Novel photovoltaic cleaning robot

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of photovoltaic panel cleaning, and particularly relates to a novel photovoltaic cleaning robot which comprises a photovoltaic cleaning robot body, and the photovoltaic cleaning robot body is composed of an adjustable supporting mechanism, a driving mechanism, a walking mechanism and a cleaning device. The adjustable supporting mechanism comprises a first supporting plate, a second supporting plate, a third supporting plate, a sectional material, two connecting frame bodies and two guide wheels, the sectional material penetrates through rectangular holes in the first supporting plate, the second supporting plate and the third supporting plate, and the two connecting frame bodies are fixedly connected with the first supporting plate and the third supporting plate correspondingly; guide wheels are mounted on one surfaces of the two connecting frame bodies; by designing the walking mechanism, the walking mechanism is located on the upper portions of the photovoltaic panels, and the photovoltaic cleaning robot can move front and back no matter the adjacent photovoltaic panels are installed in a staggered mode or the installation heights are inconsistent. And meanwhile, guide wheels are mounted on the left side and the right side of the photovoltaic cleaning robot, so that the photovoltaic cleaning robot can smoothly span when the photovoltaic panel is mounted in a staggered manner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of photovoltaic panel cleaning technology, specifically a novel photovoltaic cleaning robot. Background Technology

[0002] Photovoltaic power generation, as a sustainable and clean energy source, occupies an important position in the energy sector. However, its power generation efficiency is significantly affected by environmental factors. In practical applications, dust, bird droppings, leaves, and other debris floating in the air easily accumulate on the surface of photovoltaic modules. These deposits reduce the efficiency of the photovoltaic modules in absorbing sunlight, thus reducing power generation. More seriously, when local shading occurs, it can trigger the "heat island effect," causing irreversible damage to the photovoltaic modules and significantly shortening their lifespan. Relevant research data shows that if dust accumulates on the surface of photovoltaic modules for a long time, the power loss can be as high as 30%. Therefore, regularly cleaning the dust from photovoltaic modules is crucial for ensuring the stable and efficient operation of photovoltaic power generation systems.

[0003] Currently, many photovoltaic power plants primarily employ manual or semi-automatic cleaning methods for their cleaning operations. Manual cleaning has significant limitations; its efficiency is low, and for large-scale photovoltaic power plants, it not only requires substantial manpower but also results in significant water waste. Semi-automatic cleaning typically involves manually operated heavy machinery to clean the photovoltaic panels. While this method improves efficiency to some extent, it demands high operational skill and is extremely sensitive to terrain conditions. Heavy machinery is ill-suited for complex layouts such as rooftop or dense photovoltaic arrays, making effective cleaning impossible.

[0004] A patent literature search revealed a self-cleaning photovoltaic cleaning robot (publication number CN118826622A) capable of automatically traversing adjacent photovoltaic panels of varying heights and requiring only one motor for cleaning. However, this robot still has several unresolved issues. First, it can only handle situations where adjacent photovoltaic panels are of varying heights, failing to effectively address misaligned installations. Second, it lacks a fall detection device, posing a risk of damage during operation. Third, its power supply relies heavily on external power, limiting its flexibility and autonomy. Fourth, it lacks a rain sensor, making it unable to perceive external conditions and potentially damaging internal electronic components during rainy weather, impacting its lifespan and performance. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel photovoltaic cleaning robot to address these issues. Utility Model Content

