JP5566319B2 - Method and system for manufacturing solar cell module - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a method and a system for manufacturing a solar cell module in which solar cells arranged in a plurality of rows in the XY direction are connected to each other via an interconnector.

  Conventionally, in a solar cell module (solar cell panel) in which a plurality of solar cells each having a front side electrode on a surface forming a light receiving surface and having a back side electrode on the back side are arranged vertically and horizontally, a plurality of solar cells are provided. Interconnectors are used to connect in series. That is, the interconnector connects the front surface side electrode of one solar battery cell and the back surface side electrode of another solar battery cell adjacent to each other. As this type of solar cell module, for example, one described in Patent Document 1 or Patent Document 2 is known.

  The thing of patent document 1 and patent document 2 electrically joins the surface side electrode of a photovoltaic cell, and the back surface side electrode of the photovoltaic cell adjacent to this with one interconnector. . For this reason, in the thing of patent document 1, a photovoltaic cell is joined to the first half part of an interconnector from the lower side, and the photovoltaic cell adjacent to the latter half part of an interconnector is joined from the upper side. Moreover, in the thing of patent document 2, after cut | disconnecting an interconnector, a photovoltaic cell is reversed by a cell rotating shaft so that a light-receiving surface may face downward, and an interconnector is connected to the photovoltaic cell. Is supposed to be connected.

JP 2003-298095 A JP 2008-53625 A

  However, in the thing of patent document 1 and patent document 2, the upper press mechanism (51A, 51B), the lower press mechanism (52A, 52B), and the reversing mechanism were required, and there existed a problem that a structure became complicated. .

  And in the thing of the cited reference 1 and the cited reference 2, there existed a problem which cannot manufacture efficiently the solar cell module which consists of a photovoltaic cell arranged in multiple numbers vertically and horizontally with versatility.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a solar cell module manufacturing method and manufacturing system capable of manufacturing a solar cell module efficiently and with versatility. Is.

  A feature of the invention according to claim 1 is that an interconnector joining step for joining an interconnector to each of a positive side electrode and a negative side electrode of the solar battery cell, a solar battery cell to which the interconnector is joined, and the solar battery cell A plurality of solar cells arranged in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the solar cell group, the interconnectors of the solar cell group and other solar cell groups adjacent to the transport direction are joined together, A string wiring step of string wiring a plurality of solar cells in the transport direction, and an interconnector of a solar cell sub-module composed of a plurality of solar cells stringed in the transport direction, adjacent to the direction orthogonal to the transport direction Matrix interconnectors for other string wired solar cell sub-modules A method of manufacturing a solar cell module including a matrix wiring process of the wiring to each other via the interconnector.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a solar cell module manufacturing system for electrically wiring solar cells via an interconnector, the interconnector supplying device supplying the interconnector, and supplying the solar cells A solar cell supply device, an interconnector joining device for joining the interconnector to the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the solar cell supplied from the solar cell supply device, and the interconnector A plurality of solar cells to which the interconnected solar battery cells are transported and the interconnector are aligned in a direction perpendicular to the transport device and the transport direction to form a solar cell group Each of the device, the solar cell group and another solar cell group adjacent to the transport direction. A string wiring device for stringing a plurality of solar cells in the transport direction, an interconnector of a solar cell sub-module comprising a plurality of solar cells stringed in the transport direction, and It is a solar cell module manufacturing system including a matrix wiring device that joins interconnectors of other solar cell submodules connected in a string orthogonal to the transport direction to each other via a matrix interconnector.

  A feature of the invention according to claim 3 is that, in claim 2, the interconnector joining device includes a mounting base for mounting the solar battery cell and the interconnector, and a plus of the solar battery cell mounted on the mounting base, and In the state which has arrange | positioned the said interconnector to the negative | minus side electrode, it is having the thermocompression-bonding head joined by heating the said photovoltaic cell and the said interconnector.

  A feature of the invention according to claim 4 is that, in claim 3, a plurality of the mounting bases are provided, and the thermocompression bonding head is movably provided between the mounting bases.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the second to fourth aspects, the string wiring device is pressure-bonded while simultaneously heating the interconnectors of the solar cell groups adjacent in the transport direction. And having a plurality of heating means for joining.

  According to the inventive method of claim 1, an interconnector joining step for joining the interconnector to the plus side electrode and the minus side electrode of the photovoltaic cell respectively, and the photovoltaic cell to which the interconnector is joined, A plurality of solar cells are aligned and arranged in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction, and each interconnector of the solar cell group and another solar cell group adjacent in the transport direction is joined to each other, and plural in the transport direction. A string wiring step of stringing the solar cells of the solar cell, and an interconnector of a solar cell sub-module composed of a plurality of solar cells stringed in the transport direction and another string wiring adjacent to the direction orthogonal to the transport direction The interconnector for the solar cell sub-module is connected to the matrix interconnector. Te and a matrix wiring process of the wiring to each other.

  Thereby, while being able to manufacture efficiently the solar cell module which consists of the predetermined number of photovoltaic cells arrange | positioned in the conveyance direction of a conveying apparatus and the direction orthogonal to it, the change of the number of photovoltaic cells of a conveyance direction and the direction orthogonal to it is possible. It is possible to obtain a highly versatile manufacturing method that can easily cope with the above.

  According to the invention which concerns on Claim 2, the interconnector supply apparatus which supplies an interconnector, the photovoltaic cell supply apparatus which supplies a photovoltaic cell, The positive side electrode of the photovoltaic cell supplied from the photovoltaic cell supply apparatus And an interconnector joining device that joins the interconnector to the negative electrode, a transport device that transports the solar cells joined to the interconnector, and a plurality of photovoltaic cells joined to the interconnector to the transport device Alignment and arrangement device that is arranged in a direction orthogonal to the direction to form a solar cell group, and each interconnector of the solar cell group and another solar cell group adjacent in the transport direction are joined to each other, the transport direction A string wiring device for string wiring a plurality of solar cells and a string wiring in the transport direction Matrix that interconnects interconnectors of solar cell sub-modules composed of a number of solar cells and interconnectors of other solar cell sub-modules that are adjacent to each other in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction via matrix interconnectors Wiring device.

  Thereby, while being able to manufacture efficiently the solar cell module which consists of the predetermined number of photovoltaic cells arrange | positioned in the conveyance direction of a conveying apparatus and the direction orthogonal to it, the change of the number of photovoltaic cells of a conveyance direction and the direction orthogonal to it is possible. It is possible to obtain a highly versatile manufacturing system that can easily cope with the above.

  According to the invention which concerns on Claim 3, the interconnector joining apparatus has arrange | positioned the interconnector to the positive | plus | minus side electrode of the mounting base for mounting | wearing a photovoltaic cell and an interconnector, and the photovoltaic cell mounted to the mounting base. Since the solar cell and the interconnector are heated and joined in a state, the interconnector can be efficiently joined to the positive and negative electrodes of the solar cell by the interconnector joining device.

  According to the invention of claim 4, a plurality of mounting bases are installed, and the thermocompression bonding head is movably provided between the mounting bases, so that the interconnector and the solar cells are sequentially mounted on one mounting base. In the meantime, the interconnector can be joined by the thermocompression bonding head on the other mounting table, and the interconnector joining work can be performed efficiently.

