Flux replenishment device

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a kind of flux replenishing device, belong to welding technical field.The flux replenishing device includes liquid storage container, replenishing pump, control valve and controller;Liquid storage container is used to store flux;The suction end of replenishing pump is communicated with the liquid storage container, the liquid outlet of the replenishing pump is communicated with flux soaking pool by replenishing pipeline, for conveying flux to flux soaking pool;Control valve is located on the replenishing pipeline, for controlling the on-off of the replenishing pipeline;Controller is connected with the replenishing pump and control valve, for controlling the start-stop of the replenishing pump and the opening and closing of the control valve.The flux replenishing device provided by the present disclosure realizes the automatic liquid replenishment of flux soaking pool by building the integrated design of closed-loop control between liquid storage container, replenishing pump, control valve and controller.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure belongs to the field of welding technology, specifically relating to a flux replenishment device. Background Technology

[0002] In the manufacturing process of photovoltaic modules, to achieve reliable connections between cells, the metal solder strips typically require pretreatment to improve welding quality and solder joint consistency. Flux application is a crucial step, directly impacting the wettability, solder joint strength, and defect control in subsequent welding processes. Currently, on automated photovoltaic module production lines, the commonly used flux application method is immersion, where the solder strips are continuously introduced into an immersion tank containing flux, ensuring full contact between the solder strip surface and the flux to form a uniform flux layer.

[0003] In practical production applications, the flux level in the immersion tank continuously decreases as the soldering strip moves, necessitating timely replenishment to ensure the soldering strip remains at the appropriate immersion depth and prevent welding defects caused by insufficient immersion. Current flux replenishment methods primarily rely on manual operation, with operators manually adding flux from the storage container to the immersion tank. This method is time-consuming and labor-intensive, requiring frequent replenishment, typically multiple times a day, with each operation taking considerable time and impacting production efficiency.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a new solution to the above-mentioned technical problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a flux replenishment device that can automatically control the flux replenishment process and reduce the intensity of manual operation.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution provided in this disclosure is as follows:

[0007] This disclosure provides a flux replenishment device, which includes a storage container, a replenishment pump, a control valve, and a controller. The storage container is used to store flux. The suction end of the replenishment pump is connected to the storage container, and the discharge end of the replenishment pump is connected to the flux immersion tank through a replenishment pipeline, for delivering flux to the flux immersion tank. The control valve is located on the replenishment pipeline for controlling the opening and closing of the replenishment pipeline. The controller is connected to the replenishment pump and the control valve for controlling the start and stop of the replenishment pump and the opening and closing of the control valve.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, the liquid storage container includes a barrel body, the bottom of which is provided with a liquid receiving groove, and a liquid receiving space is formed between the side wall of the liquid receiving groove and the outer wall of the barrel body around the outer periphery of the barrel body.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, the top of the barrel is covered with a cover for closing the top opening of the barrel, the cover is connected to the barrel by a latch, and the cover is provided with a liquid filling port communicating with the inner cavity of the barrel.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, a slide rail is provided below the liquid storage container, the liquid storage container is slidably disposed on the slide rail, and a handle is provided on the side wall of the liquid receiving tank for an operator to move the liquid storage container along the extension direction of the slide rail.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the outer wall of the barrel is provided with a level gauge for displaying the flux level inside the barrel; and / or, the barrel is provided with a level sensor for monitoring the flux level inside the barrel.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the controller is connected to a valve island, the valve island including a first solenoid valve and a second solenoid valve. The first solenoid valve is connected to the replenishment pump and is used to control the start and stop of the replenishment pump; the second solenoid valve is connected to the control valve and is used to control the opening and closing of the control valve.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the outer side of the liquid storage container is provided with a mounting frame, and the inner wall of the mounting frame is equipped with a replenishment pump and a filter, the filter being connected to the outlet end of the replenishment pump and the replenishment pipeline.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, a fluxing fixture is further included for adding flux to the liquid storage container. The fluxing fixture includes a flux tank and a pump, wherein the inlet pipe of the pump is connected to the flux tank and the outlet pipe of the pump is connected to the liquid storage container.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the liquid filling fixture further includes a trolley, the trolley including a base, a handle and casters, the handle being fixed to the base and the casters being mounted on the bottom of the base.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the top surface of the base is provided with a positioning groove, the flux container is placed in the positioning groove, and a liquid receiving gap is formed between the inner wall of the positioning groove and the outer wall of the flux container.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the base is equipped with a bracket, the bracket is equipped with a clamp, and the liquid pump is clamped and fixed to the clamp.

