JP2002299676A - Solar cell module manufacturing method and jig for manufacturing solar cell module - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a solar cell module manufacturing method and a jig for manufacturing the solar cell module which reliably bonds wirings to predetermined positions on a solar cell and has no fear of releasing the wiring from the solar cell. SOLUTION: The manufacturing jig 10 comprises a cell holder 12 for positioning a solar cell 2 and wiring fixtures 14 for fixing a tabular conductor 3. The cell 2 is housed in a cell housing 16 of the cell holder 12, the wiring fixtures 14 are inserted in a guide groove 26 of the cell holder 12 and mounted on a spacer 28 previously inserted in the guide groove 26. The end of the cell is coated with a conductive adhesive 6, the conductor 3 and a weight 18 are inserted between a pair of wiring fixtures 14, 14 and they are heat treated to cure the adhesive 6.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a solar cell module and a jig for manufacturing a solar cell module, and more particularly, to a method for securely connecting a wiring member to a predetermined position of a solar cell. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a solar cell module and a jig for manufacturing a solar cell module, wherein the wiring member is not likely to be separated from the solar cell.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 8 shows a partially omitted vertical sectional view of a general solar cell module 1. In the solar cell module 1, a cell row 4 in which a plurality of solar cells 2 are electrically connected to each other in series by a flat conductor 3 as a wiring member is accommodated in a resin case 5. . In this case, both ends of the lower end face of each flat conductor 3 are connected via a conductive adhesive 6 made of a thermosetting resin such as an epoxy resin and a powder of a conductive substance such as copper, silver or graphite dispersed therein. ,
It is joined to each upper end surface of the solar cell 2 adjacent to each other. A portion other than the solar cell 2 and the flat conductor 3 in the case 5 is filled with a translucent resin 7, and the solar cell 2 is positioned and fixed by the translucent resin 7.

The solar cell module 1 configured as described above is manufactured, for example, as follows.

First, as shown in FIG. 9, a conductive adhesive 6 is applied to both ends of the upper end surface of each solar cell 2. The conductive adhesive 6 is usually a flexible adhesive, and is cured by heat treatment as described later.

[0005] Next, the flat conductor 3 is placed on each of the solar cells 2 where the conductive adhesive 6 is applied (see FIG. 9). Thereby, the solar cell 2 and the flat conductor 3
Are adhered to each other via the conductive adhesive 6.

Next, the solar cell 2 and the solar cell 2
The plate-shaped conductor 3 adhered to this is introduced into the heating furnace in this state, and subjected to a heating treatment at about 100 to 250 ° C. for several tens minutes. Along with this heat treatment, a cross-linking reaction occurs in the thermosetting resin, which is a main component of the conductive adhesive 6, and a three-dimensional network structure is formed. As a result, the conductive adhesive 6 is cured. As a result, the solar cell 2 and the plate-shaped conductor 3 are firmly joined to each other, and the cell row 4 is obtained.

Next, after the cell row 4 is taken out of the heating furnace and cooled, the cell row 4 is accommodated in a case 5 filled with about half of the translucent resin 7 and the remaining part of the case 5 The translucent resin 7 is further filled.

Finally, by curing the translucent resin 7, the solar cell module 1 shown in FIG. 8 is obtained.

[0009]

By the way, in the method of manufacturing the solar cell module 1 according to the above-mentioned prior art, as shown in FIG. There is a problem in that it may be joined at a shifted position. The reason for this is that the conductive adhesive 6 is a flexible adhesive, so that when the solar cell 2 and the flat conductor 3 adhered to the solar cell 2 are introduced into a heating furnace, the solar cell 2 This is because the plate-shaped conductor 3 is easily displaced when an external force is applied.

[0010] When such a situation occurs, for example, the contact area between the solar cell 2 and the flat conductor 3 is reduced, causing a problem that the electric conductivity of the solar cell module 1 is reduced. You.

