WO2012150030A2

WO2012150030A2 - Laminating device for laminating components

Info

Publication number: WO2012150030A2
Application number: PCT/EP2012/001888
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jörg TALAGA; Andreas MÄNNIG
Original assignee: Centrotherm Photovoltaics Ag
Priority date: 2011-05-02
Filing date: 2012-05-02
Publication date: 2012-11-08
Also published as: DE102011100158B4; WO2012150030A3; DE102011100158A1

Abstract

A laminating device for laminating components, in particular for forming photovoltaic modules is described. The laminating device comprises at least one frame, which is adapted to support a plurality of laminating units on top of each other, at least two laminating units, which each comprise a first part which is fixedly mounted to the frame and a second part, which is movable relative to the frame and the first part, wherein the first or second part have a support unit for supporting components to be laminated, and at least one moving unit for each laminating unit for moving the second part between a closed position, in which it forms an enclosed chamber with the first part, and an open position, in which the first and second parts are spaced from each other, in order to enable access to an area between the first and second parts. Furthermore, the laminating device comprises at least one flexible membrane at the first and/or the second part, which faces towards the other part and which in the closed position of the second part forms a flexible wall element of the closed chamber, and means for respectively generating a pressure differential at opposite sides of the flexible membrane, in order to move the same towards the other part, wherein the closed chamber, the support unit and the flexible membrane are designed such that the components to be laminated may be pressed together by the flexible membrane. At least one control unit is provided, which is adapted to control movement of the two parts of the laminating units and the application of pressure to the respective flexible membrane of the laminating units for each laminating unit independent of an other laminating unit.

Description

Laminating device for laminating components

The present invention relates to a laminating device for laminating components, in particular for forming photovoltaic modules.

In the photovoltaic industry it is known to encapsulate one or more photovoltaic elements between two substrates, which may for example consist of glass, polymer foils or compound materials, for forming photovoltaic modules. In so doing, a stack of components is formed, comprising at least one first substrate, one or more adjacent photovoltaic elements and a second substrate, which stack is joined together in a laminating device under increased temperature and increased pressure. This process is denoted as laminating herein below. The first and second substrate may be of different materials.

One such device for simultaneously laminating a plurality of stacks of components is described in DE 10 2008 023 774 A1 . The laminating device described therein consists of a plurality of laminating units, arranged on top of each other, with each laminating unit having a bottom part, having a receptacle for components, and a top part having a flexible membrane. The bottom part and the top part of the laminating units are each supported in a movable manner in a common frame. All the bottom parts and the top parts may be moved simultaneously between a closed position and an open position via a moving mechanism. The moving mechanism in particular provides a pressure plate which may press from above all bottom parts and top parts downwards in a closed position. When the pressure plate is moved upwards, the bottom parts and the top parts also move upwards and take an open position. The respective bottom parts and top parts of each laminating unit are pressed together in the closed position and they form an airtight laminating chamber there between. The laminating chambers may each be evacuated and vented via a common conduit, which is formed by individual conduit elements. The individual conduit elements are spaced from each other in the open position of the bottom part and the top part and contact each other for forming a conduit in the closed position of the bottom parts and the top parts.

Even though this laminating device enables simultaneous lamination of a plurality of stacks of components and thus in substance a high throughput, a plurality of problems arise. For repair or maintenance work on a single laminating unit, for example upon damage of the flexible membrane, all laminating units have to be moved in an open position, since they are all commonly moved. Since all laminating units are evacuated/vented via a common conduit, only similar laminating processes may be performed in the respective laminating units. Individual, exceptional processes, which may for example require a longer application of pressure, cannot be performed simultaneous with other processes. In view of the configuration of the movement mechanism it is also not possible in an easy manner to change the number of laminating units. With a higher or lower number of laminating units the initial position, the stroke and possibly the pressing force of the movement mechanism may have to be changed. Adapting to different capacities is thus only possible at large leaps, by for example installation of an adjacent laminating device or with high effort. The laminating device is thus not flexible with respect to its throughput.

Starting from the above prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide a laminating device, which overcomes at least one of the above problems.

In accordance with the invention a laminating device for laminating components, in particular for forming photovoltaic modules in accordance with claim 1 is provided. Further embodiments of the invention may be found in the dependent claims.

