JP2019217477A - Solar panel maintenance device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a solar panel maintenance device such as a cleaning device which can be moved and installed easily, can reduce labor burden of an operator, and can realize efficient work by reducing a work time.SOLUTION: A solar panel maintenance device 10 is structured so as to switch between a first maintenance state for carrying out maintenance work by using a connection body 20 formed by connecting and integrating a plurality of divided bodies 30A-30D having a maintenance mechanism 40 in approximately one direction along a panel surface 3, and using first moving means 50 for moving the connection body 20, and a second maintenance state for carrying out the maintenance work by using one of the divided bodies 30A-30D or a small body 30 formed by connecting and integrating a smaller number of the divided bodies 30A-30D than the connection body 20 along the panel surface 3 in the approximately one direction without using the other divided bodies, and using the first moving means 50 for moving the small body 30 or second moving means 60 different from the first moving means 50, and third moving means 70 for moving the small body 30 in the approximately one direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a solar panel maintenance device that performs maintenance management to prevent a decrease in the power generation capacity of a solar panel and efficiently generate power.

  Conventionally, a solar panel unit in which a plurality of solar panels are arranged and installed is known. Further, in order to prevent such a solar panel unit from reducing the power generation capacity of each solar panel, a cleaning device that cleans a panel surface that receives sunlight is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  The cleaning device of Patent Literature 1 includes a traveling body such as a wheel that contacts a panel surface of a solar panel and a cleaning mechanism such as a rotating brush, and performs cleaning while traveling on the panel surface of the solar panel with the traveling body. Clean with a mechanism.

JP-A-2005-138854

  Here, some conventional solar panel cleaning devices have a length that covers the panel surface from the upper end to the lower end, and perform cleaning by moving the panel surface in a substantially horizontal direction. There is something. With such a configuration, compared to a cleaning device of a type in which a small cleaning device moves up, down, left, and right to perform cleaning, the movement of the cleaning device is simple and the moving distance is short, and cleaning can be performed in a short time. There is a merit.

  However, since such a type of cleaning device becomes large and heavy, the device itself is installed in the solar panel unit or the next solar panel unit is removed from the solar panel unit after cleaning. In such cases, the worker requires a great deal of labor to transport and install a large and heavy cleaning device.

  For this reason, if you use a small and light cleaning device to move up, down, left, and right to perform cleaning, it takes time to complete the cleaning, especially for a large area solar panel unit, and many solar panel units are installed. In such a case, cleaning may take a long time and may be inefficient.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a cleaning device or the like that can easily move and install the device, reduce the labor burden of the operator, and reduce the work time and perform the work efficiently. It is an object to provide a panel maintenance device.

  In order to achieve this object, the present invention relates to a solar panel maintenance apparatus for maintaining and managing a solar panel unit in which a plurality of solar panels each having a panel surface are arranged side by side. And a moving mechanism for moving the device main body along the panel surface, wherein the device body includes a plurality of divided bodies provided with the maintenance mechanism on the panel surface. Using a connected body that is connected and integrated in substantially one direction along, and as the moving mechanism, moving the connected body in an orthogonal direction that is substantially perpendicular to the substantially one direction to which the connected body is connected (1) a first maintenance state in which the maintenance work is performed using the moving means, and one of the divided bodies or the smaller number of the divided bodies than the connected body as the apparatus main body in the substantially one direction along the panel surface; To The first moving means or the first moving means for moving the small body in the orthogonal direction as the moving mechanism without using the other divided body using a small body made of a united and integrated body A second maintenance state in which the maintenance work is performed by using a second movement means different from the first movement means and a third movement means for moving the small body in the substantially one direction. Features.

  In the present invention, in the first maintenance state, the maintenance work is performed by reciprocating the connecting body on the panel surface in the substantially orthogonal direction by the first moving means, and the second maintenance In the state, the small body on the panel surface is reciprocated in the substantially orthogonal direction by the first moving means or the second moving means, and is moved in the substantially one direction by the third moving means. It is desirable that the apparatus be configured to perform the maintenance work.

  In the present invention, the first moving means is formed so as to be divided for each of the divided bodies, and the first moving means is also connected to function by connecting and integrating the divided bodies. It is desirable to have been.

  In the present invention, in the second maintenance state, a rail member that is hooked on an upper end position of the solar panel unit and extends to a lower end of the solar panel unit is arranged, and the small body is installed on the rail member. It is preferable that the small body is configured to be movable along the rail direction of the rail member, and that the small body is configured to be movable by moving the rail member in the orthogonal direction.

  In the present invention, in the second maintenance state, a pinion gear provided on the small body and a rack arranged on the rail member mesh with each other, and the small body moves along the rail direction of the rail member. It is desirable to be configured to move.

  In the present invention, a flange-like portion projecting from teeth of the rack is formed above the rack of the rail member, and the pinion gear meshed with the rack is shifted upward by the flange-like portion. It is desirable that the configuration be made so as to prevent such a situation and maintain the meshing state of both.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to perform maintenance work by setting the apparatus body in a state of both a connected body in which a plurality of divided bodies are connected and integrated, and a small body composed of fewer divided bodies than the connected body. Can be. Therefore, the state of the apparatus main body can be selected according to the work environment, and the operator can select an optimum state to perform maintenance work.

  In the present invention, the movement of the apparatus main body in the first maintenance state and the second maintenance state is more specifically defined, so that the state of the apparatus main body can be more appropriately selected according to the work environment. An operator can select an optimal state and perform maintenance work.

  In the present invention, since the first moving means used in the first maintenance state, which is a relatively large apparatus configuration, is formed in a state of being divided into each divided body, it can be used if the operator connects the divided bodies. Thus, it is possible to reduce the work load on the worker.

  In the present invention, since the small body is installed on the rail member in the second maintenance state, the solar panel maintenance device can be relatively easily installed.

  In the present invention, by using the rack and pinion to move the small body in the direction along the rail member in the second maintenance state, even if the inclination of the panel surface is gentle or substantially horizontal, the rail can be securely moved. The movement in the direction along the member can be performed.