[0018] Compared with existing technologies, the flux replenishment device provided in this disclosure achieves automated replenishment of the flux immersion tank by constructing an integrated closed-loop control system among the storage container, replenishment pump, control valve, and controller. This technical solution, through the linkage control of the replenishment pump and control valve by the controller, can automatically initiate the replenishment process when the number of solder strip pulls reaches a set value or the liquid level in the immersion tank falls below a threshold. This promptly delivers the flux from the storage container to the immersion tank, maintaining the stability of the immersion liquid level and avoiding problems such as incomplete soldering or poor solder joints caused by untimely or uneven manual replenishment. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the flux replenishment device in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a liquid storage container in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the liquid addition fixture in one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Explanation of key figure labels:

[0024] 1-Liquid storage container, 11-Barrel body, 12-Liquid receiving tank, 13-Liquid receiving space, 14-Liquid cover, 15-Lock, 16-Liquid filling port, 17-Handle, 2-Liquid replenishment pump, 3-Slide rail, 4-Liquid level gauge, 5-Mounting frame, 6-Filter, 7-Liquid filling fixture, 71-Fluoride tank, 72-Liquid pump, 721-Liquid inlet pipe, 722-Liquid outlet pipe, 73-Trolley, 731-Base, 732-Handle, 733-Wheel caster, 74-Positioning groove, 75-Liquid receiving gap, 76-Bracket, 77-Clamping device. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions in this disclosure, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0026] Unless otherwise expressly stated, throughout the specification and claims, the term "comprising" or its variations such as "including" or "comprises" shall be understood to include the stated elements or components without excluding other elements or other components.

[0027] In the manufacturing process of photovoltaic modules, flux coating of the solder ribbon is one of the key steps to ensure the welding quality of the solar cells. Currently, the most widely used flux coating method on production lines is the solder ribbon immersion method, which involves continuously feeding the solder ribbon into an immersion tank filled with flux, where the flux adheres through physical contact. However, during the continuous feeding of the solder ribbon and the consumption of flux, the flux level in the immersion tank gradually decreases. If the flux is not replenished in time, insufficient immersion of the solder ribbon will occur, leading to poor welding.

[0028] To maintain a stable liquid level, traditional methods generally rely on manual replenishment, which has problems such as untimely replenishment, high labor intensity, easy splashing and equipment contamination, serious waste of flux, and safety hazards from handling volatile liquids. It is no longer able to meet the current requirements of photovoltaic manufacturing for efficient automation and safe production.

[0029] To address this, this disclosure proposes a novel technical approach: In a photovoltaic welding production line, a system based on a liquid storage unit is established. A fluid-driven mechanism transports flux from the storage end to the immersion end, completing the replenishment process in a manner triggered by external signals or driven by preset rules. Simultaneously, a pipeline control structure regulates fluid flow to achieve automated replenishment and flow control. By introducing a control mechanism, the replenishment behavior is automatically adjusted according to production needs or liquid level, reducing manual intervention and providing an efficient and safe replenishment solution.

