WEARABLE DEVICE, CLEANING SYSTEM, AND CLEANING METHOD

Abstract

A rotating device (1) has: a rotating unit (4) which is rotated by external force applied thereto; a rotation regulating unit (3) for regulating the rotation of the rotating unit (4) in one direction; and an attachment unit (2) to which the rotating unit (4) can be attached in a state allowing contact with a contact unit. By sliding the rotating unit (4) and the contact unit, a light reception unit (P) for receiving light for a solar panel is cleaned.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to Wearable Devices, Cleaning Systems and cleaning methods. [Background technology]

[0002] Solar panels have a problem that, after a certain period of time has passed since their installation, dust and dirt accumulate, causing a drop in power generation efficiency. For example, the following Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for automatically cleaning the light-collecting surface of a solar panel without manual intervention. According to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the power generation efficiency falls below an allowable value, cleaning is automatically performed by a cleaning mechanism, so that the power consumption for cleaning can be reduced. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-136864 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the cleaning mechanism disclosed in Patent Document 1 is operated by supplying power to a motor, and has a problem of consuming power during cleaning. Therefore, a technology for maintaining good lighting conditions for the solar panel without using power is desired.

[0005] Therefore, one of the objectives of the present disclosure is to provide a method for maintaining good lighting conditions for solar panels without incurring energy costs. Wearable Devices, Cleaning Systems and a cleaning method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present disclosure relates to a rotating portion that rotates when an external force is applied thereto and has optical transparency; a rotation restricting portion that restricts rotation of the rotating portion in one direction; A solar panel housed inside the rotating part; The wearable device includes: The present disclosure also provides A cleaning system including a wearable device and a contact part having a cleaning part, Wearable devices include: a rotating part that rotates when an external force is applied; a rotation restricting portion that restricts rotation of the rotating portion in one direction; a mounting portion capable of mounting the rotating portion in a state of contact with the contact portion; A light receiving unit that receives light for the solar cell panel; having When the rotating part rotates, the rotating part and the cleaning part slide against each other, cleaning the light receiving part. 、 The light receiving unit has a solar panel attached to the outer surface of the rotating unit. It is a cleaning system. The present disclosure also provides A cleaning system including a wearable device and a contact part having a cleaning part, Wearable devices include: a rotating part that rotates when an external force is applied; a rotation restricting portion that restricts rotation of the rotating portion in one direction; a mounting portion capable of mounting the rotating portion in a state of contact with the contact portion; A light receiving unit that receives light for the solar cell panel; having When the rotating part rotates, the rotating part and the cleaning part slide against each other, cleaning the light receiving part. The rotating part is optically transparent and houses a solar panel therein; The light receiving part is the outer surface of the rotating part. It is a cleaning system.

[0007] The present disclosure also provides A cleaning method for cleaning a wearable device using a cleaning unit, the wearable device having a rotating unit that rotates when an external force is applied, a rotation restricting unit that restricts rotation of the rotating unit in one direction, an attachment unit that allows the rotating unit to be attached in a state of contact with an abutting unit having a cleaning unit, and a light receiving unit that receives light for a solar panel, the method comprising: The rotating part is attached in a state of contact with the contact part, and the rotation of the rotating part is restricted in one direction by the rotation restricting part. When the rotating part rotates in one direction, the rotating part and the contact part slide against each other, thereby cleaning the light receiving part. This is a cleaning method. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is an external view showing an example of the configuration of a rotation device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view, a right side view, a plan view, and a bottom view showing an example of the configuration of the rotation device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing another configuration example of the rotating portion. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the mechanism of cleaning by the rotating device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an IoA device to which a rotation device can be applied. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of operation of the IoA device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a rotation device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a rotation device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a rotation device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the rotation device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the rotation device according to the fourth embodiment. In FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a rotation device according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a rotation device according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a rotation device according to the seventh embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The description will be made in the following order. In this specification and the drawings, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated description will be omitted. <1. First embodiment> <2. Second embodiment> <3. Third embodiment> <4. Fourth embodiment> <5. Fifth Embodiment> <6. Sixth Embodiment> <7. Seventh embodiment> <8. Variations>

[0010] <1. First embodiment> FIG. 1 is an external view showing a configuration example of a rotating device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The rotating device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is applied to a wearable device to be worn by a sheep. That is, the rotating device 1 is intended to be attached to a sheep. The object to be attached is not limited to a sheep, but may be other grazing animals such as cows and goats, or free-ranging birds such as chickens and ostriches. The object to be attached is not limited to such livestock, but may be a pet such as a dog or a cat. For example, as shown in the figure, the rotating device 1 is used by hanging it from the neck using a collar or the like. The attachment location of the rotating device 1 is not limited to the neck, but may be other parts such as ears, feet, abdomen, tail, etc. In FIG. 1, the rotating device 1 is drawn larger than the body size of a sheep to facilitate explanation, but in reality, the rotating device 1 is configured to be large enough that the sheep wearing it is not stressed.

[0011] 2 is a front view, a right side view, a plan view, and a bottom view showing an example of the configuration of the rotation device 1 according to the first embodiment. Note that the rear view is the same as the front view, and the left side view is the same as the right side view, and are not shown here. As shown in the figure, the rotation device 1 has a mounting part 2 as an attachment part, a rotation restricting part 3, and a rotation part 4.

