A laminator for photovoltaic modules

Abstract

The application relates to a film pasting machine for a photovoltaic module, which comprises a rack (20), a platform module (40) comprising at least one film pasting platform (41), and a film pasting module (50) comprising at least one film pasting device (51), wherein the rack (20) comprises a film pasting module holding portion (21) for holding the film pasting module and a platform module holding portion (22) for holding the platform module, the platform module holding portion being located below the film pasting module holding portion, wherein the platform module holding portion (22) comprises a first support (221) fixedly connected with the platform module (40) and a second support (222) located below the first support (221), the first support being configured to be liftable relative to the second support. The film pasting machine according to the application can realize stable film pasting operation while saving space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a film applicator for photovoltaic modules. Background Technology

[0002] Solar cell modules (i.e., photovoltaic modules) typically consist of a glass layer, an EVA encapsulation layer, a silicon wafer, and a solar cell backsheet / glass. Unused areas within the module represent wasted light. To reduce this waste, reflective films are typically placed in these areas. For this purpose, a laminating machine is known in the prior art to deliver reflective film strips to its laminating assembly for application. Each laminating machine typically includes multiple laminating units, for example, arranged side-by-side on the crossbeam of the laminating machine frame. In practice, photovoltaic module panels require the application of multiple reflective films along their width, such as five equally spaced strips, and along their length, such as 24 equally spaced strips, with the lengthwise spacing set, for example, to 90 mm. In the prior art, due to space constraints such as those for manual refilling, multiple reflective films along the lengthwise direction are typically applied using at least two machines. Taking the application of 24 reflective films with a spacing of 90mm as an example, two machines are usually set up in sequence to apply 12 reflective films with a spacing of 180mm each, and the positions of the films applied by the two machines are staggered by 90mm along the length direction.

[0003] To improve the efficiency of film application, it is desirable to integrate more, for example, 24 film application devices into a single machine. These 24 devices are arranged side-by-side on a crossbeam, forming the film application module of the machine, with a spacing of 90mm between adjacent devices. In existing technology, the film application assembly, comprising multiple side-by-side devices, moves relative to the platform supporting the photovoltaic panel to complete the application operation. This requires the film application assembly to be equipped with a corresponding drive device for this relative movement, which can lead to slight displacement of the film application devices and affect the application accuracy. Furthermore, the film application device needs to be raised and lowered during the application process, requiring corresponding lifting components. These lifting components are typically located on the side of the film application assembly and occupy additional installation space. Therefore, the need to integrate more film application devices into a single machine poses challenges to the installation size of the film application machine and the stability of the film application process. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the purpose of this application is to provide a film-applying machine for photovoltaic modules, which at least partially solves the problems in the prior art.

[0005] According to a first aspect of this application, a film-applying machine for photovoltaic modules is provided. The film-applying machine includes a frame, a platform module including at least one film-applying platform, and a film-applying module including at least one film-applying device. The frame includes a film-applying module holding part for holding the film-applying module and a platform module holding part for holding the platform module. The platform module holding part is located below the film-applying module holding part. The platform module holding part includes a first bracket fixedly connected to the platform module and a second bracket located below the first bracket. The first bracket is configured to be liftable relative to the second bracket.

[0006] This technical solution designs the film-applying platform of the panel carrying the photovoltaic module to be liftable. During the film-applying operation, only the film-applying platform needs to be raised to keep the film-applying device static, providing a more stable film-applying process and a structure that is easier to maintain and debug. At the same time, by eliminating the structure for raising and lowering the film-applying device, it also saves installation space.

[0007] In some embodiments of this application, the first bracket is fixedly connected to the platform module via at least one first connector, and the second bracket is connected to the first bracket via at least one retractable second connector.

[0008] In some embodiments of this application, the frame includes a second guide rail extending longitudinally along the laminating machine, on which the second support is movably guided. Here, the longitudinal direction of the laminating machine is the laminating direction of the laminating operation. As the second support moves on the second guide rail, the photovoltaic module panel is moved relative to the laminating device, thereby completing the laminating operation.

[0009] In some embodiments of this application, the frame includes a first guide rail extending longitudinally along the laminating machine, on which the laminating module holding portion is movably guided. Here, the purpose of providing the first guide rail is solely for maintenance and adjustment of the laminating device; during laminating operations, the laminating device remains stationary.

[0010] Preferably, the film-applying module holding part is configured to fix the film-applying module in the height direction. As described above, the film-applying machine according to this application, by allowing the platform module to be raised, lowered, and moved, can perform film-applying operations while keeping the film-applying module stationary.

[0011] In some embodiments of this application, at least one inclined front support is provided at the front of the film-applying module holding part, and at least one inclined rear support is provided at the rear of the film-applying module holding part. Because more applicating devices are installed in the film-applying machine, the weight of the film-applying module increases and it tilts forward. After a period of use, the frame beam will deform, causing the pressure rollers of multiple film-applying devices to be out of plane, posing a risk of poor film adhesion and damage to the photovoltaic panel by the pressure rollers. Adding front and rear supports can offset some of the forward tilting force, reduce the probability of beam deformation, and ensure more precise and stable film-applying operation.

