Photovoltaic module, its laminating apparatus and laminating method

Abstract

The application relates to the photovoltaic technical field and provides a photovoltaic module, a film coating equipment and a film coating method, wherein the photovoltaic module comprises at least one set of adjacent first cell pieces and second cell pieces; a first solder strip extending along a set direction, the first solder strip is located on the surfaces of the first cell pieces and the second cell pieces and the intervals between the first cell pieces and the second cell pieces and is used for connecting the first cell pieces and the second cell pieces; a first film covers the surfaces of the first cell pieces and part of the first solder strip, and the edge of the first film exceeds the edge of the first cell piece at least on one side close to the second cell piece; and a second film covers the surfaces of the second cell pieces and part of the first solder strip, and the edge of the second film exceeds the edge of the second cell piece at least on one side close to the first cell piece. In the application, the edge of each film exceeds the edge of the cell piece, the intervals between the cell pieces are also covered by the films, the displacement or deformation of the solder strip is prevented, and the reliability of the photovoltaic module is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of photovoltaic technology, and more specifically, to a photovoltaic module, its coating equipment, and coating method. Background Technology

[0002] A photovoltaic (PV) module is a device that connects and encapsulates photovoltaic cells into a photovoltaic array to achieve the output of electrical energy from a photovoltaic system. Specifically, the manufacturing process of a PV module typically includes the following steps: first, connecting the solder ribbon to the main grid on the cells to connect multiple cells to form a module; then, stacking encapsulant films, cover plates, etc., on the module to form a laminate; and finally, placing the laminate under high temperature and high pressure conditions for a lamination process to form the PV module.

[0003] Currently, the common way to connect the solder strip to the main grid lines on the solar cell is by welding. However, welding is prone to problems such as incomplete soldering or broken grids, which can obstruct or even break the current transmission path between solar cells, thereby affecting the conductivity of the photovoltaic module and causing insufficient reliability of the photovoltaic module. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main objective of this application is to provide a photovoltaic module, its coating equipment and coating method to solve the problem of insufficient reliability of photovoltaic modules in the prior art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, according to a first aspect of this application, a photovoltaic module is provided, the photovoltaic module comprising: a plurality of solar cells arranged at intervals along a predetermined direction, the predetermined direction being perpendicular to the thickness direction of the solar cells; the plurality of solar cells including at least one pair of adjacent first solar cells and second solar cells; a first solder ribbon extending along the predetermined direction, the first solder ribbon being located on the surfaces of the first solar cells and the second solar cells and on the interval between the first solar cells and the second solar cells, the first solder ribbon being used to connect the first solar cells and the second solar cells; a first film covering the surface of the first solar cells and a portion of the first solder ribbon, and the edge of the first film extending beyond the edge of the first solar cell at least on the side closest to the second solar cell; and a second film covering the surface of the second solar cells and a portion of the first solder ribbon, and the edge of the second film extending beyond the edge of the second solar cell at least on the side closest to the first solar cell.

[0006] Optionally, the edges of the first film and the second film are connected, or portions of the first film and the second film overlap to form an overlapping portion.

[0007] Optionally, the photovoltaic module further includes a second solder strip extending along the predetermined direction, the interval between two adjacent second solder strips exposing the interval between the first solar cell and the second solar cell; the overlapping portion covers the end of the second solder strip located on the surface of the first solar cell, and / or the overlapping portion covers the end of the second solder strip located on the surface of the second solar cell.

[0008] Optionally, a portion of the overlapping portion is located in the interval between the first battery cell and the second battery cell.

[0009] Optionally, the width of the overlapping portion in the set direction is 0.5mm to 3mm.

[0010] Optionally, the distance between the edge of the first film near the second battery cell and the edge of the first battery cell near the second battery cell in the set direction is less than or equal to 5 mm.

[0011] Optionally, the distance between the edge of the second film near the first battery cell and the edge of the second battery cell near the first battery cell in the set direction is less than or equal to 5 mm.

