JP2013102042A - Cable connection device of solar cell module and connection method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and device for connecting a cable of a solar cell module capable of simplifying configuration of the device to decrease the number of steps, resulting in reduction in cost.SOLUTION: The cable connection device of a solar cell module includes a sucking opening 2 which has an opening part 6 and sucks a connector 12 connected to a solar cell module 10, an introduction part 3 which introduces the connector that has been sucked into the sucking opening, a sucking hose 5 which sucks the connector, a connection part 4 which connects the introduction part to one end of the sucking hose and connects a connection member to the connector, a sucking pump which is connected to the other end of the sucking hose for performing suction, a polarity determination part 8 which is connected to a connection member 48 that is connected to the connector and determines polarity, and a polarity switching circuit part 9 which switches connection between the connection member and output terminals 53a and 53b according to determination results, to provide a wanted polarity.

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus and a connection method for automatically connecting a cable of a solar cell module to, for example, a measuring instrument.

  As a power generation system using natural energy, solar power generation is widely used. The amount of power generated by solar power generation depends on the performance of individual solar cell modules. For this reason, it is indispensable to measure the power generation amount of the solar cell module in the manufacturing process. For the measurement of the amount of power generation, a method is generally used in which light is applied to the solar cell module and the voltage and current generated by the photoelectric conversion effect are measured.

  The general structure of the solar cell module will be described below. For example, in the case of a crystalline silicon solar cell, a plurality of solar cells 19 are electrically connected in series by a wiring member 18 as shown in the longitudinal sectional view of FIG. 9A and the bottom view of FIG. 9B. Things are connected in parallel, packaged with a sealing material 17, a cover glass 16 and a back surface protection sheet 20, and power is taken out from a collecting electrode 15 formed at the end of the solar cell module 10 to a terminal box 13 attached to the outer surface. The lead 14 is wired and the power is drawn from the terminal box 13 through the cable 11.

  In the case of a thin film solar cell, similarly to the crystalline silicon solar cell, an electrode is formed on the substrate of the solar cell, and power is drawn from the terminal box connected to the electrode through a cable.

  In the measurement of the power generation amount included in the manufacturing process of the solar cell module, it is necessary to connect the connector 12 connected to the end of the cable 11 to the connector on the measuring instrument side. Previously, this connector was connected manually. On the other hand, in order to reduce manual costs and automate the inspection process, the following Patent Document 1 proposes a connector connecting device for a solar cell panel.

JP 2010-186790 A

  However, according to the connector connecting apparatus described in Patent Document 1, means for temporarily fixing the cable-side connector (housing hook), means for holding the cable-side connector (connector clamp), and inspection apparatus side Means for holding the connector (mounting member) and means for moving either the connector clamp or the mounting member are required, and a moving mechanism must be provided for each of them. As a result, the structure of the apparatus is complicated, and accordingly, the number of connector connection processes is increased, resulting in an increase in cost.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a device and a method for connecting a cable of a solar cell module, which can reduce the cost by simplifying the configuration of the device and reducing the number of steps required for connector connection. To do.

The solar cell module cable connecting device according to the present invention is:
A suction port that has an opening and sucks a connector connected to the solar cell module;
An introduction part connected to the suction port and introducing the connector sucked into the suction port;
A suction hose for sucking the connector;
Connecting the introduction portion and one end of the suction hose, and connecting a connector to the connector introduced into the introduction portion;
A suction pump connected to the other end of the suction hose and performing suction;
A polarity determination unit that is connected to the connector connected to the connector and determines a polarity of a signal output from the solar cell module via the connector and the connector and outputs a determination result;
In accordance with the determination result, a polarity switching circuit unit for switching the connection between the connector and the output terminal to output the signal from the output terminal with a desired polarity;
It is characterized by providing.

