Unmanned aerial vehicle photovoltaic cleaning pressurization assembly

Abstract

This utility model discloses a photovoltaic cleaning and pressurization component for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including a water tank. The water tank is cylindrical and horizontally positioned, with an open end on the left and a pipe connector near the bottom on the right end. A tank cover is detachably installed at the open end of the water tank. An exhaust hole is drilled on the side of the water tank near the tank cover. A water injection pipe is located on the outer wall of the water tank near the top, with a pipe cap threaded to the inlet of the water injection pipe. A piston structure is also included, assembled inside the water tank. By pressurizing the water tank through the piston structure, the water in the tank can be kept in a stable state, allowing the UAV to more easily adjust its flight attitude, reduce power consumption, and maintain a longer flight time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a photovoltaic cleaning and pressurization component for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Background Technology

[0002] 1. The Importance of Cleaning Photovoltaic Panels

[0003] The efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) power generation systems is highly dependent on the cleanliness of the PV panel surface. Dust, dirt, bird droppings, pollen, and other contaminants significantly reduce the light transmittance of PV panels, leading to decreased power generation efficiency. Studies show that uncleaned PV panels can experience power loss of 15%-30% when heavily polluted, especially in arid, windy, or industrially polluted areas where contaminants accumulate more rapidly, making regular cleaning crucial.

[0004] 2. Limitations of traditional cleaning methods

[0005] Currently, cleaning photovoltaic panels mainly relies on the following methods, but all of them have obvious drawbacks:

[0006] Manual cleaning: Cleaning is done with high-pressure water guns, brushes or mops. The disadvantages are low efficiency, high cost (especially for large photovoltaic power plants), safety hazards at heights, and potential damage to the surface of photovoltaic panels due to improper operation.

[0007] Automatic cleaning robots: require the installation of guide rails or moving devices on photovoltaic panels, resulting in high initial investment, strict requirements on installation angle and layout, poor flexibility, and complex maintenance.

[0008] Fixed sprinkler systems rely on large amounts of water resources, are not suitable for water-scarce areas, and may cause secondary pollution due to water quality issues (such as mineral deposits).

[0009] 3. The application potential of drone technology

[0010] Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology offers innovative solutions for cleaning photovoltaic panels due to its flexibility, efficiency, and low environmental impact.

[0011] However, when the drone washes the photovoltaic panels, it relies on its own water tank. Because it is flying at high altitude and there is a reaction force during the spraying process, the drone needs to maintain balance. Therefore, its flight attitude is constantly being adjusted, which causes its water tank to be in a swaying state.

[0012] The shaking water tank significantly affects the drone's attitude leveling, requiring the drone to consume more power for leveling. Secondly, the pumping efficiency of the plunger pump decreases when the water tank is shaking.

[0013] Based on the above problems, we designed a more stable drone photovoltaic cleaning pressurization component. Utility Model Content

[0014] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a more stable drone photovoltaic cleaning and pressurization component.

[0015] To solve the above problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0016] A drone photovoltaic cleaning and pressurization component includes,

[0017] The water tank is cylindrical and horizontally positioned. The left end of the tank is open, and a pipe connector is located near the bottom of the right end. A tank cover is detachably installed at the open end. A vent hole is drilled on the side of the tank near the cover. A water inlet pipe is located on the outer wall of the tank near the top, and a pipe cap is threaded onto the inlet of the water inlet pipe.

[0018] A piston structure, which is assembled inside the water tank.

[0019] A connecting bracket is provided, positioned above the water tank, through which the water tank connects to the drone.

[0020] A drive device is mounted via the connecting bracket and drives the piston structure to move laterally.

[0021] A three-way pipe is installed at the pipe joint position. A water pressure sensor is installed in one passage of the three-way pipe, and the other passage is used to connect to a plunger pump.

[0022] The controller is connected to both the drive device and the water pressure sensor. The controller is powered by the UAV's battery and is controlled in conjunction with the UAV's remote control system. The controller is mounted on the connecting bracket.

[0023] Preferably, the piston structure includes a piston plate and a piston rod. The piston plate is assembled inside the water tank, and a sealing ring is fitted on the outer wall of the piston plate to form a seal with the inner wall of the water tank. The piston rod passes through the axis of the tank cover and can be displaced coaxially along the tank cover. A pressure relief hole is axially penetrating the axis of the piston rod, with one end penetrating the piston plate and the other end equipped with a pressure relief valve. The driving device is connected to drive the piston rod.

