Device and method for manufacturing solar modules and their uses for manufacturing solar modules

Abstract

Device (1) for manufacturing solar modules (2) from electrically interconnected solar elements (3), in particular from electrically interconnected solar shingles (3), with a feeding device (4) for feeding the solar elements (3) to a component assembly of solar modules (2), characterized in that the feeding device (4) comprises a magnetically guided planar drive (5) with at least two magnetically driven rotors (6), wherein each rotor (6) has a workpiece holder (8) on which at least one support position (9) for at least one solar element (3, 31) is formed, wherein the magnetically guided planar drive (5) has a drive surface (7) on which the at least two rotors (6) can be positioned independently of one another, and wherein a transfer area (11) is defined on the drive surface (7).in which at least two runners (6) can be positioned side by side in at least one row (12) for configuring the solar elements (3) arranged on the support places (9) of their workpiece holders (8).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to devices for manufacturing solar modules from electrically interconnected solar elements, in particular from electrically interconnected solar shingles, wherein the devices have a feeding device for feeding the solar elements to a mounting of solar modules.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention also relates to methods for manufacturing solar modules, in which solar modules are equipped with solar elements, in particular with solar shingles.

[0003] Devices and methods for manufacturing solar modules from solar elements are known in practice in a wide variety of embodiments.

[0004] A new technique involves assembling solar modules from so-called solar shingles, i.e., shingle-shaped strips of solar cells. In the finished solar module, the solar cells can be arranged in rows, with each row overlapping an adjacent row for electrical contact. This results in a solar module with a shingle-like structure.

[0005] In this context, it should be mentioned that a row in such a solar module can be a structure of solar cells within which an electrical voltage level is present. In this case, a row is therefore not a conventional string as used in other solar modules, where the electrical voltage builds up along the longitudinal direction of the solar cells grouped in the string.

[0006] The electrical voltage build-up in such a solar module can occur across adjacent, electrically connected rows of solar elements, either transversely or perpendicularly to the longitudinal extent of the rows.

[0007] German patent application DE 10 2020 212 641 A1 discloses a transport device for conveying at least one payload, wherein each payload is assigned at least one transport body which is movable and positionable above a surface of a stator with respect to all six degrees of freedom, and with an optical position detection device. The position detection device comprises at least one camera module and a passive and / or currentless flat code arrangement, wherein the position of the transport body relative to the stator can be determined via the position detection device with respect to at least several degrees of freedom.

[0008] Document US 2016 0 159 578 A1 discloses a transport device for transporting a sensitive object, wherein the transport device comprises: at least two coils for driving the sensitive object along a predetermined path of motion (16), and a control unit configured to: Generating a setpoint profile that is at least a third-order setpoint profile; generating at least two setpoint profile segments based on the setpoint profile, wherein the at least two setpoint profile segments are each for the at least two coils; and controlling a movement of the object along the predetermined motion path based on the at least two setpoint profile segments, such that the control unit drives the at least two coils in a synchronized manner.

[0009] Publication US 2017 0 323 808 A1 discloses a device for manufacturing at least two solar cell arrangements, comprising: a separating device designed to separate a first solar cell into two or more first solar cell pieces; and at least one positioning device designed for positioning at least one first solar cell piece of the two or more first solar cell pieces on a carrier device for forming a first solar cell arrangement of the at least two solar cell arrangements and for positioning at least one other first solar cell piece of the two or more first solar cell pieces on the carrier device for forming a second solar cell arrangement of the at least two solar cell arrangements, wherein the positioning device for positioning the solar cell pieces provided by the separating device is designed on the carrier device for parallel assembly of the at least two solar cell arrangements.

[0010] The object of the invention is to provide devices and methods of the type mentioned above that promote the most flexible yet economical production of solar modules.

[0011] To solve the problem, a device for manufacturing solar modules from electrically interconnected solar elements, in particular from electrically interconnected solar shingles, is proposed, which has the means and features of the first independent claim directed to such a device. To solve the problem, a device for manufacturing solar modules is thus proposed in particular, which has a feeding device for feeding the solar elements to a solar module assembly. According to the invention, the device is characterized in that the feeding device comprises a magnetically guided planar drive with at least two magnetically driven rotors. Each rotor has a workpiece holder on which at least one support position, preferably at least two or three support positions, is provided for at least one solar element.

[0012] By using a feeding device with a magnetically guided planar drive, which has at least two magnetically driven runners as a means of transporting the solar elements to a solar module assembly, extremely flexible manufacturing of solar modules is possible.

[0013] Without costly modifications or conversion processes, it is possible to manufacture one and the same device for producing solar modules with a wide variety of solar panel sizes and / or solar element configurations within a single solar module.

[0014] In this way, a device is provided that enables extremely flexible manufacturing of solar modules without being tied to a specific solar element size and / or solar element geometry or solar module size and / or solar module geometry.

[0015] The device according to the invention makes it possible, for example, to first manufacture solar modules of a first type, in order to subsequently manufacture solar modules of a second type of solar module - without costly conversion measures - which differs from the first type with regard to, for example, the number of solar elements per solar module and / or the size and / or geometry of the solar elements and / or the arrangement of the solar elements within the solar module.

[0016] In one embodiment of the device, at least two support positions for at least one solar element are arranged on each workpiece holder. This makes it possible to simultaneously feed two or more solar elements into a solar module using a single rotor of the magnetically guided planar drive. This can increase the device's productivity.

[0017] The planar drive can be configured for, preferably independent, multi-coordinate positioning of at least two runners.

[0018] Preferably, the planar drive for independent multi-coordinate positioning of the at least two runners has six degrees of freedom. In this way, each of the at least two runners can be moved independently of one or all other runners of the planar drive in or around up to six axes.

[0019] Thus, linear movement of the runners in the X, Y, and Z directions, where X, Y, and Z represent the spatial coordinates, as well as rotation of the runners around the three aforementioned spatial axes X, Y, and Z, is possible. The runners are therefore movable in six degrees of freedom using the planar drive.

[0020] According to the invention, the magnetically guided planar drive has a drive surface on which the at least two runners can be positioned independently of one another in the manner mentioned above in order to feed the solar elements into the assembly of solar modules. The runners can float on or above the drive surface due to magnetic levitation and be moved by the magnetically guided planar drive.

[0021] Below the drive surface, the planar drive can have stators or stands that can be used to position the rotors on the drive surface.

[0022] According to the invention, a transfer area is defined on the drive surface in which at least two runners can be positioned side by side in rows for configuring the solar elements arranged on the support positions of their workpiece carriers. For this purpose, the runners can assume individual and / or variable transfer positions as target positions within the transfer area. In this way, it is possible to use the runners of the planar drive in a very flexible manner to arrange the solar elements in a specific configuration in the aforementioned transfer area even before the solar modules are assembled. For example, it is possible to arrange the solar elements in the transfer area in rows that extend over two or more of the runners, in order to then feed the solar elements row by row into the assembly of a solar module.

[0023] The device can include a loading unit. Using the loading unit, the solar elements arranged on the workpiece holders of the runners can be removed from their support positions and preferably fed row by row to the assembly of solar modules. For this purpose, the loading unit can include at least one gripper, preferably at least one suction gripper. The loading unit can be configured to move the at least one gripper in at least two or three degrees of freedom. In one embodiment of the loading unit, it is possible to move the at least one gripper in three spatial axes (X, Y, and Z) as well as about a pivot axis.In this way it is possible to pick up the solar elements held in transfer position by means of the runners, to transport them further in a transfer movement and then to place them in a desired layout arrangement for the assembly of a solar module on a base, for example on a transport unit which will be explained in more detail below.