[0012] According to a second aspect of this application, a coating apparatus is provided for preparing any of the photovoltaic modules described in the first aspect. The coating apparatus includes: a support platform for placing the plurality of solar cells; a plurality of coating assemblies arranged along a predetermined direction, each coating assembly including a coating body and two coating branches, the two coating branches being located on opposite sides of the coating body; a plurality of driving devices, each driving device connected to one of the coating branches, the driving devices being used to move the coating branch closer to or away from the coating body; and a clamping device located between adjacent coating assemblies for laying solder strips, the direction of movement of the clamping device being different from the direction of movement of the coating branches.

[0013] According to a third aspect of this application, a method for coating a photovoltaic module is provided. The method is implemented using the coating equipment described in the second aspect. The method includes: arranging a plurality of solar cells at intervals along a predetermined direction on a support platform; controlling the movement of a clamping device to lay solder ribbons on the plurality of solar cells; controlling a coating assembly to pick up a film; controlling a coating body to place the film to cover the solar cells and the solder ribbons located on the surface of the solar cells; and controlling a coating branch to place the film to cover the intervals between the solar cells.

[0014] Optionally, controlling the placement of the film by the coating branch includes: controlling the coating branch on one side of the coating body away from the coating body and placing the film thereon; and controlling the coating branch on the other side of the coating body away from the coating body and placing the film thereon.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows:

[0016] A photovoltaic module includes: multiple solar cells arranged at intervals along a predetermined direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the solar cells; the multiple solar cells include at least one pair of adjacent first and second solar cells; a first solder ribbon extending along the predetermined direction, located on the surfaces of the first and second solar cells and on the intervals between the first and second solar cells, the first solder ribbon being used to connect the first and second solar cells; a first thin film covering the surface of the first solar cells and a portion of the first solder ribbon, with the edge of the first thin film extending beyond the edge of the first solar cell at least on the side closest to the second solar cell; and a second thin film covering the surface of the second solar cells and a portion of the first solder ribbon, with the edge of the second thin film extending beyond the edge of the second solar cell at least on the side closest to the first solar cell. In this application, the design of the first and second thin films ensures that each film can at least completely cover the solder ribbon on the surface of its corresponding solar cell and at least partially cover the solder ribbon on the intervals between adjacent solar cells. The thin films can fix the solder ribbon to the surface of the solar cells, preventing displacement or deformation of the solder ribbon, which is beneficial for improving the reliability of the photovoltaic module. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of this application. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this application are used to explain this application and do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a photovoltaic module according to an embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a photovoltaic module according to an embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of another photovoltaic module provided according to an embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of another photovoltaic module provided according to an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of another photovoltaic module provided according to an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 6 Provided according to the embodiments of this application Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along the AA' direction;

[0024] Figure 7 Provided according to the embodiments of this application Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure in the BB' direction;

[0025] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a coating device provided according to an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the coated branch in a first state according to an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the coated branch in a second state according to an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of a method for coating a photovoltaic module according to an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of two adjacent coating components in the coating device provided according to an embodiment of this application.

[0030] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0031] 10. Battery cell; 20. Welding ribbon; D1. First direction; 11. First battery cell; 12. Second battery cell; 21. First welding ribbon; 22. Second welding ribbon; 30. Thin film; 31. First thin film; 32. Second thin film; 40. Overlapping portion; 51. Support platform; 52. Coating assembly; F1. First coating assembly; F2. Second coating assembly; 521. Coating body; F11. First coating body; F21. Second coating body; 522. Coating branch; F12. First coating branch; F22. Second coating branch; 53. Drive device; 54. Clamping device; D2. Second direction; D3. Third direction. Detailed Implementation

[0032] It should be noted that the following detailed descriptions are illustrative and intended to provide further explanation of this application. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains.

[0033] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0034] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this invention are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate for the embodiments of the invention described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0035] It should be understood that when an element (such as a layer, film, region, or substrate) is described as being "on" another element, the element may be directly on the other element, or there may be an intermediate element present. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, when an element is described as being "connected" to another element, the element may be "directly connected" to the other element, or "connected" to the other element via a third element.

