Solder strip processing device, solder strip processing method and battery string production equipment

Abstract

The invention provides a solder strip processing device, a solder strip processing method and battery string production equipment. The solder strip processing device comprises a node detection mechanism, a solder strip adjusting mechanism, a solder strip cutting mechanism and a solder strip traction mechanism. The welding strip traction mechanism and the welding strip cutting mechanism are used for clamping N welding strips sequentially passing through the welding strip adjusting mechanism and the welding strip cutting mechanism and pulling the N welding strips to the preset position. Each welding strip comprises triangular sections and circular sections which are alternately arranged, one triangular section and one circular section which are adjacent to each other form a welding strip section, and a node to be cut off is formed between every two adjacent welding strip sections. The node detection mechanism is used for detecting the positions of nodes on the N welding strips before the welding strip traction mechanism clamps the N welding strips, and the welding strip adjusting mechanism adjusts the positions of the welding strips according to the positions of the nodes of the N welding strips, so that the nodes of the N welding strips are aligned. And finally, the welding strip cutting-off mechanism is ensured to cut off the welding strips from the nodes of the N welding strips.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of photovoltaic cell production equipment, and specifically to a solder strip processing device, a solder strip processing method, and a cell string production equipment. Background Art

[0002] During the battery series connection process, adjacent battery cells are connected via a welding ribbon segment group, which includes N welding ribbon segments. Figures 1 to 3 As shown, specifically, in the welding ribbon segment group, half of each welding ribbon segment 100 is welded to the back side of one of the adjacent battery cells 200, and the other half of the welding ribbon segment is welded to the front side of another of the adjacent battery cells 200.

[0003] A common welding ribbon segment structure is that the half segment welded on the back of the battery cell 200 is a circular segment 101 with a circular cross section, and in order to increase the light-receiving area of ​​the front of the battery cell, the half segment welded on the front of the battery cell 200 is a triangular segment 102 with a triangular cross section.

[0004] In order to realize the supply of welding strip segment groups, such as Figure 4 As shown, a welding ribbon feeding device releases N (e.g., 11 in the figure) parallel welding ribbons. Each welding ribbon has alternating triangular segments 102 and circular segments 101. Adjacent triangular segments 102 and circular segments 101 constitute a welding ribbon segment 100, and nodes to be cut are formed between two adjacent welding ribbon segments 100. Whenever a node on the N welding ribbons passes through the welding ribbon cutting mechanism, the welding ribbon cutting mechanism cuts the node, thereby obtaining a set of welding ribbon segments.

[0005] However, when the ribbon feeder unleashes N parallel ribbons, the unleashing speed of each ribbon inevitably varies, resulting in uneven nodes at the junctions of adjacent ribbon segments. Ultimately, the cutoff positions of some ribbons within the ribbon segments deviate from the nodes, affecting the production quality of the battery string. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In response to the above technical problems, this application provides a welding strip processing device, and its detailed technical solution is as follows: A welding ribbon processing device includes a node detection mechanism, a welding ribbon adjustment mechanism, a welding ribbon cutting mechanism and a welding ribbon pulling mechanism, wherein: The welding ribbon adjustment mechanism, the welding ribbon cutting mechanism and the welding ribbon pulling mechanism are sequentially arranged along the first horizontal direction; The welding ribbon pulling mechanism is configured to clamp N parallel welding ribbons that have passed through the welding ribbon adjustment mechanism and the welding ribbon cutting mechanism in sequence from the welding ribbon cutting mechanism, and pull the N welding ribbons away from the welding ribbon cutting mechanism to a predetermined position along a first horizontal direction, wherein each welding ribbon includes triangular segments and circular segments arranged alternately, an adjacent triangular segment and a circular segment constitute a welding ribbon segment, and a node to be cut is formed between each adjacent welding ribbon segment; The welding ribbon cutting mechanism is configured to cut the N welding ribbons when the welding ribbon pulling mechanism pulls the N welding ribbons to a predetermined position, so as to obtain a welding ribbon segment group consisting of the N welding ribbon segments; The node detection mechanism is arranged on a side of the welding ribbon cutting mechanism away from the welding ribbon pulling mechanism. The node detection mechanism is configured to detect the positions of the nodes on the N welding ribbons located at the detection station before the welding ribbon pulling mechanism clamps the N welding ribbons, so as to obtain the node positions of the N welding ribbons; The welding ribbon adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust the position of the welding ribbon to be adjusted among the N welding ribbons in the first horizontal direction according to the node positions of the N welding ribbons, so that the nodes of the N welding ribbons are aligned in the second horizontal direction, and the second horizontal direction is perpendicular to the first horizontal direction.

[0007] The present application provides a welding ribbon processing device in which, before the welding ribbon cutting mechanism cuts off the welding ribbon segment group from N welding ribbons, the node detection mechanism performs position detection on the nodes on the N welding ribbons, and the welding ribbon adjustment mechanism completes the position adjustment of the welding ribbon according to the node position information of the N welding ribbons, thereby aligning the nodes on the N welding ribbons, and ultimately ensuring that the welding ribbon cutting mechanism cuts off N welding ribbon segments from the nodes of the N welding ribbons.

[0008] In some embodiments, the node detection mechanism includes a light source and a camera arranged in a vertical direction. The detection station is within the camera shooting range, and the light source is configured to provide lighting at least when the camera performs position detection on the nodes on the N welding ribbons located at the detection station.

[0009] After the camera captures images of N solder ribbons at the inspection station, it analyzes the images to determine the node locations on each ribbon. During the image capture process, a light source illuminates the N ribbons at the inspection station, ensuring the camera captures images of the cleaned ribbons and improving positioning accuracy. Non-contact imaging and positioning prevents damage to the ribbon surface.

[0010] In some embodiments, the solder strip adjustment mechanism includes N adjustment components arranged along the second horizontal direction and corresponding one-to-one to the N solder strips. Each adjustment component can clamp the corresponding solder strip and drive the corresponding solder strip to move in the first horizontal direction so that the nodes of the N solder strips are aligned in the second horizontal direction.

