Transport unit and method for providing battery material for battery production and production unit and production system

Abstract

The invention relates to a transport unit (100; the invention relates to a transport unit (100, 100 ', 120) for providing battery material (102, 102', 122) for the production of batteries, comprising a fluid-tightly closable housing (104, 124), an interior space (106, 134) formed inside the housing (104, 124) for arranging the battery material (102, 102 ', 122), an operating interface (108, 136) for loading and unloading the battery material (102, 102', 122) into and from the interior space (106, 134), the operating interface (108, 136) being arranged and designed to connect the transport unit (100, 100 ', 120) to the interior space (106, 134). According to the invention, the transport unit (100, 100 ', 120) is coupled to a production unit forming a battery production in such a way that the battery material (102, 102', 122) arranged inside the interior (106, 134) can be removed irrespective of the atmosphere surrounding the transport unit (100, 100 ', 120) in order to be supplied to the production unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a transport unit and method for providing battery materials for battery production, a production unit for processing battery materials, and a production system for manufacturing batteries and / or battery semi-finished products. Background Technology

[0002] Transport units for supplying battery materials to battery production are known in principle. Typically, battery materials are processed inside clean and / or dry chambers, where the atmosphere, particularly the air, has a predetermined cleanliness level and low humidity. Low humidity is especially necessary when processing battery materials, such as electrode materials, to meet the high requirements of batteries, for example, in the automotive industry.

[0003] Requirements regarding residual moisture and remaining particulate matter in clean and / or dry chambers are constantly increasing. The investment costs for such clean and dry chambers are high. Furthermore, these requirements result in high costs and technological expenditures for maintaining the functionality of such clean and / or dry chambers.

[0004] Battery production can be divided into electrode manufacturing, cell assembly, and cell finalization. Electrode manufacturing involves drying and wet mixing processes, in which various components are processed into a paste, also known as a slurry. The paste is coated onto current collector foil, then dried and compacted in a calendering process. These coated, dried, compacted, and typically wound films are then cut to specific widths. Finally, the manufactured electrodes are dried under vacuum.

[0005] Cell assembly involves mounting battery components, particularly electrodes, into functional battery cells. The assembly steps are designed according to cell specifications. Electrodes, especially the anode and cathode, are assembled into a casing along with other components, such as separators and conductive sheets. Next, the casing is filled and sealed with electrolyte. Finally, a cell finalization process is performed, in which the cell is charged and discharged. Furthermore, during cell finalization, the cell's functionality is checked.

[0006] The quality of manufactured battery cells is particularly determined by the manufacturing technology used and the atmosphere during electrode production and cell assembly. Because the cell materials being processed are sensitive, cell production requires a clean and dry production environment. Two parameters of this environment are cleanliness, especially the absence of particulate matter, and air humidity. Due to the low humidity levels required, dew points are typically specified, such as -20°C, -40°C, or -60°C. In some cases, it is also necessary to reduce oxygen and / or CO2.

[0007] Moisture ingress can cause surface passivation and electrolyte decomposition, leading to the formation of toxic hydrofluoric acid, which negatively impacts cell performance. Furthermore, it increases gas formation within the cell, causing degradation effects and creating operational safety risks. Another crucial aspect of manufacturing high-quality battery cells is that electrode production and cell assembly are carried out with minimal pollution.

[0008] Moisture can enter the battery manufacturing process in various ways. To maintain the required dew point under conditions where energy depletion may be low, moisture ingress should be prevented.

[0009] The greatest moisture ingress is caused by humans, and is also a critical source of moisture for the process. Humans release water into the environment through their breath, sweat, or moisture in their clothing. In particular, the localized moisture effect of exhaled breath in the product or process environment is a critical and uncontrollable factor. Further moisture ingress occurs at the gate when personnel and / or materials are transferred through it.

[0010] JP6897654B2 discloses a transport box for transporting segmented layered electrodes to shield the electrodes from the atmosphere. The transport box has a device to achieve a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure within its internal space using dry air, preventing the air surrounding the transport box from entering. A particular disadvantage of this transport box is that it may be susceptible to external contamination, and this contamination and / or adhering moisture may enter the cell production process.

[0011] DE 10 2021 004 571A1 discloses a method for cleaning exhaust gases generated during processing in a cleanroom or drying room, and a facility for performing the method. However, contamination cannot be prevented when semi-finished products and / or personnel enter and exit the gates.

[0012] CN112193597A discloses a transport box for a battery with a protective casing. However, the transport box cannot achieve pollution-free and / or moisture-free delivery of the battery during the battery cell production process.

[0013] US2022140435A1 discloses a container for transporting and / or storing batteries, wherein an opening is provided at the lid to allow gas to be blown into the storage space of the container under high pressure. This container also has the disadvantage that battery cell production may be contaminated by the introduction of the transport container.

[0014] The industry requires high-cleanliness battery cell production that can be carried out independently of the humidity and contamination of the atmosphere surrounding the battery cell production. In particular, as the requirements for dew point or the degree of air pollution within battery cell production are expected to increase further, designs that go beyond those of cleanrooms and / or dry rooms used to date are needed. Summary of the Invention

[0015] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a transport unit, a production unit, a production system, and a method that reduce or eliminate one or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a solution capable of achieving improved battery cell production. Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to provide a solution capable of achieving a more stable battery manufacturing process at a lower cost.

