flipping device

Abstract

This application relates to a cell flipping device. The flipping device includes a first conveying mechanism, a second conveying mechanism, a flipping mechanism, and a vacuum suction mechanism. The first conveying mechanism is used to convey a carrier plate carrying solar cells to a flipping station. The second conveying mechanism is used to convey an empty carrier plate to a receiving station; wherein, the receiving station is located below the flipping station. The flipping mechanism is used to drive at least a portion of the carrier plate located at the flipping station to flip, so that the solar cells on the carrier plate are flipped. The vacuum suction mechanism is used to draw a vacuum into the carrier plate located at the flipping station, so that the carrier plate adsorbs the solar cells during the flipping process; or to break the vacuum in the carrier plate located at the flipping station, so that the carrier plate releases the flipped solar cells onto the empty carrier plate located at the receiving station. The above prevents the generation of fragments during the solar cell flipping process, thereby improving the yield of solar cells.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of photovoltaic module manufacturing equipment technology, and in particular to a cell flipping device. Background Technology

[0002] In the production process of photovoltaic modules, the cells need to be flipped. For example, in the screen printing process, electrodes need to be printed on the front and back of the cells separately, so the cells need to be flipped.

[0003] Currently, the process for flipping solar cells is as follows: First, the carrier plate carrying the solar cells is transferred to the carrier plate lifting area. The gantry robotic arm grabs the solar cells and places them onto the lifting platform. Then, the lifting platform descends and places the solar cells onto the fast track. The solar cells are then transferred to the solar cell straightening mechanism via the fast track. The straightened solar cells are then transferred to the large windmill flipping mechanism, which flips the solar cells. The flipped solar cells are then transferred to the gantry robotic arm via the fast track. Finally, the gantry robotic arm picks up the solar cells on the fast track and places them back onto the carrier plate.

[0004] However, during the process of the gantry robotic arm picking up and placing the cells, as well as during the flipping of the cells by the large windmill mechanism, the cells are prone to breakage, generating fragments. If these fragments fall onto the production line and are not cleaned up in time, they can cause defects such as penetrating scratches on subsequent cells, seriously affecting the yield and breakage rate of the production line. Cleaning up fragments inside the production line by workers can create risks such as suction cup marks, black spots, and black dots, further impacting the yield. Furthermore, improper operation during the process of cleaning up fragments can also lead to mechanical injuries and other accidents. Utility Model Content

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a cell flipping device to reduce defects such as fragmentation that occur during the cell flipping process.

[0006] This application provides a film flipping device, the film flipping device comprising:

[0007] The first conveying mechanism is used to convey the carrier plate carrying the battery cells to the flipping station;

[0008] A second conveying mechanism is used to convey an empty carrier plate to a lamination station; the lamination station is located below the lamination flipping station.

[0009] A flipping mechanism is used to drive at least a portion of the carrier plate located at the flipping station to flip the solar cells on the carrier plate.

[0010] A vacuum suction mechanism is used to suction a vacuum on the carrier plate located at the flipping station so that the carrier plate adsorbs the battery cells during the flipping process; or to break the vacuum on the carrier plate located at the flipping station so that the carrier plate releases the flipped battery cells onto an empty carrier plate located at the receiving station.

[0011] The technical solution will be further explained below:

[0012] In one embodiment, the carrier plates all include:

[0013] The plate body has a receiving groove for accommodating the battery cell, and the receiving groove extends through both sides of the plate body;

[0014] A support block is rotatably disposed in the receiving groove via a rotating shaft. The support block has a support surface for supporting the battery cell. The support surface is provided with adsorption holes. The rotating shaft forms a vacuum channel communicating with the adsorption holes.

[0015] The vacuum suction mechanism is used to connect the vacuum channel to draw or break the vacuum in the vacuum channel;

[0016] The flipping mechanism is used to connect to the rotating shaft and drive the rotating shaft to rotate, so as to cause the support block to flip 180°.

