A cleaning robot provided with a rotatable water supply support mechanism

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of cleaning robots with rotatable water supply support mechanism, including robot body, rolling brush device, rotatable water supply support mechanism and water outlet pipe, fixed support is arranged in the upper portion of robot body, water outlet pipe connects rolling brush device and rotatable water supply support mechanism;Rotatable joint includes rotary joint assembly, rotary joint assembly is arranged on fixed support, rotary joint assembly includes upper rotary seat, intermediate connector and ball, the outside of intermediate connector is rotatably connected with upper rotary seat by ball;The water inlet end of rotatable joint is connected with the water inlet end of water supply pipe, and the water outlet end of rotatable joint is connected with the water inlet end of water outlet pipe;The water outlet end of water outlet pipe is connected with rolling brush device.The utility model has rotatable water supply support mechanism with can freely rotate with water supply pipeline, water supply pipe winding knot cannot occur and affect photovoltaic panel cleaning work condition, and the structure of water supply support mechanism is small, simple and low in cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the fields of intelligent robots and photovoltaic technology, and in particular to a cleaning robot equipped with a rotatable water supply support mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] As the global energy structure accelerates its shift towards renewable energy, the capacity of individual photovoltaic (PV) power plants has rapidly increased from megawatts to hundreds of megawatts. This has amplified the impact of accumulated dust, bird droppings, industrial debris, and salt spray on the surface of PV panels on power generation efficiency. In typical high-irradiance, high-dust areas, dust accumulation on PV panels can lead to a power degradation of over 15% in just two weeks. If mud belts form during the rainy season, localized hot spot effects can cause annual power generation losses of up to 25% or more, and accelerate backsheet yellowing, cell microcracks, and shorten module lifespan by 3–5 years.

[0003] Traditional manual water washing or vehicle-mounted spraying methods are restricted by policies in areas with scarce water resources, and also suffer from drawbacks such as short cleaning windows, high labor costs, easy trampling of panels, and insufficient uniformity. While fixed spraying systems can partially replace manual labor, problems such as pipe freezing and cracking in winter, nozzle clogging, blind spots in rinsing, and chemical cleaning agent residue remain unresolved. To address the shortcomings of traditional photovoltaic panel cleaning methods, photovoltaic panel cleaning robots have emerged.

[0004] In recent years, photovoltaic panel cleaning robots have undergone iterations from "rail-mounted → semi-suspended → fully autonomous trackless": early rail-mounted robots required pre-set racks along the module edges, resulting in high installation costs and stringent requirements for module layout consistency; semi-suspended robots operated across rows using steel cables or aluminum alloy tracks, eliminating the need for single-row rails, but were limited by large-span deflection, making them only suitable for regular matrix power plants and unsuitable for complex terrains such as mountainous areas and solar-aquaculture hybrid systems. Currently, the mainstream solution is the fully autonomous trackless robot, capable of directly traversing inclined panels.

[0005] For fully autonomous trackless robots, an external water supply is required when the robot is in water washing mode. However, the robot needs to rotate and turn around continuously during the water washing process. If the water pipe connected to the robot cannot rotate with the machine, it will cause the water pipe to become tangled or twisted with the machine, making it impossible to continue working.

[0006] Most existing technologies involve creating a rotatable support assembly. The lower support is fixed to the machine, while the upper support houses the water pipe support. The upper and lower supports are connected and rotated via multiple bearings. This structure is complex, bulky, and heavy, significantly impacting cost and operating time.

[0007] The above background information is provided only to assist in understanding the concept and technical solution of this utility model. It does not necessarily belong to the prior art of this application, nor does it necessarily provide technical guidance. In the absence of clear evidence that the above information was disclosed before the filing date of this application, the above background information should not be used to evaluate the novelty and inventiveness of this application. Utility Model Content

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a cleaning robot with a rotatable water supply support mechanism. This mechanism allows the water supply support to rotate freely with the water supply pipe, preventing the water supply pipe from becoming tangled or knotted and affecting the cleaning of the photovoltaic panels. Furthermore, the water supply support mechanism is compact, simple, and low in cost.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0010] A cleaning robot with a rotatable water supply bracket mechanism includes a robot body, a roller brush device, a rotatable water supply bracket mechanism, and a water outlet pipe. The roller brush device is located on the side of the robot body, and the rotatable water supply bracket mechanism is located on the upper part of the robot body.

