An electroplating fixture
By designing a spring-connected electroplating fixture and using a transition surface to control the slow closing of the clamping parts, the problem of photovoltaic cells breaking during copper electroplating was solved, resulting in a lower breakage rate and higher electroplating efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- JA SOLAR TECH YANGZHOU
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-26
AI Technical Summary
Photovoltaic cells are prone to breakage during copper electroplating, and existing electroplating fixtures lack buffering functions, resulting in a high breakage rate.
An electroplating fixture was designed, which uses spring-connected clamping components and controls the closing process of the clamping components through a transition surface to avoid instantaneous impact. Conductive clamps are used to hold the front and back of the photovoltaic cell and form copper grid lines in the electroplating solution.
It reduces the breakage rate of photovoltaic cells, improves the stability and efficiency of the electroplating process, and reduces the consumption and cost of electroplating solution.
Smart Images
Figure CN224280525U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electroplating technology, and in particular to an electroplating fixture. Background Technology
[0002] The statements in this section are merely background information related to this utility model and do not necessarily constitute prior art.
[0003] In the field of photovoltaic cells, the process of forming copper metal grid lines by copper electroplating can replace the expensive silver paste printing process to form silver metal grid lines, thereby reducing costs.
[0004] In related technologies, copper electroplating of photovoltaic cells includes a vertical continuous electroplating method. In this method, photovoltaic cells are fixed to a steel strip using electroplating fixtures, with each fixture holding only one cell. The rotation of the steel strip guides the photovoltaic cell into the electroplating tank for electroplating. Because each photovoltaic cell is on a horizontal line, the thickness is relatively uniform. However, the photovoltaic cells are prone to breakage when held by the fixtures. Utility Model Content
[0005] The purpose of this utility model is to provide an electroplating fixture to solve the technical problem of high breakage rate of photovoltaic cells during copper electroplating.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:
[0007] This utility model provides an electroplating fixture, including a frame, a force-applying component, a first clamping component, a second clamping component, a spring, and at least one set of conductive clamps for energizing photovoltaic cells. Each set of conductive clamps includes two opposing conductive clamps, and the two conductive clamps in the same set are respectively disposed on the first clamping component and the second clamping component.
[0008] The frame has a first plate and a second plate opposite to each other; the first clamping member is disposed on the first plate, one end of the spring is disposed on the first clamping member, the other end is disposed on the second clamping member, and the spring is located within the frame;
[0009] The force-applying component is rotatably mounted on the second plate, and the end face of the force-applying component located within the frame abuts against the side of the second clamping component away from the spring.
[0010] The end face has a first stop surface, a transition surface and a second stop surface in sequence, wherein the distance between the first stop surface and the first plate is greater than the distance between the second stop surface and the first plate.
[0011] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the first clamping member is provided with at least one guide post on the part outside the frame, and the second clamping member is provided with at least one guide hole through which the guide post passes.
[0012] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the end face is a helical surface.
[0013] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the clamp further includes a positioning structure, the positioning structure including a first segment and a second segment, the first segment being parallel to the first clamping member, and the two ends of the second segment being connected to one end of the first clamping member and one end of the second segment, respectively.
[0014] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the first segment and / or the second segment are provided with positioning slots, which are used to engage the edge portion of the photovoltaic cell.
[0015] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the first segment and / or the second segment are provided with a plurality of protrusions, and the top of each protrusion is formed with the positioning groove.
[0016] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, when the width of the positioning slot is greater than the thickness of the photovoltaic cell, the difference between the width of the positioning slot and the thickness of the photovoltaic cell is 0.5mm to 1.5mm.
[0017] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the conductive clip further has an insulating layer that covers the conductive clip in areas other than those in electrical contact with the photovoltaic cell.
[0018] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the insulating layer is made of one of Teflon, epoxy resin or polyvinyl chloride.
[0019] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the area of the conductive clip in electrical contact with the photovoltaic cell is 30% to 80% of the area of the conductive disk of the photovoltaic cell.
[0020] In one or more technical solutions provided in the exemplary embodiments of this utility model, at least one of the following beneficial effects can be achieved.
