A glue dispenser with automatic exhaust function and a glue dispensing method

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of photovoltaic technology, and in particular to a glue applicator and glue applicator method with automatic venting function. The glue applicator includes a glue tank, a glue dispensing mechanism, a first pressure plate, a second pressure plate, and a drive mechanism. The glue tank is used to hold the glue, and the glue dispensing mechanism is used to extract the glue. Both the first and second pressure plates are located inside the glue tank, with the first pressure plate positioned between the second pressure plate and the bottom of the glue tank. The first pressure plate has a first through hole. The drive mechanism is connected to the first and second pressure plates and is used to drive the first pressure plate downwards, allowing gas between the first pressure plate and the bottom of the tank to escape through the first through hole. The drive mechanism also drives the second pressure plate to adhere to the first pressure plate. The glue applicator with automatic venting function eliminates the need for static venting, saving venting time and improving the output efficiency of the glue applicator. The second pressure plate presses the glue overflowing between the first and second pressure plates back into the glue tank, reducing glue waste.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of photovoltaic technology, and in particular to a glue applicator and glue applicator method with automatic air exhaust function. Background Technology

[0002] In the solar photovoltaic industry, multi-busbar, single-glass, and double-glass modules require adhesive application to improve their waterproof and other performance properties.

[0003] Currently, glue dispensing machines are commonly used for glue dispensing operations. When using a glue dispensing machine, the glue container needs to be left to stand and vent after each glue container replacement, for example, for 4 hours. The purpose of this venting is to remove the air inside the glue container, improve the glue dispensing effect, and prevent abnormal products such as insufficient glue, glue breakage, and silicone air bubbles.

[0004] During the venting process of the glue bucket, the glue applicator cannot be used normally, which seriously affects production capacity and output efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides a glue applicator with automatic venting function, which solves or partially solves the problem of poor output efficiency of glue applicators in the prior art.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a glue applicator with an automatic venting function, the glue applicator comprising a glue tank, a glue dispensing mechanism, a first pressure plate, a second pressure plate, and a driving mechanism;

[0007] The glue bucket is used to hold the glue liquid, and the glue dispensing mechanism is used to extract the glue liquid.

[0008] Both the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate are disposed inside the glue bucket. The first pressure plate is located between the second pressure plate and the bottom of the glue bucket, and the first pressure plate has a first through hole.

[0009] The driving mechanism is connected to the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate. The driving mechanism is used to drive the first pressure plate to press down so that the gas between the first pressure plate and the bottom of the barrel can be discharged through the first through hole.

[0010] The driving mechanism is also used to drive the second pressure plate to fit against the first pressure plate.

[0011] Optionally, the outer periphery of the second pressure plate is in sealed contact with the wall of the glue bucket, and the second pressure plate has a second through hole, through which the first space between the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate communicates with the outside.

[0012] Optionally, the glue applicator further includes a pneumatic control mechanism, which is used to maintain the air pressure in the first space between the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate at less than or equal to a pressure threshold.

[0013] Optionally, the air pressure control mechanism includes a monitoring component and an exhaust assembly, both of which are connected to the first space;

[0014] The monitoring device is used to monitor the air pressure in the first space;

[0015] The exhaust assembly is used to exhaust gas from the first space when the gas pressure in the first space is greater than the gas pressure threshold.

[0016] Optionally, the air pressure control mechanism further includes an alarm component electrically connected to the monitoring component, the alarm component being used to issue an alarm when the air pressure in the first space is greater than the air pressure threshold.

[0017] Optionally, the second pressure plate has a second through hole, and the air pressure control mechanism further includes an exhaust valve communicating with the second through hole, through which the second through hole can communicate with the outside.

[0018] Optionally, the glue dispensing mechanism includes a glue dispensing tube, which passes through the second pressure plate and the first pressure plate in sequence and is then inserted into the glue liquid;

[0019] The dispensing tube includes a telescopic part, one end of which is connected to the first pressure plate, and the other end of which is connected to the second pressure plate.

[0020] Optionally, the telescopic part includes a first tube and a second tube, the first tube is sleeved on the outside of the second tube, one of the first tube and the second tube is fixedly connected to the first pressure plate, and the other of the first tube and the second tube is fixedly connected to the second pressure plate.

[0021] When the second pressure plate is in contact with the first pressure plate, the second tube moves into the first tube.

[0022] Optionally, the glue applicator further includes a glue sensor electrically connected to the drive mechanism. The glue sensor is fixedly connected to the side of the first pressure plate near the bottom of the barrel, and the glue sensor is used to detect the distance between the first pressure plate and the glue.

