JP7049655B2 - Solar panel maintenance equipment - Google Patents

Description

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

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

The cleaning device of Patent Document 1 has a traveling body such as a wheel that comes into contact with the panel surface of the solar panel and a cleaning mechanism such as a rotating brush, and cleans while traveling on the panel surface of the solar panel with the traveling body. Clean with a mechanism.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-138854

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

However, in such a type of cleaning device, the device itself becomes large and heavy, so that the device can be installed in the solar panel unit or the next solar panel unit can be installed after cleaning. It took a lot of labor for the worker to transport and install a large and heavy cleaning device when moving to.

Therefore, if you try to move up, down, left, and right using a small and light cleaning device, it will take time to finish the cleaning, especially for a large area solar panel unit, or many solar panel units will be installed. In such cases, there is a risk that cleaning will take a long time and the efficiency will be poor.

Therefore, according to the present invention, the present invention can easily move and install the device, reduce the labor burden on the worker, reduce the work time, and perform the work efficiently. The challenge is to provide panel maintenance equipment.

In order to achieve such a problem, the present invention is a solar panel maintenance device for maintaining and managing a solar panel unit in which a plurality of solar panels having panel surfaces are arranged side by side, and maintenance work for the solar panel unit is performed. A device main body provided with a maintenance mechanism for performing the above, and a moving mechanism for moving the device main body along the panel surface. As the device main body, a plurality of divided bodies having the maintenance mechanism are provided on the panel surface. Using a connecting body having a length that covers all the panel surfaces in substantially one direction of the solar panel unit by being connected and integrated in substantially one direction along the above, the connecting body is used as the moving mechanism. The first maintenance state in which the maintenance work is performed by using the first moving means for moving the connection in a direction orthogonal to the substantially one direction to which the connection is connected, and the connection as the main body of the apparatus. A length in which a smaller number of the divided bodies than the constituent divided bodies are connected and integrated in the substantially one direction along the panel surface so as not to cover all the panel surfaces in the substantially one direction of the solar panel unit. A first moving means different from the first moving means or the first moving means for moving the small body in the orthogonal direction as the moving mechanism by using a small body composed of the one configured in the above or one of the divided bodies . It is characterized in that it is configured to be convertible into a second maintenance state in which the maintenance work is performed by using the two moving means and the third moving means for moving the small body in substantially one direction.

In the present invention, in the first maintenance state, the connecting body on the panel surface is reciprocated by the first moving means in the substantially orthogonal direction to perform the maintenance work, and the second maintenance is performed. 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 it is configured to perform the above maintenance work.

In the present invention, the first moving means is formed in a state of being separated for each of the divided bodies, and by connecting and integrating the divided bodies, the first moving means is also connected and functions. It is desirable that it is done.

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

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

In the present invention, a flange-shaped portion protruding from the teeth of the rack is formed above the rack of the rail member, and the pinion gear meshed with the rack is displaced upward at the flange-shaped portion. It is desirable that it is configured to prevent this from happening and maintain the toothed state of both sides.

According to the present invention, the main body of the device is set to both a connected body in which a plurality of divided bodies are connected and integrated, and a small body composed of a smaller number of divided bodies than the connected body, and maintenance work is performed respectively. Can be done. Therefore, the state of the apparatus main body can be selected according to the work environment, and the operator can select the optimum state and perform maintenance work.

In the present invention, by more specifically defining the movement of the device main body in each of the first maintenance state and the second maintenance state, the state of the device main body can be selected more accurately according to the working environment, and more. The operator can select the optimum 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 device configuration, is formed in a state of being divided into each divided body, it can be used if the operator connects the divided bodies. It is possible to reduce the work load performed by the operator.

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 installed relatively easily.

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, the rail can be reliably moved even when the panel surface is gently inclined or substantially horizontal. It is possible to move in the direction along the member.

In the present invention, since the rack has a flange-shaped portion protruding from the teeth of the rack above the rack, the rack and teeth may float from the panel surface when the inclination is steep or the like. It is possible to hold down the floating of the fitted pinion gear so that the pinion gear does not come out of the meshed state with the rack. As a result, it is possible to prevent the small body from coming off the rail member and to perform maintenance work reliably.

It is a top view conceptually showing the state which arranged the solar panel cleaning device which concerns on embodiment of this invention on a solar panel unit in the 1st maintenance state. It is a top view which conceptually shows the state which arranged the solar panel cleaning device which concerns on the same embodiment on the solar panel unit in the 2nd maintenance state. It is a top view which shows the split 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 apparatus which concerns on the same embodiment. It is a top view which shows the connection state of the connection part in the solar panel cleaning apparatus which concerns on the said embodiment. It is a top view which shows the rack & pinion structure and the flange part in the 2nd maintenance state of the solar panel cleaning device which concerns on the same embodiment.

