WO2022014457A1 - Cleaning device and solar power generation device - Google Patents

Cleaning device and solar power generation device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022014457A1
WO2022014457A1 PCT/JP2021/025755 JP2021025755W WO2022014457A1 WO 2022014457 A1 WO2022014457 A1 WO 2022014457A1 JP 2021025755 W JP2021025755 W JP 2021025755W WO 2022014457 A1 WO2022014457 A1 WO 2022014457A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cleaning
support
cleaning device
array
attached
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2021/025755
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
和志 飯屋谷
義哉 安彦
塁 三上
エマニュエル アレクサンドル ジウディチェリ
靖和 古結
孝 岩崎
Original Assignee
住友電気工業株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 住友電気工業株式会社 filed Critical 住友電気工業株式会社
Publication of WO2022014457A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022014457A1/en

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B1/00—Cleaning by methods involving the use of tools
    • B08B1/10—Cleaning by methods involving the use of tools characterised by the type of cleaning tool
    • B08B1/14—Wipes; Absorbent members, e.g. swabs or sponges
    • B08B1/143—Wipes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L11/38—Machines, specially adapted for cleaning walls, ceilings, roofs, or the like
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B1/00—Cleaning by methods involving the use of tools
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
    • H02S40/00—Components or accessories in combination with PV modules, not provided for in groups H02S10/00 - H02S30/00
    • H02S40/10—Cleaning arrangements
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to a cleaning device and a photovoltaic power generation device.
  • This application claims priority based on Japanese Application No. 2020-12214 filed on July 15, 2020, and incorporates all the contents described in the Japanese application.
  • the surface of the array (panel) of the photovoltaic power generation device may be contaminated with sand or the like.
  • the rain may naturally wash away dirt, but in areas with low rain, sand accumulates. If the dirt on the sand is left unattended, the power generation efficiency will decrease, so regular cleaning work will be required.
  • cleaning is mainly performed manually, but labor costs are high, so a cleaning device is required.
  • a cleaning device for cleaning windows of a building.
  • a window cleaning robot and a window cleaning tool have also been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).
  • the cleaning device of the present disclosure is a cleaning device that can be attached to an array configured by arranging a plurality of photovoltaic modules in a plane.
  • the cleaning device has a cleaning head that cleans the surface of the array while sliding, and the cleaning head is a cleaning head.
  • a support having a bottom extending in one direction along the surface and forming a gap between the surface and the support.
  • a cleaning cloth that is passed through the gap and is attached so that the winding length of the support with respect to the outer surface is longer than that of tightly winding the support. Have.
  • the present disclosure is a photovoltaic power generation device including the array and the cleaning device.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an array of photovoltaic power generation devices.
  • FIG. 2 is a view taken along the line II in FIG.
  • FIG. 3 is a view taken along the line III in FIG. 2, but shows only the support.
  • FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state of the cleaning head at the time of cleaning, paying attention to the support and the cleaning cloth, and shows the state when the cleaning head is sliding to the right.
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state of the cleaning head at the time of cleaning, paying attention to the support and the cleaning cloth, and is a cross-sectional view in which the sliding direction is reversed from that of FIG. FIG.
  • FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a cleaning head provided with a cleaning cloth in the case where the fourth portion and the fifth portion in FIG. 4 are absent as a reference example.
  • FIG. 7 is a view looking above the guide member in the VII arrow view of FIG. 1, for example.
  • FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the movement of the cleaning head corresponding to FIG. 7.
  • FIG. 9 shows the cleaning effect when the cleaning cloth is wound in close contact with the outer frame (that is, the outer surface) in the cross-sectional view of the support, instead of the cleaning cloth in a slack state as shown in FIG. It is a graph which shows.
  • FIG. 10 is a graph showing the results of cleaning with the cleaning head using the cleaning cloth of the loose winding method shown in FIGS.
  • FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a cleaning head of the cleaning device according to the second embodiment.
  • the support is the same as that of the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a state of the cleaning head at the time of cleaning, and shows a state when the cleaning head is sliding to the right.
  • FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a state of the cleaning head at the time of cleaning, and shows a state when the cleaning head is sliding to the right.
  • FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a state of the cleaning head when there is a step between modules on the surface of the array.
  • FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the support is tilted forward in the sliding direction (rightward direction) and the bottom portion is not parallel to the surface.
  • FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the support is tilted forward in the sliding direction (leftward) and the bottom portion is not parallel to the surface.
  • Concentrating photovoltaics may be installed in dry, high-altitude highlands where water resources are scarce. In this case, it is difficult to secure water for cleaning and manage water storage. If you sprinkle an insufficient amount of water and rub it with a cleaning device, the dirt may spread and the surface may be scratched. In particular, there are variations in the cleaning results, and it is not possible to perform good cleaning uniformly over the entire array.
  • the present disclosure provides a cleaning device and a photovoltaic power generation device that are water-independent and can perform more uniform and good cleaning of the entire array by using one type of cleaning head. With the goal.
  • Embodiments of the present disclosure include at least the following as a gist thereof.
  • This is a cleaning device attached to an array configured by arranging a plurality of photovoltaic modules in a plane, and the cleaning device has a cleaning head that cleans the surface of the array while sliding.
  • the cleaning head extends in one direction along the surface, and has a support having a bottom forming a gap between the cleaning head and the surface, and the winding length of the support, which is passed through the gap and is wound around the outer surface of the support. It has a cleaning cloth, which is attached in a longer state than it is tightly wrapped.
  • the cleaning cloth when the support slides, the cleaning cloth has a part extending from the part under the bottom so as to drag backward in the sliding direction.
  • the portion below the bottom but also the portion extending rearward in the sliding direction is in contact with the surface of the array. Therefore, the area in contact with the surface of the array is increased by the amount of the extended portion, and the cleaning effect is improved. In this way, water-independent and more uniform and good cleaning can be performed on the entire array.
  • "longer than tightly wound" means that the winding length is sufficiently long from the beginning, and the cleaning cloth attached in close contact is not in a state of being naturally stretched by use.
  • the support has a front portion in the slide direction, a bottom portion, and a rear portion in the slide direction, and the cleaning cloth when sliding in contact with the surface.
  • a first part that is attached to the front part and does not contribute to cleaning
  • a second part that is an extension from the first part and is passed through the gap along the bottom part and contributes to cleaning.
  • An extension from the second part a third part that contributes to cleaning by its own weight, a fourth part that is folded upward from the third part, and an extension from the fourth part, the rear part.
  • a fifth site which is attached to and does not contribute to cleaning.
  • the third part and the fourth part are the parts formed behind the sliding direction of the cleaning cloth, which is in a state longer than that of being tightly wound at the time of sliding.
  • the first and fifth parts serve to attach the cleaning cloth to the support.
  • the second and third sites are in contact with the surface of the array and contribute to cleaning.
  • the fourth site suppresses lifting so that the third site dragged during the slide touches the surface of the array.
  • the length of the third portion is equivalent to the length of the second portion in the slide direction. If the third part is too long compared to the length of the second part, the cleaning cloth tends to lift up from the surface, and it is difficult to contribute to cleaning. On the contrary, if the third portion is too short with respect to the length of the second portion, a sufficient cleaning area cannot be secured and the cleaning effect is lowered.
  • the support can be tilted forward within a predetermined angle range in the slide direction from a posture in which the bottom is parallel to the surface. It is preferable that it is. In this case, when the cleaning head moves to the surface of the next photovoltaic power generation module, the axis of the support tilts forward, which makes it easier to enter. In addition, it is easy to deal with contact with minute irregularities. Even if it leans forward, it is possible to prevent the third portion from being pushed away from the surface to be cleaned by its own weight or from the fourth portion.
  • the contour shape of the cross section of the support orthogonal to the one direction is preferably rectangular. In this case, since the bottom of the support is flat, it is easy to push the second portion to the corner of the surface of the array.
  • the quadrangle is preferably a rectangle whose long side is the direction perpendicular to the surface. In this case, even if the support extends long in one direction, the bending of the cleaning head is suppressed, and the variation in the quality of cleaning is suppressed.
  • the cleaning device is at the boundary between the guide members provided at both ends of the array and the photovoltaic power generation modules adjacent to each other in the sliding direction of the cleaning head. It may be provided with a protrusion provided on the guide member and a drive wheel attached to both ends of a slider for sliding the cleaning head and moving on the guide member. In this case, even if there is a step between adjacent photovoltaic power generation modules, the cleaning head can easily get over the step by riding the drive wheel on the protrusion.
  • the support may be configured to include an auxiliary unit for urging the cleaning cloth to spread forward and backward in the sliding direction, respectively. ..
  • the cleaning cloth can be expanded forward and backward, respectively, to increase the contact area of the cleaning cloth with the surface of the array except at the bottom of the support.
  • the auxiliary unit has a spring whose base end is attached to the support and for expanding the cleaning cloth, and a pressing portion attached to the tip of the spring. , May be included.
  • the spring allows not only expansion and contraction in the direction of the spring axis but also some twisting, there may be a step in the height of the lower end of the pressing portion before and after the support. As a result, even if there is a step on the surface between two adjacent photovoltaic power generation modules, cleaning can be performed corresponding to this step.
  • the solar power generation device includes the array and the cleaning device according to any one of (1) to (9).
  • the cleaning device in the above-mentioned photovoltaic power generation device when the support slides, the cleaning cloth has a portion extending from a portion under the bottom so as to drag backward in the sliding direction.
  • the cleaning cloth has a portion extending from a portion under the bottom so as to drag backward in the sliding direction.
  • the portion below the bottom but also the portion extending rearward in the sliding direction is in contact with the surface of the array. Therefore, the area in contact with the surface of the array is increased by the amount of the extended portion, and the cleaning effect is improved.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an array 1 of a photovoltaic power generation device 100.
  • the photovoltaic power generation device 100 is, for example, a condensing type, and is supported by a support not shown and driven in two directions of an azimuth angle and an elevation angle to change its posture and track the sun.
  • the array 1 is configured by arranging photovoltaic power generation modules of the same shape (hereinafter, simply referred to as modules) vertically and horizontally in a plane. In this figure, 12 modules M11, M12, M13, M14, M21, M22, M23, M24, M31, M32, M33, M34 are shown. Each module is composed of photovoltaic power generation units that collect sunlight and guide it to a power generation element to generate power in a matrix.
  • the number of modules and the overall shape of the array are merely examples for convenience of illustration.
  • Array 1 in FIG. 1 is in a state in which, for example, the module M33 on the front side is inclined downward to the front side so that the height in the vertical direction is lower than that of the module M13 on the back side.
  • the arrangement direction of the modules M31 to M34 (or M21 to M24, M11 to M14) is referred to as "horizontal direction", and the arrangement direction of the modules M11 to M31 (or M12 to M32, M13 to M33, M14 to M34) is referred to as "vertical direction”. Is called.
  • Guide members 2 are attached to both lateral ends of the array 1.
