Photovoltaic module and film application device for it

Abstract

Photovoltaic module, comprehensive: Cells that are spaced apart along a set direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the cells and comprise at least one cell set that includes a first cell and a second cell that are adjacent to each other; a first solder strip extending along the set direction, wherein the first solder strip is located on a surface of the first cell and a surface of the second cell as well as on a gap between the first cell and the second cell, and the first solder strip is configured to connect the first cell and the second cell; a first film covering the surface of the first cell and part of the first solder strip; and wherein an edge of the first film extends beyond an edge of the first cell at least on one side of the first film facing the second cell; and a second film covering the surface of the second cell and part of the first solder strip; and wherein an edge of the second film extends beyond an edge of the second cell at least on one side facing the first cell.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of photovoltaic technologies, in particular a photovoltaic module, a film application device therefor and a film application method. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] A photovoltaic module is a device that connects and encapsulates photovoltaic cells via solder strips to form a photovoltaic array, enabling the electrical energy output of a photovoltaic system. A typical manufacturing process for a photovoltaic module involves the following steps: First, solder strips are connected to busbars on the cells to link multiple cells into a cell string; then, laminating layers, such as an adhesive film and a cover plate, are laminated onto the cell string to form a laminate; and finally, the laminate undergoes a lamination process under high temperature and pressure to form the photovoltaic module.

[0003] Currently, a common method for connecting solder strips to the busbars on the cells is welding. However, welding can easily lead to problems such as faulty welds or broken electrode leads, which obstruct or even interrupt the current transmission path between the cells, thus impairing the conductivity of the photovoltaic module and resulting in insufficient reliability. SUMMARY

[0004] A primary objective of the present disclosure is to provide a photovoltaic module, a film application device therefor and a film application method in order to solve a problem of insufficient reliability of photovoltaic modules in the prior art.

[0005] To achieve the aforementioned objective, a photovoltaic module is provided according to a first aspect of the present disclosure. The photovoltaic module comprises: a plurality of cells, wherein the plurality of cells are spaced apart from one another along a set direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the cells; wherein the plurality of cells comprises at least one set of a first cell and a second cell adjacent to each other; a first solder strip extending along the set direction, wherein the first solder strip is arranged on surfaces of the first cell and the second cell and in a gap between the first cell and the second cell, wherein the first solder strip is configured to connect the first cell and the second cell;a first film covering the surface of the first cell and part of the first solder strip, wherein an edge of the first film extends beyond an edge of the first cell at least on one side of the first film facing the second cell; a second film covering the surface of the second cell and part of the first solder strip, wherein an edge of the second film extends beyond an edge of the second cell at least on one side facing the first cell.

[0006] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, adjacent edges of the first film and the second film are in contact with each other, or the first film and the second film partially overlap to form an overlap section.

[0007] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the photovoltaic module further comprises a second solder strip. The second solder strip extends along the set direction, with a gap between two adjacent second solder strips exposing the gap between the first cell and the second cell; and the overlapping section covers an end of the second solder strip that is arranged on the surface of the first cell, and / or the overlapping section covers an end of the second solder strip that is arranged on the surface of the second cell.

[0008] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, part of the overlapping section is arranged in the gap between the first cell and the second cell.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the width of the overlap section in the set direction is between 0.5 mm and 3 mm.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the distance in the set direction between the edge of the first foil on a side facing the second cell and the edge of the first cell on a side facing the second cell is less than or equal to 5 mm.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the distance in the set direction between the edge of the second film on a side facing the first cell and the edge of the second cell on a side facing the first cell is less than or equal to 5 mm.

[0012] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a film application device is provided. The film application device is used to manufacture any one of the photovoltaic modules according to the first aspect.The foil application device comprises: a support platform for arranging the majority of the cells; several foil application devices arranged along the set direction, each foil application device comprising a foil application body and two foil application arms, the two foil application arms being arranged on opposite sides of the foil application body; a plurality of drive devices, each drive device being connected to a foil application arm, the drive device being configured to drive the foil application arm to approach or move away from the foil application body; and a clamping device arranged between adjacent foil application devices for laying out solder strips, the direction of movement of the clamping device being different from the direction of movement of the foil application arms.

