Method and apparatus for manufacturing a cell stack for a battery cell

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing a cell stack (57) for battery cells (8), having at least the following steps: a) supplying at least one first material web (3) composed of a first material; b) carrying out a first cutting of the at least first material web (3) with the construction of at least one tensile-resistant transport section (18); c) jointly guiding the first material web (3) with at least one second material web (22) composed of a second material to a partial stack (31); d) carrying out a second cutting of the partial stack (31), wherein the transport section (18) is divided; e) arranging at least two partial stacks (31) to a cell stack (57).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for manufacturing a cell stack (Zellstapel) for battery cells. Background Technology

[0002] In the prior art, it is known to manufacture cell stacks for battery cells using individual facilities (Einzelanlage) for separating cathode sheets, anode sheets, and separator sheets. The sheets manufactured in this manner are then provided individually and separately in a storage chamber and, in the case of individual sheet stacks, individually positioned and oriented during stack formation. This process of manufacturing cell stacks requires very high cycle times.

[0003] Another known method is so-called Z-folding, in which a separator sheet is wound around each electrode sheet; however, it must also be pre-separated and positioned in a preceding process step. Z-folding, too, can achieve only very slow cycle times.

[0004] Furthermore, it is known that stacking is achieved through a lamination process. However, this requires laminating the cathode and anode sheets with a separator film. The required separator film, however, is relatively expensive.

[0005] The known concepts to date have various drawbacks. Thus, cell stacking is currently a very slow process in battery cell production. Similarly, maintaining the required positional tolerances during stacking is currently extremely difficult to achieve even in short cycle times. Furthermore, the process involves a series of steps, each requiring material handling, including separate preparation of individual sheets for cell stacking, subsequent storage, co-guiding, stacking, and connection. These numerous process steps also require significant facility technology investment and can only achieve relatively slow cycle times. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The objective of this invention is therefore to at least partially solve the problems arising from the prior art. In particular, methods and apparatus will be described that enable the particularly rapid manufacture of cell stacks for battery cells. Furthermore, the positional accuracy of the material webs used will be improved, and the cost of facility technology will be reduced.

[0007] The method according to the invention helps to solve this task. The individual features listed in this invention can be combined with each other in a technically meaningful manner and can be supplemented by illustrative facts from details from the specification and / or figures, wherein further embodiments of the invention are shown.

[0008] Currently, a method for manufacturing cell stacks for battery cells has been proposed, which includes at least the following steps:

[0009] a) Supply at least one first material sheet made of the first material;

[0010] b) In the case of constructing at least one tensile transport section, perform a first cut (Zuschnitt) for at least a first material width;

[0011] c) Guide the first material sheet together with at least one second material sheet made of the second material to a partial stack;

[0012] d) Implement a second trimming of the partial stacking, in which the transport sections are separated;

[0013] e) Arrange at least two parts of the stack as a unit stack.

[0014] Steps a) through e) may be performed at least once in the order described herein: a), b), c), d), and e). It is possible that these steps are performed at different frequencies and / or at least partially overlapping in time.

[0015] Here, at least one material section is first supplied to the first material. The material section can be selected, for example, for use as an anode, cathode, or separator in a battery cell. For the anode, for example, a substrate made of a copper-containing material and an anode active layer applied thereon are provided. Correspondingly, an aluminum-containing material is suitable as a substrate for applying a cathode active layer thereon. For the separator, flexible microporous plastic or fabric is considered, for example.

[0016] The material width can preferably be supplied to the storage equipment, such as, for example, a reel or coil, in a larger width length, thereby enabling continuous and uninterrupted operation of the method over a longer period of time.

[0017] If, for example, a first material web suitable for manufacturing an anode is supplied, this web can undergo a first cut at a first shearing device, wherein the cut is performed such that at least one tensile transport section is retained. The transport section here should be constructed such that it can withstand tensile forces along the longitudinal direction of the material web. This allows the material web to be processed as a continuous material web in subsequent steps, since the forces required for continued transport can be introduced into the transport section.

[0018] In a particularly simple embodiment of the invention, the first material strip thus cut is then simply guided together with a second material strip, such as a partition, to a partial stack. In particular, the second material strip, also with a partition, is held in a storage device, for example, as a partition coil, so that the first cutting process and the joint guidance of the first and second material strips can be carried out at a high speed.

[0019] Following joint guidance, the partial stack is then supplied to the second cutter, to which the transport section again serves as the point of application for the driving force. The second cut of the partial stack can then be achieved at the second shearing device, wherein the transport section is separated from the partial stack and the compartments of the partial stack are separated in a transverse direction relative to the direction of movement of the partial stack.

[0020] The resulting double-layered partial stacks, formed and separated in this way, then have anodes and partitions. These partial stacks can then be arranged into cell stacks.

[0021] Specifically, the first and second material widths can be cut to different sizes. For the safety of the battery cell, the separator must extend sufficiently in all directions beyond the anode or cathode to be insulated, so as to reliably prevent current from flowing between the two material widths. Here, the separator should cyclically extend approximately 3 mm beyond the cathode and approximately 1.5 mm beyond the anode. This means that the separator should be approximately 6 mm larger than the cathode and approximately 3 mm larger than the anode.