[0012] The mounting part 2 has a structure for mounting (mounting) the rotating device 1 on a sheep to which the device is to be mounted, and is configured so that the rotating part 4 can be mounted in a state in which it can abut against the body of a sheep, which is an example of an abutment part. The abutment state means a state in which the rotating part 4 abuts against the abutment part when an external force such as the movement of a sheep, which will be described later, is applied, and in a state in which no external force is applied (the rotating device 1 is stationary), the rotating part 4 may or may not abut against the abutment part. For example, the mounting part 2 is configured using a highly durable material such as metal. Specifically, the mounting part 2 has a hole 22 at one end side of a rod-shaped shaft part 21 through which a collar (belt) can be inserted. The member in which the hole 22 is formed and the shaft part 21 are supported by a movable part 23 such as a pin, and the rotating part 4 is configured to be able to swing as a whole around the movable part 23. The shape, position, etc. of the mounting part 2 may be other than those shown in the figure as long as it has the same function.

[0013] The rotation regulating part 3 has a function of regulating the direction of rotation in one direction. For example, the rotation regulating part 3 is made of a highly durable material such as metal, like the mounting part 2. Specifically, the rotation regulating part 3 is made of an annular one-way clutch, and is attached to one end side of the shaft part 21 by inserting the shaft part 21 through it. The rotation regulating part 3 may be a part that regulates the direction of rotation using other mechanical structures such as a ratchet mechanism or a mechanism like a bicycle freewheel. The structure of the rotation regulating part 3 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the structure is resistant to dust and dirt so as to withstand outdoor use.

[0014] The rotating part 4 is a member configured to be rotatable in one direction when the rotating device 1 is attached to a sheep. For example, the rotating part 4 is configured using a lightweight and relatively strong material with excellent workability, such as resin. Specifically, the rotating part 4 has an outer surface in the shape of an octagonal prism, and the shaft part 21 of the mounting part 2 is positioned on the center line of the cylinder, and the rotating part 4 is attached to the shaft part 21 so as to be rotatable around the shaft part 21. The rotation restricting part 3 described above is interposed between the rotating part 4 and the shaft part 21, and restricts the rotation of the rotating part 4. Specifically, the rotation restricting part 3 restricts the rotation direction of the rotating part 4 to one direction (clockwise or counterclockwise around the central axis of the cylinder).

[0015] The rotating part 4 has a solar cell panel P on its outer surface. This solar cell panel P is portable (small enough for a sheep to carry). Specifically, the rotating part 4 has a solar cell panel P attached to each of the eight outer surfaces (outer surfaces 41A to 41H) constituting the side surfaces of the octagonal prism-shaped outer surface as shown in the figure. Each solar cell panel P is attached with the light-collecting surface facing outward. For example, the rotating device 1 is configured to be able to supply power obtained by the solar cell panel P to an electric / electronic circuit. The solar cell panels P may be attached to some, not all, of the eight outer surfaces (for example, a total of four, every two surfaces).

[0016] Incidentally, the rotating part 4 is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the configuration of the rotating part 4. For example, the rotating part 4 may be configured in a polygonal prism shape other than an octagonal prism as shown in FIG. 3A, or may be configured in a cylindrical shape as shown in FIG. 3B. Also, as shown in FIG. 3C, it may be configured in a cone shape or a polygonal pyramid shape. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3D and FIG. 3E, it may be configured in another irregular shape. Also, as shown in FIG. 3F, the rotating part 4 may be in the shape of a trapezoidal pyramid having eight sides, for example. By making the rotating part 4 in the shape shown in FIG. 3F, it is possible to make it easier for sunlight to be incident on the solar cell panel P attached to the side surface compared to other shapes (shapes shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B). In addition, since the side surface is flat instead of curved, it is possible to apply a solar cell panel P that cannot be bent. In addition, since the shape shown in FIG. 3F is similar to the shape of a bell that is generally attached to a sheep's belt, it is possible to reduce the stress on the sheep caused by the rotation device 1 being attached. For example, it is useful for the rotating part 4 to have a rounded shape so that the object to be attached is not damaged when the rotating device 1 is attached to the object. It is also useful for the rotating part 4 to have a shape with a surface that increases the power generation efficiency of the solar cell panel P (for example, a surface with a fixed angle or a surface with a variable angle that provides good power generation efficiency). For example, the rotating part 4 may also have a shape with an internal space (for example, a box shape, a cylindrical shape, etc.). Note that the solar cell panel P is not limited to a flat one, and may also be a curved one.

[0017] With the above structure, the rotating device 1 realizes the function of maintaining good lighting conditions for the solar cell panel P. Specifically, the rotating device 1 has a structure that converts the external force obtained from the movement of the sheep into energy required for cleaning, and the converted energy is used to clean the lighting surface of the solar cell panel P, thereby realizing the maintenance of good lighting conditions.

[0018] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the mechanism of cleaning by the rotating device 1. In state A, the sheep is stationary. The rotating device 1 rotates only in the direction of the dashed arrow by the rotation restricting unit 3. In this state, the outer surface 41A (see FIG. 2) of the rotating unit 4 of the rotating device 1 is in contact with the wool on the sheep's chest. State B1 in operation case X is a case in which the sheep moves its body to the left from the sheep's point of view. When the sheep moves its body to the left from the sheep's point of view, a force acts in a direction that tilts the rotating device 1 to the right from the sheep's point of view due to the inertia of the rotating device 1. At this time, a frictional force is generated between the outer surface 41A of the rotating device 1 and the wool on the sheep's chest, but since the rotation of the rotating device 1 (rotating unit 4) is restricted by the rotation restricting unit 3, the outer surface 41A of the rotating device 1 is cleaned by the frictional force.

