WO2012117315A1

WO2012117315A1 - System and methods for picking and transporting photovoltaic components

Info

Publication number: WO2012117315A1
Application number: PCT/IB2012/050784
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bernd Hirzler; Sebastian SCHITTKOWITZ
Original assignee: Somont Gmbh
Priority date: 2011-03-03
Filing date: 2012-02-21
Publication date: 2012-09-07

Abstract

Disclosed are systems and methods for picking up at least a photovoltaic device. The system comprises at least a pick-up assembly having a plurality of pick-up members adapted for engaging at least the photovoltaic device and a base for holding at least the photovoltaic device, wherein a relative position of at least one of the pick-up member is adaptable as to agree with the relative position of an engaging surface of the photovoltaic device, wherein the pick-up members are fixed with fixation means relative to each other in the relative position before at least the photovoltaic device is separated from the base.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR PICKING AND TRANSPORTING PHOTOVOLTAIC

COMPONENTS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention generally relates to engaging photovoltaic components, and more particularly, to system and methods for picking and transporting a string or matrix of solar cells without changing relative positions of the solar cells in a secure, robust, cost effective, and environmental friendly manner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] During the manufacturing of photovoltaic devices (PV devices), a number of materials are transported over a number of stages in the PV device production line. Such materials may be adhesive sheets as EVA or PVB, solar cells, strings, solar cell matrix, a back sheet, and a glass plate.

[003] The most fragile component is the solar cell, for example, a thin film, crystalline, hetero junction or any other technology. A solar cell typically experiences a number of operations before it is encapsulated inside a solar module. These operations includes logistics, solar cell is picked up from the stack, transport to be stringed, making of the string, transport of the string, forming of the matrix, transport of the matrix, making of lay-up, and lamination, etc.

[004] Usually solar cells are not produced near the PV production line, i.e., after manufacturing, the solar cells have to be packaged and shipped. The solar cells are delivered to the PV manufacturer in stacks. In a stack numerous solar cell laying on top of each other. Since the surfaces of the solar cells are rather smooth and they most of the times have a slight but identical curvature. The solar cells are rather hard to separate because the resistance due to ambient air prevents that they may be separated easily in the stack direction.

[005] The solar cells are picked up from the stack and transported to a place wherein the solar cells are connected to other solar cells by connectors, e.g., ribbons (also called 'wires'), in order to form a string. Normally the solar cells have two or three bus bars on each side that are connected to the corresponding bus bars on the adjacent solar cells. This way a plurality of connected solar cells forms a string. [006] Once a string has been created, it has to be joined with other strings to form a solar cell matrix. These strings have to be transported and be positioned in the matrix so that the strings may be connected. A build up of interconnected strings forms a matrix of solar cells.

[007] The holding of the solar cell during contacting may very well damage the cells though. During pick-up and transport of solar cells or strings or solar cell matrix from one stage to other stage or from one position/location to other position/location, solar cells or strings or solar cell matrix may be damaged. Further a relative position of the solar cells or strings or solar cell matrices may also be changed substantially. Further, when making the lay-up, the solar cells may be damaged.

[008] In order to improve the quality solar module production, it is important to safely pick-up and transport PV devices, for example, solar cells, strings, or solar cell matrix, over a number of stages in the PV device production line to maintain quality of the PV devices. Quality is most commonly defined as efficiency, i.e. how much power does the PV device generate under standardized condition. Lifetime of a PV device also attributes to quality. Lifetime of both the PV device's mechanical properties and its efficiency deteriorate over the years. In the context of the present invention, the occurrence of micro cracks may be considered to be an important source of reduction in life-time and efficiency.

[009] The prior art discloses different system and techniques for picking up and transporting PV devices, for example, referring to prior art FIGS. PI and P2 which illustrate multiple suction cups 7 adapted to pick-up solar sells 10a, 10b. During transportation of the solar cells 10a, 10b, certain stages are done by picking up the solar cells 10a, 10b with multiple suction cups 9a, 9b. In order to compensate, the suction cups 9a and 9b are mounted to a robot arm 8 via springs 6a and 6b. The problem now arising is that a force is exerted on the solar cell 10a thereby compressing the spring 6a. The solar cell 10a is pushed downwards deforming the connector 2 and exerting a force on the solar cells 10a and 10b itself. In this process, the solar cells 10a and 10b may easily damage.