[0022] These different sizes can preferably have already been generated within the scope of the first cutting by means of a first cutting device, which performs individual cutting for each material width. For example, the cathode, plus the width of the required transport section, is cut to the desired width. Simultaneously, the anode, plus a 3mm excess, plus the width of the transport section, is cut to the desired width. Finally, the partition, plus a 6mm excess, is cut to the desired width. It should be noted that transverse sections can also be incorporated into all three material widths. It is only important that at least one transport section is always maintained, which is suitable for receiving and continuing to transmit the tensile force acting in the longitudinal direction along the material width. If the material widths are then oriented accordingly towards each other laterally, they can be guided together and supplied to a second cutting device for a second cutting, so as to obtain a separate stack of portions that can be stacked on top of each other.

[0023] Particularly advantageously, during cutting, transport engagement devices or window sections can be created in the material web, especially in the transport section. This is preferably already achieved in the case of the first cut, by, for example, bringing in a smaller window or hole into the material web, where the drive for continued transport can be engaged by pins, drive wheels, etc.

[0024] In particular, a partial stack can be formed from at least four material webs. Here, it is advantageous to first combine the material webs in the form of two electrodes and two partitions. If possible combinations are formed from these material webs, the resulting partial stacks can be stacked up to the required height of the unit stack, where only the partitions need to be added as the first or last material webs.

[0025] If, for example, a combination consisting of stacked anodes, partitions, cathodes, and partitions is chosen, then a single partition must be placed when the initial arrangement of the stacked parts begins, because otherwise the anodes at the bottom will not be insulated.

[0026] If, conversely, a combination of stacked partitions, anodes, partitions, and cathodes is chosen, then a single partition must be placed at the end of the stacking, because otherwise the cathode at the top will not be insulated.

[0027] In particular, conductor flags (Ableiterfähnchen) can be constructed when at least two material widths have been cut. This is first provided in the case of the anode and cathode material widths. Here it is possible that the conductor (Ableiter) has been completely and without additional cost in the first and second cuts, by simply selecting the appropriate and suitable cross-sectional profile.

[0028] In particular, the cell stacks manufactured according to the invention can be connected into a cell pack (sometimes also called a battery pack) in a direct, close-fitting method step using connecting devices such as, for example, straps or tape. This additional step can be added to the method in a particularly simple manner.

[0029] A particularly advantageous aspect of automated placement is that at least one additional material web is placed within the unit stack when arranging partial packages into a unit stack. As previously described, this material web may be placed either on the underside of the unit package and thus at the start of partial stacking, or on the top side of the unit package and thus at the end of partial stacking.

[0030] Battery cells with the cell stack according to the invention have the advantages that they can be manufactured cost-effectively and that the individual material sections are precisely arranged relative to each other due to automated and continuous processing. This reduces costs and improves the lifespan or reliability of the battery cells.

[0031] In particular, this also applies to motor vehicles equipped with at least one battery cell according to the invention.

[0032] Furthermore, the apparatus for manufacturing unit stacks proposed by the present invention comprises at least two storage devices for at least one first material web and a second material web, at least one first shearing device and a second shearing device for cutting the material, a transport device for conveying the material web, a device for jointly guiding the material web, and a stacking device, wherein the first shearing device generates at least one tensile strip-shaped transport section, and the second shearing device is arranged longitudinally behind the device for jointly guiding the material web and configured to generate a completely lateral separation of the material web. The transport section, viewed longitudinally, is preferably constructed at the outer edge of the material web and has a width less than 25% of the width of the material web. In practice, a width in the range of 2mm-30mm is perfectly sufficient. If multiple transport sections are located at different material webs, they can be arranged laterally and staggered relative to each other in the longitudinal direction, so that, for example, drive devices can independently engage at these transport sections. Alternatively, drive devices can also be engaged with multiple transport sections simultaneously, thereby ensuring synchronous transport of multiple material webs.

[0033] In particular, the first shearing device can be configured for parallel cutting of at least two material widths.

[0034] Furthermore, the first shearing device can be configured to divide at least one material sheet into a large number of material sheets parallel to the longitudinal direction. This may also allow for the processing of wider material sheets, for example, in the first shearing device. Preferably, a desired first cut is performed first, and then the material sheets are divided to the required width. This allows for the cutting, for example, of material sheets for partitions, having twice the width of the desired partition. If this wider material sheet is then divided into two material sheets for the partitions in the first cut, these two material sheets can, for example, be processed continuously and without interruption within the scope of the partial stack with two electrodes and two partitions.

[0035] As a precaution, the numerals used herein (“first,” “second,” etc.) are primarily used to distinguish multiple objects, sizes, or processes of the same type, i.e., not necessarily to predetermine the relation and / or order of these objects, sizes, or processes relative to each other. If relation and / or order are required, this is explicitly stated herein or will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon studying the specifically described design. Attached Figure Description

[0036] The invention and its technical field are then described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the invention is not limited to the embodiments listed. In particular, it is equally possible that, unless explicitly presented otherwise, aspects of the facts illustrated in the drawings are extracted and combined with other elements and knowledge derived from this specification. It should be particularly noted that the drawings and the scale figures presented are merely illustrative. Wherein:

[0037] Figure 1 A lateral cross-sectional view of the first shearing device for the anode is shown;

[0038] Figure 2 It shows the direction according to Figure 1 A top view of the shearing device;

[0039] Figure 3 A top view is shown facing the anode after the first trimming;

[0040] Figure 4 A top view is shown facing the cathode after the first cut;

[0041] Figure 5 A lateral cross-sectional view of the first shearing device for the partition is shown;

[0042] Figure 6 A top view showing two possible cuts for the partition is shown;

[0043] Figure 7 The possible combinations of the four material sheets are shown;

[0044] Figure 8 A side view shows the process initiated by the common guidance of the material sheet;

[0045] Figure 9 A top view is shown, oriented towards the four material sections that share a common guide.