[0017] In one embodiment, the plate body has a plurality of receiving slots, and all the receiving slots form a multi-row and multi-column array structure on the plate body; each receiving slot is provided with a support block, and all the support blocks in the same row are connected in series by a rotating shaft; the rotating shaft passes through at least one edge of the plate body to allow the flipping mechanism and the vacuum suction mechanism to be connected.

[0018] In one embodiment, the vacuum suction mechanism includes:

[0019] A vacuum conduit used for drawing in or breaking a vacuum.

[0020] A telescopic drive component is connected to the vacuum pipe, and the telescopic drive component is used to drive the vacuum pipe to connect or separate from the carrier plate entering the flipping station.

[0021] In one embodiment, the flipping mechanism includes a rotation drive connected to the vacuum pipe, the rotation drive being used to drive the vacuum pipe to rotate about its own axis.

[0022] In one embodiment, the first conveying mechanism includes:

[0023] A first translation component is used to drive the carrier plate carrying the battery cell to translate.

[0024] A first lifting assembly is connected to the vacuum pipe. The first lifting assembly is used to drive the vacuum pipe to rise and fall, so as to lift the carrier plate carrying the battery cells from the first translation assembly to the flipping station.

[0025] In one embodiment, a buffer station is provided above the first translation component, and the first conveying mechanism further includes a second lifting component. The second lifting component is disposed on the first translation component and is used to drive the carrier plate on the first translation component to be lifted to the buffer station.

[0026] In one embodiment, the second conveying mechanism includes:

[0027] A second translation component is used to drive the vacant carrier plate to translate.

[0028] A third lifting assembly is disposed on the second translation assembly, and the third lifting assembly is used to drive the vacant carrier plate to move between the second translation assembly and the splicing station.

[0029] In one embodiment, the flipping device is further provided with an image acquisition mechanism, which is used to acquire images of the carrier plate located at the flipping station and the carrier plate located at the joining station; when the carrier plate located at the flipping station and the carrier plate located at the joining station are not aligned in the vertical direction, the telescopic drive member drives the vacuum pipe to move the carrier plate located at the flipping station so that the carrier plate located at the flipping station and the carrier plate located at the joining station are aligned in the vertical direction.

[0030] In one embodiment, the flipping device further includes a frame, the frame having a first chamber for mounting the first conveying mechanism and a second chamber for mounting the second conveying mechanism, the first chamber being provided with a temperature control lamp for maintaining the temperature inside the first chamber.

[0031] When the aforementioned flipping device is in operation, the first conveying mechanism first transports the carrier plate carrying the solar cells to the flipping station, while the second conveying mechanism transports the empty carrier plate to the receiving station. Then, the vacuum suction mechanism connects to the carrier plate carrying the solar cells entering the flipping station and suctions a vacuum on the carrier plate to fix the solar cells on the carrier plate. Then, the flipping mechanism flips at least a portion of the carrier plate carrying the solar cells entering the flipping station, for example, flipping the part of the carrier plate supporting the solar cells by 180°, thus flipping the solar cells over. For example, flipping the solar cells that were originally on the top surface of the carrier plate with their faces up to the bottom surface of the carrier plate with their faces down. During this process, the vacuum suction mechanism always maintains a vacuum state on the carrier plate to prevent the solar cells from falling off during the flipping process. After the carrier plate on the flipping station flips the solar cell, the vacuum suction mechanism breaks the vacuum of the solar cell. At this time, the carrier plate on the flipping station can directly release the flipped solar cell onto the empty carrier plate on the receiving station below it, thus completing the overall flipping of the solar cell.