[0012] In some embodiments of this application, an elastic buffer is provided between the first support and the second support. For example, an elastic buffer configured as a spring can provide a cushioning effect during lifting operations, avoiding the risk of impact and instability caused by rapid lifting.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, a straightening mechanism is provided in the platform module holding part. The straightening mechanism includes a transverse straightening sub-mechanism arranged transversely along the laminating machine and a longitudinal straightening sub-mechanism arranged longitudinally along the laminating machine. The longitudinal straightening sub-mechanism includes a main body and a stop part. The main body includes a pusher for pushing the photovoltaic module panel, the pusher being liftable. The stop part includes a corresponding mating pusher, the mating pusher also being liftable. By making the pusher and mating pusher liftable, the risk of impact with the air blower can be avoided, and the photovoltaic module panel can be prevented from getting stuck in the recess of the mating pusher when descending.

[0014] In some embodiments of this application, the lateral alignment submechanism includes a slider and a lateral pusher fixed to the slider. At least one of the lateral alignment submechanisms is equipped with a distance sensor capable of detecting the distance between itself and the slider. By incorporating a distance sensor, alignment operations can be performed more precisely, resulting in more accurate positioning of the photovoltaic module panel.

[0015] In some embodiments of this application, the film-applying device includes a support extending vertically and a retaining portion. The retaining portion is provided with at least one guide wheel for guiding the film strip to be applied. The retaining portion is movable from a first working position for film application to a second working position located above the first working position. Thus, when the film strip on a particular film-applying device needs to be replaced, the operator can move the device upwards to the second working position to complete the replacement and guide the film strip through the film. In this second position, there is sufficient operating space on the side of the retaining portion. Therefore, the advantage of the film-applying module according to this application is that it allows for the side-by-side arrangement of multiple film-applying devices on a single film-applying machine without affecting the film replacement operation.

[0016] According to some embodiments of this application, a rotating connecting portion is provided on the first side of the support facing the retaining portion. The retaining portion is pivotally connected to the rotating connecting portion, thereby enabling pivoting from the first working position to the second working position. According to some embodiments of this application, the rotating connecting portion is U-shaped and has two parallel extending cantilever portions, with a groove for receiving the retaining portion between the two cantilever portions. According to some embodiments of this application, the retaining portion has a first through hole, and the two cantilever portions each have a second through hole corresponding to the position of the first through hole. The retaining portion is pivotally supported on the rotating connecting portion by a rotating shaft passing through the first and second through holes. Through the above-described pivoting movement, the switching of the retaining portion from the first working position to the second working position is achieved with a simple structure. Of course, the implementation of pivoting is not limited to this, and those skilled in the art can choose a suitable pivoting structure according to the actual situation.

[0017] As an alternative implementation of the aforementioned pivoting structure, a guide rail extending vertically is provided on the first side of the support facing the retaining portion. A second sliding member, capable of sliding relative to the guide rail, is provided on the guide rail. The retaining portion is rigidly connected to the second sliding member and thus can slide along the guide rail from the first working position to the second working position along with the second sliding member. According to some embodiments of this application, a sliding drive unit is provided on the support, which can drive the second sliding member to slide along the guide rail via its actuating element. The advantage of the above-described vertical guide rail structure is that it enables automated driving in a simple manner, allowing the retaining portion to automatically move from the first working position to the second working position and automatically return.

[0018] According to some embodiments of this application, a first locking element is provided on the retaining portion, and a first locking mechanism is provided on the support. The first locking mechanism can lock the retaining portion in the first working position by cooperating with the first locking element. Through the aforementioned first locking element and first locking mechanism, the retaining portion can be fixedly held in the first working position, thereby ensuring accuracy and reliability during film application.

[0019] According to some embodiments of this application, a second locking element is provided on the retaining portion, and a second locking mechanism is provided on the support. The second locking mechanism can lock the retaining portion in the second working position by cooperating with the second locking element. The second locking element and the second locking mechanism can fix the retaining portion in the second working position, thereby facilitating membrane replacement operations by the operator.

[0020] According to some embodiments of this application, the first locking element extends through a hole in the support from a first side of the support facing the retaining portion to a second side of the support away from the retaining portion and protrudes beyond the second side. Preferably, the lower side of the first locking element has a groove, and the first locking mechanism has a first slider with a protrusion that matches the shape of the groove. The advantage of this structure is that it eliminates the need to occupy mounting space on the first side of the support, i.e., the side facing the retaining portion, thereby allowing for a more compact structure of the film application device.

[0021] According to some embodiments of this application, the first locking mechanism further includes a driving member capable of driving the first sliding member to move toward and away from the first locking element, thereby achieving locking and unlocking with the first locking element. Thus, locking and unlocking of the retaining part in the first working position can be automatically achieved.

[0022] According to some embodiments of this application, the second locking mechanism is configured as a spherical buckle, and the second locking element is configured as a buckle that mates with the shape of the spherical buckle. Since the requirements for positional stability and accuracy of the holding part are relatively low during membrane replacement operations, the simple buckle structure described above can be used for locking and unlocking in the second working position. Of course, it is also feasible to use a structure similar to the first locking element and the first locking mechanism.

[0023] According to some embodiments of this application, the retaining portion includes a substrate having a first cantilever portion and a second cantilever portion extending upward from its side, with a gap formed between the first cantilever portion and the second cantilever portion. A guide wheel mounting plate for mounting the at least one guide wheel is also provided on the substrate, the guide wheel mounting plate covering the gap. This design, which separates the guide wheel mounting plate from the substrate, allows for more flexible operation of mounting guide wheels, as the guide wheel mounting plate can be detached entirely from the substrate.