[0011] Each welding strip is independently adjusted in position by the corresponding adjusting assembly, realizing flexible position adjustment of each welding strip, thereby ensuring that the nodes of the N welding strips are aligned in the second horizontal direction. For example, a reference line for alignment extending in the second horizontal direction can be first set in the detection station, the adjusting distance of each adjusting assembly is determined according to the distance between the node of the corresponding welding strip and the reference line, and then the node of the corresponding welding strip is adjusted to the reference line, so that the nodes of the N welding strips are all located on the reference line.

[0012] In some embodiments, the welding strip processing device further comprises a plurality of anti-inversion mechanisms arranged at intervals in the first horizontal direction, and N anti-inversion channels corresponding to the N welding strips are formed in the anti-inversion mechanisms in the second horizontal direction; each welding strip passes through the corresponding anti-inversion channel, and the anti-inversion channel is configured to implement anti-inversion limiting on the triangular segment on the welding strip.

[0013] By arranging the anti-inversion mechanisms at intervals on the traction path of the welding strip, anti-inversion limiting of the welding strip is realized, so that the triangular segment on the welding strip keeps the apex upward, and finally the triangular segment of the cut welding strip segment can be welded to the front surface of the battery sheet in the state of the apex upward. In this way, on the one hand, it ensures that the triangular segment of the welding strip segment forms a stable metallization connection with the grid line on the front surface of the battery sheet, and on the other hand, it ensures that the two side slopes of the triangular segment of the welding strip segment can reflect the light irradiated thereon to the front surface of the battery sheet, thereby improving the light receiving area of the front surface of the battery sheet.

[0014] In some embodiments, the anti-inversion mechanism comprises N anti-inversion assemblies arranged in the second horizontal direction and corresponding to the N welding strips, and the anti-inversion assembly comprises an upper roller and a lower roller arranged in an up-down manner, wherein the mounting shafts of the upper roller and the lower roller extend in the second horizontal direction, the circumferential surface of the upper roller is circumferentially provided with a ring of first grooves with a cross section of an acute-angled triangle, and the first grooves cooperate with the circumferential surface of the lower roller to form an anti-inversion channel; the length of a side of the cross section of the triangular segment of the welding strip is a, the length of a side of the cross section of the first groove is b, and 2a > b > 1.3a.

[0015] The anti-inversion limiting of the welding strip is implemented by the upper roller and the lower roller with the first grooves, and the upper roller and the lower roller can rotate under the driving of the welding strip. Therefore, the anti-inversion assembly can avoid hindering the normal conveying of the welding strip under the premise of realizing the anti-inversion effect of the welding strip, thereby preventing the welding strip from being stretched and deformed. In addition, each welding strip is independently anti-inverted by the independent anti-inversion assembly, which facilitates the installation and maintenance of the anti-inversion assembly. For example, when one of the anti-inversion assemblies fails, only the anti-inversion assembly needs to be repaired or replaced.

[0016] By adjusting the cross-sectional dimensions of the first groove and the triangular section, the first groove can prevent the triangular section of the solder ribbon from flipping over. Furthermore, sufficient clearance between the triangular section of the solder ribbon and the inner wall of the first groove is ensured to prevent the inner wall of the first groove from scratching the triangular section of the solder ribbon and damaging the solder on the surface of the triangular section of the solder ribbon.

[0017] In some embodiments, the anti-overturn assembly further includes a first elastic member configured to elastically press at least one of the upper roller and the lower roller against the other.

[0018] The first elastic member elastically presses the upper and lower rollers together, creating a closed anti-flip channel between the first groove and the circumference of the lower roller. Furthermore, the elastic contact between the upper and lower rollers absorbs vertical vibrations of the solder ribbon, reducing the risk of scratches and damage to the ribbon surface.

[0019] In some embodiments, the anti-flip mechanism includes an upper roller and a lower roller arranged in a pair, wherein: Both the upper roller and the lower roller extend along the second horizontal direction. N circles of second grooves with acute-angled triangle cross-sections are arranged on the circumferential surface of the upper roller at intervals along the second horizontal direction. Each second groove cooperates with the circumferential surface of the lower roller to form an anti-flip channel; the length of one side of the cross-section of the triangular segment of the welding strip is a, and the length of one side of the cross-section of the second groove is b, 2a>b>1.3a.

[0020] The upper and lower rollers, each with a second groove, prevent the welding ribbon from turning over. These rollers rotate with the welding ribbon. Thus, while preventing the welding ribbon from turning over, the anti-turnover assembly prevents the normal conveyance of the welding ribbon from being obstructed and causing it to be pulled and deformed.

[0021] By adjusting the cross-sectional dimensions of the second groove and the triangular section, the second groove can prevent the triangular section of the solder ribbon from flipping over. Furthermore, sufficient clearance between the triangular section of the solder ribbon and the inner wall of the second groove is ensured to prevent the inner wall of the second groove from scratching the triangular section of the solder ribbon and damaging the solder on the surface of the triangular section of the solder ribbon.

[0022] In some embodiments, the anti-overturn mechanism further includes a second elastic member configured to elastically press at least one of the upper roller and the lower roller against the other.

[0023] The second elastic member elastically presses the upper and lower rollers together, creating a closed anti-flip channel between the second groove and the circumference of the lower roller. Furthermore, the elastic contact between the upper and lower rollers absorbs vertical vibrations of the solder ribbon, reducing the risk of scratches and damage to the ribbon surface.

[0024] In some embodiments, the weld ribbon processing device also includes a flattening mechanism arranged between the weld ribbon adjustment mechanism and the weld ribbon cutting mechanism; the flattening mechanism is configured to flatten the connection between the triangular segment and the circular segment of the N weld ribbon segments closest to the weld ribbon cutting mechanism before the weld ribbon cutting mechanism cuts off the N weld ribbons.

[0025] Because the solder ribbon segments have a certain thickness and the cells are thin and brittle, the middle portion of the solder ribbon segment between adjacent cells can easily damage the edges of the cells when the cell strings are laminated into a solar panel assembly. Therefore, it is necessary to flatten the middle portion of the solder ribbon segment. By providing a flattening mechanism between the solder ribbon adjustment mechanism and the solder ribbon cutting mechanism, the junction between the triangular and circular sections of the solder ribbon segment can be automatically flattened.

