Method and device for applying adhesive to solar elements, method for producing solar modules and solar module manufacturing device

Abstract

The device relates, inter alia, to a method for applying more particularly electrically conductive adhesive to solar elements (2), wherein a solar element (2) is moved, by means of a workpiece carrier (5) of a supplying device (7), in a transfer movement, to a dispensing nozzle (4) of a dispensing device (3) for adhesive, and adhesive is applied to the solar element (2). Prior to application of the adhesive, a setting movement is carried out transverse to the transfer movement, and as a result a defined distance is set at which the solar element (2) is then moved past at the dispensing nozzle (4) for the application of adhesive.

Description

[0001] Method and device for applying adhesive to solar elements and method for producing solar modules and solar module production device

[0002] The invention relates to a method and a device for applying adhesive, in particular electrically conductive adhesive, to solar elements. Such methods and devices can be used in the manufacture of solar modules.

[0003] Different procedures are known for the production of solar modules from solar elements, for example from solar cells and / or solar cell strips and / or solar cell shingles.

[0004] One approach involves gluing the solar elements together when the solar module is fitted with solar elements. Adhesive, in particular electrically conductive adhesive, is used for this purpose. Using the electrically conductive adhesive, it is possible to electrically connect the poles of solar elements that at least partially overlap in the solar module, thereby creating an electrical and, at the same time, a mechanical connection between the overlapping solar elements of the solar module. The solar elements can be arranged in rows in the solar module, with adjacent rows of solar elements overlapping and being glued to one another. If adjacent rows in the solar module are arranged offset from one another, a so-called shingle matrix solar module can be produced.

[0005] In a solar module made up of pairs of overlapping rows of several solar elements, the electrical voltage build-up can occur across the rows perpendicular to the row alignment.

[0006] In another approach, the solar elements are first arranged in shingles called strings. In this case, two solar elements arranged one after the other along the length of the string can be glued together in their mutually overlapping shingle arrangement. Here, too, electrically conductive adhesive can be used to electrically connect the solar elements in the string. Due to the interconnection created in this way, the voltage builds up in the length direction of the string across the solar elements of the string. Several strings can then be interconnected to form a solar module in a string design.

[0007] The quality of the solar modules, which are assembled in this way from several solar elements glued together, is influenced, among other things, by the quality of the connection made with the adhesive between the solar elements.

[0008] Furthermore, the production of high-quality adhesive bonds between the solar elements can be associated with a comparatively high level of effort, which can impair the economic efficiency of solar module production.

[0009] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a device and a method for applying adhesive, in particular electrically conductive adhesive, to solar elements as well as a solar module manufacturing device and a method for solar module manufacturing which promote economical and high-quality production of solar modules.

[0010] To solve the problem, a method for applying adhesive, in particular electrically conductive adhesive, to solar elements is first proposed, which method has the means and features of the independent claim directed to such a method.

[0011] To achieve this objective, the invention proposes a method for applying adhesive, in particular electrically conductive adhesive, to solar elements. A solar element with a workpiece carrier is moved past a dispensing nozzle of an adhesive dispensing device at a defined distance, and adhesive is applied to the solar element. The defined distance at which the solar element is moved past the dispensing nozzle is set using a distance adjustment device before the adhesive is applied.

[0012] For this purpose, the distance adjustment device can effect an adjustment movement by which the defined distance is set. The adjustment movement can, for example, be oriented transversely or at right angles to a transfer movement in which the workpiece carrier with the solar element is moved past the dispensing nozzle. The adjustment movement can be oriented along a dispensing direction of the adhesive onto the solar element, preferably parallel to a dispensing direction predetermined by the dispensing nozzle.In this case, the distance adjustment device can move the dispensing nozzle and / or the workpiece carrier and / or a surface along which the workpiece carrier is moved past the dispensing nozzle by carrying out the adjustment movement transversely or at right angles to the transfer movement of the solar element past the dispensing nozzle and / or along the dispensing direction of the adhesive onto the solar element, preferably parallel to the dispensing direction specified by the dispensing nozzle, in order to set the defined distance.

[0013] The defined distance can in particular be a distance that is measurable in the direction of dispensing the adhesive onto the solar element between the dispensing nozzle and the solar element in the application position.

[0014] The distance from which the adhesive is applied to the solar element can significantly influence the adhesive application. Depending on the distance at which the solar element is moved past the dispensing nozzle to apply the adhesive, the adhesive can be applied in thicker or thinner lines, for example.

[0015] The invention makes use of the fact that the adhesive application can be influenced in a targeted and comparatively simple manner by a targeted adjustment of the distance at which the solar element is moved past the dispensing nozzle for the application of adhesive.

[0016] Since the distance between the dispensing nozzle and the solar element can be varied using the distance adjustment device, it is possible to change the adhesive application to the solar element independently of the dispensing nozzle and thus quickly and easily adapt the adhesive application process, should this be necessary. For example, if it turns out that the adhesive is being applied in lines that are too wide or thick, the distance can be increased using the adjustment movement without having to extensively modify the device.

[0017] In one embodiment of the method, it is provided that the distance adjustment device moves the dispensing nozzle and / or the workpiece carrier and / or a surface along which the workpiece carrier is moved past the dispensing nozzle, in the adjustment movement in order to set the defined distance. The dispensing nozzle and / or the workpiece carrier and / or a surface along which the workpiece carrier is moved past the dispensing nozzle can be moved in an adjustment movement oriented transversely or at right angles to the transfer movement of the workpiece carrier and / or along, preferably parallel to, the dispensing direction of the adhesive onto the solar element defined by the dispensing nozzle in order to set the defined distance as desired.

[0018] Preferably, the adhesive, in particular an electrically conductive adhesive, is applied directly to a busbar of the solar element.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the method, explained in more detail below, a magnetically driven rotor of a magnetically guided planar drive is used as the workpiece carrier. Such a workpiece carrier enables the adjustment movement oriented transversely to the transfer movement to be carried out in a particularly simple and flexible manner, thus promoting a particularly efficient implementation of the claimed method.

[0020] By setting a defined distance at which the solar element is moved past the dispensing nozzle for adhesive application, the design freedom when applying adhesive to solar elements can be increased in a particularly simple way. For example, if it is determined that the application of adhesive at a certain distance between the dispensing nozzle and the solar element does not result in the formation of an adhesive track of the required quality or shape on the solar element, the distance adjustment device and the adjustment movement can be used to adjust the distance at which the solar element is moved past the dispensing nozzle in the transfer movement for adhesive application.

[0021] The method thus enables efficient adaptation of the adhesive application process to a solar element without having to modify the device. In one embodiment of the method, the workpiece carrier is positioned against a guide by the distance adjustment device, in particular by performing the adjustment movement, in particular by performing the aforementioned adjustment movement. The workpiece carrier is then moved along the guide, while the solar element is moved past the dispensing nozzle at the defined distance. The adhesive is then applied to the solar element.

[0022] The guide can be designed to force the workpiece carrier into a path of movement that is arranged relative to the dispensing nozzle in such a way that a solar element located on the workpiece carrier can be moved past the dispensing nozzle at a defined distance. The guide can thus at least indirectly specify the defined distance at which the solar element is moved past the dispensing nozzle for the application of adhesive.

[0023] The workpiece carrier can be positioned by the distance adjustment device, in particular by carrying out the aforementioned adjustment movement, for example against a guide which is arranged or formed between the dispensing nozzle and a transfer movement plane of the workpiece carrier.

