An automatic cleaning system for insulators

Abstract

The application discloses an automatic cleaning system for insulators, and relates to the technical field of insulators, which comprises a UAV platform; a first telescopic assembly is fixed horizontally on the UAV body, and the movable part of the first telescopic assembly is connected with a hinged seat; hinged closing blocks are arranged on the two sides of the hinged seat, the closing blocks are hinged with second telescopic assemblies on the outer sides, and the other ends of the second telescopic assemblies are hinged with the hinged seat; the closing blocks are internally provided with air cavities, and the outer sides of the closing blocks are connected with air supply assemblies; the inner walls of the closing blocks are provided with a plurality of air outlet holes which are in communication with the air cavities; a cleaning motor is arranged at one end of the inner wall of the closing block, the output shaft of the cleaning motor is connected with a mounting seat, and the other end of the mounting seat is rotatably connected with the inner side of the closing block; a semicircular cleaning brush is arranged on one side of the mounting seat, and the cleaning brushes are discontinuously arranged in a circular shape when the two closing blocks are closed; and the inner side of the closing block is semicircular and outwardly turned relative to the outer side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of insulator technology, and in particular to an automatic insulator cleaning system. Background Technology

[0002] Tens of thousands of insulators are distributed throughout the critical power facilities of ultra-high voltage direct current converter stations. As important components ensuring the safe and stable operation of power transmission, these insulators are exposed to complex natural environments for extended periods. However, harsh environmental factors such as smog, acid rain, and dust constantly threaten the performance and safety of the insulators, becoming potential hazards affecting the stable operation of the power system.

[0003] When insulators are heavily contaminated, their insulation performance deteriorates significantly, making them highly susceptible to flashover. A flashover can not only cause DC transmission line outages but also trigger a chain reaction across the entire power grid, leading to widespread power outages and resulting in substantial economic losses and social impact. Therefore, cleaning and decontamination of insulators is crucial for ensuring the safe and stable operation of converter stations.

[0004] Traditional insulator cleaning methods rely heavily on manpower and tools, requiring workers to use aerial work platforms and simple tools like rags for manual cleaning. However, this method has many drawbacks, such as incomplete cleaning, low safety, and low efficiency. With the rapid development of the power industry and the continuous expansion of the power grid, traditional cleaning methods can no longer meet the modern power facility's demands for safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly maintenance, necessitating the search for a more advanced and reliable cleaning technology. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to at least solve one of the above-mentioned technical problems, the purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic insulator cleaning system that achieves automatic cleaning and improves convenience and safety.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0007] An automatic insulator cleaning system includes a drone platform. A horizontally positioned first telescopic component is fixedly mounted on the drone body. A hinge seat is fixedly connected to the movable part of the first telescopic component. Closing blocks are hinged to both sides of the hinge seat. A second telescopic component is hinged to the outer side of the closing blocks. The other end of the second telescopic component is hinged to the hinge seat. An air chamber is opened inside the closing block. An air supply component is fixedly connected to the outer side of the closing block and communicates with the air chamber. Multiple air outlets communicating with the air chamber are opened on the inner wall of the closing block. A cleaning motor is fixedly mounted on one end of the inner wall of the closing block. A mounting base is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the cleaning motor. The other end of the mounting base is rotatably connected to the inner side of the closing block. A semi-circular cleaning brush is mounted on one side of the mounting base. When the two closing blocks are closed, the two cleaning brushes can intermittently form a circle. The inner side of the closing block is a semi-circle with relatively outward folds.

[0008] Preferably, the first telescopic component and the second telescopic component are electric cylinders, and the air supply component is an electric air pump.

[0009] Preferably, the rectangular array of air outlets is arranged inside the closed block, and the shape of the air outlets is a frustum-shaped structure that is wider inside and narrower outside.

[0010] Preferably, a dustproof screen is installed at the air inlet of the air supply component.

[0011] Preferably, the bristles of the cleaning brush are composed of elastic bristles, each elastic bristle including an elastic plastic rod, the elastic plastic rod being fixedly provided with flexible silicone, and the outer surface of the flexible silicone being coated with a wear-resistant coating.

[0012] Preferably, when the cleaning motor drives the cleaning brush to rotate to be closest to the inner wall of the closed block, the tip of the cleaning brush bristles can extend into the air outlet.

[0013] Preferably, an isolation net is installed at the air inlet end of the air outlet.

[0014] Preferably, the drone platform is equipped with a remote camera.

