DEVICE TO PREVENT BIRDS FROM LANDING ON PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for preventing birds from landing on photovoltaic panels, comprising a drive shaft (1) which ends at the top in a rotor (2) on which are arranged diametrically opposite a pair of telescopic rods (3) which end at their free ends in deflectors (4) or separate sails, with an antisymmetrical arrangement, with the particularity that the drive shaft (1) comprises at the bottom fixing means forming a clamp on the structure or the supporting frame of the solar panels. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 3A

Description

Title of the invention: DEVICE FOR PREVENTING BIRDS FROM LANDING ON PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device specially designed to prevent birds from landing on photovoltaic panels.

[0002] The object of the invention is therefore to achieve maximum energy efficiency of the photovoltaic solar panels by preventing birds from perching on them and, therefore, the droppings of said birds from accumulating on particular sections of the photovoltaic panels. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] As is known, in the practical field of application of the invention, the accumulation of bird droppings on photovoltaic panels, in particular on certain sections of said photovoltaic panels, causes at least a significant reduction in their efficiency, so that prolonged exposure of the panels to this type of droppings can seriously impair their lifespan and cause serious damage to said photovoltaic panels and their operation, to the point of rendering them unusable over time.

[0004] According to the applicant, there is no equipment like that which will be described below, and which makes it possible to effectively prevent birds from landing on said photovoltaic panels and, therefore, the droppings of said birds from accumulating on the latter, in particular on particular sections of the surface of said photovoltaic panels. Statement of the invention

[0005] The device which is recommended solves the above-mentioned problem in a fully satisfactory manner, on the basis of a simple, but extremely effective solution.

[0006] This device to prevent birds from landing on panels photovoltaic, comprises a drive shaft which ends in the upper part with a rotor on which are arranged diametrically opposite a pair of telescopic rods which end at their free ends with separate deflectors or sails, with an antisymmetrical arrangement, with the particularity that the drive shaft comprises in the lower part fixing means forming a clamp on the structure or the supporting frame of the solar panels.

[0007] In particular, the clamp-forming fixing means are materialized in the form of a pair of plates movable along the shaft by means of washers and nuts which are screwed onto said shaft.

[0008] In particular, the drive shaft comprises:

[0009] O a central piece which extends longitudinally in a longitudinal direction between a first end and a second end,

[0010] O lubrication means, in particular self-lubrication means, located at the first end and at the second end of the central part of the drive shaft,

[0011] O an internal sphere, located at the first end of the central part of the drive shaft,

[0012] - the rotor is coupled to the internal sphere and to the lubrication means of the first end of the central part of the drive shaft,

[0013] - and the device comprises:

[0014] two telescopic rods, each telescopic rod being coupled to the rotor, and extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction in which the central part of the drive shaft extends, the two telescopic rods being located diametrically opposite each other,

[0015] - deflection means, each located at the end of a telescopic rod opposite the end of said telescopic rod closest to the rotor, the deflection means being arranged in an antisymmetrical configuration,

[0016] the device further comprising a support, located at the second end of the central part of the drive shaft,

[0017] said support being configured to fix the drive shaft to a frame supporting solar panels in the manner of a clamp.

[0018] Thus, and more concretely, the device of the invention comprises a rotating drive shaft which will adopt an arrangement perpendicular to the surface formed by the photovoltaic solar panels.

[0019] In particular, the rotary drive shaft comprises a central piece, which extends longitudinally between a first end and a second end.

[0020] In addition, the rotary drive shaft comprises, at its first end and at its second end, lubrication means. Furthermore, the lubrication means located at the first end of the rotary drive shaft comprise an internal sphere, preferably metallic.

[0021] Advantageously, the lubrication means make it possible to lubricate the central part of the rotary drive shaft, and are at the same time configured to couple said rotary drive shaft to other elements, such as a support for fixing said rotary drive shaft and, therefore, the device which is the subject of the present invention. invention to an external element, or for coupling other elements to said rotating drive shaft, such as those mentioned below.