[0019] Next, from state B1 to state B2, the tilted rotating device 1 starts to swing in a pendulum motion due to gravity. At this time, frictional force is again generated between the outer surface 41A of the rotating device 1 and the sheep's chest hair, but this time the rotation of the rotating device 1 is not restricted by the rotation restricting part 3, the rotating device 1 rotates due to the frictional force, and the surface where the rotating device 1 comes into contact with the sheep's chest hair changes from the outer surface 41A to the outer surface 41B or to another surface (depending on how much it rotates).

[0020] Furthermore, if there is still energy remaining in the rotating device 1 to continue its pendulum motion, the pendulum motion of the rotating device 1 continues from state B2 to state B3, and the remaining energy is used to clean or rotate the rotating device 1.

[0021] State C1 in operation case Y is when the sheep moves its body to the right from the sheep's point of view. Although the order of rotation and cleaning of the rotating device 1 is different, the behavior of the sheep cleaning each side of the rotating device 1 in sequence by alternately converting the energy obtained from the sheep's movement into rotational energy and cleaning energy is the same as in operation case X described above.

[0022] In operation cases X and Y, when the pendulum motion ends, each returns to the stationary state of state A. As a result, the light-collecting surface of the solar cell panel P attached to the outer surface of the rotating part 4 is cleaned according to the movement of the sheep. In other words, when the rotating device 1 is used, the sheep's wool functions as a cleaning part that cleans the solar cell panel P.

[0023] Thus, in this embodiment, the sheep's body, which is an example of the contact part, has body hair as a cleaning part. Also, a solar panel P is attached to the outer surface of the rotating part 4 of the rotating device 1. That is, the rotating device 1 has the above-mentioned rotating part 4, the rotation restricting part 3 that restricts the rotation of the rotating part 4, and the mounting part 2 that can attach the rotating part 4 to the sheep's body in a state where it can contact the sheep's body, and has a structure in which the solar panel P as a light receiving part that receives light for the solar panel and the sheep's body hair that cleans the solar panel P contact each other by the rotating part 4 and the sheep's body contacting each other. Therefore, the above-mentioned movement of the sheep causes the rotating part 4 and the sheep's body (sheep's body hair) to slide (sliding in contact), and as a result, the solar panel P attached to the outer surface of the rotating part 4 is cleaned, and the solar panel P is kept in a good light-gathering state.

[0024] This rotation device 1 can be applied to, for example, a maintenance-free sheep behavior sensing IoA (Internet of Animals) device.

[0025] 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an IoA device to which the rotation device 1 can be applied. The IoA device 10 shown in FIG.

[0026] As described above, the rotating device 1 as a power generation unit has an attachment unit 2, a rotation control unit 3, and a rotating unit 4 to which eight solar panels P are attached, and is configured to be able to supply power generated by the eight solar panels P to the power management unit 12.

[0027] The battery 11 stores the power generated by the rotation device 1 via the power supply management unit 12, and functions as a power supply that supplies power as necessary to each element constituting the IoA device 10. Specifically, the battery 11 is formed of a secondary battery such as a button-type lithium-ion battery.

[0028] The power supply management unit 12 has a function of managing the power supply of the IoA device 10. Specifically, the power supply management unit 12 is connected to the rotating device 1, the battery 11, and the central processing unit 13, and manages power generation by the rotating device 1 and charging and discharging of the battery 11, and also supplies power to the central processing unit 13, the communication unit 14, and the sensor 15 as appropriate to enable processing by the central processing unit 13.

[0029] The central processing unit 13 is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and has a function of performing various processes such as sensing processing, etc. Specifically, the central processing unit 13 has a function of controlling an AI (Artificial Intelligence) 16, and is configured to interpret the behavior of the sheep using the sensing data supplied from the sensor 15 with the AI ​​16, and to wirelessly transmit the interpretation result via the communication unit 14.

[0030] The communication unit 14 has a transmission function for transmitting data to a remote information processing device (specifically, a cloud-side device). For example, a communication method by the communication unit 14 is LPWA (Low Power Wide Area). The communication unit 14 may have a receiving function as necessary.

[0031] The sensor 15 has a function of outputting sensing data. For example, the sensor 15 is controlled by the central processing unit 13 so as to periodically output sensing data. The sensing data is not limited to a specific one, but examples include data measuring the environment where the sheep are located (specifically, sound, image, position, temperature, humidity, air pressure, sunlight, rainfall, wind, etc.) and data measuring the condition of the sheep (for example, body temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, blood sugar level, electrical activity of the skin, etc.). The sensor 15 may be configured to measure multiple types of sensing data.

[0032] The battery 11, power management unit 12, central processing unit 13, communication unit 14 and sensor 15 may be provided integrally with the rotating device 1 (for example, within an internal space provided in the rotating unit 4), or some or all of them may be provided separately from the rotating device 1.

[0033] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of operation of the IoA device 10. Specifically, FIG. 6 shows an image of the IoA device 10 being attached to a grazing sheep and being operated. The sheep are pastured in a sunny pasture, and the solar panel P is cleaned by the external force obtained from the sheep's behavior, and during the day, the cleaned solar panel P of the rotating device 1 can efficiently generate electricity and store it in the battery 11, thereby ensuring a stable power supply (see FIG. 5). After ensuring a stable power supply, the sheep's behavior is acquired by the sensor 15, the artificial intelligence 16 running on the central processing unit 13 interprets the sheep's behavior, and the interpretation result can be wirelessly transmitted via the communication unit 14 (see FIG. 5), thereby realizing the IoA device 10 that uploads the sheep's behavior to the cloud without maintenance.

