Automatic sorting equipment and sorting method for photovoltaic cells

Abstract

The invention relates to automatic sorting equipment and a sorting method for photovoltaic cells, and relates to the technical field of automatic sorting. Comprising core structures such as four sections of conveyor belts which operate independently, a sorting manipulator, a PLC control module, a visual detection module, a laser line scanning system, a CCD detection system and an emergency automation module. Through cooperation of all the modules, all-directional detection and accurate sorting of photovoltaic cells are achieved, particularly, various defects such as hidden cracks, edge breakage and unfilled corners can be effectively recognized, the sorting time is accurately controlled through a time reference value, and meanwhile the emergency processing function under abnormal conditions is achieved. The technical effects that the sorting efficiency and accuracy are improved, the manual intervention requirement is reduced, and the stability and reliability of the production process are ensured are achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of automatic sorting technology, and in particular to an automatic sorting device and a sorting method for photovoltaic cells. Background Art

[0002] As a crucial component of the new energy sector, photovoltaic cells' production efficiency and quality control directly impact the development of the entire industry chain. While modern industrial manufacturing has gradually achieved automation and scale, product tracking and sorting still present numerous challenges. In large-scale production, ensuring the quality of each cell and promptly identifying and addressing abnormal products are key issues in improving production efficiency and reducing losses.

[0003] On existing photovoltaic cell production lines, product quality control and sorting are typically addressed through manual visual inspection, barcode scanning, or simple visual testing. Manual visual inspection relies on operator experience and can easily lead to missed inspections or misjudgments due to fatigue. While barcode scanning can achieve a certain degree of automation, its recognition speed is slow and it cannot detect physical defects in the cells. Simple visual inspection systems often lack the ability to coordinate with other equipment on the production line, making it difficult to meet the requirements for efficient sorting. Additionally, some preliminary automation solutions incorporating PLC control exist, but these solutions primarily focus on the implementation of individual functional modules and lack comprehensive integration of the entire sorting process.

[0004] While these existing technologies have addressed some of these issues to a certain extent, they still have significant shortcomings. Traditional sorting methods cannot fully detect defects in battery cells, and their sorting efficiency is low, easily leading to product accumulation or omissions. Furthermore, due to the lack of an efficient ID tracking mechanism, when an anomaly occurs on the production line, it is difficult to quickly locate the source of the problem, leading to further production losses. Therefore, achieving an efficient, accurate, and reliable automatic battery cell sorting method and system has become a pressing technical issue. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the present application provides an automatic sorting device and a sorting method for photovoltaic cells.

[0006] A photovoltaic cell automatic sorting device comprises: four conveyor belts for transporting cells to be sorted; a sorting robot for sorting the cells; a PLC control module for generating cell ID codes and controlling the movements of the four conveyor belts and the sorting robot; a visual inspection module comprising an industrial camera and an image processing unit for capturing product images and identifying product information; a data interaction module for implementing data communication between the PLC control module and the visual inspection module; a laser line scan system comprising a first line scan camera and a second line scan camera for performing all-round inspection of the cells, the laser line scan system also comprising a back-transmitted line scan light source and a reflected line scan light source; a CCD inspection system and a CCD camera, the CCD inspection system sorting the cells imaged by the CCD camera; an emergency automation module, the emergency automation module comprising an emergency robot, the emergency robot being configured to be activated when the sorting robot malfunctions.

[0007] By adopting the above technical solutions, the four-section conveyor belt achieves stable transmission of battery cells, the sorting robot can efficiently complete the sorting action, and the PLC control module generates the battery cell ID code and coordinates the actions of various components, ensuring precise control of the sorting process. The industrial camera and image processing unit in the visual inspection module collect and identify product information, improving the accuracy of detection. The data interaction module realizes efficient communication between the PLC control module and the visual inspection module, ensuring the real-time transmission of information. The laser line scanning system combines back-transmitted line scanning light source and reflected line scanning light source to perform all-round inspection of battery cells, effectively identifying defects such as hidden cracks, broken edges, and missing corners. The CCD detection system further improves the accuracy of sorting. The emergency robot in the emergency automation module is activated when the sorting robot is abnormal, enhancing the reliability of the system. At the same time, the safety grating provides additional safety protection to prevent accidents.

