Nozzle air knife assembly

Abstract

An air knife is used for cleaning the surface of a battery piece and comprises a metal air pipe, a cavity is formed in the air pipe, an air inlet hole is formed in the air pipe, air hole sets distributed in parallel are formed in the end face of the air pipe, the air hole sets are composed of equidistant air holes, and a specific included angle is formed between the connecting line of the axes of the air holes and the moving path of the battery piece. And uniform airflow is provided for cleaning the electroplating liquid on the surface of the battery piece. The nozzle air knife assembly comprises two oppositely-arranged air knives, the air hole sets are opposite, a battery piece conveying space is reserved, the upper end surface and the lower end surface of a battery piece are cleaned at the same time, and a support is further arranged. The battery piece is driven by the conveying device to horizontally move between the two air knives, high-pressure gas is conveyed into the air pipes, air is blown to the surface of the battery piece from the air hole sets, air barriers are formed through airflow matching of the upstream air hole sets and the downstream air hole sets, the tension of electroplating liquid is broken, and surface cleaning of the battery piece is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of photovoltaic processing technology, and in particular to nozzle air knife assembly. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the new energy industry, solar cells, as the core component of solar cells, play a crucial role in the development of the entire photovoltaic industry chain in terms of production quality and efficiency. Surface cleaning is a critical process in solar cell production. Because impurities such as electroplating solutions inevitably adhere to the surface of solar cells during production, these impurities can severely affect cell performance, reduce photoelectric conversion efficiency, and even lead to cell failure. Therefore, how to efficiently and uniformly remove electroplating solutions from the surface of solar cells has become an urgent technical problem to be solved in solar cell production.

[0003] Traditional methods for cleaning the surface of solar cells typically involve water washing or chemical solvent cleaning, but these methods have several drawbacks. Water washing easily introduces new impurities and the cleaning effect is inconsistent; while chemical solvent cleaning offers better cleaning results, it also causes environmental pollution and is costly. In recent years, with the development of pneumatic technology, the use of air knives for cleaning the surface of solar cells has gradually gained attention. However, existing air knife technology still faces some challenges in practical applications.

[0004] Existing air blades often only have one row, which often fails to provide uniform airflow, resulting in incomplete cleaning of the cell surface and possible residue of plating solution in some areas.

[0005] Therefore, we propose a nozzle-air knife assembly. Utility Model Content

[0006] In response to the shortcomings of the existing production technology, the applicant provides a nozzle air knife assembly. Through a unique design of the tilt angle of the air hole group, it achieves efficient cleaning and breaks the surface tension of the electroplating solution, which not only shortens the duct size but also improves energy utilization efficiency.

[0007] The technical solution adopted in this utility model is as follows:

[0008] A nozzle-air knife assembly for cleaning the surface of solar cells, comprising at least one air knife, wherein the air knife includes:

[0009] The air duct has a cavity with at least one air inlet and at least two sets of air holes on at least one end face of the air duct.

[0010] The air vent group includes multiple air vents arranged in a straight line, and the line connecting the axes of the multiple air vents forms an angle α with the moving path of the solar cell.

[0011] Each of the aforementioned air vents is equipped with a nozzle.

[0012] In one embodiment, the included angle α satisfies: 45°≤α≤90°.

[0013] In one embodiment, the two groups of air holes are divided into an upstream air hole group and a downstream air hole group according to the cell process transport direction. The airflow in the upstream air hole group is perpendicular to the upper surface of the cell, and the airflow in the downstream air hole group forms an angle with the upper surface of the cell, satisfying: 0°≤β≤30°.

[0014] In one embodiment, the upstream air hole group is provided with an upstream nozzle in the air hole, and the downstream air hole group is provided with a downstream nozzle, and the axis of the nozzle is on the same straight line as the axis of the corresponding air hole.

[0015] In one embodiment, the air duct is provided with an air distribution plate, the upper and lower ends of which are connected to the inner wall of the air duct via connectors. The air distribution plate is provided with air distribution holes, and the air distribution plate divides the air duct into at least two chambers, with the air inlet and the air hole components located in the two chambers.

[0016] In one embodiment, the two groups of air vents are arranged in parallel, and the air vents in the groups of air vents are distributed at equal intervals.

[0017] In one embodiment, the duct is divided into multiple sections, and each section is provided with two sets of air vents.

