A process and apparatus for surface annealing and in-situ surface modification of photovoltaic ribbon

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of photovoltaic module manufacturing equipment and material processing technology, and more specifically, to a process and apparatus for surface annealing and in-situ surface modification of photovoltaic solder ribbons. The apparatus includes a feed tension guiding module, a local surface annealing module, a cooling and modification integrated module, and an discharge tension guiding module arranged sequentially on a production line frame. The feed tension guiding module and the discharge tension guiding module work together to form a closed-loop tension control zone, which corrects the spatial posture of the photovoltaic solder ribbon in real time and maintains a constant traveling tension. The local surface annealing module uses an electromagnetic heater to excite a high-frequency alternating magnetic field, causing the surface of the photovoltaic solder ribbon to absorb energy due to the skin effect, achieving a transient temperature rise. The core remains at a low temperature due to the lag in heat conduction, forming a temperature gradient field from the surface to the interior. The cooling and modification integrated module intervenes immediately after the photovoltaic solder ribbon leaves the heating zone, rapidly locking the annealed structure through a fully dry cooling component, and simultaneously completing the uniform coating of flux through an ultrasonic in-situ modification component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of photovoltaic module manufacturing equipment and material processing technology, and more specifically, to a process and apparatus for surface annealing and in-situ surface modification of photovoltaic solder ribbon. Background Technology

[0002] Photovoltaic solder ribbon is a key conductive auxiliary material in photovoltaic modules for achieving cell series connection and current convergence. Its internal metallographic stability, surface cleanliness, and flux coating uniformity directly determine the module's stringing yield, contact resistance, and long-term outdoor service reliability. As the photovoltaic industry iterates towards high power, thinner wafers, and high-speed stringing, more stringent requirements are being placed on the mechanical strength retention rate, surface welding adaptability, and continuous production cycle of photovoltaic solder ribbon.

[0003] Currently, the industry generally adopts a segmented process route of "continuous annealing—cooling—surface cleaning—flux coating". Traditional annealing mostly relies on a continuous resistance furnace or protective atmosphere furnace to uniformly heat the solder strip as a whole. After exiting the furnace, it is cooled by air or water, and then flux is applied by dip coating, roller coating, or spraying. However, the above-mentioned traditional process has the following significant technical bottlenecks in practical applications: Firstly, uniform heating leads to deterioration of the substrate's mechanical properties: Traditional annealing methods cause the core and surface of the solder strip to heat up simultaneously and remain in a high-temperature thermal equilibrium state for a long time, which easily leads to excessive grain coarsening and overall thermal softening, severely weakening the tensile strength and creep resistance imparted by the rolling process. Under the subsequent high-speed stringing traction and alternating stress of module lamination, the solder strip is prone to irreversible tensile deformation and even microcrack propagation, affecting the structural integrity of the module.

[0004] Secondly, process interruptions lead to surface oxidation and activity degradation: After annealing, the grain boundaries of the solder ribbon surface are in a high surface energy activated state, exhibiting extremely high chemical activity. In traditional segmented equipment, during transfer, cooling, or waiting for coating, the solder ribbon is inevitably exposed to the ambient atmosphere, rapidly forming a dense oxide film that adsorbs moisture and organic impurities. This oxide layer not only significantly increases the contact resistance at the welding interface but also hinders the effective spread of flux, leading to an increased risk of incomplete soldering, solder detachment, and power degradation.

[0005] Third, the coating process suffers from poor uniformity and is prone to mechanical damage: contact or semi-contact coating methods such as dip coating, scraping coating, or roller coating make it difficult to precisely control the flux film thickness distribution, easily leading to sagging, accumulation, missed coating, or edge enrichment. Mechanical scraping or extrusion can also induce micro-scratches or plastic deformation on the surface of ultra-thin solder strips, disrupting the consistency of the conductive cross-section. In addition, the separation of cooling and coating processes results in drastic temperature fluctuations when the solder strip enters the coating area, causing uncontrolled flux solvent evaporation rates and making it difficult to guarantee coating adhesion and density.

[0006] Fourth, insufficient tension control and posture stability during high-speed travel: In continuous production lines, unwinding inertia and traction speed changes can easily cause sudden tension changes. Traditional fixed guide rollers lack adaptive buffering and real-time closed-loop adjustment mechanisms, resulting in lateral deviation and longitudinal vibration of the welding strip during travel. Tension fluctuations not only interfere with the uniformity of the annealing heat field distribution but also cause uneven cooling airflow and misalignment of the coating, further amplifying process defects.

[0007] In summary, existing photovoltaic ribbon processing technologies are limited by segmented operation modes and extensive thermal / coating control, making it difficult to simultaneously address multiple process requirements such as surface stress release and core strength maintenance, high-temperature activity protection and oxygen-free in-situ coating, and high-speed continuous processing and stable tension adjustment. Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field for a continuous integrated process and apparatus capable of gradient thermal shock annealing, rapid microstructure locking, in-situ uniform modification under an inert atmosphere, and adaptive tension control. This would overcome the physical and chemical bottlenecks of traditional segmented processing, comprehensively improving the overall quality and mass production efficiency of photovoltaic ribbons. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The summary section introduces a series of simplified concepts, which will be further explained in detail in the detailed description section. The summary section of this invention is not intended to limit the key features and essential technical features of the claimed technical solution, nor is it intended to determine the scope of protection of the claimed technical solution.