[0010] The conventional techniques for picking up and transporting PV devices are too complex for reliable operation and are not capable of effectively and safely picking up and transporting PV devices without any damage. The features of the conventional PV device picking up and transporting techniques, disclose a complex design and bulky structural indices that hinder their performance. However, no such system or technique is available in the commercial market at the present time which is capable of picking and transporting the PV device, for example, solar cells or strings or matrix of solar cells, without changing relative positions of the PV device over a number of stages in the PV device production line.

[0011] Therefore, the present scenario is necessitating the need for improved means capable of overcoming disadvantages inherent in conventional PV device picking up and transporting techniques and providing effective means to achieve a secured, controlled and optimized PV device picking up and transporting over a number of stages in the PV device production line.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior arts, the general purpose of the present invention is to provide an improved combination of convenience and utility, to include the advantages of the prior art, and to overcome the drawbacks inherent in the prior art.

[0013] In one aspect, the present invention provides effective means for picking and transporting or holding a string or matrix of solar cells containing at least two solar cells without changing relative positions of the solar cells in a secure, robust, cost effective, and environmental friendly manner.

[0014] In another aspect, the present invention provides a system (also referred to as 'transporting system') for picking up and transporting atleast a PV device having atleast two interconnected solar cells and without changing the relative position of the solar cells. The system comprises: a plurality of pick-up members adapted for engaging atleast the PV device, and a base for holding atleast the PV device. A relative position of atleast one of the pick-up members may be altered as to agree with the relative position of the PV device and the pick-up members may be fixed with fixation means relative to each other in the relative position before atleast the PV device.

[0015] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for picking up and transporting atleast a photovoltaic device. The method 200 comprises the steps of: altering a relative position of atleast one of the pick-up member and a pick-up assembly as to agree with the relative position of atleast the photovoltaic device, picking up and holding atleast the photovoltaic device, moving atleast one of a pick-up members and a pick-up assembly; and a base to transport atleast the photovoltaic device. The photovoltaic device may be picked up and transported without changing the relative position of the photovoltaic device or by changing the relative position of the photovoltaic device as little as possible. The method and system according to the present invention is capable of transporting the PV device from the relative position to a desired position and for holding the PV device during treatment or transportation.

[0016] These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] For a better understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be made in the detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0018] FIGS. 1A to 1C illustrate different types of collectors, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention,

[0019] FIG. ID illustrates top view of two solar cells being connected by ribbons, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. IE illustrates top view of two solar cells being connected by back contacting sheets, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. IF illustrates top view of two solar cells being connected by comb shaped connectors, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 1G illustrates side view of two solar cells being connected by ribbons, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 1H illustrates side view of two solar cells being connected by back contacting sheets, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [0024] FIG. II illustrates side view of two solar cells being connected by comb shaped connectors, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 1J illustrates two connected cells for a normal ribbon connection, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] FIGS. PI and P2 illustrate a prior art device for picking up solar cells;

[0027] FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate a system for picking up and transporting atleast a photovoltaic device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] FIGS. 2C to 21 illustrate a pick-up assembly 90, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 2J illustrates an ultra thin solar cell with two thick bus bars, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;and

[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates a method for picking up and transporting atleast a photovoltaic device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for illustrative purposes are subject to many variations and structure and design. It should be emphasized, however that the present invention is not limited to a particular methods and apparatus to pick-up and transport photovoltaic device (herein after referred to as 'PV device') as shown and described. Rather, the principles of the present invention may be used with a variety of PV device pick-up and transport means and structural arrangements. It is understood that various omissions, substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but the present invention is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the it's claims. [0033] In the following detail description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

[0034] As used herein, the terms 'a', 'an', 'atleast' do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. The term 'a plurality' denotes the presence of more than one referenced items.

[0035] The PV device may includes atleast one of a wafer, a waver, a solar cell, two interconnected solar cells, a lay-up of solar cells, parts of the layup, a string, a matrix, a solar module, a glass plate, a plastic layer, a temporary member, a board (the PV device lays on while being handled during production), temporary holding means or any combination thereof.

[0036] The terms 'solar cell' and 'cell' may also be used herein interchangeably. Solar cells may be of any technology such as thin film, crystalline, hetero junction (HIT) etc. The terms 'connector' and 'ribbon' may also be used herein interchangeably and denote the conductor used for conduction electrical power away from the solar cells. The terms 'cell contact' and 'bus bar' may also be used herein interchangeably and denote the conductor used for conduction of electrical power on the solar cell.