The laminating device comprises a frame adapted to support a plurality of laminating units in a stacked arrangement and at least two laminating units, each comprising a first part fixedly connected to the frame and a second part, which is movable with respect to the frame and the first part, wherein the first or second part has a support unit for supporting components to be laminated. The laminating device comprises at least one moving unit for each laminating unit, in order to move the second part between a closed position, in which it forms an enclosed chamber together with the first part and an open position, in which the first and second parts are spaced from each other in order to allow access to an area between the first and second parts. The device also comprises at least one flexible membrane connected to the first and/or second part, which faces to the other part and which in the closed position of the second part forms a flexible wall portion of the enclosed chamber. Furthermore, means are provided for respectively generating a pressure differential at opposite sides of the flexible membrane in order to move the same towards or away from the other part, wherein the enclosed chamber, the support unit and the flexible membrane are designed such that components to be laminated may be pressed together by the flexible membrane. The device furthermore has at least one control unit, which is adapted to control movement of the respective second part of the laminating units and the application of pressure to the respective flexible membrane of the laminating units for each laminating unit independent from another laminating unit.

Such a laminating device enables arrangement of a plurality of laminating units on top of each other which may be individually operated, in particular, individually opened and supplied with pressure/vacuum, in order to provide a pressure differential at opposite sides of the flexible membrane. Thus, if a single unit fails, the other units arranged there above or there below may still be operated. Maintenance/repair of one unit is possible during operation of the other units, which leads to a high throughput. The units may perform the same processes simultaneously or in a staggered manner. When operating the units in a staggered manner, for example the peak load for a common pressure fluid source and/or a common vacuum source may be lowered. Due to the individual control, different processes may be performed simultaneously or in an overlapping manner. This enables high flexibility with respect to the laminating processes to be performed. Such a device also enables easy adaptation to different capacities, since individual units may be easily retrofitted.

In accordance with one embodiment, the first, fixed part is always a bottom part of the laminating unit and the second part is a top part thereof. This enables a good closure of the chamber in an easy manner, which is assisted by gravity. Preferably the first part supports the second part in a movable manner such that only the first part has to be connected to the frame. Preferably, the means for generating a pressure differential at opposite sides of the flexible membrane comprise a pressure fluid source and/or a vacuum source, in particular a common pressure fluid source and/or a vacuum source for a plurality of laminating units. Via a corresponding activation, for example via valves, the unit may be individually operated despite using a common pressure fluid source and/or vacuum source. A common pressure fluid source and/or vacuum source reduce the costs with respect to individual sources and furthermore increase the available pressures ranges, since a common source is typically designed bigger than a single source. For thermally promoting the laminating process in the laminating units, the first and/or second part of the laminating unit may comprise a heating element. The heating element may for example comprise a resistance heater and/or passages for conducting at least a thermal oil therethrough, which may be heated/cooled in an external unit, wherein the external unit is preferably capable of providing thermal oil to a plurality of laminating units on an individual basis. A resistance heater is particularly useful for individual temperature settings in the laminating units. The use of thermal oil, in particular the alternating use of heated and cooled thermal oil enables quick thermal cycles. Again a common external unit for heating/cooling may bring advantages with respect to costs over individual units without impacting individual control of the laminating units. This is also true for a heating element, which comprises a resistance heater and also passages for thermal oil. In one embodiment, the at least one heating element is supported by a frame, which is mounted to the first or second part in a removable or detachable manner, in order to allow exchange of the heating element. This may be advantageous for repair and maintenance purposes and also enables in an easy manner the flexible use of different heating elements in different laminating units due to the quick exchangeability.

In a similar manner the flexible membrane is carried by a frame, which is mounted to the first or second part in a removable or detachable manner, in order to enable an exchange of the flexible membrane. This enables in particular the quick exchange of a damaged membrane.

Preferably the laminating device has at least one frame element, which is mounted to the first or second part in a removable manner and which defines the heights of the chamber between the first and second part. This enables setting the respective laminating unit in an easy manner to different thicknesses of stacks of components, which increases the flexibility of the laminating device as a whole.

The laminating device may have at least one circumferential seal at one or more of the following elements: the first part, the second part and at least one frame, which is mounted to the first and/or second part in a removable manner, in order to radially seal the chamber in a closed condition.