[0011] The rotatable water supply support mechanism includes a fixed support and a rotatable joint, wherein the fixed support is disposed at the upper end of the robot body;

[0012] The rotatable joint includes a rotatable joint assembly, which is disposed on the fixed bracket. The rotatable joint assembly includes an upper rotating seat, an intermediate connecting head, and a ball bearing. The outside of the intermediate connecting head is rotatably connected to the upper rotating seat through the ball bearing.

[0013] The inlet end of the rotatable joint is configured to connect to the inlet end of the water supply pipe, and the outlet end of the rotatable joint is configured to connect to the inlet end of the outlet pipe.

[0014] The outlet end of the water pipe is configured to be connected to the roller brush device.

[0015] Furthermore, based on any or a combination of the aforementioned technical solutions, the intermediate connector includes an upper part, a lower part, and a first through hole, wherein the first through hole penetrates the upper part and the lower part;

[0016] The upper part is disposed inside the upper rotating seat and is sealed to the upper rotating seat. The outer cylindrical surface of the lower part is provided with a circumferential first groove, which is configured to accommodate a plurality of balls, and the balls are rotatably connected to the inner wall of the upper rotating seat.

[0017] Furthermore, following any one or a combination of the aforementioned technical solutions, the outer cylindrical surface of the upper part is provided with one or more circumferential second grooves, the second grooves being configured to accommodate the first sealing ring, and the upper part being sealed to the inner wall of the upper rotating seat through the first sealing ring.

[0018] Furthermore, in accordance with any or a combination of the aforementioned technical solutions, the rotary joint assembly further includes a fixed base, the upper rotary seat is disposed on the fixed base, and the fixed base is disposed on the fixed bracket;

[0019] The lower part extends to the outside of the upper rotating seat and is connected to the fixed base.

[0020] Furthermore, following any one or a combination of the aforementioned technical solutions, the rotatable joint further includes an upper adapter and a second sealing ring. The lower end of the upper adapter is sealed to the upper rotating seat via the second sealing ring, and the upper end of the upper adapter is configured to connect to a water supply pipe; or,

[0021] The rotatable joint also includes an upper adapter and a second sealing ring. The lower end of the upper adapter is sealed to the upper rotating seat through the second sealing ring. The upper end of the upper adapter is threaded to a connector seat, which is connected to a water supply pipe.

[0022] Furthermore, in accordance with any or a combination of the aforementioned technical solutions, the rotatable water supply bracket mechanism further includes a three-way connector, the inlet end of which is connected to the outlet end of the rotary connector assembly, the two outlet ends of which are respectively threadedly connected to a connector seat, and each connector seat is connected to one of the outlet pipes.

[0023] Furthermore, in accordance with any or a combination of the aforementioned technical solutions, the rotating water supply support mechanism further includes an L-shaped water pipe support tube, one L-shaped end of which is connected to the upper end of the rotatable joint, and the other L-shaped end of which is connected to the water supply pipe; or, the water supply pipe passes through the water pipe support tube and is connected to the rotatable joint.

[0024] Furthermore, following any one or a combination of the aforementioned technical solutions, the water pipe support pipe is a rigid structure; and / or,

[0025] The rotating water supply support mechanism also includes a water pipe fixing seat, and the water pipe support pipe is connected to the rotatable joint through the water pipe fixing seat.

[0026] Furthermore, in accordance with any or a combination of the aforementioned technical solutions, the fixing bracket has a C-shaped structure, the side of the C-shaped structure faces upward and is provided with mounting holes, the mounting holes being configured to install the rotatable joint;

[0027] or,

[0028] The fixed bracket has a geometric shape, and the top surface of the geometric shape is provided with a mounting hole, which is configured to install the rotatable joint.

[0029] Furthermore, following any one or a combination of the aforementioned technical solutions, the fixing bracket is secured above the robot body by fasteners; and / or,

[0030] The robot body has multiple roller brush devices on its side, and the rotatable joint is connected to multiple water outlets. Each water outlet is connected to a roller brush device through a water outlet pipe.