In the method of manufacturing the solar cell module 1 according to the prior art, one end of the solar cell 2 and one end of the flat conductor 3 adhered to the one end are subjected to heat treatment. Thermally expand in the directions opposite to each other. Therefore, one end of the flat conductor 3 moves relatively toward the center of the solar cell 2 and the conductive adhesive 6 is spread, and the conductive adhesive 6 is cured in this state. And
When cooled after the heat treatment, the flat conductor 3 shrinks more than the solar cell 2.
Are pulled in opposite directions to each other.

However, since the magnitudes of the tensile forces acting on both ends of the solar cell 2 are substantially equal to each other, the solar cell 2 is not drawn to either one. Therefore, a remarkably large tensile stress acts on the conductive adhesive 6 interposed between the solar cell 2 and the flat conductor 3. For this reason, since the mechanical strength of the conductive adhesive 6 is reduced, there is a concern that detachment of the flat conductor 3 from the solar cell 2 easily occurs in the solar cell module 1.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problem, and does not cause a decrease in electric conductivity of a solar cell module, and furthermore, a conductive adhesive for bonding a wiring member and a solar cell to each other. An object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a solar cell module and a jig for manufacturing a solar cell module, in which stress does not act on the agent.

[0014]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a method for connecting a plurality of solar cells arranged in a row by joining wiring members via a conductive adhesive. When connecting to each other, the respective solar cells and the respective wiring members are positioned and fixed.

Since both are positioned and fixed, even when an external force is applied to the solar cell, for example, when introducing the solar cell and the wiring member adhered to each other with a conductive adhesive into a heating furnace, etc. The wiring member is not displaced. For this reason, the wiring member is securely joined to a predetermined portion of the solar cell. Therefore, the electric conductivity of the solar cell module does not decrease.

In addition, the wiring member bends from its center during the heat treatment, and restores to a flat plate with the joint between the wiring member and the solar cell as a fulcrum when the temperature drops. Therefore,
The junction between the solar cell and the wiring member does not move as the temperature drops. For this reason, since the wiring member does not pull the solar battery cell and the mechanical strength of the conductive adhesive does not decrease, detachment of the wiring member from the solar battery cell is avoided.

In this case, it is preferable that the conductive adhesive is cured while the weight is placed on the wiring member. Thereby, the curing speed of the conductive adhesive is improved.

Further, it is preferable that the solar cells and the cell holding member for positioning and fixing the solar cells are thermally isolated. As a result, the thermal expansion of the solar cell is significantly suppressed, so that the joint between the solar cell and the wiring member fixing member for positioning and fixing the wiring member does not move. Therefore, both are securely joined at a predetermined position.

The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a solar cell module used for electrically connecting a plurality of solar cells arranged in a row by joining wiring members via a conductive adhesive. A jig, comprising: a cell holding member for positioning and fixing each of the solar cells; and a wiring member fixing member for positioning and fixing each of the wiring members.

That is, each solar cell and each wiring member are firmly positioned and fixed by the jig for manufacturing a solar cell module.

The wiring member fixing member is supported by the cell holding member, for example, by being inserted into a guide groove formed in the cell holding member.

In this case, it is preferable that the insertion depth of the wiring member fixing member into the guide groove is adjustable.
Thereby, the position of the wiring member fixing member can be adjusted in accordance with the thickness of the solar cell, so that the two can be prevented from abutting each other.

It is preferable that a heat insulating material is provided in a cell holding portion of the cell holding member. Thereby, the thermal expansion of the solar cell during the heat treatment can be significantly suppressed.

Further, it is preferable to have a weight placed on the wiring member. As described above, the curing speed of the conductive adhesive can be improved.

[0025] The cell holding member has a plurality of solar cells electrically connected to each other by the wiring member, that is, a jig insertion opening into which a jig for removing a cell row is inserted. It is preferred that Thereby, it is possible to easily take out the cell row from the jig for manufacturing a solar cell module.

Further, a jig insertion port different from the jig insertion port into which a jig for taking out the weight placed on the wiring member is inserted is formed in the cell holding member. Is preferred. Thus, the weight can be easily removed from the jig for manufacturing a solar cell module.

