Apparatus for manufacturing solar cell and method for manufacturing solar cell

Abstract

An apparatus for manufacturing a solar cell, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a solar cell having wires arranged therein; a stage on which the solar cell is mounted; and a shaft arranged on a moving path of the stage at a lower side of the stage, wherein the stage comprises: a main body; a plate arranged to move up and down in the main body and in contact with the shaft arranged at a lower side; and a plurality of pins mounted on the plate at an upper side of the plate, wherein, when the stage moves, the stage rides up on the shaft, the shaft pushes the plate on which the plurality of pins are mounted upward, and the upper surfaces of the plurality of pins move upward to bring the wires of the solar cell into contact with a surface of the solar cell.

Description

Solar cell manufacturing device and solar cell manufacturing method

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a solar cell manufacturing device and a solar cell manufacturing method.

[0002] A solar cell, or solar cell, is formed by placing a diode composed of a pn junction on a substrate. When sunlight shines on the solar cell, electron-hole pairs (excitons) are generated. As the excitons separate, electrons move to the n-layer and holes move to the p-layer, generating photovoltaic power at the pn junction. Tabbing is the process of forming a single solar cell module by placing wires across multiple solar cells and electrically connecting them.

[0003] At this time, the process of combining the solar cell and the wire includes a process of applying an electrically conductive adhesive (ECA) to the surface of the solar cell and then combining the wire with the solar cell.

[0004] In the case of the process of bonding solar cells and wires using conductive adhesives, various studies are being conducted on specific examples as a next-generation solar cell manufacturing process.

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a solar cell manufacturing device and a solar cell manufacturing method including a process of bonding a solar cell and a wire using an adhesive.

[0006] However, these tasks are exemplary, and the tasks to be solved by the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0007] 1. One aspect of the present invention relates to a solar cell manufacturing device. The solar cell manufacturing device comprises: a solar cell on which a wire is arranged; a stage on which the solar cell is mounted; and a shaft disposed on a moving path of the stage at a lower side of the stage, wherein the stage comprises: a main body; a plate disposed to be moved up and down on the main body and in contact with the shaft disposed at a lower side; and a plurality of pins mounted on the plate at an upper side of the plate, wherein when the stage moves, the stage rides on the upper side of the shaft, the shaft pushes the plate on which the plurality of pins are mounted upward, and the upper surfaces of the plurality of pins move upward and bring the wire into contact with a lower surface of the solar cell.

[0008] 2. In the specific example of 1 above, an inclined portion is formed at the end of the shaft, and the stage can climb onto the shaft through the inclined portion.

[0009] 3. In the specific example of 1 above, a jig for pressing the upper surface of the solar cell is further included, and the jig can be brought into contact with the upper surface of the solar cell.

[0010] 4. In the specific example of 1 above, the solar cell may include a surface portion; a plurality of wires arranged on the surface portion; and a plurality of conductive adhesive members arranged at a predetermined interval between the plurality of wires and the surface portion.

[0011] 5. In the specific example of 4 above, the plurality of pins can be arranged at positions corresponding to the plurality of conductive adhesive members.

[0012] 6. In the specific example of 1 above, the main body may include a wire insertion portion into which a wire arranged in the solar cell is inserted; and a pin insertion portion into which the plurality of pins are inserted.

[0013] 7. In the specific example of 6 above, the depth (h) of the wire insertion portion may be about 5 to about 10 times the width of the wire.

[0014] 8. In the specific example of 1 above, the diameter (D) of each of the plurality of pins may be about 3 to about 5 times the width of the wire.

[0015] 9. In the specific example of 1 above, the thickness (t3) between the upper surface of the plurality of pins and the upper surface of the stage when the plurality of pins are moved upward may be smaller than the thickness (t2) of the wire.

[0016] 10. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a solar cell. The method for manufacturing a solar cell comprises the steps of: supplying a stage; supplying a wire onto the stage; supplying a solar cell and a jig onto the stage to which the wire is supplied; pre-heating the solar cell and the jig on the stage; curing the solar cell and the jig on the stage; and discharging the solar cell. The step of pre-heating the solar cell and the jig on the stage is characterized in that it comprises a step of causing a plurality of pins to rise and pressurize the wire.

[0017] 11. In the specific example of the above 10, the stage may include: a main body; a plate arranged to move up and down in the main body and in contact with a shaft arranged at the lower side; and the plurality of pins mounted on the plate at the upper side of the plate.

[0018] 12. In the specific example of 11, the step of pre-heating the solar cell and the jig on the stage includes a step of moving the stage upward on the shaft; and a step of moving the plate upward; and the step of causing the plurality of pins to rise and pressurize the wire may be a step of causing the plurality of pins arranged on the plate to move upward and pressurize the wire located between the plurality of pins and the solar cell toward the lower surface of the solar cell.

[0019] 13. In the specific example of 12, the method further includes a step of post-heating the solar cell and the jig, wherein the post-heating step is performed between the step of curing the solar cell and the jig on the stage and the step of discharging the solar cell, and the plurality of pins can press the wire toward the lower surface of the solar cell even in the post-heating step.

[0020] Other aspects, features and advantages other than those described above will become apparent from the following detailed description, claims and drawings for carrying out the invention.

[0021] A solar cell manufacturing device and a solar cell manufacturing method according to one embodiment of the present invention have a structure in which, when entering a soldering zone, a plurality of pins of a stage are raised through a shaft, and the plurality of pins bring the wire into contact with the surface of the solar cell, thereby stably bringing the wire into contact with the surface of the solar cell using a mechanical method without a separate power source.

[0022] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

[0023] Figure 1 is an overall conceptual diagram of a solar cell manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 sequentially shows a state of connecting a solar cell and a wire according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a solar cell manufacturing device including a curing unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a stage positioned in a solar cell manufacturing device including a curing unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 5 is a drawing of part A1 of Figure 4, i.e., the curing section, viewed from below.

[0028] Figure 6 is a drawing of part A2 of Figure 4, i.e., the base part, viewed from above.

[0029] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of part B of Figure 4.

[0030] FIG. 8 is a side view of a stage according to one embodiment of the present invention moving and mounting on a shaft.

[0031] Figure 9 is a drawing showing a state before a stage according to one embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a shaft.

[0032] Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the stage of Fig. 9 and the solar cell mounted on the stage.

[0033] Fig. 11 is a drawing showing a state in which a stage according to one embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a shaft.

[0034] Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of the stage of Figure 11 and the solar cell mounted on the stage.

[0035] Figure 13 is a cross-section taken along line AA of Figure 10, showing the state of the stage before the stage is mounted on the shaft.

[0036] Figure 14 is a BB cross-section of Figure 12, showing the state of the stage after the stage is mounted on the shaft.

[0037] Figure 15 is a cross-section CC of Figure 9, showing the state of the stage before the stage is mounted on the shaft.

[0038] Figure 16 is a DD cross-section of Figure 11, showing the state of the stage after the stage is mounted on the shaft.

[0039] Figure 17 is an enlarged perspective view of part E of Figure 12, showing the pin moved upward.

[0040] Fig. 18(a) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of part E of Fig. 12, showing the thickness of each component when the pin is moved downward. Fig. 18(b) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of part E of Fig. 12, showing the thickness of each component when the pin is moved upward.