[0008] Preferably, the four-section conveyor belt is divided into four sections, including section one, section two, section three and section four. Section one serves as the feeding section, on which a feeding detection sensor is provided. Each section is driven by a separate motor. The sections operate independently without interfering with each other. The speed of the motor of each section is adjusted separately through the PLC control module.

[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, the four conveyor belts are subdivided into four independently operating areas, each driven by a separate motor and with speed regulated by the PLC control module. This design enables precise control of the battery cell transmission process, especially the installation of a feed detection sensor in the feed section, which can monitor the inflow status of the battery cells in real time and provide feedback to the PLC control module. The independent operation and non-interference of each section ensures a smooth transition of battery cells between different inspection and processing links, effectively avoiding the blockage or misalignment problems that may be caused by traditional single-conveying methods. In addition, the adjustability of the speed of each conveyor belt section further enhances the flexibility of the equipment, and can be optimized and adjusted according to specific inspection requirements or production line speed, thereby significantly improving sorting efficiency and accuracy.

[0010] A method for automatically sorting photovoltaic cells based on an automatic photovoltaic cell sorting device comprises the following steps: S1 loading: four conveyor belts transport battery cells for loading. The feeding detection sensor obtains the feeding signal and transmits it to the PLC control module; S2 generates an ID code. The visual inspection module generates a cell ID code and sends it to the PLC control module and the CCD inspection system, so that the cell ID code in the PLC control module and the CCD inspection system corresponds one to one. S3 identifies defects, using a CCD inspection system in conjunction with a laser line scanning system to identify cell defects; S4 data feedback, feeding back defect information to the PLC control module through the data interaction module; S5 sorting, the PLC control module controls the sorting robot to sort the battery cells according to the defect information; S6 records information, and the PLC control module will also generate a record information file about the product corresponding to the ID code, and associate it with data such as production batch and timestamp to generate a product tracking report.

[0011] By implementing the above technical solution, efficient and accurate sorting of photovoltaic cells is achieved. The coordination of four conveyor belts and infeed detection sensors ensures smooth cell loading and signal transmission, improving automation and production efficiency. Cell ID codes are generated and mapped between the PLC control module and the CCD detection system, establishing a product tracking mechanism to facilitate subsequent quality traceability and management. The CCD detection system and laser line scanning system work together to comprehensively identify all types of cell defects, improving detection accuracy and coverage. The data exchange module feeds defect information back to the PLC control module, enabling real-time transmission and processing of detection results and ensuring the accuracy of sorting decisions. The PLC control module controls the sorting robot to perform sorting based on defect information, automating and intelligentizing the sorting process and reducing the need for manual intervention. Product tracking reports containing information such as ID codes, production batches, and timestamps are generated, improving the quality management system and facilitating problem location and production optimization.

[0012] Preferably, in the S1 loading step, the four conveyor belts are divided into four sections. The speed of section one needs to be consistent with the speed of the preceding wire mesh sintering furnace, so that the battery cells can flow smoothly to the conveyor line of section one of this machine; the speed of section two cooperates with the laser line scanning system and the CCD camera to accurately image the streamlined products; the speed of section three is to be higher than that of sections one and two, and section three needs to keep the current product away from the battery cell products coming out of the preceding wire mesh sintering furnace; the speed of section four is higher than that of sections one, two and three, and section four needs to sort the products into corresponding material boxes, and the speed of section four is adjusted according to the sorting robot.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, the speed of section one is consistent with the speed of the upstream screen sintering furnace, ensuring the smooth transmission of the battery cells to the conveyor line of this machine, avoiding accumulation or damage caused by speed mismatch. The speed of section two is combined with the laser line scanning system and CCD detection system to achieve precise imaging of streamlined products, improving the accuracy and efficiency of defect detection. The speed of section three is higher than that of sections one and two, effectively widening the distance between the current product and the upstream battery cells, preventing mutual interference between products, and improving the reliability of detection and sorting. The speed of section four is higher than that of other sections, and is adjusted according to the sorting robot to ensure that the products can be accurately sorted to the corresponding material box, optimize the sorting process and reduce the possibility of incorrect sorting.

