Apparatus and method for manufacturing a battery stack

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) for producing a battery stack having a plurality of battery packs (55). The device (10) comprises a plurality of positioning units (14) for receiving the plurality of battery packs (55), each of the positioning units (14) comprising a positioning claw (16) which holds the plurality of battery packs (55) arranged one above the other. The device (10) also comprises a first moving unit for moving the positioning units (14), the first moving unit comprising an actuator (37) and a movably mounted moving plate (18), the positioning units (14) being arranged on the moving plate (18), and the actuator (37) moving the moving plate (18). The positioning units (14) are arranged so that the individual battery packs (55) are centered between the positioning claws (16) by the movement caused by the first moving unit. The device (10) finally comprises a support (34) which is separate from the movement of the first moving unit, and the plurality of battery packs (55) and / or layers are located on the support (34).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a device for producing a battery stack having a plurality of battery components and / or battery layers, and to a method for operating the device for producing a battery stack according to the invention. Background Art

[0002] The production process of lithium-ion battery cells includes four main process steps. The main process steps include electrode manufacturing, cell assembly, formation and aging. Regardless of the various battery formats - cylindrical cells, hard-shell cells or pouch cells - the smallest unit of each lithium-ion battery cell includes two electrodes with an anode and a cathode and a separator that separates the electrodes, anode and cathode, from each other. In this case, the cathode can be, for example, about 1 mm smaller than the anode at the periphery. The separator is the largest component of the battery cell and is about 1 mm larger than the anode at the periphery.

[0003] Various methods are known for producing battery cells, such as winding, rolling or stacking. To produce battery cells, a stacking process is currently carried out in which the individual electrodes, including the separators, are stacked one on top of the other in several layers until the desired battery capacity is obtained. In this process step, it is necessary to accurately position the electrodes - cathode and anode. In order to maintain the exact position of the electrodes, these components are glued and / or laminated to each other in different orders - in the order of separator, anode, separator, cathode or separator, cathode, separator, anode. Now, in order to produce a complete battery stack from a number of individual layers or laminated and / or glued battery components, these individual layers or laminated and / or glued battery components are automatically placed in place via a processing device and with the help of a vacuum clamp and checked with the help of image processing. Such an assembly requires a workpiece support with integrated clamping devices, which fix the individual battery components in place after they are placed one on top of the other.

[0004] DE 10 2016 213 149 A1 describes a method for producing an electrode unit for a battery cell. In the method, a plurality of anode layers, cathode layers and separator layers are stacked in a stacking direction to form a layer stack. The layer stack is then arranged so that the stacking direction extends obliquely relative to the vertical direction. In a further method step, the layer stack is shaken until at least one edge of the plurality of anode layers, cathode layers and separator layers rests against at least one stop. Finally, the layer stack is mechanically fixed. Summary of the invention

[0005] The invention itself is based on the object of providing an improved device and an improved method for producing a cell stack, by means of which a cell stack can be produced in a particularly simple, reliable and rapid manner, in particular in series production.

[0006] To achieve this object, the present invention provides a device for manufacturing a battery stack and a method for operating a device for manufacturing a battery stack. Advantageous embodiments of the present invention with useful and important improvements are also shown in the present invention.

[0007] The present invention provides a device for manufacturing a battery stack having a plurality of battery assemblies and / or a plurality of layers. In particular, a "battery assembly" has several conductive elements, in particular cathodes and / or anodes, and at least one electrically insulating element. The battery assembly or the plurality of battery assemblies may be a battery assembly or a plurality of battery assemblies of a battery pack. Alternatively, the battery assembly may also include several electrically insulating elements. In particular, a "layer" refers to a separate or single layer of several conductive elements, in particular cathodes and / or anodes, and / or electrically insulating elements. The electrically insulating element may, for example, be an insulator, which may also be referred to as a separator. The layer may, for example, be a layer of a fuel cell or a battery pack. For example, the layer of a fuel cell may include one or several bipolar plates and / or layers of a membrane electrode assembly. A fuel cell stack may be formed by separate layers. The layers of a fuel cell stack, in particular a bipolar plate or a plurality of bipolar plates and / or a membrane electrode assembly, have different sizes. Preferably, the layers of a fuel cell stack have geometrically identical features for aligning layers of different sizes.

[0008] Preferably, the battery assembly and / or the ply in each case comprises at least two electrically conductive elements and two electrically insulating elements arranged one above the other and adjacent to each other. One of the electrically conductive elements can be configured as a cathode and the other electrically conductive element can be configured as an anode. For example, in the respective battery assembly and / or ply, the separator, the anode, the separator and the cathode, or the separator, the cathode, the separator and the anode can be arranged adjacent to each other or stacked in sequence. In a battery stack, several battery assemblies and / or plies are arranged or stacked, in particular in the vertical direction of the device, in particular adjacent to each other or one above the other.

[0009] 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 cathode or forms the largest component compared to the anode and cathode. In particular, the separator preferably forms the largest component in terms of surface area, so that the separator is larger than the anode and cathode at the periphery. Preferably, the anode is larger than the cathode. In addition, the electrode may have a contact sheet. 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 sequence. In particular, the battery stack of the battery cell may be based on a laminate stack. In the battery assembly or multiple battery assemblies or laminates, the individual layers are preferably firmly connected to each other. Preferably, the layers are firmly connected to each other and have different sizes. 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 assembly, reference is made here to PCT / DE2020 / 100240.

[0010] The device comprises a plurality of positioning units configured to accommodate a plurality of battery assemblies and / or layers. In other words, the plurality of positioning units are configured as a whole to accommodate a plurality of battery assemblies and / or layers. In other words, a plurality of battery assemblies and / or layers can be arranged in a positioning unit. In addition, the positioning units each comprise a positioning claw, wherein the positioning claw is configured to enclose a plurality of battery assemblies and / or layers arranged one above the other. In particular, a "positioning claw" refers to a claw that is configured to hold and / or guide and / or position a movable lateral part or a movable side surface of a battery assembly. In particular, the positioning claw can have a multi-part structure.

[0011] Furthermore, the device comprises a support, wherein the plurality of battery components and / or layers rest on the support. The support can be configured, for example, as a plate or a plate-like workpiece. Preferably, the support can be arranged between the positioning units.

[0012] The device further comprises a first movement unit configured to move the positioning unit. In other words, the first movement unit is configured to set the movement of the positioning unit. Particularly preferably, the first movement unit is configured to oscillate the positioning unit or to vibrate the positioning unit.