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

1 to 6 show embodiments of the present invention. Here, as an example of the solar panel maintenance device, a solar panel cleaning device for cleaning the panel surface arranged 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. 1 and 2. The solar panel cleaning device 10 moves a device main body having a cleaning mechanism as a "maintenance mechanism" for performing cleaning work as maintenance work on the solar panel unit 1 and the device main body on the solar panel unit 1. It has a moving mechanism to make it move.

Further, in the solar panel cleaning device 10 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of divided bodies 30A to 30D are connected to form a connected body 20 as shown in FIG. 1, or a divided body. As shown in FIG. 2, a part of 30A to 30D is used to form a small body 30 as a main body of the apparatus, and the divided bodies 30A to 30D are used for both the connecting body 20 and the small body 30. It can be changed and used.

Then, using a connecting body 20 having a size that covers the entire vertical direction L of the solar panel unit 1 as shown in FIG. 1, the connecting body 20 performs cleaning work while moving in the horizontal direction P. While 1 maintenance state and the small body 30 having a size that does not cover the entire vertical L of the solar panel unit 1 as shown in FIG. 2 are used, the small body 30 moves in the vertical direction L and the horizontal direction P. It is configured so that the cleaning work can be performed by appropriately changing the state to the second maintenance state in which the cleaning work is performed.

The first maintenance state is a state to be selected when there are many solar panel units 1 that perform cleaning work (maintenance work) and it is desired to shorten the work time for each solar panel unit 1. Further, in the second maintenance state, there are few solar panel units 1 that perform cleaning work (maintenance work), and even if the work time for each solar panel unit 1 is slightly longer, the device can be carried or installed. It is a state to be 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 in a state where the panel surface 3 is inclined or a state where the panel surface 3 is horizontal. That is, the solar panel unit 1 is installed in a state where the back side surface 1a of the panel surface 3 is located above or horizontally above the front side side surface 1b when viewed from the side (south side) exposed to sunlight. In FIG. 1, the horizontal direction P is a substantially horizontal direction (“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 (horizontal direction P). ("One direction" of the present invention). In the following description, the direction represented as the vertical direction L in FIG. 1 is referred to as an inclined direction L.

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

Further, each solar panel 2 has a panel main body 4 having the above-mentioned panel surface 3 and a power generation device (not shown) arranged on the back surface side thereof, and an edge portion 5 provided around the panel main body 4. are doing. Of these, the panel surface 3 is made of glass, and the edge 5 is made of a 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 has a connecting body 20 as a “device main body” provided with a cleaning mechanism 40 and a “moving mechanism” for moving the connecting body 20. , And a control unit (control device) 55 for controlling them. The connecting body 20 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape having a size extending over the entire tilting 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. 1, and here, in order from the top, the first divided body 20 is configured. Four types of divided bodies having different shapes, 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 inclination direction L along the panel surface 3. There is.

Each of the divided bodies 30A to 30D is provided with cleaning mechanism divided portions 40A to 40D which form a part of the cleaning mechanism 40 in the connecting body 20, and also form a part of the first moving means 50. 1 The moving means dividing portions 50A to 50D are provided.

Specifically, the cleaning mechanism dividing portions 40A to 40D each include two left and right rotating brushes 41A to 41D and 42A to 42D extending in the inclination direction L, and rotate the respective rotating brushes 41A to 41D and 42A to 42D. It is provided with motors 43A to 43D and 44A to 44D for rotating brushes. The rotary brush motors 43A to 43D and 44A to 44D are controlled by the control unit 55 and are configured to independently transmit power to the rotary brushes 41A to 41D and 42A to 42D.

Further, the first moving means dividing portions 50A to 50D each travel on a plurality of shafts 51A to 51D and 52A to 52D provided inside the rotating brushes 41A to 41D and 42A to 42D along the inclination direction L, respectively. The wheels 53A to 53D are pivotally supported. Further, these shafts 51A to 51D and 52A to 52D are configured so that when they are connected, their ends are connected to each other and become one, and when they are integrated, the whole can be rotated by one power. You 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 in a state where the shafts 51A to 51D and 52A to 52D are connected. By doing so, the driving force is transmitted to the shafts 51A to 51D and 52A to 52D, and as a result, the traveling wheels 53A to 53D pivotally supported by the shaft rotate so as to move the coupling body 20 in the lateral direction P. It is configured.