[0015] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0016] I. Improved Cleaning Convenience and Safety: Traditional insulator cleaning relies heavily on manpower and tools. Workers must use simple tools from aerial work platforms, resulting in low safety. In contrast, the automatic insulator cleaning system of this invention is based on a drone platform, eliminating the need for workers to operate at heights, significantly reducing safety risks. Furthermore, the drone's ability to flexibly reach different locations improves cleaning convenience, enabling more efficient completion of cleaning tasks, ensuring the personal safety of workers, and enhancing the overall safety of the cleaning operation.

[0017] II. Cleaning Brush Design: The cleaning brush bristles are composed of elastic bristles, and a flexible silicone pad is fixed to the outside of the elastic plastic rod. The outer surface of the flexible silicone pad is coated with a wear-resistant coating. This design gives the cleaning brush good elasticity and wear resistance, allowing it to better conform to the surface of the insulator during cleaning, effectively removing various contaminants. Furthermore, the wear-resistant coating extends the service life of the cleaning brush, ensuring the long-lasting cleaning effect.

[0018] 3. Air Outlets and Cleaning Brush Coordination: The air outlets are arranged in a rectangular array inside the closed block, forming a frustum shape that is wider on the inside and narrower on the outside. When the cleaning motor drives the cleaning brush to rotate and come closest to the inner wall of the closed block, the tips of the cleaning brush bristles can extend into the air outlets. The air supply component blows air onto the insulator surface through the air chamber and air outlets. On the one hand, this can blow away some loose contaminants; on the other hand, when the cleaning brush is cleaning, the airflow from the air outlets can further assist the cleaning brush in removing stubborn stains, enhancing the cleaning effect.

[0019] IV. Dustproof and Isolation Design: A dustproof screen is installed at the air inlet of the air supply component, and an isolation screen is installed at the air inlet of the air outlet. The dustproof screen prevents external dust and other impurities from entering the air supply component, avoiding affecting its normal operation; the isolation screen prevents larger particles from entering the air outlet, preventing blockage of the air outlet, ensuring the normal operation of the air supply component and the air outlet, thereby ensuring that the entire cleaning system can work stably and continuously.

[0020] V. Electric Cylinder and Electric Air Pump Setup: The first and second telescopic components are equipped with electric cylinders, and the air supply component is equipped with an electric air pump. The electric cylinder has advantages such as high control precision and fast response speed, and can accurately control the opening and closing of the closing block and the position of the cleaning brush to achieve precise cleaning; the electric air pump can stably provide airflow, ensuring a continuous and stable airflow output from the air outlet. The combination of the two improves the stability and reliability of the entire system.

[0021] VI. Combination of remote monitoring and automatic cleaning: The drone platform is equipped with a remote camera. During the automatic cleaning process, the operator can observe the cleaning status of the insulators and the surrounding environment in real time through the remote camera. The cleaning strategy can be adjusted in a timely manner according to the actual situation, realizing the organic combination of remote monitoring and automatic cleaning, and improving the flexibility and pertinence of the cleaning work.

[0022] VII. Special structure of the closing block combined with the overall cleaning function: The inner side of the closing block is set as a semi-circle with relatively outward turning. When the two closing blocks are closed, the two cleaning brushes can intermittently form a circle. This special structure allows the cleaning brushes to better wrap the surface of the insulator, realizing all-round cleaning. Combined with the automatic cleaning function of the whole system, it further improves the comprehensiveness and effectiveness of cleaning. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a top view of an embodiment of the present invention (excluding the drone platform).

[0026] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a closed block according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] In the diagram: 1. Unmanned aerial vehicle platform; 2. First telescopic assembly; 301. Hinge seat; 302. Closing block; 303. Second telescopic assembly; 401. Air supply assembly; 402. Air outlet; 403. Dustproof net; 404. Isolation net; 501. Cleaning motor; 502. Mounting base; 503. Cleaning brush; 6. Remote camera. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. 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.

[0029] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, an automatic insulator cleaning system includes a drone platform 1. A horizontally positioned first telescopic component 2 is fixedly mounted on the drone body. A hinge seat 301 is fixedly connected to the movable part of the first telescopic component 2. Closing blocks 302 are hinged to both sides of the hinge seat 301. A second telescopic component 303 is hinged to the outer side of the closing blocks 302. The other end of the second telescopic component 303 is hinged to the hinge seat 301. An air cavity is formed inside the closing block 302. An air supply component 401 is fixedly connected to the outer side of the closing block 302. The inner wall of the closing block 302 is connected to the air chamber and has multiple air outlets 402 that are connected to the air chamber. A cleaning motor 501 is fixedly installed at one end of the inner wall of the closing block 302. The output shaft of the cleaning motor 501 is fixedly connected to the mounting base 502. The other end of the mounting base 502 is rotatably connected to the inner side of the closing block 302. A semi-circular cleaning brush 503 is installed on one side of the mounting base 502. When the two closing blocks 302 are closed, the two cleaning brushes 503 can intermittently form a circle. The inner side of the closing block 302 is set as a semi-circle that is relatively turned outward.

