A horizontal electroplating line capable of double-sided electroplating

Abstract

The present invention discloses a horizontal electroplating line capable of double-sided electroplating, comprising a main structure, a synchronous motion mechanism, a liquid circulation system and a pneumatic isolation system; the main structure comprises a pressing mechanism, an electroplating tank, a cell support mechanism, a liquid collecting tank, a conductive copper sheet and an anode mechanism; the liquid circulation system comprises a liquid mixing device and a liquid pump, so as to realize the circulation of the electroplating liquid; the pneumatic isolation system comprises a pneumatic sealing mechanism and a gas mixing chamber, and the liquid isolation in the pneumatic sealing mechanism is realized by air sealing; the cell is driven by the synchronous motion mechanism and is conveyed to the electroplating tank for electroplating. The present invention provides a horizontal electroplating line capable of double-sided electroplating, in which the cell is horizontally flowed in a vertical manner, and double-sided horizontal continuous electroplating can be realized. By designing the cell movement mode and changing the cathode conductive structure, efficient contact and conduction of the cell is realized, while reducing the fragmentation rate and improving the electroplating efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of electroplating equipment, and in particular to a horizontal electroplating line capable of double-sided electroplating. Background Art

[0002] As the core component of the photovoltaic industry, the efficiency and stability of solar cells are crucial to the performance of the entire photovoltaic system. In the preparation process of solar cells, electroplating technology, as an important process, is widely used in the preparation of electrodes for solar cells. Most solar cell electroplating processes use two methods: horizontal electroplating and vertical electroplating. With the continuous development of photovoltaic technology, the requirements for cell performance are getting higher and higher. These two electroplating methods have gradually exposed certain limitations in terms of production capacity, efficiency, and electroplating quality. In order to increase the electroplating rate and production capacity and reduce production costs, many manufacturers are currently looking for effective photovoltaic copper plating structures. Among them, the horizontal electroplating method helps to improve the coverage and uniformity of the plating solution and improve the adhesion of the electroplating layer, as well as improve the reliability and stability of the cell. It has strong applicability and is a key research area in the industry.

[0003] Patent CN115613106A proposes a plug-in type solar cell copper electrode electroplating device and method, which uses a basket-like structure to install and fix the cell, sets the cell on the cathode conductive bracket, and inserts it downward so that a conductive support unit is located between two adjacent anode plate assemblies. This device requires the cell to be placed in the bracket first, and then the bracket is placed in the electroplating tank. It is easy to cause fragments during transportation, affecting the electroplating efficiency. Patent CN116103732A provides a vertical electroplating device, equipment and method, which uses a clamp to fix the cell, and the clamp can be placed in the electroplating tank in a lifting manner. In this device, the cell needs to be installed in the clamp first, and the clamp is easy to break when it is taken up and down from the electroplating tank, affecting the electroplating efficiency. Patent CN118292084A provides an electroplating basket and a vertical electroplating conductive device, which adjusts the position of the clamping assembly through a fine-tuning mechanism to improve the convenience and electroplating efficiency of the vertical electroplating equipment when docking with the silicon wafer contact point, and the adjustment device realizes the up, down, left and right movement of the clamping assembly through bolts. This device has a complex adjustment structure, is not economical, and cannot achieve continuous electroplating of battery cells. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a horizontal electroplating line capable of double-sided electroplating. The battery cells are horizontally flown in a vertical manner, and double-sided horizontal continuous electroplating can be achieved. By designing the movement mode of the battery cells and changing the cathode conductive structure, efficient contact and conduction of the battery cells can be achieved, while reducing the fragmentation rate and improving the electroplating efficiency.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the technical problem is: a horizontal electroplating line capable of double-sided electroplating, comprising a main structure, a synchronous motion mechanism, a liquid circulation system and a pneumatic isolation system;

