Apparatus and method for manufacturing solar cell modules

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for producing a solar cell module (2) from electrically interconnected solar cell elements (3), in particular from electrically interconnected solar panels (3), comprising a feeding device (4) for feeding the solar cell elements (3) for mounting on the solar cell module (2), wherein the feeding device (4) comprises a magnetically guided planar drive (5) with at least two magnetically driven sliders (6), wherein each slider (6) has a respective one workpiece receiving portion (8) in which at least one mounting site (9) for at least one solar cell element (3) is formed.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing solar modules from electrically interconnected solar cell elements, in particular from electrically interconnected solar panels, wherein the apparatus comprises a feeding device for feeding solar cell elements for mounting on a solar module.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a solar module, in which the solar module is fitted with solar elements, in particular solar panels.

[0003] Devices and methods for producing solar modules from solar cell elements are known from practice in different embodiments.

[0004] Here, a new technique is envisaged for assembling a solar module from so-called solar panels, i.e. from panel-like solar cell strips, where the solar cell elements in the finished solar module may be arranged in several rows, with the solar cell elements of one row overlapping the solar cell elements of an adjacent row for electrical contact connection. In this way, a solar cell module is provided which obtains a panel-like structure.

[0005] In this connection, it should be mentioned that the rows in this type of solar cell module may be structures from which solar cell elements are applied, to which a voltage level is applied, so that in this case the rows are not traditional strings, as used in other solar cell modules, but rather the voltage build-up takes place in their longitudinal direction via the solar cell elements combined in strings.

[0006] Voltage build-up in such solar modules can take place across rows of adjacent electrically interconnected solar cell elements, either transversely or perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the rows.

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide an apparatus and a method of the type mentioned at the outset which facilitates the production of solar cell modules that are as flexible as possible and yet economical.

[0008] In order to achieve this object, firstly an apparatus for producing a solar module from electrically interconnected solar cell elements, in particular from electrically interconnected solar panels, is proposed, which has the means and features of the first independent claim directed to such an apparatus. In order to achieve this object, therefore, in particular an apparatus for producing a solar module is proposed, which comprises a feeding device for feeding solar cell elements for mounting on the solar module. This apparatus is characterized in that, according to the invention, the feeding device comprises a magnetically guided planar drive with at least two magnetically driven sliders. Each slider has at least one mounting site for at least one solar cell element, preferably at least two or three mounting sites, in each case a workpiece receiver in which is formed.

[0009] The use of a feeding device including a magnetically guided planar drive having at least two magnetically driven sliders as a transport means for transporting solar cell elements for mounting on a solar cell module enables extremely flexible production of solar cell modules.

[0010] It becomes possible to manufacture one and the same apparatus for manufacturing solar cell modules to manufacture solar cell modules having different solar cell panel sizes and / or solar cell element configurations within one solar cell module without time-consuming reassembly measures or replacement processes.

[0011] In this way, an apparatus is provided that allows for highly flexible manufacturing of solar modules, without commitment to a specific solar cell element size and / or solar cell element geometry or to a specific solar cell module size and / or solar cell module geometry.

[0012] The device according to the invention makes it possible, for example, to first produce a solar cell module of a first type and subsequently - without complex recombination measures - to produce a solar cell module of a second solar cell module type which differs from the first type, for example in terms of the number of solar cell elements per solar cell module and / or in terms of the size and / or geometry of the solar cell elements and / or the arrangement of the solar cell elements inside the solar cell module.

[0013] In one embodiment of the device, it is provided that at least two placement points for at least one solar cell element are arranged in each workpiece receiver. In this way, it is possible to simultaneously feed two or more solar cell elements for attachment to a solar cell module with one slider of the magnetically guided planar drive. This allows the productivity of the device to be increased.

[0014] The planar drive may be configured for preferably independent multi-coordinate positioning of at least two sliders.

[0015] Preferably, the planar drive has six degrees of freedom for independent multi-coordinate positioning of the at least two sliders, such that each of the at least two sliders can be moved in or around up to six axes independent of one slider or any other slider of the planar drive.

[0016] Therefore, linear motion of the sliders in the X, Y and Z directions, where X, Y and Z respectively represent spatial coordinates, as well as rotation of the sliders about the three spatial axes X, Y and Z mentioned above, are possible. These sliders are therefore movable in six degrees of freedom using planar drives.

[0017] The magnetically guided planar drive can have a drive surface on which at least two sliders can be positioned independently of one another, as described above, by which the solar cell elements are fed to the attachment to the solar cell module, and on or above the drive surface, the sliders can be suspended based on magnetic levitation and moved by the magnetically guided planar drive.

[0018] Below the drive surface, the planar drive may have a stator or stator that may position the slider on the drive surface.

[0019] A transfer area may be defined on the drive surface, in which at least two sliders can be positioned next to each other in several rows for the arrangement of the solar cell elements to be arranged on the resting places of their workpiece supports. For this purpose, the sliders can target individual and / or variable transfer positions within the transfer area. In this way, the sliders of the planar drive can be used in a very flexible manner to arrange the solar cell elements in a specific arrangement already in the aforementioned transfer area before attachment to the solar cell module. This makes it possible, for example, to arrange the solar cell elements in several rows extending over two or more sliders, so that the solar cell elements are then fed row by row to the attachment to the solar cell module.

[0020] The apparatus may comprise a mounting device, by means of which the solar cell elements arranged in the workpiece receiving part of the slider can be removed from the placement location and preferably fed row by row to the placement on the solar cell module. The mounting device may have at least one gripper, preferably at least one suction gripper, for this purpose. The mounting device may be configured to move the at least one gripper in at least two or three degrees of freedom. In the case of an embodiment of the mounting device, it is possible to move the at least one gripper in three spatial axes (X, Y and Z) as well as around a pivot axis. In this way, it is possible to receive the solar cell elements prepared at the transfer position by means of the slider, to transport them further in a transfer movement and then to place them in the desired laying arrangement on a rack for placement on the solar cell module, for example on a transport unit, which will be described in more detail further below.

[0021] In order to be able to place the solar cell elements in rows and / or in a shingle arrangement, it may be expedient to place the solar cell elements in an inclined alignment by means of at least one gripper of the mounting device, i.e. in an alignment in which the underside of the solar cell element forms an acute angle with the base on which the solar cell elements are to be placed for attachment to the solar module. This allows for a precise placement of the solar cell elements when attaching them to the solar module, which have already been placed in rows in a so-called shingle arrangement. For this purpose, at least one gripper of the mounting device may be pivotally supported by means of a swivel joint. In one embodiment of the device, the linear guide may be pivotally supported via at least one swivel joint in order to make the at least one gripper pivotable.

[0022] As already mentioned above, the apparatus can have a transport unit, for example a transport belt. On the transport unit, in particular on the transport belt, the solar cell elements for mounting on the solar cell module can preferably be placed in a shingle arrangement. The transport unit can then be used to feed the solar cell module with the mounted solar cell elements to a subsequent processing step and / or handling step. Thus, for example, it is possible to feed the solar cell elements to a subsequent processing step, for example to a heating section of the apparatus, by means of the transport unit. In the subsequent processing step, the solar cell elements can be interconnected or the adhesion between the solar cell elements of the mounted solar module can be cured.

[0023] The device can comprise a suction device with a negative pressure source and suction means. The suction means can be assigned to the aforementioned transport unit on which the solar cell elements can rest for attachment to the solar cell module. As suction means, for example, a suction table can be used, which is connected to the negative pressure source of the suction device. The transport unit, in particular the transport belt, can run on the suction table. Here, it can be advantageous if the transport unit, in particular in particular the transport belt, is air-permeable, in particular perforated. Thereby, the negative pressure generated by the negative pressure source can be transferred via the suction means, in particular in particular via the suction table, to the transport unit and to the solar cell elements positioned on the transport unit, whereby the solar cell elements are fixed on the transport unit in their arrangement. That is to say, the suction means can be configured to fix the solar cell elements placed on the transport unit to the transport unit by negative pressure. This is advantageous. This is because, although the solar cell elements placed on the transport unit for attachment to the solar cell module are interconnected, for example row by row, by application of a conductive adhesive, the adhesive bonds between the solar cell elements may not yet be fully hardened and the adhesive bonds cannot completely prevent the solar cell elements from slipping off the transport unit.

[0024] The suction means, in particular the suction table, can reach up to the working area of ​​the heating part of the device, which is provided for hardening the adhesive bonds between the solar cell elements of the mounted solar cell module, within which working area the solar cell elements can be transported inside and / or through it by means of a transport unit.

[0025] The aforementioned drive surface of the planar drive can be formed between a storage station for the solar cell elements and the mounting device, where the solar cell elements can be stored, for example in stacks, from which they can be picked up and placed on a resting place in the workpiece receptacle of the slider and then fed together with the workpiece receptacle to the mounting on the solar cell module.

[0026] The device can comprise at least one handling device with at least one gripper, in particular at least one suction gripper, by means of which the solar cell elements can be placed one after the other or simultaneously on the placement sites of the workpiece receiving part of the slider in the receiving position.

[0027] The device may comprise an alignment determining device for determining the alignment of the solar cell element in the handling device described above. This alignment determining device may be an optical alignment determining device and may for example have a camera. For example, the alignment of the solar cell element in the handling device may be determined based on the outer contour of the solar cell element and / or on a print that can be placed on the solar cell element. Information about the determined alignment of the solar cell element can now be used for properly placing the solar cell element in a placement location in the workpiece receiving part of the slider.

[0028] The device, in particular the planar drive, can comprise a control unit which can be configured to position the slider accordingly depending on the determined alignment of the solar cell element on the handling device, so that the solar cell element is in the desired alignment at the placement point of the workpiece receiver of the slider when the solar cell element is placed.

