U.S. patent application number 16/997854 was filed with the patent office on 2021-02-25 for bridge for robotic cleaning solution on photovoltaic (pv) panels.
This patent application is currently assigned to Airtouch Solar Ltd.. The applicant listed for this patent is Airtouch Solar Ltd.. Invention is credited to YANIR ALLOUCHE.
Application Number | 20210058026 16/997854 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005177297 |
Filed Date | 2021-02-25 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210058026 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ALLOUCHE; YANIR |
February 25, 2021 |
Bridge for Robotic cleaning solution on photovoltaic (PV)
panels
Abstract
A bridge that may include a first photovoltaic (PV) panel
holder, a second PV panel holder; and a body. The body is movably
coupled, via a first interface, to the first PV panel holder and is
detacheably coupled to the second PV panel holder, wherein the body
is configured to move between a first position to a second position
when the second PV panel holder is detached from the body, wherein
when positioned at the second position, a portion of the body
extends above the first PV panel holder.
Inventors: |
ALLOUCHE; YANIR; (Tel Aviv,
IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Airtouch Solar Ltd. |
Tel Aviv |
|
IL |
|
|
Assignee: |
Airtouch Solar Ltd.
Tel Aviv
IL
|
Family ID: |
1000005177297 |
Appl. No.: |
16/997854 |
Filed: |
August 19, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62889070 |
Aug 20, 2019 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B25J 11/0085 20130101;
H02S 20/30 20141201; H02S 40/10 20141201 |
International
Class: |
H02S 40/10 20060101
H02S040/10; H02S 20/30 20060101 H02S020/30 |
Claims
1. A bridge that comprises: a first photovoltaic (PV) panel holder;
a second PV panel holder; and a body; wherein the body is movably
coupled, via a first interface, to the first PV panel holder and is
detacheably coupled to the second PV panel holder, wherein the body
is configured to move between a first position to a second position
when the second PV panel holder is detached from the body, wherein
when positioned at the second position, a portion of the body
extends above the first PV panel holder.
2. The bridge according to claim 1 wherein when positioned at the
first position the portion of the body does not extend above the
first PV panel holder.
3. The bridge according to claim 1 wherein when positioned at the
second position the portion of the body forms a stopper to prevent
progress of a cleaning robot towards the second PV panel
holder.
4. The bridge according to claim 1 wherein the portion of the body
has a rectangular shape.
5. The bridge according to claim 1 wherein the first interface is a
first axle, wherein the body is configured to move between the
first position to the second position by performing a rotational
movement, wherein the body is rotatably coupled, via the first
axle, to the first PV panel holder.
6. The bridge according to claim 5 wherein the body is configured
to move along the first axle.
7. The bridge according to claim 5 wherein the body comprises a
groove that has an open end, wherein the second PV panel holder
comprises a second interface that is configured to mechanically
couple the body to the second PV panel holder while the second
interface contacts the groove, and wherein the second interface is
configured to move along the groove while a distance between the
first PV panel holder and the second PV panel holder changes within
a predefined distance range.
8. The bridge according to claim 7 wherein the second interface is
configured to exit the groove and disconnect the second PV panel
holder from the body when the distance between the first PV panel
holder and the second PV panel holder exceeds the predefined
distance range.
9. The bridge according to claim 7 wherein the body comprises a
curved upper edge that is located above the open end.
10. The bridge according to claim 1 wherein first the interface is
a rounded pin.
11. The bridge according to claim 1 wherein the first PV panel
holder comprises an upper part, an intermediate part and a lower
part, wherein the first interface is connected to the intermediate
part.
12. The bridge according to claim 1 comprising a sensor that is
configured to sense a position of the body.
13. The bridge according to claim 1 wherein at least one of the
body, the first PV panel holder and the second PV panel holder is
flexible.
14. A photovoltaic (PV) system comprising: a bridge that comprises
a first PV panel holder, a second PV panel holder and a body,
wherein the body is movably coupled, via a first interface, to the
first PV panel holder and is detacheably coupled to the second PV
panel holder, wherein the body is configured to move between a
first position to a second position when the second PV panel holder
is detached from the body, wherein when positioned at the second
position, a portion of the body extends above the first PV panel
holder; a first PV panel that comprises a first plurality of PV
panels and is mechanically coupled to the first PV panel holder of
the bridge; and a second PV panel that comprises a second plurality
of PV panels, the second PV panel is mechanically coupled to the
second PV panel holder of the bridge.