Further, the control unit 55 is provided only in the fourth divided body 30D at the lower end (frontmost side), and the control unit 55 controls the cleaning mechanism 40 and the first moving means 50 in the connecting body 20. It has become.

In addition, in the divided bodies 30A to 30D, as a configuration of the cleaning mechanism divided portions 40A to 40D, the rotating brushes 41A to 41D and 42A to 42D are combined with a shielding brush (not shown) and a sprinkler pipe 59 as a "fluid supply pipe" (FIG. 4, (see FIG. 5) may be provided. Further, each configuration of the divided bodies 30A to 30D is attached to a frame (not shown), and this frame is mainly composed of aluminum from the viewpoint of satisfying both weight reduction and strength.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a guide roller 21 is provided on the first divided body 30A at the upper end (the innermost side). The guide roller 21 is attached to the upper end of the connecting body 20 (that is, the upper end of the upper end divided body 30A), and is provided to stably move the connecting body 20 in the horizontal direction P of the solar panel unit 1. It is locked so as to be hooked on the upper side surface 1a of the solar panel unit 1 and installed. Further, the guide roller 21 is composed of wheels facing the upper side surface 1a, whereby the guide roller 21 can move the connecting body 20 in the horizontal direction P.

Further, each of the divided bodies 30A to 30D has connecting portions 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 thereof, and the second divided body 30B has a second connecting portion 36B on the upper end (back) side thereof. The third divided body 30C has a fourth connecting portion 36D on the upper end (back) side and a fifth connecting portion on the lower end (front) side. It has 36E, and the fourth divided body 30D has a sixth connecting portion 36F on the upper end (back) side thereof.

Further, the connecting portions 36A to 36F are formed with protruding portions 37A to 37F on one side in the horizontal direction P and retracted portions 38A to 38F on the other side in the horizontal direction P, respectively. More specifically, the first connecting portion 36A at the lower end (front end portion) of the first divided body 30A is formed with a downwardly projecting first protruding portion 37A on the right side thereof and on the left side thereof. It is formed in the first retracting portion 38A that is retracted upward (in the back). Further, on the second connecting portion 36B on the upper end (back) side of the second divided body 30B, a second protruding portion 37B protruding upward (inward) is formed on the left side thereof, and on the right side thereof, a lower portion is formed. A second retractable portion 38B retracted (in front of the hand) is formed. Further, on the third connecting portion 36C on the lower end side of the second divided body 30B, a third protruding portion 37C projecting downward (front of the hand ) is formed on the left side thereof, and an upward portion 37C is formed on the right side thereof. A third retractable portion 38C recessed into (in the back) is formed. Further, on the fourth connecting portion 36D on the upper end (back) side of the third divided body 30C, a fourth protruding portion 37D projecting upward is formed on the right side thereof, and a lower surface (downward) is formed on the left side thereof. A fourth retractable portion 38D retracted to the front of the hand) is formed. Further, the fifth connecting portion 36E on the lower end (front) side of the third divided body 30C is formed with a fifth protruding portion 37E protruding downward (front of the hand) on the right side thereof, and on the left side thereof. A fifth retractable portion 38E recessed upward (in the back) is formed. Further, on the sixth connecting portion 36F on the upper end (back) side of the fourth divided body 30D, a sixth protruding portion 37F projecting upward (inward) is formed on the left side thereof, and on the right side thereof, a lower portion is formed. A sixth retracted portion 38F recessed (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 the second retracting portion 38B of the second connecting portion 36B provided on the upper end side of the opposite second divided body 30B. And are configured to engage. Further, the first retractable portion 38A of the first connecting portion 36A provided on the lower end side of the first divided body 30A is the second protrusion of the second connecting portion 36B provided on the upper end side of the opposite second divided body 30B. It is configured to engage with the portion 37B. As a result, the first divided body 30A and the second divided body 30B can be connected to each other.

Further, the third protruding portion 37C of the third connecting portion 36C provided on the lower end side of the second divided body 30B is a fourth retracting portion of the fourth connecting portion 36D provided on the upper end side of the opposite third divided body 30C. It is configured to engage with the portion 38D. Further, the third retractable portion 38C of the third connecting portion 36C provided on the lower end side of the second divided body 30B is the fourth protrusion of the fourth connecting portion 36D provided on the upper end side of the opposite third divided body 30C. It is configured to engage with the portion 37D. As a result, the second divided body 30B and the third divided body 30C can be connected to each other.