[0013] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a film application method for a photovoltaic module is provided. The film application method for the photovoltaic module is carried out using the film application device according to the second aspect. The film application method for the photovoltaic module comprises: arranging the majority of the cells at a distance from one another along the setting direction on the support platform; controlling the clamping device to move it such that it applies solder strips to the majority of the cells; controlling the film application device to receive a film; controlling the film application body to position the film so that it covers the cell and the solder strip arranged on the surface of the cell; and controlling the film application arm to position the film so that it covers the gap between the cells.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the step of controlling the film application arm to arrange the film comprises: controlling the film application arm on one side of the film application body to move away from the film application body and to arrange the film; and controlling the film application arm on the other side of the film application body to move away from the film application body and to arrange the film.

[0015] The present disclosure has the following beneficial effects.

[0016] The photovoltaic module comprises: a plurality of cells spaced apart from one another along a set direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the cells; wherein the plurality of cells comprises at least one set of a first cell and a second cell that are adjacent; a first solder strip extending along the defined set direction and arranged on the surfaces of the first and second cells and the gap between them to connect the first and second cells; a first film covering the surface of the first cell and part of the first solder strip, its edge projecting beyond the edge of the first cell at least on the side facing the second cell; a second film covering the surface of the second cell and part of the first solder strip, its edge projecting beyond the edge of the second cell at least on the side facing the first cell.In the present disclosure, the design of the first and second films ensures that each film can completely cover at least the solder strip on the surface of its corresponding cell and at least a portion of the solder strip located in the gap between adjacent cells. The films serve to fix the solder strip to the cell surface and prevent displacement or deformation of the solder strip, thus improving the reliability of the photovoltaic module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this disclosure, provide a further understanding of the present disclosure. The schematic embodiments and descriptions are intended to clarify the present disclosure and do not constitute an unreasonable limitation thereof. In the figures: Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic structural representation of a photovoltaic module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 is a partially schematic structural representation of a photovoltaic module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 3 is a further partially schematic structural representation of a photovoltaic module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 4 is a further partially schematic structural representation of a photovoltaic module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 5 is a further partially schematic structural representation of a photovoltaic module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional structure representation along the line AA' in Fig. 4 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional structure representation along line BB' in Fig. 5 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 8 is a schematic structural representation of a film application device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 9 is a schematic representation of a film application arm in a first state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 10 is a schematic representation of a film application arm in a second state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 11 is a flowchart of a film application process for the photovoltaic module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and Fig. Figure 12 is a schematic structural representation of two adjacent film application devices in a film application device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] The figures above contain the following reference symbols: 10 - Cell, 20 - Solder strip, D1 - First direction, 11 - First cell, 12 - Second cell, 21 - First solder strip, 22 - Second solder strip, 30 - Foil, 31 - First foil, 32 - Second foil, 40 - Overlap section, 51 - Support platform, 52 - Foil application device F1 - First foil application device, F2 - Second foil application device, 521 - Foil application body, F11 - First foil application body, F21 - Second foil application body, 522 - Foil application arm, F12 - First foil application arm, F22 - Second foil application arm, 53 - Drive device, 54 - Clamping device, D2 - Second direction, D3 - Third direction. DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION FORMS

[0019] It should be noted that the following detailed description is exemplary and serves to further explain the present disclosure. Unless otherwise stated, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as generally understood by experts in the field.

[0020] It should be noted that the terminology used herein serves only to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. As used here, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprise" and / or "have" are used in this description, they indicate the presence of the specified features, steps, processes, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0021] It is understood that when an element (such as a layer, a film, an area, or a substrate) is described as being "on" another element, the element may lie directly on the other element or an intermediate element may be present. When an element is described in the description and claims as being "connected" to another element, the element may be "directly connected" to the other element or "connected" to the other element via a third element.