  • a protrusion 3 is provided at a position corresponding to the vertical gap between the modules in the vertical direction.
  • the cleaning device 4 can move in the vertical direction while being guided by the left and right guide members 2.
  • the cleaning device 4 has a slider 5 and a cleaning head 6 attached to the slider 5.
  • the surface of the array 1 can be cleaned by the cleaning head 6 sliding in the vertical direction together with the slider 5 and reciprocating.
  • FIG. 2 is a view taken along the line II in FIG.
  • the slider 5 includes a housing 5a extending laterally in FIG. 1, support members 5b at both left and right ends of the slider 5, electric drive wheels 5c, and a lower spring receiver 5d provided by bending the upper ends of the support members 5b toward the front. It is provided with two round bars 5f between the upper spring receiver 5e provided by bending the upper end of the housing 5a toward the front, and a compression spring 5g attached to the round bar 5f.
  • the upper spring receiver 5e prevents the upper end of the round bar 5f from coming off downward, but does not restrict the round bar 5f from moving upward. Therefore, the support member 5b and the drive wheel 5c can move up and down while expanding and contracting the compression spring 5g. Further, the drive wheel 5c is pressed against the guide member 2 by the compression spring 5g.
  • the cleaning head 6 includes a support (6a), which will be described later, which is attached to the lower part 5h of the support member 5b and is hidden behind the lower part 5h in FIG. 2, and a cleaning cloth 6b.
  • the cleaning cloth 6b is attached to the support in a large slack state. If there is no surface 1S of the array, it hangs down as shown in the figure. In reality, since there is the surface 1S of the array, it is in a state of spreading laterally on the surface 1S (details will be described later).
  • As the cleaning cloth 6b a soft microfiber cloth that hangs under its own weight is suitable.
  • FIG. 3 is a view taken along the line III in FIG. 2, but shows only the support 6a.
  • the cross-sectional shape is shown in the central fractured part.
  • the support 6a is attached to the left and right hanging portions 5h described above.
  • the support 6a includes a main body portion 6a1 for support and a cushion material 6a2.
  • the main body portion 6a1 is, for example, a known structural member made of an aluminum alloy having a cross-sectional shape as shown in the figure.
  • the main body portion 6a1 having such a cross-sectional shape is extremely lightweight and does not easily bend.
  • the support 6a as a whole is a structure extending along the surface 1S.
  • the contour shape of the cross section of the support 6a in the direction perpendicular to the surface 1S of the array is a quadrangle, and in particular, here, the rectangular shape whose long side is the direction perpendicular to the surface 1S. Therefore, the support 6a is parallel to the surface 1S and is less likely to bend in the lateral direction of FIG. 1, and is suitable for use as a core or a “beam” of the cleaning head 6.
  • a cushion material 6a2 is attached to the lower end of the main body 6a1.
  • the cushion material 6a2 is a rubber, elastomer or sponge-like member.
  • the lower surface of the cushion material 6a2 is a flat surface and is long in the lateral direction in FIG.
  • FIG. 4 and 5 are cross-sectional views showing a state of the cleaning head 6 at the time of cleaning, paying attention to the support 6a and the cleaning cloth 6b.
  • FIG. 4 shows a state when the cleaning head 6 is sliding to the right.
  • the cleaning cloth 6b is passed through a gap G between the bottom portion 6B of the support 6a (the bottom portion of the cushion material 6a2) and the surface 1S of the array.
  • the cleaning cloth 6b is attached so that the winding length of the support 6a with respect to the outer surface is sufficiently longer than that of the support 6a being wound in close contact with the outer surface. Therefore, the cleaning cloth 6b when the support 6a slides has a portion extending so as to drag backward in the sliding direction.
  • the support 6a has a front portion 6F, a bottom portion 6B in the slide direction, and a rear portion 6R in the slide direction.
  • the cleaning cloth 6b is attached to the front portion 6F and is an extension from the first portion 61 that does not contribute to cleaning and the second portion 61 that is passed through the gap G along the bottom portion 6B and contributes to cleaning.
  • the fifth portion 65 which is attached to the rear portion 6R and does not contribute to cleaning, is included.
  • the third part 63 and the fourth part 64 are parts formed behind the sliding direction of the cleaning cloth 6b, which is in a state sufficiently longer than being tightly wound when sliding.
  • the first portion 61 and the fifth portion 65 serve to attach the cleaning cloth 6b to the support 6a.
  • the second portion 62 and the third portion 63 are in contact with the surface 1S of the array and contribute to cleaning.
  • the fourth portion 64 suppresses the floating so that the third portion 63 dragged during the slide comes into contact with the surface 1S of the array.
  • the contour shape of the cross section of the support 6a is rectangular, and the bottom portion 6B is planar. Therefore, the second portion 62 can be easily pressed to the corner of the surface 1S of the array.
  • the contour shape is preferably a rectangle in order to suppress the bending of the cleaning head, but at least a quadrangle (including a square) in order to easily press the second portion 62 to the corner of the surface 1S of the array. Is considered preferable.
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view in which the sliding direction is reversed.
  • the cleaning cloth 6b is only symmetrical with FIG. 4, and each part has the same function.
  • the cleaning cloth 6b may be a single piece continuous in the horizontal direction in FIG. 1, but it is preferable to provide four pieces in the case of FIG. 1 corresponding to the width in the horizontal direction of the module.
  • the length of the third portion 63 is preferably the same as the length of the second portion 62 with respect to the length in contact with the surface 1S. In particular, it is preferably one-to-one equal length. If the third portion 63 is too long compared to the length of the second portion 62, the cleaning cloth 6b tends to rise from the surface 1S, and it is difficult to contribute to cleaning. On the contrary, if the third portion 63 is too short with respect to the length of the second portion 62, a sufficient cleaning area cannot be secured and the cleaning effect is lowered.
  • FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a cleaning head 6 provided with a cleaning cloth 6b'when the fourth portion 64 and the fifth portion 65 in FIG. 4 are absent as a reference example.
  • the third portion 63 is more likely to float than the surface 1S of the array, and the cleaning effect of the third portion 63 is hardly obtained.
  • FIG. 7 is a view looking above the guide member 2 in the VII arrow view of FIG. 1, for example.
  • the slider 5 is about to move from the lowest module (for example, module M31) in FIG. 1 to the next higher module (for example, module M21).
  • the drive wheel 5c hits the slope 3a of the protrusion 3 and rides on it.
  • the slope 3a forms an angle ⁇ with respect to the other upper surface of the guide member 2.
  • the drive wheel 5c is in a state of riding on the protrusion 3 only while passing over the protrusion 3, and returns to the original height when passing.
  • FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the movement of the cleaning head 6 at this time. If there is such a step between the module M31 and the module M21, the cleaning head 6 will hit the frame of the module M21 if it is simply slid. However, regardless of the presence or absence of a step, once the drive wheel 5c rides on the protrusion 3, even if there is a step, as shown in FIG. 8, the step is overcome and the lower right lower end of the cleaning head 6 is reached. , Can be moved to the surface of the next module M21 by the trajectory shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. The angle ⁇ in FIG. 7 may be appropriately set so as to be able to overcome a step that may actually occur. In addition, there are cases where there is no step or the next module is lower, but since the cleaning head 6 does not know such a situation, once it is forcibly lifted, it can be used in any situation. I can handle it.
  • FIG. 9 shows a case where the cleaning cloth is wound in close contact with the outer frame (that is, the outer surface) in the cross-sectional view of the support 6a instead of the cleaning cloth 6b in a slack state as shown in FIG. It is a graph which shows the cleaning effect.
  • the vertical axis represents the loss [%] of light (generated power) due to dirt, and the horizontal axis represents the number of cleanings (number of round trips).
  • the polygonal line represents the change in dirt at four points (closer to the left end, from the middle to the left, from the middle to the right, and closer to the right end) from the left end to the right end in the width direction of the array 1. As shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 10 is a graph showing the results of cleaning with the cleaning head 6 using the cleaning cloth 6b of the loose winding method shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.
  • the vertical axis represents the loss [%] of light (generated power) due to dirt
  • the horizontal axis represents the number of cleanings (number of round trips).
  • the polygonal line represents the change in dirt at any eight points.
  • the loss is reduced by cleaning, and when attention is paid to the portion surrounded by the two-dot chain line, the variation in the cleaning effect is very small.
  • FIG. 4 for example, by making the support 6a rectangular and the bottom portion 6B flat, the lower right portion (lower left in FIG. 5) of the cleaning cloth 6b can easily reach the end portion of the module. , It is possible to suppress the residual of dirt.
  • the support 6 is in a posture in which the bottom surface 6B is parallel to the surface 1S.
  • the slider 5 in FIG. 2 can be attached so as to be tilted within a slight angle range with respect to the guide member 2.
  • the support 6 can be tilted within a predetermined angle range from the posture in which the bottom portion 6B is parallel to the surface 1S.
  • 15 and 16 are cross-sectional views showing a state in which the support 6a is tilted forward in the slide direction and the bottom portion 6B is not parallel to the surface 1S.
  • the angle of inclination is actually, for example, about 3 degrees, but it is exaggerated slightly.
  • the lift of the bottom 6B (the left end of the bottom 6B in FIG. 15 and the right end of the bottom 6b in FIG. 16) is 20 ⁇ tan. At (3 °), it becomes about 1 mm.
  • the support 6a can be temporarily in such a posture, when the cleaning head 6 moves to the surface of the next module, the axis of the support 6a tilts forward, which makes it easier to enter. In addition, it is easy to deal with contact with minute irregularities. Even if the support 6a is tilted forward in this way, it is possible to prevent the cleaning cloth 6b from being separated from the surface 1S to be cleaned by the third portion 63 being pushed by its own weight or from the fourth portion 64.
  • FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the cleaning head 7 of the cleaning device according to the second embodiment.
  • the support 7a is the same as the support 6a of the first embodiment, but in the present embodiment, auxiliary units 12 and 13 are further provided.
  • the auxiliary unit 12 is composed of a spring (compression spring) 8 and a pressing portion 10. The base end of the spring 8 is fixed to the support 7a, and the tip end is fixed to the pressing portion 10.
  • the auxiliary unit 13 is composed of a spring (compression spring) 9 and a pressing portion 11. The base end of the spring 9 is fixed to the support 7a, and the tip end is fixed to the pressing portion 11.
  • the pressing portions 10 and 11 have a triangular cross-sectional shape, and as shown in the figure, the cleaning cloth 7b is pushed and expanded laterally. Thereby, the cleaning cloth 7b can increase the contact area with respect to the surface 1S of the array.
  • resin, aluminum alloy or the like can be used as the material of the pressing portions 10 and 11.
  • FIG. 12 and 13 are cross-sectional views showing a state of the cleaning head 7 at the time of cleaning.
  • FIG. 12 shows a state when the cleaning head 7 is sliding to the right.