Further, the fifth protruding portion 37E of the fifth connecting portion 36E provided on the lower end side of the third divided body 30C is a sixth retracting portion of the sixth connecting portion 36F provided on the upper end side of the opposite fourth divided body 30D. It is configured to engage with the portion 38F. Further, the fifth retractable portion 38E of the fifth connecting portion 36E provided on the lower end side of the third divided body 30C is a sixth protrusion of the sixth connecting portion 36F provided on the upper end side of the opposite fourth divided body 30D. It is configured to engage with the portion 37F. As a result, the third divided body 30 C and the fourth divided body 30 D can be connected to each other.

In this way, the connecting body 20 is assembled by connecting all the divided bodies 30A to 30D.

As described above, each of the divided bodies 30A to 30D is provided with rotating brushes 41A to 41D and 42A to 42D as cleaning mechanism divided portions 40A to 40D constituting a part of the cleaning mechanism 40. The rotary brushes 41A to 41D and 42A to 42D are configured to rotate about an axis provided along the inclination direction L on the panel surface 3 of the solar panel unit 1, and the rotary brushes 41A to 41D. And the rotary brushes 42A to 42D are arranged in two rows in the horizontal direction P. Further, 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 aligned substantially in a straight line along the inclination direction L, respectively. There is.

Further, the seams between the divided bodies 30A to 30D in the rotating brushes 41A to 41D and the seams between the divided bodies 30A to 30D in the rotating brushes 42A to 42D are configured to be offset from each other in the horizontal direction P, thereby cleaning. Occasionally, one of the rotating brushes 41A to 41D and the rotating brushes 42A to 42D always passes through and is configured so that there is no unwiped portion. 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 alternate, and the rotating brushes 42A to 42D are the long rotating brush 42A. The short rotating brush 42B, the long rotating brush 42C, and the short rotating brush 42D are arranged in a straight line so as to alternate. As shown in FIG. 1, the rotating brushes 41A to 41D and 42A to 42D are arranged in a staggered manner. Has been done. As a result, the seams of the rotating brushes 41A to 41D and a part of the rotating brushes 42A to 42D are arranged so as to overlap each other when viewed from the horizontal direction P, and the seams of the rotating brushes 42A to 42D and a part of the rotating brushes 41A to 41D overlap each other. It is arranged like this.

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, the second divided body 30B is also provided with a power supply unit (not shown) for driving the moving motor 54.

Further, diagonally above the outside of the rotary brushes 41A to 41D and 42A to 42D, a sprinkler pipe (not shown) is provided to sprinkle water or the like supplied from a water tank, a water supply, or the like at the time of cleaning on the panel surface 3. This sprinkler pipe is divided into the divided bodies 30A to 30D and provided. That is, the first divided water pipe 30A has a first divided water pipe, the second divided body 30B has a second divided water pipe, the third divided body 30C has a third divided water pipe, and the fourth divided body 30D has a third divided water 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 sprinkler pipes 59A and 59B are also connected via the connecting portions provided at the respective ends. Here, in this embodiment, the right split water pipe 59A is provided with a male coupler 56A, the right split water pipe 59B is provided with a female coupler 56B, and the left split water pipe 59B is provided. A male coupler 56A is provided on the left side, and a female coupler 56B is provided on the left split water pipe 59A. By connecting these couplers 56A and 56B, the split water pipes 59A and 59B can be connected with one touch. Be combined. Each of the divided sprinkler pipes 59A and 59B of the sprinkler pipe 59 thus connected can move and sprinkle water, respectively. The connection between the second divided water pipe 59B and the third divided water pipe (not shown) and the connection between the third divided water pipe (not shown) and the fourth divided water pipe (not shown) are also the first division. It can be performed in the same manner as the connection between the sprinkler pipe 59A and the second split sprinkler pipe 59B.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a connecting pin 39A is projected from the protruding portion 37A of the connecting portion 36A of this embodiment, and the connecting pin is projected from the retracting portion 38B of the connecting portion 36B. An insertion hole 39B into which the 39A is inserted is formed. Similarly, a connecting pin 39A is projected from the protruding portion 37B of the connecting portion 36B, and an insertion hole 39B into which the connecting pin 39A is inserted is formed in the retracting portion 38A of the connecting portion 36A. When connecting the connecting portions 36A and 36B, by inserting the respective connecting pins 39A into the insertion hole 39B, this connection can be reliably performed. Further, when the connecting pin 39A is inserted into the insertion hole 39B, the couplers 56A and 56B of the above-mentioned split sprinkler pipes 59A and 59B are also coupled. As described above, 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 at the same time. Further, in this embodiment, a fixing means K is provided for surely fixing the connecting portion after the connecting portions 36A and 36B are connected. The connection / fixing of the third connecting portion 36C and the fourth connecting portion 36D and the fifth connecting portion 36E and the sixth connecting portion 36F is the same as the connecting / fixing of the first connecting portion 36A and the second connecting portion 36B. Can be done.

