Solar panel cleaning robot system and power supply device
By installing power supply rails and sliders on the solar panels, a continuous power supply for the solar panel cleaning robot was achieved, solving the problems of poor environmental adaptability and difficult maintenance of self-propelled robots, thus extending service life and reducing maintenance costs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- BEIJING ZHONGKEWEI INTELLIGENT MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-12
AI Technical Summary
Existing solar panel cleaning robots rely on battery power, resulting in poor environmental adaptability, short service life, and difficult maintenance.
By adopting a power supply slide rail and power supply slider system, and connecting to an external power source through a conductive busbar, the self-propelled robot can be continuously powered during movement, thus avoiding dependence on batteries.
This improves the robot's environmental adaptability, extends its service life, and reduces maintenance costs.
Smart Images
Figure CN224356068U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of solar panel technology, and in particular to a solar panel cleaning robot system and power supply device. Background Technology
[0002] With the development of green energy in China and the construction of numerous solar power generation facilities, the cleaning of solar panels has become increasingly important. Manual cleaning alone is no longer sufficient to meet the cleaning needs of large-scale solar power plants. The main reason for cleaning solar panels is that dirt on them leads to a decrease in power generation efficiency. According to incomplete statistics, not cleaning for one month can reduce the power generation rate of solar panels by 1-3% (depending on air pollution levels). Therefore, not cleaning solar panels for a year can reduce the power generation rate by 10-30%, seriously affecting the profitability of solar power plants.
[0003] Currently, the main types of solar panel cleaning robots on the market are self-propelled cleaning robots and wire-traction cleaning robots.
[0004] Self-propelled cleaning robots consist of a walking track, cleaning components, a driving system, a battery power system, and a control system. These robots can automatically move along solar panels, enabling unmanned, automated, and timed cleaning, significantly improving cleaning efficiency. However, because they need to move along the solar panels during operation, they cannot be powered externally via a power cable and must rely on batteries. But battery power systems are not always stable, exhibiting limitations in battery power, charging capabilities, environmental adaptability, lifespan, and maintenance difficulties. Therefore, self-propelled cleaning robots have complex after-sales service and high maintenance costs.
[0005] The wire-guided cleaning robot moves along solar panels by pulling its cleaning system along a wire, primarily to solve the battery power problem of the self-propelled cleaning robot mentioned above. However, this also introduces other issues with the wire-guided method, including:
[0006] (1) Since the horizontal spacing of solar panels is generally 50-100 meters, the traction distance of the wire rope is too long and the sag is too large, and it is also difficult to adjust the guide wheel and tension of the wire rope.
[0007] (2) Electrically powered cleaning components, such as electric brushes and vacuum cleaners, cannot be installed on the cleaning system.
[0008] Furthermore, wire-guided cleaning robots and self-propelled cleaning robots still belong to different modes. Using wire-guided cleaning robots still does not solve the problem that self-propelled robots need to use batteries for power.
[0009] There is currently no effective solution to the technical problems of self-propelled robots used for cleaning solar panels, which can only be powered by batteries, resulting in poor environmental adaptability, short service life and difficult maintenance. Utility Model Content
[0010] This invention provides a solar panel cleaning robot system and power supply device, which at least solves the technical problems existing in the prior art where self-propelled robots used for cleaning solar panels can only be powered by batteries, resulting in poor environmental adaptability, short service life and difficult maintenance.
[0011] According to one aspect of this application, a solar panel cleaning robot system and power supply device are provided, including a self-propelled robot and a power supply device. The self-propelled robot is movably fixed to the solar panel being cleaned and is capable of moving along a preset direction. The power supply device is fixed to the solar panel and is used to supply power to the self-propelled robot. The power supply device includes a power supply slide rail and a power supply slider. The power supply slide rail includes a conductive busbar connected to an external power source. The conductive busbar is fixed to the solar panel and laid along the preset direction of movement of the self-propelled robot. The power supply slider includes a conductive component and a connecting component. The conductive component abuts against the conductive busbar and is electrically connected to the power supply system of the self-propelled robot to provide power to it. The connecting component is fixedly connected to the conductive component and to the body of the self-propelled robot, and is capable of moving with the self-propelled robot along the preset direction of movement.