[0024] Preferably, the driving device includes a motor, a lead screw, a nut, and a movable plate. The motor is fixed to the bottom of the connecting bracket, the lead screw is fixed to the output end of the motor, the lead screw is parallel to the piston rod, a bearing is fitted between the lead screw and the connecting bracket, the nut passes through the movable plate and is fixed to the movable plate, the lead screw cooperates with the nut, the end of the piston rod is machined with a threaded portion, the threaded portion passes through the movable plate and is fitted with a locking nut, the threaded portion partially extends to the outside of the locking nut, and the pressure relief valve is installed through the threaded portion; a sliding groove is provided laterally on the top of the connecting bracket, and first sliding grooves are provided on the front and rear sides of the movable plate, the first sliding grooves are adapted to the sliding grooves so that when the lead screw rotates, the movable plate can only move along the axial direction of the lead screw; the motor is connected to the controller.

[0025] Preferably, sealing washers are fitted at both ends of the locking nut, one of which forms a seal with the moving plate and the other sealing washers forms a seal with the pressure relief valve.

[0026] Preferably, a hanger for connecting a drone is fixed to the top of the connecting bracket, and a connecting groove is machined on the top of the hanger.

[0027] Preferably, two limit switches, left and right, are installed at the bottom of the connecting bracket. The limit switches are connected to the controller. When the moving plate moves to trigger the limit switch, the motor stops working. When the moving plate contacts the right limit switch, the plunger pump installed at the bottom of the drone stops working.

[0028] Preferably, a clamp is installed through the connecting bracket, and the water tank is clamped and fixed by the clamp.

[0029] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0030] This device pressurizes the water tank through a piston structure. By maintaining the water pressure in the tank at 0.1~0.2MPa, the plunger pump can pump water more stably, improving the pumping efficiency of the plunger pump. It also makes the water jet from the nozzle more impactful, improving the cleaning ability and avoiding cavitation problems.

[0031] By pressurizing the water tank using a piston structure, the water can be kept in a stable state, allowing the drone to adjust its flight attitude more easily, reducing power consumption and maintaining a longer flight time.

[0032] This device has a simple system structure, obvious effectiveness, and is suitable for widespread use. Attached Figure Description

[0033] 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.

[0034] Figure 1 This is the front view of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a top view of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the piston structure. Detailed Implementation

[0037] All features disclosed in this specification, or all steps in all disclosed methods or processes, may be combined in any way, except for mutually exclusive features and / or steps.

[0038] Any feature disclosed in this specification (including any appended claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by other equivalent or similar features for a similar purpose, unless specifically stated otherwise. That is, unless specifically stated otherwise, each feature is merely one example of a series of equivalent or similar features.

[0039] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "one end", "the other end", "outer side", "upper", "inner side", "horizontal", "coaxial", "center", "end", "length", "outer end", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0040] Furthermore, in the description of this utility model, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0041] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "socket," "connect," "through," and "plug-in" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0042] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The illustrated drone photovoltaic cleaning pressurization assembly includes,

[0043] Water tank 1 is cylindrical and horizontally positioned. The left end of water tank 1 is open, and a pipe connector 11 is located near the bottom of the right end. A tank cover 12 is detachably installed at the open end of water tank 1. A vent hole 13 is drilled on the side of water tank 1 near the tank cover 12. A water inlet pipe 14 is located on the outer wall of water tank 1 near the top, and a pipe cap 15 is threadedly connected to the opening of the water inlet pipe 14.

[0044] Piston structure 2, which is assembled inside the water tank 1.

[0045] A connecting bracket 3 is positioned above the water tank 1, and the water tank 1 connects to the drone via the connecting bracket 3.

[0046] Drive device 4, which is mounted via the connecting bracket 3, drives the piston structure 2 to move laterally;

[0047] The three-way pipe 5 is installed at the position of the pipe joint 11. A water pressure sensor 6 is installed in one of the passages of the three-way pipe 5, and the other passage is used to connect to the plunger pump.

[0048] The controller 7 is connected to both the drive device 4 and the water pressure sensor 6. The controller 7 is powered by the UAV's battery and is controlled in conjunction with the UAV's remote control system. The controller 7 is mounted on the connecting bracket 3.

