Solder strip handling device

Abstract

The application provides a welding strip processing device, which comprises a first flux coating mechanism, a second flux coating mechanism and a traction mechanism arranged in sequence along a first direction, wherein the traction mechanism is configured to clamp a free end of the welding strip and pull the welding strip along the first direction, and the first flux coating mechanism and the second flux coating mechanism are arranged on a running path of the welding strip respectively; the first flux coating mechanism comprises a first liquid tank containing a first type of flux, and the first flux coating mechanism is configured to dip coat the welding strip passing through the first liquid tank with the first type of flux; the second flux coating mechanism comprises at least two coating heads spaced apart along the first direction and adsorbing a second type of flux, and the second flux coating mechanism is configured to coat the predetermined position on the welding strip coated with the first type of flux with the second type of flux through the coating heads. The application can simultaneously consider the tension at the stringing glue point and the pad point, and finally improve the quality of battery stringing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of photovoltaic cell production, specifically a welding strip processing device. Background Technology

[0002] Figure 1 This is a type of gridless solar cell. Each solder ribbon path on this cell has solder pads (PADs) 400 and adhesive dots 200, with the adhesive dots 200 staggered from the solder pads 400. One stringing process for this type of cell is as follows: First, flux is applied to the solder ribbons 300 (only one is shown). Then, the solder ribbons 300 are stacked onto the solar cell 100 along the solder ribbon path. Finally, the adhesive dots are cured and the solder ribbons are welded, so that the solder ribbons are bonded to the solar cell via the adhesive dots and welded to the solder pads 400 on the solar cell.

[0003] When applying flux to solder ribbons, the common method is to immerse the entire ribbon in a flux bath to uniformly coat its surface. However, in the aforementioned cell stringing process, after the ribbons are laid onto the cells, each ribbon must adhere to both the adhesive dots and the solder pads. The adhesive dots and solder pads have different flux requirements. Fluxes that react less chemically with the adhesive components in the adhesive dots will have a poorer fluxing effect on the solder pads, affecting the tensile strength between the ribbon and the pads after welding. Conversely, fluxes that are more effective at soldering the pads tend to react more strongly with the adhesive components in the adhesive dots, also affecting the tensile strength between the ribbon and the adhesive dots after curing. Therefore, existing flux application methods cannot simultaneously ensure the tensile strength at both the adhesive dots and the solder pads after stringing. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a welding strip processing device, the detailed technical solution of which is as follows:

[0005] A solder strip processing apparatus includes a first flux coating mechanism, a second flux coating mechanism, and a traction mechanism arranged sequentially along a first direction, wherein:

[0006] The traction mechanism is configured to clamp the free end of the welding strip and traction the welding strip in a first direction, and the first flux coating mechanism and the second flux coating mechanism are respectively arranged on the travel path of the welding strip;

[0007] The first flux coating mechanism includes a first liquid tank containing a first type of flux, and the first flux coating mechanism is configured to apply the first type of flux to the solder strip passing through the first liquid tank.

[0008] The second flux coating mechanism includes at least two coating heads spaced apart along a first direction. The coating heads are filled with a second type of flux. The second flux coating mechanism is configured to apply the second type of flux to predetermined portions of the solder strip coated with the first type of flux through the coating heads. The second type of flux is different from the first type of flux.

[0009] The solder ribbon processing apparatus of this application is capable of applying a first type of flux to the surface of the solder ribbon in all directions using a first flux coating mechanism, and then applying a second type of flux to predetermined areas of the solder ribbon using a second flux coating mechanism. After the two coatings, the predetermined areas of the solder ribbon are coated with the second type of flux, while the remaining areas are coated with the first type of flux. Thus, when the solder ribbon is laid onto the battery cell, the areas coated with the second type of flux come into contact with either the solder pad or the adhesive dot, while the areas that come into contact with the other of the solder pad and adhesive dot are those coated only with the first type of flux.

[0010] Based on the number of solder pads and adhesive dots on the battery cells, the specific types of the first type of flux and the second type of flux, as well as the application location of the second type of flux, can be selected. This can simultaneously take into account the tensile strength at the adhesive dots and solder pads after stringing, ultimately improving the quality of battery stringing.

