Position sensing system with photovoltaic cleaning device
By installing sensors and induction plates on the photovoltaic cleaning device, the problem of damage to photovoltaic cleaning robots in windy conditions has been solved. This enables adaptability to photovoltaic modules of different specifications and safe docking, thereby improving the service life and stability of the equipment.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520296509.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-10
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-02-24
AI Technical Summary
Existing photovoltaic cleaning robots are prone to damage when operating in windy conditions, and their sensors cannot adapt to photovoltaic modules of different specifications, causing the position sensing system to fail.
A position sensing system for a photovoltaic cleaning device was designed, which uses a sensor and a sensing plate. The sensing plate is connected to the photovoltaic module through a fastening component. The sensing plate has an adjustment hole to accommodate photovoltaic modules of different specifications. The position is sensed in real time by a laser rangefinder sensor, and the controller controls the cleaning device to stop at the top of the column.
It enables the photovoltaic cleaning device to be safely docked in windy conditions, protecting the equipment from damage, while adapting to photovoltaic modules of different specifications, thus improving the applicability and safety of the system.
Smart Images

Figure CN223899186U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to a position sensing system with a photovoltaic cleaning device, belonging to the field of photovoltaic technology. Background Technology
[0002] Dust accumulation on the surface of photovoltaic modules in a solar power plant has a significant impact on power generation. To ensure the profitability of the plant, many solar power plants have installed cleaning robots. However, solar power plants are generally located in the suburbs or countryside far from cities, in harsh natural environments. If the cleaning robots continue to operate in windy conditions, they are prone to damage.
[0003] In related technologies, a position sensor is fixed on the cleaning robot, and a sensor plate is installed on the photovoltaic module. In windy conditions, the position sensor and the sensor plate work together to detect the position of the cleaning robot, allowing the controller to guide the robot to park on the nearest pillar. However, the installation of the sensor plate cannot be adjusted according to changes in the specifications of the photovoltaic module, resulting in the sensor plate being incompatible with different specifications of photovoltaic modules. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a position sensing system with a photovoltaic cleaning device that can adapt to photovoltaic modules of different specifications.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0006] A position sensing system with a photovoltaic cleaning device is disclosed. The photovoltaic cleaning device moves along a photovoltaic module and cleans the photovoltaic module. The photovoltaic module includes a first side and a second side connected to the first side. The photovoltaic cleaning device moves along the first side. The position sensing system includes a sensor, a sensing plate, and a fastening assembly. The sensor is connected to the photovoltaic cleaning device, and the sensing plate is connected to the photovoltaic module through the fastening assembly. The sensor and the sensing plate cooperate to trigger a sensing signal to provide feedback on the position of the photovoltaic cleaning device.
[0007] The sensing plate is connected to both the first side and the second side. The sensing plate is provided with an adjustment hole for the fastening assembly to pass through. The adjustment hole extends obliquely relative to the length direction of the first side.
[0008] As a further improvement of the present invention, the sensing element includes a sensing part and a mounting part connected to the sensing part. The sensing part is perpendicular to the axial direction of the sensor, and the adjustment hole is provided in the mounting part.
[0009] As a further improvement of the present invention, the sensing part includes a sensing surface, which is used to face the sensor and is flush with the side of the first side.
[0010] As a further improvement of the present invention, the first side includes a first sidewall portion, a first top wall portion connected to the top of the first sidewall portion and a first bottom wall portion connected to the bottom of the first sidewall portion, and the second side includes a second sidewall portion, a second top wall portion connected to the top of the second sidewall portion and a second bottom wall portion connected to the bottom of the second sidewall portion;
[0011] The fastening assembly includes a bolt, a first washer, a second washer, and a first nut. The bolt passes through the adjustment hole and the angle between the first bottom wall and the second bottom wall and is locked by the first nut. The first washer and the second washer are both sleeved on the bolt and together clamp the first bottom wall and the second bottom wall. Both the first washer and the second washer are flat washers.
[0012] As a further improvement of the present invention, the fastening assembly further includes a third washer, which is disposed adjacent to the first nut, and the third washer is a spring washer.
[0013] As a further improvement of this utility model, the sensor is a laser rangefinder sensor.