[0024] With the help of the distance adjustment device, the workpiece carrier is brought closer to the dispensing nozzle in its adjustment movement, more precisely to the level at which the dispensing nozzle is arranged, the guide limiting the adjustment movement of the workpiece carrier. As soon as the workpiece carrier contacts the guide, the distance adjustment device can end the adjustment movement and the workpiece carrier can then be moved past the dispensing nozzle in a transfer movement that is then aligned transversely to the adjustment movement. The adjustment movement and the transfer movement can in particular be aligned at right angles to one another. In one embodiment of the method, the adjustment movement is aligned in or against the direction of gravity and / or along a direction, in particular parallel to a direction, in which the adhesive is dispensed onto the solar element. The transfer movement is preferably aligned horizontally.

[0025] In one embodiment of the method, the workpiece carrier can be positioned against the guide by the distance adjustment device, in particular by executing the adjustment movement, with a side facing the dispensing nozzle. However, it is also possible to position the workpiece carrier against the guide with the distance adjustment device, in particular by executing the adjustment movement, with a side facing away from the dispensing nozzle.

[0026] In this variant of the method, the workpiece carrier can be positioned by the distance adjustment device against a guide which is arranged or formed on a side of a transfer movement plane of the carrier facing away from the dispensing nozzle. Specifically, the guide can be arranged or formed on a surface along which the workpiece carrier is moved past the at least one dispensing nozzle for applying adhesive to the solar element. In this way, the workpiece carrier can be guided past the dispensing nozzle along the guide and between the guide and the dispensing nozzle for applying the adhesive to the solar element. In this variant of the method, the workpiece carrier is removed from the dispensing nozzle by the distance adjustment device.

[0027] In one embodiment of the method, a mechanical guide is used as the guide. In another

[0028] In one embodiment of the method, a pneumatic guide, in particular an air cushion generated by an air bearing unit, is used. A mechanical guide can specify the defined distance particularly precisely. The advantage of a pneumatic guide can be that different defined distances can be specified relatively easily. When using an air cushion as the pneumatic guide, it is possible, for example, to make the air cushion larger or smaller by changing the air pressure provided by the air bearing unit, in particular with a smaller or larger height measurable in the direction of adhesive dispensing, and thus to specify the defined distance as desired.

[0029] The adjustment movement caused by the distance adjustment device and carried out by the workpiece carrier is limited by the correspondingly designed air cushion and thus the desired distance is set in which the solar element with the workpiece carrier is presented in the transfer movement for the application of adhesive to the dispensing nozzle.

[0030] An actual distance between the dispensing nozzle and the solar element, which can be measured in the direction of adhesive dispensing, can be determined using a distance sensor. If the actual distance deviates from the defined distance, an adjustment movement caused by the distance adjustment device can be carried out accordingly in order to set the defined distance. This embodiment of the method enables automatic adjustment of the defined distance, in which any existing distance deviations are automatically detected and corrected by a targeted execution of the adjustment movement, so that the solar element can be automatically moved past the dispensing nozzle at a defined distance from the nozzle that is correct for the respective application.

[0031] In one embodiment of the method, the workpiece carrier with the solar element is moved below the dispensing nozzle to apply adhesive to the solar element. The direction of dispensing of the adhesive onto the solar element then corresponds to the direction of gravity. This method variant facilitates particularly precise and simple application of adhesive to the solar element.

[0032] The adhesive can preferably be applied to the solar element in the form of an adhesive bead oriented in the direction of a transfer movement of the workpiece carrier past the dispensing nozzle and / or with a lateral offset from a longitudinal center axis of the solar element. Such an adhesive application can promote the reliable connection between adjacent and at least partially overlapping solar elements in the solar module.

[0033] In particular, when electrically conductive adhesive is used as the adhesive, the application of the adhesive in the form of an adhesive bead onto the solar element promotes reliable electrical contact between solar elements that at least partially overlap one another in the solar element.

[0034] To achieve the object, a method for producing a solar module is also proposed, wherein adhesive, in particular electrically conductive, is applied to solar elements according to the method for applying adhesive according to one of the claims directed to such a method and the solar elements are then glued together, in particular overlapping one another, to produce the solar module.

[0035] By bonding the solar elements together, a mechanical and / or electrical connection can be created between the solar elements. Several solar elements coated with adhesive can be arranged in rows. In the solar module, adjacent rows of several solar elements can be bonded together in an overlapping shingle arrangement, thereby connecting them electrically and mechanically.

[0036] In this case, a row of solar elements coated with adhesive can be laid on an already laid row of solar elements coated with adhesive in partial overlap and can be electrically and / or mechanically connected to the laid row.

[0037] Two adjacent rows in the solar module being manufactured can be offset and glued together. This enables the production of a so-called shingle-matrix solar module, which achieves particularly good yield values ​​even when its photovoltaically effective area is partially shaded.

[0038] Offset pieces can be used to create an offset between rows of solar elements arranged next to one another and / or overlapping one another in the solar module. Offset pieces can be solar elements that, compared to the solar elements predominantly present within a row, have a different dimension, in particular a shorter dimension, measurable in the longitudinal direction of the row of solar elements.

[0039] To achieve this object, a device for applying adhesive, in particular electrically conductive adhesive, is also proposed, which has the means and features of the independent claim directed to such a device. To achieve this object, a device for applying adhesive, in particular electrically conductive adhesive, to solar elements is thus proposed, wherein the device has means by which the device is set up to carry out a method for applying adhesive according to one of the claims directed to such a device.

[0040] As a means for carrying out the method, the device can have a dispensing device for dispensing adhesive, in particular electrically conductive, with at least one dispensing nozzle, a workpiece carrier for at least one solar element and a feed device with which the workpiece carrier with at least one solar element arranged thereon can be moved past the at least one dispensing nozzle of the dispensing device in a transfer movement. Furthermore, the device can have a distance adjustment device which is designed to set a defined distance at which at least one solar element with the workpiece carrier can be moved past the at least one dispensing nozzle for applying adhesive to the solar element.

[0041] The workpiece carrier may have at least one receptacle for a solar element. The receptacle may be formed on a side of the workpiece carrier that faces the at least one dispensing nozzle when applying adhesive to the solar element.

[0042] The distance adjustment device can be designed to carry out an adjustment movement and in particular to move the dispensing nozzle and / or the workpiece carrier and / or a surface of the feed device, along which the workpiece carrier can be moved past the at least one dispensing nozzle, in the adjustment movement in order to set the defined distance.

[0043] The distance adjustment device can be used to carry out a

[0044] An adjustment movement can be arranged which is transverse or perpendicular to a transfer movement plane of the workpiece carrier past the dispensing nozzle and / or which is aligned along a dispensing direction of the adhesive, in particular parallel to a dispensing direction predetermined by the dispensing nozzle, in order to adjust the defined distance.

[0045] The device can further comprise at least one guide against which the workpiece carrier can be positioned by the distance adjustment device and along which the workpiece carrier, together with at least one solar element arranged thereon, can be moved past the dispensing nozzle. The guide can be arranged or formed in a dispensing region of the dispensing device, within which the at least one dispensing nozzle of the dispensing device is arranged or formed.

[0046] In one embodiment of the device, it has a mechanical guide and / or, at least temporarily, a pneumatic guide, in particular an air cushion, as a guide. To form a pneumatic guide, in particular an air cushion, the device can have an air bearing unit.