[0011] In some embodiments, the second flux coating mechanism includes a mounting frame, a second liquid tank, a sponge, and a pressing assembly, wherein: the second liquid tank is disposed on the mounting frame and is used to contain a second type of flux; the sponge is located in the second liquid tank and absorbs the second type of flux, and at least two protrusions are formed on the top of the sponge at intervals along a first direction, the protrusions constituting coating heads, the protrusions being strip-shaped and extending along a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction; the pressing assembly includes a driving part and a pressure plate, wherein the driving part is disposed on the mounting frame, the pressure plate is connected to a movable part of the driving part, the driving part is used to drive the pressure plate to rise and fall between a clearance station and a coating station, the clearance station being higher than the coating station; when the driving part drives the pressure plate to rise to the clearance station, a clearance space is formed between the pressure plate and the coating head for the solder strip to pass through; when the driving part drives the pressure plate to fall to the coating station, the pressure plate squeezes each coating head, so that the predetermined part of the solder strip corresponding to each coating head is coated with the second type of flux.

[0012] The sponge has at least two spaced strip-shaped protrusions. When the solder ribbon coated with the first type of flux enters the clearance space, each protrusion is aligned with a predetermined part of the solder ribbon that needs to be coated with the second type of flux. Thus, when the drive unit drives the pressure plate to descend, the pressure plate can press each predetermined part of the solder ribbon into the protrusion one by one, thereby automatically applying the second type of flux to each predetermined part of the solder ribbon, improving the coating efficiency of the second flux.

[0013] In some embodiments, the second flux coating mechanism includes two sponges spaced apart along a first direction; when the driving unit drives the pressure plate to descend to the coating station, the pressure plate simultaneously squeezes the two sponges, so that the coating head on one sponge applies the second type of flux to the front half of the solder strip at intervals, and the coating head on the other sponge applies the second type of flux to the rear half of the solder strip at intervals. The front half and the rear half of the solder strip are respectively to be connected to a battery cell, and the middle section of the solder strip located between the front half and the rear half is located in the gap between the two sponges.

[0014] During the stringing process of solar cells, each pair of adjacent cells is welded together using a set of solder ribbons. The first half of each solder ribbon is connected to one of the cells, while the second half is connected to the other. By using two sponges spaced apart, a second type of flux can be applied to predetermined areas on the first and second halves of each solder ribbon, respectively, thereby improving the connection between the solder ribbon and the solar cell.

[0015] In some embodiments, the drive unit includes a first lifting drive component, an adjusting plate, a mounting plate, and at least three leveling bolts, wherein: the first lifting drive component is disposed on the mounting frame; the adjusting plate is connected to the drive end of the first lifting drive component; the mounting plate is connected below the adjusting plate via at least three leveling bolts, the leveling bolts being used to adjust the horizontal position of the mounting plate; and a pressure plate is fixedly installed on the lower surface of the mounting plate.

[0016] The pressure plate is leveled, ensuring that it can press the solder strip into the protrusions of the sponge in a horizontal position, so as to evenly apply the second flux to the predetermined part of the solder strip.

[0017] In some embodiments, the second flux coating mechanism further includes a heating assembly disposed at the bottom and / or sidewall of the second liquid tank. The heating assembly is used to heat the second type of flux in the second liquid tank. The heating assembly includes a heat-conducting plate, a heating rod, and a thermocouple. The heat-conducting plate is fixed to the bottom and / or sidewall of the second liquid tank. The heating rod and the thermocouple are installed inside the heat-conducting plate. The heating rod is used to heat the heat-conducting plate, and the thermocouple is electrically connected to the heating rod.

[0018] The heating rod heats the heat-conducting plate, enabling the heat-conducting plate to uniformly heat the second type of flux in the second liquid bath, preventing the flux from solidifying. Thermocouples are used to monitor the temperature of the heat-conducting plate in real time, ultimately ensuring that the temperature of the second type of flux in the second liquid bath remains within a predetermined range.

[0019] In some embodiments, the second flux coating mechanism further includes a second lifting drive, which is disposed on a mounting frame; a second liquid tank is connected to a movable part of the second lifting drive; the second lifting drive is used to drive the second liquid tank to move up and down, so as to move the sponge in the second liquid tank closer to or away from the solder strip.

[0020] By setting a second lifting drive component, the sponge can move toward the solder strip to apply flux. During the coating process, since both the sponge and the pressure plate can be close to the solder strip, the solder strip can always maintain a constant height position, thus preventing the solder strip from being bent or deformed.

[0021] In some embodiments, the second flux coating mechanism further includes a translation drive mechanism, the mounting frame being drivenly connected to the translation drive mechanism, the translation drive mechanism being used to drive the mounting frame to translate along a first direction to adjust the position of the sponge in the first direction.

[0022] It enables flexible adjustment of the position of the sponge in the first direction, ensuring that the protrusions of the sponge can be aligned with the predetermined positions on the solder strip to be coated with the second flux.

