Transport device for automatically discharging battery cells

Abstract

The invention relates to a conveying device (10) comprising at least one conveying track (11) extending along a conveying path (12) and at least one workpiece carrier (20) which can be driven in a frictionally engaged manner along the conveying path (12) by a drive means (15) of the conveying track (11). According to the invention, a positive workpiece carrier contact and a negative workpiece carrier contact (32; 32 ') are arranged on the underside (22) of the workpiece carrier (20). 33), between which the battery cells (40) to be discharged are connected, and wherein the battery cells (40), which are to be discharged, arranged on the transport track (11) are connected by the positive and negative transport track contacts (34; 35) are connected to a discharge device (50) in order to discharge the battery cells (40).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a conveying device according to the preamble of claim 1. BACKGROUND

[0002] A conveying device in the form of a roller conveyor is known from EP 2 189 399 B1. The conveying track is formed by a plurality of parallel conveying rollers, wherein groups of conveying rollers are driven by means of assigned electric motors, so that they can drive a plate-like workpiece carrier in a friction-locked manner. The respective conveying path comprises straight sections, which are each oriented perpendicular to the conveying rollers. Two or more straight sections of the conveying path can be connected to one another by means of lifting / lateral units, switches or curves, so that an arbitrary complex conveying path can be realized. The invention is preferably used in connection with such a roller conveyor, wherein other types of conveying devices, such as chain conveyors or double-belt conveyors, can also be used.

[0003] A device for discharging battery cells is known from German patent application with the file number DE 102022204047.3. The battery cells are transported on a carrier unit or workpiece carrier of a conveying device. For the discharge, the battery cells are brought into contact with flexible line connections.

[0004] A conveying device in the form of a suspended conveyor is known from GB 1 011 008 A. The conveying track is provided with a continuous contact rail, wherein a brush is arranged at the workpiece carrier, which can achieve an electrical contact with the assigned contact rail. Thereby, electrical checks of workpieces on the workpiece carrier can be carried out during the transport. SUMMARY

[0005] The invention has the advantage that the workpiece carrier can be easily and quickly loaded or unloaded with battery cells by an operator of the conveying device, wherein an electrical discharge process of the battery cells can additionally be carried out automatically. A large number of battery cells can be simultaneously electrically discharged with the conveying device, so that the discharge process can be carried out particularly time-efficiently and cost-effectively.

[0006] According to claim 1, it is proposed that the upper side of the workpiece carrier, which faces away from the conveying track, comprises receiving means for detachably fastening at least one battery cell, wherein, for each battery cell, a positive battery contact and a negative battery contact are respectively arranged at the workpiece carrier, such that, in the case of a battery cell being fastened in the associated receiving means, an electrical contact to the relevant battery cell exists, wherein, if required, a cover exists at the workpiece carrier, wherein, at the lower side of the workpiece carrier, which faces towards the conveying track, a positive workpiece carrier contact and a negative workpiece carrier contact are arranged, wherein the positive workpiece carrier contact is permanently or switchably electrically connected to at least one positive battery contact, wherein the negative workpiece carrier contact is permanently or switchably electrically connected to at least one negative battery contact, wherein, at the conveying track, at least one pair of a positive conveying track contact and a negative conveying track contact is arranged such that, in the position of the workpiece carrier which is associated with the aforementioned pair, an electrical contact exists between the positive workpiece carrier contact and the positive conveying track contact, wherein, in addition, an electrical contact exists between the negative workpiece carrier contact and the negative conveying track contact, wherein, when the workpiece carrier is removed from the aforementioned position, the aforementioned electrical contacts are released, wherein all pairs of conveying track contacts are connected to a discharge device with the aid of which the aforementioned at least one battery cell can be electrically discharged.

[0007] The cover, in the closed state, covers the battery cells, in particular the relevant battery contacts, and more precisely preferably such that the operating personnel can no longer access them. The aforementioned battery contacts can be arranged at the cover or at the remaining workpiece carrier. The aforementioned cover is preferably embodied such that, in the closed state, the cover holds the battery cells in the associated receiving means, wherein the battery contacts, in the pre-tensioned state, bear against the associated battery cells. In the case of the conveying device being configured as a roller conveyor, the positive conveying track contacts and the negative conveying track contacts are preferably arranged between the conveying rollers along the conveying path. The aforementioned position of the workpiece carrier can preferably be detected by means of a position sensor, which is particularly preferably configured as an inductive proximity switch.