[0022] In a particular embodiment, the lubrication means are self-lubricating bearings and / or self-lubricating rings.

[0023] In a particular embodiment, the first end of the rotary drive shaft comprises a self-lubricating bearing and / or the second end of the rotary drive shaft comprises two self-lubricating bearings.

[0024] In a particular embodiment, the central part of the rotating drive shaft and / or the internal sphere are made of stainless steel, while the lubrication means are made of bronze.

[0025] On the other hand, the device comprises a rotor, which can be configured as a discoidal part. Said discoidal part is integral with the first end of the drive shaft, in particular with the lubrication means and the internal sphere located at said first end of the drive shaft.

[0026] In a particular embodiment, the rotor is obtained from resin with UV treatment.

[0027] The device comprises, at the same time, on the rotor or discoidal part, two telescopic rods arranged in a diametrically opposite position, said two telescopic rods extending longitudinally perpendicular to the drive shaft, in particular to the central part of the drive shaft, and in opposite directions to each other, adapting to installations of panels of different sizes.

[0028] The telescopic rods are fixed to the rotor by means of mechanical connections, said connections being, in a particular embodiment, screwed connections.

[0029] In a particular embodiment, each of the telescopic rods is configured by a first tubular element, and a second tubular element housed in the first tubular element, the telescopic rod therefore being configured to adjust its length by means of the position of the second tubular element relative to the first tubular element.

[0030] In a particular embodiment, the telescopic rods are configured in aluminum.

[0031] The device also comprises deflection means, or sails, the end of said telescopic rods terminating in separate sail-shaped pieces or antisymmetrical deflectors which allow the device to rotate randomly and naturally when it detects the slightest breeze. In doing so, the end of each telescopic rod opposite the end closest to the central piece of the rotating drive shaft comprises deflection means in the form of sail, said deflection means being configured to be rotated about the longitudinal direction along which the drive shaft extends.

[0032] In a particular embodiment, at least several deflection means are coupled to the corresponding telescopic rod by means of a dovetail-shaped part and / or by means of a screwed connection.

[0033] In a particular embodiment, the deflectors or sails are obtained from polyamide, with UV treatment.

[0034] The device also comprises, at its second end or lower part, a support, materialized in a sort of adjustable clamp, which advantageously makes it possible to fix the device to a frame of any structure supporting photovoltaic solar panels, whatever the thickness of said frame. In doing so, the present support is configured to, advantageously, allow the coupling and fixing of the position of the drive shaft, and therefore of the present device, to an external structure, in particular, to a frame forming part of said external structure.

[0035] In a particular embodiment, the support comprises:

[0036] - a threaded rod,

[0037] - a rectangular plate,

[0038] - a turntable, and

[0039] - at least one nut,

[0040] the rod extending in the longitudinal direction of the drive shaft, and comprising a first end and a second end, said rod being coupled by means of its first end to the second end of the central part of the drive shaft,

[0041] the rectangular plate, the plate and the nuts being coupled to the second end of the rod,

[0042] the rectangular plate and the plate being fixed to the first end of the rod by means of a corresponding nut, and the rectangular plate also being fixed to the frame,

[0043] so that the plate is configured to move along the threaded rod so as to adjust the position of the telescopic rods and the deflection means relative to the longitudinal direction in which the drive shaft extends.

[0044] In particular, the support comprises a rod, which extends longitudinally between a first end and a second end, the rod being configured to attach, via the first end of said rod, to the second end of the drive shaft. In a particular embodiment, said rod is a threaded rod.

[0045] In addition, the support comprises a rectangular part, fixed to the second end of the rod, a plate, fixed to said rectangular part in a position adjacent to the second end of said rod, and at least one nut, coupled to the rod and located adjacent to said plate, so that the rectangular part is the element of the support furthest from the second end of the rod.