  According to the invention which concerns on Claim 5, since a string wiring apparatus has a some heating means which crimps | bonds and joins the interconnector of the photovoltaic cell group adjacent to a conveyance direction simultaneously, it is orthogonal to a conveyance direction. Interconnectors of solar battery cell groups adjacent to each other in the transport direction arranged in a predetermined direction can be joined simultaneously, and solar battery cell groups adjacent to each other in the transport direction can be efficiently joined.

It is a top view which shows the outline | summary of the solar cell module which concerns on embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic view cut along line 2-2 in FIG. 1. It is the schematic diagram cut | disconnected along the 3-3 line of FIG. It is a top view which shows the manufacturing system of the solar cell module which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the attraction | suction head in 1st Embodiment. It is sectional drawing cut | disconnected along line 5-5 of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the interconnector joining head in 1st Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the thermocompression-bonding head in 1st Embodiment. It is a top view of the manufacturing system of the solar cell module which shows the modification of 1st Embodiment. It is a top view which shows the manufacturing system of the solar cell module which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the string joining operation position part of FIG. It is the schematic diagram seen from the arrow 12 direction of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the solar cell module manufactured by 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 14 is a schematic view taken along line 14-14 in FIG. 13. It is the schematic diagram cut | disconnected along 15-15 line of FIG. It is a top view which shows the manufacturing system of the solar cell module which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the manufacturing method in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the solar cell module manufactured by 2nd Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the manufacturing method and manufacturing system of the solar cell module according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of a solar cell module (solar cell panel) 10 manufactured by the method of the present invention. First, the configuration of the solar cell module 10 will be briefly described. The solar cell module 10 includes a plurality of solar cells 11 arranged in an XY plane. FIG. 1 shows an example in which a solar cell module 10 is configured by a total of 16 solar cells 11 with four in the X direction and four in the Y direction.

  Solar cells 11 adjacent in the X direction are electrically connected via an interconnector 12 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The interconnector 12 includes a lower interconnector 12B joined to a negative electrode formed on the lower surface (light receiving surface) of the solar battery cell 11 and a positive electrode formed on the upper surface (back surface) of the solar battery cell 11. It consists of the upper interconnector 12B to be joined. The interconnectors 12 are substantially the same, each having a linear shape and having a length equivalent to the dimension of the solar battery cell 11 in the X direction. The interconnector 12 is pre-coated with solder, and the interconnectors 12 are electrically joined to each other by applying heat and crimping the interconnectors 12 together.

  Since the interconnector 12 does not necessarily need to be provided over the entire length of the solar cell 11 in the X direction, the length of the interconnector 12 may be shorter than the size of the solar cell 11 in the X direction. Moreover, about ± 10 mm may be sufficient with respect to the width dimension of the photovoltaic cell 11.

  In FIG. 1, the interconnector 12 (12A) joined to the positive side electrodes (upper surfaces) of the four solar cells 11 arranged in the X direction in the odd-numbered rows from the top of the solar cells 11 in FIG. The interconnector 12 (12 B) that protrudes slightly from the right end and is joined to the negative electrode (lower surface) of the solar battery cell 11 protrudes slightly from the left end of the solar battery cell 11. The projecting ends of the interconnector 12 joined to the plus side electrode and the minus side electrode of the solar cells 11 adjacent to each other in the X direction are joined to each other via the solder coated on the interconnector 12, so that the X direction A plurality of solar cells 11 arranged in series are electrically connected in series.

  The interconnector 12 (12A) joined to the positive side electrodes of the four solar cells 11 arranged in the X direction in the even-numbered columns from the top of FIG. The interconnector 12 (12B) that protrudes slightly from the left end of the solar battery cell 11 and is joined to the negative electrode of the solar battery cell 11 protrudes slightly from the right edge of the solar battery cell 11. And each protrusion end of the interconnector 12 joined to the plus side electrode and minus side electrode of the photovoltaic cell 11 adjacent to the X direction is joined to each other via the solder coated on the interconnector 12. In this way, the solar cells 11 in which the protruding direction of the interconnector 12 joined to the positive side electrode and the negative side electrode of the solar cell 11 are reversed are alternately arranged in the Y direction.

  In order to connect the matrix interconnector, the interconnector 12 is added to the end of the interconnector 12 projecting from the solar cell 11 arranged at both ends in the X direction. Is configured. Further, the added portions (13) of the interconnector 12 joined to the plus side electrode and the minus side electrode of the solar cells 11 adjacent to each other in the Y direction arranged at both ends in the X direction are connected by the matrix interconnector 14. By joining as shown in FIG. 1, all the solar cells 11 constituting the solar cell module 10 are connected in series.

  In general, in a solar cell module, a transparent cover glass is disposed on the light receiving surface (minus side electrode), and a back sheet having excellent weather resistance is disposed on the back surface (plus side electrode). In the meantime, a plurality of solar cells are sealed with a resin such as EVA to be a finished product, but in this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, before being arranged between the cover glass and the back sheet. The Xm × Yn solar cells 11 will be referred to as a solar cell module 10.

  Next, a specific configuration of a manufacturing system for manufacturing the solar cell module 10 having the above configuration will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the manufacturing system includes an interconnector joining process 21 arranged along the X direction, a string wiring process 22, and a matrix wiring process 23. The string wiring process 22 and the matrix wiring process 23 are arranged on a common machine base. Between the interconnector joining process 21 and the string wiring process 22, a transport conveyor 28 is disposed as a transport device that transports the solar cells 11 to which the interconnector 12 is joined one by one in the X direction. Between the string wiring step 22 and the matrix wiring step 23, there is provided a lift-and-carry type transfer device 29 for transferring a predetermined number of solar cell groups aligned in the Y direction orthogonal to the transfer direction of the transfer conveyor 28. ing.

  In the interconnector joining step 21, a plurality of interconnector supply devices 32 that supply the interconnector 12 wound around the bobbin 31 to a predetermined position and solar cells 11 stored in the solar cell stocker 33 are stacked in a vertical direction. A solar cell supply device 34 is provided to supply a predetermined position. Further, the interconnector joining step 21 is provided with a working robot 36 that can move in the X, Y, and Z directions on the guide rail 35.

  The interconnector supply device 32 pulls the interconnector 12 wound around the bobbin 31 in the Y direction, cuts it to a predetermined length, and supplies the cut interconnector 12 to a predetermined position where it can be adsorbed by the work robot 36. The interconnector 12 supplied to the predetermined position is adsorbed by the work robot 36 and mounted on a table (53A, 53B) described later.

  The working robot 36 includes a Y slide 37 supported to be movable in the Y direction along the guide rail 35, an X slide 38 supported to be movable in the X direction on the Y slide 37, and the X slide 38. A Z slide 39 supported so as to be movable in the Z direction, and a mounting head 41 and a flux application head 42 installed on the Z slide 39 are provided.

