JP2014130807A - Dye-sensitized solar cell module - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a dye-sensitized solar cell module having excellent connection reliability.SOLUTION: A dye-sensitized solar cell module 100 comprises: one or more dye-sensitized solar cells 50; and a connection 60 electrically connected to the dye-sensitized solar cells 50. The connection 60 comprises: a second transparent conductive film 12B provided on a transparent substrate 11 and insulated with a first transparent conductive film 12A by a groove 70; and a terminal part 18 provided on the second transparent conductive film 12B. An insulating short-circuit prevention part 19 formed adjacent to the terminal part 18 and containing a resin material is provided further toward the dye-sensitized solar cells 50 side than the terminal part 18, on the second transparent conductive film 12B, and a second electrode 20 of the dye-sensitized solar cells 50 and the terminal part 18 are electrically connected via a connection member 23 which passes just above the insulating short-circuit prevention part 19 and extends from the second electrode 20 of the dye-sensitized solar cells 50 to the terminal part 18.

Description

  The present invention relates to a dye-sensitized solar cell module.

  The dye-sensitized solar cell module includes a connection portion that is electrically connected to the dye-sensitized solar cell and the dye-sensitized battery. The dye-sensitized solar cell has a working electrode, a counter electrode facing the working electrode, and a sealing portion for joining them, and the working electrode includes a transparent substrate, a transparent conductive film formed thereon, And an oxide semiconductor layer provided over the transparent conductive film.

  In such a dye-sensitized solar cell module, the structure described in Patent Document 1 is conventionally known as a structure for electrically connecting the dye-sensitized solar cell and the connection portion. In Patent Document 1, in two adjacent dye-sensitized solar cells, a connection portion formed on the transparent conductive film of one dye-sensitized solar cell and a counter electrode of the other dye-sensitized solar cell are connected to each other. It is connected via a member.

International Publication No. 2009/133688

  However, the dye-sensitized solar cell module described in Patent Document 1 has the following problems. That is, in the dye-sensitized solar cell module described in Patent Document 1, the connection portion provided in the transparent conductive film of one dye-sensitized solar cell as a structure for electrically connecting the dye-sensitized solar cell and the connection portion. And the counter electrode of the other dye-sensitized solar cell are connected via a connecting member. However, the end of one dye-sensitized solar cell side of the transparent conductive film of the other dye-sensitized solar cell is exposed, and when the connecting member is deformed to the transparent substrate side by an external force or the like, the sealing portion is When the distance between the transparent conductive film and the counter electrode is shortened, the exposed end of the transparent conductive film and the connection member come into contact with each other, causing a short circuit, which may cause the solar cell not to function. The same applies to the case where the counter electrode of the dye-sensitized solar cell is directly joined to the connection portion without using the connection member.

  Therefore, a dye-sensitized solar cell module having excellent connection reliability is demanded.

  As a result of intensive studies to solve the above problems, the present inventors have found that the above problems can be solved by the following invention.

  That is, the dye-sensitized solar cell module according to the present invention is a dye-sensitized solar cell module having at least one dye-sensitized solar cell and a connection portion electrically connected to the dye-sensitized solar cell. The dye-sensitized solar cell includes a transparent substrate and a first electrode having a first transparent conductive film provided on the transparent substrate, a second electrode facing the first electrode, a first electrode, and a second electrode. A second transparent conductive film that is provided on the transparent substrate and is insulated from the first transparent conductive film by a groove; and a terminal part that is provided on the second transparent conductive film. And an insulating short-circuit prevention part including a resin material formed adjacent to the terminal part on the second transparent conductive film and closer to the dye-sensitized solar cell than the terminal part. The second electrode and terminal part of the solar cell pass directly above the insulation short-circuit prevention part It is characterized in that is electrically connected via a connecting member extending terminal portion from the second electrode of the sensitizing solar cell.

  According to this dye-sensitized solar cell module, the connection portion has a terminal portion provided on the second transparent conductive film, and is on the second transparent conductive film and closer to the dye-sensitized solar cell side than the terminal portion. Is provided with an insulation short-circuit prevention portion including a resin material formed adjacent to the terminal portion, and the second electrode and the terminal portion of the dye-sensitized solar cell pass directly above the insulation short-circuit prevention portion and are dye-sensitized solar. Since it is electrically connected via the connection member extended from the 2nd electrode of a battery to a terminal part, a short circuit with a connection member and the 1st transparent conductive film is prevented. Specifically, even if the connection member is deformed to the first transparent substrate side due to an external force or a force is applied to the sealing portion in a direction in which the connection member and the first transparent conductive film are short-circuited, Since the insulation short circuit prevention part is provided directly below the connection member between the dye-sensitized solar cell, the distance between the connection member and the first transparent conductive film is held so as to be equal to or greater than a predetermined interval. For this reason, it is difficult for the connecting member to come into contact with the first transparent conductive film, and a short circuit is prevented. In addition, since the insulation short-circuit prevention part is formed adjacent to the terminal part and further contains a resin material, when an external force is applied, the stress applied to the terminal part can be relaxed by the insulation short-circuit prevention part. And the terminal part can be prevented from peeling off and the terminal part and the connecting member can be prevented from being destroyed. Therefore, this dye-sensitized solar cell module has improved connection reliability.

  It is preferable that the insulation short circuit prevention part protrudes in the direction away from the transparent substrate rather than the terminal part. In this case, since the insulation short circuit prevention part protrudes toward the direction away from the transparent substrate rather than the terminal part, it is held so that the distance between the connection member and the first transparent conductive film is wider. For this reason, a connection member becomes difficult to contact a 1st transparent conductive film, and a short circuit is prevented more. In addition, when an external force is applied to the connection member in the direction of the first transparent conductive film, the insulation short circuit prevention part protrudes in a direction away from the transparent substrate rather than the terminal part, so first the insulation short circuit prevention. Since the external force is applied to the portion to relieve the stress, the stress applied to the connection portion between the terminal portion and the connection member is weakened. For this reason, it can prevent more that a connection member and a terminal peel and a terminal part is destroyed. Therefore, this dye-sensitized solar cell module is further improved in connection reliability.

  It is preferable that an inorganic insulating material is formed between the insulating short-circuit prevention unit and the second transparent conductive film. In this case, even if a larger stress is applied, the connection member is less likely to contact the first transparent conductive film, and thus the short circuit is prevented by the presence of the inorganic insulating material that is harder than the insulation short circuit prevention unit.

  It is preferable that the inorganic insulating material extends to the dye-sensitized solar cell side from between the insulating short-circuit prevention portion and the second transparent conductive film immediately below the connecting member and enters the groove. In this case, contact between the second transparent conductive film and the connection member is also prevented. Further, it is possible to prevent a foreign material or moisture from entering the groove and contact the foreign material, moisture or the like with the connecting member to cause a short circuit.

  It is preferable that the inorganic insulating material penetrates between the sealing portion and the first transparent conductive film immediately below the connection member. In this case, since the surface of the first transparent conductive film is also covered with the inorganic insulating material immediately below the connection member, the connection member is more unlikely to contact the first transparent conductive film, thereby preventing a short circuit. Moreover, since the inorganic insulating material has entered between the sealing portion and the first transparent conductive film, it is possible to eliminate a gap that leads to the first transparent conductive film outside the sealing portion. Can be prevented from entering the gap and short-circuiting the connecting member and the first transparent conductive film through foreign matter or moisture.

  It is preferable that the sealing part includes a resin material and extends to the insulating short-circuit preventing part side immediately below the connecting member until it is in close contact with the insulating short-circuit preventing part. In this case, since the sealing portion containing the resin material is present immediately below the connection member and on the first transparent conductive film, the connection member is more unlikely to contact the first transparent conductive film, and a short circuit is prevented. The In addition, since the sealing part contains a resin material, stress can be relaxed even in the sealing part, and the connection member and the terminal part can be further prevented from peeling or the terminal part and the connection member from being destroyed. can do.

  The insulating short-circuit prevention part is preferably made of the same material as the sealing part, and is preferably integrated with the sealing part. In this case, even if the thermal expansion coefficient is the same between the sealing part and the insulation short-circuit prevention part, and the thermal cycle is applied to the dye-sensitized solar cell module, the adhesion part between the sealing part and the insulation short-circuit prevention part In this case, no stress is generated by the thermal cycle. Therefore, the durability of the insulation short-circuit prevention unit is improved.