[0023] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention provide a glue application method, applied to the aforementioned glue application machine, the method comprising the following steps:

[0024] The drive mechanism is activated, which drives the first pressure plate to press down, allowing the gas between the first pressure plate and the bottom of the barrel to be discharged through the first through hole.

[0025] Start the dispensing mechanism to draw out the adhesive liquid from the adhesive bucket;

[0026] When the first pressure plate is close to the bottom of the barrel, the driving mechanism drives the second pressure plate to fit against the first pressure plate, and the second pressure plate pushes the glue that has overflowed between the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate back into the second space between the first pressure plate and the bottom of the barrel;

[0027] The first pressure plate continues to move until the preset glue dispensing stop condition is met.

[0028] Optionally, the glue applicator further includes a pneumatic control mechanism, and the method further includes:

[0029] When the dispensing mechanism is activated, the air pressure control mechanism is activated. The air pressure control mechanism is used to maintain the air pressure in the first space between the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate less than or equal to an air pressure threshold.

[0030] In this embodiment of the invention, the glue applicator with automatic venting function, after changing the glue bucket, allows the gas between the first pressure plate and the bottom of the bucket to be discharged through the first through hole during the process of the drive mechanism moving the first pressure plate towards the bottom of the bucket to contact the glue. This discharge of gas improves the glue applicator's performance and prevents abnormal output such as insufficient glue, glue breakage, or silicone air bubbles caused by gas. Furthermore, after changing the glue bucket, there is no need for static venting, saving venting time, increasing production capacity, and improving the glue applicator's output efficiency. Moreover, when the drive mechanism moves the second pressure plate to contact the first pressure plate, the second pressure plate presses back the glue that overflows between the first and second pressure plates into the second space between the first pressure plate and the bottom of the bucket, reducing glue waste. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of the present invention will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0032] Figure 1 This diagram shows a structural schematic of a glue applicator with automatic air exhaust function according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first pressure plate in Embodiment 1 of the present invention is shown;

[0034] Figure 3 This shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the first tube section and the second tube section of the dispensing tube in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating the steps of an adhesive application method according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention is shown.

[0036] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating the steps of an adhesive application method according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention is shown.

[0037] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0038] 1-Glue bucket, 2-Glue dispensing mechanism, 21-Glue dispensing tube, 22-First tube section, 23-Second tube section, 24-Fixing block, 3-First pressure plate, 31-First through hole, 32-First mounting hole, 4-Second pressure plate, 5-Pneumatic control mechanism, 51-Warning element, 6-First drive mechanism, 61-Drive rod, 7-Bracket. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0040] Example 1

[0041] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a glue applicator with automatic venting function according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is shown. This glue applicator can be used for applying glue, and can be applied to photovoltaic modules in the solar photovoltaic industry. In this embodiment of the invention, no specific limitation is made. For example, when the glue applicator is applied to photovoltaic modules in the solar photovoltaic industry, the glue can be silicone or the like.

[0042] In this embodiment of the invention, the glue applicator with automatic venting function includes a glue tank 1 and a glue dispensing mechanism 2. The glue tank 1 is used to hold the glue, and the glue dispensing mechanism 2 is used to extract the glue. When the glue applicator is in use, the glue dispensing mechanism 2 extracts the glue from the glue tank 1 for glue applicator operation.

[0043] In this embodiment of the invention, after a bucket of adhesive is used up, the empty bucket 1 is replaced with a bucket 1 containing adhesive, and the glue applicator performs the glue applicator operation for the next bucket of adhesive.

[0044] In an alternative embodiment, after one bucket of adhesive is used up, adhesive is poured into the empty adhesive bucket 1, and then the adhesive applicator performs the adhesive applicator operation for the next bucket of adhesive.

[0045] In this embodiment of the invention, the glue applicator further includes a first pressure plate 3, a second pressure plate 4, and a driving mechanism. Both the first pressure plate 3 and the second pressure plate 4 are disposed inside the glue container 1. The first pressure plate 3 is located between the second pressure plate 4 and the bottom of the glue container 1, and the first pressure plate 3 has a first through hole 31. The driving mechanism is connected to the first pressure plate 3 and the second pressure plate 4. The driving mechanism is used to drive the first pressure plate 3 downwards, allowing gas between the first pressure plate 3 and the bottom of the container to be discharged through the first through hole 31. The driving mechanism is also used to drive the second pressure plate 4 to adhere to the first pressure plate 3.

