Lap joint device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lapping device, comprising: a first transfer unit for transferring a solar cell string in a first direction; a first heating unit that heats the solar cell string conveyed by the first conveying unit; a second transfer section spaced apart from the first transfer section in the first direction and receiving the solar cell string from the first transfer section; and a second heating unit that heats the solar cell string conveyed by the second conveying unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a splicing device, and more particularly to a splicing device capable of improving the joining quality between a solar cell sheet and a wire. Background Art

[0002] Typically, solar cells are constructed by placing a diode formed by a pn junction on a substrate. When sunlight strikes a solar cell, excitons, electron-hole pairs, are generated. As the excitons separate, the electrons move to the n-layer and the holes to the p-layer, generating photovoltaic power at the pn junction.

[0003] Typically, a single solar cell can only generate a maximum voltage of about 0.5V, so multiple solar cells are connected in series. This modular product, made by connecting multiple solar cells, is called a solar cell module.

[0004] The tabbing process is a process of forming a solar cell module by electrically connecting the plurality of solar cells by arranging wires on the plurality of solar cells.

[0005] The background art of the present invention is disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1058399 (registered on August 16, 2011, invention title: Splicer-tandem device and splice-tandem method). Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a splicing device capable of improving the joining quality between solar cells and wires.

[0008] Solution

[0009] In order to solve the above technical problems, the splicing device according to the present invention includes: a first conveying part, which conveys a solar cell string in a first direction; a first heating part, which heats the solar cell string conveyed by the first conveying part; a second conveying part, which is spaced apart from the first conveying part in the first direction and receives the solar cell string from the first conveying part; and a second heating part, which heats the solar cell string conveyed by the second conveying part.

[0010] The first conveying portion may include: a supporting member that supports the solar cell string; a first driving member that is movably connected to the supporting member; and a first conveying member that is connected to the first driving member and is linked to movement of the first driving member to convey the solar cell string in the first direction, wherein the first conveying member moves back and forth in a direction parallel to the first direction.

[0011] The first driving member may include: a first driving body, configured to be able to move back and forth in a direction parallel to the first direction; and a second driving body, connected to the first driving body, and capable of moving back and forth in a direction intersecting the first direction, wherein the first conveying member contacts or separates from the solar cell string according to the moving direction of the second driving body.

[0012] The first conveying member may be arranged to face an edge of the solar cell string.

[0013] The first direction may be parallel to a length direction of the solar cell string, and the supporting member and the first conveying member may be arranged along a width direction of the solar cell string.

[0014] The width of the support member may be smaller than the width of the solar cell string.

[0015] A sum of a width of the support member and a width of the first transfer member may be greater than a width of the solar cell string.

[0016] The second conveying portion may include: a second conveying member arranged to face the supporting member and to convey the solar cell string in the first direction; a third conveying member arranged to face the first conveying member at an initial position and capable of reciprocating movement in a direction intersecting the first direction; and a second driving member adapted to adjust a movement direction of the third conveying member in conjunction with movement of the first conveying member.

[0017] A distance between the first conveying member and the third conveying member may be smaller than a moving distance of the first conveying member in the first direction.

[0018] As the first conveying member moves in the first direction, the second driving member may move the third conveying member from the initial position in a direction intersecting the first direction.

[0019] The solar cell string may include a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other, the first heating part may include: a first heating member arranged to face the first surface and heat the first surface, and the second heating part may include: a second heating member arranged to face the second surface and heat the second surface.

[0020] The second surface may be arranged to face the first conveying portion and the second conveying portion.

[0021] The first heating member may be spaced apart from the first transfer portion, and the second heating member may be disposed inside the second transfer portion.

[0022] The first heating part may further include a pre-heating member spaced apart from the first heating member and heating the second surface.

[0023] A heating temperature of the preheating member may be lower than a heating temperature of the second heating member.

[0024] The preheating member may include: a first preheating member disposed to face the first heating member; and a second preheating member spaced apart from the first preheating member in the first direction.

[0025] A heating temperature of the first preheating member and a heating temperature of the second preheating member may be different from each other.

[0026] Beneficial effects

[0027] According to the present invention, the reciprocating movement of the third conveying member can smoothly realize the transfer operation of the solar cell string from the first conveying portion to the second conveying portion.

[0028] According to the present invention, since the first heating member and the second heating member heat the solar cell string in multiple stages, the bonding quality between the solar cell and the wire can be improved.

[0029] According to the present invention, since the first heating member and the second heating member heat mutually different surfaces of the solar cell string, it is possible to ensure uniform bonding quality for both surfaces of the solar cell string.