[0005] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology and solve at least one of the technical problems mentioned in the background technology, this utility model proposes a novel photovoltaic cleaning robot.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is as follows: This utility model provides a novel photovoltaic cleaning robot, comprising an adjustable support mechanism, a drive mechanism, a walking mechanism, and a cleaning device. The adjustable support mechanism includes a first support plate, a second support plate, a third support plate, a profile, two connecting frames, and two guide wheels. The profile passes through rectangular holes in the first, second, and third support plates. The two connecting frames are fixedly connected to the first and third support plates, respectively, and each of the two connecting frames has a guide wheel mounted on one side. The drive mechanism includes a first toothed belt, a second toothed belt, a first pulley, a second pulley, and a third pulley. The first pulley and the second pulley are connected by a first toothed belt. The system includes a belt drive connection, with the second and third pulleys connected via a second toothed belt. The walking mechanism comprises a long shaft, a short shaft, three wheels, three bearing sleeves, and a coupling. The three bearing sleeves are fixedly connected to the first, second, and third support plates, respectively. The long shaft passes through the bearing sleeves mounted on the first and second support plates, and the short shaft passes through the bearing sleeve mounted on the third support plate. The long and short shafts are connected via a coupling. The three wheels are respectively mounted to and connected to the first, second, and third support plates. The cleaning device includes an electrical control box, a roller brush motor, and a brush. The brush abuts against the surface of the photovoltaic panel assembly and is installed between the first and third support plates. The roller brush motor is connected to the brush.

[0007] Furthermore, the photovoltaic cleaning robot includes a stroke control device, which consists of a stroke switch, a stroke connecting frame, and a stroke sensor. The stroke switch is fixedly connected to the first support plate and is connected to the stroke sensor through the stroke connecting frame.

[0008] Furthermore, the photovoltaic cleaning robot also includes a housing, which consists of a front housing, an upper housing, a rear housing, a solar panel, and a rain sensor. The front housing, upper housing, and rear housing are all provided with holes for mutual fixation. The front housing is connected to a first support plate, the rear housing is connected to a third support plate, and the upper housing is connected to the front housing and the rear housing. The solar panel and the rain sensor are installed on the upper housing.

[0009] Furthermore, the guide wheel rims are all rubber-coated, and the guide wheel rim surface is provided with anti-slip texture. The brush is made of flexible dust-repellent brush material.

[0010] Furthermore, the first toothed belt is a synchronous belt, the second toothed belt is a transmission belt with a transmission ratio of 0.5, and the second pulley is a three-row pulley.

[0011] Furthermore, the travel sensor is circular and contacts the edge of the photovoltaic panel.

[0012] Furthermore, one end of the brush engages with the second pulley; one end of the long rotating shaft engages with the second pulley.

[0013] Furthermore, there are two of each of the adjustable support mechanism, drive mechanism, walking mechanism, and stroke control device, which are respectively distributed on both sides of the photovoltaic cleaning robot.

[0014] The advantages of this utility model are:

[0015] 1. This utility model designs a walking mechanism positioned above the photovoltaic panel, allowing the photovoltaic cleaning robot to move back and forth regardless of whether adjacent photovoltaic panels are misaligned or at different heights. Simultaneously, guide wheels installed on the left and right sides of the photovoltaic cleaning robot allow it to smoothly traverse misaligned photovoltaic panels.

[0016] 2. This utility model effectively prevents the photovoltaic cleaning robot from falling by using a stroke control device equipped with a stroke sensor that contacts the edge of the photovoltaic panel and combined with a stroke switch.

[0017] 3. This utility model equips the photovoltaic cleaning robot with solar panels, which can convert solar energy into electrical energy, enabling it to power itself, reducing dependence on external power supply, and improving the autonomy and flexibility of equipment use.

[0018] 4. This utility model equips the photovoltaic cleaning robot with a raindrop sensor. When it rains, the sensor can detect the rainwater in time, causing the photovoltaic cleaning robot to automatically stop working, thereby protecting the photovoltaic cleaning robot and extending its service life. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the photovoltaic cleaning robot in this utility model;

[0021] Figure 2This is a structural schematic diagram of the electrical control box in this utility model;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a rear view structural diagram of the photovoltaic cleaning robot in this utility model;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first pulley in this utility model;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the wheel in this utility model;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the solar panel in this utility model.