Moreover, the cable connection method of the solar cell module according to the present invention is a method of connecting the cable of the solar cell module using the cable connection device,
Sucking the connector connected to the solar cell module from the suction port by suction of the suction pump; and
Introducing the connector sucked into the suction port into the introduction part;
Connecting the connector to the connector introduced into the introduction portion at the connection portion;
The step of determining the polarity of the signal output from the solar cell module via the connector and the connector by the polarity determination unit;
The polarity switching circuit unit includes a step of switching the connection between the connector and the output terminal and outputting the signal from the output terminal with a desired polarity.

  According to the present invention, cost reduction can be realized by simplifying the configuration of the apparatus and reducing the number of steps to automatically connect the solar cell module cable.

It is the front view, top view, and bottom view which showed the external appearance of the cable connection apparatus of the solar cell module by embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows the process of attracting | sucking the cable of a solar cell module using the cable connection apparatus. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure and operation | movement of a connection part in the cable connection apparatus. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure and operation | movement of a connection part in the cable connection apparatus. It is the circuit diagram which showed the structure of the polarity determination part and polarity switching circuit part in the cable connection apparatus. Explanatory drawing which shows the measuring device for determining the polarity of a solar cell module and a solar cell module. Explanatory drawing which shows the connection of a solar cell module and a measuring device. Explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the one polarity of a solar cell module, and the detection voltage of a measuring device. Explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the other polarity of a solar cell module, and the detection voltage of a measuring device. It is sectional drawing and bottom view which show the general structure of a solar cell module.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a solar cell module cable connection device and connection method according to embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

  As shown in the plan view of FIG. 1 (a), the front view of FIG. 1 (b), and the bottom view of FIG. 1 (c), the cable connecting device 1 according to the present embodiment has an opening 6. The suction port 2, the introduction part 3, the connection part 4, the suction hose 5, and a suction pump (not shown) are provided.

  An opening 6 for sucking a cable is formed in the suction port 2, and a pipe-shaped introduction portion 3 is connected to the suction port 2. The introduction part 3 and the suction hose 5 are connected via the connection part 4. The suction pump is a pump for sucking air and is connected to the suction hose 5.

  FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D sequentially show processes in which the cable connecting device 1 sucks the cable of the solar cell module. As shown in FIG. 2A, the cable connection device 1 is disposed on the transport conveyor 7.

  As shown in FIG. 2 (b), the conveyor 7 on which the solar cell module 10 is placed moves in the direction of arrow A to a position where the cable connection device 1 does not overlap the connector 12.

  As shown in FIG. 2C, the cable connecting device 1 is lowered to a height d at which the cable 11 can be sucked. Here, the setting of the value of the height d will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 2 (d), when the conveyor 7 further moves in the direction of arrow A, the connector 12 is sucked from the suction port 2. As will be described later, the connector 12 is connected to the connector on the measuring instrument side in the connecting portion 4.

  Here, the structure of the connecting portion 4 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 3A (a) shows a cross-sectional view of the configuration of the connecting portion 4 as viewed from above, and FIG. 3A (b) shows a vertical cross-sectional view as viewed from the front.

  The connection unit 4 includes an alignment unit 41 including an alignment unit 42 and an alignment cylinder 43, a chuck unit 44 including a chuck unit 45 and a chuck cylinder 46, and a solenoid 47 that connects two sets of connectors 48 on the measuring instrument side. With.

  The alignment unit 41 and the chuck unit 44 are arranged so as to face each other from both sides of the introduction portion 3 that is a path of the sucked connector 12. A mesh plate made of metal or the like or a plate 49 having a plurality of holes formed by punching is disposed at the boundary between the suction hose 5 and the introduction portion 3. As a result, the connector 12 is prevented from being sucked by the introduction portion 3 or more and entering the suction hose 5.

  3A (a) and 3A (b) show a state in which the connector 12 is sucked and enters the introducing portion 3. At this time, the connector 12 is disposed at an unspecified position in the introduction part 3 as indicated by a dotted line.

  FIG. 3B (c) shows a cross-sectional view as seen from above, and FIG. 3B (d) shows a vertical cross-sectional view as seen from the front, with the connector 12 connected to the connector 48 on the measuring instrument side.