[0036] As described in the background section, the existing coating methods for photovoltaic modules have insufficient reliability. To address this issue, embodiments of this application provide a photovoltaic module, as well as coating equipment and coating method for preparing the photovoltaic module.

[0037] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a photovoltaic module according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 As shown, the photovoltaic module includes multiple solar cells 10, which can be arranged at intervals along a first direction D1. Each pair of adjacent solar cells 10 can be connected by a solder strip 20 to form a module connected in series, thereby forming a circuit capable of generating sufficient voltage and current.

[0039] In practical applications, the solar cell 10 is a gridless solar cell, which can be, but is not limited to, a tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) cell or a back contact (BC) cell. Multiple solar cells 10 in a photovoltaic module can also be arranged along one or more predetermined directions, which are perpendicular to the thickness direction of the solar cell 10. Adjacent solar cells 10 can be connected by solder ribbons 20 to form circuits including, but not limited to, series, parallel, or a hybrid series-parallel connection. It is understood that the type, arrangement, and connection method of the solar cells 10 in the photovoltaic module can be selected according to actual needs, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0040] Figure 2 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a photovoltaic module according to an embodiment of this application.

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, a group of adjacent solar cells 10 includes a first solar cell 11 and a second solar cell 12. Multiple solar cells in a photovoltaic module include at least one group of such... Figure 2 The first battery cell 11 and the second battery cell 12 shown can optionally be, as... Figure 1 In any two adjacent cells 10 of the photovoltaic module shown, one is designated as the first cell 11 and the other as the second cell 12.

[0042] The first battery cell 11 and the second battery cell 12 are connected by a first solder strip 21, which extends along a set direction (e.g., the first direction D1) and is located on the surfaces of the first battery cell 11 and the second battery cell 12 and on the interval between the first battery cell 11 and the second battery cell 12.

[0043] The battery cell and the solder ribbon 20 are covered with a thin film to protect them. This film can be an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) film, a polyolefin elastomer film, a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) film, a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film, a silicone film, or other polymer films, and is not limited thereto. Specifically, the first film 31 covers the surface of the first battery cell 11 and a portion of the first solder ribbon 21, and the edge of the first film 31 extends beyond the edge of the first battery cell 11 at least on the side closest to the second battery cell 12. The second film 32 covers the surface of the second battery cell 12 and a portion of the first solder ribbon 21, and the edge of the second film 32 extends beyond the edge of the second battery cell 12 at least on the side closest to the first battery cell 11.

[0044] In this embodiment, the design of the first film 31 and the second film 32 ensures that the edge of each film extends beyond the edge of the solar cell it covers. This overhanging design ensures that each film at least completely covers the solder ribbon on the surface of its corresponding solar cell, and at least partially covers the solder ribbon in the gap between adjacent solar cells. After covering the film, it can be heated to increase its adhesion, thereby fixing the solder ribbon to the surface of the solar cell and preventing displacement or deformation of the solder ribbon, which is beneficial to improving the reliability of the photovoltaic module. In addition, the film also protects the solar cell and solder ribbon it covers, effectively preventing corrosion from environmental factors such as moisture and oxygen, thereby further improving the reliability of the photovoltaic module and extending its service life.

[0045] It is worth mentioning that the melting point of the film is lower than that of the solder ribbon. Therefore, the temperature required to melt the film is lower. Heating will only melt the film without affecting the shape or position of the solder ribbon. Thus, in the process of heating the film to bond the solder ribbon, the solder ribbon can remain fixed in the pre-placed position.

[0046] Furthermore, the design of coating each cell individually allows for localized adjustments to the module during production, such as replacing specific cells or solder strips, without repackaging the entire module. This reduces material waste and process complexity, lowers production and maintenance costs, and improves production and maintenance efficiency.

[0047] Specifically, the aforementioned repairs may be performed during the photovoltaic module manufacturing process. By testing the battery module formed by connecting multiple cells with solder ribbons, if a defective cell or solder ribbon is found, the film covering the defective cell or solder ribbon can be removed. Removing the film will remove all the solder ribbons from the cell surface, requiring the solder ribbons to be re-laid on the cell surface before re-coating. After all cells have been coated and tested to ensure normal electrical connections, the film heating process is performed. This avoids bonding the film to the cell surface when defects exist, thus reducing unnecessary steps and lowering the difficulty of repair.