  It is preferable that the connecting member is a protruding portion drawn from the second electrode to the terminal portion side. In this case, since it is not necessary to use another member between the terminal portion and the second electrode, the number of connection points is reduced, and connection reliability is further improved. Moreover, since there are few connection places, connection resistance also becomes low.

  It has at least two or more of the above dye-sensitized solar cells, and the transparent substrate is a common transparent substrate of at least two or more dye-sensitized solar cells, and the first transparent conductive film of one of the dye-sensitized solar cells And the second transparent conductive film of the connecting portion is electrically connected and integrated, and the second electrode and the terminal portion of the other dye-sensitized solar cell are electrically connected via the connecting member, 2 is provided on the second transparent conductive film, the terminal portion is provided on the other dye-sensitized solar cell side of the sealing portion of the one dye-sensitized solar cell, and on the second transparent conductive film. It is preferable that an insulation short-circuit prevention part is provided on the other dye-sensitized solar cell side than the part.

  In this case, even if two or more dye-sensitized solar cells are electrically connected in series via the connection portion, the connection reliability is improved.

  It is preferable that the terminal portion is closely surrounded by the adjacent insulation short-circuit prevention portion and the sealing portion of one dye-sensitized solar cell. In this case, since the terminal part is surrounded by the adjacent insulation short-circuit prevention part and the sealing part of one dye-sensitized solar cell, foreign matter and moisture are prevented from entering the terminal part from the periphery of the terminal part. can do.

  It is preferable that the insulation short circuit prevention part consists of the same material as the sealing part of one dye-sensitized solar cell, and is integrated. In this case, since the sealing portion and the insulation short-circuit prevention portion are made of the same material, the thermal expansion coefficient is also the same. Therefore, even when a thermal cycle is applied to the dye-sensitized solar cell module, the sealing portion and the insulation short-circuit prevention portion are insulated. No stress due to thermal cycling occurs at the bonded portion of the short-circuit prevention portion. Therefore, the durability of the insulation short-circuit prevention unit is improved.

  According to the present invention, a dye-sensitized solar cell module having excellent connection reliability is provided.

It is sectional drawing which shows 1st Embodiment of the dye-sensitized solar cell module of this invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II in FIG. It is a back view which shows the back surface of the dye-sensitized solar cell module of FIG. It is a figure which shows 1 process of the manufacturing method of the dye-sensitized solar cell module of FIG. It is a figure which shows 1 process of the manufacturing method of the dye-sensitized solar cell module of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows 2nd Embodiment of the dye-sensitized solar cell module of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows 3rd Embodiment of the dye-sensitized solar cell module of this invention. It is a back view which shows the back surface of the dye-sensitized solar cell module of FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  First Embodiment First, a first embodiment of the dye-sensitized solar cell module of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a first embodiment of the dye-sensitized solar cell module of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II in FIG. 1 showing the periphery of the sealing portion 30, the connection portion 60, and the insulation short-circuit prevention portion 19. FIG. 3 is a back view showing the back surface of the dye-sensitized solar cell module of FIG. 1.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the dye-sensitized solar cell module 100 includes a plurality of (three in FIG. 1) dye-sensitized solar cells 50, a connection portion 60, and an insulation short-circuit preventing portion 19, and the dye-sensitized solar cell 50 is connected to the connection portion 60, and the plurality of dye-sensitized solar cells 50 are electrically connected in series via the connection portion 60. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the three dye-sensitized solar cells 50 adjacent in the dye-sensitized solar cell module 100 may be referred to as dye-sensitized solar cells 50A, 50B, and 50C. Moreover, the connection part 60 may be called connection part 60B, 60C.

  First, the dye-sensitized solar cell 50B will be described.

  The dye-sensitized solar cell 50B includes a working electrode 10, a counter electrode 20 facing the working electrode 10, a sealing unit 30 that joins the working electrode 10 and the counter electrode 20, and the working electrode 10, the counter electrode 20, and an annular sealing unit. 30 and an electrolyte 40 filled in a cell space formed by 30.

  The working electrode 10 includes a transparent substrate 11 and a transparent conductive substrate 15 made of the first transparent conductive film 12A provided on the transparent substrate 11, and an oxidation provided on the first transparent conductive film 12A of the transparent conductive substrate 15. And a wiring portion 17 provided so as to surround each of the oxide semiconductor layers 13 on the first transparent conductive film 12A. The wiring portion 17 includes a current collecting wiring 14 provided on the first transparent conductive film 12 </ b> A and a wiring protective layer 16 that covers the current collecting wiring 14. A photosensitizing dye is supported on the oxide semiconductor layer 13. In the present embodiment, the first electrode is constituted by the transparent conductive substrate 15.

  The transparent substrate 11 of the dye-sensitized solar cell 50B is a common transparent substrate in the dye-sensitized solar cells 50A to 50C in the dye-sensitized solar cell module 100.

  The counter electrode 20 includes a metal substrate and a catalyst layer (not shown) that is provided on the working electrode 10 side of the metal substrate and promotes a catalytic reaction. Further, the counter electrode 20 of the dye-sensitized solar cell 50B has a protruding portion 23 drawn out from a part of the edge on the adjacent dye-sensitized solar cell 50C side. In the present embodiment, the second electrode is configured by the counter electrode 20, and the connection member is configured by the protruding portion 23.

  The dye-sensitized solar cells 50A and 50C adjacent to the dye-sensitized solar cell 50B also have the same configuration as the dye-sensitized solar cell 50B.

  Next, the connection part 60B will be described.

  The connection part 60B includes a second transparent conductive film 12B provided on the transparent substrate 11, and a terminal part 18 provided on the second transparent conductive film 12B. A groove 70 is formed and insulated between the second transparent conductive film 12B of the connection portion 60B and the first transparent conductive film 12A of the dye-sensitized solar cell 50A. In the present embodiment, the second transparent conductive film 12B is formed outside the region surrounded by the sealing portion 30 of the first transparent conductive film 12A of the dye-sensitized solar cell 50B, and the first transparent conductive film 12A and the second transparent conductive film are formed. The membrane 12B is electrically connected and integrated. Thereby, the connection part 60B and the working electrode 10 of the dye-sensitized solar cell 50B are electrically connected. Moreover, in this embodiment, the terminal part 18 is formed outside the area | region enclosed by the sealing part 30 of the dye-sensitized solar cell 50B, and the current collection wiring 14 and the terminal part 18 are electrically connected and united. The portion exposed outside the region surrounded by the sealing portion 30 is the terminal portion 18.

  The connecting portion 60C has the same configuration as the connecting portion 60B.

  The dye-sensitized solar cell 50A and the connection portion 60B are electrically connected by connecting the protruding portion 23 of the dye-sensitized solar cell 50A to the terminal portion 18 of the connection portion 60B. Thereby, the dye-sensitized solar cell 50A and the dye-sensitized solar cell 50B are electrically connected in series via the connection portion 60B. The dye-sensitized solar cell 50B and the connection portion 60C are also electrically connected in the same manner as the dye-sensitized solar cell 50A and the connection portion 60B.

  Hereinafter, the working electrode 10, the counter electrode 20, the sealing part 30, the electrolyte 40, and the connection part 60 will be described in detail.

  (Working electrode) As described above, the working electrode 10 includes the transparent conductive substrate 15 including the transparent substrate 11 and the first transparent conductive film 12A provided on the transparent substrate 11, and the first transparent conductive material of the transparent conductive substrate 15. A porous oxide semiconductor layer 13 provided on the film 12A and carrying a photosensitizing dye, and a wiring portion provided so as to surround each of the oxide semiconductor layers 13 on the first transparent conductive film 12A 17.

  The transparent substrate 11 is composed of a light transmissive material, that is, a substrate made of a transparent material. Such materials include borosilicate glass, soda lime glass, white plate glass, high strain point glass, quartz glass, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), polyethersulfone (PES), polyethylene naphthalate. (PEN), transparent polyimide and the like. The thickness of the transparent substrate 11 is appropriately determined according to the size of the dye-sensitized solar cell module 100 and is not particularly limited, but may be in the range of 0.05 to 10 mm, for example.

The first transparent conductive film 12A is not particularly limited as long as it is a conductive material having transparency, but is made of a conductive metal oxide in order to have a structure that does not significantly impair the transparency of the working electrode 10. A thin film is preferred. Examples of such conductive metal oxides include indium tin oxide (ITO), fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), tin oxide (SnO ₂ ), and the like. Can be mentioned. 12 A of 1st transparent conductive films may be comprised by the laminated body of the several layer comprised with a single layer or different electroconductive metal oxides. The thickness of the first transparent conductive film 12A may be in the range of 0.01 to 2 μm, for example.

