A processing device for a photovoltaic cell string

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of photovoltaic technology, especially to a kind of photovoltaic cell string processing device.The photovoltaic cell string processing device mainly includes frame body, transfer module and point gum component.Among them, first station and second station are arranged in frame body, first station is used to carry photovoltaic cell string before point gum process, and second station is used to carry photovoltaic cell string after point gum process.Transfer module is set to at least two, and at least two transfer modules are arranged on frame body, and photovoltaic cell string of first station can be transferred to second station by translation, lifting and overturning.Point gum component is erected on frame body, and point gum component is located between first station and second station.The photovoltaic cell string processing device, simple structure, can improve processing efficiency, increase machine capacity, achieve the purpose of cost saving.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of photovoltaic technology, and in particular to a processing apparatus for photovoltaic cell strings. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of science and technology and the progress of the economy, photovoltaic cells have become increasingly popular. Solar panels are one of the important products of photovoltaic technology. In the manufacturing process of solar panels, individual photovoltaic cells need to be wired together to form photovoltaic cell strings. Then, multiple cell strings are combined into a total cell string by connecting them in series and parallel. The total cell string is placed between two layers of EVA (ethylene and vinyl acetate copolymer) encapsulation material. Finally, a backsheet and a front glass panel are installed on the two layers of EVA, thus completing the assembly and processing of the solar panel.

[0003] In the processing of photovoltaic (PV) cell strings, the difference in thermal expansion coefficients between PV cells and solder ribbons can easily lead to loosening or detachment of the ribbons from the cells after stringing, affecting product reliability and yield. Therefore, an adhesive dispensing process is needed between the solder ribbons and the cells to enhance their stability. However, current PV cell string processing equipment only has a single, independent moving carrier plate, which lacks a flipping function, significantly reducing processing efficiency, decreasing machine capacity, and increasing costs.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to design a photovoltaic cell string processing device to solve the above technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a photovoltaic cell string processing device with a simple structure, which can improve processing efficiency, increase machine capacity, and save costs.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] This invention provides a processing apparatus for photovoltaic cell strings, comprising:

[0008] The frame has a first station and a second station. The first station is used to support the photovoltaic cell string before the dispensing process, and the second station is used to support the photovoltaic cell string after the dispensing process.

[0009] The transfer module is configured with at least two modules, both of which are mounted on the frame. The transfer module is capable of transferring the photovoltaic cell string from the first workstation to the second workstation by translation, lifting, and flipping.

[0010] A dispensing assembly is mounted on the frame and located between the first station and the second station.

[0011] As an optional technical solution for processing photovoltaic cell strings, the frame is provided with at least two first slide rails, and the first station and the second station are both located between two adjacent first slide rails; at least one transfer module is slidably provided on each first slide rail.

[0012] As an optional technical solution for a photovoltaic cell string processing device, each of the transfer modules includes a base and a first driving device. The first driving device is disposed on the base, and the base is disposed on the first slide rail. The first driving device is drivenly connected to the base so that the first driving device can drive the base to translate on the first slide rail.

[0013] As an optional technical solution for a photovoltaic cell string processing device, each of the transfer modules further includes a second drive device and a support arm. The second drive device is disposed on the base, and the base is provided with a second slide rail. The support arm is slidably connected to the second slide rail via a connecting block. The second drive device is drivenly connected to the support arm so that the second drive device can drive the support arm to move up and down on the second slide rail.

[0014] As an optional technical solution for processing photovoltaic cell strings, the support arm is provided with a flipping component, the flipping component is connected to a movable carrier plate component, and the flipping component is configured to drive the movable carrier plate component to flip.

[0015] As an optional technical solution for a photovoltaic cell string processing device, the flipping assembly includes a third driving device and a rotating shaft. The rotating shaft passes through the support arm, and the third driving device is drivenly connected to the rotating shaft so that the rotating shaft can rotate relative to the support arm.