[0047] The device can have at least one guide arranged or formed between a transfer movement plane of the workpiece carrier and the at least one dispensing nozzle of the dispensing device. The transfer movement plane of the workpiece carrier is the plane within which the workpiece carrier is moved past the dispensing nozzle of the dispensing device for applying adhesive to a solar element.

[0048] In one embodiment of the device, it has a guide arranged or formed on a side of the transfer movement plane of the workpiece carrier facing away from the at least one dispensing nozzle. The guide can, for example, be formed or arranged on a surface along which the workpiece carrier can be moved past the at least one dispensing nozzle of the dispensing device.

[0049] In one embodiment of the device, it is provided that the workpiece carrier has at least one spacer on its side facing the guide, with which the workpiece carrier can be positioned against the guide.

[0050] The spacer can serve as a sliding element with which the workpiece carrier contacts the respective guide. If the spacer is arranged or formed on a side of the workpiece carrier on which the at least one receptacle for at least one solar element is also arranged or formed, the spacer can also ensure that a minimum distance is maintained between the guide and a solar element arranged on the workpiece carrier. In this way, the spacer can be used to prevent unintentional contact between the solar element and the guide.

[0051] The at least one spacer can be arranged on a side of the workpiece carrier on which the at least one solar element can be arranged. The at least one spacer can have a height that can be measured in the direction of application of the adhesive to the solar element and that is greater than the height of a solar element arranged on the workpiece carrier that can be measured in the same direction above the workpiece carrier. In this way, contact between a guide and a solar element arranged on the workpiece carrier can be avoided.

[0052] The guide can comprise at least one guide rail. The guide rail can be aligned in the direction of the transfer movement of the workpiece carrier. If the guide rail of the guide is contacted by the workpiece carrier or a spacer of the workpiece carrier, the guide rail can be designed as a sliding guide rail. The workpiece carrier is then moved during the transfer movement with a sliding contact along the at least one guide rail past the at least one dispensing nozzle of the dispensing device. The workpiece carrier can be guided particularly precisely and securely against tipping if the guide comprises two spaced-apart, parallel guide rails which are also aligned in the direction of the transfer movement.

[0053] The previously mentioned air bearing unit can have at least one air outlet opening. Air can be blown in through the air outlet opening to form an air cushion. Preferably, at least one row of air outlet openings is provided, which are aligned in the direction of a transfer movement of the workpiece carrier past the at least one dispensing nozzle.

[0054] The at least one air outlet opening can be formed on an air bearing strip of the air bearing unit. In one embodiment of the air bearing unit, it can comprise at least two air bearing strips, preferably aligned parallel to one another, each having a row of air outlet openings aligned in the direction of the transfer movement. By blowing compressed air through these air outlet openings, an air cushion can be formed, which is then arranged between the respective guide strip and the workpiece carrier. The workpiece carrier can comprise a number of counter strips corresponding to the number of air bearing strips, the surfaces of which facing the air outlet openings function as air bearing surfaces.

[0055] In one embodiment of the device, it is provided that it has at least one distance sensor. The distance sensor can be configured to determine a distance between the at least one dispensing nozzle and a solar element arranged on the workpiece carrier or to determine a distance between the dispensing nozzle and the workpiece carrier. The distance sensor can preferably be configured to determine the distance in the dispensing direction of the adhesive and / or for contactless distance measurement. In this way, contact with the solar element and / or the workpiece carrier can be avoided during the distance measurement.

[0056] The distance adjustment device of the device can have a drive with which the dispensing nozzle can be adjusted to execute the adjustment movement in order to set the defined distance at which the solar element is to be moved past the dispensing nozzle for the application of adhesive by the transfer movement of the workpiece carrier. The adjustment movement can be oriented transversely, in particular at right angles, to a transfer movement that the workpiece carrier executes when it is moved past the dispensing nozzle.

[0057] The drive used to adjust the dispensing nozzle can be a spindle drive, for example. A spindle drive facilitates precise execution of the dispensing nozzle's adjustment movement.

[0058] The feeding device can comprise, in one embodiment of the device, a magnetically guided planar drive. The at least one workpiece carrier can be a magnetically driven runner in this embodiment of the device, which can be moved past the at least one dispensing nozzle with the planar drive for applying adhesive to the solar element. The planar drive can be configured for multi-coordinate positioning of the workpiece carrier designed as a runner, preferably in six degrees of freedom. In this way, it is possible to

[0059] Planar drive not only carries out the transfer movement of the workpiece carrier designed as a runner, but also the adjustment movement directed transversely to it.

[0060] The planar drive can have a drive surface along which the workpiece carrier can move, preferably with six degrees of freedom. The use of a planar drive and a workpiece carrier designed as a slider enables the adhesive to be applied to solar elements with great design freedom. This allows for different application patterns, which can be generated by appropriate movement patterns that can be performed with the workpiece carrier in the dispensing area of ​​the dispensing device.

[0061] Furthermore, adjustments to the adhesive application and thus adjustments to the previously explained process are particularly easy to implement when using a planar drive and a magnetically driven rotor as the workpiece carrier. The drive surface of the planar drive can be the previously mentioned surface along which the workpiece carrier is moved past the at least one dispensing nozzle.

[0062] In order to enable the dispensing of adhesive onto solar elements under the influence of gravity, it may be expedient if at least one dispensing nozzle of the dispensing device is arranged above the drive surface of the planar drive.

[0063] The planar drive can also function as a distance adjustment device, with which the at least one workpiece carrier can be moved in the adjustment movement, in particular transversely to its transfer movement, to set the defined distance. In this embodiment of the device, the workpiece carrier, designed as a magnetically driven rotor, can be brought closer to the at least one dispensing nozzle or moved further away from the at least one dispensing nozzle by the adjustment movement in order to set the defined distance.

[0064] The device can further be configured for electrostatically charging the workpiece carrier and thus for contactless fixing of a solar element to the workpiece carrier. For this purpose, the device can comprise an electrostatic charging device. With the aid of the electrostatic charging device, the workpiece carrier, in particular a holder of the workpiece carrier for a solar element, can be electrostatically charged, and the solar element can thereby be fixed contactlessly to the workpiece carrier.

[0065] The device can further comprise a control unit configured to control the distance adjustment device in order to set the defined distance at which the solar element is to be moved past the workpiece carrier at the dispensing nozzle. The control unit can thus control the adjustment movement effected by the distance adjustment device to set the defined distance.

[0066] The control unit can in particular be configured to control the distance adjustment device as a function of a deviation of an actual distance determined with the aforementioned distance sensor from the defined distance in order to set the defined distance at which the solar element is moved past the at least one dispensing nozzle on the workpiece carrier.

[0067] Finally, to solve the problem, a

[0068] A solar module manufacturing device with the features of the claim directed to such a device is proposed. The solar module manufacturing device serves to produce solar modules from electrically interconnected solar elements, wherein the solar module manufacturing device has at least one device for applying adhesive to solar elements, which device has the features of one of the claims directed to such a device.

[0069] Furthermore, the solar module manufacturing device can have a placement device with which the solar elements provided with adhesive can be arranged in a desired laying pattern and can be glued to one another in an overlapping manner.

[0070] The invention is described in more detail below using exemplary embodiments, but is not limited to these exemplary embodiments. Further exemplary embodiments result from the combination of the features of individual or multiple claims and / or from the combination of individual or multiple features of the exemplary embodiments.