[0012] According to another aspect of this application, a power supply device for a self-propelled robot that cleans solar panels is provided, characterized by comprising a power supply slide rail and a power supply slider. The power supply slide rail includes a conductive bar connected to an external power source, the conductive bar being fixed to the solar panel and laid along a preset movement direction of the self-propelled robot. The power supply slider includes a conductive component and a connecting component, wherein the conductive component abuts against the conductive bar and is connected to the power supply system of the self-propelled robot for providing power to the self-propelled robot; the connecting component is fixedly connected to the conductive component and to the body of the self-propelled robot, and is capable of moving with the self-propelled robot along the preset movement direction.
[0013] Therefore, according to the embodiments of this application, when the self-propelled robot cleans the solar panels and moves along a preset direction, the power supply slider connecting assembly is fixedly connected to the body of the self-propelled robot, so the power supply slider follows the self-propelled robot along the power supply slide rail. Thus, the conductive component of the power supply slider can always maintain contact with the conductive busbar during movement. Furthermore, even while the self-propelled robot is moving along the direction of movement, its power supply system can obtain power from an external power source through the conductive component and the conductive busbar. This solves the technical problems of existing self-propelled robots used for cleaning solar panels, which can only be powered by batteries, resulting in poor environmental adaptability, short service life, and difficult maintenance.
[0014] The above and other objects, advantages and features of this invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of this application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description
[0015] The following sections will describe some specific embodiments of this application in detail by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts or components. Those skilled in the art should understand that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:
[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic side view of a solar panel cleaning robot system according to an embodiment of this application;
[0017] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic front view of the solar panel cleaning robot system shown.
[0018] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic side view of the power supply unit of the solar panel cleaning robot system shown, which illustrates the power supply rails and power supply sliders that abut against each other;
[0019] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic partial enlarged view of the power supply slider shown, which illustrates the conductive brush, conductive brush holder, power supply terminal, insulating holder, and slider holder that are fixedly connected to each other.
[0020] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 The schematic diagram of the power supply slide rail shows the conductive busbar, the insulating rail, and the groove.
[0021] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The diagram shows the power supply slide rail.
[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0023] 10. Solar panel cleaning robot system; 100. Self-propelled robot; 110. Body; 120. Power supply system; 20. Solar panel; 200. Power supply device; 210. Power supply slide rail; 211. Conductive busbar; 212. Insulated guide rail; 212a. Groove; 220. Power supply slider; 221. Conductive component; 221a. Conductive brush; 221b. Conductive brush holder; 221c. Power supply terminal; 222. Connecting component; 222a. Insulated holder; 222b. Slider holder. Detailed Implementation
[0024] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other. The present utility model will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.
[0025] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention 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 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 should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.
[0026] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this utility model are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such terms can be used interchangeably where appropriate for the embodiments of the utility model described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.
[0027] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.
[0028] Figure 1A side view of the solar panel cleaning robot system 10 according to this embodiment is shown. Figure 2 A front view of the solar panel cleaning robot system 10 is shown. Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the power supply device 200 of the solar panel cleaning robot system 10 is shown.
[0029] Therefore, according to the first aspect of this embodiment, a solar panel cleaning robot system 10 is proposed. The solar panel cleaning robot system 10 includes a self-propelled robot 100 and a power supply device 200. The self-propelled robot 100 is movably fixed to the solar panel 20 being cleaned and is capable of moving along a preset direction. The power supply device 200 is fixed to the solar panel 20 and is used to supply power to the self-propelled robot 100. The power supply device 200 includes a power supply slide rail 210 and a power supply slider 220. The power supply slide rail 210 includes a conductive bar 211 connected to an external power source. The conductive bar 211 is fixed to the solar panel 20 and laid along the preset direction of movement of the self-propelled robot 100. The power supply slider 220 includes a conductive component 221 and a connecting component 222. The conductive component 221 abuts against the conductive busbar 211 and is electrically connected to the power supply system 120 of the self-propelled robot 100 to provide power to the self-propelled robot 100; and the connecting component 222 is fixedly connected to the conductive component 221 and fixedly connected to the body 110 of the self-propelled robot 100, and can follow the self-propelled robot 100 to move along a preset moving direction.
