DE102022126711A1 - Method and device for applying adhesive to solar elements and method for producing solar modules and solar module production device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates, among other things, to a method for applying adhesive, in particular electrically conductive adhesive, to solar elements (2), wherein a solar element (2) with a workpiece carrier (5) of a feed device (7) is moved past a dispensing nozzle (4) of an adhesive dispensing device (3) in a transfer movement and adhesive is applied to the solar element (2). Before the adhesive is applied, an adjustment movement is carried out that is aligned transversely to the transfer movement and a defined distance is thereby set at which the solar element (2) is then moved past the dispensing nozzle (4) for the application of adhesive.

Description

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

Different procedures are already known for producing solar modules from solar elements, for example from solar cells and/or solar cell strips and/or solar cell shingles.

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

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

In another approach, the solar elements are initially arranged in so-called strings. Two solar elements that follow one another in the length of the string can be glued together in their mutually overlapping shingle arrangement. Here, too, electrically conductive glue can be used to electrically connect the solar elements that follow one another in the string. Due to the connection created in this way, the voltage builds up in the length of the string across the solar elements of the string. Several strings can then be interconnected to form a solar module in string construction.

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

The production of high-quality adhesive bonds between the solar elements can also be associated with a comparatively high level of effort, which can affect the economic efficiency of solar module production.

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

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

According to the invention, a method for applying adhesive, in particular electrically conductive adhesive, to solar elements is proposed to solve the problem, whereby a solar element with a workpiece carrier is moved past a dispensing nozzle of an adhesive dispensing device at a defined distance and adhesive is applied to the solar element. The defined distance at which the solar element is moved past the dispensing nozzle is set using a distance setting device before the adhesive is applied.

The distance adjustment device can cause an adjustment movement by which the defined distance is set. The adjustment movement can be aligned transversely to a transfer movement in which the workpiece carrier with the solar element is moved past the dispensing nozzle.

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

The distance from which the adhesive is applied to the solar element can have a significant impact on the adhesive application. Depending on the distance at which the solar element is moved past the dispensing nozzle to apply the adhesive, the adhesive can be applied in thicker or thinner traces, for example.

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

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

In one embodiment of the method, it is provided that the distance adjustment device moves the dispensing nozzle and/or the workpiece carrier and/or a surface along which the workpiece carrier is moved past the dispensing nozzle in the adjustment movement in order to set the defined distance. The dispensing nozzle and/or the workpiece carrier and/or a surface along which the workpiece carrier is moved past the dispensing nozzle can be moved in an adjustment movement aligned transversely to the transfer movement of the workpiece carrier in order to set the defined distance as desired.

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

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

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

The method therefore enables an efficient adaptation of the application process of adhesive to a solar element without having to modify the device.

In one embodiment of the method, the workpiece carrier is positioned against a guide by the distance adjustment device, in particular by the adjustment movement. The workpiece carrier is then moved along the guide and the solar element is moved past the dispensing nozzle at the defined distance. The adhesive is then applied to the solar element.

The guide can be designed such that it forces the workpiece carrier into a movement path that is arranged relative to the dispensing nozzle in such a way that a solar element located on the workpiece carrier can be moved past the dispensing nozzle at a defined distance from the dispensing nozzle.

The guide can thus at least indirectly specify the defined distance at which the solar element is moved past the dispensing nozzle for the application of adhesive.

The workpiece carrier can be positioned by the distance adjustment device, for example, against a guide which is arranged or formed between the dispensing nozzle and a transfer movement plane of the workpiece carrier.

The distance adjustment device brings the workpiece carrier closer to the dispensing nozzle in its adjustment movement, or more precisely to the level at which the dispensing nozzle is arranged, with the guide limiting the adjustment movement of the workpiece carrier. As soon as the workpiece carrier contacts the guide, the distance adjustment device can end the adjustment movement and the workpiece carrier can be moved past the dispensing nozzle in a transfer movement that is then aligned transversely to the adjustment movement.

The setting movement and the transfer movement can in particular be aligned at right angles to one another. In one embodiment of the method, the setting movement is aligned in or against the direction of gravity. The transfer movement is preferably aligned horizontally.