[0023] In some embodiments, the second flux coating mechanism includes a tray and at least two coating pens arranged at intervals along a first direction above the tray, the coating pens constituting coating heads; there is a coating space between the coating pens and the tray for the solder strip to pass through, and the coating pens are configured to apply a second type of flux to predetermined portions of the solder strip in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0024] Another simple second flux coating mechanism is provided, which uses a coating pen to apply the second type of flux to a predetermined location on the solder strip, while the support plate can support the solder strip and prevent it from sagging and deforming.

[0025] In some embodiments, the welding strip processing apparatus further includes a clamping mechanism and a cutting mechanism sequentially disposed on the travel path of the welding strip and located after the second flux coating mechanism; the clamping mechanism is used to clamp the welding strip; the cutting mechanism is used to cut the welding strip after it is clamped; and the traction mechanism is used to clamp the free end generated after the welding strip is cut, and to traction the welding strip after the clamping mechanism releases the welding strip, so that the welding strip of a predetermined length passes through the cutting mechanism.

[0026] By setting up a clamping mechanism and a cutting mechanism, the automatic cutting of the solder strip that has undergone two coating processes is realized to obtain the solder strip segments required for battery stringing. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the surface structure of the solar cell;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the welding strip processing device of this application;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second flux coating mechanism in the embodiments of this application;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sponge and the second liquid tank in one embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sponge and the second liquid tank in another embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figures 1 to 5 Includes:

[0033] First flux coating mechanism 10:

[0034] First liquid tank 11;

[0035] Second flux coating mechanism 20:

[0036] Mounting bracket 1;

[0037] Second liquid tank 2;

[0038] Sponge 3: Protrusion 31;

[0039] Downward pressing assembly 4: drive unit 41, pressure plate 42, first lifting drive component 411, adjusting plate 412, mounting plate 413, leveling bolt 414;

[0040] Heating component 5;

[0041] Second lifting drive component 6;

[0042] Translation drive mechanism 7;

[0043] Clamping mechanism 30;

[0044] Cutting mechanism 40;

[0045] 100 solar cells, 200 adhesive dots, 300 solder ribbons, and 400 solder pads. Detailed Implementation

[0046] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0047] like Figure 2As shown, the solder strip processing apparatus of this application includes a first flux coating mechanism 10, a second flux coating mechanism 20, and a traction mechanism (not shown in the figure) arranged sequentially along a first direction (e.g., the X direction), wherein:

[0048] The traction mechanism is configured to clamp the free end of the welding strip 300 and pull the welding strip 300 along a first direction. The first flux coating mechanism 10 and the second flux coating mechanism 20 are respectively arranged on the travel path of the welding strip 300.

[0049] The first flux coating mechanism 10 includes a first liquid tank 11 containing a first type of flux, and is configured to apply the first type of flux to the solder strip passing through the first liquid tank 11.

[0050] The second flux coating mechanism 20 includes at least two coating heads spaced apart along a first direction. The coating heads are filled with a second type of flux. The second flux coating mechanism 20 is configured to apply the second type of flux to predetermined portions of the solder ribbon coated with the first type of flux through the coating heads. The second type of flux is different from the first type of flux.

[0051] The solder ribbon processing apparatus of this application is capable of applying a first type of flux to the surface of the solder ribbon 300 from all directions via a first flux coating mechanism 10, and then applying a second type of flux to predetermined areas of the solder ribbon 300 via a second flux coating mechanism 20. After the two coatings, the surface of the predetermined areas of the solder ribbon 300 is coated with the second type of flux, while the surface of the remaining areas of the solder ribbon 300 is coated with the first type of flux.

[0052] Thus, when a predetermined length of solder ribbon (obtained by cutting the solder ribbon 300 after two coatings) is laid onto the battery cell, the portion coated with the second type of flux contacts one of the solder pads and adhesive dots, while the portion that contacts the other of the solder pads and adhesive dots is the portion coated with only the first type of flux.

[0053] Based on the number of solder pads and adhesive dots on the solar cells, the types of the first and second types of flux, as well as the application location of the second type of flux, can be specifically selected to simultaneously take into account the tension at the adhesive dots and solder pads after stringing.

[0054] It should be noted here that the second type of flux differs from the first type of flux, and includes the following two situations:

[0055] In the first scenario, the first type of flux and the second type of flux are different in type, or in other words, they use different main solvents. For example, one of the first type of flux and the second type of flux is a water-based flux (i.e., a flux with deionized water as the main solvent), and the other of the first type of flux and the second type of flux is an alcohol-based flux (i.e., a flux with alcohols as the main solvent).