  In the present invention, when the small body is likely to float from the panel surface in a case where the inclination is steep or the like by having the flange-shaped portion protruding from the teeth of the rack above the rack, the rack and the teeth are provided. The pinion gear can be prevented from coming out of mesh with the rack by holding the pinion gear floating. As a result, the small body is prevented from coming off the rail member, and the maintenance work can be reliably performed.

It is a top view which shows notionally the state which arrange | positioned the solar panel cleaning device which concerns on embodiment of this invention on the solar panel unit in the 1st maintenance state. FIG. 4 is a plan view conceptually showing a state where the solar panel cleaning device according to the embodiment is arranged on the solar panel unit in a second maintenance state. It is a top view which shows the division | segmentation state of the connection body of FIG. It is a top view which shows the state before connection of the connection part in the solar panel cleaning device which concerns on the embodiment. It is a top view showing the connection state of the connection part in the solar panel cleaning device concerning the embodiment. It is a top view which shows the rack-and-pinion structure and the flange-shaped part in the 2nd maintenance state of the solar panel cleaning device which concerns on the embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  1 to 6 show an embodiment of the present invention. Here, as an example of the solar panel maintenance device, a solar panel cleaning device that cleans a panel surface disposed on the surface of the solar panel will be described.

  The solar panel cleaning device 10 of this embodiment cleans the surface of the solar panel unit 1 as shown in FIGS. The solar panel cleaning apparatus 10 includes an apparatus main body having a cleaning mechanism as a “maintenance mechanism” that performs a cleaning operation as a maintenance operation for the solar panel unit 1, and moves the apparatus main body on the solar panel unit 1. And a moving mechanism for causing the moving mechanism to move.

  In addition, the solar panel cleaning device 10 according to this embodiment is configured such that a plurality of divided bodies 30A to 30D are connected to form a connected body 20 as illustrated in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, a part of the small bodies 30A to 30D is used as a main body of the apparatus as shown in FIG. 2. It can be changed and used.

  Then, using a connector 20 having a size that covers the entire vertical direction L of the solar panel unit 1 as shown in FIG. 1 as the apparatus main body, the cleaning operation is performed while the connector 20 moves in the horizontal direction P. 1 The maintenance state and the use of the small body 30 having a size that does not cover the entire vertical direction L of the solar panel unit 1 as shown in FIG. 2 while the small body 30 moves in the vertical direction L and the horizontal direction P The cleaning operation can be performed by appropriately changing the state to the second maintenance state in which the cleaning operation is performed.

  Note that the first maintenance state is a state that is selected when there are many solar panel units 1 performing a cleaning operation (maintenance operation) and it is desired to shorten the operation time for each solar panel unit 1. Further, the second maintenance state is a state in which the number of the solar panel units 1 performing the cleaning operation (maintenance operation) is small, and even if the operation time for each solar panel unit 1 is slightly longer, the device is carried or installed. This state is selected when it is desired to reduce the weight and the burden on the operator.

  First, the solar panel unit 1 of this embodiment will be described.

  Generally, the solar panel unit 1 is installed with the panel surface 3 inclined or the panel surface 3 horizontal. That is, when the solar panel unit 1 is viewed from the side (south side) where the sunlight shines, the solar panel unit 1 is installed such that the rear side surface 1a of the panel surface 3 is located above or horizontally with respect to the front side surface 1b. In FIG. 1, the horizontal direction P is a substantially horizontal direction (the “orthogonal direction” of the present invention), and the vertical direction L is a direction substantially parallel to the inclined panel surface 3 and substantially perpendicular to the horizontal direction (the horizontal direction P). (“One direction” of the present invention). In the following description, the direction represented as the vertical direction L in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the solar panel unit 1 has a plurality of solar panels 2 arranged side by side in front, rear, left and right. In the example of FIG. 1, four solar panels 2 are arranged in the inclined direction L and ten solar panels 2 are arranged in the horizontal direction P (only a part is shown). In addition, a predetermined gap S is provided between the solar panels 2 adjacent to each other on the left and right.

  Each of the solar panels 2 has a panel main body 4 having the above-described panel surface 3, a power generation device (not shown) disposed on the back surface side thereof, and an edge portion 5 provided therearound. are doing. Of these, the panel surface 3 is made of glass, and the edge 5 is made of metal such as aluminum.

  Next, the solar panel cleaning device 10 of this embodiment will be described.

  First, a configuration when the solar panel cleaning device 10 is used in the first maintenance state will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the solar panel cleaning device 10 in the first maintenance state includes a connecting body 20 as an “apparatus main body” including a cleaning mechanism 40 and a “moving mechanism” for moving the connecting body 20. , And a control unit (control device) 55 for controlling these. The connecting body 20 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape having a size extending over the entire inclination direction L of the solar panel unit 1. In this embodiment, the first moving means 50 and the control unit 55 are provided in the connecting body 20.

  The connecting body 20 of this embodiment is configured by connecting a plurality of divided bodies 30A to 30D as shown in FIG. 3 as shown in FIG. The four divided bodies having four different shapes, that is, the body 30A, the second divided body 30B, the third divided body 30C, and the fourth divided body 30D are connected in a straight line in the inclined direction L along the panel surface 3. I have.

  Each of the divided bodies 30A to 30D is provided with a cleaning mechanism divided part 40A to 40D that constitutes a part of the cleaning mechanism 40 in the connected body 20, and a second part that constitutes a part of the first moving means 50. One moving means dividing units 50A to 50D are provided.

  Specifically, each of the cleaning mechanism dividing sections 40A to 40D includes two left and right rotating brushes 41A to 41D and 42A to 42D extending in the inclined direction L, and rotates the respective rotating brushes 41A to 41D and 42A to 42D. Rotating brush motors 43A to 43D and 44A to 44D. The rotary brush motors 43A to 43D and 44A to 44D are configured to independently transmit power to the rotary brushes 41A to 41D and 42A to 42D under the control of the control unit 55.