[0014] As a further improvement of this utility model, the sensor is telescopically adjustable to the photovoltaic cleaning device to adjust the distance between the sensor and the sensing sheet in the axial direction of the sensor.
[0015] As a further improvement of the present invention, the photovoltaic cleaning device includes an anti-detachment component, the anti-detachment component is provided with a mounting hole, the outer periphery of the sensor is at least partially provided with threads, the sensor passes through the mounting hole and is locked to the anti-detachment component by two second nuts.
[0016] As a further improvement of the present invention, the anti-detachment component includes a first plate portion and a second plate portion connected to the first plate portion. The first plate portion is at least partially opposite to the side of the photovoltaic module, and the second plate portion is at least partially opposite to the bottom surface of the photovoltaic module. The mounting hole is provided in the first plate portion.
[0017] As a further improvement of the present invention, the anti-detachment component includes a fixing part, which is connected to the end of the first plate portion away from the second plate portion. The photovoltaic cleaning device includes a frame, a gearbox connected to the frame, and a walking wheel connected to the gearbox. The fixing part is connected to the gearbox.
[0018] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: The position sensing system with photovoltaic cleaning device provided by this invention includes a sensor and a sensing plate. The sensor is connected to the cleaning device, and the sensing plate is connected to the first side and the second side of the photovoltaic module. The sensor and the sensing plate cooperate to sense the position of the cleaning device. The sensing plate is provided with an adjustment hole for fastening the component through which it passes. The adjustment hole extends obliquely relative to the length direction of the first side to adapt to photovoltaic modules of different specifications. Attached Figure Description
[0019] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the position sensing system with photovoltaic cleaning device of this utility model;
[0020] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of region A in the middle;
[0021] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The diagram shown is an exploded view of a position sensing system with a photovoltaic cleaning device.
[0022] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Enlarged view of region B in the middle;
[0023] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the middle section structure;
[0024] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Enlarged diagram of region C in the middle;
[0025] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 The main view;
[0026] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the middle section structure;
[0027] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the decomposition process;
[0028] Figure 10 yes Figure 7 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the middle section structure;
[0029] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the decomposition process;
[0030] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the sensor and the photovoltaic frame of the first specification;
[0031] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the sensor sheet and the second type of photovoltaic frame. Detailed Implementation
[0032] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. If several embodiments exist, features in these embodiments may be combined with each other without conflict. When the description refers to the drawings, unless otherwise stated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The descriptions in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present invention; rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses, products, and / or methods consistent with some aspects of the present invention as set forth in the claims.
[0033] The terminology used in this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this invention. The singular forms “a,” “the,” or “the” used in the specification and claims of this invention are also intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
[0034] It should be understood that the terms "first," "second," and similar words used in the specification and claims of this utility model do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish the features. Similarly, the terms "an" or "a" do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. Unless otherwise stated, the terms "before," "after," "upper," "lower," and similar words appearing in this utility model are for ease of explanation only and are not limited to a specific location or spatial orientation. The terms "comprising" or "including" are an open-ended expression, meaning that the element preceding "comprising" or "including" covers the element following "comprising" or "including" and its equivalents, which does not exclude that the element preceding "comprising" or "including" may also include other elements. In this utility model, the word "several" means two or more.
[0035] Please refer to Figures 1 to 13 As shown, this utility model discloses a position sensing system with a photovoltaic cleaning device 4. The photovoltaic cleaning device 4 moves along the photovoltaic module and cleans the photovoltaic module. The photovoltaic module includes a first side 31 and a second side 32 connected to the first side 31. The photovoltaic cleaning device 4 moves along the first side 31.