[0024] To enable the placement of solar cells in rows and / or in an overlapping shingle arrangement, it can be advantageous to place the solar cells at an angle using the at least one gripper of the placement device. This angle is such that the underside of the solar cells forms an acute angle with the substrate on which the solar cells are to be placed for assembly into a solar module. This allows for precise placement of the solar cells onto rows of already placed solar cells in a so-called shingle arrangement during the assembly of the solar module. For this purpose, the at least one gripper of the placement device can be pivotally mounted by means of a pivot joint. In one embodiment of the device, the linear guide can also be pivotally mounted via the at least one pivot joint to allow the at least one gripper to pivot.

[0025] As previously mentioned, the device can include a transport unit, for example, a conveyor belt. The solar elements for mounting solar modules can be placed on the transport unit, particularly the conveyor belt, preferably in a shingle arrangement. The transport unit then allows the solar modules, mounted with solar elements, to be conveyed to a downstream processing and / or handling step. For example, the solar elements can be conveyed to a downstream processing step, such as heating the device. In this downstream processing step, the solar elements can be connected to one another, or an adhesive bond between the solar elements of the mounted solar modules can be cured.

[0026] The device can include a suction device with a vacuum source and a suction medium. The suction medium can be associated with the aforementioned transport unit onto which the solar elements can be placed during the assembly of solar modules. For example, a suction table connected to the vacuum source of the suction device can be used as the suction medium. The transport unit, in particular a conveyor belt, can run over the suction table. It can be advantageous if the transport unit, in particular the conveyor belt, is permeable to air, especially perforated. In this way, a vacuum generated by the vacuum source can be transferred via the suction medium, in particular via the suction table, to the transport unit and the solar elements positioned thereon, in order to fix the solar elements in their arrangement on the transport unit.The suction device can therefore be designed to fix solar elements placed on the transport unit by means of negative pressure. This is advantageous because, although the solar elements placed on the transport unit for mounting the solar modules are connected to each other row by the application of electrically conductive adhesive, the adhesive bond between the solar elements may not yet be fully cured, meaning that slippage of the solar elements on the transport unit cannot be completely prevented by the adhesive bond.

[0027] The suction device, in particular the suction table, can extend into the effective area of ​​a heater of the device, which is intended for curing an adhesive bond between solar elements of an assembled solar module, and into which the solar elements can be transported by means of the transport unit.

[0028] The aforementioned drive surface of the planar drive can be positioned between a storage station for solar cells and the assembly device. Solar cells can be stored in stacks, for example, within the storage station. From there, the solar cells can be removed and placed onto the support positions on the workpiece holders of the runners, and then conveyed to the assembly of the solar modules.

[0029] The device can include at least one handling device with at least one gripper, in particular with at least one suction gripper. Using the handling device, solar elements can be placed one after the other or simultaneously onto the support positions of the workpiece holders of runners positioned in the receiving position.

[0030] The device may include an alignment determination device for determining the orientation of the solar cells on the aforementioned handling device. The alignment determination device may be optical and, for example, include a camera. The orientation of the solar cells on the handling device can be determined, for example, based on an outer contour of the solar cells and / or a marking that the solar cells may bear. Information about the determined orientation of the solar cells can then be used for the correct placement of the solar cells on the support positions of the workpiece holders of the runners.

[0031] The device, in particular the planar drive, may include a control unit. The control unit may be configured to position a runner according to a determined orientation of a solar element on the handling device, such that the solar element, when placed on the workpiece holder of the runner, is in the desired orientation.

[0032] This ensures that the solar elements placed on the support surface of the workpiece holder of a runner are positioned correctly and in the right orientation for assembly of the solar module. This prevents the need for realignment of the solar elements on and / or by the handling device.

[0033] The device can include an adhesive station having at least one dispensing nozzle for applying electrically conductive adhesive to a solar element arranged at a support point. The at least one dispensing nozzle can be located above, for example, the drive surface of the planar drive mentioned earlier.

[0034] In order to apply electrically conductive adhesive to the solar elements, it is possible to move the solar elements past the dispensing nozzle using the runners and apply the electrically conductive adhesive to the solar elements in the process.

[0035] The use of a magnetically guided planar drive and runner is also advantageous in connection with the application of the electrically conductive adhesive.

[0036] Due to the large number of degrees of freedom in which the runners can be moved even during the dispensing of the electrically conductive adhesive onto the solar elements, it is possible to influence certain application parameters during the application of the electrically conductive adhesive by positioning the runners and the solar elements arranged on them relative to at least one dispensing nozzle.

[0037] For example, it is possible to move the runners with the attached solar elements past the dispensing nozzle at different speeds to adjust the application of the conductive adhesive. Furthermore, it is possible to adjust the distance between the runner's support point on the workpiece carrier and the dispensing nozzle by moving the runner along a Z-axis, which can be vertically oriented. This, too, can influence the application of the electrically conductive adhesive to the solar elements.

[0038] Preferably, the gluing station has a number of dispensing nozzles corresponding to the number of support positions on a workpiece carrier of a runner. At least two of the dispensing nozzles can be arranged offset from each other in the direction of movement of the runners through the gluing station. This offset arrangement of the at least two dispensing nozzles allows for a desired arrangement of the nozzles, independent of their installation space, enabling the application of electrically conductive adhesive beads to even relatively narrow solar cells at close intervals.

[0039] The device can have at least one test station configured for testing an adhesive application onto the solar elements arranged on the tool holders and / or for testing the solar elements arranged on the tool holders. The test station can be located on or attached to a drive surface of the planar drive, for example, the drive surface of the planar drive mentioned earlier.

[0040] The runners allow the solar elements arranged on the tool holders to be fed to the test station, preferably after the application of electrically conductive adhesive (which can be done at an adhesive station, such as the one mentioned earlier), and tested accordingly. The test station can have at least one sensor configured to test the solar elements and / or the adhesive application on the solar elements.

[0041] Preferably, the test station has a number of sensors corresponding to the number of mounting positions for solar elements on a tool holder of a runner. This makes it possible to simultaneously check all solar elements positioned on a tool holder of a runner whether the solar elements and / or any adhesive application on them are correct or not.

[0042] An optical sensor, such as a fork-type optical sensor or a camera, can be used. However, it is also possible to use mechanical sensors, such as touch sensors.

[0043] The inspection station may be equipped with a removal device. This removal device may be configured to reject defective solar cells. The removal device may include at least one gripper, in particular at least one suction gripper. If an inspection of the solar cells and / or the adhesive application on the solar cells reveals that a solar cell and / or the adhesive application on it is / are defective, the affected solar cell can be removed from the tool holder of the runner using the removal device and removed from the manufacturing process. This ensures that, as far as possible, only defective solar cells are used for the assembly of solar modules. This can significantly improve the manufacturing quality achievable with the device and considerably reduce the reject rate of the produced solar modules.

[0044] The device can include an electrostatic charging station. This station can be configured for electrostatically charging and / or discharging the workpiece carriers of the runners. This allows solar cells to be fixed to the workpiece holders using electrostatic charge during their feed to the assembly of solar modules. Electrostatic transport fixing enables contactless fixation of the solar cells to the workpiece carriers, eliminating the need for comparatively complex mechanical clamping devices.