[0014] Preferably, in step S2 of generating an ID code, after the industrial camera is triggered to take a picture, the PLC control module generates an ID code for the current product and gives a memory flag for the current product, and triggers a timer inside the PLC control module through the memory flag.

[0015] By adopting this technical solution, a unique identity for each cell is generated, and a timer is triggered by the memory mark, ensuring full tracking of the cell throughout the production process. This improves cell identification accuracy, avoiding sorting errors caused by confusing identification. Furthermore, the timer triggering provides a time reference for subsequent sorting processes, enhancing precise control of sorting timing.

[0016] Preferably, in the defect identification step S3, the CCD detection system is triggered to start detection, and the ID code generated corresponding to the product is sent to the CCD detection system.

[0017] By implementing this technical solution, the CCD inspection system is triggered during the defect identification step and the corresponding product ID code is sent to the CCD inspection system. This solution ensures that the inspection results of each battery cell accurately correspond to its unique ID code, thereby improving the traceability of the inspection process. By binding the ID codes, this solution enables subsequent sorting and information recording to accurately locate the inspection status of each battery cell, avoiding confusion and improving the accuracy and reliability of the entire sorting process.

[0018] Preferably, in the S3 defect identification step, the battery cell is subjected to back-transmitted lighting inspection by combining the first line scan camera and the back-transmitted line scan light source to detect hidden crack defects in the battery cell; the battery cell is subjected to reflective lighting inspection by combining the second line scan camera, the back-transmitted line scan light source and the reflective line scan light source to detect defects such as edge chipping, corner chipping, and perforation in the battery cell; in the S3 defect identification step, the timer keeps counting.

[0019] By combining the first line scan camera and the back-transmitted line scan light source for back-transmitted lighting inspection, and by combining the second line scan camera, the back-transmitted line scan light source and the reflected line scan light source for reflective lighting inspection, physical defects such as edge chipping, corner chipping, and perforation of the battery cells can be accurately detected. The timer is kept during the inspection process, providing an accurate time reference for subsequent sorting actions, ensuring efficient coordination of the entire sorting process.

[0020] Preferably, in the S5 sorting process, when the product reaches the sorting position of the stage 4 sorting robot, the timer is triggered to end timing, and the total time taken for the current product to be sorted from stage 1 to stage 4 by the sorting robot is calculated. This time is used as a reference value for the time to result, so that the sorting robot can accurately judge the sorting timing.

[0021] By implementing this technical solution, the sorting robot can accurately determine the sorting timing based on the total time it takes for products to move from Segment 1 to Segment 4, improving sorting accuracy and efficiency. This includes ensuring precise synchronization between sorting actions and product arrival, reducing sorting errors, and optimizing time management within the sorting process, thereby improving overall equipment efficiency.

[0022] Preferably, during the S5 sorting process, after the PLC control module reads the reference value of the result time, it judges OK or NG according to the detection result given by the CCD detection system. The sorting robot puts the current product into the corresponding attribute material box to complete one sorting, ensuring that the sorting robot completes the sorting action within the specified time according to the result given by the CCD detection system.

[0023] The above technical solution achieves precise sorting control based on a time reference value. By calculating the total time from cell feeding to sorting location as a reference value for the desired result, the sorting robot can accurately determine the sorting timing, improving sorting accuracy. The CCD inspection system determines cell conformity based on the test results and places the product into bins with corresponding attributes, effectively distinguishing between qualified and unqualified products and improving sorting efficiency. Sorting is completed within the specified time, avoiding product accumulation or sorting errors caused by time delays, and optimizing the entire sorting process.

[0024] Preferably, during the S5 sorting process, the result time reference value is used to control the sorting time of the sorting robot. If the execution time of the sorting robot is abnormal, the emergency robot in the emergency automation module is started; the emergency automation module also includes a safety grating, which emits an infrared beam to create a fence protection zone around the equipment. When a person or object passes through this protection zone, the safety grating can quickly detect it and send a signal to the machine control system.

[0025] By implementing this technical solution, precise time control of the sorting robot is achieved, ensuring that sorting operations are completed within the specified timeframe. This time reference value accurately determines sorting timing, improving sorting efficiency and accuracy. Furthermore, if the sorting robot performs abnormally, the emergency robot in the emergency automation module is activated promptly, effectively preventing production interruptions or product accumulation. Furthermore, the safety light curtain creates a fenced-off protection zone, providing real-time monitoring of the equipment's surroundings and enabling rapid detection and response to abnormalities, ensuring safe equipment operation and reducing the risk of accidents.

