Cell-wire separation device and cell-wire separation method

Abstract

Provided is a cell-wire separation device. The cell-wire separation device according to an aspect of the present invention may comprise: a separation unit that can discharge hot gas for melting a soldering portion, which is provided on one surface of the cell, in order to join wires; a moving unit that can move the separation unit to the one surface of the cell; and a controller for controlling the separation unit and the moving unit.

Description

Cell-wire separation device and method

[0001] The present invention relates to a cell-wire separation device and method, and more particularly, to a cell-wire separation device and method capable of detaching and separating a wire bonded to a cell from the cell.

[0002] A solar panel is a flat-panel device integrated with elements that convert light energy into electrical energy. These panels are typically manufactured in modular form and installed in a designated location, where they generate electrical energy using sunlight shining on the ground.

[0003] Typically, solar panels are manufactured by joining together at least one cell assembly. A cell assembly comprises a plurality of unit cells (hereinafter referred to as "cells") arranged in a predetermined manner and a plurality of wires for electrically connecting adjacent cells. Typically, the cells are provided as flat-plate components, and the wires are joined to one surface of the cells.

[0004] At this time, a soldering process is primarily used to connect the cells and wires of the cell assembly. This process allows for the formation of a soldering area surrounding a portion of the wire on one side of the cell. If necessary, multiple soldering areas may be provided along the wire on one side of the cell.

[0005] Meanwhile, after a cell assembly is manufactured, defects may be discovered in the cells that make up the cell assembly. It is desirable to repair such cell assemblies. To repair a cell assembly, the defective cell is typically replaced with a good cell.

[0006] The repair process for a cell assembly as described above can be broadly divided into four steps. First, the wire that electrically connects a defective cell to its neighboring cell is detached from the defective cell. Then, the detached wire is cut, thereby separating the defective cell from the cell assembly. Next, the defective cell is removed, and a good cell is supplied in its place. Finally, the replaced cell and its neighboring cell are electrically connected to each other using the wire. At this time, a resoldering process is typically performed to form a new solder joint surrounding the wire on one side of the cell to bond the wire to the cell.

[0007] However, conventionally, to separate cells and wires, workers would use a heating device, such as a soldering iron, to melt the solder joints on one side of the cell and then separate the wires. This conventional cell assembly repair process was labor-intensive and increased the manufacturing costs of solar panels.

[0008] Accordingly, there has been an urgent need for the development of a cell-wire separation device and method that can minimize the labor required for the repair process of cell assemblies and reduce the manufacturing cost of solar panels by automatically performing the process of separating wires from cells.

[0009] The present invention has been conceived in consideration of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a cell-wire separation device and method capable of automatically detaching a wire coupled to a cell of a cell assembly from the cell.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a cell-wire separation device and method capable of quickly separating a plurality of wires bonded to one side of a cell.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a cell-wire separation device and method capable of accurately separating wires bonded to one side of a cell.

[0012] The tasks of the present invention are not limited to the tasks mentioned above, and other tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the description below.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, a cell-wire separation device is provided, comprising: a separation unit capable of emitting hot gas for melting a soldering portion provided on one side of a cell to join wires; a moving unit capable of moving the separation unit onto the one side of the cell; and a controller for controlling the separation unit and the moving unit.

[0014] A cell-wire separation device and method according to one aspect of the present invention is configured to separate wires from cells by controlling a separation unit capable of emitting hot gas for removing a soldering part and a moving unit capable of moving the separation unit by a controller, so that wires can be automatically separated from cells without separate human labor.

[0015] A cell-wire separation device and method according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a separation unit having a plurality of outlets through which hot gas is discharged, and the plurality of outlets are configured to separate a plurality of wires arranged on one side of a cell, so that a plurality of wires can be quickly separated from the cell.

[0016] A cell-wire separation device and method according to one aspect of the present invention is characterized in that a discharge groove of a separation unit is formed along the extension direction of the wire and an exhaust port is positioned inside the discharge groove, so that hot gas discharged from the discharge port can be concentratedly sprayed onto a soldering portion surrounding the wire, thereby enabling accurate separation of the wire from the cell.

[0017] According to one aspect of the present invention, a cell-wire separation device and method have a cross-section in which the discharge groove of the separation unit increases toward the outside, so that hot gas discharged from the discharge port can be concentratedly sprayed onto the soldering portion surrounding the wire, thereby enabling accurate separation of the wire from the cell.

[0018] A cell-wire separation device according to one embodiment of the present invention has a plurality of hot gas generators spaced apart from each other along a direction in which a plurality of wires coupled to one side of a cell are arranged, so that a large amount of hot gas can be evenly discharged onto one side of the cell, thereby accurately separating the wires from the cell.

[0019] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0020] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are perspective views of a cell-wire separation device according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from different angles, installed next to a workbench on which a cell assembly is placed.

[0021] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a cell-wire separation device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a perspective view from above of a portion of a cell assembly that can be a working target of a cell-wire separation device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspective views of a separation unit of a cell-wire separation device according to one embodiment of the present invention viewed from different angles.

[0024] Figures 7 to 9 are vertical cross-sectional views of the separation unit illustrated in Figure 5 cut along different planes.

[0025] Figure 10 is a flowchart of a cell-wire separation method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are drawings for explaining step S400 of FIG. 10.

[0027] Figure 13 is a drawing for explaining step S500 of Figure 10.

[0028] Figure 14 is a drawing for explaining step S600 of Figure 10.