[0018] In one embodiment, the number of air knives is two, and the air hole groups in the two air knives are arranged opposite to each other.

[0019] In one embodiment, a bracket is also included for connecting the two air blades into a single unit.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0021] This utility model features a compact and rational structure, and is easy to operate. Through a unique design with an inclined angle for the air vents, it achieves highly efficient cleaning and breaks the surface tension of the electroplating solution, shortening the duct size and improving energy efficiency. The synergistic effect of the upstream and downstream air vent groups creates air barriers and shear vortices that effectively prevent electroplating solution adhesion. Furthermore, the relative positioning of the airflow direction with the moving direction of the solar cells utilizes shear force to disrupt the synchronous movement of the electroplating solution and the solar cells, enhancing the cleaning effect. In terms of structural design, the uniform airflow plate ensures even airflow distribution, improving cleaning quality. These design features work together to not only improve the efficiency and effectiveness of cleaning the solar cell surface but also enhance the overall performance and stability of the equipment, providing a reliable solution for surface cleaning in the solar cell production process.

[0022] In addition, this utility model also has the following advantages:

[0023] Summary of beneficial effects

[0024] This invention's nozzle-air knife assembly achieves efficient cleaning of battery cell surfaces through a unique air hole group design. The air hole group comprises multiple air holes arranged in a straight line, with the line connecting the axes of these air holes forming an angle α (45°≤α≤90°) with the moving path of the battery cell, typically 75°-85°. This design shortens the length and width of the air duct and breaks down the surface tension of the electroplating solution on the battery cells. Specifically, the upstream and downstream air hole groups form a synergistic flow field through differentiated tilt angle configurations: the upstream group uses a small-angle, unidirectional tilt to generate pre-shear, weakening the liquid film structure strength, while the downstream group uses a large-angle, counter-directional tilt to generate high-intensity shear vortices. This design allows the air pressure component to exceed the liquid film surface tension threshold, while simultaneously disrupting liquid-solid interface adhesion through velocity gradients, ultimately achieving dynamic peeling of the electroplating solution.

[0025] This invention utilizes two sets of air vents, divided into an upstream air vent set and a downstream air vent set according to the cell's manufacturing process. The airflow in the upstream air vent set is perpendicular to the upper surface of the cell, making vertical contact and forming an air barrier that blocks the electroplating solution on the cell. Simultaneously, as the cell moves, the electroplating solution gathers together. The airflow in the downstream air vent set forms an angle β (0°≤β≤30°) with the upper surface of the cell, making inclined contact with the cell surface. This serves two purposes: firstly, it reinforces the air barrier in conjunction with the upstream air vent set, preventing the electroplating solution from breaching and adhering to the cell surface; secondly, the airflow direction is opposite to the cell's movement direction, preventing the electroplating solution from moving with the cell. By utilizing shear force / counter-momentum transfer, the synchronicity of the electroplating solution and the cell's movement is disrupted.

[0026] The nozzle air knife assembly of this invention features an optimized structural design, improving the stability and reliability of the equipment. An air distribution plate is installed within the air duct, dividing it into at least two chambers. The air inlet and air outlet groups are located within these two chambers, achieving a uniform airflow distribution across the surface of the solar cells. The air duct is divided into multiple sections, each with two air outlet groups, enabling simultaneous cleaning of multiple solar cells and improving work efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.

[0028] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A sectional view of section AA in the middle.

[0029] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified view of part C in the middle.

[0030] Figure 4 for Figure 1Sectional view of section BB.

[0031] in:

[0032] 100. Air knife; 200. Support bracket;

[0033] 101. Air duct; 102. Air hole assembly; 1021. Upstream air hole assembly; 1022. Downstream air hole assembly; 10211. Upstream nozzle; 10221. Downstream nozzle; 103. Air inlet; 104. Air distribution plate. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The specific embodiments of this utility model are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0036] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0037] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0038] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0039] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0040] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0041] like Figures 1-4 As shown, this embodiment discloses a nozzle air knife assembly for cleaning the surface of battery cells, including at least one air knife 100. The air knife 100 includes an air duct 101. The air duct 101 is made of a metal material such as stainless steel or aluminum alloy to improve its strength. These metal materials have the characteristics of high strength, corrosion resistance and high temperature resistance, and are suitable for use in high pressure and high speed airflow environments, thereby ensuring the long-term stable operation of the air knife 100.