[0034] In this way, by using the rotation device 1, it is possible to harvest power from the solar cell panel P while harvesting energy required for cleaning the solar cell panel P from external forces (movement of sheep). Therefore, the solar cell panel P can be cleaned without manpower or electricity.

[0035] Furthermore, since the external force is converted into energy required for cleaning without being converted into electricity, the energy conversion efficiency can be improved compared to a configuration in which the external force is converted into electricity.

[0036] Furthermore, by preventing the adhesion of dirt to the solar panel P, it becomes possible to perform stable solar power generation for a long period of time. This allows, for example, the battery 11 to be charged appropriately, and an IoA system can be realized that senses grazing animals stably for a long period of time and transmits data wirelessly.

[0037] <2. Second embodiment> Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a rotation device according to a second embodiment. The rotation device 1A shown in Fig. 7 differs from the rotation device 1 of the first embodiment described above in terms of the attachment location of the solar cell panel P. Points other than those described in this embodiment are basically the same as those of the rotation device 1 of the first embodiment described above, and therefore descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0038] As shown in the figure, the rotating device 1A has a solar cell panel P in the internal space of the rotating part 4, not on the outer surface of the rotating part 4. Specifically, the solar cell panel P is fixed to the shaft part 21 of the mounting part 2. The rotating part 4 is attached to one end of the shaft part 21 via a rotation restricting part 3, and the other end is supported by a bearing part 5 composed of a bearing or the like attached to the rotating part 4. The rotating part 4 is formed of a transparent material such as glass that transmits light, or a material similar thereto, and has a structure that can supply light to the solar cell panel P (a structure having optical transparency). Specifically, the rotating part 4 has a storage part formed by an inner surface, and is configured so that the solar cell panel P fixed to the shaft part 21 fits into the storage part.

[0039] As described above, the sheep's body, which is an example of the contact part, has body hair as a cleaning part. In addition, in this embodiment, the rotating part 4 of the rotating device 1A has light transmittance and houses the solar cell panel P inside. That is, the rotating device 1A has the above-mentioned rotating part 4, the rotation restricting part 3 that restricts the rotation of the rotating part 4, and the mounting part 2 that can attach the rotating part 4 to the sheep's body in a state where it can contact the sheep's body, and has a structure in which the outer surface of the rotating part 4 as a light receiving part that receives and transmits light for the solar cell panel and the sheep's body hair that cleans it contact each other by the rotating part 4 and the sheep's body contacting each other. Therefore, the rotating part 4 and the sheep's body (sheep's body hair in this embodiment) slide with each other due to the movement of the sheep described above, and the outer surface of the rotating part 4 is cleaned. The light received by the outer surface of the rotating part 4 is supplied to the solar cell panel P through the rotating part 4. Therefore, the solar cell panel P is kept in a good lighting state.

[0040] That is, by having a structure in which the solar cell panel P is housed in the rotating part 4 having optical transparency, it is possible to prevent the adhesion of dirt to the solar cell panel P. Even if dirt adheres to the outer surface of the rotating part 4, it is possible to maintain a clean state because it is cleaned by the external force as described above, and it is possible to achieve the same effect as the first embodiment described above.

[0041] Furthermore, since the shaft 21 of the mounting part 2 does not basically rotate, the solar cell panel P can be installed efficiently. In other words, there is no need to install the solar cell panel P in areas that are not exposed to light. Therefore, it is useful in cases where the solar cell panel P cannot be attached to the entire outer periphery of the rotating part 4 due to its high cost, for example. It is also useful in cases where the light-collecting surface of the solar cell panel P deteriorates due to friction. Furthermore, since the solar cell panel P can be housed inside the rotating part 4, it is possible to protect the solar cell panel P.

[0042] <3. Third embodiment> Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a rotation device according to a third embodiment. The rotation device 1B shown in Fig. 8 differs from the rotation device 1 of the first embodiment described above in that the solar cell panel P has a separate structure. Points other than those described in this embodiment are basically the same as those of the rotation device 1 of the first embodiment described above, and therefore descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0043] As shown in the figure, the rotating device 1B does not have a solar cell panel P on the outer surface of the rotating part 4, but instead has a cleaning body 42 that has a function of cleaning the light-collecting surface of the solar cell panel P. For example, the cleaning body 42 can be composed of a cleaning brush, nonwoven fabric, or a mop for absorbing dirt. Specifically, the rotating part 4 of the rotating device 1B has the cleaning body 42 on the entire outer surface that constitutes the side surface. Note that the cleaning body 42 may be provided partially on the outer surface that constitutes the side surface of the rotating part 4.

[0044] The solar panel P is attached to the sheep's body (the trunk in the illustrated example). As shown in FIG. 8, the solar panel P of this embodiment does not have to be portable. For example, the solar panel P can be attached to the sheep via a belt or other attachment (not shown). The location where the solar panel P is attached is not limited to the trunk, and may be the neck, chest, back, buttocks, etc.

[0045] The rotating device 1B is attached in such a manner that when light strikes the solar cell panel P attached to the sheep in a stationary state, and when the sheep moves, the light-collecting surface of the solar cell panel P is cleaned. In the illustrated example, two rotating devices 1B are attached to the left torso of the sheep, and each has a structure for cleaning the solar cell panel P by pendulum motion, but this structure is not limited to this. For example, the number of rotating devices 1B may be one, or three or more. Also, instead of pendulum motion, the rotating devices 1B may have a structure for performing a reciprocating motion in which the sheep's body slides back and forth. In this case, the area cleaned by the rotating device 1B can be made wider.