[0026] Furthermore, the flattening mechanism can maintain the tightness of the welding ribbon after completing the flattening process. In this way, the flattening mechanism can cooperate with the welding ribbon cutting mechanism to cut the welding ribbon, thereby preventing the new end of the welding ribbon from retracting away from the welding ribbon cutting mechanism after the welding ribbon is cut, making it difficult for the welding ribbon pulling mechanism to clamp the end of the welding ribbon from the welding ribbon cutting mechanism during the next pulling operation.

[0027] In some embodiments, after the ribbon cutting mechanism cuts off the N ribbons, the flattening mechanism is further configured to push the N ribbons toward the ribbon cutting mechanism so that the ends of the N ribbons extend backward from the ribbon cutting mechanism.

[0028] The new ends of the N welding ribbons produced after being cut extend backward out of the welding ribbon cutting mechanism, making it convenient for the welding ribbon traction mechanism to implement the next clamping and traction of the welding ribbon.

[0029] In some embodiments, each of the N welding ribbons has a flattened section between the triangular section and the circular section; the welding ribbon processing device also includes a welding ribbon clamping mechanism arranged between the welding ribbon adjustment mechanism and the welding ribbon cutting mechanism; the clamping mechanism is configured to clamp the N welding ribbons when the welding ribbon cutting mechanism cuts the N welding ribbons.

[0030] The pressing mechanism presses the welding ribbon when the welding ribbon cutting mechanism cuts N welding ribbons, so as to prevent the welding ribbon from retracting away from the welding ribbon cutting mechanism after being cut, making it difficult for the welding ribbon pulling mechanism to clamp the end of the welding ribbon from the welding ribbon cutting mechanism.

[0031] In some embodiments, after the ribbon cutting mechanism cuts off the N ribbons, the ribbon pressing mechanism is further configured to push the N ribbons toward the ribbon cutting mechanism so that the ends of the N ribbons extend backward from the ribbon cutting mechanism.

[0032] The new ends of the N welding ribbons produced after being cut extend backward out of the welding ribbon cutting mechanism, making it convenient for the welding ribbon traction mechanism to implement the next clamping and traction of the welding ribbon.

[0033] The present application also provides a battery string production device, which includes a conveying device, a fixing device, a battery cell providing device and any of the above-mentioned welding ribbon processing devices, wherein: The ribbon pulling mechanism of the ribbon processing device and the cell supply device are configured to lay the ribbon segments and cells in a regular string onto the conveyor device; The conveying device is configured to convey the laid-out battery cells and the welding ribbon segment groups to the fixing station; The fixing device is arranged at the fixing station, and is configured to fix the welding ribbon segment group to the corresponding battery cell.

[0034] By combining a conveying device, a fixing device, a cell supply device, and a ribbon processing device, the cell string production equipment provided in this application achieves automatic string welding of cells and ensures the consistency of each ribbon segment in a group of ribbon segments welded to adjacent cells.

[0035] The present application also provides a method for processing a welding strip, which is implemented by any of the welding strip processing devices described above, and the welding strip processing method includes: Setting a reference line at the inspection station, the reference line extending along a second horizontal direction; Using a node detection mechanism, position detection is performed on nodes on N welding strips that pass through the welding strip adjustment mechanism and the welding strip cutting mechanism in sequence along a first horizontal direction, thereby measuring the distances between the nodes of the N welding strips and a reference line; Determining the welding ribbon to be adjusted and the corresponding adjustment amount based on the distance between the nodes of the N welding ribbons and the reference line, and adjusting the position of the welding ribbon to be adjusted in the first horizontal direction using the welding ribbon adjustment mechanism so that the nodes of the N welding ribbons are aligned in the second horizontal direction; Using the welding ribbon pulling mechanism to clamp the ends of N welding ribbons from the welding ribbon cutting mechanism, and pulling the N welding ribbons to a predetermined position; The N welding ribbons are cut by the welding ribbon cutting mechanism to obtain a welding ribbon segment group consisting of the N cut welding ribbon segments.

[0036] The present application provides a method for processing welding ribbons. Before the welding ribbon cutting mechanism cuts off the welding ribbon segment group from N welding ribbons, the node detection mechanism performs position detection on the nodes on the N welding ribbons. The welding ribbon adjustment mechanism completes the position adjustment of the welding ribbons according to the node position information of the N welding ribbons, thereby aligning the nodes on the N welding ribbons, and ultimately ensuring that the welding ribbon cutting mechanism cuts off N welding ribbon segments from the nodes of the N welding ribbons.

[0037] In some embodiments, the solder ribbon processing method of the present application includes: using an anti-flip mechanism to implement anti-flip limiting on the triangular segments on N solder ribbons.

[0038] By implementing an anti-flip limiter on the solder ribbon, the triangular section of the solder ribbon is kept with its apex facing upwards, ultimately ensuring that the cut triangular section of the solder ribbon can be soldered to the front of the cell with its apex facing upwards. This ensures that the triangular section of the solder ribbon forms a stable metallized connection with the grid lines on the front of the cell, and that the inclined surfaces on both sides of the triangular section of the solder ribbon reflect the light incident on it onto the front of the cell, thereby increasing the light-receiving area on the front of the cell.

[0039] In some embodiments, when cutting N welding ribbons using the welding ribbon cutting mechanism, the welding ribbon processing method further includes: using a flattening mechanism to flatten the connection between the triangular segment and the circular segment of the N welding ribbon segments closest to the welding ribbon cutting mechanism.

[0040] The flattening mechanism is used to perform a flattening process on the connection between the triangular segment and the circular segment of the welding strip segment, so that a flattened segment is formed between the triangular segment and the circular segment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of welding two adjacent battery cells in a battery string; Figure 2 Schematic diagram of a solar cell with a circular segment welded to the back with a welding ribbon segment; Figure 3 Schematic diagram of a solar cell with a triangular segment of a solder ribbon segment welded on the front; Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the local structure of N weld ribbons pulled out; Figure 5 Schematic diagram of processing N soldering ribbons by a soldering ribbon processing device in one embodiment of the present application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of processing N solder ribbons by a solder ribbon processing device in another embodiment of the present application. Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view of the anti-flip assembly in an embodiment of the present application.