15. The PV system according to claim 14 comprising an additional
bridge, the additional bridge is connected to the first PV panel
and to the second PV panel and is spaced apart from the bridge.
16. The PV sensor according to claim 14 comprising at least one
sensor for sensing a position of each one of the bridges.
17. A method for moving a cleaning robot between a first
photovoltaic (PV) panel and a second PV panel, the method
comprises: reaching, by the cleaning robot a first end of the first
PV panel; stopping the progress of the cleaning robot when the
cleaning robot reaches a stopper; propagating the cleaning robot
above bridges and between the first PV panel and the second PV
panel when the cleaning robot does not reach the stopper; wherein
each one of the bridges comprises a first PV panel holder that is
connected to the first PV panel, a second PV panel holder that is
connected to the second PV panel, and a body, wherein the body is
movably coupled, via a first interface, to the first PV panel
holder and is detacheably coupled to the second PV panel holder,
wherein the body is configured to move between a first position to
a second position when the second PV panel holder is detached from
the body, wherein when positioned at the second position, a portion
of the body extends above the first PV panel holder to provide the
stopper.
18. The method according to claim 16 further comprising cleaning,
by the cleaning robot, the first PV panel before moving over the
bridges.
19. The method according to claim 17 comprising sensing positions
of bodies of the bridges.
20. (canceled)
21. (canceled)
22. (canceled)
23. (canceled)
24. (canceled)
25. (canceled)
26. (canceled)
27. (canceled)
28. (canceled)
29. (canceled)
30. (canceled)
Description
CROSS REFERENCE
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. provisional
patent 62/889,070 having a filing date 20 Aug. 2019 which is
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] PV panels are mounted on racks/tables where each table
carries 10-60 panels in big rectangle shape. Robotic cleaning
solution needs to have a clear path to run on steps or gaps between
the panels, which above certain limit stop the robot from running
smoothly.
[0003] New generation of robotic solutions are driving on the
panels' frame and do not need a special rail to run on. Along the
Rack/Table, since the gaps between the panels is limited to 10-30
mm the wheels of normal robots can run over those gaps easily.
[0004] The challenge, however, is to allow the robot to run between
2 tables that are located next to each other. In this case a bridge
between 2 adjacent tables is needed to use one robot for cleaning
of multiple tables. This allows the developer to save CAPEX.
[0005] Tables usually are aligned, but in many cases, due to lack
of QC in the construction phase or due to difficult terrain, tables
have misalignments between them.
[0006] Further, some of the tables can change their tilting along
the day or few times during the year. This tilt movement can cause
aligned tables after tilt changing to become misaligned.
SUMMARY
[0007] There may be provided a bridge that may include a first
photovoltaic (PV) panel holder; a second PV panel holder; and a
body. The wherein the body may be movably coupled, via a first
interface, to the first PV panel holder and may be detacheably
coupled to the second PV panel holder. The body may be configured
to move between a first position to a second position when the
second PV panel holder may be detached from the body, wherein when
positioned at the second position, a portion of the body extends
above the first PV panel holder.
[0008] The bridge, when positioned at the first position the
portion of the body, may not extend above the first PV panel
holder.
[0009] When the body is positioned at the second position, the
portion of the body may form a stopper to prevent progress of a
cleaning robot towards the second PV panel holder.
[0010] The portion of the body may have a rectangular shape.
[0011] The first interface may be a first axle, wherein the body
may be configured to move between the first position to the second
position by performing a rotational movement, wherein the body may
be rotatably coupled, via the first axle, to the first PV panel
holder.
[0012] The body may be configured to move along the first axle.
[0013] The body may include a groove that may have an open end,
wherein the second PV panel holder may include a second interface
that may be configured to mechanically couple the body to the
second PV panel holder while the second interface contacts the
groove, and wherein the second interface may be configured to move
along the groove while a distance between the first PV panel holder
and the second PV panel holder changes within a predefined distance
range.
[0014] The second interface may be configured to exit the groove
and disconnect the second PV panel holder from the body when the
distance between the first PV panel holder and the second PV panel
holder exceeds the predefined distance range.
[0015] The body may include a curved upper edge that may be located
above the open end.
[0016] The first the interface may be a rounded pin.