[0046] In this way, the rectangular part is configured to couple to a frame of an external structure, in particular of an external structure which configures a photovoltaic panel installation.

[0047] The support is configured to couple the drive shaft, as well as the telescopic rods and the deflection means, via said drive shaft, to the frame of the external structure, thereby allowing said telescopic rods and the deflection means to rotate about the longitudinal direction in which the central part of said drive shaft extends through the internal sphere and the lubricating means.

[0048] Advantageously, the configuration of each telescopic rod and their fixed position relative to the drive shaft and, at the same time, to the frame of the external structure through the support, makes it possible to adjust the length of each telescopic rod, reducing its curvature (risk of deformation by bending) and, therefore, preventing the rotation of said telescopic rods from being reduced, slowed down or stopped.

[0049] In a particular embodiment, the deflection means are configured to rotate 180° around the longitudinal direction in which the central part of said drive shaft extends, thus covering an optimal space on the photovoltaic panels of the corresponding installation to prevent birds from perching on said photovoltaic panels.

[0050] Advantageously, this support is configured to be adaptable to any frame of any external structure, thus configuring a support of said universal supports.

[0051] In a particular embodiment, the device comprises positioning means, configured to allow the inclination of the drive shaft relative to the supporting frame, or even to allow the inclination of the assembly formed by the drive shaft, the telescopic rods and the deflection means relative to the supporting frame.

[0052] Advantageously, the positioning means make it possible to position said assembly relative to the external structure to which the device is coupled, so that the movement of the deflection means is not hindered by said external structure.

[0053] In doing so, the positioning means make it possible to tilt, relative to the external structure, the deflection means so that they can perform a complete movement, thus covering the surface area of the photovoltaic panel on which the device is located.

[0054] In a particular embodiment, the positioning means are located between the drive shaft and the support, or even between the support and the central part of the drive shaft, in a position adjacent to the lubrication means.

[0055] In a particular embodiment, the positioning means comprise:

[0056] - a first element which comprises toothed profiles,

[0057] - a second element which comprises toothed profiles,

[0058] wherein the first element and the second element are coupled to each other by means of the coupling of the corresponding toothed profiles.

[0059] Therefore, the positioning means are configured by means of the coupling of a first element and a second element of the same configuration, said configuration, both of the first element and of the second element, being toothed profiles, so that the coupling between the first element and the second element is done through the interaction between their respective teeth, which fit together, thus maintaining the fixed position in which they are located.

[0060] In a particular embodiment, the first element is coupled to the drive shaft, for example by being coupled to the central part of the drive shaft, while the second element is coupled to the rod of the support.

[0061] In a particular embodiment, the positioning means also comprise connecting means, preferably threaded connecting means, configured to couple said positioning means.

[0062] In a particular embodiment, the coupling of the first element to the central part of the drive shaft and / or the coupling of the second element and the support rod is carried out by means of a threaded connection.

[0063] In a particular embodiment, the positioning means also comprise locking means, preferably pins housed in orifices, configured to lock the position of said positioning means

[0064] In a particular embodiment, the first element and / or the second element comprise locking means, configured to maintain the position of said first element relative to said second element. In a particular embodiment, said locking means are configured in the form of a pin, housed in an orifice of the first element or the second element, which locks the movement of said corresponding element.

[0065] In this way, a simple, but very effective, economical, easy to install and adaptable device is obtained, adaptable to solar panel installations of different sizes, present in photovoltaic panel installations. Brief description of the drawings

[0066] To complete the description which will be given below and with the aim of facilitating a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, according to a preferred example of practical embodiment of the latter, is attached as an integral part of said description, a set of drawings in which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented:

[0067] [Fig.l] shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the device for preventing birds from landing on photovoltaic panels produced according to the subject of the present invention.

[0068] [Fig.2] shows an enlarged detail of the device of [Fig.l] at the level of its means of fixing to the supporting structure of the panels.

[0069] [Fig.3A] shows a detailed diagram of the configuration of the device of Figures 1 and 2.