[0029] According to one aspect of the present invention, a cell-wire separation device is provided, comprising: a separation unit capable of emitting hot gas for melting a soldering portion provided on one side of a cell to join wires; a moving unit capable of moving the separation unit onto the one side of the cell; and a controller for controlling the separation unit and the moving unit.

[0030] At this time, the separation unit may include a support frame that can be moved by the moving unit; a hot gas generator that is supported by the support frame and is configured to heat gas introduced from the outside to generate hot gas; and a hot gas discharger that guides the hot gas generated in the hot gas generator to be discharged to the soldering part provided on the one surface of the cell.

[0031] At this time, the hot gas discharger may be provided with a main path inside through which hot gas generated from the hot gas generator flows, and a plurality of discharge ports open toward the outside may be provided on the outside so that the hot gas flowing through the main path is discharged to the soldering part provided on the one surface of the cell.

[0032] At this time, the separation unit may include a temperature sensor provided on one side of the hot gas discharger to measure the temperature of the hot gas flowing through the main euro.

[0033] At this time, the separation unit may include a heater provided in the hot gas discharger so as to heat the hot gas flowing through the main euro.

[0034] At this time, the heater may extend parallel to the main euro from the side of the main euro.

[0035] At this time, the plurality of outlets may be arranged in a direction parallel to the direction in which the plurality of wires are spaced apart.

[0036] At this time, the plurality of outlets may be spaced apart from each other so as to correspond to each of the plurality of wires.

[0037] At this time, the outer surface of the hot gas discharger is provided with a slit-shaped discharge groove extending in a direction parallel to the extension direction of the wire, and at least one of the plurality of discharge ports may be located on the inside of the discharge groove.

[0038] At this time, the discharge groove is provided in multiple numbers corresponding to the multiple discharge ports, and the multiple discharge ports can each be located on the inside of any one of the multiple discharge grooves.

[0039] At this time, the cross-sectional area of ​​the discharge groove may increase as it goes toward the outside of the hot gas discharger.

[0040] At this time, the hot gas generators may be provided in multiple numbers and may be spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the multiple cells are arranged.

[0041] At this time, the hot gas discharger may include a discharge body part extending in a direction parallel to the direction in which the plurality of hot gas generators are spaced apart and having the main flow path provided therein; and a discharge part protruding outward from the discharge body part and having at least one of the plurality of discharge ports provided at an end thereof.

[0042] At this time, the part where hot gas flows into the main duct from the hot gas generator and the outlet may be positioned so as to be offset from each other in the direction in which hot gas is discharged from the outlet.

[0043] At this time, the moving unit may be configured to move the separation unit in a direction parallel to one side of the cell and a direction perpendicular to the one side of the cell.

[0044] At this time, a detection unit for detecting a defective cell among a plurality of cells arranged in parallel is further included, and the controller can control the movement unit to designate the cell as the defective cell and move the separation unit onto one side of the defective cell.

[0045] According to another aspect of the present invention, a cell-wire separation method for repairing a cell assembly is provided, comprising: placing a cell assembly including a plurality of cells arranged in parallel with each other, wires electrically connecting the plurality of cells, and soldering portions provided on one surface of the cells for joining the wires and the cells on a workbench; placing a separation unit capable of discharging hot gas for melting the soldering portions on one surface of the cells; controlling the separation unit so that the hot gas is discharged toward the soldering portions provided on the one surface of the cells; and detaching at least a portion of the wires from the cells.

[0046] At this time, before the step of arranging the separation unit on one side of the cell, the method may further include a step of controlling a detection unit to detect a defective cell among the plurality of cells; and a step of designating the cell as the defective cell.

[0047] At this time, in the step of arranging the separation unit on the one side of the cell, the separation unit may be arranged so that the plurality of discharge ports provided on the outer surface of the separation unit and the plurality of wires through which hot gas is discharged face each other.

[0048] At this time, a plurality of soldering portions are provided on the one side of the cell and arranged along the extension direction of the wire, and in the step of arranging the separation unit on the one side of the cell, the separation unit may be arranged adjacent to a soldering portion located at one end in the arrangement direction among the plurality of soldering portions.

[0049] The words and terms used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a way that is consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention, in accordance with the principles by which the inventor can define terms and concepts in order to best explain his or her invention.

[0050] In this specification, terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to describe the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood not to exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0051] When a component is said to be "in front of," "behind," "above," or "below" another component, this includes not only being placed "in front of," "behind," "above," or "below" the other component in direct contact with it, but also if there is another component intervening therebetween. Furthermore, when a component is said to be "connected" to another component, this includes not only being directly connected to one another, but also being indirectly connected to one another, unless there are special circumstances.

[0052] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are perspective views of a cell-wire separation device according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from different angles, when installed next to a work table on which a cell assembly is placed. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a cell-wire separation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of a cell assembly that can be a work target of the cell-wire separation device according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above. FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are perspective views of a separation unit of a cell-wire separation device according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from different angles. FIG. 7 to FIG. 9 are vertical cross-sectional views of the separation unit illustrated in FIG. 5 taken along different planes.

[0053] A cell-wire separation device (hereinafter referred to as a "separation device") according to one embodiment of the present invention is a device for separating wires from cells of a cell assembly. First, the cell assembly and its components, which are the workpieces of the separation device, will be briefly described.

[0054] In the present disclosure, a cell (P) (illustrated in FIG. 4) refers to a flat-shaped member that performs a predetermined electrical function. As an example, the cell may be a PV cell that generates electrical energy using solar light energy incident on one side, but is not limited thereto.