[0026] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: 1. By combining the visual inspection module, laser line scanning system and CCD inspection system, it can comprehensively detect various defects such as hidden cracks, broken edges, missing corners, and perforations in battery cells, solving the problem of incomplete inspection in existing technologies and significantly improving sorting accuracy; 2. The PLC control module generates the cell ID code and associates it with the data of each detection system, establishing an efficient product tracking mechanism. When an abnormality occurs on the production line, the source of the problem can be quickly located, effectively reducing production losses. 3. The segmented design of the four-section conveyor belt, combined with precise speed control, sorting robots and emergency automation modules, enables efficient sorting of battery cells, avoids product accumulation or omission, and significantly improves production efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 This is a simplified diagram of automatic sorting equipment for photovoltaic cells.

[0028] Explanation of the accompanying reference numerals: 10. Four-section conveyor belt; 101. Feed detection sensor; 11. Section one; 12. Section two; 13. Section three; 14. Section four; 2. Sorting robot; 21. Material box; 31. Industrial camera; 41. First line scan camera; 42. Second line scan camera; 5. Emergency robot; 6. CCD camera; 7. Fence protection zone. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The following will be combined with the Figure 1 The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention are clearly and completely described. The described embodiments are only possible technical implementations of the present invention and do not constitute a complete set of implementations. Those skilled in the art can combine the embodiments of the present invention to derive other embodiments without inventive work, and such embodiments are also within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] The inventors of this application have discovered that the existing photovoltaic cell sorting method has the problems of being unable to fully detect cell defects, low sorting efficiency, and lacking an efficient ID tracking mechanism. To this end, this application mainly adopts an equipment structure including a four-section conveyor belt 10, a sorting robot 2, a PLC control module, a visual inspection module, a data interaction module, a laser line scanning system, a CCD detection system, and an emergency automation module, which achieves the effect of efficient and accurate sorting and improves production efficiency. The following is a further detailed description of this application.

[0031] The photovoltaic cell automatic sorting equipment provided in the embodiment of the present application includes four conveyor belts 10, a sorting robot 2, a PLC control module, a visual inspection module, a data interaction module, a laser line scanning system, a CCD detection system, a CCD camera 6 and an emergency automation module. Among them, the four-section conveyor belt 10 is used to transmit the battery cells to be sorted, the sorting robot 2 is used to sort the battery cells, the PLC control module is used to generate the battery cell ID code and control the action of the four-section conveyor belt 10 and the sorting robot 2, the visual inspection module includes an industrial camera 31 and an image processing unit, which are used to collect product images and identify product information, the data interaction module is used to realize data communication between the PLC control module and the visual inspection module, the laser line scanning system includes a first line scanning camera 41 and a second line scanning camera 42, which are used to perform all-round inspection of the battery cells, the laser line scanning system also includes a back-transmitted line scanning light source and a reflected line scanning light source, the CCD detection system sorts the battery cells imaged by the CCD camera 6, and the emergency automation module includes an emergency robot 5, which is used to start when the sorting robot 2 is abnormal, achieving the effect of efficient and accurate sorting and improving production efficiency.

[0032] The four-section conveyor belt 10 is divided into four sections: Section 1 11, Section 2 12, Section 3 13, and Section 4 14. Section 1 11 serves as the infeed section and is equipped with an infeed detection sensor 101. Each section is driven by a separate motor, operating independently without interfering with each other. The speed of each motor is independently regulated by a PLC control module. The speed of Section 1 11 must be consistent with the speed of the upstream screen sintering furnace to ensure a smooth flow of cells to the conveyor line of Section 1 11. The speed of Section 2 12, in conjunction with the laser line scanning system and CCD camera 6, accurately images the streamlined products. Section 3 13 is designed to be faster than Sections 1 11 and 2 12. Section 3 13 is required to maintain a distance between the current product and the cell products exiting the upstream screen sintering furnace. Section 4 14 is faster than Sections 1 11, 2 12, and 3 13. Section 4 14 sorts the products into their corresponding bins 21. Its speed is adjusted based on the sorting robot 2.