[0024] According to some embodiments of this application, a guide groove is provided below the substrate, and the film-applying device includes a feeding device, wherein the output end of the guide groove is adjacent to the input end of the feeding device.

[0025] According to some embodiments of this application, the retaining part includes a mounting plate, one side of which is connected to a pressure roller device and the other side of which is connected to a shearing device. This structure maximizes the use of the lateral space of the film-applying device, allowing it to be arranged as compactly as possible.

[0026] According to some embodiments of this application, the film-applying device includes a blower disposed below the retaining portion, and the blower is fixedly connected to the support. In the prior art, the blower is directly fixedly connected to the retaining portion. If the retaining portion is lifted upwards, the blower will also lift, which may burn the operator. By disposing the blower below the retaining portion and fixing it to the support, this situation can be prevented.

[0027] According to some embodiments of this application, a handle is fixedly connected to the mounting plate of the retaining part. The retaining part can be easily pivoted upwards or slid upwards using the handle.

[0028] According to some embodiments of this application, multiple film-applying devices are arranged side-by-side on a film-applying module, and the film-applying module is equipped with a control unit. The control unit is configured such that when one of the film-applying devices in the film-applying module is in a second working position, the film-applying devices adjacent to that device are locked in a first working position. Preferably, the film-applying module includes at least one position sensor for detecting the working position of each film-applying device. This control unit ensures that when a film-applying device is performing a film-changing operation, it will not be affected by adjacent film-applying devices. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The exemplary embodiments of this application will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0030] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a film applicator 100 according to this application is shown;

[0031] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of the film applicator 100;

[0032] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the film application device 51 of the film application module 50 is shown;

[0033] Figure 4 A perspective view of the first side of the film assembly 1 is shown;

[0034] Figure 5 A perspective view of the second side of the film assembly 1 is shown;

[0035] Figure 6 A schematic perspective view of the film-holding section 21 is shown;

[0036] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing the platform module 40 of the film applicator 100 according to this application and the platform module holding part 22 disposed on the platform module;

[0037] Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing the platform module holding part 22, which omits the film application platform 41;

[0038] Figure 9 The structure of the main body 2781 of the longitudinal straightening submechanism 278 is shown;

[0039] Figure 10 A schematic diagram showing the construction of one of the two transverse alignment submechanisms 277 is provided;

[0040] Figure 11 A schematic perspective view of a film application device 51 of a film application module in a first working position according to one embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0041] Figure 12 A schematic perspective view of the film application device 51 of the film application module according to the first embodiment of this application in the first working position is shown from another angle.

[0042] Figure 13 Show Figure 12 Partial details near the first locking element 1101 in the middle;

[0043] Figure 14 A schematic side view of the film application device 51 in the second working position is shown;

[0044] Figure 15 A schematic perspective view of a film-applying device 51 according to another embodiment of this application is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrates exemplary embodiments of this application, including various details to aid understanding. These should be considered merely exemplary. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of this application. Similarly, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of well-known functions and structures are omitted in the following description.

[0046] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a film applicator 100 according to this application is shown. Figure 1 As can be seen, the film applicator 100 includes a housing 10, a frame 20, an operation panel 30 with a display screen, a platform module 40 including at least one film applicator platform 41, and a film applicator module 50 including at least one film applicator device 51.

[0047] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the laminating machine 100, omitting the housing 10, is provided. It can be seen that multiple laminating devices 51, arranged side-by-side along the transverse direction of the machine, are connected to the crossbeam of the frame 20, thereby forming the laminating module 50 of the laminating machine. During the laminating operation, the bottom of the laminating device 51, i.e., the position where the film tape outputs, is slightly higher in the vertical direction than the upper surface of the laminating platform 41, and the laminating platform 41 and the laminating device 51 are movable relative to each other along the longitudinal direction of the machine to facilitate the laminating operation.

[0048] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the film application device 51 of the film application machine 100 is shown. Figure 3 As can be seen, the film applicator 51 includes a support 519 extending vertically, which is slidably connected to the crossbeam of the frame 20 of the film applicator to adjust its lateral position. Here, the support 519 is constructed as an elongated plate-like member extending vertically, but it should be understood that it can also be constructed in other suitable shapes and structures. A material rack 518 is disposed above the support 519. In this embodiment, the material rack 518 is connected to the support 519; however, it is also possible to consider the material rack and support as an integral unit, i.e., the material rack 518 is part of the support 519. A material cylinder 510 for storing and supplying film strip 52 is provided on one side of the material rack 518. The film strip 52 is wound on the material cylinder 510 and can be conveyed from the material cylinder 510 to the next working position via at least one (here, three) guide rollers 511. On the side of the material rack 518 opposite to the material cylinder 510, there is a feeding drive 517, such as an electric motor, which can drive the material cylinder to rotate to transport the film belt. Here, the film belt 52 has a first side without adhesive and a second side with adhesive.