[0046] Thus, in this embodiment, the contact part with which the rotating part 4 comes into contact is the solar cell panel P attached to the body of the sheep, and the light receiving part is the same solar cell panel P as the solar cell panel P. The rotating part 4 of the rotating device 1B has a cleaning body 42 as a cleaning part. That is, the rotating device 1B has the above-mentioned rotating part 4, the rotation restricting part 3 that restricts the rotation of the rotating part 4, and the mounting part 2 that can attach the rotating part 4 to the body of the sheep in a state in which it can come into contact with the body of the sheep, and has a structure in which the solar cell panel P as a light receiving part that receives light for the solar cell panel comes into contact with the cleaning body 42 attached to the outer surface of the rotating part 4 that cleans the solar cell panel P by the abutment of the rotating part 4 with the body of the sheep. Therefore, the rotating part 4 (specifically, the cleaning body 42) and the solar cell panel P slide with the movement of the sheep, and the solar cell panel P is cleaned, and the lighting state of the solar cell panel P is maintained in good condition.

[0047] In other words, by using the rotation device 1B, the light-collecting surface of the solar cell panel P, which is separate from the rotation device 1B, can be cleaned by external force. For example, when attaching to an animal that does not have enough hair to clean the light-collecting surface of the solar cell panel P, such as a rhinoceros or hippopotamus, it is useful to make the solar cell panel P and the rotation device 1B separate structures and clean the light-collecting surface of the solar cell panel P with the rotation device 1B having the cleaning body 42 on the outer surface of the rotating part 4.

[0048] <4. Fourth embodiment> Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a rotation device according to a fourth embodiment. A rotation device 1C shown in Fig. 9 differs from the rotation device 1 of the first embodiment described above in that it has an energy conversion unit 6. Points other than those described in this embodiment are basically the same as those of the rotation device 1 of the first embodiment described above, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0049] The energy conversion unit 6 has a function of converting an external force into rotational energy when the external force acts in a direction in which the mounting unit 2 moves away from the rotating unit 4 (the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 9). Specifically, the energy conversion unit 6 converts the external force acting on the mounting unit 2 into rotational energy that rotates the rotating unit 4 by providing a well-known mechanical structure that converts linear motion into rotational motion between the mounting unit 2 and the rotating unit 4.

[0050] For example, when a sheep is eating grass and lifts its neck, this external force is obtained by the inertia due to the mass of the rotating part 4 of the rotating device 1C and the lifting energy applied to the attachment part 2 on the sheep's neck. This is useful in use cases where such an external force can be easily obtained.

[0051] By using the rotation device 1C, when an external force acts in a direction in which the mounting part 2 moves away from the rotation part 4, the rotation part 4 can be rotated by the external force, so that the rotation part 4 can be rotated even if no frictional force is generated in the rotation direction of the rotation part 4. For example, even if a sheep does not move around, the rotation part 4 can be rotated when the sheep lifts its head to eat food, for example.

[0052] The energy conversion unit 6 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 9. Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 are diagrams showing other configuration examples of the rotation device 1C according to the fourth embodiment. The rotation device 1C shown in Fig. 10 has an energy conversion unit 6A instead of the energy conversion unit 6.

[0053] The energy conversion unit 6A has a function of converting an external force into rotational energy when the external force acts in a direction in which the mounting unit 2 approaches the rotating unit 4 (the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 10). Specifically, the energy conversion unit 6A is provided with the above-mentioned mechanical structure (a structure that corresponds to the opposite direction of the external force) to convert the external force acting on the mounting unit 2 into rotational energy that rotates the rotating unit 4.

[0054] In this case, for example, when a sheep looks down to eat grass, this external force is obtained by the inertia due to the mass of the rotating part 4 of the rotating device 1C and the downward energy applied to the attachment part 2 on the sheep's neck. This is useful in use cases where such an external force can be easily obtained.

[0055] By using this energy conversion unit 6A, when an external force acts in a direction in which the mounting unit 2 approaches the rotating unit 4, the rotating unit 4 can be rotated by the external force, so that the rotating unit 4 can be rotated even if no frictional force is generated in the rotational direction of the rotating unit 4. For example, even if a sheep does not move around, the rotating unit 4 can be rotated when it lowers its head to eat food.

[0056] 11 has an energy conversion unit 6B instead of the energy conversion unit 6. The energy conversion unit 6B has a function of converting an external force into rotational energy when an external force acts in either a direction in which the mounting unit 2 moves away from the rotating unit 4 or a direction in which the mounting unit 2 moves toward the rotating unit 4 (the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 11). Specifically, the energy conversion unit 6B is provided with the mechanical structure described above (a structure that can handle both types of external forces) to convert the external force acting on the mounting unit 2 into rotational energy that rotates the rotating unit 4.

[0057] In other words, the energy conversion unit 6B is a combination of the energy conversion unit 6 and the energy conversion unit 6A (having the functions of both). For example, sheep often bend down or lift their heads to eat grass, and this external force is obtained by such lifting and lowering of the head. This is useful in use cases where such an external force can be easily obtained.

[0058] By using the energy conversion unit 6B, when an external force acts in either a direction in which the mounting unit 2 moves away from the rotating unit 4 or a direction in which the mounting unit 2 moves toward the rotating unit 4, the rotating unit 4 can be rotated by the external force, so that the rotating unit 4 can be rotated even if no frictional force is generated in the rotation direction of the rotating unit 4. For example, even if a sheep does not move around, the rotating unit 4 can be rotated when it moves its head up and down, such as when eating food.