[0032] Compared to traditional cell-flipping equipment that requires a gantry robotic arm for cell handling and a large windmill mechanism for flipping the cells, the cell-flipping device of this application uses a flipping mechanism to flip a carrier plate, thereby flipping the cells. Simultaneously, a vacuum suction mechanism creates a vacuum on the carrier plate, allowing it to hold and secure the cells during the flipping process, preventing them from falling off. After the cells are flipped, the vacuum suction mechanism breaks the vacuum on the carrier plate, releasing the flipped cells onto the empty carrier plate. This eliminates the need for a gantry robotic arm and a large windmill mechanism, avoiding damage to the cells during handling and flipping, preventing fragmentation during the flipping process, and ultimately improving the cell yield. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of this application. The illustrative embodiments of this application and their descriptions are used to explain this application and do not constitute an undue limitation of this application.

[0034] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0035] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are not drawn to a 1:1 scale, and the relative dimensions of the various components are shown as examples only and not necessarily to scale. In the accompanying drawings:

[0036] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a flipping device according to one embodiment.

[0037] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The front view of the flipping device shown.

[0038] Figure 3 for Figure 2 The flipping device shown is a cross-sectional view in section AA.

[0039] Figure 4 for Figure 2 The flipping device shown is a cross-sectional view in section BB.

[0040] Figure 5 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the middle part of the flipping device.

[0041] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the flipping mechanism and vacuum suction mechanism of a flipping device according to an embodiment.

[0042] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a carrier plate according to one embodiment.

[0043] Figure 8 for Figure 7 The diagram shows the structure of the carrier plate.

[0044] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0045] 10. First conveying mechanism; 11. First translation component; 12. First lifting component; 13. Second lifting component; 15. Buffer station; 20. Second conveying mechanism; 21. Second translation component; 22. Third lifting component; 30. Vacuum suction mechanism; 31. Vacuum pipe; 32. Telescopic drive component; 40. Tilting mechanism; 50. Image acquisition mechanism; 60. Frame; 61. First chamber; 611. First inlet; 612. First outlet; 62. Second chamber; 621. Second inlet; 622. Second outlet; 70. Carrier plate; 71. Plate body; 711. Receiving groove; 72. Support block; 721. Adsorption hole; 73. Rotating shaft; 731. Vacuum channel; 80. Temperature control lamp. Detailed Implementation

[0046] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0047] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0048] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0049] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0050] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0051] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0052] See Figure 1 This application provides a flipping device for flipping solar cells. Specifically, one embodiment of the flipping device includes a first conveying mechanism 10, a second conveying mechanism 20, a flipping mechanism 40, and a vacuum suction mechanism 30. The first conveying mechanism 10 is used to convey a carrier plate 70 carrying solar cells to a flipping station. The second conveying mechanism 20 is used to convey an empty carrier plate 70 to a receiving station; wherein the receiving station is located below the flipping station. The flipping mechanism 40 is used to drive at least a portion of the carrier plate 70 located at the flipping station to flip the solar cells on the carrier plate 70. The vacuum suction mechanism 30 is used to draw a vacuum into the carrier plate 70 located at the flipping station so that the carrier plate 70 adsorbs the solar cells during the flipping process; or to break the vacuum in the carrier plate 70 located at the flipping station so that the carrier plate 70 releases the flipped solar cells onto the empty carrier plate 70 located at the receiving station.

[0053] Specifically, during operation, the aforementioned flipping device first transports the carrier plate 70 carrying the battery cells to the flipping station via the first conveying mechanism 10, while the second conveying mechanism 20 transports the empty carrier plate 70 to the receiving station. Then, the vacuum suction mechanism 30 connects to the carrier plate 70 carrying the battery cells entering the flipping station and applies a vacuum to the carrier plate 70 to fix the battery cells onto it. Next, the flipping mechanism 40 flips at least a portion of the carrier plate 70 carrying the battery cells into the flipping station. For example, flipping the portion of the carrier plate 70 supporting the battery cells by 180° flips the battery cells, for instance, flipping the battery cells from the top surface of the carrier plate 70 with their front facing up to the bottom surface with their front facing down. During this process, the vacuum suction mechanism 30 maintains a vacuum on the carrier plate 70 to prevent the battery cells from falling off during the flipping process. After the carrier plate 70 on the flipping station flips the solar cell, the vacuum suction mechanism 30 breaks the vacuum on the solar cell. At this time, the carrier plate 70 on the flipping station can directly release the flipped solar cell onto the empty carrier plate 70 on the receiving station below it, thereby completing the overall flipping of the solar cell.