[0055] In the present disclosure, a wire (W) (illustrated in FIG. 4) refers to a conductive member that is thin and long in one direction. As an example, the wire may be a single metal wire having a predetermined conductivity, but is not limited thereto.

[0056] At this time, the wire can electrically connect two neighboring cells. To this end, one end and the other end of the wire can be electrically coupled to two neighboring cells, respectively.

[0057] Here, the wire can be electrically connected to the cell by a soldering portion (S) (illustrated in FIG. 4) provided on one side of the cell. The soldering portion is a mass formed by solidifying molten metal and can surround at least a portion of the wire. As an example, the soldering portion can be made of, but is not limited to, lead (Pb) or silver (Ag).

[0058] In the present disclosure, a cell assembly (3) (illustrated in FIG. 1) means an assembly composed of a plurality of cells arranged in a predetermined manner and a plurality of wires electrically connecting the plurality of cells to each other.

[0059] At this time, the manner in which the plurality of cells are arranged and connected in the cell assembly is not particularly limited. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the plurality of cells may be arranged in parallel along the X-axis and connected in series, but this is not limited thereto, and the plurality of cells may be arranged in a grid shape or connected in parallel.

[0060] As an example of this, the illustrated cell assembly will be described in more detail. In the illustrated cell assembly, one side of a wire may be electrically coupled to the lower surface of a cell, and the other side of the wire may be electrically coupled to the upper surface of an adjacent cell. In addition, one side of another wire may be electrically coupled to the upper surface of the cell, and the other side of the other wire may be electrically coupled to the lower surface of another adjacent cell. Accordingly, the cell, a cell adjacent to the cell, and another cell adjacent to the cell may be connected in series with each other.

[0061] At this time, there may be at least one wire connecting two neighboring cells. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, there may be 12 wires connecting two cells. Furthermore, if there are multiple wires connecting two cells, the multiple wires may be spaced apart from each other along the Y-axis.

[0062] Hereinafter, a separation device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a separation device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention is a device for detaching a wire (W) coupled to a cell (P) of a cell assembly (3) from the cell (P). Hereinafter, the detachment and separation will be simply referred to as separation. At this time, the cell assembly (3) can be placed on a desk-shaped worktable (2) to become a work target of the separation device (1).

[0063] The purpose of this separation device (1) separating the wire (W) from the cell (P) may be to repair the cell assembly (3). The plurality of cells (P) forming the cell assembly (3) may include cells having a predetermined defect (hereinafter referred to as defective cells).

[0064] At this time, a defective cell refers to a cell that cannot properly perform its original function due to a manufacturing defect, physical or chemical impact, etc. In this case, it is preferable to replace the defective cell with another good cell through a repair process of the cell assembly (3).

[0065] At this time, in order for a defective cell to be replaced, the physical and electrical connections between other cells and the defective cell must first be severed. This process can be accomplished through a process of cutting a wire (W). The separation device (1) serves as a preprocessing process to ensure that the cutting process can be performed smoothly, and can separate and space the cell (P) from the wire (W), as illustrated in FIG. 14.

[0066] In this way, when the wire (W) is separated and spaced from the cell (P), the cutting unit can easily access the wire (W) to perform the cutting process, and damage to the cell (P) due to the cutting unit coming into contact with the cell (P) can also be prevented.

[0067] However, the separation device (1) according to the present embodiment may be configured as a device for separating a wire (W) from a cell (P) for various purposes or uses other than the purpose of repairing the cell assembly (3) described above.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a separation device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a detection unit (10). The detection unit (10) may be configured to detect a defective cell among a plurality of cells (P) forming a cell assembly (3).

[0069] According to the present embodiment, the detection unit (10) may include a light source (11) that emits a predetermined light, a camera (12) that can detect the light emitted from the light source (11), and a movement module (13) that can move the light source (11) and the camera (12) in a predetermined direction.

[0070] At this time, the light source (11) may be configured to move along the X-axis direction from the lower side of the cell assembly (3) by the movement module (13) and irradiate a predetermined light to the lower surface of the cell (P). In addition, the camera (12) may be configured to move along the X-axis direction from one side of the cell assembly (3) by the movement module (13) and detect light passing through the cell (P) or light reflected from the cell (P).

[0071] The characteristics of the light detected by the camera (12) can be used to determine whether the cell (P) through which the light passes or is reflected is defective. Through the above-described process, the detection unit (10) can detect a defective cell. However, various known techniques for detecting whether the cell (P) is defective can be applied, and the configuration of the detection unit (10) is not particularly limited.

[0072] Again, referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a separation device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a controller (20). The controller (20) is configured to control the detection unit (10) described above and the moving unit (30) and separation unit (50) described below.

[0073] Such a controller (20) may be implemented using an electrical circuit processed by hardware, or may be implemented by a processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a controller, an arithmetic logic unit, a computational logic circuit, a digital signal processing device, a microcomputer, an FPGA, a system on a chip (SoC), a programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, or any device capable of performing the functions described below.

[0074] In this embodiment, the controller (20) may be configured to determine which cell (P) among the plurality of cells (P) is a defective cell based on the information acquired by the detection unit (10). As an example, the controller (20) may determine a cell (P) in which the physical characteristics of reflected light or transmitted light fall outside an acceptable range as a defective cell.

[0075] In addition, the controller (20) may be configured to control the moving unit (30) to allow the separation unit (50) described below to be placed on one side of the defective cell, and may be configured to control the separation unit (50) to separate the wire (W) coupled to the defective cell from the defective cell. Accordingly, the separation device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention can automatically perform the process of separating the wire (W) from the cell (P). This can minimize human labor required for the repair process of the cell assembly (3) and reduce the manufacturing cost of the cell assembly (3).