[0017] The first PV panel holder may include an upper part, an
intermediate part and a lower part, wherein the first interface may
be connected to the intermediate part.
[0018] The bridge may include or may be monitored by a sensor that
may be configured to sense a position of the body.
[0019] At least one of the body, the first PV panel holder and the
second PV panel holder may be flexible.
[0020] There may be provided a photovoltaic (PV) system. The system
may include a bridge, a first PV panel and a second PV panel.
[0021] The bridge may include a first PV panel holder, a second PV
panel holder and a body. The body is movably coupled, via a first
interface, to the first PV panel holder and is detacheably coupled
to the second PV panel holder. The body is configured to move
between a first position to a second position when the second PV
panel holder is detached from the body. When positioned at the
second position, a portion of the body extends above the first PV
panel holder.
[0022] The first PV panel may include a first plurality of PV
panels and is mechanically coupled to the first PV panel holder of
the bridge.
[0023] The second PV panel may include a second plurality of PV
panels, the second PV panel is mechanically coupled to the second
PV panel holder of the bridge.
[0024] The PV system may include two or more bridges formed between
the first and second PV panels. For example--if the cleaning robot
has two tracks, two sets of wheels (each set of wheels includes
wheels that move along a same virtual line) then there may be two
bridges that support each one of the two tracks, two wheels or two
sets of wheels during the movement from one PV panel to the
other.
[0025] The system may include at least one sensor for sensing a
position of each one of the bridges. For example--if a bridge is in
the second position--then an alert may be generated, a notification
should be provided--to inform a user or any human or computerized
entity that the bridge will not allow a passage of the cleaning
robot over the bridge.
[0026] The sensor may be a part of the bridge or may not belong to
a bridge.
[0027] There may be provided a method for moving a cleaning robot
between a first photovoltaic (PV) panel and a second PV panel. The
method may include (a) reaching, by the cleaning robot a first end
of the first PV panel, (b) stopping the progress of the cleaning
robot when the cleaning robot reaches a stopper, and (c)
propagating the cleaning robot above bridges and between the first
PV panel and the second PV panel when the cleaning robot does not
reach the stopper. Each one of the bridges may include a first PV
panel holder that is connected to the first PV panel, a second PV
panel holder that is connected to the second PV panel, and a body,
wherein the body is movably coupled, via a first interface, to the
first PV panel holder and is detacheably coupled to the second PV
panel holder, wherein the body is configured to move between a
first position to a second position when the second PV panel holder
is detached from the body, wherein when positioned at the second
position, a portion of the body extends above the first PV panel
holder to provide the stopper.
[0028] The method may also include cleaning, by the cleaning robot,
the first PV panel before moving over the bridges.
[0029] The method may include sensing positions of bodies of the
bridges and responding to the sensing.
[0030] There may be provided a bridge that may include a first
photovoltaic (PV) panel holder, a second PV panel holder, and a
body. The body may be movably coupled, via a first interface to the
first PV panel holder and may be movably coupled, via a second
interface to the second PV panel holder. Wherein each one of the
first PV panel holder and the second PV panel holder may include a
base surface, a central segment extends from the base surface, and
two side segments that extend from the base surface. A distance
between the base surface and first part of the central segment
exceeds a distance between the base surface and a first part of
each one of the side segments.
[0031] Each one of the (a) distance between the base surface and
first part of the central segment, and (b) the distance between the
base surface and a first part of each one of the side segment, may
be of millimetric scale.
[0032] The distance between the base surface and first part of the
central segment, substantially equals a sum of (b) a thickness of
the body and (c) the distance between the base surface and the
first part of one of the side segments.
[0033] The body may be elastic. The first and second PV holders may
also be elastic.
[0034] Each one of the first interface and the second interface may
be an axel, wherein the body may be rotatably coupled to the first
PV panel holder and to the second PV panel holder.
[0035] A length of each one of the first interface and the second
interface may be of millimetric scale.
[0036] The first PV panel holder may include an upper part, an
intermediate part and a lower part, wherein the lower part may be
made of foldable segments.
[0037] The foldable segments may include upper protuberances and
external recesses.
[0038] In each one of the first PV panel holder and the second PV
panel holder, a base surface segment positioned between the central
segment and a side segment may be configured to provide a folding
region for folding the body.
