A sealed flexible contact clamp for double-sided electroplating of solar cells

By designing a mirror-symmetrical support electrode and a leak-proof sealing flexible contact fixture, the problem of electroplating solution retention caused by gaps in the electroplating fixture structure was solved, thereby achieving uniformity of the electroplating layer and improving the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the battery cell.

CN224430773UActive Publication Date: 2026-06-30SICHUAN YIXIAN PHOTOVOLTAIC IND INNOVATION CENTER CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
SICHUAN YIXIAN PHOTOVOLTAIC IND INNOVATION CENTER CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-05-19
Publication Date
2026-06-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing electroplating fixtures have structural gaps at the frame joints, which cause electroplating solution to stagnate, triggering unexpected metal ion deposition reactions. This results in the ineffective consumption of precious metal plating solution and irregular metal accumulation at the edges of the solar cells, affecting the uniformity of the cell grid lines and the photoelectric conversion efficiency.

Method used

Design a sealed flexible contact clamp for double-sided electroplating of solar cells, including a first clamping assembly and a second clamping assembly, employing mirror-symmetric support electrodes and anti-seepage components to provide a stable current transmission path and electric field distribution, and utilizing flexible contact electrode assemblies and insulating layers to enhance electrical contact capability and heat dissipation performance.

Benefits of technology

It improves the uniformity and quality of the electroplated layer, enhances the overall efficiency of solar cells, strengthens the durability of the fixture and the stability of the production process, and avoids uneven electroplating and equipment damage.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of solar cell double-sided electroplating fixtures, and more particularly to a sealed flexible contact fixture for double-sided electroplating of solar cells. It includes a first clamping assembly, a second clamping assembly, and a solar cell. The solar cell is located on the side of the first and second clamping assemblies that are close to each other. The first and second clamping assemblies are mirror-symmetrical. The first clamping assembly includes a first supporting electrode assembly and a first anti-seepage component. The second clamping assembly includes a second supporting electrode assembly and a second anti-seepage component. The first supporting electrode assembly includes a support member, and a flexible contact electrode assembly is disposed on the surface of the support member. The flexible contact electrode assembly includes a first contact electrode, a second contact electrode, a third contact electrode, and a fourth contact electrode. The sealed flexible contact fixture for double-sided electroplating of solar cells provided by this utility model has the advantage of conveniently clamping and limiting the position of solar cells.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of solar cell double-sided electroplating fixtures, and in particular to a sealed flexible contact fixture for double-sided electroplating of solar cells. Background Technology

[0002] Solar cells are generally classified into monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, and amorphous silicon. Monocrystalline silicon solar cells are currently the fastest-developing type of solar cell. Their structure and manufacturing process are well-established, and the products are widely used in space and on the ground. These solar cells use high-purity monocrystalline silicon rods as raw materials. A double-sided electroplating fixture is a special tool used in the electroplating process during battery manufacturing. It is mainly used to fix and support the battery electrodes or both sides of the battery, allowing for simultaneous double-sided electroplating during the electroplating process. This ensures uniform coverage of the electroplated layer, improves battery performance, and is commonly used in solar cell processing.

[0003] Existing technologies, such as the utility model patent with publication number CN216107302U, disclose a battery cell electroplating fixture. This patent consists of upper and lower clamping plates that fit together. The mating portion of the upper and lower clamping plates has multiple slots for holding battery cells. The surfaces of the upper and lower clamping plates each have multiple upper and lower openings communicating with the slots. Multiple corresponding, attracting magnetic blocks are embedded in the mating portion of both the upper and lower clamping plates. The side of the upper clamping plate that fits against the lower clamping plate has multiple protruding connecting posts distributed around its perimeter. The lower clamping plate has multiple connecting slots around its perimeter that match and are inserted into the connecting posts for fixation. This fixture, capable of simultaneously electroplating multiple battery cells, replaces the manual clamping method and allows for rapid double-sided electroplating of the battery cells. The internal magnetic blocks enhance the sealing between the two clamping plates, and the connecting posts and slots ensure more accurate positioning when the two clamping plates are mated, improving both the fixation and electroplating effect of the battery cells.