[0070] [Fig.3B] shows a detailed diagram of the configuration of a second embodiment of the device.

[0071] [Fig.4] shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the positioning means of the device of [Fig.3B].

[0072] DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0073] In view of the figures mentioned, it can be observed how the device of the invention consists of a drive shaft (1), which is configured by means of a central part (1.1) in the form of a rod (1.1) for example made of stainless steel, which extends longitudinally along a first end and a second end, along a longitudinal direction, in particular the vertical direction according to the orientation of figures 1 to 3A.

[0074] The device comprises, at the same time, lubrication means (1.2), in particular self-lubricating bearings (1.2), located at the first and second ends of the central part (1.1) of the drive shaft (1). Furthermore, the device also comprises an internal sphere (1.3) made of metal, in particular steel, located at the first end of the central part (1.1) of the drive shaft (1).

[0075] As shown in [Fig.3A], the first end of the central part (1.1) of the drive shaft (1) is the upper end according to the orientation of said [Fig.3A], and comprises a self-lubricating bearing (1.2), while the second end is the lower end according to the orientation of said [Fig.3A], and comprises two self-lubricating bearings (1.2). Likewise, the drive shaft (1) extends longitudinally according to the vertical direction shown according to the orientation of said [Fig.3A].

[0076] The first end of the central part (1.1) of the drive shaft (1) ends, in the upper part, with a rotor (2) coupled to the internal sphere (1.3) and to the self-lubricating bearing (1.2). In doing so, the rotor (2) is mounted on a joint which, in the chosen embodiment, consists of a metal inner sphere (1.3) and two self-lubricating rings (1.2), the rotor (2) being configured based on resin with UV treatment (UV resistant), and which has two diametrically opposed holes on which are fixed, by means of a screw connection, several telescopic rods (3), in particular two telescopic rods (3). Each telescopic rod (3) has an adjustable length and allows to offer greater structural rigidity and greater resistance to bending, allowing to adapt to installations of different dimensions. Each telescopic rod (3) extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction in which the drive shaft (1) extends, in doing so, they extend in the horizontal direction according to the orientation of the figures. They can be formed in aluminum or aluminum-based.

[0077] These telescopic rods (3) terminate at their free ends by separate deflection means (4) or sails (4), which have an antisymmetrical arrangement, in order to generate a rotary movement of the rotor (2), being preferably obtained from light materials, such as polyamides, and comprising a UV treatment which maximizes their lifespan against wear due to solar radiation.

[0078] These sails (4) are connected, in the present embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3A, by means of a screwed connection (not shown), in particular by means of a thread at the free end of each of the corresponding telescopic rods (3), comprising stops which determine their final mounting position.

[0079] In particular, each telescopic rod (3) is coupled, by means of one of its ends, to the rotor (2), while at its opposite end, in the longitudinal direction along which it extends, a sail (4) is coupled.

[0080] In the lower part, at the second end of the rod (1.1) which configures the drive shaft (1), a support (S) is coupled to the two self-lubricating bearings (1.2) present, configured as a mechanism as a clamp to allow the fixing to a frame (8) of an external structure, said frame (8) being a support frame for the photovoltaic solar panels present in a photovoltaic installation.

[0081] The support (S) comprises a threaded rod (S1), which extends in the longitudinal direction of the drive shaft (1), and comprises a first end and a second end. Furthermore, the support (S) also comprises a rectangular part (5), or a rectangular plate (5), a plate (6) and nuts (7).

[0082] As shown in [Fig.3A], the threaded rod (Sl) is coupled via its first end to the second end of the central part (1.1) of the drive shaft (1). Furthermore, the rectangular plate (5), the plate (6) and the nuts (7) are coupled to the second end of the threaded rod (Sl).

