Wire-contact device, solar cell module inspection device, and solar cell module inspection method

The integration of a contact device with an actuator into the solar cell module inspection device allows for automated inspection and replacement of defective strings, addressing the labor-intensive manual process and enhancing manufacturing productivity.

WO2025009781A1PCT designated stage expired Publication Date: 2025-01-09HANWHA SOLUTIONS CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/KR2024/008354
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-07-05
Filing Date
2024-06-17
Publication Date
2025-01-09

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The manual process of inspecting and replacing defective solar cell strings in solar cell modules is labor-intensive and hinders automation, reducing productivity in solar cell module manufacturing.

Method used

A contact device with a terminal body made of conductive material, movable between contact and separation positions, and an actuator to facilitate contact and separation, integrated into a solar cell module inspection device that uses electroluminescence testing to identify defective strings without requiring connection to a cross connector, enabling automated inspection and replacement.

Benefits of technology

This solution enhances the speed and efficiency of inspecting and replacing solar cell strings, thereby improving the productivity of solar cell module manufacturing by automating the electroluminescence inspection and replacement process.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Disclosed are a wire-contact device, a solar cell module inspection device, and a solar cell module inspection method. The disclosed wire-contact device comprises: a terminal body made of a conductive material and movable between a contact position at which the terminal is in contact with a wire and a spaced position at which the terminal is spaced apart from the wire; and an actuator for providing power so that the terminal body moves between the contact position and the spaced position.
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Description

Tangent device, solar cell module inspection device, and solar cell module inspection method

[0001] The present invention relates to a tangential device for inspecting a solar cell module, a solar cell module inspection device, and a solar cell module inspection method.

[0002] A solar cell module comprises a plurality of solar cells arranged in a manner that allows current to flow through them. A process for manufacturing a solar cell module may include the steps of manufacturing strings in which a plurality of solar cells are arranged in a row, arranging the plurality of strings according to a planar shape of the solar cell module, connecting cross connectors to wires at both ends of the plurality of strings, and applying power to the cross connectors and inspecting the plurality of strings.

[0003] If a defect is found in a specific string during the multiple string inspection process, workers must manually disassemble the cross connector and wire joints and replace the defective string with a new one. This complicates the automation of solar module manufacturing and can lower productivity.

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a contact device capable of inspecting a defective string without joining a cross connector to a wire, a solar cell module inspection device, and a solar cell module inspection method.

[0005] The tangential device of the present invention comprises a terminal body made of a conductive material and movable between a contact position and a separation position; and an actuator providing power to move the terminal body between the contact position and the separation position.

[0006] The solar cell module inspection device of the present invention comprises: a stage for supporting a plurality of solar cell strings arranged in a first direction; a contact device for selectively contacting a plurality of solar cell strings so that the plurality of solar cell strings are electrically conductive; and an electroluminescence inspector for detecting electroluminescence (EL) of the plurality of solar cell strings while the contact device is in contact with the plurality of solar cell strings to inspect whether the plurality of solar cell strings are defective.

[0007] The solar cell module inspection method of the present invention comprises: a solar cell string arrangement step of arranging a plurality of solar cell strings in a first direction; a tangent device contact step of contacting a plurality of solar cell strings with a tangent device so that the plurality of solar cell strings are electrically conductive; an electroluminescence inspection step of detecting electroluminescence of the plurality of solar cell strings while the tangent device is in contact with the plurality of solar cell strings to inspect whether the plurality of solar cell strings are defective; and a tangent device separation step of separating the tangent device from the plurality of solar cell strings.

[0008] The tangent device, solar cell module inspection device, and solar cell module inspection method according to the present invention can improve the inspection speed of solar cell modules and the replacement speed of solar cell strings by inspecting by bringing the tangent device into contact with and then separating a plurality of solar cell strings during an electroluminescence inspection to determine whether a solar cell string is defective.

[0009] The tangent device, solar cell module inspection device, and solar cell module inspection method according to the present invention can improve the productivity of solar cell module manufacturing by automating the electroluminescence inspection of solar cell modules and the replacement of solar cell strings.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a solar cell module inspection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of a solar cell module inspection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 3 is a plan view of a solar cell module inspection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating a plurality of solar cell strings inspected for defects by the solar cell module inspection device of FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating one solar cell string among the plurality of solar cell strings illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating one solar cell among a plurality of solar cells included in one solar cell string illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0016] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a tangential device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 8 is a bottom perspective view of a tangential device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 9 is a side view of a tangential device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the tangent device of Fig. 9 taken along XX.

[0020] FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a solar cell module inspection method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Fig. 12 is a schematic plan view of a solar cell module inspection device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Fig. 13 is a schematic plan view of a solar cell module inspection device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Fig. 14 is a schematic plan view of a solar cell module inspection device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] The tangential device of the present invention comprises a terminal body made of a conductive material and movable between a contact position and a separation position; and an actuator providing power to move the terminal body between the contact position and the separation position.

[0025] The tangential device of the present invention may further include a support made of an insulating material, surrounding the terminal body, and moving the terminal body between the contact position and the separation position by the operation of the actuator.

[0026] The terminal body may include a plurality of contact pins penetrating the support body; and a terminal plate electrically connected to a power supply device and each connected to the plurality of contact pins.

[0027] Each of the plurality of contact pins may include a pin portion penetrating a through hole of the support body; and a hammer portion connected to the pin portion and protruding outwardly of the support body.

[0028] The support body may have a groove formed in the longitudinal direction, and a plurality of contact pins may be arranged in a row on the groove.

[0029] The terminal body may further include a coupling ring mounted on the pin portion between the support body and the terminal plate and having an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the through hole.

[0030] The tangential device of the present invention may further include an elastic member disposed on the pin portion between the support and the hammer portion, and elastically deformed when the hammer portion moves relative to the support.

[0031] The above elastic member may surround the pin portion, and one side may be supported by the support body and the opposite side may be supported by the hammer portion.

[0032] The terminal body may further include a fixing screw that penetrates the terminal plate and is fastened to the pin portion to connect the terminal plate and the plurality of pin portions.

[0033] The tangential device of the present invention may further include a terminal connecting screw that is fastened to the pin portion by bringing the terminal of the power supply device into close contact with the terminal plate so that the power supply device and the terminal plate are electrically connected.

[0034] The tangential device of the present invention may further include a base coupled to the actuator; and a spacer interposed between the base and the support so as to space the base and the support apart from each other.

[0035] The actuator may include a cylinder body; and a cylinder rod coupled to the base and extending in a direction protruding from the cylinder body and a direction inserted into the cylinder body.

