Airflow turnout for transporting planar components used in galvanic cell manufacturing
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-14
AI Technical Summary
所有这些都损害了运输方法的效率或吞吐量
Smart Images
Figure CN122580263A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to a method and apparatus for transporting planar elements used in the manufacture of galvanic cells. Background Technology
[0002] Planar components, such as battery elements like electrodes, are mechanically sensitive parts required in large quantities and in various variations to manufacture primary cells, such as batteries. Therefore, efficient, flexible, and safe transport of such planar components places correspondingly high demands on production logistics.
[0003] Transport switches, with mechanically switching tongues, are used to transport objects to different transport paths. These switches allow individual objects to be classified into different transport paths.
[0004] However, such conventional transport switches pose a considerable risk of damage to surface components and are themselves subject to mechanical wear. Furthermore, the switching speed of these transport switches is relatively slow, leading to the need for relatively large minimum clearances between successive transported items or a reduction in the maximum possible transport speed. In such conventional transport switches, the minimum clearance between transported items is due, for example, to the fact that the switch fingers must enter between the transported items. Depending on the size of the switch fingers and their switching speed, the clearance between transported items must be designed to be sufficiently large. All of these factors compromise the efficiency or throughput of the transport method. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an alternative possibility for transporting planar elements, especially battery elements or fuel cell elements, for the manufacture of primary batteries, which enables safe, efficient and fast transport, wherein different transport routes can be flexibly selected.
[0006] The aforementioned technical problem is solved by the technical solution of the independent claim. Other design solutions of the present invention are derived from the features of the dependent claims and the entire disclosure.
[0007] One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for transporting a planar element, such as a battery element, for manufacturing primary batteries, the method comprising the following steps when the planar element, such as the battery element, moves continuously along a transport direction:
[0008] - In the event of transport clamping, the planar element is transported along the input path, and a transport switch is connected at the opening of the input path along the transport direction. An upper output path is branched off from the transport switch via an upper guide device, and a lower output path is branched off from the transport switch via a lower guide device, wherein the upper output path and the lower output path are separated in the transport direction by a separation device.
[0009] - Move the front section of the planar element from the opening into the transport switch, wherein the front section is removed from the transport clamp of the input path, while the transport clamp of the rear section of the planar element, which is still located in the input path, remains active;
[0010] - Selectively generate a first airflow or a second airflow, wherein the first airflow presses the front section upward and thereby abuts it against the upper guide device, and the second airflow presses the front section downward and thereby abuts it against the lower guide device;
[0011] - To move the front section to the corresponding upper output path or lower output path via the upper guide device or lower guide device to which it is attached;
[0012] - The front section is transported in the upper or lower output path, wherein a transport clamping action on the front section is generated between the upper guide device and the separation device or between the lower guide device and the separation device; and
[0013] - Remove the rear section from the transport clamp of the input path.
[0014] The planar element can then continue to be transported along the transport direction in the corresponding upper or lower output path, wherein the rear section can also continue to be transported in the corresponding output path by means of transport clamps after leaving the transport switch.
[0015] The method offers the advantage that the planar elements, such as battery or fuel cell elements, are reliably clamped at all times, either fully or partially, in the input path, partially in the input path and one of the output paths, or fully or partially in one of the output paths. In other words, during the ongoing transport process, the planar elements are transferred from the input path to one of the output paths and are always reliably clamped. Once a preceding planar element is at least partially and reliably clamped in one of the output paths, the first or second airflow can be arbitrarily switched or configured for subsequent planar elements. Therefore, a minimum spacing is practically not required between successive planar elements.
[0016] The continuous transport clamping, combined with the first and second airflows acting as switching elements, also enables very rapid switching between output paths and high transport speeds. The transport speed can be, for example, 1.4 m / s. The spacing between successive planar elements can be, for example, 20 mm, but can also be smaller. This spacing can be kept constant across the transport switch, which is highly advantageous for, for example, subsequent stacking.
[0017] The method of this invention consistently avoids the front edge of the planar element from contacting the separating device, as the corresponding airflow ensures the planar element is securely abutted against the upper or lower guide device. Switching of the transport switch is achieved by switching from a first airflow to a second airflow or vice versa. The separating device does not need to be moved for switching the transport switch. The separating device itself can be arranged statically, in particular. Therefore, the method is especially suitable for sensitive planar elements, highly efficient, safe, easy to control, and with low technical complexity.
[0018] The method of the present invention is configured for transporting planar elements for manufacturing galvanic cells. These planar elements can be used to manufacture galvanic cells, especially electrochemical energy storage devices, particularly batteries, or electrochemical energy converters, especially tertiary batteries, such as fuel cells.
[0019] The term "battery" is generally used as a broader concept than primary and secondary batteries. A planar element can be a battery element used to manufacture a primary or secondary battery. For example, a battery element is a single cell, a dual cell, a single electrode such as an anode or cathode, an anode-separator assembly, a cathode-separator assembly, or an anode-separator-cathode-separator assembly.
[0020] Planar elements can also be fuel cell elements, such as fuel cell electrodes (fuel cell anodes or fuel cell cathodes) or combinations of fuel cell anodes and / or fuel cell cathodes with other elements (e.g., membranes or plates), or a single fuel cell unit (multiple units connected to form a fuel cell).
[0021] Planar elements can also be coated and / or arranged on a carrier as battery or fuel cell elements.