[0083] More specifically, the second end of the threaded rod (S1) of the support (S) comprises a rectangular plate (5) which is fixed to said first end of the threaded rod (S1) of the support (S) by means of a nut (7), having an elongated and narrow configuration which allows its passage through the frame (8) present in the space defined between two solar panels, as shown in [Fig.2], so that once inserted into this space, the drive shaft (1) rotates 90° so that the rectangular plate (5) is arranged transversely to said frame (8), preventing its exit.

[0084] In the upper part of this rectangular plate (5), a vertically movable plate (6) is provided. This plate (6) is adjusted in position by means of a nut (7), as well as by means of washers, not shown in the figures, so that the tightening of the nut (7) causes the displacement of the plate (6) along the threaded rod (S1), until the assembly which comprises the drive shaft (1), the telescopic rods (3) and the sails (4) is perfectly stabilized.

[0085] In doing so, the device is configured to adjust its height according to the vertical direction of Figures 1 to 3A by means of the adjustable clamp thus configured by the support (S), which allows the telescopic rods (3) and the sails (4) to be positioned in a position along the threaded rod (S. 1), in addition to being coupled by means of said support (S) to a fixed position of the frame (8) of the external structure and, on the other hand, is configured to adjust its extension according to the horizontal direction through the length adjustment of each telescopic rod (3), thus covering more or less surface of the external structure according to a greater or lesser length of the telescopic rod (3), respectively.

[0086] Once the device is installed, thanks to the light materials from which it is obtained, and the configuration of its rotor (2) and the elements associated with it, the slightest breeze will cause an angular displacement of the deflectors (4) or sails (4) and consequently of the telescopic rods (3), generating a deterrent movement which prevents birds from perching on the solar panels, keeping them clean and thus prolonging their lifespan.

[0087] On the other hand, [Fig.4] shows positioning means (9) configured by means of a first element (9.1) and a second element (9.2), which are coupled to each other through their corresponding toothed profiles (9.3) or teeth (9.3), in particular distributed along a toothed circumference.

[0088] As seen, the first element (9.1) comprises a threaded connection (9.4), configured to couple said first element (9.1) to the central part (1.1) of the drive shaft (1). Although [Fig.4] does not show it, the second element (9.2) comprises a similar threaded connection (9.4).

[0089] Furthermore, the first (9.1) and the second (9.2) elements also comprise locking means (9.5), in particular an orifice which can be crossed by a pin (not shown) which makes it possible to fix the position of said first (9.1) and second (9.2) elements relative to each other.

[0090] Finally, [Fig.3B] shows the device of figures 1, 2 and 3A, also comprising the positioning means (9) shown in [Fig.4].

[0091] It is observed that the positioning means (9) are located between the drive shaft (1), in particular in a position adjacent to the self-lubricating bearings (1.2) located on the central part (1.1), and the support (S), in particular on the rod (S1) of said support (S).

[0092] As seen in [Fig.3B], said positioning means (9) allow the inclination of the assembly comprising the drive shaft (1), telescopic rods (3) and sails (4), so that said elements do not collide with the frame (8) of the external structure, which advantageously allows the present device to be adapted to any type of photovoltaic installation, by adjusting the position of said device according to the dimensions and orientations of each photovoltaic installation.

[0093] The device for preventing birds from landing on photovoltaic panels may have the following features.

[0094] Particularity 1: it comprises a rod acting as a shaft (1) which ends in the upper part with a rotor (2) on which are arranged in a diametrically opposite manner a pair of telescopic rods (3) which end at their free end with deflectors (4) or separate sails, with an antisymmetrical arrangement, with the particularity that the rod acting as a shaft (1) comprises in the lower part fixing means as a clamp on the structure or the frame supporting the solar panels.

[0095] Particularity 2: the fixing means in the form of a clamp are materialized in a pair of plates movable along the shaft (1) by means of washers and nuts which are screwed onto said shaft.

[0096] Special feature 3: the rotor is obtained from resin with anti-UV treatment.

[0097] Special feature 4: the telescopic rods (3) are made of aluminum.