[0059] In this way, the rotating device 1C of this embodiment has a structure (energy conversion unit 6, energy conversion unit 6A, or energy conversion unit 6B) that converts an external force acting in at least one of a direction in which the mounting unit 2 moves away from the rotating unit 4 and a direction in which the mounting unit 2 moves toward the rotating unit 4 into rotational energy that rotates the rotating unit 4. Therefore, the same effect as the rotating device 1 of the first embodiment is achieved, and the effect that the rotating unit 4 can be rotated even if a frictional force is not generated in the rotational direction of the rotating unit 4 is obtained.

[0060] <5. Fifth Embodiment> Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a rotation device according to a fifth embodiment. A rotation device 1D shown in Fig. 12 differs from the rotation device 1 of the first embodiment described above in that it has a rotation promotion unit 7. Points other than those described in this embodiment are basically the same as those of the rotation device 1 of the first embodiment described above, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0061] The rotation promotion part 7 has a function of promoting the rotation of the rotation part 4 when an external force acts in a direction in which the mounting part 2 moves away from the rotation part 4 (upward) (in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 12). Specifically, the rotation promotion part 7 is formed by providing a threaded protrusion 71 on the outer surface constituting the side of the rotation part 4 as shown in the figure. The protrusion 71 is preferably formed of a transparent material such as glass or a similar material that transmits light so that light hits the lighting surface of the solar cell panel P. The shape of the protrusion 71 is not limited to this, and may be other shapes as long as it promotes the rotation of the rotation part 4. The rotation promotion part 7 may be formed by providing a concave part by a recess instead of providing the protrusion 71 on the outer surface constituting the side of the rotation part 4. In the example shown in the figure, the rotation part 4 is cylindrical, and the solar cell panel P is provided in a curved shape along the outer surface constituting the side, but the shapes of the rotation part 4 and the solar cell panel P are not limited to this.

[0062] As mentioned above, sheep often bend down or lift their heads to eat grass. Therefore, for example, when a sheep lifts its head, the wool of the sheep comes into contact with the protruding portion 71 of the rotating part 4 as shown in Fig. 12, and the mounting part 2 is pulled up, which promotes the rotation of the rotating part 4 and cleans the light-gathering surface of the solar cell panel P. This is useful when the rotating device 1D is swung up and down more frequently than it is swung left and right.

[0063] In this way, by using the rotating device 1D, when the mounting portion 2 is pulled upward, the rotation of the rotating portion 4 is promoted by the rotation promotion portion 7, so that the rotating portion 4 can be rotated even if the frictional force generated in the rotational direction of the rotating portion 4 is weak.

[0064] The rotation promoting unit 7 may have a function of promoting the rotation of the rotating unit 4 when an external force acts in a direction in which the mounting unit 2 approaches (goes downwards) the rotating unit 4. In this case, by using the rotation device 1D, when the mounting unit 2 is lowered, the rotation of the rotating unit 4 is promoted by the rotation promoting unit 7, and the rotating unit 4 can be rotated even when the frictional force generated on the outer surface is weak.

[0065] In this way, the rotating device 1D of the present embodiment has a rotation promoting part 7 that promotes the rotation of the rotating part 4 when an external force acts in a direction in which the mounting part 2 moves away from the rotating part 4 or in a direction in which the mounting part 2 moves toward the rotating part 4. Therefore, the same effect as that of the rotating device 1 of the first embodiment is achieved, and the effect that the rotating part 4 can be rotated even in a case where no frictional force is generated in the rotation direction of the rotating part 4 is obtained.

[0066] <6. Sixth Embodiment> Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a rotation device according to embodiment 6. A rotation device 1E shown in Fig. 13 maintains good lighting conditions for a stationary solar cell panel P1 as shown in the upper part.

[0067] As shown in the figure, the rotation device 1E has an installation section 8 as an attachment section, an external force transducer 9, and a rotation section 4A. The installation section 8 corresponds to the mounting section 2 in the rotation device 1 of the first embodiment described above, and has a structure for attaching (installing) the rotation device 1E to an attachment target. In this rotation device 1E, the attachment target is the installation location of the installation type solar cell panel P1, such as the ground, rooftop, or roof.

[0068] Specifically, the installation unit 8 has a rod-shaped shaft portion 81 that supports the rotating unit 4A, legs 82 that support both ends of the shaft portion 81, and a rotation transmission unit 83 that transmits rotation. For example, the rotation transmission unit 83 is configured with a bevel gear that changes the direction of the rotation shaft. Note that the structure, number, installation location, etc. of the installation unit 8 are not limited to these.

[0069] The external force converter 9 is composed of a mechanical device that converts an external force into rotational energy in one direction, and has a function of converting an external force, specifically wind force, into rotational energy and a function of restricting the direction of rotation to one direction. Note that, although the specific type, structure, etc. of the external force converter 9 are omitted here, these are not limited to specific ones, and known technology can be adopted.