[0016] As an optional technical solution for processing photovoltaic cell strings, the movable carrier plate assembly is provided with a first connector, the first connector is provided with a first mounting hole, and the rotating shaft passes through the first mounting hole.

[0017] As an optional technical solution for processing photovoltaic cell strings, the first connector has a first keyway and the rotating shaft has a second keyway. The first keyway and the second keyway form an accommodating space for accommodating a spline, and the first connector and the rotating shaft are connected by the spline.

[0018] As an optional technical solution for a photovoltaic cell string processing device, the movable carrier plate assembly is provided with a second connector, which is connected to the first connector; the second connector is provided with a second mounting hole, which is concentric with the first mounting hole, and the rotating shaft passes through the first mounting hole and the second mounting hole.

[0019] As an optional technical solution for a photovoltaic cell string processing device, the second connector is provided with a third mounting hole, and the photovoltaic cell string processing device includes a first fixing member, which passes through the third mounting hole and is connected to the first connector.

[0020] As an optional technical solution for a photovoltaic cell string processing device, the second connector has a through groove that communicates with the second mounting hole, and the second connector has a fourth mounting hole that passes through the through groove; the photovoltaic cell string processing device includes a second fixing member, which is disposed in the fourth mounting hole, and the second fixing member can adjust the width of the through groove so that the second mounting hole clamps the rotating shaft.

[0021] The beneficial effects of the present invention include at least the following:

[0022] This invention provides a photovoltaic (PV) cell string processing apparatus, which mainly includes a frame, a transfer module, and a dispensing assembly. The frame has a first workstation and a second workstation. The first workstation carries PV cell strings before the dispensing process, and the second workstation carries PV cell strings after the dispensing process. At least two transfer modules are provided, each mounted on the frame. These transfer modules can transfer PV cell strings from the first workstation to the second workstation via translation, lifting, and flipping. The dispensing assembly is mounted on the frame and located between the first and second workstations. The use of at least two transfer modules allows for alternating operation. That is, while one transfer module completes its dispensing process, another transfer module can continue dispensing, ensuring continuous operation without waiting time. This increases machine capacity and efficiency, ultimately saving costs. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments of the present invention will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the content of the embodiments of the present invention and these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the photovoltaic cell string processing device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a top view of the photovoltaic cell string processing apparatus provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the transfer module provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;

[0028] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A magnified view of a section at point B in the middle;

[0029] Figure 6 for Figure 3 A magnified view of a section at point C.

[0030] Figure Labels

[0031] 100, First workstation; 200, Second workstation;

[0032] 300. Transfer module; 310. Base; 320. First drive device; 330. Support arm; 340. Second drive device; 350. Second slide rail; 360. Flipping assembly; 3601. Third drive device; 3602. Rotating shaft; 3603. Second keyway;

[0033] 400. Dispensing assembly;

[0034] 500, First slide rail;

[0035] 600, Movable carrier plate assembly; 610, First connector; 6101, First mounting hole; 6102, First keyway; 620, Second connector; 6201, Second mounting hole; 6202, Third mounting hole; 6203, Through slot; 6204, Fourth mounting hole. Detailed Implementation

[0036] To make the technical problems solved by the present invention, the technical solutions adopted, and the technical effects achieved clearer, the technical solutions of the present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0037] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0038] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0039] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0040] like Figures 1-3 As shown, this embodiment provides a photovoltaic (PV) cell string processing apparatus, which mainly includes a frame (not shown), a transfer module 300, and a dispensing assembly 400. The frame is equipped with a first station 100 and a second station 200. The first station 100 carries PV cell strings before the dispensing process, and the second station 200 carries PV cell strings after the dispensing process. At least two transfer modules 300 are provided, each mounted on the frame. The transfer modules 300 can transfer PV cell strings from the first station 100 to the second station 200 through translation, lifting, and flipping. The dispensing assembly 400 is mounted on the frame and located between the first station 100 and the second station 200.

