Solar Panel Cleaning Equipment

Abstract

To provide an apparatus for carrying a solar panel washing device which can reduce labor when carrying a line-type solar panel washing device from one solar panel line to another.SOLUTION: An apparatus 20 for carrying a solar panel washing device includes: a running base 21 having a running body 21a which runs on the ground; a stage unit 22 which loads a solar panel washing device 10 thereon; stage position adjustment means 23 which adjusts the height and the gradient angle in front and rear directions of the stage unit 22; and operation means 24 which operates the running base 21 and the stage position adjustment means 23. The apparatus is configured to be moved to one end side of a solar panel line L, so that the height and the gradient angle in the front and rear directions of the stage unit 22 can be adjusted to a solar panel 50, thereby enabling the replacement of the solar panel washing device 10 from the top face of the solar panel 50 to the top face of the stage unit 22.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a transport device for a solar panel cleaning device for transporting a solar panel cleaning device, and a transport method for a solar panel cleaning device using the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Solar power generation has been attracting attention from the perspective of promoting the use of environmentally friendly clean energy. In recent years, large-scale solar power generation facilities with a generating capacity of 1 megawatt or more have been installed. These solar power generation facilities are called "mega solar" and are being installed all over the country.

[0003] However, the amount of electricity generated by solar panels used in photovoltaic power generation decreases when dust or other contaminants adhere to the surface. In order to maintain the amount of electricity generated by solar panels, the surface of the solar panels needs to be cleaned periodically. In the past, solar panels were cleaned manually, but in solar power generation facilities with a huge number of solar panels, such as the mega solar power plants mentioned above, this task required a great deal of time and effort.

[0004] In view of this situation, devices for cleaning solar panels (solar panel cleaning devices) have been developed and are now in use. Various types of solar panel cleaning devices have been proposed so far, including, for example, a long (line-type) solar panel cleaning device 10 that can be installed in a state that reaches from the upper edge to the lower edge of a solar panel row L along the inclination direction A1 of the solar panels 50, as shown in Fig. 1.

[0005] This type of line-type solar panel cleaning device 10 is equipped with brushes 10a and running wheels 10b, and has the advantage that by moving (running) the solar panel cleaning device 10 in a direction along the solar panel row L (the direction of arrow A2 in Figure 1), multiple rows of solar panels 50 that make up the solar panel row L can be cleaned at once.

[0006] Some line-type solar panel cleaning apparatuses 10 have a structure in which multiple cleaning units 11-14 are connected in a line. In line-type solar panel cleaning apparatuses 10 having such a connection structure, the number of connected cleaning units 11-14 can be increased or decreased depending on the number of stages of solar panels 50 that make up the solar panel row L. Patent documents 1-5 also describe line-type solar panel cleaning apparatuses having a structure in which multiple cleaning units are connected. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-135962 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2017-163828 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2018-030050 A [Patent Document 4] JP 2018-069223 A [Patent Document 5] JP 2019-217477 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] Although the above-mentioned line-type solar panel cleaning device can efficiently clean solar panels, it has a drawback in that it takes time to transfer solar panels from one row of solar panels to another row of solar panels.

[0009] In other words, in large-scale solar power generation facilities such as the mega solar power plants mentioned above, there are not just one row of solar panels, but many rows. When cleaning one row of solar panels, [1] On one solar panel row, disassemble the solar panel row into multiple cleaning units. [2] Transport each cleaning unit to another row of solar panels. [3] Linking multiple cleaning units together on top of other solar panel rows. It was necessary to go through this process.