[0042] Figures 1 to 7 Included are: Node detection mechanism 1, camera 11, light source 12, solder ribbon adjustment mechanism 2, solder ribbon cutting mechanism 3, solder ribbon traction mechanism 4, anti-flip mechanism 5, upper roller 51, lower roller 52, first groove 53, flattening mechanism 6, solder ribbon clamping mechanism 7, solder ribbon segment 100, circular segment 101, triangular segment 102, node 103, flattening segment 104. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present application more readily apparent, the present application is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific examples. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present application. Instead, they are merely examples of devices and methods consistent with certain aspects of the present application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0044] As described in the Background section, when the ribbon feeder unleashes N parallel ribbons, the unleashing speed of each ribbon inevitably varies, resulting in uneven nodes at the junctions of adjacent ribbon segments. Ultimately, some ribbons within the ribbon group are cut off at locations that deviate from the node, impacting the production quality of the battery string.

[0045] To this end, the present application provides a welding ribbon processing device, which can automatically align the nodes on N welding ribbons before cutting the welding ribbons, thereby ensuring that the cutting positions of all welding ribbons in the welding ribbon group are located at the nodes.

[0046] Figure 5 FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of processing N solder strips by a solder strip processing device in one embodiment of the present application. Figure 6 A schematic diagram of processing N solder ribbons by a solder ribbon processing device in another embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0047] like Figures 5 and 6 As shown, the welding ribbon processing device provided by the present application includes a node detection mechanism 1, a welding ribbon adjustment mechanism 2, a welding ribbon cutting mechanism 3 and a welding ribbon pulling mechanism 4, wherein: The welding ribbon adjustment mechanism 2 , the welding ribbon cutting mechanism 3 and the welding ribbon pulling mechanism 4 are sequentially arranged along a first horizontal direction (eg, X direction).

[0048] The welding ribbon pulling mechanism 4 is configured to clamp N parallel welding ribbons (for example, 11 in the figure) that pass through the welding ribbon adjustment mechanism 2 and the welding ribbon cutting mechanism 3 in sequence from the welding ribbon cutting mechanism 3, and pull the N welding ribbons away from the welding ribbon cutting mechanism 3 to a predetermined position along a first horizontal direction, wherein each welding ribbon includes alternatingly arranged triangular segments 102 and circular segments 101, an adjacent triangular segment 102 and a circular segment 101 constitute a welding ribbon segment 100, and a node 103 to be cut is formed between each adjacent welding ribbon segment 100.

[0049] The ribbon cutting mechanism 3 is configured to cut N ribbons when the ribbon pulling mechanism pulls them to a predetermined position, thereby obtaining a ribbon segment group consisting of N ribbon segments. In other words, each time the pulling mechanism pulls N ribbon segments 100 out of the ribbon cutting mechanism 3 in parallel, the ribbon cutting mechanism 3 immediately performs a cutting operation, thereby obtaining a ribbon segment group consisting of the N cut ribbon segments 100. This ribbon segment group can then be used to connect two adjacent cells in a battery string in series.

[0050] The node detection mechanism 1 is arranged on a side of the weld ribbon cutting mechanism away from the weld ribbon traction mechanism 4 (such as the left side). The node detection mechanism 1 is configured to perform position detection on the nodes 103 on the N weld ribbons located at the detection station A before the weld ribbon traction mechanism 4 clamps the N weld ribbons, so as to obtain the positions of the nodes of the N weld ribbons.

[0051] The welding ribbon adjustment mechanism 2 is configured to adjust the position of the welding ribbon to be adjusted in the first horizontal direction according to the node positions of the N welding ribbons, so that the nodes 103 of the N welding ribbons are aligned in a second horizontal direction (for example, the Y direction), and the second horizontal direction is perpendicular to the first horizontal direction.

[0052] In the welding ribbon processing device provided by the present application, before the welding ribbon cutting mechanism 3 cuts the welding ribbon segment group from the N welding ribbons, the node detection mechanism 1 performs position detection on the nodes 103 on the N welding ribbons, and the welding ribbon adjustment mechanism 2 completes the position adjustment of the welding ribbon according to the node position information of the N welding ribbons, so that the nodes 103 on the N welding ribbons are aligned, and finally ensures that the welding ribbon cutting mechanism 3 cuts off the N welding ribbon segments from the nodes 103 of the N welding ribbons.

[0053] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, optionally, the node detection mechanism 1 includes a light source 12 and a camera 11 arranged in a vertical direction, the detection station A is in the shooting range of the camera 11, and the light source 12 is configured to provide lighting at least when the camera 11 performs position detection on the nodes 103 on the N welding strips located at the detection station A.

[0054] After capturing images of the N solder ribbons at the inspection station, camera 11 analyzes the images to obtain the location information of the nodes on the N solder ribbons. For example, camera 11 is signal-connected to a PLC controller, which stores an image analysis algorithm. Camera 11 transmits the captured images to the PLC controller, which runs the image analysis algorithm to identify the nodes on the N solder ribbons from the images and obtain the node location information for the N solder ribbons.

[0055] When the camera 11 takes pictures of the N solder strips at the inspection station, the light source 12 provides illumination for the N solder strips at the inspection station, ensuring that the camera 11 obtains a clear image, thereby improving the positioning accuracy of the node.

[0056] Of course, in other embodiments, node detection mechanisms 1 with other structures can also be used to detect the positions of nodes 103 on the N solder ribbons located at inspection station A. For example, node detection can be performed using a laser scanning device comprising a line laser emitter and a sensor. The line laser emitter emits a laser strip with a width covering 11 solder ribbons. The laser strip is irradiated onto the N solder ribbons at a predetermined angle of incidence (e.g., 75°). The light reflected from the ribbons is captured by the sensor. Due to the significant difference in reflected light intensity between the triangular segment 102 and the circular segment 101, the sensor can identify the node of the solder ribbon by analyzing the reflected light, thereby achieving node detection and location.

[0057] Optionally, the welding strip adjustment mechanism 2 includes N adjustment components arranged along the second horizontal direction and corresponding one-to-one to the N welding strips. Each adjustment component can clamp the corresponding welding strip and drive the corresponding welding strip to move in the first horizontal direction so that the nodes of the N welding strips are aligned in the second horizontal direction.

