A battery string welding device and a welding method

Abstract

The present invention provides a battery string welding device and a welding method. The battery string welding device includes a welding conveying device, a cell laying device, a solder tape traction device, a solder tape processing device, a solder tape stacking device, and a welding device, wherein: the cell laying device is used to lay the cells with their backs facing up on the welding conveying device; the solder tape traction device is used to traction the solder tape onto the solder tape processing device; the solder tape processing device is used to cut off all the odd-numbered solder tapes and all the even-numbered solder tapes at intervals and stagger to obtain a number of first solder tape groups and a number of second solder tape groups, and the solder tape processing device is further used to adjust the spacing between each first solder tape group and the spacing between each second solder tape group to a predetermined spacing; the solder tape stacking device is used to stack a number of first solder tape groups on the cells on the welding conveying device; the welding device welds the stacked solder tape groups and the cells into a string. The present invention realizes the automatic welding of back-connected cells into a string.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of battery production, and more particularly to a battery string welding device and a welding method thereof. Background Art

[0002] For a back-contact (IBC) type, there is no main grid line on the front side, and both the positive electrode row and the negative electrode row are arranged on the back side of the battery cell, thereby reducing the light shielding of the battery cell and improving the light conversion efficiency of the battery cell.

[0003] As Figure 1 shown in the back-contact battery cell 100, a first electrode (such as a positive electrode) and a second electrode (such as a negative electrode) with opposite polarities are provided on the back side thereof. The first electrodes are arranged in columns to form at least two columns of first electrode rows 101, and the second electrodes are arranged in columns to form at least two columns of second electrode rows 102. The first electrode rows 101 and the second electrode rows 102 are arranged in an interleaved manner.

[0004] As Figure 2 shown, the method of welding the back-contact battery cells into a string is as follows: N ( Figure 2 4 in the figure) battery cells 100 are laid face up in sequence, and the electrode rows on the same straight line of adjacent battery cells have opposite polarities. N + 1 ( Figure 2 5 in the figure) solder ribbon groups are used to weld N battery cells 100 into a string, where: the first solder ribbon group (the 1st, 3rd, and 5th solder ribbon groups in the figure) and the second solder ribbon group (the 2nd and 4th solder ribbon groups in the figure) are laid in an interleaved manner.

[0005] For a traditional back-contact battery cell welding device, in order to achieve the staggered laying of the first solder ribbon group and the second solder ribbon group, two solder ribbon reel groups need to be provided, and each solder ribbon reel group includes a plurality of solder ribbon reels. The solder ribbon traction device alternately tractions and obtains the first solder ribbon group and the second solder ribbon group from the two solder ribbon reel groups, and lays the first solder ribbon group and the second solder ribbon group on the battery cells in an interleaved manner.

[0006] For a traditional back-contact battery cell welding device, the solder ribbon processing efficiency is low, which ultimately affects the production efficiency of the battery string. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides a battery string welding device, which adopts the following technical solutions:

[0008] A battery string welding device for welding battery cells into a string, wherein the back side of the battery cell is provided with an interleaved first electrode row and second electrode row, and the sum of the number of the first electrode row and the second electrode row is M. The battery string welding device is characterized in that it includes a welding conveying device, a battery cell laying device, a solder ribbon traction device, a solder ribbon processing device, a solder ribbon stacking device, and a welding device, wherein:

[0009] The welding and conveying device is at least used to carry the battery wafers and the solder ribbon groups;

[0010] The battery wafer laying device is used to lay N battery wafers with their back sides facing up on the welding and conveying device, and make the polarities of the electrode rows of adjacent battery wafers on the same straight line opposite;

[0011] The solder ribbon traction device is used to traction M solder ribbons with a predetermined length extending along the first horizontal direction to the solder ribbon processing device;

[0012] The solder ribbon processing device is used to cut off all the odd-numbered solder ribbons and all the even-numbered solder ribbons among the M solder ribbons at intervals and in a staggered manner to obtain a number of first solder ribbon groups and a number of second solder ribbon groups. The solder ribbon processing device is also used to adjust the spacing between each first solder ribbon group and the spacing between each second solder ribbon group to a predetermined spacing;

[0013] The solder ribbon stacking device is used to stack a number of first solder ribbon groups on the odd-numbered electrode rows of the corresponding battery wafers on the welding and conveying device, and stack a number of second solder ribbon groups on the even-numbered electrode rows of the corresponding battery wafers on the welding and conveying device;

[0014] The welding device welds the stacked solder ribbon groups and battery wafers into a string.

[0015] Through the cooperation of the welding and conveying device, the battery wafer laying device, the solder ribbon traction device, the solder ribbon processing device, the solder ribbon stacking device and the welding device, the battery string welding equipment of the present invention realizes the welding of back-connected battery wafers into a string. In particular, through the processing of the solder ribbon processing device, the present invention realizes the simultaneous feeding of the first solder ribbon groups and the second solder ribbon groups, and adjusts the spacing between each first solder ribbon group and the spacing between each second solder ribbon group to a predetermined value.

[0016] In some embodiments, the solder ribbon processing device includes N + 1 first solder ribbon chuck groups, N + 1 second solder ribbon chuck groups and N - 1 solder ribbon cutting blade assemblies arranged along the first horizontal direction, where:

[0017] The N - 1 solder ribbon cutting blade assemblies are used to cut off all the odd-numbered solder ribbons and all the even-numbered solder ribbons among the M solder ribbons at intervals and in a staggered manner to obtain a number of first solder ribbon groups and a number of second solder ribbon groups;

[0018] The first solder ribbon chuck groups are used to clamp the heads of the corresponding first solder ribbon groups or second solder ribbon groups, and the second solder ribbon chuck groups are used to hold the tails of the corresponding first solder ribbon groups or second solder ribbon groups. The tails of the first solder ribbon groups or second solder ribbon groups can slide along the first horizontal direction within the corresponding second solder ribbon chuck groups.

[0019] Through the cooperation of the first solder tape chuck group, the second solder tape chuck group and the solder tape cutting knife assembly, the solder tape processing device realizes the slitting of the solder tape to obtain N + 1 solder tape groups, and the clamping of each of the N + 1 solder tape groups obtained by slitting.