[0098] Particularity 5: D the deflectors (4) or sails are obtained from polyamide, with anti-UV treatment.

Claims

Claims

1. Device for preventing birds from landing on photovoltaic panels, characterized in that it comprises a drive shaft (1) which ends in the upper part with a rotor (2) on which are arranged in a diametrically opposite manner a pair of telescopic rods (3) which end at their free ends with deflectors (4) or separate sails, with an antisymmetrical arrangement, with the particularity that the drive shaft (1) comprises in the lower part fixing means forming a clamp on the structure or the supporting frame of the solar panels.

2. Device according to claim 1, in which the clamp-forming fixing means are materialized in the form of a pair of plates movable along the shaft (1) by means of washers and nuts which are screwed onto said shaft.

3. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive shaft (1) comprises: O a central part (1.1) which extends longitudinally in a longitudinal direction between a first end and a second end, O lubrication means (1.2), in particular self-lubrication means, located at the first end and at the second end of the central part (1.1) of the drive shaft (1), O an internal sphere (1.3), located at the first end of the central part (1.1) of the drive shaft (1), - in that the rotor (2) is coupled to the internal sphere (1.3) and to the lubrication means (1.2) of the first end of the central part (1.1) of the drive shaft (1), - and in that the device comprises: two telescopic rods (3), each telescopic rod (3) being coupled to the rotor (2), and extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction in which the central part (1.1) of the drive shaft (1) extends, the two telescopic rods (3) being located diametrically opposite each other, - deflection means (4), each located at the end of a telescopic rod (3) opposite the end of said telescopic rod (3) closest to the rotor (2), the deflection means (4) being arranged in an antisymmetrical configuration,. the device further comprising a support (S), located at the second end of the central part (1.1) of the drive shaft (1), said support (S) being configured to fix the drive shaft (1) to a frame (8) carrying solar panels in the manner of a clamp.

4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the support (S) comprises: - a threaded rod (Sl), - a rectangular plate (5), - a plate (6), and - at least one nut (7), the rod (Sl) extending in the longitudinal direction of the drive shaft (1), and comprising a first end and a second end, said rod (Sl) being coupled by means of its first end to the second end of the central part (1.1) of the drive shaft (1), the rectangular plate (5), the plate (6) and the nuts (7) being coupled to the second end of the rod (Sl), the rectangular plate (5) and the plate (6) being fixed to the first end of the rod (Sl) by means of a corresponding nut (7), and the rectangular plate (5) also being fixed to the frame (8), so that the plate (6) is configured to move along the rod threaded (S.l) so as to adjust the position of the telescopic rods (3) and the deflection means (4) relative to the longitudinal direction in which the drive shaft (1) extends.

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the rotor (2) is obtained from resin with anti-UV treatment.

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the telescopic rods (3) are made of aluminum.

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the deflectors (4) or sails are obtained from polyamide, with UV treatment.

8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, which also comprises positioning means (9) configured to allow the inclination of the drive shaft (1) relative to the supporting frame (8).

9. A device according to claim 8 taken in combination with any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the means of positioning (9) are located between the drive shaft (1) and the support (S).

10. Device according to any one of claims 8 to 9, wherein the positioning means (9) comprise: - a first element (9.1) which comprises toothed profiles (9.3), - a second element (9.2) which comprises toothed profiles (9.3), wherein the first element (9.1) and the second element (9.2) are coupled to each other by means of the coupling of the corresponding toothed profiles (9.3).

11. Device according to claim 10, wherein the first element (9.1) is coupled to the drive shaft (1) and the second element (9.2) is coupled to the rod (S1) of the support (S).

12. Device according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the positioning means (9) also comprise connecting means (9.4), preferably threaded connecting means (9.4), configured to couple said positioning means (9).

13. Device according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the positioning means (9) also comprise locking means (9.5), preferably pins housed in orifices (9.5), configured to lock the position of said positioning means (9).

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