[0021] The electroplating fixture of this exemplary embodiment includes a frame, a force-applying component, a first clamping component, a second clamping component, a spring, and at least one set of conductive clips for energizing photovoltaic cells. The conductive clips are used to clamp the photovoltaic cells on opposite front and back sides for energizing, and to plate copper grid lines at corresponding positions in the electroplating solution. During electroplating, the photovoltaic cells need to be clamped onto the electroplating fixture. When the photovoltaic cells are clamped onto the opposing conductive clips, rotating the force-applying component causes the second stop surface in contact with the second clamping component to switch to contacting the first stop surface with the side of the second clamping component away from the spring. Since the distance between the first stop surface and the first plate is greater than the distance between the second stop surface and the first plate, during this switching process, the force-applying component pushes the second clamping component to overcome the spring force and move towards the first clamping component, thereby forming a clamping grip of the photovoltaic cells by the conductive clips.
[0022] Since there is a transition surface between the second stop surface and the first stop surface, the compression process of the spring during the rotation of the force-applying component is a slow process through the transition surface. This reduces the hard contact between the conductive clamp and the photovoltaic cell, and compared with the non-buffered electroplating clamp in the prior art, it will reduce the breakage rate of the photovoltaic cell. Attached Figure Description
[0023] The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description thereof, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. These drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification.
[0024] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of an electroplating fixture (for holding photovoltaic cells) according to an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0025] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of an electroplating fixture according to an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0026] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of the positioning slot according to an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0027] Figure 4 This is a front view schematic diagram of the second clamping member and the conductive clamp according to an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0028] Figure 5 This is a side view of a set of conductive clips according to an embodiment of the present utility model.
[0029] Figure 6 This is an isometric structural diagram of the force-applying component according to an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0030] Figure 7This is a front view structural schematic diagram of the force-applying component according to an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0031] Figure 8 This is a top view of the force-applying component according to an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0032] Figure 9 This is a side view of the electroplating fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] Figure label:
[0034] 11. First clamping component; 12. Second clamping component; 121. Conductive clamp; 121a. Conductive end; 123. Force-applying plate;
[0035] 20. Force-applying component; 21. Shaft; 22. End face; 221. First stop surface; 222. Transition surface; 223. Second stop surface;
[0036] 30. Photovoltaic cells;
[0037] 41. First segment; 42. Second segment; 43. Positioning slot;
[0038] 51. First board; 52. Second board; 53. Spring. Detailed Implementation
[0039] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.
[0040] Among related technologies, vertical continuous electroplating is one of the electroplating processes currently used to form copper grid lines on photovoltaic cells.
[0041] Vertical continuous electroplating uses electroplating fixtures to fix photovoltaic cells onto steel strips, with each fixture holding only one photovoltaic cell. The rotation of the steel strip guides the photovoltaic cell into the electroplating tank for electroplating. Because each cell is on a horizontal line, the thickness of the copper grid lines is relatively uniform. Currently, electroplating fixtures used for vertical continuous electroplating mainly consist of a first clamping member and a second clamping member arranged opposite each other. Conductive clips are respectively installed on the first and second clamping members, and the photovoltaic cell is clamped between the conductive clips of the first and second clamping members. However, existing electroplating fixtures lack a buffer function, which can easily lead to breakage of the photovoltaic cell during clamping.
[0042] To address the aforementioned issues, the electroplating fixture provided in the exemplary embodiment of this utility model connects the two clamping members via a spring. During the closing process of the two clamping members, a force-applying member with a transition surface is used to control the second clamping member to move closer to or away from the first clamping member. The compression of the spring is a slow process, which avoids instantaneous impact on the photovoltaic cells and reduces the breakage rate of the photovoltaic cells.