[0030] According to the present invention, since the preheating member heats the second surface of the solar cell string once before the second heating member, the bonding quality of the second surface of the solar cell string which is arranged facing the first and second conveying parts and has relatively low heat conduction efficiency can be further improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the structure of a splicing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a side view schematically showing the structure of a first conveying portion according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a front view schematically showing the structure of a first conveying unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a structure of a first heating unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of a second conveying unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a top view schematically showing the structure of a second conveying unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a side view schematically showing the structure of a second conveying unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figures 8 to 11 FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an operation process of a first conveying unit and a first heating unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figures 12 to 14 FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an operation process of a second conveying unit and a second heating unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 15 FIG. 4 is a side view schematically showing the structure of a splicing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 16 FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a structure of a first heating unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Description of Reference Numerals

[0043] 100: First conveying unit 110: Support member

[0044] 111: Groove 112: Track

[0045] 120: First driving member 121: First driving body

[0046] 122: Second driving body 130: First transmission member

[0047] 200: First heating unit 210: First heating member

[0048] 220: Preheating component 221: First preheating component

[0049] 222: Second preheating member 300: Second conveying unit

[0050] 310: Second conveying member 311: First conveying belt member

[0051] 312: First suction hole 320: Third conveying member

[0052] 321: Second conveyor belt member 322: Second adsorption hole

[0053] 330: Second driving member 400: Second heating unit

[0054] 410: Second heating member Specific embodiments

[0055] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, the terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted in a manner limited to their usual or dictionary meanings. Based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of terms in order to explain his invention in the best possible way, they should be interpreted as meanings and concepts that conform to the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the structures shown in the drawings are only some of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, in this application, various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist. In addition, when used in this specification, "comprise, include" and / or "comprising, including" specify the existence of the shapes, numbers, steps, operations, components, elements and / or combinations thereof, without excluding the existence or addition of one or more other shapes, numbers, steps, operations, components, elements and / or combinations. In addition, when describing an embodiment of the present invention, "may" or "may be" may include "one or more embodiments of the present invention".

[0056] In addition, in order to help understand the invention, the size of some components may be exaggerated rather than drawn in accordance with the actual scale. In addition, in different embodiments, the same reference numerals may be given to the same components.

[0057] Describing two comparison objects as "the same" means "substantially the same." Therefore, "substantially the same" may include having a deviation that is considered low in the art, for example, within 5%. Furthermore, "uniformity" of any parameter in a predetermined region may mean uniformity over an average angle.

[0058] Although the terms "first," "second," etc. are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. Of course, unless otherwise specified, the first component may also be the second component.

[0059] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specified, each constituent element may be in the singular or the plural.

[0060] Arranging an arbitrary structure "above (or below)" a constituent element or "on (or below)" a constituent element may not only mean arranging the arbitrary structure in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of the constituent element, but may also mean that other structures may be interposed between the constituent element and the arbitrary structure arranged above (or below) the constituent element.

[0061] Arranging an arbitrary structure "above (or below)" a constituent element or "on (or below)" a constituent element may not only mean arranging the arbitrary structure in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of the constituent element, but may also mean that other structures may be interposed between the constituent element and the arbitrary structure arranged above (or below) the constituent element.

[0062] In addition, when it is described that any component is “connected,” “coupled,” or “connected” to another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly connected or connected to each other, but other components may be “interposed” between the components, or the components may be “connected,” “coupled,” or “connected” through other components. In addition, when it is described that any part is electrically coupled to another part, this includes not only direct connection but also connection with other elements interposed therebetween.

[0063] Throughout this specification, when "A and / or B" is mentioned, unless otherwise specified, it means A, B, or A and B. That is, "and / or" includes all or any combinations of the listed items. When "C to D" is mentioned, it means C or more and D or less, unless otherwise specified.

[0064] When statements such as "at least one of A, B, and C," "at least one of A, B, or C," "at least one selected from the group of A, B, and C," or "at least one selected from A, B, and C" are used to specify a list of elements A, B, and C, the statements may refer to any and all suitable combinations.

[0065] The term "use" may be considered synonymous with the term "utilize." As used in this specification, "substantially," "about," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation rather than terms of degree to account for the inherent variations in measured or calculated values ​​recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0066] In this specification, although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or parts, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. The terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another element, component, region, layer, or section. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the first element, component, region, boundary layer, or part discussed below may be named the second element, component, region, boundary layer, or part.

[0067] As shown in the accompanying drawings, in order to illustrate the relationship between one element or feature and another element or feature, spatial relative terms such as "beneath", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", etc. may be used in this specification for ease of description. Spatially relative positions will be understood to include different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings. For example, if the device in the drawings is turned over, an element described as "below" or "beneath" another element will be understood to be "above" or "above" the other element. Therefore, the term "below" can include all directions above and below.

[0068] The terms used in this specification are used to describe the embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0069] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the structure of a splicing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] Reference Figure 1 The bonding device according to this embodiment is a device for connecting solar cells C and wires W to form a solar cell string SR, which may include a first conveying part 100, a first heating part 200, a second conveying part 300 and a second heating part 400.

[0071] The first conveyor 100 may convey the solar cell string SR in the first direction. That is, the first conveyor 100 may function as a structure for continuously conveying the solar cell string SR along the first direction. As an example, the first direction may refer to a direction in which the solar cell string SR is continuously conveyed. Figure 1 The +X axis direction is the reference.

