Cutting mechanism and battery cell stringing equipment

Abstract

This application relates to a cutting mechanism and a battery cell stringing equipment. The cutting mechanism includes a cutting holder, a driving element, multiple cutting blades, and multiple cutting platforms. The multiple cutting blades are arranged in parallel with each other, and there is a gap between adjacent cutting blades. The driving element, located on the cutting holder, is used to drive the multiple cutting blades to move simultaneously in the vertical direction, and also to drive the multiple cutting platforms to move simultaneously in the vertical direction and / or simultaneously in the horizontal direction. In this way, the cutting mechanism can cut different positions on the solder strip at the same time, and the stringing efficiency can be improved by adjusting the solder strip cutting method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of solar cells, and in particular to cutting mechanisms and cell stringing equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the photovoltaic module manufacturing process is as follows: solar cell – solar cell stringing – layout – lamination – edge trimming – frame assembly – junction box assembly – cleaning – testing – packaging. The most crucial step is stringing, which involves connecting the positive and negative electrodes of different numbers of solar cells together using solder strips to form a string. The industry currently uses automated stringing equipment. In production, a robotic arm first picks up a solar cell and places it on a heated conveyor belt. Then, it picks up a solder strip of a certain length, typically more than twice the length of the solar cell. Half of the solder strip is laid on the solar cell, and the remaining half is placed on the heated conveyor belt. Heating lamps descend from above to heat the solder strip, welding it to the metal electrodes of the solar cell. Then, another solar cell is placed on top, and this process is repeated to connect the positive and negative electrodes of multiple solar cells.

[0003] However, existing stringing equipment requires welding each battery cell individually, resulting in low production efficiency and therefore low capacity, which in turn makes it difficult to reduce production costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present application provides a cutting mechanism and a battery cell stringing device to solve at least one problem existing in the background art.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a cutting mechanism applied in a battery cell stringing equipment. The cutting mechanism includes: a cutting holder, a driving element, multiple sets of cutting blades, and multiple cutting platforms; wherein...

[0006] Multiple cutting blades are arranged in parallel to each other, with gaps between adjacent cutting blades;

[0007] The driving element, located on the cutter holder, is used to drive multiple cutters to move simultaneously in the vertical direction, and also to drive multiple cutting platforms to move simultaneously in the vertical direction and / or simultaneously in the horizontal direction.

[0008] In one optional embodiment, each cutter includes a plurality of cutting heads; the plurality of cutters are arranged sequentially at intervals along a first direction; the plurality of cutting heads in one cutter are arranged sequentially at intervals along a second direction; the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0009] In one optional embodiment, each cutter further includes a crossbeam, and multiple cutter heads are connected to the crossbeam; the driving element is specifically used to drive the crossbeam to move in the vertical direction so as to drive the cutter heads to move up and down.

[0010] In one alternative embodiment, the spacing between the plurality of cutting heads in a cutter is adjustable.

[0011] In one alternative embodiment, the cutting head faces downwards, and the cutting head moves vertically to cut the solder strip by pressing.

[0012] In an alternative embodiment, the driving element is further configured to drive at least a portion of the plurality of cutters to move horizontally to increase or decrease the spacing between adjacent cutters.

[0013] In an optional embodiment, the driving element is used to perform at least the first driving operation and the second driving operation;

[0014] Corresponding to the first driving operation, the driving element is used to drive at least part of the cutter to move downward in the vertical direction to a first height position and then upward;

[0015] Corresponding to the second driving operation, the driving element drives at least a portion of the cutter to move downward in the vertical direction to the second height position and then upward; the driving element is also used to drive multiple cutting platforms to move simultaneously in the vertical direction and / or simultaneously in the horizontal direction, and to move multiple cutting platforms to the position where the upper surface is at the second height position;

[0016] The second highest point is higher than the first highest point.

[0017] In one optional embodiment, corresponding to the first driving operation, at least some of the cutters driven by the driving element are a first group of cutters; corresponding to the second driving operation, at least some of the cutters driven by the driving element are a second group of cutters; the cutters included in the first group of cutters are different from the cutters included in the second group of cutters; the horizontal position of the cutters included in the first group of cutters in the first driving operation is different from the horizontal position of the cutters included in the second group of cutters in the second driving operation.

[0018] In one alternative embodiment, at least a portion of the cutters driven by the drive element corresponding to the first drive operation are the same as at least a portion of the cutters driven by the drive element corresponding to the second drive operation; the horizontal positions of each cutter included in the at least a portion of the cutters in the first drive operation are different from the horizontal positions in the second drive operation.