[0054] Compared to traditional cell-flipping equipment that requires a gantry robotic arm to pick up and place cells and a large windmill flipping mechanism to turn the cells over, the cell-flipping device of this application uses a flipping mechanism 40 to flip a carrier plate 70 to turn the cells over. Simultaneously, a vacuum suction mechanism 30 creates a vacuum on the carrier plate 70, allowing it to hold and fix the cells in place during the flipping process, preventing them from falling off. After the cells are flipped, the vacuum suction mechanism 30 breaks the vacuum on the carrier plate 70, releasing the flipped cells onto the empty carrier plate 70. This eliminates the need for a gantry robotic arm and the large windmill flipping mechanism 40, avoiding damage to the cells during the gantry robotic arm's cell-picking and flipping process and preventing cell fragmentation, thereby improving the cell yield.

[0055] See Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 In one embodiment, each carrier plate 70 includes a plate body 71 and a support block 72. The plate body 71 has a receiving groove 711 for accommodating the battery cells, and the receiving groove 711 extends through both sides of the plate body 71. The support block 72 is rotatably disposed in the receiving groove 711 via a rotating shaft 73. The support block 72 has a support surface for supporting the battery cells, and the support surface has an adsorption hole 721. The rotating shaft 73 forms a vacuum channel 731 communicating with the adsorption hole 721. A vacuum suction mechanism 30 is used to connect to the vacuum channel 731 to draw or break the vacuum in the vacuum channel 731. A flipping mechanism 40 is used to connect to the rotating shaft 73 and drive the rotating shaft 73 to rotate, thereby causing the support block 72 to flip 180°.

[0056] Specifically, when the carrier plate 70 carrying the solar cells enters the flipping station, both the flipping mechanism 40 and the vacuum suction mechanism 30 are connected to the rotating shaft 73 of the carrier plate 70. The vacuum suction mechanism 30 then vacuums the vacuum channel 731, thus fixing the solar cells onto the support block 72 through the suction holes 721. Next, the flipping mechanism 40 rotates the rotating shaft 73, causing the support block 72 and the solar cells to rotate 180° together. This moves the solar cells from the top surface of the carrier plate 70 to the bottom surface, during which the solar cells also flip 180°. Finally, the vacuum suction mechanism 30 breaks the vacuum in the vacuum channel 731, allowing the solar cells on the support block 72 to fall onto the empty carrier plate 70 below under gravity. This transfers the flipped solar cells to a new carrier plate 70 for subsequent processing.

[0057] See Figure 7 The main body 71 of the board has multiple receiving slots 711, and all the receiving slots 711 form a multi-row and multi-column array structure on the main body 71 of the board; each receiving slot 711 is provided with a support block 72, so that the carrier board 70 can carry multiple battery cells at the same time.

[0058] Furthermore, all the support blocks 72 in the same row are connected in series by a rotating shaft 73; the rotating shaft 73 passes through at least one edge of the plate body 71 for connection of the flipping mechanism 40 and the vacuum suction mechanism 30. In this way, the flipping mechanism 40 and the vacuum suction mechanism 30 can simultaneously flip, vacuum, and break the vacuum of the support blocks 72 in the same row, which improves the flipping efficiency while saving the number of flipping mechanisms 40 and vacuum suction mechanisms 30 required, thus reducing costs.

