A welding strip connecting device and a battery string repair method

Abstract

The application provides a welding strip connecting device and a battery string repair method, wherein the welding strip connecting device is used for connecting a first welding strip and a second welding strip, and the welding strip connecting device comprises a welding strip clamping mechanism, a welding mechanism and a bonding mechanism, wherein: the welding strip clamping mechanism clamps the first welding strip and the second welding strip, so that the first welding strip and the second welding strip are horizontally overlapped; the welding mechanism welds the horizontally overlapped first welding strip and second welding strip; and the bonding mechanism bonds the horizontally overlapped first welding strip and second welding strip. The welding strip connecting device provided by the application realizes double fixation of the first welding strip and the second welding strip, so that even if the solder at the connection position of the first welding strip and the second welding strip reaches a molten or semi-molten state in the subsequent use process, the first welding strip and the second welding strip will not be separated from each other because the first welding strip and the second welding strip are also bonded by the adhesive.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery manufacturing, specifically to a welding strip connection device and a battery string repair method. Background Technology

[0002] One method for repairing battery strings is to cut the solder strip between the defective battery cell and its adjacent battery cell, and then replace the original defective battery cell with a new battery cell with solder strips. The solder strips on the new battery cell are then overlapped and welded to the solder strips on the adjacent battery cells to complete the repair.

[0003] When using gridless solar cells to make solar cell strings, gridless solar cells are not suitable for high-temperature welding, so low-temperature solder ribbons are required. The melting temperature of low-temperature solder ribbons is usually below 200°C. The above-mentioned rework method is used to rework the solar cell strings formed by connecting gridless solar cells and low-temperature solder ribbons. Then, the solar cell strings are used to make photovoltaic modules. If the internal temperature of the photovoltaic module rises during use due to hot spots, harsh external environment, or other factors, and approaches or exceeds the melting temperature of the low-temperature solder ribbon, the solder at the overlap of the solder ribbons may reach a molten or semi-molten state, causing the overlapped solder ribbons to separate and affecting the normal use of the module. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides a welding strip connection device, which adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] A welding strip connecting device is used to connect a first welding strip and a second welding strip. The welding strip connecting device includes a welding strip clamping mechanism, a welding mechanism, and an adhesive bonding mechanism, wherein:

[0006] The welding strip clamping mechanism is used to clamp the first welding strip and the second welding strip, so that the first welding strip and the second welding strip overlap horizontally.

[0007] The welding mechanism is used to weld the first and second weld strips that are horizontally overlapped.

[0008] The bonding mechanism is used to bond the first and second weld strips in a horizontal overlap.

[0009] The welding strip connection device provided by this invention, after overlapping the first and second welding strips, performs welding on the overlapping first and second welding strips through a welding mechanism, and then adheres the overlapping first and second welding strips through an adhesive mechanism, thereby achieving dual fixation of the first and second welding strips. Thus, during subsequent use, even if the solder at the connection point of the first and second welding strips reaches a molten or semi-molten state, the first and second welding strips will not detach from each other because they are bonded together by the adhesive.

[0010] In some embodiments, the bonding mechanism includes a driving mechanism and an application head, wherein: the application head is connected to the driving end of the driving mechanism, and the driving mechanism is used to drive the application head to move and apply adhesive; the application head is used to apply adhesive to the overlapping first and second welding strips, and the adhesive is a self-gelling adhesive, a curing adhesive, or an adhesive tape.

[0011] A simple bonding mechanism is provided, which drives the application head to move through a drive mechanism, thereby enabling the application head to quickly and accurately apply adhesive to the overlapping first and second weld strips.

[0012] In some embodiments, the adhesive is a curing adhesive, and the solder ribbon bonding device further includes a curing light source, which is mounted together with the application head on the drive end of the driving mechanism; or, the driving mechanism includes a first driving mechanism and a second driving mechanism, the application head is connected to the drive end of the first driving mechanism, and the curing light source is connected to the drive end of the second driving mechanism; the curing light source is used to cure the adhesive applied to the first solder ribbon and the second solder ribbon to bond the first solder ribbon and the second solder ribbon; the curing adhesive is a thermosetting adhesive, and the curing light source is an infrared light source; or, the curing adhesive is a UV adhesive, and the curing light source is a UV light source.

[0013] When using a curing adhesive as the bonding agent, after application, the adhesive needs to be cured by irradiating it with a curing light source to bond the first and second solder strips together. By mounting the curing light source and the application head together on the drive end of the drive mechanism, the curing light source can move synchronously with the application head. This allows the curing light source to simultaneously cure the adhesive while the application head applies it, thus improving bonding efficiency. Alternatively, by mounting the curing light source and the application head separately on the drive ends of the first and second drive mechanisms, the curing light source can cure the adhesive after the application head has completed the application, avoiding interference from the application head and further enhancing the bonding effect.