[0039] There may be provided a photovoltaic (PV) system may include
a bridge that may include a first PV panel holder, a second PV
panel holder and a body, wherein the body may be movably coupled,
via a first interface to the first PV panel holder and may be
movably coupled, via a second interface to the second PV panel
holder; wherein each one of the first PV panel holder and the
second PV panel holder may include a base surface, a central
segment extends from the base surface, and two side segments that
extend from the base surface, wherein a distance between the base
surface and first part of the central segment exceeds a distance
between the base surface and a first part of each one of the side
segments; a first PV panel that may include a first plurality of PV
panels and may be mechanically coupled to the first PV panel holder
of the bridge; and a second PV panel that may include a second
plurality of PV panels, the second PV panel may be mechanically
coupled to the second PV panel holder of the bridge.
[0040] There may be provided a method for cleaning PV panels using
a cleaning robot that is configured to move across one or more
bridges.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0041] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate various disclosed
embodiments. In the drawings:
[0042] FIG. 1 illustrates misalignments;
[0043] FIGS. 2-6 illustrate examples of bridges; and
[0044] FIG. 7-15 illustrate examples of bridges.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0045] Any reference in the specification to a bridge should be
applied mutatis mutandis to a method for using the bridge and/or a
method for manufacturing the bridge.
[0046] There may be provided a bridge that is able to carry the
weight of the cleaning robot between the panel tables while
allowing freedom in misalignment without changing the bridges each
season or during the day.
[0047] The bridge provides a single solution for multiple
situations. In such case a single configuration of the bridge can
be manufactured in mass scale to serve most situations in a field
and will not require a tailored solution for each and every table
situation.
[0048] There may be provided a bridge that may include a first
photovoltaic (PV) panel holder; a second PV panel holder; and a
body. The wherein the body may be movably coupled, via a first
interface, to the first PV panel holder and may be detacheably
coupled to the second PV panel holder. The body may be configured
to move between a first position to a second position when the
second PV panel holder may be detached from the body, wherein when
positioned at the second position, a portion of the body extends
above the first PV panel holder. FIGS. 1-6 provide examples of such
a bridge.
[0049] The bridge, when positioned at the first position the
portion of the body, may not extend above the first PV panel
holder.
[0050] When the body is positioned at the second position, the
portion of the body may form a stopper to prevent progress of a
cleaning robot towards the second PV panel holder.
[0051] The portion of the body may have a rectangular shape.
[0052] The first interface may be a first axle, wherein the body
may be configured to move between the first position to the second
position by performing a rotational movement, wherein the body may
be rotatably coupled, via the first axle, to the first PV panel
holder.
[0053] The body may be configured to move along the first axle.
[0054] The body may include a groove that may have an open end,
wherein the second PV panel holder may include a second interface
that may be configured to mechanically couple the body to the
second PV panel holder while the second interface contacts the
groove, and wherein the second interface may be configured to move
along the groove while a distance between the first PV panel holder
and the second PV panel holder changes within a predefined distance
range.
[0055] The second interface may be configured to exit the groove
and disconnect the second PV panel holder from the body when the
distance between the first PV panel holder and the second PV panel
holder exceeds the predefined distance range.
[0056] The body may include a curved upper edge that may be located
above the open end.
[0057] The first the interface may be a rounded pin.
[0058] The first PV panel holder may include an upper part, an
intermediate part and a lower part, wherein the first interface may
be connected to the intermediate part.
[0059] The bridge may include or may be monitored by a sensor that
may be configured to sense a position of the body.
[0060] At least one of the body, the first PV panel holder and the
second PV panel holder may be flexible.
[0061] There may be provided a photovoltaic (PV) system. The system
may include a bridge, a first PV panel and a second PV panel.
[0062] The bridge may include a first PV panel holder, a second PV
panel holder and a body. The body is movably coupled, via a first
interface, to the first PV panel holder and is detacheably coupled
to the second PV panel holder. The body is configured to move
between a first position to a second position when the second PV
panel holder is detached from the body. When positioned at the
second position, a portion of the body extends above the first PV
panel holder.
[0063] The first PV panel may include a first plurality of PV
panels and is mechanically coupled to the first PV panel holder of
the bridge.
[0064] The second PV panel may include a second plurality of PV
panels, the second PV panel is mechanically coupled to the second
PV panel holder of the bridge.