[0029] In this way, it is ensured that the solar cell element placed on the placement site in the workpiece receiver of the slider is positioned correctly and in the correct alignment for attachment to the solar cell module in the workpiece receiver, whereby a new alignment of the solar cell element in and / or by the handling device can be avoided.

[0030] The device may include a bonding station, which has at least one discharge nozzle for discharging conductive adhesive onto the solar cell element arranged at the mounting location. The at least one discharge nozzle may be arranged above the drive surface of the planar drive, for example above the drive surface of the planar drive described above.

[0031] In order to be able to apply the conductive adhesive to the solar cell element, the solar cell element can be moved past under the discharge nozzle using a slider, during which time the conductive adhesive can be applied to the solar cell element.

[0032] The use of magnetically guided planar drives and sliders also has advantages in connection with the application of conductive adhesives.

[0033] The multiple degrees of freedom with which the slider can be moved while discharging the conductive adhesive onto the solar cell element make it possible to influence specific application parameters relative to at least one discharging nozzle during application of the conductive adhesive via the positioning of the slider and the solar cell element disposed thereon.

[0034] Thus, for example, in order to adapt the application of the conductive adhesive, it is possible to move the slider with the solar cell element arranged thereon past the at least one discharge nozzle at different speeds. Furthermore, it is possible to adjust the distance between the at least one placement point of the slider on the workpiece support and the at least one discharge nozzle by a corresponding movement of the slider in the direction of the Z-axis, which may be aligned vertically. This can also affect the application of the conductive adhesive to the solar cell element.

[0035] The gluing station preferably has a number of discharge nozzles that corresponds to the number of mounting points on the workpiece carrier of the slider. At least two of the existing discharge nozzles can be arranged offset from one another by the gluing station in the direction of movement of the slider. The offset arrangement of the at least two discharge nozzles allows a desired arrangement of the discharge nozzles that is independent of their own construction space, so that adhesive beads of conductive adhesive can be applied even on relatively narrow solar cell elements with only small spacings.

[0036] The device can comprise at least one inspection station, which is configured to inspect the adhesive application on the solar cell elements arranged in the workpiece receiver and / or to inspect the solar cell elements arranged in the workpiece receiver, which can here be provided at or on the drive surface of the planar drive, for example at or on the drive surface of the planar drive already mentioned above.

[0037] By means of the slider, the solar cell elements arranged in the workpiece receivers can be preferably fed to an inspection station after application of the conductive adhesive, which can take place in the gluing station as already described above, and inspected accordingly there. The inspection station can have at least one sensor configured to inspect the solar cell elements and / or the adhesive application to the solar cell elements.

[0038] Preferably, the inspection station has a number of sensors corresponding to the number of mounting sites for the solar cell elements in the workpiece receiving part of one slider, in this way making it possible to simultaneously inspect all the solar cell elements positioned in the workpiece receiving part of the slider for correctness of the solar cell elements and / or the adhesive application thereon.

[0039] As sensors, optical sensors can be used, for example fork light barriers or cameras, however, it is also possible to use mechanical sensors, for example detection sensors, as sensors.

[0040] A removal device may be assigned to the inspection station. The removal device may be configured to reject incorrect solar cell elements. Here, the removal device may have at least one gripper, in particular at least one suction gripper. If an inspection of the solar cell elements and / or the adhesive application thereon shows that the solar cell elements and / or the adhesive application thereon are incorrect, the solar cell elements in question can be removed from the workpiece receiving part of the slider by means of the removal device and rejected from the production process. This facilitates that as far as possible only correct solar cell elements are fed to the attachment to the solar cell module. This can significantly increase the production quality achievable with the device and can significantly reduce the rejection rate of the manufactured solar cell modules.

[0041] The device may comprise an electrostatic station, which may be configured to electrostatically charge and / or electrostatically discharge the workpiece support of the slider. In this way, the solar cell elements can be fixed to the workpiece receiver by means of electrostatic charging during their feeding for installation in the solar cell module. The use of electrostatic transport fixation allows contactless fixing of the solar cell elements to the workpiece support, which makes it possible to dispense with relatively laborious mechanical fastening devices.

[0042] For reliable electrostatic fixation of the solar cell element in the workpiece receiving part of the slider, it may be advantageous to first completely discharge the workpiece receiving part electrostatically. This can be done by means of at least one discharge contact of the electrostatic station. The electrostatic station can have at least one charging contact, by means of which the workpiece receiving part of the slider can be electrostatically charged to a desired value.

[0043] Advantageously, at least one charging contact and / or at least one discharging contact of the electrostatic station can here be arranged or formed stationarily and / or immovably in the electrostatic station of the device, which allows the construction of the electrostatic station to be significantly simplified.

[0044] The relative movement between the live or discharge contact and the workpiece receiving part of the slider can again be produced by a magnetically induced planar drive and slider.

[0045] In order to enable the workpiece receiving portion to be discharged by means of the at least one discharge contact, the slider can bring the workpiece receiving portion into contact with the at least one discharge contact of the electrostatic station. Likewise, the workpiece receiving portion of the slider can be brought into contact with the at least one charging contact of the electrostatic station by a corresponding movement of the slider, whereby the workpiece receiving portion is electrostatically charged to a desired value.

[0046] In one embodiment of the device, the workpiece receiving portion of the slider is configured to receive a matrix pattern of a plurality of solar cell elements, in this way making it possible to already prepare a matrix pattern of individual solar cell elements for attachment to the solar cell module, which matrix pattern corresponds to at least one partial pattern of the solar cell module to be attached, on the workpiece receiving portion of the slider.

[0047] The device can comprise at least one inspection device for inspecting the solar cell elements for damage and / or dimensional stability and / or geometry. This inspection device can here be upstream connected to the drive surface of the planar drive, for example to the drive surface of the planar drive already mentioned above. In this way, it is possible to reject incorrect solar cell elements before they are placed on the placement sites of the workpiece receiver and fed to the attachment to the solar cell module.

[0048] To achieve this object, an apparatus is also proposed with the features of the preamble of claim 1 or the features of any one of claims 1 to 16, which comprises a mounting device, for example as already described above, by means of which the solar cell elements prepared in an initial position can be received and released in a defined target position for attachment to the solar cell module, the mounting device having at least two groups of grippers, in particular suction grippers, whose mutual spacing between them is variable, by means of which the solar cell elements are received in an initial position and released in a target position offset from the initial position for attachment to the solar cell module.

[0049] The placement device can have for this purpose a linear guide along which the groups of grippers are arranged so as to be slidable relative to one another, which can here be aligned transversely or perpendicularly to the conveying direction of a transport unit, for example a transport unit connected downstream of the placement device as already mentioned above, and / or can itself be movable in this conveying direction.

[0050] The gripper group can thus be movable, in particular along a linear guide, in a first direction and / or transversely or perpendicularly to the transport direction of a transport unit, for example the transport unit already mentioned above, in which the photovoltaic modules and photovoltaic elements connected downstream of the placement device are placed. It is also possible for the gripper group to be movable transversely or perpendicularly to the movement direction preset by the linear guide mentioned above. For this purpose, the placement device can have a transport guide, in particular a portal, along which the gripper group can slide in a second direction. This second direction can be aligned transversely or perpendicularly to the first direction.

[0051] In this way, the solar cell elements can be received by means of the mounting device from a transfer position where they are prepared for mounting on the solar module and placed in the desired manner for mounting on the solar module, possibly being repositioned and / or merged in a row by the relative movement of at least two groups of grippers, so that the most different laying patterns of the solar cell elements can be produced during mounting on the solar module.

[0052] In order to achieve this object, a method for manufacturing a solar cell module is also proposed, in which a solar cell module is fitted with solar cell elements, in particular solar panels, the method having the measures and features of a first independent claim directed to such a method. In order to achieve this object, it is therefore proposed in a method for manufacturing solar cell elements, in which the solar cell elements are fed to the fitting to the solar cell module by means of a magnetically driven slider of a magnetically guided planar drive.

[0053] Here, the solar cell elements can be arranged in at least one row together with the sliders, in particular at a transfer position in a transfer area of ​​the mounting device. The solar cell elements can then be transported to the transfer position in the transfer area of ​​the mounting device by means of the sliders. By using highly flexibly driven sliders of a magnetically guided planar drive, the solar cell elements can be fed to the mounting section for the solar cell module in almost any desired arrangement and relative alignment to one another and presented for mounting on the solar cell module.

[0054] For the attachment to the solar cell module, the solar cell elements can be placed on a transport unit, which can be configured, for example, as a transport belt. By means of the transport unit, the solar cell module with the attached solar cell elements can be fed to a subsequent processing step. For example, the solar cell module with the attached solar cell elements can be fed to a heating section by means of the transport unit, whereby the adhesive bonds between the solar cell elements or between the rows of the solar cell elements of the solar cell module, which will be described in more detail below, can be hardened. In this connection, it can also be advantageous to fix the solar cell elements of the attached solar cell module to the transport unit by means of negative pressure until the adhesive bonds have hardened. The aforementioned heating can harden the adhesive bonds between the solar cell elements of the attached solar cell module, in particular between the rows of the solar cell elements.

[0055] The solar cell module can be placed on a placement site in the workpiece receiver of the slider, for example, by means of a handling device, which can be, for example, a handling device of an apparatus for manufacturing solar cell modules as described above.

[0056] It is possible to determine the alignment of the solar cell element before the solar cell element is placed on the mounting location. The slider can therefore be driven and aligned according to the determined alignment of the solar cell element before the solar cell element is placed on the mounting location, so that the solar cell element is placed on the mounting location correctly aligned in the handling device without changing its alignment. Possible alignment errors of the solar cell element can thus be compensated for by a corresponding positioning of the slider during placement on the mounting location, so that the solar cell element is correctly positioned on the mounting location after placement.