[0049] In the above technical solution, the capacity of water tank 1 is designed according to the payload of the drone, which is either a DJI Matrice 350 RTK (modified for heavy load) or a customized six-axis drone.

[0050] By setting the controller 7, the drive unit 4 works synchronously when the plunger pump of the cleaning system is working. The water pressure in the water tank 1 is monitored in real time by the water pressure sensor 6, and the water pressure in the water tank 1 is controlled at a stable pressure of 0.1~0.2MPa by the displacement of the piston structure 2.

[0051] By maintaining the water pressure in tank 1, the working efficiency of the plunger pump can be improved, and the plunger pump can effectively draw water.

[0052] Tests revealed that the plunger pump's efficiency was 75% without a pressurized water tank, but increased to over 90% when the water tank was pressurized to 0.2 MPa.

[0053] See Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the piston structure 2 includes a piston plate 21 and a piston rod 22. The piston plate 21 is assembled inside the water tank 1. A sealing ring 23 is fitted on the outer wall of the piston plate 21, forming a seal between the sealing ring 23 and the inner wall of the water tank 1. The piston rod 22 passes through the axis of the tank cover 12 and can be displaced coaxially along the tank cover 12. A pressure relief hole 277 is axially passed through the axis of the piston rod 22. One end of the hole passes through the piston plate 21, and a pressure relief valve 24 is installed at the other end. The driving device 4 is connected to drive the piston rod 22.

[0054] In the above technical solution, the pressure relief valve 24 is set to a pressure relief pressure of 0.25MPa~0.3MPa.

[0055] To avoid pump seal failure due to excessive water pressure.

[0056] See Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, the drive device 4 includes a motor 41, a lead screw 42, a nut 43, and a moving plate 44. The motor 41 is fixed to the bottom of the connecting bracket 3. The lead screw 42 is fixed to the output end of the motor 41 and is parallel to the piston rod 22. A bearing 45 is fitted between the lead screw 42 and the connecting bracket 3. The nut 43 passes through the moving plate 44 and is fixed to the moving plate 44. The lead screw 42 cooperates with the nut 43. The end of the piston rod 22 is machined with a threaded portion 2221, which passes through... The movable plate 44 is fitted with a locking nut 2222, and the threaded portion 2221 extends partially to the outside of the locking nut 2222. The pressure relief valve 24 is installed through the threaded portion 2221. A sliding groove 331 is provided laterally on the top of the connecting bracket 3. The front and rear sides of the movable plate 44 are provided with first sliding grooves 441, which are adapted to the sliding grooves 331, so that when the lead screw 42 rotates, the movable plate 44 can only be displaced along the axial direction of the lead screw 42. The motor 41 is connected to the controller 7.

[0057] In the above technical solution, the motor 41 drives the lead screw 42 to rotate, keeping the nut 43 stationary, thereby driving the moving plate 44 to move laterally. The lateral displacement of the moving plate 44 drives the piston rod 22 to move, thus pressurizing the water tank 1.

[0058] See Figure 3 As shown, sealing washers 2223 are fitted at both ends of the locking nut 2222. One sealing washer 2223 forms a seal with the moving plate 44, and the other sealing washer 2223 forms a seal with the pressure relief valve 24.

[0059] Sealing gasket 2223 can improve sealing performance and prevent water tank pressure loss due to insufficient sealing.

[0060] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a hanger 321 for connecting a drone is fixed on the top of the connecting bracket 3, and a connecting groove 322 is machined on the top of the hanger 321.

[0061] This technical solution allows for the installation of quick-release parts via the connection slot 322 to enable connection with drones.

[0062] See Figure 1 As shown, two limit switches 399 are installed at the bottom of the connecting bracket 3. The limit switches 399 are connected to the controller 7. When the moving plate 44 moves to trigger the limit switch 399, the motor 41 stops working. When the moving plate 44 contacts the right limit switch 399, the plunger pump installed at the bottom of the drone stops working.

[0063] In this technical solution, the limit switch 399 on the left side can prevent overtravel during the reset of the moving plate 44.

[0064] The limit switch 399 on the right side can stop the rotation of the lead screw after the water in the water tank 1 is drained, and at the same time stop the pumping action of the plunger pump, so as to avoid the plunger pump running dry and thus save energy.

[0065] Preferably, a clamp 398 is installed through the connecting bracket 3, and the water tank 1 is clamped and fixed by the clamp 398.