[0033] Segments 11, 21, 3, and 4 are all driven by servo motors, which precisely control speed and position. Speed is individually adjusted via a PLC control module. The motors in each segment are connected via conventional gear or belt drives, ensuring independent operation without interfering with each other.

[0034] The visual inspection module includes an industrial camera 31 and an image processing unit. Industrial camera 31 can be a line scan camera or an area scan camera, depending on the inspection requirements. The data exchange module facilitates data communication between the PLC control module and the visual inspection module. The data exchange module uses the Ethernet communication protocol and connects to the PLC control module and the visual inspection module via a standard interface, ensuring reliable and real-time data communication.

[0035] The laser line scan system includes a first line scan camera 41 and a second line scan camera 42, which are used to perform comprehensive inspection of the cell. The laser line scan system also includes a backlighting line scan light source and a reflective line scan light source. The backlighting line scan light source provides uniform backlighting, while the reflective line scan light source provides uniform reflected light. These light sources can be LED or laser, depending on the required light intensity and stability. The CCD detection system and CCD camera 6 are used to sort the cell images captured by the CCD camera 6.

[0036] The emergency automation module includes an emergency manipulator 5 and a safety light barrier. The emergency manipulator 5 is activated if the sorting robot 2 malfunctions, ensuring the continuity and stability of the sorting process. The emergency manipulator 5 can be pneumatic or electric, depending on the required operating speed and load capacity. The safety light barrier emits an infrared beam, creating a fenced protection zone 7 around the equipment. When a person or object crosses this protected area, the safety light barrier quickly detects it and sends a signal to the machine control system. The safety light barrier can be either a through-beam or reflective type, depending on the required detection range and sensitivity.

[0037] The present application also provides a method for automatically sorting photovoltaic cells, comprising the following steps: S1: Loading: The four conveyor belts 10 transport the battery cells to the load. The feed detection sensor 101 obtains the feed signal and transmits it to the PLC control module. S2 generates an ID code. The visual inspection module generates a cell ID code and sends it to the PLC control module and the CCD inspection system, so that the cell ID code in the PLC control module and the CCD inspection system corresponds one to one. S3 identifies defects, using a CCD inspection system in conjunction with a laser line scanning system to identify cell defects; S4 data feedback, feeding back defect information to the PLC control module through the data interaction module; S5 sorting, controlling the sorting robot 2 through the PLC control module to sort the battery cells according to the defect information; S6 records information, and the PLC control module will also generate a record information file about the product corresponding to the ID code, and associate it with data such as production batch and timestamp to generate a product tracking report.

[0038] In the S1 loading step, the four-section conveyor belt 10 is divided into four sections. The speed of section 11 needs to be consistent with the speed of the previous screen sintering furnace, so that the battery cells can flow smoothly to the conveyor line of section 11 of this machine; the speed of section 2 12 cooperates with the laser line scanning system and CCD camera 6 to accurately image the streamlined products; the speed of section 3 13 is to be higher than that of section 1 11 and section 2 12. Section 3 13 needs to keep the current product away from the battery cell products coming out of the previous screen sintering furnace; the speed of section 4 14 is higher than that of section 1 11, section 2 12 and section 3 13. Section 4 14 needs to sort the products into the corresponding material box 21, and the speed of section 4 14 is adjusted according to the sorting robot 2.

[0039] In step S2 of generating an ID code, after the industrial camera 31 is triggered to take a picture, the PLC control module generates an ID code for the current product and gives a memory flag for the current product, which triggers a timer inside the PLC control module.

[0040] In the S3 defect identification step, the CCD detection system is triggered to start detection, and the ID code generated corresponding to the product is sent to the CCD detection system.

[0041] In the S3 defect identification step, the battery cell is subjected to back-transmitted lighting inspection by combining the first line scan camera 41 and the back-transmitted line scan light source to detect hidden crack defects in the battery cell; the battery cell is subjected to reflective lighting inspection by combining the second line scan camera 42, the back-transmitted line scan light source and the reflective line scan light source to detect defects such as edge chipping, corner chipping, and perforation in the battery cell; in the S3 defect identification step, the timer keeps counting and the detection results are fed back to the CCD detection system.