[0019] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a battery cell stringing apparatus, including: a frame, a welding mechanism located on the frame, and a cutting mechanism as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0020] Compared to related technologies, the cutting mechanism and battery cell stringing equipment provided in this application embodiment include: a cutting frame, a driving element, multiple cutting blades, and multiple cutting platforms; the multiple cutting blades are arranged in parallel to each other, with a gap between adjacent cutting blades; the driving element, located on the cutting frame, is used to drive the multiple cutting blades to move simultaneously in the vertical direction, and also to drive the multiple cutting platforms to move simultaneously in the vertical direction and / or simultaneously in the horizontal direction; thus, the cutting mechanism can simultaneously cut different positions on the solder strip, and by adjusting the solder strip cutting method, the stringing efficiency is improved.

[0021] Details of one or more embodiments of this application are set forth in the following drawings and description to make other features, objects and advantages of this application more readily apparent. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0023] Figure 1 A perspective view of the cutting mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0024] Figure 2 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of the cutter and the cutting platform in the cutting mechanism;

[0025] Figure 3a and Figure 3b This is a schematic diagram of the structure during the string welding process of battery cells in one embodiment;

[0026] Figure 4a , Figure 4b and Figure 4c This is a schematic diagram of the structure during the battery cell stringing process in another embodiment;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the battery cell stringing equipment provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application is described and illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments provided in this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application. Furthermore, it is understood that although the efforts made in such a development process may be complex and lengthy, for those skilled in the art related to the content disclosed in this application, modifications to design, manufacturing, or production based on the technical content disclosed in this application are merely conventional technical means and should not be construed as insufficient disclosure of the content of this application.

[0029] In this application, the reference to "embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described in this application may be combined with other embodiments without conflict.

[0030] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this application shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. The terms “a,” “an,” “an,” “the,” and similar words used in this application do not indicate quantity limitation and may indicate singular or plural. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and any variations thereof used in this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or modules (units) is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may also include steps or units not listed, or may include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices. The terms “connected,” “linked,” “coupled,” and similar words used in this application are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. “Multiple” used in this application means two or more. “And / or” describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships may exist; for example, “A and / or B” can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., used in this application are merely to distinguish similar objects and do not represent a specific ordering of the objects.

[0031] First, this application provides a cutting mechanism applied in a battery cell stringing equipment. Figure 1This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the cutting mechanism; Figure 2 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of the cutter and cutting platform in the cutting mechanism; please refer to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The cutting mechanism 100 includes: a cutting holder 110, a driving element 120, multiple cutting blades 130, and multiple cutting platforms 140; wherein the multiple cutting blades 130 are arranged parallel to each other, and there is a gap between adjacent cutting blades 130; the driving element 120, located on the cutting holder 110, is used to drive the multiple cutting blades 130 to move simultaneously in the vertical direction, and also to drive the multiple cutting platforms 140 to move simultaneously in the vertical direction and / or simultaneously in the horizontal direction. It can be understood that the cutting mechanism provided in this application embodiment can simultaneously cut different positions on the solder strip, and by adjusting the solder strip cutting method, the efficiency of serial welding can be improved.

[0032] The cutting mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application will be explained and described in detail below in conjunction with its application in the battery cell stringing process.

[0033] Figure 3a and Figure 3b This is a schematic diagram of the structure during the string welding process of battery cells in one embodiment.

[0034] First, please refer to Figure 3a A lower solder strip 62 is arranged, the length of which is greater than the sum of the lengths of the multiple solar cells to be serially welded. Multiple solar cells are arranged on the lower solder strip 62, with a certain distance between adjacent solar cells. Each battery cell includes a positive electrode on a first surface and a negative electrode on a second surface, with the first and second surfaces positioned opposite each other. For example, in the figure, the first battery cell 210 and the second battery cell 220 are arranged adjacent to each other. The first battery cell 210 includes a positive electrode 211 on the first surface and a negative electrode 212 on the second surface, while the second battery cell 220 includes a positive electrode 221 on the first surface and a negative electrode 222 on the second surface. In this embodiment, the positive and negative electrodes of each pair of adjacent battery cells arranged on the lower solder strip 62 are arranged in opposite directions. For example, the positive electrode 211 of the first battery cell 210 faces upward, and the negative electrode 212 of the first battery cell 210 is in contact with the lower solder strip 62. Conversely, the negative electrode 222 of the second battery cell 220 faces upward, and the positive electrode 221 of the second battery cell 220 is in contact with the lower solder strip 62. An upper solder strip 61 is arranged on the multiple battery cells, and the length of the upper solder strip 61 can be the same as the length of the lower solder strip 62. The upper welding strip 61, the lower welding strip 62, and each battery cell are welded together by a welding mechanism to form... Figure 3a The structure shown.