[0049] Figure 3The dashed box below shows the film application assembly 1 of the film application device 51 according to this application. The film application assembly includes a holding portion 11, which includes a substrate 110. The side edge of the substrate is connected to the support 519. In this embodiment, the substrate 110 has two first cantilever portions 112 and second cantilever portions 113 extending upward from the side, thereby forming a gap between the two cantilever portions. This gap extends to the upper side of the substrate 110, making the substrate open to the upper side and generally U-shaped, wherein the first cantilever portion 112 is on the side away from the support 519 relative to the second cantilever portion 113. (See reference) Figure 4 An input guide wheel bracket 114 is provided on the first cantilever portion 112, extending upward beyond the upper end of the first cantilever portion 112. A first guide wheel 115 is provided at the upper end of the guide wheel bracket 114. The film belt 52, guided by the guide roller 511, enters the film application assembly 1 from the first guide wheel 115. A guide wheel mounting plate 111 is fixedly connected to the substrate 110. (Refer to...) Figure 5 As can be seen, a plurality of second guide wheels 116 are arranged on the guide wheel mounting plate. In this embodiment, there are four second guide wheels. A guide groove 117 is formed on the substrate below the lowermost second guide wheel 116. The membrane belt guided by the second guide wheel passes through the guide groove 117 and enters the next working position.

[0050] Depend on Figure 3 It can also be seen that a blowing device 12 is provided below the holding part 11, a pressure roller device 13 is provided in front of the blowing device, and a shearing device 14 according to this application is provided on the side of the pressure roller device. In addition, a part of the feeding device 15 can also be seen in the figure. The specific structure of the blowing device, pressure roller device, shearing device and feeding device will be described later.

[0051] Figure 4 and Figure 5 Perspective views of the structure of the film application assembly 1 are shown from different angles. For clarity, the blowing device 12 and other parts of the film application device 51, such as the support and material rack, material cylinder, etc., are not shown. Figure 4 The first side of the film application assembly 1 is shown, and it can be seen that a feeding device 15 is fixed on this side by a connecting mechanism such as bolts. Figure 5 The second side of the film-applying assembly is shown, on which the aforementioned second guide wheel 116 is provided. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As can be seen, the feeding device 15 includes a clamping mechanism 151, a feeding mechanism 152, an input end 153, and an output end 154. In the initial position, the input end 153 is adjacent to the output end of the guide groove 117, while the output end 154 is spaced apart from the pressure roller 131 by a certain distance. Figure 4It can also be seen that the retaining part 11 further includes a mounting plate 118, which is fixedly connected to the edge of the base plate 110 away from the support 519, and on the first side of the mounting plate 118 (i.e. Figure 4 A shearing device 14 according to this application is connected to the side facing the observer. Figure 5 As can be seen, the pressure roller device 13 is connected to the second side of the mounting plate 118 opposite to the first side. Of course, it is also feasible to not provide the mounting plate in the holding part 11, but to directly fix the pressure roller device 13 and the shearing device 14 to both sides of the base plate 110, or the mounting plate 118 can be constructed as a single piece with the base plate 110, that is, the mounting plate 118 is constituted as part of the base plate 110.

[0052] An exemplary workflow of the film-applying assembly 1 is as follows: First, the pressure roller 131 of the pressure roller device 13 is lifted upwards, the clamping mechanism 151 of the feeding device 15 clamps the film strip 52, and the feeding mechanism 152 drives the film strip forward in the feeding direction until the end of the film strip is delivered below the pressure roller 131. The pressure roller mechanism drives the pressure roller 131 to press the film strip onto the object to be applied, such as the panel of a photovoltaic module. The clamping mechanism 151 releases the film strip and the feeding mechanism 152 returns to its initial position. Then, the film-applying assembly 1 is relatively displaced from the panel of the photovoltaic module. During this process, the blowing device 12 continuously blows hot air downwards onto the film strip, causing the adhesive on the second side of the film strip 52, which has adhesive (e.g., hot melt adhesive), to melt, thereby completing the first stage of applying the film to the panel. After the first stage is completed, the clamping mechanism 151 clamps the film strip again, and then the shearing device 14 cuts the film strip. At this time, there is still a small section of film strip between the pressure roller 131 and the cut position. So the panel continues to be displaced relative to the film application assembly 11, and the small section of film strip continues to be pasted on the panel, for example, the edge portion.

[0053] Back Figure 2 As can be seen, the film-applying module 50 formed by multiple film-applying devices 51 is fixed on the crossbeam of the frame 20. Here, the part of the frame 20 used to hold the film-applying module 50, i.e. Figure 2 The portion above the platform module 40 is defined as the film-holding module 21, which holds the portion of the frame 20 used to hold the platform module 40. Figure 2 The portion below the platform module is defined as the platform module holding part 22. Unlike the prior art, in the film applicator according to this application, the film applicator module 50 remains stationary during the film applicator operation, and only the platform module moves relative to the film applicator module to complete the film applicator operation. In other words, during the film applicator operation, the film applicator module 50 and the film applicator holding part 21 remain stationary relative to a stationary reference object, such as the housing 10 of the film applicator.

[0054] Figure 6A schematic perspective view of the film-applying module holding section 21 is shown, wherein the film-applying device 51 is omitted for clarity. In some embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, the frame 20 is also provided with a first guide rail 201 for movably guiding the film application module holding part 21. The film application module holding part 21 moves along the longitudinal direction of the machine, i.e., the direction of movement of the platform module 40 during the film application operation, on the first guide rail 21, thereby facilitating the debugging and maintenance of the film application machine. Of course, the first guide rail can also be omitted, and the film application module holding part can be constructed to be fixed. In addition, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 6 Each film-applying device 51 arranged side by side is respectively mounted on at least one crossbeam 213 of the film-applying module holding part 21. A transverse guide rail 213a is provided on the crossbeam 213. The film-applying device 51 is movably guided on the transverse guide rail 213a, thereby enabling adjustment of its transverse position so as to adjust the transverse position of the film applied on the panel of the photovoltaic module.