[0046] Figure 10 The engagement method of the first clamping device (Spannvorrichtung, sometimes also called tensioning device) is shown;

[0047] Figure 11 The closing of the first clamping device is shown;

[0048] Figure 12 The engagement method of the second clamping device is shown;

[0049] Figure 13 The closing of the second clamping device is shown;

[0050] Figure 14 A side view of the cam drive is shown;

[0051] Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of the cam gear (Nockenrad) passing through the cam drive is shown;

[0052] Figure 16 A top view and a side view showing the first, second, and third clamping devices are shown;

[0053] Figure 17A top view of the second shearing device is shown;

[0054] Figure 18 An oblique view of the first roller of the second shearing device is shown;

[0055] Figure 19 A lateral cross-sectional view of the second shearing device is shown;

[0056] Figure 20 A top view and a side view are shown, featuring a second shearing device and two storage compartments;

[0057] Figure 21 A side view of the third clamping device, gripping device, and storage compartment is shown;

[0058] Figure 22 A top view is shown of a conveyor belt carrying both finished and unfinished unit packages;

[0059] Figure 23 A side view is shown for the first step of bonding the cell stack;

[0060] Figure 24 A side view is shown for the second step of bonding the cell stack;

[0061] Figure 25 A side view is shown of the third step for bonding the cell stack;

[0062] Figure 26 A side view is shown of the fourth step in the bonding of the cell stack;

[0063] Figure 27 A side view is shown of the unit package being lowered onto the conveyor belt;

[0064] Figure 28 A top view of the completed unit package is shown; and

[0065] Figure 29 An alternative embodiment of the second shearing device is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0066] exist Figure 1 The first shearing device 1 is shown in a side view. Figure 1On the left side, there is a first storage device 2, which has a storage of a first material web 3. The first storage device 2 may be, for example, a pre-production unit, which includes a calendered master roll of the first material web 3 with, for example, an anode 7 for a battery cell 8. The calendered and wound into a coil, the first material web 3 has a particularly uniform layer thickness and is supplied to the first shearing device 1 under a tension that is as constant and defined as possible in order to avoid folds in the first material web 3. The first shearing device 1 includes a lower roller 4, an upper roller 5, and a punching unit 6. The cutting performed in the first shearing device 1 will be explained in more detail later. In the embodiment shown here, the first material web 3 has a width that is chosen such that the material web 3 can be split in the longitudinal direction during cutting, thereby producing two first material webs 3a, 3b simultaneously in the first shearing device 1, which can then be further processed. In an alternative embodiment presented herein, the first material sheet 3 has a width corresponding to twice the width of the cut first material sheets 3a, 3b; however, a first material sheet 3 corresponding to one or more times the width of the cut first material sheets 3a, 3b can also be readily used. In the second case, a corresponding number of separation sections are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the material sheet 3. For performing the cutting, the lower roller 4 can be made of, for example, a hardened material, such as, for example, tungsten carbide or chromium steel. The punching unit 6 is constructed in the form of a stanze, which is adapted to punch holes into the corresponding separate first material sheets 3a, 3b.

[0067] exist Figure 2 The top view in the middle presents the data according to... Figure 1 The first shearing device 1. A first storage device 2 arranged on the left, a first material web 3 is supplied to the right by a lower roller 4. The first material web 3 has an anode region 9 and an edge 10. The anode region 9 is coated with a material suitable for subsequent application as an anode 7 in a battery cell 8. The so-called anode active layer. The substrate of the anode is preferably copper. It can be well identified here that the first material web 3 is twice the width of the first material webs 3a, 3b after the first cut. The lower roller 4 has a rotations messenger 11, which brings a longitudinal section 12 into the material web 3 in the middle. Subsequently, a punching unit 6 generates receiving holes 13, which form the defined starting points of the material web 3 or the separate material webs 3a, 3b.

[0068] Figure 3An alternative embodiment of the invention is shown, in which the first shearing device 1 performs a more complex cut on the first material web 3. In this embodiment, alongside the longitudinally extended longitudinal section 12, the transversely extended separation section 14, window section 15, two-piece conductor section 16, and transport hole 17 are brought into the first material web 3 by the first shearing device 1 during the first cut extension. This only requires that the rotating cutter 11 arranged in the lower roller 4 be designed with a corresponding shearing profile.

[0069] Importantly, edge 10 is not completely divided at any point along the lateral direction. Only through a continuous connection can edge 10 function as a transport section 18, receiving and transmitting tension along the longitudinal direction of the first material web 3. Such transport force can be transmitted to the transport section 18, for example, by means of rollers. Alternatively, mechanical components can be engaged in the transport holes 17, thus allowing the first material web 3 to be transported continuously, rapidly, without interruption, and with high precision.

[0070] Furthermore, the window 19 introduced by the window section 15 is significant for the present invention because shearing of the material sheet below or above the window 22 is possible.