[0009] To at least partially solve the above problems, the present invention provides a photovoltaic ribbon surface annealing and in-situ surface modification device, including a production line frame. Along the photovoltaic ribbon traveling direction, a feeding tension guiding module, a local surface annealing module, a cooling and modification integrated module, an output tension guiding module, and a servo traction motor are arranged sequentially on the production line frame. The photovoltaic ribbon is pulled forward by the servo traction motor, and the servo traction motor is electrically connected to the control cabinet.

[0010] Furthermore, the feed tension guiding module includes a support, which is fixed on the production line frame. A motor is fixed to the outer wall of the support. A gear connected to the output end of the motor meshes with a rack for transmission. The rack is fixed on an inner slide, which slides inside the support.

[0011] Furthermore, a fixed tension roller is rotatably connected inside the inner slide, and two sliders are slidably connected inside the inner slide. A floating tension roller is rotatably connected between the two sliders. An adjusting plate is slidably connected inside the inner slide. A slide rod fixed at the upper end of the slider is slidably connected to the adjusting plate. A spring is provided between the slider and the adjusting plate. A spring is set on the outside of the slide rod. An adjusting screw is threadedly connected to the upper end of the inner slide. The lower end of the adjusting screw is rotatably connected to the adjusting plate. A tension sensor for detecting the tension of the photovoltaic welding strip is installed on the side of the support. The tension sensor is electrically connected to the control cabinet.

[0012] Furthermore, the partial surface annealing module includes an electromagnetic heater, which is fixed on the production line frame and fixedly connected to a coil support. The coil support contains a first coil and a second coil. The positive terminal of the first coil is electrically connected to the electromagnetic heater, and the negative terminals of the first coil and the positive and negative terminals of the second coil are both electrically connected to an adjustment component. The adjustment component is fixed to the side of the electromagnetic heater and is electrically connected to the electromagnetic heater through a negative terminal connection wire. The electromagnetic heater is electrically connected to the control cabinet. An infrared thermal imager is installed on the side of the electromagnetic heater, which is vertically aligned with the photovoltaic welding strip and electrically connected to the control cabinet.

[0013] Furthermore, the adjustment assembly includes an adjustment assembly housing, which is fixed to the side of the electromagnetic heater. An insulating plate is slidably connected inside the adjustment assembly housing. The upper end of the insulating plate is fixedly connected to a lever. The lever is fixedly connected to a rack and pinion. The rack and pinion mesh with an adjustment gear for transmission. The adjustment gear is connected to the output end of a motor and the motor is fixed to the electromagnetic heater.

[0014] Furthermore, an upper metal plate is fixed to the upper end of the insulating plate, and elastic metal sheet one and elastic metal sheet two are fixed to the lower end of the upper metal plate. Elastic metal sheet one is electrically connected to elastic metal sheet three, which is fixed to the negative pole of the first coil. Elastic metal sheet two is electrically connected to elastic metal sheet four, which is fixed to the positive pole of the second coil. A lower metal plate is fixed to the lower end of the insulating plate, and elastic metal sheet six is ​​fixed to the upper end of the lower metal plate. Elastic metal sheet six is ​​electrically connected to elastic metal sheet five, which is fixed to the negative pole of the second coil. The lower end of the lower metal plate is electrically connected to elastic metal sheet seven, which is fixed to the negative pole connection line.

[0015] Furthermore, the integrated cooling and modification module includes a quartz glass tube. Inside the quartz glass tube, along the direction of the photovoltaic welding ribbon, a fully dry cooling component, a cooling guide component, and an ultrasonic in-situ modification component are installed sequentially. The fully dry cooling component includes an air inlet pipe, which is fixed to the quartz glass tube by a support frame. The air inlet pipe is connected to an outer ring frame. An inner ring frame is rotatably connected inside the outer ring frame. Multiple blades are provided between the inner ring frame and the outer ring frame. Multiple air outlet pipes are connected inside the inner ring frame.

[0016] Furthermore, the cooling guide assembly includes two sets of guide roller units connected by a connecting pipe. Each guide roller unit includes a lower water-cooled roller and an upper water-cooled roller. Both the lower and upper water-cooled rollers are equipped with serpentine cooling pipes. The lower water-cooled roller is rotatably connected to a quartz glass tube. The end of the cooling pipe rotates inside the outer tube. A sealing filler is provided between the cooling pipe and the inner wall on the right side of the outer tube. Two sliding plates are provided between the cooling pipe and the inner wall on the left side of the outer tube, and a spring is provided between the two sliding plates.

[0017] Furthermore, a second gear is fixed to the end of the lower water-cooling roller, and the second gear meshes with a third gear for transmission. The third gear is connected to the output end of a third motor, which is fixed on the lower support. The lower support is fixed to the outside of the quartz glass tube. The lower support is rotatably connected to the lower water-cooling roller and slidably connected to the upper support. A third spring is provided between the lower support and the upper support. The upper support is rotatably connected to the upper water-cooling roller, and an elastic cover is provided between the upper support and the quartz glass tube.

[0018] Furthermore, the ultrasonic in-situ modification component includes a venturi tube, which is fixed on a quartz glass tube and connected to an ultrasonic nebulizer via a conduit.

