DE102012002916A1 - System for cleaning objects having inclined surfaces, particularly solar- or photovoltaic systems, has multiple different functional modules assembled to cleaning device that has cleaning module, retaining module and central coupling module - Google Patents

Abstract

The system has multiple different functional modules, which are assembled to a cleaning device (10). The cleaning device has a cleaning module (20), a retaining module (16) and a central coupling module (12), by which different functional modules are connected with each other in the assembled state. The coupling module has multiple coupling positions (14), on which the functional module is mechanically connected with the coupling module in a detachable manner in each case. The cleaning module comprises a brush roller.

Description

The present invention relates to a system for cleaning, in particular inclined surfaces having objects, in particular of solar or photovoltaic systems.

There are, for example, mobile cleaning devices are known which have a rotating in operation brush, which is attached via a bracket to a boom of a vehicle.

In addition, permanently installed on solar or photovoltaic systems cleaning systems are known.

A disadvantage of such cleaning devices is that they can not be quickly opened or removed, for example, to be used at a different location. The transport of such cleaning devices often turns out to be difficult, since such devices either have a very large transport size or make expensive disassembly into easily transportable items required.

It is an object of the invention to provide a cleaning system that allows for a simple and inexpensive construction, a cleaning of objects, in particular solar or photovoltaic systems.

The object is achieved by a system having the features of claim 1.

According to the invention, the cleaning system has a plurality of different functional modules, which can be assembled to form a cleaning device. The cleaning device comprises at least one cleaning module, a holding module and a central coupling module. In the assembled state, the different functional modules are connected to one another via the central coupling module, which has a plurality of coupling sites, on each of which a functional module can be connected mechanically, for example via a plug-in, latching or screw connection.

The central coupling module allows, together with the plurality of different functional modules, an extremely flexible and adapted to the particular circumstances embodiment of the cleaning device. With minimal constructive effort, this cleaning system nevertheless allows to realize all essential components of a cleaning device optimally suited for the desired purpose. In particular, the modular design not only allows a low weight and low manufacturing and operating costs, but also a very simple adaptability to different sizes of objects to be cleaned, for example, cleaning modules of different sizes can be connected to the central coupling module. This is particularly important in the field of cleaning solar or photovoltaic systems of great practical importance.

The cleaning system may be designed so that it is permanently connected to the object to be cleaned, or in such a way that it is only temporarily attached to the object to be cleaned and after cleaning, for example, for cleaning another object, removed.

In addition, according to the invention, cleaning systems are also conceivable which are not attached to the object to be cleaned, but are merely guided on the object to be cleaned by means of the holding module, for example.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

According to one embodiment, the functional modules can each be connected by mating with the coupling module. A simple plug-in connection has the advantage that the individual modules can be quickly and easily attached to the coupling module and removed from it, in particular without the use of tools. A quick replacement of the function modules is thus guaranteed. Alternatively or additionally, latching or screw connections are also conceivable here.

According to a further embodiment, at least some coupling stations are designed mechanically identical. An identical structure of the coupling stations allows the attachment of the function modules anywhere on the central coupling module. The structure of the cleaning device can thus be changed quickly and easily. It is advantageous if the connecting pieces of the functional modules, which are connected to the coupling stations, are mechanically identical. However, it is also conceivable that, for example, only the coupling sites for the cleaning modules are identical and differ from the coupling space for the holding module, so as to pretend already a certain basic design.

According to a further embodiment, the coupling stations are arranged in a cross-shaped or star-shaped manner on the coupling module. In this way, for example, a symmetrical arrangement of the cleaning modules can be realized. Alternatively or In addition, the coupling sites, or at least some of them, lie in a common coupling plane, with the coupling plane preferably extending at least substantially parallel to a surface to be cleaned during use. This is particularly advantageous when using identical cleaning modules. In the case of cleaning modules of different sizes, however, it would also be conceivable to arrange the respective coupling places at different heights. It is also conceivable that the coupling station for the holding module is located in a different plane than the coupling stations of the other functional modules. So this coupling space z. B. be oriented perpendicular to this plane or be rotatably mounted and include any angle with the plane.