  By driving the alignment cylinder 43, the alignment portion 42 moves in the direction of arrow A, and the connector 12 is pushed out toward the chuck portion 45. The two connectors 12 arranged at unspecified positions of the introduction part 3 are arranged between the two chuck parts 45.

  As shown in FIG. 3A (a), a recess 42a is provided at the center of the alignment portion 42, and the connector 12 is pushed out at the position of the recess 42a, whereby the connector 12 is disposed at the center of the chuck portion 45. You may make it do. Further, a sensor may be provided in the chuck portion 45 to detect the presence or absence of the connector 12 and push out the connector 12 more reliably.

  As shown in FIGS. 3B (c) and 3B (d), when the chuck cylinder 46 is driven, the chuck portion 45 is moved in the direction of arrow B, and the two connectors 12 are sandwiched between the chuck portions 45 so that the position is reached. Fixed.

  When the two connectors 12 are fixed by the chuck portion 45, the solenoids 47 move downward as indicated by the arrow C, and the connectors 48 on the measuring instrument side are inserted into the connectors 12.

  After the connector 12 and the connector 48 are electrically connected, the polarity of the output is determined, and the polarity is switched so that the output is performed with an appropriate polarity based on the determination result.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, a plurality of protective diodes 51 are connected in series to the solar cell module PVM in parallel with the plurality of solar cells 50 connected in series.

  When the light receiving surface of such a solar cell module PVM is irradiated with weak light by a lamp, some power generation occurs. The polarity may be detected based on the detection of the current generated by the power generation.

  A specific configuration in this case is shown in FIG. The connector 12 connected to the solar cell module PVM is connected to the connectors 48a and 48b, and the polarity determination unit 8 and the polarity switching circuit unit 9 are connected in parallel to the connectors 48a and 48b. When a current is supplied from a determination unit 52 included in the polarity determination unit 8 to a lamp 54 such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) and the solar cell module PVM is irradiated with light, the solar cell module PVM is connected to the connector 12 and the connector 48a. , 48b, the polarity determination unit 8 and the polarity switching circuit unit 9 are energized.

  In the polarity determination unit 8, a resistor R, a DC power source DC, and a current detector A are connected in series between the connectors 48a and 48b. Depending on the connection state indicated by the solid line or the dotted line between the solar cell module PVM and the connector 12, the polarities of both terminals of the connectors 48a and 48b are switched. In the polarity determination unit 8, the presence or absence of current is detected by the current detector A according to the polarities of both terminals of the connectors 48 a and 48 b, and the result is given to the determination unit 52. The determination unit 52 determines the polarity based on the detection result of the current, and controls on / off switching of the switches 9a to 9d included in the polarity switching circuit unit 9. That is, when connecting the connector 48a and the output terminal 53a, and connecting the connector 48b and the output terminal 53b, the switches 9a and 9d are turned on, and the switches 9b and 9c are turned off. When connecting the connector 48a and the output terminal 53b, and connecting the connector 48b and the output terminal 53a, the switches 9b and 9c are turned on, and the switches 9a and 9b are turned off.

  In this way, polarity switching is performed by the polarity switching circuit unit 9 based on the polarity of the connector 12 detected by the polarity determination unit 8, and output from the solar cell module PVM is performed with an appropriate polarity. 48, and sent to the measuring instrument via the output terminals 53a and 53b.

  Alternatively, as described above with reference to FIG. 4A, since the protection diode 51 is connected to the solar cell module PVM in parallel with the solar cell 50, the polarity is determined based on the direction of the protection diode 51. Also good. A polarity determination method in this case will be described.

  FIG. 5A shows the first terminal and the second terminal of the solar cell module PVM whose polarity is unknown, and FIG. 5B shows a measuring device 61 that determines the polarity of such a solar cell module PVM. The structure of is shown. The measuring device 61 has a positive terminal and a negative terminal depending on the voltage included therein, and detects the voltage V therebetween.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the positive terminal of the measuring device 61 is connected to the first terminal of the solar cell module PVM, and the negative terminal of the measuring device 61 is connected to the second terminal of the solar cell module PVM. Let Va be the voltage detected by the measuring instrument 61 when.