[0041] Figure 19 is a flowchart showing a solar cell manufacturing method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and embodiments. Specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the description. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. In describing the present invention, identical components are identified by the same reference numerals even when illustrated in different embodiments.

[0043] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. When describing with reference to the drawings, identical or corresponding components are given the same reference numerals and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0044] In the examples below, the terms first, second, etc. are not used in a limiting sense, but are used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0045] In the examples below, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0046] In the examples below, terms such as “include” or “have” mean that a feature or component described in the specification is present, and do not preclude the possibility that one or more other features or components may be added.

[0047] For convenience of explanation, the sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated or reduced. For example, the sizes and thicknesses of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily indicated for convenience of explanation, and thus the present invention is not necessarily limited to what is shown.

[0048] In some embodiments, where implementations are otherwise feasible, specific process sequences may be performed in a different order than described. For example, two processes described in succession may be performed substantially simultaneously, or in a reverse order from the described order.

[0049] The terminology used in this application is only used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. In this application, terms such as "comprise" or "have" are intended to indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood to not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0050] Hereinafter, a solar cell manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 16.

[0051] FIG. 1 is a general conceptual diagram of a solar cell manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 sequentially illustrates a state of connecting a solar cell and a wire according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a solar cell manufacturing device including a curing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a stage is positioned in a solar cell manufacturing device including a curing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a portion A1 of FIG. 4 , that is, the curing unit, viewed from below. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a portion A2 of FIG. 4 , that is, the base unit, viewed from above. FIG. 7 is an enlarged diagram of a portion B of FIG. 4 . FIG. 8 is a side view illustrating a stage according to an embodiment of the present invention moving and mounting a shaft. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state before a stage according to an embodiment of the present invention mounts a shaft. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the stage of FIG. 9 and a solar cell mounted on the stage. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a stage according to an embodiment of the present invention mounts a shaft. Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the stage of Fig. 11 and the solar cell mounted on the stage. Fig. 13 is a cross-section taken along line AA of Fig. 10, which shows the state of the stage before the stage is mounted on the shaft. Fig. 14 is a cross-section taken along line BB of Fig. 12, which shows the state of the stage after the stage is mounted on the shaft. Fig. 15 is a cross-section taken along line CC of Fig. 9, which shows the state of the stage before the stage is mounted on the shaft. Fig. 16 is a cross-section taken along line DD of Fig. 11, which shows the state of the stage after the stage is mounted on the shaft.

[0052] A solar cell manufacturing device is a device for forming a solar cell module by connecting a solar cell (C) and a wire (w). The solar cell (C) has a semiconductor junction area having a pn junction surface, and when energy of a certain size or more is irradiated, an electromotive force is generated to convert light energy into electrical energy. The material of the semiconductor included in the solar cell (C) is not particularly limited, and silicon (single crystal, polycrystalline, and amorphous), gallium arsenide, cadmium telluride, cadmium sulfide, indium phosphide, CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Selenide), organic dye, or a mixture thereof can be used.

[0053] The wire (w) is a conductor for electrically connecting multiple solar cells (C) to each other, and connects the front and back surfaces of adjacent solar cells (C) to each other. For example, the wire (w) can be electrically connected to the solar cells (C) through a curing process. Alternatively, the wire (w) can be electrically connected to the solar cells (C) through an electrically conductive adhesive (ECA).

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 16, a solar cell manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a solar cell (C) on which a wire (w) is arranged, a stage (100) on which the solar cell (C) is mounted, and a shaft (SH) arranged on a moving path of the stage (100) at a lower side of the stage (100), the stage (100) includes a main body (110), a plate (PL) arranged to move up and down in the main body (110) and in contact with the shaft arranged at the lower side, and a plurality of pins (P) mounted on the plate at an upper side of the plate, and when the stage (100) moves, the stage (100) climbs up the shaft (SH), the shaft (SH) pushes upward the plate (PL) on which the plurality of pins (P) are mounted, and the upper surfaces of the plurality of pins (P) move upward and bring the wire (w) of the solar cell (C) into contact with the surface (C1) of the solar cell (C). In the solar cell manufacturing device according to the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, a plurality of stages (100) are connected and moved continuously, but for easy explanation, only the movement of one stage among the plurality of stages is described as an example in FIGS. 8 to 16.

[0055] Referring to Fig. 1, a solar cell (C) may be subjected to a curing process while passing through a curing unit (20) while being secured on a stage (100). The solar cell (C) may be supplied through a cell supply unit (80). The cell supply unit (80) may supply a solar cell (C) to which an electrically conductive adhesive (ECA) is applied.

[0056] The cell supply unit (80) can transfer a solar cell (C) to which a conductive adhesive is applied to the cell-jig supply unit (90). In addition, the jig supply unit (70) positioned opposite the cell supply unit (80) with respect to the cell-jig supply unit (90) can supply a jig (J) to the cell-jig supply unit (90).

[0057] The cell-jig supply unit (90) can transfer the supplied solar cell (C) and jig (J) to the upper side of the base unit (10) through the cell-jig transfer unit (91). At this time, the cell-jig transfer unit (91) can grip the solar cell (C) and jig (J) together and rotate the solar cell (C) and jig (J) around the rotation axis (91a) to place them on the upper side of the base unit (10). In addition, the solar cell (C) and jig (J) placed on the upper side of the base unit (10) are sequentially mounted on the stage (100), and the stage (100) can enter the curing zone (Z6) together with the solar cell (C) and jig (J) mounted on the stage (100) so that the curing process can proceed.

[0058] A stage supply unit (40) may be placed in the stage supply zone (Z2). The stage supply unit (40) may supply the stage (100) to the stage supply zone (Z2). A solar cell (C) and a jig (J) may be mounted on the stage (100) supplied to the stage supply zone (Z2), and the solar cell (C) and the jig (J) may pass through the curing zone (Z6) in a secured state, thereby performing a curing process on the solar cell (C).

[0059] In the stage (100) that has passed the curing zone (Z6) and the exit zone (Z7) to be described later, the jig (J) can be separated from the stage (100) and the solar cell (C) and recovered through the jig recovery unit (71). The solar cell (C) mounted on the stage (100) where the jig (J) has been recovered can be separated from the stage (100) and discharged through the cell transfer unit (50). At this time, the jig recovery unit (71) can supply the recovered jig to the jig supply unit (70), and the jig supply unit (70) can resupply the recovered jig to the cell-jig supply unit (90).

[0060] The stage (100) from which the jig (J) and the solar cell (C) are separated can be recovered through the stage recovery unit (40'). The stage recovery unit (40') is connected to the stage supply unit (40), and the stage (100) recovered through the stage recovery unit (40') can be transferred to the stage supply unit (40). The stage supply unit (40) can resupply the transferred stage (100) to the stage supply zone (Z2).

[0061] The stage (100) can be transported on the base (10) from the stage supply zone (Z2) to the outlet zone (Z7). The stage (100) can be transported from the stage supply zone (Z2) to the solar cell mounting zone (Z3). In the solar cell mounting zone (Z3), a solar cell (C) supplied from the cell-jig supply unit (90) can be mounted on the stage (100) by the cell-jig transport unit (91).