[0035] To form a battery string structure in which the battery cells are connected in series, the upper solder strip 61 and the lower solder strip 62 can be cut using the cutting mechanism provided in this embodiment. Specifically, the driving element in the cutting mechanism drives multiple cutters to move simultaneously in the vertical direction, according to... Figure 3a The upper solder strip 61 and the lower solder strip 62 are cut at the positions shown to form... Figure 3b The structure shown. Figure 3a Figure 131 simply shows the cutting head on the cutter 130, and "×" in the figure indicates the pressing position.

[0036] exist Figure 3b In this structure, multiple battery cells are connected in series. Taking the first battery cell 210 and the second battery cell 220 arranged adjacently as an example, the upper solder strip 61 is cut to form a first set of upper solder strips 261. The first set of upper solder strips 261 is arranged on the positive electrode 211 of the first battery cell 210 and the negative electrode 222 of the second battery cell 220, thereby electrically connecting the positive electrode 211 and the negative electrode 222. Similarly, the lower solder strip 62 is cut to form a first set of lower solder strips 262. The first set of lower solder strips 262 is arranged on the positive electrode 221 of the second battery cell 220 and the negative electrode 232 of another adjacent third battery cell 230, thereby electrically connecting the positive electrode 221 and the negative electrode 232.

[0037] Understandable. Figure 3a This is merely to illustrate the relevant structure as much as possible and does not represent a limitation on the actual cutting sequence. The cutting of the upper solder strip 61 and the lower solder strip 62 can be performed separately; for example, before placing the upper solder strip 61, multiple cutters 130 are driven to move simultaneously in the vertical direction and to the height of the lower solder strip 62 (hereinafter referred to as the "first height position"), cutting the lower solder strip 62 as the cutter head 131 presses down. In this step, the cutter head 131 can form a cut with the platform carrying the lower solder strip 62; the platform carrying the lower solder strip 62 is, for example, a conveyor belt, a heating platform, etc.

[0038] After the lower solder strip 62 is cut, the upper solder strip 61 is placed on the battery cell, and the upper solder strip 61 is cut by driving multiple cutters 130 to move simultaneously in the vertical direction. Here, when cutting the upper solder strip 61, in order to form a cut with the cutter head, multiple cutting platforms need to be driven to move simultaneously in the vertical direction and / or simultaneously in the horizontal direction to move to a position opposite to the cutter head, so that the upper solder strip 61 is held between the cutter head and the cutting platform, which facilitates the cutting of the upper solder strip 61. The movement process of the cutting platform will be described in detail below.

[0039] The cutter 130 is detachably connected to the cutter mechanism. Before the cutting operation, the required number of cutters can be determined according to the number of solar cells to be connected in series, and the cutters can be installed or removed from the cutter mechanism according to the required number of cutters. In practical applications, the installation position can cover most of the solar cells with main grids and most of the solar cells of most sizes.

[0040] To better withstand the cutting force, the cutting platform can be made of metal, hence the cutting platform can also be called a metal platform.

[0041] The number of cutting platforms can be less than or equal to the number of cutting blades.

[0042] In practical applications, not only are multiple battery cells connected in series in a battery string structure arranged with the positive and negative electrodes of each adjacent pair of cells facing opposite directions, but there are also arrangements where the positive and negative electrodes of the battery cells are arranged in the same direction; the cutting mechanism provided in this application embodiment is also applicable to this. Next, please refer to... Figures 4a to 4c .like Figure 4a As shown, with Figure 3a Similarly, a lower solder strip 62 is arranged, the length of which is greater than the sum of the lengths of the multiple solar cells to be serially welded. Multiple solar cells are arranged on the lower solder strip 62, with a certain distance between adjacent solar cells. Each battery cell includes a positive electrode on a first surface and a negative electrode on a second surface, with the first and second surfaces arranged opposite each other. For example, in the figure, the first battery cell 210 and the second battery cell 220 are arranged adjacent to each other. The first battery cell 210 includes a positive electrode 211 on the first surface and a negative electrode 212 on the second surface, and the second battery cell 220 includes a positive electrode 221 on the first surface and a negative electrode 222 on the second surface. In this embodiment, the positive and negative electrodes of each battery cell arranged on the lower solder strip 62 are arranged in the same direction. For example, the positive electrode 211 of the first battery cell 210 faces upward, and the negative electrode 212 of the first battery cell 210 is in contact with the lower solder strip 62. Similarly, the positive electrode 221 of the second battery cell 220 faces upward, and the negative electrode 222 of the second battery cell 220 is in contact with the lower solder strip 62. Conductive structures 280 are arranged in the gaps between adjacent solar cells; and upper solder strips 61 are arranged on multiple solar cells, the length of which can be the same as the length of lower solder strips 62. The upper solder strips 61, lower solder strips 62, conductive structures 280, and each solar cell are welded together by a welding mechanism to form... Figure 4a The structure shown.