[0014] In some embodiments, the welding strip clamping mechanism includes a movable module, a mounting bracket, a first clamping plate, and a second clamping plate, wherein: the mounting bracket is connected to the drive end of the movable module, and the movable module is used at least to drive the mounting bracket to rise and fall; the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate are disposed opposite to each other on the mounting bracket, the first clamping plate is provided with a plurality of first clamps, and the second clamping plate is provided with a plurality of second clamps corresponding one-to-one with the first clamps, the first clamps and the corresponding second clamps constitute a welding strip clamping assembly; the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate are configured to be able to move relative to each other, so as to drive the first clamps and the second clamps in each welding strip clamping assembly to cooperate in clamping a first welding strip and a second welding strip to be overlapped, so that the first welding strip and the second welding strip overlap together.

[0015] By configuring the welding strip clamping mechanism to include a moving module, a mounting bracket, a first clamping plate, and a second clamping plate, the welding strip clamping mechanism can simultaneously clamp and overlap multiple pairs of first and second welding strips. This allows the welding mechanism to continuously or simultaneously perform welding on multiple pairs of first and second welding strips, thereby improving welding efficiency. The adhesive mechanism can also continuously or simultaneously perform adhesive bonding on multiple pairs of first and second welding strips, thereby improving adhesive bonding efficiency.

[0016] In some embodiments, the welding strip clamping mechanism further includes a first translation drive mechanism and a second translation drive mechanism disposed on the mounting bracket, wherein: the first clamping plate is slidably connected to the mounting bracket and connected to the drive end of the first translation drive mechanism, and the second clamping plate is slidably connected to the mounting bracket and connected to the drive end of the second translation drive mechanism; the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate move relative to each other under the drive of the first translation drive mechanism and the second translation drive mechanism, respectively.

[0017] The first translation drive mechanism and the second translation drive mechanism are driven synchronously to enable the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate to perform relative movement, thereby driving the first chuck and the second chuck in each welding strip clamping assembly to cooperate in clamping a first welding strip and a second welding strip to be overlapped.

[0018] In some embodiments, the welding mechanism is an electromagnetic welding mechanism or a laser welding mechanism.

[0019] The electromagnetic welding mechanism contacts the first and second welding strips and energizes them, causing them to heat up and weld together, thus improving the welding effect. The laser welding mechanism irradiates the first and second welding strips to perform non-contact heating, thereby causing them to heat up and weld together, thus improving the welding efficiency.

[0020] In some embodiments, the electromagnetic welding mechanism includes a mounting plate, a lifting drive unit, a lifting plate, and several electrode groups, wherein: the mounting plate is mounted on a mounting bracket, the lifting drive unit is disposed on the mounting plate, the lifting plate is slidably connected to the mounting plate and connected to the driving end of the lifting drive unit, and the lifting drive unit is used to drive the lifting plate to move up and down; several electrode groups are arranged side by side at intervals at the bottom of the lifting plate and correspond one-to-one with the welding strip clamping assembly, each electrode group includes a first electrode and a second electrode with opposite polarities; when the lifting drive unit drives the lifting plate to descend, the first electrode in each electrode group is used to press against the first welding strip clamped by the corresponding welding strip clamping assembly, and the second electrode in each electrode group is used to press against the second welding strip clamped by the corresponding welding strip clamping assembly.

[0021] By configuring the electromagnetic welding mechanism, the electromagnetic welding mechanism can achieve synchronous conduction of multiple pairs of first and second welding strips held by the welding strip clamping assembly, thereby enabling synchronous welding of multiple pairs of first and second welding strips and improving welding efficiency.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first clamp is connected to the first clamping plate via the first floating connector, and the second clamp is connected to the second clamping plate via the second floating connector; when the moving module drives the mounting bracket to descend, the first clamp and the second clamp press against the first welding strip and the second welding strip respectively; when the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate move relative to each other, the first clamp and the second clamp hold the pressed first welding strip and the second welding strip, so that the first welding strip and the second welding strip overlap horizontally together.

[0023] The first clamp and the second clamp can be connected to the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate in a floating manner. In this way, driven by the moving module, the first clamp and the second clamp first press the first welding strip and the second welding strip together, and then move towards the middle to clamp the first welding strip and the second welding strip, thereby ensuring that the first welding strip and the second welding strip can be horizontally overlapped together and preventing the first welding strip and the second welding strip from overlapping vertically.

[0024] In some embodiments, the first floating connector and the second floating connector have the same structure. The first floating connector includes a lifting slide rail, a sliding mounting plate, and a spring. The lifting slide rail is vertically disposed on the first clamping plate. The sliding mounting plate is slidably connected to the lifting slide rail and can slide up and down along the lifting slide rail. The first clamp is fixedly installed at the lower end of the sliding mounting plate. A spring is press-fitted between the upper end of the sliding mounting plate and the first clamping plate.

[0025] A simple and stable floating connector is provided, which realizes the floating connection between the first clamp and the first clamping plate, and between the second clamp and the second clamping plate.