[0055] In addition, such as Figure 6 As shown, since more film-applying devices 51 need to be set, the film-applying module holding part 21 will be subjected to a greater bending moment. In order to ensure the stability of film application, in some embodiments, at least one inclined front support member 211 is provided in front of the film-applying module holding part, and at least one inclined rear support member 212 is provided in the rear. Thus, the entire film-applying module holding part can withstand a higher bending moment and therefore produce a smaller deformation, thereby improving the stability of film application by the film applicator.

[0056] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a platform module 40 of a film applicator 100 according to this application and a platform module holding part 22 disposed thereon is shown. The platform module 40 includes an applicator platform 41 for supporting and holding a photovoltaic module panel during the applicator operation. The applicator platform 41 can be divided according to its position into two first applicator platforms 41a located on both sides and at least one (in this case, three) second applicator platforms 41b located between the two first applicator platforms 41a. The plurality of applicator platforms 41 are used to support and hold the photovoltaic module panel during the applicator operation. For this purpose, at least one suction cup 42 is provided on the second applicator platform 41b to adsorb and fix the photovoltaic module panel by negative pressure generated by suction during the applicator operation.

[0057] Depend on Figure 7Furthermore, it can be seen that two adjacent film-applying platforms 41 are arranged at a certain distance. A conveying mechanism 23 is provided at the gap between the two adjacent film-applying platforms 41 for transporting the photovoltaic module panels during non-film-applying operations. The conveying mechanism 23 is configured as a belt drive mechanism, but is not limited to a belt conveyor; it can also be configured as other transmission mechanisms such as a chain drive mechanism. The conveying mechanism 23 includes a drive unit 231 and multiple sub-conveying mechanisms 232. Six sub-conveying mechanisms 232 are shown in the figure. Along the longitudinal direction of the machine, a liftable stop element 233 is provided between two adjacent sub-conveying mechanisms 232. The stop element is used to allow the photovoltaic module panels transported by the conveying mechanism to rest against it for subsequent straightening operations.

[0058] The platform module holding part 22 includes a first bracket 221 and a second bracket 222. The first bracket 221 is rigidly connected to the film application platform 41 via at least one first connector 223, and the upper surfaces of each film application platform 41 are flush. At least one second connector 224 is provided between the upper surface of the second bracket 222 and the lower surface of the first bracket 221. The second connector 224 is designed to be vertically extendable, for example, in the form of a guide sleeve and a guide post that can move vertically within the guide sleeve. This allows the first bracket 221 to move vertically relative to the second bracket 222; in other words, the first bracket 221 is designed to be height-adjustable. For this purpose, the platform module holding part 222 includes a lifting drive part 225, which can be configured as, for example, a cylinder or a linear motor. Thus, the lifting drive part 225 can drive the first bracket 221 to move up and down. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, an elastic buffer 226, such as a spring, may be provided between the first support 221 and the second support 222. The elastic buffer can provide a buffering effect when the first support 221 rises and falls relative to the second support 222, so as to achieve a more stable lifting function.

[0059] Depend on Figure 7 Furthermore, a second guide rail 202 is provided below the second bracket 222. The second guide rail extends along the longitudinal direction of the machine, i.e. the film application direction. The second bracket 222 is movably guided in the second guide rail 202, so that it can move along the longitudinal direction of the machine or the direction of the film application operation and complete the film application operation.

[0060] In order to accurately position the photovoltaic module panel before the film application operation, a straightening mechanism is also provided in the platform module holding section 22. Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing the platform module holding section 22, omitting the film application platform 41, is provided, allowing a clearer view of the arrangement of the organizing mechanism. Figure 8As can be seen, the straightening mechanism includes a pair of opposing transverse straightening sub-mechanisms 277 and two parallel longitudinal straightening sub-mechanisms 278, wherein the longitudinal straightening sub-mechanism 278 includes a main body 2781 extending longitudinally along the machine and a stop 2782.

[0061] Figure 9 The structure of the main body 2781 of the longitudinal straightening submechanism 278 is shown. Figure 9 As can be seen, the main body 2781 includes, for example, a drive unit (not shown) configured as a linear motor, a linear guide rail 2781a, and a pusher 2781b configured as a roller. The pusher is fixed on a slider 2781c, which can be driven by the drive unit to slide on the linear guide rail 2781a, thereby driving the pusher 2781b to push the photovoltaic module panel along the longitudinal direction of the machine and adjust its longitudinal positioning.

[0062] Combination Figure 8 The stop portion 2782 of the longitudinal alignment submechanism 278 is fixedly mounted on the first bracket 221. This stop portion has a cooperating push member 2782b corresponding to the push member 2781b. During positioning adjustment, the push member 2781b of the main body 2781 pushes the photovoltaic module panel against the cooperating push member 2782b of the stop portion 2782, completing the longitudinal positioning adjustment. In a preferred embodiment, the push member 2781b and the cooperating push member 2782b are equipped with a lifting drive device and are therefore designed to be liftable. Thus, when not performing positioning adjustment, the push member 2781b and the cooperating push member 2782b descend below the photovoltaic module panel. The lifting drive device is, for example, designed as a small cylinder, such as... Figure 9 The cylinder 2781d is shown. This design avoids the pusher 2781b from hitting the nearby blower 12 during its pushing motion, and also prevents the edge of the photovoltaic panel from getting stuck in the dents caused by the pusher 2782b acting as a stop over a long period of time, thus avoiding the risk of damage to the glass edge.