[0057] Here, the slider can move in and / or around at least one of up to six axes according to its up to six degrees of freedom.

[0058] In one embodiment of the method, it is provided that the conductive adhesive is applied from at least one discharge nozzle of the gluing station, preferably on the edge side, to the solar cell elements positioned at the rest of the workpiece receiver of the slider. Here, the adhesive can be applied during a transport movement of the slider, which is performed relative to the discharge nozzle. Furthermore, the defined spacing between the solar cell elements under the at least one discharge nozzle can be adjusted by a movement of the slider along its preferably vertical movement axis. In this way, it is possible to influence application parameters in a targeted manner during application of the conductive adhesive to the solar cell elements by a targeted movement and / or drive control of the slider, without changing the position of the at least one discharge nozzle.

[0059] In one aspect of the method, it is envisaged that the solar cell elements are fed by means of a slider to an inspection station, in particular for inspection of the adhesive application on or at the solar cell elements, which may be arranged or formed in the region of the already mentioned drive surface of the device.

[0060] In the inspection station, an inspection of the solar cell elements and / or the adhesive application on the solar cell elements can be carried out. Incorrect solar cell elements, i.e. solar cell elements which have defects or on which the adhesive application is not correctly applied, can then be removed from the workpiece receiving part of the slider and rejected from the production process by means of a removal device, for example the removal device of the device already mentioned above.

[0061] In one embodiment of the method, the workpiece receiving portion of the slider is laid with the solar cell elements and can be moved by means of the slider to a transfer position, whereby the solar cell elements are formed in at least one row of solar cell elements on two sliders arranged next to each other in the transfer position. In this way, the solar cell elements can be supplied in several rows to the attachment portion for the solar cell module and prepared for attachment to the solar cell module in several rows. This can be particularly advantageous for the production of solar cell modules in the above-mentioned shingle structure type or in the so-called matrix shingle structure type, in which a row of solar cell elements in a solar module overlaps an adjacent row on the edge side, whereby electrical contact connections are formed with the adjacent rows of solar cell elements.

[0062] In one embodiment of the method, for generating a matrix arrangement, in particular a matrix shingle arrangement, it is envisaged that, during mounting on the solar cell module, for at least every second row of solar cell elements prepared at the transfer position for mounting on the solar cell module, at least one offset element, i.e. a solar cell element having a dimension that is shorter than the remaining solar cell elements in the row, is provided.

[0063] In this connection, it is mentioned that a matrix-like arrangement of solar cell elements may refer to an arrangement of solar cell elements in which the solar cell elements are arranged like masonry with a row-by-row offset relative to one another. In this way, one solar cell element of a row can overlap at least two solar cell elements of an adjacent row. This is advantageous for the formation of alternative current paths in this type of structured solar cell module.

[0064] For the transport and fixation of the solar cell element at the resting point, the workpiece receiver of the slider can be electrostatically charged. This is preferably done up to a defined value. Before this, the workpiece receiver can be electrostatically discharged in advance. Here, the workpiece receiver can be brought into contact with the charging and / or discharging contacts of the electrostatic station by a relative movement of the slider with respect to the charging and / or discharging contacts. An initial discharge of the workpiece receiver, which can be caused for example by a short circuit, is advantageous for subsequently electrostatically charging the workpiece receiver as precisely as possible up to a defined value. The degree of electrostatic charging of the workpiece support can determine the holding force of the electrostatic transport fixation, with which the solar cell element can be fixed at the workpiece support of the slider at the resting point during the supply of the solar cell element for attachment to the solar cell module.

[0065] In one embodiment of the method, it is envisaged that at least one slider performs an avoidance movement next to a slider already in the transfer position before the one slider moves to its target position, thereby avoiding collisions between the solar cell elements placed on the placement locations of the workpiece receiving parts of the sliders.

[0066] Here, it may be assumed that the avoidance movement of the at least one slider is a tilting movement around the movement axis of the at least one slider. However, it is also possible to move the at least one slider along a spatial axis, for example in the Z direction, in order to create space for one slider to run adjacent to the other slider to its target position. In this case, the at least one slider can be raised or lowered, for example, the slider to be moved to its target position. When performing a tilting movement, this can be performed around a movement axis aligned with the movement direction of one slider to its target position.

[0067] In one embodiment of the method, it is envisaged that one slider is raised or lowered between two sliders already in the transfer position before its movement to its target position and / or tilted about an axis of movement, in particular about an axis aligned in its direction of movement to the target position, so as to avoid a collision between the at least one solar cell element arranged on its workpiece receiver and the solar cell element arranged on the workpiece receiver of the slider already in the transfer position. However, it is also possible to previously raise or lower the two sliders between which one slider is to be moved to its target position or to tilt them accordingly, so as to avoid a collision of the solar cell element on the workpiece support of the slider.

[0068] In one embodiment of the method, it is envisaged that the solar cell elements are arranged in a matrix arrangement, in particular in at least two rows and / or with an offset relative to one another, in the workpiece receiving portion of at least one slider, such that the solar cell elements can already be supplied to the mounting portion for the solar cell module in a matrix arrangement which allows them to be found again in the subsequently manufactured solar cell module.

[0069] In order to solve this problem, a method is also proposed with the means and features of the second independent claim directed to a method for manufacturing a solar cell module. Here, it is envisaged that the solar cell elements are fed to the installation on the solar cell module by means of a transport means, in particular by means of a slider of a magnetically guided planar drive, where the solar cell elements are received together by at least two transport means in a transfer position and are combined into a row of solar cell elements for installation on the solar cell module. Here, it may be envisaged that the solar cell elements are combined into a row and placed on a transport unit, for example the transport unit already mentioned above.

[0070] In the transport unit, the solar cell elements can be transported and fixed by means of negative pressure and / or can be fed to a heating section of the aforementioned apparatus, which allows hardening of the adhesive bonds between the solar cell elements of the mounted solar cell module, in particular the adhesive bonds between the rows of the solar cell elements.

[0071] The solar cell elements can be received together using at least two groups of grippers of the placement apparatus and integrated into one row of solar cell elements by relative movement of the gripper groups.

[0072] The solar cell elements can be placed and / or glued together, especially on a transport unit, in a row-by-row manner when they are attached to the solar cell module. The placement of the solar cell elements can take place on a transport unit, for example on the transport unit already described above. The placed solar cell elements can be fixed, for example, on the transport unit by means of negative pressure. For this purpose, a suction device, for example the suction device already described above, can be used with its own negative pressure source and suction means.

[0073] The solar cell elements can be placed such that, when mounted on the solar cell module, they overlap already mounted solar cell elements. Furthermore, the solar cell elements can also be placed such that, when mounted on the solar cell module, they overlap, row by row, the already mounted solar cell elements.

[0074] The solar cell element can be placed on the already positioned solar cell element in such a way that, when mounted on the solar module, its underside forms an acute angle with the mount on which the solar cell element is to be mounted for mounting on the solar module. In this way, the solar cell element can be placed in a manner adapted to the shingle arrangement that occurs when the solar cell elements are placed one on top of the other. Due to the aforementioned inclined placement of the solar cell element on the already positioned solar cell element, this can be carried out with a particularly high positioning accuracy.

[0075] Finally, in order to solve the problem, the use of an apparatus for manufacturing a solar cell module according to any one of claims 1 to 23 for carrying out a method for manufacturing a solar cell module according to any one of claims 24 to 40 is also proposed.