[0041] Based on the above design, the transfer module 300 in this embodiment is equipped with a suction cup, which is connected to a vacuum pump, such as a vacuum pump. The vacuum pump is used to adsorb the photovoltaic cell string onto the suction cup of the transfer module 300. The transfer module 300 can transfer the photovoltaic cell string from the first station 100 to the second station 200 by translation, lifting, and flipping.

[0042] Specifically, the transfer module 300 first adsorbs the photovoltaic cell string, flips it so that the front or back of the photovoltaic cell string is facing upwards, and then moves towards the dispensing assembly 400 in a stepping manner. The dispensing assembly 400 evenly dispenses adhesive onto the solder ribbon of the photovoltaic cell string, bonding the solder joints and the cells together and preventing displacement or detachment between the cells and the solder ribbon. For example, the adhesive dispensed by the dispensing assembly 400 in this embodiment can be a curing adhesive.

[0043] like Figures 1-2 As shown, in this embodiment, the frame is provided with at least two first slide rails 500, and the first station 100 and the second station 200 are both located between two adjacent first slide rails 500; at least one transfer module 300 is slidably provided on each first slide rail 500. Specifically, in this embodiment, the frame is symmetrically provided with two first slide rails 500, and each first slide rail 500 is provided with a transfer module 300. Both transfer modules 300 can slide on their respective first slide rails 500 to transport the photovoltaic cell string from the first station 100 to the second station 200 after the dispensing process of the dispensing component 400.

[0044] During operation, a transfer module 300 first flips downwards at the first station 100 and descends above it. A vacuum device then picks up the photovoltaic cell string. It then flips again, so that the front or back of the photovoltaic cell string is facing upwards, and moves towards the dispensing assembly 400 in a stepping motion. The dispensing assembly 400 then applies curing adhesive to the solder ribbons on either the front or back of the photovoltaic cell string. Because the transfer module 300 is equipped with a heating device, the curing adhesive cures quickly, thus achieving a stable connection between the solder ribbons and the cells, preventing them from loosening or detaching. After the entire photovoltaic cell string is dispensed, the transfer module 300 moves horizontally to the second station 200. The transfer module 300 descends in height and flips again to face the photovoltaic cell string to the second station 200. The vacuum device is then released, and the photovoltaic cell string is placed on the second station 200. After completing this series of actions, the transfer module 300 returns to the first station 100, ready to pick up the next photovoltaic cell string to be dispensed. This process is repeated to complete the actions of picking up the string, applying glue, and unloading the string. Since the glue application process is performed in a step-by-step manner, completing the entire process using only a single transfer module 300 would cause delays and hinder production capacity. Therefore, in this embodiment, the two transfer modules 300 can work alternately. That is, while one transfer module 300 is completing the glue application process, the other transfer module 300 can continue applying glue, allowing the glue application assembly 400 to work continuously without delays, thereby increasing machine capacity and efficiency. It is important to note that in this embodiment, the two transfer modules 300 can avoid collisions and interference through their own lifting mechanism, thus enabling alternating operation, improving processing efficiency, increasing machine capacity, and achieving cost savings.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the transfer module 300 includes a base 310 and a first driving device 320. The first driving device 320 is disposed on the base 310, and the base 310 is disposed on the first slide rail 500. The first driving device 320 is drivenly connected to the base 310 so that the first driving device 320 can drive the base 310 to translate on the first slide rail 500. Specifically, the first driving device 320 can be configured as a motor or a cylinder.

[0046] like Figure 3As shown, in this embodiment, the transfer module 300 includes a second drive device 340 and a support arm 330. The second drive device 340 is mounted on a base 310, and a second slide rail 350 is provided on the base 310. The support arm 330 is slidably connected to the second slide rail 350 via a connecting block. The second drive device 340 is drivenly connected to the support arm 330 so that the second drive device 340 can drive the support arm 330 to move up and down on the second slide rail 350. Specifically, the second drive device 340 can be configured as a motor or a cylinder.

[0047] It should be noted that, as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the base 310 in this embodiment is "L-shaped". Of course, the operator can also flexibly set the shape of the base 310 according to actual needs, which will not be elaborated here.