[0072] The solar cell string SR may include solar cells C and wires W.

[0073] Solar cell C has a semiconductor junction region with a pn junction. When irradiated with energy exceeding a certain level, it generates an electromotive force, converting light energy into electrical energy. The semiconductor material used in solar cell C is not particularly limited, and may include silicon (single crystal, polycrystalline, or amorphous), gallium arsenide, cadmium telluride, cadmium sulfide, indium phosphide, copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), organic dyes, or mixtures thereof.

[0074] The solar cell C may include a first surface C1 and a second surface C2 opposite to each other and parallel to the first direction. The first surface C1 and the second surface C2 may function as an anode and a cathode of the solar cell C, respectively. The first surface C1 and the second surface C2 may be spaced apart along the second direction. Here, the second direction is a direction intersecting the first direction, which may mean Figure 1 The +Z axis direction is the reference.

[0075] The first surface C1 and the second surface C2 of the solar cell string SR described hereinafter may mean the same surfaces as the first surface C1 and the second surface C2 of the solar cell C, respectively.

[0076] The solar cell C may be provided in plurality and arranged along the first direction.

[0077] The wire W may function as a conductor for electrically connecting the plurality of solar cells C. The wire W may electrically connect a pair of solar cells C arranged adjacent to each other in the solar cell module.

[0078] The length of the wire W may extend along a first direction. Both sides of the wire W may be arranged to face a pair of solar cells C adjacent to each other along the first direction. As an example, the wire W may include a first portion W1 facing the first surface C1 of any one of the adjacent pair of solar cells C and a second portion W2 facing the second surface C2 of the remaining one of the adjacent pair of solar cells C.

[0079] The wires W may be provided in plurality and may be arranged between each adjacent solar cell C.

[0080] A plurality of wires W may be arranged in parallel along the third direction to any one of the solar cells C. Here, the third direction is a direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, which may refer to a direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction. Figure 1 The +Y axis direction is the reference.

[0081] The wire W can be electrically connected to the solar cell C through an ECA (Electrically Conductive Adhesive) curing process. In this case, the solar cell C and the wire W can be conveyed in the first direction through the conveyor line 10 in a state where the ECA is coated on the surface. Alternatively, the wire W can be electrically connected to the solar cell C through a soldering process. In this case, the solar cell C and the wire W can be conveyed in the first direction through the conveyor line 10 in a state where the flux is coated on the surface.

[0082] A length direction of the solar cell string SR described hereinafter may mean a direction parallel to the first direction, and a width direction of the solar cell string SR may mean a direction parallel to the third direction.

[0083] Figure 2 is a side view schematically showing the structure of a first conveying portion according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a front view schematically showing the structure of a first conveying unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the first conveying portion 100 according to the present embodiment may include a supporting member 110 , a first driving member 120 , and a first conveying member 130 .

[0085] The supporting member 110 may function as a structure that forms a frame of the first conveying portion 100 and integrally supports the first driving member 120 and the first conveying member 130 .

[0086] The support member 110 may support the solar cell string SR. As an example, the second surface C2 of the solar cell string SR may be placed on one surface of the support member 110. Therefore, the support member 110 may prevent the solar cell string SR from falling due to gravity. The shape of the support member 110 is not limited to Figure 2 、 Figure 3 The shape shown in FIG. 1 can be variously changed in design within the technical concept of being able to support the first driving member 120 and the solar cell string SR.

[0087] A groove 111 for inserting the second portion W2 of the wire W may be formed in the support member 110. The groove 111 according to the present embodiment may have the form of a groove that is concavely recessed from one surface of the support member 110 facing the second surface C2 of the solar cell string SR toward the inner side of the support member 110. The length direction of the groove 111 may extend parallel to the first direction. As the solar cell string SR is placed on the support member 110, the second portion W2 of the wire W may be inserted into the interior of the groove 111. Therefore, during the conveyance of the solar cell string SR, the groove 111 may prevent the second portion W2 of the wire W from being deformed or damaged.

[0088] A rail portion 112 for guiding the movement of a first driving member 120, described later, may be formed in the support member 110. The rail portion 112 according to this embodiment may be arranged at a position spaced apart from the second surface C2 of the solar cell string SR in a direction opposite to the second direction. The length direction of the rail portion 112 may extend parallel to the first direction.

[0089] The first driving member 120 may be movably connected to the supporting member 110 and may change a position of a first conveying member 130 described later.

[0090] The first driving member 120 according to the present embodiment may include a first driving body 121 and a second driving body 122 .

[0091] The first driving body 121 can be configured to be able to reciprocate in a direction parallel to the first direction. The first driving body 121 according to this embodiment can be arranged at a position spaced apart from the second surface C2 of the solar cell string SR in a direction opposite to the second direction. The first driving body 121 can be connected to the rail portion 112 in a manner that allows reciprocation in a direction parallel to the first direction. The first driving body 121 can receive a driving force transmitted from a power device (not shown) such as a motor or a cylinder and reciprocate in a direction parallel to the first direction.