[0019] A photovoltaic ribbon surface annealing and in-situ surface modification process, applicable to the photovoltaic ribbon surface annealing and in-situ surface modification apparatus described in any of the above claims, includes the following steps: S1. The photovoltaic welding strip passes sequentially through the feeding tension guiding module, the local surface annealing module, the integrated cooling and modification module, and the discharge tension guiding module, and is pulled forward by the servo traction motor. The feeding tension guiding module and the discharge tension guiding module adjust the position and tension of the photovoltaic welding strip. S2. When the photovoltaic ribbon passes through the local surface annealing module quickly, the photovoltaic ribbon is subjected to longitudinal transient thermal shock, and the surface of the photovoltaic ribbon undergoes local surface annealing. S3. When the photovoltaic ribbon passes quickly through the integrated cooling and modification module, the integrated cooling and modification module performs dry cooling and flux coating on the photovoltaic ribbon.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: 1. This application utilizes the skin effect of electromagnetic induction and the transient heat conduction hysteresis characteristics of the high-speed travel of photovoltaic ribbons to construct a temperature gradient field from the surface to the inside of the photovoltaic ribbon cross-section. The surface layer absorbs high energy density within an extremely short pass-through window to complete lattice reconstruction and residual stress release, while the core layer remains at a lower temperature because heat is not conducted in time. This surface annealing mechanism fundamentally overcomes the grain coarsening and overall creep softening defects caused by traditional through-heating, enabling the photovoltaic ribbon to retain the high tensile strength and fatigue resistance characteristics imparted by rolling while obtaining excellent surface welding activity, significantly improving the structural integrity of the module under high-speed stringing and lamination alternating stress.

[0021] 2. The integrated cooling and modification module creates an absolutely oxygen-free and water-vapor-free inert atmosphere inside the quartz glass tube. After annealing, the highly active photovoltaic ribbon immediately enters the rotating jet low-temperature inert gas field after leaving the heating zone, achieving uniform dry cooling around the circumference and rapidly locking the annealed structure. The surface of the cooled photovoltaic ribbon is directly exposed to the negative pressure airflow before its activity decays. The flux droplets spread uniformly in a non-contact manner under the inert carrier gas flow. This "cooling-coating" in-situ continuous operation mode completely eliminates the bottlenecks of oxide film formation and activity decay in the traditional segmented transfer process, significantly reduces the contact resistance of the welding interface, and provides an ideal substrate with high cleanliness and high wettability for subsequent cell interconnection.

[0022] 3. Breaking through the limitations of traditional contact-type processes such as dip coating and scraping coating, this application utilizes the local negative pressure generated by the accelerated airflow at the throat of the Venturi tube to efficiently draw in and entrain the micro-flux droplets generated by the ultrasonic atomizer into the inert carrier airflow. The high-speed turbulent airflow carries the droplets to uniformly impact and adaptively spread the surface of the traveling photovoltaic ribbon in all directions, forming a dense and continuous film layer under conditions of zero mechanical extrusion and zero scratching. This mechanism effectively eliminates coating sagging, accumulation, missed coating, and edge enrichment, avoids micro-scratches and plastic deformation on the surface of the ultra-thin photovoltaic ribbon, ensures the consistency of the conductive cross section, and significantly improves the yield of high-speed stringing and the reliability of long-term outdoor service.

[0023] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the feed tension guiding module structure of the present invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the feed tension guiding module structure of the present invention. Figure 2 ; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the partial surface annealing module structure of the present invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the partial surface annealing module structure of the present invention. Figure 2 ; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the integrated cooling and modification module structure of the present invention; Figure 7 for Figure 6 Enlarged view of a portion of point A in the middle; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the cooling guide component structure of the present invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 9 for Figure 8 Enlarged view of a section at point B in the middle; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the cooling guide component structure of the present invention. Figure 2 ; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the all-dry cooling component structure of the present invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the all-dry cooling component structure of the present invention. Figure 2 ; Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the ultrasonic in-situ modification component structure of the present invention; Explanation of markings in the diagram: 1. Photovoltaic welding strip; 2. Feed tension guiding module; 201. Support; 202. Motor 1; 203. Gear; 204. Rack; 205. Inner slide; 206. Fixed tension roller; 207. Slider; 208. Floating tension roller; 209. Slide bar; 210. Spring 1; 211. Adjusting plate; 212. Adjusting screw; 3. Tension sensor; 4. Local surface annealing module; 401. Electromagnetic heater; 402. First coil; 403. Second coil; 404. Coil bracket; 405. Adjusting component housing; 406. Motor 2; 407. Rack 2; 408. Lever; 409. Insulating plate; 410. Upper metal plate; 411. Elastic metal sheet 1; 412. Elastic metal sheet 2; 413. Elastic metal sheet 3; 414. Elastic metal sheet 4; 415. Elastic metal sheet 6; 4 16; Lower metal plate 417; Elastic metal sheet 7 418; Negative electrode connection wire 419; Infrared thermal imager 5; Cooling and modification integrated module 6; Quartz glass tube 601; Support frame 602; Air inlet pipe 603; Outer ring frame 604; Inner ring frame 605; Blade 606; Air outlet pipe 607; Water pipe 608; Outer pipe 609; Slide plate 610; Spring 2 611; Cooling pipe 612; Sealing filler 613; Lower water-cooled roller 614; Gear 2 615; Lower support 616; Upper support 617; Spring 3 618; Elastic cover 619; Upper water-cooled roller 620; Motor 3 621; Gear 3 622; Venturi tube 623; Ultrasonic atomizer 624; Conduit 625; Discharge tension guide module 7; Servo traction motor 8; Control cabinet 9. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0027] Example 1: As Figures 1-13 As shown, a photovoltaic welding strip surface annealing and in-situ surface modification device includes a production line frame. Along the traveling direction of the photovoltaic welding strip 1, the production line frame is sequentially arranged with a feeding tension guiding module 2, a local surface annealing module 4, a cooling and modification integrated module 6, a discharge tension guiding module 7, and a servo traction motor 8. The photovoltaic welding strip 1 is pulled forward by the servo traction motor 8, and the servo traction motor 8 is electrically connected to the control cabinet 9. The working principle of the above technical solution is as follows: The photovoltaic welding ribbon 1 moves directionally along the production line frame under the continuous drive of the servo traction motor 8. The feeding tension guiding module 2 and the discharging tension guiding module 7 work together to form a closed-loop tension control zone, correcting the spatial posture of the photovoltaic welding ribbon 1 in real time and maintaining a constant traveling tension. The local surface annealing module 4 uses an electromagnetic heater 401 to excite a high-frequency alternating magnetic field, causing the surface of the photovoltaic welding ribbon 1 to absorb energy due to the skin effect and achieve transient heating, while the core remains at a low temperature due to heat conduction lag, forming a temperature gradient field from the surface to the interior. The integrated cooling and modification module 6 intervenes immediately after the photovoltaic welding ribbon 1 leaves the heating zone, quickly locking the annealed structure through a fully dry cooling component, and simultaneously completing the uniform coating of flux through an ultrasonic in-situ modification component. Under the unified scheduling of the control cabinet 9, each module achieves cycle matching and seamless connection, integrating traditional segmented processing into a continuous production line. This effectively avoids overall softening, oxidation, or uneven coating caused by the photovoltaic welding ribbon 1 remaining in the high-temperature zone, significantly improving the structural stability and surface welding compatibility of the finished product.