[0048] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the support arm 330 is slidably protruding from the second slide rail 350. A flipping component 360 is provided on the support arm 330, and the flipping component 360 is connected to a movable carrier assembly 600. A vacuum device is connected to the movable carrier assembly 600 for adsorbing photovoltaic cell strings. The flipping component 360 is configured to drive the movable carrier assembly 600 to flip, thereby allowing the suction cup surface of the movable carrier assembly 600 to face or move away from the first station 100 or the second station 200, thus realizing the picking and placing of photovoltaic cell strings and the dispensing process.

[0049] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 As shown, the flipping assembly 360 in this embodiment includes a third driving device 3601 and a rotating shaft 3602. The rotating shaft 3602 passes through the support arm 330, and the third driving device 3601 is driven to connect with the rotating shaft 3602 so that the rotating shaft 3602 can rotate relative to the support arm 330. The movable carrier assembly 600 is provided with a first connecting member 610, and the first connecting member 610 is provided with a first mounting hole 6101. The rotating shaft 3602 passes through the first mounting hole 6101, and the first connecting member 610 is connected to the rotating shaft 3602. This allows the rotating shaft 3602 to drive the movable carrier assembly 600 to flip when the third driving device 3601 drives the rotating shaft 3602 to rotate.

[0050] Optionally, in this embodiment, the third drive device 3601 is configured as a motor and a reducer. The output end of the motor is connected to the input end of the reducer, and the output end of the reducer is provided with a coupling. The coupling is connected to the rotating shaft 3602 through a bearing. The bearing is provided in a through hole on the support arm 330, thereby realizing the purpose of rotating the rotating shaft 3602 relative to the support arm 330.

[0051] Furthermore, such as Figures 3-6 As shown, in this embodiment, the first connecting member 610 has a first keyway 6102, and the rotating shaft 3602 has a second keyway 3603. The first keyway 6102 and the second keyway 3603 together form a receiving space for accommodating splines. The first connecting member 610 and the rotating shaft 3602 are connected by splines. The first keyway 6102 communicates with the first mounting hole 6101. A portion of the splines is accommodated in the first keyway 6102, and another portion is accommodated in the second keyway 3603. This achieves the connection between the rotating shaft 3602 and the first connecting member 610, preventing relative displacement of the moving carrier assembly 600 when the rotating shaft 3602 rotates, and improving the stability and reliability of the flipping assembly 360.

[0052] like Figures 3-6 As shown, in this embodiment, the movable carrier assembly 600 is further provided with a second connector 620, which is connected to the first connector 610. The second connector 620 has a second mounting hole 6201, which is concentrically arranged with the first mounting hole 6101. The rotating shaft 3602 passes through both the first and second mounting holes 6101. The second connector 620 also has a third mounting hole 6202. The photovoltaic cell string processing device includes a first fixing member (not shown in the figure), which passes through the third mounting hole 6202 and is connected to the first connector 610. Specifically, the first fixing member can be a bolt or screw, and the second connector 620 is connected to the first connector 610 via bolts or screws. When installing the rotating shaft 3602, the rotating shaft 3602 can pass through the first and second mounting holes 6101 in sequence.

[0053] Furthermore, such as Figures 3-6 As shown, in this embodiment, the second connector 620 has a through groove 6203, which communicates with the second mounting hole 6201. The second connector 620 also has a fourth mounting hole 6204, which passes through the through groove 6203. The photovoltaic cell string processing device includes a second fixing member (not shown in the figure), which is disposed in the fourth mounting hole 6204. The second fixing member can adjust the width of the through groove 6203 so that the second mounting hole 6201 clamps the rotating shaft 3602. Optionally, the second fastener can be a screw or bolt, which allows the operator to reduce the width of the through groove 6203 by tightening the second fastener, thereby enabling the second mounting hole 6201 to lock the rotating shaft 3602, increasing the friction between the rotating shaft 3602 and the second connector 620, thus eliminating the gap between the spline in the first keyway 6102 and the second keyway 3603, preventing slippage of the rotating shaft 3602, and improving the reliability and stability of the entire flipping assembly 360.