[0013] The positioning unit is arranged so that each battery assembly and / or layer is centered between the positioning claws by the movement caused by the first mobile unit. The battery assembly and / or layer can be centered between the positioning units by means of the mobile unit. In particular, "centering" refers to the alignment of the center. In other words, each battery assembly and / or layer can be aligned, especially centered, between the positioning claws by the movement of the positioning unit. In other words, the battery assembly and / or layer can be aligned above the center. For this purpose, each battery assembly and / or layer is loosely placed one above the other. By means of this movement, each layer of the battery stack is particularly preferably centered one above the other between the positioning claws, especially laterally attached, or placed or aligned one above the other in a consistent or parallel manner. In particular, "centering" refers to being preferably centered between the positioning claws, or preferably aligned around a center point between the positioning claws, or preferably aligned toward the center between the positioning claws.

[0014] The embodiment of the device with the positioning claw and the first movable unit has the advantage that the battery stack can be manufactured particularly quickly, i.e. a particularly rapid assembly is possible. Moreover, the device can be used for serial production. In addition, due to the positioning claw and the first movable unit, the device has a particularly simple and compact structure. Finally, the positioning claw can be used to scale to other battery types or sizes in a particularly simple manner.

[0015] Furthermore, it is provided that the first mobile unit comprises an actuator and a mobile plate mounted in a movably manner. In particular, the mobile plate is configured as a plate-shaped workpiece or a support or a plate. The mobile plate may also be referred to as a vibrating plate. Preferably, the mobile plate is movably mounted on a support, in particular on a rubber support. The positioning unit is arranged on the mobile plate. In other words, the positioning unit can be mounted on the mobile plate or attached to the mobile plate. In this case, the positioning unit is preferably arranged on the surface of the mobile plate. The actuator is configured to move, in particular vibrate or shake the mobile plate. For example, the actuator may be configured as a vibration motor. For this purpose, the actuator is preferably coupled to the mobile plate. Using the mobile plate and the actuator, the positioning units can be moved together simultaneously or independently of each other in a particularly simple and reliable manner so as to align the battery assembly and / or the layer.

[0016] Furthermore, the support is decoupled from the movement of the first mobile unit. In other words, the support and the first mobile unit can be separated or disengaged from each other in terms of vibration. In particular, the support as a support means for the battery assembly and / or the ply is decoupled in terms of vibration from the first mobile unit, preferably from the mobile plate and the positioning unit attached to the first mobile unit and vibrating with the first mobile unit. Preferably, the mobile unit vibrates and moves, and during the movement of the first mobile unit, the support does not move or vibrate together with the first mobile unit.

[0017] Particularly preferably, the positioning unit, preferably the positioning claws, can be moved or vibrated individually or in pairs. In particular, the first mobile unit can be configured to move or vibrate the positioning claws individually or in pairs. In other words, the positioning unit, in particular the positioning claws, can be moved individually or in pairs by the first mobile unit. Preferably, the device comprises four positioning claws, in particular arranged in pairs and opposite to each other. Two of the positioning claws, preferably the two positioning claws opposite to each other, move simultaneously in each case. Additionally or as an alternative, all four positioning claws can be moved simultaneously. Additionally or alternatively, each individual positioning claw can move independently of the other positioning claws.

[0018] Advantageous embodiments provide that the positioning claw is configured to perform a forward movement, in particular a forward movement toward the battery assembly and / or the ply. In particular, "forward movement" refers to the movement of the positioning claw toward the workpiece, in this case toward the battery stack or the battery assembly and / or the ply. In particular, the individual battery assemblies and / or the plies are aligned above the center. In other words, the individual battery assemblies and / or the plies are aligned centrally with respect to each other. Preferably, this is achieved by means of a movable positioning claw preferably located on all four sides of the battery stack and by means of a support or a separate support plate separated from the positioning claw. The support or support plate stacked with the battery assembly and / or the ply does not vibrate. In order to achieve alignment above the center, the individual battery assemblies and / or the plies can be displaced relative to each other in all 4 directions, in particular in a plane. In this case, the movement of the positioning claw and the spacing between the positioning claws can be specifically adjusted according to the size of the starting material - the battery assembly and / or the ply. Accordingly, all the positioning claws, in particular the positioning claws on both sides of the battery assembly and / or the layer, move and / or can move towards the battery assembly and / or the layer. For example, the further movement unit or the first movement unit of the device can be configured to move the positioning claws to perform a forward movement. The further movement unit or the first movement unit can be configured to move the positioning claws individually or together or in pairs to perform a forward movement.

[0019] Advantageously, the device comprises at least one air nozzle configured to provide an air flow, wherein, due to the air flow, the air nozzle is configured to align the battery assembly and / or the ply in particular between the positioning units. Preferably, the air nozzle can be arranged on the positioning unit. Preferably, the device comprises several air nozzles, each of which provides an air flow. Particularly preferably, the device comprises four air nozzles, wherein one air nozzle is arranged on the positioning claw in each case. Particularly preferably, the air nozzle is configured to help the battery assembly and / or the ply to be aligned between the positioning claws. For example, an air flow can be provided while the positioning claw moves and / or after the positioning claw moves and / or before the positioning claw moves, and the air flow is directed to the battery assembly and / or the ply between the positioning claws. For example, the positioning claw can have one or more openings at a predetermined position, in particular at the center, and the air provided by the air nozzle can flow through the one or more openings. In particular, the corresponding air flow passes through the opening or openings in the positioning claw and hits the battery assembly and / or the ply.

[0020] Advantageously, the positioning unit is attached to the mobile plate and / or can be positioned on the mobile plate by means of a fastening device, in particular in a form-fitting manner. To this end, the fastening device comprises at least one fastening member and / or a key member, the at least one fastening member being in particular a pin or a screw or a bolt, the key member being in particular a key, wherein the respective positioning unit can be attached to the mobile plate and / or positioned on the mobile plate by means of the at least one fastening member and / or the key member. For example, positioning can be achieved by means of a pin seated in the bottom part of the respective positioning unit and / or a key held in the mobile plate. In particular, the respective positioning unit is connected to the mobile plate via a fastening member and / or a key member. The respective positioning unit can be fixed and / or positioned in a particularly simple and reliable manner by means of the fastening device.

[0021] Another advantageous embodiment provides that the positioning claws of the positioning unit each have a positioning surface that is particularly located on the inside. In other words, each positioning claw can have an inner surface on the inside, which inner surface is in contact or in contact with a plurality of battery components and / or layers. Moreover, the positioning surface is divided into at least two positioning surface parts. In other words, the positioning surface has several positioning surface parts - a first positioning surface part and a second positioning surface part. In this case, the first positioning surface part has a smooth surface. In other words, the surface of the first positioning surface part is constructed in a planar or horizontal manner. The second positioning surface part of the positioning surface has a groove. In particular, a "groove" refers to a depression or a channel or a groove that extends particularly along the area or surface of the second positioning surface part.