  6B, the negative terminal of the measuring device 61 is connected to the first terminal of the solar cell module PVM, and the positive terminal of the measuring device 61 is connected to the second terminal of the solar cell module PVM. Vb is a voltage detected by the measuring instrument 61 when is connected.

  The voltages Va and Vb are compared, and the polarity of the solar cell module PVM when Va> Vb is shown in FIG. In this case, in the solar cell module PVM, the first terminal has a positive polarity and the second terminal has a negative polarity.

  As shown in FIG. 7B, the positive terminal of the measuring device 61 is connected to the first terminal of the solar cell module PVM having such a polarity, and the negative terminal of the measuring device 61 is connected to the second terminal. The configuration when the terminals are connected is shown by an equivalent circuit.

  The voltage Va in this case is represented by a value (Va = Ia × R) obtained by multiplying the current Ia flowing in the reverse direction of the protection diode 51 by the resistance R.

  When the negative terminal of the measuring instrument 61 is connected to the first terminal of the solar cell module PVM and the positive terminal of the measuring instrument 61 is connected to the second terminal as shown in FIG. Is shown by an equivalent circuit.

  The voltage Vb in this case is represented by a value (Vb = Vf × n) obtained by multiplying the forward drop voltage of the protection diode 51 by the number of diodes n (n is an integer of 1 or more).

  When these two voltages Va and Vb are compared, Va> Vb. Therefore, in the solar cell module PVM in this case, as shown in FIG. 7A, it can be seen that the first terminal has a positive polarity and the second terminal has a negative polarity.

  On the other hand, the polarity of the solar cell module PVM in the case of Va <Vb is shown in FIG. In this case, in the solar cell module PVM, the first terminal has a negative polarity and the second terminal has a positive polarity.

  As shown in FIG. 8B, the positive terminal of the measuring device 61 is connected to the first terminal of the solar cell module PVM having such a polarity, and the negative terminal of the measuring device 61 is connected to the second terminal. The configuration when the terminals are connected is shown by an equivalent circuit.

  The voltage Va in this case is represented by a value (Va = Vf × n) obtained by multiplying the forward drop voltage of the protection diode 51 by the number of diodes n (n is an integer of 1 or more).

  As shown in FIG. 8C, when the negative terminal of the measuring device 61 is connected to the first terminal of the solar cell module PVM and the positive terminal of the measuring device 61 is connected to the second terminal. Is shown by an equivalent circuit.

  The voltage Vb in this case is represented by a value (Vb = Ib × R) obtained by multiplying the current Ib flowing in the reverse direction of the protection diode 51 by the resistance R.

  When these two voltages Va and Vb are compared, Va <Vb. Therefore, in the solar cell module PVM in this case, as shown in FIG. 8A, it can be seen that the first terminal has a negative polarity and the second terminal has a positive polarity.

  Based on the polarity of the solar cell module PVM detected through such a procedure, switching is performed so that a correct output is sent to the measuring instrument side via the connector 12 and the connector 48.

  By the way, as a method for obtaining the weight of the connector that can be sucked, for example, there is a method using a calculation using Bernoulli's theorem. As an example, it is calculated from the wind speed at the time of suction calculated based on the capacity of the suction pump and the area of the opening 6 in the suction port 2 shown in FIG. The method to do is demonstrated.