[0030] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a flux replenishing device in one embodiment of this disclosure includes a storage container 1, a replenishing pump 2, a control valve, and a controller. The storage container 1 stores flux; the suction end of the replenishing pump 2 is connected to the storage container 1, and the discharge end of the replenishing pump 2 is connected to the flux immersion tank via a replenishing pipeline, for delivering flux to the flux immersion tank; the control valve is located on the replenishing pipeline for controlling the opening and closing of the replenishing pipeline; the controller is connected to the replenishing pump 2 and the control valve for controlling the start and stop of the replenishing pump 2 and the opening and closing of the control valve.

[0031] The storage container 1, serving as a flux storage unit, can be a sealed structure to hold a certain volume of liquid flux to meet the replenishment needs during continuous production. To ensure the stability of the supply process, the storage container 1 is equipped with an outlet, which can be connected to the suction end of the replenishment pump 2 via a pipeline, allowing the liquid flux to be drawn by the replenishment pump 2. The outlet end of the replenishment pump 2 is connected to the flux immersion tank via a replenishment pipeline to replenish the flux level in the immersion tank.

[0032] The replenishment pump 2 is preferably a diaphragm pump, which has good self-priming ability and corrosion resistance, and is suitable for conveying volatile or viscous chemical liquids. The diaphragm pump is driven by compressed air and realizes liquid delivery through the reciprocating motion of the diaphragm. Compared with the pressure supply system, its flow rate is stable and there is no pressure fluctuation, which can avoid problems such as insufficient liquid level or overflow caused by uneven replenishment.

[0033] A control valve is installed in the replenishment pipeline. Its function is to control the opening and closing of the liquid path according to the control signal, preventing flux leakage or siphon flow in the non-replenishment state. This control valve and the replenishment pump 2 are controlled by a controller. The controller is the core control unit of the entire replenishment device. It interacts with the production line PLC or external sensors and can automatically issue control commands according to preset replenishment conditions (such as the number of times the solder ribbon is pulled to a certain length reaches a set value, or the liquid level in the soaking tank is detected to be below a threshold). The controller output signal simultaneously drives the replenishment pump 2 to start and the control valve to open, starting the replenishment process. After replenishment is completed, the control valve is closed and the pump stops operating, thus completing one replenishment operation.

[0034] In one exemplary embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the liquid storage container 1 includes a barrel 11, and a liquid receiving trough 12 is provided at the bottom of the barrel 11. A liquid receiving space 13 is formed between the side wall of the liquid receiving trough 12 and the outer wall of the barrel 11, surrounding the outer periphery of the barrel 11.

[0035] Specifically, the liquid storage container 1 includes a barrel 11 primarily used for holding flux. A liquid receiving groove 12 is provided on the outer periphery of the bottom of the barrel 11. The liquid receiving groove 12, together with the outer wall of the barrel 11, defines a liquid receiving space 13 extending circumferentially around the barrel 11. This structural relationship allows the liquid receiving groove 12 to completely surround the outer periphery of the bottom of the barrel 11, forming a leakage collection area.

[0036] The flux receiving tank 12, as an external annular structure, has a certain depth and width, with its opening facing upwards. It effectively receives small amounts of flux dripping due to replenishment operations, connection and disassembly of pipelines, or equipment vibration. By placing the flux receiving tank 12 on the bottom outer ring of the tank body 11, it not only facilitates the natural collection of liquid within the tank under gravity but also allows users to visually inspect whether liquid has accumulated in the tank through its transparent or open structure, enabling timely cleaning and maintenance. The sidewall height of the flux receiving tank 12 is moderate, effectively accommodating flux that may leak or overflow from the outer wall of the tank body 11 without significantly increasing the overall size of the device.

[0037] Specifically, please refer to Figure 2 As shown, the top of the barrel 11 is covered with a cover 14 for sealing the top opening of the barrel 11. The cover 14 is connected to the barrel 11 by a latch 15, and the cover 14 is provided with a liquid filling port 16 that communicates with the inner cavity of the barrel 11.