[0063] Figure 10A schematic diagram of the construction of one of the two lateral alignment submechanisms 277 is shown. Similar to the main body 2781 of the longitudinal alignment submechanism 278, the lateral alignment submechanism 277 includes, for example, a drive unit (not shown) configured as a linear motor, a linear guide rail 2771, and a lateral pusher 2772 configured as a roller, for example. The lateral pusher is fixed to a slider 2773, which can be driven by the drive unit to slide on the linear guide rail 2771, thereby driving the pusher 2771 to push the photovoltaic module panel laterally along the machine and adjust its lateral positioning. In this embodiment, unlike the main body 2781 of the longitudinal alignment submechanism 278, the pusher 2771 of the lateral alignment submechanism 277 is not designed to be height-adjustable. Preferably, at least one of the lateral alignment submechanisms 277 is provided with a distance sensor, such as a laser rangefinder 2774, which can detect the distance between itself and the slider 2773 and thus adjust the lateral position of the photovoltaic module panel more accurately.

[0064] The above combined with the appendix Figures 6 to 10 The schematic structure of the film-applying module holding part 21 and the platform module holding part 22 according to this application is described. During the film-applying operation, the exemplary workflow is as follows: In the initial position, the upper surface of the platform module 40 is lower than the upper surface of the transport mechanism 23, such as the upper surface of the belt. The photovoltaic module panel is transported by the transport mechanism 23 to the film-applying platform 41 of the platform module 40 until the photovoltaic module panel is against the raised stop element 233. Then, the platform module holding part 22 lifts each film-applying platform 41. Subsequently, the alignment mechanism, namely the aforementioned horizontal alignment mechanism 277 and vertical alignment mechanism 278, adjusts the photovoltaic module panel to the appropriate position to be film-applied. Then, at least one suction cup 42 on the second film-applying platform 41b uses the negative pressure generated by suction to adsorb and fix the photovoltaic module panel. Finally, the platform module holding part 22 moves along the second guide rail 202 to drive the platform module 40 to move relative to the film-applying module 50 in the longitudinal direction of the machine, i.e., the film-applying direction, to complete the film-applying operation.

[0065] When the film tape 52 used for film application is exhausted, the operator needs to manually replace the film. The operator winds the film tape to be replaced onto the feed cylinder 510 and guides its end through the plurality of guide rollers 511, the first guide wheel 115, the second guide wheel 116, and the guide groove 117 to the vicinity of the output end of the feeding mechanism. This process is also known as film threading. Figures 3 to 5It is evident that, in order to perform the film-piercing operation, sufficient operating space needs to be reserved on the side of the holding part 11, which is equipped with the first guide wheel 115, the second guide wheel 116, and the guide groove 117, especially on the side equipped with the guide wheels and the guide groove. However, when the shearing device 14, the pressure roller device 13, and the feeding device 15 need to be arranged on the left and right sides of the holding part 11, even if the above-mentioned devices are arranged as compactly as possible on the holding part 11, a considerable amount of lateral space is still required. On the other hand, the practical requirement to set up as many film-applying devices as possible on a single film-applying machine results in very limited lateral space between the various film-applying devices, which makes it difficult to perform the film-piercing operation.

[0066] To solve this problem, the inventors of this application conceived of utilizing the space above the film application assembly 1. Specifically, the holding portion 11 of the film application assembly 1 of the film application device 51, which is equipped with the first guide wheel 115, the second guide wheel 116, and the guide groove 117, can be moved relative to a first working position located at the bottom of the support 519 during the film application operation to a second working position located above the first working position. Thus, when a film application device needs to change the film, the holding portion 11 can be moved as a whole to the second working position, where there is sufficient space on the side of the holding portion 11 for the film insertion operation.

[0067] Figure 11 and Figure 12 Schematic diagrams of the film-applying device 51 of a film-applying module 50 according to one embodiment of this application are shown from different angles. The film-applying device 51 is located in a first working position; some components are omitted for clarity. It can be seen that in the first working position for film application, the substrate 110 of the holding part 11 is disposed near the bottom of the support 519, above the air blower 12, and spaced apart from the air blower 12. To ensure film application accuracy, in the first working position, the holding part 11 should be fixedly connected to the support 519. For this purpose, see [reference needed]. Figure 12 In this embodiment, a first locking element 1101 is provided on the side of the base plate 110 of the holding part 11 adjacent to the support 519, and a first locking mechanism 520 that cooperates with the first locking element 1101 is provided on the support 519. The first locking mechanism 520 can lock the holding part 11 in the first working position by cooperating with the first locking element 1101.