[0046] Specifically, the dispensing mechanism 2 can be connected to the first pressure plate 3. As the first pressure plate 3 moves, when it comes into contact with the adhesive, the dispensing tube 21 of the dispensing mechanism 2 is inserted into the adhesive. In an alternative embodiment, the dispensing mechanism 2 can be directly connected to the glue container 1, for example, to the bottom of the glue container 1.

[0047] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 2 The diagram shows the structure of the first pressure plate 3 in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The first pressure plate 3 is provided with multiple first through holes 31. During the process of the driving mechanism driving the first pressure plate 3 downward, the gas between the first pressure plate 3 and the bottom of the glue bucket 1 can be discharged through the first through holes 31. During the gas discharge process, some glue liquid will also overflow through the first through holes 31, that is, overflow to Figure 2 The upper side of the first pressure plate 3 shown.

[0048] In this embodiment of the invention, the first through hole 31 is not specifically limited. For example, there may be 16 first through holes 31, the diameter of the first through holes 31 may be 50 mm, and the first through holes 31 may be evenly distributed.

[0049] In this embodiment of the invention, there is a gap between the first pressure plate 3 and the barrel wall of the glue barrel 1, and the gas between the first pressure plate 3 and the bottom of the barrel can also pass through the gap and be discharged.

[0050] In an alternative embodiment, the first pressure plate 3 and the barrel wall of the glue barrel 1 are in sealed contact, and the gas between the first pressure plate 3 and the bottom of the barrel is discharged only through the first through hole 31.

[0051] The drive mechanism is connected to the first pressure plate 3. The drive mechanism drives the first pressure plate 3 to reciprocate towards or away from the bottom of the container. During the downward pressing process, the first pressure plate 3 can come into contact with the adhesive. As the adhesive dispensing mechanism 2 extracts the adhesive, the liquid level of the adhesive in the adhesive container 1 gradually decreases. The drive mechanism continues to drive the first pressure plate 3 downward, ensuring that the first pressure plate 3 remains in contact with the liquid level of the adhesive.

[0052] The driving mechanism is connected to the second pressure plate 4, and drives the second pressure plate 4 to reciprocate towards or away from the first pressure plate 3. In this embodiment of the invention, the timing of the second pressure plate 4 moving towards the first pressure plate 3 is not specifically limited. For example, when half of the adhesive remains, the second pressure plate 4 moves towards the first pressure plate 3 and moves until it is in contact with the first pressure plate 3; or, when the first pressure plate 3 moves to a position near the bottom of the bucket, the second pressure plate 4 moves towards the first pressure plate 3 and moves until it is in contact with the first pressure plate 3. For another example, in the application of adhesive to a bucket, the second pressure plate 4 may move towards the first pressure plate 3 at least once and move until it is in contact with the first pressure plate 3.

[0053] In this embodiment of the invention, after the glue bucket 1 is replaced, the gas between the first pressure plate 3 and the bottom of the bucket can be discharged through the first through hole 31 during the downward pressing process driven by the drive mechanism of the glue applicator with automatic venting function. After the gas between the first pressure plate 3 and the bottom of the bucket is discharged, the glue applicator effect can be improved, and abnormal output such as insufficient glue, glue breakage, and silicone air bubbles can be prevented due to gas. After the glue bucket 1 is replaced, there is no need for static venting, saving static venting time, increasing production capacity, and improving the output efficiency of the glue applicator. Moreover, when the drive mechanism drives the second pressure plate 4 to fit with the first pressure plate 3, the second pressure plate 4 presses back the glue that overflows into the space between the first pressure plate 3 and the bottom of the bucket into the second space between the first pressure plate 3 and the bottom of the bucket, which can reduce glue waste.

[0054] Example 2

[0055] In this embodiment of the invention, the outer periphery of the second pressure plate 4 is in sealed contact with the wall of the glue bucket 1, the second pressure plate 4 is formed with a second through hole, and the first space between the first pressure plate 3 and the second pressure plate 4 is connected to the outside through the second through hole.

[0056] Specifically, because the outer periphery of the second pressure plate 4 is in sealed contact with the wall of the glue container 1, during the process of the second pressure plate 4 pressing the glue back into the second space between the first pressure plate 3 and the bottom of the container, no glue will overflow onto the side of the second pressure plate 4 away from the bottom of the container, thus avoiding glue waste. Furthermore, the sealed contact between the outer periphery of the second pressure plate 4 and the wall of the container does not affect the reciprocating movement of the second pressure plate 4 within the glue container 1.

[0057] The sealing contact structure between the outer periphery of the second pressure plate 4 and the wall of the glue bucket 1 is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the invention. For example, a sealing ring or other sealing element can be used to fix the second pressure plate 4 to the outer periphery.