[0006] The main structure includes a clamping mechanism, an electroplating tank, a cell support mechanism, a liquid collecting tank, a conductive copper sheet and an anode mechanism; the clamping mechanism is arranged above the electroplating tank, the liquid collecting tank is installed below the electroplating tank, the cell support mechanism is arranged on both sides of the electroplating tank, the conductive copper sheet is conductively connected to the anode, and the anode mechanism is installed in the electroplating tank;

[0007] The liquid circulation system includes a liquid mixing device and a liquid pump; the liquid mixing device and the liquid pump are respectively connected to the electroplating tank and the liquid collecting tank to realize the circulation of the electroplating liquid;

[0008] The pneumatic isolation system includes a pneumatic sealing mechanism and a gas mixing chamber; the pneumatic sealing mechanism is arranged in the electroplating tank, the gas mixing chamber is connected to the pneumatic sealing mechanism, and the liquid isolation in the pneumatic sealing mechanism is achieved through gas sealing;

[0009] Driven by the synchronous motion mechanism, the battery sheet is transported to the electroplating tank for electroplating.

[0010] Furthermore, the clamping mechanism is connected to the electroplating tank via bolts and springs, and the clamping mechanism adjusts the clamping force of the battery cell via the bolts.

[0011] Furthermore, a card slot is provided on the battery cell support mechanism, and slits are provided on both sides of the electroplating tank. The card slot and the slit constitute a battery cell channel for the operation of the battery cell. The width of the battery cell channel is 0.2mm to 0.5mm, and the movement direction of the battery cell is limited by the battery cell channel.

[0012] Furthermore, the liquid mixing device includes a plating liquid regulating valve and a plating liquid mixing chamber, the plating liquid regulating valve is connected to a liquid inlet pipe provided at the lower part of the plating tank through a hose, the plating liquid mixing chamber is connected to a liquid pump through a hose, and the liquid pump is connected to an overflow port provided on the liquid collecting tank, so as to realize the circulation of the plating liquid, and the flow rate of the plating liquid is adjusted by the plating liquid regulating valve.

[0013] Furthermore, the gas mixing chamber is provided on both the front and rear sides of the liquid collecting tank; the gas mixing chamber is connected to a plurality of gas regulating valves, and the gas mixing chamber is connected to the air inlets on the front and rear sides of each of the pneumatic sealing mechanisms through each of the gas regulating valves, and a gap is provided in the middle of each of the pneumatic sealing mechanisms; the gas in the gas mixing chamber is transported to the pneumatic sealing mechanism through an air pump, and the gas is ejected from the gap to achieve pneumatic isolation and prevent the electroplating solution from flowing into the cathode.

[0014] Furthermore, conductive brushes are provided on both sides of the pneumatic sealing mechanism, and the conductive brushes are connected to the negative electrode of the power supply, and are in contact with the grid lines on the front and back surfaces of the battery cell to achieve electrical contact with the grid lines of the battery cell.

[0015] Furthermore, the body of the liquid inlet pipe on the electroplating tank is evenly distributed with a number of small holes, and the electroplating liquid flows evenly into the electroplating tank through each of the small holes; the electroplating liquid in the liquid collecting tank enters the liquid pump through the overflow port to realize the circulation of the electroplating liquid; and a liquid outlet is also provided at the bottom of the liquid collecting tank.

[0016] Furthermore, the synchronous motion mechanism includes an upper motion mechanism and a lower motion mechanism; each motion mechanism includes a stepper motor, a pulley, a belt, a first rotating shaft, a second rotating shaft, a washer and a bearing, the first rotating shaft is fixedly connected to the second rotating shaft, and the washer is installed between the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft; the upper motion mechanism is installed in the clamping mechanism, and the lower motion mechanism is installed in the electroplating tank; the rotation speed of the stepper motor is 1 to 20 min / r.

[0017] Furthermore, the battery cell is guided and fixed between the upper motion mechanism and the lower motion mechanism; a groove is provided at the connection between the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft, the gasket is embedded in the groove, and the battery cell is fixed by the grooves of the upper motion mechanism and the lower motion mechanism.