[0020] In some embodiments, the solder tape cutting knife assembly includes a blade driving mechanism, a first blade and a second blade, wherein: the first blade is provided with a plurality of first avoidance grooves and a plurality of first cutting edges, the first avoidance grooves and the first cutting edges are arranged alternately in a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction, and the second blade is formed with a plurality of second avoidance grooves corresponding to the first avoidance grooves one by one and a plurality of second cutting edges corresponding to the first cutting edges one by one; the blade driving mechanism is used to drive the first blade and the second blade to slide relatively in the second horizontal direction; when the blade driving mechanism drives the first blade and the second blade to slide relatively, each first cutting edge cooperates with the corresponding second cutting edge to cut all the odd-numbered solder tapes / all the even-numbered solder tapes among the M solder tapes, and each first avoidance groove cooperates with the corresponding second avoidance groove to cut all the even-numbered solder tapes / all the odd-numbered solder tapes among the M solder tapes.

[0021] By setting the solder tape cutting knife assembly, when the solder tape cutting knife assembly cuts all the odd-numbered solder tapes, it can avoid all the even-numbered solder tapes that do not need to be cut. Similarly, when the solder tape cutting knife assembly cuts all the even-numbered solder tapes, it can avoid all the odd-numbered solder tapes that do not need to be cut.

[0022] In some embodiments, the solder tape processing device further includes a base and N mounting brackets, wherein:

[0023] A slide rail extending in the first horizontal direction is provided on the base; the N mounting brackets are slidably connected to the slide rail and can slide along the slide rail;

[0024] The first mounting bracket is provided with two first solder tape chuck groups and one second solder tape chuck group. Among them, the first solder tape chuck group and the second solder tape chuck group at the front end are used to clamp the first solder tape group, and the other first solder tape chuck group is used to clamp the head of the second solder tape group;

[0025] The Nth mounting bracket is provided with one first solder tape chuck group and two second solder tape chuck groups. Among them, the first solder tape chuck group and the second solder tape chuck group at the rear end are used to clamp the N + 1th solder tape group, and the other second solder tape chuck group is used to clamp the tail of the Nth solder tape group;

[0026] The ith mounting bracket is provided with one first solder tape chuck group and one second solder tape chuck group. Among them, the first solder tape chuck group is used to clamp the head of the (i + 1)th solder tape group, and the second solder tape chuck group is used to clamp the tail of the ith solder tape group, where i is a natural number greater than 1 and less than N.

[0027] When controlling the N mounting brackets to slide and separate along the slide rail, the pitch of the solder ribbon group can be realized, and finally the pitch between each first solder ribbon group and the pitch between each second solder ribbon group are adjusted to a predetermined pitch.

[0028] In some embodiments, a horizontal solder ribbon bearing plate is provided on the top of each mounting bracket; through holes are provided on the solder ribbon bearing plates, and the first solder ribbon chuck groups and the second solder ribbon chuck groups provided on each mounting bracket are accommodated in the corresponding through holes and penetrate upward through the through holes; each solder ribbon cutting knife assembly is provided on one mounting bracket and is located between two adjacent solder ribbon bearing plates, and the solder ribbon cutting knife assembly is configured to lift between a low position lower than the solder ribbon bearing plate and a high position higher than the solder ribbon bearing plate;

[0029] The solder ribbon traction device tractions M solder ribbons with a predetermined length to the N solder ribbon bearing plates, each solder ribbon chuck group and each second solder ribbon chuck group clamp the corresponding solder ribbon, and each solder ribbon cutting knife assembly moves upward to the high position and cuts the corresponding odd-numbered solder ribbon or the second even-numbered solder ribbon.

[0030] By providing the solder ribbon bearing plate, the support of the solder ribbon is realized, and the solder ribbon is prevented from falling.

[0031] In some embodiments, each solder ribbon bearing plate is further provided with M solder ribbon limiting grooves extending along the first horizontal direction.

[0032] By providing the solder ribbon limiting grooves on the solder ribbon bearing plate, the limiting and guiding of the solder ribbon are realized.

[0033] In some embodiments, the battery string welding device further includes a solder ribbon feeding device and a solder ribbon cutting device, wherein: the solder ribbon feeding device includes at least M solder ribbon reels, and each solder ribbon reel can release a solder ribbon; the solder ribbon cutting device is arranged between the solder ribbon feeding device and the solder ribbon processing device; the solder ribbon traction device tractions M solder ribbons from the solder ribbon feeding device and enables the M tracted solder ribbons to reach the solder ribbon processing device after passing through the solder ribbon cutting device; the solder ribbon cutting device includes a clamping assembly and a cutting assembly, wherein the clamping assembly is used for clamping the M solder ribbons, and the cutting assembly is used for cutting the M solder ribbons clamped by the clamping assembly, so as to obtain M solder ribbons with a predetermined length.

[0034] Through the cooperation of the solder ribbon feeding device and the solder ribbon cutting device, the automatic feeding of the solder ribbon is realized.

[0035] In some embodiments, the battery string welding device further includes a flux coating device arranged between the solder ribbon feeding device and the solder ribbon cutting device, and the flux coating device is used for coating flux on the M solder ribbons.

[0036] By providing the flux coating device, the automatic coating of the flux is realized.

[0037] In some embodiments, the battery string welding device further includes a tooling circulation conveying device disposed on the side of the welding conveying device; the tooling circulation conveying device is used to convey the solder tape pressing tooling; after picking up the solder tape pressing tooling from the tooling circulation conveying device, the solder tape stacking device picks up a solder tape group from the solder tape processing device, and stacks the picked-up solder tape pressing tooling and the solder tape group onto the battery cell on the welding conveying device.

[0038] By setting the tooling circulation conveying device, the cyclic conveyance of the solder tape pressing tooling is realized. The solder tape stacking device synchronously transports and stacks the solder tape group and the solder tape pressing tooling onto the battery cell on the welding conveying device, greatly improving the production efficiency of the battery string while ensuring the welding quality of the battery string.