[0070] The rotating part 4A is a member that can rotate freely when the rotating device 1E is installed by the installation part 8. For example, the rotating part 4A is formed of a transparent material such as glass or a similar material that transmits light, and has a structure that can supply light to the solar cell panel P1 (a structure having light transparency). Specifically, the rotating part 4A is formed in a cylindrical shape with a closed opening, and the shaft part 81 of the installation part 8 is located on the center line of the cylinder, and is attached so as to be rotatable around the shaft part 81. Rotational energy generated by the external force conversion device 9 is transmitted to the rotating part 4A via the installation part 8. The rotation direction of the rotating part 4A is restricted to one direction by the external force conversion device 9. The solar cell panel P1 is attached so as not to rotate. An abutting part D abuts against the outer surface of the rotating part 4A. The abutting part D has a cleaning body D1 and a fixing part (not shown) that fixes the cleaning body D1. Specifically, the cleaning element D1 is composed of a cleaning brush, a nonwoven fabric, a mop for absorbing dirt, or the like.

[0071] Thus, in this embodiment, the rotating part 4A of the rotating device 1E abuts against the abutment part D. The rotating part 4A is light-transmitting and houses the solar cell panel P1 inside. That is, the rotating device 1E has the above-mentioned rotating part 4A, the external force conversion device 9 that regulates the rotation of the rotating part 4A, and the installation part 8 that can attach the rotating part 4A to the installation location of the solar cell panel P1 while abutting against the abutment part D, and has a structure in which the outer surface of the rotating part 4A as a light receiving part that receives light for the solar cell panel and the cleaning body D1 as a cleaning part abut against each other by abutting the rotating part 4A and the abutment part D. Therefore, as described above, the outer surface of the rotating part 4A is cleaned by the rotational energy obtained by converting the wind force. The light received by the outer surface of the rotating part 4A is supplied to the solar cell panel P1 through the rotating part 4A. Therefore, the daylighting state of the solar cell panel P1 is maintained good.

[0072] That is, by storing the solar cell panel P1 in the rotating part 4A, it is possible to prevent dirt from adhering to the solar cell panel P1. Furthermore, even if dirt adheres to the outer surface of the rotating part 4A, it is rotated by wind power and cleaned by the cleaning body D1, so that it is possible to maintain a dirt-free state, and it is possible to achieve the same effect as the first embodiment described above. Therefore, the technology of the present disclosure can also be applied to a stationary solar cell panel P1, and a mechanism for wiping off dirt without using human hands or a power source can be realized. In this way, it is also useful for a stationary solar cell panel P1.

[0073] In this way, by using the rotation device 1E, it is possible to prevent dirt from adhering to the solar panel P1 and the rotating part 4A, and to perform stable solar power generation for a long period of time, which can be one way of reducing the frequency of maintenance of mega solar facilities, for example.

[0074] <7. Seventh embodiment> Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a rotation device according to a seventh embodiment. The rotation device 1F shown in Fig. 14 differs from the rotation device 1E of the sixth embodiment described above in terms of the location where the solar cell panel P1 is attached. Points other than those described in this embodiment are basically the same as those of the rotation device 1E of the sixth embodiment described above, and therefore descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0075] The rotation device 1F has a rotation part 4B instead of the above-mentioned rotation part 4A. The rotation part 4B has an outer surface in the shape of an octagonal prism, similar to the rotation part 4 of the first embodiment, and a solar cell panel P1 is attached to each of the eight outer surfaces constituting the side surface. The solar cell panel P1 may be attached to some of the eight outer surfaces, not all of them. Note that FIG. 14 shows only the rotation part 4B in a schematic manner, and other structures are omitted.

[0076] Thus, in this embodiment, the rotating part 4B of the rotating device 1F abuts against the abutment part D (see FIG. 13). The rotating part 4B has a solar cell panel P1 on its outer surface. That is, the rotating device 1F has the above-mentioned rotating part 4B, the external force conversion device 9 that regulates the rotation of the rotating part 4B, and the installation part 8 that can attach the rotating part 4B to the installation location of the solar cell panel P1 while abutting against the abutment part D, and has a structure in which the solar cell panel P1 as a light receiving part that receives light for the solar cell panel and the cleaning body D1 as a cleaning part abut against each other by the abutment of the rotating part 4B and the abutment part D. Therefore, as described above, the solar cell panel P1 is cleaned by the rotational energy obtained by converting wind force, and the sunlight-gathering state of the solar cell panel P1 is maintained in good condition.

[0077] In other words, by using this rotating device 1F, the light-collecting surface of the solar cell panel P1 attached to the outer surface of the rotating part 4B can be cleaned by external force. For example, this is useful when installing many solar cell panels P1 on a small piece of land. In addition, it is known that the power generation efficiency of the solar cell panel P1 decreases due to heat, and by rotating the solar cell panel P1, the solar cell panel P1 that has generated heat in the sun can be sequentially replaced with the solar cell panel P1 that has cooled in the shade, which is also useful for improving the power generation efficiency.

[0078] <8. Variations> Although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been specifically described above, the contents of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described embodiments and various modifications are possible.

[0079] For example, in the above-described first embodiment, an animal such as a sheep is given as an example of an object to which the rotating device 1 is attached, but the object to which the rotating device 1 is attached may be anything that moves, such as a human being, a vehicle, a moving machine, etc. The same applies to the second to fifth embodiments.

[0080] In addition, for example, in the sixth embodiment described above, wind power has been exemplified as an external force for rotating the rotating part 4A of the rotating device 1E, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be one that utilizes hydraulic power or one that utilizes thermal energy such as geothermal energy. Also, it may be one that utilizes the movement of living things such as the stepping force of a person or animal or the movement of a machine. The same applies to the seventh embodiment.

[0081] In other words, the technology of the present disclosure makes it possible to utilize forces that occur on a daily basis in the natural environment (specifically, forces other than electric power) as external forces.

