cleaning system for a circular panel

Abstract

A cleaning system for cleaning a circular panel or any other circular surface is provided. The system has a base mechanically fastened to the circular panel. An axis stub pivotally connected to the base and attached to a pivot member provides rotation for a blade set. The blade set includes a first blade and a second blade configured to rotate independently about the pivot member in either a clockwise or a counter clockwise direction, wherein the second blade is configured to sit above the first bade, each blade having at least one row of sprinkler holes positioned on each side of the blade running lengthwise. The at least one row of sprinkler holes are configured to eject a fluid to either clean, cool, or thaw the circular panel. The first blade includes a roller having cleaning implements configured to clean the circular panel as the first blade rotates about the pivot member.

Claims

1. A cleaning system for a circular panel comprising: a blade having a proximal end pivotally connected to a pivot member; a base mechanically fastened to the circular panel; an axis stub pivotally connected to the base and attached to the pivot member; and, wherein the blade is configured to rotate about the circular panel via the pivot member to clean the circular panel.

2. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein the blade is comprised of a first blade and a second blade.

3. The cleaning system of claim 2, wherein the first blade and the second blade are configured to rotate independently either in a clockwise or a counter clockwise direction.

4. The cleaning system of claim 3, wherein the first blade and the second blade each comprises at least one row of sprinkler holes configured to eject one or more fluids.

5. The cleaning system of claim 4, wherein the at least one row of sprinkler holes is a pair of rows positioned on each side of the first blade and the second blade.

6. The cleaning system of claim 4, wherein the one or more fluids is a cleaning fluid configured to clean or cool the circular panel and a thawing fluid configured to thaw snow or ice from the circular panel.

7. The cleaning system of claim 2, wherein the first blade is comprised of a roller having implements, wherein the roller is configured to rotate via an electric motor.

8. The cleaning system of claim 7, wherein the implements include hard scrubbers, brushes, and squeegees.

9. The cleaning system of claim 2, wherein the second blade is configured to sit above the first blade.

10. The cleaning system of claim 9, wherein the second blade is comprised of a brush that extends upwardly.

11. The cleaning system of claim 10, wherein the second blade is configured to wipe excess snow off the circular panel.

12. The cleaning system of claim 1, further comprising a wind vane positioned on a top portion of the pivot member, wherein the wind vane is connected to a charger for generating electricity for operating the cleaning system.

13. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein the circular panel is a solar panel.

14. A cleaning system for a circular panel comprising: a base mechanically fastened to the circular panel; an axis stub pivotally connected to the base and attached to a pivot member; a first blade and a second blade configured to rotate independently about the pivot member in either a clockwise or a counter clockwise direction, wherein the second blade is configured to sit above the first bade, each blade having at least one row of sprinkler holes positioned on each side of the blade running lengthwise; wherein the at least one row of sprinkler holes are configured to eject a fluid to either clean, cool, or thaw the circular panel; and, wherein the first blade comprises a roller having cleaning implements configured to clean the circular panel as the first blade rotates about the pivot member.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] FIG. 1 is an isometric view according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0016] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the invention.

[0017] FIGS. 3A-B is an isometric and a side view of a rotating brush respectively according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0018] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a model with sprinkler holes.

[0019] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a parabolic installation.

[0020] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of an installation on a rooftop.

[0021] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the invention without a wind vane.

[0022] FIG. 8 is an isometric view favoring the underside of the rotating brush having only a single hard scrubber.

[0023] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a cylindrical-parabolic reflectors installation.

[0024] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a solar tower installation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0025] The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out his invention. Various modifications, however, will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art, since the general principles of the present invention have been defined herein to specifically provide a cleaning system for a circular panel.

[0026] It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as to mean “at least one”. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, not necessarily mechanically, and not permanent. The term “providing” is defined herein in its broadest sense, e.g., bringing/coming into physical existence, making available, and/or supplying to someone or something, in whole or in multiple parts at once or over a period of time. As used herein, the terms “about”, “generally”, or “approximately” apply to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider near the stated amount by about 0%, 5%, or 10%, including increments therein. In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure.

[0027] Referring now to any of the accompanying FIGS. 1-8, according to a first embodiment, a cleaning system 10 for a circular panel 12 is provided, wherein the system 10 is comprised of a blade 14 having a proximal end 16 that is pivotally attached to the circular panel 12 by way of a dome shaped pivot member 18. In one embodiment, the blade 14 is divided into a first blade 15 and a second blade 17. In one embodiment, the first blade is comprised of a roller 40.