  In addition, the first moving means dividing portions 50A to 50D are each provided with a plurality of running shafts 51A to 51D and 52A to 52D provided along the inclined direction L inside the rotating brushes 41A to 41D and 42A to 42D. The wheels 53A to 53D are pivotally supported. Further, these shafts 51A to 51D and 52A to 52D are connected to each other at their ends when connected, and are configured to be integrated, and when integrated, the whole can be rotated by one power. I can do it.

  Here, the moving motor 54 is provided only in the second divided body 30B at the second position from the top (back side), and the moving motor 54 is driven with the shafts 51A to 51D and 52A to 52D connected. As a result, the driving force is transmitted to the shafts 51A to 51D and 52A to 52D. As a result, the traveling wheels 53A to 53D supported by the shaft rotate to move the connecting body 20 in the lateral direction P. It is configured.

  Also, a control unit 55 is provided only on the fourth divided body 30D at the lower end (most front side), and the control unit 55 controls the driving of the cleaning mechanism 40 and the first moving means 50 in the connected body 20. Has become.

  In addition, the divided bodies 30A to 30D include a shielding brush (not shown) together with the rotating brushes 41A to 41D and 42A to 42D as a configuration of the cleaning mechanism dividing sections 40A to 40D, and a sprinkling pipe 59 as a “fluid supply pipe” (FIG. 4, see FIG. 5). Each configuration of the divided bodies 30A to 30D is attached to a frame (not shown), and this frame is mainly made of aluminum from the viewpoint of satisfying both weight reduction and strength.

  Further, a guide roller 21 is provided on the uppermost (most innermost) first divided body 30A, as shown in FIG. The guide roller 21 is attached to the upper end of the connected body 20 (that is, the upper end of the upper divided body 30A) and provided to stably move the connected body 20 in the horizontal direction P of the solar panel unit 1. It is locked and installed on the upper side surface 1a of the solar panel unit 1. In addition, the guide roller 21 is configured by a wheel facing the upper side surface 1a, so that the linked body 20 can be moved in the horizontal direction P by the guide roller 21.

  Further, each of the divided bodies 30A to 30D has a connecting portion 36A to 36F for connecting the divided bodies 30A to 30D, respectively. More specifically, the first divided body 30A has a first connecting portion 36A on the lower end (front) side, and the second divided body 30B has a second connecting portion 36B on the upper end (rear) side. And a third connecting portion 36C on the lower end (front) side. The third divided body 30C has a fourth connecting portion 36D on the upper end (rear) side and a fifth connecting portion 36C on the lower end (front) side. 36D, and the fourth divided body 30D has a sixth connecting portion 36F on the upper end (rear) side.

  Further, in these connecting portions 36A to 36F, protruding portions 37A to 37F are formed on one side in the horizontal direction P, and lead-in portions 38A to 38F are formed on the other side in the horizontal direction P, respectively. More specifically, a first projecting portion 37A projecting downward is formed on the right side of the first connecting portion 36A at the lower end (front end) of the first divided body 30A, and on the left side thereof, It is formed in the first retraction portion 38A that is retracted upward (toward the back). The second connecting portion 36B on the upper end (rear) side of the second divided body 30B has a second protruding portion 37B protruding upward (rearward) on the left side, and a lower portion on the right side thereof. A second retraction part 38B (rearward in the front) is formed. The third connecting portion 36C on the lower end side of the second divided body 30B has a third protruding portion 37C protruding downward (frontward) on the right side thereof, and an upper portion (rear side) on the left side thereof. ), A third recessed portion 38C is formed. A fourth projecting portion 37D projecting upward is formed on the left side of the fourth connecting portion 36D on the upper end (rear) side of the third divided body 30C, and a fourth projecting portion 37D is formed on the right side of the fourth projecting portion 37D. 4), a fourth recess 38D is formed. The fifth connecting portion 36E on the lower end (front) side of the third divided body 30C has a fifth protruding portion 37E protruding downward (forward) on the right side, and on the left side thereof, A fifth retracting portion 38E that is retracted upward (toward the back) is formed. The sixth connecting portion 36F on the upper end (rear) side of the fourth divided body 30D is provided with a sixth protruding portion 37F protruding upward (rearward) on the left side, and a lower portion on the right side thereof. A sixth retracting portion 38F which is retracted (in front of the hand) is formed.

  The first protruding portion 37A of the first connecting portion 36A provided on the lower end side of the first divided body 30A is connected to the second retracting portion 38B of the second connecting portion 36B provided on the upper end side of the opposing second divided body 30B. And are engaged. Further, the first retracting portion 38A of the first connecting portion 36A provided on the lower end side of the first divided body 30A is provided with the second projecting portion of the second connecting portion 36B provided on the upper end side of the opposing second divided body 30B. It is configured to engage with the portion 37B. Thereby, the first divided body 30A and the second divided body 30B can be connected.

  The third protrusion 37C of the third connecting portion 36C provided on the lower end side of the second divided body 30B is connected to the fourth connecting portion 36D provided on the upper end side of the opposing third divided body 30C. It is configured to engage with the portion 38D. In addition, the third retracting portion 38C of the third connecting portion 36C provided on the lower end side of the second divided body 30B is connected to the fourth projecting portion of the fourth connecting portion 36D provided on the upper end side of the opposing third divided body 30C. It is configured to engage with the portion 37D. Thus, the second divided body 30B and the third divided body 30C can be connected.

  The fifth protruding portion 37E of the fifth connecting portion 36E provided on the lower end side of the third divided body 30C is connected to the sixth connecting portion 36F provided on the upper end side of the opposing fourth divided body 30D. It is configured to engage with the portion 38F. The fifth retracting portion 38E of the fifth connecting portion 36E provided on the lower end side of the third divided body 30C is connected to the sixth protruding portion of the sixth connecting portion 36F provided on the upper end side of the opposing fourth divided body 30D. It is configured to engage with the portion 37F. Thus, the second divided body 30B and the third divided body 30C can be connected.