[0028] Example 2: Figures 1-13 As shown, the feeding tension guiding module 2 and the discharging tension guiding module 7 have the same structure, both including a support 201. The support 201 is fixed on the production line frame. A motor 202 is fixed on the outer wall of the support 201. The gear 203 connected to the output end of the motor 202 meshes with the rack 204 for transmission. The rack 204 is fixed on the inner slide 205. The inner slide 205 slides inside the support 201. A fixed tension roller 206 is rotatably connected inside the inner slide 205. Two sliders 207 are slidably connected inside the inner slide 205. A floating tension roller 208 is rotatably connected between the two sliders 207. An adjusting plate 211 is slidably connected inside the inner slide 205. A slide rod 209 fixed at the upper end of the slider 207 is slidably connected to the adjusting plate 211. A spring 210 is provided between the slider 207 and the adjusting plate 211. The spring 210 is sleeved on the outside of the slide rod 209. An adjusting screw 212 is threadedly connected to the upper end of the inner slide 205. The lower end of the adjusting screw 212 is rotatably connected to the adjusting plate 211. A tension sensor 3 for detecting the tension of the photovoltaic welding strip 1 is installed on the side of the support 201. The tension sensor 3 is electrically connected to the control cabinet 9. The working principle of the above technical solution is as follows: the photovoltaic welding strip 1 moves forward between the fixed tension roller 206 and the floating tension roller 208. Under the elastic force of the spring 210, the floating tension roller 208 applies a downward clamping force to the photovoltaic welding strip 1 to ensure that the photovoltaic welding strip 1 maintains tension when it moves forward. Start motor 202, drive gear 203 to rotate, drive rack 204 to rise or fall, drive inner slide 205 to rise or fall, and then drive fixed tension roller 206 and floating tension roller 208 to move with inner slide 205. This allows for fine adjustment of the height of photovoltaic welding strip 1 as it moves forward. By finely adjusting the height of welding strip 1, it is ensured that it always stays in the center position of the cooling and modification integrated module 6, thus ensuring the uniformity of annealing. Rotating the adjusting screw 212 causes the adjusting plate 211 to rise or fall, thereby setting the initial compression of the spring 210 to adjust the basic tension threshold, which in turn changes the clamping force of the fixed tension roller 206 and the floating tension roller 208 on the photovoltaic welding strip 1, thereby changing the tension of the photovoltaic welding strip 1. This structure achieves mechanical coupling of tension adaptive buffering, preset adjustment and spatial pose fine adjustment, ensuring that the photovoltaic welding strip 1 always maintains a constant state without shaking or deviation during high-speed continuous travel.