[0076] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, a separation device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a moving unit (30) and a separation unit (50). In this embodiment, the moving unit (30) is configured to move the separation unit (50) to a predetermined position, and the separation unit (50) is configured to separate a wire (W) from a cell (P).

[0077] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the moving unit (30) can be configured to move the separation unit (50) in the X-axis direction in which a plurality of cells (P) are arranged and in the Z-axis direction which is a direction perpendicular to the cells (P).

[0078] In this way, in the present embodiment, the moving unit (30) can separate all wires (W) connected to the defective cell even if the separation unit (50) moves only in the two directions described above, without the need to move the separation unit (50) in the three spatial coordinate axes (XYZ axes). Since this is an effect also related to the configuration of the separation unit (50) according to the present embodiment, this will be described in detail later together with the separation unit (50).

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the moving unit (30) of the separation device (1) according to the present embodiment may include a first base frame (31), a first motor (32), a first cable bearer (33), and a first guide frame (34) to move the separation unit (50) in the X-axis direction.

[0080] First, the first base frame (31) may be arranged in a predetermined space where the separation device (1) is installed and configured to support the first motor (32) to the first guide frame (34) and the separation unit (50) described later. In addition, a first motor (32) may be provided on the side of the first base frame (31). The first motor (32) may generate a driving force for moving the separation unit (50) in the X-axis direction. The first motor (32) may be, for example, an electric motor.

[0081] A first guide frame (34) may be placed on the upper side of the first base frame (31). The first guide frame (34) may extend along the X-axis direction. In addition, a first cable bearer (33) may be installed on the side of the first guide frame (34).

[0082] This first cable bear (33) can be bent or stretched in the X-axis direction at one portion by the power generated from the first motor (32). Accordingly, the second base frame (35) coupled to one side of the first cable bear (33) and the separation unit (50) supported thereby can be moved in the X-axis direction.

[0083] And, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the moving unit (30) of the separation device (1) according to the present embodiment may include a second base frame (35), a second motor (36), a second cable bearer (37), and a second guide frame (38) to move the separation unit (50) in the Z-axis direction.

[0084] First, the second base frame (35) can be configured to be coupled to one side of the first cable bearer (33) as described above and thereby moved in the X-axis direction. Then, the second base frame (35) can be configured to support the second motor (36) to the second guide frame (38) and the separation unit (50) described later. At this time, the second base frame (35) can be slidably coupled to the first guide frame (34) so ​​as to be smoothly guided in the X-axis direction.

[0085] According to the present embodiment, a second motor (36) may be coupled to one side of the second base frame (35). The second motor (36) may generate a driving force to move the separation unit (50) along the Z-axis. As an example, the second motor (36) may be an electric motor.

[0086] In addition, a second guide frame (38) extending in the Z-axis direction can be coupled to the second base frame (35), and a second cable bearer (37) can be installed on the side of the second guide frame (38).

[0087] According to this embodiment, the second cable bear (37) can be partially stretched or bent in the Z-axis direction by the driving force of the second motor (32), and by this operation, the separation unit (50) supported on one side of the second cable bear (37) can be moved in the Z-axis direction.

[0088] In this way, the moving unit (30) of the separation device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention can move the separation unit (50) in two different directions (X-axis direction and Z-axis direction). However, the configuration of the moving unit (30) is not limited to the configuration using the cable bearer and motor described above, and the configuration of the moving unit (30) is not particularly limited as long as it can move the separation unit (50).

[0089] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the separation device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a connecting frame (40). The connecting frame (40) may couple the separation unit (50) to the moving unit (30) so that the separation unit (50) may be moved by the moving unit (30).

[0090] As illustrated, the connecting frame (40) may be provided as a plurality of separately provided frames. Accordingly, the relative position between the moving unit (30) and the separation unit (50) may be adjusted, and furthermore, a stable support structure of the separation unit (50) may be implemented. Furthermore, the connecting frame (40) may be slidably coupled to the second guide frame (38). Accordingly, the Z-axis movement of the separation unit (50) may be stably guided.

[0091] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the connecting frame (40) is provided separately, but in some cases, the connecting frame (40) may not be provided separately. For example, if the separation unit (50) is configured to be directly coupled to the moving unit (30), there will be no need for the connecting frame (40) to be provided separately.

[0092] Next, referring to FIGS. 2 to 6, a separation device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a separation unit (50). As described above, the separation unit (50) is a unit for separating a wire (W) from a cell (P). To this end, the separation unit (50) may be configured to generate and discharge hot gas having a predetermined temperature.

[0093] According to the present embodiment, the separation unit (50) may include a support frame (60) and a hot gas generator (80). The support frame (60) may be fixedly connected to one side of the aforementioned connecting frame (40) and configured to be movable by a moving unit (30).

[0094] The support frame (60) can support a hot gas generator (80) described later. For this purpose, in the present embodiment, one side of the hot gas generator (80) can be fixedly connected to the support frame (60).

[0095] More specifically, in the present embodiment, the support frame (60) may be provided as a block-shaped member having a hole into which one side of the hot gas generator (80) can be inserted and fixed. At this time, the support frame (60) in the present embodiment may extend in the Y-axis direction. This is because the hot gas generators (80) described later may be provided in multiple units and spaced apart from each other along the Y-axis direction. However, the shape of the support frame (60) is not particularly limited as long as it can support the hot gas generators (80) described later.

[0096] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, a hot gas generator (80) of a separation device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a suction unit (81), a heating unit (82), and a discharge unit (83). In this embodiment, the suction unit (81) is configured to suction a predetermined gas from the outside.