[0008] Advantageous refinements and improvements of the application are specified in the dependent claims.

[0009] It can be provided that all positive-conveying rail contacts and all negative-conveying rail contacts are arranged in alignment along the conveying path, wherein the positive-workpiece carrier contacts and the negative-workpiece carrier contacts of the workpiece carriers are arranged in alignment along the conveying path, wherein the respective contact spacings are selected to be so large that in any position of the workpiece carriers there is no short circuit between a positive-workpiece carrier contact and a negative-workpiece carrier contact, which is facilitated by a positive-conveying rail contact or a negative-conveying rail contact. It is clear that with two separate rails for the positive and the negative, no short circuit can arise in the first place. However, for the preferred roller conveyor, the space requirement for such a solution is too great, since at the underside of the workpiece carriers there are many further components, for example separators or sensors, which in each case occupy a part of the workpiece carrier width themselves. With the proposed arrangement, only a small part of the workpiece carrier width is required for the contacts, wherein a short circuit is still reliably excluded.

[0010] It can be provided that the receiving device of at least one workpiece carrier is configured such that a plurality of battery cells can be received, wherein the respective positive-cell contacts and the respective negative-cell contacts are electrically connected to one another such that at least in the case of closure of the cover, the voltage of a series circuit and / or a parallel circuit of all battery cells received in the receiving device is applied between the positive-workpiece carrier contacts and the negative-workpiece carrier contacts. It is conceivable that groups of battery cells with parallel connection are connected in series, wherein all groups comprise the same number of battery cells. Thereby, all battery cells on the workpiece carrier can be discharged simultaneously with a unique discharging device. Preferably, all battery cells on the workpiece carrier are connected in series.

[0011] It can be provided that at least one pair of positive-cell contacts and negative-cell contacts assigned to a battery cell is short-circuited in the case that the battery cell is not received in the receiving device. Thereby, a discharging process can take place even if not all of the position spaces of the receiving device are occupied by battery cells. This embodiment is preferably used if all battery cells on the workpiece carrier are connected in series. Preferably, the short-circuit is implemented for all pairs of positive-cell contacts and negative-cell contacts.

[0012] It can be provided that the positive workpiece carrier contact and / or the negative workpiece carrier contact is / are each configured in the form of a metal strip, wherein the metal strip is elongated along the conveying path, wherein the metal strip is fixedly connected to the workpiece carrier. Thereby, a large contact surface and thus a small transition resistance can be achieved, wherein only a small portion of the workpiece carrier width is still required for the contact. The metal strip is preferably a flat plate with constant thickness. The metal strip is preferably made of copper. The metal strip is preferably equipped with an introduction ramp for the contact elements explained below, which can either be arranged at the metal strip itself or at the surrounding workpiece carrier.

[0013] It can be provided that the positive conveying rail contact and / or the negative conveying rail contact each comprises a spring, which is in a pre-tensioned state when the positive workpiece carrier contact or the negative workpiece carrier contact is placed on the assigned positive conveying rail contact or negative conveying rail contact, wherein the weight of the workpiece carrier is additionally supported by the conveying rail. Thereby, a low-impedance electrical contact is ensured. If the conveying device is configured as a roller conveyor, the remaining weight of the workpiece carrier is preferably supported by the conveying rollers.

[0014] It can be provided that the positive conveying rail contact and / or the negative conveying rail contact each comprises a contact element made of graphite, wherein the contact element can directly contact the respectively assigned positive workpiece carrier contact or negative workpiece carrier contact. Thereby, a low-impedance electrical contact is ensured.

[0015] It can be provided that switching means are provided at the conveying rail, by means of which a plurality of pairs of positive conveying rail contacts and negative conveying rail contacts can be electrically connected to one another in order to simultaneously discharge the battery cells received on the assigned workpiece carriers by means of the discharge device.