The oxide semiconductor that forms the porous oxide semiconductor layer 13 is not particularly limited, and any oxide semiconductor can be used as long as it is usually used to form a porous oxide semiconductor layer for a photoelectric conversion element. But it can also be used. Examples of such an oxide semiconductor include titanium oxide (TiO ₂ ), silica (SiO ₂ ), tin oxide (SnO ₂ ), tungsten oxide (WO ₃ ), zinc oxide (ZnO), and niobium oxide (Nb ₂ O). ₅ ), strontium titanate (SrTiO ₃ ) indium oxide (In ₃ O ₃ ), zirconium oxide (ZrO ₂ ), thallium oxide (Ta ₂ O ₅ ), lanthanum oxide (La ₂ O ₃ ), yttrium oxide (Y ₂ O ₃ ), holmium oxide (Ho ₂ O ₃ ), bismuth oxide (Bi ₂ O ₃ ), cerium oxide (CeO ₂ ), aluminum oxide (Al ₂ O ₃ ), and these particles are generally used. . These can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

  The average particle diameter of these oxide semiconductor particles is 1-1000 nm, the surface area of the oxide semiconductor covered with the dye is increased, that is, the field for photoelectric conversion is increased, and more electrons are generated. This is preferable. The porous oxide semiconductor layer 13 is preferably configured by stacking oxide semiconductor particles having different particle size distributions. In this case, light can be repeatedly reflected in the oxide semiconductor layer 13, and incident light that escapes to the outside of the oxide semiconductor layer 13 can be reduced and light can be efficiently converted into electrons. The thickness of the oxide semiconductor layer 13 may be, for example, 0.5 to 50 μm. Note that the oxide semiconductor layer 13 can also be formed using a stack of a plurality of oxide semiconductors made of different materials.

  Examples of the photosensitizing dye include a ruthenium complex containing a bipyridine structure, a terpyridine structure or the like as a ligand, a metal-containing complex such as polyphylline or phthalocyanine, and an organic dye such as eosin, rhodamine or merocyanine. The thing which shows the behavior suitable for a use and a semiconductor to be used can be selected without particular limitation. Specifically, N3, N719, N749, etc. can be used.

  The wiring portion 17 includes a current collecting wiring 14 provided on the first transparent conductive film 12 </ b> A and a wiring protective layer 16 that covers the current collecting wiring 14. Examples of the current collecting wiring 14 include silver, copper, gold, aluminum, nickel, and titanium. The wiring protective layer 16 may be made of a material that covers the current collecting wiring 14 and protects from the electrolyte 40. Examples of the wiring protective layer 16 include inorganic materials such as low-melting glass, polyimide resin, silicone resin, and fluorine. A heat resistant resin such as a resin, a hot melt adhesive such as a polyolefin, or the like can be used. The wiring protective layer 16 may have a multilayer structure of an inorganic material or a multilayer structure of an inorganic material and a resin material. When making an inorganic material into a multilayer, you may use the inorganic material from which melting temperature differs.

  (Counter Electrode) The counter electrode 20 includes a metal substrate and a catalyst layer that promotes a reduction reaction. The metal substrate is preferably a substrate that forms a passive state on the surface thereof. As a metal constituting the metal substrate that forms the passive state, for example, titanium, nickel, niobium, aluminum, tungsten, SUS, platinum, molybdenum, and the like having durability to the electrolyte 40, that is, corrosion resistance to the electrolyte 40 is provided. It can be used. The thickness of the metal substrate is appropriately determined according to the size of the dye-sensitized solar cell 50 and is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 0.005 to 0.1 mm. The catalyst layer is made of platinum, a carbon-based material (carbon), a conductive polymer, or the like. Here, carbon nanotubes are suitably used as the carbon-based material.

  (Sealing part) The sealing part 30 has connected the working electrode 10 and the counter electrode 20, and the electrolyte 40 between the working electrode 10 and the counter electrode 20 is sealed by being enclosed by the sealing part 30. Is done. Examples of the material constituting the sealing portion 30 include various modified polyolefin resins including, for example, ionomers, ethylene-vinyl acetic anhydride copolymers, ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymers, ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers, and ultraviolet curing. Examples thereof include resins and vinyl alcohol polymers. In addition, the sealing part 30 may be comprised only with resin, and may be comprised with resin and an inorganic filler.

(Electrolyte) Electrolyte 40 is normally comprised with electrolyte solution, and this electrolyte solution contains redox couples, such as I < ^- > / I < ₃ > ^-, and an organic solvent, for example. Examples of the redox pair include I ⁻ / I ₃ ⁻ and bromine / bromide ion pairs. As the organic solvent, acetonitrile, methoxyacetonitrile, 3-methoxypropionitrile, propionitrile, ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, diethyl carbonate, γ-butyrolactone, and the like can be used. The electrolyte 40 may be an ionic liquid instead of an organic solvent. Moreover, the electrolyte which consists of a mixture of an ionic liquid and an organic solvent may be sufficient. As the ionic liquid, for example, 1,2-dimethyl-3-propylimidazolium iodide, 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium iodide, 1-propyl-3-methylimidazolium iodide and the like are preferably used. An additive may be added to the electrolyte 40. Examples of the additive include lithium iodide, 4-tertbutylpyridine, N-methylbenzimidazole, guanidine thiocyanate and the like. Further, as the electrolyte 40, a nano-composite gel electrolyte, which is a pseudo-solid electrolyte formed by kneading nanoparticles such as SiO ₂ , TiO ₂ , carbon nanotubes, etc. into the electrolyte, may be used, and polyvinylidene fluoride may be used. Alternatively, an electrolyte gelled with an organic gelling agent such as a polyethylene oxide derivative or an amino acid derivative may be used.

  (Connection part) As mentioned above, the connection part 60 has the 2nd transparent conductive film 12B provided on the transparent substrate 11, and the terminal part 18 provided on the 2nd transparent conductive film 12B. . The second transparent conductive film 12B can use the same material as the first transparent conductive film 12A. The terminal portion 18 can be made of the same material as the current collector wiring 14.

  Next, the insulation short circuit prevention part 19 is demonstrated.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the insulation short-circuit prevention unit 19 between the dye-sensitized solar cell 50 </ b> A and the connection part 60 </ b> B is on the second transparent conductive film 12 </ b> B of the connection part 60 </ b> B and is dye-sensitized more than the terminal part 18. It is formed in contact with the terminal portion 18 on the solar sensitive battery 50A side. Further, in the present embodiment, the insulation short-circuit prevention unit 19 enters a part of the groove 70 and is also in contact with the transparent substrate 11. Moreover, the insulation short circuit prevention part 19 protrudes toward the direction away from the transparent substrate 11 rather than the terminal part 18. That is, the thickness from the surface of the transparent conductive film 12 to the upper end of the insulation short-circuit preventing portion 19 is thicker than the thickness from the surface of the transparent conductive film 12 to the upper end of the terminal portion 18.

  The material constituting the insulation short-circuit prevention unit 19 is not particularly limited as long as it includes a resin material and has insulating properties. Examples of the resin material include ionomers, ethylene-vinyl acetate anhydride copolymers, ethylene-methacrylic monomers. Examples include various modified polyolefin resins including an acid copolymer, an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, an ultraviolet curable resin, and a vinyl alcohol polymer. Insulating short circuit prevention part 19 may be constituted only by resin, and may be constituted by resin material and an inorganic filler.

  The insulating short-circuit prevention unit 19 may cover a part of the upper surface of the terminal unit 18. In this case, the stress applied to the terminal portion 18 can be alleviated by the insulation short-circuit preventing portion 19 and the terminal portion 18 can be prevented from being destroyed. Moreover, the insulation short circuit prevention part 19 may cover a part of 1st transparent conductive film 12A by the side of the connection part 60B of 50 A of dye-sensitized solar cells.

  Although the width | variety of the insulation short circuit prevention part 19 is not specifically limited, It can be 0.1-5 mm. Moreover, it is preferable that the difference of the thickness from the 2nd transparent conductive film 12B to the upper end of the insulation short circuit prevention part 19 and the thickness from the 2nd transparent conductive film 12B to the upper surface of the terminal part 18 is 5-50 micrometers.