[0030] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the operator controls the drone platform 1, using the drone's own flight control system to fly it to a suitable position near the insulator to be cleaned. The drone platform 1 provides the entire cleaning system with flexible mobility, enabling it to quickly reach insulators at different locations and heights, overcoming the difficulties of traditional manual cleaning in terms of high-altitude operations and location accessibility. The first telescopic component 2 begins to work, its movable part extending and retracting, driving the hinge seat 301 to move. Since the closing block 302 is hinged to the hinge seat 301, and the outer side of the closing block 302 is connected to the hinge seat 301 via the second telescopic component 303, the second telescopic component 303 also extends and retracts accordingly under the drive of the first telescopic component 2, thereby realizing the opening and closing action of the closing block 302. When the insulator needs to be cleaned, the first telescopic component 2 retracts, causing the two closing blocks 302 to gradually close, enclosing the insulator within. The inner side of the closing block 302 is designed as a relatively outward-facing semi-circle. This design helps to better fit the shape of the insulator, allowing the closing block 302 to wrap the insulator more tightly and providing good operating space for subsequent cleaning work.

[0031] The air supply component 401 (such as an electric air pump) starts working, drawing in outside air and delivering it through pipes to the air chamber inside the closed block 302. The air in the air chamber is then ejected outward through multiple air outlets 402 opened on the inner wall of the closed block 302. The air outlets 402 are arranged in a rectangular array and are shaped like a frustum, wider on the inside and narrower on the outside. This design allows the airflow to form a certain pressure and direction when ejected, effectively blowing it towards the surface of the insulator and blowing off some loose contaminants such as dust and smog particles.

[0032] When the sweeping motor 501 starts, its output shaft drives the mounting base 502 to rotate, and the semi-circular cleaning brush 503 mounted on the mounting base 502 rotates accordingly. When the two closing blocks 302 are closed, the two cleaning brushes 503 can intermittently form a circle, which can cover the surface of the insulator in all directions. The bristles of the cleaning brush 503 are composed of elastic bristles, and a flexible silicone is fixed on the outside of the elastic plastic rod. The outer surface of the flexible silicone is coated with a wear-resistant coating. This structure gives the cleaning brush 503 good elasticity and wear resistance, and it can closely adhere to the surface of the insulator during rotation to thoroughly clean stubborn stains. At the same time, when the sweeping motor 501 drives the cleaning brush 503 to rotate to be closest to the inner wall of the closing block 302, the tip of the bristles of the cleaning brush 503 can extend into the air outlet 402. This design can prevent the air outlet 402 from being blocked by contaminants during cleaning, ensure the normal ejection of air, and the bristles can also clean the inside of the air outlet 402 to a certain extent when entering and exiting the air outlet 402.

[0033] After the cleaning is completed, the first telescopic component 2 extends, causing the hinge seat 301 to move, gradually opening the two closing blocks 302 and releasing the cleaned insulator. The UAV platform 1 then flies to the next insulator to be cleaned or returns to the base according to the operator's instructions, completing the entire cleaning process.

[0034] After the cleaning work in this embodiment is completed, the first telescopic component 2 extends, driving the hinge seat 301 to move, causing the two closing blocks 302 to gradually open and release the cleaned insulator. The UAV platform 1 then flies to the next insulator to be cleaned or returns to the base according to the operator's instructions, completing the entire cleaning process.

[0035] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the first telescopic component 2 and the second telescopic component 303 are configured as electric cylinders. Utilizing the precise linear motion control capability of the electric cylinders, the opening and closing action of the closing block 302 can be accurately realized, allowing the closing block 302 to tightly wrap the insulator, providing a stable and suitable operating space for cleaning. Simultaneously, the electric cylinders have advantages such as compact structure, fast response speed, and high control precision, which can improve the operating efficiency and reliability of the entire cleaning system. The air supply component 401 uses an electric air pump, which can stably provide air with a certain pressure and flow rate. After being transported through pipelines to the air chamber of the closing block 302, it is then ejected through the air outlet 402, forming an effective airflow for cleaning. This effectively removes most of the loose contaminants, such as dust and particles, from the surface of the insulator, reducing the burden on the subsequent deep cleaning by the cleaning brush 503 and improving the cleaning effect and efficiency.