  • one spring 8 contracts and the other spring 9 expands due to the frictional resistance between the cleaning cloth 7b and the surface 1S of the array due to the sliding of the cleaning head 7.
  • the shape of the cleaning cloth 7b changes slightly from FIG. 11, but the contact area of the cleaning cloth 7b with respect to the surface 1S of the array is almost unchanged.
  • FIG. 13 shows a state when the cleaning head 7 is sliding to the left.
  • one spring 9 contracts and the other spring 8 expands due to the frictional resistance between the cleaning cloth 7b and the surface 1S of the array due to the sliding of the cleaning head 7.
  • the state becomes symmetrical with FIG. 12, and the contact area of the cleaning cloth 7b with respect to the surface 1S of the array is almost unchanged.
  • FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a state of the cleaning head 7 when there is a step between modules on the surface 1S of the array.
  • the spring 9 is in a state of being twisted downward from the original spring axial direction, but since it is elastic, it is possible to have a state as shown in the figure in which the tip portion is slightly lowered downward. That is, due to the elastic deformation of the spring 9, the cleaning cloth 7b can follow the stepped surface 1S of the array corresponding to the stepped step as shown in the figure. Therefore, even if there is a step, the cleaning cloth 7b can be applied to the surface 1S of the array for cleaning.
  • an air cylinder can be used instead of the springs 8 and 9. In this case, it is sufficient to control the protrusion length of the piston rod of one air cylinder to be increased and the protrusion length of the piston rod of the other air cylinder to be shortened according to the sliding direction of the cleaning head 7. ..
  • the disclosed cleaning device is a cleaning device 4 attached to an array 1 configured by arranging a plurality of photovoltaic power generation modules in a plane, and the cleaning device 4 cleans the surface 1S of the array 1 while sliding.
  • the cleaning head 6 has a head 6 and is passed through and supported by a support 6a having a bottom portion 6B extending in one direction along the surface 1S and forming a gap G between the head 6 and the surface 1S. It has cleaning cloths 6b and 7b attached in a state where the winding length of the body 6a is longer than that of tightly winding the body 6a.
  • the cleaning cloth may be in a slack state (a state in which it is loosely wound without being in close contact with each other) with respect to the support 6a as in the first embodiment, or may be spread out as in the second embodiment.
  • the contact area of the array 1 with the surface 1S may be increased.

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Abstract

A cleaning device (4) is attached to an array (1) configured by arranging a plurality of solar power generation modules in a plane. The cleaning device (4) has a cleaning head (6) which cleans a surface (1S) of the array (1) while sliding. The cleaning head (6) includes: a supporting body (6a) which extends in one direction along the surface (1S) and has a bottom section (6B) which forms a gap (G) with the surface (1S); and a cleaning cloth (6b) which passes through the gap (G) is attached such that a wrapped length thereof is longer on an outer surface of the supporting body (6a) than if wrapped tightly.

Description

清掃装置及び太陽光発電装置Cleaning equipment and solar power generation equipment
　本開示は、清掃装置及び太陽光発電装置に関する。
　本出願は、２０２０年７月１５日出願の日本出願第２０２０－１２１２１４号に基づく優先権を主張し、前記日本出願に記載された全ての記載内容を援用するものである。 The present disclosure relates to a cleaning device and a photovoltaic power generation device.
This application claims priority based on Japanese Application No. 2020-12214 filed on July 15, 2020, and incorporates all the contents described in the Japanese application.
　太陽光発電装置のアレイ（パネル）はその表面に砂等の汚れが付着することがある。雨の多い地域では雨によって自然に汚れが洗い流される場合もあるが、雨の少ない地域では、砂が堆積する。砂の汚れを放置すると発電効率が下がるので、定期的な清掃作業が必要となる。従来、主として手作業で清掃を行っているが、人件費がかさむので、清掃装置が必要である。参考になる技術として、例えば、ビルの窓拭き用の清掃装置がある。このような清掃装置としては、窓拭きロボットや、窓拭き用具も提案されている（例えば、特許文献１，２参照。）。 The surface of the array (panel) of the photovoltaic power generation device may be contaminated with sand or the like. In areas with heavy rain, the rain may naturally wash away dirt, but in areas with low rain, sand accumulates. If the dirt on the sand is left unattended, the power generation efficiency will decrease, so regular cleaning work will be required. Conventionally, cleaning is mainly performed manually, but labor costs are high, so a cleaning device is required. As a reference technology, for example, there is a cleaning device for cleaning windows of a building. As such a cleaning device, a window cleaning robot and a window cleaning tool have also been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).
特開２０１３－１５８９０３号公報Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-158903 特開２０１２－４００６６号公報Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-40066
　本開示は、以下の発明を含む。但し、本発明は請求の範囲によって定められるものである。 The present disclosure includes the following inventions. However, the present invention is defined by the scope of claims.
　本開示の清掃装置は、複数の太陽光発電モジュールを平面状に並べて構成されたアレイに取り付けられる清掃装置であって、
　前記清掃装置は、スライドしながら前記アレイの表面を清掃する清掃ヘッドを有し、当該清掃ヘッドは、
　前記表面に沿って一方向に延び、前記表面との間に隙間を成す底部を有する支持体と、
　前記隙間に通され、かつ、前記支持体の外面に対する巻き付け長さが、密着して巻き付けるよりも長い状態で取り付けられた清掃クロスと、
　を有する。 The cleaning device of the present disclosure is a cleaning device that can be attached to an array configured by arranging a plurality of photovoltaic modules in a plane.
The cleaning device has a cleaning head that cleans the surface of the array while sliding, and the cleaning head is a cleaning head.
A support having a bottom extending in one direction along the surface and forming a gap between the surface and the support.
A cleaning cloth that is passed through the gap and is attached so that the winding length of the support with respect to the outer surface is longer than that of tightly winding the support.
Have.
　また、本開示は、前記アレイと、上記の清掃装置とを備えた太陽光発電装置である。 Further, the present disclosure is a photovoltaic power generation device including the array and the cleaning device.
図１は、太陽光発電装置のアレイの一例を示す斜視図である。FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an array of photovoltaic power generation devices. 図２は、図１におけるＩＩ矢視図である。FIG. 2 is a view taken along the line II in FIG. 図３は、図２におけるＩＩＩ矢視図であり、但し、支持体のみを表した図である。FIG. 3 is a view taken along the line III in FIG. 2, but shows only the support. 図４は、支持体と、清掃クロスとに注目して、清掃時の清掃ヘッドの状態を示す断面図であり、清掃ヘッドが右方向へスライドしている時の状態を示している。FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state of the cleaning head at the time of cleaning, paying attention to the support and the cleaning cloth, and shows the state when the cleaning head is sliding to the right. 図５は、支持体と、清掃クロスとに注目して、清掃時の清掃ヘッドの状態を示す断面図であり、スライド方向を図４と逆にした断面図である。FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state of the cleaning head at the time of cleaning, paying attention to the support and the cleaning cloth, and is a cross-sectional view in which the sliding direction is reversed from that of FIG. 図６は、参考例として、図４における第４部位及び第５部位が無いとした場合の清掃クロスを備えた清掃ヘッドの断面図である。FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a cleaning head provided with a cleaning cloth in the case where the fourth portion and the fifth portion in FIG. 4 are absent as a reference example. 図７は、例えば図１のＶＩＩ矢視にてガイド部材より上を見た図である。FIG. 7 is a view looking above the guide member in the VII arrow view of FIG. 1, for example. 図８は、図７に対応する清掃ヘッドの動きを示す断面図である。FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the movement of the cleaning head corresponding to FIG. 7. 図９は、参考までに、図４に示すような、たるんだ状態の清掃クロスではなく、支持体の断面図における外枠（すなわち外面）に、清掃クロスを密着させて巻き付けた場合の清掃効果を示すグラフである。For reference, FIG. 9 shows the cleaning effect when the cleaning cloth is wound in close contact with the outer frame (that is, the outer surface) in the cross-sectional view of the support, instead of the cleaning cloth in a slack state as shown in FIG. It is a graph which shows. 図１０は、図４及び図５に示した、たるんだ巻き付け方の清掃クロスを用いた清掃ヘッドで清掃を行った結果を示すグラフである。FIG. 10 is a graph showing the results of cleaning with the cleaning head using the cleaning cloth of the loose winding method shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. 図１１は、第２実施形態による清掃装置の清掃ヘッドの断面図である。支持体に関しては第１実施形態の支持体と同様である。FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a cleaning head of the cleaning device according to the second embodiment. The support is the same as that of the first embodiment. 図１２は、清掃時の清掃ヘッドの状態を示す断面図であり、清掃ヘッドが右方向へスライドしている時の状態を示している。FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a state of the cleaning head at the time of cleaning, and shows a state when the cleaning head is sliding to the right. 図１３は、清掃時の清掃ヘッドの状態を示す断面図であり、清掃ヘッドが右方向へスライドしている時の状態を示している。FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a state of the cleaning head at the time of cleaning, and shows a state when the cleaning head is sliding to the right. 図１４は、アレイの表面に、モジュール間での段差がある場合の清掃ヘッドの状態を示す断面図である。FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a state of the cleaning head when there is a step between modules on the surface of the array. 図１５は、支持体がスライド方向（右方向）に前傾し、底部が表面と平行でない状態を示す断面図である。FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the support is tilted forward in the sliding direction (rightward direction) and the bottom portion is not parallel to the surface. 図１６は、支持体がスライド方向（左方向）に前傾し、底部が表面と平行でない状態を示す断面図である。FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the support is tilted forward in the sliding direction (leftward) and the bottom portion is not parallel to the surface.
［本開示が解決しようとする課題］
　集光型の太陽光発電装置は、水資源の乏しい乾燥した高日射の高地に設置される場合がある。この場合、洗浄のための水の確保及び貯水管理が難しい。十分でない量の水をかけて清掃装置で擦ると、かえって汚れが拡がったり、また、表面に傷がついたりすることもある。また、特に、清掃結果に良否のばらつきがあり、アレイ全体に均一に良好な清掃を行うことができない。 [Problems to be solved by this disclosure]
Concentrating photovoltaics may be installed in dry, high-altitude highlands where water resources are scarce. In this case, it is difficult to secure water for cleaning and manage water storage. If you sprinkle an insufficient amount of water and rub it with a cleaning device, the dirt may spread and the surface may be scratched. In particular, there are variations in the cleaning results, and it is not possible to perform good cleaning uniformly over the entire array.
　また、例えば、清掃装置の１つの清掃ヘッド（汚れを取る部位）によって安定的に一度で汚れを取りきれない場合、進行方向に複数の清掃ヘッドを並べて複数回の清掃を行うことも考えられる。しかし、これでは清掃装置が大型化し、保守管理も複雑になるので、好ましくない。 Further, for example, when one cleaning head (a part for removing dirt) of a cleaning device cannot stably remove dirt at one time, it is conceivable to arrange a plurality of cleaning heads in the traveling direction and perform cleaning multiple times. However, this is not preferable because the cleaning device becomes large and maintenance management becomes complicated.