[0022] Another advantageous embodiment provides that the surface of the first positioning surface portion is configured to be inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the vertical direction of the device. In other words, the surface of the first positioning surface portion can be arranged obliquely relative to the vertical direction of the device. In other words, the surface of the first positioning surface portion can have an inclined portion or a steep plane. For example, the surface of the first positioning surface portion can be arranged or oriented at an angle between 5° and 90°, preferably between 5° and 45°, particularly preferably between 5° and 30° relative to the vertical direction of the device. The advantage of the inclined surface of the positioning surface portion is that the battery assembly and / or the layer can be pre-positioned by means of the inclined surface, in particular slid into a predetermined position or slid along the surface of the first positioning surface portion.

[0023] Additionally or alternatively, the grooves of the second positioning surface portion preferably extend from an end portion of the positioning claw to an opposite end portion or end of the positioning claw at a predetermined spacing, in particular extending parallel to each other and in particular at a predetermined angle relative to a transverse plane of the positioning unit. In other words, the grooves can extend diagonally from top to bottom or from top towards bottom in a skewed manner. In particular, a "transverse plane" refers to a transverse plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis or vertical direction of the device or the positioning claw. The transverse plane can also be referred to as a horizontal plane.

[0024] Additionally or alternatively, the first positioning surface portion is arranged to be located 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 layers. In other words, the first positioning surface portion can be arranged on the second positioning surface portion. In other words, the first positioning surface portion and the second positioning surface portion can be arranged adjacent to each other and / or one is located above the other.

[0025] 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 one another. Particularly preferably, the positioning units are arranged, in particular sequentially, at right angles to one another, so that the positioning units enclose a rectangular or square surface or receiving portion. Particularly preferably, the first positioning surface portion can together obtain or form a funnel shape, in particular due to the skewed surface.

[0026] According to an advantageous improvement, the device comprises a second mobile unit arranged on the support. The second mobile unit is configured to move the support in the vertical direction of the device, in particular when the positioning unit is moved. In other words, the second mobile unit is configured to move the support upward and / or downward. In other words, the second mobile unit is configured to raise or lower the support. In particular, the second mobile unit comprises a lifting device arranged on the support, wherein the lifting device is configured to move the support in the vertical direction of the device, in particular when the positioning unit is moved. In order to move the support, the second mobile unit comprises, for example, a ball screw. The second mobile unit is particularly another mobile unit that is separate and independent from the first mobile unit that causes the positioning claw to move. In the second mobile unit, the travel path and the axis speed can be changed or adjusted via the axis of the second mobile unit. For example, the travel path and the axis speed of the ball screw can be changed via the axis according to the size, quantity and characteristics of the battery assembly and / or the layer. Moreover, the support can be arranged or rested on a support member or several support members. In particular, at least one support member or several support members are arranged on the lower side facing away from the positioning unit or the battery assembly and / or the layer. At least one support member or several support members can be configured as a rod or a rod or a beam. In this case, the support can be moved together with the support member. In particular, the second mobile unit and / or the support can be referred to together as a lifting device. Using the support and the second mobile 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.

[0027] Advantageously, the device comprises a base body, wherein the support and / or the positioning unit and / or the first mobile unit and / or the second mobile unit are arranged on the base body. In particular, the base body can be configured as a base frame, which is configured to hold or fix the support and / or the positioning unit and / or the first mobile unit and / or the second mobile unit. Preferably, the base body can be screwed to the machine table.

[0028] Another advantageous embodiment provides that the battery assembly and / or the layer in each case comprises at least two conductive elements and two electrically insulating elements arranged one above the other, in particular in the vertical direction of the device and adjacent to each other, wherein one of the two conductive elements is in particular configured to be larger and / or more rigid than the other conductive element at the periphery. In particular, each battery assembly and / or layer comprises or contains four layers with two conductive elements and two electrically insulating elements. For example, one conductive element can be configured as an anode and the other conductive element can be configured as a cathode. For example, the anode can be configured to be larger and / or more rigid than the cathode at the periphery. In particular, the rigidity of the electrically insulating element is lower than the rigidity of the conductive elements or at least one of the conductive elements. In particular, "peripherally" means circumferentially. In other words, the anode can have a larger surface area than the cathode. In other words, the anode can be larger than the cathode in terms of surface area. In particular, "rigidity" 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 electrically conductive element is configured to have a plate-like or disk-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 configured as an insulator. In other words, the surface of the electrically insulating element can 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, the separator or the insulator, the anode, the separator, the cathode or the separator, the cathode, the separator, the anode are arranged in this order.

[0029] The present invention also includes a method for operating a device for manufacturing a battery stack having a plurality of battery assemblies and / or a plurality of layers. In this case, the device includes a plurality of positioning units configured to accommodate a plurality of battery assemblies and / or layers, wherein each of the positioning units includes a positioning claw, wherein the positioning claw is configured to surround a plurality of battery assemblies and / or layers arranged one above the other. Moreover, the device includes a first mobile unit configured to move the positioning unit. The first mobile unit includes an actuator and a mobile plate mounted in a movably manner, wherein the positioning unit is arranged on the mobile plate, wherein the actuator is configured to move the mobile plate, in particular to vibrate. The device also includes a support, wherein the plurality of battery assemblies and / or layers rest on the support, wherein the support is separated from the movement of the first mobile unit. In this method step, a plurality of battery assemblies and / or layers are arranged on the support one above the other, in particular in the vertical direction of the device. In other words, a plurality of battery assemblies and / or layers are placed or stacked one above the other on the support. In other words, the battery components and / or plies can be placed on the support before or during the centering. In other words, the battery components and / or plies can be stacked on the support before the centering. In other words, the battery components and / or plies can be placed individually one above the other on the support. In a further method step, the first moving unit is moved such that a plurality of battery components and / or plies arranged one above the other are centered or aligned between the positioning claws surrounding the battery components and / or plies.

[0030] Another advantageous embodiment provides that the device further comprises a second moving unit. The second moving unit is arranged on the support. The second moving unit, in particular, lowers the support in the vertical direction of the device when moving the positioning unit, so as to center the battery assembly and / or the layer. In other words, by lowering or moving the support downward, the battery assembly and / or the layer arranged on the support is accommodated or enclosed between the positioning units.

[0031] Specific exemplary embodiments are discussed below:

[0032] Each battery assembly or layer is aligned above the center. All individual battery assemblies or layers are aligned centrally relative to each other. This is achieved by means of movable positioning claws located on all 4 sides of the battery stack and by means of a support separated from the positioning claws. The support stacked with battery assemblies and / or layers does not vibrate. In order to achieve alignment above the center, each battery assembly and / or layer is displaced relative to each other in all 4 directions, especially in a plane. In this case, the movement of the positioning claws and the spacing between the positioning claws can always be specially adjusted according to the size of the starting material, that is, in particular the battery assembly and / or layer. In particular, even if the components, namely the cathode, separator and anode, have different sizes, the centering of all battery assemblies and / or layers above the center can be completed. In particular, "starting material" refers to the material used to manufacture the battery stack, that is, to manufacture the layer and / or battery assembly or laminate. In this case, the method operates independently of gravity.