[0004] During the manufacturing of solar cells, it was found that due to the structural gaps at the frame joints of conventional electroplating fixtures, the electroplating solution is prone to stagnation during continuous electrolysis, leading to unexpected metal ion deposition reactions. This not only results in the ineffective consumption of precious metal plating solution but also causes irregular metal accumulation at the edges of the solar cells, directly affecting the uniformity of the cell grid lines and the photoelectric conversion efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problem that in the existing technology, due to the structural gaps at the frame joints of the conventional electroplating fixture, the electroplating solution is easily retained during continuous electrolysis, which leads to unexpected metal ion deposition reactions. This not only causes ineffective consumption of precious metal plating solution, but also forms irregular metal accumulation at the edge of the battery cell, directly affecting the uniformity of the battery grid lines and the photoelectric conversion efficiency.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides a sealed flexible contact clamp for double-sided electroplating of solar cells, comprising: a first clamping assembly, a second clamping assembly, and a solar cell, wherein the solar cell is located on the side of the first clamping assembly and the second clamping assembly that are close to each other, the first clamping assembly and the second clamping assembly are mirror symmetrical, the first clamping assembly includes a first supporting electrode assembly and a first anti-seepage component, and the second clamping assembly includes a second supporting electrode assembly and a second anti-seepage component.

[0007] The aforementioned components achieve the following effects: through the rationally designed clamping components and supporting electrodes, a stable current transmission path and effective electric field distribution can be provided during the electroplating process, thereby improving the uniformity and quality of the electroplated layer and enhancing the overall efficiency of the solar cell.

[0008] Preferably, the first support electrode assembly includes a support member, and a flexible contact electrode assembly is disposed on the surface of the support member. The flexible contact electrode assembly includes a first contact electrode, a second contact electrode, a third contact electrode, and a fourth contact electrode. The first contact electrode, the second contact electrode, the third contact electrode, and the fourth contact electrode are all bonded to the surface of the support member, and the first contact electrode, the second contact electrode, the third contact electrode, and the fourth contact electrode are rectangularly distributed on the surface of the support member.

[0009] The effects achieved by the above components are as follows: the flexible contact electrode assembly on the surface of the support provides good electrical contact capability, which can ensure that the current transmission between the solar cell and the fixture is more stable and uniform during the electroplating process. By distributing the contact electrodes on the surface of the support, the problem of poor contact caused by excessive concentration of contact points can be avoided, thereby enhancing the durability of the fixture and improving the electroplating effect.

[0010] Preferably, the surface of the support member has a hollow rectangular opening, and a clamp is fixedly connected to one side surface of the support member.

[0011] The effects achieved by the above components are as follows: the hollow structure of the support can effectively enhance the heat dissipation performance of the fixture surface, reduce the heat accumulation generated during the electroplating process, maintain the stability of the electroplating process, and avoid uneven electroplating effect or equipment damage due to excessive temperature. At the same time, the cross-sectional shape of the chuck can be selected from any one of rectangle, rhombus, regular pentagon, and regular hexagon.

[0012] Preferably, the support is made of iron, and the surface of the support is provided with an insulating layer, which is any one of polytetrafluoroethylene, alumina, epoxy resin, and polyimide.

[0013] The effects achieved by the above components are as follows: the design of using iron parts for the support and adding a polytetrafluoroethylene layer to its surface not only effectively improves the corrosion resistance, insulation and high temperature resistance of the electroplating fixture, but also enhances the service life, stability and ease of maintenance of the fixture, which helps to ensure the smooth progress of the electroplating process and the long-term stable operation of the equipment.

[0014] Preferably, the first and second waterproofing components are any one of fluororubber, perfluoroether rubber, and hydrogenated nitrile rubber, and the flexible contact electrode assembly is any one of conductive fabric, conductive silicone, and gel conductive film.