[0076] In the following, the invention is explained in more detail on the basis of examples, to which the invention is not limited. Further embodiments arise by combining the features of individual or several claims with one another and / or in combination with individual or several features of these examples. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0077] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an apparatus for manufacturing solar cell modules, the apparatus comprising a supply device having a magnetically guided planar drive unit and a number of sliders that can be freely positioned on the drive surface of the planar drive unit using the planar drive unit, the sliders being used as a conveying means for supplying solar cell elements to a mounting unit for the solar cell module. [Diagram 2] FIG. 11 is a detailed view of the magnetically guided planar drive on which the slider is positioned to show the degrees of freedom the slider can move in presenting the solar cell element for attachment to the solar module. [Diagram 3]FIG. 11 is a detailed view of the magnetically guided planar drive on which the slider is positioned to show the degrees of freedom the slider can move in presenting the solar cell element for attachment to the solar module. [Figure 4] Various diagrams showing avoidance movements that can be performed by the slider during movement of the slider to a transfer position of the solar cell elements for attachment to a solar cell module in order to avoid collisions between solar cell elements placed in the workpiece receiving portion of the slider. [Diagram 5] Various diagrams showing avoidance movements that can be performed by the slider during movement of the slider to a transfer position of the solar cell elements for attachment to a solar cell module in order to avoid collisions between solar cell elements placed in the workpiece receiving portion of the slider. [Figure 6] Various diagrams showing avoidance movements that can be performed by the slider during movement of the slider to a transfer position of the solar cell elements for attachment to a solar cell module in order to avoid collisions between solar cell elements placed in the workpiece receiving portion of the slider. [Figure 7] Various diagrams showing avoidance movements that can be performed by the slider during movement of the slider to a transfer position of the solar cell elements for attachment to a solar cell module in order to avoid collisions between solar cell elements placed in the workpiece receiving portion of the slider. [Figure 8] 11A-11C are various views for illustrating the placement of the solar cell element on the placement points in the workpiece receiving portion of the slider. [Figure 9] 11A-11C are various views for illustrating the placement of the solar cell element on the placement points in the workpiece receiving portion of the slider. [Figure 10] 11A-11C are various views for illustrating the placement of the solar cell element on the placement points in the workpiece receiving portion of the slider. [Figure 11] 11A-11C are various views for illustrating the placement of the solar cell element on the placement points in the workpiece receiving portion of the slider. [Figure 12]11A-11C are various views for illustrating the placement of the solar cell element on the placement points in the workpiece receiving portion of the slider. [Figure 13] 11A-11C are various views for illustrating the placement of the solar cell element on the placement points in the workpiece receiving portion of the slider. [Figure 14] 11A-11C are various views for illustrating the placement of the solar cell element on the placement points in the workpiece receiving portion of the slider. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the gluing station of the device shown in FIG. 1, in which the gluing station has a total of three discharge nozzles arranged offset from one another by the gluing station in the conveying direction of the slider. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a side view of the bonding station shown in FIG. 15 to illustrate the application of a first adhesive bead of conductive adhesive to first through third solar cell elements disposed in the workpiece receiving portion of the slider. [Figure 17] A side view of the bonding station shown in Figures 15 and 16 to illustrate the application of an adhesive bead of conductive adhesive to the center of three solar cell elements positioned on the mounting area of ​​the workpiece receiving portion of the slider. [Figure 18] 18 is a side view of the bonding station shown in FIGS. 15-17 to illustrate the application of a third adhesive bead of conductive adhesive to a third solar cell element in the workpiece receiving portion. FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an adhesive bead applied to a solar cell element on its edge side made of conductive adhesive. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an adhesive bead applied to a solar cell element on its edge side made of conductive adhesive. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a detailed view showing an electrostatic station for electrostatically discharging and charging the workpiece support for the purpose of transporting and fixing the solar cell element at the resting point of the workpiece receiving part of the slider. [Figure 22]FIG. 13 is a detailed view of the electrostatic station to illustrate the movement of the slider to bring the workpiece support into contact with the discharge contacts of the electrostatic station. [Figure 23] FIG. 13 is a detailed view of the electrostatic station to illustrate the movement of the slider to bring the workpiece support into contact with the discharge contacts of the electrostatic station. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a detailed view of the electrostatic station to illustrate the movement of the slider to bring the workpiece support into contact with the discharge contacts of the electrostatic station. [Diagram 25] A detailed view of the electrostatic station to illustrate the movements that the slider performs to bring its workpiece support into contact with the charging contacts of the electrostatic station in order to electrostatically charge the workpiece receiving portion to a defined value. [Figure 26] A detailed view of the electrostatic station to illustrate the movements that the slider performs to bring its workpiece support into contact with the charging contacts of the electrostatic station in order to electrostatically charge the workpiece receiving portion to a defined value. [Figure 27] A detailed view of the electrostatic station to illustrate the movements that the slider performs to bring its workpiece support into contact with the charging contacts of the electrostatic station in order to electrostatically charge the workpiece receiving portion to a defined value. [Figure 28] 2 is a detailed view showing a transfer area of ​​the mounting apparatus shown in FIG. 1 for supplying solar cell elements to a mounting section for a solar cell module. FIG. [Figure 29] 2 is a detailed view showing a transfer area of ​​the mounting apparatus shown in FIG. 1 for supplying solar cell elements to a mounting section for a solar cell module. FIG. [Diagram 30] 2 is a detailed view showing a transfer area of ​​the mounting apparatus shown in FIG. 1 for supplying solar cell elements to a mounting section for a solar cell module. FIG. [Diagram 31]2 is a detailed view showing a transfer area of ​​the mounting apparatus shown in FIG. 1 for supplying solar cell elements to a mounting section for a solar cell module. FIG. [Diagram 32] 11 is a different side view of the mounting device for illustrating mounting of a solar cell element, which is prepared at a delivery position by using a slider of a planar drive unit, onto a solar cell module. FIG. [Diagram 33] 11 is a different side view of the mounting device for illustrating mounting of a solar cell element, which is prepared at a delivery position by using a slider of a planar drive unit, onto a solar cell module. FIG. [Diagram 34] 11 is a different side view of the mounting device for illustrating mounting of a solar cell element, which is prepared at a delivery position by using a slider of a planar drive unit, onto a solar cell module. FIG. [Diagram 35] 11 is a different side view of the mounting device for illustrating mounting of a solar cell element, which is prepared at a delivery position by using a slider of a planar drive unit, onto a solar cell module. FIG. [Diagram 36] 11 is a different side view of the mounting device for illustrating mounting of a solar cell element, which is prepared at a delivery position by using a slider of a planar drive unit, onto a solar cell module. FIG. [Figure 37] 11 is a different side view of the mounting device for illustrating mounting of a solar cell element, which is prepared at a delivery position by using a slider of a planar drive unit, onto a solar cell module. FIG. [Figure 38] 11 is a different side view of the mounting device for illustrating mounting of a solar cell element, which is prepared at a delivery position by using a slider of a planar drive unit, onto a solar cell module. FIG. [Figure 39] 11 is a different side view of the mounting device for illustrating mounting of a solar cell element, which is prepared at a delivery position by using a slider of a planar drive unit, onto a solar cell module. FIG. [Diagram 40] 11 is a different side view of the mounting device for illustrating mounting of a solar cell element, which is prepared at a delivery position by using a slider of a planar drive unit, onto a solar cell module. FIG. [Diagram 41] 11 is a different side view of the mounting device for illustrating mounting of a solar cell element, which is prepared at a delivery position by using a slider of a planar drive unit, onto a solar cell module. FIG. [Diagram 42] 11 is a different side view of the mounting device for illustrating mounting of a solar cell element, which is prepared at a delivery position by using a slider of a planar drive unit, onto a solar cell module. FIG. [Diagram 43] 11 is a different side view of the mounting device for illustrating mounting of a solar cell element, which is prepared at a delivery position by using a slider of a planar drive unit, onto a solar cell module. FIG. [Diagram 44] This is a detailed view of the transfer area of ​​the mounting device for mounting solar cell elements on a solar cell module, where it can be seen that the workpiece receiving portion of the slider is loaded with solar cell elements arranged in a matrix or masonry-like arrangement, whereby the arrangement of the solar cell elements on the workpiece receiving portion of the slider is rediscovered on the solar cell module on which the solar cell elements have been mounted on the transport unit of the device. [Diagram 45] A further detailed view showing the transfer area of ​​the apparatus shown in Figure 1, where it can be seen that each slider has on its workpiece support an arrangement and number of solar cell elements that correspond to the arrangement and number of solar cell elements in the solar cell module to which the solar cell elements are mounted on the transport unit. [Figure 46] FIG. 2 is a further detailed view showing a mounting device that can be used in the device shown in FIG. 1 and has a linear guide section with a total of four groups of grippers arranged therein, in which the gripper groups for mounting the solar cell elements prepared on the slider of the planar drive section on the solar cell module can move relative to each other along the linear guide sections independently of each other. [Figure 47] FIG. 2 is a further detailed view showing a mounting device that can be used in the device shown in FIG. 1 and has a linear guide section with a total of four groups of grippers arranged therein, in which the gripper groups for mounting the solar cell elements prepared on the slider of the planar drive section on the solar cell module can move relative to each other along the linear guide sections independently of each other. [Figure 48]FIG. 2 is a further detailed view showing a mounting device that can be used in the device shown in FIG. 1 and has a linear guide section with a total of four groups of grippers arranged therein, in which the gripper groups for mounting the solar cell elements prepared on the slider of the planar drive section on the solar cell module can move relative to each other along the linear guide sections independently of each other. [Figure 49] FIG. 2 is a further detailed view showing a mounting device that can be used in the device shown in FIG. 1 and has a linear guide section with a total of four groups of grippers arranged therein, in which the gripper groups for mounting the solar cell elements prepared on the slider of the planar drive section on the solar cell module can move relative to each other along the linear guide sections independently of each other. [Figure 50] FIG. 2 is a separate view of an inspection station of the apparatus for inspecting the solar cell elements and / or the adhesive application on the solar cell elements. [Figure 51] FIG. 51 is an enlarged view of the detail marked with a circle in FIG. 50.

[0078] In Figure 1 there is shown an apparatus, generally designated 1, for producing a solar module 2 from electrically interconnected solar cell elements 3, in particular from electrically interconnected solar panels. In the remaining Figures 2 to 49 the individual functional units or part areas of the apparatus 1 are shown separately.

[0079] The apparatus 1 includes a supply device 4 for supplying the solar cell element 3 to a mounting portion for the solar cell module 2.

[0080] The feed device 4 includes a magnetically guided planar drive 5 having a number of magnetically driven sliders 6 which are freely and independently positionable in six degrees of freedom on a drive surface 7 of the planar drive 5.

[0081] Each of the sliders 6 has a workpiece receptacle 8 in which is formed a mounting location 9 for at least one solar cell element 3, 31 in each case. The planar drive 5 is designed for multi-coordinate positioning of the sliders 6 in six degrees of freedom.

[0082] The solar cell element 3 is a solar cell element having a longer length compared to the solar cell element 31, which may also be referred to as an offset element. These solar cell elements 3 and 31 together can be used to manufacture the solar cell module 2 in a so-called row-and-row panel construction manner. Therefore, the solar cell elements 3 and 31 may also be referred to as a solar panel or a solar cell strip.

[0083] The magnetically guided planar drive 5 has the already mentioned drive surface 7, by means of which the sliders 6 can be positioned independently of one another. This drive surface 7 is formed from individual drive modules 10 of the planar drive. These drive modules 10 can have or include drive units, for example stators and / or stators of the planar drive 5.

[0084] A transfer area 11 is defined on the drive surface 7. This transfer area 11 is shown in detail, for example, in figures 1, 28 to 33 and 44 to 49.