[0059] Furthermore, the number of flipping mechanisms 40 and vacuum suction mechanisms 30 are set one-to-one with the number of rotating shafts 73. In this way, all support blocks 72 on the carrier plate 70 can be flipped, vacuumed, and vacuumed simultaneously, thereby realizing the synchronous flipping of all battery cells on the carrier plate 70 and further improving the flipping efficiency.

[0060] Optionally, see Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 In one embodiment, the vacuum suction mechanism 30 includes a vacuum pipe 31 and a telescopic drive member 32.

[0061] The vacuum pipe 31 is used to draw in or break a vacuum. For example, the vacuum pipe 31 is used to connect to a vacuum generating device to achieve the drawing in or breaking of a vacuum.

[0062] The telescopic drive component 32 is connected to the vacuum pipe 31, and the telescopic drive component 32 is used to drive the vacuum pipe 31 to connect or disconnect from the carrier plate 70 entering the flipping station. Specifically, when the carrier plate 70 carrying the battery cells enters the flipping station, the telescopic drive component 32 drives the vacuum pipe 31 to insert into the vacuum channel 731 of the rotating shaft 73 of the carrier plate 70, thereby fixing the carrier plate 70 while simultaneously drawing or breaking the vacuum in the vacuum channel 731.

[0063] For example, the telescopic drive 32 can be an electric push rod, a cylinder or a motor, etc., as long as it can drive the vacuum pipe 31 to extend or retract, and there are no restrictions here.

[0064] Furthermore, vacuum suction mechanisms 30 are installed on both sides of the flipping station to perform vacuum suction or vacuum breaking on the carrier plate 70 from both sides, thereby improving efficiency.

[0065] In some embodiments, the telescopic drive 32 can also be used to adjust the position of the carrier plate 70 entering the flipping station so that the position of the carrier plate 70 at the flipping station is aligned with the position of the carrier plate 70 at the receiving station.

[0066] Specifically, see Figure 4 as well as Figure 5The flipping device is also equipped with an image acquisition mechanism 50, which is used to acquire images of the carrier plate 70 located at the flipping station and the carrier plate 70 located at the receiving station. Through image recognition technology, when the system detects that the carrier plate 70 located at the flipping station and the carrier plate 70 located at the receiving station are not aligned in the vertical direction, the telescopic drive 32 of the vacuum suction mechanism 30 located on both sides of the flipping station drives the corresponding vacuum pipe 31 to extend or retract, which can drive the carrier plate 70 located at the flipping station to move, so that the carrier plate 70 located at the flipping station and the carrier plate 70 located at the receiving station are aligned in the vertical direction. This ensures that after the vacuum on the carrier plate 70 located at the flipping station is broken, the solar cells on it can accurately fall onto the empty carrier plate 70 located at the receiving station, avoiding misalignment or falling of the solar cells.

[0067] For example, the image acquisition mechanism 50 includes multiple cameras, which are respectively arranged on both sides of the flipping station to improve the image recognition effect.

[0068] Referring to Figure 6, in some embodiments, the flipping mechanism 40 includes a rotation drive connected to the vacuum pipe 31. The rotation drive is used to drive the vacuum pipe 31 to rotate around its own axis. Specifically, when the telescopic drive 32 drives the vacuum pipe 31 to insert into the vacuum channel 731 of the rotating shaft 73, the rotation drive drives the vacuum pipe 31 to rotate around its own axis, thereby driving the rotating shaft 73 to rotate, ultimately realizing the flipping of the drive support block 72 and the battery cells on the support block 72.

[0069] For example, in some embodiments, the rotation drive member may be disposed between the telescopic drive member 32 and the vacuum pipe 31 so that the rotation drive member can extend and retract synchronously with the vacuum pipe 31 under the drive of the telescopic drive member 32.

[0070] See Figure 4 For example, the first conveying mechanism 10 includes a first translation component 11 and a first lifting component 12.