[0030] In use, the conductive busbar 211 is connected to an external power source, and the power provided by the external power source is supplied to the power supply system of the self-propelled robot 100 through the conductive busbar 211 of the power supply slide rail 210 and the conductive component 221 of the power supply slider 220, thereby enabling the self-propelled robot 100 to be powered.
[0031] When the self-propelled robot 100 cleans the solar panel 20 and moves along a preset direction, the power supply slider 220, connected to the body 110 of the self-propelled robot 100 via the connecting assembly 222, moves along the power supply slide rail 210. Thus, the conductive component 221 of the power supply slider 220 remains in contact with the conductive busbar 211 throughout the movement. Furthermore, even while the self-propelled robot 100 moves along the direction of movement, its power supply system 120 can obtain power from an external power source through the conductive component 221 and the conductive busbar 211.
[0032] As described in the background section, the main types of solar-powered cleaning robots currently on the market are self-propelled cleaning robots and wire-guided cleaning robots.
[0033] Self-propelled cleaning robots consist of a walking track, cleaning components, a driving system, a battery power system, and a control system. These robots can automatically move along solar panels, enabling unmanned, automated, and timed cleaning, significantly improving cleaning efficiency. However, because they need to move along the solar panels during operation, they cannot be powered externally via a power cable and must rely on batteries. But battery power systems are not always stable, exhibiting limitations in battery power, charging capabilities, environmental adaptability, lifespan, and maintenance difficulties. Therefore, self-propelled cleaning robots have complex after-sales service and high maintenance costs.
[0034] In view of this, according to the solar panel cleaning robot system 10 provided in this embodiment, when the self-propelled robot 100 cleans the solar panel 20 and moves along a preset moving direction, since the connecting component 222 of the power supply slider 220 is fixedly connected to the body 110 of the self-propelled robot 100, the power supply slider 220 moves along the power supply slide rail 210 with the self-propelled robot 100. Therefore, the conductive component 221 of the power supply slider 220 can always maintain contact with the conductive busbar 211 during movement. Furthermore, even during the movement of the self-propelled robot 100 along the moving direction, its power supply system 120 can obtain power from an external power source through the conductive component 221 and the conductive busbar 211. This solves the technical problems existing in the prior art, where self-propelled robots used for cleaning solar panels can only be powered by batteries, resulting in poor environmental adaptability, short service life, and difficult maintenance.
[0035] Preferably, the conductive bus 211 can be made of copper.
[0036] Optionally, refer to Figure 4 As shown, the conductive component 221 includes: a conductive brush 221a, a conductive brush holder 221b, and a power supply terminal 221c, wherein the conductive brush 221a abuts against the conductive busbar 211; the conductive brush holder 221b is made of conductive material and is connected to the conductive brush 221a; and the power supply terminal 221c is connected to the conductive brush holder 221b and is connected to the power supply system 120 of the self-propelled robot 100.
[0037] Since the conductive brush 221a is flexible and moves in contact with the conductive busbar 211 during use, it always maintains full contact with the conductive busbar 211 during movement, thereby providing stable power to the power supply system 120 of the self-walking robot 100 through the conductive brush holder 221b and the power supply terminal 221c.
[0038] The connecting component 222 includes an insulating bracket 222a and a slider bracket 222b, wherein the insulating bracket 222a is connected to the conductive brush bracket 221b, thereby connecting to the conductive component 221; and the slider bracket 222b is connected to the insulating bracket 222a and to the body 110 of the self-propelled robot 100.
[0039] Thus, the insulating bracket 222a connects and separates the conductive component 221 from the slider bracket 222b, thereby achieving insulation of the slider bracket 222b and preventing leakage.