[0036] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the air outlet 402 is designed as a frustum shape, wider at the inside and narrower at the outside. When the air supply component 401 (electric air pump) delivers compressed air to the air cavity inside the closed block 302, the air flows from the wider end to the narrower end. According to the principles of fluid mechanics, under a constant flow rate, the cross-sectional area through which the fluid flows gradually decreases, and the flow velocity gradually increases. Therefore, when the air passes through this frustum-shaped air outlet 402, a high-speed airflow is formed at the outlet of the air outlet 402. This high-speed airflow has a strong impact force and can more effectively blow towards the surface of the insulator, blowing away loose dust, particles, and other contaminants from the surface of the insulator. The air outlets 402 are arranged in a rectangular array inside the closed block 302. This arrangement allows the airflow ejected from each air outlet 402 to evenly cover the entire surface of the insulator. Each vent 402 has its own relatively fixed purging area. The multiple vents 402 work together to avoid purging dead corners and ensure that all parts of the insulator surface are purged by airflow, thus improving the comprehensiveness and uniformity of cleaning.

[0037] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, a dust filter 403 is installed at the air inlet of the air supply assembly 401. During operation, the air supply assembly 401 (electric air pump) needs to draw in air from the outside to generate compressed air for subsequent insulator purging. However, outside air often contains a large amount of dust, particles, fibers, and other impurities. When this air containing impurities enters the air supply assembly 401 directly, the impurities may enter the air pump with the airflow. On the one hand, impurities may wear down precision components such as the piston and impeller inside the air pump, reducing its service life and performance stability; on the other hand, impurities may also block the air passages or the air outlet 402 inside the air pump, affecting the normal air supply and causing unstable airflow pressure and flow, thus affecting the cleaning effect on the insulators. After installing the dust filter 403 at the air inlet of the air supply assembly 401, when outside air is drawn in, it will first pass through the dust filter 403. The dust filter 403 has a specific pore size and structure that can block most impurities such as dust, particles, and fibers from passing through, allowing only relatively clean air to enter the air supply assembly 401. This effectively reduces damage to the air supply assembly 401 from impurities, ensuring that the air pump can continuously and stably provide the required compressed air.

[0038] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the bristles of cleaning brush 503 adopt an elastic bristle structure, with the elastic plastic rod serving as the core support component, possessing excellent elasticity. When cleaning brush 503 contacts the insulator surface and performs cleaning operations, the insulator surface may have irregular structures such as protrusions and depressions of different shapes and sizes. The elastic plastic rod can elastically deform according to the shape changes of the insulator surface, allowing the bristles to closely adhere to the insulator surface, ensuring sufficient contact area between cleaning brush 503 and the insulator surface, thereby improving the cleaning effect. The flexible silicone fixed to the outside of the elastic plastic rod further enhances the flexibility and adaptability of the bristles. The flexible silicone is soft and can further deform based on the deformation of the elastic plastic rod, better adapting to the microscopic unevenness of the insulator surface. Simultaneously, the flexible silicone also acts as a buffer; when cleaning brush 503 is subjected to significant external impact during cleaning, the flexible silicone can absorb some energy, reducing damage to the elastic plastic rod and extending the service life of the bristles.

[0039] The wear-resistant coating on the outer surface of the flexible silicone is crucial for ensuring the long-term effective operation of the brush bristles. During cleaning, the bristles constantly rub against the insulator surface, easily causing wear on the flexible silicone, reducing the cleaning ability and lifespan of the bristles. The wear-resistant coating has high hardness and abrasion resistance, effectively resisting this frictional wear and protecting the flexible silicone from damage. Simultaneously, the wear-resistant coating also enhances the friction between the bristles and the insulator surface, allowing the cleaning brush 503 to more effectively remove dirt from the insulator surface.

[0040] like Figures 2 to 3 As shown, when the cleaning motor 501 drives the cleaning brush 503 to rotate to the position closest to the inner wall of the closing block 302, the tips of the bristles of the cleaning brush 503 can extend into the air outlet 402. An isolation mesh 404 is installed at the air inlet end of the air outlet 402. The cleaning motor 501 drives the cleaning brush 503 to rotate, and when the cleaning brush 503 rotates to the position closest to the inner wall of the closing block 302, the tips of the bristles of the cleaning brush 503 can extend into the air outlet 402. During the insulator cleaning process, the air outlet 402 will spray high-speed airflow to blow away dust and other impurities on the surface of the insulator. However, when the airflow passes through the air outlet 402, some dust and dirt may remain inside and around the air outlet 402, or small particles carried by the airflow may adhere to the inner wall of the air outlet 402 due to collision. The bristles of the cleaning brush 503 extend into the air outlet 402, which can directly clean the inside of the air outlet 402, remove the residual dust and dirt, ensure that the air outlet 402 is unobstructed, and make the airflow ejected from the air outlet 402 more stable and powerful, thus improving the blowing effect on the insulator.

