Photovoltaic backboard integrated processing equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of photovoltaic module disassembly, in particular to photovoltaic backboard integrated processing equipment. The device comprises a separating unit, a cutting unit and a conveying unit, the separating unit comprises a lifting assembly and a hot knife assembly connected with the lifting assembly, the lifting assembly is used for enabling the hot knife assembly to move up and down, and the hot knife assembly comprises a knife rest, a plurality of split and side-by-side knife modules fixed to the knife rest, heating pipes arranged in the knife modules and temperature sensors; the hot knife assembly is used for entering an adhesive film layer between the back plate and the battery piece so as to separate the back plate; the cutting unit comprises a movable adsorption assembly, a distance-adjustable compression roller assembly and a cutter assembly capable of reciprocating, the adsorption assembly is used for adsorbing the separated back plate to an inlet of the compression roller assembly, the compression roller assembly is used for conveying the separated back plate to an inlet of the cutter assembly, and the cutter assembly is used for cutting the back plate into sections; the conveying unit is arranged at an outlet of the cutter assembly and used for conveying the back plates cut into segments.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of photovoltaic module disassembly technology, and in particular to an integrated photovoltaic backsheet processing device. Background Technology

[0002] Photovoltaic modules (also called solar panels) are the core component of solar power generation systems. With the impending retirement of photovoltaic modules, improper handling can cause environmental pollution. The backsheet is a crucial encapsulation material for photovoltaic modules, typically possessing corrosion resistance, weather resistance, and insulation protection functions. It effectively protects core components such as the solar cells and EVA film. For good weather resistance, backsheet materials usually contain fluorine and are bonded to the solar cells using EVA adhesive.

[0003] The fluorine film used in the backsheet is difficult to degrade, making recycling challenging; therefore, backsheet recycling is a pressing issue. Most existing processes involve pyrolyzing the solar cells and backsheet together. However, pyrolysis of the fluorine-containing backsheet generates fluorine-containing exhaust gas, which is complex to process and increases the difficulty of exhaust gas treatment. Removing the backsheet before heat treatment can reduce exhaust gas treatment costs and make the recycling process more environmentally friendly.

[0004] Current methods for removing the backsheet, whether using inorganic solutions, organic solutions, or pyrolysis, all generate additional waste gas or liquid, increasing the difficulty of downstream processing and causing environmental pollution. Methods that break down EVA cross-links using low temperatures or supercritical carbon dioxide are not suitable for industrial production and are inefficient. While methods using milling cutters and hobs exist, they are inefficient and prone to damaging the glass due to stress concentration. Furthermore, once the backsheet is completely removed, external transport or conveying is difficult, requiring significant space for overall transport, resulting in larger equipment dimensions. During transport and repositioning, other actions cannot be performed, disrupting production schedules.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an integrated photovoltaic backsheet processing device to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention provides an integrated photovoltaic backsheet processing device that integrates separation, cutting, and conveying functions, maintaining glass integrity, reducing transportation costs, and improving processing efficiency.

[0007] This invention provides an integrated photovoltaic backsheet processing device, including a frame and a separation unit, a cutting unit, and a conveying unit disposed on the frame, wherein: The separation unit includes a lifting assembly and a hot knife assembly connected to the lifting assembly. The lifting assembly is used to move the hot knife assembly up and down. The hot knife assembly includes a knife holder, multiple separate side-by-side knife modules fixed on the knife holder, a heating tube and a temperature sensor disposed in the knife modules. The hot knife assembly is used to enter the adhesive film layer between the backsheet and the battery cell to separate the backsheet. The cutting unit includes a movable adsorption component, a distance-adjustable pressure roller assembly, and a reciprocating cutter assembly. The adsorption component is used to adsorb the separated back plate to the inlet of the pressure roller assembly, the pressure roller assembly is used to transport the separated back plate to the inlet of the cutter assembly, and the cutter assembly is used to cut the back plate into segments. The conveying unit is located at the outlet of the cutter assembly and is used to convey the back plate cut into segments.