[0022] As introduced in the prior art, existing methods for applying films suffer from the problem of insufficient reliability of photovoltaic modules. To solve this problem, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a photovoltaic module and a film application device, as well as a film application method, which can be used to manufacture the same.

[0023] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure are described clearly and completely below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic structural representation of a photovoltaic module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the photovoltaic module comprises a plurality of cells 10. The plurality of cells 10 are spaced apart from each other along a first direction D1. Every two adjacent cells 10 can be connected by a solder strip 20 to form a series-connected string, thereby creating a circuit capable of generating a sufficient voltage and current.

[0025] In practical applications, the cell 10 is a busbarless cell that may include, among others, a tunnel oxide passivated contact cell (TOPCon cell) or a back-contact cell (BC cell). The majority of the cells 10 in the photovoltaic module may also be arranged along one or more defined set directions perpendicular to the thickness direction of the cells 10. Adjacent cells 10 may be connected by solder strips 20 to form circuits, including series, parallel, or series-parallel hybrid connections. It is understood that the type, arrangement, and connection method of the cells 10 in the photovoltaic module can be selected according to the actual requirements, which are not limited in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0026] Fig. Figure 2 is a partially schematic structural representation of a photovoltaic module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, a set of adjacent cells 10 comprises a first cell 11 and a second cell 12. The majority of the cells in the photovoltaic module comprise at least one set of the first cell 11 and the second cell 12, as shown in Figure 2. Fig. 2 shown. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, in any two adjacent cells 10 of the photovoltaic module, as shown in Fig. 1 is shown, one serving as the first cell 11 and the other as the second cell 12.

[0028] The first cell 11 and the second cell 12 are connected by a first solder strip 21. The first solder strip 21 extends along the set direction (e.g., the first direction D1) and is located on the surfaces of the first cell 11 and the second cell 12, as well as in the gap between the first cell 11 and the second cell 12.

[0029] A film covers the cells and the solder strips 20 for protection. The film can be an ethylene-vinyl acetate film (EVA film), a polyolefin elastomer film (POE film), a polyvinyl butyral film (PVB film), a thermoplastic polyurethane film (TPU film), a silicone film, or other polymer films, which are not limited here. A first film 31 covers the surface of the first cell 11 and part of the first solder strip 21, and an edge of the first film 31 extends at least beyond the edge of the first cell 11 on the side facing the second cell 12. A second film 32 covers the surface of the second cell 12 and part of the first solder strip 21, and an edge of the second film 32 extends at least beyond the edge of the second cell 12 on the side facing the first cell 11.

[0030] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the design of the first film 31 and the second film 32 causes the edge of each film to project beyond the edge of the cell it covers. This projecting design ensures that each film completely covers at least the solder strip on the surface of its corresponding cell and can cover at least a portion of the solder strip located in the gap between adjacent cells. After the film is applied, it can be heated to increase its adhesive strength, thereby using the film to secure the solder strip to the cell surface and preventing displacement or deformation of the solder strip, thus contributing to improved reliability of the photovoltaic module.In addition, the film also has a protective effect on the covered cells and solder strips, effectively preventing erosion caused by environmental factors such as moisture and oxygen, thereby further improving the reliability of the photovoltaic module and extending its service life.

[0031] It is worth noting that the melting point of the foil is lower than that of the solder strip. Therefore, the temperature required to melt the foil is lower. Heating only melts the foil, without affecting the shape or position of the solder strip. Thus, while the foil is being heated to adhere the solder strip, the solder strip remains fixed in its pre-positioned position.

[0032] Furthermore, the design, in which each cell is individually coated with a film, allows for local adjustments during the production process, such as replacing specific cells or solder strips, without requiring re-encapsulation of the entire module. This reduces material waste and process complexity, lowers production and maintenance costs, and improves production and maintenance efficiency.