[0058] In this embodiment of the invention, the gas in the second space is discharged into the first space through the first through hole 31, and the gas in the first space is discharged to the outside through the second through hole. This can prevent the gas pressure in the first space from being too high, which would prevent the gas in the second space from entering the first space, thereby avoiding abnormalities such as insufficient glue, broken glue, and silicone bubbles caused by gas.

[0059] In this embodiment of the invention, the second through hole is not specifically limited. For example, there may be one second through hole, which may be a round hole or a square hole, etc.

[0060] In this embodiment of the invention, the glue applicator further includes an air pressure control mechanism 5, which is used to maintain the air pressure in the first space between the first pressure plate 3 and the second pressure plate 4 at less than or equal to an air pressure threshold.

[0061] In this embodiment of the invention, after the glue bucket 1 is replaced, during the process of the drive mechanism driving the first pressure plate 3 to press downward toward the bottom of the bucket, the gas in the second space between the first pressure plate 3 and the bottom of the bucket can pass through the first through hole 31 and enter the first space. Since the air pressure control mechanism 5 can keep the air pressure in the first space less than or equal to the air pressure threshold, that is, the air pressure on the surface of the glue is less than or equal to the air pressure threshold, the gas in the glue can be discharged, so that the glue applicator can operate stably, the glue dispensing stability is better, and abnormal problems such as insufficient glue, glue breakage, and air bubbles are avoided, resulting in a better glue dispensing effect.

[0062] Furthermore, when the adhesive is almost exhausted, as the first pressure plate 3 approaches the bottom of the glue tank 1, the uneven distribution of residual adhesive makes it difficult for the bottom surface of the first pressure plate 3 to fully contact the adhesive, resulting in gaps. At this time, with the help of the second pressure plate 4 and the air pressure control mechanism 5 actively pressing down to expel air, it can still effectively ensure that the residual adhesive at the bottom of the glue tank 1 can be fully extracted without air being trapped, thus affecting the stability of the adhesive dispensing.

[0063] The air pressure threshold refers to the air pressure value within the first space at which the glue applicator can operate stably. The air pressure threshold is generally less than one standard atmosphere. In this embodiment of the invention, no specific limitation is made. For example, the air pressure threshold could be 100 kPa or 95 kPa, etc.

[0064] In this embodiment of the invention, the air pressure control mechanism 5 includes a monitoring component and an exhaust component, both of which are connected to the first space; the monitoring component is used to monitor the air pressure in the first space; the exhaust component is used to discharge the gas in the first space when the air pressure in the first space is greater than the air pressure threshold.

[0065] Specifically, the monitoring components include air pressure monitoring components such as air pressure detection probes, which are used to monitor the air pressure in the first space. The air pressure monitoring components such as air pressure detection probes can be installed at the second through hole of the second pressure plate 4.

[0066] In this embodiment of the invention, the specific structure and location of the exhaust assembly are not specifically limited, as long as it can exhaust the gas in the first space. For example, the exhaust assembly can be located at the second through hole.

[0067] In this embodiment of the invention, the air pressure control mechanism 5 monitors the air pressure in the first space and controls the exhaust assembly to exhaust gas. When the air pressure in the first space is greater than a pressure threshold, the exhaust assembly operates to discharge gas from the first space; when the air pressure in the first space is less than the pressure threshold, the exhaust assembly does not operate. When the air pressure in the first space is equal to the pressure threshold, the exhaust assembly can be set to operate or not operate according to usage requirements.

[0068] In this embodiment of the invention, the glue applicator achieves automatic monitoring and automatic venting of the air pressure in the first space through monitoring components and venting components, ensuring that the air pressure in the first space is less than or equal to the air pressure threshold, thereby improving the glue dispensing stability and making the glue dispensing more uniform.

[0069] In this embodiment of the invention, the air pressure control mechanism 5 further includes an alarm element 51 electrically connected to the monitoring element. The alarm element 51 is used to issue an alarm when the air pressure in the first space is greater than the air pressure threshold.

[0070] Specifically, the warning device 51 is used to provide feedback on the air pressure in the first space and to issue a warning when the air pressure in the first space exceeds the air pressure threshold, so as to remind the operator.

[0071] In this embodiment of the invention, the warning element 51 is not specifically limited. For example, the warning element 51 may be a barometer that provides feedback on the air pressure in the first space, an audible warning element, or a visual warning element, etc.

[0072] In this embodiment of the invention, the second pressure plate 4 has a second through hole, and the air pressure control mechanism 5 also includes an exhaust valve communicating with the second through hole. The second through hole can be connected to the outside through the exhaust valve.