[0062] The stage (100) can be transferred from the stage supply zone (Z2) to the jig fixing zone (Z4) with the solar cell (C) secured thereon. In the jig fixing zone (Z4), the jig (J) can be mounted on the stage (100) and simultaneously fix the solar cell (C) to the stage (100). At this time, the jig (J) can press the wire (w) on the upper surface (C2) of the solar cell (C) to the upper surface (C2) of the solar cell (C).

[0063] The stage (100) can be transferred from the jig fixing zone (Z4) to the preheating zone (Z5) with the solar cell (C) and jig (J) mounted thereon. In the preheating zone (Z5), the solar cell (C) mounted on the stage (100) can be preheated before the curing process through the first heater (H1) disposed in the preheating zone (Z5).

[0064] The stage (100) can be transferred from the preheating zone (Z5) to the curing zone (Z6) with the solar cell (C) and jig (J) mounted thereon. A curing process can be performed on the solar cell (C) mounted on the stage (100) that has entered the curing zone (Z6).

[0065] The stage (100) that has passed through the curing zone (Z6) can be transferred to the exit zone (Z7) with the solar cell (C) and jig (J) mounted on them. In the exit zone (Z7), a first heater (H1) is arranged to prevent the solar cell (C) from experiencing a rapid temperature change when the stage (100) is discharged from the high temperature environment of the curing zone (Z6) to the outside of the curing zone (Z6), thereby performing the role of buffering to slowly lower the temperature of the solar cell (C) mounted on the stage (100).

[0066] The stage (100) can be transported to the stage recovery unit (40') through the exit zone (Z7). Here, the jig (J) can be separated from the stage (100) and the solar cell (C) and recovered through the jig recovery unit (71). The jig recovery unit (71) can be arranged in an area corresponding to the stage recovery unit (40'). Accordingly, the jig recovery unit (71) can recover the jig (J) arranged on the stage recovery unit (40'). Alternatively, the jig recovery unit (71) can be located between the exit zone (Z7) and the stage recovery unit (40'). Accordingly, the jig recovery unit (71) can recover the jig (J) arranged on an area corresponding to the jig recovery area.

[0067] In addition, the solar cell (C) mounted on the stage (100) from which the jig (J) has been recovered can be separated from the stage (100) and discharged through the cell transfer unit (50). Then, the stage (100) can be transferred to the stage supply unit (40) through the stage recovery unit (40') so that the stage (100) can be resupplied to the stage supply zone (Z2).

[0068] A wire supply unit (30) may be arranged on one side of the stage supply zone (Z2). The wire supply unit (30) may extend and transfer the wire (w) through the stage supply zone (Z2), the solar cell mounting zone (Z3), and the jig fixing zone (Z4) via a gripper, thereby fixing the wire. At this time, the extended wire (w) may be guided by a wire groove formed in the stage (100). Therefore, the wire supply zone (Z1) may be an area including the wire supply unit (30), the stage supply zone (Z2), the solar cell mounting zone (Z3), and the jig fixing zone (Z4).

[0069] The wire (w) can be placed on the upper surface and the lower surface of the solar cell (C). The wire (w) placed on the lower surface of the solar cell (C) can be guided by a wire groove formed in the stage (100). The wire (w) placed on the upper surface of the solar cell (C) can be fixed by a jig (J) pressing the wire (w) onto the upper surface of the solar cell (C). The jig (J) can fix the wire (w) so that the wire (w) does not lift or come off from a designated position when connecting the wire (w) to the upper surface of the solar cell (C).

[0070] The wire supply unit (30) may include a cutter capable of cutting a wire wound in a roll shape into a set first length and a gripper that extends and transports the wire of the first length through the stage supply zone (Z2) and the solar cell mounting zone (Z3) to the jig fixing zone (Z4).

[0071] Referring to FIG. 2, in order to perform a curing process, stages (100) are supplied to the stage supply zone (Z2) and the solar cell settling zone (Z3) (FIG. 2 (a)), and when the first wire (w1) is supplied by the wire supply unit (30) (FIG. 2 (b)), the cell-jig transfer unit (91) simultaneously sets a pair of first solar cells (C1) and a first jig (J1) on the first wire (w) (FIG. 2 (c)). At this time, the cell-jig transfer unit (91) sets the first solar cell (C) on the solar cell settling zone (Z3) and sets the first jig (J) on the jig fixing zone (Z4).

[0072] And the stages (100), the first wire (w1), the first jig (J1), and the first solar cell (C1) are transferred from the base (10) to the curing zone (Z6) in units of one pitch (P), and the second wire (w) is supplied onto the transferred solar cell (C) ((d) of FIG. 2).

[0073] Also, referring to FIG. 3, the pitch (P) may be the width (P) of the stage. Here, the width (Z5) of the preheating zone may correspond to the width (P) of the stage. Specifically, the width (Z5) of the preheating zone and the width (P) of the stage may each mean the width in a direction parallel to the transport direction of the solar cell (C).

[0074] And the cell-jig transfer unit (91) simultaneously places a pair of second jigs (J2) and a second solar cell (C2) on the second wire (w2) ((e) of FIG. 2).

[0075] In addition, referring to FIG. 1, the jig and solar cell on the stage (100) located in the stage recovery unit (40') are picked up by the jig recovery unit (71) and the cell transfer unit (50), respectively, and separated from the stage (100).

[0076] And the first wire (w1), the first jig (J1), the first solar cell (C1), the second wire (w2), the second jig (J2), and the second solar cell (C2) are transferred back to the curing zone (Z6) on the base (10) at one pitch (P), and the second wire (w3) is supplied onto the transferred solar cell (C) ((f) of FIG. 2).

[0077] And the cell-jig transfer unit (91) simultaneously places a pair of third jigs (J3) and a third solar cell (C3) on the third wire (w3) (Fig. 2 (g)). In addition, referring to Fig. 1, the jig and solar cell on the stage (100) located on the stage recovery unit (40') are picked up by the jig recovery unit (71) and the cell transfer unit (50), respectively, and separated from the stage (100).

[0078] In the above order, a wire (w) and a jig (J) are placed on the solar cell (C) of the stage (100), and a curing process can be performed in the curing zone (Z6) with the wire (w) in contact with and connected to the upper and lower surfaces of the solar cell (C).

[0079] The stage (100) can transport the solar cell (C) and the wire (w) placed on the solar cell (C) to the curing zone (Z6). The stage (100) can enter the curing zone (Z6) through rails (L) formed on both sides of the base part (10) and can leave the curing zone (Z6) through the rails (L). Referring to FIG. 3, a plurality of stages (100) can be continuously supplied while being connected to the curing zone (Z6).

[0080] At this time, the plurality of stages (100) may be in a state where solar cells (C) having wires (w) arranged thereon are each installed. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the wire arranged on the upper surface of one solar cell (C) may be formed to extend so as to be arranged on the lower surface of another solar cell (C) connected to the one solar cell (C). In addition, the wire arranged on the lower surface of one solar cell (C) may be formed to extend so as to be arranged on the upper surface of another solar cell (C) connected to the one solar cell (C). Here, both the upper surface and the lower surface of one solar cell (C) may have wires arranged thereon.