The workpiece carrier can be moved by the distance adjustment device in one embodiment of the process with a side facing the dispensing nozzle against the guide. However, it is also possible to position the workpiece carrier with the distance adjustment device against the guide with a side facing away from the dispensing nozzle.

In this variant of the method, the workpiece carrier can be positioned by the distance adjustment device against a guide that is arranged or formed on a side of a transfer movement plane of the carrier that faces away from the dispensing nozzle. In this variant of the method, the workpiece carrier is removed from the dispensing nozzle by the distance adjustment device.

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

The adjustment movement caused by the distance adjustment device and carried out by the workpiece carrier is limited by the appropriately designed air cushion and thus the desired distance is set at which the solar element with the workpiece carrier is advanced in the transfer movement for applying adhesive to the dispensing nozzle.

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

In one embodiment of the method, the workpiece carrier with the solar element is moved past the dispensing nozzle below the dispensing nozzle in order to apply adhesive to the solar element. The direction in which the adhesive is dispensed onto the solar element then corresponds to the direction of gravity. This method variant facilitates a particularly precise and simple application of adhesive to the solar element.

The adhesive can preferably be applied to the solar element in the form of an adhesive bead aligned in the direction of a transfer movement of the workpiece carrier past the dispensing nozzle and/or with a lateral offset to a longitudinal center axis of the solar element. Such an adhesive application can promote the reliable connection between solar elements that are adjacent to one another in the solar module and that at least partially overlap one another.

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

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

By gluing the solar elements together, a mechanical and/or electrical connection can be created between the solar elements. Several solar elements covered with adhesive can be arranged in rows. In the solar module, adjacent rows of several solar elements can be glued together in a shingle arrangement, overlapping one another, and thus connected electrically and mechanically.

A row of solar elements coated with adhesive can be placed on an already deposited row of solar elements coated with adhesive in partial overlap and thereby connected to the stored line can be connected electrically and/or mechanically.

Two rows arranged next to each other in the solar module to be manufactured can be offset from each other and glued together. This enables the production of a so-called shingle matrix solar module, which has particularly good yield values even when its photovoltaically effective area is partially shaded.

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

To solve the problem, a device for applying adhesive, in particular electrically conductive adhesive, is also proposed, which has the means and features of the independent claim directed to such a device. To solve the problem, a device for applying adhesive, in particular electrically conductive adhesive, to solar elements is therefore proposed, the device having means by which the device is set up to carry out a method for applying adhesive according to one of the claims directed to such a device.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The guide can comprise at least one guide rail. The guide rail can be aligned in the direction of the transfer movement of the workpiece carrier. If the guide rail of the guide is contacted by the workpiece carrier or a spacer of the workpiece carrier, the guide rail can be designed as a sliding guide rail. The workpiece carrier is then moved in the transfer movement with a sliding contact along the at least one guide rail past the at least one dispensing nozzle of the dispensing device. The workpiece carrier can be guided particularly precisely and without tipping over if the guide comprises two parallel guide rails spaced apart from one another, which are also aligned in the direction of the transfer movement.

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

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

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

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

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

In one embodiment of the device, the feed device can comprise a magnetically guided planar drive. In this embodiment of the device, the at least one workpiece carrier can be a magnetically driven runner that can be moved past the at least one dispensing nozzle with the planar drive for applying adhesive to the solar element. The planar drive can be set up for multi-coordinate positioning of the workpiece carrier designed as a runner, preferably in six degrees of freedom. In this way, it is possible to use the planar drive to carry out not only the transfer movement of the workpiece carrier designed as a runner, but also the adjustment movement aligned transversely to it.

The planer drive can have a drive surface along which the workpiece carrier can be moved, preferably in six degrees of freedom. The use of a planar drive and a workpiece carrier designed as a runner enables This makes it possible to apply the adhesive to solar elements with great design freedom. This allows different application patterns to be created using appropriate movement patterns that can be moved with the workpiece carrier in the dispensing area of the dispensing device.