[0036] The position sensing system includes a sensor 1, a sensing element 2, a fastening assembly 5, and a controller. The sensor 1 is telescopically adjustable and connected to the photovoltaic cleaning device 4. The sensing element 2 is connected to the photovoltaic frame 3 via the fastening assembly 5. The sensor 1 communicates with the controller. The sensor 1 and sensing element 2 work together to trigger a sensing signal, providing feedback on the position of the photovoltaic cleaning device 4. The controller, based on the sensing signal sent by the sensor 1, triggers the photovoltaic cleaning device 4 to stop, so that the photovoltaic cleaning device 4 stops at a predetermined position along the length of the photovoltaic module. This predetermined position is either the top of the photovoltaic support column or the stopping position. The real-time position of the photovoltaic cleaning device 4 is obtained through communication between the controller and the backend control unit. The control unit obtains the distance from the stopping position in real time based on the moving speed and time of the cleaning device. The photovoltaic cleaning device 4 in this patent application is a photovoltaic cleaning robot. The photovoltaic support is a photovoltaic tracking support or a photovoltaic fixed support.
[0037] The photovoltaic module includes a photovoltaic frame 3 and a photovoltaic panel. The photovoltaic frame 3 is used to fix the photovoltaic panel and is fixed to the purlins of the photovoltaic support. The photovoltaic support includes multiple columns, and several photovoltaic frames 3 are installed between each pair of adjacent columns. Each photovoltaic frame 3 at the top or side of each column is equipped with a sensor 2. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the sensor 1 is a laser rangefinder. As the photovoltaic cleaning device 4 moves along the photovoltaic frame 3, the laser rangefinder continuously emits laser light. Every time the laser rangefinder moves to the outside of a sensor 2 and is opposite to the sensor 2, the laser light irradiates the sensor 2, triggering a sensor, and the sensor 1 sends a sensing signal to the controller. When encountering strong winds, the wind speed sensor detects the wind speed. When the wind speed exceeds a threshold, the background control unit sends a prompt to the cleaning robot controller, controlling the photovoltaic cleaning device 4 to move to the nearest photovoltaic frame 3 at the top of the column and then stop running, entering a protection mode. It should be noted that the photovoltaic cleaning device 4 stops at the photovoltaic frame 3 at the top of the column rather than between two columns because the photovoltaic frame 3 at the top of the column has high structural strength and is not easily damaged.
[0038] The photovoltaic frame 3 is rectangular. Please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 5 As shown, the photovoltaic frame 3 includes two opposing first sides 31 and two opposing second sides 32, with the first sides 31 and second sides 32 connected perpendicularly. The photovoltaic cleaning device 4 travels along the first side 31, and the sensor 2 is connected to both the first side 31 and the second side 32. Please refer to... Figure 6As shown, the sensing element 2 has an adjustment hole 220 for the fastening assembly 5 to pass through. The adjustment hole 220 extends obliquely relative to the length direction of the first side 31, that is, the adjustment hole 220 is an elongated hole obliquely relative to the first side 31. This design allows the installation of the sensing element 2 to be adjusted according to the specifications of the photovoltaic frame 3, adapting to different specifications of photovoltaic frames 3 and having a wide range of applications. The specifications of the photovoltaic frame 3 are usually manifested as a change in the width of the first side 31, while the width of the second side 32 remains unchanged.
[0039] For details, please refer to Figure 6 As shown, the first side 31 includes a first sidewall portion 311, a first top wall portion 312 connected to the top end of the first sidewall portion 311, and a first bottom wall portion 313 connected to the bottom end of the first sidewall portion 311. Please refer to... Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the second side 32 includes a second sidewall portion 321, a second top wall portion 322 connected to the top of the second sidewall portion 321, and a second bottom wall portion 323 connected to the bottom of the second sidewall portion 321. Both the first bottom wall portion 313 and the second bottom wall portion 323 are disposed facing away from the photovoltaic cleaning device 4. The sensing plate 2 is connected to two adjacent first bottom wall portions 313 and second bottom wall portions 323.
[0040] Please refer to Figure 4 As shown, the photovoltaic cleaning device 4 includes a frame 41, a gearbox 42 connected to the frame 41, a walking wheel 43 connected to the gearbox 42, a motor 44, a roller brush 45, and an anti-detachment component 40. The motor 44 drives the gear set inside the gearbox 42 to rotate, and the gear set drives the walking wheel 43 and the roller brush 45 to rotate. The anti-detachment component 40 is connected to the gearbox 42 to prevent the photovoltaic cleaning device 4 from falling off the photovoltaic frame 3.