　かかる課題に鑑み、本開示は、水に依存せず、かつ、１種類の清掃ヘッドにより、アレイ全体で、より均一に良好な清掃を行うことができる清掃装置及び太陽光発電装置を提供することを目的とする。 In view of this problem, the present disclosure provides a cleaning device and a photovoltaic power generation device that are water-independent and can perform more uniform and good cleaning of the entire array by using one type of cleaning head. With the goal.
　［本開示の効果］
　本開示の清掃装置及び太陽光発電装置によれば、水に依存せず、かつ、１種類の清掃ヘッドにより、アレイ全体で、より均一に良好な清掃を行うことができる。 [Effect of this disclosure]
According to the cleaning device and the photovoltaic power generation device of the present disclosure, it is possible to perform good cleaning more uniformly in the entire array by using one type of cleaning head without depending on water.
　［本開示の実施形態の説明］
　本開示の実施形態には、その要旨として、少なくとも以下のものが含まれる。 [Explanation of Embodiments of the present disclosure]
The embodiments of the present disclosure include at least the following as a gist thereof.
　（１）これは、複数の太陽光発電モジュールを平面状に並べて構成されたアレイに取り付けられる清掃装置であって、前記清掃装置は、スライドしながら前記アレイの表面を清掃する清掃ヘッドを有し、当該清掃ヘッドは、前記表面に沿って一方向に延び、前記表面との間に隙間を成す底部を有する支持体と、前記隙間に通され、かつ、前記支持体の外面に対する巻き付け長さが、密着して巻き付けるよりも長い状態で取り付けられた清掃クロスと、を有する。 (1) This is a cleaning device attached to an array configured by arranging a plurality of photovoltaic modules in a plane, and the cleaning device has a cleaning head that cleans the surface of the array while sliding. The cleaning head extends in one direction along the surface, and has a support having a bottom forming a gap between the cleaning head and the surface, and the winding length of the support, which is passed through the gap and is wound around the outer surface of the support. It has a cleaning cloth, which is attached in a longer state than it is tightly wrapped.
　上記の清掃装置では、支持体がスライドするとき清掃クロスは、底部の下の部位からスライド方向の後方へ引きずるように延びる部位ができる。これにより、底部の下の部位のみならず、スライド方向の後方へ延びる部位も、アレイの表面に接する。従って、延びた部位の分だけアレイの表面に接する面積が増大し、清掃効果が向上する。こうして、水に依存せず、かつ、アレイ全体で、より均一に良好な清掃を行うことができる。なお、「密着して巻き付けるよりも長い」とは、巻き付け長さを最初から十分に長くすることを意味し、密着して取り付けられた清掃クロスが、使用により自然に伸びた状態ではない。 In the above cleaning device, when the support slides, the cleaning cloth has a part extending from the part under the bottom so as to drag backward in the sliding direction. As a result, not only the portion below the bottom but also the portion extending rearward in the sliding direction is in contact with the surface of the array. Therefore, the area in contact with the surface of the array is increased by the amount of the extended portion, and the cleaning effect is improved. In this way, water-independent and more uniform and good cleaning can be performed on the entire array. In addition, "longer than tightly wound" means that the winding length is sufficiently long from the beginning, and the cleaning cloth attached in close contact is not in a state of being naturally stretched by use.
　（２）前記（１）の清掃装置において、前記支持体は、スライド方向における前方部、前記底部、前記スライド方向における後方部を有し、前記表面に接してスライドしている場合の前記清掃クロスは、前記前方部に取り付けられ、清掃に寄与しない第１部位と、前記第１部位からの延長であって、前記底部に沿って前記隙間に通され、清掃に寄与する第２部位と、前記第２部位からの延長であって、自重で清掃に寄与する第３部位と、前記第３部位から上方に折り返している第４部位と、前記第４部位からの延長であって、前記後方部に取り付けられ、清掃に寄与しない第５部位と、を含む。
　この場合、第３部位及び第４部位は、スライド時に、密着して巻き付けるよりも長い状態である清掃クロスの、スライド方向の後方にできる部位である。第１部位及び第５部位は、清掃クロスを支持体に取り付ける役目を担う。第２部位及び第３部位は、アレイの表面に接して清掃に寄与する。第４部位は、スライド中に引きずられる第３部位がアレイの表面に接するよう、浮き上がりを抑制する。 (2) In the cleaning device of (1), the support has a front portion in the slide direction, a bottom portion, and a rear portion in the slide direction, and the cleaning cloth when sliding in contact with the surface. Is a first part that is attached to the front part and does not contribute to cleaning, and a second part that is an extension from the first part and is passed through the gap along the bottom part and contributes to cleaning. An extension from the second part, a third part that contributes to cleaning by its own weight, a fourth part that is folded upward from the third part, and an extension from the fourth part, the rear part. Includes a fifth site, which is attached to and does not contribute to cleaning.
In this case, the third part and the fourth part are the parts formed behind the sliding direction of the cleaning cloth, which is in a state longer than that of being tightly wound at the time of sliding. The first and fifth parts serve to attach the cleaning cloth to the support. The second and third sites are in contact with the surface of the array and contribute to cleaning. The fourth site suppresses lifting so that the third site dragged during the slide touches the surface of the array.
　（３）前記（２）の清掃装置において、前記スライド方向において、前記第３部位の長さは、前記第２部位の長さと同等であることが好ましい。
　第２部位の長さに比べて第３部位が長すぎると、表面から清掃クロスが浮き上がりやすくなり、清掃に寄与しにくい。逆に、第２部位の長さに比べて第３部位が短すぎると、十分な清掃面積を確保できず、清掃効果が低下する。 (3) In the cleaning device of (2), it is preferable that the length of the third portion is equivalent to the length of the second portion in the slide direction.
If the third part is too long compared to the length of the second part, the cleaning cloth tends to lift up from the surface, and it is difficult to contribute to cleaning. On the contrary, if the third portion is too short with respect to the length of the second portion, a sufficient cleaning area cannot be secured and the cleaning effect is lowered.
　（４）前記（１）又は（２）の清掃装置において、前記支持体は、前記底部が前記表面に対して平行となる姿勢から、前記スライド方向に所定の角度範囲内で前傾可能に支持されていることが好ましい。
　この場合、清掃ヘッドが次の太陽光発電モジュールの表面へ移動する場合、支持体の軸が前傾することで入りやすくなる。また、微小な凹凸との接触にも対応しやすい。前傾しても、第３部位が自重で、又は第４部位から押されて、清掃対象の表面から離れることを抑制できる。 (4) In the cleaning device of (1) or (2), the support can be tilted forward within a predetermined angle range in the slide direction from a posture in which the bottom is parallel to the surface. It is preferable that it is.
In this case, when the cleaning head moves to the surface of the next photovoltaic power generation module, the axis of the support tilts forward, which makes it easier to enter. In addition, it is easy to deal with contact with minute irregularities. Even if it leans forward, it is possible to prevent the third portion from being pushed away from the surface to be cleaned by its own weight or from the fourth portion.
　（５）前記（２）の清掃装置において、前記一方向に直交する、前記支持体の断面の輪郭形状は、四角形であることが好ましい。
　この場合、支持体の底部が平面状になるので、第２部位を、アレイの表面の隅まで押し付けやすい。 (5) In the cleaning device of (2), the contour shape of the cross section of the support orthogonal to the one direction is preferably rectangular.
In this case, since the bottom of the support is flat, it is easy to push the second portion to the corner of the surface of the array.
　（６）前記（５）の清掃装置において、前記四角形とは、前記表面に垂直な方向が長辺となる長方形であることが好ましい。
　この場合、支持体が一方向に長く伸びていても、清掃ヘッドの撓みが抑制され、清掃の良否のばらつきが抑制される。 (6) In the cleaning device of (5), the quadrangle is preferably a rectangle whose long side is the direction perpendicular to the surface.
In this case, even if the support extends long in one direction, the bending of the cleaning head is suppressed, and the variation in the quality of cleaning is suppressed.
　（７）前記（１）から（６）までのいずれかの清掃装置は、前記アレイの両側端に設けられたガイド部材と、前記清掃ヘッドのスライド方向に隣り合う前記太陽光発電モジュールの境界における前記ガイド部材上に設けられた突起部と、前記清掃ヘッドをスライドさせるスライダの両端にそれぞれ取り付けられ、前記ガイド部材に乗って移動する駆動輪と、を備えたものであってもよい。
　この場合、隣接する太陽光発電モジュール間に段差があっても、突起部に駆動輪が乗り上げることで清掃ヘッドは容易に段差を乗り越えることができる。 (7) The cleaning device according to any one of (1) to (6) is at the boundary between the guide members provided at both ends of the array and the photovoltaic power generation modules adjacent to each other in the sliding direction of the cleaning head. It may be provided with a protrusion provided on the guide member and a drive wheel attached to both ends of a slider for sliding the cleaning head and moving on the guide member.
In this case, even if there is a step between adjacent photovoltaic power generation modules, the cleaning head can easily get over the step by riding the drive wheel on the protrusion.
　（８）前記（１）の清掃装置において、前記支持体は、前記清掃クロスを、スライド方向における前方及び後方にそれぞれ押し拡げるよう付勢する補助ユニットを備えている、という構成であってもよい。
　この場合、清掃クロスを前方及び後方へそれぞれ押し拡げることで、支持体の底部以外で、アレイの表面への清掃クロスの接触面積を増大することができる。 (8) In the cleaning device of the above (1), the support may be configured to include an auxiliary unit for urging the cleaning cloth to spread forward and backward in the sliding direction, respectively. ..
In this case, the cleaning cloth can be expanded forward and backward, respectively, to increase the contact area of the cleaning cloth with the surface of the array except at the bottom of the support.
　（９）前記（８）の清掃装置において、前記補助ユニットは、基端が前記支持体に取りつけられ、前記清掃クロスを押し拡げるためのばねと、前記ばねの先端に取りつけられた押し当て部と、を含むものであってもよい。
　この場合、ばねは、ばね軸方向への伸縮だけでなく、多少のねじれも許容するので、支持体の前後で、押し当て部の下端の高さに段差があってもよい。これにより、隣り合う２つの太陽光発電モジュール間で表面の段差があっても、この段差に対応して清掃を行うことができる。 (9) In the cleaning device of the above (8), the auxiliary unit has a spring whose base end is attached to the support and for expanding the cleaning cloth, and a pressing portion attached to the tip of the spring. , May be included.
In this case, since the spring allows not only expansion and contraction in the direction of the spring axis but also some twisting, there may be a step in the height of the lower end of the pressing portion before and after the support. As a result, even if there is a step on the surface between two adjacent photovoltaic power generation modules, cleaning can be performed corresponding to this step.