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

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

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

The device can also be designed to electrostatically charge the workpiece carrier and thus to fix a solar element to the workpiece carrier without contact. For this purpose, the device can have an electrostatic charging device. With the help of the electrostatic charging device, the workpiece carrier, in particular a holder of the workpiece carrier for a solar element, can be electrostatically charged and the solar element can thereby be fixed to the workpiece carrier without contact.

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

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

Finally, to solve the problem, a solar module manufacturing device with the features of the claim directed to such a device is also proposed. The solar module manufacturing device is used to produce solar modules from electrically interconnected solar elements, wherein the solar module manufacturing device has at least one device for applying adhesive to solar elements, which has the features of one of the claims directed to such a device.

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

• Die 1-10 zeigen unterschiedliche Darstellungen einer ersten Ausführungsform einer Vorrichtung zum Auftrag von Klebstoff auf Solarelemente, wobei die Vorrichtung eine Zuführvorrichtung mit einem magnetisch geführten Planar-Antrieb umfasst und als Werkstückträger ein magnetisch angetriebener Läufer vorgesehen ist, der mit dem Planar-Antrieb in einer Transferbewegung an Abgabedüsen einer Abgabevorrichtung der in den 1-10 gezeigten Vorrichtung vorbeibewegt werden kann. Der Werkstückträger kann in einer Einstellbewegung gegen eine Führung bewegt und dann in einer quer dazu ausgerichteten Transferbewegung entlang der Führung an den Abgabedüsen vorbeibewegt werden, wobei die Führung an der Abgabevorrichtung und oberhalb einer Transferbewegungsebene des Werkstückträgers angeordnet ist.
• Die 11-20 zeigen unterschiedliche Darstellungen einer zweiten Ausführungsform einer Vorrichtung zum Auftrag von Klebstoff auf Solarelemente, die mit einem Werkstückträger in einer Transferbewegung an Abgabedüsen einer Abgabevorrichtung für Klebstoff vorbeigeführt werden, wobei die in den 11-20 gezeigte Vorrichtung zwei als Führung dienende Führungsleisten im Abgabebereich der Abgabevorrichtung aufweist, auf die der als Läufer des Planar-Antriebs dieser Vorrichtung ausgebildete Werkstückträger in einer Einstellbewegung abgesenkt und dann entlang der Führungsleisten in der Transferbewegung an den insgesamt drei Abgabedüsen der Abgabevorrichtung vorbeibewegt werden kann.
• Die 21-30 zeigen unterschiedliche Darstellung einer weiteren Ausführungsform der Vorrichtung zum Auftrag von Klebstoff auf Solarelemente, wobei bei dieser Vorrichtung ein Luftkissen als Führung für den Werkstückträger vorgesehen ist, das mit einer Luftlagereinheit der Vorrichtung erzeugt werden kann, wobei die Luftlagereinheit an der Abgabevorrichtung der Vorrichtung angeordnet ist.
• Die 31-37 zeigen unterschiedliche Darstellungen einer weiteren Ausführungsform der Vorrichtung zum Auftrag von Klebstoff auf Solarelemente, wobei diese Vorrichtung durch ihre in einer Einstellbewegung, die quer zur Transferbewegung des Werkstückträgers und eines daran angeordneten Solarelements ausgerichtet ist, ortsveränderliche Abgabedüse für Klebstoff auszeichnet.
• Die 38-44 zeigen eine weitere Ausführungsform der Vorrichtung zum Auftrag von Klebstoff auf Solarelemente, wobei bei dieser Vorrichtung im Vergleich zu der in den 31-37 gezeigten Vorrichtung die zumindest eine Abgabedüse der Abgabevorrichtung ortsfest verbleibt und die Einstellbewegung mit dem als Läufer des Planar-Antriebs dieser Vorrichtung ausgebildeten Werkstückträger quer zur Richtung der Transferbewegung ausgeführt wird.

The invention is described in more detail below using exemplary embodiments, but is not limited to these exemplary embodiments. Further exemplary embodiments arise by combining the features of individual or multiple claims with one another and/or by combining individual or multiple features of the exemplary embodiments.

