阅读说明：本技术 用于制造电池堆的装置和方法 (Apparatus and method for manufacturing cell stack ) 是由 托马斯·舍贝 于尔根·保罗 沃尔夫冈·库恩 莫里茨·格吕克 于 2020-04-22 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种用于生产具有多个电池组(55)的电池堆的装置(10)。装置(10)包括接纳多个电池组(55)的多个定位单元(14),定位单元(14)各自包括定位爪(16),定位爪保持以一个在另一个上方的方式布置的多个电池组(55)。装置(10)还具有使定位单元(14)移动的第一移动单元,第一移动单元包括致动器(37)和可移动地安装的移动板(18),定位单元(14)布置在移动板(18)上,并且致动器(37)使移动板(18)移动。定位单元(14)布置成使得单独电池组(55)通过由第一移动单元引起的运动而在定位爪(16)之间对中。装置(10)最后包括与第一移动单元的运动分离的支撑件(34),多个电池组(55)和/或层位于支撑件(34)上。(The invention relates to a device (10) for producing a cell stack having a plurality of battery packs (55). The device (10) comprises a plurality of positioning units (14) receiving a plurality of battery packs (55), the positioning units (14) each comprising a positioning claw (16) holding a plurality of battery packs (55) arranged one above the other. The device (10) further has a first moving unit which moves the positioning unit (14), the first moving unit comprising an actuator (37) and a movably mounted moving plate (18), the positioning unit (14) being arranged on the moving plate (18), and the actuator (37) moving the moving plate (18). The positioning unit (14) is arranged such that the individual battery packs (55) are centered between the positioning claws (16) by a movement caused by the first moving unit. The device (10) finally comprises a support (34) separate from the movement of the first mobile unit, on which support (34) a plurality of batteries (55) and/or layers are located.)

1. An apparatus (10) for manufacturing a cell stack having a plurality of cell components (55) and/or plies, comprising:

-a number of positioning units (14), the positioning units (14) being configured for accommodating the plurality of battery assemblies (55) and/or plies, wherein,

-the positioning units (14) each comprise a positioning claw (16), wherein the positioning claws (16) are configured for enclosing the plurality of battery assemblies (55) and/or plies arranged one above the other;

a first moving unit configured for moving the positioning unit (14), wherein,

-the first moving unit comprises an actuator (37) and a movably mounted moving plate (18), wherein the positioning unit (14) is arranged on the moving plate (18), wherein the actuator (37) is configured for moving, in particular vibrating, the moving plate (18), wherein,

-the positioning unit (14) is arranged such that the individual battery components (55) and/or plies are centered between the positioning jaws (16) by a movement induced by the first moving unit, and

-a support (34), wherein the plurality of battery assemblies (55) and/or plies rest on the support (34), wherein the support (34) is decoupled from the movement of the first moving unit.

2. The device (10) of claim 1,

the positioning unit (14), in particular the positioning pawl (16):

2.1 configured for performing an advancing movement, in particular an advancing movement towards the plurality of battery assemblies (55) and/or plies; and/or

2.2 can be moved individually or in pairs by the first moving unit.

3. The device (10) according to claim 1 or 2,

the positioning units (14) are attached to the moving plate (18) and/or can be positioned on the moving plate (18) by means of a fastening device (22), in particular in a form-fitting manner, wherein the fastening device (22) comprises at least one fastening member, in particular a pin (26) or a screw or a bolt, and/or a key member, in particular a key (24), wherein the respective positioning unit (14) is attached to the moving plate (18) and/or can be positioned on the moving plate (18) by means of the at least one fastening member and/or key member.

4. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims,

the positioning claws (16) of the positioning unit (14) each have a positioning surface (45), in particular on the inside, wherein the positioning surface (45) is divided into at least two positioning surface sections (46; 48), wherein a first positioning surface section (46) has a smooth surface and a second positioning surface section (48) has a groove.

5. The device (10) of claim 4,

5.1 the surface of the first positioning surface portion (46) is configured to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the vertical direction of the device (10), and/or

5.2 the grooves (50) of the second positioning surface portion (48) extend at a predetermined spacing, in particular parallel to one another, and in particular at a predetermined angle (β) with respect to a transverse plane of the positioning unit (14), from an end portion (52) of the positioning pawl (16) to an opposite end portion (54) of the positioning pawl (16), and/or

5.3 the first positioning surface portion (46) is arranged above the second positioning surface portion (48) in the vertical direction of the device (10), in particular for pre-positioning the plurality of battery components (55) and/or plies.

6. The device (10) according to claim 4 or 5,

the device (10) has four positioning units (14.1; 14.2; 14.3; 14.4), wherein in each case two positioning units are arranged opposite one another and the positioning surfaces (45) of the positioning units (14.1; 14.2; 14.3; 14.4) face one another.

7. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (10):

7.1 comprises a second moving unit (30) arranged on the support (34), wherein the second moving unit (30), in particular comprising a ball screw (36), is configured for moving the support (34) in the vertical direction of the device (10), in particular when moving the positioning unit (14); and/or

7.2 comprises at least one air nozzle configured for providing an air flow, wherein due to the air flow the air nozzle is configured for aligning the battery assembly and/or the layer, in particular during centering between the positioning units (14) and/or during movement of the positioning units (14).

8. The device (10) of claim 7,

the device comprises a base body (12), wherein the support (34) and/or the positioning unit (14) and/or the first and/or second movement unit (30) are arranged on the base body (12).

9. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims,

the cell assembly (55) and/or the ply comprise at least two electrically conductive elements (56; 58) and two electrically insulating elements (60) which are arranged in each case one above the other and adjacent to one another, wherein one of the two electrically conductive elements (56; 58) is configured in particular peripherally larger and/or more rigid than the other electrically conductive element (56; 58), wherein the electrically insulating element (60) is configured in particular peripherally larger than the larger electrically conductive element (56; 58), and wherein the stiffness of the electrically insulating element is lower than the stiffness of at least one of the electrically conductive elements.

10. A method for operating a device (10) for manufacturing a cell stack having a plurality of cell components (55) and/or layers, wherein the device (10) has one or more positioning units (14) configured for accommodating the plurality of cell components (55) and/or layers, wherein the positioning units (14) each comprise a positioning claw (16), wherein the positioning claws (16) are configured for enclosing the plurality of cell components (55) and/or layers arranged one above the other, wherein the device (10) further comprises a first moving unit configured for moving the positioning unit (14), wherein the first moving unit comprises an actuator (37) and a movably mounted moving plate (18), wherein the positioning unit (14) is arranged on the moving plate (18), wherein the actuator (37) is configured for moving, in particular vibrating, the moving plate (18), wherein the device (10) comprises a support (34), wherein the plurality of battery assemblies (55) and/or plies rest on the support (34), wherein the support (34) is decoupled from the movement of the first moving unit, the method comprising the steps of:

-arranging the plurality of battery assemblies (55) and/or plies on the support (34), in particular one above the other in a vertical direction of the device (10);

-moving the first moving unit such that the plurality of battery assemblies (55) arranged one above the other are centered between the positioning claws (16) surrounding the battery assemblies (55) and/or lamellae.