[0042] During the S5 sorting process, when the product reaches the sorting position of the sorting robot 2 at segment 4 14, the timer is triggered to end the timing. The total time taken for the current product to move from segment 1 11 to the sorting position of the sorting robot 2 at segment 4 14 is calculated. This time is used as a reference value for the time to result, so that the sorting robot 2 can accurately determine the sorting timing.

[0043] During the S5 sorting process, after the PLC control module reads the reference value of the result time, it judges OK or NG based on the detection result given by the CCD detection system. The sorting robot 2 puts the current product into the corresponding attribute material box 21 to complete one sorting, ensuring that the sorting robot 2 completes the sorting action within the specified time according to the result given by the CCD detection system.

[0044] During the S5 sorting process, the result time reference value is used to control the sorting time of the sorting robot 2. If the sorting robot 2 executes at an abnormal time, the emergency robot 5 in the emergency automation module is activated. The emergency automation module also includes a safety light barrier, which emits infrared light beams to create a fence protection zone 7 around the equipment. When a person or object passes through this protection zone, the safety light barrier can quickly detect it and send a signal to the PLC control module.

[0045] The implementation principle of this embodiment is: after the product enters the production line, it will first be The material is transported in section 11, and the feeding detection sensor 101 obtains the feeding signal and transmits it to the PLC control module.

[0046] The industrial camera 31 takes a picture and transmits the image information to the image processing unit for processing. The image processing unit generates the cell ID code and sends it to the PLC control module and CCD detection system. The PLC control module generates a product record information file corresponding to the ID code in the program.

[0047] The PLC control module controls the equipment based on the product ID code, initiating the cell defect detection and sorting process. During cell defect detection, the CCD detection system, in conjunction with the laser line scanning system, identifies cell defects. The CCD detection system transmits the detection results to the PLC control module, which then determines whether the product is OK or NG based on the given detection results. The PLC control module then controls the sorting robot 2 to place the current product into the corresponding bin 21, completing a sorting operation. Qualified products are placed in the same bin 21, while unqualified products are placed in the same bin 21. During the detection process, a timer continues counting. The timer starts when the PLC control module receives the product ID code and ends when the product reaches the sorting position of the sorting robot 2 in section 4 (14). The total time it takes for the current product to travel from section 1 (11) to the sorting position of the sorting robot 2 in section 4 (14) is calculated and used as a reference value for the result-result time. This allows the sorting robot 2 to accurately determine the sorting timing and ensures that the sorting robot 2 completes the sorting operation within the specified time based on the results provided by the CCD detection system.

[0048] Finally, the PLC control module will also generate a record information file about the product corresponding to the ID code, and associate it with data such as production batch and timestamp to generate a product tracking report, which makes it easier for operators to quickly locate the source of the problem.

[0049] The above are all preferred embodiments of the present application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, any equivalent changes made based on the structure, shape, and principle of the present application should be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. An automatic sorting device for photovoltaic cells, characterized in that: include: Four conveyor belts (10) for transporting battery cells to be sorted; A sorting robot (2), used for sorting battery cells; A PLC control module for generating a cell ID code and controlling the movements of the four-section conveyor belt (10) and the sorting robot (2); A visual inspection module, comprising an industrial camera (31) and an image processing unit, for collecting product images and identifying product information; Data interaction module, used to realize data communication between PLC control module and visual detection module; A laser line scanning system, comprising a first line scanning camera (41) and a second line scanning camera (42), for performing all-around inspection of the battery cell, the laser line scanning system also comprising a back-transmitted line scanning light source and a reflected line scanning light source; A CCD detection system and a CCD camera (6), wherein the CCD detection system sorts the battery cells imaged by the CCD camera (6); The emergency automation module includes an emergency manipulator (5), and the emergency manipulator (5) is used to start when the sorting manipulator (2) is abnormal.

2. The automatic sorting equipment for photovoltaic cells according to claim 1, characterized in that: The four-section conveyor belt (10) is divided into four sections, including section one (11), section two (12), section three (13) and section four (14). Section one (11) serves as a feeding section and is provided with a feeding detection sensor (101). Each section is driven by a separate motor. The sections operate independently without interfering with each other. The speed of the motor of each section is adjusted separately through a PLC control module.