  In this way, all the divided bodies 30A to 30D are connected, and the connected body 20 is assembled.

  As described above, each of the divided bodies 30A to 30D includes the rotating brushes 41A to 41D and 42A to 42D as the cleaning mechanism divided sections 40A to 40D that constitute a part of the cleaning mechanism 40. The rotating brushes 41A to 41D and 42A to 42D are configured to rotate around an axis provided along the tilt direction L on the panel surface 3 of the solar panel unit 1, and the rotating brushes 41A to 41D. And the rotating brushes 42A to 42D are arranged in two rows in the horizontal direction P. When the connecting portions 36A to 36F are engaged, as shown in FIG. 1, the rotating brushes 41A to 41D and 42A to 42D are configured to be substantially linearly arranged along the inclination direction L. I have.

  In addition, the joint between the divided bodies 30A to 30D in the rotating brushes 41A to 41D and the joint between the divided bodies 30A to 30D in the rotating brushes 42A to 42D are configured to be shifted from each other when viewed from the horizontal direction P, so that cleaning is performed. At least one of the rotating brushes 41A to 41D and the rotating brushes 42A to 42D always passes through, so that there is no remaining portion to be wiped. That is, the rotating brushes 41A to 41D are arranged in a straight line so that the short rotating brush 41A, the long rotating brush 41B, the short rotating brush 41C, and the long rotating brush 41D are alternately arranged. Short rotating brushes 42B, long rotating brushes 42C, and short rotating brushes 42D are arranged on a straight line so as to be alternated. As shown in FIG. 1, rotating brushes 41A to 41D and 42A to 42D are arranged in a staggered manner. Have been. Thereby, the seam of the rotating brushes 41A to 41D and a part of the rotating brushes 42A to 42D are arranged so as to overlap with each other when viewed from the horizontal direction P, and the seam of the rotating brushes 42A to 42D and a part of the rotating brushes 41A to 41D overlap. Are arranged as follows.

  Although not shown, each of the divided bodies 30A to 30D is provided with a power supply unit for driving the brush motors 43A to 43D and 44A to 44D. Further, a power supply unit (not shown) for driving the moving motor 54 is also provided in the second divided body 30B.

  A sprinkler pipe (not shown) for spraying water or the like supplied from a water tank or a water supply at the time of cleaning on the panel surface 3 is provided diagonally above the outer side of the rotating brushes 41A to 41D and 42A to 42D. The sprinkler pipe is provided in a divided manner in divided bodies 30A to 30D. That is, the first divided body 30A has a first divided sprinkler pipe, the second divided body 30B has a second divided sprinkler pipe, the third divided body 30C has a third divided sprinkler pipe, and the fourth divided body 30D has a third divided sprinkler pipe. Is provided with a fourth divided sprinkler pipe, and these divided sprinkler pipes are connected to each other to form a sprinkler pipe. For example, when the divided body 30A and the divided body 30B are connected, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the divided water sprinkling pipes 59A and 59B are also coupled via the coupling portions provided at the respective ends. Here, in this embodiment, a male coupler 56A is provided in the right split sprinkler pipe 59A, and a female coupler 56B is provided in the right split sprinkler pipe 59B, and the left split sprinkler pipe 59B is provided. Is provided with a male coupler 56A, and a female coupler 56B is provided on the left divided sprinkler pipe 59A. By coupling these couplers 56A and 56B, the split sprinkler pipes 59A and 59B can be connected with one touch. Be combined. Each of the divided sprinkling pipes 59A and 59B of the sprinkling pipe 59 thus connected can move and sprinkle water, respectively. The connection between the second divided sprinkler pipe 59B and the third divided sprinkler pipe (not shown) and the coupling between the third divided sprinkler pipe (not shown) and the fourth divided sprinkler pipe (not shown) are also performed by the first divided sprinkler pipe. Sprinkling can be performed in the same manner as the connection between the sprinkling pipe 59A and the second divided sprinkling pipe 59B.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a connecting pin 39A protrudes from the projecting portion 37A of the connecting portion 36A of the present embodiment, and the connecting pin 39B extends from a drawing portion 38B of the connecting portion 36B. An insertion hole 39B for inserting 39A is formed. Similarly, a connecting pin 39A protrudes from the projecting portion 37B of the connecting portion 36B, and an insertion hole 39B into which the connecting pin 39A is inserted is formed in a drawing portion 38A of the connecting portion 36A. When connecting the connecting portions 36A and 36B, the connecting pins 39A are inserted into the insertion holes 39B, so that the connecting can be reliably performed. When the connecting pin 39A is inserted into the insertion hole 39B, the couplers 56A and 56B of the above-mentioned divided sprinkler pipes 59A and 59B are also connected. Thus, in this embodiment, the connection of the divided bodies 30A and 30B and the connection of the divided sprinkler pipes 59A and 59B can be performed simultaneously. Further, in this embodiment, a fixing means K is provided for securely fixing the connecting portion after the connecting portions 36A and 36B are connected. The connection and fixation of the third connection portion 36C and the fourth connection portion 36D and the connection and fixation of the fifth connection portion 36E and the sixth connection portion 36F are the same as the connection and fixation of the first connection portion 36A and the second connection portion 36B. Can be done.

  In addition, the solar panel cleaning device 10 according to the present embodiment has different types of divided bodies 30A to 30D when used in the first maintenance state according to the length of the inclined direction L of the solar panel unit 1 to be cleaned. And the number can be changed. For example, when the length of the solar panel unit in the inclination direction L is short, the first divided body 30A and the fourth divided body 30D can be connected to form a connected body shorter than that of FIG. It is.

  When the length of the solar panel unit in the tilt direction L is long, the first divided body 30A, a plurality of (for example, two) second divided bodies 30B, and a plurality of (for example, two) third divided bodies 30C are provided. And a total of six of the fourth divided bodies 30D can be connected to form a connected body longer than that of FIG.