11. The method of claim 10,

the device (10) further comprises a second moving unit (30), wherein the second moving unit (30) is arranged on the support (34), wherein the second moving unit (30) lowers the support (34) in a vertical direction of the device (10) for centering the battery assembly (55) and/or the ply when moving the positioning unit (14).

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11,

the cell assembly (55) and/or the ply comprises at least two electrically conductive elements (56; 58) and two electrically insulating elements (60) arranged in each case one above the other and adjacent to one another, wherein the electrically insulating elements (60) are at least partially folded in the vertical direction of the device (10) during movement of the cell assembly (55) and/or the ply.

13. The method of claim 12,

the positioning jaws (16) are arranged such that during movement of the battery assembly (55) and/or plies, the electrically insulating elements (60) are folded in such a way that the electrically insulating elements (60) each rest against one of the electrically conductive elements (56; 58) and/or an inner side of the positioning jaws (16).

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13,

before the stack is removed, it is fixed, in particular in a form-fitting manner or by a substance-to-substance connection, particularly preferably by gluing or lamination or by means of clamping, for example by means of a clamping plate.

15. The method of claim 14,

after fixing the cell stack, the positioning unit (14) is opened and the cell stack is removed from the device (10), in particular together with the fixing.

Technical Field

The invention relates to a device for producing a cell stack having a plurality of cell components and/or cell layers and to a method for operating a device for producing a cell stack according to the invention.

Background

The production process of lithium ion battery cells involves four major process steps. The main process steps include electrode fabrication, cell assembly, formation and aging. Regardless of the various battery forms-cylindrical batteries, hard-shell batteries, or pouch batteries-the smallest unit of each lithium ion battery includes two electrodes having an anode and a cathode, and a separator separating the electrodes, i.e., the anode and the cathode, from each other. In this case, the cathode may be, for example, about 1mm smaller than the anode at the periphery. The separator is the largest component of the battery cell and is about 1mm larger at the periphery than the anode.

Various methods for manufacturing battery cells are known, such as winding, rolling, stacking, or the like. In order to manufacture the battery cell, a stacking process in which the respective electrodes including the separators are stacked one on top of another in several layers is performed in the present case until a desired battery capacity is obtained. The electrodes-the cathode and the anode-need to be positioned accurately in this process step. In order to maintain the precise position of the electrodes, these components are glued and/or laminated to each other in a different order, in the order separator, anode, separator, cathode or separator, cathode, separator, anode. Now, in order to manufacture a complete cell stack from a number of individual layers or laminated and/or glued cell components, these are automatically put in place via a processing device and by means of vacuum clamps and inspected by means of image processing. Such assemblies require a workpiece support with integrated hold-down devices that hold the individual battery assemblies in place after they are placed one above the other.

A method for producing an electrode unit for a battery cell is described in DE 102016213149 a 1. In the method, a plurality of anode, cathode, and separator plies are stacked in a stacking direction to form a ply stack. The ply stack is then arranged such that the stacking direction extends obliquely with respect to the vertical direction. In another method step, the ply stack is shaken until at least one edge of the plurality of anode, cathode and separator plies rests against at least one stop. Finally, the ply stack is mechanically fixed.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention has for its own object to provide an improved apparatus and an improved method for manufacturing a cell stack, by means of which a cell stack can be manufactured in a particularly simple, reliable and fast manner, in particular in a continuous production.

To achieve this object, the invention provides an apparatus for producing a cell stack and a method for operating an apparatus for producing a cell stack having the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention with useful and important improvements are indicated in the dependent patent claims.

The present invention provides an apparatus for manufacturing a cell stack having a plurality of cell assemblies and/or a plurality of plies. In particular, a "battery assembly" has several electrically conductive elements, in particular cathodes and/or anodes, and at least one electrically insulating element. The battery assembly or assemblies may be a battery assembly or assemblies of a battery pack. Alternatively, the battery assembly may also comprise several electrically insulating elements. In particular, "ply" refers to a single or single ply of several electrically conductive elements, in particular of cathodes and/or anodes, and/or of electrically insulating elements. The electrically insulating element may be, for example, an insulator, which may also be referred to as a spacer. The lamina may be, for example, a lamina of a fuel cell or a stack of lamina. For example, the laminate of the fuel cell may comprise one or several bipolar plates and/or laminates of a membrane electrode assembly. The fuel cell stack may be formed from individual plies. The layers of the fuel cell stack, in particular the bipolar plate or plates and/or the membrane electrode assembly, have different dimensions. Preferably, the lamina of the fuel cell stack have geometrically identical features for aligning different sized lamina.

Preferably, the battery assembly and/or the laminate comprise in each case at least two electrically conductive elements and two electrically insulating elements arranged one above the other and adjacent to one another. One of the conductive elements may be configured as a cathode and the other conductive element may be configured as an anode. For example, the separator, anode, separator and cathode, or the separator, cathode, separator and anode may be disposed adjacent to one another or stacked in sequence in the respective cell components and/or laminates. In a cell stack, if dry cell modules and/or lamellae are arranged or stacked, in particular in the vertical direction of the device, in particular adjacent to one another or one above the other.

In particular, the battery cell comprises at least one separator, one anode and one cathode. In this case, the separator is preferably larger than the anode and/or the cathode or forms the largest component compared to the anode and the cathode. In particular, the separator preferably forms the largest part in terms of surface area, so that the separator is larger at the periphery than the anode and the cathode. Preferably, the anode is larger than the cathode. Furthermore, the electrodes may have contact pieces. In order to obtain a functional battery cell, the layers of the battery cell are arranged adjacent to each other or stacked in a fixed order. The separator, cathode, anode, separator, cathode, etc. may be arranged adjacent to each other in order. In particular, the battery stack of the battery cell may be based on a laminate stack. In a battery assembly or a plurality of battery assemblies or laminates, the individual plies are preferably firmly connected to one another. Preferably, the plies are firmly connected to each other and have different dimensions. For example, a firm connection is achieved by means of an activated adhesive material in the separator layer or alternatively by means of an adhesive. With regard to the structure of the battery module, reference is made here to PCT/DE 2020/100240.

The device includes a number of positioning units configured to receive a plurality of battery assemblies and/or lamina. In other words, the plurality of positioning units are integrally configured for accommodating a plurality of battery assemblies and/or lamina. In other words, a plurality of battery modules and/or layers may be provided in the positioning unit. Furthermore, the positioning units each comprise a positioning claw, wherein the positioning claws are configured for enclosing a plurality of cell components and/or lamellae arranged one above the other. In particular, the "positioning pawl" refers to a pawl that: the claw is configured for holding and/or guiding and/or positioning a movable lateral part or a movable side surface of the battery assembly. In particular, the positioning pawl may have a multipart construction.

Furthermore, the device comprises a support, wherein the plurality of battery assemblies and/or the layer sheet rests on the support. The support can be configured, for example, as a plate or plate-shaped workpiece. Preferably, the support may be disposed between the positioning units.