The solar panel cleaning device 10 of this embodiment is a type of the divided bodies 30A to 30D when used in the first maintenance state according to the length of the tilting 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, it is possible to connect the first divided body 30A and the fourth divided body 30D to form a connected body shorter than that of FIG. Is.

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

Here, by preparing a plurality of types of divided bodies having different lengths as at least one of the first to fourth divided bodies 30A to 30D, the solar panel units having various dimensions can be used. It becomes easy to change the dimensions of the connecting body.

As described above, the control unit 55 is provided for the operator to control the operation of the solar panel cleaning device 10 by using a remote controller or the like. Specifically, the control unit 55 controls to drive the moving motor 54 to move the connecting body 20 horizontally, and controls to drive the brush motors 43A to 43D and 44A to 44D to clean the panel surface 3. And control of sprinkling water by the sprinkler pipe 59 is executed. In the control unit 55 according to this embodiment, after a predetermined standby time (for example, 3 to 5 seconds) has elapsed from the start of watering by the watering pipe 59, the moving motor 54 and the brush motors 43A to 43D, The driving of 44A to 44D is started. As a result, 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 at the work start position of the solar panel cleaning device 10 is sufficient. Can be made. The length of this waiting time can be adjusted substantially steplessly by changing the program or the like.

Further, the control unit 55 has a function of digitally displaying the remaining battery level and the battery voltage. In addition, 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 status.

Further, the control unit 55 has a function of blinking a warning lamp when the operation is stopped due to an abnormal load generated in each driving portion of the solar panel cleaning device 10. This warning lamp blinks in different colors (for example, blue and red) depending on the place where the load is generated and the like. This makes it easier to identify the location of the abnormality when the solar panel cleaning device 10 is stopped in an emergency.

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 on the solar panel unit 1, first, the guide roller 21 provided on the first divided body 30A is attached to the upper side surface 1a of the solar panel unit 1. To cause the guide roller 21 to instruct the first divided body 30A.

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

At this time, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the connecting pin 39A provided in the first protruding portion 37A and the insertion hole 39B provided in the second retracting portion 38B are engaged with each other, and the second protruding portion 37B is engaged. The connecting pin 39A provided in the above and the insertion hole 39B provided in the first pull-in portion 38A are engaged with each other. At that time, at the same time that the connecting pin 39A is inserted into the insertion hole 39B, the two pairs of couplers 56A and 56B provided in the first split sprinkler pipe 59A and the second split sprinkler pipe 59B are also connected with one touch. After that, the first protruding portion 37A and the second retracting portion 38B are fixed by the fixing means K, the second protruding portion 37B and the first retracting portion 38A are fixed by the fixing means K, and further, control electricity (not shown) is used. 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 arranged below the second divided body 30B, and the third divided body 30B is provided. By engaging the third protruding portion 37C and the third retracting portion 38C of the connecting portion 36C with the fourth retracting portion 38D and the fourth protruding 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 division body 30A and the second division body 30B, the fourth division body 30D is arranged below the third division body 30C, and the fifth connection provided in the third division body 30C. By engaging the fifth protruding portion 37E and the fifth retracting portion 38E of the portion 36E with the sixth retracting portion 38F and the sixth protruding portion 37F of the sixth connecting portion 36F provided in the fourth divided body 30D, the fifth The three-divided body 30C and the fourth divided body 30D are connected.

As a result, all the divided bodies 30A to 30D are connected to complete the assembly of the cleaning device main body 30. 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.

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

In the solar panel cleaning device 10 of this embodiment, the frame is mainly made of aluminum to reduce the weight. Further, since the configuration for engaging the projecting portions 37A to 37D and the retracting portions 38A to 38D, the configuration for inserting the connecting pin 39A into the insertion hole 39B, the configuration for fixing with the fixing means K, and the like are provided, the connecting portions 36A to 36D are provided. Are firmly connected. Therefore, when the solar panel cleaning device 10 is moved for the next cleaning of the solar panel unit 1 after the cleaning of one solar panel unit 1 is completed, it is disassembled into the divided bodies 30A to 30D. It is not necessary to move it, and it can be moved in the assembled state.