[0010] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and provides a transport device for a solar panel cleaning device that can reduce the labor required to transport a line-type solar panel cleaning device from one solar panel row to another. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a transport method for a solar panel cleaning device that transports the solar panel cleaning device using the transport device for the solar panel cleaning device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The above issues are: A transport device for a solar panel cleaning device for transporting a line-type solar panel cleaning device that is installed on an upper surface of a solar panel and moves in a direction along a row of solar panels to clean the solar panels, A traveling base having a traveling body that travels on the ground; A stage portion for mounting the solar panel cleaning device; a stage position adjusting means for adjusting the height and the tilt angle in the front-rear direction of the stage part; An operating means for operating the traveling base and the stage position adjusting means; Equipped with By moving the stage to one end of the solar panel row and adjusting the height and front-to-rear tilt angle of the stage to the solar panels, the solar panel cleaning device can be transferred from the top of the solar panels to the top of the stage. A transport device for a solar panel cleaning device, characterized by This is solved by providing

[0012] The solar panel cleaning device can be transferred to the upper surface of the solar panel by simply sliding it onto the upper surface of the stage part of the transport device for the solar panel cleaning device of the present invention. Conversely, the solar panel cleaning device placed on the upper surface of the stage part of the solar panel cleaning device of the present invention can be transferred to the upper surface of the solar panel by simply sliding it onto the upper surface of the solar panel. In particular, when a line-type solar panel cleaning device is configured by connecting multiple cleaning units, the solar panel cleaning device can be transferred while remaining connected to the multiple cleaning units without being disassembled. This makes it possible to easily transport the line-type solar panel cleaning device from one solar panel row to another solar panel row.

[0013] In the transport device for a solar panel cleaning device of the present invention, it is preferable to provide rails extending in the left-right direction on the edge that becomes the upper side when the stage part is tilted (when tilted in the front-rear direction by the stage position adjustment means), so that the guide body (the part that is guided in the left-right direction by abutting on the end face of the solar panel or the end face of the solar panel stand) provided on the upper end side of the solar panel cleaning device can be transferred onto the rails. This makes it possible to more smoothly transfer the solar panel to the transport device for the solar panel cleaning device, and to transfer the solar panel back to the solar panel.

[0014] In the transport device for a solar panel cleaning device of the present invention, it is also preferable that the stage section is structured to be extendable in the front-rear direction. This makes it possible to adjust the front-rear length of the stage section according to the front-rear length of the solar panel cleaning device. This makes it easier to stabilize the solar panel cleaning device on the upper side of the stage section. Furthermore, as described above, when a rail is provided on the edge portion that becomes the upper side when the stage section is tilted, it also becomes easier to align the end face of the rail with the end face of the solar panel or the end face of the stand.

[0015] In the solar panel cleaning apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that the length of the stage part in the front-to-rear direction (if the stage part extends or contracts in the front-to-rear direction, the length when it is fully extended) is 2 m or more. Many line-type solar panel cleaning apparatuses are longer than 3 m or 4 m, but by ensuring that the length of the stage part in the front-to-rear direction is 2 m or more, even such a solar panel cleaning apparatus that is long in the front-to-rear direction can be stabilized above the stage part. Effect of the Invention

[0016] As described above, the present invention makes it possible to provide a transport device for a solar panel cleaning device that can reduce the labor required to transport a line-type solar panel cleaning device from one row of solar panels to another. It also makes it possible to provide a transport method for a solar panel cleaning device that uses the transport device for a solar panel cleaning device to transport the solar panel cleaning device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which solar panels are cleaned using a line-type solar panel cleaning device. [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a transport device for a solar panel cleaning device according to the present invention. [Diagram 3] 3 is a side view of the transport device for the solar panel cleaning device in FIG. 2, showing a state in which the stage portion has been horizontally moved to a lower limit position. FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a side view of the transport device for the solar panel cleaning device in FIG. 2, showing a state in which the stage portion has been raised from the state shown in FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] 5 is a side view of the transport device for the solar panel cleaning device in FIG. 2, showing a state in which the stage portion is tilted from the state shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6]1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the solar panel cleaning device has finished cleaning one row of solar panels and has not yet been transferred to a transport device for the solar panel cleaning device. [Figure 7] 7 is a perspective view showing a state after the solar panel cleaning device of FIG. 6 has been transferred to a transport device for the solar panel cleaning device. [Figure 8] 7 is an enlarged view of the periphery of a guide body in the solar panel cleaning device of FIG. 6. [Figure 9] 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which the transport device for the solar panel cleaning device in FIG. 7 has been moved to transport the solar panel cleaning device to the side of another row of solar panels. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a perspective view showing the solar panel cleaning device of FIG. 9 after being transferred to another row of solar panels. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] A preferred embodiment of the transport device for a solar panel cleaning device (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as the "transport device") of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. The configurations described below are merely examples, and the technical scope of the transport device of the present invention is not limited to the configurations described below. The transport device of the present invention can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the invention.