[0033] Advantageously, in each case, the battery assembly and / or the ply comprises 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 the movement of the battery stack or the battery assembly and / or the ply. In particular, the battery assembly and / or the ply are moved past the laterally arranged positioning units by moving the positioning units and in particular by simultaneously lowering the support on which the battery assembly and / or the ply is arranged. The electrically insulating elements are folded upwards by this movement. Preferably, the edge regions of the electrically insulating elements, in particular the surfaces protruding above the electrically conductive elements, are folded upwards or folded or bent in the vertical direction. In other words, in particular, the portion of the electrically insulating elements protruding above at least one electrically conductive element is folded. In other words, the electrically insulating elements are at least partially folded or bent. In particular, by combining the lowering movement, the electrically conductive elements arranged above the respective electrically insulating elements and the laterally arranged positioning claws, the electrically insulating elements are folded or bent, in particular at the edge regions protruding above the electrically insulating elements on the periphery. The cell assembly and / or the layers of the layers can be surrounded or enclosed in a particularly simple manner by a planar electrically insulating element which forms the edge of the cell assembly.

[0034] According to an advantageous improvement, the positioning claw is arranged so that during the movement of the battery assembly and / or the plies, the electrically insulating element is folded in such a way that the electrically insulating element each rests against one of the conductive elements. Preferably, the electrically insulating element rests against the anode. For example, the positioning claw is configured so that the positioning claw lifts the protruding insulator upward in a defined manner and the insulator thus rests against the anode. Additionally or alternatively, the positioning claw is preferably arranged so that during the movement of the battery assembly and / or the plies, the electrically insulating element is folded in such a way that the electrically insulating element rests against the inner side of the positioning claw. In particular, the bent portion of the electrically insulating element is arranged between the positioning claw and the plurality of battery assemblies and / or the plies.

[0035] Advantageously, before the cell stack is removed, the cell stack is fixed, in particular in a form-fitting manner or by a material-to-material connection, particularly preferably by gluing or laminating or by means of clamping, for example by means of clamping plates.

[0036] Another advantageous embodiment provides that after the cell stack has been fixed, the positioning unit is opened and the cell stack together with the fixing element is removed from the device. For example, the cell stack can be removed by means of a clamp.

[0037] The present invention also includes improvements of the device according to the present invention and the method according to the present invention, which include the features already described in conjunction with the improvements of the device according to the present invention and the method according to the present invention. For this reason, the corresponding improvements of the device according to the present invention and the method according to the present invention are no longer described here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] The exemplary embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0039] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an apparatus for manufacturing a battery stack is shown in a three-dimensional diagram, the apparatus comprising a base, a plurality of positioning units, a moving plate, a support, a first moving unit, and a second moving unit;

[0040] Figure 2 The cross-sectional view shows the method for manufacturing Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a battery stack device in a loading position of a support member;

[0041] Figure 3 The cross-sectional view shows the method for manufacturing Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a battery stack device in an aligned position of a support member;

[0042] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a positioning unit including a positioning claw and an adjustment device is shown in a three-dimensional diagram;

[0043] Figure 5aA schematic diagram showing a portion of an assembly of the device having a positioning claw;

[0044] Figure 5b a schematic diagram showing a portion of an assembly of the device having a positioning claw; and

[0045] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a portion of a device loaded with several battery assemblies is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The exemplary embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the present invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the components described in the embodiments each constitute a single feature of the present invention, which should be considered independently of one another and in each case also improve the present invention independently of one another, and are therefore considered as constituent elements of the present invention individually or in combinations other than the combinations shown. Moreover, the described embodiments may also be supplemented with other features of the present invention that have already been described.

[0047] Figures 1 to 3 A schematic diagram of an apparatus 10 for manufacturing a battery stack is shown. The battery stack comprises several battery assemblies. Alternatively, the battery stack may also comprise separate layers. The exemplary embodiments described below are directed to a battery stack having several battery assemblies. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments described may comprise separate layers instead of battery assemblies. Each battery assembly comprises several conductive elements, in particular two conductive elements. The conductive elements may be an anode and a cathode. Each battery assembly further comprises several 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 separator. Preferably, each battery assembly is formed by planar or plate-like elements, conductive elements and electrically insulating elements.

[0048] The device 10 comprises a base 12. The base 12 can be configured as a frame or a support or a base frame. The base 12 can be attached to, in particular screwed to, a machine table (not shown in the figure). Several positioning units 14 are arranged on the base 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 combined Figure 4 The positioning units 14 are arranged in pairs, opposite to each other. Moreover, the positioning units 14 are arranged sequentially or adjacently at right angles or orthogonally. Each positioning unit 14 - the first positioning unit 14.1, the second positioning unit 14.2, the third positioning unit 14.3 and the fourth positioning unit 14.4 - surrounds a receiving portion or a receiving surface.

[0049] The positioning unit 14 is configured to accommodate multiple battery assemblies. In other words, several positioning units 14 are configured as a whole to accommodate multiple battery assemblies. In other words, multiple battery assemblies can be arranged in the accommodating portion between the positioning units 14. Moreover, each of the positioning units 14 includes a positioning claw 16. The positioning claw 16 of the positioning unit 14 is configured to surround multiple battery assemblies arranged one above the other. In particular, a "positioning claw" refers to a claw that is configured to clamp and / or hold and / or lock and / or press and / or position a movable lateral portion or movable side surface of a battery assembly. The positioning claw 16 may also be referred to as an alignment claw.

[0050] The device 10 further comprises a first mobile unit, which comprises a mobile plate 18 and an actuator 37. The positioning unit 14 is arranged on the mobile plate 18 or attached to the mobile plate 18. The mobile plate 18 is configured as a plate or a plate-like workpiece. The mobile plate 18 is attached to the base 12 or arranged on the base 12 or mounted on the base 12 on the support 20 of the device 10. The support 20 can be configured as a rubber support. Preferably, the mobile plate 18 is mounted on four supports. The mobile plate 18 is arranged between the support 20 and the positioning unit 14.

[0051] The actuator 37 of the first mobile unit is designed to vibrate the mobile plate 18 and / or the positioning unit 14. For this purpose, the actuator 37 is coupled to the mobile plate 18. The mobile plate 18 vibrates and / or the positioning unit 14 vibrates due to the movement of the mobile plate 18 and / or the movement of the positioning unit 14 caused by the first mobile unit or the actuator 37. The mobile plate 18 can also be referred to as a vibration plate. In order to move the mobile plate 18 and / or the positioning unit 14, the actuator 37 is designed as a motor, in particular a vibration motor. As shown in FIG. Figure 2 It can be clearly seen that the actuator 37 is arranged below the moving plate 18 in the vertical direction of the device 10 .