[0033] The aforementioned maintenance can be performed during the photovoltaic module's production process. By testing the cell string, which is formed by connecting several cells with solder strips, the protective film covering any defective cells or solder strips can be removed. Removing the film also removes all solder strips from the cell's surface. At this point, the solder strips must be reapplied to the cell surface, and then the film reapplied. After the film has been applied to all cells and testing has confirmed that the product's electrical connections are functioning correctly, the film is heated. This prevents the film from sticking to the cell surface if the cells or solder strips are defective, thus reducing unnecessary steps and simplifying maintenance.

[0034] After heating, the film allows the solder strip to adhere to the cell surface, so that the solder strip makes contact with the electrode leads on the cell surface. Under the high temperatures and pressure of the subsequent lamination process, the solder strip melts and welds itself to the electrode leads with which it makes contact. The embodiments of the present disclosure fix the position of the solder strip by first covering it with a film and then using the high-temperature environment of the lamination process to achieve a weld between the solder strip and the cell, thus eliminating the need to weld the solder strip to the cell first. Instead, the welding process is integrated into the lamination process and completed in one step, which helps to reduce process difficulty and improve production efficiency.

[0035] Fig. Figure 3 is another partially schematic structural representation of a photovoltaic module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the adjacent edges of the first foil 31 and the second foil 32 can be connected, i.e., the distance between the adjacent edges of the first foil 31 and the second foil 32 is zero. Then, the first foil 31 and the second foil 32 can completely cover the first solder strip 21, which is located in the gap between the first cell 11 and the second cell 12. The solder strip at the gap between adjacent cells is also completely covered, thereby pressing the solder strip further against the cells, ensuring close contact between the solder strip and the cells and preventing subsequent soldering defects between them.Furthermore, more comprehensive protection can be achieved at the gap between adjacent cells, preventing cell erosion caused by environmental factors such as moisture and oxygen. This contributes to improved overall reliability and the lifespan of the photovoltaic module. Directly bonded edges can also distribute internal stresses caused by temperature changes more evenly, reducing internal damage due to stress concentrations and further enhancing the reliability of the photovoltaic module. Additionally, bonding adjacent edges facilitates the processing of individual cells without affecting the surrounding film structure. This reduces the difficulty of rework and potential damage to other components within the module, improving the efficiency and success rate of module rework.Precise control of the foil edge connection reduces the amount of foil material used, thereby lowering encapsulation costs while ensuring that the encapsulation effect is not compromised. Furthermore, visible splices can be avoided, improving the optical quality of the photovoltaic module.

[0037] Fig. Figure 4 is another partially schematic structural representation of a photovoltaic module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, sections of the first film 31 and the second film 32 can overlap to form an overlap section 40. The overlap section 40 can increase the contact area and adhesive strength between the first film 31 and the second film 32, effectively preventing the ingress of environmental influences such as moisture and oxygen, improving the sealing performance of the module, and reducing the risk of internal corrosion and failure. Furthermore, the overlap section 40 is formed by the overlap of two film layers, which are thicker than a single film layer, thus providing better protection and improving the module's resistance to impact and wear. The overlap section 40 covers the portion of the first solder strip 21 located in the intercellular space, preventing this portion of the first solder strip 21 from shifting or lifting.Therefore, the presence of the overlap section 40 is advantageous for improving the reliability of the photovoltaic module.

[0039] Fig. Figure 5 is another partially schematic structural representation of a photovoltaic module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the photovoltaic module further comprises a second solder strip 22. The second solder strip 22 extends along the set direction (the first direction D1). The gap between two adjacent second solder strips 22 exposes the gap between the first cell 11 and the second cell 12. The overlapping section 40 can cover the end of the second solder strip 22 located on the surface of the first cell 11, or the overlapping section 40 can cover the end of the second solder strip 22 located on the surface of the second cell 12, or the overlapping section 40 can simultaneously cover the end of the second solder strip 22 located on the surface of the first cell 11 and the end of the second solder strip 22 located on the surface of the second cell 12.