[0008] This invention provides an integrated photovoltaic backsheet processing device. By incorporating a separation unit, a cutting unit, and a conveying unit on a frame, the hot blade assembly of the separation unit can penetrate the adhesive layer between the backsheet and the solar cells to separate the backsheet while maintaining glass integrity. A lifting assembly can adjust the height of the hot blade assembly to accommodate backsheets of different thicknesses. The cutting unit cuts the separated backsheet into segments, and the conveying unit transports these segments. Therefore, the above-described technical solution features a compact structure that integrates separation, cutting, and conveying functions, maintaining glass integrity, reducing transportation costs, and improving processing efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0009] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the photovoltaic backsheet integrated processing equipment provided in an embodiment of the present invention from one perspective; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the photovoltaic backsheet integrated processing equipment provided in an embodiment of the present invention from another perspective; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the hot knife assembly in the integrated processing equipment shown. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The diagram shows the structure of the tool module in the hot knife assembly. Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cutting unit in the integrated processing equipment shown; Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the pressure roller assembly and the cutter assembly in the cutting unit shown.

[0011] Figure label: frame; 11-Linear guide rail; 12-Workbench; 13-Second motor; 14-Gear shaft; 141 - First bevel gear; 142 - Guide wheel; 15 - Second lead screw; 151 - Second bevel gear; 2-Separation unit; 21-Lifting assembly; 211-Standard; 212-First motor; 213 - First leadscrew; 214 - First fixed seat; 22-Hot knife assembly; 221-Tool holder; 222-Tool Module; 222a - Main body; 222b - Blade tip portion; 222c - Cover portion; 222d - Mounting hole; 223 - Heating element; 224 - Temperature sensor; 3-cutting unit; 31-Adsorption component; 311-Linear Module; 312 - Cylinder; 313 - Suction Cup; 32 - Pressure roller assembly; 321 - Drive roller; 322 - Third motor; 323 - Driven roller; 324 - Entrance baffle; 325-slider; 326 - First eccentric wheel; 327 - Adjusting lever; 328 - Adjusting component; 33-Cutter assembly; 331 - Second fixed seat; 332 - Fixed blade; 333 - Second eccentric wheel; 334 - Fourth Motor; 335-link; 336 - Active Seat; 337 - Active knife; 338 - Exit baffle; 4-Conveying unit. Detailed Implementation

[0012] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are some embodiments of the present invention, but not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0013] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides an integrated photovoltaic backsheet processing device, including a frame 1 and a separation unit 2, a cutting unit 3, and a conveying unit 4 disposed on the frame 1, wherein: The separation unit 2 includes a lifting assembly 21 and a hot knife assembly 22 connected to the lifting assembly 21. The lifting assembly 21 is used to move the hot knife assembly 22 up and down. The hot knife assembly 22 includes a knife holder 221, multiple separate and side-by-side knife modules 222 fixed on the knife holder 221, a heating tube 223 and a temperature sensor 224 disposed in the knife module 222. The hot knife assembly 22 is used to enter the adhesive film layer between the backsheet and the battery cell to separate the backsheet. The cutting unit 3 includes a movable adsorption component 31, a distance adjustable pressure roller assembly 32, and a reciprocating cutter assembly 33. The adsorption component 31 is used to adsorb the separated back plate to the inlet of the pressure roller assembly 32, the pressure roller assembly 32 is used to transport the separated back plate to the inlet of the cutter assembly 33, and the cutter assembly 33 is used to cut the back plate into segments. The conveying unit 4 is located at the outlet of the cutter assembly 33 and is used to convey the back plate cut into segments.

[0014] In this embodiment, by setting a separation unit 2, a cutting unit 3, and a conveying unit 4 on the frame 1, the hot knife assembly 22 of the separation unit 2 can enter the adhesive layer between the backsheet and the battery cell to separate the backsheet, thus maintaining the integrity of the glass. The height of the hot knife assembly 22 can be adjusted using the lifting assembly 21 to accommodate backsheets of different thicknesses. The cutting unit 3 can cut the separated backsheet into segments, and the conveying unit 4 can then transport the segmented backsheets. Therefore, the above technical solution has a compact equipment structure that integrates separation, cutting, and conveying functions, maintaining glass integrity, reducing transportation costs, and improving processing efficiency.