[0016] It can be provided that at least one sensor is arranged at the workpiece carrier, wherein the sensor is fixedly assigned to at least one battery cell, wherein the voltage and / or the temperature of the associated battery cell or of the associated plurality of battery cells can be measured using the sensor. Preferably, the discharge process, in particular the discharge current, is controlled or regulated using the measurement values acquired by the sensor.

[0017] It can be provided that the workpiece carrier comprises a separate cover and a cover switch device, wherein the aforementioned switchable connection at the positive workpiece carrier contact and / or the negative workpiece carrier contact is closed by means of the cover switch device in the case of a closed cover, wherein the connection is otherwise open, wherein the cover switch device can be actuated by the cover. Thereby, the operating personnel is protected from the danger due to the voltage applied to the battery cells.

[0018] It can be provided that the transport device is configured as a roller conveyor, wherein its transport path comprises at least one straight section in which a plurality of parallel transport rollers are arranged distributed along the straight transport path, wherein all even pairs of positive-pole-transport-rail-contact and negative-pole-transport-rail-contact are arranged in the straight section of the transport path. The respective transport device is particularly cost-effective. The above-mentioned transport-rail-contacts are preferably arranged between two respectively assigned transport rollers along the straight transport path.

[0019] Of course, the features mentioned above and set out below can be used not only in the respectively specified combination, but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the framework of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020] The application is explained below in more detail on the basis of the drawings. Therein: Figure 1 a rough sketch of a transport device according to the application is shown, together with a workpiece carrier and a discharge device, Figure 2 a perspective view of a transport device according to the application is shown, together with a workpiece carrier, Figure 3 a perspective view of a workpiece carrier from below is shown, Figure 2 and a rough sketch of a circuit connection structure of a plurality of battery cells on a workpiece carrier is shown. Figure 4 a rough sketch of a circuit connection structure of a plurality of battery cells on a workpiece carrier is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Figure 1 a rough sketch of a transport device 10 according to the application is shown, together with a workpiece carrier 20 and a discharge device 50. The transport device 10 is embodied as a roller conveyor, wherein, Figure 1 a short section of the straight transport path 13 is shown. Therein a plurality of rotatable transport rollers 14 are arranged distributed along the transport path 12, wherein their axes of rotation are respectively oriented perpendicular to the transport path 12. The transport rollers 14 are identically configured to one another, so that they form a common transport plane on which the lower side 22 of the workpiece carrier 20 moves. In this context, the transport rollers 14 are driven by means of a main shaft 16 by means of a drive 15 in the form of an electric motor. Such a drive is preferably configured according to EP 2 163 497 B1, the entire content of which is incorporated by reference into the present application.

[0022] The workpiece carrier 20 is configured here in the manner of a box 28 with a pivotable lid 24. The lid 24 can be configured in the manner of an uninterrupted wall. However, the lid can also be configured as a grid structure. Here, two battery cells 40 are received in the interior of the box 28, wherein the workpiece carrier 20 preferably carries a plurality of battery cells 40. The inner bottom of the box 28 is configured as a receiving means 23 for the battery cells 40. If the battery cells 40 are configured as squares as shown here, a square recess can be provided for each battery cell 40 at the bottom, which fits with a small gap to the battery cell 40. Of course, the battery cells 40 can have any shape that is common on the market, wherein the receiving means 23 is adapted to the shape of the respective battery cell 40.

[0023] Each battery cell 40 is provided at the bottom of the box 28 with a positive battery contact and a negative battery contact 30; 31, which has an electrical contact with the battery cell 40 when the battery cell is placed into the receiving means 23. The battery contacts 30; 31 can be formed from a metal sheet, in particular from a copper sheet.

[0024] The pivotable lid 24 is implemented in such a way that the battery cells 40 are pressed by the lid 24 into the receiving means 23 when the lid 24 is closed, so that the battery cells 40 bear with force against the associated battery contacts 30; 31. To this end, for example, a resilient pressure piece 25 is provided at the lid 24 for each battery cell 40, which is slightly compressed when the lid is closed. Preferably, the lid 24 is latched in the closed position, so that the latching can withstand the resulting clamping force. The latching can preferably be unlocked, so that the lid 24 can be opened.