[0058] Each soldering ribbon is independently adjusted in position by a corresponding adjustment assembly, enabling flexible position adjustment of each ribbon, thereby ensuring that the nodes 103 of the N ribbons are aligned in the second horizontal direction. For example, a reference line for alignment extending along the second horizontal direction can be set at inspection station A. Each adjustment assembly then determines its own adjustment distance based on the distance between the node 103 of the corresponding ribbon and the reference line. The adjustment assembly then adjusts the node 103 of the corresponding ribbon to the reference line, thereby ensuring that the nodes 103 of the N ribbons are all located on the reference line.

[0059] Optionally, each adjustment component includes a translation drive unit and a clamping unit, and the clamping unit (for example, a pneumatic clamp or a servo-driven clamp) is connected to the driving end of the translation drive unit (for example, a linear motor or a screw module). When the corresponding welding strip needs to implement node adjustment, the clamping unit first clamps the welding strip, and then the translation drive unit drives the clamping unit to move along the first horizontal direction until the node on the welding strip moves to the target position (for example, the baseline).

[0060] like Figure 3 As shown, the triangular segment 102 of the welding ribbon segment needs to be welded to the front side of the battery cell 200 with the vertex facing upwards, so as to ensure that the triangular segment 102 forms a stable metallized connection with the grid line on the front side of the battery cell 200, and to ensure that the inclined surfaces on both sides of the triangular segment 102 can reflect the light irradiated thereon to the front side of the battery cell 200, thereby increasing the light-receiving area of ​​the front side of the battery cell.

[0061] like Figures 5 and 6As shown, the solder ribbon processing device of the present application optionally further includes a plurality of anti-flip mechanisms 5 spaced apart along the first horizontal direction, wherein N anti-flip channels corresponding to the N solder ribbons are formed in the anti-flip mechanism 5 along the second horizontal direction. Each solder ribbon passes through the corresponding anti-flip channel, and the anti-flip channel is configured to implement anti-flip limit on the triangular segment 102 on the solder ribbon, so that the triangular segment 102 on the solder ribbon keeps its vertex facing upward, ultimately ensuring that the triangular segment 102 of the cut solder ribbon segment 100 can be welded to the front surface of the battery cell 200 with its vertex facing upward.

[0062] In an optional embodiment, the anti-flip mechanism includes N anti-flip components arranged along the second horizontal direction and corresponding to the N welding strips one by one. Figure 7 As shown, the anti-flip assembly includes an upper roller 51 and a lower roller 52 arranged up and down, wherein: the mounting axes of the upper roller 51 and the lower roller 52 extend along the second horizontal direction, and a circle of first grooves 53 with a cross-section of an acute-angled triangle is circumferentially provided on the circumferential surface of the upper roller 51, and the first grooves 53 cooperate with the circumferential surface of the lower roller 52 to form an anti-flip channel for the welding strip to pass through.

[0063] The upper roller 51 and lower roller 52, each with a first groove 53, prevent the welding ribbon from rotating. These rollers rotate with the welding ribbon. Thus, while preventing the welding ribbon from rotating, the anti-rotation assembly prevents the normal conveyance of the welding ribbon from being obstructed and causing deformation. Furthermore, each welding ribbon is protected by an independent anti-rotation assembly, facilitating installation and maintenance. For example, if one anti-rotation assembly malfunctions, only that assembly needs to be repaired or replaced.

[0064] like Figure 7 As shown, optionally, the side length a of a certain side of the cross section of the triangular segment of the welding strip and the side length b of a certain side of the cross section of the first groove 53 satisfy: 2a>b>1.3a.

[0065] This arrangement ensures that the first groove 53 can prevent the triangular section 102 of the soldering ribbon from flipping over. It also ensures that there is sufficient clearance between the triangular section 102 of the soldering ribbon and the inner wall of the first groove 53, preventing the inner wall of the first groove 53 from scratching the triangular section 102 of the soldering ribbon and damaging the solder on the surface of the triangular section 102 of the soldering ribbon.

[0066] Of course, by setting the cross section of the first groove 53 in this way, it can also be ensured that the circular segment 101 of the welding strip can smoothly pass through the anti-turnover channel.

[0067] like Figure 7As shown, optionally, the anti-overturning assembly further comprises a first elastic member 54, which is configured to elastically press at least one of the upper roller 51 and the lower roller 52 against the other. Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the first elastic member 54 elastically presses the upper roller 51 against the lower roller 52.

[0068] By providing the first elastic member 54, the upper roller 51 and the lower roller 52 are elastically pressed against each other, so that, on the one hand, the first groove 53 and the circumferential surface of the lower roller 52 form a closed anti-overturning channel, improving the anti-overturning stability. In addition, the elastic contact between the upper roller 51 and the lower roller 52 can absorb the vibration of the solder strip in the vertical direction, reducing the risk of scratching damage to the surface of the solder strip.

[0069] The first elastic member 54 may, for example, be a spring that can stretch and contract in the vertical direction.

[0070] In another optional embodiment, the anti-overturning mechanism 5 comprises an upper roller and a lower roller arranged in pairs, wherein: the upper roller and the lower roller both extend along a second horizontal direction, the circumferential surface of the upper roller is spaced apart along the second horizontal direction and is provided with N circles of second grooves with a cross section of an acute-angled triangle, and each second groove cooperates with the circumferential surface of the lower roller to form an anti-overturning channel for the corresponding solder strip.

[0071] The anti-overturning mechanism is implemented by the upper roller and the lower roller with the second grooves, and the upper roller and the lower roller can rotate under the driving of the solder strip. Therefore, the anti-overturning assembly can avoid hindering the normal conveying of the solder strip while achieving the anti-overturning effect on the solder strip, so as to prevent the solder strip from being stretched and deformed.

[0072] Similarly, optionally, the length a of a side of the cross section of the triangular segment of the solder strip and the length b of a side of the cross section of the second groove satisfy: 2a > b > 1.3a.

[0073] In this way, on the one hand, the second groove can ensure the anti-overturning effect on the triangular segment of the solder strip. On the other hand, there is enough clearance between the triangular segment of the solder strip and the inner wall of the second groove, so as to avoid scratching the solder material on the surface of the triangular segment of the solder strip by the inner wall of the second groove.