[0015] The effects achieved by the above components are as follows: the design of using fluororubber as the anti-seepage component and conductive silicone as the flexible contact electrode assembly can effectively improve the performance of the equipment, enhance its anti-seepage, conductivity and environmental resistance, ensure long-term stable operation in complex working environments, and guarantee the smooth progress of electroplating or other processes.

[0016] Preferably, both the first and second waterproofing components have rectangular openings on their surfaces.

[0017] The effects achieved by the above components are as follows: opening rectangular openings on the surfaces of the first and second anti-seepage components can not only optimize liquid flow and sealing, but also improve cleaning efficiency, enhance structural strength and heat exchange capacity.

[0018] Compared with related technologies, the sealing flexible contact fixture for double-sided electroplating of solar cells provided by this utility model has the following advantages:

[0019] This invention provides a sealed flexible contact clamp for double-sided electroplating of solar cells. Through a rationally designed clamping component and supporting electrode, it can provide a stable current transmission path and an effective electric field distribution during the electroplating process, thereby improving the uniformity and quality of the electroplated layer and enhancing the overall efficiency of the solar cell. By providing stable clamping force, effective anti-seepage protection, and an efficient current conduction path, it not only improves the electroplating quality and uniformity of solar cells but also optimizes equipment maintenance and production efficiency during the production process. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a sealing flexible contact clamp for double-sided electroplating of solar cells provided by this utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the disassembled structure of the three-dimensional structure shown.

[0022] Figure 3 for Figure 2 The diagram shows a partial structure.

[0023] Figure 4 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the flexible contact electrode assembly.

[0024] The following numbers are used in the figure: 100, first clamping assembly; 200, second clamping assembly; 110, first supporting electrode assembly; 120, first anti-seepage component; 210, second supporting electrode assembly; 220, second anti-seepage component; 310, solar cell; 101, support member; 130, flexible contact electrode assembly; 102, first contact electrode; 103, second contact electrode; 104, third contact electrode; 105, fourth contact electrode. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages 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.

[0026] The specific implementation of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0027] Please see Figures 1 to 4 This utility model provides a sealing flexible contact clamp for double-sided electroplating of solar cells, comprising: a first clamping assembly 100, a second clamping assembly 200, and a solar cell 310. The solar cell 310 is located on the side of the first clamping assembly 100 and the second clamping assembly 200 that are close to each other. The first clamping assembly 100 and the second clamping assembly 200 are mirror-symmetrical. The first clamping assembly 100 includes a first supporting electrode assembly 110 and a first anti-seepage component 120. The second clamping assembly 200 includes a second supporting electrode assembly 210 and a second anti-seepage component 220.

[0028] In the embodiments of this utility model, please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4The first supporting electrode assembly 110 includes a supporting member 101. A flexible contact electrode assembly 130 is disposed on the surface of the supporting member 101. The flexible contact electrode assembly 130 includes a first contact electrode 102, a second contact electrode 103, a third contact electrode 104, and a fourth contact electrode 105. The first contact electrode 102, the second contact electrode 103, the third contact electrode 104, and the fourth contact electrode 105 are all bonded to the surface of the supporting member 101. The first contact electrode 102, the second contact electrode 103, the third contact electrode 104, and the fourth contact electrode 105 are rectangularly distributed on the surface of the supporting member 101. A hollow rectangular opening is formed on the surface of the supporting member 101. A clamp is fixedly connected to one side of the supporting member 101. The supporting member 101 is made of iron. An insulating layer, which is a polytetrafluoroethylene layer, is provided on the surface of the supporting member 101. The first anti-seepage component 120 and the second anti-seepage component 220 are both fluororubber components. 130 is a conductive silicone component. The surfaces of the first anti-seepage component 120 and the second anti-seepage component 220 are both provided with rectangular openings. The first support electrode component 110 includes four arrayed contact electrodes and a hollow support component 101. The contact electrodes and the support component 101 form a three-dimensional conductive network. The flexible contact electrodes are made of conductive steel wire fabric. The size of a single electrode is 180mm*8mm*5mm. They are arranged in a 2×2 matrix. The distance from the electrode edge to the nearest edge of the battery cell is controlled at 5mm. The support component 101 is bonded with conductive adhesive. The hollow support component 101 is made of aluminum. It has a rectangular opening in the center and a size of 200mm*200mm*7mm. The surface of the support component 101 is coated with a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coating with a thickness of 100±10μm. The anti-seepage component is made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). It has a rectangular opening in the center and a size of 200mm*200mm*5mm. The shape of the interface around the component matches the outline of the contact electrode opening.