[0036] The solar cell module inspection device of the present invention comprises: a stage for supporting a plurality of solar cell strings arranged in a first direction; a contact device for selectively contacting a plurality of solar cell strings so that the plurality of solar cell strings are electrically conductive; and an electroluminescence inspector for detecting electroluminescence (EL) of the plurality of solar cell strings while the contact device is in contact with the plurality of solar cell strings to inspect whether the plurality of solar cell strings are defective.

[0037] The solar cell string may extend in a second direction, and the solar cell string may include a tangential wire provided at a terminal end of the solar cell string in the second direction and electrically contactable with the tangential device.

[0038] The above-mentioned tangential device may include a terminal body made of a conductive material and movable between a contact position in contact with the tangential wire and a separation position spaced from the tangential wire; and an actuator that provides power to move the terminal body between the contact position and the separation position.

[0039] The above-mentioned contact device may further include a support made of an insulating material, surrounding the terminal body, and moving the terminal body between the contact position and the separation position by the operation of the actuator.

[0040] The terminal body can move between the contact position and the separation position along a third direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction.

[0041] The above-mentioned tangential devices are provided in a plurality, and at least one tangential device among the plurality of tangential devices can directly connect a pair of solar cell strings arranged adjacently in the first direction among the plurality of solar cell strings.

[0042] The solar cell module inspection device of the present invention may further include a first support beam extending in the first direction and having the tangent device installed thereon; and a second support beam extending in the second direction and having the first support beam installed so as to be movable in the second direction.

[0043] The solar cell module inspection method of the present invention comprises: a solar cell string arrangement step of arranging a plurality of solar cell strings in a first direction; a tangent device contact step of contacting a plurality of solar cell strings with a tangent device so that the plurality of solar cell strings are electrically conductive; an electroluminescence inspection step of detecting electroluminescence of the plurality of solar cell strings while the tangent device is in contact with the plurality of solar cell strings to inspect whether the plurality of solar cell strings are defective; and a tangent device separation step of separating the tangent device from the plurality of solar cell strings.

[0044] The solar cell module inspection method of the present invention may further include a string replacement step of replacing the defective solar cell string with another solar cell string of the same type after the tangent device separation step, if at least some of the plurality of solar cell strings are determined to be defective in the electroluminescence inspection step.

[0045] Hereinafter, the tangent device, solar cell module inspection device, and solar cell module inspection method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In this process, the thickness of lines and the sizes of components depicted in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience. Furthermore, the terms described below are defined based on their functions in the present invention and may vary depending on the intentions or practices of the user or operator. Therefore, the definitions of these terms should be based on the contents throughout this specification.

[0046] Additionally, in this specification, when it is said that a part is "connected (or connected)" to another part, this includes not only cases where it is "directly connected (or connected)" but also cases where it is "indirectly connected (or connected)" with another member in between. In this specification, when it is said that a part "includes (or comprises)" a certain component, this does not mean that other components are excluded, but rather that other components can be "included (or comprised)" unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0047] In addition, the "unit," "module," or "part" used in this specification for a component performs at least one function or operation. In addition, the "unit," "module," or "part" may perform the function or operation by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. In addition, a plurality of "units," a plurality of "modules," or a plurality of "parts," excluding a "unit," "module," or "part" that must be performed on specific hardware or performed on at least one processor, may be integrated into at least one module. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0048] In addition, the same reference numerals may refer to the same components throughout this specification. Even if the same or similar reference numerals are not mentioned or described in a specific drawing, they may be described based on other drawings. In addition, even if a part is not indicated by a reference numeral in a specific drawing, that part may be described based on other drawings. In addition, the number, shape, size, and relative size differences of detailed components included in the drawings of this application are set for the convenience of understanding, and do not limit the embodiments and may be implemented in various forms.

[0049] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a solar cell module inspection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of a solar cell module inspection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a plan view of a solar cell module inspection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating a plurality of solar cell strings inspected for defects by the solar cell module inspection device of FIGS. 1 to 3, FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating one solar cell string selected from among the plurality of solar cell strings illustrated in FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating one solar cell selected from among the plurality of solar cell cells included in one solar cell string illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, a solar cell module inspection device (100) according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a stage (101), a plurality of tangent devices (130A, 130B), and an electroluminescence inspection device (120).

[0051] The stage (101) can support a plurality of solar cell strings (10) included in a single solar cell module. The stage (101) can include a transparent plate capable of transmitting light. The stage (101) can support a plurality of solar cell strings (10) such that the transparent plate and the plurality of solar cell strings (10) overlap each other.

[0052] A plurality of solar cell strings (10) included in one solar cell module can be arranged to form a matrix (20). The matrix (20) composed of a plurality of solar cell strings (10) can have a plurality of columns in a first direction and a plurality of rows in a second direction intersecting the first direction, as illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0053] For example, a plurality of solar cell strings (10) can be arranged in a matrix of 2 rows (i, ii) X 6 columns (A, B, C, D, E, F). The first direction and the second direction can be orthogonal to each other in the horizontal direction. Meanwhile, in FIG. 4, a matrix (20) of solar cell strings (10) having 2 rows and 6 columns is supported on a stage (101), but alternatively, a matrix of solar cell strings having one row and multiple columns, or one row and one column, or multiple rows and one column may be supported on a stage.

[0054] Each solar cell string (10) may extend in the second direction. The longitudinal end of the solar cell string (10), i.e., the end in the second direction, may include a plurality of tangential wires (15) that are electrically contactable with the tangential device (130A, 130B).

[0055] Each solar cell string (10) may include a plurality of solar cells (1) arranged in a row in the second direction. The solar cell (1) may include a cell body (2) in a flat plate shape and a plurality of cell wires (5). The cell body (2) may convert light energy into electrical energy by the photoelectric effect. The plurality of cell wires (5) may be connected to another solar cell (1) or to a terminal (not shown) of a connector so that the cell body (2) may be electrically conductive.

[0056] A plurality of cell wires (5) may be spaced apart from each other and extend parallel to the second direction. Each cell wire (5) may include an overlapping portion (6) that overlaps the cell body (2) and a protruding end (7) that protrudes outward from the cell body (2) across the outer peripheral edge of the cell body (2).

[0057] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6, the tangent wire (15) of the solar cell string (10) may be a protruding end (7) of a cell wire (5) included in a solar cell (1) arranged at an end along the second direction among a plurality of solar cell cells (1) constituting one solar cell string (10).