　（１０）太陽光発電装置としては、前記アレイと、前記（１）から（９）までのいずれかの清掃装置とを備えたものである。
　上記の太陽光発電装置における清掃装置では、支持体がスライドするとき清掃クロスは、底部の下の部位からスライド方向の後方へ引きずるように延びる部位ができる。これにより、底部の下の部位のみならず、スライド方向の後方へ延びる部位も、アレイの表面に接する。従って、延びた部位の分だけアレイの表面に接する面積が増大し、清掃効果が向上する。 (10) The solar power generation device includes the array and the cleaning device according to any one of (1) to (9).
In the cleaning device in the above-mentioned photovoltaic power generation device, when the support slides, the cleaning cloth has a portion extending from a portion under the bottom so as to drag backward in the sliding direction. As a result, not only the portion below the bottom but also the portion extending rearward in the sliding direction is in contact with the surface of the array. Therefore, the area in contact with the surface of the array is increased by the amount of the extended portion, and the cleaning effect is improved.
　［本開示の実施形態の詳細］
　以下、本開示の清掃装置及び、これを備えた太陽光発電装置の具体例について、図面を参照して説明する。 [Details of Embodiments of the present disclosure]
Hereinafter, specific examples of the cleaning device of the present disclosure and the solar power generation device provided with the cleaning device will be described with reference to the drawings.
　《アレイの全体図》
　図１は、太陽光発電装置１００のアレイ１の一例を示す斜視図である。この太陽光発電装置１００は例えば集光型であり、図示しない支柱に支えられて方位角及び仰角の２方向に駆動されることで姿勢を変え、太陽を追尾する。アレイ１は、同じ形状の太陽光発電モジュール（以下、単にモジュールという。）を平面状に縦横に並べて構成されている。この図では、１２個のモジュールＭ１１，Ｍ１２，Ｍ１３，Ｍ１４，Ｍ２１，Ｍ２２，Ｍ２３，Ｍ２４，Ｍ３１，Ｍ３２，Ｍ３３，Ｍ３４を示している。各モジュールは、太陽光を集光して発電素子に導き発電する太陽光発電ユニットがマトリクス状に集合して構成されたものである。なお、モジュールの数及びアレイの全体形状は、図示の便宜上の一例に過ぎない。 << Overall view of the array >>
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an array 1 of a photovoltaic power generation device 100. The photovoltaic power generation device 100 is, for example, a condensing type, and is supported by a support not shown and driven in two directions of an azimuth angle and an elevation angle to change its posture and track the sun. The array 1 is configured by arranging photovoltaic power generation modules of the same shape (hereinafter, simply referred to as modules) vertically and horizontally in a plane. In this figure, 12 modules M11, M12, M13, M14, M21, M22, M23, M24, M31, M32, M33, M34 are shown. Each module is composed of photovoltaic power generation units that collect sunlight and guide it to a power generation element to generate power in a matrix. The number of modules and the overall shape of the array are merely examples for convenience of illustration.
　図１におけるアレイ１は、手前側の、例えばモジュールＭ３３が、奥側のモジュールＭ１３より鉛直方向の高さが低くなるように、手前側に下り傾斜している状態である。モジュールＭ３１～Ｍ３４（又はＭ２１～Ｍ２４，Ｍ１１～Ｍ１４）の並び方向を「横方向」と称し、モジュールＭ１１～Ｍ３１（又はＭ１２～Ｍ３２，Ｍ１３～Ｍ３３，Ｍ１４～Ｍ３４）の並び方向を「縦方向」と称する。アレイ１の横方向の両側端には、ガイド部材２が取りつけられている。縦方向のモジュール間の縦方向の隙間に対応する位置には、突起部３が設けられている。 Array 1 in FIG. 1 is in a state in which, for example, the module M33 on the front side is inclined downward to the front side so that the height in the vertical direction is lower than that of the module M13 on the back side. The arrangement direction of the modules M31 to M34 (or M21 to M24, M11 to M14) is referred to as "horizontal direction", and the arrangement direction of the modules M11 to M31 (or M12 to M32, M13 to M33, M14 to M34) is referred to as "vertical direction". Is called. Guide members 2 are attached to both lateral ends of the array 1. A protrusion 3 is provided at a position corresponding to the vertical gap between the modules in the vertical direction.
　清掃装置４は、左右のガイド部材２に案内されながら、縦方向に移動することができる。清掃装置４は、スライダ５と、このスライダ５に取りつけられた清掃ヘッド６とを有している。スライダ５と共に清掃ヘッド６が縦方向にスライドして往復することにより、アレイ１の表面を清掃することができる。 The cleaning device 4 can move in the vertical direction while being guided by the left and right guide members 2. The cleaning device 4 has a slider 5 and a cleaning head 6 attached to the slider 5. The surface of the array 1 can be cleaned by the cleaning head 6 sliding in the vertical direction together with the slider 5 and reciprocating.
　《第１実施形態》 << First embodiment >>
　（清掃装置）
　図２は、図１におけるＩＩ矢視図である。スライダ５は、図１の横方向に延びる筐体５ａ、スライダ５の左右両端にある支持部材５ｂ、電動の駆動輪５ｃ、支持部材５ｂの上端を手前に折り曲げて設けられた下部ばね受け５ｄと筐体５ａの上端を手前に折り曲げて設けられた上部ばね受け５ｅとの間にある２本の丸棒５ｆ、及び、丸棒５ｆに装着された圧縮ばね５ｇを備えている。上部ばね受け５ｅは、丸棒５ｆの上端が下方へ抜けて外れることを防止しているが、丸棒５ｆが上方へ移動することは規制しない。従って、支持部材５ｂ及び駆動輪５ｃは、圧縮ばね５ｇを伸縮させながら上下動が可能である。また、圧縮ばね５ｇにより、駆動輪５ｃは、ガイド部材２に押しつけられている。 (Cleaning device)
FIG. 2 is a view taken along the line II in FIG. The slider 5 includes a housing 5a extending laterally in FIG. 1, support members 5b at both left and right ends of the slider 5, electric drive wheels 5c, and a lower spring receiver 5d provided by bending the upper ends of the support members 5b toward the front. It is provided with two round bars 5f between the upper spring receiver 5e provided by bending the upper end of the housing 5a toward the front, and a compression spring 5g attached to the round bar 5f. The upper spring receiver 5e prevents the upper end of the round bar 5f from coming off downward, but does not restrict the round bar 5f from moving upward. Therefore, the support member 5b and the drive wheel 5c can move up and down while expanding and contracting the compression spring 5g. Further, the drive wheel 5c is pressed against the guide member 2 by the compression spring 5g.
　清掃ヘッド６は、支持部材５ｂの下部の垂下部５ｈに取りつけられ、かつ、図２では垂下部５ｈに隠れて見えない後述の支持体（６ａ）と、清掃クロス６ｂとを備えている。清掃クロス６ｂは、支持体に対して大きくたるんだ状態で取りつけられている。仮にアレイの表面１Ｓが無いとすれば、図示のように垂れ下がる。実際は、アレイの表面１Ｓがあるので、表面１Ｓ上で横に拡がった状態となる（詳細後述）。清掃クロス６ｂとしては、自重で垂れる程度の、柔らかいマイクロファイバークロスが好適である。 The cleaning head 6 includes a support (6a), which will be described later, which is attached to the lower part 5h of the support member 5b and is hidden behind the lower part 5h in FIG. 2, and a cleaning cloth 6b. The cleaning cloth 6b is attached to the support in a large slack state. If there is no surface 1S of the array, it hangs down as shown in the figure. In reality, since there is the surface 1S of the array, it is in a state of spreading laterally on the surface 1S (details will be described later). As the cleaning cloth 6b, a soft microfiber cloth that hangs under its own weight is suitable.
　《清掃ヘッド》
　図３は、図２におけるＩＩＩ矢視図であり、但し、支持体６ａのみを表した図である。中央の破断部分に、断面形状を表している。支持体６ａは、前述の左右の垂下部５ｈに取りつけられている。支持体６ａは、支持のための本体部６ａ１と、クッション材６ａ２とを備えている。本体部６ａ１は、例えば図示のような断面形状をしたアルミ合金製の既知の構造部材である。このような断面形状の本体部６ａ１は、非常に軽量で、しかも、撓みにくい。支持体６ａは、全体として、表面１Ｓに沿って延びる１本の構造体となっている。 《Cleaning head》
FIG. 3 is a view taken along the line III in FIG. 2, but shows only the support 6a. The cross-sectional shape is shown in the central fractured part. The support 6a is attached to the left and right hanging portions 5h described above. The support 6a includes a main body portion 6a1 for support and a cushion material 6a2. The main body portion 6a1 is, for example, a known structural member made of an aluminum alloy having a cross-sectional shape as shown in the figure. The main body portion 6a1 having such a cross-sectional shape is extremely lightweight and does not easily bend. The support 6a as a whole is a structure extending along the surface 1S.
　また、図示のように、アレイの表面１Ｓに垂直な方向での、支持体６ａの断面の輪郭形状が四角形、特に、ここでは表面１Ｓに垂直な方向が長辺となる長方形である。従って、支持体６ａは、表面１Ｓに沿って平行な、図１の横方向には撓みにくく、清掃ヘッド６の芯、若しくは「梁」として使うには好適である。本体部６ａ１の下端にはクッション材６ａ２が取りつけられている。クッション材６ａ２は、ゴム、エラストマー又はスポンジ状の部材である。クッション材６ａ２の下面は、平面であり、図１の横方向に長い。 Further, as shown in the figure, the contour shape of the cross section of the support 6a in the direction perpendicular to the surface 1S of the array is a quadrangle, and in particular, here, the rectangular shape whose long side is the direction perpendicular to the surface 1S. Therefore, the support 6a is parallel to the surface 1S and is less likely to bend in the lateral direction of FIG. 1, and is suitable for use as a core or a “beam” of the cleaning head 6. A cushion material 6a2 is attached to the lower end of the main body 6a1. The cushion material 6a2 is a rubber, elastomer or sponge-like member. The lower surface of the cushion material 6a2 is a flat surface and is long in the lateral direction in FIG.