In one embodiment the support unit comprises an integrated lift unit in order to lift a stack of components from a receiving surface of the support unit or to receive the same in a raised position in order to set down the same thereafter on the support surface of the support unit. This feature substantially facilitates loading and unloading of the stack of components. Preferably, the support unit is formed in substance by the heating element, in order to provide direct contact between the stack of components and the heating element and to thereby enable good heat transfer. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the laminating device has a common loading/unloading station, which may for example have at least one loading/unloading robot. The loading/unloading station is adapted to load a stack of components into respective laminating units and/or to unload the (laminated) stack of components therefrom, wherein loading may be controlled in an individual and/or group wise manner. In particular, a loading/unloading robot and the loading/unloading station, respectively, may have a plurality of support arms, which each may load or unload a stack of components into or from one of the plurality of laminating units. The arms should be individually pivotable or movable along one or more axes, in order to be movable into and out of the loading/unloading area of a laminating unit. Naturally, only a single support arm for individually loading/unloading of substrates may be provided.

The application will be described herein below in more detail with reference to the drawings:

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of a laminating device having a plurality of laminating units in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 2 is a schematic sectional view through a bottom part of a laminating unit according to the invention; and

Fig. 3 is a schematic sectional view through a top part of a laminating unit according to the invention.

In the following description reference to locations and directions primarily relate to the representation in the drawings and should thus not be seen in a limiting manner. They may, however, also refer to a preferred arrangement. Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of a laminating device 1 having a frame 4, a plurality of laminating units 2, which are received in the frame 4, and a supply unit 6. The laminating device 1 may further comprise a loading/unloading robot, not shown, which will be explained in more detail herein below. The laminating device may be part of a laminating system which has for example at least one input unit and at least one output unit for inputting of components (or stacks of components) and for outputting laminated stacks of components.

In accordance with Fig. 1 , altogether twelve laminating units 2 are arranged within the frame 4. The frame 4 has four mounts or beams 8. The mounts or beams 8 are spaced such that three horizontally spaced receiving spaces for laminating units 2 are formed. The mounts each have at least four vertically spaced mounting parts, which face towards the receiving space. Thus, in each receiving space 10, four laminating units may be mounted on top of each other on the mounts 8. Obviously, the number of laterally spaced mounts and also of the vertically spaced mounting units is only an example and depends on the circumstances, the surrounding and the required capacity of the laminating device 1. In the vertical direction, at least two spaced mounting parts for laminating units 2 should be provided. Typically, more than 5 to 7 mounting parts are provided in the vertical direction to avoid the laminating device 1 becoming too high and thus making access to the upper laminating units for maintenance and/or repair purposes difficult. The number of the laterally spaced mounts depends on the required capacity and the available space, as the skilled person will recognize. If space is available, the laminating device may be easily extended.

Within or on the mounts 8, conduits may be provided, which in the vicinity of the mounting parts have a connector for connecting to the laminating units 2. Via these connectors, the laminating units 2 may be easily supplied with pressurized fluid, vacuum, thermal oil and/or electrical power. The conduits may be formed as common rails for the different media in order to be able to supply a plurality of laminating units 2 with the respective media. Typically pressurized air or a different pressurized gas is used at the pressurized fluid. Liquids are typically not used as pressurized fluid, but fluids are not barred from being used.

The conduits may each be connected to a common supply for the media in the vicinity of the supply unit 6.

The laminating units 2 each have a lower part 20 and an upper part 22, which may be moved relatively to each other via a moving or drive unit, which is not shown. The drive unit may be part of the laminating unit 2 or may also be an external unit, which may for example be mounted to the mount 8. The lower part 20 and the upper part 22 are formed such that they may form a closed laminating chamber there between, as will be explained in more detail herein below. The lower part 20 or the upper part 22 of each laminating unit 2 is fixedly mounted between two mounts 8 of the frame 4. In the preferred embodiment, the lower part 20 is fixedly mounted between two mounts 8 of the frame 4, while the upper part 22 is movably mounted relative to the lower part 20 and thus the frame 4. In particular, the lower part 20 may support the upper part 22 and guide the same for relative movement thereto. In so doing, mounting of the laminating unit 2 is facilitated, since only the lower part has to be mounted to the frame 4.

The lower part 20 has a lower plate element 24, a first frame element 26, a reinforcement and/or insulating plate 28, a second frame element 30, a heating plate 32 and a vacuum connector 34.