[0045] For reliable electrostatic fixation of the solar cells to the workpiece holders of the runners, it can be advantageous to first completely discharge the workpiece holders electrostatically. This can be done using at least one discharge contact of the electrostatic charging station. The electrostatic charging station can have at least one charging contact with which the workpiece holders of the runners can be electrostatically charged to a desired value.

[0046] Preferably, the at least one charging contact and / or the at least one discharging contact of the electrostatic station can be arranged or configured in a fixed and / or immovable manner on the electrostatic station of the device. This can significantly simplify the design of the electrostatic station.

[0047] A relative movement between the charging contact or discharging contact and the workpiece holders of the runners can in turn be caused by the magnetically guided planar drive and the runners.

[0048] To discharge the workpiece holders using at least one discharge contact, the runners can bring the workpiece holders into contact with the at least one discharge contact of the electrostatic charging station. Likewise, it is possible to bring the workpiece holders of the runners into contact with the at least one charging contact of the electrostatic charging station by moving the runners accordingly, in order to electrostatically charge the workpiece holders to a desired value.

[0049] In one embodiment of the device, the workpiece holders of the runners are configured to receive a matrix pattern of several solar cells. In this way, it is possible to have a matrix pattern of individual solar cells, corresponding to at least a partial pattern of a solar module to be assembled, already stored on the workpiece holders of the runners for the assembly of a solar module.

[0050] The device can include at least one inspection device for checking the solar elements for damage, dimensional accuracy, and / or geometry. This inspection device can be located upstream of, for example, the previously mentioned drive surface of the planar drive. This makes it possible to reject defective solar elements before they are placed on the support positions of the workpiece fixtures and fed into the assembly of the solar modules.

[0051] To solve the problem, a device with the features of the preamble of claim 1 or according to any one of claims 1-14 is also proposed, which includes a loading device, for example the one already mentioned, with which solar elements held in a starting arrangement can be picked up and dispensed in a defined target arrangement for the assembly of a solar module. The loading device has at least two groups of grippers, in particular suction grippers, the distance between which is variable in order to pick up the solar elements in a starting arrangement and dispense them in a target arrangement that differs from the starting arrangement for the assembly of a solar module.

[0052] The loading device can have a linear guide along which the groups of grippers are arranged so as to be slidable relative to each other. The linear guide can be oriented transversely or perpendicular to a transport direction of a transport unit downstream of the loading device, for example, the previously mentioned one, and / or it can itself be movable in this transport direction.

[0053] The groups of grippers can thus be movable, particularly along the linear guide, in a first direction and / or transversely or perpendicularly to a transport direction of a transport unit downstream of the assembly device, for example, the previously mentioned transport unit on which the solar module is assembled with solar cells. Furthermore, it is also possible for the groups of grippers to be movable transversely or perpendicularly to the direction of movement defined by the aforementioned linear guide. For this purpose, the assembly device can have a transfer guide, in particular a gantry, along which the groups of grippers are displaceable in a second direction. The second direction can be oriented transversely or perpendicularly to the first direction.

[0054] In this way, it is possible to pick up the solar elements from a transfer position, where they are held ready for assembly into the solar module, using the placement device, and to lay them down in a desired manner for assembly into the solar modules. This allows for repositioning and / or joining into a row, if necessary, by a relative movement of at least two groups of grippers. In this way, a wide variety of placement patterns of solar elements can be created during the assembly of solar modules.

[0055] To solve the problem, a method for manufacturing solar modules is also proposed, wherein solar modules are equipped with solar elements, in particular with solar shingles, and which has the means and features of the first independent claim directed to such a method. Thus, to solve the problem, it is proposed in a method for manufacturing solar elements that the solar elements are fed to the assembly of a solar module by means of magnetically driven rotors of a magnetically guided planar drive.

[0056] According to the invention, the solar elements and their runners are arranged in a transfer position within a transfer area on a placement device in at least one row. Furthermore, it is possible to transport the solar elements and runners to a transfer position within a transfer area on a placement device. Using the highly flexible runners of the magnetically guided planar drive, it is possible to feed the solar elements to the placement of solar modules in virtually any desired arrangement and relative orientation.

[0057] For the assembly of solar modules, the solar elements can be placed on a transport unit. This transport unit can, for example, be a conveyor belt. The transport unit allows the assembled solar modules to be moved to a subsequent processing step. For instance, the modules can be fed to a heating element via the transport unit to cure an adhesive bond, which will be explained in more detail below, between the solar elements or between rows of solar elements within the modules. In this context, it can be advantageous to secure the solar elements of the assembled modules to the transport unit using a vacuum until the adhesive bonds have cured. The aforementioned heating element cures the adhesive bonds between the solar elements, particularly between the rows of solar elements, within the assembled solar modules.

[0058] The solar modules can be placed onto support positions on the workpiece holders of the runners, for example using a handling device. The handling device could, for instance, be a handling device of the previously mentioned device for manufacturing solar modules.

[0059] Before the solar panels are placed on the support positions, their orientation can be determined. The runners can then be controlled and aligned according to this orientation before the panels are placed on the support positions, ensuring that the solar panels are correctly aligned without any change in their orientation on the handling device. Any potential misalignment of the solar panels can thus be compensated for by appropriate positioning of the runners, so that the solar panels are correctly positioned on the support positions after placement.

[0060] The runners can be moved in and / or around at least one of up to six axes, according to their up to six degrees of freedom.

[0061] In one embodiment of the method, electrically conductive adhesive is applied from at least one dispensing nozzle of an adhesive station, preferably to the edge of solar cells positioned on the workpiece holders of the runners. The adhesive can be applied during a transfer movement of the runner relative to the dispensing nozzle. Furthermore, a defined distance between the solar cells under at least one dispensing nozzle can be set by moving the runner along a preferably vertical axis of movement. In this way, the application parameters for the electrically conductive adhesive on the solar cells can be influenced as desired by targeted movement and / or control of the runners, without changing the position of the at least one dispensing nozzle.

[0062] In one variant of the method, the solar elements are fed to a test station by the runners for testing, in particular for the application of adhesive to or on the solar elements. The test station can be located or configured in the area of ​​the previously mentioned drive surface of the device.

[0063] The testing station allows for inspection of the solar cells and / or the adhesive application on the solar cells. Defective solar cells, such as those with a defect or where the adhesive application is improper, can be removed from the tool holders of the rotors and removed from the manufacturing process using a device such as the previously mentioned removal unit.

[0064] In one embodiment of the method, the workpiece holders of the runners can be loaded with solar cells and moved into a transfer position by the runners in such a way that solar cells form at least one row of solar cells on two runners arranged side by side in the transfer position. In this way, it is possible to feed the solar cells into solar module assembly in rows and to hold them ready for assembly in rows. This can particularly facilitate the previously described manufacturing of solar modules in the shingle construction or the so-called shingle-matrix construction, in which a row of solar cells within a solar module overlaps an adjacent row at its edge to establish electrical contact with the neighboring row of solar cells.

[0065] In one embodiment of the method, it is provided that, in order to generate a matrix arrangement, in particular a shingle matrix arrangement, at least one offset element, i.e. a solar element with a shorter dimension than the other solar elements within a row, is provided in at least every second row of solar elements that is held in the transfer position for the assembly of the solar modules, in order to generate a matrix arrangement, in particular a shingle matrix arrangement, when assembling a solar module.