[0026] In the diagram: 1. First support plate; 2. Second support plate; 3. Third support plate; 4. Profile; 5. First toothed belt; 6. Second toothed belt; 7. First pulley; 8. Second pulley; 9. Third pulley; 10. Connecting frame; 11. Guide wheel; 12. Wheel; 13. Bearing sleeve; 14. Long shaft; 15. Short shaft; 16. Brush; 17. Limit switch; 18. Limit connecting frame; 19. Limit sensor; 20. Electrical control box; 21. Front housing; 22. Upper housing; 23. Rear housing; 24. Raindrop sensor; 25. Solar panel; 26. Roller brush motor; 27. Coupling; 28. Photovoltaic panel assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0028] Please see Figure 1-6 As shown, a novel photovoltaic cleaning robot includes a photovoltaic cleaning robot, which is composed of an adjustable support mechanism, a drive mechanism, a walking mechanism, and a cleaning device. The adjustable support mechanism includes a first support plate 1, a second support plate 2, a third support plate 3, a profile 4, two connecting frames 10, and two guide wheels 11. The profile 4 passes through rectangular holes on the first support plate 1, the second support plate 2, and the third support plate 3. The two connecting frames 10 are fixedly connected to the first support plate 1 and the third support plate 3, respectively. Guide wheels 11 are installed on one side of each of the two connecting frames 10.

[0029] During operation, the profile 4 passes through the pre-drilled rectangular holes on the first support plate 1, the second support plate 2, and the third support plate 3. The two profiles work together to firmly connect the three to form a stable frame structure. Then, the two connecting frames 10 are fixed to the rear of the first support plate 1 and the front of the third support plate 3 with bolts, and guide wheels 11 are installed. This serves as the overall frame of the photovoltaic cleaning robot, providing the installation base for each part. The two guide wheels 11 can contact the edge of the photovoltaic cleaning robot when it moves to the adjacent misaligned photovoltaic panel, ensuring that it can cross smoothly.

[0030] The drive mechanism includes a first toothed belt 5, a second toothed belt 6, a first pulley 7, a second pulley 8, and a third pulley 9. The first pulley 7 and the second pulley 8 are connected by the first toothed belt 5, and the second pulley 8 and the third pulley 9 are connected by the second toothed belt 6. It is used to transmit the power from the shaft where the brush 16 is located to the traveling mechanism.

[0031] The traveling mechanism includes a long rotating shaft 14, a short rotating shaft 15, three wheels 12, three bearing sleeves 13, and a coupling 27. The three bearing sleeves 13 are fixedly connected to the first support plate 1, the second support plate 2, and the third support plate 3, respectively. The long rotating shaft 14 passes through the bearing sleeves 13 installed on the first support plate 1 and the second support plate 2, and the short rotating shaft 15 passes through the bearing sleeves 13 installed on the third support plate 3. The long rotating shaft 14 and the short rotating shaft 15 are connected by the coupling 27. The three wheels 12 are respectively installed and connected to the first support plate 1, the second support plate 2, and the third support plate 3.

[0032] During operation, the long rotating shaft 14 passes through the bearing sleeves 13 on the first support plate 1 and the second support plate 2, and the short rotating shaft 15 passes through the bearing sleeves 13 on the third support plate 3 to ensure that both can rotate flexibly within the bearing sleeves 13. Then, a coupling 27 is used to connect the long rotating shaft 14 and the short rotating shaft 15 to make them rotate synchronously. After that, the three wheels 12 are respectively installed and fastened to positions near the rear of the first support plate 1, the front of the second support plate 2, and the front of the third support plate 3. This mechanism enables the photovoltaic cleaning robot to move back and forth on the photovoltaic panel. That is, when the drive mechanism transmits power to the long rotating shaft 14, the long rotating shaft 14 drives the short rotating shaft 15 to rotate through the coupling 27, thereby driving the three wheels 12 to rotate, realizing the photovoltaic cleaning robot to move back and forth on the photovoltaic panel to complete the cleaning task of the photovoltaic panel at different positions.

[0033] The cleaning device includes an electrical control box 20, a roller brush motor 26, and a brush 16. The brush 16 is installed between the first support plate 1 and the third support plate 3, and the roller brush motor 26 is connected to the brush 16.

[0034] During operation, the roller brush motor 26, which is connected to the shaft of the brush 16, is firmly fixed to the rear of the third support plate 3 with bolts to ensure its stable and reliable operation. The electrical control box 20 is installed at the front of the third support plate 3. When the roller brush motor 26 is started, it drives the brush 16 to rotate. The brush 16 rubs against the surface of the photovoltaic panel to achieve the cleaning function.