[0028] As best seen in FIGS. 3A-B, the roller 40 is comprised of hard scrubbers 42, brushes 22 and squeegees 20 (collectively referred to as “implements”). Since there are more than one set of each type, by rotating the roller 40, whenever an implement (scrubber, brush, and/or squeegee) is worn out, it can be replaced by simply rotating the roller 40 so as to present the appropriate implement. Typically, an electric motor (not shown) is used for rotating the roller so that a particular implement is in an operable position. Of course, in order to reduce cost by simplifying the invention, the blade 14 can be made out of only one squeegee.

[0029] In one embodiment, the pivot member 18 is further comprised of a base 30 which is mechanically fastened to the circular panel 12, a disc member 32, and an axis stub 34 which is pivotally connected to the base 30 by passing through holes 36 made through both the disc member 32 and the base 30.

[0030] In some embodiments, the pivot member 18 has a wind vane 26 on its top portion which is connected to a charger for generating the electricity needed to operate the system 10 such as rotating the blades 15, 17 and actuating all other electrically powered equipment such as pumps for the liquids and computer board, among others. Advantageously, in this manner, the system 10 does not take up the energy from the solar panels. Any excess energy produced can be stored in a battery for use on other systems if needed.

[0031] The second blade 17, which sits on top of the first blade 15, is used mostly for wiping excess snow and ejecting thawing fluid. This will be described in further details below. In one embodiment, the second blade 17 is comprised of a brush 22′ extending upwardly therefrom. In one embodiment, the brush 22′ is transparent such that it does not project a shadow on the circular panel 12. The blade 17 also contains other holes 39 for the injection of cleaning liquid to rinse and clean the brush 22′.

[0032] Additionally best seen in FIG. 4, in some embodiments, there are rows of sprinkler holes 38 and 39 for ejecting cleaning fluid from a channel within the blades (inside the body of the first and second blades 15, 17) to circulate and bring the fluid to the holes 38 and 39.

[0033] Advantageously, the two blades 15, 17 can rotate independently. For example, when there is a lot of snow, the second blade 17 moves first to clear the snow and sprinkle thawing liquid, and then the first blade 15 starts moving. Further, the blades 15, 17 can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. This is advantageous since the sprinklers are located on both sides of the blades 15, 17 (only one side visible in the drawings) and can contain different liquids. So, for example, if there is a need for a thawing liquid, the blade 15, 17 would turn in the direction the liquid is being sprinkled. When there is ice or frost on the panel which blocks the movement of the first blade 15, the second blade 17 is activated to inject the thawing liquid all along the panel in order to thaw the ice and release the first blade 15, and once the first blade 15 is released, it can be activated to clean the remaining ice on the panel.

[0034] Different configurations of mirrors can benefit from the blade 10 as seen in FIG. 5, where the blade 10 can be used on a mirror array for use with a parabolic solar oven, for example. FIG. 6 shows a rooftop installation using the blade 10, and FIG. 9 shows a cylindrical-parabolic reflectors. The system 10 can also be used for cleaning circular windows or skylights. For example, FIG. 10 shows a solar tower made out of circular panels.

[0035] As best seen in FIG. 6, in snowy regions the system 10 works very well on sloping roofs because it facilitates the removal of snow on the panels 12, which themselves prevent the accumulation of snow on the roof.

[0036] Another advantage of the sprinklers is that they can act as means for cooling the solar panels and prevent thermal shock that could cause the glass to crack, while also keep the panels from getting too hot as extreme heat reduces the photovoltaic efficiency.

[0037] Although the invention has been described in considerable detail in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features are disclosed as exemplary preferred forms of implementing the claimed invention. Stated otherwise, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Therefore, while exemplary illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described, numerous variations and alternative embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Such variations and alternate embodiments are contemplated, and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0038] It should further be noted that throughout the entire disclosure, the labels such as left, right, front, back, top, bottom, forward, reverse, clockwise, counter clockwise, up, down, or other similar terms such as upper, lower, aft, fore, vertical, horizontal, oblique, proximal, distal, parallel, perpendicular, transverse, longitudinal, etc. have been used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to imply any particular fixed direction or orientation. Instead, they are used to reflect relative locations and/or directions/orientations between various portions of an object.

[0039] In addition, reference to “first,” “second,” “third,” and etc. members throughout the disclosure (and in particular, claims) are not used to show a serial or numerical limitation but instead are used to distinguish or identify the various members of the group.