[0038] The top of the container 11 is equipped with a cover 14 for sealing its opening. The cover 14 covers the opening of the container 11 and is detachably connected to the container 11 via a locking mechanism 15, ensuring reliable locking while facilitating daily opening and maintenance. Flux is volatile and chemically active; the sealed cover 14 effectively reduces the contact between the flux and outside air, minimizing evaporation loss and preventing external impurities from entering the container and contaminating the flux. The locking mechanism 15 ensures that the cover 14 is securely locked to the container 11 during normal use, while allowing for easy removal for maintenance.

[0039] A liquid filling port 16 communicating with the inner cavity of the tank 11 is provided on the cover 14. The liquid filling port 16 can be a circular or square opening and can be equipped with a threaded cap, flip-top, or silicone plug for sealing after liquid filling is completed. The liquid filling port 16 allows the operator to inject flux into the tank 11 through an external liquid supply device without opening the entire cover 14, improving the efficiency of the liquid filling operation and minimizing flux loss due to evaporation from exposure to air.

[0040] In one exemplary embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 As shown, a slide rail 3 is provided below the liquid storage container 1, and the liquid storage container 1 is slidably mounted on the slide rail 3. A handle 17 is provided on the side wall of the liquid receiving tank 12, which allows the operator to move the liquid storage container 1 along the extension direction of the slide rail 3.

[0041] Specifically, a slide rail 3 is provided at the bottom of the liquid storage container 1. The slide rail 3 extends in a preset direction to define and guide the movement path of the liquid storage container 1. The bottom of the liquid storage container 1 and the slide rail 3 can be connected by a slider, roller or low-friction guide, so that the liquid storage container 1 can slide smoothly and controllably on the slide rail 3 without shaking or jamming.

[0042] A handle 17 is provided on the side wall of the liquid receiving tank 12. The handle 17 is firmly connected to the side wall of the liquid receiving tank 12 and is positioned in a position that is easy for a person to grip, so that the operator can move the liquid storage container 1 along the slide rail 3 by manually pushing and pulling without the need for other tools. This design can reduce the manual burden during equipment maintenance and avoid the difficulty of handling the heavy flux container.

[0043] When flux needs to be added to the storage container 1, the operator can slide the container outward to expose the filling port 16 or the entire container 11, facilitating connection with external filling devices or manual filling operations, thus improving the convenience and safety of flux addition. Similarly, when cleaning the receiving tank 12 is required, the storage container 1 can be quickly pulled out via the sliding rail 3 mechanism, freeing up sufficient operating space for cleaning the receiving tank 12 and improving maintenance efficiency.

[0044] In one exemplary embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 As shown, the outer wall of the tank 11 is equipped with a level gauge 4 for displaying the flux level inside the tank 11; the inside of the tank 11 is equipped with a level sensor for monitoring the flux level inside the tank 11. The level gauge 4 and the level sensor can be configured separately or used together to meet the needs of level monitoring in different application scenarios.

[0045] The level gauge 4 can be mechanical or have a transparent window structure. It is installed longitudinally along the outer wall of the tank 11 and communicates with the internal liquid space of the tank 11. The actual liquid level is reflected by gravity flow or by forming a liquid column through a connecting pipe. Operators can visually determine the remaining amount of flux in the tank by observing the level gauge 4. This is suitable for occasions where complex control is not available or where regular manual inspection is required.

[0046] Furthermore, to further enhance the real-time performance and automation of monitoring, a liquid level sensor can be installed inside the tank 11. The liquid level sensor can be of various types, including float, capacitive, conductive, or ultrasonic, and the appropriate sensing method can be selected based on the physical properties of the flux. The liquid level sensor can be installed on the inner wall, top, or bottom of the tank 11, and can collect liquid level data in real time and output electrical signals, thereby achieving electronic monitoring of the liquid level in the storage container 1, allowing personnel to promptly grasp the liquid level status of the flux inside the storage container 1.