[0029] Example 3: Figures 1-13 As shown, the partial surface annealing module 4 includes an electromagnetic heater 401, which is fixed on the production line frame. The electromagnetic heater 401 is fixedly connected to a coil support 404. A first coil 402 and a second coil 403 are provided inside the coil support 404. The positive pole of the first coil 402 is electrically connected to the electromagnetic heater 401, and the negative pole of the first coil 402 and the positive and negative poles of the second coil 403 are both electrically connected to an adjustment component. The adjustment component is fixed to the side of the electromagnetic heater 401. The adjustment component is electrically connected to the electromagnetic heater 401 through a negative pole connection line 419. The electromagnetic heater 401 is electrically connected to the control cabinet 9. An infrared thermal imager 5 is installed on the side of the electromagnetic heater 401. The infrared thermal imager 5 is vertically aligned with the photovoltaic welding strip 1 and is electrically connected to the control cabinet 9. The working principle of the above technical solution is as follows: After a high-frequency alternating current is applied to the electromagnetic heater 401, a high-frequency alternating magnetic field is excited in the first coil 402 and the second coil 403 within the coil support 404. When the photovoltaic ribbon 1 passes through the center of the coil, under the combined action of electromagnetic induction and skin effect, eddy currents are highly concentrated on the surface of the photovoltaic ribbon 1, causing the surface to absorb a large amount of heat energy within a very short crossing period and rapidly rise to the annealing excitation state. The physical lag in heat conduction to the core keeps the core temperature at a low level, thus forming a significant temperature gradient in the cross-sectional direction. This transient thermal shock causes the microscopic grain boundaries on the surface of the photovoltaic ribbon 1 to migrate rapidly, releasing the residual stress accumulated during rolling processing, and simultaneously stimulating high-energy active sites on the surface. Because the photovoltaic ribbon 1 travels at a continuous high speed, the heating window is extremely narrow, and the heat leaves the coil's action area before it diffuses to the whole, fundamentally avoiding overall thermal softening and creep deformation of the substrate. The infrared thermal imager 5 vertically captures the surface thermal radiation distribution of the photovoltaic ribbon 1, providing real-time visual feedback on the uniformity of the temperature gradient and ensuring that the thermal field in the annealing area is stable and controllable.

[0030] Example 4: Figures 1-13 As shown, the adjustment assembly includes an adjustment assembly housing 405, which is fixed to the side of the electromagnetic heater 401. An insulating plate 409 is slidably connected inside the adjustment assembly housing 405. The upper end of the insulating plate 409 is fixedly connected to a lever 408. The lever 408 is fixedly connected to a rack 407. The rack 407 meshes with an adjustment gear. The adjustment gear is connected to the output end of a motor 406. The motor 406 is fixed to the electromagnetic heater 401. An upper metal plate 410 is fixed to the upper end of the insulating plate 409. An elastic metal sheet 411 and an elastic metal sheet 412 are fixed to the lower end of the upper metal plate 410. The elastic metal sheet 411 is electrically connected to the elastic metal sheet 413 fixed to the negative pole of the first coil 402. The elastic metal sheet 412 is electrically connected to the elastic metal sheet 414 fixed to the positive pole of the second coil 403. A lower metal plate 417 is fixed to the lower end of the insulating plate 409. An elastic metal sheet 416 is fixed to the upper end of the lower metal plate 417. The elastic metal sheet 416 is electrically connected to the elastic metal sheet 415 fixed to the negative pole of the second coil 403. The lower end of the lower metal plate 417 is electrically connected to the elastic metal sheet 418 fixed to the negative pole connection line 419. The working principle of the above technical solution is as follows: The adjustment component changes the contact path between the elastic metal contacts by sliding the insulating plate 409 in a straight line, thereby realizing the dynamic switching of the coil power supply circuit. When the insulating plate 409 is in the reference position, the upper metal plate 410 drives the elastic metal sheet 1 411 to contact the elastic metal sheet 3 413 and the elastic metal sheet 2 412 to contact the elastic metal sheet 414. The lower metal plate 417 drives the elastic metal sheet 6 416 to contact the elastic metal sheet 5 415. This causes the negative pole of the first coil 402 to be connected in series with the positive pole of the second coil 403 through the elastic metal sheet 3 413, elastic metal sheet 1 411, elastic metal sheet 2 412, and elastic metal sheet 414. The negative pole of the second coil 403 is connected to the negative pole connection line 419 through the elastic metal sheet 5 415, elastic metal sheet 6 416, lower metal plate 417, and elastic metal sheet 7 418. The two coils are synchronously excited to generate a superimposed magnetic field, forming a longer effective heating range. After starting motor 2 406, the lever 408 and insulating plate 409 are driven to move through the adjustment gear and rack 2 407, so that the original series contacts are mechanically disengaged. At the same time, the elastic metal sheet 6 416 switches to contact with the elastic metal sheet 3 413, leaving only the first coil 402 independently energized. At this time, the range of the magnetic field is shortened, forming a concentrated short-range heating zone. This purely mechanical contact switching structure can achieve flexible changes in the length of the heating zone without complex frequency conversion control. Combined with the real-time thermal field monitoring of the infrared thermal imager 5, it can quickly respond to changes in the annealing process of photovoltaic welding ribbons 1 of different specifications, thereby improving the equipment's versatility and line change efficiency.

[0031] Example 5: Figures 1-13 As shown, the integrated cooling and modification module 6 includes a quartz glass tube 601. Inside the quartz glass tube 601, along the traveling direction of the photovoltaic welding strip 1, a fully dry cooling component, a cooling guide component, and an ultrasonic in-situ modification component are installed in sequence. The fully dry cooling component includes an air inlet pipe 603, which is fixed to the quartz glass tube 601 by a support frame 602. The air inlet pipe 603 is connected to an outer ring frame 604. An inner ring frame 605 is rotatably connected inside the outer ring frame 604. Multiple blades 606 are provided between the inner ring frame 605 and the outer ring frame 604. Multiple air outlet pipes 607 are connected inside the inner ring frame 605. The working principle of the above technical solution is as follows: Low-temperature inert gas is introduced into the annular chamber formed by the outer ring frame 604 and the inner ring frame 605 through the inlet pipe 603. The gas pressure applies tangential thrust to the blade 606, driving the inner ring frame 605 to rotate uniformly around the axis of the photovoltaic welding ribbon 1. During the rotation, the low-temperature gas is injected at high speed through the annularly distributed outlet pipes 607 on the inner ring frame 605, forming a dynamic spiral convection field inside the quartz glass tube 601. This airflow field completely surrounds the moving photovoltaic welding ribbon 1, and the residual heat from annealing is quickly stripped away through forced convection heat transfer, achieving uniform and rapid dry cooling in the circumferential direction. The rotating injection structure effectively eliminates the cooling dead zones present in traditional static direct blowing and avoids thermal stress concentration caused by local temperature differences. At the same time, dry inert gas is used to replace the ambient air throughout the process, completely isolating oxygen molecules from contact with the high-temperature metal surface, inhibiting the formation of oxide film, and providing a clean and highly active substrate environment for subsequent surface modification.