[0037] According to an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides improved system and methods for picking up, holding, and transporting the PV device, for example, a string or a matrix of solar cells, without changing relative positions of the solar cells in a secure, robust, and cost effective manner. The system of the present invention may be mass produced inexpensively and provides user an easy, robust, efficient, secure, cost effective, environment friendly and productive way of picking up and transporting PV devices.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1A-1C, which illustrate different types of connectors 2 (also referred to as 'connection means'). FIG. IB shows how the connector from FIG. 1A has to be bent in order to allow a flat string. The solar cells 10a and 10b, as shown in FIG. IE, may be connected with ribbons as shown in FIG. 1A or by a foil with integrated conductors. The connectors 2 may be used to connect a plurality of solar cells 10a, 10b, ... in the production of PV devices 10. The connectors 2 may include one of a ribbon (FIG. 1A), a back contacting sheet (FIG. IB), a comb shaped connector (FIG. 1C) or any combination thereof. In the FIGS 1A-1C, the connectors 2 alone are shown and in the FIGS. 1D-1F, top views of two solar cells 10a and 10b being connected through connectors 2, i.e., ribbons, back contacting sheets, and comb shaped connectors respectively, are shown. In the FIGS. 1G-1I, side views of two cells being connected through connectors 2, i.e., ribbons, back contacting sheets, and comb shaped connectors respectively, are shown.

[0039] In the FIGS. ID- IF, the connectors 2 may be connected to a plurality of metal parts 4 on the solar cells 10a and 10b. The fingers are not shown. In the FIG. IE for the back contacting solar cells 10a and 10b, the metal part 4 (white dots) represent conducting vias. The vias (FIG. IE) may be adapted from a front to a back of solar cells 10a and 10b for transporting the electron set free on the top of the solar cells 10a and 10b to the back contacting sheet the solar cells 10a and 10b may be mounted on. Conductors 2 on the contacting sheet connect thru the vias such that a front of the solar cell 10a connected to the back of the solar cell 10b.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 1J which illustrates two connected solar cells 10a and 10b for a normal ribbon 2 connection. Ideally two connected solar cells 10a and 10b extend in one plane. In reality, two connected solar cells 10a and 10b may be offset to that plane. The ribbon 2 which is straight before being soldered to the cells 10a and 10b may normally not bend exactly the way it may as to allow the solar cells 10a and 10b to lay on one plane. Back contacted solar cells 10a and 10b lay on a sheet and since no bending force is required, therefore the solar cells 10a and 10b may lay in one plane. In practice however, e.g. glue, may be used to mount solar cells 10a and 10b on the foil, to prevent the solar cells 10a and 210b from laying in one plane. Moreover, this occurs even when the sheet may be perfectly flat.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 2A-2C which illustrate a system 100 (also referred to as 'transporting system') for picking up, holding and transporting atleast a PV device 10 having atleast two parts without changing the relative position of said parts, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 comprises: atleast a pick-up assembly 90 having a plurality of pick-up members 90a and 90b adapted for engaging atleast the PV device 10, and a base (not shown) for holding atleast the PV device 10. The two parts of the PV device 10 normally may be interconnected solar cells 10a and 10b but may also be a glass plate and a solar cell, plastic layer e.g., EVA, PVB, back sheet etc., and a solar cell, or a temporary member (board the PV device 10 lays on while being handled during production) and a part of a solar module 10. The term 'engaging' atleast the PV device 10 includes picking up, separating, holding, touching and moving the PV device 10, for example, atleast one of the solar cell 10a, 10b or any combination thereof. The term 'separation' refers moving the pick-up members 90a and 90b away from the base or vice versa.

[0042] The pick-up members 90a and 90b include atleast one of a suction head 16 (as shown in FIG. 2C), possibly using atleast one of the Bernoulli effect and ultra sound for repelling the PV device against the force of the vacuum. Atleast one of the pick-up members 90a and 90b may also contain a mechanical holder, a holder based on electro-magnetism or electric induced currents (induction), an electrostatic attractor, a sticky element, or any combination thereof. A relative position of atleast one of the pick-up members 90a and 90b may be altered as to agree with the relative position of the PV device 10 and the pick-up members 90a and 90b may be fixed with fixation means 70 relative to each other before atleast the PV device 10 may be separated from the base. Separation may mean that the PV device 10 may be lifted from the base or that the base may be moved. The fixation means 70 includes atleast one of a pneumatic, a hydraulic, an electrostatic, an electro-magnetic, a mechanical friction or any combination thereof.