[0016] The stated objective is achieved by means of a transport unit, production unit, production system, and method according to the features of the independent claim. Other advantageous designs of these aspects are given in the corresponding dependent claims. The features disclosed in the claims, specification, and drawings can be combined with each other individually in any technically feasible manner, wherein other embodiments and variations of the invention are shown.

[0017] According to the first aspect, the aforementioned objective is achieved by a transport unit for providing battery materials for battery production, the transport unit comprising: a fluid-tight housing, an internal space formed within the housing for setting the battery materials, and an operating interface for loading and unloading the battery materials into the internal space, wherein the operating interface is configured to couple the transport unit to a production unit constituting battery production, such that the battery materials set within the internal space can be removed independently of the atmosphere surrounding the transport unit in order to provide them to the production unit.

[0018] This invention is based on the understanding that battery cell production, conducted solely within clean and / or dry chambers, does not meet, or only partially meets, current and, especially future, requirements regarding dew point and cleanliness. Therefore, the production unit is further decoupled from the clean and / or dry chamber in terms of atmosphere, resulting in optimized conditions within the production unit compared to the clean and / or dry chamber, ensuring predetermined material properties. This atmospherically decoupled production unit is also referred to as a mini-environment and / or micro-environment. To effectively supply battery materials to the production unit within battery cell production, the atmospheric differences between the production unit and the clean and / or dry chamber must be considered at delivery.

[0019] The transport unit meets the requirements of being able to transport battery materials to and from clean and / or dry chambers, and between different production units within the clean and / or dry chambers, and to supply the battery materials to each production unit uncontaminated and independent of the moisture content within the clean and / or dry chambers. Therefore, the battery materials can be transported independently of the atmosphere of the clean and / or dry chambers, and then processed within the production units. The embodiments concerning clean and / or dry chambers are similarly applicable to clean and / or gray chambers, which are specifically included in the term "clean and / or dry chamber."

[0020] The transport unit is configured to provide battery materials for battery production. Preferably, providing also means storage and intermediate buffering. The battery materials can be, for example, semi-finished products. The battery materials can also involve electrode foils, solid electrolytes, substrate foils, separators, intermediate production products, preferably intermediate products, which are transported in batches, for example, in silos, or involve housing elements. In particular, the transport unit is configured such that the moving unit can move within a clean and / or dry chamber. Furthermore, the transport unit is preferably configured to move within a clean and / or dry chamber to one, two, or more production units. Moreover, the transport unit is particularly configured such that the battery materials can be disposed within an internal space, where it is desirable to provide the battery materials in the form of large-volume rolls.

[0021] The transport unit includes a housing that can be fluid-tightly sealed. A fluid-tightly sealed housing is particularly understood to mean that an atmosphere can be formed inside the housing that is substantially unaffected by the atmosphere surrounding the transport unit. Fluid tightness can also refer to particle tightness.

[0022] An internal space is formed inside the casing. The casing preferably surrounds the internal space, especially in sections. The internal space is configured for housing battery materials.

[0023] The transport unit also includes an operating interface for loading and unloading battery materials into and out of the internal space. Preferably, the housing has the operating interface. Preferably, the operating interface is the only opening in the housing. Alternatively, the housing may also have other closable openings.

[0024] The operating interface is designed for loading and unloading battery materials into the internal space. The operating interface preferably has a closable opening through which the battery materials can move. The operating interface preferably has an openable closure element, such as a door. The openable closure element is preferably configured to open and / or close vertically and / or horizontally. For example, the openable closure element is configured to be retractable. The openable closure element preferably has a hydrophobic surface. The operating interface preferably has a rolling unit configured to roll up and / or unfold the retractable closure element. The rolling unit preferably has an actuator.

[0025] Furthermore, the operating interface is configured and structured to couple the transport unit to the production unit configured for battery production. This coupling allows battery material disposed within the internal space to be removed independently of the atmosphere surrounding the transport unit, in order to supply the battery material to the production unit. The battery material is removable, preferably meaning that it can move independently of the atmosphere surrounding the transport unit into the internal space. Preferably, the operating interface includes a coupling mechanism by which the transport unit can be coupled to a closable opening in the production unit, such as a gate. Such openings in the production unit are known to those skilled in the art.

[0026] The operating interface is specifically designed and configured to make the battery material accessible after coupling with the production unit, enabling the removal of the battery material from the transport unit. Different variations of the technical embodiments by which the battery material from the transport unit can be operated are also described below.

[0027] A preferred embodiment of the transport unit is characterized in that the operating interface is constituted by a detachable housing element, and this detachable housing element is configured and arranged such that it can be removed from the transport unit after being coupled to the production unit. Furthermore, the operating interface can be a detachable housing element.

[0028] The detachable housing element can be the entire side of the housing or a side segment of the housing. During normal operation, the side or side segment can be oriented horizontally, vertically, or obliquely. Removing the detachable housing element can involve removing or moving it. Movement can be, for example, folding, pivoting, or collapsing.

[0029] In another preferred embodiment of the transport unit, the operating interface is configured such that the housing can be fluid-tightly connected to the production unit after the detachable housing element has been removed. Alternatively or supplementarily, the connection between the housing and the production unit can also be made before the detachable housing element has been removed.

[0030] For example, a housing with a sealing element that does not have a detachable housing element can be provided at the production unit. Particularly preferred is that the sealing element is configured such that the connection between the housing and the production unit is independent of the detachable housing element, allowing the detachable housing element to be removed without affecting the atmosphere inside the housing and / or the production unit. The sealing element is preferably inflatable. The sealing element can be configured as a flat sealing device. The sealing element can have a cross-section greater than 5 mm.