• The 1-10 show different representations of a first embodiment of a device for applying adhesive to solar elements, wherein the device comprises a feed device with a magnetically guided planar drive and a magnetically driven rotor is provided as a workpiece carrier, which is guided by the planar drive in a transfer movement to dispensing nozzles of a dispensing device of the type shown in the 1-10 The workpiece carrier can be moved against a guide in an adjustment movement and then moved past the dispensing nozzles along the guide in a transfer movement aligned transversely thereto, the guide being arranged on the dispensing device and above a transfer movement plane of the workpiece carrier.
• The 11-20 show different representations of a second embodiment of a device for applying adhesive to solar elements, which is connected to a workpiece carrier in a transfer movement to dispensing nozzles be guided past a dispenser for adhesive, whereby the adhesive contained in the 11-20 The device shown has two guide rails serving as guides in the dispensing area of the dispensing device, onto which the workpiece carrier designed as a runner of the planar drive of this device can be lowered in an adjustment movement and then moved along the guide rails in the transfer movement past the total of three dispensing nozzles of the dispensing device.
• The 21-30 show different representations of a further embodiment of the device for applying adhesive to solar elements, wherein in this device an air cushion is provided as a guide for the workpiece carrier, which can be generated with an air bearing unit of the device, wherein the air bearing unit is arranged on the dispensing device of the device.
• The 31-37 show different representations of a further embodiment of the device for applying adhesive to solar elements, wherein this device is characterized by its dispensing nozzle for adhesive which can be moved in an adjustment movement which is aligned transversely to the transfer movement of the workpiece carrier and a solar element arranged thereon.
• The 38-44 show a further embodiment of the device for applying adhesive to solar elements, whereby in this device, in comparison with the device shown in the 31-37 shown device, at least one dispensing nozzle of the dispensing device remains stationary and the adjustment movement is carried out transversely to the direction of the transfer movement with the workpiece carrier designed as a rotor of the planar drive of this device.

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

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

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

For each of the devices 1, the defined distance is set by an adjustment movement which is effected by the respective distance adjustment device 8.

The devices 1 shown in the figures for applying adhesive 1 differ partly in the type of their distance adjustment device 8 and in the adjustment movements that are carried out to set the defined distance.

In the 1-10, 11-20, 21-30 and 38-44 In the embodiments of the device 1 shown, the distance adjustment device 8 is designed to move the workpiece carrier 5 in an adjustment movement in order to set the defined distance.

In the 31-37 In the embodiment of the device 1 shown, the distance adjustment device 8 is designed to move the dispensing nozzle 4 of the dispensing device 3 in an adjustment movement in order to set the defined distance. The dispensing nozzle 4 of the device 1 shown in the 31-37 The device 1 shown is movable in space for this purpose.

In an embodiment of the device 1 not shown in the figures, a distance adjustment device 8 is provided which is designed to move a surface 9 of the feed device 7, along which the workpiece carrier 5 can be moved past the at least one dispensing nozzle 4 to carry out the transfer movement, in an adjustment movement in order to set the defined distance at which the at least one solar element 2 with the workpiece carrier 5 is moved past the dispensing nozzle 4 of the dispensing device 3 in order to apply adhesive to the solar element 2. This device 1 then has a movable surface 9 of the feed device 7.

The different, in the 1-30 The devices 1 shown each have at least one guide 10 which is formed in a dispensing region 11 of the dispensing device 3, within which the at least one dispensing nozzle 4 is arranged.

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

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

To generate the air cushion that serves as a pneumatic guide, the 21-30 The device 1 shown has an air bearing unit 12.

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

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

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

The spacers 13 of the workpiece carriers 5 are particularly well suited for 2 as in 22 can be recognized. By means of the adjustment movement, the workpiece carriers 5 with their spacers 13 can be positioned against the guides 10 and then moved along the respective guide 10 past the dispensing nozzles 4 in the transfer movement.

The 1-10 and 11-20 have guides 10, each of which comprises two guide rails 14. The guide rails 14 are clearly aligned in the direction of the transfer movement of the workpiece carrier 5.

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

The workpiece carrier 5 can be moved with its total of four spacers 13 against the guide rails 14 of the guide 10. To do this, the workpiece carrier 5 carries out the adjustment movement aligned transversely to the transfer movement, whereby it is brought closer to the total of three dispensing nozzles 4 of the dispensing device 3.