[0040] Optionally, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the power supply slide rail 210 also includes an insulating guide rail 212, which is fixed to the solar panel 20 and laid along the preset moving direction of the self-propelled robot 100. The insulating guide rail 212 is provided with a groove 212a extending along the moving direction, the opening of which faces the power supply slider 220, and a conductive busbar 211 is disposed within the groove 212a.
[0041] Therefore, in this embodiment, the conductive busbar 211 is disposed in the groove 212a of the insulating guide rail 212, so that the insulating guide rail 212 can achieve insulation isolation between the conductive busbar 211 and the conductive component 221 and the outside, preventing leakage.
[0042] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this embodiment, a power supply device 200 for a self-propelled robot 100 that cleans solar panels 20 is provided, including a power supply slide rail 210 and a power supply slider 220. The power supply slide rail 210 includes a conductive bar 211 connected to an external power source. The conductive bar 211 is fixed to the solar panel 20 and laid along a preset moving direction of the self-propelled robot 100. The power supply slider 220 includes a conductive component 221 and a connecting component 222. The conductive component 221 abuts against the conductive bar 211 and is electrically connected to the power supply system 120 of the self-propelled robot 100 to provide power to the self-propelled robot 100. The connecting component 222 is fixedly connected to the conductive component 221 and fixedly connected to the body 110 of the self-propelled robot 100, and can follow the self-propelled robot 100 to move along a preset moving direction.
[0043] Optionally, the power supply slide rail 210 further includes an insulating guide rail 212, which is fixed to the solar panel 20 and laid along the preset moving direction of the self-propelled robot 100. The insulating guide rail 212 is provided with a groove 212a extending along the preset moving direction. The opening of the groove 212a faces the power supply slider 220, and the conductive bus 211 is disposed within the groove 212a.
[0044] Optionally, the conductive component 221 includes: a conductive brush 221a, a conductive brush holder 221b, and a power supply terminal 221c, wherein the conductive brush 221a abuts against the conductive busbar 211; the conductive brush holder 221b is made of conductive material and is connected to the conductive brush 221a; and the power supply terminal 221c is connected to the conductive brush holder 221b and is connected to the power supply system of the self-propelled robot 100.
[0045] Optionally, the connecting assembly 222 includes an insulating bracket 222a and a slider bracket 222b, wherein the insulating bracket 222a is connected to the conductive brush bracket 221b; and the slider bracket 222b is connected to the insulating bracket 222a and to the body 110 of the self-propelled robot 100.
[0046] Optionally, the connecting assembly 222 includes an insulating bracket 222a and a slider bracket 222b, wherein the insulating bracket 222a is connected to the conductive assembly 221; and the slider bracket 222b is connected to the insulating bracket 222a and to the body 110 of the self-propelled robot 100.
[0047] Therefore, according to the solar panel cleaning robot system provided in this embodiment, when the self-propelled robot cleans the solar panels and moves along a preset direction, the power supply slider connecting assembly is fixedly connected to the self-propelled robot's body, so the power supply slider follows the self-propelled robot along the power supply slide rail. Thus, the conductive component of the power supply slider can always maintain contact with the conductive busbar during movement. Furthermore, even while the self-propelled robot is moving along the direction of movement, its power supply system can obtain power from an external power source through the conductive component and the conductive busbar. This solves the technical problems existing in the prior art, where self-propelled robots used for cleaning solar panels can only be powered by batteries, resulting in poor environmental adaptability, short service life, and difficult maintenance.
[0048] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this invention. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following drawings denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it need not be further discussed in subsequent drawings.
[0049] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.
[0050] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this utility model. The directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours of each component itself.
[0051] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A solar panel cleaning robot system (10), comprising a self-propelled robot (100) and a power supply device (200), wherein the self-propelled robot (100) is movably fixed to the solar panel (20) being cleaned and is capable of moving along a preset direction, characterized in that, The power supply device (200) is fixed to the solar panel (20) and is used to supply power to the self-propelled robot (100), wherein, The power supply device (200) includes a power supply slide rail (210) and a power supply slider (220), wherein the power supply slide rail (210) includes a conductive busbar (211) connected to an external power source, the conductive busbar (211) is fixed to the solar panel (20) and laid along a preset moving direction of the self-propelled robot (100), and the power supply slider (220) includes a conductive component (221) and a connecting component (222), wherein, The conductive component (221) abuts against the conductive busbar (211) and is electrically connected to the power supply system (120) of the self-propelled robot (100) for providing power to the self-propelled robot (100); and The connecting component (222) is fixedly connected to the conductive component (221) and fixedly connected to the body (110) of the self-propelled robot (100), and can follow the self-propelled robot (100) to move along the preset moving direction.