[0041] The anti-slip element 40 is shaped like a Z. Please refer to it. Figure 7 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the anti-detachment component 40 includes a first plate portion 401, a second plate portion 402 perpendicularly connected to one end of the first plate portion 401, and a fixing portion 403 perpendicularly connected to the other end of the first plate portion 401. The first plate portion 401 is at least partially opposite to the side surface 3111 of the first side wall portion 311, and the second plate portion 402 is at least partially opposite to the bottom surface 310 of the first bottom wall portion 313, and also opposite to the bottom surface of the second bottom wall portion 323. The fixing portion 403 is connected to the gearbox 42. In this embodiment, the anti-detachment component 40 is an anti-detachment hook for a cleaning robot.
[0042] Please refer to Figure 11As shown, the first plate portion 401 has a mounting hole 4011. The sensor 1 is similar to a cylinder in shape. At least part of the outer periphery of the sensor 1 is threaded. The sensor 1 passes through the mounting hole 4011 and is locked to the anti-detachment member 40 by two second nuts 6. By adjusting the two second nuts 6, the relative position of the sensor 1 and the anti-detachment member 40 can be adjusted to achieve the adjustment of the distance between the sensor 1 and the sensing plate 2 in the axial direction of the sensor 1, so as to adapt to the adjustment of the sensing distance in different application scenarios. The sensor 1 can be adjusted by the interaction of the sensor 1 and the two second nuts 6. The structure is simple and the cost is low.
[0043] The sensor 2 is made of metal and manufactured using a stamping and bending process. Please refer to [link / reference needed] for sensor details. Figures 7 to 9 As shown, the sensing element 2 includes a sensing part 21 and a mounting part 22 perpendicularly connected to the sensing part 21. The sensing part 21 is perpendicular to the axis of the sensor 1, and an adjustment hole 220 is provided in the mounting part 22. Specifically, the sensing part 21 includes a sensing surface 211, which is positioned opposite the sensor 1. The sensing surface 211 is flush with or nearly flush with the side surface 3111 of the first sidewall part 311. With this configuration, when the sensing element 2 is mounted on photovoltaic frames 3 of different sizes, the sensing distance between the sensing surface 211 and the sensor 1 remains constant, thus eliminating the need to adjust the position of the sensor 1.
[0044] Please refer to Figure 9 As shown, the fastening assembly 5 includes a bolt 51, a first washer 52, a second washer 53, and a first nut 54. The bolt 51 passes through the adjustment hole 220 and the angle between the first bottom wall portion 313 and the second bottom wall portion 323, and is locked by the first nut 54. The first washer 52 and the second washer 53 are both sleeved on the bolt 51, and the first washer 52 and the second washer 53 together clamp the first bottom wall portion 313 and the second bottom wall portion 323, thereby realizing the fixed connection between the sensing plate 2 and the first bottom wall portion 313 and the second bottom wall portion 323. In the embodiment illustrated in this utility model, the first washer 52 and the second washer 53 are both flat washers.
[0045] Please refer to Figure 9 As shown, the fastening assembly 5 also includes a third washer 55, which is disposed adjacent to the first nut 54. The third washer 55 is a spring washer, which prevents the threaded connection from loosening and vibrating through the axial force and shear force of the spring washer.
[0046] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the sensor 2 and the photovoltaic frame 3 of the first specification. Figure 13This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the sensor 2 and the photovoltaic frame 3 of the second specification. In the photovoltaic frame 3 of the first specification, the width of the first bottom wall 313 is 'a'. In the photovoltaic frame 3 of the second specification, the width of the first bottom wall 313 is 'b', and the value of 'b' is greater than the value of 'a'. When the sensor 2 is installed in the photovoltaic frame 3 of the second specification, it is only necessary to move the sensor 2 downward along the first bottom wall 313, relative to the installation of the sensor 2 in the first specification photovoltaic frame 3. By setting the adjustment hole 220 to be an inclined elongated hole, the installation requirements are met while keeping the sensing surface 211 of the sensor 2 flush with the side surface 3111 of the first side wall 311.