[0029] The working principle of the sealed flexible contact clamp for double-sided electroplating of solar cells provided by this utility model is as follows: During the electroplating clamping process of solar cells, a symmetrical clamping system composed of a first clamping component 100 and a second clamping component 200 is formed. The two components form a three-dimensional clamping structure through a first support electrode component 110 and a second support electrode component 210. The first anti-seepage component 120 and the second anti-seepage component 220 are respectively nested between the clamping components and the solar cell 310. The solar cell 310 is clamped vertically between the flexible contact surfaces of the two components. The first contact electrode 102, the second contact electrode 103, the third contact electrode 104 and the fourth contact electrode 105 are connected to the solar cell 310 and the support component 101 through a matrix arrangement to form a modular conductive support system. Current can flow from the support component 101 through the flexible contact electrodes and finally form the cathode in the electroplating system with the solar cell 310.

[0030] The circuits and controls involved in this utility model are all existing technologies, and will not be described in detail here.

[0031] The above description is merely an embodiment of this utility model and does not limit the patent scope of this utility model. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the content of this utility model specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A sealed flexible contact clamp for double-sided electroplating of solar cells, characterized in that, include: A first clamping assembly (100), a second clamping assembly (200), and a solar cell (310) are provided. The solar cell (310) is located on the side of the first clamping assembly (100) and the second clamping assembly (200) that are close to each other. The first clamping assembly (100) and the second clamping assembly (200) are mirror images of each other. The first clamping assembly (100) includes a first supporting electrode assembly (110) and a first anti-seepage component (120). The second clamping assembly (200) includes a second supporting electrode assembly (210) and a second anti-seepage component (220).

2. A sealing flexible contact fixture for double-sided electroplating of solar cells according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first support electrode assembly (110) includes a support member (101). A flexible contact electrode assembly (130) is provided on the surface of the support member (101). The flexible contact electrode assembly (130) includes a first contact electrode (102), a second contact electrode (103), a third contact electrode (104), and a fourth contact electrode (105). The first contact electrode (102), the second contact electrode (103), the third contact electrode (104), and the fourth contact electrode (105) are all bonded to the surface of the support member (101). The first contact electrode (102), the second contact electrode (103), the third contact electrode (104), and the fourth contact electrode (105) are rectangularly distributed on the surface of the support member (101).

3. A sealing flexible contact fixture for double-sided electroplating of solar cells according to claim 2, characterized in that, The surface of the support member (101) is provided with a hollow rectangular opening, and a clamp is fixedly connected to one side surface of the support member (101).

4. A sealing flexible contact fixture for double-sided electroplating of solar cells according to claim 2, characterized in that, The support member (101) is made of iron, and the surface of the support member (101) is provided with an insulating layer, which is a polytetrafluoroethylene layer.

5. A sealing flexible contact fixture for double-sided electroplating of solar cells according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first anti-seepage component (120) and the second anti-seepage component (220) are both fluororubber components, and the flexible contact electrode assembly (130) is a conductive silicone component.

6. A sealing flexible contact fixture for double-sided electroplating of solar cells according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first anti-seepage component (120) and the second anti-seepage component (220) both have rectangular openings on their surfaces.