[0071] Figures 1-10 show different representations of a first embodiment of a device for applying adhesive to solar elements, wherein the device comprises a feed device with a magnetically guided planar drive and a magnetically driven rotor is provided as the workpiece carrier, which can be moved with the planar drive in a transfer movement past dispensing nozzles of a dispensing device of the device shown in Figures 1-10. The workpiece carrier can be moved in an adjusting movement against a guide and then moved past the dispensing nozzles in a transfer movement aligned transversely thereto along the guide, wherein the guide is arranged on the dispensing device and above a transfer movement plane of the workpiece carrier.

[0072] Figures 11-20 show different representations of a second embodiment of a device for applying adhesive to solar elements, which are guided with a workpiece carrier in a transfer movement past dispensing nozzles of an adhesive dispensing device, wherein the device shown in Figures 11-20 has two guide rails serving as guides in the dispensing area of ​​the dispensing device, onto which the workpiece carrier designed as a rotor of the planar drive of this device can be lowered in an adjustment movement and then moved along the guide rails in the transfer movement past the total of three dispensing nozzles of the dispensing device.

[0073] Figures 21-30 show different representations of a further embodiment of the device for applying adhesive to solar elements, wherein in this device an air cushion is provided as a guide for the workpiece carrier, which can be generated with an air bearing unit of the device, wherein the air bearing unit is arranged on the dispensing device of the device.

[0074] Figures 31-37 show different representations of another

[0075] Embodiment of the device for applying adhesive to solar elements, this device being characterized by its dispensing nozzle for adhesive which can be moved in an adjusting movement which is oriented transversely to the transfer movement of the workpiece carrier and a solar element arranged thereon.

[0076] Figures 38-44 show a further embodiment of the device for applying adhesive to solar elements, wherein in this device, in comparison to the device shown in Figures 31-37, the at least one dispensing nozzle of the dispensing device remains stationary and the adjustment movement is carried out transversely to the direction of the transfer movement with the workpiece carrier designed as a rotor of the planar drive of this device.

[0077] All figures show at least parts of a device, each designated 1, for applying adhesive to solar elements 2. In the following description, components of the devices 1 that correspond in terms of their functions are given the same reference numerals, even if they have different designs.

[0078] The devices 1 each have means by which the devices 1 are set up to carry out the previously explained method for applying adhesive, in particular electrically conductive adhesive, to solar elements 2.

[0079] Each of the devices 1 shown has, as a means for carrying out the method, a dispensing device 3 for dispensing, in particular, electrically conductive adhesive, with at least one dispensing nozzle 4. Some of the devices 1 shown have dispensing devices 3, each with three dispensing nozzles 4. Furthermore, all of the devices 1 each have at least one workpiece carrier 5 with at least one receptacle 6 for a solar element 2, a feeding device 7 with which the workpiece carrier 5, with at least one solar element 2 arranged thereon, can be moved past the at least one dispensing nozzle 4 of the dispensing device 3 in a transfer movement. All devices also have a distance adjustment device 8.With the respective distance adjustment device 8, a defined distance can be set in which at least one solar element 2 with the workpiece carrier 5 is moved past the at least one dispensing nozzle 4 and adhesive is applied to the solar element 2.

[0080] For each of the devices 1, the defined distance is set by an adjustment movement effected by the respective distance adjustment device 8. The adjustment movements carried out with the respective distance adjustment devices 8 are oriented transversely or at right angles to a transfer movement of the solar elements 2 past the respective dispensing nozzle 4 and along a dispensing direction of the adhesive onto the solar elements 2, i.e. in or against a dispensing direction, in particular parallel to a dispensing direction predetermined by the respective dispensing nozzle 4.

[0081] The devices 1 shown in the figures for applying adhesive 1 differ partly in the type of their distance adjustment device 8 and in the adjustment movements which are carried out to adjust the defined distance.

[0082] In the embodiments of the device 1 shown in Figures 1-10, 11-20, 21-30, and 38-44, the distance adjustment device 8 is configured to move the workpiece carrier 5 in an adjustment movement in order to set the defined distance. In this adjustment movement, the workpiece carrier 5 is moved transversely or at right angles to its transfer movement, in which it is moved past the dispensing nozzle 4, and thus along a dispensing direction of the adhesive, in particular parallel to a dispensing direction predetermined by the dispensing nozzle 4.

[0083] In the embodiment of the device 1 shown in Figures 31-37, the distance adjustment device 8 is configured to move the dispensing nozzle 4 of the dispensing device 3 in an adjustment movement in order to set the defined distance. The dispensing nozzle 4 of the device 1 shown in Figures 31-37 is movable in space for this purpose. Here, too, the adjustment movement is transverse or perpendicular to the transfer movement of the workpiece carrier 5 past the dispensing nozzle 4 and thus aligned along the dispensing direction of the adhesive predetermined by the dispensing nozzle 4, in particular parallel to the dispensing direction.

[0084] In an embodiment of the device 1 not shown in the figures, a distance adjustment device 8 is provided which is designed to move a surface 9 of the feed device 7, along which the workpiece carrier 5 can be moved past the at least one dispensing nozzle 4 to carry out the transfer movement, in an adjustment movement in order to set the defined distance at which the at least one solar element 2 with the workpiece carrier 5 is moved past the dispensing nozzle 4 of the dispensing device 3 in order to apply adhesive to the solar element 2. This device 1 then has a movable surface 9 of the feed device 7. Here too, the adjustment movement can be oriented transversely or at right angles to the transfer movement of the workpiece carrier 5 past the dispensing nozzle 4 and thus along the dispensing direction of the adhesive predetermined by the dispensing nozzle 4, in particular parallel to the dispensing direction of the adhesive.The different devices 1 shown in Figures 1-30 each have at least one guide 10 which is formed in a dispensing area 11 of the dispensing device 3, within which the at least one dispensing nozzle 4 is arranged.

[0085] By means of the adjusting movement, the respective workpiece carrier 5 in these devices 1 is positioned against the respective guide 10 and then moved along the guide 10 in order to guide the at least one solar element 2 arranged on the workpiece carrier 5 at the defined distance past the dispensing nozzle 4 and in the process to apply adhesive to the solar element 2.

[0086] In the two devices 1 shown in Figures 1-20, a mechanical guide serves as the guide 10. In the embodiments of the device 1 shown in Figures 21-30, a pneumatic guide, namely an air cushion, is used or generated as the guide 10.

[0087] To generate the air cushion serving as a pneumatic guide, the device 1 shown in Figures 21-30 has an air bearing unit 12.

[0088] In the two devices 1 shown in Figures 1-10 and 21-30, the guides 10 are each arranged or formed between a transfer movement plane of the workpiece carrier 5 and the at least one dispensing nozzle 4 of the respective dispensing device 3.

[0089] The device 1 shown in Figures 11-20 has a guide 10 arranged on a side of a transfer movement plane of the workpiece carrier 5 facing away from the at least one dispensing nozzle 4. This guide 10 is specifically arranged on the previously mentioned surface 9, along which the workpiece carrier 5 is moved past the at least one dispensing nozzle 4 of the dispensing device 3 in order to apply adhesive to the solar element 2 on the workpiece carrier 5.