[0097] To this end, an external gas inlet (81a) may be provided on the outer surface of the suction unit (81). At this time, a predetermined pipe (not shown) may be connected to the inlet (81a) so that the external gas can be injected at high pressure. As an example, the external gas may be air, but is not limited thereto, and the external gas may be composed of other types of gases or mixtures having predetermined functions.

[0098] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, a predetermined flow path connected to the suction port (81a) may be provided inside the suction unit (81). External gas entering through the suction port (81a) may flow through this flow path.

[0099] Again, referring to FIGS. 6 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, a heating unit (82) may be coupled to the upper side of the suction unit (81). The heating unit (82) may be configured to heat external gas sucked into the suction unit (81). Although not illustrated, the heating unit (82) may include a heating wire (or coil) extending into the internal passage of the suction unit (81), and may heat the external gas with heat generated from the heating wire.

[0100] Accordingly, a hot gas having a predetermined temperature can be generated. The temperature of the hot gas may be, for example, 450 to 500 degrees Celsius. The temperature of the hot gas can be appropriately adjusted depending on the characteristics of the soldering part (S) that connects the wire (W) to the cell (P).

[0101] And, according to the present embodiment, a discharge portion (83) extending in the negative direction of the Z-axis toward one side of the cell (P) may be provided on the lower side of the suction portion (81). The discharge portion (83) may be provided in the form of a pipe and may be connected to a flow path generated inside the suction portion (81). Accordingly, hot gas generated in the internal flow path of the suction portion (81) may flow toward the cell (P) along the discharge portion (83).

[0102] At this time, in one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of hot gas generators (80) may be provided. Accordingly, a sufficient amount of hot gas can be generated to separate all wires (W) provided on one side of the cell (P).

[0103] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of hot gas generators (80) may be spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction, which is the direction in which a plurality of wires (W) are arranged on one side of the cell (P). Accordingly, hot gases generated from the plurality of hot gas generators (80) may be evenly generated and discharged along the Y-axis. As a result, a plurality of wires (W) spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction may be quickly and accurately separated from the cell (P).

[0104] Meanwhile, the components of the hot gas generator (80) according to one embodiment of the present invention are not limited to the aforementioned intake (81) and exhaust (83), and the hot gas generator (80) may be formed of various known devices capable of receiving external gas and heating it to generate hot gas.

[0105] Referring again to FIGS. 5 and 6, a separation unit (50) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a housing (70). In this embodiment, the housing (70) may be provided as a structure in the shape of a container that accommodates at least a portion of a hot gas generator (80).

[0106] According to the illustrated embodiment, the housing (70) is provided in the form of a hexahedral box, and the discharge portion (83) of the hot gas generator (80) can be arranged to penetrate the housing (70) in the Z-axis direction.

[0107] Accordingly, the housing (70) can protect the discharge portion (83) of the hot gas generator (80) from external contamination or impact. Furthermore, the housing (70) can prevent the thermal energy of the hot gas from being released from the discharge portion (83) to the outside by partitioning the space surrounding the discharge portion (83) from the outside. To this end, the housing (70) can be made of a material with low thermal conductivity.

[0108] At this time, a housing support frame (71) may be provided on the side of the housing (70). The housing support frame (71) may extend in the Z-axis direction, and one end may be coupled to the aforementioned support frame (60), and the other end may be coupled to the side of the housing (70).

[0109] In addition, the housing support frame (71) may be provided in two pieces and may be provided on each of the two Y-axis sides of the housing (70). Accordingly, the structural stability of the separation unit (50) may be further increased.

[0110] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 9, the separation unit (50) of the separation device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a hot gas discharger (90) coupled to an end of a discharge portion (83) of a hot gas generator (80). In this embodiment, the hot gas discharger (90) is configured to guide hot gas generated in the hot gas generator (80) to be discharged toward the cell (P).

[0111] In this embodiment, the hot gas discharger (90) may include a discharge body portion (91). The discharge body portion (91) may be provided as a block-shaped member extending in the Y-axis direction, which is the direction in which a plurality of wires (W) are arranged.

[0112] In addition, a coupling hole (91a) may be provided on the upper surface of the discharge body (91) into which the end of the discharge part (83) of the aforementioned hot gas generator (80) can be inserted and coupled. At this time, a plurality of coupling holes (91a) may be provided corresponding to a plurality of hot gas generators (80).

[0113] In addition, a plurality of coupling holes (91a) may be spaced apart from each other along the Y-axis direction, which is the arrangement direction of a plurality of hot gas generators (80). These coupling holes (91a) may be connected to a main flow path (L1) provided inside the discharge body part (91). Accordingly, hot gas generated in the hot gas generator (80) may be introduced into the main flow path (L1) of the discharge body part (91).

[0114] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the joint structure of the discharge body part (91) and the hot gas generator (80) is configured as a hole-insertion structure, but as long as the hot gas generated in the hot gas generator (80) can flow into the main flow path (L1) of the discharge body part (91), the joint structure thereof is not particularly limited.

[0115] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, the main flow path (L1) of the separation device according to one embodiment of the present invention may be a space where hot gases generated from a plurality of hot gas generators (80) are mixed. This is because, even if the hot gas generators (80) are precisely controlled, the temperatures of the hot gases generated from each hot gas generator (80) may differ from each other. Accordingly, in order to discharge hot gases of a uniform temperature to the outside, they need to be mixed.