[0032] Example 6: Figures 1-13 As shown, the cooling guide assembly includes two sets of guide roller units connected by a connecting pipe. Each guide roller unit includes a lower water-cooled roller 614 and an upper water-cooled roller 620. Both the lower water-cooled roller 614 and the upper water-cooled roller 620 are provided with serpentine cooling pipes 612. The lower water-cooled roller 614 is rotatably connected to a quartz glass tube 601. The end of the cooling pipe 612 rotates inside the outer tube 609. A sealing filler 613 is provided between the cooling pipe 612 and the inner wall of the right side of the outer tube 609. Two sliding plates 610 are provided between the cooling pipe 612 and the inner wall of the left side of the outer tube 609. A spring 611 is provided between the two sliding plates 610. Water pipe 608 is connected to the end of outer pipe 609. The end of water pipe 608 is connected to a water source and is used to introduce cold water. The lower water-cooling roller 614 is fixed with a second gear 615 at its end. The second gear 615 meshes with a third gear 622 for transmission. The third gear 622 is connected to the output end of a third motor 621. The third motor 621 is fixed on a lower support 616. The lower support 616 is fixed on the outside of the quartz glass tube 601. The lower support 616 is rotatably connected to the lower water-cooling roller 614. The lower support 616 is slidably connected to the upper support 617. A third spring 618 is provided between the lower support 616 and the upper support 617. The upper support 617 is rotatably connected to the upper water-cooling roller 620. An elastic cover 619 is provided between the upper support 617 and the quartz glass tube 601. The working principle of the above technical solution is as follows: the upper water-cooled roller 620 and the lower water-cooled roller 614 are arranged opposite to each other. The internal serpentine cooling pipe 612 is filled with circulating cooling medium. When the photovoltaic welding ribbon 1 passes through the gap between the rollers, the rollers rotate to apply a directional traction force to the photovoltaic welding ribbon 1. At the same time, the cooling medium circulates in the cooling pipe 612 and efficiently conducts the heat on the surface of the photovoltaic welding ribbon 1 through the metal shell of the rollers, thereby achieving contact-type enhanced cooling. The end of the cooling pipe 612 is slidably engaged with the outer pipe 609 via the slide plate 610. The second spring 611 continuously provides axial preload, so that the slide plate 610 drives the end face of the cooling pipe 612 to always be in contact with the sealing packing 613. When the roller rotates continuously, it maintains the dynamic seal of the coolant channel and prevents media leakage. Motor 3 621 drives the lower water-cooled roller 614 to rotate synchronously via gear 3 622 and gear 2 615. The upper water-cooled roller 620 is slidably connected to the lower support 616 via the upper support 617. Spring 3 618 provides elastic buffering so that the upper water-cooled roller 620 can adaptively float with the thickness of the photovoltaic welding strip 1 and maintain a constant clamping force. The elastic cover 619 is made of silicone rubber. One end is connected to the outside of the quartz glass tube 601 and the other end is connected to the upper support 617. It adapts to deformation as the upper support 617 moves, preventing nitrogen from leaking out in large quantities between the quartz glass tube 601 and the upper support 617. This design integrates guiding traction, contact cooling, adaptive clamping and dynamic sealing, ensuring that the photovoltaic welding strip 1 moves smoothly and the temperature drops evenly during the cooling stage, avoiding scratches or uneven cooling.

[0033] Example 7: Figures 1-13 As shown, the ultrasonic in-situ modification component includes a venturi tube 623, which is fixed on a quartz glass tube 601 and connected to an ultrasonic nebulizer 624 via a conduit 625. The working principle of the above technical solution is as follows: The surface of the photovoltaic welding ribbon 1, after dry cooling, is in a high-energy activated state. A nitrogen supply device is connected to the upper end of the venturi tube 623. The nitrogen supply device injects nitrogen into the venturi tube 623. As the nitrogen flow enters the venturi tube 623 region, the throat section of the venturi tube 623 contracts, and the airflow accelerates to form a local negative pressure zone. The uniform and fine flux droplets generated by the ultrasonic atomizer 624 are continuously drawn into the main airflow through the conduit 625. The high-speed airflow carries the atomized droplets and fully diffuses them in turbulence within the venturi tube 623, resulting in uniform diffusion. Upon impact with the surface of the photovoltaic ribbon 1, under the strict isolation of the nitrogen inert atmosphere inside the quartz glass tube 601, flux droplets rapidly spread and adhere to the highly active metal surface, forming a dense and continuous coating layer. Ultrasonic atomization ensures uniform droplet size, and Venturi negative pressure airflow achieves non-contact uniform coating, avoiding thickness fluctuations or mechanical damage to the substrate caused by traditional dip coating or scraping. The coated flux layer completely covers the surface of the photovoltaic ribbon 1, effectively reducing interfacial tension and blocking the intrusion of external impurities, providing an excellent wetting foundation and anti-oxidation barrier for subsequent cell stringing. The end of the quartz glass tube 601 is provided with a micro-positive pressure exhaust port with a one-way valve to maintain the nitrogen pressure inside the quartz glass tube 601, ensuring that outside air cannot enter the quartz glass tube 601, and at the same time ensuring that when the pressure inside the quartz glass tube 601 is too high, nitrogen and excess flux mist are discharged through the micro-positive pressure exhaust port.