[0085] In the transfer area 11 , a number of sliders 6 can be positioned next to each other in rows 12 for the construction of the solar cell elements 3 arranged on the resting places 9 of their workpiece receivers 8 .

[0086] Adjacent to the transfer area 11, the device 1 has a mounting device 13 by means of which the solar cell elements 3 arranged on the sliders 6 can be removed from the resting points 9 and placed on a rack 14, for example for the mounting of row-by-row solar cell modules 2.

[0087] Each of the placement devices 13 shown in the figures has for this purpose at least a number of grippers 15. All grippers 15 shown in the figures are configured as suction grippers which allow gentle handling of the solar cell elements 3.

[0088] The solar cell elements 3 are placed on a transport unit 16 of the apparatus 1 configured as a conveyor belt for attachment to the solar cell module 2. The transport belt 16 is used here as a stand 14 on which the solar cell elements 3 can be placed for attachment to the solar cell module 2.

[0089] The drawing showing the transport unit 16 and the stand 14 makes it clear that the solar cell elements 3 for attachment to the solar cell module 2 are placed in a shingle arrangement, and in what may be referred to as a matrix arrangement similar to masonry due to its structure, or a matrix shingle arrangement.

[0090] Here, the solar cell elements 3 of one row 12 overlap the solar cell elements 3 of an adjacent row 12 in the following way: one solar cell element 3 of the overlapping row overlaps and covers two solar cell elements 3 from the overlapping row 12.

[0091] 1 shows that the apparatus 1 is equipped with a suction device 38, which has a negative pressure source 39 and suction means 40 assigned to the transport unit 16, which in the embodiment of the apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 is formed as a suction table. The transport unit 16 is formed as a perforated, therefore air-permeable, transport belt which is guided via the suction means 40. The suction means 40 is arranged below the transport unit 16 and is designed to fix the solar cell elements 3 placed on the transport unit 16 to the transport unit 16 by negative pressure. The suction means 40 here extends into the area of ​​action of a heating element 33 of the apparatus 1, which serves to cure the adhesive bonds between the solar cell elements 3 of the mounted solar cell modules 2.

[0092] Therefore, in the transport unit 16, the solar cell elements 3 are transported and fixed using negative pressure, and then supplied to the heating section 33. The heating section 33 hardens the adhesive bonds between the solar cell elements 3 of the mounted solar cell module 2, in particular the adhesive bonds between the rows of the solar cell elements 3.

[0093] In order to be able to place the solar cell elements 3 particularly accurately in the above-mentioned shingle arrangement when mounting them on the solar cell module 2, the grippers 15 of the mounting device 13 shown in Figures 33 to 44 are movable with multiple degrees of freedom. This makes it possible to place the solar cell elements 3 precisely in an inclined position, as shown on the one hand in Figures 32 to 35 and on the other hand in Figures 36 to 43, on the solar cell elements 3 already mounted on the stand 14, preferably row by row in a shingle arrangement, by means of the grippers 15 which maintain the inclination.

[0094] 1 makes clear that a drive surface 7 of the planar drive 5 is formed between a stock station 17 for the solar cell elements 3 and the above-mentioned mounting device 13. This drive surface 7 is used, inter alia, to position the solar cell elements 3, which can be fed to the mounting on the solar cell module 2 by means of the sliders 6 of the planar drive 5, adjacent to the mounting device 13 in a desired arrangement optimized for mounting on the solar cell module 2, in a transfer area 11 of the drive surface 7.

[0095] Due to the free positioning possibility of the slider 6 on the drive surface 7 of the planar drive 5, almost any arbitrary laying pattern that may be generated when mounting the solar cell element 3 on the solar cell module 2 can be prepared by corresponding provision of the solar cell element 3 in the transfer area 11 using the slider 6.

[0096] Furthermore, the device 1 comprises three handling devices 18, each of which on four arms comprises a number of grippers 15, which are likewise configured as suction grippers. By means of the handling devices 18, it is possible to place the solar cell elements 3 one after the other or simultaneously on the placement points 9 of the workpiece receiving part 8 of the slider 6 in the receiving position.

[0097] The free positioning possibilities of the slider 6 in six degrees of freedom are explained in more detail in Figures 2 and 3. Here, it is observed that the slider 6 can run on the drive surface 7 of the planar drive 5 in the X, Y and Z directions. Furthermore, the slider 6 can additionally also tilt, rotate or pivot about each of the three aforementioned axes.

[0098] The placement of the solar cell element 3 on the placement points 9 in the workpiece receiving part 8 of the slider 6 is shown in more detail in FIGS.

[0099] The apparatus 1 comprises a number of optical alignment determining devices 19 for determining the alignment of the solar cell element 3 in the handling device 18. By using the alignment determining devices 19, based on the outer contour of the solar cell element 3 and / or based on the prints present on the solar cell element 3, it is possible to determine the specific alignment of the handling device 18 and of the solar cell element 3 held in its gripper 15 before the solar cell element is placed on the slider 6 in the receiving position.

[0100] The device 1, in particular the planar drive 5, comprises a control unit 20. This control unit 20 is configured in such a way that the sliders 6 are positioned in their receiving positions adjacent to the handling devices 18 depending on the alignment of the solar cell elements 3 determined in the handling devices 18, so that the solar cell elements 3 can be placed on one of the placement sites 9 of the workpiece receiving parts 8 of the sliders 6 according to their alignment and without realignment of the handling devices 18. Before placement for receiving the solar cell elements 3, the sliders 6 are brought into an alignment in which they can receive the solar cell elements 3 adjusted to the specifically determined alignment of the solar cell elements 3 in the grippers 15 of the handling devices 18, so that the solar cell elements 3 can be properly placed on the placement sites 9 of the workpiece receiving parts 8 of the sliders 6.

[0101] Figure 8 shows the slider 6 in a receiving position in a handling device 18. This handling device 18 has a number of grippers 15 and is configured to hold a total of three solar cell elements 3 simultaneously.

[0102] 8 shows that each of the three solar cell elements 3 is arranged in a different alignment on the gripper 15. Using the mobility of the slider 6 in six degrees of freedom, the slider 6 can be aligned according to the alignment of the solar cell elements 3 in the handling device 18 before the individual solar cell elements 3 are received. The goal here is to position the solar cell element 3 in one of the resting points 9 of the workpiece receiving part 8 of the slider in the correct alignment to be gripped with the gripper 15 directly without costly displacement or re-handling.

[0103] For this purpose, the slider 6 according to Figure 9 is positioned in a first alignment in the handling device 18 depending on the alignment of the first solar cell element 3, and the first solar cell element 3 is placed on the first mounting location 9 of the workpiece receiving portion 8 of the slider 6.

[0104] 10 shows the same procedure for a second solar cell element 3, which is prepared for placement in a handling device 18. Depending on the alignment of this solar cell element 3, the slider 6 is aligned accordingly under the gripper 15 and the solar cell element 3 is subsequently placed on a second placement point 9 in the workpiece receiver 8 of the slider 6.

[0105] The placement of the third solar cell element 3 shown in Fig. 11 is carried out in a similar manner, where the alignment of the slider 6 is again performed depending on the alignment established in the handling device 18 for the third solar cell element 3 before the solar cell element 3 is placed on the placement site 9 in the workpiece receiving part 8 of the slider.

[0106] 12, 13 and 14 clarify a further means for placing the solar cell element 3 on the placement point 9 of the workpiece receiver 8 of the slider 6. Here, the slider 6 is raised by one block in the direction of the respective gripper 15 of the handling device 18 - additionally to the previously described positioning of the slider 6 depending on the positioning of the solar cell element 3 in the handling device 18. For placing the solar cell element 3, the gripper 15 therefore no longer needs to be lowered in the direction of the placement point 9 as shown in Figs. 12 to 14. The solar cell element 3 only needs to be released by raising the slider 6 to pick up the solar cell element 3 to be placed. The gripper 15 can then be run to a retracted position. This allows the cycle times for placing the solar cell element 3 on the placement point 9 of the workpiece receiver 8 of the slider 6 to be shortened, which increases the economy of the device 1.

[0107] 15 to 20 show a detailed view of the gluing station 21 of the device 1. This gluing station 21 comprises a total of three discharge nozzles 22 for discharging the conductive adhesive onto the solar cell elements 3 arranged at the resting places 9 of the sliders 6. For this purpose, these discharge nozzles 22 are arranged above the drive surface 7 of the planar drive 5, so that these sliders 6 together with the solar cell elements 3 positioned thereon can move past the discharge nozzles 22, so that the conductive adhesive from the discharge nozzles 22 can be applied onto the solar cell elements 3 in the form of an adhesive bead 23.

[0108] The gluing station 21 therefore has a number of discharge nozzles 22 corresponding to the number of placement sites 9 in the workpiece receptacle 8 of the slider 6, in particular three discharge nozzles 22. All three discharge nozzles 22 are arranged offset from one another by the gluing station 21 in the direction of movement of the slider 6. As a result, adhesive beads 23 of electrically conductive adhesive can also be applied at a comparatively small mutual distance to the solar cell elements 3 which are accordingly positioned in the workpiece receptacle 8.

[0109] 15 to 20 show the application of the adhesive bead 23, where FIG. 20 reproduces a detailed view of the solar cell element 3 with the adhesive bead 23 produced thereon. The application of the conductive adhesive to the solar cell element 3 can be influenced in a targeted manner by the movement of the sliders 6 according to at least one of the total of six degrees of freedom in which each of the sliders 6 can move. Thereby, it may be advantageous, for example, to adapt the distance between the solar cell element 3 in the workpiece receiving part 8 of the slider 6 and the discharge nozzle 22 of the gluing station 21 by a corresponding movement of the slider 6 in the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, the application of the adhesive bead 23 can also be influenced by adapting the speed of the slider 6 with which it is moved by the gluing station 21.