  A suction head 43 as shown in FIG. 5 is attached to the mounting head 41. The suction head 43 includes a suction head main body 45 supported by a support portion 44 fixed to the mounting head 41 so as to be relatively movable in a vertical direction by a predetermined amount. The suction head main body 45 is interposed between the support head 44 and the suction head main body 45. It is normally held at the lower end by the biasing force of the inserted spring 46. The suction head body 45 is provided with a plurality of cell suction pads 47 and a plurality of interconnector suction pads 48. Four cell suction pads 47 are arranged apart from each other in the X and Y directions so that the four corners of the thin-walled solar battery cell 11 can be sucked and held. A plurality of interconnector suction pads 48 are arranged in a straight line so as to be suction-held at a plurality of locations in the direction.

  The cell suction pad 47 and the interconnector suction pad 48 are opened with a vacuum passage 40 (see FIG. 6) connected to a vacuum source (not shown) via the switching valve 50. By switching the switching valve 50, the cell suction pad Either 47 or the interconnector suction pad 48 is connected to a vacuum source.

  Of the four cell suction pads 48, the pad holder 49 to which the two cell suction pads 47A arranged in the X direction or the Y direction are fixed is a predetermined amount with respect to the suction head main body 45 as shown in FIG. It is slidably supported and is normally held at the protruding end by the biasing force of a spring 51 inserted between the suction head main body 45. However, when the cell suction pad 47 is connected to the vacuum source via the switching valve 50, the cell suction pad 47 moves backward by a predetermined amount against the biasing force of the spring 51 due to the differential pressure between the vacuum pressure and the atmospheric pressure. It has come to be.

  Accordingly, when the solar cells 11 stacked in the vertical direction are sucked and held by the cell suction pads 47, the switching is performed in a state where the four cell suction pads 47 are brought into contact with the solar cells 11 by the urging force of the spring 46. When the valve 50 is switched to connect the cell suction pad 47 to a vacuum source, the two movable cell suction pads 47A are retracted by a predetermined amount against the biasing force of the spring 46 due to the differential pressure. As a result, the solar cell 11 adsorbed on the movable cell adsorption pad 47A is slightly bent, and the first solar cell 11 and the second solar cell from the upper side that are adsorbed and held on the cell adsorption pad 47. A gap is generated between the cell 11 and the cell 11. Therefore, by blowing air or the like into the generated gap with an air supply device (not shown), it is possible to prevent two or more solar cells 11 from being adsorbed to the cell adsorption pad 47 in a stacked state. Only one uppermost solar cell 11 can be reliably adsorbed and held.

  The flux application head 42 applies flux to the positive electrode of the interconnector 12 or the solar battery cell 11. The interconnector joining step 21 includes a suction posture confirmation camera 52 for confirming the suction posture of the solar cells 1 and the interconnector 12 sucked by the suction pads 47 and 48 of the mounting head 41.

  As shown in FIG. 7, a pair of mounting bases 53A and 53B with a built-in heater are installed side by side in the X direction on the support frame 54 at the interconnector joining work position TP for joining the interconnectors 12. ing. On these mounting bases 53A and 53B, the interconnector 12 and the solar battery cell 11 are mounted by the mounting head 41 of the working robot 36, and the positive electrode of the mounted interconnector 12 and the solar battery cell 11 is attached. The flux is applied by the flux application head 42.

  A movable body 55 is supported on the support frame 54 so as to be movable along the X direction, and can be moved between the two mounts 53A and 53B by a belt drive device 56 driven by a drive motor 59. A thermocompression bonding head 57 incorporating a heater is supported on the moving body 55 so as to be movable up and down along a pair of guide bars 58. So that the interconnector 12 and the solar battery cell 11 are crimped while being heated, so that the interconnector 12 is electrically joined to the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the solar battery cell 11 through the flux. It has become.

  That is, first, a pair of interconnectors 12 is mounted on the mounting bases 53A and 53B at the interconnector joining work position TP, and flux is applied to predetermined positions on the interconnectors 12. Next, the solar battery cell 11 is mounted on the pair of interconnectors 12 with the positive electrode facing up, and the flux is applied to the positive electrode of the solar battery cell 11. Next, a pair of interconnectors 12 are mounted on the positive electrode of the solar battery cell 11. In this state, the thermocompression bonding head 57 is moved to the upper position of the mounting base 53A (or 53B) together with the moving body 55, and the solder is melted by moving down to the upper position of the mounting table 53A (or 53B). The interconnectors 12 are joined to each other. In this case, the interconnector 12 joined to the plus side electrode of the solar battery cell 11 and the interconnector 12 joined to the minus side electrode are clearly shown in FIG. The end portions are joined so as to protrude in opposite directions.

  In this embodiment, since there are two mounting bases 53A and 53B, while the interconnector 12 and the solar cell 11 are sequentially mounted on one mounting base 53A (53B), the other mounting base is provided. On 53B (53A), the interconnector joining work by the thermocompression bonding head 57 can be performed, and the interconnector joining work can be efficiently performed.

  The above-described interconnector supply device 32, solar cell supply device 34, working robot 36, thermocompression bonding head 57, etc. constitute an interconnector joining device.

  In the string wiring process 22, an interconnector supply device 61 that supplies the interconnector 12 wound around the bobbin 60 to a predetermined position, and a work robot 63 that can move in the X, Y, and Z directions on the guide rail 35. Is provided.

  The working robot 63 includes a Y slide 65 supported so as to be movable in the Y direction along the pair of guide rails 35, an X slide 66 supported so as to be movable in the X direction on the Y slide 65, and an X slide 66. It has a Z slide 67 supported so as to be movable in the Z direction, and a mounting head 68 installed on the Z slide 67.

  The mounting head 68 is attached with the same suction head (not shown) as shown in FIG. 5, and the solar cells (interconnector 12 is connected by the interconnector joining step 21) transported to a predetermined position by the transport conveyor 28. The joined solar cells 11 are adsorbed by an adsorption head, and a predetermined number (six in the embodiment) of solar cells on the cell support base 69 installed in the string wiring step 22 along the Y direction. 11 (hereinafter referred to as a Y-direction solar cell group) are aligned. The above-described mounting head 68 and the like constitute an arrangement device that arranges a predetermined number of solar cells 11 in the Y direction.

  In this case, the solar cells 11 aligned on the cell support base 69 along the Y direction are mounted with their working postures changed by the work robot 63 so that the directions in the X direction are alternately reversed. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the solar cells 11 in the odd-numbered rows (first row, third row...) Of the Y-direction solar cell group have inner connectors 12 joined to the plus side electrodes. The solar cells 11 are arranged so as to protrude from the right end (in FIG. 1) of the solar cells 11, whereas the solar cells 11 in the even-numbered rows (second row, fourth row...) Are joined to the negative electrode. The arranged inner connector 12 is disposed so as to protrude from the right end of the solar battery cell 11. Here, a predetermined number of solar cells 11 arranged in the X direction constitute a solar cell submodule.

  And the protrusion end of the inner connector 12 joined to the plus side electrode (minus side electrode) of the photovoltaic cell 11 located at both ends in the X direction, and the minus side electrode (plus side electrode) adjacent to this in the Y direction. A plurality of solar cell submodules constituting the solar cell module 10 are connected in series by joining the protruding ends of the inner connectors 12 joined to each other by a matrix interconnector described later.