The apparatus also includes a first moving unit configured to move the positioning unit. In other words, the first moving unit is configured for setting the movement of the positioning unit. Particularly preferably, the first movement unit is configured to oscillate or vibrate the positioning unit.

The positioning units are arranged such that the individual battery components and/or the lamellae are centered between the positioning claws by a movement induced by the first movement unit. The battery assembly and/or the layer sheet may be centered between the positioning units by means of the moving unit. In particular, "centering" refers to alignment of centers. In other words, the individual cell components and/or the lamellae can be aligned, in particular centered, between the positioning claws by a movement of the positioning unit. In other words, the cell assembly and/or the lamina may be aligned over the center. To this end, the individual cell components and/or the lamellae are loosely laid one above the other. By means of this movement, the individual lamellae of the cell stack are particularly preferably centered one above the other, or placed or aligned one above the other in a uniform or parallel manner, between the, in particular laterally attached, positioning claws. In particular, "centered" means preferably centrally disposed between the detents, or preferably aligned between the detents about a central point, or preferably aligned toward the center between the detents.

An advantage of the embodiment of the device with the positioning pawl and the first displacement unit is that the cell stack can be manufactured particularly quickly, i.e. can be assembled particularly quickly. Moreover, the apparatus can be used for continuous production. Furthermore, the device has a particularly simple and compact structure due to the positioning pawl and the first moving unit. Finally, the positioning claws can be used to scale to other battery styles or sizes in a particularly simple manner.

Furthermore, it is provided that the first moving unit comprises an actuator and a moving plate mounted in a movable manner. In particular, the moving plate is configured as a plate-shaped workpiece or support or plate. The moving plate may also be referred to as a vibrating plate. Preferably, the moving plate is mounted in a movable manner on a support, in particular on a rubber support. The positioning unit is arranged on the moving plate. In other words, the positioning unit may be mounted on or attached to the moving plate. In this case, the positioning unit is preferably provided on the surface of the moving plate. The actuator is configured for moving, in particular vibrating or shaking, the plate. For example, the actuator may be configured as a vibration motor. To this end, the actuator is preferably coupled to the moving plate. Using the moving plate and the actuator, the positioning units can be moved simultaneously together or independently of each other in a particularly simple and reliable manner in order to align the cell assemblies and/or the lamellae.

Further, the support is separated from the movement of the first moving unit. In other words, the support and the first moving unit may be separated or disengaged from each other in terms of vibration. In particular, the support as a support means for the battery pack and/or the lamina is vibrationally separated from the first moving unit, preferably from the moving plate and the positioning unit attached to the first moving unit and vibrating with the first moving unit. Preferably, the moving unit vibrates and moves, and the support does not move or vibrate together with the first moving unit during the movement of the first moving unit.

Particularly preferably, the positioning unit, preferably the positioning claws, can be moved or vibrated individually or in pairs. In particular, the first moving unit may be configured to move or vibrate the positioning pawls individually or in pairs. In other words, the positioning units, in particular the positioning claws, can be moved individually or in pairs by the first moving unit. Preferably, the device comprises four positioning claws arranged opposite each other, in particular in pairs. Two of the positioning claws, preferably those two positioning claws which are opposite one another, are moved in each case simultaneously. Additionally or alternatively, all four positioning pawls may be moved simultaneously. Additionally or alternatively, each individual detent may move independently of the other detents.

An advantageous embodiment provides that the positioning pawl is configured for performing an advancing movement, in particular an advancing movement towards the battery assembly and/or the lamina. In particular, "advancing movement" refers to movement of the positioning pawl toward the workpiece, in this case toward the stack or cell assembly and/or lamina. In particular, the individual cell components and/or plies are aligned over the center. In other words, the individual cell components and/or plies are centrally aligned with respect to one another. Preferably, this is achieved by means of movable positioning claws, preferably on all four sides of the cell stack, and by means of supports separate from the positioning claws or separate support plates. The support member or the support plate on which the cell assembly and/or the laminate are stacked does not vibrate. To achieve over-center alignment, the individual cell components and/or the lamellae may be displaced relative to one another in all 4 directions, in particular in a plane. In this case, the movement of the positioning claws and the spacing between the positioning claws may be specifically adjusted depending on the size of the starting material, the cell assembly and/or the laminate. Accordingly, all positioning claws, in particular positioning claws on both sides of the cell assembly and/or the lamina, are moved and/or can be moved towards the cell assembly and/or the lamina. For example, another moving unit or a first moving unit of the device may be configured for moving the positioning pawl to perform the advancing movement. The other or first moving unit may be configured for moving the positioning pawls individually or together or in pairs to perform the advancing movement.

Advantageously, the device comprises at least one air nozzle configured for providing an air flow, wherein the air nozzle is configured for aligning the battery assembly and/or the layer sheet, in particular between the positioning units, due to the air flow. Preferably, the air nozzle may be provided on the positioning unit. Preferably, the apparatus comprises a plurality of air nozzles, each of the air nozzles providing an air flow. Particularly preferably, the device comprises four air nozzles, wherein one air nozzle is arranged in each case on the positioning pawl. Particularly preferably, the air jets are configured to assist in aligning the cell assembly and/or the lamina between the detents. For example, an air flow may be provided simultaneously with and/or after and/or before the positioning jaws are moved, which air flow is directed onto the cell assembly and/or the layer between the positioning jaws. For example, the positioning pawl may have one or more openings at predetermined positions, in particular in the center, through which air, in particular provided by an air nozzle, may flow. In particular, the respective air flow passes through the opening or openings in the positioning pawl and impinges on the cell assembly and/or the lamina.

Advantageously, the positioning unit is attached to the moving plate and/or can be positioned on the moving plate by means of a fastening device, in particular in a form-fitting manner. To this end, the fastening means comprise at least one fastening member, in particular a pin or a screw or a bolt, and/or a key member, in particular a key, wherein the respective positioning unit can be attached to and/or positioned on the moving plate by means of the at least one fastening member and/or key member. For example, the positioning may be achieved by means of pins seated in the bottom portions of the respective positioning units and/or keys held in the moving plate. In particular, each positioning unit is connected to the moving plate via a fastening member and/or a key member. The individual positioning units can be fixed and/or positioned in a particularly simple and reliable manner by means of the fastening device.

A further advantageous embodiment provides that the positioning claws of the positioning unit each have a positioning surface, in particular on the inside. In other words, each positioning detent may have an inner surface on the inner side, which inner surface is in contact or in contact with, in particular, a plurality of cell components and/or lamellae. Furthermore, the positioning surface is divided into at least two positioning surface portions. In other words, the positioning surface has several positioning surface portions — a first positioning surface portion and a second positioning surface portion. In this case, the first positioning surface portion has a smooth surface. In other words, the surface of the first positioning surface portion is configured in a planar or horizontal manner. The second positioning surface portion of the positioning surface has a groove. In particular, "groove" refers to a depression or channel or groove extending in particular along an area or surface of the second positioning surface portion.