[0039] In some embodiments, the battery string welding device further includes a tooling handling device, which picks up the solder tape pressing tooling from the welding conveying device and returns the picked-up solder tape pressing tooling to the tooling circulation conveying device.

[0040] By setting the tooling handling device, the automatic blanking of the solder tape pressing tooling is realized.

[0041] In some embodiments, the battery string welding device further includes a battery string and tooling handling device, wherein: the battery string and tooling handling device picks up the welded battery string and the solder tape pressing tooling stacked on the battery string from the welding conveying device, and places the picked-up battery string and solder tape pressing tooling on the battery string output device and the tooling circulation conveying device respectively.

[0042] By setting the battery string and tooling handling device, the simultaneous blanking of the battery string and the solder tape pressing tooling is realized, greatly improving the blanking efficiency.

[0043] In some embodiments, the welding conveying device includes a base and a plurality of welding bearing platforms, wherein: the plurality of welding bearing platforms are loaded on the base side by side along the first horizontal direction, and each welding bearing platform is formed with an arc-shaped bearing surface for bearing a battery cell and a corresponding solder tape group; after the solder tape pressing tooling is pressed on the battery cell, the arc-shaped bearing surface and the solder tape pressing tooling cooperate to cause the battery cell between the arc-shaped bearing surface and the solder tape pressing tooling to generate a deformation matching the arc-shaped bearing surface.

[0044] The solder tape expands when heated during welding. After welding is completed, the solder tape cools and contracts, which easily causes the battery cell to bend and deform, increasing the risk of cracking of the battery cell during transportation and subsequent processing. By setting the welding bearing platform for bearing the battery cell and the solder tape into an arc shape, during the welding process, after being pressed by the solder tape pressing tooling, the battery cell bends away from the solder tape. In this way, when the solder tape cools and contracts, it pulls the battery cell to deform and reset towards the solder tape, and finally the battery cell returns from the bent state to the original flat state.

[0045] Optionally, adsorption holes for adsorbing the cell wafers are provided on the arc-shaped bearing surface of the welding carrier table, and a heating component for heating the cell wafers and the solder ribbon group is provided on the welding carrier table.

[0046] By providing adsorption holes on the arc-shaped bearing surface of the welding carrier table, the adsorption and positioning of the cell wafers are achieved. By providing a heating component on the welding carrier table, the cell wafers and the solder ribbon group can be heated in cooperation with the welding device during welding, thereby improving the welding efficiency.

[0047] The present invention also provides a method for welding a battery string for welding cell wafers into a string. The back surface of the cell wafer is provided with a first electrode row and a second electrode row arranged in a staggered manner, and the sum of the numbers of the first electrode row and the second electrode row is M. The method for welding a battery string includes: laying N cell wafers face up on a welding conveying device, and making the polarities of the electrode rows of adjacent cell wafers on the same straight line opposite;

[0048] Pull out M solder ribbons with a predetermined length extending along the first horizontal direction;

[0049] Cut off all the odd-numbered solder ribbons and all the even-numbered solder ribbons among the M solder ribbons at intervals and in a staggered manner to obtain a number of first solder ribbon groups and a number of second solder ribbon groups, and the sum of the numbers of the first solder ribbon groups and the second solder ribbon groups is N + 1;

[0050] Adjust the spacing between each first solder ribbon group and the spacing between each second solder ribbon group to a predetermined spacing;

[0051] Stack the first solder ribbon groups on the odd-numbered electrode rows of the corresponding cell wafers laid out, and stack the second solder ribbon groups on the even-numbered electrode rows of the corresponding cell wafers laid out;

[0052] Weld the stacked solder ribbon groups and cell wafers into a string. Description of the Drawings

[0053] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram of a back-connected cell wafer;

[0054] Figure 2 It is a structural schematic diagram of four back-connected cell wafers welded into a string by a solder ribbon group;

[0055] Figure 3 It is a structural schematic diagram of the battery string welding device provided by the embodiment of the present invention from the first perspective;

[0056] Figure 4 It is a structural schematic diagram of the battery string welding device provided by the embodiment of the present invention from the second perspective;

[0057] Figure 5Schematic diagram of the solder tape processing device in the first perspective according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 6 is Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the solder tape processing device after omitting the solder tape carrier plate;

[0059] Figure 7 is Figure 5 Partial enlarged view;

[0060] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the solder tape processing device in the second perspective according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the solder tape processing device in the third perspective according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] Figure 10 Schematic diagram of the clamping and slitting process of M (being 17) solder tapes with a predetermined length by the solder tape processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0063] tape;

[0064] Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the solder tape cutter assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0065] Figure 12 is Figure 11 Partial enlarged view;

[0066] Figure 13 Partial structural schematic diagram of the welding and conveying device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0067] Figure 14 Schematic diagram of the battery string and tooling handling device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0068] Figure 15 Schematic diagram of the handling assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0069] Figures 1 to 15 includes:

[0070] Solder tape feeding device 10;

[0071] Flux coating device 20;

[0072] Solder tape cutting device 30;

[0073] Soldering tape processing device 40: first soldering tape chuck group 41, second soldering tape chuck group 42, soldering tape cutter assembly 43, mounting bracket 44, soldering tape carrier plate 45, blade drive mechanism 431, first blade 432, second blade 433, first avoidance groove 4321, first cutting edge 4322, second avoidance groove 4331, second cutting edge 4332;

[0074] Soldering tape traction device 50;

[0075] Tooling circulation conveying device 60;

[0076] Welding conveying device 70: welding carrier table 71, heating component 72;

[0077] Battery string and tooling handling device 80: mounting bracket 821, battery cell suction mechanism 822, first tooling suction mechanism 823, second tooling suction mechanism 824. Specific embodiments

[0078] To make the above objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more obvious and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0079] The following will respectively introduce the battery string welding equipment and battery string welding method provided by the present invention through two embodiments.