[0031] Another preferred improvement to the transport unit is characterized in that detachable housing elements constitute the bottom, cover and / or sides of the housing.

[0032] The housing element forming the bottom has the advantage that the transport unit can be vertically mounted above the production unit, allowing gravity to create a clamping pressure between the transport unit and the production unit. Therefore, sealing between the transport unit and the production unit is advantageously feasible.

[0033] The detachable housing element, configured as the side of the housing, has the advantage that the transport unit can be moved to a predetermined position on the production unit with minimal effort, for example, by placing the transport unit laterally next to the production unit. Preferably, in this case, the transport unit is pulled and / or pressed against the production unit by means of a clamping element.

[0034] A similar advantage arises if the detachable housing element constitutes the cover of the housing. The detachable housing element constitutes the bottom, cover, and / or sides of the housing, particularly indicating that the housing element constitutes part of the bottom, cover, and / or sides of the housing. The prestressing and pre-orientation of the detachable housing element can be performed via peripheral equipment or via a drive unit.

[0035] Preferably, the detachable housing element includes a sealing unit on its side facing away from the internal space, the sealing unit being configured to interact with the production system, particularly the removal element of the production system. It is also preferred that the transport unit has a movable, particularly foldable, cover element configured to cover the sealing unit to protect it from contamination. The cover element is preferably configured such that it releases the sealing unit before the transport unit is coupled to the production system, allowing the sealing unit to interact with the production system, particularly the removal unit.

[0036] The transport unit preferably includes at least one sealing element configured to substantially fluid-tightly connect a detachable housing element to the housing. Preferably, the at least one sealing element is located outside the atmosphere constituting the battery material. More preferably, the sealing element is located on the outer wall of the housing. Alternatively, the sealing element can be located at the detachable housing element. It is also preferred that the sealing element be located inside the detachable housing element.

[0037] Another preferred embodiment of the transport unit includes a second housing that is detachably disposed inside the housing, wherein the second housing is fluidly separated from the housing, wherein preferably the housing is configured in a particulate-sealed manner and the second housing is configured in a fluid-sealed manner.

[0038] The second housing is fluidly separated from the housing, particularly in the presence of an atmosphere different from that of the housing, such as a third atmosphere. The second housing is detachably disposed within the housing, particularly in the ability of the second housing to be removed from and / or moved into the housing during normal operation.

[0039] The second housing offers the advantage of greater decoupling of battery materials from the environment of the transport unit. In particular, the first and second housings can provide different functions. Furthermore, loading and unloading can be constructed pollution-free, for example, via an airlock.

[0040] In another preferred embodiment of the transport unit, a second housing is fixedly disposed inside the housing.

[0041] An intermediate chamber is preferably formed between the second housing and the housing. The transport unit is preferably configured such that a controlled atmosphere can be formed in the intermediate chamber. The controlled atmosphere is formed, in particular, by means of an inert gas, such as nitrogen and / or argon. The second atmosphere preferably has overpressure relative to the ambient atmosphere, such that substantially no particulate and / or humid air can intrude into the intermediate chamber.

[0042] The intermediate chamber preferably has a smaller volume than the internal space. More preferably, the volume of the intermediate chamber is several times smaller than the volume of the internal space. Therefore, the atmosphere to be controlled inside the intermediate chamber can have a small volume, thereby reducing the media requirement. Directional overflow from the intermediate chamber into the internal space can be induced. Preferably, a vacuum exists in the internal space while overpressure exists in the intermediate chamber, especially by means of an inert gas, such as nitrogen and / or argon. Furthermore, overpressure can be created both in the internal space and in the intermediate chamber, wherein preferably the pressure in the internal space is greater than the overpressure in the intermediate chamber.

[0043] The detachable housing element is preferably constructed with double walls, such that the housing element also forms an intermediate chamber. Preferably, the intermediate chamber between the first and second housings and the intermediate chamber of the detachable housing element are fluidly coupled to each other. It is also preferred that the first and / or second housings and the detachable housing element have corresponding fluid channels, such as orifices, which are arranged and configured to fluidly couple them to each other.

[0044] Another preferred embodiment of the transport unit includes a holding device for retaining battery materials within the internal space, wherein the holding device is connected to a detachable housing element and can be removed together with the housing element. The holding device can, for example, be configured as a suspension device.

[0045] In another preferred embodiment, a holding device for holding battery material is provided at the housing via a first end, particularly at the inner wall of the housing, and a second end constitutes a fixed and / or movable support device via a detachable housing element, thereby reliably holding the battery material during normal operation of the transport unit. The fixed and / or movable support device is eliminated when the detachable housing element is detached from the housing.

[0046] Preferably, the holding device is configured to enable the automated delivery of battery materials, particularly by means of an operating unit, such as a gantry crane unit and / or an articulated robot. Furthermore, the holding device can be a manipulator of the operating unit.

[0047] Connecting the retaining device to a detachable housing element offers the advantage that the battery material can move directly into the production cell via the housing element. This reduces the number of operational steps required because the cell (consisting of or including the retaining device, housing element, and battery material) is in motion.

[0048] In another preferred embodiment variation of the transport unit, the transport unit includes a media supply unit configured to induce overpressure, particularly in the micro-overpressure range, within its internal space, such that contaminating particles and / or moist fluid can be expelled from the internal space and / or the contaminating particles and / or moist fluid can be kept away from the internal space. The media supply unit preferably includes a particle chamber in which contaminating particles and / or moist fluid and / or fluid separated from the moist fluid are stored. Preferably, the overpressure is induced by means of an inert gas. Preferably, the media supply unit includes a fluid container, particularly for inert gases such as nitrogen and / or argon.