[0071] The separation section 14, already introduced at this location, is introduced along the longitudinal direction 20 at a spacing of X + Δ1. This means that the anode 7, which is subsequently completed, has a length of X + Δ1. Correspondingly, the width 21 of the anode 7 has a degree of Y + Δ1, which substantially corresponds to the width of the section of the conductor section 16 that is away from the edge 10 and inside. The two transverse sections of the conductor section 16, arranged side by side in the transport section 18, have defined the width of the conductor 25 to be formed later, which in this case is the anode 7. The transport hole 17 can be used continuously, that is, throughout the entire manufacturing process, not only for the transmission of driving force but also for the very precise positioning of the material section 3, when the receiving hole 13 is only needed in the case of the first contact of the material web 3.

[0072] Figure 4 The second material sheet 22 is shown, which has undergone the first cut, and is substantially the same as that in Figure 3The cutting is consistent with the description in the figure. The difference in the embodiment presented in the figure is that it is the cathode 23. For this purpose, the second material web 22 is first supplied to the first cutting device 1 by the second storage device 26. It is particularly effective here that multiple first cutting devices are used in parallel so that, for example, the first cutting is performed simultaneously at the first material web 3 of the anode 7 and the second material web 22 of the cathode 23. For use as the cathode 23, the transport section 18 with the edge 10 and the cathode region 24 are made of corresponding materials suitable for the cathode 23 of the battery cell 8. For this purpose, for example, an aluminum-containing substrate is considered as a carrier for the cathode active layer. Another difference for the anode 7 is that the length of the cathode 23 in the longitudinal direction 20 and its width 21 are slightly smaller than those according to the figure. Figure 3 The anode 7 has a length 20 and a width 21 along the longitudinal direction 20. In the presented embodiment, the anode 7 is larger than the cathode 23 by a difference Δ1. This applies not only along the longitudinal direction 20 but also along the width 21.

[0073] The separated second material sheets 22a, 22b produced after the first cut can then be processed directly and separately from each other.

[0074] exist Figure 5 Another first shearing device 1 is presented, which is supplied with a third material width 27 by a third storage device 28. The third material width 27 is a partition 29, which has insulating properties and is suitable for electrically insulating the anode 7 and the cathode 23 from each other. The third material width 27 is then subjected to a first cut by means of a lower roller 4 and an upper roller 5. A punching unit 6 for constructing receiving holes 13 is also provided.

[0075] Figure 6 The upper region shows a bottom view toward the lower roller 4, where the punching unit 6 is not shown. In this embodiment, the lower roller 4 is equipped with a rotating cutter 11 configured to bring in a transverse separating section 14 at a defined location on the third material web 27. However, this separating section 14 does not extend across the entire width of the third material web 27, but rather leaves the edge 10 open. This creates transport sections 18 on both sides of the third material web 27 at the edge 10, which can receive tension, thereby enabling further machining of the third material web 27 in a continuous and undivided state. Furthermore, the punching unit 6, not shown in this figure, brings in receiving holes 13 into the third material web 27.

[0076] exist Figure 6A variant is presented in the area below, in which the third material width 27 is twice the width of the separator 29 required for the battery cell 8. In this figure, the lower roller 4 can be constructed, for example, such that it implements a longitudinally extended longitudinal section 12 in addition to the transverse separation section 14, and the third material width 27 is divided into two halves according to length. For reliable operation of the battery cell 8, it is advantageous that the separator 29 is larger than the anode 7 or cathode 23 to be insulated. Therefore, the separator 29 is cut from the previously described basic dimensions X and Y of the cathode 23 to a width of Y + Δ2 and a length of X + Δ2. Here, Δ2 is an excess, and the separator 29 should be larger than the cathode 23.

[0077] exist Figure 7 Four material sheets are presented, which should be stacked together to guide a partial stack. From bottom to top, they are anode 7, partition 29, cathode 23, and another partition 29. All material sheets have undergone the first trimming in the presented state.

[0078] exist Figure 8 The subsequent method steps are presented in a side view. Starting from the left, in the first cut state, a first material sheet 3, a second material sheet 22, and two third material sheets 27 are supplied in such a manner that the third material sheet 27 is positioned between the first material sheet 3 and the second material sheet 22, and the other third material sheet is positioned above the second material sheet 22. The four material sheets 3, 27, and 22 are guided together to a partial stack 31 via a guide device 30. Here, a first clamping device 32 operates at the right end of the partial stack 31, and a second clamping device 33 operates at the left end of the partial stack 31. The function of the clamping devices 32 and 33 will be explained in detail later. Continued transport of the partial stack 31 along the longitudinal direction 20 is achieved by a transport pin 34, which engages in the transport holes 17 of the first material sheet 3 and the second material sheet 22. The transport pin 34 is driven by a drive device (not shown) and applies a driving force to the corresponding transport section 18. For the initial application of the material sheet, a receiving pin 35 is provided, which engages in the receiving hole 13 in such a coordinated manner that the material sheet to be applied and its cross-sectional profile from the first cut are precisely supplied in the defined position. In a further extension, a cam drive 36 is connected thereto, designed on the one hand to drive the transport pin 34 or the receiving pin 35, and on the other hand to allow the first clamping device 32 and the second clamping device 33 to pass unimpeded to a position presented further to the right, where the third clamping device 37 abuts against the partial stack 31.