[0025] When the lid 24 is closed, a second pressure pin 42 in the box 28 is pressed down, so that the associated electrical normally open contact 44 is closed when the lid 24 is closed, wherein the normally open contact is opened when the lid 24 is opened. In addition, each battery cell 40 is provided with a first pressure pin 41, which is pressed down when the battery cell 40 is placed in, so that it opens the associated electrical normally closed contact 43, wherein the normally closed contact 43 is closed when the associated battery cell 40 is not placed in the receiving means 23.

[0026] When the battery cell 40 is placed in, a current can flow from the positive workpiece carrier contact 32 through the directly connected positive battery contact 30 on the left in Figure 1 , further through the associated battery cell 40, further through the associated negative battery contact 31, further to the negative workpiece carrier contact 33 on the right in Figure 1The positive electrode-battery-contact 30 directly connected to the right side flows further through the associated battery cell 40, through the associated negative electrode-battery-contact 31, through the closed normally open contact 44, and further to the negative electrode-workpiece carrier-contact 33. Therefore, the two battery cells 40 are connected in series between the positive electrode-workpiece carrier-contact 32 and the negative electrode-workpiece carrier-contact 33, so that their voltages are added together.

[0027] When the cover 24 is opened, the aforementioned current path is interrupted by the normally open contact 44. This is intended to minimize the danger to the operator of the conveying equipment 10. If the corresponding battery cell 40 is not inserted, the two battery-contact portions 30; 31 of the battery cell 40 are electrically short-circuited through the normally closed contact 43. Thus, current can flow even if some space on the workpiece carrier 40 is not occupied by the battery cell 40. When the battery cell 40 is inserted, the aforementioned short circuit is released.

[0028] Furthermore, the sensor 63 housed in the workpiece carrier 20 should be noted. Herein, sensor 63 measures the voltage of the corresponding battery cell 40, wherein the measured value is transmitted, for example, wirelessly to a control device 55, which controls the discharge process based on the measured value. Additionally or alternatively, a temperature sensor (not shown) can be provided, which measures the temperature of the corresponding battery cell 40, wherein the measured value is also transmitted, for example, wirelessly to the control device 55. Preferably, the control device controls the discharge process such that the battery cell 40 does not overheat during discharge.

[0029] The lower side 22 of the workpiece carrier 20 is constructed flat, allowing it to be placed on multiple conveyor rollers 14 to support its weight, and thus enabling the workpiece carrier 20 to be driven by the conveyor rollers 14 in a friction-locking manner. A pair 36, formed by a positive electrode-conveyor track-contact portion and a negative electrode-conveyor track-contact portion 34; 35, is arranged at the conveyor track 11. The conveyor track-contact portions 34; 35 are preferably arranged along the conveyor path 12 between two conveyor rollers 14, such that they can touch or contact the lower side 22 of the workpiece carrier 20 at their respective associated workpiece carrier-contact portions 32; 33.

[0030] and Figure 1 Contrary to the previous diagram, it is preferable to have multiple pairs 36 of conveyor track-contact portions 34; 35, so that multiple workpiece carriers 20 can be connected to the discharge device 50 simultaneously. Therefore, many battery cells 40 can be discharged in a short time. Preferably, the corresponding circuit connection structure can be switched such that different workpiece carriers 20 can be interconnected according to the measurement values ​​of sensor 63, thereby obtaining an optimal rapid discharge process.

[0031] The workpiece carrier-contact portions 32 and 33 are preferably constructed as metal sheets, particularly copper sheets, which are fixedly and particularly immovably arranged on the lower side 22 of the workpiece carrier 20. In contrast, the conveyor track-contact portions 34 and 35 preferably have contact elements 62 that can move perpendicular to the conveying plane; these contact elements are preferably constructed as graphite brushes. Preferably, these contact elements are pressed against the respective workpiece carrier-contact portions 32 and 33 by a pre-tensioned spring 61, thereby achieving optimal low transition resistance.

[0032] As described above, the conveyor track-contact parts 34 and 35 are connected to the discharge device 50, and more specifically, to the DC / DC converter 51 of the discharge device. It is conceivable that the discharge device 40 includes a separate DC / DC converter 51 for each workpiece carrier 20 to be discharged, wherein all DC / DC converters 51 are connected in parallel with a DC voltage intermediate circuit 52. Thus, the different voltages at different workpiece carriers 20 to be discharged can be adapted to the uniform voltage of the common DC voltage intermediate circuit 52. The discharge of individual workpiece carriers 20 can be controlled in such a way that the discharge is achieved optimally and rapidly, reliably avoiding damage to the battery cells, and especially the ignition and combustion of the battery cells.