[0041] The overlap section 40 covers the end of the second solder strip 22, meaning that the film covering the end of the second solder strip 22 has a greater thickness and presses the end of the second solder strip 22 against the cell. This improves the connection strength between the end of the second solder strip 22 and the cell, ensures the long-term stability of the electrical connection between them, reduces the risk of interruptions or poor contact, and improves the reliability of the module.

[0042] Fig. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional structure representation along the line AA' in Fig. 4 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional structure representation along line BB' in Fig. 5 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] As in Fig. 6 and Fig. As shown in Figure 7, part of the overlap section 40 can be positioned in the gap between the first cell 11 and the second cell 12. During subsequent manufacturing processes of the photovoltaic module, for example, during the lamination process, the overlap section 40 melts under high temperature and flows into the gap between adjacent cells. Simultaneously, the first solder strip 21 can be pressed into the gap between the first cell 11 and the second cell 12. Then, the sections of the first solder strip 21 that are positioned on the surfaces of the first cell 11 and the second cell 12 can be fitted more closely to the cell surfaces.Furthermore, the overlap section 40 can extend to the sides of the cells, effectively sealing the perimeter of the cells and solder strips, forming a continuous protective layer, significantly increasing the protective area, and creating a better sealed environment that provides all-round protection to the cells, thus contributing to further improving the reliability of the photovoltaic module.

[0044] The width of the overlap section 40 is determined based on the conventional spacing between cells in photovoltaic modules. For example, the spacing between two adjacent cells in a photovoltaic module is typically 0.6 mm to 0.8 mm. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the width of the overlap section 40 in the set direction (the first direction D1) is 1.8 mm to 2 mm. By adjusting the width of the overlap section 40 within the aforementioned range, the requirements for the adhesive strength of the film can be met. Furthermore, any value within the aforementioned range for the width of the overlap section 40 is greater than any value within the range of the spacing between adjacent cells.By adjusting the width of the overlap section 40 within the above-mentioned range, it is ensured that the gap between the cells can be completely covered by the overlap section 40, thereby improving the reliability of the encapsulation.

[0045] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the width of the overlap section 40 in the set direction (the first direction D1) can be from 0.5 mm to 3 mm. This takes into account that the distance between adjacent solar cells can vary in different products. By selecting the value of the overlap section 40 within the aforementioned range, it can be ensured that the overlap section 40 covers the gap between the cells, while at the same time preventing the film from projecting excessively beyond the edge of the cell it covers and extending onto the adjacent cell (e.g., the first film 31 extending excessively onto the second cell 12, or the second film 32 extending excessively onto the first cell 11), thereby avoiding locally excessive film thickness and improving the surface consistency of the photovoltaic module.

[0046] It is understandable that the distance between adjacent cells, the width by which the film extends over the edge of the cell it covers, and the width of the overlap section formed by the overlap of the extended films can all be designed according to the product requirements, which are not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0047] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the distance in the set direction (the first direction D1) between the edge of the first sheet 31 on the side facing the second cell 12 and the edge of the first cell 11 on the side facing the second cell 12 is less than or equal to 5 mm. That is, the width by which the first sheet 31 extends beyond the first cell 11 is less than or equal to 5 mm.By adjusting the width by which the first sheet 31 extends beyond the first cell 11 within the aforementioned range, it is ensured that the first sheet 31 can fully cover the gap between the first cell 11 and the second cell 12, and that at least part of the first sheet 31 can enter the gap between the first cell 11 and the second cell 12 in subsequent processes, while controlling the quantity of the first sheet 31 used, thereby avoiding material waste and controlling production costs.