According to a further embodiment, the coupling module is provided with a mechanical and / or electrical control and / or distribution function, which is designed to supply energy, in particular in the form of a supplied fluid stream, for. As water, in a predeterminable and in particular changeable manner to distribute at least two connected to the coupling module cleaning and / or drive modules. If energy is supplied in the form of a fluid flow for a fluid drive, the coupling module z. B. have electrically controllable valves. As supplied energy, however, electrical current is also conceivable with which a motor is driven in at least one cleaning and / or drive module. The control and / or distribution function controls the power of the respective motors via the respectively supplied currents. The control can for example be done once at the beginning of the cleaning process on the coupling module itself or alternatively permanently or at any time using a remote control. The remote control can z. B. wirelessly send signals to a receiver of the coupling module or transfer the control commands using a data line to the coupling module, which can be performed for example in or on the holding module. In this way it can be adjusted, which amount of energy is supplied to the respective cleaning and / or drive module. Thus, it is conceivable to supply all cleaning and / or drive modules with the same amount of energy, or at least to design a module primarily as a drive module. The drive module would thus be supplied with a larger amount of energy than the modules that function mainly as cleaning modules. Thus, it can also be controlled in which direction the cleaning device moves.

According to a further embodiment, the cleaning module comprises a brush roller. Preferably, two brush rollers are arranged on opposite sides of the coupling module. The axes of rotation of the brush rollers in this case in particular run parallel to each other, while the brushes are each connected in the middle, preferably indirectly via connecting portions, with coupling sites, which are oriented perpendicular to the axes of rotation of the brush rollers. The brush rollers thus substantially form an H-shape together with the connecting portions and the coupling module. However, it is also conceivable to mount two further, mutually perpendicular brush rollers on the coupling module perpendicular to the axes of rotation of the brush rollers, so that the coupling module is completely framed by brush rollers.

According to a further embodiment, the holding module is formed elongated. In this way, the cleaning device can be precisely guided by a user.

According to a further embodiment, the holding module comprises a rigid support rod, wherein in particular the support rod is variable in length. In this way areas can be cleaned that are located at different distances to the user. Preferably, the support rod is designed to be telescopic. However, it is also conceivable to form the support rod, for example, as one another plug-in individual elements.

Alternatively, the retaining module is flexible or flexible. In this case, the cleaning device, for example, held like a kite on a rope that is loaded on train.

According to a further embodiment, the holding module is designed as a fluid line, in particular as a hose or as a hollow rod. The holding module thus fulfills a dual function.

The fluid flows z. B. from a tank or a connected high-pressure cleaner through the holding module into the central coupling module. From there, it is, if appropriate in accordance with the control and / or distribution function of the coupling module, passed through the hollow connecting sections in the individual cleaning and / or drive modules.

According to a further embodiment, a functional module in the form of a drive module is provided, which is designed to generate a relative movement of the cleaning device relative to a surface to be cleaned. As a drive unit can be provided according to the Schaufelradprinzip example, a fluid drive. Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable to design the drive unit, for example, as an electric motor.

In a development, the drive module is formed by a cleaning module, in particular by a rotatable brush roller. In this case, the drive module in particular comprises a drive section which is provided with a friction-increasing material, for example rubber. This improves the propulsion. When using a fluid drive only a single drive is necessary, which both sets the cleaning module in rotation and drives the cleaning device as a whole.

According to a further embodiment, a functional module in the form of a guide module is provided, which is designed to couple the cleaning device with an object to be cleaned. In this way, the cleaning device is firmly connected to the object to be cleaned.

According to a development, the guide module is designed to be supported on an edge region of the object to be cleaned, for example, a module of a solar or photovoltaic system, and / or to encompass or reach behind an edge region of the object to be cleaned. In this way, the cleaning device is held securely to the object to be cleaned during operation. In addition, the guide module can be guided through the edge region of the object to be cleaned. Preferably, two guide modules are provided, which are arranged on two opposite edge regions of the object to be cleaned. The cleaning device is thus stably guided on both sides. This leads in particular to a uniform cleaning result.

According to a further embodiment, the guide module comprises at least one roller and / or at least one slider. Thus, the cleaning device can be moved in particular smoothly along the object to be cleaned. Preferably, the guide module has a plurality of suitably mounted rollers or roller pairs, so that - similar to the principle of a cableway - unevenness, for example due to brackets and / or gaps in the edge region of the object to be cleaned, can be compensated and ensured that always at least one role or ., a pair of rollers of the guide module is in engagement with the object.