A further advantageous embodiment provides that the surface of the first positioning surface section is configured to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the vertical direction of the device. In other words, the surface of the first positioning surface portion may be arranged obliquely with respect to the vertical direction of the device. In other words, the surface of the first positioning surface portion may have an inclined portion or a steep plane. For example, the surface of the first positioning surface portion may be arranged or oriented at an angle of between 5 ° and 90 °, preferably at an angle of between 5 ° and 45 °, particularly preferably at an angle of between 5 ° and 30 °, with respect to the vertical direction of the device. The inclined surface of the positioning surface portion is advantageous in that the battery pack and/or the layer sheet can be pre-positioned by the inclined surface, in particular slid into a predetermined position or along the surface of the first positioning surface portion.

Additionally or alternatively, the grooves of the second positioning surface portion preferably extend at a predetermined distance, in particular extend parallel to each other, and in particular at a predetermined angle with respect to a transverse plane of the positioning unit, from an end portion of the positioning pawl to an opposite end portion or end of the positioning pawl. In other words, the grooves may extend diagonally from top to bottom or from top to bottom in a skewed manner. In particular, by "transverse plane" is meant a transverse plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis or vertical direction of the device or positioning pawl. The transverse plane may also be referred to as the horizontal plane.

Additionally or alternatively, the first positioning surface portion is arranged above the second positioning surface portion in the vertical direction of the device, in particular for pre-positioning a plurality of battery components and/or lamellae. In other words, the first positioning surface portion may be provided on the second positioning surface portion. In other words, the first positioning surface portion and the second positioning surface portion may be arranged adjacent to each other and/or one above the other.

Advantageously, the device has at least four positioning units. In this case, it is also preferred that in each case two positioning units are arranged opposite one another and that the positioning surfaces of the positioning units face one another. In particular, the positioning units are arranged in pairs, opposite each other. Particularly preferably, the positioning units are arranged, in particular sequentially, at right angles to one another, such that they enclose a rectangular or square surface or receiving portion. Particularly preferably, the first positioning surface portions may together obtain or form a funnel shape, in particular due to the deflected surfaces.

According to an advantageous development, it is provided that the device comprises a second displacement unit arranged on the support. The second moving unit is configured for moving the support in the vertical direction of the device, in particular when moving the positioning unit. In other words, the second moving unit is configured for moving the support upwards and/or downwards. In other words, the second moving unit is configured to raise or lower the support. In particular, the second moving unit comprises a lifting device arranged on the support, wherein the lifting device is configured for moving the support in the vertical direction of the device, in particular when moving the positioning unit. For moving the support, the second moving unit comprises, for example, a ball screw. The second moving unit is in particular a further moving unit which is separate and independent from the first moving unit which causes the positioning pawl to move. In the second mobile unit, the travel path and the shaft speed may be changed or adjusted via the shaft of the second mobile unit. For example, the travel path and shaft speed of the ball screw may be varied via the shaft depending on the size, number, and characteristics of the battery assembly and/or lamina. Furthermore, the support may be arranged or rest on a support member or several support members. In particular, the at least one support member or several support members are provided on the lower side facing away from the positioning unit or battery assembly and/or the layer sheet. The at least one support member or several support members may be configured as a bar or a rod or a beam. In this case, the support may move together with the support member. In particular, the second moving unit and/or the support may together be referred to as a lifting device. Using the support and the second moving unit, the battery assembly and/or the layer can be moved or transported between the positioning claws in a particularly simple, fast and reliable manner.

Advantageously, the device comprises a base body, wherein the support and/or the positioning unit and/or the first movement unit and/or the second movement unit are arranged on the base body. In particular, the base body can be designed as a base frame, which is designed to hold or fix the support and/or the positioning unit and/or the first displacement unit and/or the second displacement unit. Preferably, the base may be threadably secured to the machine table.

A further advantageous embodiment provides that the battery assembly and/or the layer sheet in each case comprise at least two electrically conductive elements and two electrically insulating elements arranged one above the other, in particular in the vertical direction of the device, and adjacent to one another, wherein one of the two electrically conductive elements is configured, in particular peripherally, to be larger and/or more rigid than the other electrically conductive element. In particular, each cell assembly and/or ply includes or includes four plies having two electrically conductive elements and two electrically insulative elements. For example, one conductive element may be configured as an anode and the other conductive element may be configured as a cathode. For example, the anode may be configured to be peripherally larger and/or more rigid than the cathode. In particular, the stiffness of the electrically insulating element is lower than the stiffness of the or at least one of the electrically conductive elements. In particular, "peripherally" means circumferentially. In other words, the anode may have a larger surface area than the cathode. In other words, the anode may be larger than the cathode with respect to surface area. In particular, "rigid" means that one of the two conductive elements has a higher rigidity than the non-conductive element. In particular, rigidity describes the resistance of an object to elastic deformation caused by a force or moment. In particular, the conductive element is configured to have a plate-like or disc-like shape. Furthermore, the electrically insulating element is configured to be larger than the larger electrically conductive element, in particular at the periphery. For example, the electrically insulating element can be designed as an insulator. In other words, the surface of the electrically insulating element may be configured to be larger than the larger electrically conductive element. For example, the surface area of the insulator is larger than the surface area of the anode. For example, a separator or insulator, an anode, a separator, a cathode or a separator, a cathode, a separator, an anode are arranged in this order.

The invention also includes a method for operating an apparatus for making a cell stack having a plurality of cell assemblies and/or a plurality of plies. In this case, the device comprises several positioning units configured for accommodating a plurality of battery components and/or layers, wherein the positioning units each comprise a positioning claw, wherein the positioning claws are configured for enclosing a plurality of battery components and/or layers arranged one above the other. Furthermore, the apparatus includes a first moving unit configured to move the positioning unit. The first moving unit comprises an actuator and a movably mounted moving plate, wherein the positioning unit is arranged on the moving plate, wherein the actuator is configured for moving, in particular vibrating, the moving plate. The apparatus further comprises a support, wherein the plurality of battery assemblies and/or plies rest on the support, wherein the support is decoupled from the movement of the first moving unit. In this method step, a plurality of battery modules and/or layers are arranged one above the other, in particular in the vertical direction of the device, on a support. In other words, if the dry cell modules and/or the laminates are placed or stacked one above the other on the support. In other words, the battery assembly and/or the lamina may be placed on the support before or during centering. In other words, the cell assembly and/or the lamina may be stacked on the support before centering. In other words, the battery components and/or the layer sheets may be placed individually on the support one above the other. In a further method step, the first displacement unit is displaced in such a way that a plurality of cell components and/or layers arranged one above the other are centered or aligned between the positioning claws surrounding the cell components and/or layers.

A further advantageous embodiment provides that the device further comprises a second mobile unit. The second moving unit is disposed on the support. The second moving unit lowers the support in the vertical direction of the device, in particular when moving the positioning unit, in order to center the battery assembly and/or the lamellae. In other words, the battery pack and/or the layer provided on the support is accommodated or enclosed between the positioning units by the lowering or downward movement of the support.