[0048] Similarly, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the distance in the set direction (the first direction D1) between the edge of the second sheet 32 ​​on the side facing the first cell 11 and the edge of the second cell 12 on the side facing the first cell 11 is less than or equal to 5 mm. That is, the width by which the second sheet 32 ​​extends beyond the second cell 12 is less than or equal to 5 mm.By adjusting the width by which the second foil 32 extends beyond the second cell 12 within the aforementioned range, it is ensured that the second foil 32 can fully cover the gap between the first cell 11 and the second cell 12 and that at least part of the second foil 32 can enter the gap between the first cell 11 and the second cell 12 in subsequent processes, while controlling the quantity of the second foil 32 used, thereby avoiding material waste and controlling production costs.

[0049] Based on the same concept, the present disclosure further provides a film application device that can be used to manufacture the aforementioned photovoltaic module. Fig. Figure 8 is a schematic structural representation of a film application device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the film application device can comprise a support platform 51, film application devices 52, drive devices 53, and a clamping device 54. The configuration of the film application device is as follows:

[0050] The support platform 51 serves to arrange the majority of the cells. It can have a flat design to facilitate the spreading and positioning of the cells, and its surface can be smooth to reduce friction and prevent damage to the cells. The surface of the support platform 51 can have boundary structures to facilitate the arrangement of the majority of the cells along the set direction (e.g., the first direction D1) and to limit the distance between any two adjacent cells to a defined value, thereby achieving process standardization.

[0051] The majority of the film application devices 52 are arranged along the set direction. This set direction can coincide with the arrangement direction of the multiple cells, for example, the first direction D1, in order to align them with the respective cells for the film application process. For example, to achieve piecemeal film application, the film application devices 52 can be arranged as shown in Fig. Figure 8 shows the cells as a one-to-one representation. To improve the accuracy of the film cover position, the film application device 52 can be positioned directly above the corresponding cell. During the film application process, the film application device 52 can be controlled to move along a second direction D2 to approach the cell, so that the film makes contact with the corresponding cell.

[0052] Each film application device 52 comprises a film application body 521 and two film application arms 522. The two film application arms 522 are arranged on opposite sides of the film application body 521. It is understood that the opposite sides of the film application body 521 refer to the two sides of the film application device 52 in the setting direction (e.g., the first direction D1). The film application device 52 can receive the film by adsorption.In particular, the film application body 521 is used to adsorb the section of the film that is to be covered on the cell surface, and the film application arms 522 are used to adsorb the section of the film that is to be arranged in the area outside the cell, including the section that is to be covered in the cell interval and the section that is to be covered on the surface of the adjacent cell.

[0053] The drive unit 53 can use compact components such as cylinders or motors, which are arranged in the spaces between adjacent film application main bodies 521 without interfering with other components of the film application device. Of the majority of the drive units 53 of the film application device, each drive unit 53 is connected to a film application arm 522. The drive unit 53 is used to drive the film application arm 522 so that it moves closer to or away from the film application body 521, placing the film application arm 522 in a first state or a second state. Fig. Figure 9 is a schematic representation of a film application arm 522 in the first state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The first state is the state in which the film application arm 522 is facing away from the film application body 521. Fig. Figure 10 is a schematic representation of a film application arm 522 in the second state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The second state is the state in which the film application arm 522 is located close to the film application body 521.

[0054] The movement of the film application arm 522 can include, among others, the following scenarios: Before picking up the film, the drive unit 53 controls the film application arm 522 so that it is facing away from the film application body 521 in order to put the film application arm 522 into the first state, so that during film picking up the film, the film 30 can be adsorbed onto the surface of the film application arm 522, which has an adsorption function; before the film application body 521 applies the film 30 to the cell surface, the drive unit 53 controls the film application arm 522 so that it approaches the film application body 521 in order to put the film application arm 522 into the second state, thus avoiding interference when the film application body 521 applies the film 30 to the cell surface;When the film application arm 522 positions the film 30 in the area beyond the corresponding cell, the drive device 53 controls the film application arm 522 such that it is turned away from the film application body 521 in order to put it into the first state, and then releases the film 30 adsorbed on the film application arm 522.