[0056] In the second scenario, the first and second types of flux are the same type. For example, both the first and second types of flux are water-based fluxes, or both are alcohol-based fluxes. However, their concentrations differ.

[0057] The first liquid tank 11 can adopt an existing liquid tank structure that can apply flux to the welding strip 300 passing through it. Guide rollers can be installed at its inlet and outlet, and the welding strip 300 enters and exits the first liquid tank 11 under the guidance of the guide rollers.

[0058] For cases where the number of adhesive dots (200) exceeds the number of solder pad dots (400), for example... Figure 1 The solar cell 100 shown has solder pads 400 only near the edge of the solar cell 100 on its solder ribbon laying track, meaning there are only two solder pads 400 on the solder ribbon laying track. However, the number of adhesive dots 200 on the solder ribbon laying track is much greater than two.

[0059] To address this issue and reduce the number of coating heads required, thus simplifying the structure of the second flux coating mechanism 20, the first type of flux can be a water-based flux with low reactivity to the adhesive components in the adhesive dots 200, while the second type of flux can be an alcohol-based flux with good soldering performance. Thus, after two flux coatings, the surface of the solder ribbon 300 corresponding to the pad dots 400 is coated with alcohol-based flux, while the remaining surface of the solder ribbon 300 is coated with water-based flux.

[0060] When the solder strip of a predetermined length is laid on the battery cell, the part coated with alcohol-based flux contacts the solder pad 400, while the part that contacts the adhesive dot 200 is coated with only water-based flux. This achieves the purpose of taking into account the tensile strength at both the adhesive dot and the solder pad after stringing.

[0061] Similarly, when the number of solder pads 400 on the battery cell 100 exceeds the number of adhesive dots 200, the first type of flux can be an alcohol-based flux with good soldering effect, while the second type of flux can be a water-based flux with less reaction to the adhesive components in the adhesive dots 200. In this way, it can also be achieved that, after two coatings, the surface of the solder ribbon 300 corresponding to the solder pads 400 is coated with alcohol-based flux, while the surface of the remaining parts of the solder ribbon 300 is coated with water-based flux.

[0062] When the solder strip of a predetermined length is laid on the battery cell, the part coated with alcohol-based flux contacts the solder pad 400, while the part that contacts the adhesive dot 200 is coated with only water-based flux. This achieves the purpose of taking into account the tensile strength at both the adhesive dot and the solder pad after stringing.

[0063] Water-based flux and alcohol-based flux are both commonly used fluxes in the process of soldering. Water-based flux uses deionized water as the main solvent, while alcohol-based flux uses alcohols as the main solvent.

[0064] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the second flux coating mechanism 20 includes a mounting frame 1, a second liquid tank 2, a sponge 3, and a pressing assembly 4, wherein: the second liquid tank 2 is disposed on the mounting frame 1 for containing a second type of flux. The sponge 3 is located in the second liquid tank 2 and absorbs the second type of flux. At least two protrusions 31 are formed on the top of the sponge 3, which are spaced apart along a first direction. The protrusions 31 constitute a coating head. The protrusions 31 are strip-shaped and extend along a second direction (such as the Y direction), which is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0065] The pressing assembly 4 includes a drive unit 41 and a pressure plate 42. The drive unit 41 is mounted on the mounting frame 1, and the pressure plate 42 is connected to a movable part of the drive unit 41. The drive unit 41 drives the pressure plate 42 to move up and down between a clearance station and a coating station, with the clearance station being higher than the coating station. When the drive unit 41 drives the pressure plate 42 to rise to the clearance station, a clearance space is formed between the pressure plate 42 and the coating head for the solder ribbon 300 to pass through. When the drive unit 41 drives the pressure plate 42 to descend to the coating station, the pressure plate 42 presses against each coating head, so that the predetermined portions of the solder ribbon 300 corresponding to each coating head are coated with the second type of flux.

[0066] In other words, when the solder ribbon 300 coated with the first type of flux enters the clearance space, each protrusion 31 (coating head) of the sponge 3 corresponds to a predetermined area on the solder ribbon 300 that needs to be coated with the second type of flux. Thus, when the drive unit 41 drives the pressure plate 42 to descend, the pressure plate 42 can press each predetermined area on the solder ribbon 300 that needs to be coated with the second type of flux into the protrusion 31 (coating head), thereby automatically applying the second type of flux to each predetermined area of ​​the solder ribbon 300, improving the coating efficiency of the second type of flux.

[0067] It should be noted that the protrusions 31 on the sponge 3 are integrally formed with the base of the sponge 3 and are themselves part of the sponge 3.