[0018] Furthermore, when the pneumatic isolation system is airtight, the gas pressure is 0 to 100 psi and the gas flow rate is 0 to 0.1 m / s. 3 / min; during electroplating, the current density range is 3~30ASD.

[0019] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: compared with the prior art, the present invention provides a horizontal electroplating line capable of double-sided electroplating, which realizes gas isolation through a pneumatic isolation system to prevent the electroplating solution from flowing into the cathode; realizes the circulation of the electroplating solution through a liquid circulation system; realizes the guidance and transportation of the battery cells through a synchronous motion mechanism, and the battery cells are electroplated on both sides horizontally in a vertical sheet feeding manner to reduce the battery cell fragmentation rate; single-sided or double-sided electroplating can be achieved simultaneously; double-sided electroplating with different current densities can be achieved; through modular structural design, modules can be spliced ​​according to actual needs, and the liquid type in each electroplating tank can be adjusted according to actual needs to achieve different process flows; and fully automated electroplating operations can be achieved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 It is a structural stereoscopic schematic diagram of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 yes Figure 1Schematic diagram of the main structure in.

[0022] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the main structure in the figure.

[0023] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the main structure from above.

[0024] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 Cross-section along the AA direction.

[0025] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the synchronous motion mechanism in .

[0026] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the rotating axis in .

[0027] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Cross-section along direction BB.

[0028] Fig. 9 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the liquid circulation system in.

[0029] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 Schematic diagram of the liquid mixing device in .

[0030] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 Cross-section along CC direction.

[0031] Fig.12 yes Fig. 9 Schematic diagram of the liquid inlet pipe.

[0032] Fig.13 yes Fig.12 Cross-section along DD direction.

[0033] Fig.14 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the pneumatic isolation system in.

[0034] Fig.15 yes Fig.14 Schematic diagram of the pneumatic seal and conductive brush structure.

[0035] Fig.16 yes Fig.15 Cross-section along the EE direction.

[0036] Among them, 1-main structure, 10-pressing mechanism, 11-electroplating tank, 12-battery cell supporting mechanism, 13-liquid collecting tank, 14-conductive copper sheet, 15-anode mechanism, 16-synchronous motion mechanism, 161-stepping motor, 162-pulley, 163-belt, 164-first rotating shaft, 165-washer, 166-second rotating shaft, 167-bearing; 2-liquid circulation system, 20-liquid outlet, 21-liquid pump, 22-liquid inlet pipe, 221-small hole; 23-mixing device, 231-electroplating liquid regulating valve, 232-electroplating liquid mixing chamber; 24-overflow port; 3-pneumatic isolation system, 30-pneumatic sealing mechanism, 31-conductive brush, 32-gas regulating valve, 33-gas mixing chamber, 34-bottom plate; 4-battery cell. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The present invention is further described below by specific examples, but these examples are only used to illustrate the present invention and are not used to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0038] Example

[0039] like Figures 1 to 16 As shown, a horizontal electroplating line capable of double-sided electroplating comprises a main structure 1, a synchronous motion mechanism 16, a liquid circulation system 2 and a pneumatic isolation system 3; the main structure 1 comprises a clamping mechanism 10, an electroplating tank 11, a cell support mechanism 12, a liquid collecting tank 13, a conductive copper sheet 14 and an anode mechanism 15; the clamping mechanism 10 is arranged above the electroplating tank 11, the liquid collecting tank 13 is installed below the electroplating tank 11, the cell support mechanism 12 is arranged on both sides of the electroplating tank 11, the conductive copper sheet 14 is conductively connected to the anode, and the anode mechanism 15 is installed in the electroplating tank 11; The liquid circulation system 2 includes a liquid mixing device 23 and a liquid pump 21; the liquid mixing device 23 and the liquid pump 21 are respectively connected to the electroplating tank 11 and the liquid collecting tank 13 to realize the circulation of the electroplating liquid; the pneumatic isolation system 3 includes a pneumatic sealing mechanism 30 and a gas mixing chamber 33; the pneumatic sealing mechanism 30 is arranged in the electroplating tank 11, and the gas mixing chamber 33 is connected to the pneumatic sealing mechanism 30, and the liquid isolation in the pneumatic sealing mechanism 30 is realized by air sealing; the battery cell 4 is driven by the synchronous motion mechanism 16 and is transported to the electroplating tank 11 for electroplating.