[0110] The application of adhesive to the solar cell element 3 can take place in various forms. It is thus possible, for example, to apply conductive adhesive to the solar cell element 3 in the form of a continuous adhesive bead 23. However, it is also possible to apply conductive adhesive to the solar cell element 3 in the form of a dot or dashed pattern or in the form of a dashed-dotted pattern. This can be achieved by correspondingly controlling the discharge nozzle 22 in the gluing station 21 of the device 1. The control of the discharge nozzle 22 can here take place by the control unit 20 already mentioned above.

[0111] The device 1 comprises an inspection station 35, which is arranged at or on the drive surface 7 of the planar drive 5. The inspection station 35 serves to inspect the adhesive application on the solar cell element 3 arranged in the workpiece receiver 8 and also for inspecting the solar cell element 3 arranged in the workpiece receiver 8.

[0112] For this purpose, the inspection station 35 has three sensors 36, which are used in particular to check the adhesive application on the individual solar cell elements 3. In the embodiment shown in the drawing, the sensors 36 are configured as so-called fork light barriers. However, it is also possible to use detection sensors and / or cameras as sensors 36 additionally or alternatively.

[0113] The inspection device 35 is connected downstream of the gluing station 21 and is shown in more detail in FIGS. 50 and 51. FIG. 50 shows that a removal device 37 is assigned to this inspection station 35. This removal device 37 is designed to remove incorrect solar cell elements 3. Incorrect solar cell elements 3 may be those that have been inspected as incorrect within the scope of an inspection in the inspection station 35, for example because the solar cell elements 3 themselves are incorrect, for example damaged, or the conductive adhesive was not applied correctly.

[0114] The removal device 37 has a gripper 15 configured as a suction gripper. The gripper 15 of the removal device 37 is movable along a linear axis 41, so that by means of the gripper 15 an incorrect solar cell element 3 can be removed from the workpiece receiver 8 and excluded from the production process.

[0115] If inspection of the solar cell elements 3 fed to the inspection station 35 by means of the slider 6 shows that the solar cell elements 3 or the adhesive application thereon are incorrect, these incorrect solar cell elements 3 can be removed from the workpiece receiving portion 8 of the slider 6 by means of the removal device 37 and rejected from the production process by the movement of the gripper 15 along the linear axis 41. This facilitates that as far as possible only correct solar cell elements 3 are fed following attachment to the solar cell module 2 by means of the slider 6.

[0116] 21 to 27 show the electrostatic station 24 of the device 1. This station 24 is used to electrostatically charge and discharge the workpiece receptacle 8 of the slider 6. For this purpose, the station 24 has two charging contacts 25 and two discharging contacts 26. Both the charging contacts 25 and the discharging contacts 26 are arranged in a fixed position in the station 24. The electrostatic charging of the workpiece receptacle 8 is used to fix the solar cell element 3 on the resting place 9. Due to the electrostatic charging of the workpiece receptacle 8, the solar cell element 3 can be reliably fixed on the resting place 9 for feeding by electrostatic attraction.

[0117] For a targeted and especially reproducible adjustment of the holding force for electrostatically fixing the solar cell element 3 on the mounting location 9, the workpiece support 8 is first electrostatically discharged. This is done via the discharge contacts 26 of the electrostatic station 24.

[0118] For electrostatic discharge, the slider 6 is first positioned below the discharge contact 26 and then raised by a movement in the Z-axis direction until the workpiece receiving portion 8 contacts the discharge contact 26 .

[0119] This creates a short circuit which leads to electrostatic discharge of the workpiece receiver 8. The positioning of the slider 6 with its workpiece receiver 8 relative to the discharge contact 26 is shown in more detail in Figures 22 to 24.

[0120] The intended electrostatic charging of the workpiece receiving part 8 of the slider 6 is shown in Figures 25 to 27. For this purpose, the slider 6 is first positioned below the charging contacts 25 of the electrostatic station 24. The slider 6 is then raised in the Z direction until the workpiece receiving part 8 comes into contact with the charging contacts 25 of the electrostatic station 24 and can be electrostatically charged. The workpiece receiving part 8 is then presented to the handling device 18 for receiving the solar cell element 3.

[0121] 44-49 clarify that the workpiece receiving portion 8 of the slider 6 is also configured to receive the solar cell elements 3 in a matrix pattern arrangement from a plurality of solar cell elements 3. In this way, the solar cell elements 3 can be prepared in the transfer area 11 of the drive surface 7 adjacent the mounting device 13 for mounting to the solar cell module 2 in an arrangement that is useful for mounting to the solar cell module 2 in a matrix arrangement or a matrix shingle arrangement.

[0122] Furthermore, the device 1 has a number of inspection devices 27, which are configured to inspect the solar cell elements 3 for damage and / or dimensional stability and / or geometry. The inspection devices 27 are arranged in the region of the handling device 18 and are upstream connected to the drive surface 7 of the planar drive 5. In this way, it is possible to inspect the solar cell elements 3 before they are placed on the resting places 9 in the workpiece receiver of the slider 6 and to reject solar cell elements 3 which are determined to be unsuitable after the inspection.

[0123] This procedure is also made advantageous by the use of a planar drive 5 with a freely and extremely flexibly positionable slider 6 .

[0124] The sliders 6 shown in the figures each have a number of placement points 9 for the solar cell elements 3 in their workpiece receptacles 8. If, due to the removal of the solar cell elements 3 determined to be incorrect, one or more placement points 9 in the workpiece receptacles 8 of the sliders 6 remain free, this can be compensated for by a corresponding positioning of the sliders 6 in the transfer area 11 adjacent to the mounting device 13. The sliders 6 with the remaining free and unoccupied placement points 9 can thus be run correspondingly before the removal of the solar cell elements 3 is carried out and then the mounting on the solar cell module 2 is carried out, in order to close the gaps that would otherwise be present, in the arrangement in which the solar cell elements 3 are provided, so that the mounting on the solar cell module 2 is not impaired by the remaining free and unoccupied placement points 9.

[0125] 46 to 49 show an embodiment of the mounting device 13. The mounting device 13 shown in Figs. 46 to 49 is designed to receive the widely held solar cell elements 3, 31 in an initial arrangement, here prepared in a matrix or masonry arrangement in the workpiece receiving section of the slider 6, and to release them in a defined target arrangement for mounting on the solar cell module 2. For this purpose, the mounting device 13 has two groups 28 of grippers 15, in particular groups 28 of suction grippers, whose mutual spacing is variable. In this way, the solar cell elements 3, 31 can be received in an initial arrangement by means of a total of four groups 28 of grippers 15 and released in a target arrangement offset from the initial arrangement for mounting on the solar cell module 2. According to Figs. 46 to 49, each group 28 of grippers 15 grips a row 12 of solar cell elements 3, 31 prepared in the workpiece receiving section 8 of the slider 6, which are placed on the stand 14 by a transport movement. The platform 14 provides a transport unit 16 configured as a transport belt.

[0126] Here, two groups 28 of grippers 15 each combine the rows 12 of solar cell elements 3, 31 gripped by these groups 28 into one long row 12 during attachment to the solar cell module 2. For this purpose, the groups 28 of each gripper 15 approach one another in a movement aligned laterally with respect to the transport movement.

[0127] For this purpose, the placement device 13 has a linear guide 29 along which groups 28 of grippers 15 are arranged so as to be able to slide relative to one another.

[0128] Along the linear guide 29 the group 28 of grippers 15 can thus be moved transversely or perpendicularly to the conveying direction which is preset by the conveying unit 16 connected downstream of the placement device 13 .

[0129] Furthermore, the group 28 of grippers 15 can be moved in the direction of the conveying direction preset by the transport unit 16, i.e. in the inherent conveying direction, by means of a transport guide 30 of the portal, in which a linear guide 29 can also slide. The transport guide 30 and the linear guide 29 are aligned perpendicular to one another and form a cross-wound guide that allows the movement of the group 28 of grippers 15 in two axes.

[0130] In the embodiment of the placement device 13 shown in Figures 32 to 35, the gripper 15 is not only movable along a linear axis preset by the transfer guide 30, but is additionally supported so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis aligned transversely to the linear axis preset by the transfer guide 30. This pivot axis extends through a pivot joint 32.

[0131] This favors the placement of the solar cell elements 3 on the frame 14 during installation in the solar module 2 in a shingle arrangement, as already described in detail above, in which a row 12 of solar cell elements 3 is placed over an already positioned row 12 of solar cell elements 3. Thus, also in the overlapping area between two rows 12, a pre-applied adhesive bead 23 of solar cell elements 3 is provided, so that the rows 12 of solar cell elements 3 are now electrically connected to each other and glued to each other.

[0132] In a downstream processing step, the transport unit 16 can then deliver the thus mounted solar cell module 2, for example to the application area of ​​a heating section 33, or to a lamination station or to another processing step.

[0133] In the embodiment of the mounting device 13 shown in Figures 36 to 43, a total of two rows of grippers 15 are provided, with which two rows of grippers 15 can be received one after the other and then placed on the rack 14 supplied by the transport unit 16 together with the mounting on the solar module 2. Here too, the two rows of grippers 15 are arranged pivotally on a support structure 34 of the mounting device 13 via a pivot joint 32, for example on a portal, which favours a shingled arrangement of the rows 12 of solar cell elements 3 during mounting on the solar module 2.

[0134] For the production of a solar module 2, the apparatus 1 described in detail above is adapted to carry out the method described below, in which the solar module 2 is fitted with solar cell elements 3, in particular solar panels, which may also be referred to as solar cell strips, for example.