[0081] The base portion (10) on which the stage (100) is transported is formed in an elongated shape, so that the stage (100) can be moved in and out of the curing zone (Z6) on the base portion (10). A guide (G) is formed at the lower end of the stage (100), and the guide (G) maintains a state of being connected to a rail (L) formed on the base portion (10), and the guide (G) can transport the stage (100) through the rail (L).

[0082] Between the two rails (L) formed on both sides of the base portion (10), two shafts (SH) can be formed parallel to the rails (L). When the stage (100) is transported through the rails (L), the lower part of the stage (100) can be transported in contact with the shafts (SH).

[0083] The rail (L) is formed to extend from one end to the other end in the longitudinal direction of the base portion (10). On the other hand, the shaft (SH) is formed to extend so as to pass through the preheating zone (Z5), the curing zone (Z6), and the outlet zone (Z7).

[0084] According to the present embodiment, the upper surface of the base portion (10) may further include a first heater (H1) disposed between two shafts (SH). In the present embodiment, three first heaters (H1) are formed and are formed in a pipe structure with the longitudinal direction parallel to the shafts (SH), but the number and shape of the first heaters (H1) are not limited thereto.

[0085] The first heater (H1) can be formed to have a length corresponding to the shaft (SH). Therefore, like the shaft (SH), the first heater (H1) is formed to extend so as to pass through the preheating zone (Z5), the curing zone (Z6), and the outlet zone (Z7). At this time, the preheating zone (Z5) can perform a preheating process of the solar cell (C), the curing zone (Z6) can perform a curing process of the solar cell (C), and the outlet zone (Z7) can buffer the temperature difference between the curing zone (Z6) and the outside.

[0086] According to the present embodiment, the first heater (H1) may be a cartridge heater.

[0087] A stage (100) on which a solar cell (C) is mounted can pass above the first heater (H1). The first heater (H1) can perform a curing process on the solar cell (C) mounted on the stage (100) passing above the first heater (H1).

[0088] A curing portion (20) is arranged on the upper side of the base portion (10). The curing portion (20) is formed in a box shape with an open lower surface. The curing portion (20) is formed in an elongated direction along the longitudinal direction of the base portion (10), and can be formed to cover a central portion of the base portion (10).

[0089] The curing unit (20) can be arranged to cover the curing zone (Z6) of the base unit (10). However, in the event of a breakdown or when maintenance is required for the curing unit (20), it can be opened as an exception to perform maintenance work on the inside of the curing unit (20).

[0090] A plurality of solar cells (C) arranged inside the curing section (20) combined with a central portion of the base section (10) can be cured inside the curing section (20) while each is seated on a stage (100). In order to secure the maximum number of solar cells (C) to be cured, the curing section (20) can be formed so that as many stages (100) on which solar cells (C) are seated can be arranged inside the curing section (20) as possible.

[0091] Referring to Fig. 5, a plurality of second heaters (H2) are arranged on the inner ceiling (21) of the curing unit (20). In the present embodiment, four second heaters (H2) are formed and are formed in a pipe structure with the longitudinal direction being parallel to the longitudinal direction of the curing unit (20), but the number and shape of the second heaters (H2) are not limited thereto.

[0092] According to the present embodiment, the second heater (H2) may be an IR heater (Infrared Heater).

[0093] The second heater (H2) is positioned only on the curing zone (Z6), and the first heater (H1), which is longer than the second heater (H2), is positioned not only on the curing zone (Z6) but also on the preheating zone (Z5). At this time, the solar cell (C) positioned on the preheating zone (Z5) can enter the curing space formed by the curing unit (20) in a state preheated by the first heater (H1) on the preheating zone (Z5). In other words, since it can enter the curing zone (Z6) in a preheating state before the curing process, the quality of the cured solar cell (C) can be improved.

[0094] At this time, the width of the preheating zone (Z5) may correspond to the width of the stage (100). Accordingly, the stage (100) moved to the preheating zone (Z5) and on which the solar cell (C) is mounted enters the space formed by the curing section (20) after being preheated, and another stage (100) connected to the stage (100) that entered the curing section (20) is positioned in the preheating zone (Z5), so that another solar cell (C) mounted on another stage (100) can be preheated.

[0095] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the stage (100) on which the solar cell (C) is mounted may include an exit zone (Z7) through which it is transferred after leaving the curing zone (Z6). At this time, the first heater (H1) may be disposed on the curing zone (Z6), the preheating zone (Z5), and the exit zone (Z7). That is, the first heater (H1) may be formed to extend beyond both ends of the second heater (H2). The solar cell (C) that has left the curing section (20) after the curing process may be post-heated through the first heater (H1) in the exit zone (Z7). That is, in the exit zone (Z7), a first heater (H1) may be arranged so that the solar cell (C) mounted on the stage (100) does not experience a rapid temperature change when the stage (100) is discharged from the high-temperature environment of the curing zone (Z6) to the outside of the curing zone (Z6). The first heater (H1) arranged in the exit zone (Z7) may perform a buffering function to slowly lower the temperature of the solar cell (C) mounted on the stage (100). Through this, the quality of the cured solar cell can be further improved.

[0096] According to the present embodiment, a slope (SHT) may be formed at one end of the shaft (SH). The slope (SHT) may be positioned on the preheating zone (Z5). The slope (SHT) may form a slope from the upper surface of the base portion (10) to the upper surface of the shaft (SH) in the direction in which the curing zone (Z6) is located.

[0097] The plate (PL) of the stage (100a) supplied to the stage supply zone (Z2) through the stage supply unit (40) can be placed at a first height. This stage (100a) can pass through the inclined portion (SHT) of the shaft (SH). With respect to the main body (110) of the stage (100), the position of the plate (PL) of the stage (100b) that passes through the inclined portion (SHT) of the shaft (SH) and is seated on the shaft (SH) can be placed at a second height that is higher than the position of the plate (PL) of the stage (100a) before climbing the shaft (SH), i.e., higher than the first height.

[0098] The plate (PL) of the stage (100) can be in contact with the inclined portion (SHT) of the shaft (SH). At this time, the plate (PL) can be formed in a structure that can move up and down within the stage (100). Therefore, as the stage (100) passes the inclined portion (SHT), the plate (PL) in contact with the inclined portion (SHT) can move upward while going up along the inclined portion (SHT). Since the plate (PL) that has passed the inclined portion (SHT) moves in a state of contact with the shaft (SH), it can pass through the curing zone (Z6) while maintaining a state of being moved upward compared to before passing through the inclined portion (SHT). The plate (PL) of the stage (100) that has passed through the curing zone (Z6) can move downward again after passing through the other end of the shaft (SH).

[0099] According to the present embodiment, a plurality of pins (P) are mounted on a plate (PL). Therefore, when the plate (PL) is moved up and down, the plurality of pins (P) can also be moved up and down together with the plate (PL). The plurality of pins (P) can rise upward through pin insertion portions (ph) formed in the main body (110) at a fixed position. At this time, the plurality of pins (P) raised upward can push the wire (w) arranged on the surface portion (C1) of the solar cell (C) mounted on the upper surface of the main body (110) so as to make contact with the surface portion (C1) of the solar cell (C). Through this, when the solar cell (C) is introduced into the soldering zone (Z1), the wire (w) arranged on the surface portion (C1) of the solar cell (C) can be maintained in contact with the surface portion (C1) of the solar cell (C), and a soldering process can be performed.

