includes a rotating shaft 21, a stop block 22, and a fixed block 23. The rotating shaft 21 passes horizontally through the mounting base 1, allowing it to rotate on the mounting base 1. One end of the rotating shaft 21 is connected to the stop block 22, and the other end is connected to the fixed block 23. The free end of the stop block 22 is the stop end, and the stop block 22 is perpendicular to the rotating shaft 21, allowing it to swing about the rotating shaft 21 to adjust the position of the stop end, thus stopping or avoiding the cleaning robot 6. Optionally, the distance between the center of the rotating shaft 21 and the free end of the fixed block 23 is less than the distance between the center of the rotating shaft 21 and the upper surface of the frame 51. Therefore, during the rotation of the rotating shaft 21, the fixed block 23 will not extend above the frame 51 of the transfer vehicle 5, thereby preventing the fixed block 23 from obstructing the movement of the cleaning robot 6.

[0036] Furthermore, the elastic torsion member 3 includes two members, both of which are sleeved on the outside of the rotating shaft 21. One elastic torsion member 3 has its two ends connected to the stop block 22 and the mounting base 1, respectively, while the other elastic torsion member 3 has its two ends connected to the fixing block 23 and the mounting base 1, respectively. Thus, the two elastic torsion members 3 can elastically torsion the stop block 22 and the mounting base 1, thereby improving the reliability of the stopping function of the stop assembly 2. Specifically, the torsion direction of one of the two elastic torsion members 3 on the stop block 22 is opposite to the torsion direction of the other on the fixing block 23. That is, when the array bracket 71 abuts against the stop block 22 and causes the stop block 22 to deflect and retract below the frame 51 of the transfer vehicle 5, the stop block 22 will rotate in either clockwise or counterclockwise directions. At this time, the two elastic torsion members 3 can be used to achieve clockwise and counterclockwise rotation and reset of the stop block 22.

[0037] Furthermore, the stop assembly 2 also includes a first connector 24 and a second connector 25. The first connector 24 passes through the stop block 22 and is threaded to one end of the rotating shaft 21. The second connector 25 passes through the fixing block 23 and is threaded to the other end of the rotating shaft 21. Thus, by setting the first connector 24 and the second connector 25, the stop block 22 and the fixing block 23 can be detachably connected to the rotating shaft 21 respectively. Its assembly is simple and its manufacturing and maintenance costs are low.

[0038] Furthermore, the mounting base 1, the stop block 22, and the fixing block 23 are all rectangular structures. By setting the mounting base 1, the stop block 22, and the fixing block 23 to rectangular structures, they can have high bending and torsional resistance, thereby extending the service life of the installation device. At the same time, the mounting base 1, the stop block 22, and the fixing block 23 are all hollow along their length, resulting in a lighter overall weight of the safety device, thus preventing the safety device from being too heavy and affecting the use of the transfer vehicle 5.

[0039] Furthermore, the safety device also includes a blocking block 4, which is located below the array bracket 71 and is used to block the stop end of the stop assembly 2. Depending on the requirements, blocking blocks 4 of different shapes and sizes can be set at different parts of the array bracket 71, which can more easily make the stop assembly 2 retract below the frame 51 of the transfer vehicle 5 to avoid the cleaning robot 6.

[0040] This embodiment also provides a transfer vehicle, including the safety device described above. By using the safety device described above, the transfer vehicle 5 can always protect the cleaning robot 6 through the stop component 2 when transporting the cleaning robot 6. When the transfer vehicle 5 approaches the photovoltaic array 7, the stop component 2 can automatically avoid the cleaning robot 6. The stop component 2 has no lag, so the probability of error is zero, effectively preventing the cleaning robot 6 from falling and being damaged due to accidental movement.

[0041] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A safety device for stopping and protecting a cleaning robot (6) on a transfer vehicle (5) capable of moving between a plurality of photovoltaic arrays (7), characterized in that, The safety device includes: Mounting base (1), the mounting base (1) is disposed on the frame (51) of the transfer vehicle (5) and is located at the lower end of the frame (51); Stop assembly (2), which is rotatably mounted on the mounting base (1); the stop assembly (2) has a stop end, which can rotate to extend above the frame (51) to stop the cleaning robot (6) in the horizontal direction, or rotate to retract below the frame (51) to avoid the cleaning robot (6). An elastic torsion member (3) is connected to the mounting base (1) and the stop assembly (2) for driving the stop end to always rotate and extend above the frame (51); the photovoltaic array (7) has an array bracket (71) that can press against the stop end when the transfer vehicle (5) moves to the photovoltaic array (7), so that the stop end rotates and retracts below the frame (51); The stop assembly (2) includes a rotating shaft (21), a stop block (22), and a fixing block (23). The rotating shaft (21) passes through the mounting base (1) in a horizontal direction. One end of the rotating shaft (21) is connected to the stop block (22), and the other end of the rotating shaft (21) is connected to the fixing block (23). The free end of the stop block (22) is the stop end, and the stop block (22) is perpendicular to the rotating shaft (21). The elastic torsion member (3) includes two, both of which are sleeved on the outside of the rotating shaft (21). One of the elastic torsion members (3) is connected at both ends to the stop block (22) and the mounting base (1), respectively, and the other elastic torsion member (3) is connected at both ends to the fixing block (23) and the mounting base (1). One of the two elastic torsion members (3) has a torsion direction on the stop block (22) opposite to the torsion direction on the fixed block (23) of the other.

2. The safety device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distance between the center of the rotating shaft (21) and the free end of the fixed block (23) is less than the distance between the center of the rotating shaft (21) and the upper surface of the frame (51).

3. The safety device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stop assembly (2) further includes a first connector (24) and a second connector (25). The first connector (24) passes through the stop block (22) and is threaded to one end of the rotating shaft (21). The second connector (25) passes through the fixing block (23) and is threaded to the other end of the rotating shaft (21).

4. The safety device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting base (1), the stop block (22), and the fixing block (23) are all rectangular structures.

5. The safety device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting base (1), the stop block (22), and the fixing block (23) are all hollow along the length direction.

6. The safety device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The safety device further includes a blocking block (4), which is located below the array support (71) and is used to block the stop end of the stop assembly (2).

7. A transfer vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the safety device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

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