[0066] This technical solution facilitates the overall assembly of the equipment and also makes it convenient for future expansion and modification.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in sequences other than those illustrated or described herein.

[0072] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A photovoltaic cleaning and pressurization component for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), characterized in that: include, Water tank (1), the water tank (1) is cylindrical and horizontally arranged. The left end of the water tank (1) is an open end, and a pipe joint (11) is provided near the bottom of the right end. A tank cover (12) is detachably installed at the open end of the water tank (1). An exhaust hole (13) is drilled on the side of the water tank (1) near the tank cover (12). A water injection pipe (14) is provided near the top of the outer wall of the water tank (1). A pipe cap (15) is threadedly connected to the opening of the water injection pipe (14). Piston structure (2), said piston structure (2) is assembled inside the water tank (1), A connecting bracket (3) is provided above the water tank (1), and the water tank (1) is connected to the drone via the connecting bracket (3). The driving device (4) is mounted via the connecting bracket (3) and drives the piston structure (2) to move laterally. A three-way pipe (5) is installed at the location of the pipe joint (11). A water pressure sensor (6) is installed in one of the passages of the three-way pipe (5), and the other passage is used to connect to a plunger pump. The controller (7) is connected to the drive device (4) and the water pressure sensor (6). The controller (7) is powered by the UAV's battery and is controlled by the UAV's remote control system. The controller (7) is installed through the connecting bracket (3).

2. The UAV photovoltaic cleaning and pressurization component according to claim 1, characterized in that: The piston structure (2) includes a piston plate (21) and a piston rod (22). The piston plate (21) is assembled inside the water tank (1). A sealing ring (23) is fitted on the outer wall of the piston plate (21). The sealing ring (23) forms a seal with the inner wall of the water tank (1). The piston rod (22) passes through the axis of the tank cover (12) and can be displaced coaxially along the tank cover (12). A pressure relief hole (277) is axially passed through the axis of the piston rod (22). One end of the hole passes through the piston plate (21), and the other end is equipped with a pressure relief valve (24). The driving device (4) is connected to drive the piston rod (22).

3. The UAV photovoltaic cleaning and pressurization component according to claim 2, characterized in that: The drive device (4) includes a motor (41), a lead screw (42), a nut (43), and a moving plate (44). The motor (41) is fixed to the bottom of the connecting bracket (3). The lead screw (42) is fixed to the output end of the motor (41). The lead screw (42) is parallel to the piston rod (22). A bearing (45) is fitted between the lead screw (42) and the connecting bracket (3). The nut (43) passes through the moving plate (44) and is fixed to the moving plate (44). The lead screw (42) is fitted with the nut (43). The end of the piston rod (22) is machined with a threaded portion (2221). A locking nut (2222) is fitted after passing through the movable plate (44). The threaded portion (2221) extends partially to the outside of the locking nut (2222). The pressure relief valve (24) is installed through the threaded portion (2221). A sliding groove (331) is provided laterally on the top of the connecting bracket (3). The front and rear sides of the movable plate (44) are provided with first sliding grooves (441). The first sliding groove (441) is adapted to the sliding groove (331) so that when the lead screw (42) rotates, the movable plate (44) can only move along the axial direction of the lead screw (42). The motor (41) is connected to the controller (7).

4. The UAV photovoltaic cleaning and pressurization component according to claim 3, characterized in that: Sealing washers (2223) are fitted at both ends of the locking nut (2222), one of which forms a seal with the moving plate (44), and the other sealing washer (2223) forms a seal with the pressure relief valve (24).

5. The UAV photovoltaic cleaning and pressurization component according to claim 1, characterized in that: A hanger (321) for connecting a drone is fixed on the top of the connecting bracket (3), and a connecting groove (322) is machined on the top of the hanger (321).

6. The UAV photovoltaic cleaning and pressurization component according to claim 3, characterized in that: Two limit switches (399) are installed at the bottom of the connecting bracket (3). The limit switches (399) are connected to the controller (7). When the moving plate (44) moves to trigger the limit switch (399), the motor (41) stops working. When the moving plate (44) contacts the right limit switch (399), the plunger pump installed at the bottom of the drone stops working.

7. The UAV photovoltaic cleaning and pressurization component according to claim 1, characterized in that: A clamp (398) is installed through the connecting bracket (3), and the water tank (1) is clamped and fixed by the clamp (398).

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