[0100] The inclined portion (SHT) of the shaft (SH) is formed in the preheating zone (Z5). Therefore, the plate (PL) inside the stage (100) can rise upward of the shaft (SH) along the inclined portion (SHT) arranged in the preheating zone (Z5) in the preheating zone (Z5). In addition, the plurality of fins (P) mounted on the upper surface of the plate (PL) can also rise upward together with the plate (PL) in the preheating zone (Z5). That is, referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the second height (h2) of the upper surface of the plurality of fins (P) based on the base portion (10) in the preheating zone (Z5) may be higher than the first height (h1) of the upper surface of the plurality of fins (P) based on the base portion (10) in the solar cell mounting zone (Z3) and the jig fixing zone (Z4).

[0101] That is, the plurality of pins (P) raised upward can maintain a state of pressing the wire (w) against the lower surface of the solar cell (C) while maintaining the second height (h2). After the curing process is completed, the stage (100) is transferred to the outlet zone (Z7). At this time, the shaft (SH) is formed to extend from the preheating zone (Z5) through the curing zone (Z6) to the outlet zone (Z7). Therefore, in the outlet zone (Z7), the plate (PL) is raised upward by the shaft (SH), and the plurality of pins (P) are also raised upward, so the plurality of pins (P) can still maintain a state of pressing the wire (w) against the lower surface of the solar cell (C) even in the outlet zone (Z7).

[0102] When the stage (100) passes the exit zone (Z7), the shaft (SH) is no longer positioned at the lower part of the stage (100), so the plate (PL) and the plurality of pins (P) also fall downward by gravity, and the plurality of pins (P) and the wire (w) in contact with the lower part of the solar cell (C) can be separated from each other.

[0103] Accordingly, when the stage (100) passes the exit zone (Z7) and reaches the stage recovery unit (40'), the force applied to the lower surface of the solar cell (C) mounted on the stage (100) through the plurality of pins (P) is removed, and the force applied to the upper surface of the solar cell (C) by the jig recovery unit (71) can also be removed. Accordingly, the solar cell (C) becomes separable from the stage (100), and the solar cell (C) can be separated from the stage (100) while being transferred to the cell transfer unit (50).

[0104] A plurality of pins (P) mounted on a stage (100) are arranged so that the upper surfaces of the plurality of pins (P) have a first height (h1) based on the base portion (10) as a basic position in the solar cell mounting zone (Z3) and the jig fixing zone (Z4), but when the stage (100) passes through the preheating zone (Z5), the curing zone (Z6), and the exit zone (Z7), the plurality of pins (P) are raised upward by the shafts (SH) arranged in the preheating zone (Z5), the curing zone (Z6), and the exit zone (Z7), so that the upper surfaces of the plurality of pins (P) can be arranged so that the second height (h2) is higher than the first height (h1) based on the base portion (10). Next, the plurality of pins (P) of the stage (100) that has passed the exit zone (Z7) can move downward again at a position where the shaft (SH) does not exist, so that the upper surface of the plurality of pins (P) can have a first height (h1) based on the base (10).

[0105] In this way, in the process of transferring the stage (100) on which the solar cell (C) is mounted into the soldering zone (Z1), the wire (w) can be maintained in contact with the lower surface (C1) of the solar cell (C) only through the pin-up process via the shaft (SH). In addition, the wire (w) can be maintained in contact with the upper surface of the solar cell (C) through the jig (J) described above. In this way, there is an advantage in that the soldering process can be performed in a state in which the wire (w) is automatically maintained in a state of being fixed to both sides of the solar cell (C) with only a simple mechanical device.

[0106] Additionally, there is an advantage in that a separate power source is not required in the process of fixing the wire (w) to the surface of the solar cell (C), thereby reducing cost and energy.

[0107] Furthermore, during the upward movement of multiple pins, there is absolutely no mechanical interference from other components. Furthermore, even when the pins are moved upward, they are moved solely via the shaft, eliminating interference factors such as vibration from a separate power source. This allows for the creation of a stable multiple pin lifting structure. This ensures product quality during the solar cell manufacturing process.

[0108] As the plate (PL) gradually rises upward through the inclined portion (SHT), the plurality of pins (P) may also gradually move upward as the plate (PL) ascends the inclined portion (SHT).

[0109] According to the present embodiment, a plurality of pins (P) can be arranged on a plurality of internal spaces of a pin case (PC). The internal spaces of the pin case (PC) are formed in an up-down direction * a lengthwise direction, and the plurality of pins (P) can be formed to be able to move up and down on the internal spaces, respectively. At the same time, the internal spaces of the pin case (PC) can limit the movement positions of the plurality of pins (P) so that the plurality of pins (P) can move only in the up-and-down direction.

[0110] The pin (P) is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the upper part of the pin (P) can be formed in a shape having a larger diameter than the lower part. At this time, a pin jaw portion (P1) is formed on the upper part of the pin (P), and a spring (S) is arranged on the lower part of the pin jaw portion (P1). The spring (S) is formed to surround the lower part of the pin (P), a plate (PL) is arranged on the lower part of the spring (S), and the pin jaw portion (P1) can be arranged on the upper part of the spring (S). The spring (S) serves to buffer the pressing force when the pin (P) presses the wire (w), thereby preventing the wire (w) from being damaged by the pressing of the pin (P).

[0111] Referring to FIG. 10, a solar cell (C) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a lower surface portion (C1), a plurality of wires (w) arranged on the lower surface portion (C1), and a plurality of conductive adhesive members (AD) spaced apart from the plurality of wires (w) and the lower surface portion (C1) at a predetermined interval. The plurality of conductive adhesive members (AD) are formed on the surface portion of the solar cell (C).

[0112] A plurality of pins (P) can be arranged at positions corresponding to a plurality of conductive adhesive members (AD). The plurality of pins (P) can pressurize a portion of the solar cell (C) where the plurality of conductive adhesive members (AD) are located while being raised by the plate (PL). At this time, a plurality of wires (w) are positioned between one of the plurality of pins and one of the conductive adhesives (ECA), and the wires can be bonded to the conductive adhesive (ECA) by the pressing of the pins.

[0113] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 15 to 17, the peripheral portion of a plurality of pins according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. Contents not shown in FIGS. 15 to 17 and the descriptions thereof may be referred to FIGS. 1 to 15 and the descriptions thereof.

[0114] Fig. 15 is a cross-section taken along line CC of Fig. 9, showing the state of the stage before it is mounted on the shaft. Fig. 16 is a cross-section taken along line DD of Fig. 11, showing the state of the stage after it is mounted on the shaft. Fig. 17 is an enlarged perspective view of part E of Fig. 12, showing the state in which the pin has moved upward.

[0115] Referring to FIGS. 15 to 17, the main body (110) of the stage (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a wire insertion portion (wh) into which a wire (w) disposed on a solar cell (C) is inserted, and a pin insertion portion (ph) into which a plurality of pins (P) are inserted. The wire insertion portion (wh) and the pin insertion portion (ph) may be formed to be recessed downward from the upper surface (110a) of the stage of the main body (110). The wire insertion portion (wh) may be formed in a direction parallel to the length direction of the wire at a position corresponding to the position of the arrangement of the plurality of wires (w) disposed on the solar cell (C), so that the wires (w) may be inserted into the wire insertion portion (wh). In addition, the pin insertion portion (ph) may be formed to have a wider width than the wire insertion portion (wh) on the wire insertion portion (wh), and the pins (P) arranged inside the pin insertion portion (ph) may be formed hollow so that they can move up and down through the pin insertion portion (ph).