[0043] Next, the upper solder strip 61 and the lower solder strip 62 can be cut using the cutting mechanism provided in this embodiment. Specifically, multiple cutters are driven to move simultaneously in the vertical direction by the driving element in the cutting mechanism, according to... Figure 4aThe upper solder strip 61 and the lower solder strip 62 are cut at the positions shown to form... Figure 4b The structure shown. Figure 4a Figure 131 simply illustrates the cutting head on the cutter 130, with "×" indicating the cutting position. As shown, the cutting positions are the lower solder strip on one side of each conductive structure 280 and the upper solder strip on the other side of the conductive structure 280. Specifically, taking the conductive structure 280 located between the first battery cell 210 and the second battery cell 220 as an example, the cutting positions are the lower solder strip between the conductive structure 280 and the first battery cell 210, and the upper solder strip between the conductive structure 280 and the second battery cell 220.

[0044] exist Figure 4b In this structure, multiple battery cells are connected in series. Taking the adjacent first battery cell 210 and second battery cell 220 as an example, the upper solder strip 61 is cut to form a first set of upper solder strips 261, which is placed on the positive electrode 211 of the first battery cell 210. In addition, a second set of upper solder strips 263, which is disconnected from the first set of upper solder strips 261, is formed and placed on the positive electrode 221 of the second battery cell 220. And so on. Other sets of upper solder strips formed after cutting are not described here. Similarly, the lower solder strip 62 is cut to form a first set of lower solder strips 262, which is placed on the negative electrode 222 of the second battery cell 220. And so on. Other sets of lower solder strips formed after cutting are not described here. Thus, the positive electrode 211 of the first solar cell 210 and the negative electrode 222 of the second solar cell 220 are electrically connected through the first set of upper solder strips 261, the conductive structure 280, and the first set of lower solder strips 262. Similarly, the positive and negative electrodes are also connected in series between other two adjacent solar cells.

[0045] Figure 4c Specifically, a top view of the structure after the first battery cell 210 and the second battery cell 220 are connected in series is shown, combined with Figure 4b and Figure 4c As can be seen, by cutting the upper solder strip 61 and the lower solder strip 62, multiple solder strips in the first group of upper solder strips 261 are formed into first portions 2611 extending beyond the positive electrode 211 of the first battery cell 210; multiple solder strips in the first group of lower solder strips 262 are formed into second portions 2621 extending beyond the negative electrode 222 of the second battery cell 220; the upper side of the conductive structure 280 is electrically connected to each of the first portions 2611 of the multiple solder strips in the first group of upper solder strips 261; the lower side of the conductive structure 280 is electrically connected to each of the second portions 2621 of the multiple solder strips in the first group of lower solder strips 262.

[0046] Similarly, Figure 4aThis is only intended to illustrate the relevant structure as much as possible and does not represent a limitation on the actual cutting sequence. The cutting sequence in this embodiment can be referenced from [reference needed]. Figure 3a and Figure 3b The embodiments shown are not described in detail here.

[0047] Therefore, this application embodiment does not require modification of the cell stringing equipment. Simply adopting the cutting mechanism provided in this application embodiment within the cell stringing equipment can significantly improve module production efficiency, increase capacity, and reduce production costs. Furthermore, it can greatly reduce the stress-induced fragmentation caused by the compression of the cells by the welding ribbon in traditional stringing equipment. This application can reduce the fragmentation rate during the welding process and improve the yield. Moreover, in an era of size changes in the photovoltaic industry, with cells of different sizes and specifications (158mm, 166mm, 182mm, 210mm) posing a challenge to modifying stringing equipment. However, using the cutting mechanism provided in this application embodiment and the cell stringing equipment incorporating this cutting mechanism can meet the production needs of modules with various types, specifications, and sizes of cells, greatly expanding its application scope.

[0048] Next, please continue to refer to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The cutting mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application will be further explained below.