  A predetermined number of Y-direction solar cell groups aligned on the cell support table 69 are lifted from the cell support table 69 by the lift-and-carry-type transport device 29 ascending, advancing, and descending, and the string wiring work position. It is transported to the SP and supported by a support base (not shown).

  Then, the interconnector 12 of the Y-direction solar cell group transported to the string wiring work position SP by the transport device 29 and the preceding Y-direction solar cell group supported by a support base (not shown) The plurality of heaters 71 attached to the string wiring head 70 shown in FIG. 8 are crimped while being heated and are electrically joined (wired).

  The string wiring head 70 is supported by a portal-type slide base 72 supported on a support base 74 so as to be movable in a predetermined amount in the X direction. In the string wiring head 70, the same number of heaters 71 as the Y direction solar cell groups arranged along the Y direction are arranged at the same interval as the solar cells 11. When the Y-direction solar cell groups are aligned in the X direction, the string wiring head 70 is positioned between the Y-direction solar cell groups adjacent to each other in the X direction by the movement of the slide base 72 in the X direction. By being lowered in that state, the two interconnectors 12 protruding from the adjacent solar cells 11 are crimped by the plurality of heaters 71. Thereby, the solder coated on the interconnector 12 by the heater 71 is melted, and a plurality of interconnectors 12 of the preceding solar battery cell 11 group and a plurality of interconnectors of the solar battery cell 11 group adjacent to this in the X direction. 12 are electrically joined.

  The interconnector supply device 61 draws the interconnector 12 wound around the bobbin 60 in the Y direction and cuts it to a predetermined length. The interconnector 12 is sucked by the suction pad of the mounting head 68 of the work robot 63. It is supplied to a predetermined position. The interconnector 12 supplied to the predetermined position is attracted by the suction pads of the mounting head 68 and is added to the end of the interconnector 12 protruding from the solar electronic cells 11 arranged at both ends in the X direction ( 1), the matrix interconnector 14 is joined to the joint portion 13 in the matrix wiring process 23.

  The string wiring step 22 is provided with a suction posture confirmation camera 73 for checking the suction posture of the solar battery cell 11 sucked by the suction head of the mounting head 68.

  The interconnector supply device 61, the work robot 63, the string wiring head 70, and the like constitute a string wiring device.

  In the matrix wiring process 23, the matrix interconnector supplying device 76 that supplies the matrix interconnector 14 (see FIG. 1) wound around the bobbin 75 and the guide rail 35 can be moved in the X, Y, and Z directions. A working robot 78 is provided.

  The matrix interconnector supply device 76 can draw out the matrix interconnector 14 wound around the bobbin 75 in the Y direction and cut it into a predetermined length, and can suck the cut matrix interconnector 14 by the suction head of the work robot 78. A predetermined position is supplied. The matrix interconnector 14 supplied to the predetermined position is adsorbed by the adsorption head of the working robot 78 and arranged at both ends in the X direction, and the end of the interconnector 12 of the solar cell 11 adjacent in the Y direction. Installed between.

  The working robot 78 includes a Y slide 80 supported so as to be movable in the Y direction along the pair of guide rails 35, an X slide 81 supported so as to be movable in the X direction on the Y slide 80, and an X slide 81. It has a Z slide 82 supported on the Z slide so as to be movable in the Z direction, and a mounting head 83 and a matrix interconnector joining head 84 installed on the Z slide 82.

  The mounting head 83 is attached with the same suction head (not shown) as shown in FIG. 5, and the predetermined length of the interconnector 12 supplied to the predetermined position is sucked by the suction pad, so that the X direction The solar electronic cells 11 arranged at both ends are mounted between interconnectors 12 (additional portions 13) respectively joined to the positive and negative electrodes of the solar electronic cells 11 adjacent in the Y direction. The matrix interconnector joining head 84 is mounted between the end portions (additional portions 13) of the interconnectors 12 joined to the plus side and minus side electrodes of the solar electron cells 11 adjacent in the Y direction. The connector 14 is joined by heating (joining). Thereby, all of the Xm × Yn solar cells 11 formed into a matrix are electrically connected in series.

  The matrix wiring step 23 is provided with a suction posture confirmation camera 86 for checking the suction posture of the matrix interconnector 14 sucked by the suction head of the mounting head 83.

  A matrix wiring device is constituted by the working interconnector 78 provided with the matrix interconnector supply device 76, the mounting head 83, and the matrix interconnector joining head 84 described above.

  As described above, the steps 21, 22, and 23 are modularized, and a manufacturing system is constructed by arranging the same device configuration in each of the steps 21, 22, and 23. That is, with respect to the machine base common to each process, various units (mounting heads 41, 68, 83 for mounting and transporting the solar cells 11 and the interconnector 12, and the flux application head 42, according to functions and applications, The thermocompression bonding head 57, the solar battery cell supply device 34, the interconnector supply devices 32, 61, 76, the transport device 29, etc.) are combined, and units (work robots 36, 63, 78, interconnector supply device 32) having the same configuration are combined. , 61, 76, etc.) are made common to construct a manufacturing system.

  Next, the manufacturing method which manufactures the solar cell module 10 based on above-described embodiment is demonstrated.

  First, in the interconnector joining step 21, the interconnector 12 is pulled out from the bobbin 31 of the interconnector supply device 32 in the Y direction, cut to a predetermined length, and sequentially supplied to predetermined positions that can be attracted by the work robot 36. Is done. The interconnector 12 having a predetermined length supplied to the predetermined position is sucked and held by the interconnector suction pad 48 attached to the mounting head 41, and its attitude is changed by 90 degrees. Then, as the work robot 36 moves in the X, Y, and Z directions, one mounting base 53A (53B) disposed at the interconnector joining work position TP in a posture in which the linear direction of the interconnector 12 is parallel to the X direction. Mounted on top. Subsequently, the interconnector 12 is mounted on one mounting base 53A in the same manner as described above, whereby a pair of first interconnectors 12A are arranged in parallel on the mounting base 53A. Subsequently, the flux is applied to the upper surface of the pair of interconnectors 12 mounted on the mounting table 53A by the flux application head 42 at a plurality of locations.

  Next, the solar cells 11 stacked on the solar cell stocker 33 are adsorbed and held by the cell adsorbing pads 47 attached to the mounting head 41, and the work robot 36 moves in the X, Y, and Z directions to move on the table 53A. Are mounted on the pair of interconnectors 12 mounted on the. Here, when the cell suction pad 47a mounted on the movable pad holding body 49 among the plurality (four) of cell suction pads 47 sucks and holds the solar cells 11 stacked in the vertical direction, Quantitatively set back. Thereby, the solar battery cell 11 is slightly bent, and a gap is generated between the first and second solar battery cells 11, and air is blown into the gap from an air supply device (not shown). One solar battery cell 11 can be reliably sucked and held on the cell suction pad 47. Subsequently, the flux is applied to the electrodes on the upper surface of the solar battery cell 11 mounted on the mounting table 53 </ b> A by the flux application head 42.