[0068] Of course, in other embodiments, the second flux coating mechanism 20 may also employ other mechanisms capable of targeted flux coating on predetermined areas of the solder strip. For example, the second flux coating mechanism 20 includes at least two coating pens spaced apart along a first direction, the coating pens forming coating heads. When the solder strip coated with a first type of flux is pulled below the coating pens, each coating pen descends, applying a second type of flux to the predetermined areas of the solder strip in a corresponding manner. To support the solder strip and prevent it from sagging and deforming, a support plate is provided below the coating pen, and the solder strip passes through the coating space between the coating pen and the support plate.

[0069] During the battery stringing process, each pair of adjacent battery cells is welded by a set of welding ribbons. The first half of each welding ribbon in the set is connected to one of the battery cells, the second half of each welding ribbon is connected to the other battery cell, and the middle section of each welding ribbon is located in the gap between the two battery cells.

[0070] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the second flux coating mechanism 20 includes two sponges 3 spaced apart along a first direction. When the drive unit 41 drives the pressure plate 42 to descend to the coating station, the pressure plate 42 simultaneously squeezes the two sponges 3, causing the coating head on one sponge 3 to apply a second type of flux to the front half of the solder strip (i.e., the solder strip located between the pressure plate 42 and the two sponges 3) at intervals, and the coating head on the other sponge 3 to apply a second type of flux to the rear half of the solder strip at intervals. The front half and the rear half of the solder strip are respectively to be connected to a battery cell, and the middle section of the solder strip located between the front half and the rear half is located in the gap between the two sponges 3.

[0071] By setting two sponges 3 at intervals, the second type of flux can be applied to predetermined parts on the front half and the rear half of the solder strip respectively, thereby obtaining the solder strip required for battery stringing.

[0072] Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the sponge 3 includes only two protrusions 31 (coating heads) for applying a second type of flux to two predetermined locations on the front or rear half of the solder ribbon. For example, applying an alcohol-based flux to two predetermined locations on the front or rear half of the solder ribbon corresponding to the solder pads on the battery cell results in a solder ribbon suitable for... Figure 1 The battery cells 100 shown are arranged in a string.

[0073] Figure 5In the embodiment shown, the sponge 3 has a large number of protrusions 31 (coating heads), which can apply the second type of flux to multiple predetermined locations on the front or rear half of the solder strip, corresponding to multiple solder pads or multiple adhesive dots on the battery cell.

[0074] like Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the drive unit 41 includes a first lifting drive member 411, an adjusting plate 412, a mounting plate 413, and at least three leveling bolts 414, wherein: the first lifting drive member 411 is disposed on the mounting bracket 1. The adjusting plate 412 is connected to the drive end of the first lifting drive member 411. The mounting plate 413 is connected to the underside of the adjusting plate 412 via at least three leveling bolts 414, the leveling bolts 414 being used to adjust the horizontal position of the mounting plate 413. A pressure plate 42 is fixedly mounted on the lower surface of the mounting plate 413.

[0075] By tightening one or more leveling bolts 414, the pressure plate 42 can be leveled, thereby ensuring that the pressure plate 42 can press the solder strip into the protrusion 31 (coating head) of the sponge 3 in a horizontal state, thus improving the uniformity of the second type of flux coating on the solder strip.

[0076] The first lifting drive component 411 can be a drive device such as a cylinder or an electric cylinder.

[0077] like Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the second flux coating mechanism 20 further includes a heating component 5, which is disposed at the bottom and / or sidewall of the second liquid tank 2. The heating component 5 is used to heat the second type of flux in the second liquid tank 2 to prevent the second type of flux from solidifying.

[0078] The heating assembly 5 includes a heat-conducting plate, a heating rod, and a thermocouple. The heat-conducting plate is fixed to the bottom and / or side wall of the second liquid tank 2. The heating rod and the thermocouple are installed inside the heat-conducting plate. The heating rod is used to heat the heat-conducting plate, and the thermocouple is electrically connected to the heating rod.

[0079] A heating rod heats a heat-conducting plate, enabling the heat-conducting plate to uniformly heat the second type of flux in the second liquid tank 2. A thermocouple is used to monitor the temperature of the heat-conducting plate in real time, ultimately ensuring that the temperature of the second type of flux in the second liquid tank 2 remains within a predetermined temperature range, thus achieving precise temperature control of the second type of flux.

[0080] In other embodiments, the heating component 5 may also be a heating plate with an internally integrated heating wire, which is fixed to the bottom and / or side wall of the second liquid tank 2.