Specific exemplary embodiments will be discussed below:

the individual cell components or plies are aligned over the center. All of the individual cell components or plies are centrally aligned with respect to one another. This is achieved by means of movable positioning claws on all 4 sides of the stack and by means of supports separate from the positioning claws. The support on which the battery modules and/or the laminate are stacked does not vibrate. To achieve over-center alignment, the individual cell components and/or the lamellae are displaced relative to one another in all 4 directions, in particular in a plane. In this case, the movement of the positioning claws and the spacing between the positioning claws can always be specifically adjusted depending on the size of the starting material, i.e. in particular the cell module and/or the laminate. In particular, even if the components, i.e. the cathode, the separator and the anode, have different dimensions, the centering of all cell components and/or the lamellae over the center can thus be accomplished. In particular, "starting material" refers to the material used for manufacturing the cell stack, i.e. for manufacturing the plies and/or the cell assembly or laminate. In this case, the method operates independently of gravity.

Advantageously, the cell assembly and/or the lamina in each case comprise at least two electrically conductive elements and two electrically insulating elements arranged one above the other and adjacent to each other, wherein the electrically insulating elements are at least partially folded in the vertical direction of the device during movement of the cell stack or the cell assembly and/or the lamina. In particular, the battery assembly and/or the layer is moved past the laterally arranged positioning unit by moving the positioning unit and in particular simultaneously lowering the support provided with the battery assembly and/or the layer. The electrically insulating element is folded upwards by this movement. Preferably, the edge region of the electrically insulating element, in particular the surface protruding above the electrically conductive element, is folded or bent upwards or in a vertical direction. In other words, in particular, the portion of the electrically insulating element protruding above the at least one electrically conductive element is folded. In other words, the electrically insulating element is at least partially folded or bent. In particular, by combining the lowering movement, the electrically conductive elements arranged above the respective electrically insulating element and the laterally arranged positioning claws, the electrically insulating element is folded or bent, in particular at an edge region which projects peripherally above the electrically insulating element. In a particularly simple manner, the cell module and/or the layers of the layers are surrounded or enclosed by a planar electrically insulating element, which forms an edge of the cell module.

According to an advantageous development, it is provided that the positioning claws are arranged such that during movement of the cell assembly and/or the lamina the electrically insulating elements are folded in such a way that the electrically insulating elements each rest against one of the electrically conductive elements. Preferably, the electrically insulating element rests against the anode. For example, the positioning pawl is configured such that the positioning pawl lifts the projecting insulator upwards in a defined manner and the insulator thus rests against the anode. Additionally or alternatively, the positioning detents are preferably arranged such that during movement of the battery assembly and/or the lamina, the electrically insulating element is folded in such a way that the electrically insulating element rests against the inner side of the positioning detents. In particular, the bent portion of the electrically insulating element is disposed between the positioning claw and the plurality of cell components and/or the lamina.

Advantageously, before the stack is removed, the stack is fixed, in particular in a form-fitting manner or by a substance-to-substance connection, in particular preferably by gluing or lamination or by means of clamping, for example by means of a clamping plate.

Another advantageous embodiment provides that after fixing the cell stack, the positioning unit is opened and the cell stack together with the fixing is removed from the device. For example, the stack may be removed by means of a clamp.

The invention also comprises modifications of the device according to the invention and of the method according to the invention, which modifications comprise the features already described in connection with the device according to the invention and the modifications of the method according to the invention. For this reason, corresponding modifications of the device according to the invention and of the method according to the invention are not described here.

Drawings

Exemplary embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

fig. 1 shows a schematic view of an apparatus for manufacturing a cell stack in a perspective view, the apparatus including a base, a number of positioning units, a moving plate, a support, a first moving unit and a second moving unit;

figure 2 shows, in a cross-sectional view, a schematic view of an apparatus for manufacturing the cell stack of figure 1 in a loading position of the support;

figure 3 shows, in a cross-sectional view, a schematic view of an apparatus for manufacturing the cell stack of figure 1 in an aligned position of the supports;

fig. 4 shows a schematic view of a positioning unit comprising a positioning pawl and an adjusting device in a perspective view;

FIG. 5a shows a schematic view of a portion of an assembly of the device having a positioning pawl;

FIG. 5b shows a schematic view of a portion of an assembly of the device having a positioning pawl; and

figure 6 shows a schematic view of a portion of the device loaded with several dry cell modules.

Detailed Description

The exemplary embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the present invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the components described in the embodiments each constitute individual features of the invention, which should be considered independently of one another and in each case also independently of one another to improve the invention, and are therefore regarded as constituting elements of the invention individually or in combinations other than the combinations shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by other features of the invention which have been described.

Fig. 1 to 3 show a schematic view of an apparatus 10 for manufacturing a cell stack. The cell stack includes a plurality of dry cell modules. Alternatively, the stack may also comprise individual plies. The exemplary embodiments described below are directed to a cell stack having several dry cell modules. Accordingly, the described exemplary embodiments may include a separate lamina rather than a battery assembly. Each battery assembly comprises several electrically conductive elements, in particular two electrically conductive elements. The conductive elements may be an anode and a cathode. Each battery assembly further comprises a number of electrically insulating elements, in particular two electrically insulating elements. The electrically insulating element may preferably be an insulator, which may also be referred to as a spacer. Preferably, each battery assembly is formed from planar or plate-like elements, electrically conductive elements and electrically insulating elements.

The device 10 includes a substrate 12. The base body 12 can be designed as a frame or as a support or a base frame. The base body 12 may be attached, in particular screwed, to a machine table (not shown in the figures). A plurality of positioning units 14 are arranged on the base body 12 of the device 10. In this case, the device 10 has four positioning units 14 — a first positioning unit 14.1, a second positioning unit 14.2, a third positioning unit 14.3 and a fourth positioning unit 14.4. The structure of each positioning unit 14 will be set forth in more detail in connection with fig. 4. The positioning units 14 are arranged in pairs, opposite to each other. Also, the respective positioning units 14 are arranged sequentially or adjacently at right angles or orthogonally. The positioning units 14, first positioning unit 14.1, second positioning unit 14.2, third positioning unit 14.3 and fourth positioning unit 14.4, enclose an accommodation area or accommodation surface.

The positioning unit 14 is configured to accommodate a plurality of battery assemblies. In other words, the plurality of positioning units 14 are integrally configured to accommodate a plurality of battery assemblies. In other words, a plurality of battery packs may be arranged in the accommodating portion between the positioning units 14. Furthermore, the positioning units 14 each include one positioning pawl 16. The positioning claws 16 of the positioning unit 14 are configured to surround a plurality of battery modules arranged one above the other. In particular, the "positioning pawl" refers to a pawl that: the claw is configured for clamping and/or holding and/or locking and/or pressing and/or positioning a movable lateral part or a movable side surface of the battery assembly. The positioning pawl 16 may also be referred to as an alignment pawl.