[0049] In another preferred improvement of the transport unit, the fluid container is provided with a filling port, which is configured and arranged such that the fluid container can be filled by means of the filling port. The filling port is particularly configured to enable automated filling of the fluid container. For example, the transport unit can move to a fluid filling nozzle, particularly by means of a drive unit, which works in conjunction with the filling port to enable the fluid container to be filled with fluid.

[0050] In another preferred embodiment variation of the transport unit, the media supply unit is alternatively or additionally configured to load battery material disposed in the internal space with a fluid flow, thereby removing particles from the battery material and conveying the fluid flow containing particles to a filter for particle separation. Alternatively or additionally, this filter or additional filter can be configured to dry the fluid flow. Preferably, the affected fluid flow is conveyed to the internal space. The filter is preferably disposed in the particle chamber.

[0051] Another preferred embodiment of the transport unit includes: a drive unit configured to move the transport unit and having a fluid reservoir; and a coupling interface configured to position the housing at the drive unit and / or fluidly connect the fluid reservoir to the interior space. The coupling between the drive unit and the housing can be direct or indirect. Alternatively or additionally, the fluid reservoir can be surrounded by the housing and / or fluidly coupled to the housing. The fluid reservoir is preferably located outside the interior space. More preferably, the fluid reservoir is located on the outer wall of the housing, particularly on the lateral outer wall of the housing. The fluid reservoir can be cylindrical and / or prismatic in shape.

[0052] The drive unit can be fixedly or detachably configured with the transport unit. Furthermore, it is preferable that the transport unit and the drive unit are configured and arranged such that the drive unit can move below and be coupled to the transport unit.

[0053] The drive unit may be configured as a track or vehicle guide.

[0054] Another preferred improvement to the transport unit includes a control device signal-coupled to the drive unit, the control device being configured to receive a positioning command characterizing the location to be reached by means of the transport unit, and to control the drive unit based on the positioning command. Controlling the drive unit based on the positioning command specifically enables reaching the desired location.

[0055] In another preferred embodiment of the transport unit, the transport unit includes a motion device configured to move battery materials and / or holding devices out of and / or into the interior space. The motion device can, for example, be configured as a linear unit. The motion device may, for example, have a track on which the battery materials and / or holding devices are movably mounted. The motion device is preferably operable by means of a medium, particularly compressed air and / or electrical power. The medium is preferably provided via a medium supply unit.

[0056] Preferably, the transport unit includes a media interface for coupling the transport unit to the production unit. The media interface is particularly configured to receive a media. Preferably, the media interface is configured to receive compressed air up to 10 bar. More preferably, the media interface is arranged and configured such that a pressure balance is achieved between the internal space and the production unit after the transport unit is coupled to the production unit.

[0057] In another preferred embodiment of the transport unit, the transport unit is provided with a fluid unit having a drying mechanism, the fluid unit being configured to produce a dry fluid flow. The drying mechanism is configured to dry the fluid. The drying mechanism is preferably or includes a water-retaining material. The drying mechanism is, for example, or includes silica gel and / or molecular sieves. The drying mechanism is preferably integrated into a replaceable drying module. Fluid from the fluid unit and / or fluid reservoir is preferably provided as needed. The fluid unit and / or drying mechanism, especially the drying module, is preferably located outside the internal space. It is also preferred that the fluid unit and / or drying mechanism, especially the drying module, is located on the outer wall, particularly on the upper outer wall.

[0058] In another preferred embodiment variation of the transport container, the transport container includes at least one fluid flow guiding element, which is arranged and configured to conduct fluid flow within the interior space according to a predetermined flow pattern. Particularly preferred is that the fluid flow is directed toward a detachable housing element, thereby avoiding or reducing contamination during the removal of the housing element. It is also preferred that the fluid flow is conducted such that an air wall is formed adjacent to the detachable housing element. Furthermore, air channels can be provided to form an air curtain.

[0059] A preferred improvement to the transport unit includes a dew point sensor and / or a pressure sensor, which are set and configured to measure the dew point and / or pressure in the interior space.

[0060] According to another aspect, the aforementioned objective is achieved by a production unit for processing battery materials, the production unit comprising: a removal unit for removing detachable housing elements; a transport unit, particularly a transport unit according to any of the above embodiments, enabling the removal of battery materials disposed in the transport unit and / or at the housing elements; and / or an operation unit configured and set up for removing battery materials.

[0061] The production unit is configured for processing and / or storing battery materials. The production unit preferably includes a production chamber and / or a storage chamber in which battery materials can be processed and / or stored. The production chamber and / or storage chamber are preferably configured to be fluid-tight relative to the environment of the production unit.

[0062] Removing a detachable housing element from a transport unit specifically involves removing or moving the housing element away from the transport unit. In the context of a transport unit, this particularly refers to the internal space of the transport unit's housing.

[0063] The extraction unit is preferably configured to translate the housing element. In particular, the extraction unit is configured to translate the housing element vertically. The operating unit can be, for example, a gantry crane unit and / or an articulated robot and / or a linear unit. It is also preferable that the operating unit is capable of translational movement, such that the operating unit can move via, for example, a gate unit described below. Furthermore, the translationally movable operating unit can operate multiple production lines, requiring only a single interface for multiple production lines. The operating unit is preferably configured to move the battery material into the production room and / or storage room.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment of the production unit, a variant proposes that the retrieval unit has a detachable housing element, particularly a retrieval element corresponding to the outer side of the detachable housing element, for coupling with the detachable housing element. This retrieval element minimizes contamination of the housing as it passes through the transport unit. This is achieved, in particular, by covering most of the contaminated surface of the housing element with the retrieval element.