[0019] 1. Subject of transportation First, a description will be given of a line-type solar panel cleaning apparatus which is the object of transportation by the transportation device of the present invention. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a solar panel 50 is cleaned using a solar panel cleaning device 10. The transportation device of the present invention is for transporting the line-type solar panel cleaning device 10 as shown in Fig. 1. The solar panel cleaning device 10 shown in Fig. 1 is installed in a state in which it reaches from the upper edge to the lower edge of a solar panel row L along the inclination direction A1 of the solar panels 50.

[0020] 1 includes a brush 10a and running wheels 10b, and is configured to simultaneously clean multiple tiers of solar panels 50 that make up the solar panel row L by moving the solar panel cleaning device 10 in a direction A2 along the solar panel row L. This solar panel cleaning device 10 is self-propelled, and moves (travels) by driving the running wheels 10b to rotate using a drive device (motor or the like) not shown.

[0021] The shape of the brush 10a is not particularly limited, but in the example shown in FIG. 1, it is a cylindrical (more strictly speaking, spiral) roll brush. This brush 10a is also rotated by a drive device (motor, etc.) not shown. Usually, the drive device for the brush 10a and the drive device for the running wheels 10b are separate. Cleaning water is supplied to the brush 10a through a hose not shown. The upper side of the brush 10a is covered by a hood not shown to prevent the cleaning water from splashing around.

[0022] A pair of guide bodies 10c are provided on the left and right sides of the upper end side of the solar panel cleaning device 10. These guide bodies 10c come into contact with the end face of the solar panel 50 or the end face of its stand, thereby guiding the solar panel cleaning device 10 in direction A2 along the solar panel row L. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the guide bodies 10c are rollers (guide rollers) so that the guide bodies 10c are smoothly guided.

[0023] The solar panel cleaning apparatus 10 may be configured as a single unit in its entirety, but in the example shown in FIG. 1, it is configured by connecting a plurality of cleaning units 11-14. Adjacent cleaning units are connected to each other by a connector (not shown). This makes it possible to increase or decrease the number of connected cleaning units 11-14 depending on the number of solar panels 50 that make up the solar panel row L. Furthermore, when storing the solar panel cleaning apparatus 10, it is possible to reduce space by disassembling the solar panel cleaning apparatus 10 into the plurality of cleaning units 11-14.

[0024] 2.Transportation device for solar panel cleaning equipment 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a transport device 20 according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the transport device 20 according to the present invention includes a traveling base 21, a stage unit 22, a stage position adjustment means 23, and an operation means 24.

[0025] 2.1 Running base The traveling base 21 is provided with a traveling body 21a that travels on the ground. The type of the traveling body 21a is not particularly limited. Examples of the traveling body 21a include wheels and crawlers. Since a solar power generation facility is sometimes installed in a place where a mountainside is cut open, and the ground on which the facility is constructed is often not flat, the transport device 20 of this embodiment employs a crawler as the traveling body 21a so that the facility can travel stably even on uneven ground.

[0026] 2.2 Stage section The stage portion 22 is a portion on which the solar panel cleaning device 10 is placed. The stage portion 22 has a certain length in the front-rear direction. The stage portion 22 may be in the form of a frame, but in the transport device 20 of this embodiment, it is in the form of a panel. A rail 22a extending in the left-right direction is attached to the upper edge of the stage portion 22.