[0068] Figure 13 Show Figure 12 Partial details near the first locking element 1101. In this embodiment, the first locking element 1101 is configured as a protrusion that extends through a hole 5191 in the support 519 from a first side of the support 519 near the retaining portion 11 to a second side of the support 519 away from the retaining portion 11 and protrudes beyond the second side. Figure 12 and Figure 13 As can be seen, the lower side of the first locking element 1101 has a groove 1101a, and the first locking mechanism 520 has a first sliding member 5201, which has a protrusion 5201a that matches the shape of the groove 1101a. The first locking mechanism 520 also has a driving member 5202, such as a cylinder device. The actuating element of the driving member 5202, such as a piston rod, is rigidly connected to the first sliding member 5201 to drive the first sliding member to move toward and away from the first locking element 1101, thereby realizing locking and unlocking with the first locking element. One embodiment of the first locking element 1101 and the first locking mechanism 520 has been described here. Other embodiments are also conceivable. For example, the groove 1101a can be made on the upper side of the first locking element 1101 instead of the lower side, and the first locking mechanism 520 is correspondingly disposed on it. Or the driving member of the first locking mechanism can be designed as a linear screw motor, etc. Those skilled in the art can also think of using various other suitable locking and unlocking schemes, which will not be described in detail here.

[0069] Depend on Figure 11 As can be seen, a rotating connection portion 5192 is provided on the side of the support 519 facing the holding portion 11, and the upper end of the second cantilever 113 of the substrate is pivotally connected to this rotating connection portion. Specifically, in this embodiment, the rotating connection portion is constructed in a U-shape and has two parallel extending cantilever portions. A groove for receiving the connection portion of the holding portion 11 is provided between the two cantilever portions, and two through holes corresponding to each other are provided on the two cantilever portions. The holding portion 11 has through holes corresponding to the positions of the two through holes on the upper end of the second cantilever 113 of this substrate 110. The rotating shaft 5193 passes through the above three through holes, so that the holding portion 11 can be pivotally supported relative to the rotating connection portion 5192 or relative to the support 519 by means of the rotating shaft 5193, thereby allowing the holding portion 11 to pivot to the second working position and from the second working position back to the first working position. Furthermore, by Figure 11 As can be seen, a handle 119 is fixedly connected to the mounting plate 118 to facilitate the operator to pivot the holding part 11 upwards by gripping the handle 119. Other connection methods that can achieve pivoting can also be conceived, but will not be described in detail here.

[0070] In addition, by Figure 11 As can be seen, the blower 12 located below the retaining part 11 is fixedly connected to the support 519 instead of being fixedly connected to the retaining part 11 as in the prior art. Therefore, when the retaining part 11 is moved from the first working position to the second working position, the blower 12 will not be lifted and cause the risk of burns to personnel.

[0071] Figure 14A schematic side view of the film application device 51 in its second working position is shown, showing that, relative to... Figures 11 to 13 The first working position is shown, and the holding part 11 pivots upward to the second working position, at which point there is sufficient operating space on the side of the holding part for membrane insertion. Simultaneously, combined with... Figure 11 As can be seen, a second locking element 1102 is provided on the upper side of the retaining part 11, and a second locking mechanism 5194 is provided at a corresponding position on the support 519. When the retaining part 11 pivots upward to the second working position, the second locking element 1102 can engage with the second locking mechanism 5194. In this embodiment, the second locking mechanism 5194 is configured as a spherical buckle, and the second locking element is configured as a buckle that matches the shape of the spherical buckle. Here, the specific structure of the second locking element and the second locking mechanism is not limited to the buckle form described above, but can be changed according to the actual situation. For example, the second locking element and the second locking mechanism can also be designed to be similar to the first locking element and the first locking mechanism used in the first working position.

[0072] Figure 15 This illustration shows a film-applying device 51 for a film-applying module according to another embodiment of this application. The majority of the structure of this film-applying device is the same as that in the first embodiment, with the main difference being how the switching between the first working position and the second working position is achieved. Figure 15 As can be seen, a guide rail 5195 extending vertically is provided on the side of the support 519 near the holding part 11. A second sliding member 5196, which can slide relative to the guide rail, is provided on the guide rail. The holding part 11 is rigidly connected to the second sliding member 5196. Preferably, the second cantilever part 113 of the holding part 11 is rigidly connected to the second sliding member 5196. A sliding drive part 5197 is also provided, optionally also provided on the support 519. In this embodiment, the sliding drive part 5197 is configured as a cylinder, such as a pen-shaped cylinder. This pen-shaped cylinder can drive the second sliding member 5196 to slide along the guide rail 5195 via its actuating element, thereby moving the holding part 11 from the first working position to the second working position and back from the second working position to the first working position. Of course, the drive part can also be configured as a lead screw motor or other suitable drive device. In this embodiment, corresponding locking elements and locking mechanisms are also provided, which will not be described in detail here.

[0073] According to some embodiments of this application, the film application module 50 is further equipped with a control unit (not shown in the figure). The control unit is configured such that when one of the film application devices of the film application module is in the second working position, the film application device adjacent to that device is locked in the first working position, for example, by means of the drive member 5202 controlling the first locking mechanism 520. Preferably, the film application module includes at least one position sensor for detecting the working position of each film application device. Through the aforementioned control unit, it can be ensured that when a film application device is performing a film replacement operation, it will not be affected by adjacent film application devices.

[0074] Through the above solution, the film applicator 100 according to this application can achieve a compact arrangement of multiple film applicators 51 side by side, thereby enabling more film applicator stations to be completed on a single machine. For example, refer to... Figure 2 As can be seen, multiple film-applying devices 51 are arranged side by side on the crossbeam of the film-applying machine. In order to further improve the utilization rate of the lateral space, the material cylinders 510 of two adjacent film-applying devices 51 are staggered in height, so that more film-applying devices 51 can be arranged with the same lateral space.

