Docking and locking system for solar panel cleaning system

摘要

Solar panels row cleaning system that can dock and lock itself at a docking extension attached to the solar row. The self-docking and self-locking is optimally used when the cleaning system is not working. Movement of a cleaning apparatus of the cleaning system is controlled to cause an anchoring element on the cleaning apparatus to engage with an anchoring element on the docking extension when in the docking position and thereby lock the cleaning apparatus preventing its movement in horizontal and downward directions. This is particularly useful when strong wind gusts are present.

主权项

1. A solar panel row cleaning system with a two directional locking mechanism, the solar row being inclined and having an upper end and a lower end in a width direction, the cleaning system comprising:
a support construction for supporting the solar row; a movable main frame movable in a length direction of the solar row; at least one cleaning apparatus mounted on said main frame and movable in the width direction of the solar row; a first anchoring element attached to said at least one cleaning apparatus; at least a first actuator for moving said at least one cleaning apparatus in the width direction; at least a second actuator for moving said main frame in the length direction; a control unit for controlling said first actuator to cause controlled movement of said at least one cleaning apparatus in the width direction and for controlling said second actuator to cause controlled movement of said main frame in the length direction; and an extension extending from said support and including a second anchoring element, said at least one cleaning apparatus being movable from an operative position over the solar row to a docking position on said extension and beyond said solar row, said control unit being configured to move said at least one cleaning apparatus to cause said first and second anchoring elements to engage with one another when in the docking position and thereby lock said at least one cleaning apparatus preventing its movement in horizontal and downward directions.