[0080] In a traditional back-connected battery cell welding device, in order to achieve the staggered laying of the soldering tape group, two soldering tape reel groups need to be set, and each soldering tape reel group includes a plurality of soldering tape reels. The soldering tape traction device alternately pulls and obtains the first soldering tape group and the second soldering tape group from the two soldering tape reel groups, and lays the first soldering tape group and the second soldering tape group on the battery cells in a staggered manner.

[0081] In a traditional back-connected battery cell welding device, the soldering tape processing efficiency is low, which ultimately affects the production efficiency of the battery string. In view of this, the present invention provides a battery string welding equipment and a welding method to weld back-connected battery cells into a string. The back of the battery cell is provided with a first electrode row and a second electrode row arranged in a staggered manner, and the sum of the numbers of the first electrode row and the second electrode row is M.

[0082] As Figures 3 to 4 shown, the battery string welding equipment provided by the present invention includes a battery cell laying device, a soldering tape processing device 40, a soldering tape traction device 50, a soldering tape stacking device, a welding conveying device 70, and a welding device. Among them:

[0083] The welding conveying device 70 is at least used to carry the battery cells and the soldering tape group.

[0084] The cell laying device is used to lay N cells with their back sides facing up on the welding conveying device 70, and make the polarities of the electrode rows of adjacent cells on the same straight line opposite.

[0085] The solder tape traction device 50 is used to traction M solder tapes with a predetermined length extending along the first horizontal direction to the solder tape processing device 40.

[0086] The solder tape processing device 40 is used to cut off all the odd-numbered solder tapes and all the even-numbered solder tapes among the M solder tapes at intervals and stagger to obtain several first solder tape groups and several second solder tape groups. The solder tape processing device 40 is also used to adjust the spacing between each first solder tape group and the spacing between each second solder tape group to a predetermined spacing.

[0087] The solder tape stacking device is used to stack several first solder tape groups on the odd-numbered electrode rows of the corresponding cells on the welding conveying device 70, and stack several second solder tape groups on the even-numbered electrode rows of the corresponding cells on the welding conveying device.

[0088] The welding device is used to weld the stacked solder tape groups and cells into a string.

[0089] The working process of the battery string welding equipment of the present invention is as follows:

[0090] The cell laying device lays N cells with their back sides facing up on the welding conveying device 70, and ensures that the polarities of the electrode rows of adjacent cells on the same straight line are opposite.

[0091] The solder tape traction device 50 tractions M solder tapes with a predetermined length extending along the first horizontal direction to the solder tape processing device 40.

[0092] The solder tape processing device 40 implements the processing of the solder tapes. Specifically: First, the solder tape processing device 40 cuts off all the odd-numbered solder tapes and all the even-numbered solder tapes among the M solder tapes at intervals and stagger to obtain several first solder tape groups and several second solder tape groups.

[0093] Since N cells need to use N + 1 solder tape groups to be welded into a complete battery string, including one head solder tape group, one tail solder tape group and N - 1 intermediate solder tape groups. Therefore, correspondingly, the solder tape processing device 40 can cut the M solder tapes into N + 1 solder tape groups, that is, the sum of the number of the first solder tape groups and the second solder tape groups is N + 1.

[0094] Next, the solder tape processing device 40 adjusts the spacing between each first solder tape group and the spacing between each second solder tape group to a predetermined spacing. The main purpose of implementing the spacing adjustment is to ensure that adjacent first solder tape groups and adjacent second solder tape groups are completely separated, preventing adhesion between adjacent first solder tape groups and adjacent second solder tape groups during the welding process.

[0095] The solder tape stacking device picks up the first solder tape groups and second solder tape groups obtained by slitting from the solder tape processing device 40, and lays the first solder tape groups and second solder tape groups on the solar cells on the welding conveying device 70. Among them, as Figure 2 shown, each first solder tape group ( Figure 2 the 1st, 3rd, and 5th solder tape groups among them) is stacked on the odd-numbered electrode rows of the corresponding solar cells, and each second solder tape group ( Figure 2 the 2nd and 4th solder tape groups among them) is stacked on the even-numbered electrode rows of the corresponding solar cells.

[0096] The welding conveying device 70 conveys the stacked solder tape groups and solar cells to the welding device, and the welding device welds the stacked solder tape groups and solar cells into a string.

[0097] It can be seen that the battery string welding equipment provided by the present invention realizes the welding of back-connected solar cells into a string. In particular, through the processing of the solder tape processing device, the present invention realizes the simultaneous feeding of the first solder tape groups and the second solder tape groups, and adjusts the spacing between each first solder tape group and the spacing between each second solder tape group to a predetermined value.

[0098] As Figures 5 to 7 shown, optionally, the solder tape processing device includes N + 1 first solder tape chuck groups 41, N + 1 second solder tape chuck groups 42, and N - 1 solder tape cutting blade assemblies 43 arranged along the first horizontal direction (the X-axis direction in the figure), where:

[0099] When the solder tape traction device 50 tractions M solder tapes with a predetermined length to the solder tape processing device 40, the N + 1 first solder tape chuck groups 41 and the N + 1 second solder tape chuck groups 42 clamp and hold the corresponding solder tapes from the corresponding positions.

[0100] The N - 1 solder tape cutting blade assemblies 43 cut off all the odd-numbered solder tapes and all the even-numbered solder tapes among the M solder tapes at intervals and in a staggered manner, so as to obtain a number of first solder tape groups and a number of second solder tape groups.

[0101] After completing the slitting of the solder tapes, each first solder tape chuck group 41 clamps the head of the corresponding first solder tape group or second solder tape group, and the second solder tape chuck group 42 holds the tail of the corresponding first solder tape group or second solder tape group.

[0102] Specifically, the tail of the first solder tape group or the second solder tape group can slide in the corresponding second solder tape chuck group 42 along the first horizontal direction, that is, the second solder tape chuck group 42 does not completely clamp the tail of the first solder tape group or the second solder tape group, but only clamps the tail of the first solder tape group or the second solder tape group. For example, a guiding groove for accommodating the solder tape is provided in each chuck of the second solder tape chuck group 42. After the chuck clamps the tail of the solder tape, the tail of the solder tape is accommodated in the guiding groove and can slide in the guiding groove.