[0081] like Figure 3As shown, in some embodiments, the second flux coating mechanism 20 further includes a second lifting drive 6, which is mounted on the mounting bracket 1. A second liquid tank 2 is connected to a movable part of the second lifting drive 6. The second lifting drive 6 drives the second liquid tank 2 to move up and down, thereby moving the sponge 3 within the second liquid tank 2 closer to or away from the solder strip.

[0082] By setting the second lifting drive component 6, the sponge 3 can move toward the welding strip 300 to apply flux. Thus, during the coating process, since both the sponge 3 and the pressure plate 42 can be close to the welding strip, the welding strip can always maintain a constant height position, avoiding the welding strip from being bent or deformed.

[0083] To improve the smoothness of the lifting of the second liquid tank 2, two second lifting drive components 6 are provided. The two ends of the second liquid tank 2 are respectively connected to the moving parts of one of the second lifting drive components 6, and the two second lifting drive components 6 drive the second liquid tank 2 to lift synchronously from both ends.

[0084] The second lifting drive component 6 can be a pneumatic cylinder, electric cylinder, or other drive device.

[0085] like Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the second flux coating mechanism 20 further includes a translation drive mechanism 7, the mounting frame 1 is connected to the translation drive mechanism 7, and the translation drive mechanism 7 is used to drive the mounting frame 1 to translate along the first direction to adjust the position of the sponge 3 in the first direction.

[0086] In this way, the position of the sponge 3 can be flexibly adjusted in the first direction, ultimately ensuring that each protrusion 31 (coating head) of the sponge 3 can be aligned with the predetermined part of the solder ribbon to be coated with the second flux.

[0087] The translation drive mechanism 7 can be any existing linear drive mechanism capable of driving the mounting bracket 1 to translate along the first direction, such as a ball screw drive mechanism, a synchronous belt drive mechanism, etc.

[0088] In some embodiments, the first type of flux is one of water-based flux and alcohol-based flux, and the second type of flux is the other of water-based flux and alcohol-based flux.

[0089] Water-based fluxes have less chemical reaction with the adhesive components in the adhesive dots, resulting in poorer soldering performance on the solder pads. Alcohol-based fluxes, on the other hand, have a greater chemical reaction with the adhesive components in the adhesive dots, leading to better soldering performance on the solder pads. Therefore, when the solder ribbon is laid onto the solar cell and the area coated with the second type of flux needs to contact the solder pads on the cell, an alcohol-based flux should be used for the second type of flux, while a water-based flux should be used for the first type of flux. Conversely, when the solder ribbon is laid onto the solar cell and the area coated with the second type of flux needs to contact the adhesive dots on the cell, a water-based flux should be used for the second type of flux, while an alcohol-based flux should be used for the first type of flux.

[0090] Continue to refer to Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the welding strip processing apparatus of this application further includes a pressing mechanism 30 and a cutting mechanism 40, which are sequentially arranged on the travel path of the welding strip and located after the second flux coating mechanism 20; the pressing mechanism 30 is used to press the welding strip; the cutting mechanism 40 is used to cut the welding strip after it is pressed; the traction mechanism is used to clamp the free end generated after the welding strip is cut, and to traction the welding strip after the pressing mechanism 30 releases the welding strip, so that the welding strip of a predetermined length passes through the cutting mechanism 40.

[0091] Before cutting the solder strip, the clamping mechanism 30 clamps the solder strip, and then the cutting mechanism 40 cuts it. The traction mechanism clamps the free end of the cut solder strip and pulls it after the clamping mechanism 30 releases the solder strip. After the solder strip of the predetermined length, having undergone two flux coatings, passes through the cutting mechanism 40, the clamping mechanism 30 clamps the solder strip again, and the cutting mechanism 40 cuts it, thus obtaining a solder strip segment of the predetermined length suitable for battery stringing.

[0092] In some embodiments, each time the traction mechanism completes one traction of the solder strip, the i-th segment of solder strip of predetermined length that has undergone the first flux coating enters the second flux coating mechanism 20, while simultaneously, the j-th segment of solder strip of predetermined length that has undergone the second flux coating exits the cutting mechanism 40. Wherein, j... <i。

[0093] Subsequently, the second flux coating mechanism 20 can perform flux coating operation on the i-th section of the solder strip, and the cutting mechanism 40 cuts off the j-th section of the solder strip after the second flux coating, thereby obtaining the j-th section of solder strip with a predetermined length that can be used for battery stringing.

[0094] This application also provides a method for processing solder strips, which includes:

[0095] The solder strip is coated with flux for the first time, so that the entire surface of the solder strip along its length is covered with the first type of flux.