[0055] The clamping device 54 is arranged between adjacent foil application devices 52 and can be used for laying out solder strips 20. The direction of movement of the clamping device 54 differs from the direction of movement of the foil application arms 522. For example, the clamping device 54 can move along a third direction D3, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the clamping device 54 and the film application arms 522 move to enter the gap between adjacent film application bodies 521. It is understood that both the clamping device 54 and the film application arms 522 are arranged between adjacent film application bodies 521 during operation, so that the film application arms 522 can be in the second state when the clamping device 54 moves to deploy the solder strip 20, thus providing space for the movement of the clamping device 54 and avoiding interference between the movement of the clamping device 54 and the film application arms 522.

[0056] Based on the same concept, the present disclosure further provides a film application method for a photovoltaic module. This film application method for the photovoltaic module can be carried out using the aforementioned film application device. Fig. Figure 11 is a flowchart of a film application process for the photovoltaic module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the film application process for the photovoltaic module comprises the following steps.

[0057] Step S1: The majority of the spaced cells are arranged along the set direction on the support platform 51. The set direction is, for example, the first direction D1. The position of the cells on the support platform 51 can be defined by boundary structures on the support platform 51.

[0058] Step S2: The clamping device 54 is controlled to move in order to apply solder strips 20 to the majority of the cells. For example, the clamping device 54 clamps the solder strip 20 and moves along the third direction D3 into the gap between the foil application devices 52. At this point, the foil application arms 522 in the foil application devices 52 are all in the second position, thus providing space for the movement of the clamping device 54. The clamping device 54 then positions the solder strip 20 on the cells and moves out of the gap between the foil application devices 52 along the third direction D3. To accommodate solder strips 20 of different widths and lengths, the opening degree and height of the clamping device 54 can be adjusted to ensure stable clamping and positioning of the solder strips 20.

[0059] Step S3: The film application device 52 is controlled to pick up a film. For example, step S3 may involve controlling the film application device 52 to move along the third direction D3 or another direction perpendicular to the second direction D2 to a predetermined position (i.e., the position where the film is placed) and cooperating with the movement in the second direction D2 to pick up the film. The film application device 52 can attach the film to its surface by adsorption. During film adsorption, the drive device 53 can be used to control the film application arm 522 to be in the first state.

[0060] Step S4: The foil application body 521 is controlled such that the foil is positioned to cover the cell and the solder strip 20 located on the cell's surface. The following steps may be included between step S3 and step S4: Step S314: The drive unit 53 is used to control the foil application arm 522 such that it moves close to the foil application body 521 within the same foil application unit 52 and places it in the second state; Step S324: The foil application unit 52 is moved in the opposite direction of its movement during foil pickup to a position directly above the cell.Step S4 can include the following: controlling the film application device 52 to move in the second direction D2, so that the section adsorbed on the film application body 521 contacts the cell, allowing the film application body 521 to position this section of the film on the cell. In this step S4, the film application arms 522 remain in the second state.

[0061] Step S5: The film application arm 522 is controlled to position the film so that it covers the gap between the cells. For better understanding, see in Fig. Figure 12 shows a schematic structural representation of two adjacent film application devices 52 in a film application device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The two in Fig. The film application devices shown in 12 can be any two adjacent film application devices 52 in the Fig. The film application device shown in Figure 8 is shown. For the sake of simplicity, the two film application devices are referred to as... Fig. 12 each are referred to as the first film application device F1 and the second film application device F2. The first comprises: In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the film application arm that is arranged on the side of the first film application body F11 closer to the second film application device F2 is referred to as the first film application arm F12. The second film application device F2 comprises a second film application body F21 and film application arms that are each located on opposite sides of the second film application body F21. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the film application arm that is arranged on the side of the second film application body F21 closer to the first film application device F1 is referred to as the second film application body F22.The first film application arm F 12 and the second film application arm F22 are arranged adjacent to each other.