[0015] In some implementations, a distance sensor may be installed on the frame 1 to automatically measure the thickness of the backplate, and then the height of the hot knife assembly 22 may be adjusted by driving the lifting assembly 21 through the controller, and the backplate removal action may be performed automatically.

[0016] Please continue reading. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In one embodiment of the present invention, each cutting tool module 222 includes a main body portion 222a, a cutting tip portion 222b detachably disposed at the end of the main body portion 222a, and a cover portion 222c at the upper end of the main body portion 222a. A mounting hole 222d is formed between the main body portion 222a and the cover portion 222c. A temperature sensor 224 is disposed at the end of the main body portion 222a near the cutting tip portion 222b. A heating tube 223 is disposed in the mounting hole 222d.

[0017] In this embodiment, multiple tool modules 222 are provided to facilitate the disassembly and maintenance of parts; the main body 222a, the tool tip 222b, and the cover 222c are designed separately, allowing for direct disassembly and replacement of vulnerable parts (such as the tool tip 222b or the heating tube 223) without replacing the entire tool set, thus reducing costs, minimizing tool leveling time, and facilitating disassembly and assembly.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the temperature of the temperature sensor 224 is controlled at 150~200°C.

[0019] In this embodiment, the heating tube 223 is used to continuously heat the blade tip 222b, and the temperature sensor 224 is used to provide real-time feedback on the temperature value of the blade tip 222b, so as to realize the power linkage control of the heating tube 223.

[0020] Please continue reading. Figure 1In one embodiment of the present invention, the lifting assembly 21 includes a bracket 211, a first motor 212 disposed on the bracket 211, a first lead screw 213 connected to the output end of the first motor 212, and a first fixing seat 214 fixed to the end of the first lead screw 213. The first fixing seat 214 is fixedly connected to the tool holder 221.

[0021] In this embodiment, the first motor 212 transmits motion to the first lead screw 213, which, driven by the lead screw nut, moves the first fixed seat 214 up and down, thereby moving the hot knife assembly 22 up and down to meet the separation of back plates of different thicknesses.

[0022] Please continue reading. Figure 1 In one embodiment of the present invention, the frame 1 is provided with two linear guide rails 11, and each linear guide rail 11 is provided with a lifting component 21. The tool holder 221 is connected to the two lifting components 21, and the bracket 211 can move along the linear guide rail 11.

[0023] In some embodiments, a workbench 12 is provided between two linear guide rails 11, and the photovoltaic module is fed with the glass side facing down (i.e., the glass side is attached to the workbench 12). After pre-processing to remove the junction box or frame, a laminate is obtained (photovoltaic modules typically include a laminate, junction box and frame). The separation of the fluorine-containing backsheet is achieved through this equipment.

[0024] Please continue reading. Figure 1 In one embodiment of the present invention, the frame 1 is further provided with a second motor 13, a gear shaft 14 connected to the output end of the second motor 13, and two second lead screws 15 arranged perpendicularly to the gear shaft 14. The gear shaft 14 is provided with two first bevel gears 141, and each end of the second lead screw 15 is provided with a second bevel gear 151. The first bevel gears 141 and the second bevel gears 151 mesh with each other. The bracket 211 of each lifting assembly 21 is fixedly connected to a second lead screw 15. The second motor 13 drives the second lead screw 15 to rotate through the gear shaft 14, so as to drive the bracket 211 to move along the linear guide rail 11.

[0025] In this embodiment, the hot knife assembly 22 moves horizontally via the second lead screws 15 on both sides. During the removal of the back plate, the transmission at both ends must be consistent to ensure stable operation of the removal process. The device uses bevel gear transmission to drive the second lead screws 15 on both sides to run synchronously. At the same time, it is designed with linear guide rails 11 for guidance to ensure smooth transmission. The transmission system also has a certain degree of self-locking and rapid start-stop response.