[0090] The devices shown in Figures 1-10 and 21-30 have workpiece carriers 5, which have spacers 13 on one side of the respective workpiece carrier 5, on which the at least one solar element 2 can be arranged. The spacers 13 have a height, measurable in the direction of application of the adhesive to the solar element 2, which is greater than the height, measurable in the same direction, of a solar element 2 arranged on the respective workpiece carrier 5.

[0091] The spacers 13 of the workpiece carriers 5 can be seen particularly clearly in Figure 2 and Figure 22. By means of the adjusting movement, the workpiece carriers 5 with their spacers 13 can be positioned against the guides 10 and then moved along the respective guide 10 past the dispensing nozzles 4 in the transfer movement.

[0092] The devices 1 shown in Figures 1-10 and 11-20 have guides 10, each comprising two guide rails 14. The guide rails 14 are clearly aligned in the direction of the transfer movement of the workpiece carrier 5.

[0093] In the device 1 shown in Figures 1-10, the guide rails 14 are arranged between the dispensing nozzles 4 and the transfer movement plane of the workpiece carrier 5 and on an underside of the dispensing device 3 and extend through the dispensing area 11.

[0094] The workpiece carrier 5 can be used with its four

[0095] Spacers 13 are moved against the guide rails 14 of the guide 10. For this purpose, the workpiece carrier 5 carries out the adjustment movement oriented transversely to the transfer movement, wherein it is brought closer to the three dispensing nozzles 4 of the dispensing device 3.

[0096] The device 1 shown in Figures 11-20 has a guide 10 having two guide rails 14 oriented parallel to one another and in the direction of the transfer movement. The guide rails of this device 1 are arranged on the surface 9 along which the workpiece carrier 5 is moved past the dispensing nozzles 4 of the dispensing device 3 during the transfer movement.

[0097] As a result of the adjusting movement, the workpiece carrier 5 of the device 1 shown in Figures 11-20 is placed from above onto the guide rails 14 of the guide 10 of the device 1 and is then guided along the two guide rails 14 past the dispensing nozzles 4 at a distance defined by the guide rails 14. As a result of the adjusting movement carried out with the workpiece carrier 5, the up to three solar elements 2 arranged on the workpiece carrier 3 also reach the defined distance from the dispensing nozzles 4 and can be guided past the dispensing nozzles 4 at the defined distance for the application of adhesive to the solar elements 2.

[0098] The air bearing unit 12 of the device 1 shown in Figures 21-30 has two rows of air outlet openings 15. The rows of air outlet openings 15 are aligned in the direction of the transfer movement of the workpiece carrier 5. The air outlet openings 15 serve to form an air cushion below the air outlet openings 15, which then serves as a guide 10 for the workpiece carrier 5. The rows of air outlet openings 15 can be seen extending through the discharge area 11 of the discharge device 3. The air outlet openings 15 of the air bearing unit 12 are formed on air bearing strips 16 of the air bearing unit 12. The device 1 has two air bearing strips 16 aligned parallel to one another, wherein on each of the two air bearing strips 16 a row of air outlet openings 15 aligned in the direction of the transfer movement is formed.The rows of air outlet openings 15 can be seen particularly well in the sectional view according to Figure 28.

[0099] The workpiece carrier 5 of this device 1, which cooperates with the air bearing unit 12, has two counter-bars 17 on its upper side facing the air bearing unit 12, which number corresponds to the number of air bearing bars 16. The counter-bars 17 have surfaces facing the air outlet openings 15. These surfaces of the counter-bars 17 function as air bearing surfaces with which the workpiece carrier 5 rests against the air cushion, which serves as a guide 10, and slides along this during the transfer movement. Air cushions are formed between the air outlet openings 15 of the air bearing bars 16 and the counter-bars 17 of the workpiece carrier 5.

[0100] The counter strips 17 also simultaneously assume the function of spacers 13 for protecting the solar elements 2 which are arranged on the holders 6 of the workpiece carrier 5.

[0101] With their already mentioned spacers 13, the other workpiece carriers 5 shown in the figures also have counter-bars 17 which are aligned in the direction of the transfer movement. With their counter-bars 17, the different workpiece carriers 5 can contact the respective guide 10. The counter-bars 17 then also function as sliding bodies, via which the workpiece carrier 5 is then guided along the respective guide 10 past the dispensing nozzles. The devices 1 shown in figures 31-44 each have a distance sensor 18. The distance sensors 18 serve to determine an actual distance between the at least one dispensing nozzle 4 and a solar element 2 which is arranged on a holder 6 of the respective workpiece carrier 5.The distance sensors 18 are specifically designed to determine the distance between the dispensing nozzle 4 and the solar element 2 in the dispensing direction for adhesive onto the solar element 2 and furthermore for contactless distance measurement.

[0102] The device 1 shown in Figures 31-37 has a distance adjustment device 8 with a drive 19, namely a spindle drive, with which the dispensing nozzle 4 can be adjusted in space transverse to the transfer movement of the workpiece carrier to carry out the adjustment movement. Taking into account the distance measured by means of the distance sensor 18, the adjustment movement can then be carried out in a targeted manner and the dispensing nozzle 4 can be raised or lowered accordingly by means of the drive 19 in order to set the defined distance at which the solar element 2 with the workpiece carrier 5 is to be moved past the dispensing nozzle 4 for the application of adhesive.

[0103] All devices 1 have a feed device 7 that includes a magnetically guided planar drive 20. All workpiece carriers 5 are designed as magnetically driven sliders that can be moved past the at least one dispensing nozzle 4 of the respective dispensing device in the transfer movement with the respective planar drive 20. The planar drives 20 are each configured for multi-coordinate positioning of the workpiece carriers 5 designed as sliders. The multi-coordinate positioning can take place in up to six degrees of freedom.

[0104] Each planar drive 20 has a drive surface as a surface 9 along which the respective workpiece carrier 5 is movable. The drive surface is formed by stators 21 of the respective planar drive 20. In all devices 1 shown in the figures, the dispensing nozzles 4 of the dispensing devices 3 are each arranged above the drive surface 9 of the respective planar drive 20.

[0105] In the cases shown in Figures 1-30 and 38-44

[0106] In embodiments of the devices 1, the respective planar drive 20 also serves as a distance adjustment device 8, with which the respective workpiece carrier 5 can be moved transversely to the transfer movement in order to set the defined distance in the adjustment movement.

[0107] All devices 1 also have an electrostatic charging device 22 which is designed to electrostatically charge the workpiece carrier 5 and thus to fix a solar element 2 to the workpiece carrier 5 without contact.

[0108] All devices 1 further comprise a control unit 23 which is designed to control the distance adjustment device 8 in order to carry out the adjustment movement and to set the defined distance at which the solar element 2 is to be moved past the respective workpiece carrier 5 at the at least one dispensing nozzle 4.

[0109] In the embodiments of the device 1 having distance sensors 18, which are shown in Figures 31-44, the control unit 23 is set up to control the distance adjustment device 8 as a function of a deviation between an actual distance and the defined distance. The actual distance can be a distance that can be measured with the distance sensor 18 between a dispensing nozzle 4 and a solar element 2 arranged on the workpiece carrier 5. The adjustment movement is then carried out as a function of this deviation in order to set the defined distance by moving the solar element 2 on the workpiece carrier 5 past the at least one dispensing nozzle 4.

[0110] The device 1 for applying adhesive 1 can be a component of a solar module manufacturing device designated as a whole by 24, which is designed to produce solar modules from electrically interconnected solar elements 2.