[0082] Also, for example, in the above-described first embodiment, the case where the rotation device 1 is applied to the IoA device 10 has been described, but the applicable devices are not limited to this. Specifically, the rotation device 1 can be applied to various devices that use power from the solar panel P (for example, a monitoring terminal device, a light, an accessory, a toy, etc.).

[0083] Furthermore, for example, the techniques described in the embodiments and modifications in this specification may be appropriately combined to the extent possible.

[0084] The present disclosure may also have the following configurations. (1) a rotating part that rotates when an external force is applied; a rotation restricting portion that restricts rotation of the rotating portion in one direction; a mounting portion to which the rotating portion can be attached in a state in which the rotating portion can come into contact with the abutting portion; having The rotating part and the abutting part slide against each other to clean the light receiving part that receives light for the solar panel. Rotating device. (2) The contact portion has a cleaning portion. A rotating device as described in (1). (3) The cleaning part is animal hair. A rotating device as described in (2). (4) The light receiving unit has a solar panel attached to the outer surface of the rotating unit. A rotating device as described in (2). (5) the rotating part is optically transparent and houses a solar cell panel therein; The light receiving portion is an outer surface of the rotating portion. A rotating device as described in (2). (6) The rotating unit has a cleaning unit, The contact portion and the light receiving portion are the same solar cell panel. A rotating device as described in (1). (7) The actuator further includes an energy conversion unit that converts a force acting in at least one of a direction in which the attachment unit moves away from the rotating unit and a direction in which the attachment unit moves toward the rotating unit into rotational energy that rotates the rotating unit. A rotating device according to any one of (1) to (6). (8) The rotation promoting portion further promotes rotation of the rotating portion when an external force acts on the mounting portion in a direction away from the rotating portion or in a direction toward the rotating portion. A rotating device according to any one of (1) to (7). (9) The external force is applied in response to the movement of the object to which it is attached. A rotating device according to any one of (1) to (8). (10) The object to be attached is livestock that is grazing. A rotating device as described in (9). (11) The solar panel is a portable solar panel. A rotating device according to any one of (1) to (10). (12) The solar panel is a stationary solar panel. A rotating device according to any one of (1) to (11). (13) A cleaning method for cleaning a light receiving section that receives light for a solar panel, comprising: attaching a rotating section that rotates when an external force is applied in a state in which it can abut against an abutment section; restricting the rotation of the rotating section to one direction by a rotation restricting section; and sliding the rotating section and the abutment section against each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F...rotation device, 2...mounting section, 3...rotation regulation section, 4, 4A, 4B...rotation section, 6, 6A, 6B...energy conversion section, 7...rotation promotion section, 8...installation section, 9...external force conversion device, 42, B1...cleaning body, B...contact section, P, P1...solar cell panel

Claims

1. a rotating portion that rotates when an external force is applied thereto and has optical transparency; a rotation restricting portion that restricts rotation of the rotating portion in one direction; A solar panel housed inside the rotating part; A wearable device comprising:

2. A cleaning system including a wearable device and a contact part having a cleaning part, The wearable device includes: a rotating part that rotates when an external force is applied; a rotation restricting portion that restricts rotation of the rotating portion in one direction; a mounting portion to which the rotating portion can be attached in a state of contact with the contact portion; A light receiving unit that receives light for the solar cell panel; having When the rotating part rotates, the rotating part and the cleaning part slide against each other, thereby cleaning the light receiving part, The light receiving unit has a solar panel attached to the outer surface of the rotating unit. Cleaning system.

3. A cleaning system comprising a wearable device and a contact part having a cleaning part, The wearable device includes: a rotating part that rotates when an external force is applied; a rotation restricting portion that restricts rotation of the rotating portion in one direction; a mounting portion to which the rotating portion can be attached in a state of contact with the contact portion; A light receiving unit that receives light for the solar cell panel; having When the rotating part rotates, the rotating part and the cleaning part slide against each other, thereby cleaning the light receiving part, the rotating part is optically transparent and houses a solar cell panel therein; The light receiving portion is an outer surface of the rotating portion. Cleaning system.

4. The cleaning part is animal hair. A cleaning system according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The actuator further includes an energy conversion unit that converts a force acting in at least one of a direction in which the attachment unit moves away from the rotating unit and a direction in which the attachment unit moves toward the rotating unit into rotational energy that rotates the rotating unit. A cleaning system according to claim 2 or 3.

6. The rotation promoting portion further promotes rotation of the rotating portion when an external force acts on the mounting portion in a direction away from the rotating portion or in a direction toward the rotating portion. A cleaning system according to claim 2 or 3.

7. The external force is applied in response to a movement of an object to which the wearable device is attached. A cleaning system according to claim 2 or 3.

8. The object to be attached is livestock that is grazing. The cleaning system of claim 7.

9. The solar panel is a portable solar panel. A cleaning system according to claim 2 or 3.

10. A cleaning method for cleaning a wearable device using a cleaning unit, the wearable device having a rotating unit that rotates when an external force is applied, a rotation restricting unit that restricts rotation of the rotating unit in one direction, an attachment unit to which the rotating unit can be attached in a state of contact with an abutting unit having a cleaning unit, and a light receiving unit that receives light for a solar panel, the method comprising: The rotating part is attached in a state of contact with the contact part, and the rotation of the rotating part is restricted in one direction by the rotation restricting part. When the rotating part rotates in the one direction, the rotating part and the cleaning part slide against each other, thereby cleaning the light receiving part. Cleaning method.

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