[0058] The solar cell (1) may be a half cell including a cell body (2) having a roughly rectangular planar shape. The cell body (2) of the half cell may have a length (SL1) of one edge longer than a length (SL2) of the other edge perpendicular thereto. However, the half cell is merely an example of a solar cell, and a general cell having a cell body having a roughly square planar shape, unlike those illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6, may be included in a solar cell string.

[0059] Neighboring solar cells (1) belonging to a solar cell string (10) can be connected in series so as to conduct electricity by soldering the protruding ends (7) of the cell wires (5) protruding outward from the cell body (2). In Fig. 5, reference numeral '12' indicates a soldering joint where the opposing protruding ends (7) of the cell wires (5) are soldered together.

[0060] Among the plurality of solar cell strings (10) forming the matrix (20), the tangent wires (15) facing each other of the six solar cell strings (10_iA, 10_iB, 10_iC, 10_iD, 10_iE, 10_iF) belonging to the first row and the six solar cell strings (10_iiA, 10_iiB, 10_iiC, 10_iiD, 10_iiE, 10_iiF) belonging to the second row may not be in contact and may be slightly spaced apart from each other.

[0061] A plurality of tangent devices (130A, 130B) are spaced apart from each other and are brought into contact with a plurality of solar cell strings (10) so that the plurality of solar cell strings (10) forming the matrix (20) are electrically connected. One type of tangent device (130A) (hereinafter referred to as a “first tangent device”) among the plurality of tangent devices (130A, 130B) can be brought into electrically connected contact with a plurality of tangent wires (15) provided at the end of one solar cell string (10).

[0062] Among the plurality of tangential devices (130A, 130B), another type of tangential device (130B) (hereinafter referred to as a “second tangential device”) can be simultaneously brought into contact with and simultaneously separated from a plurality of tangential wires (15) provided at the ends of a pair of solar cell strings (10) arranged adjacently in the first direction. Accordingly, the second tangential device (130B) can directly and electrically connect a pair of solar cell strings (10) arranged adjacently in the first direction.

[0063] For example, the solar cell module inspection device (100) illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 may include a pair of first tangent devices (130A) and eight second tangent devices (130B). One of the pair of first tangent devices (130A) may be arranged between the solar cell string (10_iA) in the first row and the first column and the solar cell string (10_iiA) in the second row and the first column, aligned along a third direction with the tangent wire (15), and the other may be arranged between the solar cell string (10_iF) in the first row and the sixth column and the solar cell string (10_iiF) in the second row and the sixth column, aligned along a third direction with the tangent wire (15). The third direction may be defined as a direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction.

[0064] Two of the eight second tangential devices (130B) can be arranged in a row along the first direction so as to be aligned along the third direction with the tangential wire (15) between a pair of first tangential devices (130A).

[0065] Three of the eight second tangent devices (130B) may be arranged in a row along the first direction so as to be aligned along the third direction with the tangent wires (15) that do not face the six solar cell strings (10_iiA, 10_iiB, 10_iiC, 10_iiD, 10_iiE, 10_iiF) belonging to the second row among the tangent wires (15) of the six solar cell strings (10_iA, 10_iB, 10_iC, 10_iD, 10_iE, 10_iF) belonging to the first row.

[0066] The remaining three of the eight second tangent devices (130B) may be arranged in a row along the first direction so as to be aligned along the third direction with the tangent wires (15) that do not face the six solar cell strings (10_iA, 10_iB, 10_iC, 10_iD, 10_iE, 10_iF) belonging to the first row among the tangent wires (15) of the six solar cell strings (10_iiA, 10_iiB, 10_iiC, 10_iiD, 10_iiE, 10_iiF) belonging to the second row.

[0067] The solar cell module inspection device (100) may further include a power supply device (115) for supplying power to a plurality of solar cell strings (10) arranged in a matrix (20). A positive terminal of the power supply device (115) may be electrically connected to one of a pair of first tangential devices (130A), and a negative terminal may be electrically connected to the other of the pair of first tangential devices (130A).

[0068] When the positive and negative terminals of the power supply device (115) are electrically connected to a pair of first contact devices (130A) and all contact devices (130A, 130B) are in contact with all contact wires (15) of the plurality of solar cell strings (10), and power is supplied from the power supply device (115), current can flow along the cell wires (5) of the plurality of solar cell strings (10) forming the matrix (20).

[0069] For example, current may flow into one first tangent device (130A) of a pair of first tangent devices (130A), flow along a plurality of solar cells (1) connected in series in one row, and flow out to another first tangent device (130A). Alternatively, current may flow into one first tangent device (130A) of a pair of first tangent devices (130A), flow along a plurality of solar cells (1) connected in series in a second row, and flow out to another first tangent device (130A).

[0070] The solar cell module inspection device (100) may further include a plurality of first support beams (105) and a plurality of second support beams (110). The plurality of first support beams (105) may extend in a first direction and be spaced apart from each other. Each of the first support beams (105) may support a plurality of tangent devices (130A, 130B).

[0071] The solar cell module inspection device (100) according to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 includes three first support beams (105), one of which can support a pair of first tangential devices (130A) and a pair of second tangential devices (130B). The other two first support beams (105) can each support three second tangential devices (130B).

[0072] A plurality of second support beams (110) can support a plurality of first support beams (105) so as to be movable along a second direction. The plurality of second support beams (110) can be provided as a pair. A pair of second support beams (110) can support both longitudinal ends of the first support beam (105) and extend in the second direction. Although not shown in the drawing, the solar cell module inspection device (100) can further include a first support beam actuator that provides power to move the first support beam (105) along the longitudinal direction of the second support beam (110).

[0073] An electroluminescence tester (120) detects electroluminescence (EL) of a plurality of solar cell strings (10) forming a matrix (20) while a plurality of contact devices (130A, 130B) are in contact with the plurality of solar cell strings (10), thereby being able to test whether a plurality of solar cell strings (10) are defective.

[0074] As described above, when the positive and negative terminals of the power supply device (115) are electrically connected to a pair of first contact devices (130A), and all contact devices (130A, 130B) are in contact with all contact wires (15) of the plurality of solar cell strings (10) and power is supplied from the power supply device (115), current can flow along the cell wires (5) of the plurality of solar cell strings (10) forming the matrix (20), and at this time, an electroluminescence test can be performed by the electroluminescence tester (120).

[0075] The electroluminescence tester (120) may include a camera (121), such as a CCD camera, and a defective determination unit (123) that detects a solar cell string (10) in which no electroluminescence is observed or in which electroluminescence is observed less than a preset standard from an image captured by the camera (121) and determines the solar cell string (10) to be defective.