[0065] In another preferred embodiment of the production unit, the removal unit is configured and coupled to a detachable housing element such that the contaminated surface of the housing element is covered. The removal unit may, for example, have a bushing, particularly a rubber bushing, into which the housing element can be partially moved, preventing the contaminated surface of the housing element from contaminating the production unit. The contaminated surface is specifically understood to be the outward-facing surface that comes into contact with the atmosphere of the production unit, such as a cleanroom or drying chamber, during normal operation of the transport unit. The outward-facing surface of the production unit or gate unit can also be the contaminated surface.

[0066] The transport units and / or production units preferably have coupling devices for connecting them to each other. The coupling devices are also preferably mechanically configured. Mechanical coupling devices particularly include physical connections such as bolts, pins, or springs. More preferably, the coupling devices are magnetically configured. Magnetic coupling devices have magnets to connect the transport units to the production units without contamination. The coupling devices can also be pneumatically and / or electrically configured. Pneumatic coupling devices are arranged and configured to provide compressed air, enabling the transport units to be connected to the production units without contamination.

[0067] The connecting device can also be configured as a flange connecting device. A flange connecting device uses flanges to connect the transport unit and the production unit without contamination. Furthermore, the connecting device can also function as a quick-connect device. A quick-connect device includes a locking element to connect the transport unit and the production unit without contamination.

[0068] In another preferred embodiment of the production unit, a removal unit is provided that can be arranged together with a detachable housing element in a manner that allows movement from a coupled position to a transfer position, wherein in the coupled position the removal unit can be coupled to the detachable housing element, and in the transfer position the battery material can be removed by means of an operating unit. For example, the coupled position can be vertically spaced from the transfer position. Preferably, the coupled position is vertically located above the transfer position.

[0069] In another preferred embodiment of the production unit, the production unit includes a gate unit having a gate chamber having a first closable side and a second closable side, wherein a transport unit is coupled to the production unit at the first closable side and the second closable side is adjacent to the production chamber, and wherein the atmosphere of the gate chamber is adjustable by means of a fluid device.

[0070] The gate unit preferably includes a fluid overflow unit, which is configured to form a fluid barrier to prevent or reduce contamination. The fluid barrier can be, for example, an air baffle or a Luftschwert.

[0071] According to another aspect, the aforementioned objective is achieved by a production system for manufacturing batteries and / or battery semi-finished products, the production system comprising production units in the form of variations of any of the above embodiments and / or transport units in the form of variations of any of the above embodiments.

[0072] This production system offers the advantage of enabling battery manufacturing in a more demanding environment compared to battery manufacturing conducted solely in clean and / or dry chambers. Furthermore, the system allows for production units not to be located entirely in clean and / or dry chambers, thus avoiding or mitigating the aforementioned disadvantages of such chambers.

[0073] Particularly preferred is that the transport unit has a detachable housing element and the production unit has a removal unit for removing the detachable housing element, thereby advantageously achieving coupling between the transport unit and the production unit for removing the battery material. Preferably, the removal unit with the removal element can be connected to the detachable housing element, allowing the detachable housing element to be removed from the housing, making the battery material accessible.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment of the production system, a production unit is located inside a clean and / or dry chamber and has a production chamber configured such that a first atmosphere in the production chamber is independent of a second atmosphere in the clean and / or dry chamber, and a first atmosphere exists in the internal space of a transport unit, allowing battery materials to move from the transport unit to the production chamber via an operating interface without being affected by the second atmosphere.

[0075] In the secondary atmosphere of a clean and / or dry room, there may be people who bring moisture and / or particles into the production system during routine operation.

[0076] According to another aspect, the aforementioned objective is achieved by a method for providing battery materials for battery production, the method comprising the steps of: placing battery materials inside the housing of a transport unit and fluid-tightly sealing the housing; moving the transport unit to a production unit for processing the battery materials; fluid-tightly coupling the transport unit and the production unit by means of an operating interface; and opening the operating interface to provide battery materials to the production unit independently of the atmosphere surrounding the transport unit.

[0077] The placement of battery materials inside the casing can be carried out during electrode production and / or cell assembly. For example, it can be done after the battery materials have been pre-processed, particularly pre-processed into rolls. The battery materials are preferably pre-processed in a cleanroom and / or dryroom atmosphere, where the final process step can be vacuum drying.

[0078] In a preferred embodiment of this method, the operating interface is provided by a detachable housing element of the housing, and opening the operating interface includes the following steps: removing the detachable housing element so that the battery material is accessible and can be supplied to the production unit. Removal is preferably performed using a removal device and includes the following steps: moving the housing element into the interior space of the production unit. Preferably, the housing element moves vertically.

[0079] For other advantages, variations of implementation schemes, details of implementation schemes, and possible improvements in each aspect, please refer to the descriptions already provided for other aspects, corresponding features, and improvements. Attached Figure Description

[0080] Preferred embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show:

[0081] Figure 1 A schematic three-dimensional view illustrating an exemplary implementation of the production system;

[0082] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic two-dimensional cross-sectional view of the production system.