Preferably, the guide module is formed as, in particular on the object to be cleaned attachable or attachable, carriages or carriages. The car may for example have several roles. This construction ensures a stable and secure guidance of the guide module. Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning device is provided as a whole in the form of a carriage or carriage, which can be placed or suspended on the object to be cleaned.

The invention also relates to a cleaning device composed of different functional modules of a system as described herein.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the drawings. Show it:

1 a top view of a first embodiment of a cleaning device according to the invention,

2 a top view of a second embodiment of a cleaning device according to the invention,

3 a plan view of a third embodiment of a cleaning device according to the invention, and

4 a plan view of a fourth embodiment of a cleaning device according to the invention.

1 shows a cleaning device 10 for cleaning objects, in particular solar or photovoltaic systems. A central coupling module 12 is in this case T-shaped and has at each of its three end portions a connection 14 as a coupling place. The coupling module 12 Also includes two substantially T-shaped arranged hollow tubes 13 . 13 ' , which preferably made of a lightweight material, such. As aluminum or plastic, exist. The hollow tube 13 ' This is itself designed as a T-piece, which like a joint partially in the hollow tube 13 arranged and rotatable relative to this. Alternatively, a rigid connection or a one-piece T-piece is conceivable.

At one of the connections 14 is a telescopic, hollow handrail 16 plugged as a holding module. The two to the handrail 16 vertically oriented connections 14 serve to attach each a brush roller 20 as a cleaning module, which in the middle via a hollow connecting portion 22 to the connection 14 is plugged. The axes of rotation of the brush rollers 20 run parallel to each other and parallel to a surface to be cleaned. Due to the articulated connection, the angle between the support bar 16 and the axes of rotation of the brush rollers 20 be changed to z. B. appropriate inclinations of the area to be cleaned account.

The connections 14 of the coupling module 12 are identically formed, so that the positions of the brush rollers 20 and the handrail 16 can be swapped arbitrarily.

Each brush roller 20 is powered by a drive unit, which acts as a fluid drive 24 , For example, paddle wheel, at the connecting portion 22 is formed, set in rotation. The fluid, especially water, in this case first flows over the support rod 16 that z. B. is connected to a high-pressure cleaner, not shown, via the connection 14 in the coupling module 12 one. Due to the T-shape, the fluid is evenly distributed in the perpendicular to the support rod 16 extending hollow tube 13 , Purely different flow cross sections, for example, can provide for a given speed difference, if this is desired in specific applications.

Then the fluid flows through the connections 14 in the infected connection sections 22 , which are also hollow, and thus passes to the fluid drives 24 , There, the fluid displaces the outlet sections of the fluid drives via a paddle wheel 24 in rotation, which with the brush rollers 20 are coupled. The fluid drives 24 For example, they are oriented in such a way that they cause the same direction of rotation of the two brush rollers 20 guarantee. Subsequently, the fluid passes through openings in the brush rollers 20 on the object to be cleaned.

2 shows a cleaning device 10 in which the coupling module 12 is designed as a multifunctional component. In addition to four cross-shaped and oriented in a plane terminals 14 is perpendicular to this plane and thus in operation perpendicular to the surface to be cleaned another connection 14 provided on which a hose 16 connected as a holding module. Because the hose 16 flexible, the cleaning device can 10 not directly by means of the hose 16 be steered. To the direction of movement of the cleaning device 10 here is a control unit 26 provided by means of a receiver 28 Control signals of a remote control 30 receives and controls based on one or more adjustment motors, not shown. An adjusting motor drives a drive pinion 32 on, which with a relatively rotatable gear 34 is engaged and thus a relative rotation of the brush rollers 20 relative to the gear 34 , the connection 14 and the hose connected to it 16 allows.

In addition to the direction setting, the control unit 26 alternatively or additionally used, the fluid flow in the individual brush rollers 20 to control. Using the remote control 30 can send data to the receiver 28 the control unit 26 which regulates which amount of fluid to the respective brush rollers 20 should be supplied. The fluid flows through the hose 16 over the connection 14 in the coupling module 12 and in a joint tube located therein 35 , The joint tube 35 is articulated with the connection 14 connected to ensure an unobstructed fluid flow during a rotation. Finally, the fluid passes to the control unit 26 in which, for example via valves, the amount of fluid is determined, that of the left or right brush roller 20 is supplied. In this way, a relative speed difference can be set and z. Example, which of the two brush rollers 20 mainly serves as a drive and the direction of movement of the cleaning device 10 certainly.