3. A photovoltaic cell automatic sorting method based on photovoltaic cell automatic sorting equipment, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: S1 loading, four conveyor belts (10) transport the battery cells to load, and the feeding detection sensor (101) obtains the feeding signal and transmits it to the PLC control module; S2 generates an ID code. The visual inspection module generates a cell ID code and sends it to the PLC control module and the CCD inspection system, so that the cell ID code in the PLC control module and the CCD inspection system corresponds one to one. S3 identifies defects, using a CCD inspection system in conjunction with a laser line scanning system to identify cell defects; S4 data feedback, feeding back defect information to the PLC control module through the data interaction module; S5 sorting, controlling the sorting robot (2) through the PLC control module to sort the battery cells according to the defect information; S6 records information, and the PLC control module will also generate a record information file about the product corresponding to the ID code, and associate it with data such as production batch and timestamp to generate a product tracking report.

4. The method for automatically sorting photovoltaic cells according to claim 3, characterized in that: In the S1 loading step, the four conveyor belts (10) are divided into four sections. The speed of section one (11) needs to be consistent with the speed of the preceding wire mesh sintering furnace, so that the battery cells can flow smoothly to the conveying line of section one (11) of this machine; the speed of section two (12) cooperates with the laser line scanning system and the CCD camera (6) to accurately image the streamlined products; the speed of section three (13) is to be higher than that of section one (11) and section two (12), and section three (13) needs to keep the current product away from the battery cell products coming out of the preceding wire mesh sintering furnace; the speed of section four (14) is higher than that of section one (11), section two (12) and section three (13), and section four (14) needs to sort the products into the corresponding material boxes (21). The speed of section four (14) is adjusted according to the sorting robot (2).

5. The method for automatically sorting photovoltaic cells according to claim 3, characterized in that: In the step S2 of generating an ID code, after the industrial camera (31) is triggered to take a picture, the PLC control module generates an ID code for the current product and gives a memory flag for the current product, and triggers a timer inside the PLC control module through the memory flag.

6. The method for automatically sorting photovoltaic cells according to claim 3, characterized in that: In the S3 defect identification step, the CCD detection system is triggered to start detection, and the ID code generated corresponding to the product is sent to the CCD detection system.

7. The method for automatically sorting photovoltaic cells according to claim 6, characterized in that: In the S3 defect identification step, the battery cell is subjected to back-transmission lighting inspection by combining the first line scan camera (41) and the back-transmission line scan light source to detect hidden crack defects in the battery cell; the battery cell is subjected to reflective lighting inspection by combining the second line scan camera (42), the back-transmission line scan light source and the reflective line scan light source to detect defects such as edge collapse, corner chipping, and perforation in the battery cell; in the S3 defect identification step, the timer keeps counting, and the detection result is fed back to the CCD detection system.

8. The method for automatically sorting photovoltaic cells according to claim 3, characterized in that: In the S5 sorting process, when the product reaches the sorting position of the sorting robot (2) in the fourth segment (14), the timer is triggered to end the timing, and the total time taken by the current product from the first segment (11) to the sorting position of the sorting robot (2) in the fourth segment (14) is calculated. This time is used as a reference value for the time to result, so that the sorting robot (2) can accurately judge the sorting time.

9. The method for automatically sorting photovoltaic cells according to claim 8, characterized in that: During the S5 sorting process, after the PLC control module reads the reference value of the time required for the result, it judges OK or NG according to the detection result given by the CCD detection system, and the sorting robot (2) puts the current product into the corresponding attribute material box (21) to complete one sorting, ensuring that the sorting robot (2) completes the sorting action within the specified time according to the result given by the CCD detection system.

10. The automatic photovoltaic cell sorting method according to claim 8, characterized in that: During the S5 sorting process, the result time reference value is used to control the sorting time of the sorting robot (2). If the sorting robot (2) executes at an abnormal time, the emergency robot (5) in the emergency automation module is activated. The emergency automation module also includes a safety grating that emits an infrared beam to create a fence protection area (7) around the equipment. When a person or object passes through this protection area, the safety grating can quickly detect it and send a signal to the PLC control module.

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