[0096] A second flux coating is applied to the solder strip that has undergone the first flux coating, so that a second type of flux is applied to predetermined locations along the length of the solder strip. The second type of flux is different from the first type of flux.

[0097] The solder strip that has been coated with flux a second time is cut to obtain a solder strip segment of a predetermined length.

[0098] The solder strip processing method provided in this application firstly applies a first type of flux to the surface of the solder strip in all directions, and then applies a second type of flux to the predetermined parts of the solder strip in a targeted manner.

[0099] After two coating processes, the surface of a predetermined portion of the solder ribbon is coated with a second type of flux, while the surface of the remaining portion of the solder ribbon is coated with only a first type of flux. Thus, when the cut solder ribbon segment is laid onto the battery cell, the portion coated with the second type of flux contacts either the solder pad or the adhesive dot, while the portion contacting the other contact is the portion coated with only the first type of flux.

[0100] Based on the number of solder pads and adhesive dots on the solar cells, the types of first-class flux and second-class flux, as well as the application position of the second-class flux, can be adaptively selected to simultaneously take into account the tension at the adhesive dots and solder pads after stringing.

[0101] The solder strip processing method of this application can be implemented by any of the above-mentioned solder strip processing devices. Further implementation details can be found in the relevant descriptions of the solder strip processing devices in the preceding embodiments.

[0102] In some embodiments, the first type of flux is one of water-based flux and alcohol-based flux, and the second type of flux is the other of water-based flux and alcohol-based flux.

[0103] Water-based fluxes have a smaller chemical reaction with the adhesive components in the adhesive dots, resulting in a poorer fluxing effect on solder pads. Alcohol-based fluxes, on the other hand, have a larger chemical reaction with the adhesive components in the adhesive dots, resulting in a better fluxing effect on solder pads.

[0104] Therefore, when the solder ribbon is laid onto the solar cell, if the area coated with the second type of flux needs to contact the solder pads on the cell, an alcohol-based flux can be used for the second type of flux, while a water-based flux can be used for the first type of flux. Conversely, when the area coated with the second type of flux needs to contact the adhesive dots on the cell, a water-based flux can be used for the second type of flux, while an alcohol-based flux can be used for the first type of flux. This approach ensures that both the adhesive dots and solder pads can maintain their tension after stringing.

[0105] The following example illustrates the battery stringing method, using the case where the area coated with the second type of flux needs to contact the solder pads on the battery cell after the solder strip is laid on the cell.

[0106] A solar cell with adhesive dots on its surface is provided. At least two adhesive dots are spaced apart on each solder ribbon path of the solar cell. Solder pads that are staggered from the adhesive dots are also provided on the solder ribbon path of the solar cell.

[0107] The solder strip is processed using the solder strip processing method described in the above embodiments, wherein a first type of flux is applied to the entire surface of the solder strip, and a second type of flux is applied to the part of the solder strip to be soldered to the solder pad of the battery cell. The first type of flux is a water-based flux, and the second type of flux is an alcohol-based flux.

[0108] The cut solder ribbon segments and battery cells are laid and stacked according to a predetermined stringing rule, so that the predetermined parts of the solder ribbon segments coated with the second type of flux are laid one-to-one on the solder pads, and the parts of the solder ribbon segments coated only with the first type of flux are laid on the adhesive dots.

[0109] Heating the battery cells and solder ribbons allows the solder ribbons to be welded to the solder pads, and the adhesive dots are cured to bond the solder ribbons.

[0110] The battery stringing method provided in this application can be used to string battery cells, which can take into account the tensile force at the glue points and solder pads after stringing, thereby improving the quality of the battery string.

[0111] This application provides a sufficiently detailed and specific description. Those skilled in the art should understand that the descriptions in the embodiments are merely exemplary, and all changes made without departing from the true spirit and scope of this application should fall within its protection scope. The scope of protection claimed in this application is defined by the claims, not by the above descriptions in the embodiments. Without contradiction, some optional components in one embodiment can also be used in another embodiment, and some preferred structures of the same component in one embodiment are also applicable to another embodiment. Furthermore, there may be slight differences in the wording of the names of certain components in different embodiments; these slight differences will not affect the understanding of the technical solution of the present invention by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A welding strip processing device, characterized in that, The welding strip processing device includes a first flux coating mechanism, a second flux coating mechanism, and a traction mechanism arranged sequentially along a first direction, wherein: The traction mechanism is configured to clamp the free end of the welding strip and traction the welding strip in a first direction, and the first flux coating mechanism and the second flux coating mechanism are respectively arranged on the travel path of the welding strip. The first flux coating mechanism includes a first liquid tank containing a first type of flux, and the first flux coating mechanism is configured to apply the first type of flux to the solder strip passing through the first liquid tank. The second flux coating mechanism includes at least two coating heads spaced apart along the first direction. The coating heads are filled with a second type of flux. The second flux coating mechanism is configured to apply the second type of flux to predetermined portions of a solder ribbon coated with a first type of flux through the coating heads. The second type of flux is different from the first type of flux.