  Next, the planar structure around the sealing part 30, the connection part 60, and the insulation short-circuit prevention part 19 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the sealing portion 30 is provided with a concave portion that opens to the outside, and the terminal portion 18 is connected to the protruding portion 23 in a region exposed in the concave portion of the sealing portion 30. For this reason, the sealing part 30 is formed in the dye-sensitized solar cell 50A side in parts other than the terminal part 18. FIG. Thereby, since the clearance gap between the two adjacent dye-sensitized solar cells 50 can be made small, the area of the area which does not contribute to electric power generation becomes small, and according to the dye-sensitized solar cell module 100, opening ratio is made high. can do.

  Moreover, the insulation short circuit prevention part 19 is adhere | attached and provided so that the whole side surface by the side of the dye-sensitized solar cell 50A of the terminal part 18 may be covered, and it is further extended and formed. The insulating short-circuit prevention part 19 and the recess of the sealing part 30 are bonded together, and the terminal part 18 is surrounded by the insulating short-circuit prevention part 19 and the sealing part 30. For this reason, it is possible to prevent foreign matter and moisture from entering the terminal portion 18 from around the terminal portion 18. Moreover, in this embodiment, since the insulation short circuit prevention part 19 consists of the same material as the sealing part 30, and is integrated with the sealing part 30, stress does not generate | occur | produce even when a thermal cycle is added. The durability of the insulation short-circuit prevention unit 19 is improved.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the protrusion 23 of the dye-sensitized solar cell 50A extends toward the dye-sensitized solar cell 50B, bends toward the insulating short-circuit prevention unit 19 of the dye-sensitized solar cell 50B, and is insulated short-circuited. It is in contact with the prevention unit 19. Further, the protruding portion 23 is bent toward the terminal portion 18, and the tip thereof is connected to the terminal portion 18. Here, the terminal portion 18 may be separated upward from the insulation short-circuit prevention portion 19 as long as it passes immediately above the insulation short-circuit prevention portion 19.

  Next, the bottom structure of the entire dye-sensitized solar cell module 100 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the dye-sensitized solar cell module 100 has two dye-sensitized solar cell module units 100A and 100B. The dye-sensitized solar cell module units 100A and 100B are connected in series and electrically. The dye-sensitized solar cell module units 100A and 100B respectively have a plurality of dye-sensitized solar cells 50A to 50D and 50E to 50H, and the plurality of dye-sensitized solar cells 50 are connected to each other via the connection portion 60 as described above. Are connected in series and electrically. Here, the two dye-sensitized solar cell module units 100A and 100B are arranged in the direction X1 of the dye-sensitized solar cell 50 in the dye-sensitized solar cell module unit 100A and the dye-sensitized solar cell module unit 100B. The solar cells 50 are arranged in parallel with each other in the arrangement direction X2.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, each dye-sensitized solar cell has four protrusions 23.

  In the present embodiment, the dye-sensitized solar cells 50A to 50H all have the same configuration. That is, in the dye-sensitized solar cells 50A to 50H, the connection part 60 has the terminal part 18 as described above (see FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 3, in the dye-sensitized solar cell module unit 100A, the protrusions 23 of the counter electrodes 20 of the dye-sensitized solar cells 50A to 50D are in the same direction (from the dye-sensitized solar cell 50A to the dye-sensitized dye). It protrudes in the direction toward the solar cell 50D, that is, in the direction of arrow X1 in FIG. On the other hand, in the dye-sensitized solar cell module unit 100B, the protrusions 23 of the counter electrodes 20 of the dye-sensitized solar cells 50E to 50H are in the same direction (the direction from the dye-sensitized solar cell 50E toward the dye-sensitized solar cell 50H, That is, it protrudes in the direction of arrow X2 in FIG. That is, the protruding direction of the protruding portion 23 of the counter electrode 20 in the dye-sensitized solar cell module unit 100A and the protruding direction of the protruding portion 23 of the counter electrode 20 in the dye-sensitized solar cell module unit 100B are opposite to each other.

  Therefore, in the two adjacent dye-sensitized solar cell module units 100A and 100B, the terminal portion 18 integrated with the current collecting wiring 14 of the dye-sensitized solar cell 50E and the protruding portion of the dye-sensitized solar cell 50D. 23 can be arranged on the same side with respect to the arrangement direction X3 of the dye-sensitized solar cell module units 100A and 100B. For this reason, it becomes possible to connect the terminal part 18 united with the current collection wiring 14 of the dye-sensitized solar cell 50E, and the protrusion part 23 of the dye-sensitized solar cell 50D outside the light receiving area. . Therefore, according to the dye-sensitized solar cell module 100, one dye-sensitized solar cell module unit 100B and the other dye-sensitized solar cell module unit 100A are connected in series without decreasing the aperture ratio. Is possible.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the connection terminal 25 is provided in the terminal part 18 integrated with the current collection wiring 14 of the dye-sensitized solar cell 50E. The protruding portion 23 of the solar cell 50 </ b> D is connected via a conductive wiring 110 provided along the surface of the transparent substrate 11. The conductive wiring 110 connects the dye-sensitized solar cell module unit 100A and the dye-sensitized solar cell module unit 100B in series.

  As a material constituting the conductive wiring 110, for example, copper, silver, nickel or the like is used. Examples of the shape of the conductive wiring 110 include a tape shape and a wire shape, and the tape shape is preferably used because the thickness of the dye-sensitized solar cell module 100 can be reduced during use.

  Next, the manufacturing method of the dye-sensitized solar cell module 100 shown in FIG. 1 is demonstrated.

  First, a transparent conductive substrate is prepared by forming a transparent conductive film on one transparent substrate 11 shown in FIG. As a method for forming the transparent conductive film, a sputtering method, a vapor deposition method, a spray pyrolysis (SPD) method, a CVD method, or the like is used.

  Next, the groove 70 is formed by laser processing or etching, and the transparent conductive film is divided into a plurality of first transparent conductive films 12A separated from each other. At this time, the second transparent conductive film 12B is also formed at the same time. Then, the oxide semiconductor layer 13 is formed on each of the divided first transparent conductive films 12A. The oxide semiconductor layer 13 is formed by printing and baking an oxide semiconductor layer forming paste containing oxide semiconductor particles.

  The oxide semiconductor layer forming paste includes a resin such as polyethylene glycol and a solvent such as terpineol in addition to the oxide semiconductor particles. As the oxide semiconductor that constitutes the oxide semiconductor particles, the same oxide semiconductor as that described as the oxide semiconductor that forms the porous oxide semiconductor layer 13 in the first embodiment can be used. As a method for printing the oxide semiconductor layer forming paste, for example, a screen printing method, a doctor blade method, a bar coating method, or the like can be used. The firing temperature varies depending on the material of the oxide semiconductor particles, but is usually 350 to 600 ° C., and the firing time also varies depending on the material of the oxide semiconductor particles, but is usually 1 to 5 hours.

  Next, a paste containing a conductive material such as silver is applied on the first transparent conductive film 12A and the second transparent conductive film 12B. And the paste is baked and the current collection wiring 14 and the terminal part 18 are obtained.

  Next, the current collector wiring 14 is covered with a wiring protective layer 16 such as a low melting point glass frit (see FIG. 1). At this time, the wiring protective layer 16 does not cover the terminal portion 18. Thus, the wiring portion 17 is obtained by the current collecting wiring 14 and the wiring protective layer 16.

Next, as shown in FIG. 4, a heat-resistant member 31 is provided on the exposed portion of the upper surface of the terminal portion 18.
Any material can be used as the heat-resistant member 31 as long as it does not melt with heat when the sealing portion 30 is formed. As a material constituting such a heat-resistant member 31, for example, a heat-resistant resin such as polyimide resin, silicone resin, or fluorine resin, or a metal plate such as aluminum can be used.

  Thus, a plurality of working electrodes 10 and connection portions 60 are obtained.

  Next, the same number of sealing portions 30 as the number of dye-sensitized solar cells 50 are prepared. As each sealing part 30, what formed the opening surrounding the oxide semiconductor layer 13 is used.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the sealing portion 30 is adhered so as to cover the current collecting wiring 14 of the working electrode 10 and the terminal portion 18. Further, the insulation short circuit prevention portion 19 is also formed at the same time. Specifically, the sealing portion 30 is placed on the current collecting wiring 14 of the working electrode 10, on the heat-resistant member 31 formed on the terminal portion 18, and on the other dye-sensitized solar cell side of the terminal portion 18 ( In the terminal part 18 of the connection part 60B of FIG. 5, it adhere | attaches so that the side surface of the dye-sensitized solar cell 50A side) may be covered. The sealing portion 30 that covers the side surface of the terminal portion 18 on the other dye-sensitized solar cell side is the insulation short-circuit prevention portion 19. At this time, the sealing part 30 having the same shape is adhered to the surface of the counter electrode 20. Adhesion of the sealing portion 30 to the current collector wiring 14 or the counter electrode 20 can be performed by heating and melting the sealing portion 30.