[0027]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of a jig for manufacturing a solar cell module according to the present invention will be described below in relation to a method for manufacturing a solar cell module using the jig. Will be described. 8 to 10.
The same reference numerals are given to components corresponding to the components shown in (1), and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 1 shows a partially omitted cross-sectional perspective view of a jig 10 for manufacturing a solar cell module according to the present embodiment. The jig 10 for manufacturing a solar cell module includes a solar cell 2
And a plurality of wiring member fixing members 14 positioned and fixed to the cell holding member 12.

The cell holding member 12 has a long flat bottom 1.
2a, a pair of side walls 12b, 12b and a plurality of stoppers 12c rising vertically from the bottom 12a.
a, a plurality of cell accommodating portions 16 surrounded by a pair of side wall portions 12b, 12b and a pair of stopper portions 12c, 12c are formed. Then, the adjacent cell storage units 16, 1
6 are separated from each other by a stopper portion 12c.
One solar cell 2 is accommodated in the cell accommodating section 16 of the room. The housed solar battery cells 2 have side walls 12b, 1
It is positioned and fixed by the stopper 2b and the stoppers 12c, 12c. Therefore, the solar cells 2 adjacent to each other,
The two ends face each other with the stopper 12c interposed therebetween. Note that the upper end surface of the stopper portion 12c is set to be substantially flush with the upper end surface of the solar battery cell 2.

The upper end surface of the stopper 12c is formed on the side wall 12b.
Of the side wall 12b.
Has an opening 12d at a position where the stopper 12c exists.
Are formed. As will be described later, a jig (not shown) for taking out the weight 18 placed on the flat conductor 3 and inserted between the wiring member fixing members 14, 14 is formed in the opening 12 d. For example, a claw portion of a chuck is inserted.

A step portion 20 is formed on the inner wall of the cell accommodating portion 16, that is, on the surface of the side wall portions 12b, 12b and the stopper portions 12c, 12c exposed to the cell accommodating portion 16, and the step portion 20 has For example, a heat insulating plate 22 made of a material having low thermal conductivity such as aluminum oxide or polytetrafluoroethylene is provided. The heat insulating plate 22 thermally shuts off the cell holding member 12 and the cell accommodating portion 16, so that the solar cell 2 and the cell holding member 12 accommodated in the cell accommodating portion 16 are thermally shut off. .

The cell accommodating portion 16 is provided on the side wall portion 12b.
A semi-circular jig insertion port 24 is formed from substantially the center to the bottom 12a. As will be described later, a jig (not shown) for taking out the cell row 4 from the cell holding member 12, for example, a claw portion of a chuck is inserted into the jig insertion port 24.

The stopper portion 12c of the side wall portion 12b
In the vicinity, a guide groove 26 is provided by linearly notching a part of the side wall portion 12b. The spacer 28 is first inserted into the guide groove 26, and then the wiring member fixing member 14 is inserted so as to be placed on the spacer 28. That is, the wiring member fixing member 1
4 is adjusted by the spacer 28 so that the lower end surface of the wiring member fixing member 14 does not contact the upper end surface of the solar cell 2. The wiring member fixing member 14 is held by the cell holding member 12 by being inserted into the guide groove 26.

When the wiring member fixing member 14 is inserted into the guide groove 26, the stopper portion 12 of the wiring member fixing member 14
One end of the solar cell 2 is exposed on the c side. Therefore, one wiring member fixing member 14 and stopper portion 12c
One end portions of the adjacent solar cells 2 and 2 are exposed between the wiring member fixing member 14 and the one end portion of the solar cell 2 with the stopper portion 12c interposed therebetween. And
A conductive adhesive 6 in which a powder of a conductive substance such as copper, silver or graphite is dispersed in a thermosetting resin such as an epoxy resin is applied to both ends.

The flat wiring member fixing member 14 is for positioning and fixing the flat conductor 3 joined to the one ends of the solar cells 2 and 2 adjacent to each other. That is, the interval between the pair of wiring member fixing members 14, 14 facing each other with the stopper portion 12c interposed therebetween is substantially equal to the width of the flat conductor 3, and therefore, as shown in FIG.
The plate-shaped conductor 3 inserted between these members is sandwiched between the two wiring material fixing members 14, 14, and is firmly positioned and fixed.