[0026] Please continue reading. Figure 2In one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of guide wheels 142 are also provided on the gear shaft 14. The guide wheels 142 are located below the conveying unit 4 and are used to convey the remaining laminate after the back plate is separated.

[0027] In this embodiment, the guide wheel 142 is provided to guide the transportation of the remaining laminated components.

[0028] Please continue reading. Figure 5 In one embodiment of the present invention, the adsorption component 31 includes a linear module 311, a cylinder 312 movably disposed on the linear module 311, and a suction cup 313 hinged to the output end of the cylinder 312. The suction cup 313 is used to adsorb the separated back plate.

[0029] In this embodiment, a combination structure of linear module 311 and vacuum suction cup 313 is used to transport the separated back plate to pressure roller assembly 32 and cutter assembly 33 for automatic cutting (the cutting width can be automatically adjusted). After cutting, the plate falls onto conveying unit 4, which facilitates the conveying of materials at the back end.

[0030] Please continue reading. Figure 6 In one embodiment of the present invention, the pressure roller assembly 32 includes a drive roller 321, a third motor 322 connected to the drive roller 321 via a synchronous belt, a driven roller 323, an inlet baffle 324 disposed between the drive roller 321 and the driven roller 323, a slider 325 connected to the driven roller 323, a first eccentric wheel 326 disposed within the slider 325, an adjusting rod 327 connected to the first eccentric wheel 326, and an adjusting member 328 connected to the top of the slider 325. The adjusting rod 327 is used to drive the first eccentric wheel 326 to rotate, so that the slider 325 and the driven roller 323 move up and down, thereby changing the distance between the drive roller 321 and the driven roller 323 to adapt to back plates of different thicknesses. The adjusting member 328 is used to prevent the slider 325 from being pushed upward when subjected to force.

[0031] In this embodiment, by setting an adjustable-gap pressure roller assembly 32, it can be adapted to back plates of different thicknesses, providing a better positioning basis for subsequent cutting. Specifically, by setting a first eccentric wheel 326 and an adjusting member 328, the distance between the driving roller 321 and the driven roller 323 can be changed.

[0032] Please continue reading. Figure 6In one embodiment of the present invention, the cutter assembly 33 includes a second fixed base 331, a fixed blade 332 disposed on the second fixed base 331, a second eccentric wheel 333, a fourth motor 334 connected to the second eccentric wheel 333, a connecting rod 335 connected to the second eccentric wheel 333, a movable base 336 hinged to the connecting rod 335, a movable blade 337 disposed on the movable base 336, and an outlet baffle 338 disposed at the intersection of the movable blade 337 and the fixed blade 332. The fourth motor 334 is used to drive the second eccentric wheel 333 to rotate, so that the movable base 336 and the movable blade 337 reciprocate. The conveying unit 4 is disposed below the outlet baffle 338.

[0033] In this embodiment, by setting a second eccentric wheel 333, the movable seat 336 and the movable blade 337 can reciprocate, thereby completing the cutting of the separated back plate. During the cutting process, the cutting width can be adjusted by changing the rotational speed of the second eccentric wheel 333.

[0034] In summary, the above technical solution has the following advantages: 1) The equipment has a compact structure and can perform backplate separation, cutting, and conveying functions; 2) The equipment can achieve precise temperature control of the hot knife, ensuring complete separation of the backplate; 3) The equipment ensures the integrity of the glass during the backplate separation process, resulting in high economic benefits; 4) The equipment automatically detects the backplate thickness, adjusts the cutting depth, and performs automated disassembly, demonstrating a high degree of intelligence; 5) The equipment includes a backplate cutting device, which uses a vacuum suction cup to transport the material to the inlet for automatic cutting.