　図４及び図５は、支持体６ａと、清掃クロス６ｂとに注目して、清掃時の清掃ヘッド６の状態を示す断面図である。図４は、清掃ヘッド６が右方向へスライドしている時の状態を示している。図４において、清掃クロス６ｂは、支持体６ａの底部６Ｂ（クッション材６ａ２の底部）とアレイの表面１Ｓとの隙間Ｇに通される。清掃クロス６ｂは、支持体６ａの外面に対する巻き付け長さが、密着して巻き付けるよりも十分に長い状態で取り付けられている。そのため、支持体６ａがスライドするときの清掃クロス６ｂには、スライド方向の後方へ引きずるように延びる部位ができる。これにより、底部６Ｂの下の部位のみならず、スライド方向の後方へ延びる部位も、アレイの表面１Ｓに接する。従って、延びた部位の分だけアレイの表面１Ｓに接する面積が増大し、清掃効果が向上する。 4 and 5 are cross-sectional views showing a state of the cleaning head 6 at the time of cleaning, paying attention to the support 6a and the cleaning cloth 6b. FIG. 4 shows a state when the cleaning head 6 is sliding to the right. In FIG. 4, the cleaning cloth 6b is passed through a gap G between the bottom portion 6B of the support 6a (the bottom portion of the cushion material 6a2) and the surface 1S of the array. The cleaning cloth 6b is attached so that the winding length of the support 6a with respect to the outer surface is sufficiently longer than that of the support 6a being wound in close contact with the outer surface. Therefore, the cleaning cloth 6b when the support 6a slides has a portion extending so as to drag backward in the sliding direction. As a result, not only the portion below the bottom portion 6B but also the portion extending rearward in the sliding direction is in contact with the surface 1S of the array. Therefore, the area in contact with the surface 1S of the array is increased by the amount of the extended portion, and the cleaning effect is improved.
　より具体的には、支持体６ａは、スライド方向における前方部６Ｆ、底部６Ｂ、スライド方向における後方部６Ｒを有している。清掃クロス６ｂは、前方部６Ｆに取り付けられ、清掃に寄与しない第１部位６１と、第１部位６１からの延長であって、底部６Ｂに沿って隙間Ｇに通され、清掃に寄与する第２部位６２と、第２部位６２からの延長であって、自重で清掃に寄与する第３部位６３と、第３部位６３から上方に折り返している第４部位６４と、第４部位６４からの延長であって、後方部６Ｒに取り付けられ、清掃に寄与しない第５部位６５と、を含む。 More specifically, the support 6a has a front portion 6F, a bottom portion 6B in the slide direction, and a rear portion 6R in the slide direction. The cleaning cloth 6b is attached to the front portion 6F and is an extension from the first portion 61 that does not contribute to cleaning and the second portion 61 that is passed through the gap G along the bottom portion 6B and contributes to cleaning. A part 62, a third part 63 which is an extension from the second part 62 and contributes to cleaning by its own weight, a fourth part 64 which is folded upward from the third part 63, and an extension from the fourth part 64. The fifth portion 65, which is attached to the rear portion 6R and does not contribute to cleaning, is included.
　この場合、第３部位６３及び第４部位６４は、スライド時に、密着して巻き付けるよりも十分に長い状態である清掃クロス６ｂの、スライド方向の後方にできる部位である。第１部位６１及び第５部位６５は、清掃クロス６ｂを支持体６ａに取り付ける役目を担う。第２部位６２及び第３部位６３は、アレイの表面１Ｓに接して清掃に寄与する。そして、第４部位６４は、スライド中に引きずられる第３部位６３がアレイの表面１Ｓに接するよう、浮き上がりを抑制する。 In this case, the third part 63 and the fourth part 64 are parts formed behind the sliding direction of the cleaning cloth 6b, which is in a state sufficiently longer than being tightly wound when sliding. The first portion 61 and the fifth portion 65 serve to attach the cleaning cloth 6b to the support 6a. The second portion 62 and the third portion 63 are in contact with the surface 1S of the array and contribute to cleaning. Then, the fourth portion 64 suppresses the floating so that the third portion 63 dragged during the slide comes into contact with the surface 1S of the array.
　また、支持体６ａの断面の輪郭形状は、長方形であり、底部６Ｂは平面状である。そのため、第２部位６２を、アレイの表面１Ｓの隅まで押し付けやすい。なお、輪郭形状としては、清掃ヘッドの撓み抑制のためには、長方形が好ましいが、第２部位６２を、アレイの表面１Ｓの隅まで押し付けやすくするためには、少なくとも四角形（正方形も含む。）であることが好ましいと考えられる。 Further, the contour shape of the cross section of the support 6a is rectangular, and the bottom portion 6B is planar. Therefore, the second portion 62 can be easily pressed to the corner of the surface 1S of the array. The contour shape is preferably a rectangle in order to suppress the bending of the cleaning head, but at least a quadrangle (including a square) in order to easily press the second portion 62 to the corner of the surface 1S of the array. Is considered preferable.
　図５は、スライド方向を逆にした断面図である。この場合の清掃クロス６ｂは、図４と左右対称になるだけで、各部位は同様の機能を有することになる。
　なお、清掃クロス６ｂは、図１における横方向に連続した１枚物であってもよいが、モジュールの横方向の幅に対応して、図１の場合であれば４枚設けることが好ましい。 FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view in which the sliding direction is reversed. In this case, the cleaning cloth 6b is only symmetrical with FIG. 4, and each part has the same function.
The cleaning cloth 6b may be a single piece continuous in the horizontal direction in FIG. 1, but it is preferable to provide four pieces in the case of FIG. 1 corresponding to the width in the horizontal direction of the module.
　図４及び図５のスライド方向において、表面１Ｓに接する長さに関して、第３部位６３の長さは、第２部位６２の長さと同等であることが好ましい。特に１対１の等長であることが好ましい。
　第２部位６２の長さに比べて第３部位６３が長すぎると、表面１Ｓから清掃クロス６ｂが浮き上がりやすくなり、清掃に寄与しにくい。逆に、第２部位６２の長さに比べて第３部位６３が短すぎると、十分な清掃面積を確保できず、清掃効果が低下する。 In the slide direction of FIGS. 4 and 5, the length of the third portion 63 is preferably the same as the length of the second portion 62 with respect to the length in contact with the surface 1S. In particular, it is preferably one-to-one equal length.
If the third portion 63 is too long compared to the length of the second portion 62, the cleaning cloth 6b tends to rise from the surface 1S, and it is difficult to contribute to cleaning. On the contrary, if the third portion 63 is too short with respect to the length of the second portion 62, a sufficient cleaning area cannot be secured and the cleaning effect is lowered.
　（参考例）
　図６は、参考例として、図４における第４部位６４及び第５部位６５が無いとした場合の清掃クロス６ｂ’を備えた清掃ヘッド６の断面図である。この場合、第３部位６３がアレイの表面１Ｓより浮き上がりやすくなり、第３部位６３による清掃効果がほとんど得られない。 (Reference example)
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a cleaning head 6 provided with a cleaning cloth 6b'when the fourth portion 64 and the fifth portion 65 in FIG. 4 are absent as a reference example. In this case, the third portion 63 is more likely to float than the surface 1S of the array, and the cleaning effect of the third portion 63 is hardly obtained.
　（モジュール間段差への対応）
　図７は、例えば図１のＶＩＩ矢視にて、ガイド部材２より上を見た図である。今、例えば、スライダ５が、図１における最下段のモジュール（例えばモジュールＭ３１）から一段上のモジュール（例えばモジュールＭ２１）へ移ろうとしているタイミングであるとする。このとき、駆動輪５ｃは、突起部３のスロープ３ａに当たって乗り上げる。これにより、清掃ヘッド６も持ち上げられる。スロープ３ａはガイド部材２のその他の上面に対して角度θを成している。駆動輪５ｃは、突起部３上を通過する間だけ、突起部３に乗り上げた状態となり、通過すれば元の高さに戻る。 (Correspondence to the step between modules)
FIG. 7 is a view looking above the guide member 2 in the VII arrow view of FIG. 1, for example. Now, for example, assume that the slider 5 is about to move from the lowest module (for example, module M31) in FIG. 1 to the next higher module (for example, module M21). At this time, the drive wheel 5c hits the slope 3a of the protrusion 3 and rides on it. As a result, the cleaning head 6 is also lifted. The slope 3a forms an angle θ with respect to the other upper surface of the guide member 2. The drive wheel 5c is in a state of riding on the protrusion 3 only while passing over the protrusion 3, and returns to the original height when passing.
　図８は、このときの清掃ヘッド６の動きを示す断面図である。モジュールＭ３１とモジュールＭ２１との間にこのような段差があったとすると、単純にスライドさせると、清掃ヘッド６がモジュールＭ２１の枠体に当たってしまう。しかしながら、段差の有無に関わらず、一旦、駆動輪５ｃを上記の突起部３に乗り上げさせることで、図８に示すように、段差があっても、これを乗り越えて清掃ヘッド６の右下端を、図８の二点鎖線で示す軌跡で次のモジュールＭ２１の表面に移動させることができる。図７における角度θは、現実にあり得る段差を乗り越えることができるよう適切に設定すればよい。なお、段差が無い場合や、次のモジュールの方が低い、という場合もあるが、清掃ヘッド６にはそのような状況がわからないので、一旦、強制的に持ち上げることで、どのような状況にも対応できる。 FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the movement of the cleaning head 6 at this time. If there is such a step between the module M31 and the module M21, the cleaning head 6 will hit the frame of the module M21 if it is simply slid. However, regardless of the presence or absence of a step, once the drive wheel 5c rides on the protrusion 3, even if there is a step, as shown in FIG. 8, the step is overcome and the lower right lower end of the cleaning head 6 is reached. , Can be moved to the surface of the next module M21 by the trajectory shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. The angle θ in FIG. 7 may be appropriately set so as to be able to overcome a step that may actually occur. In addition, there are cases where there is no step or the next module is lower, but since the cleaning head 6 does not know such a situation, once it is forcibly lifted, it can be used in any situation. I can handle it.
　（効果の検証）
　図９は、参考までに、図４に示すような、たるんだ状態の清掃クロス６ｂではなく、支持体６ａの断面図における外枠（すなわち外面）に、清掃クロスを密着させて巻き付けた場合の清掃効果を示すグラフである。縦軸は汚れによる光の（発電電力の）損失［％］を表し、横軸は清掃の回数（往復回数）を表している。折れ線はアレイ１の幅方向の左端から右端までの４個所（左端寄り、中間より左、中間より右、右端寄り）における汚れの変化を表している。図９に示すように、清掃により各箇所の損失は低下してはいるが、２点鎖線で囲んだ部分に注目すると、１回目では、結果のばらつきが非常に大きく、効果的に清掃できているところと、清掃できていないところが、顕著に分かれている。 (Verification of effect)
For reference, FIG. 9 shows a case where the cleaning cloth is wound in close contact with the outer frame (that is, the outer surface) in the cross-sectional view of the support 6a instead of the cleaning cloth 6b in a slack state as shown in FIG. It is a graph which shows the cleaning effect. The vertical axis represents the loss [%] of light (generated power) due to dirt, and the horizontal axis represents the number of cleanings (number of round trips). The polygonal line represents the change in dirt at four points (closer to the left end, from the middle to the left, from the middle to the right, and closer to the right end) from the left end to the right end in the width direction of the array 1. As shown in FIG. 9, although the loss of each part is reduced by cleaning, when paying attention to the part surrounded by the two-dot chain line, the variation of the result is very large in the first time, and the cleaning can be performed effectively. There is a marked distinction between where there is and where it has not been cleaned.