[0049] In an optional embodiment, each cutter 130 includes a plurality of cutter heads 131; the plurality of cutters 130 are arranged sequentially at intervals along a first direction; the plurality of cutter heads 131 in one cutter 130 are arranged sequentially at intervals along a second direction; the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0050] Understandably, multiple cutting heads 131 are used to cut multiple solder strips disposed on one surface of a solar cell. The number of cutting heads 131 in a single cutter 130 is equal to, or greater than, the number of solder strips to be welded on one surface of a solar cell. Figure 2 As shown in the enlarged schematic diagram on the right, each cutter 130 may also include a crossbeam 132, with multiple cutter heads 131 connected to the crossbeam 132. The drive element 120 is specifically used to drive the crossbeam 132 to move vertically, thereby moving the cutter heads 131. In other words, the cutter heads 131 are connected to the drive element 120 through the crossbeam 132. The connection of the cutter heads 131 to the crossbeam 132 ensures that each cutter head 131 is at the same height during movement, thus better achieving the cutting of multiple welding strips located on the same plane.

[0051] To meet the welding requirements of different solar cells, the spacing between the multiple cutting heads 131 in a cutter 130 is adjustable. Understandably, for solar cells without main grids, multiple solder strips in each set of upper / lower solder strips are arranged at equal intervals on the electrodes of the corresponding solar cell; for solar cells with main grids, multiple solder strips in each set of upper / lower solder strips are aligned with each main grid of the corresponding solar cell electrode.

[0052] In this embodiment, the cutting head 131 faces downwards, and the cutting blade 130 moves vertically so that the cutting head 131 cuts the welding strip 260 by pressure cutting.

[0053] Understandably, the embodiments of this application are not limited to this; the cutting edge of the cutting head 131 can also face upwards or to the side. In specific applications, after the cutting blade 130 moves to the cutting position, it can also cut the solder strip 260 vertically from bottom to top, or move horizontally left and right to cut the solder strip 260. For example, with the cutting edge of the cutting head 131 facing to the side, after the cutting blade 130 moves from the side of the battery cell into the cutting position, the cutting head 131 aligns with the solder strip to be cut and directly cuts the solder strip 260 by moving left and right.

[0054] In order to be suitable for string welding of battery cells of different sizes and specifications, in the cutting mechanism provided in this application embodiment, the driving element 120 can also drive at least some of the multiple cutting blades 130 to move in the horizontal direction to increase or decrease the distance between two adjacent cutting blades.

[0055] Understandably, the spacing between two adjacent cutters can be equal to the sum of the dimensions of the battery cell along the serial connection direction (i.e., the first direction mentioned above) and the spacing between two adjacent battery cells; or, equal to twice the sum of the dimensions of the battery cell along the serial connection direction (i.e., the first direction mentioned above) and the spacing between two adjacent battery cells.

[0056] Combination Figure 3a , 3b ,as well as Figure 4a , Figure 4b and Figure 4cAs can be seen, the driving element 120 in this embodiment can be used to perform at least a first driving operation and a second driving operation. Corresponding to the first driving operation, the driving element 120 drives at least a portion of the cutter 130 to move downwards in the vertical direction to a first height position and then upwards. Corresponding to the second driving operation, the driving element 120 drives at least a portion of the cutter 130 to move downwards in the vertical direction to a second height position and then upwards. The driving element 120 is also used to drive at least a portion of the multiple cutting platforms 140 to move simultaneously in the vertical direction and / or simultaneously in the horizontal direction, such that at least a portion of the cutting platforms move until their upper surfaces are at the second height position; wherein the second height is higher than the first height. Here, the first height can specifically be the height of the platform carrying the battery cell and the lower solder strip; while the second height can be equal to or lower than the height of the lower surface of the upper solder strip, and at least higher than the height of the upper surface of the lower solder strip.

[0057] In some optional embodiments, corresponding to the first driving operation, at least some of the cutters driven by the driving element 120 are a first group of cutters; corresponding to the second driving operation, at least some of the cutters driven by the driving element 120 are a second group of cutters; the cutters included in the first group of cutters are different from the cutters included in the second group of cutters; the horizontal positions of the cutters included in the first group of cutters in the first driving operation are different from the horizontal positions of the cutters included in the second group of cutters in the second driving operation. Here, the first group of cutters is, for example, called the lower cutter, which is used to perform pressure cutting on the lower bonding wire; the second group of cutters is, for example, called the upper cutter, which is used to perform pressure cutting on the upper bonding wire. By configuring the upper cutter and the lower cutter respectively, the corresponding cutters can be driven to perform pressure cutting in the first driving operation and the second driving operation, resulting in faster cutting speed and higher efficiency.