[0043] Figure 4 This is a front view schematic diagram of the second clamping member and the conductive clamp according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 5 This is a side view of a set of conductive clips according to an embodiment of the present utility model. Figure 9 This is a side view structural schematic diagram of an electroplating fixture according to an embodiment of the present utility model. (In conjunction with...) Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 9 As shown in the exemplary embodiment of this utility model, the main body of the electroplating fixture is composed of opposing first clamping members 11 and second clamping members 12. The first clamping member 11 and the second clamping member 12 are respectively provided with opposing conductive clips 121. That is, the electroplating fixture is provided with one or more sets of conductive clips 121. Two conductive clips 121 in each set are used to clamp the front and back sides of the photovoltaic cell 30, respectively, to energize the photovoltaic cell 30 and form copper metal grid lines in the electroplating tank. It can be understood that... Figure 4 Due to the obstruction of the second clamping member 12, the first clamping member 11 is not shown. The shape of the first clamping member 11 is roughly the same as that of the second clamping member 12, and the two can be set in a mirror image on the frame.
[0044] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of an electroplating fixture (for holding photovoltaic cells) according to an embodiment of this utility model. Figure 1 As shown, when the electroplating fixture is ready to be converted to the clamping state, the force-applying component 20 is rotated so that the second clamping component 12 moves closer to the first clamping component 11, thereby driving the corresponding conductive clamps 121 to form clamping and energizing on the conductive pads (Pad points) on the front and back of the photovoltaic cell 30.
[0045] Specifically, the frame can be a rectangular tubular structure (not shown in the figure), which has a first plate 51 and a second plate 52. The first clamping member 11 and the second clamping member 12 both have slender force-applying plates 123 at their top ends. The force-applying plate 123 of the first clamping member 11 is fixed on the inner wall of the first plate 51, or the first plate 51 of the frame and the force-applying plate 123 of the first clamping member 11 are integrally formed. At least part of the force-applying plate 123 of the second clamping member 12 is also disposed within the frame. The first clamping member 11 and the second clamping member 12 are connected together by a spring 53. That is, a spring 53 is disposed between the force-applying plate 123 of the second clamping member 12 and the force-applying plate 123 of the first clamping member 11. The second clamping member 12 is disposed on the force-applying plate 123 of the first clamping member 11 through the spring 53. Through the compression and return of the spring 53, the second clamping member 12 moves closer to or away from the first clamping member 11, thereby forming a closure or release between the same set of conductive clamps 121.
[0046] Figure 6 This is an isometric structural diagram of the force-applying component according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 7 This is a front view structural schematic diagram of the force-applying component according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 8 This is a top view schematic diagram of the force-applying component according to an embodiment of the present utility model. (See attached diagram.) Figures 6-8 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the force-applying member 20 is rotatably mounted on the second plate 52 of the frame via a shaft 21 (annular groove) formed on the force-applying member 20. The force-applying member 20 has a handle on the outer side of the second plate 52 for rotational operation, and a stop portion on the inner side of the second plate 52. The end face 22 of the stop portion abuts against the side of the second clamping member 12 away from the spring 53.
[0047] The aforementioned end face 22 has a first abutment surface 221, a transition surface 222, and a second abutment surface 223 in sequence. The distance between the first abutment surface 221 and the first plate 51 is greater than the distance between the second abutment surface 223 and the first plate 51. That is, when the first abutment surface 221 abuts against the second clamping member 12, the spring 53 is compressed and shortened, and the distance between the second clamping member 12 and the first clamping member 11 is the shortest, thereby causing the conductive clamp 121 to clamp the photovoltaic cell 30; while when the second abutment surface 223 abuts against or moves away from the second clamping member 12, the spring 53 extends, and the distance between the second clamping member 12 and the first clamping member 11 becomes longer, thereby causing the conductive clamp 121 to release the photovoltaic cell 30.
[0048] The conversion between the first stop surface 221 and the second stop surface 223 is achieved by rotating the handle of the force-applying member 20 on the second plate 52. In order to avoid the second clamping member 12 approaching the first clamping member 11 and causing instantaneous impact that could break the photovoltaic cell 30, a transition surface 222, such as a slope, is provided between the first stop surface 221 and the second stop surface 223, so that the compression of the spring 53 becomes a slow process. That is, when the second stop surface 223 rotates to the point where the first stop surface 221 contacts the force-applying part of the second clamping member 12, the second clamping member 12 gradually moves closer to the first clamping member 11.