[0033] The DC voltage of the DC voltage intermediate circuit 52 is adapted to the AC voltage of the public AC power grid 54 using a DC / AC converter 53. Therefore, the electrical energy generated during discharge can be used beneficially elsewhere and does not need to be converted into heat.

[0034] It should also be noted that the position sensor 27 at the conveyor track 11 is preferably constructed as an inductive proximity switch. A metal insert 26 is fixedly arranged at the lower side 22 of the workpiece carrier 20, and the position sensor 27 can detect the presence of the metal insert. Here, the metal insert 26 is constructed so small and arranged such that the position sensor 27 only responds when the workpiece carrier-contact portion 32; 33 is in electrical contact with the paired 36 of the corresponding conveyor track-contact portion 34; 35.

[0035] It should also be noted that the conveying device 10 is preferably constructed as a multi-branched roller conveyor, wherein the branching is achieved, for example, using lifting / transverse units. The supply branch of the conveying device is used to supply and / or store workpiece carriers loaded with battery cells. If a problem occurs during discharge, the workpiece carrier can be quickly removed from the system via the emergency output branch. The conveyor track-contact is not located, for example, in the supply branch and the emergency output branch that are directly adjacent to each other, because discharge should not occur there. Instead, the conveyor track-contact is located, for example, in one or more parallel discharge branches that branch off from the emergency output branch at a right angle. Discharge of the battery cells occurs only there.

[0036] Therefore, the emergency output branch can also be used to supply workpiece carriers to the discharge branch. To minimize disruption to the emergency function of the emergency output branch, workpiece carriers are only loaded into the discharge branch when sufficient workpiece carriers are available on the supply branch. Then, the workpiece carriers are transported from the supply branch, for example, via the emergency output branch, to the desired discharge branch in the shortest possible time.

[0037] Figure 2 A perspective view of the conveying device 10 according to the invention, together with the workpiece carrier 20, is shown. The covered box described earlier is not shown here, although it is preferably used. The workpiece carrier 20 currently receives twelve battery cells 40 for them to discharge together.

[0038] In addition Figure 2 As can be seen, the conveyor roller 14 is supported by two parallel support profiles 17, which are each constructed of extruded aluminum profiles. The straight support profiles 17 are oriented parallel to the straight conveyor path 12. Only the straight section 13 of the conveyor path 12 is shown at this time.

[0039] Figure 3 From the lower side 22, it is shown that... Figure 2 A perspective view of the workpiece carrier 20. A plate-shaped workpiece carrier known from EP 2189 399 B1 is fastened at the lower side 22; however, this workpiece carrier is equipped with battery-contact portions 32 and 33. The entire contents of EP 2189 399 B1 are incorporated herein by reference and constitute the content of this application.

[0040] Two workpiece carrier-contact portions 32 and 33 are aligned along the direction of the straight conveying path 12. These two workpiece carrier-contact portions are respectively implemented in the form of metal sheets, preferably square metal sheets, which are particularly made of copper. The aforementioned metal sheets are recessed and received in the workpiece carrier 20 such that the flat contact surface of the metal sheet is flush with the rest of the flat surface of the workpiece carrier. Along the direction of the conveying path 12, grooves 65 are provided in the workpiece carrier 20 in front of and behind the two workpiece carrier-contact portions 32 and 33, respectively, extending parallel to the straight conveying path 12. These grooves are slightly wider than the conveying track-contact portions 34 and 35, allowing their springs ( Figure 1 The groove 61 is as loose as possible in the area of ​​the groove 65. The groove 65 transitions into the metal sheet via an inlet inclined portion 66 arranged at the plate-shaped workpiece carrier 20. Preferably, the groove is absent between the two workpiece carrier-contact portions 32; 33, so that there is no springback of the transport track-contact portions 34; 35 there.