[0042] Specifically, in this embodiment, the duct 101 has a cavity with at least one air inlet 103 for supplying high-pressure gas. Inert gases such as nitrogen or argon are typically used, as they do not chemically react with the solar cells, thus preventing contamination. The high-pressure gas provides sufficient power to ensure effective cleaning. Furthermore, at least two sets of air holes 102 are provided on at least one end face of the duct 101, facing the solar cells. This design ensures that the gas is evenly distributed across the surface of the solar cells, achieving a comprehensive cleaning effect.

[0043] In this embodiment, the side of the duct 101 facing the battery cell is designed as a plane. However, in other embodiments, a non-planar design can also be used, such as a curved surface, which can also achieve the same effect. It's just that a plane is easier to process.

[0044] The vent group 102 in this embodiment includes a plurality of vents arranged in a straight line. The two vent groups 102 are arranged in parallel. The vents in the vent group 102 are equidistantly distributed, which can provide a more uniform airflow and uniformly clean the electroplating liquid on the surface of the battery cell. The equidistantly distributed vents can ensure that the airflow intensity in each area is consistent, thereby avoiding the problem of incomplete cleaning in some areas.

[0045] Each of the aforementioned air vents is equipped with a nozzle.

[0046] For example, the line connecting the axes of multiple air vents forms an angle α with the moving path of the battery cell, satisfying: 45°≤α≤90°. The specific angle is determined by the width of the air duct 101, meaning the air vent group 102 is set along the connecting line direction of each section of the air duct 101. By adjusting the angle α, the direction and intensity of the airflow can be optimized, thus better adapting to battery cells of different sizes and shapes. When α is 90 degrees, that is, the arrangement of the air vent group 102 is perpendicular to the moving direction of the battery cell, the surface of the battery cell can still be cleaned. However, the airflow blown out by the air vent group 102 is always the same size as one side of the battery cell, which cannot break the surface tension of the battery cell. Therefore, a larger airflow is required to achieve a better cleaning effect. Although the vertically arranged air vent group 102 can provide uniform airflow, because the airflow direction is perpendicular to the moving direction of the battery cell, it cannot effectively break the surface tension of the electroplating solution, resulting in poor cleaning effect.

[0047] When α < 45°, firstly, there is usually not enough space to arrange the vent group 102, and secondly, it would lead to an excessively long vent group 102, resulting in energy waste. A preferred angle is generally 75°-85°. This shortens the length and width of the duct 101 and also breaks the surface tension of the electroplating solution. This is because the upstream and downstream vent groups 102 form a synergistic flow field through differentiated tilt angle configurations: the upstream uses a small-angle, unidirectional tilt to generate pre-shear, weakening the liquid film structure strength, while the downstream uses a large-angle, counter-directional tilt to generate high-intensity shear vortices. This differentiated tilt angle configuration creates a synergistic flow field, thus more effectively breaking the surface tension of the electroplating solution and improving the cleaning effect. This design allows the airflow pressure component to exceed the liquid film surface tension threshold, and simultaneously disrupts liquid-solid interface adhesion through velocity gradients, ultimately achieving dynamic peeling of the electroplating solution. This design not only improves the cleaning effect but also reduces energy consumption and improves overall efficiency.

[0048] In addition, the two air hole groups 102 are divided into an upstream air hole group 1021 and a downstream air hole group 1022 according to the cell process transport direction. The airflow in the air hole group 1021 is perpendicular to the upper surface of the cell. The airflow in the upstream air hole group 1021 makes vertical contact with the cell and forms an air barrier, which blocks the electroplating liquid on the cell. At the same time, as the cell moves, the electroplating liquid gathers together. The air barrier formed by the vertical airflow can effectively block the electroplating liquid and prevent it from adhering to the surface of the cell. At the same time, as the cell moves, the electroplating liquid will gather together, which is convenient for subsequent processing.

[0049] An upstream nozzle 10211 is provided in the air hole of the upstream air hole group 1021, and a downstream nozzle 10221 is provided in the downstream air hole group 1022, and the axis of each nozzle is on the same straight line as the axis of the corresponding air hole.