[0047] In one exemplary embodiment, the controller is connected to a valve island, which includes a first solenoid valve and a second solenoid valve. The first solenoid valve is connected to the replenishment pump 2 and is used to control the start and stop of the replenishment pump 2. The second solenoid valve is connected to a control valve and is used to control the opening and closing of the control valve.

[0048] In this embodiment, an automatic control architecture with a controller at its core and a valve island as the execution interface is adopted. Specifically, the controller is connected to multiple solenoid valves located on the valve island, including at least a first solenoid valve and a second solenoid valve. These two solenoid valves are responsible for controlling the start and stop of the replenishment pump 2 and the control valve in the replenishment pipeline, respectively. The first solenoid valve is connected to the replenishment pump 2 (preferably a pneumatic diaphragm pump) via an electrical signal line or a pneumatic pipeline to control the start and stop of the replenishment pump 2. The second solenoid valve is connected to the control valve on the replenishment pipeline in a similar manner to control the opening and closing state of the valve. The valve island can receive trigger signals from the welding ribbon counter or the immersion tank level gauge and generate corresponding signals to be transmitted to the controller.

[0049] As the upper-level control unit, the controller receives trigger signals from the valve island. When it determines that fluid replenishment is needed, it first issues a command to energize the first solenoid valve on the valve island, thereby driving the fluid replenishment pump 2 to start and complete the flux absorption and delivery process. Simultaneously, the controller also synchronously controls the second solenoid valve to open, thereby opening the control valve on the fluid replenishment pipeline to ensure unobstructed delivery. This dual-valve coordinated action design enables synchronous control of the start / stop of the fluid replenishment pump 2 and the flow path, avoiding the risk of liquid blockage caused by starting the pump before opening the valve, and preventing pressure buildup caused by blindly closing the valve while the pump is running, thus improving the stability and safety of the system operation.

[0050] The valve island, serving as an intermediate execution platform, acts as a signal relay and pneumatic actuator. Its modular design facilitates installation, wiring, and subsequent maintenance. By integrating multiple solenoid valves onto the same platform, the system structure becomes more compact and the wiring more centralized. It also facilitates the expansion of more actuators and supports future upgrades to system functionality. The first solenoid valve controls the on / off air supply to the replenishment pump 2, while the second solenoid valve controls the opening and closing of the pneumatic control valve. Both can use compressed air as their drive source, offering advantages such as fast response, low energy consumption, and strong environmental adaptability.

[0051] In one exemplary embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 As shown, a mounting frame 5 is provided on the outer side of the liquid storage container 1. A replenishment pump 2 and a filter 6 are installed on the inner wall of the mounting frame 5. The filter 6 connects the outlet of the replenishment pump 2 to the replenishment pipeline. The mounting frame 5 can be made of metal or engineering plastic and has a frame structure, semi-enclosing the outer side of the liquid storage container 1. Its internal space is used to integrate and install components such as the replenishment pump 2 and the filter 6. The replenishment pump 2 and the filter 6 can be installed on the inner wall of the mounting frame 5 using bolts, clips, or welding.

[0052] The suction end of the replenishment pump 2 (preferably a pneumatic diaphragm pump) is connected to the outlet of the storage container 1 via a suction pipe, and the outlet end is connected to the inlet of the filter 6 via a pipe. The outlet of the filter 6 is connected to the flux immersion tank via a replenishment pipe, forming a complete transport path from the storage container 1 to the immersion tank. The filter 6 is located between the outlet of the replenishment pump 2 and the replenishment pipe, connected in series in the transport path, ensuring that the flux is filtered before entering the immersion tank.

[0053] The filter 6 is preferably a replaceable structure. Its function is to intercept impurities in the flux before it is delivered to the immersion tank, preventing particulate matter or sediment from entering the replenishment pipeline, causing nozzle blockage or affecting the immersion process. The outlet of the filter 6 is then connected to the control valve via the replenishment pipeline, ultimately leading to the flux immersion tank, thus achieving a complete replenishment path.