[0034] Example 8: As Figures 1-13 As shown, a photovoltaic ribbon surface annealing and in-situ surface modification process, applicable to the photovoltaic ribbon surface annealing and in-situ surface modification apparatus described in any of the above claims, includes the following steps: S1. The photovoltaic welding strip 1 passes through the feeding tension guiding module 2, the local surface annealing module 4, the cooling and modification integrated module 6, and the discharge tension guiding module 7 in sequence, and is pulled forward under the action of the servo traction motor 8. The feeding tension guiding module 2 and the discharge tension guiding module 7 adjust the position and tension of the photovoltaic welding strip 1. S2. When the photovoltaic ribbon 1 passes through the local surface annealing module 4 quickly, the photovoltaic ribbon 1 is subjected to longitudinal transient thermal shock, and the surface of the photovoltaic ribbon 1 undergoes local surface annealing. S3. When the photovoltaic ribbon 1 passes through the integrated cooling and modification module 6 quickly, the integrated cooling and modification module 6 performs dry cooling and flux coating on the photovoltaic ribbon 1. The working principle of the above technical solution is as follows: This process achieves continuous and in-situ integrated processing of photovoltaic ribbon 1 through a modular device. First, under the coordinated control of the feed tension guiding module 2 and the discharge tension guiding module 7, the photovoltaic ribbon 1 maintains a constant traveling tension and spatial trajectory, smoothly entering the subsequent station and eliminating the interference of deviation and vibration on process accuracy. Subsequently, the photovoltaic ribbon 1 passes through the local surface annealing module 4 at high speed. Utilizing the skin effect of electromagnetic induction and the hysteresis characteristics of thermal conduction, the surface is instantly heated to complete lattice reconstruction and stress release, while the core maintains structural strength, forming an ideal temperature gradient and avoiding overall thermal softening. Immediately afterwards, the photovoltaic ribbon 1 enters the integrated cooling and modification module 6. First, it is rapidly and uniformly cooled by the all-dry cooling component, which locks the annealing structure and blocks the oxidation path. Then, with the help of the ultrasonic in-situ modification component, the flux is densely coated under the negative pressure of the venturi tube 623. The temperature zones of each process are seamlessly connected, and cooling and coating are completed simultaneously. This completely breaks through the bottleneck of surface oxidation and activity decay caused by the segmented operation of annealing, cooling and coating in the traditional process. Finally, a high-quality photovoltaic ribbon 1 with low internal stress, high surface cleanliness and strong coating adhesion is obtained, which significantly improves the welding yield of subsequent modules and the long-term service reliability.

[0035] It is understood that the present invention has been described through some embodiments, and those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes or equivalent substitutions can be made to these features and embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, under the teachings of the present invention, these features and embodiments can be modified to adapt to specific situations and materials without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, and all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims of this application are within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for surface annealing and in-situ surface modification of photovoltaic ribbon, characterized in that, The production line frame includes a feed tension guide module (2), a local surface annealing module (4), a cooling and modification integrated module (6), a discharge tension guide module (7), and a servo traction motor (8) arranged sequentially along the direction of travel of the photovoltaic welding strip (1). The photovoltaic welding strip (1) is pulled forward by the servo traction motor (8), and the servo traction motor (8) is electrically connected to the control cabinet (9). The integrated cooling and modification module (6) includes a quartz glass tube (601), and along the direction of travel of the photovoltaic welding strip (1), a fully dry cooling component, a cooling guide component and an ultrasonic in-situ modification component are installed in sequence inside the quartz glass tube (601); The cooling guide assembly includes two sets of guide roller units, which are connected by a connecting pipe. Each guide roller unit includes a lower water-cooled roller (614) and an upper water-cooled roller (620). Both the lower water-cooled roller (614) and the upper water-cooled roller (620) are provided with serpentine cooling pipes (612). The lower water-cooled roller (614) is rotatably connected to a quartz glass tube (601). The end of the cooling pipe (612) rotates inside the outer tube (609). A sealing filler (613) is provided between the cooling pipe (612) and the inner wall of the right side of the outer tube (609). Two sliding plates (610) are provided between the cooling pipe (612) and the inner wall of the left side of the outer tube (609). A spring (611) is provided between the two sliding plates (610). The lower water-cooled roller (614) is fixed with a gear two (615) at its end. The gear two (615) meshes with the gear three (622) for transmission. The gear three (622) is connected to the output end of the motor three (621). The motor three (621) is fixed on the lower bracket (616). The lower bracket (616) is fixed on the outside of the quartz glass tube (601). The lower bracket (616) is rotatably connected to the lower water-cooled roller (614). The lower bracket (616) is slidably connected to the upper bracket (617). A spring three (618) is provided between the lower bracket (616) and the upper bracket (617). The upper bracket (617) is rotatably connected to the upper water-cooled roller (620). An elastic cover (619) is provided between the upper bracket (617) and the quartz glass tube (601).