[0092] The second driving body 122 can move back and forth in a direction intersecting the first direction. The second driving body 122 according to this embodiment can be arranged at a position spaced apart from the second surface C2 of the solar cell string SR in a direction opposite to the second direction. The second driving body 122 can be connected to the first driving body 121 in a manner that allows for reciprocal movement in a direction parallel to the second direction. The second driving body 122 can receive a driving force transmitted from a power device (not shown) such as a motor or a cylinder and move back and forth in a direction parallel to the second direction.

[0093] The first transfer member 130 may be connected to the first driving member 120 and transfer the solar cell string SR in the first direction in conjunction with movement of the first driving member 120 .

[0094] The first transfer member 130 according to this embodiment may be connected to the second driving body 122. The first transfer member 130 may be arranged to face the second surface C2 of the solar cell string SR along the second direction. The length direction of the first transfer member 130 may be arranged parallel to the first direction.

[0095] When the first driving body 121 operates, the first conveying member 130 can reciprocate in a direction parallel to the first direction together with the first driving body 121. In addition, when the second driving body 122 operates, the first conveying member 130 can reciprocate in a direction parallel to the second direction.

[0096] The first conveying member 130 may cyclically move along a set path. As an example, the first conveying member 130 may sequentially move along the second direction, the first direction, the opposite direction of the second direction, and the opposite direction of the first direction.

[0097] As the second driving body 122 moves in the second direction, the first transfer member 130 may come into contact with the second surface C2 of the solar cell string SR.

[0098] Thereafter, as the first driving body 121 moves in the first direction, the first conveying member 130 may move in the first direction while in contact with the second surface C2 of the solar cell string SR, thereby moving the solar cell string SR in the first direction. When the first conveying member 130 moves in the first direction, an end portion of the first conveying member 130 may protrude a set distance toward the outside of the support member 110 in a direction parallel to the first direction.

[0099] Thereafter, as the second driving body 122 moves in a direction opposite to the second direction, the first conveying member 130 may be separated from the second surface C2 of the solar cell string SR. When the first conveying member 130 moves in a direction opposite to the second direction, the solar cell string SR is placed on the supporting member 110 or the second conveying part 300 described later while being spaced apart from the first conveying member 130.

[0100] Afterwards, as the first driving body 121 moves in the direction opposite to the first direction, the first conveying member 130 can move in the direction opposite to the first direction and return to the initial position. Therefore, the solar cell string SR can be moved in stages at set time intervals by a distance equivalent to the movement of the first conveying member 130 in the first direction.

[0101] The first transfer member 130 may be arranged to face the support member 110 along the width direction (more specifically, the third direction) of the solar cell string SR. That is, the support member 110 and the first transfer member 130 may be aligned along the third direction.

[0102] The width of the support member 110 parallel to the third direction may be smaller than the width of the solar cell string SR parallel to the third direction. Therefore, a portion of the second surface C2 of the solar cell string SR may be arranged so as not to face the support member 110, and the first transfer member 130 may be arranged so as to face the portion of the second surface C2 of the solar cell string SR that does not face the support member 110. As an example, the support member 110 may be arranged so as to face the center of the solar cell string SR, and the first transfer member 130 may be arranged so as to face the edge of the solar cell string SR.

[0103] The sum of the width of the support member 110 parallel to the third direction and the width of the first transfer member 130 parallel to the third direction may be greater than the width of the solar cell string SR parallel to the third direction. Therefore, by ensuring a relatively large contact area between the first transfer member 130 and the second surface C2 of the solar cell string SR, the solar cell string SR can be stably transferred.

[0104] The first conveying members 130 may be provided in a pair. The pair of first conveying members 130 may be symmetrically arranged on both sides of the support member 110 with the support member 110 interposed therebetween. However, the number and arrangement of the first conveying members 130 are not limited thereto, and various design changes may be made.

[0105] The first heating unit 200 may heat the solar cell string SR transferred by the first transfer unit 100. That is, the first heating unit 200 may heat the solar cell string SR at a time to solidify the ECA applied between the solar cell C and the wire W or melt the solder layer of the wire W, thereby functioning as a structure for bonding the solar cell C and the wire W to each other.

[0106] Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a structure of a first heating unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] Reference Figure 4 , the first heating part 200 may include a first heating member 210 .

[0108] The first heating member 210 may be arranged to face the first surface C1 of the solar cell string SR. That is, the first heating member 210 may function as a structure for applying heat to the first surface C1 of the solar cell string SR to bond the first portion W1 of the wire W to the solar cell sheet C.

[0109] The first heating member 210 according to the present embodiment may be arranged at a position spaced apart from the first conveyor 100 and the first surface C1 of the solar cell string SR along the second direction. The first heating member 210 may include an infrared lamp that radiates infrared rays toward the first surface C1 of the solar cell string SR to generate heat. However, the first heating member 210 is not limited to such a case and may be configured to include various types of heat sources such as a hot air device and a cartridge heater. The heating temperature of the first heating member 210 may be 150°C or less. When the heating temperature of the first heating member 210 exceeds 150°C, damage may occur to the solar cell string SR.