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

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

The air bearing unit 12 of the 21-30 The device 1 shown has two rows of air outlet openings 15. The rows of air outlet openings 15 are aligned in the direction of the transfer movement of the workpiece carrier 5. The air outlet openings 15 serve to form an air cushion below the air outlet openings 15, which then serves as a guide 10 for the workpiece carrier 5. The rows of air outlet openings 15 extend clearly through the dispensing area 11 of the dispensing device 3.

The air outlet openings 15 of the air bearing unit 12 are formed on air bearing strips 16 of the air bearing unit 12. The device 1 has two air bearing strips 16 aligned parallel to one another, with a row of air outlet openings 15 aligned in the direction of the transfer movement being formed on each of the two air bearing strips 16. The rows of air outlet openings 15 are particularly well visible in the sectional view according to 28 to recognize.

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

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

With their previously mentioned spacers 13, the other workpiece carriers 5 shown in the figures also have counter strips 17 that are aligned in the direction of the transfer movement. With their counter strips 17, the different workpiece carriers 5 can contact the respective guide 10. The counter strips 17 then also function as sliding bodies, via which the workpiece carrier 5 is then guided along the respective guide 10 past the dispensing nozzles.

The 31-44 The devices 1 shown each have a distance sensor 18. The distance sensors 18 serve to determine an actual distance between the at least one dispensing nozzle 4 and a solar element 2, which is arranged on a holder 6 of the respective workpiece carrier 5. The distance sensors 18 are specifically designed to determine the distance between the dispensing nozzle 4 and the solar element 2 in the dispensing direction for adhesive onto the solar element 2 and also for contactless distance measurement.

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

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

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

In the 1-30 and 38-44, the respective planar drive 20 also serves as a distance adjustment device 8, with which the respective workpiece carrier 5 can be moved transversely to the transfer movement in order to set the defined distance in the adjustment movement.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Before the adhesive is applied to the solar element 2, the defined distance is set using a distance adjustment device 8. For this purpose, an adjustment movement caused by the distance adjustment device 8 is carried out and thereby a defined distance is set that can be measured in the direction of dispensing the adhesive onto the solar element 2, in which the solar element 2 is then moved past the dispensing nozzle 4 for the adhesive to be applied.

Depending on the embodiment of the method, the distance adjustment device 8 causes an adjustment movement of the dispensing nozzle 4, the workpiece carrier 5 and/or the surface 9, in particular the drive surface of the previously mentioned planar drive 20, along which the workpiece carrier 5 is moved past the dispensing nozzle 4 in order to set the defined distance.

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

The workpiece carrier 5 is used in the 1-10 and 21-30 are positioned by the adjustment movement against a guide 10 arranged between the dispensing nozzle 4 and a transfer movement plane of the workpiece carrier 5. The workpiece carrier 5 is thereby removed from the surface 9 and brought closer to the dispensing nozzle 4.

In the 11-20 In the device 1 shown, the workpiece carrier 5 is positioned by the adjustment movement against a guide 10 which is arranged on a side of a transfer movement plane of the workpiece carrier 5 facing away from the dispensing nozzle 4.

In the 1-10 and 21-30, the respective workpiece carrier 5 is positioned against the guide 10 with a side facing the dispensing nozzle 4 by the adjustment movement. In the embodiments of the devices 1 shown in the 11-20 The device 1 shown is intended to remove the workpiece carrier 5 from the dispensing nozzle 4 by the adjusting movement and to position it against the guide 10 with a side facing away from the dispensing nozzle.

While the 1-10 and 11-20 shown guides 10 are mechanical guides, in the device 1, which is shown in the 21-30 shown, a pneumatic guide is provided. An air cushion is generated as the pneumatic guide using the air bearing unit 12 of the device 1.

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

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

The 3-10 illustrate the application of the process for applying adhesive to solar elements, which is based on the 1-10 shown device 1.