  Thereafter, in the same manner as described above, the two interconnectors 12 drawn out from the bobbin 31 of the interconnector supply device 32 and cut to a predetermined length are sucked and held by the interconnector suction pad 48, and then placed on the mounting table 53A. Are sequentially mounted on the solar cells 11 mounted on the.

  In this case, the interconnectors 12 mounted below and above the solar cells 11 are arranged so as to protrude in opposite directions from the end portions of the solar cells 11.

  When the solar battery cell 11 and the interconnector 12 are mounted on the upper and lower sides thereof on the mounting table 53A, the moving body 55 is moved in the X direction, and the thermocompression bonding head 57 is mounted with the solar battery cell 11 and the interconnector 12. It is moved to a position above one of the mounting bases 53A. In this state, the thermocompression bonding head 57 is lowered, and the solar battery cell 11 and the interconnector 12 are lightly crimped between the thermocompression bonding head 57 and the mounting base 53A while being heated. As a result, the solder coated on the interconnector 12 is melted, and the interconnector 12 is joined to the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the solar battery cell 11 (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

  In this case, since the two mounting bases 53A and 53B are provided at the interconnector joining work position TP, the interconnector 12 and the solar battery cell 11 are mounted on one mounting base 53A (53B). In the other mounting base 53B (53A), the interconnector joining work by the thermocompression bonding head 57 can be performed, and the interconnector joining work can be efficiently performed.

  The solar cells 11 that have completed the interconnector joining step 21 are transported to the transport conveyor 28 by the work robot 36, and the solar cells 11 are transported to the next string wiring step 22 by the transport conveyor 28.

  The solar cells 11 transported to the string wiring step 22 by the transport conveyor 28 are attracted to the suction head of the work robot 63 and aligned on the cell support base 69 along the Y direction. In this case, the solar cells 11 aligned along the Y direction have the interconnector 12 joined to the upper surface of the solar cell 11 and the interconnector 12 joined to the lower surface of the solar cell 11 shown in FIG. The posture is changed so as to protrude alternately from the right end of the.

  In this way, when a predetermined number (six) of solar cells 11 are arranged on the cell support base 69 in the Y direction, the m-th column is formed by the lift-and-carry transfer device 29 provided in the string wiring step 22. The Y-direction solar cell group is transported to the string wiring work position SP aligned with the preceding m-1th row Y-direction solar cell group in the X direction.

  When the m-th row Y-direction solar cell group and the (m-1) -th row Y-direction solar cell group are aligned at the string wiring work position SP, the string-wiring head 70 and the string-wiring head 70 are moved together. A plurality of (six) heaters 71 that are advanced by a predetermined amount in the X direction and attached to the string wiring head 70 are overlapped and positioned between the Y-direction solar cell groups in the m-th row and the (m-1) -th row. It is positioned at a position above the protruding end of the interconnector 12. In this state, when the string wiring head 70 is lowered, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the projecting end of the interconnector 12 joined to the upper surface side of the solar battery cell 11 and the sun adjacent to the protruding end. The protruding end of the interconnector 12 joined to the lower surface side of the battery cell 11 is pressure-bonded, the solder coated on the interconnector 12 is melted by the heater 71, and two rows of Y-direction solar cell groups adjacent to each other in the X-direction. Join. The joined Y-direction solar cell group is lifted and carried by a lift and carry transport device (not shown) different from the transport device 29 by one pitch (corresponding to the X-direction dimensions of the solar cells 11). It is conveyed toward. In this case, the lift-and-carry transfer device can be configured integrally with the transfer device 29. By repeating such operations, six rows of Y-direction solar cell groups joined in the X direction are manufactured.

  In addition, the interconnector 12 of the solar cell module 10 in the foremost row (X-direction head) of the Y-direction solar cell group is connected to the interconnector 12 for adding a matrix interconnector 14 as will be described later. Are joined. That is, the connecting interconnector 12 is pulled out from the bobbin 60 of the interconnector supply device 61 in the Y direction, cut to a predetermined length, and sequentially supplied to a predetermined position where it can be sucked by the suction head of the mounting head 68. The connecting interconnector 12 supplied to a predetermined position is sucked and held by the sucking head of the mounting head 68 and protrudes from the right end portion of the solar electronic cell 11 by the movement of the working robot 63 in the X, Y, and Z directions. It is mounted on the end of the interconnector 12. Thereafter, the connecting portion 12 is joined by crimping the connecting interconnector 12 with the string wiring head 70 while applying heat. Similarly to the interconnector 12 protruding from each solar cell 11 of the Y-direction solar cell group in the last row in the X direction, the adder 13 is joined to the interconnector 12 for extension.

  On the other hand, in the matrix wiring step 23, the interconnectors 12 projecting from the first and second rows of solar cells 11 in the frontmost Y-direction solar cell group, that is, the positive side of one of the solar cells 11 A matrix interconnector 14 is mounted between the interconnector 12 joined to the electrode and the interconnector 12 joined to the negative electrode of the other solar battery cell 11. The matrix interconnector 14 is pulled out from the bobbin 75 of the matrix interconnector supply device 76 in the matrix wiring process 23 in the Y direction, cut to a predetermined length, and sucked and held by the suction head of the mounting head 83. It is mounted between the interconnectors 12. In the same manner, the matrix interconnector 14 projects between the interconnectors 12 projecting from the third and fourth rows of solar cells 11 and from the fifth and sixth rows of photovoltaic cells 11. Each is mounted between the interconnectors 12.

  In this state, the connection portion of the matrix interconnector 14 and the interconnector 12 is heated and crimped by a matrix wiring head (not shown) with a built-in heater, and the odd-numbered and even-numbered solar cells in the Y-direction solar cell group are heated. A positive electrode and a negative electrode of the battery cell 11 are connected in series.

  The interconnector 12 protruding from the second and third rows and the fourth and fifth rows of solar cells 11 in the Y-direction solar cell group in the last row is also used for the matrix as described above. The interconnectors 14 are connected to each other, whereby a solar cell submodule composed of solar cells 11 arranged in the X direction and a solar cell submodule adjacent to the solar cell submodule in the Y direction are connected in series. Are connected in series.

  In this way, the solar cell module 10 is manufactured, and the solar cell module 10 is conveyed to the next step by an appropriate conveying device, and is sealed between the cover glass and the back sheet to be a finished product.

  According to the first embodiment described above, the solar battery module 10 including the predetermined number of solar cells 11 arranged in the transport direction of the transport conveyor 28 and the direction orthogonal to the transport direction (XY direction) can be efficiently manufactured. It is possible to obtain a highly versatile solar cell module manufacturing method and manufacturing system that can easily cope with changes in the number of solar cells 11 in the XY directions.

  In the first embodiment described above, an example in which the interconnector 12 is joined with the positive electrode of the solar battery cell 11 as the upper surface has been described. However, the interconnector 12 with the negative electrode of the solar battery cell 11 as the upper surface is described. In this case, the flux is applied to the negative electrode of the solar battery cell 11.

  In the above-described first embodiment, the supply and joining of the interconnector 12 for addition can be performed in the matrix wiring process 23, and the string wiring process and the matrix wiring process are integrated into one process. It is also possible.