[0047] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present utility model and are not intended to limit the technical solutions described in the present utility model. The understanding of the present utility model should be based on those skilled in the art. Although the present utility model has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still make modifications or equivalent substitutions to the present utility model. All technical solutions and improvements that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present utility model should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A position sensing system with a photovoltaic cleaning device (4), wherein the photovoltaic cleaning device (4) moves along a photovoltaic module and cleans the photovoltaic module, the photovoltaic module comprising a first side (31) and a second side (32) connected to the first side (31), the photovoltaic cleaning device (4) moving along the first side (31), characterized in that, The position sensing system includes a sensor (1), a sensing plate (2), and a fastening assembly (5). The sensor (1) is connected to the photovoltaic cleaning device (4), and the sensing plate (2) is connected to the photovoltaic module through the fastening assembly (5). The sensor (1) and the sensing plate (2) work together to trigger a sensing signal and provide feedback on the position of the photovoltaic cleaning device (4). The sensing plate (2) is connected to both the first side (31) and the second side (32). The sensing plate (2) is provided with an adjustment hole (220) through which the fastening assembly (5) passes. The adjustment hole (220) extends obliquely relative to the length direction of the first side (31).
2. The position sensing system with a photovoltaic cleaning device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The sensing element (2) includes a sensing part (21) and a mounting part (22) connected to the sensing part (21). The sensing part (21) is perpendicular to the axial direction of the sensor (1). The adjustment hole (220) is provided in the mounting part (22).
3. The position sensing system with a photovoltaic cleaning device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The sensing unit (21) includes a sensing surface (211) which is opposite to the sensor (1) and is flush with the side surface (3111) of the first side (31).
4. The position sensing system with a photovoltaic cleaning device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first side (31) includes a first sidewall portion (311), a first top wall portion (312) connected to the top of the first sidewall portion (311), and a first bottom wall portion (313) connected to the bottom of the first sidewall portion (311). The second side (32) includes a second sidewall portion (321), a second top wall portion (322) connected to the top of the second sidewall portion (321), and a second bottom wall portion (323) connected to the bottom of the second sidewall portion (321). The fastening assembly (5) includes a bolt (51), a first washer (52), a second washer (53), and a first nut (54). The bolt (51) passes through the adjustment hole (220) and the angle between the first bottom wall portion (313) and the second bottom wall portion (323), and is locked by the first nut (54). The first washer (52) and the second washer (53) are both sleeved on the bolt (51). The first washer (52) and the second washer (53) together clamp the first bottom wall portion (313) and the second bottom wall portion (323). The first washer (52) and the second washer (53) are both flat washers.
5. The position sensing system with a photovoltaic cleaning device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The fastening assembly (5) further includes a third washer (55), which is disposed adjacent to the first nut (54) and is a spring washer.
6. The position sensing system with a photovoltaic cleaning device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor (1) is a laser rangefinder (1).
7. The position sensing system with a photovoltaic cleaning device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor (1) is telescopically adjustable to the photovoltaic cleaning device (4) to adjust the distance between the sensor (1) and the sensing sheet (2) in the axial direction of the sensor (1).
8. The position sensing system with a photovoltaic cleaning device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The photovoltaic cleaning device (4) includes an anti-detachment component (40), the anti-detachment component (40) is provided with a mounting hole (4011), the outer periphery of the sensor (1) is at least partially provided with threads, the sensor (1) passes through the mounting hole (4011) and is locked to the anti-detachment component (40) by two second nuts (6).
9. The position sensing system with a photovoltaic cleaning device as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The anti-detachment component (40) includes a first plate portion (401) and a second plate portion (402) connected to the first plate portion (401). The first plate portion (401) is at least partially opposite to the side surface (3111) of the photovoltaic module, and the second plate portion (402) is at least partially opposite to the bottom surface (310) of the photovoltaic module. The mounting hole (4011) is provided in the first plate portion (401).
10. The position sensing system with a photovoltaic cleaning device as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The anti-detachment component (40) includes a fixing part (403), which is connected to the end of the first plate (401) away from the second plate (402). The photovoltaic cleaning device (4) includes a frame (41), a gearbox (42) connected to the frame (41), and a walking wheel (43) connected to the gearbox (42). The fixing part (403) is connected to the gearbox (42).