[0065] The PV system may include two or more bridges formed between
the first and second PV panels. For example--if the cleaning robot
has two tracks, two sets of wheels (each set of wheels includes
wheels that move along a same virtual line) then there may be two
bridges that support each one of the two tracks, two wheels or two
sets of wheels during the movement from one PV panel to the
other.
[0066] The system may include at least one sensor for sensing a
position of each one of the bridges. For example--if a bridge is in
the second position--then an alert may be generated, a notification
should be provided--to inform a user or any human or computerized
entity that the bridge will not allow a passage of the cleaning
robot over the bridge.
[0067] The sensor may be a part of the bridge or may not belong to
a bridge.
[0068] There may be provided a method for moving a cleaning robot
between a first photovoltaic (PV) panel and a second PV panel. The
method may include (a) reaching, by the cleaning robot a first end
of the first PV panel, (b) stopping the progress of the cleaning
robot when the cleaning robot reaches a stopper, and (c)
propagating the cleaning robot above bridges and between the first
PV panel and the second PV panel when the cleaning robot does not
reach the stopper. Each one of the bridges may include a first PV
panel holder that is connected to the first PV panel, a second PV
panel holder that is connected to the second PV panel, and a body,
wherein the body is movably coupled, via a first interface, to the
first PV panel holder and is detacheably coupled to the second PV
panel holder, wherein the body is configured to move between a
first position to a second position when the second PV panel holder
is detached from the body, wherein when positioned at the second
position, a portion of the body extends above the first PV panel
holder to provide the stopper.
[0069] The method may also include cleaning, by the cleaning robot,
the first PV panel before moving over the bridges.
[0070] The method may include sensing positions of bodies of the
bridges and responding to the sensing.
[0071] There may be provided bridges that are flexible and may be
coupled between two PV panels despite alignments in one, two and
even three axes. The bridge may include a body movably coupled
between first and second PV holders. The bridge may have pivots and
knees.
[0072] FIG. 1 illustrates two PV panels 31 and 32 and a cleaning
robot 40 that has side wheels 41 and 42 that interface with a first
bridge 11 and a second bridge 12 between the two PV panels.
[0073] When a PV is tilted in relation to an adjacent PV there is a
two axes misalignments Y & Z. The X axes can be misaligned when
tables are mounted wrongly with varied distances between them.
[0074] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a first bridge 11 that is
designed to answer misalignment in three axes without any
modifications to the bridge.
[0075] The first bridge 11 (may also be referred to as a flexible
bridge or adaptable bridge) may include first PV panel holder 2,
second PV panel holder 7 and body 4.
[0076] The first PV panel holder 2 has a first pin 3 and the second
PV holder 7 has a second pin 6. The pins may be mechanically
coupled to spring disks to allow the movement in the Y axes
(towards the PV panels and away from the PV panels). These pine
also allow rotational movement.
[0077] The body 4 has a groove 5 to provide the flexibility for
misalignment in the X Axes. When two PV panels are misaligned the
distance between the corners of the two PV panels tables gets
larger. Edge 8 of body 4 has a curve shape that provides a smooth
path for the wheel in all angles.
[0078] A part 9 of the body is designed to generate a stopper when
the misalignment is crossing the tilt limitation of the robot, in
such case the main body 4 disconnects from the second PV holder 7,
and due to gravity the body 4 falls down and the part 9 is elevated
and stops the robot from continuing to run.
[0079] In FIG. 2 each one of the first and second PV panel holder
has a lower part, an intermediate part and an upper part--see in
relation to the first PV panel holder 2--upper part 23, an
intermediate part 22 and a lower part 21. The parts are oriented to
each other.
[0080] FIG. 3 shows fully aligned PV panels 31 and 32 and first
bridge 11. FIG. 4 shows misalignment in one direction between the
PV panels 31 and 32. FIG. 5 shows misalignment in the second
direction between the PV panels 31 and 32. In FIGS. 3-5 the body of
the first bridge is mechanically coupled to the first and second PV
panel holders and provides to the robot wheels a path that is
smooth with no steps. FIG. 6 shows flexible bridge corner (9) after
the distance between the first and second PV panels exceeds a
predefined threshold and the body 4 is disconnected from the second
PV panel holder--while part 9 extends above the first PV panel and
acts as a stopper.
[0081] The bridges illustrated in FIG. 1-6 may be used for PV
panels that are movable--such as PV panels of trackers that may
move during the day in order to trach after the sun.