A weight 18 having substantially the same dimensions as the flat conductor 3 is placed on the flat conductor 3 (see FIG. 1). As can be understood from FIG. 1, the entire weight 18 placed is also accommodated between the wiring member fixing members 14, 14, and is firmly positioned and fixed. The weight 18 is made of a material having high thermal conductivity such as aluminum or copper.

Next, a method of manufacturing the solar cell module 1 including a step of connecting the solar cells 2 to each other using the solar cell module manufacturing jig 10 configured as described above will be described.

First, as shown in FIG.
The solar cell 2 is housed in each of the two cell housing sections 16. At this time, the housed solar cells 2 are positioned and fixed by the stoppers 12c, 12c and the side walls 12b, 12b.

Next, as shown in FIG.
After the spacers 28 are inserted into the respective guide grooves 26 formed in the above, as shown in FIG. 5, the wiring member fixing members 14 are inserted into the guide grooves 26, 26 facing each other with the cell accommodating portion 16 therebetween. Thus, the wiring member fixing members 14 are lined up on the side walls 12b, 12b while being placed on the spacer 28 (see FIG. 1). In addition, as the spacer 28,
The height is selected so that the lower end surface of the wiring member fixing member 14 and the upper end surface of the solar cell 2 can be slightly separated from each other.

In this state, the conductive adhesive 6 is applied to the upper end surface of one end of the solar cell 2 exposed from the wiring member fixing member 14 to the stopper 12c side (see FIG. 5).

Next, as shown in FIG.
Wiring member fixing members 14 and 1 opposed to each other across 2c
4, a flat conductor 3 is inserted between the two solar cells 2, 2
Is placed on the upper end surface of one end. As described above, since the upper end surface of the stopper portion 12c and the upper end surfaces of the two solar cells 2 and 2 are substantially flush, the stopper portion 12c does not hinder this placement.

At this time, the conductive adhesive 6 is crushed and spreads. However, since the gap between the lower end surface of the wiring member fixing member 14 and the upper end surface of the solar cell 2 is small, the spread conductive material is used. The adhesive 6 is blocked by the wiring member fixing member 14. In other words, the conductive adhesive 6 does not flow and adhere to portions other than the joint between the solar cell 2 and the flat conductor 3. Moreover, the flat conductor 3 is adhered to the upper end surface of the solar cell 2 in a state where the flat conductor 3 is firmly positioned and fixed by being sandwiched between the pair of wiring member fixing members 14, 14.

Then, the weight 18 is placed on the flat conductor 3 (see FIG. 6). Of course, also at this time, the spread conductive adhesive 6 is blocked by the wiring member fixing member 14.

Next, the solar cell 2 and the flat conductor 3 which are positioned and fixed as described above and adhere to each other are
Is introduced into a heating furnace (not shown) together with the solar cell module manufacturing jig 10. At this time, since the solar cell 2 and the flat conductor 3 are positioned and fixed, the flat conductor 3 is not displaced.

Then, the temperature of the heating furnace is raised and the conductive adhesive 6
Is heat-treated. By this heat treatment, the conductive adhesive 6
Is hardened, but the hardening speed is improved by placing the weight 18 on the flat conductor 3. Conductive adhesive 6
Is further spread due to the weight of the weight 18 and has a reduced thickness and an increased bonding area.
This is because it is easy to dry. As described above, the weight 18
Is made of a material having high thermal conductivity, heat is reliably transmitted from the weight 18 to the conductive adhesive 6 via the flat conductor 3. That is, the heat transfer is not suppressed by the weight 18 and the curing of the conductive adhesive 6 is not hindered.

During the heat treatment, the thermal expansion of the solar cell 2 is significantly suppressed. That is, the heat insulating plate 22
Thereby, the cell holding member 12 and each solar cell 2 are thermally isolated. Wiring member fixing member 1
This is because the solar cell 4 and the solar cell 2 are separated from each other, and therefore, no heat is transmitted from the wiring member fixing member 14 to the solar cell 2.