[0116] At this time, the depth (h) of the wire insertion portion (wh) illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16 may be about 5 to about 10 times the width (Ww) of the wire. For example, the depth (h) of the wire insertion portion (wh) may be 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 times the width (Ww) of the wire. This is because, before the wire (w) is bonded to the conductive adhesive (ECA), the wire (w) may be spaced apart from the surface portion (C1) of the solar cell (C) and the wire insertion portion (wh) accommodates the sagging wire (w), so the wire insertion portion (wh) may need to have a depth (h) that can accommodate the sagging wire (w).

[0117] If the depth (h) of the wire insertion portion (wh) is less than 5 times the width (Ww) of the wire, it may be difficult for the wire insertion portion (wh) to accommodate the wire (w) in a stretched state, which may result in damage to the wire (w). In addition, if the depth (h) of the wire insertion portion (wh) is more than 10 times the wire width (Ww), there is a concern that the durability of the main body (110) in which a deep gap is formed through the wire insertion portion (wh) may be weakened.

[0118] At this time, the width (whw) of the wire insertion portion (wh) may be about 1.5 to about 3 times the width (Ww) of the wire. For example, the width (whw) of the wire insertion portion (wh) may be 1.5, 2, 2.5, or 3 times the width (Ww) of the wire. If the width (whw) of the wire insertion portion (wh) is less than 1.5 times the width (Ww) of the wire, the wire (w) may not be inserted into the wire insertion portion (wh) when vibration occurs in the wire. On the other hand, if the width (whw) of the wire insertion portion (wh) is more than 3 times the width (Ww) of the wire, the probability of foreign substances entering the inside of the wire insertion portion (wh) increases, and the durability of the main body (110) in which a wide gap is formed may be weakened.

[0119] According to the present embodiment, inside the pin insertion portion (ph), a plurality of pins (P), a pin case (PC) into which each of the plurality of pins (P) is inserted, and a spring (S) arranged to surround each of the plurality of pins can be inserted.

[0120] According to the present embodiment, the diameter (D) of each of the plurality of pins (P) may be about 3 to about 5 times the width (Ww) of the wire. For example, the diameter (D) of each of the plurality of pins (P) may be 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, or 5 times the width (Ww) of the wire. If the diameter (D) of the pin (P) is less than 3 times the width (Ww) of the wire, the pin (P) may not properly press the wire (w) when the pin (P) rises due to vibration of the wire. On the other hand, if the diameter (D) of the pin (P) is more than 5 times the width (Ww) of the wire, the area occupied by the pin (P) increases, and the volume of the pin insertion portion (ph) that accommodates the plurality of pins (P) increases, so that the durability of the main body portion (110) may be weakened due to the increase in the hollow portion.

[0121] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 18(a) and 18(b), the relationship between the thickness of the conductive adhesive (ECA), the thickness of the wire, and the thickness between the upper surface of the pin and the upper surface of the stage when the pin moves upward when a solar cell of a plurality of pins is pressed according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. Contents not shown in FIGS. 18(a) and 18(b) and the descriptions thereof may refer to FIGS. 1 to 17 and the descriptions thereof.

[0122] Fig. 18(a) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of part E of Fig. 12, showing the thickness of each component when the pin is moved downward. Fig. 18(b) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of part E of Fig. 12, showing the thickness of each component when the pin is moved upward.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 18(a) and FIG. 18(b), in a solar cell manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present invention, a thickness (t3) between the upper surface (PS) of the plurality of pins (P) and the upper surface (110a) of the stage when the plurality of pins (P) are moved upward may be smaller than the thickness (t2) of the wire.

[0124] If the thickness (t3) between the upper surface (PS) of the plurality of pins (P) and the upper surface (110a) of the stage is greater than the thickness (t2) of the wire (w), the upper surface (PS) of the plurality of pins and the wire (w) may be spaced apart from each other. Therefore, the wire (w) cannot be fixed through the upper surface (PS) of the plurality of pins, and thus the function of the plurality of pins (P) may not be realized.

[0125] According to the present embodiment, the thickness (t3) between the upper surface (PS) of the plurality of pins (P) and the upper surface (110a) of the stage may have a set thickness ratio compared to the thickness (t2) of the wire (w). This is to prevent the plurality of pins (P) from rising excessively, thereby damaging the wire (w) and the solar cell (C), and to more effectively fix the wire (w).

[0126] For example, the thickness (t3) between the upper surface (PS) of the plurality of pins (P) and the upper surface (110a) of the stage may be about 60 percent to about 90 percent of the thickness (t2) of the wire (w). For example, the thickness (t3) between the upper surface (PS) of the plurality of pins (P) and the upper surface (110a) of the stage may be about 60, 70, 80, or 90 percent of the thickness (t2) of the wire (w). When the thickness (t3) between the upper surface (PS) of the plurality of pins (P) and the upper surface (110a) of the stage is less than 60 percent of the thickness (t2) of the wire (w), the plurality of pins (P) may excessively press the wire (w), which may cause the wire (w) and the solar cell (C) to be damaged. If the thickness (t3) between the upper surface (PS) of the plurality of pins (P) and the upper surface (110a) of the stage exceeds 90 percent of the thickness (t2) of the wire (w), the position of the wire (w) may change during the transportation of the stage (100), and the wire (w) may not be coupled to the solar cell (C) at the set position.

[0127] Also, referring to FIG. 18(a) and FIG. 18(b), in a solar cell manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the thickness (t3) between the upper surface (PS) of the plurality of pins and the upper surface (110a) of the stage when the plurality of pins (P) are moved upward may be smaller than the sum of the thickness (t2) of the wire and the thickness (t1) of the conductive adhesive (ECA).

[0128] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 19, a method for manufacturing a solar cell according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Contents not shown in FIG. 19 and descriptions thereof may be referred to FIGS. 1 to 17, FIG. 18(a), FIG. 18(b), and descriptions thereof.

[0129] Figure 19 is a flowchart showing a solar cell manufacturing method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0130] Referring to FIG. 19, a solar cell manufacturing method according to one embodiment of the present invention can be performed by moving a stage (100) in units of a set pitch (P). For example, as the supplied stage (100) moves in a set pitch (P), a wire (w), a solar cell (C), and a jig (J) can be placed on the stage (100) to perform processes such as heating, curing, and discharging.

[0131] A method for manufacturing a solar cell according to one embodiment will be described. The method may include a step of supplying a stage (S100), a step of supplying a wire onto the stage (200), a step of supplying a solar cell and a jig onto the stage (S300), a step of pre-heating the solar cell and the jig (S400), a step of curing the solar cell and the jig (S500), and a step of discharging the solar cell (S800).

[0132] The stage supply step (S100) may be a stage supply step. For example, the step (S100) may be a step in which the stage supply unit (40) is raised and lowered to supply the stage (100) to the stage supply zone (Z2). The stages (100) supplied in the step (S100) may be transported in units of one pitch (P) according to the process sequence.