As described above, in the solar panel cleaning device 10 of this embodiment, the types of the divided bodies 30A to 30D in the first maintenance state and the types of the divided bodies 30A to 30D in the first maintenance state are determined according to the length of the tilting 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 solar panel unit in the inclination direction L 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 in the case of FIG. It is possible to obtain the device. Further, when the length of the solar panel unit in the inclination direction L 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. It is possible to obtain a solar panel cleaning device having a longer connection than in 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 has a small body 30 as a "device main body" provided with a cleaning mechanism 40 and a "moving mechanism" for moving the small body 30. It has a configuration including 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 having a size that does not cover the entire tilting direction L of the solar panel unit 1. In this embodiment, the small body 30 has a third moving means 70 and a control unit 55, and the second moving means 60 is configured to be installed outside the small body 30.

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

Specifically, the cleaning mechanism dividing portion 40D constituting the cleaning mechanism 40 includes two left and right rotary brushes 41D and 42D extending in the inclination direction L, and a rotary brush motor for rotating the respective rotary brushes 41D and 42D. It is equipped with 43D and 44D. It should be noted that these configurations are in the same state as in use in the first maintenance state. These 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.

Further, 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 inclination direction L at a substantially center position in the left-right direction of the frame 61 of the second moving means 60 described later. It has a pinion gear 72 provided so as to mesh with the rack 71 provided in the above, and a rack and pinion structure is formed by these. Further, the pinion gear 72 is driven by a vertical movement motor 73 arranged in the fourth division body 30D, and the vertical movement motor 73 is driven in a state where the rack 71 and the pinion gear 72 are meshed with each other. As a result, the pinion gear 72 rotates in the vertical direction along the rack 71, and the fourth divided body 30D is configured to move up and down accordingly.

Further, in this embodiment, a flange-shaped portion 75 is arranged above the rack 71 (perpendicular to the panel surface 3) so as to project laterally from the teeth of the rack 71, and the flange-shaped portion 75 is arranged. Is formed in an elongated shape so as to cover the entire tilting direction L in which the rack 71 is formed. The flange-shaped portion 75 is designed to hold 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 is upward (relative to the panel surface 3). It is designed to prevent the meshing state with the rack 71 from being displaced in the vertical direction).

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

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a guide roller 65 is provided at the upper end (back side) of the rail member 60. 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 1a of the solar panel unit 1. Will be installed. Further, the guide roller 65 is composed of wheels 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, the pinion gear 72 of the rail member 60, the vertical movement motor 73, and the member that moves up and down together with these are equipped with the fourth divided body 30D as the small body 30. Further, a control unit 80 for the second maintenance state is arranged at the lower end (front side) position of the rail member 60, and the control unit 80 controls the cleaning mechanism 40 and the third moving means 70 in the small body 30. The movement of the rail member 60 in the lateral direction P is controlled.

The split body 30D may have a shielding brush (not shown) and a sprinkler pipe (not shown) as a "fluid supply pipe" together with the rotating brushes 41D and 42D as a configuration of the cleaning mechanism split portion 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 carried in a divided state at the time of transportation, so that the rail members 60 can be efficiently carried without taking up space. .. In addition, it is configured to reduce the burden on the operator because it can be taken and connected in order at the time of installation.

In this way, the split body 30D is mounted alone on the rail member 60, and the split body 30D is moved back and forth and left and right by the lateral moving means and the vertical moving means to perform cleaning, thereby performing the second maintenance. You can move the state.

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 member 60 is installed in the solar panel unit 1. Here, the guide roller 65 provided at the upper end (back side) of the divided portion is hooked on the upper side surface 1a of the solar panel unit 1 and the other divided portion is connected to the lower side (front side) thereof. , The rail member 60 is completed.

Next, the fourth divided body 30D from which the shafts 51D and 52D and the traveling wheel 53D of the first moving means divided portion 50D provided in the fourth divided body 30D have been removed in advance is arranged on the rail member 60. , Install by the specified method. In addition, a fluid supply pipe or the like is connected to a sprinkler pipe or the like (not shown) to prepare for it.

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

After that, the panel surface 3 is cleaned while the small body 30 is moved horizontally on the solar panel unit 1, for example, from the upper left to the upper right. Further, when the small body 30 reaches the right end, the small body 30 is moved downward (front side) by about 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 about the length in the vertical direction, and is moved horizontally from left to right. This is repeated to perform zigzag cleaning up to the lower end of the panel surface 3.

As described above, in the solar panel cleaning device 10 of the above-described embodiment, the device main body is connected and integrated with a plurality of divided bodies 30A to 30D, and the divided body 20 is less than the connected body 20. Maintenance work can be performed in both states of the small body 30 composed of the above. Therefore, the state of the apparatus main body can be selected according to the work environment, and the operator can select the optimum state and perform maintenance work.