[0054] Obviously, the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, and various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions can be made without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, although the present invention has been described in detail through the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and may include many other equivalent embodiments without departing from the concept of the present invention, the scope of which is determined by the scope of the appended claims.

[0055] Note that in the description of this specification, references to terms such as "some embodiments," "other embodiments," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

Claims

1. A processing apparatus for photovoltaic cell strings, characterized in that, include: The frame is provided with a first station (100) and a second station (200). The first station (100) is used to carry the photovoltaic cell string before the dispensing process, and the second station (200) is used to carry the photovoltaic cell string after the dispensing process. The transfer module (300) is configured to have at least two transfer modules (300), and both transfer modules (300) are mounted on the frame. The transfer module (300) can transfer the photovoltaic cell string of the first station (100) to the second station (200) by translation, lifting and flipping. A dispensing assembly (400) is mounted on the frame and is located between the first station (100) and the second station (200). The transfer module (300) further includes a support arm (330), on which a flipping component (360) is provided. The flipping component (360) is connected to a mobile carrier assembly (600), and the flipping component (360) is configured to drive the mobile carrier assembly (600) to flip. The flipping assembly (360) includes a third drive device (3601) and a rotating shaft (3602). The rotating shaft (3602) is mounted on the support arm (330). The third drive device (3601) is driven to connect with the rotating shaft (3602) so that the rotating shaft (3602) can rotate relative to the support arm (330). The mobile carrier assembly (600) is provided with a first connector (610), the first connector (610) is provided with a first mounting hole (6101), and the rotating shaft (3602) passes through the first mounting hole (6101); The first connector (610) has a first keyway (6102), and the rotating shaft (3602) has a second keyway (3603). The first keyway (6102) and the second keyway (3603) together form a receiving space for accommodating the spline. The first connector (610) and the rotating shaft (3602) are connected by the spline.

2. The photovoltaic cell string processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frame is provided with at least two first slide rails (500), and the first work station (100) and the second work station (200) are located between two adjacent first slide rails (500); at least one transfer module (300) is slidably provided on each first slide rail (500).

3. The photovoltaic cell string processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the transfer modules (300) includes a base (310) and a first drive device (320). The first drive device (320) is disposed on the base (310), and the base (310) is disposed on the first slide rail (500). The first drive device (320) is drivenly connected to the base (310) so that the first drive device (320) can drive the base (310) to translate on the first slide rail (500).

4. The photovoltaic cell string processing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, Each of the transfer modules (300) further includes a second drive device (340) and a support arm (330). The second drive device (340) is disposed on the base (310), and the base (310) is provided with a second slide rail (350). The support arm (330) is slidably connected to the second slide rail (350) through a connecting block. The second drive device (340) is drivenly connected to the support arm (330), and the second drive device (340) can drive the support arm (330) to move up and down on the second slide rail (350).

5. The photovoltaic cell string processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mobile carrier assembly (600) is provided with a second connector (620), which is connected to the first connector (610); the second connector (620) is provided with a second mounting hole (6201), which is concentrically arranged with the first mounting hole (6101), and the rotating shaft (3602) passes through the first mounting hole (6101) and the second mounting hole (6201).

6. The photovoltaic cell string processing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second connector (620) is provided with a third mounting hole (6202). The photovoltaic cell string processing device includes a first fixing member, which passes through the third mounting hole (6202) and is connected to the first connector (610).

7. The photovoltaic cell string processing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second connector (620) has a through groove (6203) that communicates with the second mounting hole (6201), and the second connector (620) has a fourth mounting hole (6204) that passes through the through groove (6203). The photovoltaic cell string processing device includes a second fixing member that is disposed in the fourth mounting hole (6204). The second fixing member can adjust the width of the through groove (6203) so that the second mounting hole (6201) clamps the rotating shaft (3602).

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