[0103] As Figure 10 shown, in one embodiment, the solder tape processing device 40 includes 12 first solder tape chuck groups 41, 12 second solder tape chuck groups 42, and 10 solder tape cutting blade assemblies 43.

[0104] The clamping and cutting process of the solder tape by the solder tape processing device 40 is as follows:

[0105] After the solder tape traction device 50 tractions 17 (i.e., M = 17) solder tapes extending in the first horizontal direction (the X-axis direction in the figure) to the solder tape processing device 40.

[0106] Control the 12 first solder tape chuck groups 41 to clamp the corresponding solder tapes from their respective positions, and control the 12 second solder tape chuck groups 42 to clamp the corresponding solder tapes from their respective positions.

[0107] Then, control the 10 solder tape cutting blade assemblies 43 to cut all the odd-numbered solder tapes and all the even-numbered solder tapes among the 17 solder tapes at intervals and in a staggered manner, that is: the first solder tape cutting blade assembly 43 cuts all the odd-numbered solder tapes among the 17 solder tapes, the second solder tape cutting blade assembly 43 cuts all the even-numbered solder tapes among the 17 solder tapes,..., the tenth solder tape cutting blade assembly 43 cuts all the even-numbered solder tapes among the 17 solder tapes. In this way, 6 first solder tape groups and 6 second solder tape groups are finally obtained, that is, a total of 12 solder tape groups are obtained.

[0108] After the cutting of the solder tape is completed, the heads of each first solder tape group and second solder tape group are clamped on the corresponding first solder tape chuck group 41, and the tails of each first solder tape group and second solder tape group are clamped on the corresponding second solder tape chuck group 42.

[0109] In order to adjust the distances between the first solder tape chuck groups 41 and the distances between the second solder tape chuck groups 42 to a predetermined distance. As Figures 5 to 8 shown, optionally, the solder tape processing device 40 in the embodiment of the present invention further includes a base and N (11 in the figure) mounting brackets 44, where:

[0110] A slide rail extending along the first horizontal direction is provided on the base, and the N mounting brackets 44 are all slidably connected to the slide rail and can slide along the slide rail.

[0111] There are two first solder tape chuck groups 41 and one second solder tape chuck group 42 provided on the first mounting bracket 44. Among them, the first solder tape chuck group 41 and the second solder tape chuck group 42 at the front end cooperate to clamp the first solder tape group, and the other first solder tape chuck 42 group is used to clamp the head of the second solder tape group.

[0112] There is one first solder tape chuck group and one second solder tape chuck group provided on the i-th mounting bracket 44. Among them, the first solder tape chuck group is used to clamp the head of the (i + 1)-th solder tape group, and the second solder tape chuck group is used to clamp the tail of the i-th solder tape group, where i is a natural number greater than 1 and less than N.

[0113] There are one first solder tape chuck group 41 and two second solder tape chuck groups 42 provided on the N-th mounting bracket 44. Among them, the first solder tape chuck group 41 and the second solder tape chuck 42 group at the rear end cooperate to clamp the (N + 1)-th solder tape group, and the other second solder tape chuck group is used to clamp the tail of the N-th solder tape group;

[0114] That is to say, except that the first solder tape group and the (N + 1)-th solder tape group are integrally clamped on the same mounting bracket 44. The heads and tails of the other solder tape groups are respectively clamped on the first solder tape chuck group 41 and the second solder tape chuck group 42 on two adjacent mounting brackets 44.

[0115] In particular, as described above, the head of each solder tape group is clamped on the corresponding first solder tape chuck group 41, while the tail is clamped on the corresponding second solder tape chuck group 42 and can slide within the second solder tape chuck group 42. Thus, when controlling the N mounting brackets 44 to slide and separate along the slide rail, each solder tape group can be separated synchronously with the N mounting brackets 44. Finally, the distance between each first solder tape group and each second solder tape group can be adjusted to a predetermined distance.

[0116] As Figure 5 and Figures 7 to 9 shown, optionally, a horizontal solder tape bearing plate 45 is provided on the top of each mounting bracket 44. Through holes are provided on the solder tape bearing plate 45. The first solder tape chuck group 41 and the second solder tape chuck group 42 provided on each mounting bracket 44 are accommodated in the corresponding through holes and penetrate upward through the through holes.

[0117] Each solder tape cutting tool assembly 43 is provided on one mounting bracket 44 and is located between two adjacent solder tape bearing plates 45. The solder tape cutting tool assembly 45 is configured to lift between a low position lower than the solder tape bearing plate 45 and a high position higher than the solder tape bearing plate 45.

[0118] The solder tape traction device 50 tractions M solder tapes with a predetermined length onto N solder tape bearing plates 45. Each solder tape chuck group 41 and each second solder tape chuck group 42 clamp the corresponding solder tape. Each solder tape cutter assembly 43 moves upward to a high position and cuts the corresponding odd-numbered solder tape or the second even-numbered solder tape. By providing the solder tape bearing plate 45, the support for the solder tape is realized, preventing the solder tape from falling.

[0119] Optionally, M solder tape limiting grooves extending in the first horizontal direction are provided on each solder tape bearing plate 45. One solder tape is correspondingly received in each solder tape limiting groove, and the solder tape limiting groove realizes the limitation and guiding of the solder tape.

[0120] As Figures 11 to 12 shown, optionally, the solder tape cutter assembly 43 includes a blade driving mechanism 431, a first blade 432 and a second blade 433, wherein:

[0121] A plurality of first avoidance grooves 4321 and a plurality of first cutting edges 4322 are provided on the first blade 432. The first avoidance grooves 4321 and the first cutting edges 4322 are staggered in the second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction (such as the Y-axis direction in the figure).

[0122] A plurality of second avoidance grooves 4331 corresponding to the first avoidance grooves 4321 one by one and a plurality of second cutting edges 4332 corresponding to the first cutting edges 4322 one by one are formed on the second blade 433.