[0073] Specifically, when the glue applicator needs to replace the glue bucket 1 after completing the glue applicator operation for one bucket of glue, it opens the exhaust valve so that the first pressure plate 3 and the second pressure plate 4 will not be affected by the resistance caused by the external air pressure when disassembling them.

[0074] In another embodiment, the second through hole is not specifically limited. For example, there may be one second through hole, which may be a round hole or a square hole, etc.

[0075] Reference Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment of the invention, the glue dispensing mechanism 2 includes a glue dispensing tube 21, which passes through the second pressure plate 4 and the first pressure plate 3 in sequence and is then inserted into the glue liquid; the glue dispensing tube 21 includes a telescopic part, one end of which is connected to the first pressure plate 3 and the other end of which is connected to the second pressure plate 4.

[0076] In this embodiment of the invention, the dispensing tube 21 is used to discharge the adhesive liquid in the adhesive container 1. When the second pressure plate 4 moves to be in contact with the first pressure plate 3, the telescopic part of the dispensing tube 21 will not cause any resistance to the movement of the second pressure plate 4 to be in contact with the first pressure plate 3.

[0077] Reference Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment of the invention, a first mounting hole 32 is formed in the middle of the first pressure plate 3, and a second mounting hole is formed in the middle of the second pressure plate 4. The first mounting hole 32 and the second mounting hole are correspondingly arranged. The dispensing tube 21 passes through the second mounting hole and the first mounting hole 32 in sequence, and the telescopic part of the dispensing tube 21 is fixedly connected to the first mounting hole 32 and the second mounting hole. When the first pressure plate 3 comes into contact with the adhesive, the dispensing tube 21 is inserted into the adhesive.

[0078] Reference Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment of the invention, the telescopic part includes a first tube 22 and a second tube 23. The first tube 22 is sleeved on the outside of the second tube 23. One of the first tube 22 and the second tube 23 is fixedly connected to the first pressure plate 3, and the other of the first tube 22 and the second tube 23 is fixedly connected to the second pressure plate 4. When the second pressure plate 4 is in contact with the first pressure plate 3, the second tube 23 moves into the first tube 22.

[0079] In this embodiment of the invention, the first tube 22 and the second tube 23 are connected in a telescopic sleeve structure, capable of contraction and extension. When there is a gap between the first pressure plate 3 and the second pressure plate 4, the second tube 23 extends out of the first tube 22. When the first pressure plate 3 and the second pressure plate 4 are in contact, the second tube 23 moves into the first tube 22. The structure of the first tube 22 and the second tube 23 avoids resistance to the relative movement between the second pressure plate 4 and the first pressure plate 3, allowing the second pressure plate 4 to move to a position in contact with the first pressure plate 3. The second pressure plate 4 effectively squeezes the adhesive in the first space into the second space, reducing adhesive waste.

[0080] In this embodiment of the invention, the glue applicator with automatic venting function also includes a glue sensor electrically connected to the drive mechanism. The glue sensor is fixedly connected to the side of the first pressure plate 3 near the bottom of the barrel. The glue sensor is used to detect the distance between the first pressure plate 3 and the glue.

[0081] The adhesive sensor can detect the distance between the first pressure plate 3 and the adhesive, for example, when the adhesive sensor detects that the first pressure plate 3 is in contact with the adhesive. The drive mechanism can adjust the position of the first pressure plate 3 through the adhesive sensor so that the first pressure plate 3 moves to maintain contact with the adhesive.

[0082] In this embodiment of the invention, the adhesive sensor is not specifically limited. For example, the adhesive sensor may be a photodetector or the like. Furthermore, to prevent errors, at least one adhesive sensor may be provided, such as two or three.

[0083] Reference Figure 1 In this embodiment of the invention, the glue applicator with automatic venting function also includes a bracket 7, and the driving mechanism includes a first driving mechanism 6 and a second driving mechanism, wherein the first driving mechanism 6 is fixedly connected to the bracket 7, and the second driving mechanism is connected to the first pressure plate 3 and the second pressure plate 4.

[0084] The drive rod 61 of the first drive mechanism 6 is fixedly connected to the bracket 7, which provides support for the first pressure plate 3 and the second pressure plate 4. During the reciprocating movement of the drive rod 61, the drive rod 61 drives the first pressure plate 3 and the second pressure plate 4 to reciprocate through the bracket 7. The second drive mechanism drives the second pressure plate 4 to reciprocate towards or away from the first pressure plate 3.