[0083] Figure 3 Show Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic two-dimensional side view of the production system.

[0084] Figure 4 A schematic two-dimensional view illustrating an exemplary implementation of the production system;

[0085] Figure 5 A schematic two-dimensional view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a production unit with a transport unit;

[0086] Figure 6 A schematic two-dimensional view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a production unit with a transport unit;

[0087] Figure 7 A schematic two-dimensional view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a production unit with a transport unit;

[0088] Figure 8 A schematic two-dimensional view illustrating an exemplary implementation of the transport unit;

[0089] Figure 9 A schematic two-dimensional view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the transport unit;

[0090] Figure 10 A schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary method is shown.

[0091] In the accompanying drawings, the same or substantially the same or similar elements are given the same reference numerals.

[0092] The embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the present invention. In the embodiments, the components described are individual features of the present invention that are to be considered independently of each other, and these features also independently further improve the present invention, and thus should be considered as part of the present invention, whether individually or in combinations other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can be supplemented by other features of the present invention already described. Detailed Implementation

[0093] Figure 1 , 2 Figures 1 and 3 illustrate a production system 1 for manufacturing batteries and / or battery semi-finished products. Production system 1 includes a production unit 200, at which two transport units 100, 100' are coupled. The production unit has a production chamber 201, in which laser splitting is exemplarily shown. Production system 1 is disposed within a clean and / or dry chamber 208. Alternatively, production system 1 can be partially or completely disposed in an environment that is not a clean and / or dry chamber.

[0094] The transport unit 100 includes a housing 104 surrounding an internal space 106. Battery material 102, such as an electrode material, is disposed within the internal space 106. A second housing 118 is shown as an example in the figure, detachably disposed within the housing 104. The second housing 118 is fluidly separated from the housing 104.

[0095] The transport unit 100 also includes an operation interface 108. The operation interface 108 enables the opening of the housing 104, allowing the extraction unit 202 and / or the operation unit 206 to reach the transport unit 100. The extraction unit 202 and / or the operation unit 206 can be configured as a pivotable robotic system on a linear axis. The battery material 102 is disposed at the holding device 110.

[0096] Furthermore, the transport unit 100 includes a drive unit 112, which can be configured as an AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle, also known as an unmanned transport system). A housing 104 is disposed on the drive unit 112. Additionally, the drive unit 112 includes a control device 114 configured to receive a positioning command characterizing the location to be reached by means of the transport unit 100, and to control the drive unit 102 based on the positioning command.

[0097] The transport unit 100 also includes a media supply unit 116, which is configured to maintain an atmosphere, such as a first atmosphere, in the interior space 106. The media supply unit 116 can, for example, function as an air knife or airlock. For example, the media supply unit 116 can induce overpressure in the interior space 106, allowing contaminant particles and / or moist fluid to be transported out of the interior space 106. The transport unit 100' is similarly constructed. The media supply unit 116 is fluidly coupled to the interior space 106 via a valve 148 and a quick-connect unit 150. Furthermore, the media supply unit and / or control device 114 are supplied with electrical power via a power supply unit 146. Parameters of the atmosphere in the interior space 106 can be determined via a sensor unit 152.

[0098] exist Figure 4 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view, which details the coupling between the transport unit 100 and the production unit 200. After the transport unit 100 is coupled to the production unit 200, the operation interface 108 can be opened. Then, the battery material 102 can be removed using the operation unit 206.

[0099] An operation unit 206 is disposed inside a gate unit having a gate chamber 209. The gate unit includes a first gate 209 that can be closed and a second gate 212 that can be closed. After the operation unit 206 removes the battery material 102, the operation unit 206 moves toward the second gate 212 by means of a movement unit 214. Then, the battery material 102 is introduced into the production chamber 201 of the production unit 200 by means of the operation unit 206. In the production chamber 201, single-cell material 102' is placed in the state shown.

[0100] The gate chamber 209 can be cleaned using a fluid device 216. For this purpose, the fluid device 216 includes a fresh air inlet 218, a filter 220, a drying, inert gas, and / or vacuum unit 222, an additional filter 224, a fluid inlet 226, and a fluid outlet 228. Therefore, residual particles or moisture that still reach the gate chamber 209 despite the presence of the operating interface 108 can be removed.

[0101] Figures 5 to 7 An alternative variant is shown, wherein the operating interface 136 has a detachable housing element 132 configured as a bottom element 130. The transport unit 120 is similar to the transport unit 100 described above, having a housing 124, an internal space 134, a holding device 138, and a media supply unit 140.

[0102] Battery material 122 is held by means of holding device 138. Housing 124 includes four sidewalls 126, a cover 128, and a bottom element 130. The bottom element 130 is configured as a detachable housing element 132. The bottom element 130 is particularly replaceable. Furthermore, the bottom element 130 can be modularly and matchably configured. The bottom element 130 can be configured in multiple parts, allowing the contaminated surface to be kept away from the primary atmosphere.

[0103] In normal operation, the transport unit 120 is mounted on the production unit 200. Then, the extraction unit 202, having the extraction element 204, moves to the bottom element 130, placing the extraction unit 202 in a coupled position. Through a mechanism not shown, the bottom element 130 is decoupled from the remaining housing 124, allowing the bottom element 130 and the extraction element 204 to move downwards in a vertical direction. This state is particularly relevant in… Figure 6 As shown in the figure. The production unit 200 can be configured to be opened by means of a gate element not shown.