[0054] In one exemplary embodiment, please refer to Figure 3 As shown, the flux replenishment device also includes a flux addition fixture 7 for adding flux into the storage container 1. The flux addition fixture 7 includes a flux tank 71 and a pump 72. The inlet pipe 721 of the pump 72 is connected to the flux tank 71, and the outlet pipe 722 of the pump 72 is connected to the storage container 1.

[0055] To enable convenient, safe and efficient replenishment of the liquid storage container 1, an independent liquid replenishment fixture 7 is further provided. This liquid replenishment fixture 7 constitutes an external flux supply unit, which mainly includes two parts: a flux tank 71 and a liquid pump 72.

[0056] The flux container 71 is used for temporary storage of flux to be added to the storage container 1. It has a sealed container body 11 with good corrosion resistance and liquid tightness. The top of the container body 11 is equipped with a sealing cap or vent to prevent flux evaporation and maintain stable internal pressure. The pump 72 serves as the power actuator. Its inlet pipe 721 is connected to the outlet of the flux container 71 via a hose, and its outlet pipe 722 is connected to the filling port 16 of the storage container 1 via a hose. The pump uses negative pressure suction to draw flux from the container and deliver it into the storage container 1.

[0057] Throughout the flux replenishment process, the pump 72 acts as an active delivery mechanism, replacing manual pouring of flux. This offers advantages such as stable pumping, controllable flow rate, and safe operation. Because the pumping process is a closed-loop fluid delivery system, it also prevents the flux from being exposed to air during transfer, reducing the impact of its volatile liquids on operators and the environment. Furthermore, the flux replenishment fixture 7 can be used as an independent module to interface with different types of storage containers 1, demonstrating excellent adaptability and scalability, making it particularly suitable for applications involving multiple production lines or centralized flux replenishment operations.

[0058] Specifically, please refer to Figure 3 As shown, the liquid filling fixture 7 also includes a trolley 73, which includes a base 731, a handle 732 and casters 733. The handle 732 is fixed to the base 731 and the casters 733 are installed at the bottom of the base 731.

[0059] To enhance the flexibility and ease of operation of the flux dispensing process, a movable trolley 73 structure was further incorporated, giving the flux dispensing fixture 7 excellent mobility. This trolley 73, serving as the support platform for the flux dispensing fixture 7, mainly comprises three parts: a base 731, a handle 732, and casters 733. The base 731 serves as the main load-bearing platform of the trolley 73, supporting components such as the flux container 71 and the pump 72.

[0060] The handle 732 is fixedly mounted above or to the side of the base 731, providing the operator with a fulcrum for pushing and pulling. Its height and angle are designed to allow the operator to push and pull the cart 73 in a natural posture. The handle 732 and the base 731 can be securely connected by welding or screwing to ensure that there is no loosening or wobbling during pushing.

[0061] The casters 733 are located at the four bottom corners or appropriate positions of the base 731 to enable the trolley 73 to move in multiple directions on the ground. The casters 733 are made of materials with good rolling performance and wear resistance, and can be equipped with a braking device to lock the trolley 73 in place during the liquid filling process to prevent displacement from causing problems such as hose pulling or inaccurate liquid filling position.

[0062] Further, please refer to Figure 3 As shown, the top surface of the base 731 is provided with a positioning groove 74, and the flux barrel 71 is placed in the positioning groove 74. A liquid receiving gap 75 is formed between the inner wall of the positioning groove 74 and the outer wall of the flux barrel 71.

[0063] To further improve the placement stability of the flux container 71 during movement and operation, and to effectively prevent environmental pollution caused by liquid leakage or operational errors, a positioning groove 74 is provided on the base 731 of the trolley 73 to define the position of the flux container 71. This positioning groove 74 is located on the top surface of the base 731 and can be an annular or polygonal recessed structure. Its shape and size are designed to be slightly larger than the bottom of the container to ensure that the container can be smoothly placed in the positioning groove 74.