　図１０は、図４及び図５に示した、たるんだ巻き付け方の清掃クロス６ｂを用いた清掃ヘッド６で清掃を行った結果を示すグラフである。縦軸は汚れによる光の（発電電力の）損失［％］を表し、横軸は清掃の回数（往復回数）を表している。折れ線は任意の８箇所における汚れの変化を表している。図１０に示すように、清掃により損失は低下し、かつ、２点鎖線で囲んだ部分に注目すると、清掃効果のばらつきが非常に少ない。このように、たるんだ巻き方の清掃クロス６ｂを用いた清掃ヘッド６を用いることにより、確実に、かつ、ばらつきを抑えて清掃することができる。また、例えば図４に示すように、支持体６ａを長方形にして、底部６Ｂを平面としたことにより、清掃クロス６ｂの右下（図５では左下）の部分がモジュールの端部に届きやすくなり、汚れの残留を抑制することができる。 FIG. 10 is a graph showing the results of cleaning with the cleaning head 6 using the cleaning cloth 6b of the loose winding method shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The vertical axis represents the loss [%] of light (generated power) due to dirt, and the horizontal axis represents the number of cleanings (number of round trips). The polygonal line represents the change in dirt at any eight points. As shown in FIG. 10, the loss is reduced by cleaning, and when attention is paid to the portion surrounded by the two-dot chain line, the variation in the cleaning effect is very small. As described above, by using the cleaning head 6 using the cleaning cloth 6b having a loose winding method, it is possible to perform cleaning reliably and with less variation. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, for example, by making the support 6a rectangular and the bottom portion 6B flat, the lower right portion (lower left in FIG. 5) of the cleaning cloth 6b can easily reach the end portion of the module. , It is possible to suppress the residual of dirt.
　《第１実施形態の補足》
　図４，図５では、支持体６は、その底面６Ｂが表面１Ｓに対して平行となる姿勢となっている。但し、図２におけるスライダ５を、ガイド部材２に対して若干の角度範囲内で傾けることができるように取りつけることもできる。この場合、支持体６は、その底部６Ｂが表面１Ｓに対して平行となる姿勢から、所定の角度範囲内で傾くことができる。 << Supplement of the first embodiment >>
In FIGS. 4 and 5, the support 6 is in a posture in which the bottom surface 6B is parallel to the surface 1S. However, the slider 5 in FIG. 2 can be attached so as to be tilted within a slight angle range with respect to the guide member 2. In this case, the support 6 can be tilted within a predetermined angle range from the posture in which the bottom portion 6B is parallel to the surface 1S.
　図１５及び図１６は、支持体６ａがスライド方向に前傾し、底部６Ｂが表面１Ｓと平行でない状態を示す断面図である。なお、傾きの角度は実際には例えば３度程度であるが、若干誇張して表している。例えば、スライド方向への底部６Ｂの長さが２０ｍｍ、傾斜角度が３度であるとすると、底部６Ｂの浮き上がり（図１５では底部６Ｂの左端、図１６では底部６ｂの右端）は、２０×ｔａｎ（３°）で、約１ｍｍとなる。 15 and 16 are cross-sectional views showing a state in which the support 6a is tilted forward in the slide direction and the bottom portion 6B is not parallel to the surface 1S. The angle of inclination is actually, for example, about 3 degrees, but it is exaggerated slightly. For example, assuming that the length of the bottom 6B in the slide direction is 20 mm and the inclination angle is 3 degrees, the lift of the bottom 6B (the left end of the bottom 6B in FIG. 15 and the right end of the bottom 6b in FIG. 16) is 20 × tan. At (3 °), it becomes about 1 mm.
　支持体６ａが、一時的にこのような姿勢となることができれば、清掃ヘッド６が次のモジュールの表面へ移動する場合、支持体６ａの軸が前傾することで進入しやすくなる。また、微小な凹凸との接触にも対応しやすい。このように支持体６ａが前傾しても、第３部位６３が自重で、又は第４部位６４から押されて、清掃対象の表面１Ｓから清掃クロス６ｂが離れることを抑制できる。 If the support 6a can be temporarily in such a posture, when the cleaning head 6 moves to the surface of the next module, the axis of the support 6a tilts forward, which makes it easier to enter. In addition, it is easy to deal with contact with minute irregularities. Even if the support 6a is tilted forward in this way, it is possible to prevent the cleaning cloth 6b from being separated from the surface 1S to be cleaned by the third portion 63 being pushed by its own weight or from the fourth portion 64.
　《第２実施形態》
　図１１は、第２実施形態による清掃装置の清掃ヘッド７の断面図である。支持体７ａに関しては第１実施形態の支持体６ａと同様であるが、本実施形態では、さらに補助ユニット１２及び１３が設けられている。補助ユニット１２は、ばね（圧縮ばね）８と、押し当て部１０とによって構成されている。ばね８の基端は支持体７ａに固定され、先端は、押し当て部１０に固定されている。同様に、補助ユニット１３は、ばね（圧縮ばね）９と、押し当て部１１とによって構成されている。ばね９の基端は支持体７ａに固定され、先端は、押し当て部１１に固定されている。 << Second Embodiment >>
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the cleaning head 7 of the cleaning device according to the second embodiment. The support 7a is the same as the support 6a of the first embodiment, but in the present embodiment, auxiliary units 12 and 13 are further provided. The auxiliary unit 12 is composed of a spring (compression spring) 8 and a pressing portion 10. The base end of the spring 8 is fixed to the support 7a, and the tip end is fixed to the pressing portion 10. Similarly, the auxiliary unit 13 is composed of a spring (compression spring) 9 and a pressing portion 11. The base end of the spring 9 is fixed to the support 7a, and the tip end is fixed to the pressing portion 11.
　押し当て部１０，１１は、断面形状が三角形になっていて、図示のように、清掃クロス７ｂを横に押し拡げる。これにより、清掃クロス７ｂは、アレイの表面１Ｓに対する接触面積を拡大することができる。押し当て部１０，１１の材質としては、樹脂、アルミ合金等が使用できる。 The pressing portions 10 and 11 have a triangular cross-sectional shape, and as shown in the figure, the cleaning cloth 7b is pushed and expanded laterally. Thereby, the cleaning cloth 7b can increase the contact area with respect to the surface 1S of the array. As the material of the pressing portions 10 and 11, resin, aluminum alloy or the like can be used.
　図１２及び図１３は、清掃時の清掃ヘッド７の状態を示す断面図である。
　図１２は、清掃ヘッド７が右方向へスライドしている時の状態を示している。図１２において、清掃ヘッド７がスライドすることによる清掃クロス７ｂとアレイの表面１Ｓとの摩擦抵抗により、一方のばね８は縮み、他方のばね９が伸びる。この結果、清掃クロス７ｂの形状は図１１から少し変化するが、アレイの表面１Ｓに対する清掃クロス７ｂの接触面積は、概ね不変である。 12 and 13 are cross-sectional views showing a state of the cleaning head 7 at the time of cleaning.
FIG. 12 shows a state when the cleaning head 7 is sliding to the right. In FIG. 12, one spring 8 contracts and the other spring 9 expands due to the frictional resistance between the cleaning cloth 7b and the surface 1S of the array due to the sliding of the cleaning head 7. As a result, the shape of the cleaning cloth 7b changes slightly from FIG. 11, but the contact area of the cleaning cloth 7b with respect to the surface 1S of the array is almost unchanged.
　図１３は、清掃ヘッド７が左方向へスライドしている時の状態を示している。図１３において、清掃ヘッド７がスライドすることによる清掃クロス７ｂとアレイの表面１Ｓとの摩擦抵抗により、一方のばね９は縮み、他方のばね８が伸びる。この結果、図１２と左右対称な状態になり、アレイの表面１Ｓに対する清掃クロス７ｂの接触面積は、概ね不変である。 FIG. 13 shows a state when the cleaning head 7 is sliding to the left. In FIG. 13, one spring 9 contracts and the other spring 8 expands due to the frictional resistance between the cleaning cloth 7b and the surface 1S of the array due to the sliding of the cleaning head 7. As a result, the state becomes symmetrical with FIG. 12, and the contact area of the cleaning cloth 7b with respect to the surface 1S of the array is almost unchanged.
　図１４は、アレイの表面１Ｓに、モジュール間での段差がある場合の清掃ヘッド７の状態を示す断面図である。この場合、ばね９は、本来のばね軸方向より下方へねじれた状態となるが、弾性があるので、先端部が少し下方へ下がった図示のような状態になることも可能である。すなわち、ばね９の弾性変形により、図示のような段差に対応して、段差のあるアレイの表面１Ｓに清掃クロス７ｂが追随することも可能となる。従って、段差があっても清掃クロス７ｂをアレイの表面１Ｓに当てて清掃することができる。 FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a state of the cleaning head 7 when there is a step between modules on the surface 1S of the array. In this case, the spring 9 is in a state of being twisted downward from the original spring axial direction, but since it is elastic, it is possible to have a state as shown in the figure in which the tip portion is slightly lowered downward. That is, due to the elastic deformation of the spring 9, the cleaning cloth 7b can follow the stepped surface 1S of the array corresponding to the stepped step as shown in the figure. Therefore, even if there is a step, the cleaning cloth 7b can be applied to the surface 1S of the array for cleaning.
　なお、ばね８，９に代えて、例えば、エアシリンダを用いることもできる。この場合には、清掃ヘッド７がスライドする方向に応じて一方のエアシリンダの、ピストンロッドの突出長を増大させ、他方のエアシリンダの、ピストンロッドの突出長を短くするように制御すればよい。 Note that, for example, an air cylinder can be used instead of the springs 8 and 9. In this case, it is sufficient to control the protrusion length of the piston rod of one air cylinder to be increased and the protrusion length of the piston rod of the other air cylinder to be shortened according to the sliding direction of the cleaning head 7. ..
　《開示のまとめ》
　上記の開示は、例えば以下のように一般化して表現することができる。
　開示した清掃装置は、複数の太陽光発電モジュールを平面状に並べて構成されたアレイ１に取り付けられる清掃装置４であって、当該清掃装置４は、スライドしながらアレイ１の表面１Ｓを清掃する清掃ヘッド６を有し、当該清掃ヘッド６は、表面１Ｓに沿って一方向に延び、表面１Ｓとの間に隙間Ｇを成す底部６Ｂを有する支持体６ａと、隙間Ｇに通され、かつ、支持体６ａの外面に対する巻き付け長さが、密着して巻き付けるよりも長い状態で取り付けられた清掃クロス６ｂ，７ｂと、を有するものである。
　清掃クロスは、第１実施形態のように、支持体６ａに対してたるんだ状態（密着させずに緩く巻いた状態）のものであってもよいし、第２実施形態のように、押し拡げてアレイ１の表面１Ｓとの接触面積を増大させるものであってもよい。 << Summary of Disclosure >>
The above disclosure can be generalized and expressed as follows, for example.