[0079] This is presented Figure 9 Again, a top view is shown according to Figure 8Partial stacking 31. The first clamping device 31 and the second clamping device 33 are clearly identifiable here. Again, it is clearly identifiable that the transport sections 18 of the anode 7, cathode 23, and partition 29 are arranged in a transverse direction, that is, in a transverse direction. This specifically results in the transport section 18 of partition 29 being completely within the window 19 in either the anode 7 or the cathode 23. To always ensure the correct transverse orientation of the material width, a monitoring device 38 is provided, which is configured, for example, for position identification or optical width edge adjustment of partition 29.

[0080] Figure 10 The first clamping device 32 is shown in cross-section along the longitudinal direction 20 of the partial stack 31. In the case of abutting the first clamping device 31, two grippers 39 are positioned above and below the partial stack 31.

[0081] exist Figure 11 In the middle, the first clamping device 32 is then presented in a closed state, in which the grippers 39 travel toward each other and fix the clamping portion stack 31. This ensures that no relative movement occurs between the material widths 3, 22, 27 during subsequent processing.

[0082] Figure 12 The second clamping device 33 is shown on the upper left side in the open state and on the upper right side in the closed state. When the second clamping device 33 is positioned, a plurality of grippers 39 arrive from the sides and move into the space between the material webs 3, 22, 27. After this is achieved, the grippers 39 move relative to each other to close the second clamping device 33.

[0083] like Figure 13 As shown, the gripper 39 is constructed differently in this embodiment of the second clamping device 33. This results in a gripper 39 with a circular cross-section and a gripper 39 with a rectangular cross-section. If the grippers 39 are traveling relative to each other, the circular gripper 39 is wound to an increased degree by the material webs (in this case, the two third material webs 27 of the partition 29) located between them. This results in the additional path length required for the winding of the third material webs 27 being guided from the outside. If the first clamping device 32 is closed first and then the second clamping device 33 is closed immediately, the loose end of the third material webs 27 (located at the rear left end of the partial stack 31) is tracked along the longitudinal direction 20 and thus pulled forward or to the right in the image plane.

[0084] Figure 14The partial stack 31 with a tracking partition 29 is shown in the case of passing through the cam drive 36. A transport pin 34 extends here and engages with the opposing cam gear 40 and the partial stack 31. By rotating the two cam gears 40 of the cam drive 36, the partial stack 31 continues to be conveyed in the longitudinal direction 20. The second transport pin 34 is presented in the pulled-in state in the upper cam gear 40 and is not yet engaged with the partial stack 31.

[0085] exist Figure 15 The cam gear 40 of the cam drive 36 is shown in cross-sectional view. The cam gear 40 has a driveable transport pin 34 and a notch 41. When the transport pin 34 is engaged in the transport hole 17 of the material sheet, the notch 41 allows the first clamping device 32 and the second clamping device 33 to pass through the cam gear 40 without problems. The drive-out or drive-in of the transport pin 34 can be controlled in a particularly simple manner by means of a bend 42, which is pressed against by a plate 43 connected to the transport pin 34 by means of a spring 44. Here, the bend 42 is constructed such that the transport pin 34 just drives out when the possibility of engagement with the transport hole 17 arises during the rotational movement of the cam gear 40.

[0086] Figure 16 The top and side views show a portion of the stack 31 as the cam drive 36 passes. Here, the first clamping device 32 and the second clamping device 33 are positioned. The transverse separation section 18 in the partition 29 is shown here once as a dashed line and once as a solid line. The dashed line shows the position of the separation section 18 before it comes into contact with the first clamping device 32 and the second clamping device 33. Here, the first clamping device 32 is contacted first, followed immediately by the second clamping device 33. Thus, the additional path length required for the partition 29 to contact the second clamping device 33 is only traced from the left side, that is, by the third reserve device 28. Corresponding to this additionally traced path length, the separation section 18 shown by the dashed line moves to the right toward the position of the separation section 18 shown by the solid line. This means that, in the continuous manufacturing process, the third material width 27 is given a greater length than the lengths given by the first material width 3 and the second material width 22 by the first reserve device 2 and the second reserve device 26. Therefore, it is possible that the partition 29, in its manufactured state, extends not only laterally beyond the anode 7 and cathode 23, but also longitudinally 20 beyond them, thereby ensuring safe and reliable insulation. Figure 16The lower region shows a side view of the section presented above. Here, it is readily apparent how the second clamping device 33 increases the path length of the partition 29 in its positioned state. Also readily apparent in this view is the arrangement of the transport sections 18 of the three material webs 3, 22, 27, clearly separated from each other in the lateral direction. Furthermore, the transport sections 18 of this partition 29 are arranged so internally, i.e., away from the edge 10, that they are within the window 19. This laterally offset arrangement of the transport sections 18 has several advantages. Thus, the transport pin 34 can engage on one side in the transport hole 17 of the anode 7 and on the opposite side in the transport hole 17 of the cathode 22. The two material webs 3, 22 can thus be driven synchronously, by the driving force required for this being transmitted to the material webs 3, 22, which typically acts as a pulling force into the material webs 3, 22, 27.