[0035] Specifically, the photovoltaic cleaning robot includes a stroke control device, which consists of a stroke switch 17, a stroke connecting frame 18, and a stroke sensor 19. The stroke switch 17 is fixedly connected to the first support plate 1 and is connected to the stroke sensor 19 through the stroke connecting frame 18. The photovoltaic cleaning robot also includes a housing, which consists of a front housing 21, an upper housing 22, a rear housing 23, a solar panel 25, and a rain sensor 24. The front housing 21, upper housing 22, and rear housing 23 are all provided with holes for mutual fixation. The front housing 21 is connected to the first support plate 1, the rear housing 23 is connected to the third support plate 3, and the upper housing 22 is connected to the front housing 21 and the rear housing 23. The solar panel 25 and the rain sensor 24 are installed on the upper housing 22.

[0036] Specifically, the guide wheels 11 all have rubber-coated rims, and the rim surfaces of the guide wheels 11 are textured with anti-slip patterns. The brush 16 is made of flexible dust-repellent material. The first toothed belt 5 is a synchronous belt, the second toothed belt 6 is a transmission belt with a transmission ratio of 0.5, and the second pulley 8 is a three-row pulley. The stroke sensor 19 is circular and contacts the edge of the photovoltaic panel. One end of the brush 16 engages with the second pulley 8; one end of the long rotating shaft 14 also engages with the second pulley 8. Two adjustable support mechanisms, a drive mechanism, a walking mechanism, and a stroke control device are each provided, distributed on both sides of the photovoltaic cleaning robot.

[0037] During operation, the limit switch 17 is fixed to the rear of the first support plate 1 with bolts, and the limit sensor 19 is reliably connected to the limit switch 17 with the limit connecting bracket 18. Its main function is to prevent the photovoltaic cleaning robot from falling. That is, when the photovoltaic cleaning robot moves, the limit sensor 19 detects its position relationship with the edge of the photovoltaic panel in real time. When the photovoltaic cleaning robot approaches the edge of the photovoltaic panel, the limit sensor 19 detects the position change and promptly transmits the signal to the limit switch 17. After receiving the signal, the limit switch 17 triggers the corresponding control program to stop the photovoltaic cleaning robot from moving or change its direction of movement, so as to prevent it from falling off the photovoltaic panel and ensure safe operation.

[0038] The front housing 21 is connected to the first support plate 1 and the rear housing 23 is connected to the third support plate 3 by bolts. The upper housing 22 is then connected to the first two to form a complete closed structure. The rain sensor 24 and the solar panel 25 are installed on the upper part of the upper housing 22 to ensure that the solar panel 25 fully receives sunlight and the rain sensor 24 accurately detects weather conditions. The housing has multiple functions. It provides protection for the internal structure and device of the photovoltaic cleaning robot, preventing damage from external dust, rain, etc. It also converts solar energy into electrical energy through the solar panel 25 to achieve self-powering and reduce dependence on external power sources. When the rain sensor 24 detects rain, the photovoltaic cleaning robot stops working to avoid rain damage to internal electronic components and extend its service life.

[0039] The working principle involves the roller brush motor 26 driving the brush 16 to rotate, cleaning the surface of the photovoltaic panel 28. Simultaneously, the power of the shaft containing the brush 16 is transmitted to the walking mechanism via the drive mechanism, driving the wheels 12 to rotate, allowing the robot to move back and forth on the photovoltaic panels, achieving comprehensive cleaning of different locations. During movement, the guide wheels 11 of the adjustable support mechanism guide the robot according to the installation of the photovoltaic panels, ensuring the robot can smoothly cross adjacent panels. The stroke control device monitors the robot's position in real time, stopping or changing direction when it approaches the edge of the photovoltaic panel to prevent falls. The rain sensor 24 continuously monitors weather conditions; if rain is detected, the robot stops working to protect it from rain damage. When the cleaning task is completed, the roller brush motor 26 and drive mechanism stop working, and the robot stops moving and cleaning. At this time, the solar panel 25 converts solar energy into electrical energy, preparing for the next task.