The apparatus 10 further comprises a first moving unit comprising the moving plate 18 and the actuator 37. The positioning unit 14 is provided on the moving plate 18 or attached to the moving plate 18. The moving plate 18 is configured as a plate or plate-like workpiece. The moving plate 18 is attached to the base 12 on a support 20 of the device 10 or is disposed on the base 12 or mounted on the base 12. The support 20 may be configured as a rubber support. Preferably, the moving plate 18 is mounted on four supports. The moving plate 18 is disposed between the support 20 and the positioning unit 14.

The actuator 37 of the first moving unit is configured to vibrate the moving plate 18 and/or the positioning unit 14. To this end, the actuator 37 is coupled to the moving plate 18. The moving plate 18 vibrates and/or the positioning unit 14 vibrates due to the movement of the moving plate 18 and/or the movement of the positioning unit 14 caused by the first moving unit or actuator 37. The moving plate 18 may also be referred to as a vibrating plate. In order to move the moving plate 18 and/or the positioning unit 14, the actuator 37 is configured as a motor, in particular as a vibration motor. As is apparent from fig. 2, the actuator 37 is disposed below the moving plate 18 in the vertical direction of the apparatus 10.

The positioning unit 14 is attached to the moving plate 18, in particular in a form-fitting manner, by means of a fastening device 22 and/or can be positioned on the moving plate 18. For positioning and/or attaching the respective positioning unit 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4, the fastening means 22 comprise a pin 26 or a screw or bolt. Each positioning unit 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4 has a bottom part at an end part, via which each positioning unit 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4 is attached to the moving plate 18 by means of a pin 26 or a screw or bolt. In particular, the "bottom portion" refers to the end portion via which the respective positioning unit 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4 is connected to the moving plate 18. The bottom part 28 forms an attachment of a cuboid at the end or end portion of the respective positioning unit 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4. The individual positioning units 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4 may also be attached to the moving plate 18 by means of several pins or screws or bolts. A pin 26 or a screw or a bolt passes through the bottom part 28 of the respective positioning unit 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4 and connects the positioning unit 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4 with the moving plate 18, in particular in a form-fitting manner. For positioning and/or attaching the respective positioning unit 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4, the fastening device 22 further comprises a key member 24, which is particularly configured as a key. The positioning can be effected, for example, by means of pins 26 seated in the bottom portions 28 of the respective positioning units 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4 and/or keys held in the moving plate 18. The key engages the following grooves: a groove facing the moving plate 18 at the lower side of the bottom portion 28 of the or each positioning unit 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4; and grooves of the moving plate 18, in particular grooves facing the positioning units 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4, located in the surface of the moving plate 18. This results in a form-fitting connection between the moving plate 18 and the respective positioning unit 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4.

The positioning unit 14 may be replaced according to the stack to be manufactured. For this purpose, the fastening means 22 will be released.

Furthermore, the device 10 has a second moving unit 30 and a support 34 (not shown in fig. 1). The support 34 is provided on the second moving unit 30. The second moving unit 30 is configured for moving or displacing the support 34 in the vertical direction of the device 10. In other words, the second moving unit 30 may move the support 34 upward or downward. In particular, the second moving unit 30 may move the support 34 from the loading position into the alignment position and vice versa, i.e. from the alignment position into the loading position. In this case, the loading position is located above the alignment position in the vertical direction of the apparatus 10. During the movement from the loading position into the alignment position, the support 34 is moved from the positioning pawl 16 in the direction of the bottom portion 28 of the positioning unit 14, but in particular remains at the level of the positioning pawl 16. In particular, the vertical direction extends parallel to the plane of the drawing. In fig. 2, the support 34 is in the loading position. In the loading position, the support 34 is in particular loaded with battery assemblies, i.e. the battery assemblies are stacked or arranged on the carrier 34. In fig. 3, the support 34 is in the aligned position. During movement to the aligned position, the support 34 moves with the battery assembly disposed on the support 34.

Prior to centering, the battery assembly is placed on the support 34 in the stowed position of the support 34. In other words, the battery assemblies may be stacked, preferably loosely stacked, on the support 34 prior to centering. In the process, the support 34 is first in the loading position (fig. 2). To center the battery assembly, the second moving unit 30 drives or moves the support 34 into the aligned position (fig. 3). During the movement of the support 34 from the loading position into the alignment position, the first movement unit or the actuator 37 of the first movement unit additionally moves the positioning unit 14. The second moving unit 30 lowers the support 34 in the vertical direction of the device 10 when moving the positioning unit 14, so as to center or align the battery assembly. In other words, the battery pack provided on the support 34 is accommodated or enclosed between the positioning units 14 or moved into the accommodating portion between the positioning units 14 by the lowering or downward movement of the support 34 and the movement of the positioning units 14.

The second mobile unit 30 and/or the support 34 is mounted on a support, in particular a rubber support. By mounting the second moving unit 30 and/or the support 34 on a support, the second moving unit 30 and/or the support 34 is decoupled from the movement of the first moving unit or the actuator 37 of the first moving unit.

The movement of the support 34 for aligning the battery assembly will be set forth in more detail in connection with fig. 2 and 3. The support 34 is disposed on the second moving unit 30 or on the second moving unit 30. In this case, the support 34 is movable relative to the base 12. The second moving unit 30 and/or the support 34 are mounted on the support and are therefore isolated from the actuator and/or the vibrations of the moving plate 18. The second moving unit 30 includes a ball screw 36. During the movement, in particular the oscillation, of the positioning unit 14 or of the positioning pawl 16, the support 34 is moved in the downward direction, in particular from the loading position into the alignment position, by means of the ball screw 36. In the process, the support 34 is moved or displaced along the stroke axis of the second moving unit 30 or the device 10. In fig. 3, the support 34 is in an aligned position in the device 10, in particular between the positioning units 14 or between the positioning claws 16 of the positioning units 14, together with the battery assembly arranged on the support 34. Once the support 34 is in the aligned position, the various plies of the battery assembly are centered or aligned one above the other in a defined manner between the locating detents 16.

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the positioning unit 14 of the positioning unit. The positioning unit 14 has a positioning pawl 16 and a bottom portion 28. The bottom portion 28 of the positioning unit 14 is connected to the positioning pawl 16 via an intermediate part 32. The bottom part 28, the positioning pawl 16 and the adjusting device 38 are arranged on the intermediate part 32. The positioning pawl 16 is arranged on a front side of the intermediate part 32, in particular at an upper end portion of the intermediate part 32, and the bottom portion 28 of the positioning unit 14 is arranged at a rear side of the intermediate part 32 facing away from the front side, in particular at a lower end portion of the intermediate part 32 opposite to the upper end portion. The intermediate part 32 is configured as a plate or plate-shaped workpiece. The positioning unit 14 may be attached and/or positioned on the moving plate 18 via the bottom portion 28. At the lower side of the positioning unit 14, in particular at the lower side of the intermediate part 32 or the bottom part 28, the positioning unit 14 has a groove which is engaged by the key member 24 for positioning and/or attachment, in particular the lower side of the intermediate part 32 and the lower side of the bottom part 28 merge into each other or form a common surface.