[0026] In some embodiments, the bottom surfaces of the clamping ends of the first and second clamps are both stepped surfaces, each step including a first bottom surface, a second bottom surface, and a side surface, wherein the second bottom surface is lower than the first bottom surface, and the side surface is located between the first and second bottom surfaces; the side surfaces of the first and second clamps are opposite to each other, and the side surfaces of the first and second clamps move closer to or further away from each other as the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate move relative to each other; when the moving module drives the mounting bracket to descend, the first bottom surface of the first clamp and the first bottom surface of the second clamp press against the first welding strip and the second welding strip respectively; when the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate move relative to each other, the side surfaces of the first and second clamps clamp the pressed first welding strip and the second welding strip, so that the first welding strip and the second welding strip overlap horizontally.

[0027] By setting the bottom surfaces of the clamping ends of the first and second chucks as stepped surfaces, when the moving module drives the first and second chucks to descend, the first and second welding strips enter between the side surfaces of the first and second chucks, and are ultimately pressed together by the first bottom surface of the first chuck and the first bottom surface of the second chuck, respectively. Subsequently, the first and second chucks move towards the center, thereby causing the side surfaces of the first and second chucks to clamp the first and second chucks, ultimately ensuring that the first and second chucks are horizontally overlapped together.

[0028] In some embodiments, a first clearance hole is provided on the first chuck, which is close to the clamping end of the first chuck, and a second clearance hole is provided on the second chuck, which is close to the clamping end of the second chuck; when the side surfaces of the first chuck and the second chuck clamp the first and second weld strips that are being pressed, the first weld strip is exposed at the first clearance hole and the second weld strip is exposed at the second clearance hole.

[0029] By providing a first clearance hole and a second clearance hole on the first chuck and the second chuck, the electrode assembly of the electromagnetic welding mechanism can pass through the first clearance hole and the second clearance hole, and press the first welding strip and the second welding strip pressed by the first chuck and the second chuck respectively, so as to perform electromagnetic welding on the first welding strip and the second welding strip.

[0030] In some embodiments, the clamping end of the first chuck is provided with a third clearance hole, and the clamping end of the second chuck is provided with a fourth clearance hole; when the side surfaces of the first chuck and the second chuck clamp the first and second weld strips that are being pressed, the overlapping portion of the first and second weld strips is exposed at the third clearance hole and the fourth clearance hole.

[0031] By providing third and fourth clearance holes at the clamping ends of the first and second chucks, the overlapping portion of the first and second weld strips is exposed. This allows the laser beam emitted by the laser welding mechanism to pass through the third and fourth clearance holes and irradiate the first and second weld strips, which are pressed together by the first and second chucks, to perform laser welding on the first and second weld strips. Furthermore, the adhesive application head can also pass through the third and fourth clearance holes to apply adhesive to the first and second weld strips.

[0032] The present invention also provides a method for repairing battery strings, which includes the following steps:

[0033] Cut the solder strip between the defective cell and the adjacent cell in the battery string to be repaired. The adjacent cell is the cell next to the defective cell, and the cut solder strip on the adjacent cell is the first solder strip.

[0034] Remove the defective battery cell and place the replacement battery cell in the empty space left by the removal of the defective battery cell. The replacement battery cell has a second solder strip.

[0035] Clamp the first and second welding strips so that the first and second welding strips overlap horizontally;

[0036] Welding the overlap of the first and second welding strips, and then adhesive bonding the overlap of the first and second welding strips, wherein welding is performed after adhesive bonding or welding is performed before adhesive bonding.

[0037] The battery string repair method provided by this invention repairs battery strings by horizontally overlapping the solder ribbons on the replaced cells and the cut solder ribbons on adjacent cells, followed by welding and gluing to achieve a double connection. Thus, during subsequent use, even if the solder at the connection point of the solder ribbons reaches a molten or semi-molten state, the connection point is bonded by adhesive, preventing the solder ribbons from detaching due to welding failure, thereby ensuring the normal operation of the module. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the welding strip connecting device in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the bonding mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the welding strip clamping mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention after omitting the moving module, from one perspective.

[0041] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the welding strip clamping mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention from another perspective after omitting the moving module (the welding mechanism is not shown).

[0042] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the floating connection structure between the first clamp and the first clamping plate in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the welding mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first clamp and the second clamp in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the clamping end of the first chuck and the clamping end of the second chuck in the embodiment;

[0046] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first clamp and the second clamp in another embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figures 1 to 9 Includes:

[0048] Welding strip clamping mechanism 1:

[0049] Mobile Module 11;

[0050] Mounting bracket 12;

[0051] First clamping plate 13;

[0052] Second clamping plate 14;

[0053] First chuck 15: First bottom surface 151, second bottom surface 152, side surface 153, first clearance hole 154, third clearance hole 155;

[0054] Second chuck 16: Second clearance hole 161, fourth clearance hole 162;

[0055] First translation drive mechanism 17;

[0056] Second translation drive mechanism 18;

[0057] First floating connector 19: lifting slide rail 191, sliding mounting plate 192, spring 193, guide rod 194;

[0058] Welding mechanism 2:

[0059] Mounting plate 21;

[0060] Lifting drive unit 22;

[0061] Lifting plate 23;

[0062] First electrode 24;

[0063] Second electrode 25;

[0064] Adhesion mechanism 3:

[0065] Drive mechanism 31;

[0066] 32mm glue applicator head;

[0067] Curing light source 33;

[0068] Support platform 4;

[0069] First weld strip 100; second weld strip 200. Detailed Implementation

[0070] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0071] This invention provides a welding strip connecting device for connecting a first welding strip and a second welding strip. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the welding strip connecting device in this embodiment of the invention includes a welding strip clamping mechanism 1, a welding mechanism 2, and a bonding mechanism 3, wherein:

[0072] The welding strip clamping mechanism 1 is used to clamp the first welding strip and the second welding strip, so that the first welding strip and the second welding strip overlap horizontally.

[0073] Welding mechanism 2 is used to weld the first and second weld strips that are horizontally overlapped.

[0074] The bonding mechanism 3 is used to bond the first and second weld strips that overlap horizontally.

[0075] The welding strip connection device of this invention first horizontally overlaps the first welding strip and the second welding strip through the welding strip clamping mechanism 1, then welds the overlapped first welding strip and the second welding strip through the welding mechanism 2, and then bonds the overlapped first welding strip and the second welding strip through the bonding mechanism 3, thereby realizing a dual connection of the first welding strip and the second welding strip.

[0076] Thus, during subsequent use, even if the solder at the connection point of the first and second solder strips reaches a molten or semi-molten state, the first and second solder strips will not separate due to welding failure because they are bonded together by the adhesive.

[0077] The adhesive can be an irreversible adhesive (i.e., one that will not melt after curing), or a reversible adhesive with a melting point much higher than that of the solder on the solder strip. This way, the adhesive can withstand the effects of temperature rise during the use of the components and will not experience adhesive bonding failure.

[0078] The solder strip connection device provided in this embodiment of the invention is suitable for reworking battery strings. For example, in some applications, the rework process of the battery string is as follows:

[0079] First, the solder strip between the defective cell and the adjacent cell in the battery string to be repaired is cut off. The adjacent cell is the cell next to the defective cell, and the cut solder strip on the adjacent cell is the first solder strip.

[0080] Subsequently, the defective battery cell was removed, and a replacement battery cell was placed in the empty space left by the removal of the defective battery cell. The replacement battery cell has a second solder strip. The second solder strip on the replacement battery cell is exactly the same in position and arrangement as the solder strip on the removed defective battery cell. That is, the only difference between the replacement battery cell and the removed defective battery cell is whether the battery cell itself has a defect.

[0081] Next, the control welding strip clamping mechanism 1 clamps the first welding strip and the second welding strip, so that the first welding strip and the second welding strip are horizontally overlapped.

[0082] Finally, the welding mechanism 2 is controlled to weld the first and second horizontally overlapping weld strips, and the bonding mechanism 3 is controlled to bond the first and second horizontally overlapping weld strips, thereby connecting the replacement battery cell to the battery string and completing the rework of the battery string. Of course, welding can be completed before or after bonding.

[0083] like Figure 1 As shown, optionally, the welding strip connection device of the present invention further includes a support platform 4 for carrying the battery string to be repaired, and the battery string to be repaired is repaired on the support platform 4.

[0084] Optional, such as Figure 2 As shown, the bonding mechanism 3 includes a drive mechanism 31 and an application head 32, wherein the application head 32 is connected to the drive end of the drive mechanism 31, and the drive mechanism 31 is used to drive the application head 32 to move and apply adhesive. The application head 32 is used to apply adhesive to the overlapping first and second solder strips.

[0085] The adhesive can be self-gelling, curing, or a tape. When the adhesive is self-gelling or a tape, the first and second solder strips bond together as the self-gelling or tape cures after application. When the adhesive is a curing adhesive, a curing light source is needed to irradiate the first and second solder strips after application to cure the adhesive and bond them together.

[0086] like Figure 2 As shown, in some optional embodiments, the curing light source 33 and the application head 32 are jointly mounted on the drive end of the drive mechanism 31. The curing light source 33 moves synchronously with the application head 32. In this way, while the application head 32 is applying adhesive, the curing light source 33 is simultaneously curing the adhesive, thereby improving the bonding efficiency.

[0087] In some alternative embodiments, the driving mechanism includes a first driving mechanism and a second driving mechanism, wherein the application head 32 is connected to the driving end of the first driving mechanism, and the curing light source 33 is connected to the driving end of the second driving mechanism. After the application head 32 completes the application operation under the drive of the first driving mechanism, the curing light source 33 then cures the adhesive under the drive of the second driving mechanism. This avoids the application head 32 from blocking or interfering with the curing light source 33, further improving the adhesive effect.

[0088] The curing adhesive can be a thermosetting adhesive or a UV adhesive, and the corresponding curing light source 33 is an infrared light source or a UV light source.