[0031] The beneficial effects of the technical solution provided by this utility model are as follows:

[0032] The cleaning robot provided by this utility model is equipped with a rotatable water supply support mechanism. Through the rotatable joint, the end of the water supply pipe connected to the rotatable joint can adaptively rotate relative to the photovoltaic panel cleaning robot during the rotation of the water supply pipe. This prevents the water supply pipe from getting tangled and knotted, which would affect the cleaning work. In addition, the structure is compact, simple and low cost. Attached Figure Description

[0033] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application 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 recorded in this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0034] Figure 1 An exploded view of a rotatable water supply support mechanism and a roller brush device provided as an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of a cleaning robot provided as an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 3 A bottom view of a roller brush device provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 4An exploded view of a rotatable joint provided as an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 5 An exploded view of a rotary joint assembly provided as an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 6 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a rotary joint assembly provided for an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 7 A perspective cross-sectional view of an intermediate connector provided as an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 8 This is a perspective cross-sectional view of the upper rotating seat provided as an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] The reference numerals in the attached drawings include: 1-fixed bracket, 2-tee connector, 3-connector seat, 4-rotatable connector, 41-upper adapter, 42-second sealing ring, 43-rotatable connector assembly, 431-upper rotating seat, 432-fixed base, 433-intermediate connector, 4331-upper part, 4332-lower part, 4333-first through hole, 434-first sealing ring, 435-ball bearing, 436-second groove, 438-first groove, 439-support platform, 4310-external thread, 4311-internal thread, 5-water pipe fixing seat, 6-water pipe support tube, 7-roller brush device, 71-spray bar, 72-water outlet hole, 8-water outlet pipe, 9-water supply pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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 data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of the utility model described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, apparatus, product, or device 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 devices.

[0045] In one embodiment of this invention, a cleaning robot equipped with a rotatable water supply support mechanism is provided, which is particularly suitable for cleaning photovoltaic panels. See also Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the cleaning robot includes a robot body, a roller brush device 7, a rotatable water supply bracket mechanism, and a water outlet pipe 8. The roller brush device 7 is located on the side of the robot body, and the rotatable water supply bracket mechanism is located on the upper part of the robot body.

[0046] The rotatable water supply support mechanism includes a fixed support 1 and a rotatable connector 4. The fixed support 1 is disposed at the upper end of the robot body. The rotatable connector 4 includes a rotatable connector assembly 43, which is disposed on the fixed support 1. The rotatable connector assembly 43 includes an upper rotating seat 431, an intermediate connector 433, and a ball bearing 435. The outer side of the intermediate connector 433 is rotatably connected to the upper rotating seat 431 through the ball bearing 435.

[0047] The inlet end of the rotatable joint 4 is configured to connect to the inlet end of the water supply pipe 9, and the outlet end of the rotatable joint 4 is configured to connect to the inlet end of the outlet pipe 8. The outlet end of the outlet pipe 8 is configured to connect to the roller brush device 7.

[0048] In one embodiment of this utility model, the fixing bracket 1 has a C-shaped structure or a geometric shape. If it is a C-shaped structure, the side of the C-shaped structure faces upward and is provided with mounting holes; if it is a geometric shape, the top surface of the geometric shape is provided with mounting holes. The mounting holes are configured to mount the rotatable joint 4. The fixing bracket 1 is fixed above the robot body by fasteners.

[0049] A roller brush device 7 is respectively provided on two opposite sides of the robot body, and the rotatable joint 4 is correspondingly connected to two water outlets. Each water outlet is connected to a roller brush device 7 through a water outlet pipe 8. For example, if the robot body is provided with wheels on both sides, it is preferable to provide roller brush devices for cleaning photovoltaic panels on its front and rear sides.

[0050] Specifically, the rotatable water supply bracket mechanism further includes a three-way connector 2, the inlet end of which is connected to the outlet end of the rotary connector assembly 43, and the two outlet ends of the three-way connector 2 are respectively threadedly connected to a connector seat 3. Each connector seat 3 is connected to an outlet pipe 8, and the connector seat 3 is a quick-release connector seat. Figure 3 As shown, the roller brush device 7 includes a water spray bar 71 disposed on the side of the roller brush, and multiple water outlet holes 72 are provided on the water spray bar 71. Each water outlet pipe 8 is connected to one of the water spray bars 71 of the roller brush device 7, and water is supplied to the roller brush on the roller brush device 7 or to the target cleaning surface through the water supply pipe 9, the rotatable joint 4, the water outlet pipe 8, the water spray bar 71 and the water outlet holes 72.