The plate element 24 may for example be a rectangular metal plate, which forms a base member for the lower part 20. The first frame element 26 surrounds the plate element 24 and projects upward with respect to the plate element 24 in order to form a receptacle for the reinforcement and/or insulating plate 28. The first frame element 26 may also be of metal and is fixedly connected to the plate element 24 or may also be formed integral therewith. In the plate element, for example in a peripheral area, i.e. for example directly adjacent to the frame element 26, a passage for a conduit of the vacuum connector 34 is provided. The reinforcement and/or insulating plate 28 has in substance the same circumferential dimensions as the plate element 24 and is received in the receptacle, which is formed by the plate element 24 and the first frame element 26. The reinforcement and/or insulating plate 28 may be of any suitable material, which provides a reinforcement for the plate element 24. It may also, alternatively or additionally provide thermal insulation, since the reinforcement and/or insulating plate 28 carries the heating plate 32, as will be explained in more detail herein below. The reinforcement and/or insulating plate 28 has a vertically extending passage in the area of the vacuum connector, which is aligned with the passage in the plate element 24.

The second frame element 30 comprises a rectangular form having the same circumferential dimensions as the first frame element 26 and is placed on the first frame element 26 and may be mounted thereto via a detachable mounting device. Between the first and second frame elements a circumferential seal 36 is arranged. On the upper side of the second frame element 30, a further circumferential seal 36 is provided. The second frame element 30 has a plurality of not shown inwardly projecting supports, which support the heating plate 32 at a distance to the inner circumference of the second frame element 30, Thus, between the outer circumference of the heating plate 32 and the inner circumference of the second frame element 30 a circumferential channel 37 is formed. This channel 37 is fluidly connected to the vacuum connector 34.

The heating plate 32 has a not shown resistance heating element and a plurality of not shown passages for at least one fluid such as a thermal oil. The resistance heating element is connectable to a current supply for example in the supply unit 6 via a respective connector. The passages may be connected via respective connectors to at least one external supply for thermal oil, which may for example be arranged in the supply unit 6. Preferably, the passages may be connected to different supplies, which on the one hand may supply heated thermal oil and on the other hand supply cooled thermal oil. In so doing, both heating and cooling may be achieved via the heating plate 32. It would also be possible that the heating plate 32 only comprises a resistance heating element or passages for thermal oil. The heating plate 32 could also have a different heating mechanism. The heating plate may have a plurality of individually programmable heating zones. A typical temperature range for the temperature which may be achieved with the heating plate 32 lies between 20°C to 250°C and a typical heating power is in the range of 10 kW/m² to 200 kW/m². The temperature in the heating zones of the heating plate may be measured, controlled and/or displayed via one or more thermocouple, in particular Pt100. A separate overheating protection may be provided for each heating zone.

The heating plate 32 forms a flat, upwardly facing support surface 38, which may form the receptacle for a stack of components. Further, in the area of the heating plate, an optional, not shown lift unit may be provided, which may have a plurality of support pins, which extend through the heating plate and which are movable in a vertical direction via an actuator. In particular, the support pins may be moved between a position extending above the support surface 38 and a position below the support surface 38. This facilitates easy loading and unloading of stacks of components via the support pins which may space the stack of components from the support surface 38 and thus allow a substrate carrier to move there under.

The vacuum connector 34 may be connected via a respective conduit and a valve 39 to a vacuum source, which may for example be provided in the supply unit 6.

The upper part 22 has a top or cover element 44, a third frame element 46, a reinforcement plate 48, a fourth split frame element 50, which carries a flexible membrane 52 and which may be opened and closed via a quick release fastener 54 for clamping the flexible membrane 52. Furthermore, optionally a protection foil 62 may be provided at the upper part 22.

The top element 44 may for example be a rectangular metal plate, which acts as a cover for the upper part 22. It may have the same dimensions as the plate element 24 of the lower part 20 and has for example a central passage for a conduit 56 of a connector 58. The third frame element 46 surrounds the top element 44 and projects downwards with respect to the top element 44, in order to form an open receptacle facing downwards for the reinforcement plate 48. The third frame element 46 may also be of metal and is fixedly connected to the top element 44 or may also be formed integral therewith. The third frame element has in substance the same circumferential dimensions as the second frame element 30. The reinforcement plate 48 has substantially the same circumferential dimensions as the top element 44 and is received in the receptacle formed by the top element 44 and the third frame element 46. The reinforcement plate 48 may be of any suitable material, which provides reinforcement for the top element 44. The reinforcement plate has a passage for the conduit 56 of the connector 58, which is aligned with the passage in the top element 44.