[0087] Another advantage of the laterally staggered arrangement of transport sections 18 is available when the transport sections 18 of material webs 3, 22, 27, such as the transport section 18 of partition 29, are arranged such that they are located on at least one window 19 of adjacent material webs 3, 22, such as anode 7 or cathode 23. In this embodiment, it is possible to separate partition 29 at any location within window 19. More precisely, for this purpose, its transport section 18 is divided laterally in a freely selectable position within window 19. For this purpose, only the separation section 14 brought into partition 29 by the first shearing device 1 during the first cut must be correspondingly positioned within window 19. If this is achieved as shown, the transport section 18, which is still present in partition at this time, can be very easily divided laterally therefrom, extending through the separation section 18 to the lateral edge of partition 29. This can be very easily performed by means of a second shearing device 45, which is constructed, for example, as a rolling punch-or rolling shearing device. Within the scope of this second cutting, it is also possible, in particular, to enumerate other steps, such as, for example, the free shearing of conductor 25 by extending conductor cross-section 16 to the edge, or the separation of the lateral transport sections 18 of anode 7 and cathode 23 by the separation of cross-sections along the longitudinal direction of partial stack 31.

[0088] exist Figure 17 The second shearing device 45 is shown in a top view. A second cut is performed by means of this second shearing device 45, in which part of the stack 31 is also separated laterally. Here, the transport section 18 used up to this point is separated. In the state shown here, the separated stack 31 is simultaneously held by first, second, and third clamping devices 32, 33, 37 (not shown here). The separated section 14 here moves to the right from the initial position shown by the dashed line to the position shown by the solid line due to the placement of the second clamping device 33.

[0089] The second shearing device 45 has a first roller 46 and a second roller 47, which work together with a paired roller 48. Here, the first roller 46 shears one side of the anode 7 and the partition 29. The second roller 47 shears the other side of the cathode 23 and the partition 29. The shearing of the partition 29 is achieved by extending laterally through the separation section 14 of the partition 29 in the region of the window 19, so that individual partitions 29 divided in the longitudinal direction appear from the circulating partition 29. It is only possible through the window 19 that the partition 29 is sheared separately from the electrode.

[0090] Furthermore, the anode 7 and cathode 23 complete the shearing process by the corresponding conductor cross-section 16, either extended laterally outward toward the edge 10 by the first roller 46 or the second roller 47, or by a longitudinal cross-section extending in the longitudinal direction. The strip 49 then separates through the longitudinal cross-section. Both cross-sections, that is, in the transverse and longitudinal directions, can also be implemented simultaneously.

[0091] Figure 18 The first roller 46 is shown in an enlarged view. Roller 46 has a notch 41, allowing the first and second clamping devices to pass through it without problems. Furthermore, a partition cutter 50 for extending the separation section 14 in the partition 29 and a conductor cutter 50 for extending the conductor section 16 are provided.

[0092] In addition, a radially arranged cutter is provided at one of the rollers 46, 47, and 48 to separate the strip 49 during the same working process.

[0093] exist Figure 19 The first roller 46 is also shown together with the mating roller 48, with a partial stack 31 between them. Not only the mating roller 48 but also the first roller 46 has a notch 41 to ensure the smooth passage of the first clamping device 32 and the second clamping device 33. Furthermore, the first roller 46 has a transport pin 34 that engages in the transport section 18 of the anode 7 or cathode 23 and is responsible for safe transport as long as the transport section 18 has not yet separated. For performing the second cut, the first roller 46 has a partition cutter 50 and two conductor cutters 51, which extend the separation section 14 in the partition 29 and release the conductor 25.

[0094] exist Figure 20The image presents a top view of the second shearing device 45. Viewed from left to right, the third clamping device 37 is activated simultaneously with the first clamping device 32 and the second clamping device 33. In a further extension of the rightward movement of the partial stack 31, the second clamping device 33 is released first, followed by the first clamping device 32, allowing the tracked partition 29 to return from its coiled position in the second clamping device 33 to a flat position parallel to the anode 7 or cathode 23. Here, the separation section 14 of the partition 29, viewed from the longitudinal direction 20, is moved away by the corresponding conductor 25 and thus safely extends beyond the anode 7 or cathode 23, also in the longitudinal direction 20.

[0095] After the first clamping device 32 and the second clamping device 33 are released, they are then transported back to their initial positions by means of the conveyor belt 52, where they can be repositioned at the partial stack 31. Simultaneously, the gripping device 53 abuts against the partial stack 31 so that it can continue to be transported to the storage chamber 54 and stacked there after the third clamping device 37 is released. Similarly, the gripping device 53 operates, as with the clamping devices 32, 33 and 37 in the same cyclic method, to enable rapid and continuous fabrication of the unit stack 57.

[0096] Figure 21 The third clamping device 37 is shown in a side view. Similarly, the third clamping device 37 has a plurality of clamping elements 55 fixed at the second conveyor belt 56, which moves at the same speed at which partial stacks 31 are delivered by the first clamping device 32 and the second clamping device 33. After the partial stacks 31 are delivered to the gripping device 53, the clamping elements 55 then move downward or upward and to the left in the opposite direction to be repositioned there to the subsequent partial stacks 31. As a next step, the gripping device 53 guides the partial stacks 31 to the storage chamber 54, where multiple partial stacks 31 are stacked together to form a unit stack 57.