2. The photovoltaic ribbon surface annealing and in-situ surface modification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feed tension guiding module (2) includes a support (201), which is fixed on the production line frame. A motor (202) is fixed on the outer wall of the support (201). A gear (203) connected to the output end of the motor (202) meshes with a rack (204) for transmission. The rack (204) is fixed on an inner slide (205), and the inner slide (205) slides inside the support (201).

3. The photovoltaic ribbon surface annealing and in-situ surface modification device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inner slide (205) is rotatably connected to a fixed tension roller (206), and two sliders (207) are slidably connected inside the inner slide (205). A floating tension roller (208) is rotatably connected between the two sliders (207). An adjusting plate (211) is slidably connected inside the inner slide (205). A slide rod (209) fixed at the upper end of the slider (207) is slidably connected to the adjusting plate (211). A spring (210) is provided between the slider (207) and the adjusting plate (211). The spring (210) is sleeved on the outside of the slide rod (209). An adjusting screw (212) is threadedly connected to the upper end of the inner slide (205). The lower end of the adjusting screw (212) is rotatably connected to the adjusting plate (211). A tension sensor (3) for detecting the tension of the photovoltaic welding strip (1) is installed on the side of the support (201). The tension sensor (3) is electrically connected to the control cabinet (9).

4. The photovoltaic ribbon surface annealing and in-situ surface modification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The local surface annealing module (4) includes an electromagnetic heater (401), which is fixed on the production line frame. The electromagnetic heater (401) is fixedly connected to the coil support (404). The coil support (404) contains a first coil (402) and a second coil (403). The positive pole of the first coil (402) is electrically connected to the electromagnetic heater (401). The negative pole of the first coil (402) and the positive and negative poles of the second coil (403) are both electrically connected to the adjustment component. The adjustment component is fixed on the side of the electromagnetic heater (401). The adjustment component is electrically connected to the electromagnetic heater (401) through the negative pole connection line (419). An infrared thermal imager (5) is installed on the side of the electromagnetic heater (401). The infrared thermal imager (5) is vertically aligned with the photovoltaic welding strip (1). The infrared thermal imager (5) is electrically connected to the control cabinet (9).

5. The photovoltaic ribbon surface annealing and in-situ surface modification device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The adjustment assembly includes an adjustment assembly housing (405), which is fixed to the side of the electromagnetic heater (401). An insulating plate (409) is slidably connected inside the adjustment assembly housing (405). The upper end of the insulating plate (409) is fixedly connected to a lever (408). The lever (408) is fixedly connected to a rack (407). The rack (407) meshes with an adjustment gear. The adjustment gear is connected to the output end of a motor (406). The motor (406) is fixed to the electromagnetic heater (401).

6. The photovoltaic ribbon surface annealing and in-situ surface modification apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, An upper metal plate (410) is fixed to the upper end of the insulating plate (409). An elastic metal sheet 1 (411) and an elastic metal sheet 2 (412) are fixed to the lower end of the upper metal plate (410). The elastic metal sheet 1 (411) is electrically connected to the elastic metal sheet 3 (413) fixed to the negative pole of the first coil (402). The elastic metal sheet 2 (412) is electrically connected to the elastic metal sheet 4 (414) fixed to the positive pole of the second coil (403). A lower metal plate (417) is fixed to the lower end of the insulating plate (409). An elastic metal sheet 6 (416) is fixed to the upper end of the lower metal plate (417). The elastic metal sheet 6 (416) is electrically connected to the elastic metal sheet 5 (415) fixed to the negative pole of the second coil (403). The lower end of the lower metal plate (417) is electrically connected to the elastic metal sheet 7 (418) fixed on the negative pole connection line (419).

7. The photovoltaic ribbon surface annealing and in-situ surface modification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The all-dry cooling assembly includes an air inlet pipe (603), which is fixed to a quartz glass tube (601) by a support frame (602). The air inlet pipe (603) is connected to an outer ring frame (604). An inner ring frame (605) is rotatably connected inside the outer ring frame (604). Multiple blades (606) are provided between the inner ring frame (605) and the outer ring frame (604). Multiple air outlet pipes (607) are connected inside the inner ring frame (605).

8. A photovoltaic ribbon surface annealing and in-situ surface modification process, applicable to the photovoltaic ribbon surface annealing and in-situ surface modification apparatus according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. The photovoltaic welding strip (1) passes through the feeding tension guiding module (2), the local surface annealing module (4), the cooling and modification integrated module (6), and the discharge tension guiding module (7) in sequence, and is pulled forward under the action of the servo traction motor (8). The feeding tension guiding module (2) and the discharge tension guiding module (7) adjust the position and tension of the photovoltaic welding strip (1). S2. When the photovoltaic ribbon (1) passes through the local surface annealing module (4) quickly, the photovoltaic ribbon (1) is subjected to longitudinal transient thermal shock, and the surface of the photovoltaic ribbon (1) undergoes local surface annealing. S3. When the photovoltaic ribbon (1) passes quickly through the integrated cooling and modification module (6), the integrated cooling and modification module (6) performs dry cooling and flux coating on the photovoltaic ribbon (1).

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