[0027] The length of the stage unit 22 in the front-to-rear direction is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to ensure that it is 2 m or more. This makes it possible for even a large solar panel cleaning apparatus 10 to be placed on the stage unit 22 in a stable state. The length of the stage unit 22 in the front-to-rear direction is more preferably 2.5 m or more, and even more preferably 3 m or more. However, if the stage unit 22 is too long in the front-to-rear direction, it becomes difficult to handle the transport device 20. For this reason, the length of the stage unit 22 is usually limited to about 5 m.

[0028] 2 (the right side as seen by the person operating the operation means 24) is also long in the front-rear direction, and the solar panel cleaning apparatus 10 is placed on one side of the stage part 22 in the left-right direction. However, this stage part 22 can also be symmetrical in the left-right direction (i.e., the part that is long in the front-rear direction is also long in the front-rear direction on the right side of the paper in FIG. 2 (the left side as seen by the person operating the operation means 24)). This makes it possible to place the solar panel cleaning apparatus 10 on the stage part 22 from either the left or right side of the transport device 20.

[0029] 2.3 Stage position adjustment means The stage position adjustment means 23 is for adjusting the height and the tilt angle in the front-rear direction of the stage portion 22. The specific structure of the stage position adjustment means 23 is not particularly limited. As the stage position adjustment means 23, various types of lifting mechanisms and rotating mechanisms can be used.

[0030] In the transport device 20 of this embodiment, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, a stage position adjustment means 23 is employed that can independently adjust the height and the tilt angle in the front-rear direction of the stage portion 22. Figures 3 to 5 are side views of the transport device 20 in Figure 2, with Figure 3 showing a state in which the stage portion 22 has been moved to a lower limit position horizontally, Figure 4 showing a state in which the stage portion 22 has been raised to a predetermined height from the state shown in Figure 3, and Figure 5 showing a state in which the stage portion 22 has been tilted in the front-rear direction from the state shown in Figure 4.

[0031] First, the mechanism (height adjustment mechanism) for adjusting the height of the stage portion 22 among the stage position adjustment means 23 will be described. In the transport device 20 of this embodiment, the height adjustment mechanism adjusts the height of the stage portion 22 by a first arm 23a and a second arm 23b crossed in an X-shape when viewed from the side as shown in Fig. 4. The first arm 23a and the second arm 23b are usually provided in a pair on the left and right.

[0032] The front end (lower end) of the first arm 23a is pivotally supported at point P1 of the running base 21, and the rear end (upper end) of the first arm 23a is attached to the stage portion 22 in a state in which it can slide in the forward and backward directions along a guide portion 22c provided on the stage support portion 22b on the lower side of the stage portion 22.

[0033] Meanwhile, the front end (upper end) of the second arm 23b is pivotally supported at point P2 forward of the guide portion 22c of the stage receiving portion 22b, and the rear end (lower end) of the second arm 23b is attached to the traveling base 21 in a state in which it can slide in the front-rear direction along the guide portion 21b provided rearward of point P1 on the traveling base 21. The middle portion of the first arm 23a and the middle portion of the second arm 23b are connected rotatably at point P3.

[0034] The first arm 23a can be rotated in the direction of arrow A3 around point P1 by a driving device (not shown) such as a hydraulic cylinder. When the first arm 23a is rotated in the standing direction, the rear end (upper end) of the first arm 23a moves forward within the guide portion 22c. At this time, the second arm 23b rotates in the standing direction while its rear end (lower end) moves forward within the guide portion 21b. This allows the stage portion 22 to be raised without changing the inclination angle of the stage portion 22 (while remaining horizontal if it was originally horizontal).

[0035] Conversely, when the first arm 23a is rotated in the lowering direction, the rear end (upper end) of the first arm 23a moves backward inside the guide portion 22c. At this time, the second arm 23b rotates in the lowering direction while its rear end (lower end) moves backward inside the guide portion 21b. This allows the stage portion 22 to be lowered without changing the inclination angle of the stage portion 22 (if it was originally horizontal, it will remain horizontal).