3 shows a cleaning device 10 which is powered by two cars 36 , which each have two roles 38 have, on two opposite edge regions of a solar module 40 is supported. The cars 36 are here via connecting rods 42 on opposite connections 14 of the cross-shaped coupling module 12 attached. At the vertically oriented connections 14 of the coupling module 12 are over the connecting sections 22 two brush rollers 20 arranged. The axes of rotation of the brush rollers 20 in this case run perpendicular to a cleaning direction A. Using the car 36 It is thus possible, the cleaning device 10 along the cleaning direction A and thus to move along an elongated solar system.

There is also a handrail 16 provided, which in 3 is shown in dashed lines. With this, the cleaning device 10 on the solar module 40 be moved back and forth. About the handrail 16 it is also possible to supply fluid and thus, for example, the fluid drives 24 with which the brush rollers 20 be set in rotation to provide fluid.

4 shows an embodiment that is essentially that of the 3 equivalent. Here, however, is additionally a control unit 26 (see also 2 ) provided with the z. B. via valves, the amount of fluid can be adjusted, which the respective brush rollers 20 is provided as drive and / or cleaning agent.

Due to the multifunctional nature of the universally applicable coupling module 12 It is possible, functional modules of different types, function and design in a simple way with the coupling module 12 to connect.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

cleaning device

12

coupling module

13, 13 '

hollow tube

14

Connection, coupling point

16

Handrail, hose, holding module

20

Brush roller, cleaning module

22

connecting portion

24

fluid drive

26

control unit

28

receiver

30

Remote control

32

pinion

34

gear

35

The articulated pipe

36

Cart, guide module

38

role

40

solar module

42

connecting rod

A

cleaning direction

Claims (11)

System for cleaning, in particular inclined surfaces, having objects, in particular of solar or photovoltaic systems, with a plurality of different functional modules, which lead to a cleaning device ( 10 ), which at least one cleaning module ( 20 ), a holding module ( 16 ) as well as a central coupling module ( 12 ), over which in the assembled state different functional modules are connected to each other, wherein the coupling module ( 12 ) a plurality of coupling sites ( 14 ), on each of which a functional module with the coupling module ( 12 ) is releasably mechanically connectable. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the functional modules each by mating with the coupling module ( 12 ) are connectable, and / or that at least some coupling stations ( 14 ) are executed mechanically identical. System according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the coupling places ( 14 ) crosswise or star-shaped on the coupling module ( 12 ) are arranged and / or lie in a common coupling plane, wherein preferably the coupling plane during use extends at least substantially parallel to a surface to be cleaned. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling module ( 12 ) is provided with a mechanical and / or electrical control and / or distribution function, which is adapted to supply energy, in particular in the form of a supplied fluid flow, in a predeterminable and in particular changeable manner to at least two with the coupling module ( 12 ) associated cleaning and / or drive modules ( 20 ) to distribute. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning module is a brush roller ( 20 ). System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding module ( 16 ) is elongated, and / or that the holding module ( 16 ) is designed as a fluid line, in particular as a hose or as a hollow rod. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding module a rigid support rod ( 16 ), in particular the support rod ( 16 ) is variable in length, in particular telekopierbar, or that the holding module ( 16 ) is flexible or flexible. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a functional module is provided in the form of a drive module, which is adapted to a relative movement of the cleaning device ( 10 ) relative to a surface to be cleaned, wherein in particular the drive module of a cleaning module ( 20 ) is formed, in particular of a rotatable brush roller. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a functional module in the form of a guide module ( 36 ) is provided, which is adapted to the cleaning device ( 10 ) to couple with an object to be cleaned, in particular the guide module ( 36 ) is adapted to be supported on an edge region of the object to be cleaned and / or to encompass or reach behind an edge region of the object to be cleaned. System according to claim 9, characterized in that the guide module ( 36 ) at least one role ( 38 ) and / or at least one slider, and / or that the guide module as, in particular on the object to be cleaned attachable or attachable, carriage ( 36 ) or carriage is formed. Cleaning device ( 10 ) composed of different functional modules of a system according to any one of the preceding claims.

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