Further, according to the solar panel cleaning device 10 of the above-described embodiment, by more specifically defining the movement of the main body of the device in the first maintenance state and the second maintenance state, the device is adapted to the work environment. The state of the main body can be selected more accurately, and the operator can select the most suitable state for maintenance work.

Further, according to the solar panel cleaning device 10 of the above-described embodiment, the first moving means 40 used in the first maintenance state, which has a relatively large device configuration, is divided into the divided bodies 30A to 30D. By being formed, it is possible to make a configuration that can be used by the worker by connecting the divided bodies 30A to 30D, and it is possible to reduce the work load performed by the worker.

Further, according to the solar panel cleaning device 10 of the above-described embodiment, the solar panel cleaning device is relatively easy to install because the small body 30 is installed on the rail member 60 in the second maintenance state. 10 installations can be made.

Further, according to the solar panel cleaning device 10 of the above-described embodiment, the panel surface is moved by using the rack 71 & the pinion 72 to move the small body 30 in the direction along the rail member 60 in the second maintenance state. Even when the inclination of 3 is gentle or substantially horizontal, it is possible to reliably move in the direction along the rail member 60.

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

It should be noted that each of the embodiments described above is described for facilitating the understanding of the present invention, and does not limit the present invention.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the guide rollers 21 and 65 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 present invention is not limited to this. Instead of the wheels, a member that slides with respect to the caterpillar or the upper side surface 1a may be used to move the apparatus main bodies 20 and 30 in the horizontal direction P.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the apparatus main body 20 and 30 are hooked on the upper side surface 1a of the solar panel unit 1 by the guide rollers 21 and 65 so as to be held by the solar panel unit 1. It is not limited, for example, when the installation angle of the solar panel 2 is relatively loose or horizontal, even if the guide roller is provided, basically only the linear movement ability of the moving means of the cleaning device main body 30 is available. It may be designed to run on the panel surface 3. In yet another configuration, the main body of the device may be held by the solar panel unit 1.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a traveling wheel such as a tire is provided as a moving mechanism for moving the cleaning mechanism 40 as a maintenance mechanism, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the caterpillar or sliding is provided instead of the traveling wheel. Members and the like may be provided and run on the solar panel 2 on these members.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the fourth divided body 30D alone is used as the small body 30, but the present invention is not limited to this, and another divided body may be used. , It may be possible to select which division to use. Further, the small body is not limited to one composed of one divided body, and may be configured to form a small body that moves in a zigzag manner by combining a plurality of divided bodies such as two or three.

Further, the configurations of the cleaning mechanism, the drive 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 structure of the connecting portion of the divided body is not limited to the one provided with the protruding portion and the retracting portion and the one provided with the connecting pin and the insertion hole, and may be connected by other methods.

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

Further, 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. Was used without a gap S, but is not limited to this. For example, the solar panel unit includes a solar panel unit 1 having no gap between adjacent solar panels along the horizontal direction P and a gap between adjacent solar panels along the inclined direction L. You may use it. Further, 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 wheel 53 is driven by the driving force of one moving motor 54, but the present 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 traveling 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. The movement mechanism of the small body may be configured by using all or a part of the movement mechanism previously attached.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the movement mechanism in the second maintenance state uses a rail member 60, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the small body self-propells without using the rail member. It may be a person who moves in a zigzag manner, or a person who moves a small body while supporting it at a predetermined position by using a support member other than the rail member. Further, the method of movement is not limited to zigzag, and may be a person who follows another movement trajectory.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, in the first maintenance state, the rotary brushes 41 A to 41 D and 42 A to 42 D are the divided bodies 30 A to 30 D, respectively, and the brush motors 43 A to 43 D, 44 , respectively. It was configured to be driven independently by A to 44D , but 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 with each other. At this time, only one brush motor may be used to drive the rotating brushes in the same row. The rotating brushes of the divided bodies 30A to 30D may be connected to each other by a one-touch coupler or the like at the same time as the axes of the divided bodies 30A to 30D are connected.

Further, 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, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a solar panel coating device that forms an antireflection film by applying a coating agent to the panel surface of a solar panel in order to improve or restore power generation. The present invention can also be applied to a solar panel coating device further having a function of spreading the applied coating agent with a blade or the like.

Further, not only the solar panel cleaning device of the type that uses a brush and water for cleaning as described above, but also a cleaning device having another configuration, for example, a blow device that blows off dust and the like on the panel surface to clean the panel. The present invention is applied to a solar panel cleaning device, a type of solar panel cleaning device that removes dust, etc. by sweeping or wiping the panel surface without using water using a brush, a blade, or the like. 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 blow device in parallel.