The disclosed cleaning device is a cleaning device 4 attached to an array 1 configured by arranging a plurality of photovoltaic power generation modules in a plane, and the cleaning device 4 cleans the surface 1S of the array 1 while sliding. The cleaning head 6 has a head 6 and is passed through and supported by a support 6a having a bottom portion 6B extending in one direction along the surface 1S and forming a gap G between the head 6 and the surface 1S. It has cleaning cloths 6b and 7b attached in a state where the winding length of the body 6a is longer than that of tightly winding the body 6a.
The cleaning cloth may be in a slack state (a state in which it is loosely wound without being in close contact with each other) with respect to the support 6a as in the first embodiment, or may be spread out as in the second embodiment. The contact area of the array 1 with the surface 1S may be increased.
　このような清掃装置では、支持体６ａ，７ａがスライドするとき清掃クロス６ｂ，７ｂは、支持体６ａ，７ａの底部の下の部位からスライド方向の後方へ引きずるように延びる部位ができる。これにより、底部の下の部位のみならず、スライド方向の後方へ延びる部位も、アレイ１の表面１Ｓに接する。従って、延びた部位の分だけアレイ１の表面１Ｓに接する面積が増大し、清掃効果が向上する。こうして、水に依存せず、かつ、アレイ全体で、より均一に良好な清掃を行うことができる。 In such a cleaning device, when the supports 6a and 7a slide, the cleaning cloths 6b and 7b have a portion extending rearward in the sliding direction from a portion under the bottom of the supports 6a and 7a. As a result, not only the portion below the bottom but also the portion extending rearward in the sliding direction comes into contact with the surface 1S of the array 1. Therefore, the area in contact with the surface 1S of the array 1 is increased by the amount of the extended portion, and the cleaning effect is improved. In this way, water-independent and more uniform and good cleaning can be performed on the entire array.
　《その他》
　なお、上記各実施形態は、集光型の太陽光発電装置に関して述べたが、結晶シリコン型の太陽光発電装置であっても同様に上述の清掃装置を採用することができる。 "others"
Although each of the above embodiments has been described with respect to the condensing type photovoltaic power generation device, the above-mentioned cleaning device can be similarly adopted even for the crystalline silicon type photovoltaic power generation device.
　《補記》
　なお、今回開示された実施の形態はすべての点で例示であって制限的なものではないと考えられるべきである。本発明の範囲は請求の範囲によって示され、請求の範囲と均等の意味及び範囲内での全ての変更が含まれることが意図される。 《Supplementary note》
It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed this time are exemplary in all respects and are not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the scope of claims and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.
　１　アレイ
　１Ｓ　（アレイの）表面
　２　ガイド部材
　３　突起部
　３ａ　スロープ
　４　清掃装置
　５　スライダ
　５ａ　筐体
　５ｂ　支持部材
　５ｃ　駆動輪
　５ｄ　下部ばね受け
　５ｅ　上部ばね受け
　５ｆ　丸棒
　５ｇ　圧縮ばね
　５ｈ　垂下部
　６　清掃ヘッド
　６ａ　支持体
　６ａ１　本体部
　６ａ２　クッション材
　６ｂ　清掃クロス
　６ｂ’　清掃クロス（参考）
　６Ｂ　底部
　６Ｆ　前方部
　６Ｒ　後方部
　７　清掃ヘッド
　７ａ　支持体
　７ｂ　清掃クロス
　８，９　ばね
　１０，１１　押し当て部
　１２，１３　補助ユニット
　６１　第１部位
　６２　第２部位
　６３　第３部位
　６４　第４部位
　６５　第５部位
　１００　太陽光発電装置
　Ｍ１１，Ｍ１２，Ｍ１３，Ｍ１４，Ｍ２１，Ｍ２２，Ｍ２３，Ｍ２４，Ｍ３１，Ｍ３２，Ｍ３３，Ｍ３４　モジュール 1 Array 1S (array) surface 2 Guide member 3 Protrusion 3a Slope 4 Cleaning device 5 Slider 5a Housing 5b Support member 5c Drive wheel 5d Lower spring receiver 5e Upper spring receiver 5f Round bar 5g Compression spring 5h Hanging lower 6 Cleaning head 6a Support 6a1 Main body 6a2 Cushion material 6b Cleaning cloth 6b'Cleaning cloth (reference)
6B Bottom 6F Front 6R Rear 7 Cleaning head 7a Support 7b Cleaning cloth 8,9 Spring 10,11 Pushing part 12,13 Auxiliary unit 61 1st part 62 2nd part 63 3rd part 64 4th part 65th 5 parts 100 Photovoltaic power generation device M11, M12, M13, M14, M21, M22, M23, M24, M31, M32, M33, M34 module

Claims (10)

  1. 　複数の太陽光発電モジュールを平面状に並べて構成されたアレイに取り付けられる清掃装置であって、
    　前記清掃装置は、スライドしながら前記アレイの表面を清掃する清掃ヘッドを有し、当該清掃ヘッドは、
    　前記表面に沿って一方向に延び、前記表面との間に隙間を成す底部を有する支持体と、
    　前記隙間に通され、かつ、前記支持体の外面に対する巻き付け長さが、密着して巻き付けるよりも長い状態で取り付けられた清掃クロスと、
    　を有する清掃装置。     It is a cleaning device that can be attached to an array composed of multiple photovoltaic modules arranged in a plane.
    The cleaning device has a cleaning head that cleans the surface of the array while sliding, and the cleaning head is a cleaning head.
    A support having a bottom extending in one direction along the surface and forming a gap between the surface and the support.
    A cleaning cloth that is passed through the gap and is attached so that the winding length of the support with respect to the outer surface is longer than that of tightly winding the support.
    Cleaning device with.
  2. 　前記支持体は、スライド方向における前方部、前記底部、前記スライド方向における後方部を有し、
    　前記表面に接してスライドしている場合の前記清掃クロスは、
    　前記前方部に取り付けられ、清掃に寄与しない第１部位と、
    　前記第１部位からの延長であって、前記底部に沿って前記隙間に通され、清掃に寄与する第２部位と、
    　前記第２部位からの延長であって、自重で清掃に寄与する第３部位と、
    　前記第３部位から上方に折り返している第４部位と、
    　前記第４部位からの延長であって、前記後方部に取り付けられ、清掃に寄与しない第５部位と、
    　を含む請求項１に記載の清掃装置。     The support has a front portion in the slide direction, the bottom portion, and a rear portion in the slide direction.
    The cleaning cloth when sliding in contact with the surface is
    The first part, which is attached to the front part and does not contribute to cleaning,
    A second part that is an extension of the first part and is passed through the gap along the bottom to contribute to cleaning.
    The third part, which is an extension from the second part and contributes to cleaning by its own weight,
    The fourth part, which is folded upward from the third part, and
    The fifth part, which is an extension from the fourth part and is attached to the rear part and does not contribute to cleaning,
    The cleaning device according to claim 1.
  3. 　前記スライド方向において、前記第３部位の長さは、前記第２部位の長さと同等である請求項２に記載の清掃装置。 The cleaning device according to claim 2, wherein the length of the third portion is equivalent to the length of the second portion in the slide direction.
  4. 　前記支持体は、前記底部が前記表面に対して平行となる姿勢から、前記スライド方向に所定の角度範囲内で前傾可能に支持されている請求項１又は請求項２に記載の清掃装置。 The cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support is supported so as to be tilted forward within a predetermined angle range in the slide direction from a posture in which the bottom thereof is parallel to the surface.
  5. 　前記一方向に直交する、前記支持体の断面の輪郭形状は、四角形である請求項２に記載の清掃装置。 The cleaning device according to claim 2, wherein the contour shape of the cross section of the support orthogonal to the one direction is a quadrangle.
  6. 　前記四角形とは、前記表面に垂直な方向が長辺となる長方形である請求項５に記載の清掃装置。 The cleaning device according to claim 5, wherein the quadrangle is a rectangle whose long side is the direction perpendicular to the surface.
  7. 　前記アレイの両側端に設けられたガイド部材と、
    　前記清掃ヘッドのスライド方向に隣り合う前記太陽光発電モジュールの境界における前記ガイド部材上に設けられた突起部と、
    　前記清掃ヘッドをスライドさせるスライダの両端にそれぞれ取り付けられ、前記ガイド部材に乗って移動する駆動輪と、
    　を備えた請求項１から請求項６のいずれか１項に記載の清掃装置。     Guide members provided at both ends of the array and
    A protrusion provided on the guide member at the boundary of the photovoltaic power generation modules adjacent to each other in the sliding direction of the cleaning head, and a protrusion.
    A drive wheel that is attached to both ends of a slider that slides the cleaning head and moves on the guide member,
    The cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising the above.
  8. 　前記支持体は、前記清掃クロスを、スライド方向における前方及び後方にそれぞれ押し拡げるよう付勢する補助ユニットを備えている、請求項１に記載の清掃装置。 The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the support includes an auxiliary unit that urges the cleaning cloth to spread forward and backward in the sliding direction, respectively.
  9. 　前記補助ユニットは、
    　基端が前記支持体に取りつけられ、前記清掃クロスを押し拡げるためのばねと、
    　前記ばねの先端に取りつけられた押し当て部と、
    　を含む請求項８に記載の清掃装置。     The auxiliary unit is
    A spring whose base end is attached to the support to expand the cleaning cloth,
    The pressing part attached to the tip of the spring and
    The cleaning device according to claim 8.
  10. 　前記アレイと、請求項１から請求項９のいずれか１項に記載の清掃装置とを備えた太陽光発電装置。 A photovoltaic power generation device including the array and the cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.
PCT/JP2021/025755 2020-07-15 2021-07-08 Cleaning device and solar power generation device WO2022014457A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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JP2020-121214 2020-07-15
JP2020121214 2020-07-15

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2012124303A (en) * 2010-12-08 2012-06-28 Yuichiro Niizaki Automatic polishing and/or cleaning device of solar cell panel
WO2014141405A1 (en) * 2013-03-13 2014-09-18 エヌ・ティ・ティ・アドバンステクノロジ株式会社 Cleaning tool for optical connector
WO2016098140A1 (en) * 2014-12-17 2016-06-23 株式会社 スカイロボット Cleaning device for solar power generation panel
CN105772470A (en) * 2016-03-22 2016-07-20 曹立明 Cleaning device

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2012124303A (en) * 2010-12-08 2012-06-28 Yuichiro Niizaki Automatic polishing and/or cleaning device of solar cell panel
WO2014141405A1 (en) * 2013-03-13 2014-09-18 エヌ・ティ・ティ・アドバンステクノロジ株式会社 Cleaning tool for optical connector
WO2016098140A1 (en) * 2014-12-17 2016-06-23 株式会社 スカイロボット Cleaning device for solar power generation panel
CN105772470A (en) * 2016-03-22 2016-07-20 曹立明 Cleaning device

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