  Next, a photosensitizing dye is supported on the oxide semiconductor layers 13 of the plurality of working electrodes 10. For this purpose, the working electrode 10 is immersed in a solution containing a photosensitizing dye, the dye is adsorbed on the oxide semiconductor layer 13, and then the excess dye is washed away with the solvent component of the solution, followed by drying. Thus, the photosensitizing dye may be adsorbed to the oxide semiconductor layer 13. However, even if the photosensitizing dye is adsorbed to the oxide semiconductor layer 13 by applying a solution containing the photosensitizing dye to the oxide semiconductor layer 13 and then drying the solution, the photosensitizing dye can be absorbed into the oxide semiconductor layer 13. 13 can be carried. In this case, as described above, since the terminal portion 18 is covered with the sealing portion 30, the terminal portion 18 can be prevented from coming into contact with a solution containing a photosensitizing dye. Corrosion can be prevented.

  Next, the electrolyte 40 is disposed on the oxide semiconductor layers 13 of the plurality of working electrodes 10. The electrolyte 40 can be disposed by a printing method such as screen printing.

  Next, a plurality of counter electrodes 20 are prepared, and each of the plurality of counter electrodes 20 is bonded so as to close the opening of the sealing portion 30. During the bonding, the electrolyte 40 may be scattered outside the range surrounded by the sealing portion 30 depending on conditions such as the pressure of the bonding and the amount of the electrolyte 40 in the first place. As described above, the electrolyte 40 includes an oxidation-reduction pair. When the electrolyte 40 adheres to the terminal portion 18 due to scattering of the electrolyte 40, the terminal portion 18 is corroded. However, according to this manufacturing method, since the terminal portion is covered with the sealing portion 30, the electrolyte 40 is prevented from adhering to the terminal portion 18 even when the electrolyte 40 is scattered. Corrosion of can be prevented. The counter electrode 20 includes the protrusion 23 as described above. Here, the protrusion part 23 may be comprised only with a metal substrate, and may be comprised with the laminated body of a metal substrate and a catalyst layer.

  Next, in order to connect the protruding portion 23 and the terminal portion 18, the surface of the terminal portion 18 is exposed. For this purpose, the heat-resistant member 31 on the surface of the terminal portion 18 and the sealing portion 30 provided on the heat-resistant member 31 are removed. As a method of removing the heat-resistant member 31 and the sealing part 30 provided on the heat-resistant member 31, a cut is made in the sealing part 30 provided on the heat-resistant member 31 with a cutter such as a cutter, What is necessary is just to remove the heat-resistant member 31 whole.

  In this manufacturing method, since the heat-resistant member 31 is provided between the surface of the terminal portion 18 and the sealing portion 30, the sealing portion 30 provided on the heat-resistant member 31 is easily removed together with the heat-resistant member. be able to. That is, when the heat-resistant member 31 is not provided, the sealing portion 30 is bonded to the terminal portion 18 in the heating process when the sealing portion 30 is formed, and the sealing portion 30 is removed from the terminal portion 18. However, since the heat-resistant member 31 is not melted by heating at the time of forming the sealing portion 30, it does not adhere to the terminal portion 18, and the sealing portion 30 can be easily combined with the heat-resistant member 31. Can be removed.

  Next, the protruding portion 23 of the counter electrode 20 is connected to the terminal portion 18 of the adjacent connecting portion 60. The connection of the protruding portion 23 to the terminal portion 18 can be performed by, for example, resistance welding. In resistance welding, two resistance welding electrodes are pressed against the projecting portion 23 and / or the terminal portion 18 and current is passed between them, so that heat is generated at the contact portion between the terminal portion 18 and the projecting portion 23. Is generated, and both the terminal portion 18 and the projecting portion 23 are melted by this heat to connect the two. At this time, heat is generated only in the contact portion between the terminal portion 18 and the protruding portion 23. Moreover, it can be simply joined without using solder or the like, the connection strength can be improved, and the contact resistance can also be reduced. Furthermore, in resistance welding, the current is usually passed for a short time (several milliseconds), so the time for generating heat is also short. For this reason, the place where heat is applied can be suppressed to a local region. Therefore, even when the protruding portion 23 of the counter electrode 20 is joined to the terminal portion 18 after the sealing step, deterioration of the photosensitizing dye carried on the oxide semiconductor layer 13 can be sufficiently suppressed.

Further, when connecting the protruding portion 23 of the counter electrode 20 and the terminal portion 18 by resistance welding, the resistance welding is performed in a state where the terminal portion 18 and the protruding portion 23 are in contact with each other, It is preferable that the protrusion 23 is brought into contact with the surface opposite to the terminal portion 18.
In this case, when the protruding portion 23 and the terminal portion 18 are connected by resistance welding, the two resistance welding electrodes need not be pressed against the surface of the terminal portion 18 and the protruding portion 23 on the working electrode 10 side. For this reason, there is an advantage that impurities due to welding of the resistance welding electrode can be prevented from remaining on the surface of the protruding portion 23 on the working electrode 10 side. Moreover, since it is not necessary to press the resistance welding electrode against the terminal portion 18, a space required for welding can be reduced.

  Resistance welding is preferably performed for 1 to 20 milliseconds, and more preferably 1 to 7 milliseconds. In this case, the connection strength between the projecting portion 23 and the terminal portion 18 can be improved more sufficiently, the thickness of the alloy portion becomes appropriate, and the resistance between the terminal portion 18 and the projecting portion 23 is more sufficient. Can be lowered.

  The thickness of the counter electrode 20 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 10 to 200 μm. When the thickness of the counter electrode 20 is 10 μm or more, the strength is greater than when the thickness is less than 10 μm, It becomes difficult to deform during resistance welding. On the other hand, when the thickness of the counter electrode 20 is 200 μm or less, the projecting portion 23 of the counter electrode 20 and the land portion 14 c can be connected in a shorter time than when the counter electrode 20 exceeds 200 μm. Further, the counter electrode 20 can be flexible.

  The thickness of the terminal portion 18 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.1 to 50 μm. In this case, when the thickness of the terminal portion 18 is 0.1 μm or more, the strength is greater than when the thickness is less than 0.1 μm, and deformation during resistance welding is difficult. On the other hand, when the thickness of the terminal portion 18 is 50 μm or less, the protruding portion 23 of the counter electrode 20 and the terminal portion 18 can be connected in a shorter time than when the thickness exceeds 50 μm.

  Thus, dye-sensitized solar cell module units 100A and 100B are obtained.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 3, the connection terminals 25 are connected to the terminal portions 18 integrated with the current collecting wirings 14 of the dye-sensitized solar cells 50A and 50E, respectively. The connection terminal 25 can connect a member such as silver, copper, or nickel to the terminal portion 18 using a method such as resistance welding.

  Next, the conductive wiring 110 is connected to the connection terminal 25. The conductive wiring 110 can be connected to the connection terminal 25 by, for example, resistance welding. The conductive wiring 110 may be formed simultaneously with the current collecting wiring 14 by a screen printing method using the same material as the current collecting wiring 14 when the current collecting wiring 14 is formed.

  The dye-sensitized solar cell module 100 is obtained as described above.

  According to the dye-sensitized solar cell module 100, the connection part 60B has the terminal part 18 provided on the second transparent conductive film 12B, and is on the second transparent conductive film 12B and more dye than the terminal part 18. On the sensitized solar cell 50A side, an insulation short-circuit prevention unit 19 including a resin material formed adjacent to the terminal unit 18 is provided, and the second electrode 20 and the terminal unit 18 of the dye-sensitized solar cell 50A are insulated. Since it is electrically connected via the protrusion part 23 which is a connection member which passes immediately above the short-circuit prevention part 19 and extends from the second electrode 20 of the dye-sensitized solar cell to the terminal part 18, the connection member and the first transparent A short circuit with the conductive film 12A is prevented. Specifically, even if the connecting member is deformed to the first transparent conductive film 12A side due to an external force or the like, or a force is applied to the sealing portion 30 in a direction in which the connecting member and the first transparent conductive film 12A are short-circuited. Since the insulation short-circuit prevention unit 19 is provided directly below the connection member between the terminal unit 18 of the connection unit 60B and the dye-sensitized solar cell 50A, the distance between the connection member and the first transparent conductive film 12A is constant. It is held so that it is more than the interval. For this reason, the connection member is unlikely to contact the first transparent conductive film 12A, and a short circuit is prevented. Moreover, since the insulation short circuit prevention part 19 is formed adjacent to the terminal part 18 and further contains a resin material, the stress applied to the terminal part 18 can be relieved by the insulation short circuit prevention part 19 when an external force is applied. It is possible to prevent the connection member and the terminal portion 18 from peeling off or the terminal portion 18 and the connection member from being destroyed. Therefore, this dye-sensitized solar cell module 100 has improved connection reliability.