[0041] Figure 4 A rough schematic diagram of the circuit connection structure of multiple battery cells 40 on the workpiece carrier 20 is shown. Twelve battery cells 40 are shown... Figure 2 The battery cells 40 are arranged on the workpiece carrier 20, specifically in two synchronous rows, with six cells 40 in each row. Electrical connecting wires 69 preferably extend in a zigzag pattern on the workpiece carrier 20 to realize the series circuit of the battery cells 40 as described. Voltage measurement points are marked with number 67, at which the potential of the voltage to be measured can be acquired. Preferably, all voltage measurement points 67 are connected to a multiplexer, which allows two voltage measurement points directly adjacent along the current path to be connected to a single voltage measuring device. This enables individual voltage measurement for each battery cell 40 in a simple and cost-effective manner. The voltage measurement points 67 are arranged as close to each other as possible in space to minimize wiring costs.

[0042] In addition, Figure 4 Temperature measurement units 68 are marked, and temperature sensors can be arranged at these units. The temperature measurement units 68 are arranged such that they are located in the corner regions of four corresponding battery cells 40. The highest temperature of each of the four battery cells 40 is primarily responsible for the temperature measurement value. Therefore, if a single battery cell 40 overheats, it can be reliably identified using a small number of temperature sensors, since in most cases two of the associated temperature sensors will respond. This is especially true for battery cells 40 inside the workpiece carrier that are critical for overheating.

[0043] Figure label: 10 Conveying equipment 11 Conveying Track 12 Conveying Path 13. Straight sections of the transport path 14 Conveyor Rollers 15 driving devices 16 spindles 17 Supporting profiles 20 Workpiece carrier 21 upper side 22 Lower side 23 Receiving Devices 24. Cover 25 briquettes 26 Metal inserts 27 Position Sensors 28 boxes 30 Positive electrode - battery - contact 31 Negative electrode - battery - contact part 32 Positive electrode - workpiece carrier - contact part 33 Negative electrode - workpiece carrier - contact part 34 Positive electrode - Conveyor track - Contact part 35 Negative electrode - Conveyor track - Contact part 36 Conveyor track - contact pair 40 battery cells 41 First pressure pin (at the battery cell) 42 Second pressure pin (at the cover) 43 Normally closed contact 44 Normally open contact 50 Discharge Equipment 51 DC / DC converter 52 DC Voltage Intermediate Circuit 53 DC / AC Converter 54 AC power grid 55 Control equipment 60 Workpiece carrier - metal sheet at the contact point 61 Spring at the contact point of the conveyor rail 62 Contact elements 63 Sensors 64 Cover switchgear 65. Groove at the workpiece carrier 66. Import tilt section 67 Voltage Measurement Section 68 Temperature measurement unit 69 Connecting wires

Claims

1. A conveying device (10) comprising at least one conveying track (11) extending along a conveying path (12) and at least one workpiece carrier (20), the workpiece carrier being capable of being driven along the conveying path (12) by a driving mechanism (15) of the conveying track (11) in a friction-locking manner. Its features are, The upper side (21) of the workpiece carrier (20) facing away from the transport track (11) includes a receiving device (23) for removably securing at least one battery cell (40), wherein a positive electrode-battery-contact and a negative electrode-battery-contact (30; 31) are respectively arranged at the workpiece carrier (20) for each battery cell (40), such that there is electrical contact with the associated battery cell (40) when the battery cell (40) is secured in the associated receiving device (23), wherein a cover (24) is present at the workpiece carrier (20) for closure if required, wherein a positive electrode-workpiece carrier-contact and a negative electrode-workpiece carrier-contact (32; 33) are arranged at the lower side (22) of the workpiece carrier (20) facing the transport track (11), wherein the positive electrode-workpiece carrier-contact (32) is permanently or switchably electrically connected to at least one positive electrode-battery-contact (30), wherein The negative electrode-workpiece carrier-contact (33) is permanently or switchably electrically connected to at least one negative electrode-battery-contact (31), wherein at the transport track (11), at least one pair (36) formed by the positive electrode-transport track-contact and the negative electrode-transport track-contact (34; 35) is arranged such that there is an electrical contact between the positive electrode-workpiece carrier-contact (32) and the positive electrode-transport track-contact (34) at the position of the workpiece carrier (40) associated with the pair (36), wherein there is also an electrical contact between the negative electrode-workpiece carrier-contact (33) and the negative electrode-transport track-contact (35), wherein the electrical contact is released when the workpiece carrier (20) is removed from the above position, wherein all pairs (36) of the transport track-contact are connected to a discharge device (50) by which the at least one battery cell (40) can be electrically discharged.