The fourth frame element 50 has a rectangular form having the same circumferential dimensions as the third frame element 46 and is connected thereto via a detachable fastening device. The fourth frame element 50 is a two-part (split) element, such that the flexible membrane 52 may be clamped between the two parts. The two parts of the fourth frame element 46 may be clamped against each other by a quick release fastener 54, in order to securely hold the clamped flexible membrane 52. The flexible membrane 52 is made of a suitable inert material which does not provide contamination for the stack of components, such as Silicon, Lamibran® or a similar material. The flexible membrane 52 typically has a thickness in the range of 1 to 10 mm. A circumferential seal 60 is arranged between the third and fourth frame elements 46, 50. At the bottom of the fourth frame element 50 a further circumferential seal 60 is provided. A protective foil 62 for example made of Tedlar®, is spanned across the lower face of the upper part 22, and may be mounted to the upper part 22 via the quick release fastener 54.

The connector 58 may be connected via a valve 66 to a vacuum source (for example in the area of the supply unit 6) in order to supply vacuum to an area above the membrane 52, to thus pull the same upwards towards the top element 44. Additionally, the connector could also be connected to a pressurized fluid source (for example in the area of the supply unit 6), in order to generate a positive pressure above the flexible membrane 52, to thus push the membrane away from the top element 44.

The upper part 22 is movable relative to the lower part 20 and may be placed thereon such that the fourth frame element 50 directly (or via the protective foil 62) rests on the second frame element 30. Hereby a chamber is formed between the frame elements, wherein the flexible membrane 52 in combination with the protective foil 62 form the flexible upper wall of the chamber. By applying a vacuum via the connector 34 in the area of the channel 37, the chamber may be evacuated, wherein the flexible membrane 52 deforms downwards towards the lower part 20. When a stack of components is present on the heating plate 32, pressure may be applied thereto via the membrane, corresponding to the applied vacuum. Furthermore, a positive pressure may be applied to an area above the flexible membrane. In the area of the channel 37 and/or in the area above the flexible membrane 52 a pressure gauge may be provided in order to determine the respective pressure.

In the supply unit 6 different supply units for the laminating units 2 are provided. For example inter alia supply units for electrical power, pressurized fluid, in particular pressurized air, negative pressure or a vacuum and for heating and/or cooling fluid, such as thermal oil may be provided. Furthermore, the supply unit 6 may comprise a control unit which is adapted to drive or control the individual laminating units 2 individually and/or in groups. The control unit may also be adapted to control a loading/unloading station and/or a loading/unloading robot of the laminating device 1 (both of which are not shown), for loading and/or unloading laminating units 2 individually and/or in groups. For this purpose the loading/unloading station or the loading/unloading robot may have a plurality of support arms (in particular corresponding to the plurality of laminating units 2 arranged on top of each other), which may be controlled individually or groupwise, to possibly load or unload a plurality of the laminating units 2. The arms may be individually pivotable, in order to be able to be moved out of the loading/unloading area of a not currently served unit. It is also possible to only provide a single support arm for sequentially loading of the laminating units 2.

In the following, operation of the device 1 will be explained. Initially, a stack of components is received in an input unit. By sensoric control of the corner portions thereof the input unit may ensure that the stack of components is undamaged. After a successful damage check, the stack of components may be centered within the input unit. Thereafter the stack of components is transferred to the loading/unloading robot. The handover and transfer of the stack of components is affected along a first axis (Y) via a gripper system of the loading/unloading robot, which has an integrated lift system (Z-axis) for adjusting the heights. The gripper system is designed such that when a substrate carrier is used, it may encompass the same and may thus provide additional stability to the system. If no substrate carrier is used, the gripper system directly moves below the stack of components, in order to take over the same. In so doing an externally mounted clamp mechanism is used to fix the stack of components on the gripper system. The loading/unloading robot may move the gripper system by mechanical means in at least two axes (X, Z) and may position the same with respect to a laminating unit 2 to be served. The gripper system transfers the stack of components to the laminating unit 2. In particular, the stack of components may be placed on the support pins of the lift unit. Thereafter, the support pins may be lowered, in order to set the stack of components onto the heating plate 32. Alternatively with a respective design of the gripper system and/or the heating plate or when a substrate carrier is used , it is also possible to directly set the stack of components onto the heating plate 32. By respective activation of the movement unit, the laminating unit 2 is closed and the stack of components is received in the chamber formed between the upper and lower part. The stack of components is heated via the heating plate to a predetermined temperature which may for example be achieved via respective driving of the resistance heating element(s) and/or use of the thermal oil. Furthermore, the chamber is evacuated via the channel 37 and the connector 34, in order to evacuate the area below the flexible membrane 52. Furthermore, the area above the flexible membrane 52 is evacuated via the channel 56 and the connector 58 in order to pull the stack of components against the top element 48. The vacuum above the flexible membrane 52 may preferably be slightly higher than below the same. During the initial evacuation, which typically lasts 4 to 6 minutes, the stack of components may for example be heated to an intermediate temperature of 40 to 60°C. In the pressure phase following the same, the stack of components may for example be further heated at a rate of 3 to 15°C/s. At the end of the process time, cooling of the stack of components may be achieved while still applying pressure thereto. This may for example be controlled by using a cooling fluid which is conducted through the heating plate.