[0089] like Figure 1, Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, optionally, the welding strip clamping mechanism 1 includes a moving module 11, a mounting bracket 12, a first clamping plate 13, and a second clamping plate 14, wherein:

[0090] The mounting bracket 12 is connected to the drive end of the movable module 11, which is used to drive the mounting bracket 12 to move up and down. The first clamping plate 13 and the second clamping plate 14 are disposed opposite to each other on the mounting bracket 12. The first clamping plate 13 is provided with a plurality of first clamps 15, and the second clamping plate 14 is provided with a plurality of second clamps 16 corresponding one-to-one with the first clamps 15. The first clamps 15 and the corresponding second clamps 16 constitute a welding strip clamping assembly.

[0091] The first clamping plate 13 and the second clamping plate 14 are configured to move relative to each other, so as to drive the first chuck 15 and the second chuck 16 of each welding strip clamping assembly to clamp a pair of first welding strips and second welding strips, so that the first welding strip and the corresponding second welding strip are horizontally overlapped together.

[0092] As can be seen, by making the above-mentioned settings on the welding strip clamping mechanism 1, the welding strip clamping mechanism 1 can perform synchronous clamping and overlapping of multiple pairs of first welding strips and second welding strips, so that the welding mechanism 2 can continuously or synchronously perform welding of multiple pairs of first welding strips and second welding strips to improve welding efficiency; the adhesive bonding mechanism 3 can continuously or synchronously perform adhesive bonding of multiple pairs of first welding strips and second welding strips to improve adhesive bonding efficiency.

[0093] When the ribbon connection device of this invention is applied to battery string repair, optionally, the number of ribbon clamping components in the ribbon clamping mechanism 1 can be set to be equal to the number of first ribbons cut off on adjacent battery cells or second ribbons on replacement battery cells. In this way, the ribbon clamping mechanism 1 can simultaneously clamp all first ribbons on adjacent battery cells and all second ribbons on replacement battery cells, thereby further improving repair efficiency.

[0094] Continue to refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, optionally, the welding strip clamping mechanism 1 further includes a first translation drive mechanism 17 and a second translation drive mechanism 18 disposed on the mounting bracket 12, wherein: the first clamping plate 13 is slidably connected to the mounting bracket 12 and connected to the drive end of the first translation drive mechanism 17, and the second clamping plate 14 is slidably connected to the mounting bracket 12 and connected to the drive end of the second translation drive mechanism 18. The first clamping plate 13 and the second clamping plate 14 move relative to each other under the drive of the first translation drive mechanism 17 and the second translation drive mechanism 18, respectively, thereby driving each first chuck 15 and the corresponding second chuck 16 to clamp or open, so as to clamp or release the welding strip.

[0095] Optionally, welding mechanism 2 can be either an electromagnetic welding mechanism or a laser welding mechanism. The electromagnetic welding mechanism directly contacts the first and second welding strips and energizes them, causing them to heat up and weld together, thus ensuring a good welding effect. The laser welding mechanism, on the other hand, irradiates the first and second welding strips to achieve non-contact heating, thereby causing them to heat up and weld together, which improves welding efficiency.

[0096] like Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, welding mechanism 2 is an electromagnetic welding mechanism, which includes a mounting plate 21, a lifting drive unit 22, a lifting plate 23, and several electrode groups, wherein:

[0097] Mounting plate 21 is mounted on mounting bracket 12 of clamping mechanism 1, so that welding mechanism 2 can move synchronously with welding strip clamping assembly of clamping mechanism 1. Lifting drive unit 22 is provided on mounting plate 21, and lifting plate 23 is slidably connected to mounting plate 21 and connected to drive end of lifting drive unit 22. Lifting drive unit 22 is used to drive lifting plate 23 to lift.

[0098] Several electrode groups are arranged side by side at intervals at the bottom of the lifting plate 23 and correspond one-to-one with the welding strip clamping components of the clamping mechanism 1. Each electrode group includes a first electrode 24 and a second electrode 25 with opposite polarities.

[0099] Initially, the lifting plate 23 is in its initial high position, and each electrode group is located above its corresponding solder ribbon clamping assembly. After each solder ribbon clamping assembly of the clamping mechanism 1 completes the clamping and overlapping of the first and second solder ribbons, the lifting drive unit 22 drives the lifting plate 23 to descend to its low position, thereby causing the first electrode 24 in each electrode group to press against the first solder ribbon clamped by its corresponding solder ribbon clamping assembly, and the second electrode 25 to press against the second solder ribbon clamped by its corresponding solder ribbon clamping assembly.

[0100] Next, each electrode group synchronously energizes the first and second solder strips being pressed, thereby synchronously welding multiple pairs of first and second solder strips together.

[0101] As is known to those skilled in the art, when using a solder strip clamping mechanism to clamp two solder strips, the two clamped solder strips are prone to overlapping vertically. After the overlap welding is completed in the overlapping state, the thickness of the overlap area increases, which can easily cause cell cracking during subsequent module lamination.