Furthermore, the positioning unit 14 comprises an adjusting device 38 for adjusting the position of the positioning pawl 16. The adjustment device 38 comprises an eccentric clamping lever 40 and a further spring member 42. The further spring element 42 can be designed as a compression spring. To adjust the position of the positioning pawl 16, the eccentric clamping lever 40 is moved. In this case, the further spring member 42 is configured to push the positioning pawl 16 onto a stop of the positioning unit 14 when the positioning pawl 16 is moved. Furthermore, the adjustment device 38 comprises an adjustment screw 44. In particular, the adjustment screw 44 is configured as a micrometer screw. The adjustment screw 44 is configured for adjusting the position of the stop.

In order to be able to remove the entire cell stack, i.e. a plurality of cell assemblies, from the device 10 after positioning alignment, the positioning pawl 16 must be moved away from the support 34. For this purpose, the eccentric clamping lever 40 is turned over. The compression spring ensures that the positioning pawl 16 is pushed against the stop or fixed stop during the advancing movement. The defined position of the positioning pawl 16 is thus ensured. The adjustment of the fixed stop or the stop is carried out by means of an adjusting screw 44.

As is evident from fig. 4, the positioning pawl 16 of the positioning unit 14 has a positioning surface 45 on the inside, in particular, the positioning surface 45 faces away from the bottom part 28 or the intermediate part 32. The positioning surface 45 is divided into at least two positioning surface portions 46, 48. In other words, the positioning pawl 16 has a multi-part construction or is divided into several parts or surface portions. The first positioning surface portion 46 has a smooth surface. The second positioning surface portion 48 has a recess 50.

As shown in fig. 4, the respective locating surface portions 46, 48 are separate or apart. In this case, a part of the second positioning surface portion 48, a part of the first positioning surface portion 46 and a part of a further second positioning surface portion are arranged adjacent to each other, in particular perpendicularly to the vertical direction of the device 10 and/or sequentially. Portions of the first positioning surface portion 46 are disposed between portions of the second positioning surface portion 48. Portions of the first positioning surface portion 46 add up to the first positioning surface portion 46 and/or portions of the second positioning surface portion 48 add up to the second positioning surface portion 48.

The configuration of the positioning surface 45 of each positioning unit 14 will be set forth in more detail in connection with fig. 5a and 5 b.

As is evident from fig. 5a, the surface of the first positioning surface portion 46 is arranged inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the vertical direction of the device 10. In other words, the surface of the first positioning surface portion 46 may be arranged obliquely with respect to the vertical direction of the device 10, in particular at an angle with respect to the vertical direction of the device 10. In other words, the surface 46 of the first positioning surface portion 46 may have an inclined portion or a steep plane. For example, the surface of the first positioning surface portion 46 may be arranged or oriented at an angle of between 5 ° and 90 °, preferably at an angle of between 5 ° and 45 °, particularly preferably at an angle of between 5 ° and 30 °, with respect to the vertical direction of the device. In particular, an angle α is formed between two opposing first positioning surface portions 46. For example, the angle α may be between 5 ° and 90 °, preferably between 5 ° and 45 °, particularly preferably between 5 ° and 30 °. The inclined portion of each first positioning surface portion 46 is identically constructed in each of the positioning units 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4. In particular, the inclined first positioning surface portions 46 together form a funnel shape. By means of the first positioning surface portion 46, the battery pack can be pre-positioned or slid into the receiving portion in which the battery pack is aligned or centered.

As is apparent from fig. 5b, the grooves 50 of the second positioning surface portion 48 extend parallel to each other at a predetermined pitch. In this case, the groove 50 extends at a predetermined angle β from an end portion 52 of the positioning pawl 16 to an opposite end portion 54 of the positioning pawl 16. In other words, the grooves 50 may extend diagonally from top to bottom or from top to bottom in a skewed manner. In this case, the groove 50 is arranged at a predetermined angle β with respect to the transverse plane of the positioning unit 14 or the device 10. In particular, a "transverse plane" refers to a transverse plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis or vertical direction of the device 10 or positioning pawl. The transverse plane may also be referred to as the horizontal plane.

Comparing fig. 5a and 5b, it is evident that the first positioning surface portion 46 is arranged above the second positioning surface portion 48 in the vertical direction of the device 10. In other words, the first and second positioning surface portions 46, 48 may be disposed adjacent to each other and one above the other. In the upper region, the positioning claws 16 are formed with a smooth surface and a predetermined angle α. Thus, when the individual battery modules are arranged one above the other, a certain prepositioning is achieved. A recess 50 configured at an angle β can be seen in the lower region of the positioning pawl 16. The angle β of the second positioning surface portion 48 and/or the groove 50 or the orientation of the angle β of the groove 50 ensures that the electrically insulating element is folded along a vertical line, i.e. in the vertical direction of the device 10. The folding process will be set forth in more detail in connection with fig. 6.

In fig. 6, the battery pack 55 is positioned between the positioning claws 16. As already explained in the introduction, the battery assembly 55 comprises several conductive elements, in particular two conductive elements. In this case, the cell assembly 55 includes one or more anodes 56 and cathodes 58 as conductive elements. In each case one electrically insulating element, namely a separator 60, is arranged between the anode 56 and the cathode 58. The anode 56 and cathode 58 and separator 60 are planar or configured as plate-like members or plates. In this case, the separator 60, the anode 56, the separator 60, and the cathode 58 or the separator 60, the cathode 58, and the separator 60 are arranged in order.

In this case, the anode 56 has a larger surface area than the cathode 58. Furthermore, the separator 60 is configured to be larger than the larger conductive element, i.e., larger than the anode 56, particularly at the periphery. In other words, the surface of the separator 60 may be configured to be larger than the larger conductive element, i.e., larger than the anode 56. Thus, the surface area of separator 60 is greater than the surface area of anode 56. In this case, the edge region of the separator 60 protrudes above the anode 56, in particular at the periphery. Further, the anode 56 is configured to be more rigid than the cathode 58 and more rigid than the separator 60.

The separator 60 is disposed below the anode 56 in the vertical direction of the apparatus 10. The surface of the separator 60 protrudes above the surface of the anode 56, particularly at the periphery. By moving the positioning unit 14 and in particular simultaneously lowering the support 34 on which the battery assembly 55 is arranged, the battery assembly 55 is moved past the laterally arranged positioning unit 14 or positioning pawl 16. As a result of this movement, the individual partitions 60, in particular the projecting edge regions of the partitions 60, are folded upwards.

Thus, the positioning claws 16 are arranged such that the separator 60 is folded during the movement of the cell assembly 55, or the protruding portions of the separator 60 are bent such that the separator 60 rests against the anode 56 in each case. In other words, the positioning pawl 16 is configured such that the positioning pawl 16 lifts the projecting or protruding diaphragm 60 upwards in a defined manner, and the projecting or protruding diaphragm 60 thus rests against the anode 56. Additionally or alternatively, the positioning claws 16 are arranged such that the separator 60 is folded during the movement of the battery assembly 55 such that the separator 60 rests in each case against the inner side of the positioning claws 16.