  Moreover, the insulation short circuit prevention part 19 protrudes toward the direction away from the transparent substrate 11 rather than the terminal part 18. In this case, since the insulation short circuit prevention part 19 protrudes in the direction away from the transparent substrate 11 rather than the terminal part 18, the distance between the connection member and the first transparent conductive film 12A of the dye-sensitized solar cell 50A is greater. It is held so as to have a wide interval. For this reason, a connection member becomes more difficult to contact the 12 A of 1st transparent conductive films of 50 A of dye-sensitized solar cells, and a short circuit is prevented more. Further, when an external force is applied to the connection member in the direction of the first transparent conductive film 12A, the insulation short-circuit prevention unit 19 protrudes in a direction away from the transparent substrate 11 rather than the terminal unit 18. First, since an external force is applied to the insulation short-circuit preventing portion 19 to relieve the stress, the stress applied to the connection portion between the terminal portion 18 and the connection member becomes weak. For this reason, it can prevent more that a connection member and the terminal part 18 peel, or the terminal part 18 is destroyed.

  Further, the connecting member is a protruding portion 23 drawn out from the second electrode 20 of the dye-sensitized solar cell 50A to the terminal portion 18 side of the connecting portion 60B. In this case, since it is not necessary to use another member between the terminal portion 18 and the second electrode 20, the number of connection points is reduced, and the connection reliability is further improved. Moreover, since there are few connection places, connection resistance also becomes low.

  The dye-sensitized solar cell module 100 has at least two or more dye-sensitized solar cells 50, and the transparent substrate 11 is a common transparent substrate 11 of at least two or more dye-sensitized solar cells 50. The first transparent conductive film 12A of one dye-sensitized solar cell 50B and the second transparent conductive film 12B of the connecting portion 60B are electrically connected and integrated, and the second of the other dye-sensitized solar cell 50A. The electrode 20 and the terminal part 18 are electrically connected via the connection member 23, and are on the second transparent conductive film 12B and the other dye than the sealing part 30 of one dye-sensitized solar cell 50B. The terminal portion 18 is provided on the sensitized solar cell 50A side, and the insulation short-circuit preventing portion 19 is on the second transparent conductive film 12B and further on the other dye-sensitized solar cell 50A side than the terminal portion 18. Is provided. In this case, even if two or more dye-sensitized solar cells 50 are electrically connected in series via the connection portion 60, connection reliability is improved.

  Moreover, the terminal part 18 is closely enclosed by the adjacent insulation short circuit prevention part 19 and the sealing part 30 of one dye-sensitized solar cell 50B. In this case, since the terminal portion 18 is surrounded and adhered by the adjacent insulation short-circuit preventing portion 19 and the sealing portion 30 of one dye-sensitized solar cell 50 </ b> B, foreign matter and moisture are surrounded from the periphery of the terminal portion 18. Can be prevented from entering the terminal portion.

  The insulation short circuit prevention part 19 consists of the same material as the sealing part 30 of one dye-sensitized solar cell 50B, and is integrated with the sealing part 30. In this case, since the sealing part 30 and the insulation short-circuit prevention part 19 are made of the same material, the thermal expansion coefficient is also the same, so that even when a thermal cycle is applied to the dye-sensitized solar cell module 100, the sealing In the bonded portion between the portion 30 and the insulation short-circuit preventing portion 19, no stress is generated due to thermal cycling. Therefore, the durability of the insulation short-circuit prevention unit 19 is improved.

  Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the dye-sensitized solar cell module of the present invention will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the component same or equivalent to 1st Embodiment, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment of the dye-sensitized solar cell module of the present invention. The dye-sensitized solar cell module 200 of the present embodiment is different from the dye-sensitized solar cell module 100 of the first embodiment in the counter electrode.

  That is, in the dye-sensitized solar cell module 200 of the present embodiment, the counter electrode 220 further includes a conductive plate 230 provided on the surface of the metal substrate opposite to the working electrode 10 in addition to the metal substrate and the catalyst layer. ing. The conductive plate 230 is made of a metal having a lower resistance than the metal substrate. Such a metal should just be a metal which has resistance lower than a metal substrate, for example, copper is used as such a metal. The end portion of the conductive plate 230 is connected to the terminal portion 18 in the connecting portion 60 as the protruding portion 23.

  In this case, electrons flowing from the terminal portion 18 can be brought close to the electrolyte 40 through the conductive plate 230 having a lower resistance than that of the metal substrate, so that the resistance from the conductive plate 230 to the electrolyte 40 can be reduced.

  At this time, the connection between the protruding portion 23 of the counter electrode 220 and the terminal portion 18 is performed by resistance welding as in the first embodiment. When producing the counter electrode 220, the conductive plate 230 and the metal substrate are joined by resistance welding. Specifically, first, both the two resistance welding electrodes may be pressed against the surface of the conductive plate 230 opposite to the terminal portion 18 to apply a voltage between the two resistance welding electrodes. At this time, resistance welding may be performed similarly to the first embodiment.

  As described above, even when the conductive plate 230 is formed on the metal substrate of the counter electrode 220, deterioration of the photosensitizing dye and the sealing portion 30 carried on the oxide semiconductor layer 13 can be sufficiently suppressed. Furthermore, the electroconductivity and connection reliability of the obtained dye-sensitized solar cell module 200 can be further improved.

  According to the dye-sensitized solar cell module 200, similarly to the dye-sensitized solar cell module 100, the dye-sensitized solar cell 50 </ b> A is on the second transparent conductive film 12 </ b> B of the connection portion 60 </ b> B and further than the terminal portion 18. Since the insulation short-circuit prevention part 19 is provided adjacent to the terminal part 18 on the side, a short circuit between the projecting part 23 which is a connecting member and the first transparent conductive film 12A of the dye-sensitized solar cell 50A is prevented. . Moreover, since the insulation short circuit prevention part 19 is provided adjacent to the terminal part 18 and the insulation short circuit prevention part 19 contains resin, when external force is applied, the stress applied to the terminal part 18 is prevented from insulation short circuit. It can be mitigated by the part 19, and it can prevent that the protrusion part 23 and the terminal part 18 peel, or the terminal part 18 is destroyed. Therefore, connection reliability is improved.

  Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the dye-sensitized solar cell module of the present invention will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same or equivalent component as 1st Embodiment or 2nd Embodiment, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a third embodiment of the dye-sensitized solar cell module of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a back view showing the back surface of the dye-sensitized solar cell module of FIG.

  The dye-sensitized solar cell module 300 of the present embodiment includes a structure of the second transparent conductive film 12B of the connection portion 60, the number of the dye-sensitized solar cells 50, the peripheral portion of the insulation short-circuit preventing portion 19, and the dye-sensitized solar cell. The structure of 50 is different from the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the dye-sensitized solar cell module 300 of this embodiment has only one dye-sensitized solar cell 50, and the second transparent conductive film 12 </ b> B of the connection portion 60 is dye-sensitized. The solar cell 50 is not electrically connected to the first transparent conductive film 12A. Moreover, the inorganic insulating material 90 is provided between the insulation short circuit prevention part 19 and the 2nd transparent conductive film 12B. The sealing portion 30 of the dye-sensitized solar cell 50 extends to the insulating short-circuit prevention portion 19 side and is in close contact with the insulating short-circuit prevention portion 19. In addition to the metal substrate and the catalyst layer, the counter electrode 320 of the dye-sensitized solar cell 50 further includes a conductive material 330 provided on the surface of the metal substrate opposite to the working electrode 310.

  Also in this embodiment, the connection part 60 includes the second transparent conductive film 12B and the terminal part 18 provided on the second transparent conductive film 12B, and the terminal part 18 is dye-sensitized via the connection member 23. The counter electrode 320 of the solar cell 50 is electrically connected. And the insulation short circuit prevention part 19 formed adjacent to the terminal part 18 is provided in the dye-sensitized solar cell 50 side on the 2nd transparent conductive film 12B rather than the terminal part 18, and a connection member The projecting portion 23 is passing immediately above the insulating short-circuit preventing portion 19.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the second transparent conductive film 12 </ b> B of the connection portion 60 extends to the opposite side of the dye-sensitized solar cell 50, and is used for external connection for taking out current from the outside in this extended portion. A terminal 80 is provided. Thereby, since the counter electrode 320 of the dye-sensitized solar cell 50 is connected to the external connection terminal 80 via the connection portion 60, it is possible to exchange current with the outside.