[0064] When the flux container 71 is placed in the positioning groove 74, a certain gap is left between its outer wall and the inner wall of the positioning groove 74, which constitutes the liquid receiving gap 75. When the operator is drawing flux, connecting hoses, or moving the trolley 73, if flux drips around the container 11 due to vibration, misoperation, or leakage at the joint, the liquid receiving gap 75 can collect the leaked liquid, preventing it from flowing directly onto the base 731 or the ground, thus reducing equipment contamination and the risk of slipping in the work area.

[0065] In one exemplary embodiment, please refer to Figure 3 As shown, a bracket 76 is mounted on the base 731, and a clamp 77 is mounted on the bracket 76. The liquid pump 72 is clamped and fixed on the clamp 77.

[0066] To ensure stable installation and flexible operation of the pump 72, a vertically mounted bracket 76 is provided on the base 731 of the trolley 73. The bracket 76 is further equipped with clamps 77 for securing the pump 72. This design provides a mounting position for the pump 72, allowing it to maintain a stable working posture during operation, while also facilitating start-up, shutdown, adjustment, and maintenance by the operator.

[0067] The support 76 is preferably a vertical column structure made of metal or high-strength engineering plastic, with its lower end welded or screwed to the base 731 to ensure that it does not loosen or deform during movement. The height and position of the support 76 are arranged according to the operator's hand operating area, so that after the pump 72 is fixed on the clamp 77, its control part or operating handle is at a suitable height for easy manual operation.

[0068] The clamp 77 can adopt a flexible snap-on type, a threaded tightening type, or a slide rail 3-slot type structure, and has adjustment capability to adapt to different sizes or models of liquid pumps 72. By firmly fixing the liquid pump 72 with the clamp 77, it can prevent the liquid pump 72 from becoming unstable due to vibration, hand cranking, or hose pulling during the liquid pumping process, such as displacement, tilting, or falling off.

[0069] The flux replenishing device in this disclosure will be further explained below in the context of a specific replenishing scenario.

[0070] As the solder ribbon is continuously pulled along the photovoltaic module welding production line, the flux in the immersion tank is constantly consumed, and the liquid level gradually decreases. When the number of times the solder ribbon is pulled to a fixed length reaches a preset value, or when the flux level in the immersion tank is detected to be below a preset threshold, it is determined that the immersion tank needs to be replenished. At this time, a control signal is first sent to the valve island, triggering the valve island to open.

[0071] After the valve island is activated, the internal air passage opening / closing status changes. The pressure gauge monitors this opening / closing status in real time and transmits the current pressure value signal to the controller. Based on this, the controller confirms the valve island status and enters the liquid replenishment control process. The controller then issues commands to control the operation of the first and second solenoid valves respectively.

[0072] After the flux replenishment process begins, the first solenoid valve drives the flux replenishment pump 2 to start, drawing flux from the storage tank through the suction pipe. Simultaneously, the second solenoid valve activates the pneumatic control valve, opening the flux replenishment pipeline and creating a continuous fluid channel. The flux drawn by the flux replenishment pump 2 is first filtered through filter 6 to remove any particulate matter, sediment, or other impurities that may have entered the liquid, ensuring the purity of the flux before it enters the immersion tank and preventing blockages and contamination.

[0073] The filtered flux continues to be transported along the replenishment pipeline and is finally injected into the replenishment port of the flux immersion tank via the opened control valve, thus replenishing the flux in the immersion tank. To avoid over-replenishment, the system is set with a replenishment time. When the replenishment action is triggered, the controller simultaneously starts the timing logic. When the replenishment reaches the set time, the second solenoid valve closes, and the control valve closes accordingly, cutting off the liquid passage. Subsequently, the first solenoid valve is de-energized, the replenishment pump 2 stops operating, and the entire replenishment process enters the final stage.