3 shows the workpiece carrier 5 in a starting position. From this starting position, the workpiece carrier 5 is guided out in a transfer movement to the right and in the setting movement. The setting movement lifts the workpiece carrier 5 from the drive surface 9 and brings it closer to the dispensing nozzles 4 of the dispensing device 3. This brings the workpiece carrier into the 4 shown position, in which it contacts the guide rails 14 of the guide 10 with its spacers 13. The 5 and 6 show the workpiece carrier 5 still in contact with the guide 10, but now moved further to the right, whereby the application of adhesive to the solar elements 2 arranged on the surface of the workpiece carrier 5 can also be seen.

7 shows the workpiece carrier 5 after the adhesive has been applied to the solar elements 2. In this position, the workpiece carrier 5 is moved back in the direction of the drive surface 9, i.e. away from the dispensing nozzles 4 by a return movement directed counter to the adjustment movement. 8th shows the workpiece carrier 5 with the solar elements 2 arranged thereon outside the delivery area 11 of the delivery device 3.

The 9 and 10 show that each of the three solar elements 2 arranged on the workpiece carrier 5 is covered with an adhesive bead 25. The adhesive beads are applied with a lateral offset to the longitudinal center axes of the solar elements 2 and oriented in the direction of the longitudinal center axes.

Based on 13-20 The functionality of the 11-20 shown device clearly.

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

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

In 17 the workpiece carrier 5 is shown in a position which it assumes after the adhesive has been applied to the solar elements 2. Here, the workpiece carrier 5 is raised again to a level which it had before being lowered onto the guide rails 14 by a return movement opposite to the adjustment movement.

The 19 and 20 show the result of the adhesive application, namely three adhesive beads 25 aligned in the direction of the longitudinal center axes of the respective solar elements 2 and applied offset to them.

In the 21-30 The device 1 shown is intended to move the workpiece carrier 5 with three solar elements 2 arranged thereon from an initial position by the adjustment movement from below against air cushions serving as guides 10, which are generated with the air bearing unit 12 of the device 1.

Starting from a starting position (not shown) outside the delivery area 11 of the delivery device 3, the workpiece carrier 5 is moved into the 23 shown position. This is done by lifting the workpiece carrier 5 from the drive surface 9 using the planar drive 20 in its function as a distance adjustment device 8. 23 shows the workpiece carrier 5 with its counter bars 17 in contact with the air cushions serving as guides 10. From the 23 In the position shown, the workpiece carrier 5 with the three solar elements 2 arranged on it is then moved into the 26 and 25 shown position. Part of the adhesive has already been applied to the solar elements 2.

According to 27 the workpiece carrier 5 is then lowered in a return movement towards the drive surface 9 of the planar drive 20 and according to 28 then removed from the dispensing area 11 of the dispensing device 3.

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

The 34-37 illustrate the functionality of the 31-37 shown device 1.

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

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

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

Based on 41-44 The functionality of the 38-44 shown device 1 clearly.

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

In this case, it is intended to adjust the workpiece carrier 5 in its function as a distance adjustment device 8 with the planar drive 20 depending on the determined distance deviation, i.e. to either bring the workpiece carrier 5 and thus the solar element 2 closer to the dispensing nozzle 4 or to move it away from it during the adjustment movement.

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

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

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

The 39 and 40 show the result of the adhesive application. Here it can be seen that the solar element 2 has an adhesive bead 25 arranged in the longitudinal direction of its longitudinal center axis and offset therefrom.

The method for applying adhesive to solar elements 2 can be carried out as part of a method for producing a solar module. In particular, electrically conductive adhesive is applied according to the method for applying adhesive to solar elements 2 before the solar elements 2 are subsequently glued together, for example overlapping one another, to produce a solar module.

List of reference symbols

1

Device for applying adhesive

2

Solar element

3

Dispensing device

4

Dispensing nozzle

5

Workpiece carrier

6

Recording at 5 for 2

7

Feeding device

8th

Distance adjustment device

9

Area, drive area

10

guide

11

Delivery area

12

Air bearing unit

13

Spacers

14

Guide rail

15

Air outlet opening

16

Air bearing bar

17

Counter bar

18

Distance sensor

19

Drive, spindle drive

20

Planar drive

21

stator

22

electrostatic charging device

23

Control unit

24

Solar module manufacturing device

25

Adhesive bead

Claims (31)