2. The conveying device (10) according to claim 1. in, All positive electrode-transport track-contacts (34) and all negative electrode-transport track-contacts (35) are arranged aligned along the transport path (12), wherein the positive electrode-workpiece carrier-contacts (32) and negative electrode-workpiece carrier-contacts (33) of the workpiece carrier (20) are arranged aligned along the transport path (12), wherein the corresponding contact spacing is chosen to be so large that there is no short circuit between the positive electrode-workpiece carrier-contacts (32) and the negative electrode-workpiece carrier-contacts (33) at any position on the workpiece carrier (20), the short circuit being facilitated by the positive electrode-transport track-contacts or the negative electrode-transport track-contacts (35; 36).

3. The conveying device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. in, The receiving device (23) of the at least one workpiece carrier (20) is configured to receive a plurality of battery cells (40), wherein the corresponding positive electrode-battery-contact and the corresponding negative electrode-battery-contact (30; 31) are electrically connected to each other such that, at least when the cover (24) is closed, a voltage of the series circuit and / or parallel circuit of all the battery cells (40) received in the receiving device (23) is applied between the positive electrode-workpiece carrier-contact and the negative electrode-workpiece carrier-contact (32; 33).

4. The conveying device (10) according to claim 3. in, At least one pair of the battery cell (40) formed by the positive electrode-battery-contact and the negative electrode-battery-contact (30; 31) is short-circuited if the battery cell (40) is not received in the receiving device (23).

5. The conveying device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. in, The positive electrode-workpiece carrier-contact portion (32) and / or the negative electrode-workpiece carrier-contact portion (33) are respectively constructed in the form of a metal sheet (60), wherein the metal sheet (60) extends along the conveying path (12) and is fixedly connected to the workpiece carrier (20).

6. The conveying device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. in, The positive electrode-transfer track-contact (34) and / or the negative electrode-transfer track-contact (35) each include a spring (61) which is in a pre-tensioned state when the positive electrode-workpiece carrier-contact or the negative electrode-workpiece carrier-contact (32; 33) is placed on the associated positive electrode-transfer track-contact or the associated negative electrode-transfer track-contact (34; 35), wherein the weight of the workpiece carrier (20) is further supported by the transfer track (11).

7. The conveying device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. in, The positive electrode-transport track-contact portion and / or the negative electrode-transport track-contact portion (34; 35) respectively include a contact element (62) made of graphite, wherein the contact element is capable of directly contacting the corresponding associated positive electrode-workpiece carrier-contact portion or negative electrode-workpiece carrier-contact portion (32; 33).

8. The conveying device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. in, A switching device is provided at the conveying track (11), and multiple pairs of positive electrode-conveying track-contact and negative electrode-conveying track-contact (33; 34) can be electrically connected to each other by means of the switching device so that the battery cells (40) received on the associated workpiece carrier (20) can be discharged simultaneously by means of the discharge device (50).

9. The conveying device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. in, At least one sensor (63) is arranged at the workpiece carrier (20), wherein the sensor (63) is fixedly associated with at least one battery cell (40), wherein the sensor (63) is used to measure the voltage and / or temperature of one or more associated battery cells (40).

10. The conveying device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. in, The workpiece carrier (20) includes a separate cover (24) and a cover switch (64), wherein, when the cover (24) is closed, the aforementioned switchable connection at the positive electrode-workpiece carrier-contact and / or the negative electrode-workpiece carrier-contact (32; 33) is closed by means of the cover switch (64), wherein otherwise the connection is open, wherein the cover switch (64) can be operated by the cover (24).

11. The conveying device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. in, The conveying device (10) is constructed as a roller conveyor, wherein the conveying path (12) of the roller conveyor includes at least one straight section (13), in which a plurality of parallel conveying rollers (14) are distributed along the straight conveying path (12), wherein all pairs formed by positive pole-conveying track-contact and negative pole-conveying track-contact (35; 36) are arranged in the straight section (13) of the conveying path.

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