[0052] The positioning unit 14 is attached to the mobile plate 18 and / or can be positioned on the mobile plate 18, in particular in a form-fitting manner, by means of a fastening device 22. For positioning and / or attaching the individual positioning units 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4, the fastening device 22 comprises a pin 26 or a screw or a bolt. The individual positioning units 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4 have a bottom portion at the end portion, via which the individual positioning units 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4 are attached to the mobile plate 18 by means of the pin 26 or the screw or the bolt. In particular, the "bottom portion" refers to the end portion, via which the individual positioning units 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4 are connected to the mobile plate 18. The bottom portion 28 forms a cuboid attachment at the end or end portion of the individual positioning units 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4. Each positioning unit 14.1,14.2,14.3,14.4 can also be attached to the mobile plate 18 by several pins or screws or bolts. Pins 26 or screws or bolts pass through the bottom part 28 of each positioning unit 14.1,14.2,14.3,14.4 and the positioning unit 14.1,14.2,14.3,14.4 is connected with the mobile plate 18 in a form-fitting manner. In order to locate and / or attach each positioning unit 14.1,14.2,14.3,14.4, the fastening device 22 also includes a key member 24 that is particularly configured as a key. For example, positioning can be achieved by means of a pin 26 seated in the bottom part 28 of each positioning unit 14.1,14.2,14.3,14.4 and / or a key held in the mobile plate 18. The key engages the following grooves: the grooves at the lower side of the bottom part 28 of the respective positioning unit or the respective positioning unit 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4 facing the moving plate 18; and the grooves of the moving plate 18, in particular the 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.

[0053] The positioning unit 14 can be replaced depending on the battery stack to be manufactured. To this end, the fastening device 22 is to be released.

[0054] In addition, the device 10 has a second mobile unit 30 and a support member 34 ( Figure 1). The support 34 is arranged on the second movable unit 30. The second movable unit 30 is configured to move or displace the support 34 in the vertical direction of the device 10. In other words, the second movable unit 30 can move the support 34 upward or downward. In particular, the second movable unit 30 can move the support 34 from the loading position to the alignment position and vice versa, i.e. from the alignment position to the loading position. In this case, the loading position is located above the alignment position in the vertical direction of the device 10. During the movement from the loading position to the alignment position, the support 34 is moved from the positioning claw 16 in the direction of the bottom part 28 of the positioning unit 14, but in particular remains at the level of the positioning claw 16. In particular, the vertical direction extends parallel to the plane of the drawing. Figure 2 In the loading position, the support member 34 is in the loading position. In the loading position, the support member 34 is in particular loaded with battery assemblies, i.e., the battery assemblies are stacked or arranged on the carrier member 34. Figure 3 In the embodiment, the support member 34 is in the alignment position. During the movement to the alignment position, the support member 34 moves together with the battery assembly arranged on the support member 34.

[0055] Before centering, the battery assembly is placed on the support 34 in the loading position of the support 34. In other words, the battery assembly can be stacked, preferably loosely stacked, on the support 34 before centering. In this process, the support 34 is first in the loading position ( Figure 2 In order to center the battery assembly, the second moving unit 30 drives or moves the support member 34 to the alignment position ( Figure 3 ). During the movement of the support 34 from the loading position to the alignment position, the first moving unit or the actuator 37 of the first moving 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, by the lowering or downward movement of the support 34 and the movement of the positioning unit 14, the battery assembly disposed on the support 34 is accommodated or enclosed between the positioning units 14 or is moved to the accommodation portion between the positioning units 14.

[0056] The second mobile unit 30 and / or the support 34 are mounted on a support, which is particularly a rubber support. By mounting the second mobile unit 30 and / or the support 34 on a support, the second mobile unit 30 and / or the support 34 are decoupled from the movement of the first mobile unit or the actuator 37 of the first mobile unit.

[0057] Will combine Figure 2 and Figure 3The movement of the support 34 for aligning the battery assembly is stated in more detail. The support 34 is arranged above or on the second mobile unit 30. In this case, the support 34 is movable relative to the base 12. The second mobile unit 30 and / or the support 34 are mounted on a support and are therefore decoupled from the vibrations of the actuator and / or the moving plate 18. The second mobile unit 30 comprises a ball screw 36. During a movement, in particular a vibration, of the positioning unit 14 or of the positioning claw 16, the support 34 is moved in a downward direction by means of the ball screw 36, in particular from a loading position to an alignment position. In the process, the support 34 is moved or displaced along the stroke axis of the second mobile unit 30 or of the device 10. Figure 3 In the embodiment, the support 34 together with the battery assembly arranged on 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. Once the support 34 is in the aligned position, the individual layers of the battery assembly are centered or aligned one above the other in a defined manner between the positioning claws 16.

[0058] Figure 4 A stereogram of a positioning unit 14 of the positioning unit is shown. The positioning unit 14 has a positioning claw 16 and a bottom part 28. The bottom part 28 of the positioning unit 14 is connected to the positioning claw 16 via an intermediate component 32. The bottom part 28, the positioning claw 16 and the adjustment device 38 are arranged on the intermediate component 32. The positioning claw 16 is arranged on the front side of the intermediate component 32, in particular at the upper end part of the intermediate component 32, and the bottom part 28 of the positioning unit 14 is arranged at the rear side of the intermediate component 32 away from the front side, in particular at the lower end part of the intermediate component 32 opposite to the upper end part. The intermediate component 32 is configured as a plate or a plate-shaped workpiece. The positioning unit 14 can be attached and / or positioned on the mobile plate 18 via the bottom part 28. At the lower side of the positioning unit 14, in particular at the lower side of the middle part 32 or the lower side of the bottom part 28, the positioning unit 14 has a groove engaged by the key member 24 for positioning and / or attachment, in particular, the lower side of the middle part 32 and the lower side of the bottom part 28 merge into each other or form a common surface.

[0059] Furthermore, the positioning unit 14 comprises an adjustment device 38 for adjusting the position of the positioning claw 16. The adjustment device 38 comprises an eccentric clamping rod 40 and a further spring member 42. The further spring member 42 can be configured as a compression spring. In order to adjust the position of the positioning claw 16, the eccentric clamping rod 40 is moved. In this case, the further spring member 42 is configured to push the positioning claw 16 onto a stop of the positioning unit 14 when the positioning claw 16 moves. Moreover, 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 to adjust the position of the stop.

[0060] In order to be able to remove the entire battery stack, i.e. a plurality of battery assemblies, from the device 10 after alignment, the positioning claw 16 must be moved away from the support 34. To this end, the eccentric clamping lever 40 is turned over. The compression spring ensures that the positioning claw 16 is pushed against the stop or fixed stop during the forward movement. A defined position of the positioning claw 16 is thus ensured. The adjustment with respect to the fixed stop or the adjustment of the stop is carried out by means of the adjustment screw 44.