[0041] An isolation mesh 404 is installed at the air inlet of the air outlet 402. Outside air passes through the isolation mesh 404 before entering the air outlet 402. Outside air often contains larger particles of dust, debris, and substances that may damage the air supply system or affect the cleaning effect. The isolation mesh 404 acts as a filter, preventing these larger particles from entering the air outlet 402 and preventing them from being ejected with the airflow and scratching the insulator surface or clogging the air outlet 402. It also prevents these impurities from entering the air supply assembly 401, protecting the normal operation of the air supply assembly 401 and extending the service life of the entire cleaning system.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, the remote camera 6 is mounted on the drone platform 1. Its operation is based on the combination of the drone platform 1's flight capabilities and the camera's data acquisition and transmission functions. The drone possesses flexible flight capabilities, enabling it to move and hover in three-dimensional space according to a preset flight path or real-time instructions from the operator. The remote camera 6 is fixed to the drone platform 1, changing its position and viewing angle as the drone flies. When the drone flies over or near the target area (such as power lines or buildings to be monitored), the remote camera 6 begins operation. Its optical lens captures image information of the target area, and the image sensor converts these optical signals into electrical signals. These signals are then processed and optimized by an internal image processing chip, ultimately forming a clear digital image. These digital images are transmitted in real-time to the ground control station or the operator's terminal device (such as a tablet, mobile phone, or dedicated monitoring computer) via a wireless communication module (such as Wi-Fi, 4G / 5G, or a dedicated wireless data transmission link).

[0043] The above are merely specific embodiments of the present invention, but the technical features of the present invention are not limited thereto. Any simple changes, equivalent substitutions, or modifications made based on the present invention to solve essentially the same technical problems and achieve essentially the same technical effects are all covered within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic insulator cleaning system, characterized in that: The system includes a drone platform (1), on which a horizontally mounted first telescopic component (2) is fixedly installed. A hinge seat (301) is fixedly connected to the movable part of the first telescopic component (2). Closing blocks (302) are hinged to both sides of the hinge seat (301). A second telescopic component (303) is hinged to the outside of the closing block (302). The other end of the second telescopic component (303) is hinged to the hinge seat (301). An air chamber is provided inside the closing block (302). An air supply component (401) is fixedly connected to the outside of the closing block (302). The air supply component (401) is connected to the air chamber. The inner wall of the closing block (302) is provided with a plurality of air outlets (402) that communicate with the air chamber. A cleaning motor (501) is fixedly installed at one end of the inner wall of the closing block (302). The output shaft of the cleaning motor (501) is fixedly connected to a mounting base (502). The other end of the mounting base (502) is rotatably connected to the inner side of the closing block (302). A semi-circular cleaning brush (503) is installed on one side of the mounting base (502). When the two closing blocks (302) are closed, the two cleaning brushes (503) can intermittently form a circle. The inner side of the closing block (302) is set as a semi-circle that is relatively outwardly turned.

2. The automatic insulator cleaning system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first telescopic component (2) and the second telescopic component (303) are electric cylinders, and the air supply component (401) is an electric air pump.

3. The automatic insulator cleaning system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The air outlets (402) are arranged in a rectangular array inside the closed block (302), and the air outlets (402) are truncated cones with a wider inner diameter and a narrower outer diameter.

4. An automatic insulator cleaning system according to claim 3, characterized in that: A dustproof net (403) is installed at the air inlet of the air supply component (401).

5. An automatic insulator cleaning system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The cleaning brush (503) has bristles composed of elastic bristles, each elastic bristle including an elastic plastic rod, on which a flexible silicone is fixedly attached, and the outer surface of the flexible silicone is coated with a wear-resistant coating.

6. An automatic insulator cleaning system according to claim 5, characterized in that: When the cleaning motor (501) drives the cleaning brush (503) to rotate to be closest to the inner wall of the closing block (302), the tip of the bristles of the cleaning brush (503) can extend into the air outlet (402).

7. An automatic insulator cleaning system according to claim 6, characterized in that: An isolation net (404) is installed at the air inlet end of the air outlet (402).

8. An automatic insulator cleaning system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The unmanned aerial vehicle platform (1) is equipped with a remote camera (6).

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