[0074] Of course, by setting the cross section of the second groove in this way, it can also ensure that the circular segment of the solder strip can smoothly pass through the anti-overturning channel.

[0075] Similarly, optionally, the anti-overturning mechanism 5 further comprises a second elastic member, which is configured to elastically press at least one of the upper roller and the lower roller against the other.

[0076] The second elastic member elastically presses the upper and lower rollers together, creating a closed anti-flip channel between the second groove and the circumference of the lower roller, improving anti-flip stability. Furthermore, the elastic contact between the upper and lower rollers absorbs vertical vibrations of the solder ribbon, reducing the risk of scratches and damage to the ribbon surface.

[0077] The second elastic member may be, for example, a spring that can expand and contract in the vertical direction.

[0078] As is known to those skilled in the art, since the welding ribbon has a certain thickness and the battery cell is thin and brittle, when the battery string is laminated into a battery panel assembly, the middle of the welding ribbon between two adjacent battery cells (such as Figure 1 The portion shown in the dotted box in the figure is likely to damage the edge of the battery cell, so it is necessary to flatten the middle portion of the welding ribbon segment.

[0079] In view of this, if Figure 5 As shown, optionally, the solder strip processing device in the embodiment of the present application further includes a flattening mechanism 6 disposed between the solder strip adjustment mechanism 2 and the solder strip cutting mechanism 3. The flattening mechanism 6 is configured to flatten the connection between the triangular segment and the circular segment of the N solder strip segments closest to the solder strip cutting mechanism 3 before the solder strip cutting mechanism 3 cuts the N solder strips, thereby forming a flattened segment 104 between the triangular segment and the circular segment of the N solder strip segments.

[0080] Furthermore, the flattening mechanism 6 can maintain the tightness of the welding ribbon after completing the flattening process. Thus, the flattening mechanism 6 can cooperate with the welding ribbon cutting mechanism 3 to cut the welding ribbon, thereby preventing the new end of the welding ribbon from retracting away from the welding ribbon cutting mechanism 3 after the welding ribbon is cut, making it difficult for the welding ribbon pulling mechanism 4 to grasp the end of the welding ribbon from the welding ribbon cutting mechanism 3 during the next pulling operation.

[0081] The flattening mechanism 6 can employ various existing structures capable of flattening the solder ribbon. For example, the flattening mechanism 6 comprises a mounting frame, an upper pressing block, a lower pressing block, and a driving member. The upper and lower pressing blocks are mounted on the mounting frame at a relatively low position. The solder ribbon passes between the upper and lower pressing blocks. Before the solder ribbon cutting mechanism 3 cuts the N solder ribbons, the driving member drives the upper and lower pressing blocks to squeeze the solder ribbons from above and below, thereby flattening the solder ribbon.

[0082] Optionally, after the weld ribbon cutting mechanism 3 cuts off N weld ribbons, the flattening mechanism 6 is also configured to push the N weld ribbons toward the weld ribbon cutting mechanism 3, so that the ends of the N weld ribbons extend backward from the weld ribbon cutting mechanism 3, thereby facilitating the weld ribbon traction mechanism 4 to implement the next clamping and traction of the weld ribbon.

[0083] For example, the flattening mechanism 6 further includes a translational drive, and a mounting frame of the flattening mechanism 6 is connected to a movable component of the translational drive. After the ribbon cutting mechanism 3 cuts the N ribbons, the translational drive drives the mounting frame toward the ribbon cutting mechanism 3, causing the ends of the N ribbons to extend rearwardly out of the ribbon cutting mechanism 3.

[0084] like Figure 6 As shown, in another embodiment, each of the N welding ribbon segments 100 has a flattened section 104 between the triangular section 102 and the circular section 101. In other words, the N welding ribbons pulled out by the welding ribbon pulling mechanism 4 already have the flattened section 104, so there is no need for the welding ribbon processing device of the present application to perform a flattening operation on the welding ribbons.

[0085] Optionally, the solder strip processing device in the embodiment of the present application further includes a solder strip pressing mechanism 7 provided between the solder strip adjustment mechanism 2 and the solder strip cutting mechanism 3. The solder strip pressing mechanism 7 is configured to press the N solder strips when the solder strip cutting mechanism 3 cuts the N solder strips.

[0086] In this way, it can be avoided that after the welding ribbon is cut, the new end of the welding ribbon produced by cutting retracts away from the welding ribbon cutting mechanism 3, making it difficult for the welding ribbon traction mechanism 4 to clamp the end of the welding ribbon from the welding ribbon cutting mechanism when performing the next traction.

[0087] The welding strip clamping mechanism 7 can adopt a structure similar to the flattening mechanism 6 in the previous embodiment. The difference is that the driving force of the driving member on the upper and lower pressure blocks is sufficient to make the upper and lower pressure blocks clamp the welding strip to avoid flattening the welding strip.

[0088] Similarly, optionally, after the weld ribbon cutting mechanism 3 cuts off the N weld ribbons, the weld ribbon clamping mechanism 7 is also configured to push the N weld ribbons toward the weld ribbon cutting mechanism 3, so that the ends of the N weld ribbons extend backward from the weld ribbon cutting mechanism 3, thereby facilitating the weld ribbon traction mechanism 4 to implement the next clamping and traction of the weld ribbon.

[0089] For example, the ribbon clamping mechanism 7 further includes a translational drive, and the mounting frame of the ribbon clamping mechanism 7 is connected to the movable component of the translational drive. After the ribbon cutting mechanism 3 cuts N ribbons, the translational drive drives the mounting frame toward the ribbon cutting mechanism 3, causing the ends of the N ribbons to extend rearwardly out of the ribbon cutting mechanism 3.

[0090] The ribbon cutting mechanism 3 in the embodiment of the present application can employ various existing devices capable of cutting a ribbon assembly. For example, the ribbon cutting mechanism 3 includes an upper cutter, a lower cutter, and a drive element. N ribbons pass between the upper and lower cutters. When the N ribbons are pulled into position by the ribbon pulling mechanism 4, the drive element drives the upper and lower cutters to engage, thereby simultaneously cutting the N ribbons.