1 Solar panel unit 2 Solar panel 3 Panel surface 10 Solar panel cleaning device (solar panel maintenance device)
20 Connection (device body)
21 Guide roller 30 Small body (device body)
30A 1st divided body (divided body)
30B 2nd split body (split body)
30C 3rd divided body (divided body)
30D 4th divided body (divided body)
36A 1st connecting part (connecting part)
36B 2nd connecting part (connecting part)
36C 3rd connecting part (connecting part)
36D 4th connecting part (connecting part)
36E 5th connecting part (connecting part)
36F 6th connecting part (connecting part)
37A 1st protrusion (projection)
37B Second protrusion (projection)
37C 3rd protrusion (projection)
37D 4th protrusion (projection)
37E 5th protrusion (protrusion)
37F 6th protrusion (projection)
38A 1st retracting part (retracting part)
38B 2nd retracting part (retracting part)
38C 3rd retracting part (retracting part)
38D 4th retracting part (retracting part)
38E 5th retracting part (retracting part)
38F 6th retracting part (retracting part)
39A Connecting pin 39B Insertion hole 40 Cleaning mechanism (maintenance mechanism)
40A to 40D Cleaning mechanism division 41A to 41D Rotating brush 42A to 42D Rotating brush 43A to 43D Rotating brush motor 44A to 44D Rotating brush motor 50 First moving means (moving mechanism)
51A-51D Shaft 52A-52D Shaft 53A-53D Traveling wheel 54 Moving motor 55 Control unit 56A, 56B Coupler 59 Sprinkler pipe (fluid supply pipe)
59A Divided sprinkler pipe (divided fluid supply pipe)
59B split sprinkler pipe (split fluid supply pipe)
60 Second moving means (rail member, moving mechanism)
61 Frame 62 Shaft 63 Traveling wheel 64 Moving motor 65 Guide roller 70 Third moving means (moving mechanism)
71 Rack 72 Pinion gear 73 Vertical movement motor 75 Collar 80 Control unit P Horizontal direction (horizontal direction)
L Tilt direction (vertical direction)

Claims (6)

It is a solar panel maintenance device that maintains and manages a solar panel unit in which a plurality of solar panels having a panel surface are installed side by side.
The main body of the device equipped with a maintenance mechanism for performing maintenance work on the solar panel unit, and
A moving mechanism that moves the main body of the device along the panel surface,
Have,
As the main body of the apparatus, a plurality of divided bodies provided with the maintenance mechanism are connected and integrated in substantially one direction along the panel surface to cover all the panel surfaces of the solar panel unit in substantially one direction. The moving mechanism is the first moving means for moving the connecting body in a direction orthogonal to the substantially one direction to which the connecting body is connected. The first maintenance state where maintenance work is performed, and
As the main body of the device, a smaller number of the divided bodies than the divided bodies constituting the connected body are connected and integrated in the substantially one direction along the panel surface to be integrated in all of the substantially one direction of the solar panel unit. The first moving means or the first moving means for moving the small body in the orthogonal direction as the moving mechanism by using a small body having a length that does not cover the panel surface or one of the divided bodies. A second maintenance state in which the maintenance work is performed using the second moving means different from the first moving means and the third moving means for moving the small body in substantially one direction.
A solar panel maintenance device characterized by being configured to be convertible to. In the first maintenance state, the connecting body on the panel surface is reciprocated in the substantially orthogonal direction by the first moving means to perform the maintenance work.
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 device according to claim 1, wherein the maintenance work is performed by moving the solar panel. The first moving means is formed in a state of being separated for each of the divided bodies, and the first moving means is also configured to be connected and function by connecting and integrating the divided bodies. The solar panel maintenance device according to claim 1 or 2. In the second maintenance state, a rail member that is hooked on the upper end position of the solar panel unit and extends to the lower end of the solar panel unit is arranged, and the small body is installed on the rail member in the rail direction of the rail member. 1 to 3, wherein the small body is movably configured along the line, and the rail member is movably configured by moving the rail member in the orthogonal direction. The solar panel maintenance device according to any one. In the second maintenance state, the pinion gear provided on the small body and the rack arranged on the rail member mesh with each other 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. A flange-shaped portion protruding from the teeth of the rack is formed above the rack of the rail member.
The fifth aspect of claim 5, wherein the pinion gear meshed with the rack is prevented from being displaced upward at the flange-shaped portion, and the meshed state of both is maintained. Solar panel maintenance equipment.

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