[0076] The defect determination unit (123) may include a computer equipped with software that performs a function of finding defective solar cell strings (10) from captured images. Alternatively, the electroluminescence tester (120) may not include the defect determination unit (123). In this case, a worker may observe the image captured by the camera (121) and find defective solar cell strings (10).

[0077] A plurality of tangent devices (130A, 130B) and a camera (121) may be positioned on opposite sides with a plurality of solar cell strings (10) arranged in a matrix (20) therebetween. In the embodiment of the solar cell module inspection device (100) illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, a plurality of tangent devices (130A, 130B) and a camera (121) may be positioned on one side and the other side along a third direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction with a plurality of solar cell strings (10) therebetween. For example, the third direction may be an up-down direction.

[0078] With this configuration, the camera (121) can capture images of a plurality of solar cell strings (10) without any portions being obscured by the first support beam (105), the second support beam (110), and the tangential devices (130A, 130B). Therefore, defective solar cell strings (10) can be more accurately identified.

[0079] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a tangential device according to one embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 8 is a bottom perspective view of a tangential device according to one embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 9 is a side view of a tangential device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the tangential device of Fig. 9 taken along line XX. The tangential device (130A) illustrated in Figs. 7 to 10 is the first tangential device of Fig. 1.

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 1, 4, 7 to 10, the first tangential device (130A) may include a connecting arm (131), an actuator (133), a support (145), a terminal body (150), and an elastic member (175). The connecting arm (131) may have one end fixedly supported on a first support beam (105) and may extend toward the stage (101).

[0081] The terminal body (150) is made of a conductive material, such as metal, for example, and is movable between a contact position in contact with a plurality of tangential wires (15) and a separation position spaced apart from the tangential wires (15). The tangential device (130A) of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1 can move between the contact position and the separation position along the third direction. In other words, when the terminal body (150) moves in a direction closer to the stage (101) along the third direction, it approaches the contact position, and when the terminal body (150) moves in a direction away from the stage (101) along the third direction, it moves to the separation position.

[0082] The actuator (133) can provide power to move the terminal body (150) between the contact position and the separation position. The actuator (133) can include a hydraulic cylinder that moves the terminal body (150) in the third direction by hydraulic pressure.

[0083] The actuator (133) may include a cylinder body (134) having a piston (not shown) inside and fixedly supported on the other end of the connecting arm (131), and a cylinder rod (138) having one end attached to the piston and the other end protruding downward from the cylinder body (134).

[0084] The cylinder body (134) may be provided with first and second hydraulic supply tubes (136, 137) through which working fluid is injected from the outside to the inside of the cylinder body (134) or discharged from the inside to the outside. When working fluid is injected into the cylinder body (134) through the first hydraulic supply tube (136) and working fluid is discharged from the cylinder body (134) to the outside through the second hydraulic supply tube (137) positioned lower than the second hydraulic supply tube (136), the piston inside the cylinder body (134) and the cylinder rod (138) connected thereto may move downward.

[0085] Conversely, when the operating oil is injected into the cylinder body (134) through the second hydraulic supply tube (137) and the operating oil is discharged to the outside from the cylinder body (134) through the first hydraulic supply tube (136), the piston inside the cylinder body (134) and the cylinder rod (138) connected thereto can move upward.

[0086] The support (145) can be connected to the actuator (133). Specifically, for example, the support (145) can be connected to the actuator (133) via a base (140) and a plurality of spacers (143). The base (140) is fixedly connected to the lower end of the cylinder rod (138) of the actuator (133), and the plurality of spacers (143) can be interposed between the base (140) and the support (145).

[0087] The upper portions of the plurality of spacers (143) are fixedly connected to the base (140), and the lower portions of the plurality of spacers (143) are fixedly connected to the support (145), so that the lower surface of the base (140) and the upper surface (147) of the support (145) can be spaced apart at a constant interval. The plurality of spacers (143) can connect the base (140) and the support (145) so that the base (140) and the support (145) are spaced apart from each other.

[0088] The support (145) can support the terminal body (150) so that it can move between a contact position and a separation position together with the terminal body (150). To prevent the terminal body (150) from accidentally coming into contact with a surrounding conductive object and causing an unintentional problem such as a short circuit, the support (145) can be made of an insulating material such as plastic and can be arranged to surround the terminal body (150).

[0089] The terminal body (150) may further include a plurality of contact pins (151), a number of coupling rings (163) equal to the number of contact pins (151), a terminal plate (160), and a plurality of fixing screws (167). The plurality of contact pins (151) may be arranged in a row in the first direction.

[0090] Each contact pin (151) may include a pin portion (152) extending in a third direction so as to penetrate the support (145) in a third direction, and a hammer portion (157) extending below the pin portion (152) and extending in the first direction and the second direction at the boundary with the pin portion (152).

[0091] A plurality of through holes (149) are formed in the support (145) to penetrate the support (145) in a third direction so that the pin portions (152) of the plurality of contact pins (151) can penetrate therethrough. The support (145) can extend in the first direction.

[0092] A groove (146) extending in the first direction and opening downwards may be formed at the lower portion of the support (145) so that hammer portions (157) of a plurality of contact pins (151) can be partially received therein. The plurality of contact pins (151) may be arranged in a row on the groove (146). The plurality of hammer portions (157) may protrude outwardly from the support (145). For example, the lower surfaces of the plurality of hammer portions (157) may protrude below the support (145).

[0093] A plurality of coupling rings (163) and a plurality of contact pins (151) may correspond one-to-one. The coupling ring (163) may be mounted on the pin portion (152) between the support (145) and the terminal plate (160). The size of the outer diameter of the coupling ring (163) may be larger than the size of the inner diameter of the through hole (149).

[0094] The contact pin (151) can be suspended and supported without being separated from the support (145) by fastening a coupling ring (163) to the upper end of the pin portion (152) that penetrates the through hole (149) of the support (145) in the third direction and protrudes above the upper surface (147) of the support (145). For example, the coupling ring (163) is a C-ring in the shape of the letter C, and a groove can be formed on the outer surface of the pin portion (152) into which a protrusion protruding inwardly of the coupling ring (163) is fitted.

[0095] The terminal plate (160) is made of a conductive material such as metal, and can be placed on the upper surface of the plurality of pin portions (152). The terminal plate (160) can be fixed in contact with the plurality of pin portions (152) by a fixing screw (167). A screw hole (153) open toward the upper surface can be formed in the pin portion (152) so that the fixing screw (167) can be fastened, and a terminal plate through-hole (161) aligned with the screw hole (153) can be formed in the terminal plate (160).