[0066] In this context, it should be explained that a matrix arrangement of solar cells can represent an arrangement in which the solar cells are arranged like brickwork with a row-by-row offset from one another. In this way, it is possible for a solar cell in one row to overlap at least two solar cells in an adjacent row. This promotes the formation of alternative current paths within such a solar module.

[0067] To secure the solar cells to the support positions during transport, the workpiece holders of the runners can be electrostatically charged, preferably to a defined value. Prior to this, the workpiece holders can be electrostatically discharged. This can be achieved by moving the runners relative to a charging contact and / or a discharge contact of an electrostatic charging station, bringing the workpiece holders into contact with the respective charging and / or discharge contact. Discharging the workpiece holders first, for example by a short circuit, is advantageous in order to subsequently charge them electrostatically as precisely as possible to a defined value.The degree of electrostatic charge of the workpiece carrier can determine the holding force of the electrostatic transport fixation, with which the solar elements can be fixed to the workpiece carriers of the runners when feeding the solar elements to the mounting positions of a solar module.

[0068] In one embodiment of the method, it is provided that at least one runner performs an evasive movement next to a runner already in the transfer position before moving a runner into its target position, in order to avoid a collision between solar elements placed at the support points of the workpiece holders of the runners.

[0069] The evasive movement of at least one runner can be a tilting motion around an axis of movement of that runner. Alternatively, at least one runner can be moved along a spatial axis, for example in the Z-direction, to create space for a runner to enter its target position adjacent to another runner. In this process, at least one runner, for example the runner to be moved to its target position, can be raised or lowered. When performing a tilting motion, it is possible for the tilting motion to occur around an axis of movement aligned with the direction of movement of the runner to its target position.

[0070] In one embodiment of the method, a runner is raised or lowered and / or tilted about an axis of movement, particularly an axis aligned with the direction of its movement to the target position, before being moved to its target position between two runners already in the transfer position. This prevents a collision between the at least one solar element arranged on its workpiece holder and the solar elements arranged on the workpiece holders of the runners already in the transfer position. Alternatively, the two runners between which the single runner is to be moved to its target position can be raised or lowered beforehand, or tilted accordingly, to prevent a collision of the solar elements on the workpiece carriers of the runners.

[0071] In one embodiment of the method, solar elements are arranged in a matrix configuration, namely in at least two rows and / or offset from each other, on a workpiece holder of at least one runner. In this way, it is possible to feed the solar elements into the solar module assembly process already in a matrix configuration that can also be found in the subsequently manufactured solar module.

[0072] To solve the problem, a method is also proposed that incorporates the means and features of the second independent claim, which relates to a method for manufacturing solar modules. This method provides that solar elements are fed to a solar module assembly by means of transport devices, in particular by rotors of a magnetically guided planar drive. The solar elements are picked up jointly by at least two transport devices located in a transfer position and assembled into a row of solar elements for assembly of a solar module. It may be provided that the solar elements, assembled into a row, are placed on a transport unit, for example, the transport unit mentioned above.

[0073] The solar cells can be secured to the transport unit using a vacuum and / or fed to a heating element of the aforementioned device. The heating element cures the adhesive bonds between the solar cells, particularly between the rows of solar cells, of the assembled solar modules.

[0074] The solar elements can be picked up together by at least two groups of grippers of a placement device and combined into a row of solar elements by a relative movement of the groups of grippers.

[0075] When assembling a solar module, the solar cells can be laid out in overlapping rows, particularly on a transport unit, and / or glued together. The solar cells can be laid out on a transport unit, such as the one mentioned earlier. The laid solar cells can be fixed in place using a vacuum, for example, on the transport unit. For this purpose, a suction device, such as the one already mentioned, with its vacuum source and suction fluid, can be used.

[0076] It is possible that, during the assembly of a solar module, the solar cells are placed in such a way that they overlap previously placed solar cells. It is also possible that, during the assembly of a solar module, the solar cells are placed row by row, overlapping an already placed row of solar cells.

[0077] When assembling a solar module, the solar cells can be placed on top of already positioned solar cells in such a way that their underside forms an acute angle with the surface on which they are to be placed. This allows the solar cells to be positioned precisely according to the overlapping arrangement created by the overlapping placement. This angled placement of the solar cells on top of already positioned solar cells allows for particularly high positioning accuracy.

[0078] Finally, to solve the problem, the use of a device for manufacturing solar modules according to one of claims 1-23 for carrying out a method for manufacturing solar modules according to one of claims 24-40 is also proposed.

[0079] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments, but is not limited to these embodiments. Further embodiments result from combining the features of one or more claims with each other and / or in combination with one or more features of the exemplary embodiments.

[0080] They show: Fig. 1: A perspective view of a device for manufacturing solar modules, which has a feeding device with a magnetically guided planar drive and several runners that can be freely positioned on a drive surface of the planar drive using the planar drive, which are used as a means of transport to feed solar elements to a solar module assembly, Fig. 2 and Fig. 3: Detailed views of the magnetically guided planar drive with attached rotors to illustrate the degrees of freedom in which the rotors can be moved when feeding the solar elements for the assembly of solar modules, Fig. 4-7: Different views illustrating evasive movements that can be performed using the runners when moving the runners into the transfer position for mounting solar elements on a solar module, in order to avoid collisions between solar elements arranged on workpiece holders of the runners. Fig. 8-14: Different views illustrating the placement of solar elements on support surfaces on workpiece holders of the runners, Fig. 15: A detailed view of an adhesive station in Fig. 1 device shown, wherein the gluing station has a total of three dispensing nozzles arranged offset from one another in the transport direction of the runners through the gluing station, Fig. 16: a side view of the in Fig. 15 shown gluing station to illustrate the application of a first bead of electrically conductive adhesive to the first of three solar elements arranged on the workpiece holder of the runner, Fig. 17: a side view of the in the Fig. 15 and Fig. The adhesive station shown in Figure 16 illustrates the application of a bead of electrically conductive adhesive to a middle solar element of the three solar elements positioned on the support points of the workpiece holder of the runner. Fig. 18: a side view of the in the Fig. 15 of the 17 shown adhesive station to illustrate the application of a third bead of electrically conductive adhesive to a third solar element at the workpiece holder, Fig. 19 and Fig. 20: Views illustrating the beads of electrically conductive adhesive applied to the edges of the solar elements, Fig. 21: A detailed view of an electrostatic station for electrostatically discharging and charging the workpiece carriers for the purpose of securing the solar element to the support points of the workpiece holders of the runners during transport. Fig. 22-24: Detailed views of the electrostatic station to illustrate the movement of the runners to bring the workpiece carriers into contact with the discharge contacts of the electrostatic station. Fig. 25-27: Detailed views of the electrostatic station to illustrate a movement performed by the runners to bring their workpiece carriers into contact with charging contacts of the electrostatic station in order to electrostatically charge the workpiece holders to a defined value. Fig. 28-31: Detailed views of a transfer area of ​​the in Fig. 1 device shown on a placement device, with the aid of which the solar elements are fed to the assembly of solar modules, Fig. 32-43: Different side views of placement devices to illustrate the placement of solar modules with solar elements, which are held in the transfer position by means of the rotors of the planar drive, Fig. 44: a detailed view of the transfer area of ​​the device on a mounting device for mounting solar modules with solar elements, showing that the workpiece holders of the runners are fitted with solar elements arranged in a matrix or masonry arrangement, wherein the arrangement of the solar elements on the workpiece holders of the runners is reflected in the solar modules mounted on a transport unit of the device with solar elements, Fig. 45: another detailed view of a transfer area of ​​the in Fig. 1 device shown, wherein it can be seen that each runner on its workpiece carrier has an arrangement and number of solar elements that corresponds to the arrangement and number of solar elements in the solar modules equipped with solar elements on the transport unit, Fig. 46-49: another detailed view of a placement device attached to the in Fig. The device shown in Figure 1 can be used and has a linear guide with a total of four groups of grippers arranged on it, wherein the groups of grippers for fitting solar modules with solar elements held on rotors of a planar drive are independently movable along a linear guide relative to each other, Fig. 50: a single representation of a test station of the device for testing the solar elements and / or an adhesive application on the solar elements as well as Fig. 51: the in Fig. 50 details marked with a circle, shown in enlarged view.