[0097] Because the partial stack 31 consists of four material webs, including an anode 7, a partition 29, a cathode 22, and another partition 29, stacked in this order from bottom to top, a single partition 29 is first placed into an empty storage chamber 54. This is to prevent the anode 7, located at the bottom of the partial stack 31, from making electrical contact with other components via the single partition 29. For this purpose, the individual partitions 29 are stored in the receiving portion 58 in the storage chamber 54. When the empty storage chamber 54 is thus filled, for example by means of a siphon, the supply device 59 places a partition 29 into the storage chamber 54 each time, as the first material web. Once the unit stack 57 is replenished, the storage chamber 54 is moved and replaced by another empty storage chamber 54. When the second storage chamber 54 is filled, the unit stack 57 in the first storage chamber 54 can be connected to the unit package 60 and then transported away. Multiple storage chambers 54 can also be used in cases of higher production speeds. For example, two additional storage chambers 54 can be arranged parallel to the first two storage chambers and can be partially filled with stacks 31 by means of gripping devices 53 that act as transfer devices. These additional storage chambers 54 can also be pre-equipped with partitions 29 when the supply device 59 is empty. This allows for uninterrupted and high-speed operation.

[0098] Figure 22 A top view on the left shows a filled storage chamber 54 with unit stacks 57 on conveyor belt 61. On the right, next to it, is a completed unit package 60 on conveyor belt 61, ready for transport. A slider 62 is used to attach the unit stacks 57 to the fixed unit packages 60 with tape 63. Here, the unit stacks 57 are held at their end sides 64 within the storage chamber 54, where conductors 25 are also present.

[0099] exist Figure 23 The first step for bonding is shown in the diagram. Here, the slider 62 first moves laterally upward and outward, and the four tapes 63 are pulled away by the tape rollers 66 by means of the bonding puller 65.

[0100] exist Figure 24 The second step is presented, in which slider 62 approaches unit stack 57 and tape 63 is pressed against it sideways. Here, tape 63 is simultaneously cut by cutter 67, which is positioned at slider 62. During the cutting, adhesive puller 65 also functions as a mating support for cutter 67.

[0101] Figure 25 It is shown how the slider 62 then continues to travel along the direction of the cell stack 57 and how the cut tape 63 is pressed onto the cell stack 57, so that the cell package 60 appears.

[0102] Immediately afterwards, as in Figure 26 As shown in the image, the generated unit package 60 is placed on the conveyor belt 61 and transported away.

[0103] Figure 27 This illustrates how the bottom 71 of the storage compartment 54 opens downwards by swinging away and how the slider lowers the unit package 60 onto the conveyor belt 61.

[0104] Figure 28 A completed unit package 60 with conductor 25 and surrounding tape 63 is shown.

[0105] Finally, in Figure 29 Alternative embodiments are presented, which can perform the functions of the first and second clamping devices 32, 33 and the second shearing device 45. A partial stack 31 is shown, which has passed through the first shearing device 1 and is now transported to the second shearing device 45 by the cam drive 36. Here, the lower roller 4 is used, which can be configured, for example, as a cam-driven mating roller with a forming die (Formstempel, sometimes also called a forming punch) 68 made of rubber. The forming die 68 is designed such that when the separating section 14 of the partition 29 enters the second shearing device 45, the partial stack 31 is forced into a curved motion track 69 by the approximately elliptical, non-circular forming die 68. The curvature generated here is further enhanced by the forming die 68 in this position by additional deformation along the direction of the partial stack 31 via the pin 70. This generates a curvature of the material webs 3, 22, 27, which in this state also causes the material webs 3, 22, 27 to move relative to each other. If the partition 29 is separated from the partition cutter 50 arranged on the upper roller 5 at this position, the partition 29 is obtained, which is longer than the anode 7 or cathode 23 below it. Immediately thereafter, the conductor section 16 can be implemented with the subsequent conductor cutter 51, wherein the partial stack 31 does not undergo bending in this rotating position of the upper roller 5 and the lower roller 4 because the forming die 68 is not against the partial stack 31 in this subsequent rotating position. This means that the conductor section 16 is implemented with the conductor cutter 51 at a straight and stretched partial stack 31.

[0106] With the present invention, it is possible to implement four working steps in a facility. These working steps include longitudinal shearing, transverse shearing, stacking, and bonding or gluing of unit stacks.

[0107] Furthermore, very high stacking speeds can be achieved, wherein preferably the four material webs are continuously secured by clamping devices 32, 33, 37 or by gripping devices 53, thereby achieving very high positioning and manufacturing accuracy.

[0108] The material sheets do not need to be separated and then joined together, thus requiring very little material handling and achieving very good material utilization relative to, for example, Z-folding.

[0109] Due to the high positioning accuracy, the required excess for the separator 29 relative to the cathode 23, for example, 6 mm, can also be reliably ensured.

[0110] Ultimately, the otherwise common stacking process can be omitted, thereby eliminating the need for the expensive stackable partition 29.

[0111] Reference Symbol List

[0112] 1 First shearing device

[0113] 2. First Reserve Equipment

[0114] 3 First material sheet

[0115] 3a, 3b are the first material sheets separated.