[0123] The blade driving mechanism 431 is used to drive the first blade 432 and the second blade 433 to slide relatively in the second horizontal direction. When the blade driving mechanism 431 drives the first blade 432 and the second blade 433 to slide relatively, each first cutting edge 4322 cooperates with the corresponding second cutting edge 4332 to cut all the odd-numbered solder tapes among the M solder tapes, and each first avoidance groove 4321 cooperates with the corresponding second avoidance groove 4331 to avoid all the even-numbered solder tapes among the M solder tapes.

[0124] Similarly, each first cutting edge 4322 cooperates with the corresponding second cutting edge 4332 to cut all the even-numbered solder tapes among the M solder tapes, and each first avoidance groove 4321 cooperates with the corresponding second avoidance groove 4331 to avoid all the odd-numbered solder tapes among the M solder tapes.

[0125] As Figures 3 to 4 shown, optionally, the battery string welding device in the embodiment of the present invention further includes a solder tape feeding device 10 and a solder tape cutting device 30, wherein:

[0126] The solder tape feeding device 10 includes M solder tape reels, and each solder tape reel can release one solder tape.

[0127] The solder tape cutting device 30 is arranged between the solder tape feeding device 10 and the solder tape processing device 40. The solder tape traction device 50 pulls out M solder tapes from the solder tape feeding device 10, and enables the M pulled-out solder tapes to reach the solder tape processing device 40 after passing through the solder tape cutting device 30.

[0128] The solder tape cutting device 30 includes a clamping assembly and a cutting assembly. Among them, the clamping assembly is used to clamp M solder tapes, and the cutting assembly is used to cut the M solder tapes clamped by the clamping assembly, so as to obtain M solder tapes with a predetermined length.

[0129] It can be seen that through the cooperation of the solder tape feeding device 10 and the solder tape cutting device 30, the present invention realizes the automatic feeding of M solder tapes with a predetermined length.

[0130] Optionally, the battery string welding equipment in the embodiment of the present invention further includes a flux coating device 20 arranged between the solder tape feeding device 10 and the solder tape cutting device 30. The flux coating device is used to coat flux onto the solder tape. Optionally, the flux coating device 20 includes a flux solute tank for accommodating flux. The solder tape passes through the flux solute tank after being released from the solder tape feeding device 10, and then reaches the solder tape cutting device 30.

[0131] As is known to those skilled in the art, in order to ensure the welding effect, after laying the solder tape group, it is necessary to stack the solder tape pressing tooling on the battery cell to press the solder tape group. Optionally, as Figures 3 to 4 shown, the battery string welding equipment in the embodiment of the present invention further includes a tooling circulating conveying device 60 arranged on the side of the welding conveying device 70. The tooling circulating conveying device 60 is used to convey the solder tape pressing tooling. After the solder tape stacking device picks up the solder tape pressing tooling from the tooling circulating conveying device 60, it picks up the solder tape group from the solder tape processing device 40, and then stacks the picked-up solder tape pressing tooling and the solder tape group on the battery cell on the welding conveying device 70 at the same time.

[0132] In some embodiments, the battery string welding equipment in the embodiment of the present invention further includes a tooling handling device. After welding is completed, the tooling handling device picks up the solder tape pressing tooling from the welding conveying device 70 and puts the picked-up solder tape pressing tooling back onto the tooling circulating conveying device 60, thereby realizing the automatic blanking and recycling of the solder tape pressing tooling.

[0133] In some other embodiments, the battery string welding device in the embodiments of the present invention further includes a battery string and a tooling handling device. After welding is completed, the battery string and the tooling handling device pick up the welded battery string and the solder tape pressing tooling stacked on the battery string from the welding conveying device 70, and place the picked-up battery string and solder tape pressing tooling on the battery string output device and the tooling circulating conveying device 60 respectively. The battery string and tooling handling device realizes the simultaneous discharging of the battery string and the solder tape pressing tooling, thereby further improving the discharging efficiency.

[0134] As Figure 13 shown, the battery string and tooling handling device 80 provided in an embodiment of the present invention includes a moving mechanism, a mounting seat 81, and a plurality of handling components 82 arranged on the mounting seat 81 along the extending direction of the battery string. Each handling component 82 is used to suck and handle a battery cell in the battery string and the solder tape pressing tooling stacked on the battery cell.

[0135] The moving mechanism drives each handling component 82 to move and switch between the welding conveying device 70, the battery string output device, and the tooling circulating conveying device 60, so as to realize the sucking and handling of the battery string and the solder tape pressing tooling.

[0136] As Figure 14 shown, optionally, the handling component 82 includes a mounting bracket 821, a battery cell sucking mechanism 822, a first tooling sucking mechanism 823, and a second tooling sucking mechanism 824, wherein: the battery cell adsorption mechanism 822 is arranged on the mounting bracket 821 and is used to suck a battery cell in the battery string. The first tooling sucking mechanism 823 and the second tooling sucking mechanism 824 are arranged on the mounting bracket 821, and the first tooling sucking mechanism 823 and the second tooling sucking mechanism 824 cooperate to suck the solder tape pressing tooling stacked on the corresponding battery cell.

[0137] As is known to those skilled in the art, at present, generally, solder tapes coated with tin copper are used to weld back-contact battery cells into strings. The solder tape expands when heated during welding. After welding is completed, the solder tape cools and shrinks, which easily causes the battery cell to bend and deform, increasing the risk of cracking of the battery cell during transportation and subsequent processing.

[0138] To solve this problem, a new type of welding conveying device 70 is also provided in the embodiments of the present invention. As Figure 13 shown, the welding conveying device 70 includes a base and a plurality of welding bearing platforms 71, wherein: the plurality of welding bearing platforms 71 are loaded on the base side by side along the first horizontal direction, and an arc-shaped bearing surface for bearing a battery cell and a corresponding solder tape is formed on each welding bearing platform 71. Figure 13 In the embodiment, the arc-shaped bearing surface is an upwardly convex arc-shaped curved surface.