[0071] The first translation component 11 is used to drive the carrier plate 70 carrying the battery cells to translate. Exemplarily, in one embodiment, the first translation component 11 includes a plurality of first rollers arranged sequentially along a predetermined direction, thereby realizing the conveying of the carrier plate 70 carrying the battery cells along the predetermined direction.

[0072] The first lifting assembly 12 is connected to the vacuum pipe 31. The first lifting assembly 12 is used to drive the vacuum pipe 31 to rise and fall, so as to lift the carrier plate 70 carrying the battery cells from the first translation assembly 11 to the flipping station. Specifically, when the first translation assembly 11 transports the carrier plate 70 carrying the battery cells to the preset position, the telescopic drive member 32 drives the vacuum pipe 31 to insert into the vacuum channel 731 of the rotating shaft 73 to fix the carrier plate 70. Then, the first lifting assembly 12 drives the vacuum pipe 31 to rise, so that the carrier plate 70 together with the battery cells can be lifted to the flipping station.

[0073] See Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 In some embodiments, a buffer station is also provided above the first translation component 11, and the first conveying mechanism 10 also includes a second lifting component 13. The second lifting component 13 is disposed on the first translation component 11 and is used to drive the carrier plate 70 on the first translation component 11 to be lifted to the buffer station.

[0074] Specifically, when an automation malfunctions, the carrier plate 70 carrying the battery cells can be lifted to the buffer station for buffering via the second lifting assembly 13. Furthermore, the buffer station is equipped with a telescopic cylinder that can be inserted into the vacuum channel 731 of the carrier plate 70 to fix the carrier plate 70 in place.

[0075] See Figure 5 In some embodiments, the second conveying mechanism 20 includes a second translation component 21 and a third lifting component 22.

[0076] The second translation component 21 is used to drive the vacant carrier plate 70 to translate. Exemplarily, in one embodiment, the second translation component 21 includes a plurality of second rollers arranged sequentially along a predetermined direction, thereby realizing the conveying of the vacant carrier plate 70 along the predetermined direction.

[0077] The third lifting assembly 22 is mounted on the second translation assembly 21. The third lifting assembly 22 is used to drive the vacant carrier plate 70 between the second translation assembly 21 and the lamination station. Specifically, the second translation assembly 21 first transports the vacant carrier plate 70 to the third lifting assembly 22, and then the third lifting assembly 22 drives the vacant carrier plate 70 to the lamination station so that the vacant carrier plate 70 can receive the solar cells released from the carrier plate 70 at the lamination station.

[0078] For example, in some embodiments, the receiving station is set at the same height as the first translation component 11. Thus, after the carrier plate 70 at the receiving station has received the flipped battery cells, the first translation component 11 can send the carrier plate 70 along with the flipped battery cells out of the flipping device. At this time, the empty carrier plate 70, having released the battery cells, can be released onto the third lifting component 22 under the drive of the first lifting component 12. The third lifting component 22 then transports the empty carrier plate 70 back to the second translation component 21, thereby achieving the recycling of the carrier plate 70.

[0079] See Figure 1 as well as Figure 3 For example, in some embodiments, the flipping device further includes a frame 60, which has a first chamber 61 for mounting the first conveying mechanism 10 and a second chamber 62 for mounting the second conveying mechanism 20. A temperature control lamp 80 is provided in the first chamber 61 to maintain the temperature in the first chamber 61, thereby maintaining the temperature of the carrier plate 70 carrying the battery cells, preventing the carrier plate 70 from cooling down, and thus preventing defects such as batch fogging of the battery cells.

[0080] Exemplarily, in some embodiments, the frame 60 further includes a first inlet 611 and a first outlet 612 communicating with the first chamber 61. The first inlet 611 is connected to one end of the first translation assembly 11 for feeding a carrier plate 70 carrying battery cells into the first translation assembly 11. The first outlet 612 is connected to the other end of the first translation assembly 11 for conveying the carrier plate 70 carrying the flipped battery cells out of the flipping device via the first outlet 612 under the transport of the first translation assembly 11. Further, the frame 60 also includes a first observation window communicating with the first chamber 61, the first observation window being used to observe the operation of the first conveying mechanism 10.