[0050] The airflow from the downstream air vent group 1022 forms an angle β with the upper surface of the battery cell. That is, the angle between the tilt angle of the downstream nozzle 10221 and the upper surface of the battery cell. The airflow from the downstream air vent group 1022 contacts the surface of the battery cell at an angle. On the one hand, this cooperates with the airflow from the upstream air vent group 1021 to strengthen the air barrier and prevent the electroplating liquid from breaking through the air barrier and adhering to the surface of the battery cell. On the other hand, it satisfies the condition that 0°≤β≤30°, so that the airflow blown out by the downstream air vent group 1022 does not touch the airflow blown out by the upstream air vent group 1021. Otherwise, the airflow will collide with the airflow, which will affect the effect of the upstream air barrier and the blowing effect of the airflow from the downstream air vent group 1022. By adjusting the angle β, it can be ensured that the airflow from the downstream air vent group 1022 will not collide with the airflow from the upstream air vent group 1021, thereby improving the cleaning effect. Since the width of the duct 101 is limited and the distance between the two air vent groups is not large, it is still necessary to determine the β value under the condition that the distance between the two is fixed. That is, when the distance between the two is reduced, the upper limit of β needs to be reduced, and when the distance is increased, the upper limit of β needs to be increased.

[0051] When β > 30°, two airflows will collide. The distance between the upstream air vent group 1021 and the downstream air vent group 1022 must also be considered.

[0052] When β < 0°, the projection of the airflow direction on the horizontal plane is consistent with the direction of the solar panel transport, which does not achieve the cleaning effect. When β = 0°, another barrier is created, which can also achieve the cleaning effect, but the cleaning effect is not ideal. The specific principle is to form a pressure gradient by superimposing airflow, which increases the longitudinal strength of the aerodynamic barrier and improves the resistance of the air barrier to the penetration of the electroplating solution, similar to the reinforcement and thickening of flood control dikes. On the other hand, the airflow direction of the downstream air hole group 1022 is opposite to the moving direction of the solar cell to prevent the electroplating solution from moving with the solar cell. By using shear force / opposite momentum transfer, the synchronicity of the movement of the electroplating solution and the solar cell is disrupted, similar to using a high-pressure water gun to wash the surface of an object. By adjusting the β angle, the direction and intensity of the airflow can be optimized, thereby more effectively breaking the surface tension of the electroplating solution and improving the cleaning effect.

[0053] In this embodiment, for example, the diameter R of the air hole satisfies: 0.15mm≤R≤0.5mm, the distance L between two adjacent air holes satisfies: 1.5mm≤L≤9mm, and the ratio of the air hole diameter R to the air hole distance L satisfies: 1:(5-15). By optimizing the diameter and distance of the air holes, the airflow can be evenly distributed, and the cleaning effect can be improved.

[0054] In other words, the smaller the diameter of the air vents, the less gas is consumed and the greater the wind speed, but the smaller the spacing between the air vents will be. In order to cover the entire end face, more air vents are needed. Conversely, the larger the diameter of the air vents, the greater the gas consumption and the lower the wind speed. The spacing between the air vents can be appropriately increased, and fewer air vents can be used to cover the entire end face of the battery cell. By adjusting the diameter and spacing of the air vents, the direction and intensity of the airflow can be optimized, thereby more effectively breaking the surface tension of the electroplating solution and improving the cleaning effect.

[0055] When the diameter of the vent is 0.25 mm, and the distance between the vent group 102 and the 130 μm thickness of the solar cell is 4-5 mm, the diffusion area formed on the surface of the solar cell is approximately 0.5-1.05 mm². 2 The actual diffusion area is greater than 4.9 mm. 2 With an air hole spacing of about 2.5mm, it achieves a good and continuous liquid cutting effect. This design can provide a uniform and strong airflow, thereby achieving a good cleaning effect. When one air hole is blocked, the adjacent air holes can also cover the corresponding area.

[0056] When the diameter of the air vent is increased to 0.5mm, the spacing between the air vents needs to be 5mm to form a stable air barrier. This increases the customer's air consumption, reduces the wind speed, and increases the risk of localized areas not being dried when a single air vent is blocked. Although a larger air vent diameter can reduce the number of air vents, it will increase air consumption and reduce the wind speed. When one air vent is blocked, the airflow will not be enough to cover the entire surface.