[0116] 4 lower roller

[0117] 5 upper roller

[0118] 6 Drilling Units

[0119] 7 Anode

[0120] 8 battery cells

[0121] 9 Anode region

[0122] 10 Edges

[0123] 11 Rotary cutting tool

[0124] 12 Longitudinal Section

[0125] 13 Receiving Holes

[0126] 14 Separation Section

[0127] 15 Window Section

[0128] 16 Conductor cross-section

[0129] 17 Transport Hole

[0130] 18 Transport Sections

[0131] 19 windows

[0132] 20. Vertical direction

[0133] 21 width

[0134] 22 Second Material Width

[0135] 22a, 22b Separate second material sheets

[0136] 23 Cathode

[0137] 24 Cathode Region

[0138] 25 conductors

[0139] 26 Second Reserve Equipment

[0140] 27 Third Material Sheet

[0141] 28 Third Reserve Equipment

[0142] 29 partitions

[0143] 30. Boot device

[0144] 31 Partial stacking

[0145] 32 First clamping device

[0146] 33 Second clamping device

[0147] 34. Transportation Sales

[0148] 35 Accommodation pins

[0149] 36 Cam Driver

[0150] 37 Third clamping device

[0151] 38. Monitoring devices

[0152] 39. Grappling Grippers

[0153] 40 Cam Gear

[0154] 41 Notch

[0155] 42 bends

[0156] 43 boards

[0157] 44 Springs

[0158] 45 Second shearing device

[0159] 46 First Roller

[0160] 47 Second Roller

[0161] 48 Paired rollers

[0162] 49 strips

[0163] 50 partition blades

[0164] 51 Conductor Cutting Tool

[0165] 52 Conveyor Belt

[0166] 53. Gripping Device

[0167] 54 Storage Room

[0168] 55 Clamping elements

[0169] 56 Second Conveyor Belt

[0170] 57-unit stacking

[0171] 58. Accommodation Department

[0172] 59. Supply device

[0173] 60-unit package

[0174] 61 Conveyor Belt

[0175] 62 sliders

[0176] 63 Tape

[0177] 64 end side

[0178] 65 Adhesive traction device

[0179] 66 Tape Roller

[0180] 67 Cutting tools

[0181] 68 Molding mold

[0182] 69. Motion Track

[0183] 70 sales

[0184] 71 Bottom

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a cell stack (57) for a battery cell (8), comprising at least the following steps: a) Supply at least one stretched first material web (3) made of the first material; b) Perform a first cut on at least the stretched first material web (3) while constructing at least one continuous tensile transport section (18), the transport section being configured to withstand tensile force along the longitudinal direction of the stretched first material web (3), such that the stretched first material web (3) can be processed as a continuous material web (3) in subsequent steps; and At least one hole is created in the first material web (3) as a transport engagement device (13, 17), the hole being configured to be engaged by a drive with mechanical elements in order to transport the stretched first material web (3) in the longitudinal direction; c) Guide the stretched first material section (3) together with at least one stretched second material section (22) made of the second material to the partial stack (31); d) Perform a second cut of the partial stack (31), including a cut in the transverse direction of the stretched first material web (3) and the stretched second material web (22), thereby dividing the continuous transport section (18) and creating a complete compartment of the partial stack in the transverse direction; e) Arrange at least two parts of the stack (31) into a unit stack (57); The first stretchable material sheet (3) and the second stretchable material sheet (22) are cut to different dimensions, including different widths and different lengths.

2. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, During cutting, transport joining devices (13, 17) or window sections (19) are created in the material width (3, 22, 27), especially in the transport section (18).

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The partial stack (31) is formed by at least four material widths (3, 27, 22, 27).

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Construct conductor (25) by cutting at least two material sheets (3,22).

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The unit stacks (57) are connected into unit packages (60) by connecting devices (63).

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, When the partial package (31) is arranged into the unit stack (57), at least one additional material sheet (27) is arranged in the unit stack (57).

7. A battery cell (8) having a cell stack (57) manufactured according to any one of the preceding patent claims.

8. A motor vehicle having at least one battery cell (8) according to any one of the preceding patent claims.

9. An apparatus for manufacturing a unit stack (57) comprising at least two storage devices (2, 26, 28) for stretching at least one first material web (3) and a second material web (22), at least one first shearing device (1) and a second shearing device (45) for cutting the material, transport devices (32, 33) for conveying the material webs (3, 22, 27), equipment (30) for jointly guiding the material webs (3, 22, 27), and a stacking device (54), wherein The first shearing device (1) generates at least one continuous tensile transport section (18) at the material web (3,22,27), the transport section being configured to withstand tensile force along the longitudinal direction of the material web (3,22,27), such that the material web (3,22,27) can be processed as a continuous material web (3,22,27) in subsequent steps; and creates at least one hole within the material web (3,22,27) as a transport engagement device (13,17), the hole being configured to be engaged by a actuator with mechanical elements for transporting the material web (3,22,27) in the longitudinal direction. The second shearing device (45) is arranged longitudinally (20) after the device (30) for jointly guiding the material widths (3, 22, 27), and is configured for... Generate a complete lateral separation of the material width (3,22,27); in, If multiple transport sections (18) are located at different material widths (3, 22, 27), they are arranged laterally to the longitudinal direction (20) in a staggered manner, so that the drive equipment can engage with each other independently at these transport sections (18); or the drive equipment is engaged with multiple transport sections (18) at the same time and thereby ensures the synchronous transport of multiple material widths (3, 22, 27); The different material widths (3,22,27) are cut to different dimensions, including different widths and different lengths.

10. The apparatus according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The first shearing device (1) is configured to cut at least two material widths (3, 22, 27) in parallel.

11. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The first shearing device (1) is configured to split at least one material strip (3, 22, 27) into a large number of material strips parallel to the longitudinal direction (20).

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