[0135] The solar cell elements 3 are fed by this method to their attachment to the solar cell module 2 by means of the magnetically driven sliders 6 of the magnetically guided planar drive 5 already mentioned above.

[0136] The solar cell elements 3 are arranged in rows 12 together with the sliders 6 in a transfer area 11 adjacent to the mounting device 13 already mentioned above, as shown, for example, in Figures 28 to 31 or also in Figures 44 to 49. The sliders 6 are thus used, on the one hand, to transport the solar cell elements 3 to the respective transfer positions of the solar cell elements 3 in the transfer area 11 of the mounting device 13, and, on the other hand, to provide an advantageous alignment for the row-by-row transfer of the solar cell elements 3 when they are mounted on the solar cell module 2.

[0137] By means of the handling device 18, the solar cell element 3, 31 is placed on the placement site 9 in the workpiece receiver 8 of the slider 6. Here, the alignment of the solar cell element 3, 31 is determined by means of the alignment determining device 19 before its placement on the placement site 9, and the slider 6 is driven and aligned before the placement of the solar cell element 3, 31 on the placement site 9, so that the slider 6 is prepared in the handling device 18 for correct reception of the prepared solar cell element 3, 31 and any alignment errors of the solar cell element 3, which are identified during placement on the placement site 9, can be compensated.

[0138] Thereby, the solar cell element 3 can be finally positioned and placed correctly on the placement site 9. In order to predict the determined alignment of the solar cell element 3 and to adapt the alignment of the slider 6 in the operating device 18 to the alignment of the solar cell element 3, the slider 6 can be moved in at least one of six degrees of freedom.

[0139] In the gluing station 21, the electrically conductive adhesive is applied to the solar cell elements 3 with an adhesive bead 23. This takes place by the discharge of the electrically conductive adhesive from the already mentioned discharge nozzle 22. The electrically conductive adhesive is here applied on the edge side to the individual solar cell elements 3, 31 in the form of an adhesive bead 23. By means of the electrically conductive adhesive it is possible to glue the solar cell elements 3, 31 to one another row by row in accordance with the shingle arrangement which will be occupied in the solar cell module 2 to be mounted later.

[0140] During the application of the conductive adhesive to the solar cell elements 3, 31, these solar cell elements 3, 31 are positioned correspondingly by means of the slider 6 at the discharge nozzle 22 of the gluing station 21 and run past the side of, or more precisely below, the discharge nozzle 22 for the application of the conductive adhesive in the form of an adhesive bead 23. The conductive adhesive is thereby applied to the solar cell elements 3, 31 during a transport movement of the slider 6 carried out relative to the discharge nozzle 22. The defined distance between the solar cell elements 3, 31 and the discharge nozzle 22 can be adjusted by a movement of the slider 6 along the preferably vertical movement axis of the slider 6, here the Z axis.

[0141] The workpiece receiving portion 8 of the slider 6 has the solar cell elements 3, 31 laid on it and can be moved to a transfer position in the transfer area 11 using the slider 6, whereby the solar cell elements 3, 31 form one row 12 of solar cell elements 3, 31 on the two sliders 6 arranged side by side in the transfer position.

[0142] In an embodiment of the method shown in Figures 44 to 49, for generating a matrix arrangement, in particular a matrix shingle arrangement, at least one offset element 31, i.e. a solar cell element having a shorter dimension than the remaining solar cell elements 3, is provided for at least every two rows 12 of solar cell elements 3, 31 which are prepared at a transfer position in a transfer area 11 adjacent to a mounting device 13 for mounting to the solar cell module 2 using a slider 6 during mounting to the solar cell module 2.

[0143] In this way, it is possible to produce a solar cell module 2 having a matrix-like shingle roofing pattern like the masonry shown in the figure.

[0144] For the transport and fixation of the solar cell elements 3, 31, the workpiece receiving area 8 of the slider 6 is electrostatically charged to a defined value. This takes place in the already mentioned electrostatic station 24. However, beforehand the workpiece receiving area 8 is electrostatically discharged.

[0145] For discharging the workpiece receiver 8, it is brought into contact with the discharge contacts 26 of the electrostatic station 24 by a corresponding movement of the slider 6 and is then discharged by short circuit.

[0146] The workpiece receiver 8 is brought into contact with the charging contacts 25 of the electrostatic station 24 by relative movement of the slider 6 with respect to the charging contacts 25, whereby the workpiece receiver 8 is electrostatically charged accordingly.

[0147] 4 to 7 make it clear that the slider 6 can perform a compensating movement next to the slider 6 already in the transfer position before the movement to the target position in order to avoid collisions between the solar cell elements 3, 31 placed on the placement points 9 of the workpiece receiver 8. Different procedures are possible here.

[0148] 6 makes it clear that, for example, the sliders 6 already in the transfer position can be deflected by an deflection movement of the middle slider 6 in the direction of a movement axis aligned perpendicularly to the drive surface 7 of the planar drive 5 and corresponding to the already mentioned Z axis. This makes it possible to move the middle one of the three sliders 6 to its target position without collisions between the solar cell elements 3 arranged in the workpiece receivers 8.

[0149] This avoidance movement causes the central slider 6 to move lower in the Z-axis direction compared to the two outer sliders 6 .

[0150] According to Fig. 7, it is envisaged to tilt a central slider 6 which is to be moved to its target position between the already positioned sliders 6 in order to avoid collisions of the solar cell elements 3, 31 arranged in the workpiece receiver 8. For this purpose, the slider 6 performs a tilting movement about its axis of movement which is aligned in the direction of movement of the slider 6 to its target position.

[0151] According to figures 44 to 49, the solar cell elements 3, 31 can already be arranged in a matrix arrangement, in particular in at least two rows and / or with an offset to one another, on the workpiece receiving part 8 of the slider 6. This is advantageous for mounting the solar cell elements 3, 31 on the solar cell module 2 in a matrix shingle arrangement, as shown in figures 44 to 49.

[0152] 46 to 49, the solar cell elements 3, 31 are fed to the mounting on the solar cell module 2 by means of a transport means, in particular by means of sliders 6 of a magnetically guided planar drive 5. Here, the solar cell elements 3, 31 are received together by at least two sliders 6 in the transfer position and are combined into one row 12 of solar cell elements 3, 31 for mounting on the solar cell module 2. This is done by placing them on a stand 14 provided by a transport unit 16.

[0153] Here, the solar cell elements 3,31 are received together by means of at least two groups 28 respectively of grippers 15 of the placement device 13 and are combined into one row 12 of solar cell elements 3,31 by relative movements of the groups 28 of the grippers 15.

[0154] During installation on the solar cell module 2, the solar cell elements 3,31 are placed such that they overlap the already placed solar cell elements 3,31. Furthermore, during installation on the solar cell module 2, the solar cell elements 3,31 are glued to the solar cell elements 3,31 of the already placed row 12 of solar cell elements 3,31. This is achieved in that the already positioned solar cell elements 3,31 have adhesive beads 23 which are arranged in the overlap region of the next row 12 of solar cell elements 3,31 which is to be placed on the succeeding already positioned solar cell elements 3,31.

[0155] Figures 32 to 35 and Figures 36 to 43 make it clear that when the solar cell element 3, 31 is attached to the solar cell module 2, it is placed on an already positioned solar cell element 3, 31 such that its underside, when placed, forms an acute angle with the stand 14 on which the solar cell element 3, 31 is placed or positioned for attachment to the solar cell module 2.

[0156] The apparatus 1 for manufacturing a solar cell module 2 shown in the drawing can be used to carry out a method for manufacturing a solar cell module 2 as described above.

[0157] The present invention relates to an improvement in the technical field of solar module manufacturing. For this purpose, inter alia, an apparatus 1 is proposed which comprises at least two sliders 6 of a magnetically guided planar drive 5 of a feeding device 4 of the apparatus 1 for feeding solar cell elements 3, 31 for mounting on a solar module 2. [Explanation of symbols]

[0158] 1. Equipment for manufacturing solar cell modules 2. Solar cell module 3. Solar cell elements, solar panel 4 Feeding device 5 Planar drive unit 6 Slider 7 Drive Surface 8 Workpiece Receptacle 9 Placement 10 Drive Module 11 Delivery Area 12 rows 13 Mounting device 14 Mounting stand 15 Gripper 16 Transport unit, specifically the transport belt 17 Stock Station 18 Operating device 19 Positioning determination device 20 Control Unit 21 Gluing Station 22 Discharge nozzle 23 Adhesive Bead 24 Electrostatic Station 25 Charged Contact 26 Discharge Contact 27 Inspection Equipment 28 Gripper Groups 29 Linear Guidance Section 30 Transfer guide section 31 Offset elements 32 Swivel joint 33 Heating section 34 Support structure 35 Inspection Station 36 Sensors in inspection station 35 37 Removal device 38 Suction device 39 Negative pressure source 40 Suction means 41 Linear axis at inspection station 35

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus (1) for manufacturing a solar cell module (2) from electrically interconnected solar cell elements (3), comprising a feeding device (4) for feeding the solar cell elements (3) for attachment to the solar cell module (2), The feeding device (4) comprises a magnetically guided planar drive (5) having at least two magnetically driven sliders (6), The device (1) is characterized in that each slider (6) has one workpiece receiving portion (8) in which at least one mounting location (9) for at least one solar cell element (3, 31) is formed.

2. 2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein each workpiece receiver (8) is provided with at least two placement locations (9) for at least one solar cell element (3).

3. 2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the planar drive (5) is configured with six degrees of freedom for multi-coordinate positioning of the at least two magnetically driven sliders (6).

4. 2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the magnetically guided planar drive (5) has a drive surface (7) on which the at least two magnetically driven sliders (6) can be positioned independently of one another.