[0048] After heating the thin film, the solder ribbon can be adhered to the surface of the solar cell, allowing the solder ribbon to overlap with the grid lines on the cell surface. During the subsequent high-temperature and high-pressure lamination process, the solder ribbon melts, thus welding itself to the overlapped grid lines. This embodiment of the application first covers the film to fix the position of the solder ribbon, and then utilizes the high-temperature environment of the film during the lamination process to weld the solder ribbon to the solar cell. This eliminates the need to first weld the solder ribbon to the solar cell; instead, the welding process is integrated into the lamination process and completed in one step, which helps reduce process complexity and improve production efficiency.

[0049] Figure 3This is a partial structural schematic diagram of another photovoltaic module provided according to an embodiment of this application.

[0050] like Figure 3 As shown, the adjacent edges of the first thin film 31 and the second thin film 32 can be connected, meaning the distance between the adjacent edges of the first thin film 31 and the second thin film 32 is 0. This allows the first thin film 31 and the second thin film 32 to completely cover the first solder ribbon 21 located in the gap between the first solar cell 11 and the second solar cell 12. The solder ribbons located in the gaps between adjacent solar cells are also fully covered, further pressing the solder ribbons towards the solar cells, thus ensuring a tight bond between the solder ribbons and the solar cells and preventing subsequent welding defects. Furthermore, this provides more comprehensive protection at the gaps between adjacent solar cells, preventing corrosion from environmental factors such as moisture and oxygen, which helps improve the overall reliability and lifespan of the module. The directly connected film edges can also more evenly distribute the stress generated inside the module due to temperature changes, reducing internal damage caused by stress concentration and further improving the reliability of the photovoltaic module. In addition, the connected edges of adjacent films make it easier to operate during the repair of a single solar cell without affecting the surrounding film structure, reducing the difficulty of repair and potential damage to other components in the module, and improving the efficiency and success rate of module repair. By precisely controlling the connection of the film edges, the amount of film material used can be reduced, the encapsulation cost can be lowered, the encapsulation effect can be guaranteed, obvious splicing marks can be avoided, and the appearance quality of photovoltaic modules can be improved.

[0051] Figure 4 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of another photovoltaic module provided according to an embodiment of this application.

[0052] like Figure 4 As shown, a portion of the first thin film 31 and the second thin film 32 can overlap to form an overlapping portion 40. The overlapping portion 40 can increase the contact area and adhesion strength between the first thin film 31 and the second thin film 32, thereby effectively blocking the intrusion of environmental factors such as moisture and oxygen, improving the sealing performance of the module, reducing the risk of corrosion and failure inside the module, and the overlapping portion 40 is formed by two layers of thin film overlapping each other, which is thicker than a single layer of thin film, and can provide better protection and enhance the module's ability to resist impact and wear. The overlapping portion 40 covers the portion of the first solder ribbon 21 located at the cell spacing, which can prevent the first solder ribbon 21 in this part from shifting or lifting. Therefore, the existence of the overlapping portion 40 is beneficial to improving the reliability of photovoltaic modules.

[0053] Figure 5 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of another photovoltaic module provided according to an embodiment of this application.

[0054] like Figure 5As shown, the photovoltaic module also includes a second solder ribbon 22, which extends along a set direction (first direction D1). The interval between two adjacent second solder ribbons 22 exposes the interval between the first cell 11 and the second cell 12. The overlapping portion 40 can cover the end of the second solder ribbon 22 located on the surface of the first cell 11, or the overlapping portion 40 can cover the end of the second solder ribbon 22 located on the surface of the second cell 12, or the overlapping portion 40 can simultaneously cover the end of the second solder ribbon 22 located on the surface of the first cell 11 and the end of the second solder ribbon 22 located on the surface of the second cell 12.