On the other hand, heat is efficiently transmitted from the weight 18 to the flat conductor 3, but the flat conductor 3 and the weight 18
Are in contact with the wiring member fixing member 14 and the side wall 12b. Therefore, the flat conductor 3 and the weight 18
Is suppressed by the wiring member fixing member 14 and the side wall portion 12b, and as a result, both are bent upward or downward from near the center thereof. Therefore, both ends of the flat conductor 3 do not move toward the center of the solar cell 2.

As described above, the thermal expansion of the solar battery cell 2 during the heat treatment is remarkably suppressed, and both ends of the flat conductor 3 are held down by the wiring member fixing members 14. 2 and the wiring member fixing member 14 are securely joined at predetermined positions.

The heat treatment cures the conductive adhesive 6, and as a result, a cell row 4 in which a plurality of solar cells 2 are electrically connected in series to each other by the flat conductors 3 is obtained. Can be

After a lapse of a predetermined time from the start of the heating process, the temperature of the heating furnace is lowered. The plate-shaped conductor 3 bent at the time of the heat treatment is restored to a plate-like shape with the joint between the plate-shaped conductor 3 and the solar cell 2 as a fulcrum at the time of the temperature drop. Therefore, the junction between the solar cell 2 and the flat conductor 3 does not move as the temperature drops. In other words, since the flat conductor 3 does not pull the solar cell 2, no tensile stress acts on the conductive adhesive 6 interposed between the flat conductor 3 and the solar cell 2. . After all, since the mechanical strength of the conductive adhesive 6 does not decrease,
Separation of the flat conductor 3 from the solar cell 2 is avoided.

Then, the jig 10 for manufacturing a solar cell module is led out of the heating furnace. At this time, since the flat conductor 3 and the solar cell 2 are firmly joined to each other via the conductive adhesive 6, the flat conductor 3 is not displaced.

Next, the weight 18 is connected to the wiring member fixing member 1.
Remove from between 4 and 14. For this removal, for example, a claw of a chuck is inserted from both openings 12d, 12d formed in both side walls 12b, 12b, and the weight 1 is inserted into the claw.
After the grip 8 is held, the chuck can be moved upward.

Next, after the wiring member fixing member 14 is separated from the guide groove 26, the cell row 4 is taken out from the jig 10 for manufacturing a solar cell module. That is, for example, the jig insertion port 2 formed in the side wall portion 12b of the cell holding member 12
After inserting the claw portion of the chuck into each of 4 and holding the solar cell 2 with the claw portion, the chuck is moved upward. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 7, the cell row 4 in which the flat conductor 3 is joined to the upper end surface of the solar cell 2 without displacement is exposed.

Next, the cell row 4 is accommodated in the case 5 filled with about half of the translucent resin 7. Thereby, the cell row 4 is placed on the translucent resin 7. And case 5
The remaining portion is further filled with the translucent resin 7.

Finally, by curing the translucent resin 7, the solar cell module 1 shown in FIG. 8 is obtained.

The guide groove 2 of the wiring member fixing member 14
6 can be adjusted by using spacers 28 of different heights. Therefore, if the position of the lower end surface of the wiring member fixing member 14 is adjusted according to the thickness of the solar cell 2, it is possible to avoid the two from abutting each other. Of course, if the two do not come into contact without using the spacer 28,
8 need not be used.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the heating furnace is cooled down after the heat treatment is completed to cool the cell row 4. However, the cell row 4 and the solar cell module manufacturing treatment are cooled without lowering the heating furnace. The tool 10 may be led out of the heating furnace.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the flat conductor 3 has been described as an example of the wiring material, but the wiring material is not particularly limited to this. For example, a cylindrical conductor may be used.