[0110] The first heating member 210 may be configured to be movable back and forth in a direction parallel to the second direction. Thus, the first heating member 210 may be movable in the second direction or a direction opposite to the second direction, and may adjust the amount of heat transferred to the first surface C1 of the solar cell string SR without hindering the heat transfer of the solar cell string SR.

[0111] The first heating member 210 can operate alternately with the first conveyor 100. As an example, when the first conveyor member 130 is separated from the solar cell string SR and the conveyance of the solar cell string SR is stopped, the first heating member 210 can heat the solar cell string SR. In addition, when the first conveyor member 130 is in contact with the solar cell string SR and the solar cell string SR is conveyed, the first heating member 210 can stop heating the solar cell string SR. However, the first heating member 210 is not limited to such operation and can be configured to perform an operation independent of the first conveyor 100.

[0112] The second transfer part 300 may be arranged to be spaced apart in the first direction from the first transfer part 100. The second transfer part 300 may receive the solar cell string SR from the first transfer part 100 and transfer the received solar cell string SR in the first direction.

[0113] Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of a second conveying unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a top view schematically showing the structure of a second conveying unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a side view schematically showing the structure of a second conveying unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] Reference Figures 1 to 7 , the second conveying portion 300 according to the present embodiment may include a second conveying member 310 , a third conveying member 320 , and a second driving member 330 .

[0115] The second conveying member 310 may form a side appearance of the second conveying portion 300 and convey the solar cell string SR in the first direction. The length direction of the second conveying member 310 may be arranged parallel to the first direction. The second conveying member 310 may be arranged at a position spaced a predetermined distance from the supporting member 110 along the first direction.

[0116] The width of the second conveying member 310 parallel to the width direction of the solar cell string SR (i.e., the third direction) may be smaller than the width of the solar cell string SR parallel to the third direction. In this case, the width of the second conveying member 310 parallel to the third direction may be equal to or smaller than the width of the support member 110 parallel to the third direction.

[0117] The second conveying member 310 according to the present embodiment may include a first conveying belt member 311 .

[0118] The first conveyor belt member 311 can be arranged to rotate about the width direction (i.e., the third direction) of the solar cell string SR. The first conveyor belt member 311 can rotate in a crawler-like manner and convey the solar cell string SR in the first direction. The first conveyor belt member 311 can be formed of a highly heat-resistant material, for example, a material including polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

[0119] The second transfer member 310 may further include first suction holes 312 .

[0120] The first adsorption holes 312 may be formed to penetrate the first conveyor belt member 311 and generate vacuum pressure to adsorb and fix the solar cell string SR to the first conveyor belt member 311. The first adsorption holes 312 may be connected to a vacuum pressure generating device (not shown) such as a vacuum pump, a compressor, etc., provided inside or outside the first conveyor belt member 311.

[0121] The first suction holes 312 may be provided in plural numbers and may be arranged in at least two rows on the first conveyor belt member 311 along a direction parallel to the first direction and a direction parallel to the third direction.

[0122] The third conveying member 320 may form the other side of the second conveying portion 300 and convey the solar cell string SR in the first direction. The length direction of the third conveying member 320 may be arranged parallel to the first direction. The second conveying member 310 may be arranged at a position spaced a predetermined distance from the first conveying member 130 along the first direction.

[0123] As the width of the second transfer member 310 parallel to the third direction is formed to be smaller than the width of the solar cell string SR parallel to the third direction, the third transfer member 320 may be arranged to face a portion of the second surface C2 of the solar cell string SR that does not face the second transfer member 310. As an example, the second transfer member 310 may be arranged to face the central portion of the solar cell string SR, and the third transfer member 320 may be arranged to face the edge of the solar cell string SR.

[0124] The third transfer member 320 may be provided in a pair. The pair of third transfer members 320 may be symmetrically arranged on both sides of the second transfer member 310.

[0125] The third conveying member 320 may be configured to be reciprocatingly movable in a direction intersecting the first direction. As an example, the third conveying member 320 may be configured to be reciprocatingly movable in a direction parallel to the second direction. However, the third conveying member 320 is not limited thereto and may also be configured to be reciprocatingly movable in a direction parallel to the third direction.

[0126] The third conveying member 320 can be arranged to face the first conveying member 130 in the initial position. That is, when the third conveying member 320 is in the initial position, all or part of the end surface of the first conveying member 130 and the end surface of the third conveying member 320 can be arranged to face each other along the first direction. When the third conveying member 320 moves from the initial position in a direction intersecting the first direction, the third conveying member 320 can be arranged to be staggered from the first conveying member 130. That is, when the third conveying member 320 moves from the initial position in a direction intersecting the first direction by more than a set distance, the end surfaces of the first conveying member 130 and the end surfaces of the third conveying member 320 may not face each other along the first direction.