Subsequently the chamber is again vented and opened. After opening the chamber the gripper system take over the fixedly connected or laminated stack of components and transfers the same to an output unit.

The above sequences may be performed simultaneously in a plurality of the laminating units 2. They may also be performed individually in the individual laminating units 2. The individual laminating units 2 are in particular independent with respect to the process time as well as with respect to the temperatures and/or pressures used. Nevertheless, where it is desired, they may access common resources.

The invention was explained herein above with respect to a specific embodiment, without being limited to this specific embodiment.

Claims

A laminating device for laminating components, in particular for forming photovoltaic modules, said laminating unit comprising:

at least one frame, which is adapted to support a plurality of laminating units on top of each other;

at least two laminating units, which each comprise a first part which is fixedly mounted to the frame and a second part which is movable relative to the frame and to the first part, wherein the first or second part have a support unit for supporting components to be laminated;

at least one moving unit for each laminating unit for moving the second part between a closed position, in which it forms an enclosed chamber with the first part, and an open position, in which the first and second parts are spaced from each other, in order to allow access to an area between the first and second parts;

at least one flexible membrane at the first and/or the second part, which faces towards the other part and which in the closed position of the second part forms a flexible wall portion of the closed chamber;

means for respectively generating a pressure differential at opposite sides of the flexible membrane, in order to move the flexible membrane towards the other part, wherein the closed chamber, the support unit and the flexible membrane are designed such that the components to be laminated may be pressed together by the flexible membrane; and at least one control unit, which is adapted to control movement of the second parts of the laminating units and the application of pressure to the respective flexible membrane of the laminating units for each laminating unit independent of an other laminating unit.

Laminating device according to claim 1 , wherein the first part is always a lower part of the laminating unit and the second part is an upper part thereof.

3. Laminating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first part supports the second part in a movable manner.

4. Laminating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the means for generating a pressure differential at opposite sides of the flexible membrane comprise a pressure fluid source and/or a vacuum source, in particular a common pressure fluid source and/or a vacuum source for a plurality of laminating units.

5. Laminating device according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the first and/or second part comprise one or more heating elements.

6. Laminating device according to claim 5, wherein the heating element comprises a resistance heating element and/or passages for conducting at least one thermal oil therethrough, wherein said thermal oil may be heated/cooled in an external unit and wherein the external unit is preferably adapted to supply a plurality of laminating units individually with thermal oil.

7. Laminating device according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the heating element is supported by a frame, which is detachably mounted to the first or second part, in order to enable replacement of the heating element.

8. Laminating device according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible membrane is supported by a frame, which is detachably mounted to the first or second part, in order to enable replacement of the flexible membrane.

9. Laminating device according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises at least one frame element, which is detachably mounted to the first or second part, which frame element determines the heights of the chamber between the first and second parts.

10. Laminating device according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein at least one circumferential seal is provided at the first part and/or the second part and/or at least one frame provided at the first and/or second part, in order to radially seal the chamber in a closed condition.

11. Laminating device according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the support unit comprises an integrated lift unit, in order to lift a stack of components from a support surface of the support unit.

12. Laminating device according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the support unit is substantially formed by the heating element.

13. Laminating device according to anyone of the preceding claims, which further comprises a loading/unloading station, which is adapted to load and/or unload stacks of components into/from the laminating units, wherein loading may be controlled individually and/or group wise.

14. Laminating device according to claim 13, wherein the loading/unloading station comprises one support arm or a plurality of support arms, which support arm(s) are adapted to load and/or unload a plurality of laminating units simultaneously, wherein the arms are individually pivotable or movable along one or more axes, in order to pivot them out of a loading/unloading area of a laminating unit.