[0051] Preferably, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown. The rotating water supply support mechanism also includes an L-shaped water pipe support tube 6 and a water pipe fixing seat 5. The water pipe support tube 6 is preferably a rigid structure, and the water supply pipe 9 passes through the inside of the water pipe support tube 6. The water pipe support tube 6 is used to support the water supply pipe 9. One L-shaped end of the water pipe support tube 6 is connected to the upper end of the rotatable joint 4. The water pipe support tube 6 is connected to the rotatable joint 4 through the water pipe fixing seat 5. From the inside out, the water pipe fixing seat 5, the water pipe support tube 6, and the rotatable joint 4 are sequentially sleeved and connected. The outlet end of the water supply pipe 9 is also threadedly connected to the water pipe fixing seat 5 through the joint seat 3, so as to quickly install and disassemble the water supply pipe. Optionally, in other embodiments, the water supply pipe 9 may not pass through the water pipe support tube 6, but may be connected to the inlet end of the water pipe support tube 6 instead.

[0052] like Figure 4 As shown, the rotatable joint 4 also includes an upper adapter 41 and a second sealing ring 42. The lower end of the upper adapter 41 is sealed to the upper rotating seat 431 through the second sealing ring 42. The upper end of the upper adapter 41 is configured to be connected to the water supply pipe 9.

[0053] like Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the rotary joint assembly 43 further includes a fixed base 432, the upper rotary seat 431 is disposed on the fixed base 432, and the fixed base 432 is disposed on the fixed bracket 1. The lower part 4332 extends to the outside of the upper rotary seat 431 and is connected to the fixed base 432.

[0054] The intermediate connector 433 includes an upper part 4331, a lower part 4332, and a first through hole 4333, which penetrates both the upper part 4331 and the lower part 4332. The upper part 4331 is disposed inside the upper rotating seat 431 and is sealed to the upper rotating seat 431. The outer cylindrical surface of the lower part 4332 is provided with a circumferential first groove 438, which is configured to accommodate a plurality of balls 435. The balls 435 are rotatably connected to the inner wall of the upper rotating seat 431. Preferably, the balls 435 are evenly arranged in a complete circle along the circumference of the outer cylindrical surface of the lower part 4332.

[0055] The inner bottom of the upper rotating seat 431 is provided with an inwardly extending support platform 439. The upper end of the ball bearing 435 is in contact with the lower surface of the upper part 4331, and the lower end of the ball bearing 435 is in contact with the upper surface of the support platform 439. Through the cooperation of the first groove, the ball bearing, and the end face, the intermediate connector 433 and the upper rotating seat 431 can rotate relative to each other. The lower part 4332 of the intermediate connector is provided with an external thread 4310 on its outer side, and the upper inner hole of the fixed base 432 is provided with an internal thread 4311. The external thread 4310 and the internal thread 4311 are threadedly connected, thus making the lower part 4332 of the intermediate connector and the fixed base 432 a single unit.

[0056] like Figure 7 As shown, the outer cylindrical surface of the upper part 4331 of the intermediate connector 433 is provided with one or more circumferential second grooves 436. The second grooves 436 are configured to accommodate the first sealing ring 434. The upper part 4331 and the inner wall of the upper rotating seat 431 are sealed together by the first sealing ring 434, which is in a compressed state.

[0057] The upper rotating seat 431, the intermediate connector 433, the ball bearing 435 and the first sealing ring 434 are concentrically assembled and installed on the fixed base 432, and fixed by internal and external thread connection, with waterproof glue applied to the threads.

[0058] The cleaning robot with a rotatable water supply support mechanism provided by this utility model can achieve adaptive rotation of one end of the water supply pipe relative to the photovoltaic panel cleaning robot during the rotation of the water supply pipe, without the water supply pipe getting tangled or knotted, thus avoiding affecting the cleaning work. In addition, the structure is compact, simple and low cost.