[0036] In contrast, the mechanism (tilt adjustment mechanism) for adjusting the tilt angle of the stage section 22 in the front-rear direction of the stage position adjustment means 23 rotates the stage section 22, which is supported at point P4 at the front end of the stage support section 22b, in the direction of arrow A4 about point P4, thereby adjusting the tilt angle of the stage section 22. A driving device (not shown), such as a motor or hydraulic cylinder, for rotating the stage section 22 relative to the stage support section 22b is connected to the stage section 22. The tilt adjustment mechanism can be operated independently of the height adjustment mechanism.

[0037] 2.4 Operating means The operating means 24 is for operating the traveling base 21 and the stage position adjusting means 23. Examples of the operating means 24 include a handle, a lever, a push button, a switch, and the like.

[0038] 3.How to use the transport device for solar panel cleaning equipment By using the above-described transport device 20, it is possible to reduce the effort required to transport the line-type solar panel cleaning device 10 (FIG. 1) from one solar panel row to another. A method of using the transport device 20 of this embodiment will now be described.

[0039] 6 is a perspective view showing the solar panel cleaning apparatus 10 after cleaning one solar panel row L1 and before being transferred to the solar panel cleaning apparatus transport device 20. As shown in FIG 6, the solar panel cleaning apparatus 10 after cleaning one solar panel row L1 has reached one end side of the one solar panel row L1.

[0040] The transport device 20 is disposed adjacent to one end of this one solar panel row L1, and the above-mentioned stage position adjustment means 23 is used to adjust the height and front-to-rear tilt angle of the stage portion 22 to the solar panel 50. In other words, the upper surfaces of the solar panels 50 constituting one solar panel row L1 and the upper surface of the stage portion 22 are brought into a substantially continuous, flush state.

[0041] Furthermore, in the transport device 20 of this embodiment, rails 22a are provided on the upper edge of the stage portion 22, so that the end face of the rails 22a (the end face facing the upper rear) and the end faces (the end faces facing the upper rear) of the solar panels 50 constituting the solar panel row L are flush and substantially continuous. Although not adopted in the transport device 20 of this embodiment, if the stage portion 22 is structured to be extendable in the front-rear direction, the positioning of the rails 22a can be easily performed.

[0042] Next, the solar panel cleaning apparatus 10 is moved in the direction of arrow A5 in Fig. 6. Then, as shown in Fig. 7, the solar panel cleaning apparatus 10 can be transferred from the upper surface of the solar panel 50 to the upper surface of the stage portion 22. Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the state after the solar panel cleaning apparatus 10 in Fig. 6 has been transferred to the transport apparatus 20 for the solar panel cleaning apparatus.

[0043] At this time, as shown in Fig. 8, guide body 10c of solar panel cleaning apparatus 10 is placed on rail 22a provided at the upper end of stage portion 22. Fig. 8 is an enlarged view of the periphery of guide body 10c (circled area α in Fig. 6) in solar panel cleaning apparatus 10 in Fig. 6. This makes it possible to prevent solar panel cleaning apparatus 10 from slipping down along the slope of the upper surface of stage portion 22.

[0044] Next, the transport device 20 is moved in the direction of arrow A6 in Fig. 7, and the solar panel cleaning device 10 is disposed adjacent to one end of the other solar panel row L2 as shown in Fig. 9, and the height and front-to-rear tilt angle of the stage portion 22 are adjusted to match the solar panels 50 that constitute the other solar panel row L2. Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the state in which the transport device 20 in Fig. 7 has been moved to transport the solar panel cleaning device 10 to the side of the other solar panel row L2.

[0045] Next, the solar panel cleaning apparatus 10 is moved in the direction of arrow A7 in Fig. 9. Then, as shown in Fig. 10, the solar panel cleaning apparatus 10 can be transferred from the upper surface of the stage portion 22 to the upper surface of the solar panel 50. Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing the state after the solar panel cleaning apparatus 10 in Fig. 9 has been transferred to another solar panel row L2.