[0055] If the overlapping portion 40 covers the end of the second solder strip 22, the film covering the end of the second solder strip 22 can have a greater thickness to press the end of the second solder strip 22 toward the cell, thereby improving the connection strength between the end of the second solder strip 22 and the cell, ensuring long-term stable electrical connection between the two, reducing the risk of open circuit or poor contact, and improving the reliability of the component.

[0056] Figure 6 Provided according to the embodiments of this application Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along the AA' direction; Figure 7 Provided according to the embodiments of this application Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure in the BB' direction.

[0057] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the overlapping portion 40 can be located in the gap between the first solar cell 11 and the second solar cell 12. Specifically, the overlapping portion 40 can be melted into the gap between adjacent solar cells at high temperature during the subsequent manufacturing process of the photovoltaic module, such as during the lamination process. At the same time, the first solder ribbon 21 can be pressed into the gap between the first solar cell 11 and the second solar cell 12. Then, the portion of the first solder ribbon 21 on the surface of the first solar cell 11 and the second solar cell 12 can be more closely attached to the surface of the solar cell. Furthermore, the overlapping portion 40 can extend to the side of the solar cell, thereby effectively sealing the solar cell and the solder ribbon around it, forming a continuous protective layer, significantly increasing the protection range, forming a more sealed environment, providing all-round protection for the solar cell, and helping to further improve the reliability of the photovoltaic module.

[0058] The width of the overlapping portion 40 is designed based on the spacing of the cells in a conventional photovoltaic module. For example, the spacing between two adjacent cells in a photovoltaic module is typically 0.6mm to 0.8mm. In some embodiments of this application, the width of the overlapping portion 40 in the set direction (first direction D1) is 1.8mm to 2mm. Setting the width of the overlapping portion 40 within the above range can meet the requirements for the adhesion of the film. Furthermore, any value in the range of the width of the overlapping portion 40 is greater than any value in the range of the spacing between adjacent cells. Setting the width of the overlapping portion 40 within the above range can ensure that the spacing between the cells can be fully covered by the overlapping portion 40, thereby improving the reliability of the encapsulation.

[0059] Optionally, the width of the overlapping portion 40 in the set direction (first direction D1) can be 0.5mm to 3mm. This is to take into account that the spacing between adjacent solar cells may be different in different products. Selecting the value of the overlapping portion 40 within the above range can prevent the film from extending too far beyond the edge of the cell it covers and onto the adjacent cell, while ensuring that the overlapping portion 40 covers the spacing of the cell. For example, the first film 31 may extend too far onto the second cell 12, or the second film 32 may extend too far onto the first cell 11. This avoids the phenomenon of excessively thick local film layers and improves the uniformity of the photovoltaic module surface.

[0060] It is understood that the spacing between adjacent solar cells, the width of the film extending beyond the edge of the solar cell it covers, and the width of the overlap formed by the overlapping of the films can all be designed according to product requirements, and this application embodiment does not limit them.

[0061] In some embodiments of this application, the distance between the edge of the first film 31 near the second battery cell 12 and the edge of the first battery cell 11 near the second battery cell 12 in a set direction (first direction D1) is less than or equal to 5 mm. That is, the width of the first film 31 extending beyond the first battery cell 11 is less than or equal to 5 mm. By setting the width of the first film 31 extending beyond the first battery cell 11 within the above range, the amount of the first film 31 can be controlled while ensuring that the first film 31 can completely cover the gap between the first battery cell 11 and the second battery cell 12, and that at least a portion of the first film 31 can enter the gap between the first battery cell 11 and the second battery cell 12 in subsequent processes. This avoids material waste and controls production costs.

[0062] Similarly, in some embodiments of this application, the distance between the edge of the second film 32 near the first battery cell 11 and the edge of the second battery cell 12 near the first battery cell 11 in a set direction (first direction D1) is less than or equal to 5 mm. That is, the width of the second film 32 extending beyond the second battery cell 12 is less than or equal to 5 mm. By setting the width of the second film 32 extending beyond the second battery cell 12 within the above range, it can be ensured that the second film 32 can completely cover the gap between the first battery cell 11 and the second battery cell 12, and that at least a portion of the second film 32 can be inserted into the gap between the first battery cell 11 and the second battery cell 12 in subsequent processes. This allows for control of the amount of the second film 32 used, thereby avoiding material waste and controlling production costs.