[0081] Exemplarily, in some embodiments, the frame 60 further includes a second inlet 621 and a second outlet 622 communicating with the second chamber 62. The second inlet 621 is connected to one end of the second translation assembly 21 for feeding an empty carrier plate 70 into the second translation assembly 21. The second outlet 622 is connected to the other end of the second translation assembly 21 for conveying the empty carrier plate 70 out of the flipping device through the second outlet 622 under the transport of the second translation assembly 21. Further, the frame 60 also includes a second observation window communicating with the second chamber 62 for observing the operation of the second conveying mechanism 20.

[0082] In some embodiments, the working process of the flipping device is as follows:

[0083] The first translation component 11 transports the carrier plate 70 carrying the battery cells to the vacuum suction mechanism 30. Then, the telescopic drive component 32 of the vacuum suction mechanism 30 drives the vacuum pipe 31 to be inserted into the vacuum channel 731 of the rotating shaft 73 to fix the carrier plate 70. Then, the first lifting component 12 drives the vacuum pipe 31 to lift the carrier plate 70 together with the battery cells to the flipping station.

[0084] At the same time, the second translation component 21 transports the empty carrier plate 70 to the third lifting component 22, and then the third lifting component 22 drives the empty carrier plate 70 to lift the splicing station.

[0085] Then, the image acquisition mechanism 50 acquires images of the carrier plate 70 located at the flipping station and the carrier plate 70 located at the receiving station. Using image recognition technology, when the carrier plate 70 located at the flipping station and the carrier plate 70 located at the receiving station are not aligned in the vertical direction, the telescopic drive members 32 of the vacuum suction mechanism 30 located on both sides of the flipping station drive the corresponding vacuum pipes 31 to extend or retract, thereby moving the carrier plate 70 located at the flipping station and aligning the carrier plate 70 located at the flipping station and the carrier plate 70 located at the receiving station in the vertical direction.

[0086] Subsequently, the vacuum pipe 31 of the vacuum suction mechanism 30 performs vacuum suction on the vacuum channel 731 of the carrier plate 70 located at the flipping station. Then, the rotating drive unit drives the vacuum pipe 31 to rotate the rotating shaft 73, so that the support block 72 and the battery cell rotate 180° together. At this time, the battery cell can be brought from the top surface of the carrier plate 70 to the bottom surface of the carrier plate 70. During this process, the battery cell also completes a 180° flip.

[0087] Then, the vacuum suction mechanism 30 breaks the vacuum in the vacuum channel 731 of the carrier plate 70, causing the solar cells on the support block 72 to fall onto the empty carrier plate 70 at the below receiving station under the action of gravity. This achieves the transfer of the flipped solar cells onto the new carrier plate 70.

[0088] Finally, the first translation component 11 sends the carrier plate 70 on the receiving station, along with the flipped solar cells on it, out of the flipping device. Then, the empty carrier plate 70, after the solar cells have been released from the flipping station, is released onto the third lifting component 22 by the first lifting component 12. The third lifting component 22 then transports the empty carrier plate 70 back to the second translation component 21, thereby realizing the recycling of the carrier plate 70.

[0089] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0090] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A flap folding apparatus characterized by, The flipping device includes: The first conveying mechanism (10) is used to convey the carrier plate (70) carrying the battery cells to the flipping station; The second conveying mechanism (20) is used to convey an empty carrier plate (70) to the bonding station; the bonding station is located below the flipping station; A flipping mechanism (40) is used to drive at least a portion of the carrier plate (70) located at the flipping station to flip the battery cells on the carrier plate (70). Vacuum suction mechanism (30) is used to suction a vacuum on the carrier plate (70) located at the flipping station so that the carrier plate (70) adsorbs the battery cell during the flipping process; or to break the vacuum on the carrier plate (70) located at the flipping station so that the carrier plate (70) releases the flipped battery cell onto the empty carrier plate (70) located at the receiving station.