この式（３）より、吸引が可能なコネクタの重量Ｌ（Ｎ）を求めることができる。 Total area of the gap between one surface of the solar cell module 10 where the connector 12 is provided and the opening 6 of the suction port 2: S ₁
Perimeter length of opening 6: l
Gap (height d in FIG. 2C): d
Suction pump capacity: X (m ³ / min)
Wind speed during suction: V (m / sec)
In this case, the following expressions (1) and (2) are established.
S ₁ = l × d (1)
V = X ÷ (S ₁ × 60) (2)
further,
Lift: L (N)
Lift coefficient: CL
Fluid density: p = 1.2kg / m ³ (20 ° C)
Gravity acceleration: G = 9.8 m / s ²
Connector surface area: A
Then, based on Bernoulli's theorem, the following equation (3) holds.

From this equation (3), the weight L (N) of the connector that can be sucked can be obtained.

  As described above, according to the cable connection device and method of the present embodiment, the connector of the cable of the solar cell module is automatically connected to the connector on the measuring instrument side by a small number of steps using a device with a simple configuration. In addition, since the amount of power generation can be measured with a measuring instrument, the cost required for the measurement can be reduced.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the technical scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Cable connection apparatus 2 Suction port 3 Introduction part 4 Connection part 5 Suction hose 6 Opening part 7 Conveyor 8 Polarity determination part 9 Polarity switching circuit part 10 Solar cell module 11 Cable 12 Connector 13 Terminal box 14 Power extraction lead 15 Collector 16 Cover glass 17 Sealing material 18 Wiring material 19 Solar cell 20 Back surface protection sheet 41 Alignment unit 42 Alignment unit 43 Alignment cylinder 44 Chuck unit 45 Chuck unit 46 Chuck cylinder 47 Solenoid 48a, 48b Connector 49 Plate 50 Solar cell 51 Protection Diode 52 Judgment Unit 53a, 53b Output Terminal 54 Lamp 61 Measuring Instrument

Claims (7)

A suction port that has an opening and sucks a connector connected to the solar cell module;
An introduction part connected to the suction port and introducing the connector sucked into the suction port;
A suction hose for sucking the connector;
Connecting the introduction portion and one end of the suction hose, and connecting a connector to the connector introduced into the introduction portion;
A suction pump connected to the other end of the suction hose and performing suction;
A polarity determination unit that is connected to the connector connected to the connector and determines a polarity of a signal output from the solar cell module via the connector and the connector and outputs a determination result;
In accordance with the determination result, a polarity switching circuit unit for switching the connection between the connector and the output terminal to output the signal from the output terminal with a desired polarity;
A cable connecting device for a solar cell module, comprising: The connecting portion is
An alignment unit that corrects alignment by moving the connector introduced into the introduction portion in a predetermined direction; and
A chuck unit for clamping the connector whose alignment is corrected by the alignment unit;
A solenoid that moves the connector to connect the connector to the connector held by the chuck unit;
The cable connection device for a solar cell module according to claim 1, wherein: The alignment unit is
An alignment portion provided with a recess on a surface that contacts the connector;
An alignment cylinder for moving the alignment unit in the predetermined direction;
The cable connection device for a solar cell module according to claim 2, wherein:   The solar cell module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a plate disposed near a boundary between the connection portion and the suction hose and having a mesh shape or a plurality of holes formed therein. Cable connection device. A method for connecting a solar cell module cable using the solar cell module cable connection device according to claim 1,
Sucking the connector connected to the solar cell module from the suction port by suction of the suction pump; and
Introducing the connector sucked into the suction port into the introduction part;
Connecting the connector to the connector introduced into the introduction portion at the connection portion;
The step of determining the polarity of the signal output from the solar cell module via the connector and the connector by the polarity determination unit;
A cable connection method for a solar cell module, comprising the step of switching the connection between the connector and the output terminal by the polarity switching circuit unit and outputting the signal from the output terminal with a desired polarity.   6. The solar cell according to claim 5, wherein the step of determining the polarity of the connector determines the polarity of the connector by irradiating the solar cell module with a lamp and detecting a current generated by power generation. How to connect the module cable.   6. The step of determining the polarity of the connector determines the polarity of the connector by applying a predetermined voltage to a protective diode included in the solar cell module and detecting the generated voltage. The cable connection method of the described solar cell module.

Images