[0075] The technical solutions of this application have been explained above with illustrative preferred embodiments. It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and they should all be covered within the scope of the claims and specification of this application. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the various technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any way. This application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A film-applying machine for photovoltaic modules, the film-applying machine comprising a frame (20), a platform module (40) including at least one film-applying platform (41), and a film-applying module (50) including a plurality of film-applying devices (51), wherein, The frame (20) includes a film-applying module holding part (21) for holding the film-applying module and a platform module holding part (22) for holding the platform module. The platform module holding part is located below the film-applying module holding part. The platform module holding part (22) includes a first bracket (221) fixedly connected to the platform module (40) and a second bracket (222) located below the first bracket (221). The first bracket is configured to be liftable relative to the second bracket. The film-applying device (51) includes a support (519) extending in a vertical direction and a holding part (11). The holding part is provided with at least one guide wheel for guiding the film strip to be applied. The holding part (11) can move from a first working position for film-applying operation to a second working position located above the first working position to complete the replacement and guiding film strip insertion operation.

2. The film applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first bracket (221) is fixedly connected to the platform module (40) via at least one first connector (223), and the second bracket (222) is connected to the first bracket via at least one retractable second connector (224).

3. The film applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frame (20) includes a second guide rail (202) extending longitudinally along the laminator, on which the second support (222) is movably guided.

4. The film applicator according to claim 3, characterized in that, The frame (20) includes a first guide rail (201) extending longitudinally along the film applicator, on which the film applicator module holder (21) is movably guided.

5. The film applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The film-applying module holding part (21) is configured to hold the film-applying module (50) fixedly in the height direction.

6. The film applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, At least one inclined front support member (211) is provided at the front of the film-applying module holding part, and at least one inclined rear support member (212) is provided at the rear of the film-applying module holding part.

7. The film applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, An elastic buffer (226) is provided between the first support (221) and the second support (222).

8. The film applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, A straightening mechanism is provided in the platform module holding part (22). The straightening mechanism includes a transverse straightening sub-mechanism (277) arranged in the transverse direction of the film applicator and a longitudinal straightening sub-mechanism (278) arranged in the longitudinal direction of the film applicator. The longitudinal straightening sub-mechanism includes a main body part (2781) and a stop part (2782). The main body part (2781) includes a pusher (2781b) for pushing the panel of the photovoltaic module. The pusher is constructed to be liftable. The stop part (2782) includes a cooperating pusher (2782b) corresponding to the pusher (2781b). The cooperating pusher is also constructed to be liftable.

9. The film applicator according to claim 8, characterized in that, The lateral alignment submechanism (277) includes a slider (2773) and a lateral pusher (2772) fixed on the slider. A distance sensor (2774) is provided on at least one of the lateral alignment submechanisms (277), which can detect the distance between itself and the slider.

10. The film applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that, A rotating connection portion (5192) is provided on the first side of the support (519) facing the retaining portion (11), and the retaining portion (11) is pivotally connected to the rotating connection portion, thereby enabling it to pivot from the first working position to the second working position.

11. The film applicator according to claim 10, characterized in that, The rotating connection part (5192) is U-shaped and has two parallel cantilever parts. A groove for receiving the retaining part (11) is provided between the two cantilever parts. The retaining part (11) is provided with a first through hole. The two cantilever parts are respectively provided with a second through hole corresponding to the position of the first through hole. The retaining part is pivotally supported on the rotating connection part (5192) by a rotating shaft (5193) passing through the first through hole and the second through hole.

12. The film applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that, A guide rail (5195) extending vertically is provided on the first side of the support (519) facing the retaining part (11), and a second sliding member (5196) that can slide relative to the guide rail is provided on the guide rail. The retaining part is rigidly connected to the second sliding member and can thus slide along the guide rail from the first working position to the second working position with the second sliding member.

13. The film applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first locking element (1101) is provided on the retaining part, and a first locking mechanism (520) is provided on the support. The first locking mechanism can lock the retaining part in the first working position by cooperating with the first locking element.

14. The film applicator according to claim 13, characterized in that, A second locking element (1102) is provided on the retaining part, and a second locking mechanism (5194) is provided on the support. The second locking mechanism can lock the retaining part in the second working position by cooperating with the second locking element.

15. The film applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The retaining part (11) includes a mounting plate (118), one side of which is connected to a pressure roller device (13) and the other side of which is connected to a shearing device (14).

16. The film applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The film application device includes a blower (12) disposed below the retaining part, and the blower is fixedly connected to the support (519).

17. The film applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple film-applying devices (51) are arranged side by side on the film-applying module, and the film-applying module is equipped with a control unit, which is configured such that when one of the film-applying devices (51) of the film-applying module is in the second working position, the film-applying device adjacent to that device is locked in the first working position.

18. The film applicator according to claim 17, characterized in that, The film application module includes at least one position sensor for detecting the working position of each film application device.

19. The film applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of film-applying devices are arranged side by side on the film-applying module holding part (21). Each of the plurality of film-applying devices has a material cylinder (510) for storing and conveying film strips. The material cylinders (510) of two adjacent film-applying devices are arranged at different heights.

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