  FIG. 9 shows a modification of the solar cell module manufacturing system. In this modification, three sets of interconnector joining steps 21A, 21B, and 21C for performing the interconnector joining work, string wiring work and matrix wiring work are shown. The string and matrix wiring process 22A, which are performed in the same process, are arranged along the X direction.

  In the modification shown in FIG. 9, a transport conveyor 28 </ b> A as a double row transport device that transports the solar cells 11 for performing the joining work supplied from the previous process to each interconnector joining process 21 </ b> A, 21 </ b> B, 21 </ b> C. , 28B, and stock stands 88A, 88B for temporarily stocking the solar cells 11 are provided on both sides of the conveyors 28A, 28B.

  In each of the interconnector joining steps 21A to 21C, as described in the first embodiment, thermocompression bonding heads installed one by one with respect to a plurality of mounting bases at the interconnector joining work positions 87A to 87C. 57A to 57C, working robots 36A to 36C movable in the X, Y, and Z directions, interconnector supply devices 32A to 32C, and solar battery cell supply devices 34A to 34C are provided. The string and matrix wiring process 22A is configured to perform the same processing as described in the first embodiment in one process.

  In such a modified example, in order to efficiently join a large number of solar cells 11 fed from the previous process, a double-row transport conveyor 28A, 28B and a plurality of stock stands 88A, 88B are provided, and a double-row interface is provided. By the connector joining steps 21A to 21C, the interconnector joining work of the solar battery cells 11 can be processed within a predetermined time.

  According to the solar cell module manufacturing method and the manufacturing system according to the first embodiment described above, a manufacturing system (production line) is constructed by a module configuration in which a plurality of manufacturing steps having the same device configuration are arranged side by side. . Furthermore, various units (mounting heads for conveying solar cells and interconnectors, flux application heads, thermocompression bonding heads, solar cell supply devices, interconnector supply devices, etc., for a common machine stand according to functions and applications , A conveying device, etc.) can be combined to construct an arbitrary manufacturing system rich in versatility.

  In addition, since various units that can be combined in each manufacturing process are shared, the same unit (suction head 43 and the like) can be used not only in the same process but also in other processes.

  Therefore, as described in the above modification, the manufacturing process with the same configuration is added in consideration of the production amount (production throughput) and the like, as in the aspect in which the interconnector joining process is configured by a plurality of manufacturing processes. In addition, it is easy to increase the production amount per unit time, and it is also easy to cope by dividing the interconnector joining process into a plurality of manufacturing processes.

  Thus, by combining various units with a common machine stand, a manufacturing system that meets the needs of the user can be easily constructed.

  10 to 15 show a second embodiment of the present invention. The difference from the first embodiment is that the solar cells 11 adjacent to each other in the X direction (the transport direction of the solar cells 11). The plus side electrode and the minus side electrode are electrically connected by an interconnector 112 having a length sufficiently longer than the width dimension of one solar battery cell 11 and shorter than the width dimension of two adjacent solar battery cells 11. Thus, the joining work between the interconnectors is unnecessary. The size of the interconnector 112 may be about ± 10 mm with respect to the width of two solar cells 11.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 10, one end of the interconnector 112 is joined to the positive electrode of the solar cell 11, and one end of the interconnector 112 is joined to the negative electrode of the solar cell 11. And the other end of the interconnector 112 joined to the plus electrode (or minus electrode) of the solar battery cell 11 and joined to the minus electrode (or plus electrode) of the solar battery cell 11. The other end of the interconnector 112 is joined.

  10, the solar cell module manufacturing system in the second embodiment includes a first interconnector joining step 121A, a second interconnector joining step 112B, a string wiring step 122, and a matrix wiring step along the X direction. 123 are juxtaposed along the X direction. Through these first and second interconnector joining steps 121A and 121B and the string wiring step 122, transfer conveyors 128A to 128D serving as four rows of transfer devices are respectively arranged along the X direction.

  In the first and second interconnector joining steps 121A and 121B, as described in the first embodiment, the interconnector supply device 32 that supplies the interconnector 12 wound around the bobbin 31 to a predetermined position; Solar cell supply devices 34 that supply the solar cells 11 stored in the solar cell stocker 33 to a predetermined position in a state where a plurality of the solar cells 11 are vertically stacked are provided. Although not shown in the first and second interconnector joining steps 121A and 121B, there are working robots that are movable in the X, Y, and Z directions, each having a mounting head and a flux application head. Is provided.

  Further, in the first and second interconnector joining steps 121A and 121B, as described in the first embodiment, two mounting bases 153A and 153B for performing the interconnector joining work are respectively installed. A thermocompression bonding head (not shown) for joining the interconnector 112 and the solar battery cell 11 mounted on the mounting bases 153A and 153B by pressure bonding while heating is provided to be movable by a predetermined amount in the X direction.

  Here, first, the solar cell 11 is mounted on the mounting table 153A (153B) of the first interconnector joining step 121A with the positive electrode as the upper surface, and the upper surface (positive electrode of the solar cell 11) After the flux is applied, one end of the interconnector 112 is mounted on the solar battery cell 11, and the solar battery cell 11 and the interconnector 112 are crimped while being heated by a thermocompression bonding head (not shown). Are joined together.

  On the other hand, first, the interconnector 112 is mounted on the mounting base 153A (153B) of the second interconnector joining step 121B. After the flux is applied to the upper surface of one end of the interconnector 112, the interconnector 112 is mounted. The solar battery cell 11 is mounted on one end of the semiconductor battery 11 with the plus side electrode as the upper surface, and the interconnector 112 and the solar battery cell 11 are pressure-bonded while being heated and joined to each other by a thermocompression bonding head (not shown).

  In this way, two types of solar cells 11 are created, and the solar cells 11 (interconnector 112 joined to the plus electrode) created in the first interconnector joining step 121A are for work not shown. The robot is placed on the first transfer conveyor 128A by the robot and transferred to the string wiring step 122 by the first transfer conveyor 128A. On the other hand, the solar battery cell 11 (interconnector 112 is joined to the negative electrode) created in the second interconnector joining step 121B is placed on the second conveyor 128B by a work robot (not shown), 2 is conveyed to the string wiring process 122 by the second conveyor 128B.

  In the first and second interconnector joining steps 121A and 121B, the solar cell 11 located at the end of the solar cell module in the X direction is shorter than the interconnector 112 (first embodiment). The interconnector 112A joined to the positive and negative electrodes of the solar battery cell 11, respectively, is also prepared. These solar battery cells 11 are connected to the third and fourth conveyors 128C and 128D. And transported to the string wiring process 122.

  The string wiring process 122 includes a lift-and-carry type transport device 129 that supports the solar cells 11 transported by the second and fourth transport conveyors 128B and 128D, and an X, Y, Z equipped with a mounting head. An unillustrated working robot that can move in the direction is provided.