[0074] After replenishment is completed, the controller resets the solenoid valve, replenishment pump 2, and valve island to their initial states, ready to respond to the next replenishment request. Thus, when the liquid level in the soaking tank drops to the set threshold again or the number of times the welding ribbon is pulled reaches the replenishment condition again, the above process will automatically restart, realizing automatic circulating replenishment control of the soaking tank.

[0075] In summary, the flux replenishment device provided in this disclosure achieves automated flux replenishment in the flux immersion tank through an integrated design that establishes a closed-loop control system among the storage container, replenishment pump, control valve, and controller. This technical solution, through the coordinated control of the replenishment pump and control valve by the controller, automatically initiates the replenishment process when the number of solder strip pulls reaches a set value or the liquid level in the immersion tank falls below a threshold. This promptly delivers flux from the storage container to the immersion tank, maintaining the stability of the immersion liquid level and avoiding problems such as incomplete soldering or poor solder joints caused by untimely or uneven manual replenishment.

[0076] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this disclosure is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that this disclosure can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within this disclosure. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0077] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A flux replenishment device, characterized in that, include: Liquid storage container for storing flux; A replenishing pump, the suction end of which is connected to the storage container, and the discharge end of which is connected to the flux soaking tank through a replenishing pipeline, for delivering flux to the flux soaking tank. A control valve is provided on the replenishment pipeline to control the opening and closing of the replenishment pipeline; A controller, connected to the replenishment pump and the control valve, is used to control the start and stop of the replenishment pump and the opening and closing of the control valve.

2. The flux replenishment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid storage container includes a barrel body, the bottom of which is provided with a liquid receiving groove, and a liquid receiving space is formed between the side wall of the liquid receiving groove and the outer wall of the barrel body around the outer perimeter of the barrel body.

3. The flux replenishment device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The top of the barrel is covered with a cover for sealing the top opening of the barrel. The cover is connected to the barrel by a latch, and the cover has a liquid filling port that communicates with the inner cavity of the barrel.

4. The flux replenishment device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The liquid storage container is provided with a slide rail below it, and the liquid storage container is slidably mounted on the slide rail. The side wall of the liquid receiving tank is provided with a handle that allows the operator to move the liquid storage container along the extension direction of the slide rail.

5. The flux replenishment device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outer wall of the barrel is provided with a level gauge for displaying the flux level inside the barrel; and / or, the barrel is provided with a level sensor for monitoring the flux level inside the barrel.

6. The flux replenishment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller is connected to the valve island, which includes a first solenoid valve and a second solenoid valve. The first solenoid valve is connected to the replenishment pump and is used to control the start and stop of the replenishment pump. The second solenoid valve is connected to the control valve and is used to control the opening and closing of the control valve.

7. The flux replenishment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid storage container is provided with an installation frame on the outside, and a replenishment pump and a filter are installed on the inner wall of the installation frame. The filter is connected to the liquid outlet of the replenishment pump and the replenishment pipeline.

8. The flux replenishment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a fluxing fixture for adding flux into the storage container. The fluxing fixture includes a flux tank and a pump. The inlet pipe of the pump is connected to the flux tank, and the outlet pipe of the pump is connected to the storage container.

9. The flux replenishment device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The liquid filling fixture also includes a trolley, which includes a base, a handle, and casters. The handle is fixed to the base, and the casters are mounted on the bottom of the base.

10. The flux replenishment device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The top surface of the base is provided with a positioning groove, and the flux barrel is placed in the positioning groove. A liquid receiving gap is formed between the inner wall of the positioning groove and the outer wall of the flux barrel.

11. The flux replenishment device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The base is equipped with a bracket, and a clamp is mounted on the bracket. The liquid pump is clamped and fixed on the clamp.

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