[0063] Based on the same concept, an embodiment of this application also provides a coating device that can be used to prepare the above-mentioned photovoltaic modules. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a coating device provided according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 8 As shown, the laminating equipment may include a support platform 51, a laminating assembly 52, a drive device 53, and a clamping device 54. The specific configuration of the laminating equipment is as follows:

[0064] The support platform 51 is used to place multiple solar cells. It can be designed as a flat surface to facilitate the laying and positioning of the solar cells. Its surface can be smooth to reduce friction and avoid damaging the solar cells. The surface of the support platform 51 can have a limiting structure to facilitate the arrangement of multiple solar cells in a set direction (e.g., the first direction D1) and to control the spacing between each pair of adjacent solar cells to a set value, thereby achieving process standardization.

[0065] Multiple coating components 52 are arranged along a predetermined direction, which may be the same as the arrangement direction of the multiple solar cells, such as a first direction D1, to align the solar cells for the coating process. For example, as shown... Figure 8 As shown, in order to achieve segmented film coating, the film coating component 52 can be set one-to-one with the battery cell. In order to improve the accuracy of the film covering position, the film coating component 52 can be set directly above the corresponding battery cell. During the film coating process, the film coating component 52 can be controlled to move along the second direction D2 to get closer to the battery cell so that the film can contact the corresponding battery cell.

[0066] Each coating assembly 52 includes a coating body 521 and two coating branches 522, which are located on opposite sides of the coating body 521. It can be understood that the opposite sides of the coating body 521 are the two sides of the coating assembly 52 in the aforementioned defined direction (e.g., the first direction D1). The coating assembly 52 can use an adsorption method to pick up the film. Specifically, the coating body 521 is used to adsorb the portion of the film to be covered on the surface of the battery cell, and the coating branches 522 are used to adsorb the portion of the film to be placed in areas extending beyond the battery cell, including the portion to be covered at the gaps between battery cells and the portion to be covered on the surface of adjacent battery cells.

[0067] The drive unit 53 can be a small cylinder or motor, so that it can be positioned between adjacent coating bodies 521 and avoid affecting other components of the coating equipment. In the multiple drive units 53 of the coating equipment, each drive unit 53 is connected to a coating branch 522. The drive unit 53 is used to move the coating branch 522 closer to or further away from the coating body 521, so that the coating branch 522 is in a first state or a second state. Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the coating branch 522 in a first state according to an embodiment of this application. The first state is when the coating branch 522 is away from the coating body 521. Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the coating branch 522 in a second state according to an embodiment of this application. The second state is when the coating branch 522 is close to the coating body 521.

[0068] Specifically, the movement of the coating branch 522 may include, but is not limited to, the following: Before film removal, the driving device 53 controls the coating branch 522 to move away from the coating body 521 so that the coating branch 522 is in a first state, so that the film 30 can be adsorbed onto the surface of the coating branch 522 with adsorption function during film removal; Before covering the surface of the battery cell with the film 30 through the coating body 521, the driving device 53 controls the coating branch 522 to move closer to the coating body 521 so that the coating branch 522 is in a second state, so as to avoid interfering with the coating body 521 covering the surface of the battery cell with the film 30; When the film 30 is placed in an area beyond the corresponding battery cell through the coating branch 522, the driving device 53 controls the coating branch 522 to move away from the coating body 521 so that the coating branch 522 is in a first state, and then the film 30 adsorbed on the coating branch 522 is released.

[0069] The clamping device 54 is located between adjacent coating assemblies 52 and can be used to lay the welding ribbon 20. The direction of movement of the clamping device 54 is different from the direction of movement of the coating branch 522. For example, the clamping device 54 can move along... Figure 8The third direction D3 is shown to move into the gap between adjacent coating components 52. It is understood that since the clamping device 54 and the coating branch 522 are both located between adjacent coating bodies 521 during operation, when the clamping device 54 moves to lay the welding strip 20, the coating branch 522 can be in a second state, thereby providing space for the movement of the clamping device 54 and avoiding interference between the movement of the clamping device 54 and the coating branch 522.