[0104] In addition, Figure 6 The diagram shows a bushing 142 that covers the contaminated surface of the housing 132. Furthermore, the housing 124 includes a sealing device 144 to form a fluid-tight coupling with the production unit 200.

[0105] exist Figure 7 The transfer position of the extraction unit 202 is shown. With the aid of the operation unit 206, the battery material 122 can now be provided, if necessary, with the aid of the holding device 138 and the production unit 200, for further processing.

[0106] Figure 8 and Figure 9 Another preferred embodiment variation of the transport unit 100 is shown. Figure 8As shown, the transport unit 100” includes an outer housing 104 and an inner second housing 118. A first intermediate chamber 154 is formed between housings 104 and 118. The transport unit 100” also includes a detachable housing element 129 having an outer housing element 129a and an inner housing element 129b. A second intermediate chamber 156 is formed between the outer housing element 129a and the inner housing element 129b. By means of the intermediate chambers 154 and 156, a predetermined atmosphere can be maintained, wherein the volume for the predetermined atmosphere is small compared to the internal space 106. Therefore, the predetermined atmosphere can be maintained more safely and with less cost. The predetermined atmosphere is maintained and formed in particular by a prismatically configured medium supply unit 140. In addition, the transport unit 100” includes a fluid unit 166 for forming a fluid flow and a drying mechanism 168 for drying the fluid flow.

[0107] exist Figure 9 As shown, a mandrel 164 is disposed within the internal space 106. A battery material roll can be disposed at the mandrel 164 in a particularly preferred manner. For particularly safe transport of the battery material roll, the mandrel works in conjunction with a mandrel support 162. The mandrel support 162 is disposed at a detachable housing element 129. Fluid channel coupling devices 158 and 160 are configured to exchange fluid between intermediate chambers 154 and 156.

[0108] Figure 10 The method comprises six main steps. In step 300, battery materials 102, 102', and 122 are disposed inside the housings 104 and 124 of the transport units 100, 100', and 120. In step 302, the housings 104 and 124 are fluid-tightly sealed.

[0109] In step 304, transport units 100, 100', and 120 are moved to production unit 200 to process battery materials 102, 102', and 122.

[0110] In step 306, the transport units 100, 100', 120 are fluid-tightly coupled to the production unit 200 via the operation interfaces 108, 136.

[0111] In step 308, operation interfaces 108 and 136 are opened to allow battery materials 102, 102', and 122 to be supplied to production unit 200 independently of the atmosphere surrounding transport units 100, 100', and 120. In step 310, detachable housing element 132 is removed so that battery materials 102, 102', and 122 are accessible and can be supplied to production unit 100.

[0112] The transport units 100, 100', and 120, production unit 200, production system 1, and method described above enable the manufacture of higher quality and more energy-efficient batteries because the battery materials 102, 102', and 122 to be processed into batteries have less contamination and are handled in an atmosphere with a lower dew point. Therefore, it is generally possible to manufacture higher quality batteries and reduce waste and subsequent inspection steps.

[0113] List of reference numerals

[0114] 1. Production System

[0115] 100, 100', 100” transport unit

[0116] 102, 102' battery materials

[0117] 104 Casing

[0118] 106 Interior Space

[0119] 108 Operation Interface

[0120] 110 Operating equipment

[0121] 112 Drive Unit

[0122] 114 Control Equipment

[0123] 116 Media Supply Unit

[0124] 118 Second shell

[0125] 120 transport units

[0126] 122 Battery Materials

[0127] 124 Casing

[0128] 126 Sidewall

[0129] 128 lids

[0130] 129 Detachable housing components

[0131] 129a External housing element

[0132] 129b Internal housing element

[0133] 130 Bottom Components

[0134] 132 Housing Components

[0135] 134 Interior Space

[0136] 136 Operation Interface

[0137] 138 Holding equipment

[0138] 140 Media Supply Unit

[0139] 142 Bushing

[0140] 144 Sealing device

[0141] 146 power supply units

[0142] 148 valve

[0143] 150 Quick Connect Units

[0144] 152 sensor units

[0145] 154 First Intermediate Chamber

[0146] 156 Second Intermediate Chamber

[0147] 158 First fluid channel coupling device

[0148] 160 Second fluid channel coupling device

[0149] 162 Mandrel Support

[0150] 164 spindles

[0151] 166 fluid units

[0152] 168 Drying Mechanism

[0153] 200 production units

[0154] Production Room 201

[0155] 202 Retrieve Unit

[0156] 204 Remove the component

[0157] 206 Operation Unit

[0158] 208 Clean and / or Dry Room

[0159] 209 Gate Chamber

[0160] 210 First Gate

[0161] 212 Second Gate

[0162] 214 motion units

[0163] 216 Fluid Equipment

[0164] 218 Fresh Air Inlet

[0165] 220 filter

[0166] 222 Dry, inert gas and / or vacuum unit

[0167] 224 filter

[0168] 226 Fluid inlet section

[0169] 228 Fluid outlet

[0170] 300-310 Method and Steps

Claims

1. A transport unit (100, 100', 120) for supplying battery materials (102, 102', 122) for battery production, the transport unit comprising: - A fluid-tightly sealed housing (104, 124), - An internal space (106, 134) formed within the housing (104, 124) for housing the battery materials (102, 102', 122), - Operation interfaces (108, 136), the operation interfaces being used for loading and unloading the battery materials (102, 102', 122) into the internal space. -The operation interface (108, 136) is configured to couple the transport unit (100, 100', 120) to a production unit configured for the production of the battery, such that battery material (102, 102', 122) disposed inside the internal space (106, 134) can be removed independently of the atmosphere surrounding the transport unit (100, 100', 120) in order to supply the battery material to the production unit.