  The working robot moves the solar cells 11 transported by the second and fourth transport conveyors 128B and 128D onto the lift-and-carry transport device 129 in the Y direction (a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the solar cells 11). In the lift-and-carry type transfer device, the solar battery cell 11 having the interconnector 112 joined to the negative electrode is joined to the negative electrode of the preceding solar battery cell 11. This is for mounting from the lower surface of the interconnector 112. Then, as shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the lift-and-carry transport device 129 transports the solar cell 11 by the square motion S of descending → advancing → rising, and thus on the lift-and-carry transport device 129. The solar battery cell 11 can be joined from below the interconnector 12 joined to the preceding solar battery cell 11.

  On the other hand, the solar battery cell 11 in which the interconnector 112 is joined to the plus electrode is mounted from above the interconnector 12 joined to the plus electrode of the preceding solar battery cell 11 by the working robot.

  That is, when the interconnector 112 having a length straddling two adjacent solar cells 11 is used as in the second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. In the even-numbered columns, the subsequent solar cells 11 are joined from below the interconnector 12 joined to the negative side electrode of the preceding solar cells 11, and in the odd-numbered rows from the top in the Y direction, the preceding solar cells 11 are preceded. Subsequent solar cells 11 are joined from above the interconnector 12 joined to the positive electrode of the solar cells 11.

  Further, in the string wiring step 122, an interconnector supply device 61 that supplies an interconnector wound around the bobbin 60, and an upper surface of the interconnector 112 of the preceding solar battery cell 11 and the succeeding sun are not shown. On the upper surface of the battery cell 11, a flux application head for applying a flux and a joining head for joining the solar cells 11 of the adjacent Y-direction solar cell groups and the interconnector 112 are provided. The joining head is formed by arranging a plurality of heads having the same configuration as the thermocompression bonding head 57 (see FIG. 7) described in the first embodiment in the Y direction.

  In addition, the interconnector supply device 61 is for supplying the short interconnector 112 on the solar cell 11 of the front row or the last row.

  Further, in the matrix wiring process 123, a matrix interconnector supply device 76 that supplies the matrix interconnector 14 wound around the bobbin 75, and a work that is movable in the X, Y, and Z directions (not shown). A robot is provided, and the work robot is provided with a matrix interconnector mounting head and a joining head provided with a heater. The matrix interconnector 14 supplied by the matrix interconnector supply device 76 is cut to a predetermined length, adsorbed by the mounting head, and arranged in both ends in the X direction and adjacent to the solar cells 11 in the Y direction. A plurality of solar cells constituting the solar cell module 10 are mounted between the interconnectors 12 joined to the plus and minus electrodes of the solar cell module 10 and joined to each other via the matrix interconnector 14 by the joining head. Battery cells 11 are connected in series.

  Thus, in the second embodiment, in the interconnector joining steps 121A and 121B, one end of the interconnector 112 is joined to the plus side electrode of the solar battery cell 11, and the minus side electrode of the solar battery cell 11 is joined. One end of the interconnector 112 is joined to the solar cell 11 to which the interconnector 112 is joined to the preceding solar cell 11 using the lift and carry type transport device 129 in the string wiring process 122. While being disposed below and joined to the other end of the interconnector 112 joined, it was disposed from above the other end of the interconnector 112 joined to the preceding solar battery cell 11 and joined.

  Thus, as described in the first embodiment, the solar battery module 10 including the predetermined number of solar cells 11 in the XY direction can be efficiently manufactured, and the number of the solar cells 11 in the XY direction can be changed. A highly versatile solar cell module manufacturing method and manufacturing system that can be easily handled can be obtained, and it is not necessary to join interconnectors as described in the first embodiment.

  16, FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 show the third embodiment of the present invention. The difference from the first embodiment is that the solar cell (100) is in the X direction (conveyance of the solar cell 11). The + and-electrodes formed at both ends of the direction) are electrically connected in series with each other using metal fittings, and adjacent solar cells are connected without using an interconnector.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 17, on the first surface side of the solar battery cell 100, + (plus) electrode 100 a and − (minus) electrode 100 b are formed at both ends in the X direction, and the sun adjacent to the X direction. The positive electrode 100a and the negative electrode 100b of the battery cell 100 are connected to each other. For this purpose, as shown in FIG. 17A, first, cream solder 101 is applied to each of the electrodes 100a and 100b in a state where the + electrode 100a and the −electrode 100b of two adjacent solar cells 100 are opposed to each other. Apply. Next, as illustrated in FIG. 17B, a seal 102 having an adhesive surface is attached to opposite ends of the two solar cells 100, and the two solar cells 10 are temporarily joined by the seal 102. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 17C, the metal fitting 103 is mounted across the cream solder 101 applied to the electrodes 100a and 100b of the two solar cells 100, and thereafter the metal fitting 103 is attached by hot air. As shown in FIG. 17 (D), the cream solder 101 is melted and both ends of the metal fitting 103 are electrically joined to the two solar cells 100. Thereby, two adjacent photovoltaic cells 100 are electrically connected. In this case, instead of hot air, the metal fitting 103 may be pressure-bonded while being heated and bonded to the solar battery cell 100.

  FIG. 16 shows a solar cell module manufacturing system according to the third embodiment, in which a soldering step 111, a seal mounting step 112, and a metal fitting mounting step 113 are arranged in parallel along the X direction. Over the soldering process 111, the seal mounting process 112, and the metal fitting mounting process 113, three rows of conveying conveyors 114A to 114C are arranged along the X direction.

  In the soldering process 111, a solar cell supply device 122 that supplies the solar cells 100 stored in the solar cell stocker 121 to a predetermined position is provided. Although not shown, a working robot is provided that is movable in the X, Y, and Z directions and includes a mounting head and a cream solder application head.

  Further, in the soldering process 111, two mounting bases 123A and 123B are installed, and the solar cells 100 are transported to the mounting bases 123A and 123B by a working robot. A plurality of cream solders 101 (see FIG. 17A) are applied to the electrode 100a and the negative electrode 100b. The solar battery cell 100 coated with the cream solder 101 is transported to the first transport conveyor 114A and transported to the next seal mounting step 112.

  In addition, in the soldering process 111, cream solder is applied only to the + electrode 100a of the solar battery cell 100 or only to the negative electrode 100b for the solar battery cell 100 located at the end in the X direction of the solar battery module. The solar battery cells 100 are made, and the solar battery cells 100 are transported to the second or third transport conveyors 114B and 114C and transported to the fitting mounting step 112.

  In the seal mounting process 112, although not shown, a seal supply device that supplies a fixed-length seal 102 (see FIG. 17) having an adhesive surface, and moves in the X, Y, and Z directions with a mounting head Possible working robots are provided. The three types of solar cells 100 transported by the first to third transport conveyors 114 </ b> A to 114 </ b> C are sucked and held by the work robot and run along the Y direction (direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the solar cells 11). Then, a predetermined number (six) of solar cells 100 are aligned in the Y direction. In this case, the solar cells 100 aligned in the Y direction are alternately arranged so that the + electrodes 100a and the −electrodes 100b are in opposite directions. When the Y-direction solar cell group is completed by the predetermined number of solar cells 100, the Y-direction solar cell group is transported to the right in FIG. 16 by an unillustrated transport device and is adjacent to the preceding Y-direction solar cell group. Is done.