[0058] In some alternative embodiments, at least some of the cutters driven by the drive element 120 corresponding to the first drive operation are the same as at least some of the cutters driven by the drive element 120 corresponding to the second drive operation; the horizontal positions of each cutter included in the at least some cutters in the first drive operation are different from their horizontal positions in the second drive operation. It can be understood that by controlling the same cutters to move to different positions in different drive operations, separate cutting of the upper and lower bonding wires is achieved; through this embodiment, multiple cutters are not required, saving equipment costs.

[0059] Based on this, embodiments of this application also provide a battery cell stringing device. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the battery cell stringing equipment provided in the embodiments of this application; as shown in the figure, the battery cell stringing equipment includes: a frame 300, a welding mechanism 700 located on the frame 300, and a cutting mechanism 100 as described in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0060] Understandably, the embodiments of this application do not require a complete modification of the cell stringing equipment. Simply adopting the cutting mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application within the cell stringing equipment can significantly improve module production efficiency, increase capacity, and reduce production costs. Furthermore, it can greatly reduce the stress-induced fragmentation caused by the extrusion of the cell by the solder ribbon in traditional stringing equipment. This application can reduce the fragmentation rate during the welding process and improve the yield. Moreover, the cell stringing equipment provided in the embodiments of this application can meet the production needs of modules with various types, specifications, and sizes of cell cells, greatly expanding its application scope.

[0061] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 5 The aforementioned frame 300 specifically includes the feed end (e.g., Figure 5 (middle left) and discharge end (such as Figure 5 (Right side of the middle); the cell stringing equipment may also include: a material box mechanism 400, located at the aforementioned feeding end of the frame 300, for accommodating the cells to be welded (the first cell 210 is shown as an example in the figure); a welding strip loading mechanism (not shown due to the viewing angle). Figure 5 (As shown in the diagram), also located on the frame 300, is used to load the solder strip; the conductive structure loading mechanism 600, located on the frame 300, is used to load the conductive structure (i.e., Figure 4a 280); Welding mechanism 700, located on frame 300 and between feed end and discharge end, is used to weld battery cells to welding strips and to weld conductive structures to welding strips.

[0062] The aforementioned cutting mechanism 100 is located on the frame 300 and arranged adjacent to the welding mechanism 700, and is used to cut the welding strip.

[0063] In addition, the battery cell stringing equipment may also include: a first robotic arm 810, a second robotic arm 820, a conveyor belt 830, an operating computer 850, etc.

[0064] The following section will provide a detailed introduction to the aforementioned battery cell stringing equipment and its working process, using specific examples.

[0065] First, multiple battery cells are placed in the material box mechanism 400.

[0066] Next, the computer 850 can be used to start the program and control the various mechanisms in the equipment to perform string welding on the multiple battery cells.

[0067] Specifically, the first robotic arm 810 pulls up X welding strips, where X>1, and lays them flat on the welding platform 720 in the welding mechanism 700. The length L of each welding strip is greater than the sum of the lengths of the N battery cells to be welded. These X welding strips form a lower welding strip layer (here, a group of lower welding strips 62 is referred to as a "lower welding strip layer").

[0068] The first robotic arm 810 picks up N battery cells to be serialized from the material box mechanism 400, places each cell on the conveyor belt 830, and transports them to the welding platform 720 via the conveyor belt 830. The N battery cells to be serialized are arranged at a certain distance on the welding platform 720 (specifically, on X welding strips), with a distance > 0 mm. For battery cells with main grids (i.e., metal electrodes), each main grid of the battery cell needs to be aligned with each of the X welding strips; while for battery cells without main grids, i.e., the number of main grids is 0, the welding strips only need to be arranged at equal intervals.

[0069] Here, the placement of the solar cells can be referenced. Figure 3a and Figure 4a That is, all the cells can be arranged with the positive and negative electrodes facing the same direction, according to actual needs. For example, all the cells can be arranged with the positive electrode facing up and the back electrode facing down, or all the cells can be arranged with the back electrode facing up and the positive electrode facing down. In addition, all the cells can be arranged with the positive and negative electrodes facing different directions. For example, one cell can be front-facing up and the adjacent cell can be back-facing up, and so on, with the cells arranged in a rotation of front, back, front, back... facing up.