[0127] When the third conveying member 320 is in the initial position, the distance between the first conveying member 130 and the third conveying member 320 can be less than the movement distance of the first conveying member 130 in the first direction. Therefore, when the first conveying member 130 moves in the first direction, the first conveying member 130 may collide with the third conveying member 320 in the initial position. As a result, the third conveying member 320 moves in a direction intersecting the first direction during the operation of the first conveying member 130 by the second driving member 330 described later, and can avoid interference with the first conveying member 130.

[0128] The third conveying member 320 according to the present embodiment may include a second conveying belt member 321 .

[0129] The second conveyor belt member 321 can be arranged to rotate about the width direction (i.e., the third direction) of the solar cell string SR. The second conveyor belt member 321 can rotate in a crawler-like manner and convey the solar cell string SR in the first direction. The second conveyor belt member 321 can be formed of a highly heat-resistant material, for example, a material including polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

[0130] The third transfer member 320 may further include second suction holes 322 .

[0131] The second suction holes 322 may be formed to penetrate the second conveyor belt member 321 and generate vacuum pressure to suction and fix the solar cell string SR to the second conveyor belt member 321. The second suction holes 322 may be connected to a vacuum pressure generating device (not shown) such as a vacuum pump or a compressor provided inside or outside the second conveyor belt member 321.

[0132] The second adsorption holes 322 may be provided in plural numbers and arranged in at least two rows on the second conveyor belt member 321 along a direction parallel to the first direction and a direction parallel to the third direction.

[0133] The second driving member 330 may be connected to the third conveying member 320 and generate a driving force to move the third conveying member 320 in a direction intersecting the first direction. The second driving member 330 may adjust the moving direction of the third conveying member 320 in conjunction with the movement of the first conveying member 130.

[0134] One side of the second driving member 330 according to the present embodiment may be connected to the second conveying member 310 , and the other side may be connected to the third conveying member 320 .

[0135] The second drive member 330 may include various types of conveying devices, such as a hydraulic cylinder, a ball screw, etc., capable of moving the third conveying member 320 in a direction intersecting the first direction (for example, a direction parallel to the second direction) by its own driving force, and a control device capable of controlling the operation of the conveying device based on the movement data of the first conveying member 130. The control device may be implemented as a central processing unit (CPU) or an SoC (system on chip), and may control multiple hardware or software components connected to the processor by driving an operating system or application program, and may perform various data processing and calculations. The control device may be configured to execute at least one instruction stored in a memory and store the execution result data in the memory.

[0136] As the first conveying member 130 moves in the first direction, the second driving member 330 may move the third conveying member 320 in a direction crossing the first direction (as an example, an opposite direction to the second direction).

[0137] Thereafter, as the first conveying member 130 moves in the opposite direction to the first direction, the second driving member 330 may move the third conveying member 320 in the second direction to return the third conveying member 320 to the initial position.

[0138] The second heating unit 400 may heat the solar cell string SR transferred by the second transfer unit 300. That is, the second heating unit 400 may secondarily heat the solar cell string SR once heated by the first heating unit 200 to solidify the ECA applied between the solar cell C and the wire W, or melt the solder layer of the wire W, thereby functioning as a structure for bonding the solar cell C and the wire W to each other.

[0139] The second heating part 400 may include a second heating member 410 .

[0140] The second heating member 410 may be arranged to face the second surface C2 of the solar cell string SR. That is, the second heating member 410 may function as a structure for applying heat to the second surface C2 of the solar cell string SR to bond the second portion W2 of the wire W to the solar cell sheet C.

[0141] The second heating member 410 according to this embodiment may be disposed inside the second conveying portion 300. As an example, Figure 7 As shown, the second heating member 410 may be disposed inside the second transfer member 310. However, the second heating member 410 is not limited thereto and may be disposed inside the third transfer member 320, or inside both the second and third transfer members 310 and 320.

[0142] The second heating member 410 may include a cartridge heater that converts externally applied electrical energy into thermal energy to heat the second surface C2 of the solar cell string SR. However, the second heating member 410 is not limited to this and may be configured as various types of heat sources including a hot air device, an infrared lamp, etc.

[0143] The heating temperature of the second heating member 410 may be different from or the same as that of the first heating member 210. The heating temperature of the second heating member 410 may be 150°C or lower.

[0144] The second heating member 410 may be provided in plurality and arranged along the first direction, thereby uniformly heating the solar cell string SR along the entire length of the second conveyor 300 .

[0145] Hereinafter, the operation of the splicing device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0146] Figures 8 to 11 FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an operation process of a first conveying unit and a first heating unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0147] Reference Figure 8 In a state where the solar cell string SR is seated on the supporting member 110 , as the second driving body 122 moves in the second direction, the first transfer member 130 comes into contact with the second surface C2 of the solar cell string SR.

[0148] As the first driving body 121 moves in the first direction, the first transfer member 130 moves in the first direction in a state of being in contact with the second surface C2 of the solar cell string SR.

[0149] The solar cell string SR moves in the first direction by a distance corresponding to the movement of the first transfer member 130 in the first direction.