[0082] The bridges illustrated in FIG. 7 and above may be used for
more static PV panels.
[0083] The allocation of bridges to PV panels may differ from those
illustrated in the previous two paragraphs.
[0084] There may be provided a bridge that may include a first
photovoltaic (PV) panel holder, a second PV panel holder, and a
body. The body may be movably coupled, via a first interface to the
first PV panel holder and may be movably coupled, via a second
interface to the second PV panel holder. Wherein each one of the
first PV panel holder and the second PV panel holder may include a
base surface, a central segment extends from the base surface, and
two side segments that extend from the base surface. A distance
between the base surface and first part of the central segment
exceeds a distance between the base surface and a first part of
each one of the side segments. FIGS. 7-15 illustrate examples of
such a bridge.
[0085] Each one of the (a) distance between the base surface and
first part of the central segment, and (b) the distance between the
base surface and a first part of each one of the side segment, may
be of millimetric scale.
[0086] The distance between the base surface and first part of the
central segment, substantially equals a sum of (b) a thickness of
the body and (c) the distance between the base surface and the
first part of one of the side segments.
[0087] The body may be elastic. The first and second PV holders may
also be elastic.
[0088] Each one of the first interface and the second interface may
be an axel, wherein the body may be rotatably coupled to the first
PV panel holder and to the second PV panel holder.
[0089] A length of each one of the first interface and the second
interface may be of millimetric scale.
[0090] The first PV panel holder may include an upper part, an
intermediate part and a lower part, wherein the lower part may be
made of foldable segments denoted 78 in FIG. 9.
[0091] The foldable segments may include upper protuberances 81 and
external recesses 80 that act are release cuts.
[0092] In each one of the first PV panel holder and the second PV
panel holder, a base surface segment positioned between the central
segment and a side segment may be configured to provide a bending
region (denoted 73 in FIG. 8) for folding the body.
[0093] There may be provided a photovoltaic (PV) system may include
a bridge that may include a first PV panel holder, a second PV
panel holder and a body, wherein the body may be movably coupled,
via a first interface to the first PV panel holder and may be
movably coupled, via a second interface to the second PV panel
holder; wherein each one of the first PV panel holder and the
second PV panel holder may include a base surface, a central
segment extends from the base surface, and two side segments that
extend from the base surface, wherein a distance between the base
surface and first part of the central segment exceeds a distance
between the base surface and a first part of each one of the side
segments; a first PV panel that may include a first plurality of PV
panels and may be mechanically coupled to the first PV panel holder
of the bridge; and a second PV panel that may include a second
plurality of PV panels, the second PV panel may be mechanically
coupled to the second PV panel holder of the bridge.
[0094] There may be provided a method for cleaning PV panels using
a cleaning robot that is configured to move across one or more
bridges.
[0095] FIGS. 7-15 illustrates examples of PV panels and one or more
bridges. The bridges may provide a smooth path to side wheels of
cleaning robots--and may form gradual steps of millimetric height
differences that easily allow the sidewheels to interface with.
[0096] Different parts of the PV panel holder may located at
different millimetric distances from a virtual plane to provide
gradual changes in the distance between the ends of the PV panels
and the exterior side of the bridge--which eases the movement of
side wheels of a cleaning robot.
[0097] A pivot movement between the body and each one of the PV
panel holders may be based on a spring foil and release shape or by
normal pivot that allows to answer vertical step (Y axes).
[0098] The bridge includes body 60 and first and second PV panel
holders 70 and 70' that are shaped and sized to allow easily
mounting of the bridge on each PV panel and to allow a movement of
the first and/or second PV panels holders along the PV panels
(thereby allowing to adjust the bridges to different distances
between the PV panels--and to changes, over time, of the
distances). Thus when when the PV panels expand (for example due to
the heat), the bridge may fit the PV panels.
[0099] The body 60 may be movably coupled, via a first interface
94' to the first PV panel holder 70 and may be movably coupled, via
a second interface 96' to the second PV panel holder 70'. Each one
of the first PV panel holder and the second PV panel holder may
include a base surface, a central segment extends from the base
surface, and two side segments that extend from the base surface.
For example--see FIGS. 8 and 9 which illustrates base surface 75,
central segment 76, lower surface 79, bending regions 73 and 73',
side segments 72 and 72' that extend from the base surface 79,
upper slits 74 and 74' that may define an inner border of the
bending regions 73 and 73', and foldable segments 78.