[0049] For example, the end face 22 of the force-applying member 20 can also be a spiral surface. The first stop surface 221, the transition surface 222 and the second stop surface 223 are a continuously changing spiral surface, so as to achieve the purpose of the second clamping member 12 gradually moving closer to the first clamping member 11, generating a buffering effect to avoid generating fragments as much as possible.
[0050] For example, when the second clamping member 12 is closest to the first clamping member 11, the clamping force of the corresponding conductive clamp 121 is 0.13N.
[0051] Since the force-applying member 20 applies force to the force-applying plate 123 of the second clamping member 12, and the force-applying plate 123 is located at the top of the second clamping member 12, the second clamping member 12 is a horizontally elongated structure to provide multiple conductive clamps 121. In order to maintain the moving direction of the second clamping member 12, at least one guide post is provided on the part of the first clamping member 11 located outside the frame, and at least one guide hole is provided on the second clamping member 12 for the guide post to pass through.
[0052] For example, two guide posts are respectively provided on the positions near both ends of the first clamping member 11. The two guide posts are respectively movably disposed in two guide holes near both ends of the second clamping member 12. Thus, the second clamping member 12 is connected to the first clamping member 11 through the spring 53 and the two guide posts. When the force-applying member 20 compresses the spring 53, the second clamping member 12 moves towards the first clamping member 11 synchronously under the action of the two guide posts, thereby driving the corresponding conductive clamps 121 to clamp the front and back sides of the photovoltaic cell 30.
[0053] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of an electroplating fixture according to an embodiment of the present utility model. (See attached diagram.) Figure 2 As shown, the electroplating fixture provided in the exemplary embodiment of this utility model further includes a positioning structure, which includes a first segment 41 and a second segment 42. The first segment 41 is parallel to the first clamping member 11, and the two ends of the second segment 42 are respectively connected to one end of the first clamping member 11 and one end of the second segment 42.
[0054] In practical applications, the first clamping member 11 and the positioning structure enclose a "C"-shaped structure with an opening. The first section 41 is used to support and position the bottom edge of the photovoltaic cell 30, and the second section 42 is used to position the side edge of the photovoltaic cell 30. The opening of the "C"-shaped structure allows the photovoltaic cell 30 to be inserted between the two conductive clips 121 of each group. Under the limiting conditions of the first section 41 and the second section 42, the conductive ends 121a of each group of conductive clips 121 can accurately form electrical contact with the conductive pads (Pad points) on the photovoltaic cell 30. Thus, the traditional manual alignment operation can be omitted, improving efficiency. At the same time, compared with the prior art in which the positioning structure and the first clamping member 11 enclose a structure without an opening, the positioning structure of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be loaded from the side through the opening of the "C"-shaped structure, improving the convenience of loading.
[0055] In some embodiments, positioning slots 43 are respectively provided on the first section 41 and the second section 42. The positioning slots 43 are used to clamp the edge portions of the photovoltaic cell 30. The positioning slots 43 are provided along the extending directions of the first section 41 and the second section 42 in a through-long manner, so as to ensure the positioning accuracy of the photovoltaic cell 30.
[0056] In other embodiments, the first section 41 and the second section 42 have a plurality of spaced-apart protrusions facing the inside of the "C"-shaped structure, and positioning slots 43 are formed at the tops of each of the protrusions, such as U-shaped grooves, V-shaped grooves, etc., as Figure 3 shown Figure 3 is a schematic structural view of the positioning slot according to an embodiment of the present invention. The positioning accuracy of the photovoltaic cell 30 can also be improved through the plurality of spaced-apart positioning slots 43, and at the same time, the jamming of the photovoltaic cell 30 during the installation process caused by the overly long positioning slots 43 can be reduced.