[0102] To solve this problem, optionally, the first chuck 15 can be connected to the first clamping plate 13 in a floating manner via the first floating connector, and the second chuck 16 can be connected to the second clamping plate 14 in a floating manner via the second floating connector. This configuration is as follows:

[0103] When the moving module 11 drives the mounting bracket 12 to descend, the first clamp 15 and the second clamp 16 press against the first welding strip and the second welding strip respectively.

[0104] Next, the first clamping plate 13 and the second clamping plate 14 move relative to each other, causing the first chuck 15 and the second chuck 16 to clamp together, thereby holding the first and second welding strips that are pressed together, thus ensuring that the first and second welding strips are horizontally overlapped together.

[0105] Optionally, the first floating connector and the second floating connector have the same structure. For example... Figure 5 As shown, taking the first floating connector 19 as an example, it includes a lifting slide rail 191, a sliding mounting plate 192, and a spring 193. The lifting slide rail 191 is vertically arranged on the first clamping plate 13. The sliding mounting plate 192 is slidably connected to the lifting slide rail 191 and can slide up and down along the lifting slide rail 191. The first clamp 15 is fixedly installed at the lower end of the sliding mounting plate 192. The spring 193 is press-fitted between the upper end of the sliding mounting plate 192 and the first clamping plate 13.

[0106] When the mobile module 11 drives the mounting bracket 12 to descend, the adaptive adjustment of the spring 193 ensures that each first clamp 15 and second clamp 16 can elastically press the first and second welding strips onto the battery cell.

[0107] Since both the first clamp 15 and the second clamp 16 elastically press the welding strip, when the first clamping plate 13 and the second clamping plate 14 move relative to each other, the first clamp 15 and the second clamp 16 can restrict the movement of the first welding strip and the second welding strip in the height direction, thereby ultimately connecting the first welding strip and the second welding strip horizontally together.

[0108] Taking the first floating connector 19 as an example, optionally, the first floating connector 19 also includes a guide rod 194. The lower end of the guide rod 194 is connected to the upper end of the sliding mounting plate 192, and the guide rod 194 extends upward into the first clamping plate 13 and can move up and down relative to the first clamping plate 13. A spring 193 is sleeved on the guide rod, with the lower end of the spring 193 abutting against the upper end of the sliding mounting plate 192 and the upper end of the spring 193 abutting against the first clamping plate 13. By setting the guide rod 194, on the one hand, the spring 193 can be stably pressed between the upper end of the sliding mounting plate 192 and the first clamping plate 13, and on the other hand, the sliding guide of the sliding mounting plate 192 is realized, thereby ensuring the floating stability of the first chuck 15 and preventing the first chuck 15 from deviating.

[0109] like Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, optionally, the bottom surfaces of the clamping ends of the first chuck 15 and the second chuck 16 are both stepped surfaces. The stepped surface includes a first bottom surface 151, a second bottom surface 152, and a side surface 153, wherein the second bottom surface 152 is lower than the first bottom surface 151, and the side surface 153 is located between the first bottom surface 151 and the second bottom surface 152. The side surfaces 153 of the first chuck 15 and the second chuck 16 face each other, and move closer to or further away from each other as the first clamping plate 13 and the second clamping plate 14 move relative to each other.

[0110] Reference Figure 8 As shown, the clamping process of the first chuck 15 and the second chuck 16 on the first solder strip 100 and the second solder strip 200 is as follows:

[0111] The moving module 11 drives the mounting bracket 12 to descend, and the first bottom surface 151 of the first clamp 15 and the first bottom surface 151 of the second clamp 16 press against the first welding strip 100 and the second welding strip 200 respectively.

[0112] Next, when the first clamping plate 13 and the second clamping plate 14 move relative to each other, the side face 153 of the first clamp 15 and the side face 153 of the second clamp 16 approach each other, and finally clamp the first welding strip 100 and the second welding strip 200 that are pressed together, so that the first welding strip 100 and the second welding strip 200 overlap horizontally.

[0113] As described above, welding mechanism 2 can be either an electromagnetic welding mechanism or a laser welding mechanism.

[0114] When welding mechanism 2 is an electromagnetic welding mechanism, such as Figure 7 As shown, optionally, the first chuck 15 is provided with a first clearance hole 154, which is close to the clamping end of the first chuck 15; the second chuck 16 is provided with a second clearance hole 161, which is close to the clamping end of the second chuck 16.

[0115] When the side surfaces of the first chuck 15 and the second chuck 16 clamp the first welding strip 100 and the second welding strip 200 that are being pressed, the first welding strip 100 is exposed at the first clearance hole 154 and the second welding strip 200 is exposed at the second clearance hole 161.

[0116] Thus, the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 25 in each electrode group of the electromagnetic welding mechanism can pass through the first clearance hole 154 and the second clearance hole 161 respectively, and finally press onto the first welding strip 100 and the second welding strip 200 respectively, so as to energize the overlapping first welding strip 100 and the second welding strip 200.