2. The flipping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The carrier plate (70) includes: The plate body (71) has a receiving groove (711) for accommodating the battery cell, and the receiving groove (711) extends through both sides of the plate body (71); A support block (72) is rotatably disposed in the receiving groove (711) via a rotating shaft (73). The support block (72) has a support surface for supporting the battery cell. The support surface is provided with an adsorption hole (721). The rotating shaft (73) forms a vacuum channel (731) communicating with the adsorption hole (721). The vacuum suction mechanism (30) is used to connect the vacuum channel (731) to suction or break the vacuum in the vacuum channel (731); The flipping mechanism (40) is used to connect with the rotating shaft (73) and drive the rotating shaft (73) to rotate, so as to flip the support block (72).

3. The flap device of claim 2, wherein The plate body (71) is provided with a plurality of receiving slots (711), and all the receiving slots (711) form a multi-row and multi-column array structure on the plate body (71); each receiving slot (711) is provided with a support block (72), and all the support blocks (72) in the same row are connected in series by a rotating shaft (73); the rotating shaft (73) passes through at least one edge of the plate body (71) for connection of the flipping mechanism (40) and the vacuum suction mechanism (30).

4. The flap device of claim 1, wherein The vacuum suction mechanism (30) includes: Vacuum conduit (31), the vacuum conduit (31) is used to draw in a vacuum or break a vacuum; Telescopic drive (32), which is connected to the vacuum pipe (31), is used to drive the vacuum pipe (31) to connect or separate from the carrier plate (70) entering the flipping station.

5. The flap device of claim 4, wherein The flipping mechanism (40) includes a rotation drive member connected to the vacuum pipe (31) and is used to drive the vacuum pipe (31) to rotate about its own axis.

6. The flap device of claim 4, wherein The first conveying mechanism (10) includes: The first translation component (11) is used to drive the carrier plate (70) carrying the battery cell to translate. The first lifting assembly (12) is connected to the vacuum pipe (31). The first lifting assembly (12) is used to drive the vacuum pipe (31) to lift and lower, so as to lift the carrier plate (70) carrying the battery cell from the first translation assembly (11) to the flipping station.

7. The flap device of claim 6, wherein A buffer station (15) is also provided above the first translation component (11). The first conveying mechanism (10) also includes a second lifting component (13). The second lifting component (13) is disposed on the first translation component (11). The second lifting component (13) is used to drive the carrier plate (70) on the first translation component (11) to be lifted onto the buffer station (15).

8. The flipping device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second conveying mechanism (20) includes: The second translation component (21) is used to drive the vacant carrier plate (70) to translate. The third lifting assembly (22) is disposed on the second translation assembly (21) and is used to drive the vacant carrier plate (70) to move between the second translation assembly (21) and the splicing station.

9. The tabbing apparatus of claim 4 wherein, The flipping device is also provided with an image acquisition mechanism (50), which is used to acquire images of the carrier plate (70) located at the flipping station and the carrier plate (70) located at the bonding station. When the carrier plate (70) located at the flipping station and the carrier plate (70) located at the bonding station are not aligned in the vertical direction, the telescopic drive member (32) drives the vacuum pipe (31) to move the carrier plate (70) located at the flipping station so that the carrier plate (70) located at the flipping station and the carrier plate (70) located at the bonding station are aligned in the vertical direction.

10. The flap device according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that The flipping device also includes a frame (60), which has a first chamber (61) for installing the first conveying mechanism (10) and a second chamber (62) for installing the second conveying mechanism (20). A temperature control lamp (80) is provided in the first chamber (61) to maintain the temperature in the first chamber (61).

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