[0081] Fig. Figure 1 shows a device, designated as a whole by 1, for manufacturing solar modules 2 from electrically connected solar elements 3, namely from electrically connected solar shingles. The remaining Fig. Figures 2-49 show individual functional units or sub-areas of the device 1 in detailed illustrations.

[0082] The device 1 has a feeding device 4 for feeding the solar elements 3 to a mounting of solar modules 2.

[0083] The feeding device 4 comprises a magnetically guided planar drive 5 with several magnetically driven rotors 6, which can be positioned freely and independently of each other on a drive surface 7 of the planar drive 5 in six degrees of freedom.

[0084] Each of the runners 6 has a workpiece holder 8, on which support positions 9 are provided for at least one solar element 3,31. The planar drive 5 is configured for multi-coordinate positioning of the runners 6 in six degrees of freedom.

[0085] Solar elements 3 are solar elements that are longer than solar elements 31, which can also be called offset elements. Together, solar elements 3 and 31 can be used to manufacture solar modules 2 in a so-called matrix shingle construction. Solar elements 3 and 31 can therefore also be called solar shingles or solar cell strips.

[0086] The magnetically guided planar drive 5 has the previously mentioned drive surface 7, on which the rotors 6 can be positioned independently of one another. The drive surface 7 is formed from individual drive modules 10 of the planar drive. The drive modules 10 can have or contain drive units, for example, stators and / or stators of the planar drive 5.

[0087] A transfer area 11 is defined on the drive surface 7. This transfer area 11 is, for example, in the Fig. 1, 28-33 and 44-49 are shown in more detail.

[0088] In the transfer area 11, several runners 6 can be positioned next to each other in rows 12 to configure the solar elements 3 arranged on the support places 9 of their workpiece holders 8.

[0089] Adjacent to the transfer area 11, the device 1 has a placement device 13. With the aid of the placement device 13, the solar elements 3 arranged on the runners 6 can be removed from the support positions 9 and, for example, placed row by row on a base 14 for the assembly of solar modules 2.

[0090] Each of the assembly devices 13 shown in the figures has at least several grippers 15 for this purpose. All grippers 15 shown in the figures are designed as suction grippers, which allow for gentle handling of the solar cells 3.

[0091] The solar elements 3 are placed on a transport unit 16, designed as a conveyor belt, of the device 1 for assembly onto solar modules 2. The conveyor belt 16 serves as a base 14 onto which the solar elements 3 can be placed for assembly onto the solar modules 2.

[0092] The figures showing the transport unit 16 and the base 14 illustrate that the solar elements 3 are laid down in a shingle arrangement for the mounting of solar modules 2, and in an arrangement that is structurally similar to a brickwork and can also be described as a matrix arrangement or matrix shingle arrangement.

[0093] The solar elements 3 of a row 12 are provided for to overlap solar elements 3 of an adjacent row 12 in such a way that one solar element 3 of an overlapping row covers two solar elements 3 from the overlapped row 12.

[0094] Fig. Figure 1 shows that the device 1 has a suction device 38. The suction device 38 comprises a vacuum source 39 and a suction medium 40 associated with the transport unit 16, which is located in the Fig. In the embodiment of the device 1 shown in Figure 1, the suction table is designed as a suction table. The transport unit 16 is designed as a perforated and therefore air-permeable conveyor belt that is guided over the suction element 40. The suction element 40 is arranged below the transport unit 16 and is configured to fix solar elements 3 placed on the transport unit 16 to the transport unit 16 by means of negative pressure. The suction element 40 extends into the effective area of ​​a heater 33 of the device 1. The heater 33 serves to cure an adhesive bond between solar elements 3 of a populated solar module 2.

[0095] At transport unit 16, the solar elements 3 are thus secured for transport by means of a vacuum and fed to the heater 33. The heater 33 cures the adhesive bonds between the solar elements 3, in particular between the rows 12 of solar elements 3, of the assembled solar modules 2.

[0096] In order to place the solar elements 3 particularly precisely in the previously mentioned shingle arrangement during the assembly of solar modules 2, the grippers 15 of the Fig. The assembly device 13 shown in Figures 33-44 is movable in several degrees of freedom. This makes it possible to position the solar cells 3 as shown in the Fig. Figures 32-35 on the one hand and 36-43 on the other show that, with grippers 15 held at an angle, they are used to precisely place solar elements 3 already laid on the base 14, preferably in rows in a shingle arrangement.

[0097] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates that the drive surface 7 of the planar drive 5 is located between a storage station 17 for solar elements 3 and the previously described assembly device 13. The drive surface 7 is used, among other things, to position the solar elements 3, which can be fed to the assembly of solar modules 2 by means of the rotors 6 of the planar drive 5, in a desired arrangement optimized for the assembly of solar modules 2 within the transfer area 11 of the drive surface 7 adjacent to the assembly device 13.

[0098] Due to the free positioning of the runners 6 on the drive surface 7 of the planar drive 5, it is possible to prepare almost any laying pattern that is to be created when mounting solar modules 2 with the solar elements 3 by appropriately providing the solar elements 3 in the transfer area 11 using the runners 6.

[0099] The device 1 also has three handling devices 18, each comprising several grippers 15 on four arms, which are also designed as suction grippers. Using the handling devices 18, it is possible to place solar elements 3 one after the other or simultaneously onto the support positions 9 of the workpiece holders 8 of runners 6 in the receiving position.

[0100] The free positioning of the runners (6 in six degrees of freedom) is described in the Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 explains this in more detail. Here it can be seen that the runners 6 can be moved in the X, Y, and Z directions on the drive surface 7 of the planar drive 5. Furthermore, it is also possible to tilt, rotate, or pivot the runners 6 about each of the three previously mentioned axes.

[0101] The placement of the solar elements 3 on the support positions 9 at the workpiece holders 8 of the runners 6 is described in more detail in the Fig. Shown 8-15.

[0102] The device 1 has several optical orientation determination devices 19 for determining the orientation of the solar elements 3 on the handling devices 18. Based on the outer contours of the solar elements 3 and / or on imprints present on the solar elements 3, it is possible to determine the specific orientation of the solar elements 3 held on the handling devices 18 and their grippers 15 using the orientation determination devices 19 before the solar elements are placed on the runners 6 in the receiving position.