[0139] After the solder tape laying mechanism lays the solder tape group on the battery cell, a solder tape pressing tooling is pressed on each battery cell. The solder tape pressing tooling presses the battery cell and the solder tape group carried on the arc-shaped bearing surface. The arc-shaped bearing surface and the solder tape pressing tooling cooperate to cause the battery cell between the arc-shaped bearing surface and the solder tape pressing tooling to generate a deformation matching the arc-shaped bearing surface. That is, through the pressing of the solder tape pressing tooling, on the one hand, the solder tape group can be pressed and positioned on the main grid line of the battery cell, and on the other hand, both sides of the battery cell are bent downward and finally adhere tightly to the arc-shaped curved surface.

[0140] Finally, the welding device welds the solder tape group on the downwardly deformed battery cell. In this way, each battery cell in the welded battery string bends downward away from the solder tape with a certain arc.

[0141] After the battery string is unloaded from the welding station, the solder tape group cools and shrinks. During this process, the solder tape group pulls the battery cell upward, and finally makes each battery cell completely or basically return to the original flat state.

[0142] Optionally, adsorption holes for adsorbing the battery cell are provided on the arc-shaped bearing surface of the welding carrier table 71, and a heating component 72 for heating the battery cell and the solder tape group is provided on the welding carrier table 71. By providing adsorption holes on the arc-shaped bearing surface of the welding carrier table 71, the adsorption and positioning of the battery cell are realized. And by providing a heating component on the welding carrier table 71, the battery cell and the solder tape group can be heated in cooperation with the welding device during welding, thereby improving the welding efficiency.

[0143] The present invention also provides a battery string welding method for welding battery cells into a string. The back of the battery cell is provided with a first electrode row and a second electrode row arranged in an alternating manner, and the sum of the numbers of the first electrode row and the second electrode row is M.

[0144] The battery string welding method provided by the present invention can be implemented by the battery string welding equipment described above. Specifically, the battery string welding method provided by the present invention includes:

[0145] Lay N battery cells face up on the welding conveying device, and make the polarities of the electrode rows on the same straight line of adjacent battery cells opposite.

[0146] Pull out M solder tapes with a predetermined length extending along the first horizontal direction.

[0147] Cut off all the odd-numbered solder tapes and all the even-numbered solder tapes among the M solder tapes at intervals and in a staggered manner to obtain a number of first solder tape groups and a number of second solder tape groups, and the sum of the numbers of the first solder tape groups and the second solder tape groups is N + 1.

[0148] Adjust the distances between the first solder tape groups and the distances between the second solder tape groups to a predetermined distance.

[0149] Stack the first solder ribbon group on the odd-numbered electrode rows of the corresponding solar cells that have been laid out, and stack the second solder ribbon group on the even-numbered electrode rows of the corresponding solar cells that have been laid out.

[0150] Weld the stacked solder ribbon groups and solar cells into a string.

[0151] The present invention has been described in sufficient detail and with a certain degree of particularity above. Those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that the descriptions in the embodiments are merely exemplary, and all changes made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention should fall within the protection scope of the present invention. The scope of protection required by the present invention is defined by the claims described, rather than by the above descriptions in the embodiments.

Claims

1. A battery string welding device for welding battery cells into a string. The back surface of the battery cell is provided with a first electrode row and a second electrode row arranged in an alternating pattern, and the sum of the numbers of the first electrode row and the second electrode row is M. It is characterized in that the battery string welding device includes a welding conveying device, a battery cell laying device, a solder tape traction device, a solder tape processing device, a solder tape stacking device and a welding device, wherein: the welding conveying device is at least used for carrying battery cells and a solder tape group; the battery cell laying device is used for laying N battery cells with their back surfaces facing up on the welding conveying device, and making the polarities of the electrode rows of adjacent battery cells in the same straight line opposite; the solder tape traction device is used for traction M solder tapes with a predetermined length extending along a first horizontal direction to the solder tape processing device; the solder tape processing device is used for cutting off all the odd-numbered solder tapes and all the even-numbered solder tapes among the M solder tapes at intervals and in a staggered manner to obtain a number of first solder tape groups and a number of second solder tape groups, and the solder tape processing device is further used for adjusting the spacing between each of the first solder tape groups and the spacing between each of the second solder tape groups to a predetermined spacing; the solder tape stacking device is used for stacking a number of the first solder tape groups on the odd-numbered electrode rows of the corresponding battery cells on the welding conveying device, and stacking a number of the second solder tape groups on the even-numbered electrode rows of the corresponding battery cells on the welding conveying device; the welding device welds the stacked solder tape groups and battery cells into a string.

2. The battery string welding device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that the solder tape processing device includes N + 1 first solder tape chuck groups, N + 1 second solder tape chuck groups and N - 1 solder tape cutting knife assemblies arranged along the first horizontal direction, wherein: N - 1 of the solder tape cutting knife assemblies are used for cutting off all the odd-numbered solder tapes and all the even-numbered solder tapes among the M solder tapes at intervals and in a staggered manner to obtain a number of first solder tape groups and a number of second solder tape groups; the first solder tape chuck group is used for clamping the head of the corresponding first solder tape group or second solder tape group, and the second solder tape chuck group is used for clamping the tail of the corresponding first solder tape group or second solder tape group. The tail of the first solder tape group or second solder tape group can slide along the first horizontal direction within the corresponding second solder tape chuck group.

3. The battery string welding device according to claim 2, It is characterized in that the solder tape cutting knife assembly includes a blade driving mechanism, a first blade and a second blade, wherein: a number of first avoidance grooves and a number of first cutting edges are provided on the first blade, and the first avoidance grooves and the first cutting edges are arranged in a staggered manner in a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction. A number of second avoidance grooves corresponding to the first avoidance grooves one by one and a number of second cutting edges corresponding to the first cutting edges one by one are formed on the second blade; the blade driving mechanism is used for driving the first blade and the second blade to slide relatively in the second horizontal direction. When the blade driving mechanism drives the first blade and the second blade to slide relative to each other, each of the first cutting edges cooperates with the corresponding second cutting edge to cut the odd-numbered / even-numbered solder tapes among the M solder tapes, and each of the first avoidance grooves cooperates with the corresponding second avoidance groove to cut the even-numbered / odd-numbered solder tapes among the M solder tapes.