[0061] As from Figure 4 It is clearly visible that the positioning claw 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 parts 46, 48. In other words, the positioning claw 16 has a multi-part structure or is divided into several parts or surface parts. The first positioning surface part 46 has a smooth surface. The second positioning surface part 48 has a groove 50.

[0062] like Figure 4 , the individual positioning surface portions 46, 48 are separated or separated. In this case, a portion of the second positioning surface portion 48, a portion of the first positioning surface portion 46, a portion of the second positioning surface portion 48, a portion of the first positioning surface portion 46 and a portion of the second positioning surface portion are arranged adjacent to each other, in particular perpendicularly to the vertical direction of the device 10 and / or arranged in sequence. The portions of the first positioning surface portion 46 are arranged between the portions of the second positioning surface portion 48. The portions of the first positioning surface portion 46 add up to the first positioning surface portion 46 and / or the portions of the second positioning surface portion 48 add up to the second positioning surface portion 48.

[0063] Will combine Figure 5a and Figure 5b The configuration of the positioning surface 45 of each positioning unit 14 is set out in more detail.

[0064] As from Figure 5aIt is obvious that the surface of the first positioning surface portion 46 is arranged to be inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the vertical direction of the device 10. In other words, the surface of the first positioning surface portion 46 can be arranged to be tilted relative to the vertical direction of the device 10, especially at an angle relative to the vertical direction of the device 10. In other words, the surface 46 of the first positioning surface portion 46 can have an inclined portion or a steep plane. For example, the surface of the first positioning surface portion 46 can be arranged or oriented to be an angle between 5° and 90°, preferably an angle between 5° and 45°, and particularly preferably an angle between 5° and 30° relative to the vertical direction of the device. In particular, an angle α is formed between two opposite first positioning surface portions 46. For example, the angle α can be between 5° and 90°, preferably between 5° and 45°, and particularly preferably between 5° and 30°. The inclined portion of each first positioning surface portion 46 is identically constructed in each unit of the positioning units 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, and 14.4. In particular, the inclined first positioning surface portions 46 together form a funnel shape. By means of the first locating surface portion 46, the battery assembly can be pre-positioned or slid into the receiving portion, in which the battery assembly is aligned or centered.

[0065] As from Figure 5b It is evident that the grooves 50 of the second positioning surface portion 48 extend parallel to each other at a predetermined spacing. In this case, the grooves 50 extend from the end portion 52 of the positioning claw 16 to the opposite end portion 54 of the positioning claw 16 at a predetermined angle β. In other words, the grooves 50 can extend diagonally from the top to the bottom or from the top toward the bottom in a skewed manner. In this case, the grooves 50 are arranged to form a predetermined angle β relative to the transverse plane of the positioning unit 14 or the device 10. In particular, a "transverse plane" refers to a transverse plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis or vertical direction of the device 10 or the positioning claw. The transverse plane can also be called a horizontal plane.

[0066] Compare Figure 5a and Figure 5b It can be clearly seen that the first positioning surface portion 46 is arranged to be located above the second positioning surface portion 48 in the vertical direction of the device 10. In other words, the first positioning surface portion 46 and the second positioning surface portion 48 can be arranged adjacent to each other and one above the other. In the upper area, the positioning claws 16 are formed with a smooth surface and a predetermined angle α. Thus, when the individual battery assemblies are placed one above the other, a certain pre-positioning is achieved. In the lower area of ​​the positioning claws 16, a groove 50 configured at an angle β can be seen. The angle β of the second positioning surface portion 48 and / or the groove 50 or the orientation of the groove 50 at an angle β 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 combined with Figure 6 Describe in more detail.

[0067] exist Figure 6 In the embodiment of the present invention, the battery assembly 55 is located between the positioning claws 16. As already explained in the introduction, the battery assembly 55 includes several conductive elements, in particular two conductive elements. In this case, the battery assembly 55 includes one or more anodes 56 and cathodes 58 as conductive elements. In each case, an electrical insulating element, i.e. a separator 60, is arranged between the anode 56 and the cathode 58. The anode 56 and the cathode 58 as well as the separator 60 are planar or configured as plate-like components 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, the separator 60 are arranged in sequence.

[0068] In this case, the anode 56 has a larger surface area than the cathode 58. In addition, the separator 60 is configured to be larger, in particular at the periphery, than the larger conductive element, i.e., larger than the anode 56. In other words, the surface of the separator 60 can be configured to be larger than the larger conductive element, i.e., larger than the anode 56. Thus, the surface area of ​​the separator 60 is larger than the surface area of ​​the anode 56. In this case, the edge region of the separator 60 protrudes above the anode 56, in particular at the periphery. In addition, the anode 56 is configured to be more rigid than the cathode 58 and more rigid than the separator 60.

[0069] The separator 60 is arranged below the anode 56 in the vertical direction of the device 10. The surface of the separator 60 protrudes above the surface of the anode 56, in particular protrudes 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 moves past the laterally arranged positioning unit 14 or the positioning claw 16. Due to this movement, each separator 60, in particular the protruding edge area of ​​the separator 60, is folded upward.

[0070] Thus, the positioning claws 16 are arranged such that the separator 60 is folded during the movement of the battery assembly 55, or the protruding parts of the separator 60 are bent such that the separator 60 in each case rests against the anode 56. In other words, the positioning claws 16 are configured such that the positioning claws 16 lift the protruding or protruding separator 60 upwards in a defined manner and the protruding or protruding separator 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 in each case rests against the inner side of the positioning claws 16.

[0071] By the vibration of the positioning claws 16 and the simultaneous lowering of the mobile unit 30 or the support 34, the individual battery assemblies 55 are moved past the laterally arranged positioning claws 16. By this movement, the partitions 60 are folded upwards. The positioning claws 16 are designed so that due to the obliquely configured recesses 50 in the positioning claws 16, a constant contact of the anodes 56 occurs. As a result, the partitions 60 rest against the anodes 56 located above the partitions 60 and thus bring the anodes 56 into a precise position, whereby the battery assemblies 55 are particularly centered between the positioning units 14.

[0072] 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 each separator 60 serves as an alignment element for the entire cell stack or cell assembly 55. In this case, the individual cell assemblies 55 are arranged approximately one above the other in the device 10. Due to the subsequent shaking process, i.e. the movement of the positioning unit 14 and the lowering of the support 34 with the cell assembly 55 between the skewly extending positioning claws 16, all the layers or cell assemblies are positioned relative to each other by means of the individual recesses 50.

[0073] Once all battery assemblies 55 have been lowered, the partition 60 or an edge region of the partition 60 is arranged between the positioning claws 16 and the battery assemblies 55 .