[0103] The device 1, in particular the planar drive 5, comprises a control unit 20. The control unit 20 is configured to position the runners 6 in their receiving position adjacent to the handling devices 18, depending on the determined orientation of a solar element 3 on the handling devices 18, such that the solar elements 3 can be placed onto one of the support positions 9 of the workpiece holders 8 of the runners 6 according to their orientation without realignment of the handling devices 18. Before placement, the runners 6 are brought into an orientation to receive the solar elements 3, in which they can receive the solar elements 3 in such a way that they can be properly placed onto the support positions 9 of the workpiece holders 8 of the runners 6, corresponding to the specifically determined orientation of the solar elements 3 on the grippers 15 of the handling devices 18.

[0104] Fig. Figure 8 shows a runner 6 in a receiving position on a handling device 18. The handling device 18 has several grippers 15 and is designed to hold a total of three solar elements 3 simultaneously.

[0105] Fig. Figure 8 shows that each of the three solar elements 3 is arranged in a different orientation on the grippers 15. Using the movement of the runners 6 in six degrees of freedom, it is possible to align the runner 6 with the orientation of the solar elements 3 on the handling device 18 before picking up the individual solar elements 3. The aim is to position the solar elements 3 correctly on one of the support positions 9 of the workpiece holder 8 of the runner directly in the orientation gripped by the gripper 15, without requiring time-consuming repositioning or further handling.

[0106] For this, runner 6 is used according to Fig. 9 is positioned in a first alignment on the handling device 18 depending on the alignment of a first solar element 3 and the first solar element 3 is placed on a first support position 9 on the workpiece holder 8 of the runner 6.

[0107] Fig. Figure 10 shows the same procedure with regard to a second solar element 3, which is held ready for placement on the handling device 18. Depending on the orientation of this solar element 3, the runner 6 below the gripper 15 is aligned accordingly, and the solar element 3 is then placed on the second support position 9 on the workpiece holder 8 of the runner 6.

[0108] The storage of the third solar element 3, which is in Fig. The process shown in Figure 11 is analogous. Here too, the runner 6 is aligned depending on the alignment determined with respect to the third solar element 3 on the handling device 18, before the solar element 3 is placed on a support position 9 on the workpiece holder 8 of the runner.

[0109] The Fig. 12, Fig. 13 and Fig. Figure 14 illustrates another possibility for placing the solar elements 3 onto the support positions 9 of the workpiece holder 8 of a runner 6. Here, in addition to the previously mentioned alignment of the runner 6 according to the alignment of the solar elements 3 on the handling device 18, the runner 6 is raised slightly towards the individual grippers 15 of the handling device 18. To place the solar elements 3, the grippers 15 must then be positioned as shown in the Fig. As shown in Figures 12-14, the runners 6 no longer need to be lowered towards the support positions 9. Because the runners 6 move towards the solar elements 3 to be placed by lifting them, the solar elements 3 only need to be released. The grippers 15 can then be moved into a retracted position. This can reduce the cycle times when placing the solar elements 3 onto the support positions 9 on the workpiece holders 8 of the runners 6 and increase the efficiency of the device 1.

[0110] The Fig. Figures 15-20 show detailed views of an adhesive station 21 of the device 1. The adhesive station 21 comprises a total of three dispensing nozzles 22 for dispensing electrically conductive adhesive onto the solar elements 3 arranged at the support positions 9 of the runners 6. The dispensing nozzles 22 are arranged above the drive surface 7 of the planar drive 5, so that the runners 6 with the solar elements 3 positioned on them can be moved below the dispensing nozzles 22 in order to apply the electrically conductive adhesive from the dispensing nozzles 22 to the solar elements 3 in the form of adhesive beads 23.

[0111] The gluing station 21 thus has three dispensing nozzles 22, corresponding to the number of support positions 9 on the workpiece holders 8 of the runners 6. The three dispensing nozzles 22 are arranged offset from one another in the direction of movement of the runners 6 through the gluing station 21. This makes it possible to apply beads 23 of electrically conductive adhesive to the solar elements 3, which are positioned accordingly on the workpiece holders 8, even at relatively small distances from each other.

[0112] The Fig. Figures 15-20 show the application of the adhesive caterpillars 23, whereby Fig. Figure 20 shows a detailed view of the solar cells 3 with the adhesive beads 23 applied to them. The application of the electrically conductive adhesive to the solar cells 3 can be specifically controlled by moving the runners 6 according to at least one of the six degrees of freedom within which each runner 6 can move. For example, it may be useful to adjust the distance between the solar cells 3 at the workpiece holders 8 of the runners 6 and the dispensing nozzles 22 of the adhesive station 21 by moving the runners 6 accordingly in the direction of the Z-axis. Furthermore, it is also possible to influence the application of the adhesive beads 23 by adjusting the speed at which the runners 6 move through the adhesive station 21.

[0113] The adhesive can be applied to the solar cells 3 in various ways. For example, electrically conductive adhesive can be applied to the solar cells 3 in the form of continuous adhesive beads 23. It is also possible to apply electrically conductive adhesive to the solar cells 3 in the form of dot patterns, line patterns, or line-dot patterns. This can be done at the adhesive station 21 of the device 1 by appropriately controlling the dispensing nozzles 22. The control of the dispensing nozzles 22 can be carried out by the previously mentioned control unit 20.

[0114] The device 1 has a test station 35. The test station 35 is arranged on the drive surface 7 of the planar drive 5. The test station 35 serves to test an adhesive application on the solar elements 3 arranged on the tool holders 8 and also to test the solar elements 3 arranged on the tool holders 8.

[0115] For this purpose, the test station 35 has three sensors 36. The sensors 36 serve in particular to check the adhesive application on the individual solar elements 3. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the sensors 36 are designed as so-called fork optical sensors. However, it is also possible to use touch sensors and / or cameras as sensors 36 additionally or alternatively.

[0116] The test device 35 is located downstream of the gluing station 21 and in the Fig. 50 and Fig. 51 shown in detail. Fig. Figure 50 shows that a removal device 37 is assigned to the test station 35. The removal device 37 is designed to remove defective solar cells 3. A defective solar cell 3 can be one that was found to be defective during testing at the test station 35, for example, because the solar cell 3 itself is defective, such as damaged, or because electrically conductive adhesive was not applied correctly.

[0117] The removal device 37 has a gripper 15 designed as a suction gripper. The gripper 15 of the removal device 37 is movable along a linear axis 41, so that defective solar elements 3 can be removed from the tool holders 8 and removed from the manufacturing process.

[0118] If the inspection of the solar elements 3 fed by the runners 6 of the test station 35 reveals that the solar elements 3 or the adhesive application on the solar elements 3 is / are defective, the defective solar elements 3 can be removed from the tool holders 8 of the runners 6 using the removal device 37 and removed from the manufacturing process by moving the gripper 15 along the linear axis 41. This ensures that, as far as possible, only defective solar elements 3 are subsequently fed into the assembly of solar modules 2 using the runners 6.

[0119] The Fig. Figures 21-27 show an electrostatic charging station 24 of the device 1. The electrostatic charging station 24 serves to electrostatically charge and discharge the workpiece holders 8 of the runners 6. For this purpose, the electrostatic charging station 24 has two charging contacts 25 and two discharging contacts 26. Both the charging contacts 25 and the discharging contacts 26 are fixedly arranged on the electrostatic charging station 24. The electrostatic charge of the workpiece holders 8 serves to fix the solar cells 3 to the support positions 9. Due to the electrostatic charge of the workpiece holders 8, it is possible to reliably fix the solar cells 3 to the support positions 9 for feeding by means of electrostatic attraction forces.