[0116] To this end, in the present embodiment, the main flow path (L1) may extend along the Y-axis direction, which is the direction in which the plurality of hot gas generators (80) are spaced apart. Accordingly, the hot gases flowing into the main flow path (L1) from the hot gas generators (80) may flow in the Y-axis direction and be mixed with each other. In other words, the hot gases flowing into the main flow path (L1) may be forced to flow in a direction other than the Z-axis direction, which is the direction in which the hot gases are discharged from the discharge port (92b) described later, and may be mixed.

[0117] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 7, in order to increase the structural stability of the separation unit (50), the upper portion of the separation body portion (91) can be fixedly connected to the lower surface of the housing (70) described above. This configuration can reduce the load applied to the hot gas generator (80) by allowing the hot gas discharger (90) to be supported by the housing (70).

[0118] Referring again to FIGS. 6 to 9, the hot gas discharger (90) of the separation device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a discharge portion (92). In this embodiment, the discharge portion (92) may protrude from the discharge body portion (91) toward the cell (P) such that an end thereof may be adjacent to one surface of the cell (P). In the illustrated embodiment, the discharge portion (92) protrudes in the negative direction of the Z-axis.

[0119] And, in this embodiment, the discharge portion (92) can extend along the Y-axis direction, which is the direction in which a plurality of wires (W) are spaced apart from each other on one side of the cell (P). As a result, one end of the discharge portion (92) can face each of the plurality of wires (W).

[0120] At this time, a slit-shaped discharge groove (92a) formed in the X-axis direction, which is the extension direction of the wire (W), may be formed in the discharge section (92) of the separation device according to one embodiment of the present invention. In addition, a plurality of discharge grooves (92a) may be provided, and may be spaced apart from each other along the Y-axis direction, which is the direction in which a plurality of wires (W) coupled to one surface of the cell (P) are arranged.

[0121] At this time, the distance between the discharge grooves (92a) may correspond to the distance between the wires (W). Accordingly, when the separation unit (50) is placed on one side of the cell (P), the discharge grooves (92a) of the separation unit (50) may face the wires (W) coupled to one side of the cell (P).

[0122] An exhaust port (92b), which will be described later, is provided on the inside of the exhaust groove (92a) to discharge hot gas. When the exhaust groove (92a) is formed along the extension direction of the wire (W), the hot gas discharged from the exhaust port (92b) can be distributed in the extension direction of the wire (W). As a result, the soldering portion (S) surrounding the wire (W) can be exposed to the hot gas entirely along the extension direction of the wire (W), so that the phase transition (from solid to molten metal) of the soldering portion (S) can be smoothly performed overall.

[0123] And, according to the present embodiment, the discharge groove (92a) can be configured so that its cross-sectional area increases in the negative direction of the Z-axis, which is the direction toward the cell (P). Accordingly, the hot gas discharged from the discharge port (92b) can be concentratedly sprayed onto the soldering portion (S) surrounding the wire (W).

[0124] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the shape of the cross-section along the YZ plane of the discharge groove (92a) is a triangle, but is not limited thereto, and is not particularly limited as long as the cross-sectional area increases toward the cell (P). For example, the shape of the cross-section described above may be a trumpet shape or an arch shape, etc., with the base facing the negative direction of the Z-axis.

[0125] Next, referring again to FIGS. 6 to 9, an end of a discharge unit (92) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be provided with an outlet (92b) through which hot gas flowing through the main flow path (L1) may be discharged to the outside. To this end, a sub-flow path (L2) fluidly connecting the outlet (92b) and the main flow path (L1) may be provided inside the hot gas discharger (90).

[0126] At this time, a plurality of outlets (92b) may be provided corresponding to a plurality of wires (W) coupled on one side of the cell (P), and a plurality of sub-flow paths (L2) may be provided corresponding to a plurality of outlets (92b). In addition, a plurality of sub-flow paths (L2) may be spaced apart from a plurality of outlets (92b) along the Y-axis direction.

[0127] At this time, referring to FIG. 6, in the present embodiment, a plurality of discharge ports (92b) may be respectively positioned inside a plurality of discharge grooves (92a). Accordingly, hot gas discharged through the discharge ports (92b) may be controlled and sprayed by the shape of the discharge grooves (92a).

[0128] Furthermore, since a plurality of outlets (92b) can be arranged to face a plurality of wires (W) coupled to one side of the cell (P), the plurality of wires (W) can be separated from one side of the cell (P) by hot gas discharged through each outlet (92b).

[0129] Of course, the number of outlets (92b) may not be the same as the number of outlet grooves (92a). For example, if there are more outlets (92b) than outlet grooves (92a), several outlets (92b) may be arranged inside one outlet groove (92a), or some outlets (92b) may be arranged outside the outlet groove (92a).

[0130] Meanwhile, as described above, the above-described configuration of the separation unit (50) according to the present embodiment can contribute to simplifying the structure of the moving unit (30). This is because the separation unit (50) according to the present embodiment can simultaneously separate a plurality of wires (W) provided on one side of the cell (P), and therefore, the separation unit (50) does not need to be moved in the Y-axis direction, which is the direction in which the plurality of wires (W) are arranged.

[0131] Again, referring to FIG. 7, the sub-channel (L1) of the separation device according to one embodiment of the present invention may be positioned so as to be offset from the portion where the hot gas enters the main channel (L2) from the hot gas generator (80) when viewed in the Z-axis direction, which is the discharge direction of the hot gas. In the present embodiment, the portion where the hot gas enters the main channel (L2) may be the aforementioned coupling hole (91a).