[0070] After the solar cells are placed, to prevent them from moving during subsequent operations, the vacuum adsorption mechanism 730 can be activated to hold them in place using suction. It should be understood that the vacuum adsorption mechanism 730 should adsorb the solar cells at a position below the cell that does not contact the lower solder strip.

[0071] Next, the second robotic arm 820 grasps a conductive structure from the conductive structure loading mechanism 600. This conductive structure can be a copper wire or conductive tape. Correspondingly, the conductive structure loading mechanism 600 can specifically be a wire box. After grasping the conductive structure, the second robotic arm 820 places it between two adjacent battery cells, i.e., in the gap between two adjacent battery cells, without contacting either battery cell. The length of the conductive structure is, for example, equal to the distance between two main grids at the edge of the battery cell. For example, if there are 9 main grids on a battery cell, the length of the conductive structure is equal to the distance between the 1st and 9th main grids. In other embodiments, the length of the conductive structure can also be equal to or slightly greater than the length of the battery cell along the second direction. In embodiments where the conductive structure is a copper wire, the diameter of the copper wire can be between 0.8 and 1.5 times the thickness of the battery cell. Optionally, the diameter of the copper wire is, for example, 0.2 mm. In practical applications, the maximum diameter of the copper wire is no more than 1 cm. Similarly, in embodiments where the conductive structure is conductive tape, the height of the conductive tape can be between 0.8 and 1.5 times the thickness of the battery cell, specifically, for example, 0.2 mm; in practical applications, the maximum height of the conductive tape does not exceed 1 cm. It should be noted that for... Figure 3a and Figure 3b The embodiment shown does not include the step of grasping the conductive structure and its related steps.

[0072] The welding mechanism 700 is activated, and under the heating action of the heating component 710 within the welding mechanism 700, the battery cells are welded to the lower solder strip layer. Correspondingly, in embodiments including conductive structures, the conductive structures are also welded to the lower solder strip layer. The welding temperature is, for example, less than 300 degrees Celsius. The step of activating the heating component 710 is not limited to being performed only after the battery cells and / or conductive structures are placed; the embodiments of this application do not strictly limit the order of these steps, and the heating component 710 can be activated in an earlier step.

[0073] In practical applications, the lower solder strip layer and the battery cells are specifically arranged on a conveyor belt, and the heating assembly 710 heats the conveyor belt to form the heating platform described above.

[0074] After welding is completed, turn off the heating assembly 710. The welding mechanism 700 slowly presses down to secure the welding strip, the cutting mechanism 100 is activated, and the cutting head 130 is opened, according to... Figure 3a or Figure 4a The "×" indicates the cutting position, where a heating platform (which can be a conveyor belt in practical applications) is used as the force platform to cut the lower welding strip 62. Then the cutter head 130 is retracted.

[0075] Next, solder ribbons 61 need to be placed on the battery cell, and the solder ribbons 61 need to be cut. This application provides two implementation methods.

[0076] As one implementation, a conveyor belt carries the battery cell to the right, i.e., towards the cutting mechanism 100; the cutting platform 140 in the cutting mechanism 100 slowly moves above the conductive structure 280 and continues to move a distance, positioning it between the conductive structure 280 and the battery cell, preparing for cutting the upper solder strip layer (here, a group of upper solder strips 61 is referred to as the "upper solder strip layer"); the second robotic arm 820 pulls up X solder strips again, as the upper solder strip layer, and lays them on the cutting platform 140, aligned with the lower solder strip layer. The welding mechanism 700 is activated, and under the heating action of the heating component 710, the upper solder strip layer is welded to the conductive structure 280 and to the electrodes of the battery cell. The welding temperature can also be less than 300 degrees Celsius. Next, the cutting head 130 is opened, moved above the cutting platform 140, and its height is adjusted to align with the cutting platform 140, and then... Figure 3a or Figure 4a The "×" indicates the cutting position, where the upper solder strip layer is cut off; thus, a series of connected battery strings are formed.

[0077] As another implementation, the second robotic arm 820 is first controlled to pull up X more welding strips as the upper welding strip layer, which is then laid on the cutting platform 140, aligned with the lower welding strip layer. The welding mechanism 700 is activated, and under the heating action of the heating component 710, the upper welding strip layer is welded to the conductive structure 280 and to the electrodes of the battery cell. The welding temperature can also be less than 300 degrees Celsius. Then, the cutting platform 140 is driven to insert between the conductive structure 280 and the battery cell, preparing to cut the upper welding strip layer. The cutting head 130 is driven to move above the cutting platform 140, clamping the upper welding strip to be cut between the cutting head 130 and the cutting platform 140; the cutting head 130 is driven to move downwards, cutting the upper welding strip layer to form a series-connected battery string structure.