[0040] like Figures 1 to 5As shown, the clamping mechanism 10 is connected to the electroplating tank 11 by bolts and springs. The clamping force of the battery cell 4 is adjusted by the bolts, and can also be adjusted by an electric adjustment device. The battery cell support mechanism 12 is provided with a slot, and the electroplating tank 11 is provided with slits on both sides. The slot and the slit constitute a battery cell channel for the battery cell 4 to move. The width of the battery cell channel is 0.2mm to 0.5mm, and the movement direction of the battery cell 4 is limited by the battery cell channel.

[0041] like Figures 9 to 13 As shown, the liquid mixing device 23 includes a plating liquid regulating valve 231 and a plating liquid mixing chamber 232. The plating liquid regulating valve 231 is connected to the liquid inlet pipe 22 provided at the lower part of the plating tank 11 through a hose. The plating liquid mixing chamber 232 is connected to the liquid pump 21 through a hose. The liquid pump 21 is connected to the overflow port 24 provided on the liquid collecting tank 13, so as to realize the circulation of the plating liquid. The flow rate of the plating liquid is adjusted by the plating liquid regulating valve 231. The body of the liquid inlet pipe 22 on the plating tank 11 is evenly distributed with a plurality of small holes 221. The plating liquid flows evenly into the plating tank 11 through each of the small holes 221. The plating liquid in the liquid collecting tank 13 enters the liquid pump 21 through the overflow port 24, so as to realize the circulation of the plating liquid. The bottom of the liquid collecting tank 13 is also provided with a liquid outlet 20.

[0042] like Figures 14 to 16 As shown, the gas mixing chamber 33 is provided on both the front and rear sides of the liquid collecting tank 13; the gas mixing chamber 33 is connected to a plurality of gas regulating valves 32, and the gas mixing chamber 33 is connected to the air inlets on both the front and rear sides of each of the pneumatic sealing mechanisms 30 through each of the gas regulating valves 32, and a gap is provided in the middle of each of the pneumatic sealing mechanisms 30; the gas in the gas mixing chamber 33 is transported to the pneumatic sealing mechanism 30 through an air pump, and the gas is ejected from the gap to achieve pneumatic isolation and prevent the electroplating solution from flowing into the cathode. Conductive brushes 31 are provided on both sides of the pneumatic sealing mechanism 30; the cathode conduction method can be one of the conductive brushes 31, roller conduction, liquid conduction, plasma contactless conduction, etc., or a combination of the two. In this embodiment, the conductive brush 31 is used for conduction, and the conductive brush 31 is made of soft and delicate materials to prevent scratching the battery cell 4; the conductive brush 31 is connected to the negative electrode of the power supply, and contacts the grid lines on the front and back sides of the battery cell 4 to achieve contact and conduction with the grid lines of the battery cell 4. The double-sided horizontal electroplating in this embodiment can adapt to various sizes of battery cells such as 166*166mm, 182*91mm, 210*105mm, 182*105mm, etc. When the pneumatic isolation system 3 is airtight, the gas pressure is 0-100psi and the gas flow rate is 0-0.1m 3 / min; during electroplating, the current density range is 3~30ASD.

[0043] like Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the synchronous motion mechanism 16 includes an upper motion mechanism and a lower motion mechanism; each motion mechanism includes a stepper motor 161, a pulley 162, a belt 163, a first rotating shaft 164, a second rotating shaft 166, a washer 165 and a bearing 167, the first rotating shaft 164 is fixedly connected to the second rotating shaft 166, and the washer 165 is installed between the first rotating shaft 164 and the second rotating shaft 166. The washer 165 is made of rubber material, which can be PTFE, or any one of nitrile rubber and polyurethane rubber. The upper motion mechanism is installed in the clamping mechanism 10, and the lower motion mechanism is installed in the electroplating tank 11; the speed of the stepper motor 161 is 1 to 20 min / r. The battery cell 4 is guided and fixed between the upper motion mechanism and the lower motion mechanism; a groove is provided at the connection between the first rotating shaft 164 and the second rotating shaft 166, and the washer 165 is embedded in the groove, and the battery cell 4 is fixed by the grooves of the upper motion mechanism and the lower motion mechanism.