[0111] The previously explained device 1 for applying adhesive to solar elements 2 is designed to carry out the method explained below.

[0112] In the method for applying adhesive, in particular electrically conductive adhesive, to solar elements 2, it is provided that a solar element 2 with a workpiece carrier 5 is moved at a defined distance past a dispensing nozzle 4 of a dispensing device 3 for adhesive and that adhesive is applied to the solar element 2.

[0113] Before applying the adhesive to the solar element 2, the defined distance is set using a distance adjustment device 8. For this purpose, an adjustment movement effected by the distance adjustment device 8 is carried out, thereby setting a defined distance measurable in the direction of application of the adhesive to the solar element 2, at which the solar element 2 is subsequently moved past the dispensing nozzle 4 for the application of adhesive.

[0114] Depending on the execution of the procedure, the

[0115] Distance adjustment device 8 an adjustment movement of the

[0116] Dispensing nozzle 4, the workpiece carrier 5 and / or the surface 9, in particular the drive surface of the previously mentioned planar drive 20, along which the workpiece carrier 5 is moved past the dispensing nozzle 4 in order to set the defined distance.

[0117] In the embodiments of the method shown in the figures, the adjustment movement effected by the respective distance adjustment device 8 is transverse or perpendicular to a transfer movement of the solar elements 2 past the respective dispensing nozzle 4 and also along a dispensing direction of the adhesive onto the solar elements 2, in particular parallel to a dispensing direction predetermined by the respective dispensing nozzle 4.

[0118] In the devices 1 which have a guide 10, the method provides for bringing the workpiece carrier 5 into contact with the respective guide 10 by means of the adjusting movement and then moving the workpiece carrier 5 with at least one solar element 2 arranged thereon along the guide 10 past the dispensing nozzle 4 and in the process applying adhesive to the solar element 2.

[0119] In the devices 1 shown in Figures 1-10 and 21-30, the workpiece carrier 5 is positioned by the adjustment movement against a guide 10 arranged between the dispensing nozzle 4 and a transfer movement plane of the workpiece carrier 5. In this process, the workpiece carrier 5 is moved away from the surface 9 and closer to the dispensing nozzle 4.

[0120] In the device 1 shown in Figures 11-20, the workpiece carrier 5 is positioned by the adjustment movement against a guide 10 which is arranged on a side of a transfer movement plane of the

[0121] workpiece carrier 5. In the embodiments shown in Figures 1-10 and 21-30

[0122] In embodiments of the devices 1, the respective workpiece carrier 5 is positioned against the guide 10 by the adjustment movement with a side facing the dispensing nozzle 4. In the device 1 shown in Figures 11-20, the workpiece carrier 5 is removed from the dispensing nozzle 4 by the adjustment movement and is positioned against the guide 10 with a side facing away from the dispensing nozzle.

[0123] While the guides 10 shown in Figures 1-10 and 11-20 are mechanical guides, the device 1 shown in Figures 21-30 features a pneumatic guide. An air cushion is generated as the pneumatic guide by means of the air bearing unit 12 of the device 1.

[0124] In the devices 1 shown in Figures 31-44, an actual distance between the dispensing nozzle 4 and the solar element 2 on the respective workpiece carrier 5, which can be measured in the dispensing direction of the adhesive, is determined using a distance sensor 18, and the adjustment movement is carried out accordingly if the actual distance deviates from the defined distance in order to set the defined distance at which the solar element 2 is then guided past the dispensing nozzle 4.

[0125] In all of the embodiments of the device 1 shown, the respective workpiece carrier 5 with at least one solar element 2 is guided past the respective dispensing nozzle 4 below the respective dispensing nozzle 4 for applying adhesive to the solar element 2. The electrically conductive adhesive is applied to the solar element 2 in the form of an adhesive bead 25 oriented in the direction of the transfer movement and in the direction of the longitudinal center axis of the solar element 2 and with a lateral offset to the longitudinal center axis of the respective solar element 2. The adhesive beads 25 are preferably applied directly to busbars of the solar elements 2. This promotes reliable electrical interconnection in the finished solar module of solar elements 2 that are later glued together.

[0126] Figures 3-10 illustrate the application of the method for applying adhesive to solar elements, which is carried out on the device 1 shown in Figures 1-10.

[0127] Figure 3 shows the workpiece carrier 5 in a starting position. From this starting position, the workpiece carrier 5 is moved out, on the one hand, in a transfer movement directed to the right and, on the other hand, in the adjustment movement. As a result of the adjustment movement, the workpiece carrier 5 is lifted by the drive surface 9 and brought closer to the dispensing nozzles 4 of the dispensing device 3. The workpiece carrier thus reaches the position shown in Figure 4, in which it contacts the guide rails 14 of the guide 10 with its spacers 13. Figures 5 and 6 show the workpiece carrier 5 still in contact with the guide 10, but now moved further to the right, wherein the application of adhesive to the solar elements 2 arranged on the surface of the workpiece carrier 5 can also be seen.

[0128] Figure 7 shows the workpiece carrier 5 after the adhesive has been applied to the solar elements 2. In this position, the workpiece carrier 5 is moved back in the direction of the drive surface 9, i.e. away from the dispensing nozzles 4 by a return movement directed counter to the adjustment movement. Figure 8 shows the workpiece carrier 5 with the solar elements 2 arranged on it outside the dispensing area 11 of the dispensing device 3. Figures 9 and 10 show that each of the three solar elements 2 arranged on the workpiece carrier 5 is covered with an adhesive bead 25. The adhesive beads are applied with a lateral offset to the longitudinal center axes of the solar elements 2 and oriented in the direction of the longitudinal center axes.

[0129] Figures 13-20 illustrate the operation of the device shown in Figures 11-20.

[0130] In Figure 13, the workpiece carrier 5 is in a starting position on the drive surface 9 and still outside the delivery area 11 of the delivery device 3.

[0131] By a movement directed to the right in the image plane, the workpiece carrier 5 is moved into the dispensing area 11 of the dispensing device 3 and, by an adjustment movement directed transversely thereto, is lowered onto the guide rails 14 of the guide 10 in order to set the defined distance at which the solar elements 2 are subsequently guided past the dispensing nozzles 4 of the dispensing device 3 for the application of adhesive. For this purpose, the workpiece carrier 5 is then guided past the three dispensing nozzles 4 of the dispensing device 3 along the guide rails 14 according to Figures 15 to 18. The height of the guide rails 14 above the drive surface 9 then specifies the defined distance at which the solar elements 2 are guided past the dispensing nozzles.

[0132] Figure 17 shows the workpiece carrier 5 in a position it assumes after the adhesive has been applied to the solar elements 2. Here, the workpiece carrier 5 is raised again, by a return movement opposite to the adjustment movement, to a level it had before being lowered onto the guide rails 14. Figures 19 and 20 show the result of the adhesive application, namely three adhesive beads 25 aligned in the direction of the longitudinal center axes of the respective solar elements 2 and applied offset therefrom.

[0133] In the device 1 shown in Figures 21-30, it is provided that the workpiece carrier 5 with three solar elements 2 arranged thereon is moved from an initial position by the adjustment movement from below against air cushions serving as guides 10, which are generated by the air bearing unit 12 of the device 1.