[0070] Based on the same concept, an embodiment of this application also provides a method for coating a photovoltaic module, which can be implemented using the coating equipment described above. Figure 11 This is a flowchart of a photovoltaic module coating method according to an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 11 As shown, the coating method for photovoltaic modules includes the following steps:

[0071] Step S1: Arrange multiple battery cells at intervals along a predetermined direction on the support platform 51. For example, the predetermined direction is the first direction D1, and the position of the battery cells on the support platform 51 can be limited by the limiting structure on the support platform 51.

[0072] Step S2: Control the movement of the clamping device 54 to lay the solder ribbon 20 on multiple battery cells. For example, after clamping the solder ribbon 20, the clamping device 54 moves along the third direction D3 to the interval of the coating assembly 52. ​​At this time, the coating branches 522 in the coating assembly 52 are all in the second state, reserving space for the movement of the clamping device 54. Then, the clamping device 54 places the solder ribbon 20 onto the battery cell and moves out of the interval of the coating assembly 52 along the third direction D3. To accommodate solder ribbons 20 of different widths and lengths, the opening degree and height of the clamping device 54 can be adjusted to ensure stable clamping and placement of the solder ribbon 20.

[0073] Step S3: Control the coating assembly 52 to pick up the film. For example, step S3 may specifically include controlling the coating assembly 52 to move along a third direction D3 or another direction perpendicular to the second direction D2 to a set position (i.e., the position where the film is placed), and coordinating with the movement in the second direction D2 to pick up the film. The coating assembly 52 may use adsorption to fix the film to its surface. When adsorbing the film, the driving device 53 may be used to control the coating branch 522 to be in a first state.

[0074] Step S4: Control the coating body 521 to place the film to cover the battery cell and the solder ribbon 20 on the surface of the battery cell. Specifically, the following steps may be included between steps S3 and S4: Step S314: Use the driving device 53 to control the coating branch 522 to approach the coating body 521 in the same coating assembly 52 and put it in a second state; Step S324: Move the coating assembly 52 in the opposite direction of the film-taking movement direction to directly above the battery cell. Step S4 may specifically include: controlling the coating assembly 52 to move in the second direction D2 so that the portion of the film adsorbed on the coating body 521 contacts the battery cell, so that the coating body 521 can place this portion of the film on the battery cell. In this step S4, the coating branch 522 remains in the second state.

[0075] Step S5: Control the coating branch 522 to place the film to cover the gaps between the solar cells. For ease of understanding, Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of two adjacent coating components in the coating device provided according to an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 12 The two coating components shown can be as follows: Figure 8 For ease of description, any two adjacent coating components 52 in the coating equipment shown will be referred to below. Figure 12 The two coating components are referred to as the first coating component F1 and the second coating component F2. The first coating component F1 includes a first coating body F11 and coating branches located on opposite sides of the first coating body F11. In this embodiment, the coating branch located on the side of the first coating body F11 closer to the second coating component F2 is referred to as the first coating branch F12. The second coating component F2 includes a second coating body F21 and coating branches located on opposite sides of the second coating body F21. In this embodiment, the coating branch located on the side of the second coating body F21 closer to the first coating component F1 is referred to as the second coating branch F22. The first coating branch F12 and the second coating branch F22 are adjacent to each other.

[0076] In some embodiments of this application, each coating branch 522 in each coating assembly 52 can be controlled to simultaneously move away from the coating body 521 to place the film, so as to Figure 12 For example, the coating branches on both sides of the first coating body F11 are controlled to move away from the first coating body F11 simultaneously, and the coating branches on both sides of the second coating body F21 are controlled to move away from the second coating body F21 simultaneously, before the film is placed. The above method is applicable to forming materials such as... Figure 2 or Figure 3 As shown, there is no interference between adjacent coated components 52.