[0132] The relative positional relationship between the coupling hole (91a) and the discharge port (92b) can make the temperature of the hot gas discharged from the hot gas discharger (90) more uniform by generating a vortex (eddy current) in the hot gas in the main flow path (L1).

[0133] Specifically, if the coupling hole (91a) and the discharge port (92b) are arranged parallel (or coaxially arranged) in the Z-axis direction, some of the hot gas introduced through the coupling hole (91a) may be discharged directly to the discharge port (92b) without flowing in the extension direction of the main flow path (L1) (i.e., the Y-axis direction). This may result in hot gas having different temperatures being discharged from each discharge port (92b) of the hot gas discharger (90).

[0134] However, according to the relative positional relationship between the coupling hole (91a) and the discharge port (92b) according to the present embodiment, all hot gas introduced through the coupling hole (91a) flows in a curved manner along the extension direction of the main flow path (L1), so that a predetermined vortex can be generated through this process. Accordingly, the temperature of the hot gas within the main flow path (L1) can become more uniform.

[0135] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, the separation unit (50) of the separation device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a temperature sensor (93). In this embodiment, the temperature sensor (93) may be configured such that one side protrudes into the main flow path (L1) to measure the temperature of the hot gas.

[0136] The temperature of the hot gas measured by the temperature sensor (93) is transmitted to the controller (20) described above, and can be used by the controller to control the operation of the hot gas generator (80) or the heater (94) described later. The structure of the temperature sensor (93) is not particularly limited as long as it can measure the temperature of the hot gas discharged from the hot gas discharger (90).

[0137] And, the separation unit (50) of the separation device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a heater (94). In this embodiment, the heater (94) may be placed on the side of the main passage (L1) inside the discharge body part (91). And, the heater (94) may heat the hot gas of the main passage (L1) by generating thermal energy using electric energy provided from an external power source.

[0138] In this way, the separation unit (50) of the separation device according to the present embodiment can precisely control the temperature of the hot gas by heating the hot gas with a heater (94) by assisting the hot gas generator (80).

[0139] At this time, in the present embodiment, the heater (94) may extend in the Y-axis direction along the main flow path (L1). Furthermore, two heaters (94) may be provided and placed on each side of the main flow path (L1).

[0140] Through this, the heater (94) can heat the hot gas of the main passage (L1) as a whole. Of course, the heater (94) may be composed of one or more, and the specific structure of the heater (94) will not be particularly limited as long as it can heat the hot gas of the main passage (L1).

[0141] As previously discussed, the separation device according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured to automatically separate the wires from the cell, as the moving unit and the separation unit are controlled by the controller to separate the wires attached to one side of the cell from the cell. This minimizes the human labor required for the cell assembly repair process, and significantly reduces the manufacturing cost of solar cells.

[0142] Hereinafter, a cell-wire separation method (hereinafter referred to as the "separation method") according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. The separation method according to one embodiment of the present invention is a separation method capable of automatically separating wires from cells. This separation method can be implemented by a separation device according to one embodiment of the present invention described above.

[0143] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4 and 10, in a separation method according to one embodiment of the present invention, a cell assembly (3) is placed on a worktable (2) (S100), and a defective cell is detected among a plurality of cells (P) included in the cell assembly (3) (S200). Then, the controller (20) designates the defective cell detected in step S200 as a target cell.

[0144] At this time, in step S200 according to the present embodiment, the controller (20) can detect a defective cell by controlling the detection unit (10). The process of the detection unit (10) detecting a defective cell under the control of the controller (20) can be configured in the same manner as described above, and therefore, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0145] Referring again to FIGS. 3, 10 to 12, in a separation method according to one embodiment of the present invention, the controller (20) designates a detected defective cell as a target cell (P) (S300), and the controller (20) controls the moving unit (30) to place the separation unit (50) on one side of the target cell (P) (S400).

[0146] Meanwhile, a plurality of wires (W) may be bonded to one side of the target cell (P). To this end, a plurality of soldering portions (S) may be provided on one side of the target cell (P) to bond the plurality of wires to the cell (P), respectively.

[0147] The soldering portion (S) may surround at least a portion of the wire (W) along the extension direction of the wire (W). As an example, as illustrated, the soldering portion (S) may be a dome-shaped metal mass surrounding a portion of the wire (W).

[0148] At this time, in step S400 of the separation method according to one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of discharge ports (92b) and a plurality of soldering portions (S) provided on one surface of the target cell (P) may be arranged to face each other. At this time, the discharge ports (92b) and the soldering portions (S) may face each other in the Z-axis direction, which is the discharge direction of the hot gas.

[0149] According to a separation method according to one embodiment of the present invention, even if there are multiple soldering parts (S) in a target cell (P), hot gas can be discharged simultaneously toward these multiple soldering parts (S), so that multiple wires (W) can be quickly separated from the cell (P).

[0150] Next, referring to FIGS. 3, 10 to 13, in a separation method according to one embodiment of the present invention, a controller (20) controls a moving unit (30) to place a separation unit (50) on one side of a target cell (P) (S400), and the controller (20) controls the separation unit (50) to discharge hot gas to a soldering part (S) of the target cell (P) (S500).

[0151] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, in the present embodiment, hot gas discharged to the outside through the discharge port (92b) is guided by the discharge groove (92a) and is intensively sprayed onto the soldering portion (S), so that the soldering portion (S) surrounding the wire (W) can melt and undergo a phase change into molten metal (Sl). Accordingly, the separation method according to the present embodiment can accurately separate the wire (W) from the target cell (P).