[0043] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a flexible material, for example, foam-like material, may be adapted on a side of the pick-up members 90a and 90b that touch the PV device 10. This in order not to damage the PV device 10 from scratches, local pressure and or even out small height differences that where not compensated by the system 100 due to imperfections in the same or the size of the pick-up members 90a and 90b being larger than the irregularities (fingers on the solar cells 10a and 10b) to be corrected. If the pick-up members 90a and 90b and the PV device 10 are not perfectly aligned, its one side will be closer to the PV device 10 then its other side. This may be compensated by such a cushion 80, but also by pivoting means.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 2C-2I which illustrate a pick-up assembly 90, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The pick-up assembly 90 comprises a piston 17 and a housing 19. The housing 19 is adapted to accommodate the piston 17. The housing 19 may also have an outlet 57 for removing air from the housing 19. An inside of the housing 19 and an inside of the piston 17 may be connected via a hole 21 in the piston 17. Since, the inside of the housing 19 and the inside of the piston 17 may be connected via a hole 21 in the piston 17, therefore removing air from the housing 19 may cause air to be sucked in thru a suction head 16. The suction head 16 may be provided with a cushion 80.

[0045] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the piston 17 may move downward due to gravity until the stopper 18 abuts on the housing 19. When the pick-up assembly 90 is lowered onto the PV devices 10, for example, the solar cell, the piston 17 may move freely in the housing 19. The pressure being applied to the PV device 10 then only the weight of the piston 17 and the force needed to accelerate the piston 17 may be divided by the surface of the suction head 16.

[0046] If the pick-up assembly 90 is in the right position and the piston 17 may be fixated, air may be let in thru two inlets 51 and 52. An elastic part 79 may be deformed inward as to press against the piston 17, thus fixating the piston 17. The elastic part 79 may separate the inside of the housing 19 from the inlets 51 and 52. Any physical force may be used to fixate the pistons 17. The force may include pressure (mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic), magnetism, electric current or electro static force.

[0047] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an initial positioning of the pick-up members 90a and 90 may be adjusted for a given set of interconnected solar cells 10a and 10b, as in general the interconnected solar cells 10a and 10b may have comparable relative positions. For example, when using normal ribbons 2 to connect the solar cells 10a and 10b, the side of the solar cell 10 a or 10b where the ribbon 2 disappears underneath it may be slightly higher than the other side. The initial position of the pick-up members 90a and 90b may be adjusted as to largely agree with this expected relative position.

[0048] In order to do so, (automatic or manual) adjustment means may be provided for controlling the initial position. The advantage being that the pick-up members 90a and 90b may find their position faster and the force applied to the solar cells 10a and 10b may even be lower or be applied for a shorter time period. The adjustment may be done continuously during production or in a teach-on phase.

[0049] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, adjusting means are adapted to monitor an initial position of atleast the PV device 10 i.e., solar cells 10a and 10b, and to move the pick-up members 90a and 90b to the relative positions of the pick-up members 90a and 90b agreeing with the relative positions of atleast the PV device 10 at which atleast the pick-up members 90a and 90b applied to. In order to do so sensors may be adapted to determine the relative positions of the PV device 10.

[0050] The sensors may also be used to monitor the relative position of the solar cells 10a and 10b when the cells 10a and 10b may be picked-up. The change in relative position may be used to know how good the system 100 is working and thus the system 100 may be monitored if the PV devices 10 may be handled with the needed care.

[0051] The sensor may include an optical sensor, electrical sensor, magnetical sensor, mechanical sensor or any combination thereof. The optical sensor may be adapted to monitor time of flight measurement, triangulation, stereo vision, intensity, etc. The electrical sensor may be adapted to monitor conduction, induction, capacitive, etc. The mechanical sensor may monitor pressure or force.