[0091] The ribbon pulling mechanism 4 in the embodiment of the present application can employ various existing devices capable of pulling a ribbon assembly. For example, the ribbon pulling mechanism 4 includes a drive module and N clamping jaw assemblies mounted on the drive module, each corresponding to the N ribbons. The drive module is configured to drive the N clamping jaw assemblies to move synchronously, so that the N clamping jaw assemblies each correspondingly grasp the ends of the N ribbons from the ribbon cutting mechanism 3 and pull the N ribbons away from the ribbon cutting mechanism 3.

[0092] The present application also provides a method for processing a welding strip, which is implemented by any of the welding strip processing devices described above, and the welding strip processing method includes: A reference line is set at the inspection station A, and the reference line extends along the second horizontal direction.

[0093] The node detection mechanism 1 is used to detect the positions of the nodes 103 on the N welding strips that pass through the welding strip adjustment mechanism 2 and the welding strip cutting mechanism 3 in the first horizontal direction, and then the distances between the nodes 103 of the N welding strips and the reference line are measured.

[0094] The welding strip to be adjusted and the corresponding adjustment amount are determined based on the distance between the nodes 103 of the N welding strips and the reference line, and the welding strip adjustment mechanism 2 is used to adjust the position of the welding strip to be adjusted in the first horizontal direction so that the nodes of the N welding strips are aligned in the second horizontal direction.

[0095] The welding ribbon pulling mechanism 4 is used to clamp the ends of the N welding ribbons from the welding ribbon cutting mechanism and pull the N welding ribbons to a predetermined position.

[0096] The N welding ribbons are cut by the welding ribbon cutting mechanism 3 to obtain a welding ribbon segment group consisting of the N cut welding ribbon segments.

[0097] The present application provides a method for processing welding ribbons. Before the welding ribbon cutting mechanism 3 cuts off the welding ribbon segment group from N welding ribbons, the node detection mechanism 1 performs position detection on the nodes on the N welding ribbons, and the welding ribbon adjustment mechanism 2 completes the position adjustment of the welding ribbons according to the node position information of the N welding ribbons, thereby aligning the nodes on the N welding ribbons, and ultimately ensuring that the welding ribbon cutting mechanism 3 cuts off the N welding ribbon segments from the nodes.

[0098] Optionally, the reference line is a straight line L, the distance between the straight line L and the strip cutting mechanism 3 is an integer multiple of the length of the strip segment 100, for example Figure 5 、 Figure 6 The welding strips whose nodes 103 are not on the straight line L are all regarded as welding strips to be adjusted. After the positions of all welding strips to be adjusted are adjusted, the nodes of the N welding strips are all located on the straight line L.

[0099] Optionally, the solder strip processing method of the present application further includes: utilizing the anti-flip mechanism 5 to implement anti-flip limiting on the triangular segments on the N solder strips.

[0100] By implementing anti-flip limit on the welding ribbon, the triangular segment on the welding ribbon is kept with the vertex facing upward, ultimately ensuring that the triangular segment of the cut welding ribbon segment can be welded to the front of the battery cell with the vertex facing upward.

[0101] Optionally, when using the weld ribbon cutting mechanism 3 to cut N weld ribbons, the weld ribbon processing method in the embodiment of the present application also includes: using the flattening mechanism 6 to flatten the connection between the triangular segment and the circular segment of the N weld ribbon segments closest to the weld ribbon cutting mechanism 3.

[0102] The present application also provides a battery string production device, which includes a conveying device, a fixing device, a battery cell providing device and any of the above-mentioned welding ribbon processing devices, wherein: The ribbon pulling mechanism of the ribbon processing device and the cell supply device are configured to lay the ribbon segments and cells in a regular string onto the conveyor device; The conveying device is configured to convey the laid-out battery cells and the welding ribbon segment groups to the fixing station; The fixing device is arranged at the fixing station, and is configured to fix the welding ribbon segment group to the corresponding battery cell.

[0103] By combining a conveying device, a fixing device, a cell supply device, and a ribbon processing device, the cell string production equipment provided in this application achieves automatic string welding of cells and ensures the consistency of each ribbon segment in a group of ribbon segments welded to adjacent cells.

[0104] The present application provides a sufficiently detailed description with certain particularities. Those skilled in the art should understand that the descriptions in the embodiments are merely exemplary, and that all changes made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present application should fall within the scope of protection of the present application. The scope of protection claimed in the present application is defined by the claims, rather than by the above descriptions in the embodiments. Without contradiction, some optional components in one embodiment may also be configured as in another embodiment, and some preferred structures of the same component in one embodiment may also be configured as in another embodiment. In addition, there may be slight differences in the wording of the names of certain components in different embodiments, and these slight differences will not affect the understanding of the technical solution of the present invention by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A welding strip processing device, characterized in that: The welding ribbon processing device includes a node detection mechanism, a welding ribbon adjustment mechanism, a welding ribbon cutting mechanism and a welding ribbon pulling mechanism, wherein: The welding ribbon adjustment mechanism, the welding ribbon cutting mechanism and the welding ribbon pulling mechanism are sequentially arranged along a first horizontal direction; The welding ribbon pulling mechanism is configured to clamp N parallel welding ribbons that have passed through the welding ribbon adjustment mechanism and the welding ribbon cutting mechanism in sequence from the welding ribbon cutting mechanism, and pull the N welding ribbons away from the welding ribbon cutting mechanism to a predetermined position along the first horizontal direction, wherein each welding ribbon includes alternating triangular segments and circular segments, adjacent triangular segments and circular segments constitute a welding ribbon segment, and nodes to be cut are formed between two adjacent welding ribbon segments; The welding ribbon cutting mechanism is configured to cut off the N welding ribbons when the welding ribbon pulling mechanism pulls the N welding ribbons to a predetermined position, so as to obtain a welding ribbon segment group consisting of the N welding ribbon segments; The node detection mechanism is arranged on a side of the welding ribbon cutting mechanism away from the welding ribbon traction mechanism, and is configured to detect the positions of the nodes on the N welding ribbons located at the detection station before the welding ribbon traction mechanism clamps the N welding ribbons, so as to obtain the node positions of the N welding ribbons; The welding ribbon adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust the position of the welding ribbon to be adjusted among the N welding ribbons in the first horizontal direction according to the node positions of the N welding ribbons, so that the nodes of the N welding ribbons are aligned in a second horizontal direction, and the second horizontal direction is perpendicular to the first horizontal direction.