[0150] Thereafter, the second driving body 122 moves in the opposite direction to the second direction, and the first transfer member 130 is separated from the second surface C2 of the solar cell string SR.

[0151] When the first transfer member 130 moves in the opposite direction to the second direction, the solar cell string SR may be seated on the support member 110 while maintaining a state of being spaced apart from the first transfer member 130 .

[0152] Thereafter, the first driving body 121 moves in the opposite direction to the first direction, and the first conveying member 130 moves in the opposite direction to the first direction in a state of being separated from the solar cell string SR, and returns to the initial position.

[0153] The first heating member 210 heats the first surface C1 of the solar cell string SR in a process in which the solar cell string SR is transferred by the first transfer part 100 .

[0154] In this case, when the first conveying member 130 is separated from the solar cell string SR to stop the conveyance of the solar cell string SR, the first heating member 210 may heat the solar cell string SR.

[0155] Different from this, the first heating member 210 may continuously heat the solar cell string SR during the transfer of the solar cell string SR.

[0156] Figures 12 to 14 FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an operation process of a second conveying unit and a second heating unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0157] When the first conveying member 130 moves in the first direction, an end portion of the first conveying member 130 protrudes to the outside of the supporting member 110 along the first direction and moves toward the third conveying member 320 .

[0158] As the first conveying member 130 moves in the first direction, the second driving member 330 moves the third conveying member 320 from the initial position in the opposite direction of the second direction.

[0159] Therefore, the end portion of the first transfer member 130 may be arranged so as not to collide with the third transfer member 320 and to face the side of the second transfer member 310 .

[0160] The solar cell string SR conveyed by the first conveying member 130 in the first direction may be fixed to the first conveying belt member 311 by the adsorption force of the first adsorption holes 312 or placed on the first conveying belt member 311 by movement of the first conveying member 130 in the opposite direction to the second direction.

[0161] The second transfer member 310 transfers the solar cell string SR received from the first transfer member 130 in a first direction through a rotation operation of the first transfer belt member 311 .

[0162] Thereafter, when the first conveying member 130 moves in the opposite direction to the first direction, the second driving member 330 moves the third conveying member 320 in the second direction, and the third conveying member 320 returns to the initial position.

[0163] The third conveying member 320 conveys the solar cell string SR in the first direction together with the second conveying member 310 while supporting the edge side of the solar cell string SR. The edge side of the solar cell string SR can be fixed to the second conveyor belt member 321 by the adsorption force of the second adsorption holes 322 of the third conveying member 320, or can be placed on the second conveyor belt member 321.

[0164] The second heating member 410 heats the second surface C2 of the solar cell string SR in a process in which the solar cell string SR is transferred in the first direction by the second and third transfer members 310 and 320 .

[0165] Hereinafter, a splicing device according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0166] The overlapping device according to this embodiment may be configured to be different from the overlapping device according to an embodiment of the present invention only in the detailed structure of the first heating part 200 .

[0167] Therefore, when describing the bonding device according to this embodiment, only the detailed structure of the first heating unit 200 that is different from the bonding device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. For the remaining structure of the bonding device according to this embodiment, the description of the bonding device according to one embodiment of the present invention can be applied as it is.

[0168] Figure 15 is a side view schematically showing the structure of a splicing device according to another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 16 FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a structure of a first heating unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0169] Reference Figure 15 and Figure 16 , the first heating part 200 according to the present embodiment may further include a preheating member 220 .

[0170] The preheating member 220 may be spaced apart from the first heating member 210 and heat the second surface C2 of the solar cell string SR. That is, the preheating member 220 may function as a structure that applies heat to the second surface C2 of the solar cell string SR conveyed by the first conveyor 100 before the second heating member 410. Therefore, the preheating member 220 may reduce the deviation in heat transfer efficiency between the first surface C1 and the second surface C2 of the solar cell string SR, which is caused by the second surface C2 of the solar cell string SR being supported by the first conveyor 100 and the second conveyor 300.

[0171] The preheating member 220 may be disposed inside the first conveyor 100. As an example, the preheating member 220 may be disposed inside the support member 110 or at a position spaced apart from the support member 110 in an opposite direction to the second direction.

[0172] The heating temperature of the preheating member 220 may be lower than the heating temperature of the second heating member 410. The heating temperatures of the preheating member 220 and the second heating member 410 may be variously modified within a range of 150°C or less.

[0173] The preheating member 220 may include a first preheating member 221 and a second preheating member 222 .

[0174] The first preheating member 221 may be disposed to face the first heating member 210 .

[0175] The first preheating member 221 according to the present embodiment may include a cartridge heater that converts externally applied electrical energy into thermal energy to heat the second surface C2 of the solar cell string SR. However, the first preheating member 221 is not limited to this and may be configured with various types of heat sources including a hot air device, an infrared lamp, etc.