2. The robot system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power supply slide rail (210) further includes an insulated guide rail (212), which is fixed to the solar panel (20) and laid along the preset movement direction of the self-propelled robot (100), and wherein The insulating guide rail (212) is provided with a groove (212a) extending along the moving direction, the opening of the groove (212a) facing the power supply slider (220), and the conductive bus (211) is disposed within the groove (212a).
3. The robot system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The conductive component (221) includes: a conductive brush (221a), a conductive brush holder (221b), and a power supply terminal (221c), wherein... The conductive brush (221a) abuts against the conductive busbar (211); The conductive brush holder (221b) is made of conductive material and is connected to the conductive brush (221a); and The power supply terminal (221c) is connected to the conductive brush holder (221b) and to the power supply system (120) of the self-propelled robot (100).
4. The robot system (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The connecting assembly (222) includes an insulating fixing bracket (222a) and a slider fixing bracket (222b), wherein The insulating bracket (222a) is connected to the conductive brush bracket (221b); and The slider holder (222b) is connected to the insulating holder (222a) and to the body (110) of the self-propelled robot (100).
5. The robot system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting assembly (222) includes an insulating fixing bracket (222a) and a slider fixing bracket (222b), wherein The insulating bracket (222a) is connected to the conductive component (221); and The slider holder (222b) is connected to the insulating holder (222a) and to the body (110) of the self-propelled robot (100).
6. A power supply device (200) for a solar panel cleaning robot system (10), characterized in that, include: The power supply slide rail (210) and power supply slider (220) include a conductive busbar (211) connected to an external power source, the conductive busbar (211) being fixed to the solar panel (20) and laid along a preset moving direction of the self-propelled robot (100), and the power supply slider (220) including a conductive component (221) and a connecting component (222). The conductive component (221) abuts against the conductive busbar (211) and is electrically connected to the power supply system (120) of the self-propelled robot (100) for providing power to the self-propelled robot (100); and The connecting component (222) is fixedly connected to the conductive component (221) and fixedly connected to the body (110) of the self-propelled robot (100), and can follow the self-propelled robot (100) to move along the preset moving direction.
7. The power supply device (200) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The power supply slide rail (210) further includes an insulated guide rail (212), which is fixed to the solar panel (20) and laid along the preset movement direction of the self-propelled robot (100), and wherein The insulating guide rail (212) is provided with a groove (212a) extending along the preset moving direction, the opening of the groove (212a) facing the power supply slider (220), and the conductive bus (211) is disposed within the groove (212a).
8. The power supply device (200) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The conductive component (221) includes: a conductive brush (221a), a conductive brush holder (221b), and a power supply terminal (221c), wherein... The conductive brush (221a) abuts against the conductive busbar (211); The conductive brush holder (221b) is made of conductive material and is connected to the conductive brush (221a); and The power supply terminal (221c) is connected to the conductive brush holder (221b) and to the power supply system of the self-propelled robot (100).
9. The power supply device (200) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The connecting assembly (222) includes an insulating fixing bracket (222a) and a slider fixing bracket (222b), wherein The insulating bracket (222a) is connected to the conductive brush bracket (221b); and The slider holder (222b) is connected to the insulating holder (222a) and to the body (110) of the self-propelled robot (100).
10. The power supply device (200) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The connecting assembly (222) includes an insulating fixing bracket (222a) and a slider fixing bracket (222b), wherein The insulating bracket (222a) is connected to the conductive component (221); and the slider bracket (222b) is connected to the insulating bracket (222a) and to the body (110) of the self-propelled robot (100).