4. The battery string welding device according to claim 2, characterized in that the solder tape processing device further includes a base and N mounting brackets, wherein: a slide rail extending along the first horizontal direction is provided on the base; the N mounting brackets are slidably connected to the slide rail and can slide along the slide rail; two first solder tape chuck groups and one second solder tape chuck group are provided on the first mounting bracket. Among them, the first solder tape chuck group and the second solder tape chuck group located at the front end are used to clamp the first solder tape group, and the other first solder tape chuck group is used to clamp the head of the second solder tape group; one first solder tape chuck group and two second solder tape chuck groups are provided on the Nth mounting bracket. Among them, the first solder tape chuck group and the second solder tape chuck group located at the rear end are used to clamp the (N + 1)th solder tape group, and the other second solder tape chuck group is used to clamp the tail of the Nth solder tape group; one first solder tape chuck group and one second solder tape chuck group are provided on the ith mounting bracket. Among them, the first solder tape chuck group is used to clamp the head of the (i + 1)th solder tape group, and the second solder tape chuck group is used to clamp the tail of the ith solder tape group, where i is a natural number greater than 1 and less than N.

5. The battery string welding device according to claim 4, characterized in that: a horizontal solder tape bearing plate is provided on the top of each of the mounting brackets; through holes are provided on the solder tape bearing plates. The first solder tape chuck groups and the second solder tape chuck groups provided on each of the mounting brackets are accommodated in the corresponding through holes and protrude upward through the through holes; each of the solder tape cutting knife assemblies is provided on one of the mounting brackets and is located between two adjacent solder tape bearing plates. The solder tape cutting knife assembly is configured to lift between a low position lower than the solder tape bearing plate and a high position higher than the solder tape bearing plate; the solder tape traction device tractions M solder tapes with a predetermined length to the N solder tape bearing plates. Each of the solder tape chuck groups and each of the second solder tape chuck groups clamp the corresponding solder tapes, and each of the solder tape cutting knife assemblies moves upward to the high position and cuts the corresponding odd-numbered solder tape or second even-numbered solder tape.

6. The battery string welding device according to claim 5, characterized in that: each of the solder tape bearing plates is further provided with M solder tape limiting grooves extending along the first horizontal direction.

7. The battery string welding device according to claim 1, characterized in that: the battery string welding device further includes a solder tape feeding device and a solder tape cutting device, wherein: the solder tape feeding device includes at least M solder tape reels, and each solder tape reel can release a solder tape; the solder tape cutting device is arranged between the solder tape feeding device and the solder tape processing device; The solder tape traction device pulls out M solder tapes from the solder tape feeding device, and enables the M pulled-out solder tapes to reach the solder tape processing device after passing through the solder tape cutting device; The solder tape cutting device includes a clamping assembly and a cutting assembly. Among them, the clamping assembly is used to clamp the M solder tapes, and the cutting assembly is used to cut the M solder tapes clamped by the clamping assembly, so as to obtain M solder tapes with a predetermined length.

8. The battery string welding equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that: The battery string welding equipment further includes a flux coating device arranged between the solder tape feeding device and the solder tape cutting device, and the flux coating device is used to coat flux on the M solder tapes.

9. The battery string welding equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The battery string welding equipment further includes a tooling circulating conveyor arranged on the side of the welding conveyor; The tooling circulating conveyor is used to convey the solder tape pressing tooling; After the solder tape stacking device picks up the solder tape pressing tooling from the tooling circulating conveyor, it then picks up a solder tape group from the solder tape processing device, and stacks the picked-up solder tape pressing tooling and solder tape group on the battery cells on the welding conveyor.

10. The battery string welding equipment according to claim 9, characterized in that: The battery string welding equipment further includes a tooling handling device, and the tooling handling device picks up the solder tape pressing tooling from the welding conveyor and returns the picked-up solder tape pressing tooling to the tooling circulating conveyor.

11. The battery string welding equipment according to claim 9, characterized in that, The battery string welding equipment further includes a battery string and tooling handling device, wherein: The battery string and tooling handling device picks up the welded battery string and the solder tape pressing tooling stacked on the battery string from the welding conveyor, and places the picked-up battery string and solder tape pressing tooling on the battery string output device and the tooling circulating conveyor respectively.

12. The battery string welding equipment according to claim 9, characterized in that: The welding conveyor includes a base and a plurality of welding bearing platforms, wherein: The plurality of welding bearing platforms are loaded side by side on the base along a first horizontal direction, and each welding bearing platform is formed with an arc-shaped bearing surface for bearing a battery cell and a corresponding solder tape group; After the solder tape pressing tooling is pressed on the battery cell, the arc-shaped bearing surface and the solder tape pressing tooling cooperate to cause the battery cell between the arc-shaped bearing surface and the solder tape pressing tooling to generate a deformation matching the arc-shaped bearing surface.

13. The battery string welding equipment according to claim 12, characterized in that: The arc-shaped bearing surface of the welding bearing platform is provided with adsorption holes for adsorbing the battery cell, and the welding bearing platform is provided with a heating component for heating the battery cell and the solder tape group.

14. A battery string welding method for welding battery cells into a string, the back of the battery cell is provided with a first electrode row and a second electrode row arranged in a staggered manner, and the sum of the numbers of the first electrode row and the second electrode row is M, characterized in that, The battery string welding method includes: laying N solar cells face up on a welding conveying device, and making the polarities of the electrode rows of adjacent solar cells on the same straight line opposite; drawing out M solder tapes with a predetermined length extending along a first horizontal direction; cutting all the odd-numbered solder tapes and all the even-numbered solder tapes among the M solder tapes at intervals and offset to obtain a number of first solder tape groups and a number of second solder tape groups; adjusting the spacing between each of the first solder tape groups and the spacing between each of the second solder tape groups to a predetermined spacing; stacking the first solder tape groups on the odd-numbered electrode rows of the corresponding laid solar cells, and stacking the second solder tape groups on the even-numbered electrode rows of the corresponding laid solar cells; welding the stacked solder tape groups and solar cells into a string.

Images