[0133] The step (S200) of supplying wires onto the stage may be performed after the step (S100) of supplying the stage. The step (S200) of supplying wires onto the stage may be a step in which the wire supply unit (30) supplies the wire (w) onto the stage (100). For example, the step (S200) may be a step in which the wire is supplied onto the stages (100) located on the solar cell mounting zone (Z3) and the jig fixing zone (Z4). In detail, in the step (S200), the wire supply unit (30) may extend and transfer the wire (w) via a gripper through the stage supply zone (Z2) and the solar cell mounting zone (Z3) to the jig fixing zone (Z4) and fix it. At this time, the extended wire (w) may be guided by a wire groove formed on the stage (100).

[0134] The step (S300) of supplying the solar cell and the jig onto the stage may be performed after the step (S200) of supplying the wire onto the stage. The step (S300) of supplying the solar cell and the jig onto the stage may be a step of supplying the solar cell (C) and the jig (J) onto the stage (100) on which the wire (w) is arranged. For example, the step (S300) may be a step of supplying the solar cell (C) onto the stage (100) arranged on the solar cell mounting zone (Z3) and the jig (J) onto the stage (100) arranged on the jig fixing zone (Z4). In the step (S300), the solar cell (C) and the jig (J) may be supplied to each zone simultaneously by the cell-jig transfer unit (91). In addition, the wire (w) arranged on the solar cell (C) may be fixed by the jig (J) supplied in the step (S300). That is, as shown in (e) of Fig. 2, a wire (w1), a solar cell (C), a wire (w2), and a jig can be sequentially arranged on a stage (100) placed in a jig fixing zone (Z4).

[0135] The step (S400) of preheating the solar cell and the jig may be performed after the step (S300) of supplying the solar cell and the jig onto the stage. The step (S400) of preheating the solar cell and the jig may be a step in which the solar cell (C) and the wire (w) on the stage (100) are preheated by the first heater (H1) in the preheating zone (Z5). For example, as shown in (f) of FIG. 2, in the step (S400), the solar cell (C) and the lower and upper wires (w1, w2) respectively disposed on the upper and lower portions of the solar cell (C) may be preheated by the first heater (H1) in the preheating zone (Z5). Here, the first heater (H1) may be disposed on the upper surface of the base portion (10) that transports and supports the stage (100) described above.

[0136] At this time, the step (S400) of pre-heating the solar cell and jig may include a step (S410) of moving the stage (100) upward of the shaft (SH), a step (S420) of moving the plate (PL) upward, and a step (S430) of raising the pin (P) to pressurize the wire.

[0137] In detail, the step (S410) of moving the stage (100) upward on the shaft (SH) may be a step in which the stage (100) is transferred and climbs up the shaft (SH) on which the inclined portion (SHT) is formed. In addition, the step (S420) of moving the plate (PL) upward may be a step in which the shaft (SH) pushes upward the plate (PL) mounted on the stage (100) as the stage (100) moves upward on the shaft (SH). In addition, the step (S430) of raising the pin (P) to press the wire may be a step in which a plurality of pins mounted on the plate (PL) are moved upward to press the wire located on the lower side of the solar cell (C) mounted on the upper side of the stage (100) to the lower surface (C1) of the solar cell (C).

[0138] The step (S500) of curing the solar cell and the jig may be performed after the step (S400) of pre-heating the solar cell and the jig. The step (S500) of curing the solar cell and the jig may be a step in which the solar cell (C) and the wire (w) on the stage (100) are cured by the first and second heaters (H1, H2) in the curing zone (Z6). For example, in the step (S500), the solar cell (C) and the lower and upper wires (w1, w2) respectively disposed above and below the solar cell (C) may be cured by the first and second heaters (H1, H2) in the curing zone (Z6). Here, the second heater (H2) may be disposed within the curing section (20) disposed above the base section (10) described above. The stage (100) can be moved between the first and second heaters (H1, H2). Through the step (S500), the conductive adhesive (ECA) disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of the solar cell (C) can be cured, and thus the wires (w1, w2) disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of the solar cell (C) can be physically and electrically connected to the solar cell (C).

[0139]

[0140] The step (S800) of discharging the solar cell may be performed after the step (S500) of curing the solar cell and the jig. In the step (S800), the solar cell (C) having wires (w1, w2) connected to the upper and lower surfaces may be discharged. For example, the solar cell (C) having wires (w1, w2) connected may be separated from the stage (100) and discharged through the cell transfer unit (50).

[0141] A method for manufacturing a solar cell according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a step (S510) of post-heating the solar cell and the jig. The step (S510) of post-heating the solar cell and the jig may be performed between the step (S500) of curing the solar cell and the jig and the step (S800) of discharging the solar cell. For example, the step (S510) may be a step of post-heating the solar cell (C) that has left the curing unit (20) after the curing step (S500) through a first heater (H1) in an exit zone (Z7). The step (S510) may be a step that serves as a buffering step that slowly lowers the temperature of the solar cell (C) that has left the curing unit (20) in the exit zone (Z7). Through the above step (S510), the cured solar cell (C) can prevent rapid temperature changes, thereby further improving the quality of the solar cell (C). In addition, the plurality of pins (P) mounted on the plate (PL) can maintain a state of still pressing the wire (w) against the lower surface of the solar cell (C) even in the exit zone (Z7). That is, the plurality of pins (P) can maintain a state of pressing the wire (w) until the post-heating step (S510).

[0142] A method for manufacturing a solar cell according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a step of recovering a jig (S600). The step of recovering a jig (S600) may be performed between the step of curing the solar cell and the jig (S500) and the step of discharging the solar cell (S800). For example, the step (S600) may be a step of recovering a jig (J) placed on a stage (100) that has passed the curing zone (Z6) and the exit zone (Z7). Specifically, in the step (S600), the jig (J) placed on the stage recovery unit (40') may be separated from the stage (100) and the solar cell (C) and recovered through the jig recovery unit (71). Alternatively, the step (S600) may be a step of recovering a jig (J) placed in a jig recovery area (not shown) located between the exit zone (Z7) and the stage recovery unit (40'). In this case, the above-described jig recovery unit (71) can be placed in an area corresponding to the jig recovery area.

[0143] A method for manufacturing a solar cell according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a step of recovering a stage (S700). The step of recovering a stage (S700) may be performed between the step of curing a solar cell and a jig (S500) and the step of discharging a solar cell (S800). For example, the step (S700) may be a step of recovering a stage (100) placed on a stage (100) that has passed a curing zone (Z6) and an exit zone (Z7). In detail, in the step (S700), the stage (100) may be recovered through a stage recovery unit (40'). The stage recovery unit (40') is connected to the stage supply unit (40), and the stage (100) recovered through the stage recovery unit (40') may be transferred to the stage supply unit (40). The stage supply unit (40) can resupply the transported stage (100) to the stage supply zone (Z2).

[0144] In this way, as the stage (100) sequentially moves through the stage supply zone (Z2), solar cell mounting zone (Z3), jig fixing zone (Z4), preheating zone (Z5), and curing zone (Z6), preparation and execution of the curing process of the solar cell (C) can be performed in sequence.