[0074] After the battery assembly 55 has been lowered and / or before the cell stack has been removed, the battery assembly 55 or the cell stack is fixed, in particular, in a form-fitting manner or by a material-to-material connection, particularly preferably by gluing or laminating or by means of clamping plates.

[0075] After the cell stack has been fixed, the positioning unit 14 is opened and the cell stack, which is fixed, for example, on a support plate, is removed from the device 10. For example, the cell stack can be removed by means of a clamp.

[0076] Specific exemplary embodiments are discussed below:

[0077] Each battery assembly or layer is aligned above the center. All individual battery assemblies or layers are aligned centrally to each other. This is achieved by means of movable positioning claws 16 on all 4 sides of the battery stack and by means of a support 34 separated from the positioning claws 16. The support 34 on which the battery assembly and / or layer is stacked does not vibrate. In order to achieve alignment above the center, each battery assembly and / or layer is displaced relative to each other in all 4 directions, especially in a plane. In this case, the movement of the positioning claws 16 and the spacing between the positioning claws 16 can always be specially adjusted according to the size of the starting material, that is, in particular the battery assembly and / or layer. In particular, even if the components, namely the cathode, separator and anode, have different sizes, the centering of all battery assemblies and / or layers above the center can therefore be achieved. Therefore, "starting material" refers to the material used to manufacture the battery stack, that is, to manufacture layers and / or battery assemblies or laminates. In this case, the method operates independently of gravity.

[0078] 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.

[0079] According to the previous working process, the electrodes are connected with a continuous separator to form an electrode strip. This connection is established by a lamination process or by gluing. In the next working process, the separator is separated between the battery components, thereby producing loose battery components containing one or two electrode sheets and one or two separators. These loose battery components must be stacked in a very precise manner to form a complete battery stack.

[0080] This concept is based on the idea that the individual battery assemblies are generally placed only one above the other. The individual layers of the battery assembly are then centered one above the other by vibration and a simultaneous lowering movement in the laterally attached positioning claws of the device. In this case, the positioning claws are configured so that the positioning claws lift the protruding partition upwards in a defined manner and the protruding partition thus rests against the anode. Since the anode has a certain inherent rigidity and the anode is larger than the cathode, all individual battery stacks and battery assemblies become precisely aligned above the anode.

[0081] The device comprises several component groups. The component groups comprise a base frame, a vibrating plate, a style component and a lifting group. The base frame, which can also be referred to as a base body, is firmly screwed to the machine table. The vibrating plate, which is also referred to as a moving plate, rests on rubber supports and is vibrated by a vibrating motor. The style component, which is also referred to as a positioning unit, can be replaced and / or adjusted depending on the battery style. For the positioning unit, precise positioning is performed on the vibrating plate. Positioning is achieved by means of pins firmly seated in the bottom part and keys firmly held in the vibrating plate.

[0082] The support or workpiece support is located on a lifting group, also referred to as the second mobile unit. The entire lifting group is mounted on rubber bearings and is therefore decoupled from the vibrations of the vibration motor.

[0083] When the positioning claws of the positioning unit vibrate, the lifting group moves in the downward direction by means of the ball screw. The travel path and axis speed of the ball screw can be changed via the axis according to the size, number and characteristics of the battery stack or battery assembly.

[0084] The workpiece support is located in the device together with the cell stack or cell assembly. In this position, ie the alignment 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.

[0085] In order to remove the entire cell stack or battery assembly from the device after alignment in the lower position, the alignment claws must be moved away from the workpiece support. To this end, the eccentric clamping rod must be flipped over. The compression spring ensures that the alignment claws are pushed against the fixed stop during the forward movement. A defined position of the claws is thus ensured. Adjustment with respect to the fixed stop is performed by means of a micrometer screw.

[0086] By the vibration of the positioning claws of the positioning unit and the simultaneous lowering of the lifting group and the workpiece support, the individual cell components are moved past the laterally arranged positioning claws. By this movement, the partition is folded upwards. The positioning claws are designed so that due to the obliquely configured grooves in the claws, a constant contact of the anode occurs. As a result, the partition rests on the anode located above the partition and thus brings the anode into a precise position.

[0087] In the upper region, the positioning claws are formed with a smooth surface and an angle (α). Thus, a certain pre-positioning is achieved when the individual battery components are placed one above the other. In the lower region, grooves can be seen, which are also formed with an angle (β). The angle of the grooves ensures that the individual separators placed one above the other contact the positioning claws along a vertical line when the separators are folded up.

[0088] In each case, the lamination or gluing of at least one anode, one cathode and one separator is a prerequisite for utilizing this 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 is used as an alignment element for the entire stack. By laminating or gluing the battery assembly (anode-separator-cathode-separator), any number of battery assemblies can be positioned relative to each other by means of this process step. In this case, each battery assembly is placed in the device roughly one above the other. This can be achieved by means of a simple pick-and-place operation. Due to the subsequent shaking process and the lowering between the positioning claws extending obliquely, all layers are positioned relative to each other by a single anode. Then, the battery stack is clamped in the device using a two-part box, and the position of each individual layer is thereby maintained.

[0089] Reference numerals list

[0090] 10 Installation

[0091] 12 Matrix

[0092] 14 Positioning unit

[0093] 14.1 The first positioning unit

[0094] 14.2 Second Positioning Unit

[0095] 14.3 The third positioning unit

[0096] 14.4 Fourth Positioning Unit

[0097] 16 Positioning claws

[0098] 18 mobile board

[0099] 20 Support

[0100] 22 Fastening device

[0101] 24-key component

[0102] 26 pins

[0103] 28 Bottom section

[0104] 30 Second mobile unit

[0105] 32 Middle parts

[0106] 34 Support

[0107] 36 Ball Screw

[0108] 37 Actuator

[0109] 38 Adjustment device

[0110] 40 eccentric clamping rod

[0111] 42 Another spring member

[0112] 44 Adjustment screw

[0113] 45 Positioning surface

[0114] 46 first positioning surface portion

[0115] 48 second positioning surface portion

[0116] 50 grooves

[0117] 52 end portion

[0118] 54 end section

[0119] 55 Battery Pack

[0120] 56 Anode

[0121] 58 cathode

[0122] 60 Partition

Claims

1. An apparatus (10) for manufacturing a battery stack having a plurality of battery components (55) and / or layers, comprising: - a plurality of positioning units (14), the positioning units (14) being configured to accommodate the plurality of battery components (55) and / or layers, wherein: - the positioning units (14) each comprise a positioning claw (16), wherein the positioning claw (16) is configured to enclose the plurality of battery assemblies (55) and / or layers arranged one above the other; - a first moving unit, which is configured to move the positioning unit (14), wherein - the first moving unit comprises an actuator (37) and a moving plate (18) mounted in a movably manner, wherein the positioning unit (14) is arranged on the moving plate (18), wherein the actuator (37) is configured to move the moving plate (18), and - a support (34), wherein the plurality of battery assemblies (55) and / or plies rest on the support (34), The support member (34) is separated from the movement of the first movable unit, and through the movement of the positioning unit (14) triggered by the first movable unit, each battery assembly (55) and / or layer sheet is centered between the positioning claws (16) surrounding the multiple battery assemblies (55) and / or layer sheets.

2. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The positioning unit (14): configured to perform a forward motion; and / or Can be moved individually or in pairs by the first moving unit.

3. The device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that The positioning claw (16) of the positioning unit (14) is configured to perform the advancing movement.

4. The device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that The advancing motion is toward the plurality of battery assemblies (55) and / or plies.

5. The device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The positioning unit (14) is attached to the movable plate (18) and / or can be positioned on the movable plate (18) by means of a fastening device (22), wherein the fastening device (22) includes at least one fastening member and / or a key member, wherein each positioning unit (14) is attached to the movable plate (18) and / or can be positioned on the movable plate (18) by means of the at least one fastening member and / or a key member.

6. The device (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that The positioning unit (14) is attached to the moving plate (18) in a form-fitting manner by means of fastening means (22).

7. The device (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that The at least one fastening member is a pin (26) or a screw or a bolt, and the key member is a key (24).

8. The device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The positioning claws (16) of the positioning unit (14) each have a positioning surface (45), wherein the positioning surface (45) is divided into at least two positioning surface parts (46; 48), wherein a first positioning surface part (46) has a smooth surface and a second positioning surface part (48) has a groove.

9. The device (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that The positioning claws (16) of the positioning unit (14) each have the positioning surface (45) located on the inner side.

10. The device (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that The surface of the first positioning surface portion (46) is configured to be inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the vertical direction of the device (10), and / or The groove (50) of the second positioning surface portion (48) extends from an end portion (52) of the positioning claw (16) to an opposite end portion (54) of the positioning claw (16) at a predetermined interval, and / or The first positioning surface portion (46) is arranged to be located above the second positioning surface portion (48) in the vertical direction of the device (10) for pre-positioning the plurality of battery assemblies (55) and / or layers.

11. The device (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that The grooves (50) of the second locating surface portion (48) are parallel to each other.

12. The device (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that The groove (50) of the second positioning surface portion (48) extends from an end portion (52) of the positioning claw (16) to an opposite end portion (54) of the positioning claw (16) at a predetermined angle (β) relative to a transverse plane of the positioning unit (14).

13. The device (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that 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 claws comprised by the four positioning units (14.1; 14.2; 14.3; 14.4) face one another.

14. The device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The device (10) comprises: comprising a second moving unit (30) arranged on the support member (34), wherein the second moving unit (30) is configured to move the support member (34) along the vertical direction of the device (10); and / or At least one air nozzle configured to provide an air flow is included, wherein the air nozzle is configured to align the cell assembly and / or the plies due to the air flow.

15. The device (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that The air nozzles are configured to align the cell components and / or the layers during centering of the cell components and / or the layers between the positioning units (14) and / or during movement of the positioning units (14).

16. The device (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that The second moving unit (30) includes a ball screw (36).

17. The device (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that The second moving unit (30) is configured to move the support member (34) along the vertical direction of the device (10) when the positioning unit (14) moves.

18. The device (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that The device comprises a base body (12), wherein the support (34) and / or the positioning unit (14) and / or the first movement unit and / or the second movement unit (30) are arranged on the base body (12).

19. The device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The cell assembly (55) and / or the ply comprises in each case at least two electrically conductive elements (56; 58) and two electrically insulating elements (60) which are arranged one above the other and adjacent to one another.

20. The device (10) according to claim 19, characterized in that One of the two conductive elements (56; 58) is configured to be larger and / or more rigid at the periphery than the other conductive element.

21. The device (10) according to claim 19, characterized in that The electrically insulating element (60) is peripherally configured to be larger than the larger electrically conductive element (56; 58), and wherein the electrically insulating element has a lower rigidity than at least one of the electrically conductive elements.

22. The device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The actuator (37) is configured to vibrate the moving plate (18).

23. A method for operating an apparatus (10) for producing a battery stack having a plurality of battery components (55) and / or layers, wherein: The device (10) has one or more positioning units (14) configured to accommodate the plurality of battery components (55) and / or layers, wherein the positioning units (14) each include a positioning claw (16), wherein the positioning claw (16) is configured to surround the plurality of battery components (55) and / or layers arranged one above the other, wherein the device (10) further includes a first moving unit configured to move the positioning unit (14), wherein the first moving unit includes an actuator (37) and a moving plate (18) mounted in a movably manner, wherein the positioning unit (14) is arranged on the moving plate (18), wherein the actuator (37) is configured to move the moving plate (18), wherein the device (10) includes a support member (34), wherein the plurality of battery components (55) and / or layers rest on the support member (34), wherein the support member (34) is separated from the movement of the first moving unit, and the method comprises the following steps: - arranging the plurality of cell assemblies (55) and / or layers one above the other on the support (34); - moving the first moving unit so that the plurality of battery assemblies (55) and / or layers arranged one above the other are centered between the positioning claws (16) surrounding the battery assemblies (55) and / or layers.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that The step of arranging the plurality of battery components (55) and / or layers one above the other on the support member (34) comprises arranging the plurality of battery components (55) and / or layers one above the other on the support member (34) along the vertical direction of the device (10).

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that The device (10) further comprises a second movable unit (30), wherein the second movable unit (30) is arranged on the support member (34), wherein the second movable unit (30) lowers the support member (34) along the vertical direction of the device (10) when the positioning unit (14) moves, so as to center the battery assembly (55) and / or the layer.

26. The method according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that The battery assembly (55) and / or layer comprises 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 each other, wherein the electrically insulating elements (60) are at least partially folded along the vertical direction of the device (10) during the movement of the battery assembly (55) and / or layer.

27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that The positioning claws (16) are arranged so that during movement of the battery assembly (55) and / or the layer, the electrically insulating elements (60) are folded in such a way that the electrically insulating elements (60) each rest against one of the conductive elements (56; 58) and / or the inner side of the positioning claws (16).

28. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that Before the cell stack is removed, it is fixed in place in a form-fitting manner or by a material-to-material connection.

29. The method according to claim 28, characterized in that Before the cell stack is removed, it is fixed by gluing or laminating or by means of clamping.

30. The method according to claim 29, characterized in that Before the cell stack is removed, the cell stack is fixed by means of clamping plates.

31. The method according to claim 28, characterized in that After the battery stack has been fixed, the positioning unit (14) is opened and the battery stack is removed from the device (10).

32. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that The battery stack together with the fixings is removed from the device (10).

33. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that The actuator (37) is configured to vibrate the moving plate (18).

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