[0134] Starting from a starting position (not shown) outside the dispensing area 11 of the dispensing device 3, the workpiece carrier 5 is brought into the position shown in Figure 23. This occurs by lifting the workpiece carrier 5 from the drive surface 9 with the aid of the planar drive 20 in its function as a distance adjustment device 8. Figure 23 shows the workpiece carrier 5 with its counter strips 17 in contact with the air cushion serving as a guide 10. From the position shown in Figure 23, the workpiece carrier 5 with the three solar elements 2 arranged thereon is then moved into the position shown in Figures 26 and 25. At this point, part of the adhesive has already been applied to the solar elements 2.

[0135] According to Figure 27, the workpiece carrier 5 is then lowered again in a return movement in the direction of the drive surface 9 of the planar drive 20 and then removed from the delivery area 11 of the delivery device 3 according to Figure 28.

[0136] Figures 29 and 30 show the result of the adhesive application. Each of the three solar elements 2 is provided with an adhesive bead 25, which is arranged on the solar element 2 in the direction of the longitudinal center axis of the respective solar element 2 and offset therefrom.

[0137] Figures 34-37 illustrate the functioning of the device 1 shown in Figures 31-37.

[0138] From a starting position according to 34, the workpiece carrier 5 with a solar element 2 arranged thereon is moved into the detection range of the distance sensor 18 of the device 1. Depending on the distance determined by the distance sensor 18 between the dispensing nozzle 4 and the solar element 2 positioned on the workpiece carrier 5, the position of the dispensing nozzle 4 in space is changed. This occurs when there is a deviation between the determined distance and the defined distance at which the solar element 2 is to be moved past the dispensing nozzle 4.

[0139] This position of the dispensing nozzle is determined by the adjustment movement effected by the distance adjustment device 8. Depending on a distance deviation, the drive 19, which is designed as a spindle drive, changes the position of the dispensing nozzle 4 above the solar element 2 arranged on the workpiece carrier 5. In this way, the workpiece carrier 5 with the solar element 2 located thereon is guided past the dispensing nozzle 4 at the correct distance so that the adhesive can be applied as desired.

[0140] The result of this process is shown in Figures 32 and 33. On the solar element 2, an adhesive bead 25 can be seen, aligned in the direction of the longitudinal center axis of the solar element 2 and arranged offset therefrom.

[0141] Figures 41-44 clearly illustrate the operation of the device 1 shown in Figures 38-44.

[0142] Similar to the device 1 shown in Figures 31-37, the distance between the dispensing nozzle 4 and the solar element 2 is determined here using a distance sensor 18 of this device 1. If a deviation is detected between the defined distance at which the solar element 2 is to be guided past the dispensing nozzle 4 and the determined distance, the distance adjustment device 8 effects a corresponding adjustment movement, by means of which the defined distance can then be set.

[0143] In this case, it is provided that the workpiece carrier 5 is adjusted with the planar drive 20 in its function as a distance adjustment device 8 depending on the determined distance deviation, i.e. the workpiece carrier 5 and thus the solar element 2 are either brought closer to the dispensing nozzle 4 or moved away from it during the adjustment movement.

[0144] Figure 41 shows the workpiece carrier 5 still outside the dispensing area 11 of the dispensing device 3. By means of a transfer movement of the workpiece carrier 5 directed to the right, the solar element 2 arranged thereon comes into the detection range of the distance sensor 18. The distance between the solar element 2 and the dispensing nozzle 4 of the dispensing device 3 is determined by a contactless distance measurement. If a deviation is detected between the determined distance and the defined distance at which the solar element 2 is to be guided past the dispensing nozzle 4, a distance correction can be made. This is done by the distance adjustment device 8, namely here the planar drive 20, either raising or lowering the workpiece carrier 5 on the drive surface 9.

[0145] Figure 42 shows the workpiece carrier 5 with the solar element 2 located thereon in the dispensing area 11 of the dispensing device 3. The solar element 2 is already arranged below the dispensing nozzle 4 for applying the adhesive.

[0146] According to Figure 43, the application of the adhesive is almost complete. Figure 44 shows the workpiece carrier 5 after the application of the adhesive to the solar element 2 outside the dispensing area 11 of the dispensing device 3.

[0147] Figures 39 and 40 show the result of the adhesive application. Here, it can be seen that the solar element 2 has an adhesive bead 25 arranged in the longitudinal direction of its longitudinal center axis and offset therefrom. The method for applying adhesive to solar elements 2 can be carried out as part of a method for producing a solar module. In particular, electrically conductive adhesive is applied according to the method for applying adhesive to solar elements 2 before the solar elements 2 are subsequently glued together, for example, overlapping one another, to produce a solar module.

[0148] / List of reference symbols

[0149] List of reference symbols

[0150] 1 device for applying adhesive

[0151] 2 solar elements

[0152] 3 Dispensing device

[0153] 4 Dispensing nozzle

[0154] 5 workpiece carriers

[0155] 6 shot on 5 for 2

[0156] 7 Feeding device

[0157] 8 Distance adjustment device

[0158] 9 Area, drive area

[0159] 10 Guide

[0160] 11 Drop-off area

[0161] 12 Air bearing unit

[0162] 13 spacers

[0163] 14 Guide rail

[0164] 15 Air outlet opening

[0165] 16 air bearing strip

[0166] 17 Counter bar

[0167] 18 Distance sensor

[0168] 19 Drive, spindle drive

[0169] 20 Planar Drive

[0170] 21 Stator

[0171] 22 electrostatic charging device

[0172] 23 Control unit

[0173] 24 Solar module manufacturing device

[0174] 25 adhesive bead

[0175] / Claims

Claims

Claims Method for applying adhesive, in particular electrically conductive, to solar elements (2), wherein a solar element (2) with a workpiece carrier (5) is moved past a dispensing nozzle (4) of a dispensing device (3) for adhesive at a defined distance and adhesive is applied to the solar element (2), wherein the defined distance at which the solar element (2) is moved past the dispensing nozzle (4) for applying the adhesive is set before the adhesive is applied using a distance adjustment device (8). Method according to claim 1, wherein the distance adjustment device (8) effects an adjustment movement by which the defined distance is set, in particular wherein the distance adjustment device (8) moves the dispensing nozzle (4) and / or the workpiece carrier (5) and / or a surface (9) along which the workpiece carrier (5) is moved past the dispensing nozzle (4) in the adjustment movement in order to set the defined distance.Method according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the adjustment movement effected by the distance adjustment device (8) is oriented transversely or at right angles to a transfer movement of the solar element (2) past the dispensing nozzle (4) and / or along a direction of dispensing of the adhesive onto the solar element (2), in particular parallel to a direction predetermined by the dispensing nozzle (4). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the workpiece carrier (5) is guided by the distance adjustment device (8), in particular by executing the adjustment movement. is positioned against a guide (10) along which the workpiece carrier (5) and thereby the solar element (2) are moved past the dispensing nozzle (4) at the defined distance for applying adhesive.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the workpiece carrier (5) is positioned by the distance adjustment device (8), in particular by carrying out the adjustment movement, against a guide (10) arranged or formed between the dispensing nozzle (4) and a transfer movement plane of the workpiece carrier (5).

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the workpiece carrier (5) is positioned by the distance adjustment device (8), in particular by carrying out the adjustment movement, against a guide (10) which is arranged or formed on a side of a transfer movement plane of the workpiece carrier (5) facing away from the dispensing nozzle (4), in particular which is arranged or formed on a surface (9) along which the workpiece carrier (5) is moved past the at least one dispensing nozzle (4).