[0176] The first preheating member 221 may be disposed to face the first heating member 210 along the second direction inside the support member 110. When the first heating member 210 operates, the first preheating member 221 may simultaneously heat the first and second surfaces C1 and C2 of the solar cell string SR together with the first heating member 210.

[0177] The first preheating member 221 may be provided in plurality. The plurality of first preheating members 221 may be arranged along the first direction. The number and spacing of the first preheating members 221 may be varied in various designs according to the size of the first heating member 210.

[0178] The second preheating member 222 may be spaced apart from the first preheating member 221 along the first direction. The second preheating member 222 may be arranged at a position that does not directly face the first heating member 210. The second preheating member 222 may function as a structure for heating the second surface C2 of the solar cell string SR between the first preheating member 221 and the second heating member 410. Therefore, the second preheating member 222 may prevent the temperature of the solar cell string SR passing through the first preheating member 221 from excessively decreasing before being transferred to the second heating member 410.

[0179] The second preheating member 222 according to the present embodiment may include a cartridge heater that converts externally applied electrical energy into thermal energy to heat the second surface C2 of the solar cell string SR. However, the second preheating member 222 is not limited to this and may be configured with various types of heat sources including a hot air device, an infrared lamp, etc.

[0180] The second preheating member 222 may be provided in plurality. The plurality of second preheating members 222 may be arranged along the first direction. The number and spacing of the second preheating members 222 may be variously designed and modified according to the length of the first conveyor 100.

[0181] The heating temperature of the first preheating member 221 and the heating temperature of the second preheating member 222 may be different from each other. As an example, the heating temperature of the second preheating member 222 may be between the heating temperature of the first preheating member 221 and the heating temperature of the second heating member 410. However, the heating temperature of the second preheating member 222 is not limited thereto and may be lower than the heating temperature of the first preheating member 221.

[0182] The present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, but this is merely an example, and persons skilled in the art to which this technology pertains will appreciate that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible therefrom.

[0183] Therefore, the technical protection scope of the present invention should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A splicing device, characterized in that: include: a first conveying unit for conveying a solar cell string in a first direction; a first heating unit configured to heat the solar cell string conveyed by the first conveying unit; a second conveying portion spaced apart from the first conveying portion in the first direction and receiving the solar cell string from the first conveying portion; as well as The second heating unit heats the solar cell string conveyed by the second conveying unit.

2. The splicing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first transmission unit includes: A supporting member supporting the solar cell string; a first drive member movably connected to the support member; and The first conveying member is connected to the first driving member and conveys the solar cell string in the first direction in conjunction with the movement of the first driving member. The first conveying member reciprocates in a direction parallel to the first direction.

3. The splicing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first driving member comprises: a first driving body configured to be movable back and forth in a direction parallel to the first direction; and A second driving body is connected to the first driving body and moves back and forth in a direction intersecting the first direction. The first transfer member is brought into contact with or separated from the solar cell string according to a moving direction of the second driving body.

4. The splicing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first conveying member is arranged to face an edge of the solar cell string.

5. The splicing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first direction is parallel to the length direction of the solar cell string, The supporting member and the first conveying member are arranged along a width direction of the solar cell string.

6. The splicing device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The width of the supporting member is smaller than the width of the solar cell string.

7. The splicing device according to claim 5, characterized in that: A sum of a width of the support member and a width of the first transfer member is greater than a width of the solar cell string.

8. The splicing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second transmission unit includes: a second conveying member arranged to face the supporting member and convey the solar cell string in the first direction; a third conveying member arranged to face the first conveying member at an initial position and capable of reciprocating movement in a direction intersecting the first direction; and The second driving member is linked with the movement of the first conveying member to adjust the moving direction of the third conveying member.

9. The splicing device according to claim 8, characterized in that: A distance between the first conveying member and the third conveying member is smaller than a moving distance of the first conveying member in the first direction.

10. The splicing device according to claim 8, characterized in that: As the first conveying member moves in the first direction, the second driving member moves the third conveying member from the initial position in a direction intersecting the first direction.

11. The splicing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The solar cell string includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other, The first heating unit includes: a first heating member arranged to face the first surface and to heat the first surface, The second heating unit includes: The second heating member is arranged to face the second surface and heats the second surface.

12. The splicing device according to claim 11, characterized in that: The second surface is arranged to face the first conveying portion and the second conveying portion.

13. The splicing device according to claim 12, characterized in that: The first heating member is spaced apart from the first transfer portion, and the second heating member is disposed inside the second transfer portion.

14. The splicing device according to claim 11, characterized in that: The first heating unit further includes: A preheating member is spaced apart from the first heating member and heats the second surface.

15. The splicing device according to claim 14, characterized in that: A heating temperature of the preheating member is lower than a heating temperature of the second heating member.

16. The splicing device according to claim 14, characterized in that: The preheating component comprises: a first preheating member arranged to face the first heating member; and The second pre-heating member is spaced apart from the first pre-heating member along the first direction.

17. The splicing device according to claim 16, characterized in that: A heating temperature of the first preheating member and a heating temperature of the second preheating member are different from each other.

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