[0078] Finally, the drive cutter head 130 and the cutting platform 140 slowly move horizontally away from the battery string structure. After the conveyor belt 830 transports the battery string structure to the discharge end position, the discharge mechanism 900 takes out the welded and cut battery string structure and places it on the finished product table.

[0079] Repeat the above process to produce multiple sets of battery strings. Then, continue with other processes in module fabrication: layout, lamination, edge trimming, framing, junction box assembly, cleaning, testing, and packaging, ultimately completing the required module. Therefore, it is evident that using the battery stringing equipment provided in this application can significantly improve module production efficiency.

[0080] In the battery cell stringing equipment provided in this application embodiment, for more rational operation, the conductive structure loading mechanism 600 can be specifically located on the frame 300 and between the material box mechanism 400 and the welding mechanism 700. More specifically, the conductive structure loading mechanism 600, the welding mechanism 700, and the cutting mechanism 100 are arranged sequentially between the feeding end and the discharging end of the frame 300. The second robot arm 820 is at least able to move between the conductive structure loading mechanism 600 and the welding mechanism 700, for removing the conductive structure 280 from the conductive structure loading mechanism 600 and moving the removed conductive structure 280 onto the welding mechanism 700.

[0081] It is understood that in some embodiments of this application, the conductive structure loading mechanism 600 may not be included in the battery cell stringing equipment, which mainly depends on the specific circumstances of the battery string structure being prepared.

[0082] Those skilled in the art should understand that the technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments have been described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0083] The above embodiments merely illustrate several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cutting mechanism, used in a battery cell stringing equipment, characterized in that, The cutting mechanism includes: a cutting blade holder, a driving element, multiple cutting blades, and multiple cutting platforms; wherein... The multiple cutters are arranged in parallel to each other; The driving element, located on the cutter holder, is used to drive multiple cutters to move simultaneously in the vertical direction, and also to drive multiple cutting platforms to move simultaneously in the vertical direction and / or simultaneously in the horizontal direction. The driving element is used to perform at least a first driving operation and a second driving operation. Corresponding to the first driving operation, the driving element is used to drive at least some of the cutters to move simultaneously downward in the vertical direction to a first height position and then upward, and the cutters form a cut with the platform carrying the lower solder strip. Corresponding to the second driving operation, the driving element drives at least some of the cutters to move simultaneously downward in the vertical direction to a second height position and then upward. The driving element is also used to drive multiple cutting platforms to move simultaneously in the vertical direction and / or simultaneously in the horizontal direction, and to move the multiple cutting platforms until their upper surfaces are located at the second height position. Wherein, the first height is the height of the platform carrying the battery cell and the lower solder strip, the second height is equal to or lower than the height of the lower surface of the upper solder strip, and higher than the height of the upper surface of the lower solder strip; the second height is higher than the first height.

2. The cutting mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the cutters includes multiple cutting heads; the multiple cutters are arranged at intervals along a first direction; the multiple cutting heads in one cutter are arranged at intervals along a second direction; the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.

3. The cutting mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the cutters also includes a crossbeam, and a plurality of the cutter heads are connected to the crossbeam; the driving element is specifically used to drive the crossbeam to move in the vertical direction so as to drive the cutter heads to move up and down.

4. The cutting mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The spacing between the plurality of cutting heads in one of the cutters is adjustable.

5. The cutting mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cutting head has its blade facing downwards, and the cutting head moves vertically to cut the welding strip by pressing.

6. The cutting mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driving element is also used to drive at least some of the multiple cutters to move horizontally, thereby increasing or decreasing the distance between adjacent cutters.

7. The cutting mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, Corresponding to the first driving operation, at least some of the cutters driven by the driving element are the first group of cutters; Corresponding to the second driving operation, at least a portion of the cutters driven by the driving element are the second set of cutters; The blades in the first group of blades are different from the blades in the second group of blades; The horizontal position of each cutter in the first group of cutters during the first drive operation is different from the horizontal position of each cutter in the second group of cutters during the second drive operation.

8. The cutting mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least a portion of the cutters driven by the drive element corresponding to the first drive operation are the same as at least a portion of the cutters driven by the drive element corresponding to the second drive operation; the horizontal positions of each cutter included in the at least a portion of the cutters in the first drive operation are different from the horizontal positions in the second drive operation.

9. A battery cell stringing equipment, characterized in that, include: A frame, a welding mechanism located on the frame, and a cutting mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

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