Method for applying adhesive, in particular electrically conductive adhesive, to solar elements (2), wherein a solar element (2) with a workpiece carrier (5) is moved past a dispensing nozzle (4) of an adhesive dispensing device (3) at a defined distance and adhesive is applied to the solar element (2), wherein the defined distance at which the solar element (2) is moved past the dispensing nozzle (4) for applying the adhesive is set using a distance setting device (8) before the adhesive is applied. Procedure according to Claim 1 , wherein the distance adjustment device (8) causes an adjustment movement by which the defined distance is set, in particular wherein the distance adjustment device (8) moves the dispensing nozzle (4) and/or the workpiece carrier (5) and/or a surface (9) along which the workpiece carrier (5) is moved past the dispensing nozzle (4) in the adjustment movement in order to set the defined distance. Method according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the workpiece carrier (5) is positioned by the distance adjustment device (8) against a guide (10) along which the workpiece carrier (5) and thereby the solar element (2) are moved past the dispensing nozzle (4) at the defined distance for the application of adhesive. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the workpiece carrier (5) is positioned by the distance adjustment device (8) against a guide (10) arranged or formed between the dispensing nozzle (4) and a transfer movement plane of the workpiece carrier (5). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the workpiece carrier (5) is positioned by the distance adjustment device (8) against a guide (10) which is arranged or formed on a side of the workpiece carrier (5) facing away from the dispensing nozzle (4). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the workpiece carrier (5) is positioned by the distance adjustment device (8) with a side facing the dispensing nozzle (4) against the guide (10) or wherein the workpiece carrier (5) is positioned by the distance adjustment device (8) with a side facing away from the dispensing nozzle (4) against the guide (10). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a mechanical guide and/or a pneumatic guide, in particular an air cushion generated by an air bearing unit (12), is/are used as the guide. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an actual distance between the dispensing nozzle (4) and the solar element (2) that can be measured in the dispensing direction of the adhesive is determined with a distance sensor (18) and if the actual distance deviates from the defined distance, an adjustment movement caused by the distance adjustment device (8) is carried out accordingly in order to set the defined distance. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the workpiece carrier (5) with the solar element (2) is moved past the dispensing nozzle (4) below the dispensing nozzle (4) for applying adhesive to the solar element (2), and/or wherein the adhesive is applied to the solar element (2) in the form of an adhesive bead (25) aligned in the direction of a transfer movement of the workpiece carrier (5), and/or wherein the adhesive is applied to the solar element (2) with a lateral offset to a longitudinal center axis of the solar element (2). Method for producing a solar module, wherein adhesive, in particular electrically conductive, is applied to solar elements (2) according to the method for applying adhesive according to one of the preceding claims and the solar elements (2) are subsequently glued together to produce the solar module, in particular overlapping one another. Device (1) for applying adhesive, in particular electrically conductive adhesive, to solar elements (2), wherein the device (1) has means by which the device (1) is set up to carry out the method for applying adhesive, in particular electrically conductive, to solar elements (2) according to one of the preceding claims. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the device (1) has, as means for carrying out the method, a dispensing device (3) for dispensing adhesive, in particular electrically conductive adhesive, with at least one dispensing nozzle (4), at least one workpiece carrier (5) for at least one solar element (2), a feed device (7) with which the workpiece carrier (5) with at least one solar element (2) arranged thereon can be moved past the at least one dispensing nozzle (4) of the dispensing device (3), and a distance adjustment device (8) which is designed to set a defined distance at which the at least one solar element (2) can be moved past the at least one dispensing nozzle (4) with the workpiece carrier (5) for applying adhesive. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the distance adjustment device (8) is designed to carry out an adjustment movement, in particular wherein the distance adjustment device (8) is designed to move the dispensing nozzle (4) and/or the workpiece carrier (5) and/or a surface (9) of the feed device (7) along which the workpiece carrier (5) is attached to the at least one dispensing nozzle (4) in the adjustment movement in order to set the defined distance. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (1), in particular in a dispensing region (11) of the dispensing device (3), within which the at least one dispensing nozzle (4) is arranged or formed, has at least one guide (10) against which the workpiece carrier (5) with the distance adjustment device (8) can be positioned and along which the workpiece carrier (5) together with a solar element (2) arranged thereon can be moved past the dispensing nozzle (4). Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the device (1) has as guide (10) a mechanical guide and/or a pneumatic guide, in particular an air cushion. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (1) has at least one air bearing unit (12) which is designed to form a pneumatic guide, in particular an air cushion. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (1) has at least one guide (10) which is arranged or formed between a transfer movement plane of the workpiece carrier (5) and the at least one dispensing nozzle (4) of the dispensing device (3), and/or wherein the device (1) has a guide (10) which is arranged or formed on a side of a transfer movement plane of the workpiece carrier (5) facing away from the at least one dispensing nozzle (4), in particular on a surface (9) along which the workpiece carrier (5) can be moved past the at least one dispensing nozzle (4). Device according to one of the Claims 14 until 17 , wherein the workpiece carrier (5) has at least one spacer (13) on its side facing the guide (10), with which the workpiece carrier (5) can be positioned against the guide (10). Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least one spacer (13) is arranged on a side of the workpiece carrier (5) on which the at least one solar element (2) can be arranged, and/or wherein the at least one spacer (13) has a height that can be measured in the direction of dispensing the adhesive onto the solar element (2) and is greater than the height that can be measured in the same direction of a solar element (2) arranged on the workpiece carrier (5). Device according to one of the Claims 14 until 19 , wherein the guide (10) has at least one guide rail (14), preferably which is aligned in the direction of the transfer movement of the workpiece carrier (5). Device according to one of the Claims 14 until 20 , wherein the guide, in particular the air bearing unit (12), has at least one air outlet opening (15), preferably at least one row of air outlet openings (15) aligned in the direction of a transfer movement of the workpiece carrier (5) past the at least one dispensing nozzle (4), for forming an air cushion, in particular wherein the at least one air outlet opening (15) is formed on an air bearing strip (16) of the air bearing unit (12). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the workpiece carrier (5) has a counter strip (17) on its side facing the guide (10), in particular which functions as a spacer (13) and/or as an air bearing surface and/or which is aligned in the direction of the transfer movement. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (1) has at least one distance sensor (18) for determining a distance between the at least one dispensing nozzle (4) and a solar element (2) arranged on the at least one workpiece carrier (5), in particular wherein the distance sensor 18 is set up to determine the distance between the dispensing nozzle (4) and the solar element (2) in the dispensing direction of the adhesive and/or for contactless distance measurement. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the distance adjustment device (8) has a drive (19), in particular a spindle drive, with which the dispensing nozzle (4) can be adjusted to carry out the adjustment movement. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the feed device (7) comprises a magnetically guided planar drive (20) and the at least one workpiece carrier (5) is a magnetically driven rotor which can be moved past the at least one dispensing nozzle (4) with the planar drive (20) for applying adhesive to the solar element (2). Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the planar drive (20) is set up for multi-coordinate positioning of the workpiece carrier (5) designed as a runner, preferably in six degrees of freedom, and/or wherein the planar drive (20) has a drive surface (9) on which the workpiece carrier (5) is movable, preferably in six degrees of freedom. Device (1) according to one of the Claims 13 until 26 , wherein the at least one dispensing nozzle (4) of the dispensing device (3) is arranged above the surface (9), in particular above the drive surface (9) of the planar drive (20). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the planar drive (20) functions as a distance adjustment device (8) with which the at least one workpiece carrier (5) can be moved transversely to the transfer movement in order to set the defined distance in the adjustment movement. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (1) has an electrostatic charging device (22) which is designed for electrostatically charging the workpiece carrier (5) and thus for contactless fixing of a solar element (2) to the workpiece carrier (5). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (1) has a control unit (23) which is designed to control the distance setting device (8), in particular as a function of a deviation between the defined distance and an actual distance measured with the distance sensor (18), in order to set the defined distance at which the solar element (2) on the workpiece carrier (5) can be moved past the at least one dispensing nozzle (4). Solar module manufacturing device (24) for producing solar modules from electrically interconnected solar elements (2), wherein the solar module manufacturing device (24) has a device (1) according to one of the preceding claims for applying adhesive to solar elements (2).

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