[0096] In FIGS. 7 and 10, only one fixing screw (167) inserted and fastened to one of the plurality of contact pins (151) is shown, but this is exemplary, and the terminal body (150) may include a plurality of fixing screws (167) so that the terminal plate (160) can be firmly supported in contact with the plurality of contact pins (151).

[0097] A plurality of fixing screws (167) may be fastened one by one to all the contact pins (151) except for the contact pins (151) to which the terminal connecting screw (170) is fastened, or a plurality of fixing screws (167) may be fastened one by one to some of the contact pins (151) among the plurality of contact pins (151).

[0098] The contact device (130A) may further include a terminal connection screw (170) that is fastened to the pin portion (152) by pressing the terminal of the power supply device (115) against the terminal plate (160) so that the power supply device (115) and the terminal plate (160) are electrically connected. The terminal connection screw (170) secures one terminal (not shown) of the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the power supply device (115) to the terminal plate (160) so as to be electrically connected.

[0099] When one of the positive terminal and negative terminal of the power supply device (115) is placed on the terminal plate (160) and the terminal connection screw (170) is fastened to the screw hole (153) of one pin portion (152) and the terminal plate hole (161) aligned with the screw hole (153), the head of the terminal connection screw (170) presses the terminal of the power supply device (115) toward the terminal plate (160), so that the terminal of the power supply device (115) and the terminal plate (160) can be electrically connected to each other.

[0100] When the terminal body (150) moves to the contact position, the lower surface of the hammer portion (157) can come into contact with the tangential wire (15). A plurality of contact pins (151) of the terminal body (150) can simultaneously move to the contact position by the power of the actuator (133) and come into electrical contact with a plurality of tangential wires (15).

[0101] The length of the terminal body (150) of the first tangential device (130A) in the first direction may not be greater than the width of one solar cell string (10) in the first direction. A plurality of hammer portions (157) included in the terminal body (150) can simultaneously contact and pressurize a plurality of tangential wires (15) belonging to one solar cell string (10) one by one.

[0102] In the case of the first contact device (130A) included in the solar cell module inspection device (100) illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, each hammer portion (157) included in the terminal body (150) can simultaneously contact and pressurize a pair of tangent wires (15) that are spaced apart from each other in a pair of solar cell strings (10) arranged in the same column of the first and second rows. When the terminal body (150) moves from the contact position to the spaced position, current no longer flows through the plurality of solar cell strings (10).

[0103] The elastic member (175) cushions the impact when the terminal body (150) moves to the contact position by the power of the actuator (133) and collides with the plurality of tangential wires (15). The elastic member (175) may be provided in a plurality of pieces corresponding to the number of contact pins (151). The elastic member (175) may be a coil spring. Each elastic member (175) may be fitted into a pin portion (152).

[0104] An elastic member (175) may be placed on the pin portion (152) between the support (145) and the hammer portion (157). One side of the elastic member (175) may be supported by the support (145) and the opposite side may be supported by the hammer portion (157). The upper end of the elastic member (175) may be supported by the lower surface (148) of the support (145), and the lower end of the elastic member (175) may be supported by the upper surface of the hammer portion (157).

[0105] With this configuration, the contact pin (151) can be elastically biased so that the hammer portion (157) faces downward. When the hammer portion (157) moves on the support (145), the elastic member (175) can be elastically deformed. In other words, when the hammer portion (157) collides with the tangential wire (15), the elastic member (175) is elastically compressed to cushion the impact, thereby suppressing breakage and damage to the tangential wire (15).

[0106] Meanwhile, the second tangential device (130B) illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 may include a connecting arm, an actuator, a support, a terminal, an elastic member, a base, and a spacer, similar to the first tangential device (130A). Therefore, a detailed description of the second tangential device (130B) will be omitted.

[0107] However, the length of the terminal body of the second tangential device (130B) in the first direction may be greater than the width of the solar cell string (10) in the first direction and may not be greater than the sum of the widths of the pair of solar cell strings (10) and the spacing between the pair of solar cell strings (10), but is not limited thereto, and the width and length of the second tangential device (130B) may be set in various ways as needed. In addition, the number of contact pins included in the terminal body of the second tangential device (130B) may be twice the number of contact pins (151) included in the first tangential device (130A), but is not limited thereto, and the number may be adjusted as needed.

[0108] A plurality of contact pins included in the terminal body of the second contact device (130B) can simultaneously contact and pressurize a plurality of contact wires (15) belonging to a pair of solar cell strings (10) arranged in the first direction, one by one.

[0109] Referring again to FIGS. 1 to 3, the solar cell module inspection device (100) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may further include a solar cell string replacement device (127) that automatically replaces a solar cell string (10) determined to be defective by the electroluminescence inspection device (120) with a new solar cell string (10). The solar cell string replacement device (127) may include a robot arm that grips and moves the solar cell string (10).

[0110] Since the tangential device (130A, 130B) is not connected to the tangential wire (15) by a method such as soldering, and is cleanly separated from the tangential wire (15) without any trace when in a separated position, a worker can automatically replace a defective solar cell string (10) with a new solar cell string (10) using the solar cell string replacement device (127) without manually replacing the defective solar cell string (10).

[0111] Fig. 11 is a block diagram showing a solar cell module inspection method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figs. 1 to 5 and Fig. 11, the solar cell module inspection method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a solar cell string arrangement step (S10), a tangential device contact step (S20), an electroluminescence inspection step (S30), and a tangential device separation step (S40, S60). The solar cell module inspection method according to an embodiment of the present invention can be performed using the solar cell module inspection device (100) according to the first embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3.

[0112] The solar cell string arrangement step (S10) is a step of arranging a plurality of solar cell strings (10) in a first direction. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, six solar cell strings (10) may be arranged in the first direction, and another six solar cell strings (10) may be additionally arranged in the first direction to form a matrix (20) of two rows and six columns. The plurality of solar cell strings (10) forming the matrix (20) may be arranged on a stage (101).

[0113] The tangential device contact step (S20) is a step of contacting a plurality of tangential devices (130A, 130B) to a plurality of solar cell strings (10) forming a matrix (20) so that the plurality of solar cell strings (10) are electrically conductive. The terminal body (150) of the tangential device (130A, 130B) moves to a contact position along the third direction so that it can electrically contact a plurality of tangential wires (15) of the plurality of solar cell strings (10).

[0114] The contact device contact step (S20) has been specifically described while describing the contact devices (130A, 130B) with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIGS. 7 to 10, so a redundant description will be omitted.

[0115] The electroluminescence inspection step (S30) is a step of detecting electroluminescence of a plurality of solar cell strings (10) while a plurality of contact devices (130A, 130B) are in contact with a plurality of solar cell strings (10) to inspect whether the plurality of solar cell strings (10) are defective. The electroluminescence inspection step (S30) has been described in detail while explaining the electroluminescence inspection device (120) with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, so a redundant description will be omitted.