[0152] Next, referring to FIGS. 3, 10, 13, and 14, the controller (20) controls the separation unit (50) to discharge hot gas to the soldering portion (S) (S500), and when the bonding force between the wire (W) and the cell (P) is removed as the soldering portion (S) undergoes a phase transition to molten metal (S1), the wire (W) is separated and spaced from the target cell (P) (S600). By separating and spaced the wire (W) from the cell (P) according to the present method, a subsequent process, for example, a cutting process of the wire (W), can be smoothly performed.

[0153] In this way, according to another separation method in one embodiment of the present invention, the moving unit and the separation unit can automatically separate the wire from the cell under the control of the controller, thereby minimizing the labor required for the repair process of the cell assembly and reducing the manufacturing cost of the cell assembly.

[0154] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the spirit of the present invention is not limited to the embodiment presented in this specification, and a person skilled in the art who understands the spirit of the present invention will be able to easily propose other embodiments by adding, changing, deleting, or adding components within the scope of the same spirit, but this will also be considered to fall within the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A separation unit capable of emitting hot gas to melt a soldering portion provided on one side of a cell to join wires; a moving unit capable of moving the separation unit onto the one side of the cell; and A cell-wire separation device comprising a controller for controlling the separation unit and the moving unit.

2. In paragraph 1, The above separation unit A support frame that can be moved by the above moving unit; A hot gas generator supported by the above support frame and configured to heat gas introduced from the outside to generate hot gas; and A cell-wire separation device comprising a hot gas discharger that guides hot gas generated from the hot gas generator to be discharged to the soldering portion provided on the one surface of the cell.

3. In paragraph 2, The above hot gas exhauster A cell-wire separation device having a main passage provided inside through which hot gas generated from the hot gas generator flows, and a plurality of outlets open toward the outside are provided on the outside so that hot gas flowing through the main passage is discharged to the soldering part provided on the one surface of the cell.

4. In paragraph 3, The above separation unit A cell-wire separation device comprising a temperature sensor provided on one side of the hot gas discharger to measure the temperature of hot gas flowing through the main flow path.

5. In paragraph 3, The above separation unit A cell-wire separation device comprising a heater provided in the hot gas discharger so as to heat the hot gas flowing through the main euro.

6. In paragraph 5, The above heater A cell-wire separation device extending parallel to the main euro from the side of the main euro.

7. In paragraph 3, The above multiple outlets A cell-wire separation device in which the above wires, which are provided in multiple units, are arranged in a direction parallel to the direction in which they are spaced apart.

8. In paragraph 7, The above multiple outlets A cell-wire separation device, which is spaced apart from each other so as to correspond to each of the plurality of wires.

9. In paragraph 3, The outer surface of the hot gas discharger is provided with a slit-shaped discharge groove extending in a direction parallel to the extension direction of the wire, A cell-wire separation device, wherein at least one of the plurality of discharge ports is located inside the discharge groove.

10. In paragraph 9, The above discharge groove It is provided in multiple numbers corresponding to the above multiple outlets, The above multiple outlets A cell-wire separation device, each positioned inside one of the plurality of discharge grooves.

11. In paragraph 9, The above discharge groove A cell-wire separation device, the cross-sectional area of ​​which increases toward the outside of the hot gas discharger.

12. In paragraph 3, The above hot gas generator A cell-wire separation device, which is provided in multiple units and arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the multiple cells are arranged.

13. In paragraph 12, The above hot gas exhauster An exhaust body part extending in a direction parallel to the direction in which the above-mentioned plurality of hot gas generators are spaced apart and having the above-mentioned main flow path provided therein; and A cell-wire separation device comprising a discharge portion protruding outward from the discharge body portion and having at least one of the plurality of discharge ports provided at an end thereof.

14. In paragraph 13, A cell-wire separation device, wherein the portion through which hot gas flows from the hot gas generator into the main passage and the outlet are positioned so as to be offset from each other in the direction in which hot gas is discharged from the outlet.

15. In paragraph 1, The above moving unit is A cell-wire separation device configured to move the separation unit in a direction parallel to one side of the cell and in a direction perpendicular to the one side of the cell.

16. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a detection unit for detecting a defective cell among a plurality of cells arranged in parallel, The above controller A cell-wire separation device that controls the moving unit to move the separation unit onto one side of the defective cell by designating the cell as the defective cell.

17. A step of placing a cell assembly including a plurality of cells arranged in parallel with each other, wires electrically connecting the plurality of cells, and soldering parts provided on one surface of the cells to connect the wires and the cells on a workbench; A step of arranging a separation unit capable of discharging hot gas for melting the soldering part on one side of the cell; A step of controlling the separation unit so that hot gas is discharged toward the soldering portion provided on the one side of the cell; and A cell-wire separation method for repairing a cell assembly, comprising the step of detaching at least a portion of the wire from the cell.

18. In paragraph 17, Before the step of placing the above separation unit on the above one side of the cell, A step of controlling a detection unit to detect a defective cell among the plurality of cells; and A cell-wire separation method further comprising the step of designating the cell as the defective cell.

19. In paragraph 17, In the step of placing the above separation unit on the above one side of the cell, A cell-wire separation method, wherein the separation unit is arranged so that a plurality of outlets through which hot gas is discharged and a plurality of wires are provided on the outer surface of the separation unit and face each other.

20. In paragraph 17, On the one side of the above cell, a plurality of soldering portions are provided and arranged along the extension direction of the wire, In the step of placing the above separation unit on the above one side of the cell, A cell-wire separation method, wherein the separation unit is placed adjacent to a soldering unit located at one end of the array direction among the plurality of soldering units.

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