[0044] The working principle of the above horizontal plating line is as follows:

[0045] First, turn on the air pump, and the gas passes through the gas mixing chamber 33, the gas regulating valve 32, and the hose to reach the pneumatic sealing mechanism 30, and the gas is ejected from the gap of the pneumatic sealing mechanism 30 to achieve gas isolation and prevent the plating liquid from flowing into the cathode. The plating liquid is fed into the liquid inlet pipe 22 through the liquid pump 21. The liquid inlet pipe 22 is provided with a plurality of small holes 221. The plating liquid flows evenly into the plating tank 11 through the small holes 221, and the plating liquid flows out to the liquid pump 21 through the overflow port 24 on the liquid collecting tank 13 to achieve the circulation of the plating liquid.

[0046] When the motor power is turned on, the synchronous motion system of the upper and lower battery sheets 4 starts working and rotates at the same speed.

[0047] When the power is turned on, the conductive brush 31 is connected to the negative electrode of the power supply, and the anode mechanism 15 is connected to the positive electrode of the power supply.

[0048] The battery cell 4 is placed into the card slot of the battery cell support mechanism 12 through a conveying device or automated equipment. The battery cell 4 is installed between the upper moving mechanism and the lower moving mechanism. The battery cell 4 is guided by the card slot. The battery cell 4 enters the electroplating tank 11 through the slit. The battery cell 4 is fixed by the groove at the connection between the first rotating shaft 164 and the second rotating shaft 166, and the tightness of the battery cell 4 is adjusted by the bolt of the clamping mechanism 10 to prevent the battery cell 4 from shifting and deforming and reduce the fragmentation rate of the battery cell 4. The pulley 162 is driven to rotate by the stepping motor 161, thereby driving the battery cell 4 to move forward along the battery cell channel and enter the electroplating tank 11 to be electroplated.

[0049] Conductive brushes 31 are arranged at intervals along the horizontal electroplating line. When the cell 4 passes through the conductive brush 31, the conductive brush 31 is connected to the negative pole of the power supply and contacts the grid line on the surface of the cell 4 to achieve contact and conduction with the grid line of the cell 4. At the same time, the cell 4 part located in the electroplating tank 11 begins to electroplate copper. The front and back sides of a cell 4 contact one or more conductive brushes 31 at the same time. When the cell 4 is electroplated, the horizontal electroplating line transports the cell 4 to the outside of the electroplating tank 11, and the electroplating is completed. After the electroplating is completed, the electroplated cell 4 is taken out by a robot or manually for subsequent steps.

[0050] The above implementation modes are only used to illustrate the present invention, but not to limit the present invention. Ordinary technicians in the relevant technical field can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent technical solutions also belong to the scope of the present invention. The patent protection scope of the present invention should be defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A horizontal electroplating line capable of double-sided electroplating, characterized in that: It includes the main structure, synchronous motion mechanism, liquid circulation system and pneumatic isolation system; The main structure includes a clamping mechanism, an electroplating tank, a cell support mechanism, a liquid collecting tank, a conductive copper sheet and an anode mechanism; the clamping mechanism is arranged above the electroplating tank, the liquid collecting tank is installed below the electroplating tank, the cell support mechanism is arranged on both sides of the electroplating tank, the conductive copper sheet is conductively connected to the anode, and the anode mechanism is installed in the electroplating tank; The liquid circulation system includes a liquid mixing device and a liquid pump; the liquid mixing device and the liquid pump are respectively connected to the electroplating tank and the liquid collecting tank to realize the circulation of the electroplating liquid; The pneumatic isolation system includes a pneumatic sealing mechanism and a gas mixing chamber; the pneumatic sealing mechanism is arranged in the electroplating tank, the gas mixing chamber is connected to the pneumatic sealing mechanism, and the liquid isolation in the pneumatic sealing mechanism is achieved through gas sealing; Driven by the synchronous motion mechanism, the battery sheet is transported to the electroplating tank for electroplating.