[0062] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the film application arms 522 in each film application device 52 can be controlled such that they move simultaneously away from the film application body 521 in order to position the film. With reference to Fig. Figure 12 shows, as an example, that the film application arms on both sides of the first film application body F11 are simultaneously moved away from the first film application body F11, and the film application arms on both sides of the second film application body F21 are simultaneously moved away from the second film application body F21, after which the film is applied. The method described above is suitable for forming the module as shown in Fig. 2 or Fig. 3 shown, and there is no interference between adjacent film application devices 52.

[0063] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, step S5 may comprise: step S51: controlling the film application arm on one side of the film application body to move away from the film application body and apply the film; step S52: controlling the film application arm on the other side of the film application body 521 to move away from the film application body 521 and apply the film. For example, Fig. 12. First, the first film application arm F12 is controlled such that it moves away from the first film application body F11 and applies the film. Then, the first film application arm F12 is controlled such that it moves closer to the first film application body F11. Finally, the second film application arm F22 is controlled such that it moves away from the second film application body F21 and applies the film. It is understood that the state of movement of the other film application arm relative to the first film application arm F12 in the first film application device F1 corresponds to the state of movement of the second film application body F22, and the state of movement of the other film application arm relative to the second film application body F22 in the second film application device F2 corresponds to the state of movement of the first film application arm F12.This process is suitable for the production of the in . Fig. 4 or Fig. 5 modules shown. By sequentially controlling adjacent film application arms to arrange the film, interference between adjacent film application arms is avoided, thereby improving production yield.

[0064] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Various modifications and changes to the present disclosure may be made by persons skilled in the art. All modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made in the sense and within the scope of the present disclosure fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

[1] Photovoltaic module, comprising: Cells that are spaced apart along a set direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the cells and comprise at least one cell set that includes a first cell and a second cell that are adjacent to each other; a first solder strip extending along the set direction, wherein the first solder strip is located on a surface of the first cell and a surface of the second cell as well as on a gap between the first cell and the second cell, and the first solder strip is configured to connect the first cell and the second cell; a first film covering the surface of the first cell and part of the first solder strip; and wherein an edge of the first film extends beyond an edge of the first cell at least on one side of the first film facing the second cell; and a second film covering the surface of the second cell and part of the first solder strip; and wherein an edge of the second film extends beyond an edge of the second cell at least on one side facing the first cell. [2] Photovoltaic module according to claim 1, wherein adjacent edges of the first film and the second film are in contact with each other or the first film and the second film partially overlap to form an overlap section. [3] Photovoltaic module according to claim 2, further comprising a second solder strip, wherein the second solder strip extends along the set direction and a gap between two adjacent second solder strips exposes the gap between the first cell and the second cell; and the overlap section covers an end of the second solder strip that is arranged on the surface of the first cell, and / or the overlap section covers an end of the second solder strip that is arranged on the surface of the second cell. [4] Photovoltaic module according to claim 2, wherein a part of the overlap section is arranged in the gap between the first cell and the second cell. [5] Photovoltaic module according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the width of the overlap section in the set direction is between 0.5 mm and 3 mm. [6] Photovoltaic module according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a distance in the set direction between the edge of the first film on a side of the first film facing the second cell, and the edge of the first cell on a side of the first cell facing the second cell is less than or equal to 5 mm. [7] Photovoltaic module according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a distance in the set direction between the edge of the second film on a side of the second film facing the first cell and the edge of the second cell on a side of the second cell facing the first cell is less than or equal to 5 mm. [8] A film application device for the production of a photovoltaic module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising: a carrying platform configured to carry the cells; Film application devices arranged along the set direction, each film application device of the film application devices comprising a film application body and two film application arms, the two film application arms being arranged on opposite sides of the film application body; Drive devices, wherein each drive device of the drive devices is connected to a corresponding film application arm of the two film application arms and the drive device is configured to drive the film application arm to approach or move away from the film application body; and a clamping device arranged between adjacent foil application devices for laying out solder strips, wherein the direction of movement of the clamping device differs from the direction of movement of the foil application arms.

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