[0085] In this embodiment of the invention, the bracket 7 can use a bracket in the prior art, and a first pressure plate 3 and a second pressure plate 4 are set on the bracket to realize the transformation of the glue applicator in the prior art. The transformation cost is relatively low, the acceptance of enterprises is very high, and it can be widely promoted.

[0086] Reference Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment of the invention, the glue dispensing mechanism 2 further includes a fixing block 24, which is fixedly connected to the bracket 7. One end of the glue dispensing tube 21 is inserted below the glue surface of the glue, and the other end of the glue dispensing tube 21 is fixedly connected to the fixing block 24. The fixing block 24 is mainly used to fix the glue dispensing tube 21.

[0087] In this embodiment of the invention, the working process of the glue applicator with automatic air venting function is as follows:

[0088] After replacing the glue container 1, the first drive mechanism 6 drives the first pressure plate 3 and the glue dispensing pipe 21 to press down synchronously. The first pressure plate 3 squeezes the glue liquid in the glue container 1 as much as possible and expels the gas in the second space between the first pressure plate 3 and the bottom of the container. After the glue liquid sensor detects that the first pressure plate 3 is in contact with the liquid surface of the glue, the glue dispensing operation can begin, and the glue dispensing mechanism 2 is activated. During this process, a small amount of glue liquid will overflow from the first through hole 31 to the upper side of the first pressure plate 3.

[0089] During the glue application process, as the glue level drops, the first drive mechanism 6 drives the first pressure plate 3 and the glue outlet tube 21 to descend synchronously, so that the first pressure plate 3 remains in contact with the glue, while the glue outlet tube 21 is always inserted into the glue.

[0090] Meanwhile, the air pressure control mechanism 5 automatically controls the start and stop of the exhaust component based on the air pressure value monitored by the monitoring device, and discharges excess gas in the first space between the first pressure plate 3 and the second pressure plate 4, so that the air pressure in the first space is less than or equal to the air pressure threshold, so that the glue application operation can always run stably.

[0091] In particular, when the adhesive is almost exhausted and the first pressure plate 3 is close to the bottom of the glue bucket 1, in order to return the adhesive that overflowed from the first through hole 31 to the top of the first pressure plate 3 to the glue bucket 1 for reuse and to avoid waste, the second pressure plate 4 moves toward the first pressure plate 3 until it is in contact with the first pressure plate 3, squeezing the overflowing adhesive back into the glue bucket 1, and squeezing back a portion of the adhesive located in the first through hole 31 into the glue bucket 1.

[0092] The glue applicator with automatic venting function in this embodiment of the invention can immediately perform glue applicator operation after the first pressure plate 3 comes into contact with the glue, eliminating the need for a static venting process and a glue discharge verification of the internal air pressure. This reduces on-site static time and the risks associated with manual venting, shortens the glue applicator operation time, increases production capacity, and improves the output efficiency of the glue applicator. Simultaneously, the glue applicator operation is automated, saving manpower and achieving high accuracy, which is beneficial for improving the testing efficiency of photovoltaic modules, thus achieving the effect of saving time and manpower.

[0093] Example 3

[0094] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a glue application method according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the glue application method is applied to the glue application machine with automatic air venting function as described in Embodiments 1 and 2, and the glue application method includes the following steps:

[0095] Step 301: Start the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism drives the first pressure plate 3 to press down, so that the gas between the first pressure plate 3 and the bottom of the barrel can be discharged through the first through hole 31.

[0096] Step 302: Start the glue dispensing mechanism 2 to extract the glue liquid from the glue tank 1.

[0097] Step 303: When the first pressure plate 3 is close to the bottom of the barrel, the drive mechanism drives the second pressure plate 4 to fit against the first pressure plate 3. The second pressure plate 4 then presses back the glue that has overflowed between the first pressure plate 3 and the second pressure plate 4 into the second space between the first pressure plate 3 and the bottom of the barrel.

[0098] Step 304: The first pressure plate 3 continues to move until the preset glue dispensing stop condition is met.

[0099] In this embodiment of the invention, reference is made to Figure 1 and Figure 2In any of the accompanying drawings, when the glue dispensing tube 21 of the glue dispensing mechanism 2 is connected to the first pressure plate 3 and moves synchronously, step 301 is performed first, followed by step 302.

[0100] In an alternative embodiment, where the glue dispensing mechanism 2 is directly connected to the glue tank 1, after replacing the glue tank 1, the glue dispensing tube 21 can be inserted into the glue liquid to proceed to step 302. At this time, steps 301 and 302 can be swapped or performed simultaneously according to usage requirements.

[0101] In an embodiment of the present invention, in step 303, the driving mechanism drives the second pressure plate 4 to move toward the first pressure plate 3 until it is in contact with the first pressure plate 3, and then the second pressure plate 4 remains in contact with the first pressure plate 3.