[0046] Next, the solar panel cleaning device 10 is moved in the direction of arrow A8 in Fig. 10 to clean the solar panels 50 constituting the other solar panel row L2. Thereafter, the above-mentioned steps are repeated until cleaning of all solar panel rows L is completed. When recovering the solar panel cleaning device 10 that has finished cleaning the last solar panel row L, the solar panel cleaning device 10 can be transferred to the transport device 20 in the flow shown in Figs. 6 and 7. Also, when installing the solar panel cleaning device 10 in the first solar panel row L the next time a solar panel 50 is to be cleaned, the solar panel cleaning device 10 can be transferred to the solar panel 50 in the flow shown in Figs. 9 and 10.

[0047] As described above, by using the transport device 20 of this embodiment, it becomes possible to easily transport the line-type solar panel cleaning apparatus 10 from one solar panel row L1 to another solar panel row L2. In particular, when the line-type solar panel cleaning apparatus 10 is configured by connecting a plurality of cleaning units 11-14 (FIG. 1), the solar panel cleaning apparatus 10 can be transferred to the plurality of cleaning units 11-14 while still connected without being disassembled, which is a great advantage. In this way, the transport device 20 of this embodiment can significantly reduce the effort required to transport the solar panel cleaning apparatus 10. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 10 Line-type solar panel cleaning equipment 10a Brush 10b Running wheel 10c Guide body 11 Cleaning unit 12 Cleaning unit 13 Cleaning unit 14 Cleaning unit 20 Transport device for solar panel cleaning device 21 Running Base 21a Running body 21b Guide part 22 Stage Section 22a Rail 22b Stage support 22c Guide section 23 Stage position adjustment means 23a First Arm 23b Second Arm 24 Operating means 50 Solar Panels L solar panel row L1 solar panel row L1 Other solar panel rows

Claims

1. A transport device for a solar panel cleaning device for transporting a line-type solar panel cleaning device that is installed on an upper surface of a solar panel and moves in a direction along a row of solar panels to clean the solar panels, A traveling base having a traveling body that travels on the ground; A stage portion for mounting the solar panel cleaning device; a stage position adjustment means for adjusting the height and the tilt angle in the front-rear direction of the stage part; An operating means provided at the rear of the traveling base for operating the traveling base and the stage position adjustment means; Equipped with By moving the stage to one end of the solar panel row and adjusting the height and front-to-rear tilt angle of the stage to the solar panel, the solar panel cleaning device can be transferred from the top surface of the solar panel to the top surface of the stage. Only a portion of the stage section that is located on the right or left side as viewed from a person operating the operation means is long in the front-rear direction, and the length of the portion in the front-rear direction is 2 m or more; The stage position adjustment means is a first arm whose lower end is pivotally supported on the traveling base and whose upper end is attached to the stage support part on the lower side of the stage part by a guide part provided on the stage support part so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction; The lower end of the stage is attached to the traveling base in a state where it can slide in the front-rear direction by a guide portion provided on the traveling base, and the upper end of the stage is attached to a second arm pivotally supported on the stage support portion. A height adjustment mechanism that crosses the X-shape when viewed from the side, a tilt adjustment mechanism that pivots the stage at the front end of the stage support; Consisting of A transport device for a solar panel cleaning device.

2. a rail extending in the left-right direction is provided on an edge of the stage portion that becomes the upper side when the stage portion is tilted; The guide body provided on the upper end side of the solar panel cleaning device can be relocated to the rail.

2. The transport device for a solar panel cleaning device according to claim 1.

3. 3. The transport device for a solar panel cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the stage portion is structured so as to be extendable in the front-rear direction.

4. A method for transporting a solar panel cleaning device, comprising the steps of: transporting the solar panel cleaning device using the transport device for the solar panel cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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