5. 5. The device (1) according to claim 4, wherein a transfer area (11) is defined on the drive surface (7) in which the at least two magnetically driven sliders (6) can be positioned side by side in a plurality of rows (11) for arranging solar cell elements (3) to be placed on the mounting locations (9) of their workpiece receiving portions (8).

6. The device (1) according to claim 4, further comprising a mounting device (13) by means of which the solar cell element (3) arranged on the slider (6) can be removed from the mounting location (9).

7. 2. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, comprising a transport unit (16) on which the solar cell elements (3) for attachment to a solar cell module (2) can be placed in a shingle arrangement.

8. 8. The apparatus (1) according to claim 7, further comprising a suction device (38) having a negative pressure source (39) and suction means (40) assigned to the transport unit (16), the suction means (40) being configured to fix the solar cell element (3) placed on the transport unit (16) to the transport unit (16) by negative pressure.

9. 7. The device (1) according to claim 6, wherein the drive surface (7) is formed between a stock station (17) for the solar cell elements (3) and the mounting device (13).

10. 2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the device (1) comprises at least one handling device (18) having at least one gripper (15), by means of which the solar cell elements (3) can be placed one after the other or simultaneously on the placement points (9) of the workpiece receiving portion (8) of the slider (6) in the receiving position.

11. 11. The device (1) according to claim 10, wherein the device (1) comprises an optical alignment determining device (19) for determining the alignment of the solar cell element (3) on the handling device (18).

12. The device (1) according to claim 10, further comprising a control unit (20) configured to position the slider (6) at the receiving position depending on the determined alignment of the solar cell element (3) in the operating device (18), whereby the solar cell element (3) is placed in the placement location (9) in the correct alignment.

13. 2. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus (1) comprises a bonding station (21) having at least one discharge nozzle (22) for discharging conductive adhesive onto the solar cell elements (3) arranged on the mounting locations (9).

14. 14. The apparatus (1) according to claim 13, wherein the bonding station (21) has a number of discharge nozzles (22) corresponding to the number of placement locations (9) in the workpiece receiving portion (8), and at least two discharge nozzles (22) are arranged offset from one another by the bonding station (21) in the direction of movement of the slider (6).

15. 2. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, further comprising an electrostatic station (24) configured to electrostatically charge and / or electrostatically discharge the workpiece receiving portion (8) of the slider (6), the electrostatic station (24) having at least one charging contact (25) and / or at least one discharging contact (26), the charging contact (25) and / or the discharging contact (26) being fixed in position and / or stationary.

16. 2. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein the workpiece receiving portion (8) of the slider (6) is configured to receive a matrix pattern of a plurality of solar cell elements (3).

17. 2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the device (1) comprises at least one inspection device (27) for inspecting the solar cell elements (3) for damage and / or dimensional stability and / or geometry.

18. 2. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, further comprising at least one inspection station (35), the inspection station (35) being configured to inspect the adhesive application to the solar cell element (3) placed in the workpiece receiving portion (8) and / or to inspect the solar cell element (3) placed in the workpiece receiving portion (8).

19. 19. The device (1) according to claim 18, wherein the inspection station (35) has at least one sensor (36) for inspecting the solar cell element (3) and / or the adhesive application thereto, and the inspection station (35) has a number of sensors (36) corresponding to the number of mounting positions (9) for the solar cell elements (3) in the workpiece receiving portion (8) of the slider (6).

20. 19. The device (1) according to claim 18, wherein the inspection station (35) is assigned a removal device (37), which is configured to reject non-conforming solar cell elements (3).

21. 2. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein one or more mounting devices (13) of the apparatus (1) capable of receiving solar cell elements (3) prepared in an initial position and releasing them in a defined target position for mounting a solar cell module (2) have at least two groups (28) of grippers (15), the mutual spacing of the grippers (15) being variable, whereby the solar cell elements (3) are received in an initial position and released in a target position offset from the initial position for mounting a solar cell module (2).

22. 22. The device (1) according to claim 21, wherein the mounting device (13) has a linear guide (29) along which the groups (28) of grippers (15) are arranged so as to be slidable relative to one another in a first direction, and / or the mounting device (13) has a transport guide along which the groups (28) of grippers (15) are slidable relative to one another in a second direction.

23. 22. The device (1) according to claim 21, wherein the group (28) of grippers (15) is movable transversely or perpendicularly to the conveying direction of one or more transport units (16) connected downstream of the mounting device (13) and / or movable in the conveying direction.

24. 10. A method for manufacturing a solar cell module (2) using an apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein the solar cell module (2) is fitted with solar cell elements (3), 1. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the solar cell elements (3) are fed to the mounting of the solar cell module (2) by means of a magnetically driven slider (6) of a magnetically guided planar drive (5).

25. 25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the solar cell elements (3) are arranged together with the sliders (6) in at least one row (12) and / or the solar cell elements (3) are transported to a transfer position in a mounting device (13).

26. 25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the solar cell element (3) is placed on a resting point (9) in a workpiece receiving portion (8) of the slider (6).

27. 25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the alignment of the solar cell element (3) is determined before its placement on the placement location (9), and the slider (6) is driven and controlled to align the solar cell element (3) before placing it on the placement location (9), so that the determined alignment error of the solar cell element (3) is compensated for when it is placed on the placement location (9), so that the solar cell element (3) is correctly positioned on the placement location (9), and preferably the slider (6) is moved in at least one to six degrees of freedom for the compensation and / or to adapt to the determined alignment of the solar cell element (3).

28. 25. The method according to claim 24, wherein electrically conductive adhesive is applied from at least one discharge nozzle (22) of the gluing station (21) to the solar cell element (3) positioned at the placement point (9) of the workpiece receiving portion (8) of the slider (6) on its edge side, the electrically conductive adhesive being applied during a transport movement of the slider (6) performed relative to the discharge nozzle (22) and / or the defined distance between the solar cell element (3) and the at least one discharge nozzle (22) is adjusted by the movement of the slider (6) along a vertical movement axis of the slider (6).

29. 25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the solar cell elements (3) are fed to an inspection station (35) using the slider (6), and an inspection of the solar cell elements (3) and / or the adhesive coating thereon is carried out at the inspection station (35), and any unsuitable solar cell elements (3) are removed from the workpiece receiving portion (8) of the slider (6) and rejected using a removal device (37).

30. 25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the workpiece receiving portions (8) of the sliders (6) are laid with solar cell elements (3) and are moved to a transfer position by means of the sliders (6), whereby the solar cell elements (3) form at least one row (12) of solar cell elements (3) on two sliders (6) arranged side by side in the transfer position.

31. 25. The method according to claim 24, wherein, for generating a matrix arrangement, at least one offset element (31), i.e., a solar cell element having a dimension shorter than the remaining solar cell elements (3), is provided for at least every other row (12) of solar cell elements (3) prepared at the transfer position for mounting the solar cell module (2) during mounting of the solar cell module (2).

32. 25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the workpiece receiving portion (8) of the slider (6) is electrostatically charged to a defined value for transporting and fixing the solar cell element (3) at the placement location (9), wherein the workpiece receiving portion (8) is electrostatically discharged beforehand, and wherein the workpiece receiving portion (8) is brought into contact with the charging contacts (25) and / or the discharging contacts (26) of the electrostatic station (24) by a relative movement of the slider (6) with respect to the charging contacts (25) and / or the discharging contacts (26).

33. 25. The method according to claim 24, wherein at least one slider (6) performs an avoidance movement next to a slider (6) already in the transfer position before the slider (6) moves to its target position, thereby avoiding collisions between the solar cell elements (3) placed on the placement locations (9) of the workpiece receiver (8).

34. 34. Method according to claim 33, wherein said avoidance movement of at least one slider (6) is a tilting movement about a movement axis and / or a linear movement in a spatial axis of said at least one slider (6).

35. 34. The method according to claim 33, wherein before moving one slider (6) to its target position, it is tilted about its axis of movement and / or raised and / or lowered between the two sliders (6) already in the transfer position, thereby avoiding collisions between the at least one solar cell element (3) arranged in its workpiece receiving portion (8) and the solar cell element (3) arranged in the workpiece receiving portion (8) of the slider (6) already in the transfer position.

36. 25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the solar cell elements (3) are arranged in a matrix, in particular in at least two rows (12) and / or with an offset relative to one another, in the workpiece receiving portion (8) of at least one slider (6).

37. 25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the solar cell elements (3) are supplied to the installation section of the solar cell module (2) using a conveying means (6), and the solar cell elements (3) are received together by at least two conveying means (6) at a transfer position and integrated into one row (12) of the solar cell elements (3) for installation in the solar cell module (2).

38. 38. The method according to claim 37, wherein the solar cell elements (3) are received together using at least two groups (28) of grippers (15) of the mounting device (13) and are combined into one row (12) of solar cell elements (3) by relative movement of the groups (28) of grippers (15).

39. 25. The method according to claim 24, wherein, when mounting the solar cell elements (3) on the solar cell module (2), the solar cell elements (3) are placed so as to overlap the already mounted solar cell elements (3), and / or the solar cell elements (3) are adhered to each other when mounting on the solar cell module (2), and the mounted solar cell elements (3) are fixed, for example, to a transport unit (16) by negative pressure.

40. 25. The method according to claim 24, wherein, when the solar cell module (2) is installed, the solar cell element (3) is placed on a solar cell element (3) that has already been positioned so that its underside forms an acute angle with the base (14) on which the solar cell element (3) is placed.

41. Use of an apparatus (1) for manufacturing a solar cell module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 23 for carrying out a method for manufacturing a solar cell module (2) according to any one of claims 24 to 40.

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