2. The welding strip processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that The node detection mechanism includes a light source and a camera arranged in a vertical direction. The detection station is within the shooting range of the camera. The light source is configured to provide lighting at least when the camera performs position detection on the nodes on the N welding strips located at the detection station.

3. The welding strip processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that The welding strip adjustment mechanism includes N adjustment components arranged along the second horizontal direction and corresponding one-to-one to the N welding strips. Each of the adjustment components can clamp the corresponding welding strip and drive the corresponding welding strip to move in the first horizontal direction so that the nodes of the N welding strips are aligned in the second horizontal direction.

4. The welding strip processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that The solder strip processing device further includes a plurality of anti-flipping mechanisms spaced apart along the first horizontal direction, wherein N anti-flipping channels corresponding to the N solder strips are formed in the anti-flipping mechanisms along the second horizontal direction; Each of the welding strips passes through the corresponding anti-turnover channel, and the anti-turnover channel is configured to implement anti-turnover limiting on the triangular segment on the welding strip.

5. The welding strip processing device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The anti-flip mechanism includes N anti-flip components arranged along the second horizontal direction and corresponding to the N welding ribbons one by one, and the anti-flip components include an upper roller and a lower roller arranged up and down, wherein: The mounting axes of the upper roller and the lower roller both extend along the second horizontal direction, and a first groove with an acute-angled triangular cross-section is circumferentially provided on the circumferential surface of the upper roller, and the first groove cooperates with the circumferential surface of the lower roller to form the anti-turnover channel; The length of one side of the cross section of the triangular segment of the welding strip is a, the length of one side of the cross section of the first groove is b, and 2a>b>1.3a.

6. The welding strip processing device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The anti-overturn assembly further includes a first elastic member configured to elastically press at least one of the upper roller and the lower roller against the other.

7. The welding strip processing device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The anti-flip mechanism includes an upper roller and a lower roller arranged in pairs, wherein: The upper roller and the lower roller both extend along the second horizontal direction, and the circumferential surface of the upper roller is provided with N circles of second grooves with acute triangle cross sections at intervals along the second horizontal direction, and each second groove cooperates with the circumferential surface of the lower roller to form an anti-turnover channel; The length of one side of the cross section of the triangular segment of the welding strip is a, the length of one side of the cross section of the second groove is b, and 2a>b>1.3a.

8. The welding strip processing device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The anti-overturn mechanism further includes a second elastic member configured to elastically press at least one of the upper roller and the lower roller against the other.

9. The welding ribbon processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The welding ribbon processing device further includes a flattening mechanism provided between the welding ribbon adjusting mechanism and the welding ribbon cutting mechanism; The flattening mechanism is configured to flatten the connection between the triangular segment and the circular segment of the N soldering ribbon segments closest to the soldering ribbon cutting mechanism before the soldering ribbon cutting mechanism cuts the N soldering ribbons.

10. The welding ribbon processing device according to claim 9, characterized in that: After the welding ribbon cutting mechanism cuts off the N welding ribbons, the flattening mechanism is further configured to push the N welding ribbons toward the welding ribbon cutting mechanism so that the ends of the N welding ribbons extend backward from the welding ribbon cutting mechanism.

11. The welding ribbon processing device according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the N welding strips has a flattened section between the triangular section and the circular section; The welding ribbon processing device further includes a welding ribbon pressing mechanism provided between the welding ribbon adjusting mechanism and the welding ribbon cutting mechanism; The welding ribbon pressing mechanism is configured to press the N welding ribbons when the welding ribbon cutting mechanism cuts the N welding ribbons.

12. The welding ribbon processing device according to claim 11, characterized in that: After the welding ribbon cutting mechanism cuts off the N welding ribbons, the welding ribbon pressing mechanism is further configured to push the N welding ribbons toward the welding ribbon cutting mechanism so that the ends of the N welding ribbons extend backward from the welding ribbon cutting mechanism.

13. A battery string production device, characterized in that: The battery string production equipment includes a conveying device, a fixing device, a battery cell providing device and a welding ribbon processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The ribbon pulling mechanism of the ribbon processing device and the cell providing device are configured to lay the ribbon segment groups and the cell slices in a regular string onto the conveying device; The conveying device is configured to convey the laid-out battery cells and the welding ribbon segment groups to the fixing station; The fixing device is disposed at the fixing station, and is configured to fix the welding ribbon segment group to the corresponding battery cell.

14. A method for processing a welding strip, characterized in that: The solder strip processing method is implemented by the solder strip processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, and the solder strip processing method includes: Setting a reference line at the detection station, wherein the reference line extends along a second horizontal direction; Using a node detection mechanism, position detection is performed on N nodes on the welding ribbons that pass through the welding ribbon adjustment mechanism and the welding ribbon cutting mechanism in sequence along the first horizontal direction, thereby measuring the distances between the nodes of the N welding ribbons and the reference line; Determining the welding ribbon to be adjusted and the corresponding adjustment amount based on the distance between the nodes of the N welding ribbons and the reference line, and adjusting the position of the welding ribbon to be adjusted in the first horizontal direction using the welding ribbon adjustment mechanism so that the nodes of the N welding ribbons are aligned in the second horizontal direction; Using a welding ribbon pulling mechanism to clamp the ends of N welding ribbons from the welding ribbon cutting mechanism, and pulling the N welding ribbons to a predetermined position; The welding ribbon cutting mechanism is used to cut N welding ribbons to obtain a welding ribbon segment group consisting of the N cut welding ribbon segments.

15. The method for processing a welding strip according to claim 14, wherein: The solder strip processing method is implemented by the solder strip processing device according to claim 4, and the solder strip processing method further includes: The anti-flip mechanism is used to implement anti-flip limiting on the triangular segments on the N welding strips.

16. The method for processing a welding strip according to claim 14, wherein: The solder strip processing method is implemented by the solder strip processing device according to claim 9. When the solder strip cutting mechanism is used to cut N solder strips, the solder strip processing method further comprises: The flattening mechanism is used to flatten the connection between the triangular segment and the circular segment of the N welding ribbon segments that are closest to the welding ribbon cutting mechanism.

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