  Similarly, with respect to the first transparent conductive film 12A of the dye-sensitized solar cell 50, the second transparent conductive film 12B of the connection portion 60 extends outside the sealing portion 30, similarly to the second transparent conductive film 12B. Extending in the same direction so as to be adjacent to the portion being provided, an external connection terminal 80 for taking out an electric current to the outside is provided in this extending portion.

  Therefore, the external connection terminals 80 are arranged adjacent to each other on the transparent conductive film 12. In this case, the number of connectors for taking out current from the external connection terminal 80 to the outside can be reduced to one. In other words, it is possible to integrate a connector for taking out current from the external connection terminal 80 to the outside. For this reason, space saving can be achieved.

  The dye-sensitized solar cell module 300 of this embodiment has only one dye-sensitized solar cell 50. Even when only one dye-sensitized solar cell 50 is provided, the connection portion 60 is provided, and as described above, the counter electrode 320 of the dye-sensitized solar cell 50 and the external connection are connected via the connection portion 60. The terminal 80 is electrically connected. When only one dye-sensitized solar cell 50 is provided, there is no space that does not contribute to power generation between the dye-sensitized solar cells, and the power generation area can be expanded.

  In the dye-sensitized solar cell module 300 of the present embodiment, an inorganic insulating material 90 is provided between the insulating short-circuit prevention unit 19 and the second transparent conductive film 12B. The inorganic insulating material 90 extends to the dye-sensitized solar cell 50 side from between the insulating short-circuit prevention unit 19 and the second transparent conductive film 12 </ b> B immediately below the projecting portion 23, which is a connection member, and enters the groove 70. Further, the inorganic insulating material passes over the groove 70 immediately below the projecting portion 23 that is a connecting member, covers the surface of the first transparent conductive film 12A, and enters between the sealing portion 30 and the first transparent conductive film 12A. . In other words, the inorganic insulating material 90 is continuously formed from a position overlapping the insulating short-circuit prevention portion 19 to a position overlapping the sealing portion 30 immediately below the protruding portion 23 that is a connecting member.

  Although not shown, the inorganic insulating material 90 is not only directly below the projecting portion 23 which is a connection member, but also between the sealing portion 30 and the first transparent conductive film 12A on the entire circumference of the sealing portion 30. And has entered all of the grooves 70. Thereby, it can prevent that a foreign material, a water | moisture content, etc. enter.

  Further, the inorganic insulating material 90 is a surface other than the portion where the terminal portion 18 and the external connection terminal 80 are provided in the outer surface of the sealing portion of the first transparent conductive film 12A and the surface of the second transparent conductive film 12B. May be covered. In this case, it is possible to prevent foreign matters and moisture from entering the outer surface of the sealing portion of the first transparent conductive film 12A and the surface of the second transparent conductive film 12B.

  The sealing portion 30 of the dye-sensitized solar cell 50 according to the present embodiment extends on the inorganic insulating material 90 toward the insulating short-circuit preventing portion 19 directly below the projecting portion 23 that is a connecting member, and is in close contact with the insulating short-circuit preventing portion 19. doing. In this embodiment, the insulation short circuit prevention part 19 and the sealing part 30 consist of the same material, and are integrated.

  In addition to the metal substrate and the catalyst layer, the counter electrode 320 of the dye-sensitized solar cell 50 of the present embodiment further includes a conductive material 330 provided on the surface of the metal substrate opposite to the working electrode 10. The conductive material 330 includes metal particles and a binder resin. For example, silver is used as such metal particles. Examples of the binder resin include polyester resin, acrylic resin, phenol resin, vinyl chloride vinyl acetate copolymer resin, urethane resin, epoxy resin, and cellulose resin. These can be used alone or in combination of two or more. The end portion of the conductive material 330 is connected to the terminal portion 18 in the connecting portion 60 as the protruding portion 23.

  The conductive material 330 is formed by applying a conductive paste containing metal particles, a binder resin, and an organic solvent over the metal substrate of the counter electrode 320 from the surface opposite to the working electrode 310 over the upper surface of the terminal portion 18, drying, and curing. Can be obtained. By using the conductive material 330 as described above, the counter electrode 320 and the terminal portion 18 can be easily connected.

  According to the dye-sensitized solar cell module 300, similarly to the dye-sensitized solar cell module 100, the dye-sensitized solar cell 50 is on the second transparent conductive film 12 </ b> B of the connection portion 60 and further than the terminal portion 18. Since the insulation short circuit prevention part 19 is provided on the side adjacent to the terminal part 18, a short circuit between the projecting part 23 that is a connecting member and the first transparent conductive film 12 </ b> A of the dye-sensitized solar cell 50 is prevented. . Moreover, since the insulation short circuit prevention part 19 is provided adjacent to the terminal part 18 and the insulation short circuit prevention part 19 contains resin, when external force is applied, the stress applied to the terminal part 18 is prevented from insulation short circuit. It can be mitigated by the part 19, and it can prevent that the protrusion part 23 and the terminal part 18 which are connection members peel, or the terminal part 18 is destroyed. Therefore, connection reliability is improved.

  In addition, an inorganic insulating material 90 is formed between the insulating short-circuit prevention unit 19 and the second transparent conductive film 12B. In this case, even if a larger stress is applied, the connection member is less likely to contact the first transparent conductive film 12A because the inorganic insulating material 90 is harder than the insulating short-circuit prevention unit 19, thereby preventing a short circuit.

  In addition, the inorganic insulating material 90 extends to the dye-sensitized solar cell 50 side from between the insulating short-circuit preventing portion 19 and the second transparent conductive film 12B immediately below the projecting portion 23 which is a connecting member, and enters the groove 70. Yes. In this case, contact between the second transparent conductive film 12B and the connection member is also prevented. Further, it is possible to prevent a foreign material, moisture, etc. from entering the groove 70 and contact the foreign material, moisture, etc. with the connecting member to cause a short circuit.

  In addition, the inorganic insulating material 90 enters between the sealing portion 30 and the first transparent conductive film 12A immediately below the projecting portion 23 that is a connecting member. In this case, since the surface of the first transparent conductive film 12A is also covered with the inorganic insulating material 90 immediately below the projecting portion 23, which is a connection member, the connection member is more unlikely to contact the first transparent conductive film 12A, thereby preventing a short circuit. Is done. Moreover, since the inorganic insulating material 90 has entered between the sealing portion 30 and the first transparent conductive film 12A, a gap that leads to the first transparent conductive film 12A outside the sealing portion 30 can be eliminated. It is possible to prevent foreign matter, moisture, etc. from entering the gap and short-circuiting the connecting member and the first transparent conductive film 12A via the foreign matter or moisture.

  Moreover, the sealing part 30 contains a resin material and extends to the insulating short-circuit prevention part 19 side so as to be in close contact with the insulating short-circuit prevention part 19 immediately below the projecting part 23 that is a connection member. In this case, since the sealing portion 30 containing the resin material is present immediately below the projecting portion 23 that is the connection member and on the first transparent conductive film 12A, the connection member is more connected to the first transparent conductive film 12A. It is difficult to contact and short circuit is prevented. Moreover, since the sealing part 30 contains the resin material, stress can be relieved also in the sealing part 30, and the connection member and the terminal part 18 are peeled off more, or the terminal part 18 and the connection member are destroyed. Can be prevented.

  Moreover, the insulation short circuit prevention part 19 consists of the same material as the sealing part 30, and is integrated with the sealing part. In this case, even if the thermal expansion coefficient of the sealing part 30 and the insulation short circuit prevention part 19 becomes the same, and the thermal cycle is added to the dye-sensitized solar cell module 300, the sealing part 30 and insulation short circuit prevention In the bonded portion of the portion 19, no stress due to the heat cycle is generated. Therefore, the durability of the insulation short-circuit prevention unit 19 is improved.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, in the first, second, and third embodiments, the oxide semiconductor layer 13 is provided on the first transparent conductive film 12A, but may be provided on a metal substrate. In this case, the working electrode 10 is composed of the oxide semiconductor layer 13 and the metal substrate, and the counter electrode 20 is composed of the transparent substrate 11 and the first transparent conductive film 12A.