  Here, as a substitute for at least one of the first to fourth divided bodies 30A to 30D, by preparing a plurality of types of divided bodies having different lengths, it is possible to correspond to solar panel units of various dimensions. This makes it easier to change the dimensions of the connected body.

  As described above, the control unit 55 is provided for the operator to control the operation of the solar panel cleaning device 10 using a remote controller or the like. Specifically, the control unit 55 controls the horizontal movement of the connecting body 20 by driving the moving motor 54 and the control of cleaning the panel surface 3 by driving the brush motors 43A to 43D and 44A to 44D. Also, control for watering by the water sprinkling pipe 59 is executed. After a predetermined standby time (for example, 3 to 5 seconds) has elapsed from the start of watering by the water sprinkling pipe 59, the control unit 55 according to the present embodiment, the moving motor 54 and the brush motors 43A to 43D, The driving of 44A to 44D is started. Thereby, the rotation of the rotating brushes 41A to 41D and 42A to 42D is started in a state where the surface of the panel surface 3 is sufficiently wet, so that the cleaning effect of the solar panel cleaning device 10 at the work start position is sufficiently improved. Can be something. The length of the standby time can be adjusted substantially steplessly by changing the program or the like.

  The control unit 55 has a function of digitally displaying the remaining battery level and battery voltage. Also, by blinking the power lamp when the remaining battery level or the battery voltage falls below the normal value, the operator can accurately monitor the battery state.

  Further, the control unit 55 has a function of blinking a warning lamp when the operation is emergency-stopped due to an abnormal load occurring in each driving part of the solar panel cleaning device 10. The warning lamp flashes in different colors (for example, blue and red) depending on the location where the load is generated. Thereby, when the solar panel cleaning device 10 is stopped in an emergency, it is easy to specify the location where the abnormality has occurred.

  Next, the operation of the first maintenance state in this embodiment will be described.

  When installing the solar panel cleaning device 10 of this embodiment in the solar panel unit 1, first, the guide roller 21 provided on the first divided body 30A is moved to the upper side surface 1a of the solar panel unit 1. To guide the guide roller 21 to the first divided body 30A.

  Next, the second divided body 30B is arranged below the first divided body 30A, and the first projecting portion 37A and the first retracting portion 38A of the first connecting portion 36A provided on the first divided body 30A are provided with the second divided body 30B. The first split body 30A and the second split body 30B are connected by engaging the second retracting portion 38B and the second projecting portion 37B of the second connecting portion 36B provided on the two split body 30B, respectively.

  At this time, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the connecting pin 39A provided on the first protrusion 37A is engaged with the insertion hole 39B provided on the second retracting portion 38B, and the second protrusion 37B is engaged. Is engaged with the insertion pin 39A provided in the first retracting portion 38A. At this time, the two pairs of couplers 56A and 56B provided in the first divided sprinkling pipe 59A and the second divided sprinkling pipe 59B are connected with one touch at the same time when the connecting pin 39A is inserted into the insertion hole 39B. Thereafter, the first projecting portion 37A and the second retracting portion 38B are fixed by the fixing means K, and the second projecting portion 37B and the first retracting portion 38A are fixed by the fixing means K. Connect the wiring connector.

  Next, similarly to the connection between the first divided body 30A and the second divided body 30B, the third divided body 30C is disposed below the second divided body 30B, and the third divided body 30B is provided on the second divided body 30B. By engaging the third projecting portion 37C and the third retracting portion 38C of the connecting portion 36C with the fourth retracting portion 38D and the fourth projecting portion 37D of the fourth connecting portion 36D provided in the third divided body 30C, The second divided body 30B and the third divided body 30C are connected.

  Further, similarly to the connection between the first divided body 30A and the second divided body 30B, the fourth divided body 30D is arranged below the third divided body 30C, and the fifth connection provided on the third divided body 30C. By engaging the fifth projecting portion 37E and the fifth retracting portion 38E of the portion 36E with the sixth retracting portion 38F and the sixth projecting portion 37F of the sixth connecting portion 36F provided in the fourth divided body 30D, The third divided body 30C and the fourth divided body 30D are connected.

  Thus, all of the divided bodies 30A to 30D are connected, and the assembly of the cleaning device main body 30 is completed. In this embodiment, when the connecting portions 36A to 36D are connected, the rotating brushes 41A to 41D and the rotating brushes 42A to 42D of the connecting body 20 are shortened so that a part thereof overlaps when viewed from the horizontal direction P. → Long → Short → Long and Long → Short → Long → Short As a result, in the cleaning mechanism 40 according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the rotating brushes 41A to 41D and 42A to 42D are arranged in a staggered manner.

  Thereafter, the panel surface 3 is cleaned while moving the connector 20 on the solar panel unit 1 from left to right, for example. Further, thereafter, if necessary, the panel surface 3 may be cleaned again while the connecting body 20 is moved from right to left on the solar panel unit 1.

  In the solar panel cleaning apparatus 10 of this embodiment, the frame is mainly made of aluminum to reduce the weight. In addition, since a configuration for engaging the protruding portions 37A to 37D and the retraction portions 38A to 38D, a configuration for inserting the connection pin 39A into the insertion hole 39B, and a configuration for fixing with the fixing means K are provided, the connection portions 36A to 36D are provided. Are firmly connected. For this reason, after the cleaning of one solar panel unit 1 is completed, when the solar panel cleaning device 10 is moved for cleaning of the next solar panel unit 1, the solar panel cleaning device 10 is disassembled into divided bodies 30A to 30D. It does not need to be moved and can be moved in an assembled state.

  As described above, the solar panel cleaning device 10 according to the present embodiment includes the types of the divided bodies 30A to 30D in the first maintenance state according to the length of the tilt direction L of the solar panel unit 1 to be cleaned. It is possible to change the number. For example, when the length of the inclination direction L of the solar panel unit is short, the first divided body 30A and the fourth divided body 30D are connected to each other, and the solar panel cleaning having a shorter connected body than the case of FIG. It is possible to obtain a device. Also, when the length of the tilt direction L of the solar panel unit is long, a total of six of the first divided body 30A, the two second divided bodies 30B, the two third divided bodies 30C, and the fourth divided body 30D are connected. Thus, it is possible to obtain a solar panel cleaning device having a longer connecting body than the case of FIG.