[0059] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0060] The above description is only a specific embodiment of this application. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of this application, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A cleaning robot equipped with a rotatable water supply support mechanism, characterized in that, It includes a robot body, a roller brush device (7), a rotatable water supply bracket mechanism and a water outlet pipe (8). The roller brush device (7) is located on the side of the robot body, and the rotatable water supply bracket mechanism is located on the upper part of the robot body. The rotatable water supply support mechanism includes a fixed support (1) and a rotatable joint (4), wherein the fixed support (1) is disposed at the upper end of the robot body; The rotatable joint (4) includes a rotatable joint assembly (43), which is disposed on the fixed bracket (1). The rotatable joint assembly (43) includes an upper rotating seat (431), an intermediate connector (433), and a ball (435). The outside of the intermediate connector (433) is rotatably connected to the upper rotating seat (431) through the ball (435). The inlet end of the rotatable connector (4) is configured to be connected to the inlet end of the water supply pipe (9), and the outlet end of the rotatable connector (4) is configured to be connected to the inlet end of the outlet pipe (8). The outlet end of the water outlet pipe (8) is configured to be connected to the roller brush device (7).

2. The cleaning robot with a rotatable water supply support mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The intermediate connector (433) includes an upper part (4331), a lower part (4332) and a first through hole (4333), the first through hole (4333) passing through the upper part (4331) and the lower part (4332); The upper part (4331) is disposed inside the upper rotating seat (431) and is sealed to the upper rotating seat (431). The outer cylindrical surface of the lower part (4332) is provided with a circumferential first groove (438). The first groove (438) is configured to accommodate a plurality of balls (435). The balls (435) are rotatably connected to the inner wall of the upper rotating seat (431).

3. The cleaning robot with a rotatable water supply support mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outer cylindrical surface of the upper part (4331) is provided with one or more circumferential second grooves (436), the second grooves (436) being configured to accommodate a first sealing ring (434), and the upper part (4331) and the inner wall of the upper rotating seat (431) being sealed together by the first sealing ring (434).

4. The cleaning robot with a rotatable water supply support mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rotary joint assembly (43) further includes a fixed base (432), the upper rotary seat (431) is disposed on the fixed base (432), and the fixed base (432) is disposed on the fixed bracket (1); The lower part (4332) extends to the outside of the upper rotating seat (431) and is connected to the fixed base (432).

5. The cleaning robot with a rotatable water supply support mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotatable joint (4) further includes an upper adapter (41) and a second sealing ring (42). The lower end of the upper adapter (41) is sealed to the upper rotating seat (431) through the second sealing ring (42). The upper end of the upper adapter (41) is configured to connect to the water supply pipe (9); or, The rotatable connector (4) also includes an upper adapter (41) and a second sealing ring (42). The lower end of the upper adapter (41) is sealed to the upper rotating seat (431) through the second sealing ring (42). The upper end of the upper adapter (41) is threaded to a connector seat (3). The connector seat (3) is connected to the water supply pipe (9).

6. The cleaning robot with a rotatable water supply support mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotatable water supply bracket mechanism also includes a three-way connector (2), the inlet end of which is connected to the outlet end of the rotary connector assembly (43), and the two outlet ends of the three-way connector (2) are threadedly connected to a connector seat (3), and each connector seat (3) is connected to an outlet pipe (8).

7. The cleaning robot with a rotatable water supply support mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating water supply support mechanism also includes an L-shaped water pipe support pipe (6), one end of which is connected to the upper end of the rotatable joint (4). The other end of the L-shaped water pipe support tube (6) is connected to the water supply pipe (9), or the water supply pipe (9) passes through the water pipe support tube (6) and is connected to the rotatable joint (4).

8. The cleaning robot with a rotatable water supply support mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that, The water pipe support pipe (6) is a rigid structure; and / or, The rotating water supply support mechanism also includes a water pipe fixing seat (5), and the water pipe support pipe (6) is connected to the rotatable joint (4) through the water pipe fixing seat (5).

9. The cleaning robot with a rotatable water supply support mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed bracket (1) has a C-shaped structure with the side of the C-shaped structure facing upward and provided with mounting holes, which are configured to install the rotatable joint (4); or, The fixed bracket (1) has a geometric shape, and the top surface of the geometric shape is provided with a mounting hole, which is configured to install the rotatable joint (4).

10. The cleaning robot with a rotatable water supply support mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed bracket (1) is secured above the robot body by fasteners; and / or, The robot body has multiple roller brush devices (7) on its side, and the rotatable joint (4) is connected to multiple water outlets. Each water outlet is connected to a roller brush device (7) through a water outlet pipe (8).

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