[0059]

As described above, according to the method for manufacturing a solar cell module according to the present invention, when a plurality of solar cells are electrically connected to each other by a wiring member, each solar cell and Each wiring member is positioned and fixed. For this reason, even when an external force is applied to the solar cell, the wiring member does not displace, and the wiring member is securely joined to a predetermined portion of the solar cell. Therefore,
The effect that a solar cell module having excellent electric conductivity can be manufactured is achieved.

Further, according to the jig for manufacturing a solar cell module of the present invention, a cell holding member for positioning and fixing each solar cell and a wiring member fixing member for positioning and fixing each wiring member are provided. ing. For this reason, since each solar cell and each wiring member are firmly positioned and fixed, for example, displacement of the wiring member from a predetermined position is avoided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a partially omitted cross-sectional perspective view of a jig for manufacturing a solar cell module according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the solar cell module manufacturing jig of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view showing a main part of the jig for manufacturing a solar cell module shown in FIG. 1 in which a solar cell is housed in a cell housing part.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of a main part showing a state where a spacer is inserted into a guide groove following FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a main part longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a state where a wiring member fixing member is inserted into the guide groove and a conductive adhesive is applied to both ends of the solar cell, following FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an essential part longitudinal cross sectional view showing a state where a flat conductor and a weight are inserted between a pair of wiring member fixing members following FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a main part of a cell row manufactured by the manufacturing method according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an example of a partially omitted vertical sectional view of a solar cell module.

FIG. 9 is a main part plan view showing a state where a conductive adhesive is applied to both ends of a solar battery cell and a flat conductor is placed thereon.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a main part of a cell row manufactured by a manufacturing method according to a conventional technique.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Solar cell module 2 ... Solar cell 3 ... Flat conductor (wiring material) 4 ... Cell row 6 ... Conductive adhesive 10 ... Solar cell module manufacturing jig 12 ... Cell holding member 12b ... Side wall part 12c ... Stopper Part 12d Opening part 14 Wiring member fixing member 16 Cell storage part 18 Weight 22 Heat insulating plate 24 Jig insertion opening 26 Guide groove 28 Spacer

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on front page F-term (reference) 5F051 CB30 EA02

Claims (10)

[Claims] When a plurality of solar cells arranged in a row are electrically connected to each other by joining wiring members via a conductive adhesive, the solar cells and the wiring members are connected to each other. A method for manufacturing a solar cell module, comprising positioning and fixing. 2. The method for manufacturing a solar cell module according to claim 1, wherein the conductive adhesive is cured while a weight is placed on the wiring member. . 3. The method for manufacturing a solar cell module according to claim 1, wherein each of said solar cells and a cell holding member for positioning and fixing each of said solar cells are thermally cut off. A method for manufacturing a solar cell module. 4. A jig for manufacturing a solar cell module used for electrically connecting a plurality of solar cells arranged in a row by bonding wiring members via a conductive adhesive. A solar cell module manufacturing jig, comprising: a cell holding member that positions and fixes each of the solar cells; and a wiring member fixing member that positions and fixes each of the wiring members. 5. The jig for manufacturing a solar cell module according to claim 4, wherein a guide groove is formed in said cell holding member, and said wiring member fixing member is inserted into said guide groove. Jig for manufacturing a solar cell module. 6. The solar cell module manufacturing jig according to claim 5, wherein the insertion depth of said wiring member fixing member into said guide groove is adjustable. Utensils. 7. The solar cell module manufacturing jig according to claim 4, wherein a heat insulating material is provided in a cell holding portion of said cell holding member. Jig for module production. 8. The solar cell module manufacturing jig according to any one of claims 4 to 7, further comprising a weight placed on the wiring member. Jig. 9. The solar cell module manufacturing jig according to claim 4, wherein a plurality of solar cells electrically connected to each other by said wiring member are separated from said cell holding member. A jig for manufacturing a solar cell module, wherein a jig insertion opening into which a jig for taking out is inserted is formed in the cell holding member. 10. A jig for manufacturing a solar cell module according to claim 8 or 9, wherein said jig insertion opening into which a jig for taking out a weight placed on said wiring member is inserted. A jig for manufacturing a solar cell module, wherein the jig insertion opening is formed in the cell holding member.