  Further, for example, in the first, second, and third embodiments, the insulating short-circuit prevention unit 19 and the terminal unit 18 are in contact, but may not be in contact. In the first, second, and third embodiments, the thickness from the surface of the first transparent conductive film 12B to the upper end of the insulation short-circuit prevention unit 19 is the surface of the first transparent conductive film 12B to the terminal portion 18. Although it is thicker than the thickness up to the upper end, the thickness from the surface of the first transparent conductive film 12B to the upper end of the terminal portion 18 may be thicker.

  Further, for example, in the first and second embodiments, the protruding portion 23 of the counter electrode 20 of the dye-sensitized solar cell 50A is connected to the terminal portion 18 of the connecting portion 60B, but the protruding portion 23 is inserted via an insert material. Then, it may be connected to the terminal portion 18 of the connecting portion 60B. Here, as the insert material, it is preferable to use a material having a lower resistance than the protruding portion 23 and the terminal portion 18 of the counter electrode 20. In this case, when connecting the protrusion 23 and the terminal part 18 by resistance welding, the protrusion 23 and the insert material are easily joined, and the insert material and the terminal part 18 are easily joined.

  For example, in the first, second, and third embodiments, the protruding portion 23 of the counter electrode is used as the connection member, but the counter electrode and the terminal portion 18 may be connected using another member such as a lead wire. .

  In the first embodiment, the dye-sensitized solar cell module 100 includes two dye-sensitized solar cell module units 100A and 100B, but is not limited to two and may be one or three. That's all. In the first embodiment, each of the dye-sensitized solar cell module units 100A and 100B includes the four dye-sensitized solar cells 50. However, the number of the dye-sensitized solar cells 50 is not limited to four. The number may be one as in the third embodiment, or any number in the case of a plurality.

  Furthermore, in the said 1st Embodiment, although the protrusion direction with respect to the main-body part of the protrusion part 23 of the dye-sensitized solar cell 50 is the same in each of dye-sensitized solar cell module unit 100A, 100B, it is the same. It is not necessary and they may be different from each other.

  Furthermore, in the said 1st and 2nd embodiment, although the dye-sensitized solar cell 50 has the wiring part 17, it does not need to have the wiring part 17. FIG. Further, although the terminal portion 18 is integrated with the current collecting wiring 14, the terminal portion 18 may not be integrated with the current collecting wiring 14. That is, the current collecting wiring 14 is completely covered with the wiring protective layer 16, and the current collecting wiring 14 and the terminal portion 18 may not be connected. Also in this case, the terminal portion 18 can be formed simultaneously with the formation of the current collecting wiring 14.

  Moreover, in the said 1st Embodiment, the protrusion part 23 pulled out from the part by the side of the connection part 60B of the counter electrode 20 of one dye-sensitized solar cell 50A among two adjacent dye-sensitized solar cells 50, and a connection part The terminal portion 18 of 60B is connected, but the protruding portion 23 that protrudes from all of the connecting portion 60B side of the counter electrode 20 of one dye-sensitized solar cell 50A of two adjacent dye-sensitized solar cells 50; The terminal part 18 of the connection part 60B may be connected.

  In the first embodiment, the counter electrode 20 of the dye-sensitized solar cell 50A has the protruding portion 23, and the protruding portion 23 extends to the recess formed by the sealing portion 30 of the adjacent dye-sensitized solar cell 50B. Although extended and connected to the terminal portion 18, the dye-sensitized solar cell 50A has a recess formed by the sealing portion 30, and the second transparent conductive film 12B and the terminal portion 18 of the connecting portion 60B are It extends to this recessed part, and the protrusion part 23 and the terminal part 18 of the counter electrode 20 may be connected. In this case, the protrusion 23 forms the protrusion 23 by, for example, making two cuts at the edge of the counter electrode 20 at a location corresponding to the recess formed in the dye-sensitized solar cell 50A. The two cuts allow the projecting portion 23 to hang down and connect the sagging projecting portion 23 to the terminal portion 18 extending to the recess.

  Also in the first and second embodiments, as in the third embodiment, an inorganic insulating material 90 may be formed between the insulating short-circuit prevention unit 19 and the second transparent conductive film 12B. In this case, the inorganic insulating material 90 may be made of the same material as the wiring protective layer 16 and may be integrated. Similarly, the sealing portion 30 may be extended to the insulating tumbling prevention portion 19 side.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10,310 ... Working electrode, 11 ... Transparent substrate, 12A ... 1st transparent conductive film, 12B ... 2nd transparent conductive film, 13 ... Oxide semiconductor layer, 14 ... Current collection wiring, 15 ... Transparent conductive substrate (1st Electrode), 18 ... Terminal part, 19 ... Insulation short-circuit prevention part, 20, 220, 320 ... Counter electrode (second electrode), 23 ... Projection part (connection member), 40 ... Electrolyte, 30 ... Sealing part, 50, 50A 50H ... Dye-sensitized solar cell, 70 ... Groove, 80 ..., 90 ... Inorganic insulating material, 100, 200, 300 ... Dye-sensitized solar cell module, 100A, 100B ... Dye-sensitized solar cell module unit, 230 ... Conductive Plate, 330 ... conductive material.

Claims (11)

A dye-sensitized solar cell module having at least one or more dye-sensitized solar cells and a connection part electrically connected to the dye-sensitized solar cell,
The dye-sensitized solar cell includes a transparent substrate and a first electrode having a first transparent conductive film provided on the transparent substrate, a second electrode facing the first electrode, the first electrode, and the second electrode. A sealing part for connecting the electrodes,
The connection part has a second transparent conductive film provided on the transparent substrate and insulated from the first transparent conductive film by a groove; and a terminal part provided on the second transparent conductive film;
On the second transparent conductive film and on the dye-sensitized solar cell side from the terminal portion, an insulating short-circuit preventing portion including a resin material formed adjacent to the terminal portion is provided,
The second electrode of the dye-sensitized solar cell and the terminal portion are electrically connected via a connecting member that passes directly above the insulating short-circuit preventing portion and extends from the second electrode of the dye-sensitized solar cell to the terminal portion. A dye-sensitized solar cell module, characterized by being connected to   2. The dye-sensitized solar cell module according to claim 1, wherein the insulating short-circuit preventing portion protrudes in a direction away from the transparent substrate from the terminal portion.   The dye-sensitized solar cell module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an inorganic insulating material is formed between the insulating short-circuit prevention unit and the second transparent conductive film.   The inorganic insulating material extends to the dye-sensitized solar cell side from between the insulating short-circuit prevention portion and the second transparent conductive film immediately below the connection member, and enters the groove. The dye-sensitized solar cell module according to claim 3.   5. The dye-sensitized solar cell module according to claim 4, wherein the inorganic insulating material enters between the sealing portion and the first transparent conductive film immediately below the connection member.   The said sealing part contains the resin material, and is extended until it adheres to the said insulation short circuit prevention part in the said insulation short circuit prevention part side directly under the said connection member, The one of Claims 1-5 characterized by the above-mentioned. 2. A dye-sensitized solar cell module according to item 1.   The dye-sensitized solar cell module according to claim 6, wherein the insulation short-circuit prevention part is made of the same material as the sealing part and is integrated with the sealing part.   The dye-sensitized solar cell module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the connecting member is a protruding portion drawn from the second electrode toward the terminal portion. Having at least two or more dye-sensitized solar cells, and the transparent substrate is a common transparent substrate of at least two or more dye-sensitized solar cells;
The first transparent conductive film of one dye-sensitized solar cell and the second transparent conductive film of the connecting portion are electrically connected and integrated, and the second electrode and the terminal of the other dye-sensitized solar cell are integrated. Parts are electrically connected via a connecting member,
On the second transparent conductive film, the terminal portion is provided on the other dye-sensitized solar cell side than the sealing portion of the one dye-sensitized solar cell,
The insulating short-circuit prevention portion is provided on the second transparent conductive film and further on the other dye-sensitized solar cell side than the terminal portion. 2. A dye-sensitized solar cell module according to item 1.   10. The dye-sensitized solar cell according to claim 9, wherein the terminal portion is tightly surrounded by the adjacent insulation short-circuit preventing portion and the sealing portion of the one dye-sensitized solar cell. module.   11. The dye-sensitized solar cell module according to claim 10, wherein the insulating short-circuit preventing portion is made of the same material as the sealing portion of the one dye-sensitized solar cell and is integrated.

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