[0057] In this embodiment, an air distribution plate 104 is provided in the air duct 101. The upper and lower ends of the air distribution plate 104 are connected to the inner wall of the air duct 101 through connectors. The air distribution plate 104 is provided with air distribution holes. The air distribution plate 104 divides the air duct 101 into at least two chambers, and the air inlet 103 and the air hole group 102 are located in the two chambers respectively. The air distribution plate 104 achieves the effect of uniform airflow. The air distribution plate 104 can ensure that the airflow is evenly distributed, thereby improving the cleaning effect.

[0058] In this embodiment, the duct 101 is divided into multiple segments, and each segment is provided with two sets of air vents 102. By dividing the duct 101 into multiple segments, the effect of cleaning multiple battery cells simultaneously can be achieved, improving work efficiency. In addition, due to the increased length of the duct 101, in order to improve the strength of the duct 101, it is necessary to...

[0059] In this embodiment, there are two air knives 100. The air hole groups 102 of the two air knives 100 are arranged opposite each other, and a space for transporting the battery cell is reserved between the two air knives 100. The battery cell moves between the two air knives 100, so that the upper and lower surfaces of the battery cell can be cleaned at the same time. By using the air knives 100 arranged opposite each other, the upper and lower surfaces of the battery cell can be cleaned at the same time, thereby improving the cleaning effect.

[0060] In this embodiment, a bracket 200 is also included, which connects the two air knives 100 into a whole, ensuring that the relative positions of the two air knives 100 remain unchanged, i.e., the distance between the air holes and the surface of the battery cell remains unchanged. In actual use, the air knife 100 located below the battery cell is closer to the battery cell because the lower air knife 100 needs to overcome the effect of gravity. The bracket 200 ensures that the relative positions of the two air knives 100 remain unchanged, thereby improving the cleaning effect. At the same time, the lower air knife 100 being closer to the battery cell can better overcome the effect of gravity and ensure the cleaning effect.

[0061] In summary, the nozzle-air knife assembly in this embodiment, by optimizing the direction and intensity of airflow, can more effectively break the surface tension of the electroplating solution and improve the cleaning effect. At the same time, through a reasonable structural design, it can ensure the long-term stable operation of the equipment and improve overall efficiency.

[0062] The above description is an explanation of the present utility model and not a limitation thereof. The scope of the present utility model is defined by the claims. Within the protection scope of the present utility model, any form of modification may be made.

Claims

1. A nozzle-air knife assembly for cleaning the surface of battery cells, characterized in that, Includes at least one air knife, and the air knife includes: The air duct has a cavity with at least one air inlet and at least two sets of air holes on at least one end face of the air duct. The air vent group includes multiple air vents arranged in a straight line, and the line connecting the axes of the multiple air vents forms an angle α with the moving path of the solar cell. Each of the aforementioned air vents is equipped with a nozzle.

2. The nozzle air knife assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The included angle α satisfies: 45°≤α≤90°.

3. The nozzle air knife assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The two sets of air holes are divided into an upstream air hole set and a downstream air hole set according to the cell process transport direction. The airflow in the upstream air hole set is perpendicular to the upper surface of the cell, and the airflow in the downstream air hole set forms an angle with the upper surface of the cell, satisfying: 0°≤β≤30°.

4. The nozzle air knife assembly as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The upstream air hole group is provided with an upstream nozzle in the air hole, and the downstream air hole group is provided with a downstream nozzle, and the axis of the nozzle is on the same straight line as the axis of the corresponding air hole.

5. The nozzle air knife assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The air duct is equipped with an air distribution plate. The upper and lower ends of the air distribution plate are connected to the inner wall of the air duct through connectors. The air distribution plate is provided with air distribution holes. The air distribution plate divides the air duct into at least two chambers, and the air inlet and the air hole are located in the two chambers.

6. The nozzle air knife assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The two groups of air vents are arranged in parallel, and the air vents in the groups of air vents are distributed at equal intervals.

7. The nozzle air knife assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The duct is divided into multiple sections, and each section is equipped with two sets of air vents.

8. The nozzle air knife assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The number of air knives is two, and the air hole groups in the two air knives are arranged opposite each other.

9. The nozzle air knife assembly as described in claim 8, characterized in that: It also includes a bracket, which is used to connect the two air blades into a whole.

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