[0102] In another embodiment, in step 303, the driving mechanism drives the second pressure plate 4 to move toward the first pressure plate 3 until it is in contact with the first pressure plate 3. Then, the driving mechanism drives the second pressure plate 4 to separate from the first pressure plate 3, and then drives the second pressure plate 4 to be in contact with the first pressure plate 3 again. The second pressure plate 4 can be in contact with the first pressure plate 3 multiple times or separate from it multiple times to meet the requirement that the second pressure plate 4 pressurizes the adhesive that has overflowed into the space between the first pressure plate 3 and the second pressure plate 3 back into the second space.

[0103] In this embodiment of the invention, steps 301-304 can be specifically referred to in the relevant descriptions in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 above. To avoid repetition, they will not be repeated here.

[0104] In this embodiment of the invention, the preset glue dispensing stop condition is not specifically limited. For example, the preset glue dispensing stop condition may be the distance between the first pressure plate 3 and the bottom of the bucket, or the preset glue dispensing stop condition may be the remaining amount of glue in the glue bucket 1, which generally refers to when the glue is almost exhausted.

[0105] In the glue dispensing method of this embodiment, after replacing the glue bucket 1, the drive mechanism drives the first pressure plate 3 to move towards the bottom of the bucket. This allows the gas between the first pressure plate 3 and the bottom of the bucket to be discharged through the first through hole 31 during the contact between the first pressure plate 3 and the glue liquid. After the gas inside the glue bucket 1 is discharged, the glue dispensing effect can be improved, and abnormal products such as insufficient glue, glue breakage, and silicone bubbles can be prevented. The glue bucket 1 does not need to be left to stand and vent, saving standing time, increasing production capacity, and improving the output efficiency of the glue dispensing machine. Moreover, since the second pressure plate 4 can press the glue that overflows into the space between the first pressure plate 3 and the second pressure plate 4 back into the second space, glue waste can be reduced.

[0106] Example 4

[0107] Reference Figure 5 , Figure 5A flowchart illustrating a glue application method according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the glue application method is applied to the glue application machine with automatic air venting function as described in Embodiments 1 and 2, and the glue application method includes the following steps:

[0108] Step 301: Start the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism drives the first pressure plate 3 to press down, so that the gas between the first pressure plate 3 and the bottom of the barrel can be discharged through the first through hole 31.

[0109] Step 302: Start the glue dispensing mechanism 2 to extract the glue liquid from the glue tank 1.

[0110] Step 303: When the glue dispensing mechanism 2 is started, the air pressure control mechanism 5 is started. The air pressure control mechanism 5 is used to keep the air pressure in the first space between the first pressure plate 3 and the second pressure plate 4 less than or equal to the air pressure threshold.

[0111] The air pressure control mechanism 5 is used to maintain the air pressure in the first space less than or equal to an air pressure threshold so that the gas in the adhesive can be discharged. In this embodiment of the invention, the air pressure control mechanism 5 includes a monitoring component and an exhaust assembly, and step 304 further includes the following sub-step:

[0112] In sub-step 3041, when the air pressure control mechanism 5 is activated, the monitoring device monitors the air pressure in the first space in real time.

[0113] Sub-step 3042: When the air pressure in the first space is greater than the air pressure threshold, the exhaust assembly is activated. The exhaust assembly is used to discharge the gas in the first space.

[0114] Step 304: When the first pressure plate 3 is close to the bottom of the barrel, the drive mechanism drives the second pressure plate 4 to fit against the first pressure plate 3. The second pressure plate 4 then presses back the glue that has overflowed between the first pressure plate 3 and the second pressure plate 4 into the second space between the first pressure plate 3 and the bottom of the barrel.

[0115] Step 305: The first pressure plate 3 continues to move until the preset glue dispensing stop condition is met.

[0116] In this embodiment of the invention, steps 301 to 305 can be specifically referred to the relevant descriptions in the above embodiments. To avoid repetition, they will not be repeated here.

[0117] It should be noted that, for the sake of simplicity, the method embodiments are all described as a series of actions. However, those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments of this application are not limited to the described order of actions, because according to the embodiments of this application, some steps can be performed in other orders or simultaneously. Secondly, those skilled in the art should also understand that the embodiments described in the specification are all preferred embodiments, and the actions involved are not necessarily essential to the embodiments of this application.