[0035] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0036] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. An integrated photovoltaic backsheet processing device, characterized in that, It includes a frame and a separation unit, a cutting unit, and a conveying unit disposed on the frame, wherein: The separation unit includes a lifting assembly and a hot knife assembly connected to the lifting assembly. The lifting assembly is used to move the hot knife assembly up and down. The hot knife assembly includes a knife holder, multiple separate side-by-side knife modules fixed on the knife holder, a heating tube and a temperature sensor disposed in the knife modules. The hot knife assembly is used to enter the adhesive film layer between the backsheet and the battery cell to separate the backsheet. The cutting unit includes a movable adsorption component, a distance-adjustable pressure roller assembly, and a reciprocating cutter assembly. The adsorption component is used to adsorb the separated back plate to the inlet of the pressure roller assembly, the pressure roller assembly is used to transport the separated back plate to the inlet of the cutter assembly, and the cutter assembly is used to cut the back plate into segments. The conveying unit is located at the outlet of the cutter assembly and is used to convey the back plate cut into segments.

2. The photovoltaic backsheet integrated processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the aforementioned cutting tool modules includes a main body portion, a cutting tip portion detachably disposed at the end of the main body portion, and a cover portion at the upper end of the main body portion, with a mounting hole formed between the main body portion and the cover portion. The temperature sensor is disposed at the end of the main body portion near the cutting tip portion, and the heating tube is disposed within the mounting hole.

3. The photovoltaic backsheet integrated processing equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The temperature of the temperature sensor is controlled between 150 and 200°C.

4. The photovoltaic backsheet integrated processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting assembly includes a bracket, a first motor mounted on the bracket, a first lead screw connected to the output end of the first motor, and a first fixed seat fixed to the end of the first lead screw. The first fixed seat and the tool holder are fixedly connected.

5. The photovoltaic backsheet integrated processing equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, The frame is provided with two linear guide rails, and each linear guide rail is provided with a lifting component. The tool holder is connected to the two lifting components, and the support can move along the linear guide rails.

6. The photovoltaic backsheet integrated processing equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that, The frame is also equipped with a second motor, a gear shaft connected to the output end of the second motor, and two second lead screws perpendicular to the gear shaft. The gear shaft is equipped with two first bevel gears, and each end of the second lead screw is equipped with a second bevel gear. The first bevel gears and the second bevel gears mesh with each other. The bracket of each lifting assembly is fixedly connected to one of the second lead screws. The second motor drives the second lead screws to rotate through the gear shaft, thereby driving the bracket to move along the linear guide rail.

7. The photovoltaic backsheet integrated processing equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, The gear shaft is also provided with a plurality of guide wheels, which are located below the conveying unit and are used to convey the remaining laminate after the back plate is separated.

8. The photovoltaic backsheet integrated processing equipment according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The adsorption assembly includes a linear module, a cylinder movably mounted on the linear module, and a suction cup hinged to the output end of the cylinder. The suction cup is used to adsorb the separated back plate.

9. The photovoltaic backsheet integrated processing equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, The pressure roller assembly includes a drive roller, a third motor connected to the drive roller via a synchronous belt, a driven roller, an inlet baffle disposed between the drive roller and the driven roller, a slider connected to the driven roller, a first eccentric wheel disposed within the slider, an adjusting rod connected to the first eccentric wheel, and an adjusting member connected to the top of the slider. The adjusting rod is used to drive the first eccentric wheel to rotate, so that the slider and the driven roller move up and down, thereby changing the distance between the drive roller and the driven roller to adapt to back plates of different thicknesses. The adjusting member is used to prevent the slider from being pushed upward when subjected to force.

10. The photovoltaic backsheet integrated processing equipment according to claim 9, characterized in that, The cutting assembly includes a second fixed base, a fixed blade disposed on the second fixed base, a second eccentric wheel, a fourth motor connected to the second eccentric wheel, a connecting rod connected to the second eccentric wheel, a movable base hinged to the connecting rod, a movable blade disposed on the movable base, and an outlet baffle disposed at the intersection of the movable blade and the fixed blade. The fourth motor is used to drive the second eccentric wheel to rotate, so that the movable base and the movable blade reciprocate. The conveying unit is disposed below the outlet baffle.

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