[0040] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "example," "specific example," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0041] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of this utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claimed utility model.

Claims

1. A novel photovoltaic cleaning robot, characterized in that: This includes a photovoltaic cleaning robot, which consists of an adjustable support mechanism, a drive mechanism, a walking mechanism, and a cleaning device; The adjustable support mechanism includes a first support plate (1), a second support plate (2), a third support plate (3), a profile (4), two connecting frames (10) and two guide wheels (11). The profile (4) passes through rectangular holes on the first support plate (1), the second support plate (2) and the third support plate (3). The two connecting frames (10) are fixedly connected to the first support plate (1) and the third support plate (3) respectively. Guide wheels (11) are installed on one side of each of the two connecting frames (10). The drive mechanism includes a first toothed belt (5), a second toothed belt (6), a first pulley (7), a second pulley (8), and a third pulley (9). The first pulley (7) and the second pulley (8) are connected by the first toothed belt (5), and the second pulley (8) and the third pulley (9) are connected by the second toothed belt (6). The walking mechanism includes a long rotating shaft (14), a short rotating shaft (15), three wheels (12), three bearing sleeves (13), and a coupling (27). The three bearing sleeves (13) are fixedly connected to the first support plate (1), the second support plate (2), and the third support plate (3), respectively. The long rotating shaft (14) passes through the bearing sleeves (13) installed on the first support plate (1) and the second support plate (2). The short rotating shaft (15) passes through the bearing sleeves (13) installed on the third support plate (3). The long rotating shaft (14) and the short rotating shaft (15) are connected by the coupling (27). The three wheels (12) are respectively installed and connected to the first support plate (1), the second support plate (2), and the third support plate (3). The cleaning device includes an electrical control box (20), a roller brush motor (26), and a brush (16). The brush (16) abuts against the surface of the photovoltaic panel assembly (28). The brush (16) is installed between the first support plate (1) and the third support plate (3). The roller brush motor (26) is connected to the brush (16).

2. The novel photovoltaic cleaning robot according to claim 1, characterized in that: The photovoltaic cleaning robot includes a stroke control device, which consists of a stroke switch (17), a stroke connecting frame (18), and a stroke sensor (19). The stroke switch (17) is fixedly connected to the first support plate (1) and connected to the stroke sensor (19) through the stroke connecting frame (18).

3. The novel photovoltaic cleaning robot according to claim 2, characterized in that: The photovoltaic cleaning robot also includes a housing, which consists of a front housing (21), an upper housing (22), a rear housing (23), a solar panel (25), and a rain sensor (24). The front housing (21), the upper housing (22), and the rear housing (23) are all provided with holes for mutual fixation. The front housing (21) is connected to the first support plate (1), the rear housing (23) is connected to the third support plate (3), and the upper housing (22) is connected to the front housing (21) and the rear housing (23). The solar panel (25) and the rain sensor (24) are installed on the upper housing (22).

4. A novel photovoltaic cleaning robot according to claim 3, characterized in that: The guide wheel (11) has a rubber-coated rim and the rim surface of the guide wheel (11) is provided with anti-slip texture. The brush (16) is made of flexible dust-repellent brush material.

5. A novel photovoltaic cleaning robot according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first toothed belt (5) is a synchronous belt, the second toothed belt (6) is a transmission belt with a transmission ratio of 0.5, and the second pulley (8) is a three-row pulley.

6. A novel photovoltaic cleaning robot according to claim 5, characterized in that: The travel sensor (19) is circular and contacts the edge of the photovoltaic panel.

7. A novel photovoltaic cleaning robot according to claim 6, characterized in that: One end of the brush (16) is engaged with the second pulley (8); one end of the long rotating shaft (14) is engaged with the second pulley (8).

8. A novel photovoltaic cleaning robot according to claim 7, characterized in that: The adjustable support mechanism, drive mechanism, walking mechanism, and stroke control device are each provided in two units, respectively distributed on both sides of the photovoltaic cleaning robot.

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