[0057] Considering that when the electroplating fixture holds the photovoltaic cell 30 and enters the electroplating bath liquid, the flow of the electroplating liquid impacts the photovoltaic cell 30 and is likely to cause damage. The width of the positioning slot 43 provided by the exemplary embodiment of the present invention is greater than the thickness of the photovoltaic cell 30, and the difference between the width of the positioning slot 43 and the thickness of the photovoltaic cell 30 is 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. That is, there is a certain activity space between the photovoltaic cell 30 and the positioning slot 43 and it does not affect positioning, such as 0.7 mm, 0.9 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.3 mm, etc. Thus, there is a certain buffer between the photovoltaic cell 30 and the positioning structure, reducing the impact of the electroplating liquid flow on the photovoltaic cell 30 and improving the yield.
[0058] As Figure 5 shown, the conductive clip 121 also has an insulating layer, and the insulating layer covers other regions of the conductive clip 121 except for the regions in electrical contact with the photovoltaic cell 30.
[0059] The conductive clip 121 includes a main body extending vertically and a conductive end 121a perpendicular to the main body. That is, the conductive clip 121 is approximately L-shaped, with the conductive end 121a facing the surface of the photovoltaic cell 30. Most of the conductive clip 121, except for the conductive end 121a, is covered with an insulating layer, thereby reducing ineffective electroplating area and lowering the consumption and cost of electroplating solution. Simultaneously, it maintains the wear resistance of the conductive clip 121 and extends its service life.
[0060] For example, the insulating layer may be made of one of Teflon, epoxy resin or polyvinyl chloride, which may prevent the electroplating solution from easily penetrating into the non-electroplated area of the conductive clip 121.
[0061] In some embodiments, the area of the conductive clip 121 in electrical contact with the photovoltaic cell 30 is 30% to 80% of the area of the conductive pad of the photovoltaic cell 30, for example, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, etc. That is, the cross-sectional area of the conductive end 121a is relatively small compared with the conductive pad, which can ensure more accurate alignment between the two and improve the good electrical contact between the conductive end 121a and the photovoltaic cell 30.
[0062] Those skilled in the art should understand that the above embodiments are merely for clearly illustrating the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make other changes or modifications based on the above disclosure, and these changes or modifications still fall within the scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. An electroplating fixture, characterized by, It includes a frame, a force-applying component, a first clamping component, a second clamping component, a spring, and at least one set of conductive clamps for energizing photovoltaic cells. Each set of conductive clamps includes two opposing conductive clamps, and the two conductive clamps in the same set are respectively disposed on the first clamping component and the second clamping component. The frame has a first plate and a second plate that are opposite each other; The first clamping member is disposed on the first plate, one end of the spring is disposed on the first clamping member, the other end is disposed on the second clamping member, and the spring is located within the frame; The force-applying component is rotatably mounted on the second plate, and the end face of the force-applying component located within the frame abuts against the side of the second clamping component away from the spring. The end face has a first stop surface, a transition surface and a second stop surface in sequence, wherein the distance between the first stop surface and the first plate is greater than the distance between the second stop surface and the first plate.
2. The clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first clamping member has at least one guide post on the part outside the frame, and the second clamping member has at least one guide hole through which the guide post passes.
3. The clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end face is a helical surface.
4. The clamp according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The fixture further includes a positioning structure, which includes a first segment and a second segment. The first segment is parallel to the first clamping member, and the two ends of the second segment are respectively connected to one end of the first clamping member and one end of the second segment.
5. The clamp according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first segment and / or the second segment are provided with positioning slots, which are used to engage the edge of the photovoltaic cell.
6. The clamp according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first segment and / or the second segment are provided with a plurality of protrusions, and the top of each protrusion is formed with the positioning slot.
7. The clamp according to claim 5, characterized in that, The width of the positioning slot is greater than the thickness of the photovoltaic cell, and the difference between the width of the positioning slot and the thickness of the photovoltaic cell is 0.5mm to 1.5mm.
8. The clamp according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The conductive clip also has an insulating layer that covers the areas of the conductive clip other than those in electrical contact with the photovoltaic cell.
9. The clamp according to claim 8, characterized in that, The insulating layer is made of one of the following materials: Teflon, epoxy resin, or polyvinyl chloride.
10. The clamp according to claim 8, characterized in that, The area of the conductive clip in electrical contact with the photovoltaic cell is 30% to 80% of the area of the conductive disk of the photovoltaic cell.