By means of the vibration of the positioning claws 16 and the simultaneous lowering of the moving unit 30 or the support 34, the respective battery pack 55 is moved past the laterally arranged positioning claws 16. By this movement, the partition 60 is folded upward. The positioning pawl 16 is designed such that a constant contact of the anode 56 occurs due to the obliquely formed recess 50 in the positioning pawl 16. Thus, the separator 60 rests against the anode 56 above the separator 60 and thus brings the anode 56 into a precise position, whereby the battery assembly 55 is particularly centered between the positioning units 14.

Since the anode 56 is larger than the cathode 58 on the one hand and has a greater inherent rigidity than the separator 60 on the other hand, the separator 60 or individual separators 60 serve as alignment elements for the entire stack or cell assembly 55. In this case, the respective battery packs 55 are arranged in the device 10 substantially one above the other. Due to the subsequent shaking process, i.e. the movement of the positioning unit 14 and the lowering of the support 34 with the battery pack 55 between the obliquely extending positioning claws 16, all layers or battery packs are positioned relative to one another by the respective recess 50.

Once all of the cell assemblies 55 have been lowered, the separator 60 or an edge region of the separator 60 is disposed between the positioning claws 16 and the cell assemblies 55.

After lowering the cell assembly 55 and/or before removing the cell stack, the cell assembly 55 or the cell stack is fixed, in particular in a form-fitting manner or by a substance-to-substance connection, in particular preferably by gluing or lamination or by means of a clamping plate.

After the stack is fixed, the positioning unit 14 is opened and the stack, for example fixed on the support plate, is removed from the device 10. For example, the stack may be removed by means of a clamp.

Specific exemplary embodiments will be discussed below:

the individual cell components or plies are aligned over the center. All of the individual cell components or plies are centrally aligned with one another. This is achieved by means of the movable positioning claws 16 on all 4 sides of the stack and by means of the support 34 separate from the positioning claws 16. The support member 34 on which the cell assembly and/or the laminate is stacked does not vibrate. To achieve over-center alignment, the individual cell components and/or the lamellae are displaced relative to one another in all 4 directions, in particular in a plane. In this case, the movement of the positioning claws 16 and the spacing between the positioning claws 16 can always be specifically adjusted depending on the size of the starting material, i.e. in particular the cell stack and/or the laminate. In particular, even if the components, i.e. the cathode, the separator and the anode, have different dimensions, centering of all cell components and/or the lamellae over the center can thus be achieved. Thus, "starting material" refers to the material used to make the stack, i.e. to make the plies and/or the cell assembly or laminate. In this case, the method operates independently of gravity.

In general, an apparatus for stacking laminated or glued cell stacks or cell assemblies to form a cell stack is described by the present invention.

According to the previous working procedure, the electrodes are connected with a continuous separator to form an electrode belt. The connection is established by a lamination process or by gluing. In the next operation, the separators are separated between the battery modules, thereby manufacturing loose battery modules including one or two electrode tabs and one or two separators. These loose cell assemblies must be stacked in a very precise manner to form a complete cell stack.

This idea is based on the idea that the individual battery components are arranged substantially only one above the other. The individual layers of the cell assembly are then centered one above the other by vibration and simultaneous lowering movement in laterally attached positioning claws of the device. In this case, the positioning pawl is configured such that it lifts the projecting separator plate upwards in a defined manner and the projecting separator plate thus rests against the anode. Because the anode has some inherent rigidity and the anode is much larger than the cathode, all of the individual stacks and cell assemblies become precisely aligned over the anode.

The apparatus includes a number of component groups. The assembly group comprises a pedestal, a vibrating plate, a pattern component and a lifting group. A base frame, which may also be referred to as a base body, is fixedly screwed to the machine table. A vibration plate, also called a moving plate, rests on a rubber support and is vibrated by a vibration motor. The model part, also called positioning unit, can be replaced and/or adjusted according to the battery model. For the positioning unit, precise positioning is performed on the vibration plate. The positioning is achieved by means of a pin firmly seated in the bottom portion and a key firmly held in the vibrating plate.

The support or workpiece support is located on a lifting group, also referred to as a second moving unit. The entire lifting group is mounted on the rubber support and is therefore decoupled from the vibration of the vibrating motor.

When the positioning claws of the positioning unit vibrate, the lifting group is moved in the downward direction by means of the ball screw. The travel path and shaft speed of the ball screw may vary via the shaft depending on the size, number, and characteristics of the cell stack or cell assembly.

The workpiece support is located in the device along with the cell stack or cell assembly. In this position, i.e. the aligned position, the individual layers of the cell assembly or cell stack are positioned one above the other and/or adjacent to each other in a defined manner.

In order to remove the entire cell stack or cell assembly from the device after the lower position alignment, the alignment jaws must be moved away from the workpiece support. For this purpose, the eccentric clamping lever must be turned over. The compression spring ensures that the alignment pawl is pushed against the fixed stop during the advancing movement. Thus ensuring a defined position of the jaws. The adjustment with respect to the fixed stop is carried out by means of a micrometer screw.

Each battery assembly is moved past the laterally disposed positioning jaws by vibration of the positioning jaws of the positioning unit and simultaneous lowering of the lifting group and the workpiece support. By this movement, the partition is folded upward. The positioning claws are designed such that a constant contact of the anode takes place due to the obliquely configured grooves in the claws. The separator thus rests against the anode above the separator and thereby brings the anode into a precise position.

In the upper region, the positioning pawls are formed with a smooth surface and an angle (α). Thus, when the individual battery modules are arranged one above the other, a certain prepositioning is achieved. In the lower region, grooves which are likewise formed with an angle (β) can be seen. The angle of the grooves ensures that the individual partitions, which are placed one above the other, come into contact with the positioning claws along a vertical line when the partitions are folded up.

In each case, the lamination or gluing of at least one anode, one cathode and one separator is a prerequisite for the use of such a shaking process. Since the anode is larger than the cathode on the one hand and has a greater inherent rigidity than the separator on the other hand, the anode serves as an alignment element for the entire stack. By laminating or gluing the cell components (anode-separator-cathode-separator), any number of cell components can be positioned relative to each other by means of this process step. In this case, the individual battery modules are arranged in the device substantially one above the other. This can be achieved by means of a simple pick and place operation. All layers are positioned relative to each other by means of a single anode due to the subsequent shaking process and lowering between the obliquely extending positioning claws. The stack is then clamped in the device using a two-part cassette and the position of each individual layer is thereby maintained.

List of reference numerals

10 device

12 base body

14 positioning unit

14.1 first positioning Unit

14.2 second positioning Unit

14.3 third positioning Unit

14.4 fourth positioning Unit

16 positioning claw

18 moving plate

20 support member

22 fastening device

24 key member

26 pin

28 bottom part

30 second mobile unit

32 intermediate part

34 support piece

36 ball screw

37 actuator

38 adjustment device

40 eccentric clamping rod

42 another spring member

44 adjusting screw

45 locating surface

46 first positioning surface portion

48 second location surface portion

50 groove

52 end portion

54 end portion

55 cell assembly

56 anode

58 cathode

60 baffle