[0120] To precisely and, above all, reproducibly adjust the holding forces for the electrostatic fixation of the solar elements 3 at the support positions 9, the workpiece carriers 8 are first electrostatically discharged. This is done via the discharge contacts 26 of the electrostatic station 24.

[0121] For electrostatic discharge, the rotors 6 are first positioned below the discharge contacts 26 and then raised by a movement in the direction of the Z-axis until the workpiece holders 8 touch the discharge contacts 26.

[0122] This creates a short circuit, which causes the electrostatic discharge of the workpiece holders 8. The positioning of the runners 6 with their workpiece holders 8 relative to the discharge contacts 26 is described in the Fig. 22-24 and shown in more detail.

[0123] The targeted static charging of the workpiece holders 8 runners 6 is in the Fig. Figures 25-27 illustrate this process. First, the runners 6 are positioned below the charging contacts 25 of the electrostatic charging station 24. Then, the runners 6 are raised in the Z-direction until the workpiece holders 8 come into contact with the charging contacts 25 of the electrostatic charging station 24 and can be electrostatically charged. The workpiece holders 8 are then ready to receive solar cells 3 on the handling devices 18.

[0124] The Fig. Figures 44-49 illustrate that the workpiece holders 8 of the runners 6 are also designed to accommodate solar elements 3 in a matrix pattern arrangement of several solar elements 3. In this way, the solar elements 3 can be held in the transfer area 11 of the drive surface 7 adjacent to the placement device 13 in an arrangement that facilitates the placement of solar modules 2 in a matrix arrangement or in a matrix-shingle arrangement.

[0125] The device 1 also includes several test devices 27. The test devices 27 are designed to check the solar cells 3 for damage and / or dimensional accuracy and / or geometry. The test devices 27 are arranged in the area of ​​the handling devices 18 and are positioned upstream of the drive surface 7 of the planar drive 5. In this way, it is possible to check the solar cells 3 before placing them on the support positions 9 at the workpiece holders 8 of the runners 6 and to reject solar cells 3 that are found to be defective after the inspection.

[0126] The use of the planar drive 5 with its freely and very flexibly positionable runners 6 also favors this approach.

[0127] Each of the runners 6 shown in the figures has several support positions 9 for solar cells 3 on its workpiece holder 8. Even if one or more support positions 9 on the workpiece holders 8 of the runners 6 remain free due to the rejection of defective solar cells 3, this can be compensated for by appropriately positioning the runners 6 in the transfer area 11 adjacent to the placement device 13. A runner 6 with a free, unoccupied support position 9 can then be moved to close the resulting gap in the provided arrangement of solar cells 3 before the solar cells 3 are removed, ensuring that the placement of solar cells 2 is not impaired by the free, unoccupied support position 9.

[0128] The Fig. Figures 46-49 show a variant of a placement device 13. The ones in the Fig. The loading device 13 shown in Figures 46-49 is configured to pick up solar elements 3, 31, which are held in a matrix or masonry arrangement on the workpiece holders 8 of the runners 6, in a starting arrangement and to deliver them in a defined target arrangement for mounting a solar module 2. For this purpose, the loading device 13 has two groups 28 of grippers 15, namely suction grippers, the distance between which is variable. In this way, it is possible to pick up solar elements 3, 31 in a starting arrangement using the four groups 28 of grippers 15 and to deliver them in a target arrangement that differs from the starting arrangement for mounting solar modules 2. According to the Fig. 46-49 each group 28 of grippers 15 picks up a row 12 of solar elements 3,31, which are held on a workpiece holder 8 of a runner 6 and places them on the base 14, which is provided by the transport unit 16 designed as a conveyor belt, by means of a transfer movement.

[0129] In this process, two groups 28 of grippers 15 combine the rows 12 of solar elements 3,31 they have picked up to form one long row 12 during the assembly of a solar module 2. For this purpose, the groups 28 of grippers 15 are brought close to each other in a movement perpendicular to the transfer movement.

[0130] For this purpose, the loading device 13 has a linear guide 29 along which the groups 28 of grippers 15 are arranged to be displaceable relative to each other.

[0131] Along the linear guide 29, the groups 28 of grippers 15 can thus be moved transversely or perpendicularly to a transport direction which is specified by the transport unit 16 downstream of the loading device 13.

[0132] Furthermore, the groups 28 of grippers 15 can be moved by a transfer guide 30 of a portal, within which the linear guide 29 can also be moved, in the direction of the transport direction specified by the transport unit 16, i.e., in a separate transfer direction. The transfer guide 30 and the linear guide 29 are aligned at right angles to each other and form a cross-slide guide that enables the movement of the groups 28 of grippers 15 in two axes.

[0133] During the Fig. In the embodiment of a loading device 13 shown in Figures 32-35, the grippers 15 are not only movable along a linear axis defined by the transfer guide 30, but are also pivotably mounted about a pivot axis oriented transversely to the linear axis defined by the transfer guide 30. The pivot axis runs through pivot joints 32.

[0134] This facilitates the previously explained placement of the solar elements 3 on the substrate 14 during the assembly of solar modules 2 in a shingle arrangement, in which rows 12 of solar elements 3 are placed overlapping onto already positioned rows 12 of solar elements 3. The previously applied adhesive beads 23 of the solar elements 3 are also provided in the overlap area between two rows 12, so that the rows 12 of solar elements 3 are electrically connected and bonded together.

[0135] In a subsequent processing step, the transport unit 16 can then, for example, feed the solar module 2 thus equipped to an operating area of ​​the heating 33 or a laminating station or another processing step.

[0136] During the Fig. In the embodiment of a loading device 13 shown in Figures 36-43, a total of two rows of grippers 15 are provided. Using these two rows of grippers 15, it is possible to pick up two rows 12 of solar cells 3 one after the other and then place them together into a batch of solar modules 2, which are placed on the base 14 provided by the transport unit 16. Here, too, the two rows of grippers 15 are pivotably mounted on a support structure 34, for example a gantry, of the loading device 13 via pivot joints 32, in order to facilitate the shingled arrangement of the rows 12 of solar cells 3 during the loading of solar modules 2.

[0137] For the production of solar modules 2, the previously described device 1 is set up to carry out the procedures described below. In this process, solar modules 2 are fitted with solar elements 3, namely, for example, with solar shingles, which can also be referred to as solar cell strips.

[0138] The solar elements 3 are fed to the assembly of solar modules 2 according to the procedure with the previously mentioned magnetically driven runners 6 of the magnetically guided planar drive 5.

[0139] The solar elements 3 are, as is shown for example in the Fig. 28-31 or also in the Fig. As shown in Figures 44-49, the runners 6 are arranged in the previously mentioned transfer area 11 adjacent to the placement device 13 for rows 12. The runners 6 are thus used, on the one hand, to transport the solar elements 3 to their respective transfer position in the transfer area 11 at the placement device 13 and, on the other hand, to provide them in an orientation favorable for the row-by-row transfer of the solar elements 3 during the placement of solar modules 2.

[0140] Using the handling devices 18, the solar elements 3, 31 are placed onto the support positions 9 on the workpiece holders 8 of the runners 6. The orientation of the solar elements 3, 31 is determined by the orientation determination device 19 before they are placed onto the support positions 9. The runners 6 are then controlled and aligned before the solar elements 3, 31 are placed onto the support positions 9, ensuring that the runners 6 are ready to properly receive the solar elements 3, 31 at the handling devices 18 and that any misalignment of the solar elements 3 detected during placement onto the support positions 9 can be compensated for.