2. The transport unit (100, 100', 120) according to claim 1, wherein The operation interface (108, 136) is constituted by a detachable housing element (132), and - The detachable housing element (132) is provided and configured such that the housing element can be removed from the transport unit (100, 100', 120) after being coupled to the production unit.

3. The transport unit (100, 100', 120) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein... - The operation interfaces (108, 136) are configured such that after the detachable housing element (132) is removed, the housing (104, 124) can be fluid-tightly connected to the production unit.

4. The transport unit (100, 100', 120) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein - The detachable housing element (132) forms the bottom (130), cover (128) and / or side (126) of the housing (104, 124).

5. The transport unit (100, 100', 120) according to any one of the preceding claims, the transport unit comprising: - A second housing (118), which is detachably disposed inside the housings (104, 124). - wherein the second housing (118) is fluidly separated from the housings (104, 124), - Preferably, the housing (104, 124) is granularly sealed and the second housing (118) is fluid-sealed.

6. The transport unit (100, 100', 120) according to any one of the preceding claims, the transport unit comprising: - Holding devices (110, 138) for holding the battery materials (102, 102', 122) within the internal spaces (106, 134), -The retaining device (110, 138) is connected to the detachable housing element (132) and can be removed together with the housing element (132).

7. The transport unit (100, 100', 120) according to any one of the preceding claims, the transport unit comprising... - A medium supply unit (116, 140) is provided and configured to maintain the atmosphere in the interior space (106).

8. The transport unit (100, 100', 120) according to any one of the preceding claims, the transport unit comprising: - A drive unit (112), the drive unit being configured and arranged to move the transport units (100, 100', 120), and the drive unit having a fluid reservoir, and - A coupling interface, which is configured to position the housing (104, 124) at the drive unit (112) and / or fluidly connect the fluid reservoir to the internal space (106, 134).

9. The transport unit (100, 100', 120) according to any one of the preceding claims, the transport unit comprising: - A control device (114) is signal-coupled to the drive unit (112), the control device being configured to receive a positioning command characterizing the location to be reached by means of the transport unit (100, 100', 120), and to control the drive unit (112) based on the positioning command.

10. A production unit (200) for processing battery materials (102, 102', 122), the production unit comprising: - Removal unit (202) for removing the transport unit (100, 100', 120), particularly the detachable housing element (132) of the transport unit (100, 100', 120) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, such that battery material (102, 102', 122) disposed in the transport unit (100, 100', 120) and / or disposed on the housing element (132) can be removed, and / or - Operation unit (206), the operation unit is set and configured to remove the battery material (102, 102', 122).

11. The production unit (200) according to claim 10, wherein the extraction unit (202) has an extraction element (204) corresponding to the detachable housing element (132) for coupling with the detachable housing element (132).

12. The production unit (200) according to any one of claims 10 to 11, wherein - The extraction unit (202) is configured and coupled to the detachable housing element (132) such that the contaminated surface of the housing element (132) is covered.

13. The production unit (200) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein - The extraction unit (202) together with the detachable housing element (132) is arranged in such a way that it can move from the coupling position to the transfer position, wherein in the coupling position the extraction unit (202) can be coupled to the detachable housing element (132), and in the transfer position the battery material (102, 102', 122) can be extracted by means of the operation unit (206).

14. The production unit (200) according to any one of claims 10 to 13, the production unit comprising: - A gate unit having a gate chamber (209), the gate chamber having a first side (210) that can be closed and a second side (212) that can be closed. - wherein the transport units (100, 100', 120) are coupled to the production unit at the first closable side and the second closable side is adjacent to the production chamber (201), and -The atmosphere of the gate chamber (209) can be regulated by means of a fluid device (216).

15. A production system (1) for manufacturing batteries and / or battery semi-finished products, said production system comprising: -The production unit (200) according to any one of claims 10 to 14 above, and / or - The transport unit (100, 100', 120) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 above.

16. The production system (1) according to claim 15, wherein - The production unit (200) is located inside a clean and / or drying chamber (208) and has a production chamber (201) configured such that a first atmosphere in the production chamber (201) is independent of a second atmosphere in the clean and / or drying chamber (208), and - The first atmosphere exists in the internal space (106, 134) of the transport unit (100, 100', 120), so that the battery material (102, 102', 122) can move from the transport unit (100, 100', 120) to the production room (201) by means of the operation interface (108, 136) without being affected by the second atmosphere.

17. A method for providing battery materials (102, 102', 122) for battery production, particularly by means of a transport unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the method comprising the following steps: - The battery materials (102, 102', 122) are disposed inside the housing (104, 124) of the transport unit (100, 100', 120) and the housing (104, 124) is fluid-tightly sealed. - Move the transport units (100, 100', 120) to the production unit to process the battery materials (102, 102', 122). - The transport unit (100, 100', 120) is fluid-tightly coupled to the production unit via an operating interface (108, 136), and - Open the operating interface (108, 136) to supply the battery material (102, 102', 122) to the production unit independently of the atmosphere surrounding the transport unit (100, 100', 120).

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the operating interface (108, 136) is constituted by a detachable housing element (132) of the housing (104, 124), and opening the operating interface (108, 136) comprises the following steps: - Remove the detachable housing element (132) so that the battery material (102, 102', 122) is accessible and can be supplied to the production unit.

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