  Next, a configuration when the solar panel cleaning device 10 is used in the second maintenance state will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the solar panel cleaning device 10 in the second maintenance state includes a small body 30 as a “device body” including a cleaning mechanism 40 and a “moving mechanism” for moving the small body 30. It has a second moving means 60 and a third moving means 70, and a control unit (control device) 80 for controlling them. The small body 30 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape that does not cover the entire inclination direction L of the solar panel unit 1. In this embodiment, the third moving means 70 and the control unit 55 are provided in the small body 30, and the second moving means 60 is arranged outside the small body 30.

  The small body 30 according to this embodiment uses a fourth divided body 30D alone among a plurality of divided bodies 30A to 30D as shown in FIG. 3 as shown in FIG. The small body 30 composed of the fourth divided body 30D is provided with a cleaning mechanism divided portion 40D constituting the cleaning mechanism 40 by itself, and a third moving means for moving the small body 30 along the inclination direction L. 70 are provided. In this embodiment, when the fourth divided body 30D is used in the second maintenance state, the shafts 51D and 52D of the first moving unit divided portion 50D provided on the fourth divided body 30D and the traveling wheels are used. 53D is previously removed.

  Specifically, the cleaning mechanism dividing section 40D constituting the cleaning mechanism 40 includes two left and right rotating brushes 41D and 42D extending in the inclined direction L, and a rotating brush motor for rotating the rotating brushes 41D and 42D. 43D and 44D are provided. Note that these configurations are in the first maintenance state in the same state as when used. The rotary brush motors 43D and 44D are configured to independently transmit power to the rotary brushes 41D and 42D under the control of the control unit 80.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the third moving means 70 penetrates from the upper end to the lower end of the frame 61 along the inclined direction L at a substantially central position in the left-right direction of the frame 61 of the second moving means 60 described later. Has a pinion gear 72 provided so as to mesh with a rack 71 provided in the rack, and these form a rack & pinion structure. Further, the pinion gear 72 is driven by a vertical movement motor 73 disposed on the fourth divided body 30D, and drives the vertical movement motor 73 in a state where the rack 71 and the pinion gear 72 are meshed. Thus, the pinion gear 72 rotates in the vertical direction along the rack 71, so that the fourth divided body 30D moves up and down.

  Further, in this embodiment, a flange portion 75 is provided above the rack 71 (in a direction perpendicular to the panel surface 3) so as to protrude laterally from the teeth of the rack 71. Are formed in an elongated shape so as to cover the entirety of the inclined direction L where the rack 71 is formed. The flange portion 75 presses the pinion gear 72 so as not to shift upward (in the direction perpendicular to the panel surface 3), and the pinion gear 72 meshed with the rack 71 moves upward (to the panel surface 3). (In the vertical direction) to prevent the meshing state with the rack 71 from coming off.

  In this embodiment, a rail member 60 as a second moving means for mounting the small body 30 described above and moving the panel body 3 in the horizontal direction (horizontal direction) P is arranged. As shown in FIG. 2, the rail member 60 has two shafts 62 covering an upper end (rear side) to a lower end (front side) in the inclination direction L. The shaft 62 has a plurality of running wheels. 63 is fixed. Further, a moving motor 64 for transmitting power to the shaft 62 is arranged at a predetermined position, so that the rail member 60 can reciprocate in the lateral direction P on the panel surface 3.

  A guide roller 65 is provided at the upper end (rear side) of the rail member 60, as shown in FIG. The guide roller 65 is provided to stably move the small body 30 in the horizontal direction P of the solar panel unit 1, and is locked so as to be hooked on the upper side surface 1 a of the solar panel unit 1. And installed. In addition, the guide roller 65 is configured by a wheel facing the upper side surface 1a, whereby the small body 30 can be moved in the horizontal direction P by the guide roller 65.

  Further, a fourth divided body 30D as the small body 30 is attached to the pinion gear 72 of the rail member 60, the vertical movement motor 73, and a member that moves up and down together with these. Further, a control unit 80 for the second maintenance state is arranged at a lower end (front side) of the rail member 60, and the control unit 80 controls the driving of the cleaning mechanism 40 and the third moving unit 70 in the small body 30. The movement of the rail member 60 in the lateral direction P is controlled.

  In addition, the divided body 30D may have a rotary brush 41D, 42D, a shielding brush (not shown), and a sprinkling pipe (not shown) as a “fluid supply pipe” as the configuration of the cleaning mechanism dividing section 40D. . Further, the frame 61 is mainly made of aluminum from the viewpoint of satisfying both weight reduction and strength.

  Further, the rail member 60 in the present embodiment can be divided into two or more pieces, and can be transported in a divided state when transported, so that it can be transported efficiently without taking up space. . In addition, since it is only necessary to bring and connect in order at the time of installation, the configuration is such that the burden on the operator is reduced.

  In this way, the divided body 30D is mounted alone on the rail member 60, and the divided body 30D is moved back and forth and right and left by the horizontal moving means and the vertical moving means to perform cleaning, thereby achieving the second maintenance. State transitions can be made.

  Next, the operation of the second maintenance state in this embodiment will be described.

  When installing the solar panel cleaning device 10 of this embodiment in the solar panel unit 1, first, the divided rail members 60 are installed in the solar panel unit 1. Here, the guide roller 65 provided at the upper end (rear side) is hooked on the upper side surface 1a of the solar panel unit 1, and another lower part is connected to the lower side (front side). Then, the rail member 60 is completed.

  Next, the fourth divided body 30D obtained by removing the shafts 51D, 52D and the running wheels 53D of the first moving means divided portion 50D provided on the fourth divided body 30D in advance is disposed on the rail member 60. Attach by a predetermined method. Further, a fluid supply pipe or the like is connected to a sprinkling pipe or the like (not shown) to prepare for the preparation.