[0100] Each one of the central segment 76 and the side segments 72
has a surface and sidewalls that surround the surface. For
simplicity of explanation reference numbers are not allocated to
the sidewalls and the surfaces of the central segment 76 and of the
side segments 72.
[0101] A hole 71 is formed in each of the side segments 72. The
first interface 94' may extend through hole 71. The hole 71 is
located on the upper side of the side segment close to the end of
the bridge, which reduces the curving radius of the main body and
generates a smaller gap at the presence of vertical gaps.
[0102] The bridge, even when the first interface 94' (such as but
not limited to axle, screw head or flash Rivet) extends out of the
hole 71 defines an upper line that may be clear with no steps.
[0103] The first and second PV panel holders may be symmetric (or
substantial symmetric) about their center (right and left parts
substantially symmetrical)--allowing to use the same bridge at both
sides of the main body.
[0104] The bending regions 73 and 73' may bend to compensate for
X-axis gaps between the PV panels.
[0105] The foldable segments 78 may have release cuts inside allow
mount the bridges easily with no special tooling.
[0106] A distance (see distance 92 of FIG. 12) between the base
surface (represented by dashed line 90) and first part (which is
the surface) of the central segment exceeds a distance (see
distances 91 and 91' of FIG. 12) between the base surface and a
first part of each one of the side segments.
[0107] Distance 92 may be, for example 4 millimeters and distances
91 and 91' may be 2 millimeters--other values may be provided.
[0108] Each one of the (a) distance between the base surface and
first part of the central segment, and (b) the distance between the
base surface and a first part of each one of the side segment, may
be of millimetric scale.
[0109] The distance between the base surface and first part of the
central segment, substantially equals a sum of (b) a thickness of
the body 60 and (c) the distance between the base surface and the
first part of one of the side segments.
[0110] The body 60 may be elastic. The first and second PV holders
may also be elastic.
[0111] Each one of the first interface and the second interface may
be an axel, wherein the body 60 may be rotatably coupled to the
first PV panel holder 70 and to the second PV panel holder 70'.
[0112] A length of each one of the first interface 94' and the
second interface 96' may be of millimetric scale.
[0113] The first PV panel holder may include an upper part, an
intermediate part and a lower part, wherein the lower part may be
made of foldable segments.
[0114] The foldable segments may include upper protuberances and
external recesses.
[0115] In each one of the first PV panel holder and the second PV
panel holder, a base surface segment positioned between the central
segment and a side segment may be configured to provide a bending
region for bending the body.
[0116] In the foregoing specification, the invention has been
described with reference to specific examples of embodiments of the
invention. It will, however, be evident that various modifications
and changes may be made therein without departing from the broader
spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended
claims.
[0117] Moreover, the terms "front," "back," "top," "bottom,"
"over," "under" and the like in the description and in the claims,
if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for
describing permanent relative positions. It is understood that the
terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances
such that the embodiments of the invention described herein are,
for example, capable of operation in other orientations than those
illustrated or otherwise described herein.
[0118] Any arrangement of components to achieve the same
functionality is effectively "associated" such that the desired
functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein
combined to achieve a particular functionality may be seen as
"associated with" each other such that the desired functionality is
achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components.
Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as
being "operably connected," or "operably coupled," to each other to
achieve the desired functionality.
[0119] However, other modifications, variations and alternatives
are also possible. The specifications and drawings are,
accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than in a
restrictive sense.
[0120] In the claims, any reference signs placed between
parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word
`comprising` does not exclude the presence of other elements or
steps then those listed in a claim. Furthermore, the terms "a" or
"an," as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. Also,
the use of introductory phrases such as "at least one" and "one or
more" in the claims should not be construed to imply that the
introduction of another claim element by the indefinite articles
"a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced
claim element to inventions containing only one such element, even
when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more"
or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an." The
same holds true for the use of definite articles. Unless stated
otherwise, terms such as "first" and "second" are used to
arbitrarily distinguish between the elements such terms describe.
Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal
or other prioritization of such elements. The mere fact that
certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not
indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to
advantage.
[0121] While certain features of the invention have been
illustrated and described herein, many modifications,
substitutions, changes, and equivalents will now occur to those of
ordinary skill in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that
the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications
and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.
* * * * *