[0117] When welding mechanism 2 is a laser welding mechanism, such as Figure 9As shown, the clamping end of the first chuck 15 is provided with a third clearance hole 155, and the clamping end of the second chuck 16 is provided with a fourth clearance hole 162.

[0118] When the side surfaces of the first clamp 15 and the second clamp 16 clamp the first welding strip 100 and the second welding strip 200 that are being pressed, the overlapping portion of the first welding strip 100 and the second welding strip 200 is exposed in the area enclosed by the third clearance hole 155 and the fourth clearance hole 162.

[0119] The welding laser emitted by the laser welding mechanism can pass through the third clearance hole 155 and the fourth clearance hole 162 and irradiate the horizontally overlapping first weld strip 100 and second weld strip 200 to perform laser welding on the first weld strip 100 and the second weld strip 200. In addition, the adhesive application head 32 of the bonding mechanism 3 can also pass through the third clearance hole 155 and the fourth clearance hole 162 to perform adhesive application on the horizontally overlapping first weld strip 100 and second weld strip 200.

[0120] The present invention also provides a method for repairing battery strings, which includes the following steps:

[0121] S1. Cut the solder strip between the defective cell and the adjacent cell in the battery string to be repaired. The adjacent cell is the cell next to the defective cell, and the cut solder strip on the adjacent cell is the first solder strip.

[0122] S2. Remove the defective battery cell and place the replacement battery cell in the empty position after the defective battery cell was removed. The replacement battery cell has a second solder strip.

[0123] The second solder strip on the replacement cell is exactly the same in position and arrangement as the solder strip on the defective cell that was removed. In other words, the only difference between the replacement cell and the removed defective cell is whether the cell itself is defective.

[0124] S3. Clamp the first and second welding strips so that the first and second welding strips overlap horizontally.

[0125] S4. Weld the overlap of the first and second welding strips, and glue the overlap of the first and second welding strips together, wherein welding is performed after gluing or before gluing.

[0126] Steps S3 and S4 described above can be implemented by the welding strip connecting device provided in any of the embodiments described above. That is, the welding strip clamping mechanism 1 of the welding strip connecting device clamps the first welding strip and the second welding strip, so that the first welding strip and the second welding strip overlap horizontally; the welding mechanism 2 of the welding strip connecting device welds the horizontally overlapping first welding strip and the second welding strip; and the bonding mechanism 3 of the welding strip connecting device bonds the horizontally overlapping first welding strip and the second welding strip.

[0127] The battery string repair method provided by this invention repairs battery strings by replacing the second solder strip on the battery cell and horizontally overlapping the cut first solder strip on the adjacent battery cell. The second solder strip and the first solder strip are then welded and glued together to achieve a double connection.

[0128] Photovoltaic modules constructed using this type of repaired battery string will not detach from each other due to welding failure during subsequent use, even if the solder at the connection point between the second and first solder strips reaches a molten or semi-molten state. This is because the second and first solder strips are bonded together by adhesive. Thus, the normal operation of the battery module is guaranteed.

[0129] The present invention has been described above in sufficient detail and with certain specificities. Those skilled 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 invention should fall within the protection scope of the invention. The scope of protection claimed by the present invention is defined by the claims, and not by the above descriptions in the embodiments.

Claims

1. A method for repairing battery strings, characterized in that: The battery string repair method includes the following steps: The solder strip between the defective cell and the adjacent cell in the battery string to be repaired is cut off. The adjacent cell is the cell next to the defective cell, and the cut solder strip on the adjacent cell is the first solder strip. Remove the defective battery cell and place a replacement battery cell in the empty space left by the removal of the defective battery cell. The replacement battery cell has a second solder strip. The first and second welding strips are clamped by a welding strip connecting device to make the first and second welding strips horizontally overlap, and the overlap portion of the first and second welding strips is welded and the overlap portion of the first and second welding strips is glued together, wherein: welding is performed after glued together or welding is performed before glued together; The welding strip connection device includes a welding strip clamping mechanism, a welding mechanism, and an bonding mechanism, wherein: The welding strip clamping mechanism is used to clamp the first welding strip and the second welding strip, so that the first welding strip and the second welding strip overlap together; The welding mechanism is used to weld the first and second weld strips that are overlapped together; The bonding mechanism is used to bond the first and second welding strips that are overlapped together; The welding strip clamping mechanism includes a movable module, a mounting bracket, a first clamping plate, and a second clamping plate, wherein: The mounting bracket is connected to the drive end of the movable module, and the movable module is used at least to drive the mounting bracket to move up and down; The first clamping plate and the second clamping plate are disposed opposite to each other on the mounting bracket. The first clamping plate is provided with a plurality of first clamps, and the second clamping plate is provided with a plurality of second clamps that correspond one-to-one with the first clamps. The first clamps and the corresponding second clamps constitute a welding strip clamping assembly. The first clamping plate and the second clamping plate are configured to move relative to each other, so as to drive the first clamp and the second clamp in each of the welding strip clamping assemblies to cooperate to clamp a first welding strip and a second welding strip to be overlapped, so that the first welding strip and the second welding strip overlap together; The first chuck is buoyantly connected to the first clamping plate via a first floating connector, and the second chuck is buoyantly connected to the second clamping plate via a second floating connector. When the mobile module drives the mounting bracket to descend, the first clamp and the second clamp press against the first welding strip and the second welding strip, respectively. When the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate move relative to each other, the first chuck and the second chuck clamp the first welding strip and the second welding strip that are pressed together, so that the first welding strip and the second welding strip are horizontally overlapped together.