  As a result, the fourth divided body 30D and the rail member 60 are connected, and the assembly of the solar panel cleaning device 10 in the second maintenance state is completed.

  Thereafter, the panel surface 3 is cleaned while moving the small body 30 in the horizontal direction from the upper left to the upper right, for example, on the solar panel unit 1. Further, when the small body 30 reaches the right end, the small body 30 is moved downward (toward the front side) by the length of the small body 30 in the vertical direction, and is moved horizontally from right to left. Further, when the small body 30 reaches the left end, the small body 30 is further moved downward by the length of the small body 30 in the vertical direction, and is moved horizontally from left to right. By repeating this, cleaning is performed zigzag to the lower end of the panel surface 3.

  As described above, the solar panel cleaning device 10 according to the above-described embodiment includes the connector body 20 in which the device body is integrated by connecting the plurality of divided members 30A to 30D, and the divided member 30D that is smaller than the connected member 20. The maintenance work can be carried out in both states of the small body 30 composed of. Therefore, the state of the apparatus main body can be selected according to the work environment, and the operator can select an optimum state to perform maintenance work.

  Further, according to the solar panel cleaning apparatus 10 of the above-described embodiment, the movement of the apparatus main body in the first maintenance state and the second maintenance state is more specifically defined, so that the apparatus is adapted to the working environment. The state of the main body can be selected more accurately, and the operator can select a more optimal state to perform maintenance work.

  Further, according to the solar panel cleaning apparatus 10 of the above-described embodiment, the first moving means 40 used in the first maintenance state, which is a relatively large apparatus configuration, is divided into the divided bodies 30A to 30D. By being formed, the structure can be used if the operator connects the divided bodies 30 </ b> A to 30 </ b> D, and the work load performed by the worker can be reduced.

  Further, according to the solar panel cleaning device 10 of the above-described embodiment, the small body 30 is installed on the rail member 60 in the second maintenance state, so that the solar panel cleaning device is relatively simple. Ten installations can be performed.

  According to the solar panel cleaning apparatus 10 of the embodiment described above, the movement of the small body 30 in the direction along the rail member 60 in the second maintenance state is performed by using the rack 71 and the pinion 72, so that the panel surface is improved. Even in the case where the inclination of 3 is gentle or substantially horizontal, the movement in the direction along the rail member 60 can be surely performed.

  Further, according to the solar panel cleaning device 10 of the above-described embodiment, the flange-shaped portion 75 protruding from the teeth of the rack 71 is provided above the rack 71, so that the device can be reduced in size when the inclination is steep. When the body 30 is likely to float from the panel surface 3, the floating of the pinion gear 72 meshed with the rack 71 can be suppressed so that the pinion gear 72 does not come out of mesh with the rack 71. As a result, the small body 30 is prevented from coming off the rail member 60, and the maintenance work can be reliably performed.

  The embodiments described above are described for facilitating the understanding of the present invention, and do not limit the present invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the guide rollers 21 and 65 are configured to move in the horizontal direction P while bringing the wheels into contact with the upper side surface 1a of the solar panel unit 1, but the invention is not limited thereto. Instead of the wheels, the apparatus main bodies 20, 30 may be moved in the horizontal direction P using a track or a member that slides on the upper side surface 1a.

  In the above-described embodiment, the device main bodies 20 and 30 are held on the solar panel unit 1 by being hooked on the upper side surface 1a of the solar panel unit 1 by the guide rollers 21 and 65. The present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the installation angle of the solar panel 2 is relatively gentle or horizontal, even if a guide roller is provided, basically, only the linear moving ability of the moving means of the cleaning device body 30 is used. May be run on the panel surface 3. In still another configuration, the apparatus main body may be held by the solar panel unit 1.

  In the above-described embodiment, running wheels such as tires are provided as a moving mechanism for moving the cleaning mechanism 50 as a maintenance mechanism. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A member or the like may be provided, and these may be run on the solar panel 2.

  In the above-described embodiment, the fourth body 30D alone is used as the small body 30. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and another structure may be used. Alternatively, it may be possible to select which divided body is used. Further, the small body is not limited to one constituted by one divided body, and a small body which moves in a zigzag manner by combining a plurality of divided bodies such as two or three may be employed.

  Further, the configurations of the cleaning mechanism, the driving mechanism, the control device, and the like are not limited to the above-described embodiment, and an appropriate configuration may be adopted.

  For example, the configuration of the connecting portions of the divided bodies is not limited to a configuration having a protruding portion and a retracting portion, or a configuration having a connecting pin and an insertion hole, and may be connected by another method.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the cleaning is performed using water, but a liquid other than water or a gas such as air may be used. The method of supplying the fluid may be any method such as a method of spraying in a mist state, a method of discharging in a pulse form, and a method of flowing down.

  In the above-described embodiment, as the solar panel unit 1, there is a gap S between the adjacent solar panels 2 along the horizontal direction P, but between the adjacent solar panels 2 along the inclined direction L. Is used without a gap S, but is not limited to this. For example, the solar panel unit 1 includes a solar panel unit 1 that has no gap between the solar panels adjacent along the horizontal direction P and has a gap between the adjacent solar panels along the inclination direction L. May be used. Furthermore, the solar panel unit 1 having no gap may be used both between the adjacent solar panels along the horizontal direction P and between the adjacent solar panels along the inclined direction L.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the traveling wheels 53 are driven by the driving force of the single moving motor 54, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the cleaning device main body 30 may be configured to transmit an independent driving force to all of the running wheels.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, when the divided body 30D is used as the small body 30, the moving mechanism previously attached is removed, and the moving mechanism of the rail member 60 is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a small-sized moving mechanism may be configured by using all or a part of the moving mechanism attached in advance.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the mechanism using the rail member 60 is used as the moving mechanism in the second maintenance state. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the small body can travel without using the rail member. A person who moves in a zigzag manner or a person who moves a small body while supporting it at a predetermined position using a support member other than the rail member may be used. Also, the manner of movement is not limited to zigzag, and a person following another movement locus may be used.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, in the first maintenance state, the rotating brushes 51A to 51D and 52A to 52D are independently controlled by the brush motors 53A to 53D and 54A to 54D in the respective divided bodies 30A to 30D. Although it was configured to be driven, it is not limited to such a configuration. For example, when the divided bodies 30A to 30D are connected, the rotating brushes in the same row may be connected, and the rotating brushes may rotate in cooperation. At this time, the number of brush motors for driving the rotating brushes in the same row may be one. In addition, the rotating brush of each of the divided bodies 30A to 30D may be connected at the same time as the connection of each of the divided bodies 30A to 30D by a one-touch coupler or the like.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the solar panel cleaning device 10 has been described as an example of the solar panel maintenance device. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a solar panel coating apparatus that forms an antireflection film by applying a coating agent to a panel surface of a solar panel to improve or recover power generation, The present invention can be applied to a solar panel coating apparatus further provided with a function of spreading the applied coating agent with a blade or the like.