[0141] This makes it possible to finally place the solar elements 3 correctly positioned on the support positions 9. To anticipate the determined orientation of the solar elements 3 and to adjust the orientation of the runners 6 to the orientation of the solar elements 3 on the handling devices 18, it is possible to move the runners 6 in at least one of six degrees of freedom.

[0142] At the gluing station 21, electrically conductive adhesive is applied to the solar cells 3 in beads 23. This is achieved by dispensing electrically conductive adhesive from the previously mentioned dispensing nozzles 22. The electrically conductive adhesive is applied to the edges of the individual solar cells 3, 31 in the form of adhesive beads 23. Using the electrically conductive adhesive, it is possible to glue the solar cells 3, 31 to one another in rows, according to the shingle arrangement they will later occupy in the assembled solar module 2.

[0143] During the application of the electrically conductive adhesive to the solar cells 3, 31, the cells are positioned at the dispensing nozzles 22 of the adhesive station 21 by means of the runners 6 and moved past the dispensing nozzles 22, specifically below them, to apply the electrically conductive adhesive in the form of an adhesive bead 23. In this way, the electrically conductive adhesive is applied to the solar cells 3, 31 during a transfer movement of the runners 6 relative to the dispensing nozzles 22. A defined distance between the solar cells 3, 31 and the dispensing nozzles 22 can be set by moving the runners 6 along a preferably vertical axis of movement, here the Z-axis.

[0144] The workpiece holders 8 of the runners 6 can be fitted with solar elements 3,31 and moved with the runners 6 into a transfer position in the transfer area 11 such that the solar elements 3,31 form a row 12 of solar elements 3,31 on two runners 6 arranged next to each other in the transfer position.

[0145] In the Fig. In the embodiment of the method shown in Figures 44-49, to generate a matrix arrangement, in particular a shingle matrix arrangement, at least in every second row 12 of solar elements 3,31, which are held in the transfer position in the transfer area 11 adjacent to the assembly device 13 for the assembly of the solar modules 2 by means of the runners 6, at least one offset element 31, i.e. a solar element with shorter dimensions than the other solar elements 3, is provided for the production of a matrix arrangement, in particular a shingle matrix arrangement, when a solar module 2 is being assembled.

[0146] In this way it is possible to create solar modules 2 with the brickwork-like shingle matrix pattern shown in the figures.

[0147] To secure the solar cells 3,31 during transport, the workpiece holders 8 of the runners 6 are electrostatically charged to a defined value. This takes place in the electrostatic station 24, which has already been described. Beforehand, however, the workpiece holders 8 are electrostatically discharged.

[0148] To discharge the workpiece holders 8, the workpiece holders are brought into a contact position with the discharge contacts 26 of the electrostatic station 24 by a corresponding movement of the runners 6 and then discharged by short circuit.

[0149] The workpiece holders 8 are brought into contact with the charging contacts 25 by a movement of the runners 6 relative to the charging contacts 25 of the electrostatic station 24 in order to electrostatically charge the workpiece holders 8 accordingly.

[0150] The Fig. Figures 4-7 illustrate that the runners 6 can perform a compensating movement next to runners 6 already in the transfer position before moving into a target position, in order to avoid a collision between solar elements 3,31 placed on the support positions 9 of the workpiece holders 8. Different procedures are possible.

[0151] Fig. Figure 6 illustrates that, for example, it is possible to move the runner 6, which is already in the transfer position, away from the central runner 6 by a displacement movement in the direction of a movement axis that is perpendicular to the drive surface 7 of the planar drive 5 and corresponds to the previously mentioned Z-axis. In this way, the central of the three runners 6 can be moved into its target position without collision between the solar elements 8 arranged on the workpiece holders 8.

[0152] Due to the evasive movement, the middle runner 6 is lowered in the direction of the Z-axis compared to the two outer runners 6.

[0153] According to Fig. 7 is designed to tilt the central runner 6, which is to be moved into its target position between the already positioned runners 6, in order to avoid a collision of the solar elements 3, 31 arranged on the workpiece holders 8. For this purpose, the runner 6 performs a tilting movement about an axis of movement of the runner 6, which is aligned in the direction of movement of the runner 6 to its target position.

[0154] According to the Fig. 44-49 The solar elements 3,31 can already be arranged on the workpiece holders 8 of the runner 6 in a matrix arrangement, namely in at least two rows and / or with an offset from each other. This facilitates the assembly of the solar modules 2 with solar elements 3,31 in a matrix shingle arrangement, as described in the Fig. 44-49 is shown.

[0155] According to the Fig. 46-49 The solar elements 3, 31 are fed to the assembly of solar modules 2 by means of transport means, namely by runners 6 of the magnetically guided planar drive 5. The solar elements 3, 31 are picked up together by at least two runners 6 in the transfer position and combined into a row 12 of solar elements 3, 31 for the assembly of a solar module 2. This is done by placing them on the base 14 provided by the transport unit 16.

[0156] In this process, the solar elements 3,31 are picked up together with at least two groups 28 of grippers 15 of the assembly device 13 and combined into a row 12 of solar elements 3,31 by a relative movement of the groups 28 of grippers 15.

[0157] During the assembly of solar module 2, the solar elements 3, 31 are placed in such a way that they overlap previously placed solar elements 3, 31. Furthermore, during the assembly of solar module 2, the solar elements 3, 31 are bonded to the solar elements 3, 31 of a previously placed row 12 of solar elements 3, 31. This is achieved by the fact that the already positioned solar elements 3, 31 have adhesive beads 23 that are arranged in the overlap area of ​​the next row 12 of solar elements 3, 31, which are subsequently placed on top of the already positioned solar elements 3, 31.

[0158] The Fig. Figures 32-35 and 36-43 illustrate that when installing solar modules 2, the solar elements 3,31 are placed on already positioned solar elements 3,31 in such a way that their undersides form an acute angle with a base 14 on which the solar elements 3,31 are placed or are positioned for installing solar modules 2.

[0159] The device 1 shown in the figures for manufacturing solar modules 2 can be used to carry out a method for manufacturing solar modules 2 as previously described.

[0160] The invention relates to improvements in the technical field of solar module manufacturing. Among other things, a device 1 is proposed which, for feeding solar elements 3, 31 for the assembly of a solar module 2, has at least two rotors 6 of a magnetically guided planar drive 5 of a feeding device 4 of the device 1. Reference symbol list 1 Device for the production of solar modules 2 solar modules 3 solar element, solar shingle 4 Feeding device 5 Planar drive 6 runners 7 Drive area 8 Workpiece holder 9th printing place 10 Drive module 11 Transfer area 12 lines 13 Assembly device 14 Document 15 grippers 16 transport units, namely conveyor belts 17 Supply Station 18 Handling device 19 Alignment determination device 20 Control unit 21 gluing station 22 Dispensing nozzle 23 Glue caterpillar 24 Electrostatic Station 25 charging contacts 26 discharge contact 27 Test device 28 groups of grippers 29 Linear guide 30 Transfer Management 31 Offset element 32 Swivel joint 33 Heating 34 Supporting structure 35 Testing station 36 Sensor on 35 37 Extraction device 38 Intake device 39 Source of negative pressure 40 suction devices 41 Linear axis at 35

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