[0052] The adjusting means are capable of facilitating rotation of the pick-up members 90a and 90b relative to each other so that surfaces of the pick-up members 90a and 90b that lies on the PV device 10, i.e., solar cells 10a and 10b, may be adjusted as to be more parallel to the surface of the PV device 10. The rotation may be around an axis perpendicular to the plane of the drawing or around an axis parallel to the solar cells 10a and 10b to be picked up, preferably extending perpendicularly to the direction the PV device 10, i.e., string, may be extending in. The rotation may also be possible around two perpendicular axis parallel to the solar cells 10a and 10b. The adjusting means includes one of an automatic adjusting means, manual adjusting means, pivoting means, motors, pneumatics, hydraulics, a position measuring system such as a 3D camera or triangulation sensor or any combination thereof. The automatic adjusting means may be only that the pick-up means 90a and 90b may be allowed to move when touching the PV device 10.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 2J, which illustrates an ultra thin solar cell 10c, with two thick bus bars 1 and 2, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The PV device 10, e.g., the ultra thin solar cell 10c, may have an irregular surface, e.g. due to thick bus bars 1 and 2. The present invention may therefore also be used beneficially for picking up one single device, for example solar sell 10c. Atleast one of the pick-up members 90a and 90b (as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B) may engage near the arrows. The thick part on the ultra thin solar cell 10c, may also be, e.g., a foil partially covering a solar cell matrix.

[0054] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, passive positioning means may be adapted such that when not fixated by the fixation means 70, the pick-up means 90a and 90b may be held in a defined position. The movable part of the pick-up members 90a and 90b may be kept in this position by means of a spring or it may simply be moved to its lowest position by the force of gravity. In the latter case, when the pick-up members 90a and 90b may be pressed against the solar cells 10a and 10b, the solar cells 10a and 10b may only have to carry the weight of the pick-up members 90a and 90b and a little force may be needed to accelerate the pick-up members 90a and 90b. In the former case, a force may be needed to compress or extend the spring.

[0055] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, atleast one of the pickup assembly 90 and pick-up members 90a and 90b are capable of being implemented in atleast one of a stinger, a system for interconnecting strings of solar cells 10a, 10b, a solar module production line, a laminator or any combination thereof.

[0056] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, atleast one of the pickup assembly 90 and pick-up members 90a and 90b may be inside a processing chamber, wherein the processing chamber includes one of a vacuum chamber, an oven for pre heating or any combination thereof. The vacuum chamber may be used for laminating or other treatment of the PV device 10. The oven may be used for pre heating or soldering.

[0057] In exemplary embodiments, even though the inventive system is described engaging the solar matrix from above, however the present invention is not limited to engaging the solar matrix from above. Rather, the pick-up members 90a and 90b may engage from below and the present invention may be used to thus support the string from below for transport. During transport, the orientation of the string may change and the inventive holder may thus be positioned anywhere, for example, above, underneath or to the side, relative to the string.

[0058] Referring to FIG.3, which illustrates a method 200 for picking up and transporting atleast a photovoltaic device 10, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The method 200 comprises the steps of: altering a relative position of atleast one of the pick-up member 90a, 90b, the pick-up assembly 90 as to agree with the relative position of atleast the photovoltaic device 10 at a step 210, picking up and holding atleast the photovoltaic device 10 at a step 220; and moving atleast one of a pick-up members 90a, 90b at a step 230, a pick-up assembly 90, and a base to transport atleast the photovoltaic device 10. The photovoltaic device 10 may be picked up and transported without changing the relative position of the photovoltaic device 10 or by changing the relative position of the photovoltaic device 10 as little as possible.

[0059] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 is capable of transporting the PV device 10 from the relative position to a desired position and for holding the PV device 10 during treatment or transportation. [0060] The base on which the photovoltaic device 10 laying on may be moved away once the photovoltaic device 10 may be picked by the pick-up members 90a, 90b, from a position on the base, and an another photovoltaic device 10 may be moved into the position on the base as in. Now the PV device 10 (solar cell matrix) may be released at a predefined position.

[0061] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the method 200 may further comprises the step of determining a relative position of atleast the photovoltaic device 10, monitoring an initial position of atleast the photovoltaic device 10, and moving the pick-up members 90a and 90b to the relative positions of the pick-up members 90a and 90b agreeing with the relative positions of atleast the photovoltaic device 10 i.e., the relative positions of the solar cells 10a and 10b at which atleast the pick-up members 90a and 90b applied to.

[0062] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the method 200 for picking up the solar cells 10a and 10b may comprises the steps of: releasing the fixating means 70, pressing the pick-up members 90a and 90b onto the solar cells 10a and 10b or automatically moving the pick-up members 90a and 90b into a relative position agreeing with the relative position of the solar cells 10a and 10b.

[0063] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the method 200 may further comprise the steps of fixating the fixation means 70 and activating the pick-up members 90a and 90b as to hold the solar cells 10a and 10b in any order and/or in time parallel.