  In addition, not only the solar panel cleaning device of the type that uses a brush and water to clean as described above, but also a cleaning device of another configuration, for example, a type of cleaning by blowing off dust and the like on the panel surface with a blowing device. The present invention is applied to a solar panel cleaning device and a solar panel cleaning device of a type that removes dust and the like by sweeping or wiping the panel surface without using water using a brush or a blade. Is also good. In addition, the present invention may be applied to a solar panel cleaning device that simultaneously performs cleaning using a brush or a blade and cleaning using a blowing device in parallel.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Solar panel unit 2 Solar panel 3 Panel surface 10 Solar panel cleaning device (solar panel maintenance device)
20 Connected body (device body)
21 Guide roller 30 Small body (device body)
30A First divided body (divided body)
30B Second divided body (divided body)
30C Third divided body (divided body)
30D 4th divided body (divided body)
36A 1st connection part (connection part)
36B 2nd connection part (connection part)
36C 3rd connection part (connection part)
36D 4th connection part (connection part)
36E 5th connection part (connection part)
36F 6th connection part (connection part)
37A First protruding part (protruding part)
37B 2nd projecting part (projecting part)
37C 3rd protruding part (protruding part)
37D 4th protrusion (protrusion)
37E 5th protrusion (protrusion)
37F 6th protrusion (protrusion)
38A First retracting part (retracting part)
38B 2nd retracting section (retracting section)
38C 3rd retracting section (retracting section)
38D 4th retracting section (retracting section)
38E Fifth retracting part (retracting part)
38F 6th retracting section (retracting section)
39A Connecting pin 39B Insertion hole 40 Cleaning mechanism (maintenance mechanism)
40A-40D Cleaning mechanism divisions 41A-41D Rotary brushes 42A-42D Rotary brushes 43A-43D Rotary brush motors 44A-44D Rotary brush motor 50 First moving means (moving mechanism)
51A-51D Shafts 52A-52D Shafts 53A-53D Running wheels 54 Moving motor 55 Control units 56A, 56B Coupler 59 Sprinkler pipe (fluid supply pipe)
59A split sprinkler pipe (split fluid supply pipe)
59B split sprinkler pipe (split fluid supply pipe)
60 second moving means (rail member, moving mechanism)
61 Frame 62 Shaft 63 Running wheel 64 Moving motor 65 Guide roller 70 Third moving means (moving mechanism)
71 Rack 72 Pinion gear 73 Motor 75 for vertical movement Flange 80 Control unit P Horizontal direction (lateral direction)
L Inclination direction (vertical direction)

Claims (6)

A solar panel maintenance device that performs maintenance of a solar panel unit in which a plurality of solar panels having panel surfaces are arranged and installed,
An apparatus body having a maintenance mechanism for performing maintenance work on the solar panel unit,
A moving mechanism for moving the device main body along the panel surface;
Has,
As the apparatus main body, a connected body in which a plurality of divided bodies provided with the maintenance mechanism are connected in one direction along the panel surface and integrated is used, and the connected body is the connected body as the moving mechanism. A first maintenance state in which the maintenance operation is performed by using a first moving unit that moves in an orthogonal direction substantially orthogonal to the substantially one direction to which the first maintenance state is connected;
As the device body, a small body made of one of the divided bodies or a smaller number of the divided bodies than the connected body connected in the substantially one direction along the panel surface and integrated is used. The first moving means or the second moving means different from the first moving means for moving the small body in the orthogonal direction as the moving mechanism without using the divided body; A second maintenance state in which the maintenance work is performed by using a third moving means for moving
A solar panel maintenance device, which is configured to be convertible into a solar panel. In the first maintenance state, the maintenance work is performed by reciprocating the connecting body on the panel surface in the substantially orthogonal direction by the first moving means,
In the second maintenance state, the small body on the panel surface is reciprocated in the substantially orthogonal direction by the first moving means or the second moving means, and is moved in the substantially one direction by the third moving means. The solar panel maintenance apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the maintenance work is performed by moving the solar panel.   The first moving means is formed so as to be separated for each of the divided bodies, and the first moving means is configured to be connected and function by connecting and integrating the divided bodies. The solar panel maintenance device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein:   In the second maintenance state, a rail member that is hooked to an upper end position of the solar panel unit and extends to a lower end of the solar panel unit is disposed, and the small body is installed on the rail member, and a rail direction of the rail member is set. The small body is configured to be movable along the direction, and the small body is configured to be movable by the rail member moving in the orthogonal direction. The solar panel maintenance device according to any one of the above.   In the second maintenance state, the pinion gear provided on the small body meshes with a rack arranged on the rail member, so that the small body moves along the rail direction of the rail member. The solar panel maintenance device according to claim 4, wherein the solar panel maintenance device is configured. Above the rack of the rail member, a flange-like portion protruding from the teeth of the rack is formed,
The said flange-shaped part is comprised so that the said pinion gear meshed with the said rack may be prevented from shifting upward, and it is comprised so that both meshing states may be maintained. Solar panel maintenance device.

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