  In this way, when the Y-direction solar cell groups are arranged in two rows in the X direction, the metal fittings 103 supplied from the metal fitting supply device 126 are attracted and held by the work robot, and two rows adjacent in the X direction. The solar battery cell 100 is mounted so as to straddle the cream solder 101 applied on the + electrode 100a and the -electrode 100b (see FIG. 17C).

  In the metal fitting mounting step 113, a metal fitting supply device 126 for supplying the metal fitting 103 (see FIG. 17), hot air supply means for heating the metal fitting 103 attached to the solar battery cell 100, or a heater for pressure bonding the metal fitting 103 while heating it. And a matrix interconnector supply device 76 for supplying the matrix interconnector 14 for connecting the solar cells 100 adjacent in the Y direction, and a working robot movable in the X, Y, and Z directions. .

  In a plurality of rows of Y-direction solar cell groups to which the metal fittings 103 are attached, for example, the metal fittings 103 are heated by hot air supply means, the cream solder 101 is melted, and both ends of the metal fittings 103 are electrically connected to the two solar cells 100. To join. When the positive electrode 100a and the negative electrode 100b of the solar cell 100 of the Y direction solar cell group adjacent to each other in the X direction are electrically joined by the metal fitting 103, these Y direction solar cell groups are not shown in FIG. Is conveyed to the right in FIG. 16 by one pitch.

  Thus, when a plurality of rows (three rows in the third embodiment) of Y-direction solar cell groups are joined to each other in the X-direction, the predetermined length supplied from the matrix interconnector supply device 76 The matrix interconnector 14 is sucked and held by the working robot and is transported between the solar cells 100 adjacent to each other in the Y direction of the frontmost Y direction solar cell group as shown in FIG. The positive electrode 100a and the negative electrode 100b of the solar battery cells 100 adjacent to each other in the Y direction via the interconnector 14 are electrically joined. Similarly, the positive electrode 100a and the negative electrode 100b are electrically joined by the matrix interconnector 14 between the solar cells 100 adjacent in the Y direction of the Y direction solar cell group in the last row, as shown in FIG. In addition, a solar cell module 10 constituted by three rows of solar cells 100 in the X direction and six rows in the Y direction is manufactured.

  Thus, in the third embodiment, in the soldering step 111, the solder 101 is applied to the + electrode 100a and the -electrode 100b formed at both ends on the first surface side of the solar battery cell 100, In the seal mounting step 112, two solar cells 11 adjacent in the X direction are temporarily joined by the seal 102, and in the metal mounting step 113, the metal fitting 103 is connected to the + electrodes 100a of the two solar cells 11 adjacent in the X direction. -Attached over the solder 101 applied to each of the electrodes 100b, the metal fitting 103 was heated and pressed, and two solar cells 110 adjacent in the X direction were connected in series via the metal fitting 103.

  As a result, the solar cell module 10 including the predetermined number of solar cells 11 in the XY directions having the + electrode 100a and the − electrode 100b at both ends can be efficiently manufactured, and the adjacent solar cells 11 are used with an interconnector. Without being electrically connected.

  In addition, the solar cell module 10 of this invention is applicable to the thing provided with at least 2 photovoltaic cell 11 in a X direction and at least 2 in a Y direction.

  In the first embodiment described above, the interconnectors 12 bonded to the solar cells 11 adjacent in the X direction are bonded together while being heated, thereby melting and bonding the solder coated on the interconnector 12. However, it is also possible to apply cream solder or the like to the interconnector and join it, and according to this, it is not necessary to use an expensive interconnector coated with solder.

  Moreover, in the above-described embodiment, the example in which the two mounting bases 53A and 53B are installed at the interconnector joining work position has been described, but the mounting and joining of the solar battery cell 11 and the interconnector 12 are performed on one mounting base. The work may be performed alternately.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, in order to join the matrix interconnector 14 to the interconnector 12 of the solar cells 11 adjacent to each other in the Y direction of the frontmost row and the last row, a separate connection is provided at the end of the interconnector 12. Although the interconnector 12 is added, it is needless to say that the interconnector 12 need not be extended if the matrix interconnector 14 can be connected only by the interconnector 12 joined to the solar battery cell 11.

  Thus, the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the embodiments, and can take various forms without departing from the gist of the present invention described in the claims.

  The method and system for manufacturing a solar cell module according to the present invention is suitable for use in a solar cell module in which a plurality of solar cells arranged vertically and horizontally are electrically joined using an interconnector.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Solar cell module, 11 ... Solar cell, 12 ... Interconnector, 14 ... Matrix interconnector, 21 ... Interconnector joining process, 22 ... String wiring process, 23 ... Matrix wiring process, 28 ... Conveyor (conveyor) 32 ... Interconnector supply device, 33 ... Solar cell supply device, 36, 63, 78 ... Work robot, 43 ... Suction head, 53A, 53B ... Place, 57 ... Thermo-compression head, 70 ... Head for string wiring , TP ... interconnector work position, SP ... string wiring work position.

Claims (5)

An interconnector joining step for joining the interconnector to each of the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the solar cell;
The solar cells to which the interconnectors are joined are arranged in a plurality of rows in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the solar cells to form a solar cell group, and other solar cell groups adjacent to the solar cell group in the transport direction A string wiring step of stringing together a plurality of solar cells in the transport direction, joining each interconnector of the solar cell group to each other,
The interconnector of the solar cell submodule consisting of a plurality of solar cells stringed in the transport direction and the interconnector of the other solar cell submodule wired in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction are used for the matrix. A matrix wiring process for wiring each other via an interconnector;
The manufacturing method of the solar cell module characterized by including. A solar cell module manufacturing system for electrically wiring solar cells through an interconnector,
An interconnector supply device for supplying an interconnector, a solar cell supply device for supplying solar cells, and a positive electrode and a negative electrode of the solar cells supplied from the solar cell supply device, An interconnector joining device for joining the connectors;
A transport device for transporting the solar cells to which the interconnector is joined;
A plurality of solar cells to which the interconnectors are joined are aligned and arranged in the direction orthogonal to the transport device and the transport direction to form the solar cell group, and the solar cell group and the transport direction A string wiring device that joins interconnectors of other adjacent solar cell groups to each other and string-wires a plurality of solar cells in the transport direction;
The interconnector of the solar cell submodule consisting of a plurality of solar cells stringed in the transport direction and the interconnector of the other solar cell submodule wired in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction are used for the matrix. A matrix wiring device joined to each other via an interconnector;
A solar cell module manufacturing system comprising:   In Claim 2, the said interconnector joining apparatus has arrange | positioned the said interconnector to the positive | plus | minus side electrode of the mounting base for mounting | wearing with the said photovoltaic cell and the said interconnector, and the photovoltaic cell mounted to this mounting base. A solar battery module manufacturing system comprising: a thermocompression bonding head that joins the solar battery cell and the interconnector by heating in a state.   4. The solar cell module manufacturing system according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of the mounting bases are installed, and the thermocompression bonding head is movably provided between the mounting bases.   5. The string wiring device according to claim 2, wherein the string wiring device includes a plurality of heating means that press-bond and interconnect the interconnectors of the solar cell groups adjacent to the transfer device while heating them simultaneously. A solar cell module manufacturing system.

Images