[0077] In some other embodiments of this application, step S5 may include: step S51, controlling the coating branch on one side of the coating body away from the coating body and placing the film; step S52, controlling the coating branch on the other side of the coating body away from the coating body and placing the film. Figure 12 For example, firstly, the first coating branch F12 is controlled to move away from the first coating body F11 and a film is placed there. Then, the first coating branch F12 is controlled to move closer to the first coating body F11. Subsequently, the second coating branch F22 is controlled to move away from the second coating body F21 and a film is placed there. It should be understood that the movement state of the other coating branch in the first coating assembly F1 opposite to the first coating branch F12 is consistent with the movement state of the second coating branch F22. Similarly, the movement state of the other coating branch in the second coating assembly F2 opposite to the second coating branch F22 is consistent with the movement state of the first coating branch F12. This method is suitable for forming materials such as... Figure 4 or Figure 5 The component shown avoids interference between adjacent coated branches and improves production yield by controlling the placement of films on two adjacent coated branches sequentially.

[0078] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A photovoltaic module, characterized in that, The photovoltaic module includes: Multiple battery cells are arranged at intervals along a predetermined direction, which is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the battery cells; the multiple battery cells include at least one pair of adjacent first and second battery cells. A first solder strip extends along the predetermined direction and is located on the surfaces of the first and second battery cells and in the space between the first and second battery cells. The first solder strip is used to connect the first and second battery cells. A first film covers the surface of the first battery cell and a portion of the first solder strip, and the edge of the first film extends beyond the edge of the first battery cell at least on the side closest to the second battery cell. The second film covers the surface of the second battery cell and a portion of the first solder strip, and the edge of the second film extends beyond the edge of the second battery cell at least on the side closest to the first battery cell. Partial areas of the first film and the second film overlap each other to form an overlapping portion. The photovoltaic module further includes a second solder strip extending along the predetermined direction, the interval between two adjacent second solder strips exposing the interval between the first cell and the second cell, the overlapping portion covering the end of the second solder strip located on the surface of the first cell, and the overlapping portion covering the end of the second solder strip located on the surface of the second cell, such that the thickness of the film covering the end of the second solder strip is greater than the thickness of the film covering other parts of the second solder strip.

2. The photovoltaic module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The overlapping portion is located in the gap between the first battery cell and the second battery cell.

3. The photovoltaic module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width of the overlapping portion in the set direction is 0.5mm to 3mm.

4. The photovoltaic module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distance between the edge of the first film near the second battery cell and the edge of the first battery cell near the second battery cell in the set direction is less than or equal to 5 mm.

5. The photovoltaic module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distance between the edge of the second film near the first battery cell and the edge of the second battery cell near the first battery cell in the set direction is less than or equal to 5 mm.

6. A coating device, characterized in that, The coating equipment is used to prepare the photovoltaic module as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, and the coating equipment comprises: A support platform for placing the plurality of battery cells; Multiple coating components are arranged along a predetermined direction. Each coating component includes a coating body and two coating branches, with the two coating branches located on opposite sides of the coating body. A clamping device, located between adjacent coating components, is used to lay the welding ribbon, and the direction of movement of the clamping device is different from the direction of movement of the coating branch; Multiple driving devices are provided, each driving device being connected to one of the coating branches. The driving devices are used to control the coating branch to move closer to the coating body when the clamping device lays the welding strip, and to control the coating branch to move away from the coating body when the clamping device lays the welding strip and performs coating.

7. A method for coating photovoltaic modules, characterized in that, The coating method for the photovoltaic module is implemented using the coating equipment as described in claim 6, and the coating method for the photovoltaic module includes: The plurality of battery cells are arranged at intervals along the predetermined direction on the support platform; Control the movement of the clamping device to lay solder strips on the plurality of battery cells; Control the coating assembly to pick up the film; The coating body is controlled to place the film so as to cover the battery cell and the solder strip located on the surface of the battery cell; The film is positioned by controlling the coating branch to cover the gaps of the battery cell to form the overlap, and the overlap covers the ends of the solder strips on the battery cell.

8. The coating method for photovoltaic modules according to claim 7, characterized in that, The control of placing the film on the coated branch includes: Control the coating branch on one side of the coating body away from the coating body and place the film; Control the coating branch on the other side of the coating body away from the coating body and place the film.

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