[0064] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, instead of moving the solar cells 10a and 10b away, the method 200 may further comprise the steps of moving a first base where the solar cells 10a and 10b were laying on, moving a second base (such as the lay-up or a carrier) into approximately the same position as the first base.

[0065] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the solar cells 10a and 10b may be released by any of the following steps releasing the pick-up members 90a and 90b and releasing the fixation means 70. The steps being carried out in any order and/or partially in time parallel.

[0066] In various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the operations discussed herein, e.g., with reference to FIGS. 2A to 2J and FIG. 3, may be implemented through computing devices such as hardware, software, firmware, or combinations thereof, which may be provided as a computer program product, e.g., including a machine -readable or computer-readable medium having stored thereon instructions or software procedures used to program a computer to perform a process discussed herein. The machine-readable medium may include a storage device. For example, the operation of components of the system 100 and method 200 may be controlled by such machine- readable medium.

[0067] In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described herein so as not to obscure the particular embodiments of the present invention. Further, various aspects of embodiments of the present invention may be performed using various means, such as integrated semiconductor circuits, computer-readable instructions organized into one or more programs, or some combination of hardware and software.

[0068] Although a particular exemplary embodiment of the invention has been disclosed in detail for illustrative purposes, it will be recognized to those skilled in the art that variations or modifications of the disclosed invention, including the rearrangement in the configurations of the parts, changes in sizes and dimensions, variances in terms of shape may be possible. Accordingly, the invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as may fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0069] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions, substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS: We claim:

1. A system for picking up atleast a photovoltaic device, comprising:

atleast a pick-up assembly having a plurality of pick-up members adapted for engaging atleast the photovoltaic device; and

a base for holding atleast the photovoltaic device,

wherein a relative position of atleast one of the pick-up member is adaptable as to agree with the relative position of an engaging surface of the photovoltaic device, wherein the pick-up members are fixed with fixation means relative to each other in the relative position before atleast the photovoltaic device is separated from the base.

2. The system according to previous claim, wherein the pick-up members includes atleast one of a suction head, a mechanical holder, an electro-magnet, an electrostatic attractor, a sticky element or any combination thereof.

3. The system according to previous claims, wherein the fixation means includes atleast one of a pneumatic, a hydraulic, an electrostatic, an electro-magnetic, a mechanical friction or any combination thereof.

4. The system according to previous claims, wherein a flexible material is adapted on a side of the pick-up members that touch the photovoltaic device.

5. The system according to previous claims, wherein adjusting means are adapted to monitor an relative position of the points of engagement of atleast the photovoltaic device and to move the pick-up members to the relative positions agreeing with the relative positions of atleast the photovoltaic device at which atleast the pick-up members are applied to, wherein the adjusting means includes one of an automatic adjusting means, manual adjusting means or any combination thereof.

6. The system according to previous claims, wherein atleast the pick-up member when not fixated by the fixation means is held in a defined position.

7. The system according to previous claims, wherein atleast a sensor is adapted to determine the relative positions of the photovoltaic device.

8. The system according to previous claims, wherein the pick-up members are capable of being implemented in atleast one of a stinger, a system for interconnecting strings of solar cells, a solar module production line, a laminator or any combination thereof.

9. The system according to previous claims, wherein the pick-up members are inside a processing chamber, wherein the processing chamber includes one of a vacuum chamber, an oven or any combination thereof.

10. A method for picking up and transporting atleast a photovoltaic device, comprising the steps of:

altering a relative position of atleast the pick-up member as to agree with the relative position of atleast the photovoltaic device.

picking up and holding atleast the photovoltaic device; and

moving atleast a pick-up member or a base.

11. The method according to previous claim, further comprising the step of monitoring and determining atleast a relative position of atleast the photovoltaic device.

12. The method according to previous claims, further comprising the step of moving the pickup members to the relative positions of the pick-up members agreeing with the relative positions of atleast the photovoltaic device at which atleast the pick-up members applied to.

13. The method according to previous claims, further comprising the step of releasing the fixating means, pressing the pick-up members onto the PV device or automatically moving the pick-up members into a relative position agreeing with the relative position of the solar cells.

14. The method according to previous claims, further comprising the step of fixating the fixation means and activating the pick-up members as to hold the PV device in any order or in time parallel.

15. The method according to previous claims, further comprising the steps of releasing the pick-up members and releasing the fixation means.