[0118] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0119] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other forms under the guidance of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. All of these forms are within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A glue applicator with automatic air venting function, characterized in that, The glue applicator includes a glue tank (1), a glue dispensing mechanism (2), a first pressure plate (3), a second pressure plate (4), and a drive mechanism; The glue bucket (1) is used to hold the glue liquid, and the glue dispensing mechanism (2) is used to extract the glue liquid; The first pressure plate (3) and the second pressure plate (4) are both located inside the glue bucket (1). The first pressure plate (3) is located between the second pressure plate (4) and the bottom of the glue bucket (1). The first pressure plate (3) has a first through hole (31). The driving mechanism is connected to the first pressure plate (3) and the second pressure plate (4). The driving mechanism is used to drive the first pressure plate (3) to press down so that the gas between the first pressure plate (3) and the bottom of the barrel can be discharged through the first through hole (31). The driving mechanism is also used to drive the second pressure plate (4) to fit against the first pressure plate (3), and the second pressure plate (4) will pump the glue that overflowed between the first pressure plate (3) and the second pressure plate (4) back to the first pressure plate (3) and the bottom of the barrel.

2. The glue applicator with automatic venting function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer periphery of the second pressure plate (4) is in sealed contact with the barrel wall of the glue barrel (1). The second pressure plate (4) has a second through hole. The first space between the first pressure plate (3) and the second pressure plate (4) is connected to the outside through the second through hole.

3. The glue applicator with automatic venting function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The glue applicator also includes a pneumatic control mechanism (5), which is used to maintain the air pressure in the first space between the first pressure plate (3) and the second pressure plate (4) less than or equal to the air pressure threshold.

4. The glue applicator with automatic air exhaust function according to claim 3, characterized in that, The air pressure control mechanism (5) includes a monitoring component and an exhaust component, both of which are connected to the first space; The monitoring device is used to monitor the air pressure in the first space; The exhaust assembly is used to exhaust gas from the first space when the gas pressure in the first space is greater than the gas pressure threshold.

5. The glue applicator with automatic venting function according to claim 4, characterized in that, The air pressure control mechanism (5) also includes an alarm element (51) electrically connected to the monitoring element, the alarm element (51) being used to issue an alarm when the air pressure in the first space is greater than the air pressure threshold.

6. The glue applicator with automatic venting function according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second pressure plate (4) has a second through hole, and the air pressure control mechanism (5) also includes an exhaust valve that communicates with the second through hole. The second through hole can be connected to the outside through the exhaust valve.

7. The glue applicator with automatic venting function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dispensing mechanism (2) includes a dispensing tube (21), which passes through the second pressure plate (4) and the first pressure plate (3) in sequence and is then inserted into the adhesive liquid. The dispensing tube (21) includes a telescopic part, one end of which is connected to the first pressure plate (3), and the other end of which is connected to the second pressure plate (4).

8. The glue applicator with automatic venting function according to claim 7, characterized in that, The telescopic part includes a first tube (22) and a second tube (23). The first tube (22) is sleeved on the outside of the second tube (23). One of the first tube (22) and the second tube (23) is fixedly connected to the first pressure plate (3), and the other of the first tube (22) and the second tube (23) is fixedly connected to the second pressure plate (4). When the second pressure plate (4) is in contact with the first pressure plate (3), the second tube (23) moves into the first tube (22).

9. The glue applicator with automatic venting function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The glue applicator also includes a glue sensor electrically connected to the drive mechanism. The glue sensor is fixedly connected to the side of the first pressure plate (3) near the bottom of the barrel. The glue sensor is used to detect the distance between the first pressure plate (3) and the glue.

10. A method for applying glue, characterized in that, The method, applied to the glue applicator with automatic air venting function according to any one of claims 1-9, comprises the following steps: Start the drive mechanism, which drives the first pressure plate (3) to press down, so that the gas between the first pressure plate (3) and the bottom of the barrel can be discharged through the first through hole (31); Start the dispensing mechanism (2) to draw out the adhesive liquid from the glue tank (1); When the first pressure plate (3) is close to the bottom of the barrel, the driving mechanism drives the second pressure plate (4) to fit against the first pressure plate (3), and the second pressure plate (4) pumps the glue that has overflowed between the first pressure plate (3) and the second pressure plate (4) back into the second space between the first pressure plate (3) and the bottom of the barrel; The first pressure plate (3) continues to move until the preset glue dispensing stop condition is met.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The glue applicator further includes a pneumatic control mechanism (5), and the method further includes: When the dispensing mechanism (2) is activated, the air pressure control mechanism (5) is activated. The air pressure control mechanism (5) is used to keep the air pressure in the first space between the first pressure plate (3) and the second pressure plate (4) less than or equal to the air pressure threshold.

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