2. A horizontal electroplating line capable of double-sided electroplating as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The clamping mechanism is connected to the electroplating tank through bolts and springs, and the clamping mechanism adjusts the clamping force of the battery cell through the bolts.

3. A horizontal electroplating line capable of double-sided electroplating as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The battery cell support mechanism is provided with a card slot, and the electroplating tank is provided with slits on both sides. The card slot and the slit constitute a battery cell channel for the operation of the battery cell. The width of the battery cell channel is 0.2mm to 0.5mm, and the movement direction of the battery cell is limited by the battery cell channel.

4. A horizontal electroplating line capable of double-sided electroplating as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid mixing device includes a plating liquid regulating valve and a plating liquid mixing chamber. The plating liquid regulating valve is connected to a liquid inlet pipe arranged at the lower part of the plating tank through a hose. The plating liquid mixing chamber is connected to a liquid pump through a hose. The liquid pump is connected to an overflow port arranged on the liquid collecting tank, so as to realize the circulation of the plating liquid. The flow rate of the plating liquid is adjusted by the plating liquid regulating valve.

5. A horizontal electroplating line capable of double-sided electroplating as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The gas mixing chamber is provided on both the front and rear sides of the liquid collecting tank; the gas mixing chamber is connected to a plurality of gas regulating valves, and the gas mixing chamber is connected to the air inlets on the front and rear sides of each of the pneumatic sealing mechanisms through each of the gas regulating valves, and a gap is provided in the middle of each of the pneumatic sealing mechanisms; the gas in the gas mixing chamber is transported to the pneumatic sealing mechanism through an air pump, and the gas is ejected from the gap to achieve pneumatic isolation and prevent the electroplating solution from flowing into the cathode.

6. A horizontal electroplating line capable of double-sided electroplating as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: Conductive brushes are provided on both sides of the pneumatic sealing mechanism. The conductive brushes are connected to the negative electrode of the power supply and are in contact with the grid lines on the front and back surfaces of the battery cell to achieve electrical contact with the grid lines of the battery cell.

7. A horizontal electroplating line capable of double-sided electroplating as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The body of the liquid inlet pipe on the electroplating tank is evenly distributed with a number of small holes, and the electroplating liquid flows evenly into the electroplating tank through each of the small holes; the electroplating liquid in the liquid collecting tank enters the liquid pump through the overflow port to realize the circulation of the electroplating liquid; and a liquid outlet is also provided at the bottom of the liquid collecting tank.

8. A horizontal electroplating line capable of double-sided electroplating as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The synchronous motion mechanism includes an upper motion mechanism and a lower motion mechanism; each motion mechanism includes a stepper motor, a pulley, a belt, a first rotating shaft, a second rotating shaft, a washer and a bearing, the first rotating shaft is fixedly connected to the second rotating shaft, and the washer is installed between the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft; the upper motion mechanism is installed in the clamping mechanism, and the lower motion mechanism is installed in the electroplating tank; the rotation speed of the stepper motor is 1 to 20 min / r.

9. A horizontal electroplating line capable of double-sided electroplating as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that: The battery cell is guided and fixed between the upper movement mechanism and the lower movement mechanism; a groove is provided at the connection between the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft, the gasket is embedded in the groove, and the battery cell is fixed by the grooves of the upper movement mechanism and the lower movement mechanism.

10. A horizontal electroplating line capable of double-sided electroplating as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: When the pneumatic isolation system is airtight, the gas pressure is 0-100 psi and the gas flow rate is 0-0.1 m 3 / min; during electroplating, the current density range is 3~30ASD.

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