2. The battery string repair method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The bonding mechanism includes a drive mechanism and an adhesive applicator, wherein: The dispensing head is connected to the drive end of the drive mechanism, and the drive mechanism is used to drive the dispensing head to move and apply adhesive. The adhesive applicator is used to apply adhesive to the first and second weld strips that are overlapped together; The adhesive is a self-gelling adhesive, a curing adhesive, or an adhesive tape.

3. The battery string repair method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The adhesive is a curable adhesive, and the welding strip connection device further includes a curing light source. The curing light source and the adhesive application head are jointly mounted on the driving end of the driving mechanism; or, the driving mechanism includes a first driving mechanism and a second driving mechanism, the adhesive application head is connected to the driving end of the first driving mechanism, and the curing light source is connected to the driving end of the second driving mechanism. The curing light source is used to cure the adhesive applied to the first solder strip and the second solder strip to bond the first solder strip and the second solder strip; The curing adhesive is a thermosetting adhesive, and the curing light source is an infrared light source; or, the curing adhesive is a UV adhesive, and the curing light source is a UV light source.

4. The battery string repair method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The welding strip clamping mechanism further includes a first translation drive mechanism and a second translation drive mechanism disposed on the mounting bracket, wherein: The first clamping plate is slidably connected to the mounting bracket and connected to the drive end of the first translation drive mechanism; the second clamping plate is slidably connected to the mounting bracket and connected to the drive end of the second translation drive mechanism. The first clamping plate and the second clamping plate move relative to each other under the drive of the first translation drive mechanism and the second translation drive mechanism, respectively.

5. The battery string repair method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The welding mechanism is either an electromagnetic welding mechanism or a laser welding mechanism.

6. The battery string repair method as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The electromagnetic welding mechanism includes a mounting plate, a lifting drive unit, a lifting plate, and several electrode groups, wherein: The mounting plate is mounted on the mounting bracket, the lifting drive unit is disposed on the mounting plate, the lifting plate is slidably connected to the mounting plate and connected to the drive end of the lifting drive unit, and the lifting drive unit is used to drive the lifting plate to move up and down; Several electrode groups are arranged side by side at intervals at the bottom of the lifting plate and correspond one-to-one with the welding strip clamping assembly. Each electrode group includes a first electrode and a second electrode with opposite polarities. When the lifting drive unit drives the lifting plate to descend, the first electrode in each group of electrodes is used to press the first welding strip held by the corresponding welding strip clamping assembly, and the second electrode in each group of electrodes is used to press the second welding strip held by the corresponding welding strip clamping assembly.

7. The battery string repair method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first floating connector and the second floating connector have the same structure. The first floating connector includes a lifting slide rail, a sliding mounting plate, and a spring, wherein: The lifting slide rail is vertically mounted on the first clamping plate. The sliding mounting plate is slidably connected to the lifting slide rail and can slide up and down along the lifting slide rail. The first clamp is fixedly mounted on the lower end of the sliding mounting plate. The spring is press-fitted between the upper end of the sliding mounting plate and the first clamping plate.

8. The battery string repair method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom surfaces of the clamping ends of the first chuck and the second chuck are both stepped surfaces. The stepped surface includes a first bottom surface, a second bottom surface, and a side surface. The second bottom surface is lower than the first bottom surface, and the side surface is located between the first bottom surface and the second bottom surface. The side surfaces of the first clamp and the second clamp are opposite to each other, and the side surfaces of the first clamp and the second clamp move closer to or further away from each other as the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate move relative to each other. When the mobile module drives the mounting bracket to descend, the first bottom surface of the first clamp and the first bottom surface of the second clamp press against the first welding strip and the second welding strip, respectively. When the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate move relative to each other, the side surfaces of the first clamp and the second clamp clamp the first and second welding strips that are pressed together, so that the first and second welding strips overlap horizontally.

9. The battery string repair method as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The first chuck is provided with a first clearance hole, which is close to the clamping end of the first chuck; the second chuck is provided with a second clearance hole, which is close to the clamping end of the second chuck. When the side face of the first chuck and the side face of the second chuck clamp the first and second welding strips that are being pressed together, the first welding strip is exposed at the first clearance hole and the second welding strip is exposed at the second clearance hole.

10. The battery string repair method as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The first chuck has a third clearance hole at its clamping end, and the second chuck has a fourth clearance hole at its clamping end. When the side face of the first clamp and the side face of the second clamp hold the first and second welding strips that are being pressed together, the overlapping portion of the first and second welding strips is exposed at the third and fourth clearance holes.

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