[0145] That is, a process in which a wire (w) is supplied to the stage (100), a solar cell (C) is placed, the wire (w) is placed on both sides of the solar cell (C), and the wire (w) located on the upper surface of the solar cell (C) is pressed by a jig (J) is sequentially performed. Afterwards, after a preheating step of the solar cell (C) through the first heater (H1), the stage (100) on which the solar cell (C) with the wire (w) placed is placed enters the curing zone (Z6) formed by the curing section (20) and the curing process is performed, so that the curing process can be systematically and stably performed.

[0146] Additionally, after the curing process is completed, the stages and jigs used to transport the solar cells can be recovered and resupplied, thereby enabling the recycling of parts.

[0147] In addition, the stage (100) is moved to the preheating zone (Z5), and the step (S500) in which the solar cell (C) and the wire (w) on the stage (100) are pre-heated by the first heater (H1) may include a step (S510) in which the stage (100) is moved and rises to the upper side of a shaft (SH) in which an inclined portion (SHT) is formed, a step (S520) in which the shaft (SH) pushes upward a plate (PL) mounted on the stage (100), and a step (S530) in which a plurality of pins mounted on the plate (PL) are moved upward and press the wire located on the lower side of the solar cell mounted on the upper side of the stage (100) to the lower surface (C1) of the solar cell.

[0148] That is, before the curing process in the curing zone (Z6) is performed, the solar cell (C) needs to be transferred to the curing zone (Z6) while maintaining the wire (w) in contact with the lower surface (C1) and upper surface (C2) of the solar cell (C) in the preheating zone (Z5).

[0149] Accordingly, according to the present embodiment, in the jig fixing zone (Z4), the jig (J) contacts and fixes the wire (w) arranged on the upper side of the solar cell (C) to the upper surface (C2) of the solar cell (C), and in the preheating zone (Z5), the plate (PL) and the plurality of pins (P) mounted on the shaft (SH) contact and fix the wire (w) arranged on the lower side of the solar cell (C) to the lower surface (C1) of the solar cell (C), so that the solar cell can enter the curing zone (Z6) in a state where the wires are respectively contacted and fixed to both sides of the solar cell.

[0150] In this way, during the stage's transfer process, the wires can be brought into contact with the surfaces on both sides of the solar cell only by the mechanical configuration of the shaft arrangement and the pressurization of the jig, so that the soldering process can be performed with the wires stably in contact with the surfaces of the solar cells without a separate power source.

[0151] While the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, these are merely examples. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible based on the embodiments described herein. Therefore, the true scope of technical protection of the present invention should be determined based on the appended claims.

[0152] Specific technical details described in the embodiments are merely examples and do not limit the technical scope of the embodiments. In order to describe the invention concisely and clearly, descriptions of conventional general techniques and configurations may be omitted. In addition, the connection or absence of connection between the lines of components illustrated in the drawings are merely examples of functional connections and / or physical or circuit connections, and in an actual device, they may be expressed as various functional connections, physical connections, or circuit connections that are replaceable or additional. In addition, if there is no specific mention such as "essential" or "important," it may not be a component absolutely necessary for the application of the present invention.

[0153] The terms "above" and "above" or similar designators used in the description and claims of the invention can refer to both singular and plural numbers, unless specifically limited. In addition, when a range is described in an embodiment, it is intended that the invention includes the application of individual values ​​falling within the range (unless otherwise stated), and it is equivalent to describing each individual value constituting the range in the description of the invention. In addition, unless the order of steps constituting a method according to an embodiment is explicitly stated or stated to the contrary, the steps can be performed in any appropriate order. The embodiments are not necessarily limited by the order in which the steps are described. The use of all examples or exemplary terms (e.g., "for example," etc.) in the embodiments is merely for the purpose of describing the embodiments in more detail, and the scope of the embodiments is not limited by the examples or exemplary terms, unless otherwise limited by the claims. In addition, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications, combinations, and variations can be configured according to design conditions and factors within the scope of the appended claims or their equivalents.

Claims

Solar cells with wires arranged; a stage on which the above solar cell is mounted; and A shaft is included that is arranged on the movement path of the stage at the lower side of the stage, The above stage is, Main body; A plate arranged to move up and down in the main body and in contact with the shaft arranged at the lower side; and A plurality of pins are included on the upper side of the plate to be seated on the plate, When the above stage moves, the stage rises to the upper side of the shaft, The above shaft pushes the plate on which the plurality of pins are mounted upward, A solar cell manufacturing device in which the upper surface of the plurality of pins is moved upward and the wire is brought into contact with the lower surface of the solar cell. In the first paragraph, A slope is formed at the end of the above shaft, The above stage is a solar cell manufacturing device that climbs onto the shaft through the above inclined portion. In the first paragraph, Further comprising a jig for pressurizing the upper surface of the solar cell, A solar cell manufacturing device in which the above jig is brought into contact with the upper surface of the solar cell. In the first paragraph, The above solar cell, surface area; a plurality of wires arranged on the surface; and A solar cell manufacturing device comprising a plurality of conductive adhesive members spaced apart at a predetermined interval between the plurality of wires and the surface portion. In the fourth paragraph, A solar cell manufacturing device in which the plurality of pins are arranged at positions corresponding to the plurality of conductive adhesive members. In the first paragraph, The above main body part, A wire insertion portion into which a wire placed in the above solar cell is inserted; and A solar cell manufacturing device including a pin insertion portion into which the plurality of pins are inserted. In paragraph 6, A solar cell manufacturing device in which the depth (h) of the wire insertion portion is about 5 to about 10 times the width of the wire. In the first paragraph, A solar cell manufacturing device wherein the diameter (D) of each of the plurality of pins is about 3 to about 5 times the width of the wire. In the first paragraph, A solar cell manufacturing device, wherein the thickness (t3) between the upper surface of the plurality of pins and the upper surface of the stage when the plurality of pins are moved upward is smaller than the thickness (t2) of the wire. Step of supplying the stage; A step of supplying a wire onto the above stage; A step of supplying a solar cell and a jig onto the stage to which the wire is supplied; A step of pre-heating the solar cell and jig on the stage; A step of curing the solar cell and jig on the stage; and comprising a step of discharging the above solar cell, A method for manufacturing a solar cell, wherein the step of pre-heating the solar cell and jig on the stage includes a step of causing a plurality of pins to rise and pressurize the wire. In Article 10, The above stage is, Main body; A plate arranged to move up and down in the main body and in contact with a shaft arranged at the lower side; and A method for manufacturing a solar cell comprising a plurality of pins mounted on the plate at an upper portion of the plate. In Article 11, The step of pre-heating the solar cell and jig on the stage is: a step of the stage moving upwards of the shaft; and a step of moving the above plate upward; A method for manufacturing a solar cell, wherein the step of pressing the wire by causing the plurality of pins to rise is a step of pressing the wire located between the plurality of pins and the solar cell toward the lower surface of the solar cell by causing the plurality of pins arranged on the plate to move upward. In Article 12, Further comprising a step of post-heating the above solar cell and jig, The above-mentioned pot-heating step is performed between the step of curing the solar cell and jig on the stage and the step of discharging the solar cell, A solar cell manufacturing method in which the plurality of pins press the wire toward the lower surface of the solar cell even in the post-heating step.

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