[0116] The tangent device separation step (S40, S60) is a step of separating a plurality of tangent devices (130A, 130B) from a plurality of solar cell strings (10). The terminal body (150) of the tangent devices (130A, 130B) can be separated from a plurality of tangent wires (15) of a plurality of solar cell strings (10) by moving to a separation position along the third direction.

[0117] The tangential device separation step (S40, S60) can be divided into a tangential device separation step (S40) when there is a defect and a tangential device separation step (S60) when there is no defect, depending on the results of the electroluminescence inspection step (S30).

[0118] In the case where at least some of the solar cell strings (10) among the plurality of solar cell strings (10) are determined to be defective in the electroluminescence inspection step (S30), the solar cell module inspection method according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a string replacement step (S50) after the tangent device separation step (S40).

[0119] The string replacement step (S50) is a step of replacing a defective solar cell string (10) with another solar cell string (10) of the same type. The string replacement step (S50) may be automatically performed by a solar cell string replacement device (127) or manually performed by a worker.

[0120] After the string replacement step (S50), the contact device contact step (S20) and the electroluminescence inspection step (S30) may be performed again. In the electroluminescence inspection step (S30), at least some of the solar cell strings (10) among the plurality of solar cell strings (10) forming the matrix (20) may be determined to be defective.

[0121] In this case, the tangent device separation step (S40) and the string replacement step (S50) can be performed again. In this manner, the tangent device contact step (S20), the electroluminescence inspection step (S30), the tangent device separation step (S40), and the string replacement step (S50) can be repeated until all solar cell strings (10) are judged as good in the electroluminescence inspection step (S30).

[0122] If all solar cell strings (10) are judged to be good in the electroluminescence inspection step (S30), the tangent device separation step (S60) is performed. The solar cell module inspection method according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a solar cell module assembly step (S70).

[0123] The solar cell module assembly step (S70) may include, for example, a step of soldering a cross connector (not shown) to a plurality of tangent wires (15) of a plurality of solar cell strings (10) that are all judged to be good products, and a step of installing the plurality of solar cell strings (10) to which the cross connectors are joined so as to be accommodated in a frame (not shown).

[0124] According to the present invention described above, when conducting an electroluminescence inspection to determine whether a plurality of solar cell strings (10) arranged in a matrix (20) are defective through electroluminescence, the speed of conducting the electroluminescence inspection of the solar cell module and the speed of replacing a solar cell string (10) determined to be defective with a new solar cell string (10) of the same type can be improved by inspecting the plurality of solar cell strings (10) by contacting and then separating the contact devices (130A, 130B).

[0125] In addition, it is easy to automate the electroluminescence test and the work of replacing a solar cell string (10) determined to be defective with a new solar cell string (10) of the same type.

[0126] Fig. 12 is a schematic plan view of a solar cell module inspection device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The solar cell module inspection device (100) according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a device for inspecting a so-called portrait type solar cell module in which the length in the second direction, i.e., the longitudinal length, is longer than the length in the first direction, i.e., the transverse length, whereas the solar cell module inspection device (200) according to the second embodiment of the present invention may be a device for inspecting a so-called landscape type solar cell module in which the length in the first direction, i.e., the transverse length, is longer than the length in the second direction, i.e., the longitudinal length.

[0127] Referring to FIG. 12, the landscape-type solar cell module may include a plurality of solar cell strings (40) each extending in a second direction and arranged in a first direction. Each solar cell string (40) may include a plurality of solar cells (30) arranged in a row so as to be electrically conductive in the second direction.

[0128] Like the solar cell module inspection device (100) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the solar cell module inspection device (200) according to the second embodiment of the present invention may also include a plurality of tangent devices (130A, 130B).

[0129] Specifically, the plurality of tangent devices (130A, 130B) may include a pair of first tangent devices (130A) and fourteen second tangent devices (130B). The configuration of the first tangent device (130A) and the second tangent device (130B) is the same as that of the first tangent device (130A) and the second tangent device (130B) included in the solar cell module inspection device (100) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and therefore, a duplicate description will be omitted.

[0130] Each solar cell string (40) may include a plurality of tangential wires (not shown) that are electrically contactable with a tangential device (130A, 130B) at the longitudinal end, i.e., the end in the second direction.

[0131] One of the pair of first tangential devices (130A) may be arranged between the solar cell string (40) of the first row and the first column and the solar cell string (40) of the second row and the first column, aligned with the tangential wire along the third direction, and the other may be arranged between the solar cell string (40) of the first row and the tenth column and the solar cell string (40) of the second row and the tenth column, aligned with the tangential wire along the third direction.

[0132] Four of the fourteen second tangential devices (130B) may be arranged in a row along the first direction so as to be aligned along the third direction with the tangential wire between a pair of first tangential devices (130A).

[0133] Five of the fourteen second tangential devices (130B) can be arranged in a row along the first direction so as to be aligned along the third direction with the tangential wires of the ten solar cell strings (40) belonging to the first row, which do not face the ten solar cell strings (40) belonging to the second row.

[0134] The remaining five of the fourteen second tangential devices (130B) may be arranged in a row along the first direction so as to be aligned along the third direction with the tangential wires of the six solar cell strings (40) belonging to the second row, which do not face the ten solar cell strings (40) belonging to the first row. Meanwhile, the number of the first tangential devices (130A) and the number of the second tangential devices (130B) may vary depending on the arrangement and size of the plurality of solar cell strings (40).

[0135] The solar cell module inspection device (200) may further include a power supply device (not shown) for supplying power to a plurality of solar cell strings (40) arranged in a matrix. A positive terminal of the power supply device may be electrically connected to one of a pair of first tangential devices (130A), and a negative terminal of the power supply device may be electrically connected to the other of the pair of first tangential devices (130A).

[0136] When the positive and negative terminals of the power supply device are electrically connected to a pair of first tangential devices (130A), and all tangential devices (130A, 130B) are in contact with all tangential wires of a plurality of solar cell strings (40), and power is supplied from the power supply device, current can flow to the plurality of solar cell strings (40) forming the matrix.

[0137] Fig. 13 is a schematic plan view of a solar cell module inspection device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The solar cell module inspection device (100) according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a device for inspecting a so-called portrait type solar cell module in which the length in the second direction, i.e., the longitudinal length, is longer than the length in the first direction, i.e., the transverse length, whereas the solar cell module inspection device (300) according to the third embodiment of the present invention may be a device for inspecting a so-called landscape type solar cell module in which the length in the first direction, i.e., the transverse length, is longer than the length in the second direction, i.e., the longitudinal length.