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the workpiece carrier (5) is positioned by the distance adjustment device (8), in particular by carrying out the adjustment movement, with a side facing the dispensing nozzle (4) against the guide (10) or wherein the workpiece carrier (5) is positioned by the distance adjustment device (8) is positioned against the guide (10) with a side facing away from the dispensing nozzle (4).

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide is a mechanical guide and / or a pneumatic guide, in particular one driven by a An air cushion generated by an air bearing unit (12) is / are used. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an actual distance between the dispensing nozzle (4) and the solar element (2), which can be measured in the dispensing direction of the adhesive, is determined using a distance sensor (18), and if the actual distance deviates from the defined distance, an adjusting movement caused by the distance adjusting device (8) is carried out accordingly in order to set the defined distance.Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the workpiece carrier (5) with the solar element (2) is moved below the dispensing nozzle (4) past the dispensing nozzle (4) for applying adhesive to the solar element (2), and / or wherein the adhesive is applied to the solar element (2) in the form of an adhesive bead (25) aligned in the direction of a transfer movement of the workpiece carrier (5), and / or wherein the adhesive is applied to the solar element (2) with a lateral offset to a longitudinal center axis of the solar element (2). Method for producing a solar module, wherein adhesive, in particular electrically conductive, is applied to solar elements (2) according to the method for applying adhesive according to one of the preceding claims, and the solar elements (2) are subsequently adhesively bonded to one another, in particular overlapping one another, to produce the solar module.Device (1) for applying adhesive, in particular electrically conductive adhesive, to solar elements (2), wherein the device (1) has means through which. the device (1) is designed to carry out the method for applying adhesive, in particular electrically conductive adhesive, to solar elements (2) according to one of the preceding claims.

13. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the device (1) as means for carrying out the method comprises a dispensing device (3) for dispensing adhesive, in particular electrically conductive adhesive, with at least one dispensing nozzle (4), at least one workpiece carrier (5) for at least one solar element (2), a feeding device (7) with which the workpiece carrier (5) with at least one solar element (2) arranged thereon is fed to the at least one dispensing nozzle (4) of the Dispensing device (3) can be moved past, and has a distance adjustment device (8) which is designed to set a defined distance at which the at least one solar element (2) for applying adhesive with the workpiece carrier (5) can be moved past the at least one dispensing nozzle (4).

14. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the distance adjustment device (8) is designed to carry out an adjustment movement, in particular wherein the distance adjustment device (8) is designed to move the dispensing nozzle (4) and / or the workpiece carrier (5) and / or a surface (9) of the feed device (7) along which the workpiece carrier (5) at the at least one dispensing nozzle (4) in the adjustment movement in order to set the defined distance.

15. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the distance adjustment device (8) is arranged to carry out an adjustment movement which is transverse or perpendicular to a transfer movement plane of the The workpiece carrier (5) is oriented past the dispensing nozzle (4) and / or along a dispensing direction of the adhesive, in particular parallel to a dispensing direction predetermined by the dispensing nozzle (4), in order to set the defined distance. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (1), in particular in a dispensing region (11) of the dispensing device (3), within which the at least one dispensing nozzle (4) is arranged or formed, has at least one guide (10) against which the workpiece carrier (5) can be positioned with the distance adjustment device (8) and along which the workpiece carrier (5) can be moved past the dispensing nozzle (4) together with a solar element (2) arranged thereon. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the device (1) has a mechanical guide and / or a pneumatic guide, in particular an air cushion, as the guide (10).Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (1) comprises at least one air bearing unit (12) configured to form a pneumatic guide, in particular an air cushion. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (1) comprises at least one guide (10) arranged between a transfer movement plane of the workpiece carrier (5) and the at least one dispensing nozzle. (4) of the dispensing device (3) is arranged or formed, and / or wherein the device (1) has a guide (10) which is arranged on a side of a transfer movement plane of the Workpiece carrier (5) is arranged or formed, in particular on a surface (9) along which the workpiece carrier (5) can be moved past the at least one dispensing nozzle (4).

20. Device according to one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the workpiece carrier (5) has at least one spacer (13) on its side facing the guide (10), with which the workpiece carrier (5) can be positioned against the guide (10).

21. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least one spacer (13) is arranged on a side of the workpiece carrier (5) on which the at least one solar element (2) can be arranged, and / or wherein the at least one spacer (13) has a height that can be measured in the direction of dispensing the adhesive onto the solar element (2) and that is greater than the height that can be measured in the same direction of a solar element (2) arranged on the workpiece carrier (5).

22. Device according to one of claims 16 to 21, wherein the guide (10) has at least one guide rail (14), preferably which is aligned in the direction of the transfer movement of the workpiece carrier (5).

23. Device according to one of claims 16 to 22, wherein the guide, in particular the air bearing unit (12), at least one air outlet opening (15), preferably at least one in the direction of a transfer movement of the workpiece carrier (5) on the at least one discharge nozzle (4) has a row of air outlet openings (15) aligned past it, for forming an air cushion, in particular wherein the at least one air outlet opening (15) is arranged on an air bearing strip (16) the air bearing unit (12).

24. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the workpiece carrier (5) has a counter-bar (17) on its side facing the guide (10), in particular which functions as a spacer (13) and / or as an air bearing surface and / or which is aligned in the direction of the transfer movement.

25. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (1) comprises at least one distance sensor (18) for determining a distance between the at least one dispensing nozzle (4) and a solar element (2) arranged on the at least one workpiece carrier (5), in particular wherein the distance sensor 18 is designed to determine the distance between the dispensing nozzle (4) and the solar element (2) in the dispensing direction of the adhesive and / or for contactless distance measurement.

26. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the distance adjustment device (8) comprises a drive (19), in particular a spindle drive, with which the dispensing nozzle (4) can be adjusted to carry out the adjustment movement.

27. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the feed device (7) comprises a magnetically guided planar drive (20) and the at least one workpiece carrier (5) is a magnetically driven rotor which can be moved past the at least one dispensing nozzle (4) with the planar drive (20) for applying adhesive to the solar element (2).

28. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the Planar drive (20) for multi-coordinate positioning of the workpiece carrier (5) designed as a runner, preferably in six degrees of freedom, and / or wherein the planar drive (20) has a drive surface (9) on which the workpiece carrier (5) is movable, preferably in six degrees of freedom. Device (1) according to one of claims 14 to 28, wherein the at least one dispensing nozzle (4) of the dispensing device (3) is arranged above the surface (9), in particular above the Drive surface (9) of the planar drive (20). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the planar drive (20) functions as a distance adjustment device (8), with which the at least one workpiece carrier (5) can be moved transversely to the transfer movement in order to adjust the defined distance. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (1) comprises an electrostatic On charging device (22) which is designed for electrostatically charging the workpiece carrier (5) and thus for contactless fixing of a solar element (2) on the workpiece carrier (5). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (1) has a control unit (23) which is designed to control the distance setting device (8), in particular as a function of a deviation between the defined distance and an actual distance measured with the distance sensor (18), in order to set the defined distance at which the solar element (2) on the Workpiece carrier (5) is movable past the at least one dispensing nozzle (4). Solar module manufacturing device (24) for producing solar modules from electrically interconnected solar elements (2), wherein the Solar module manufacturing device (24) comprises a device (1) according to one of the preceding claims for applying adhesive to solar elements (2). / Summary

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