2. The welding strip processing apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second flux coating mechanism includes a mounting bracket, a second liquid tank, a sponge, and a pressing assembly, wherein: The second liquid tank is disposed on the mounting bracket and is used to contain the second type of flux; The sponge is located in the second liquid tank and absorbs the second type of flux. At least two protrusions are formed on the top of the sponge and are spaced apart along the first direction. The protrusions constitute the coating head. The protrusions are strip-shaped and extend along the second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction. The pressing assembly includes a drive unit and a pressure plate. The drive unit is disposed on the mounting frame, and the pressure plate is connected to the movable part of the drive unit. The drive unit is used to drive the pressure plate to move up and down between a clearance station and a coating station. The clearance station is higher than the coating station. When the drive unit drives the pressure plate to rise to the clearance station, a clearance space is formed between the pressure plate and the coating head for the welding strip to pass through. When the driving unit drives the pressure plate to descend to the coating station, the pressure plate squeezes each of the coating heads, so that the predetermined part of the solder ribbon corresponding to each of the coating heads is coated with the second type of flux.

3. The welding strip processing apparatus as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The second flux coating mechanism includes two sponges spaced apart along the first direction; When the driving unit drives the pressure plate to descend to the coating station, the pressure plate simultaneously squeezes the two sponges, so that the coating head on one of the sponges applies the second type of flux to the front half of the solder strip at intervals, and the coating head on the other sponge applies the second type of flux to the rear half of the solder strip at intervals. The front half and the rear half of the solder strip are respectively to be connected to a battery cell, and the middle section of the solder strip located between the front half and the rear half is located in the gap between the two sponges.

4. The welding strip processing apparatus as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The drive unit includes a first lifting drive component, an adjusting plate, a mounting plate, and at least three leveling bolts, wherein: The first lifting drive component is mounted on the mounting bracket; The adjusting plate is connected to the drive end of the first lifting drive component; The mounting plate is connected to the underside of the leveling plate by at least three leveling bolts, which are used to adjust the horizontal position of the mounting plate. The pressure plate is fixedly installed on the lower surface of the mounting plate.

5. The welding strip processing apparatus as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The second flux coating mechanism further includes a heating component, which is disposed at the bottom and / or sidewall of the second liquid tank, and is used to heat the second type of flux in the second liquid tank; The heating assembly includes a heat-conducting plate, a heating rod, and a thermocouple. The heat-conducting plate is fixed to the bottom and / or side wall of the second liquid tank. The heating rod and the thermocouple are installed inside the heat-conducting plate. The heating rod is used to heat the heat-conducting plate, and the thermocouple is electrically connected to the heating rod.

6. The welding strip processing apparatus as described in any one of claims 2-5, characterized in that, The second flux coating mechanism further includes a second lifting drive component, which is disposed on the mounting frame; The second liquid tank is connected to the movable part of the second lifting drive component; The second lifting drive is used to drive the second liquid tank to lift and lower, so as to move the sponge in the second liquid tank closer to or away from the welding strip.

7. The welding strip processing apparatus as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The second flux coating mechanism further includes a translation drive mechanism. The mounting frame is connected to the translation drive mechanism for transmission. The translation drive mechanism is used to drive the mounting frame to translate along the first direction in order to adjust the position of the sponge in the first direction.

8. The welding strip processing apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second flux coating mechanism includes a tray and at least two coating pens arranged at intervals along the first direction above the tray, the coating pens constituting the coating head; There is a coating space between the coating pen and the tray for the solder strip to pass through, and the coating pen is configured to apply the second type of flux to the predetermined part of the solder strip in a one-to-one correspondence.

9. The welding strip processing apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The welding strip processing device also includes a pressing mechanism and a cutting mechanism that are sequentially arranged on the welding strip's travel path and located after the second flux coating mechanism. The clamping mechanism is used to clamp the welding strip; The cutting mechanism is used to cut the welding strip after it has been compressed; The traction mechanism is used to clamp the free end of the welding strip after it is cut, and to pull the welding strip after the clamping mechanism releases it, so that the welding strip of a predetermined length passes through the cutting mechanism.

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