[0138] Referring to FIG. 13, the landscape-type solar cell module may include a plurality of solar cell strings (60) each extending in a second direction and arranged in a first direction. Each solar cell string (60) may include a plurality of solar cells (50) arranged in a row so as to be electrically conductive in the second direction.

[0139] The solar cell string (60) illustrated in FIG. 13 may include a larger number of solar cells (50) arranged in the second direction than the solar cell string (40) illustrated in FIG. 12. The size of the solar cell (50) included in the solar cell string (60) of FIG. 13 may be smaller than the size of the solar cell (30) included in the solar cell string (40) of FIG. 12.

[0140] Similar to the solar cell module inspection device (100) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the solar cell module inspection device (300) according to the third embodiment of the present invention may also include a plurality of tangent devices (130A, 130B).

[0141] Specifically, the plurality of tangent devices (130A, 130B) may include a pair of first tangent devices (130A) and fourteen second tangent devices (130B). The configuration of the first tangent device (130A) and the second tangent device (130B) is the same as that of the first tangent device (130A) and the second tangent device (130B) included in the solar cell module inspection device (100) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and therefore, a duplicate description will be omitted.

[0142] Each solar cell string (60) may include a plurality of tangential wires (not shown) that are electrically contactable with a tangential device (130A, 130B) at the longitudinal end, i.e., the end in the second direction.

[0143] One of the pair of first tangential devices (130A) may be arranged between the solar cell string (60) of the first row and the first column and the solar cell string (60) of the second row and the first column, aligned with the tangential wire along the third direction, and the other may be arranged between the solar cell string (60) of the first row and the tenth column and the solar cell string (60) of the second row and the tenth column, aligned with the tangential wire along the third direction.

[0144] Four of the fourteen second tangential devices (130B) may be arranged in a row along the first direction so as to be aligned along the third direction with the tangential wire between a pair of first tangential devices (130A).

[0145] Five of the fourteen second tangential devices (130B) can be arranged in a row along the first direction so as to be aligned along the third direction with the tangential wires of the ten solar cell strings (60) belonging to the first row, which do not face the ten solar cell strings (60) belonging to the second row.

[0146] The remaining five of the fourteen second tangential devices (130B) may be arranged in a row along the first direction so as to be aligned along the third direction with the tangential wires of the six solar cell strings (60) belonging to the second row, which do not face the ten solar cell strings (60) belonging to the first row. Meanwhile, the number of the first tangential devices (130A) and the number of the second tangential devices (130B) may vary depending on the arrangement and size of the plurality of solar cell strings (60).

[0147] The solar cell module inspection device (300) may further include a power supply device (not shown) for supplying power to a plurality of solar cell strings (60) arranged in a matrix. A positive terminal of the power supply device may be electrically connected to one of the pair of first tangential devices (130A), and a negative terminal of the power supply device may be electrically connected to the other of the pair of first tangential devices (130A).

[0148] When the positive and negative terminals of the power supply device are electrically connected to a pair of first tangential devices (130A), and all tangential devices (130A, 130B) are in contact with all tangential wires of the plurality of solar cell strings (60), and power is supplied from the power supply device, current can flow to the plurality of solar cell strings (60) forming the matrix.

[0149] Fig. 14 is a schematic plan view of a solar cell module inspection device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The solar cell module inspection device (100) according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a device for inspecting a solar cell module in which an even number of solar cell strings (10) are arranged in a first direction, whereas the solar cell module inspection device (400) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention may be a device for inspecting a solar cell module in which an odd number of solar cell strings (80) are arranged in the first direction.

[0150] Referring to FIG. 14, the solar cell module may include a plurality of solar cell strings (80) each extending in the second direction and arranged in groups of five in the first direction. Specifically, the plurality of solar cell strings (80) may be arranged in two rows and five columns. Each solar cell string (80) may include a plurality of solar cells (70) arranged in a row in the second direction so as to be electrically conductive.

[0151] Similar to the solar cell module inspection device (100) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the solar cell module inspection device (400) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention may also include a plurality of tangent devices (130A, 130B).

[0152] Specifically, the plurality of tangential devices (130A, 130B) may include five first tangential devices (130A) and five second tangential devices (130B). The configuration of the first tangential device (130A) and the second tangential device (130B) is the same as that of the first tangential device (130A) and the second tangential device (130B) included in the solar cell module inspection device (100) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and therefore, a duplicate description will be omitted.

[0153] Each solar cell string (80) may include a plurality of tangential wires (not shown) that are electrically connected to a tangential device (130A, 130B) at the longitudinal end, i.e., the end in the second direction.

[0154] One of the five first tangential devices (130A) may be arranged between the solar cell string (80) of the first row and the first column and the solar cell string (80) of the second row and the first column so as to be aligned along the third direction with the tangential wire, another may be arranged between the solar cell string (80) of the first row and the fourth column and the solar cell string (80) of the second row and the fourth column so as to be aligned along the third direction with the tangential wire, and yet another may be arranged between the solar cell string (80) of the first row and the fifth column and the solar cell string (80) of the second row and the fifth column so as to be aligned along the third direction with the tangential wire.

[0155] One of the remaining two first tangential devices (130A) may be arranged to be aligned along a third direction with a tangential wire that does not face the tangential wire of the solar cell string (80) of the second row and third column among the tangential wires of the solar cell string (80) of the first row and third column, and the other of the remaining two first tangential devices (130A) may be arranged to be aligned along a third direction with a tangential wire that does not face the tangential wire of the solar cell string (80) of the first row and third column among the tangential wires of the solar cell string (80) of the second row and third column.

[0156] Five second tangential devices (130B) may be arranged so as to be aligned along the third direction with the tangential wires of the solar cell strings (80) at locations where five first tangential devices (130A) are not arranged. Meanwhile, the number of first tangential devices (130A) and the number of second tangential devices (130B) may vary depending on the arrangement and size of the plurality of solar cell strings (8).

[0157] The solar cell module inspection device (400) may further include a pair of connecting wires (450). One of the pair of connecting wires (450) may electrically connect the tangent wires of the solar cell strings (80) in the first row and third column to the tangent wires of the solar cell strings (80) in the first row and fourth column via the first tangent device (130A). The other of the pair of connecting wires (450) may electrically connect the tangent wires of the solar cell strings (80) in the second row and third column to the tangent wires of the solar cell strings (80) in the second row and fourth column via the first tangent device (130A).

[0158] The solar cell module inspection device (400) may further include a power supply device (not shown) for supplying power to a plurality of solar cell strings (80) arranged in a matrix. A positive terminal of the power supply device may be electrically connected to a first tangent device (130A) aligned along a third direction with a tangent wire between a solar cell string (80) in the first row and the first column and a solar cell string (80) in the second row and the first column, and a negative terminal of the power supply device may be electrically connected to a first tangent device (130A) aligned along a third direction with a tangent wire between a solar cell string (80) in the first row and the fifth column and a solar cell string (80) in the second row and the fifth column.

[0159] When the positive and negative terminals of the power supply device are electrically connected to a pair of first tangential devices (130A), and all tangential devices (130A, 130B) are in contact with all tangential wires of the plurality of solar cell strings (60), and power is supplied from the power supply device, current can flow to the plurality of solar cell strings (80) forming the matrix.

[0160] The tangent device and solar cell module inspection device of the present invention can be applied to electroluminescence inspection of solar cell modules of various shapes not shown in addition to the solar cell modules illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 and FIGS. 12 to 14.

[0161] For example, the solar cell module illustrated in FIG. 4 includes a solar cell string (10) in which 13 solar cell cells (1) are arranged in the second direction, but the tangent device and solar cell module inspection device of the present invention can be configured to inspect a solar cell module including more or fewer solar cell cells (1) than 13.

[0162] In addition, although FIGS. 4 and 12 to 15 disclose a tangent device and a solar cell module inspection device for inspecting a so-called 'duo solar cell module' in which a group of solar cell strings including a plurality of solar cell strings (10, 40, 60, 80) arranged in a row in a first direction are arranged in two rows, the tangent device and the solar cell module inspection device of the present invention may be configured to be applied to inspect a so-called 'single solar cell module' composed of only a group of solar cell strings.

[0163] While the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, these are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible. Accordingly, the true technical protection scope of the present invention should be defined by the following claims.

[0164] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the contact device, solar cell module inspection device, and solar cell module inspection method can be applied to various industrially applicable devices. In particular, they can be applied to the automation of solar cell module manufacturing devices.

Claims

1. A terminal body made of a conductive material and movable between a contact position and a separation position; and A tangential device comprising an actuator that provides power to move the terminal body between the contact position and the separation position.

2. In paragraph 1, A tangential device further comprising a support made of an insulating material, surrounding the terminal body, and moving the terminal body between the contact position and the separation position by the operation of the actuator.

3. In paragraph 2, The above terminal body is, a plurality of contact pins penetrating the support; and A contact device comprising a terminal plate electrically connected to a power supply and each of the plurality of contact pins; 4. In paragraph 3, Each of the plurality of above contact pins, A pin portion penetrating the through hole of the above support; and A tangential device comprising a hammer portion connected to the pin portion and protruding outwardly from the support body.

5. In paragraph 4, The above support has a groove formed in the longitudinal direction, A tangential device in which a plurality of the above contact pins are arranged in a row on the above groove.

6. In paragraph 4, The above terminal body is, A tangential device further comprising a coupling ring mounted on the pin portion between the support and the terminal plate and having an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the through hole.

7. In paragraph 4, A tangential device further comprising an elastic member disposed on the pin portion between the support and the hammer portion, the elastic member being elastically deformed when the hammer portion moves relative to the support.

8. In paragraph 7, A tangential device in which the elastic member surrounds the pin portion, one side of which is supported by the support body, and the opposite side of which is supported by the hammer portion.

9. In paragraph 4, The above terminal body is, A tangential device further comprising a fixing screw penetrating the terminal plate and fastened to the pin portion to connect the terminal plate and the plurality of pin portions.

10. In paragraph 4, A tangential device further comprising a terminal connecting screw that is fastened to the pin portion by pressing the terminal of the power supply device against the terminal plate so that the power supply device and the terminal plate are electrically connected.

11. In paragraph 2, a base coupled to the actuator; and A tangential device further comprising a spacer interposed between the base and the support so as to separate the base and the support.

12. In paragraph 11, The above actuator, cylinder body; and A tangential device comprising a cylinder rod coupled to the base and extending in a direction protruding from the cylinder body and a direction inserted into the cylinder body.

13. A stage for supporting a plurality of solar cell strings arranged in a first direction; A tangential device selectively contacting a plurality of solar cell strings so that the plurality of solar cell strings are energized; and A solar cell module inspection device comprising an electroluminescence inspection device that detects electroluminescence (EL) of a plurality of solar cell strings while the contact device is in contact with the plurality of solar cell strings to inspect whether the plurality of solar cell strings are defective.

14. In paragraph 13, The above solar cell string extends in the second direction, A solar cell module inspection device, wherein the solar cell string includes a tangential wire provided at an end of the solar cell string in the second direction and electrically contactable with the tangential device.

15. In paragraph 14, The above tangent device, A terminal body made of a conductive material and movable between a contact position in contact with the tangential wire and a separation position spaced from the tangential wire; and A solar cell module inspection device comprising an actuator that provides power to move the terminal body between the contact position and the separation position.

16. In paragraph 15, The above tangent device, A tangential device further comprising a support made of an insulating material, surrounding the terminal body, and moving the terminal body between the contact position and the separation position by the operation of the actuator.

17. In paragraph 15, A solar cell module inspection device wherein the terminal body is movable between the contact position and the separation position along a third direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction.

18. In paragraph 13, The above tangent device is provided in multiple units, A solar cell module inspection device in which at least one of the plurality of above-mentioned tangential devices directly connects a pair of solar cell strings arranged adjacently in the first direction among the plurality of above-mentioned solar cell strings so as to be electrically conductive.

19. In paragraph 14, A first support beam extending in the first direction and having the tangent device installed thereon; and A solar cell module inspection device further comprising a second support beam extending in the second direction and installed such that the first support beam can move in the second direction.

20. A solar cell string arrangement step for arranging a plurality of solar cell strings in a first direction; A tangent device contact step of contacting a tangent device to a plurality of solar cell strings so that the plurality of solar cell strings are energized; An electroluminescence inspection step for detecting electroluminescence of a plurality of solar cell strings while the above-mentioned contact device is in contact with the plurality of solar cell strings to inspect whether the plurality of solar cell strings are defective; and A method for inspecting a solar cell module, comprising: a tangent device separation step for separating the tangent device from a plurality of solar cell strings; 21. In paragraph 20, A solar cell module inspection method further comprising a string replacement step of replacing the defective solar cell string with another solar cell string of the same type after the tangent device separation step, if at least some of the plurality of solar cell strings are determined to be defective in the electroluminescence inspection step.

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