[0022] Planar elements can be constructed as foils or composite foils. They can have very low stiffness, such as single-layer, double-layer, or triple-layer aluminum or copper foil. They can also be flexible. Planar elements, especially battery elements, can include, for example, single cells, dual-cell cells, single electrodes (anodes or cathodes), anode-separator assemblies, cathode-separator assemblies, or anode-separator-cathode-separator assemblies. The cathode typically comprises aluminum foil, and the anode typically comprises copper foil, which may be coated with graphite if necessary. A single cell typically comprises an anode, a cathode, and a separator foil.
[0023] The opening of the input path is considered as a position in the input path where the transport clamping of the planar element present in the input path ends or is canceled at the transport switch. Preferably, the front section is free to move or can pivot freely relative to the rear section and optionally deformable by the cancellation of the transport clamping within the transport switch. The deformation of the planar element can be elastic, plastic, or a mixture of both. However, preferably, this disclosure provides to those skilled in the art that the method and the apparatus used therein are designed such that plastic deformation of the planar element does not occur.
[0024] The corresponding first or second airflow preferably impacts the planar element in a planar manner, gently pressing or bending it in the desired direction. The first and second airflows, viewed along the transport direction, can be directed towards an area before the separating device, particularly towards the area after the inlet. The first and second airflows can be generated respectively by multiple nozzles that are laterally offset from each other in the transport direction, these nozzles preferably arranged at the same location along the transport direction. The corresponding airflow comprises multiple first and second sub-airflows. Through multiple laterally offset nozzles, reliable deflection into the correct output path can be achieved even in the case of very wide planar elements (e.g., wide foil sections).
[0025] In the case of multiple nozzles offset from each other transversely to the transport direction, the second airflow device includes multiple upper nozzles, which are preferably arranged at the same position along the transport direction, and / or the first airflow device includes multiple lower nozzles, which are preferably arranged at the same position along the transport direction. Compared with a single nozzle, this has the advantage that the corresponding planar element is reliably guided into the correct output path by means of (sub)airflow over most of its width, and if necessary, its entire width. This is particularly advantageous for very flexible planar elements. Compared with a continuous wide nozzle with a wide continuous airflow, multiple individual upper or lower nozzles also have the advantage that their transverse positions can be selected in the gaps between the guides so that the (sub)airflow does not impinge on and adversely affect the guide located in the middle, as would be the case with a single wide continuous airflow, which could cause it to stretch or vibrate, for example, in the case of an input conveyor belt located in the middle.
[0026] Airflow is only mentioned occasionally in this document for the sake of linguistic simplicity. The terms can apply to the first and second airflows or all first and second sub-airflows. Airflow can include, for example, airflow, protective airflow, or gas mixture. Regarding its effective area on the planar element, its volumetric flow rate, and its variation (impulse), those skilled in the art can adapt the airflow to the specific characteristics of the planar element according to the teachings of the present invention. Here, those skilled in the art consider, for example, the geometry, stiffness, and mass of a given planar element. Similarly, those skilled in the art can appropriately arrange and determine the dimensions of the means (e.g., with nozzles) that can be used to generate the airflow according to the disclosed method.
[0027] In the context of this invention, the transport direction should not be strictly interpreted as a vector, but rather its primary direction represents the transport over the transport switch, and its partial direction represents the direction in which the input path and the corresponding output path extend. The continuous movement of the planar element can be constant, but it can also vary locally or globally. Importantly, the method can be implemented over the transport switch without interrupting the movement.
[0028] The input path, upper guide device, and lower guide device, as well as the upper and lower output paths, can be implemented using belt drives or belts. However, other solutions are also considered. Functionally, clamping and movement are preferably achieved in the input path. The upper and lower guide devices are each capable of guiding at least the planar element and are driven, for example, as belt drives in the transport direction. Thus, the corresponding guide devices can assist the movement of the planar element, or drive the planar element through frictional engagement or frictional contact. Similarly, the corresponding output path also preferably allows clamping and travel.
[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the transport clamping in the upper output path is generated by the upper transport element of the upper guide device and the separation device, and the transport clamping in the lower output path is generated by the lower transport element of the lower guide device and the separation device, wherein the upper transport element and the lower transport element may each have at least one pressure roller.
[0030] The upper and lower transport elements can be positioned opposite to corresponding upper or lower guide devices, and preferably contact the upper or lower guide devices to create transport clamping. The upper and lower transport elements can be formed on or disposed on the outer surface of the separating device, respectively.
[0031] The upper and lower transport elements may, for example, comprise sliding surfaces of the separating device or rollers supported on the separating device. The upper transport element is preferably paired with an upper guide device to create transport clamping, while the lower transport element is preferably paired with a lower guide device accordingly. Especially when the corresponding upper or lower guide device is not driven, the rollers or pressure rollers can be driven. For example, the upper pressure roller can contact the upper guide device and rotate in one of its directions such that the circumferential velocity vector of the upper pressure roller at the point of contact with the upper guide device points in the same direction as the velocity vector of the upper guide device. Correspondingly, the lower pressure roller can contact the lower guide device and behave similarly to the upper pressure roller. Therefore, the upper and lower pressure rollers can rotate, in particular, in opposite directions. In subsequent processes, the output path can be achieved via a belt drive.
[0032] Alternatively, the upper and lower transport elements of the separating device may also have transport belts. For example, the separating device may have multiple rollers that are laterally offset (e.g., coaxial) from each other, with the upper transport belt for the upper output path or the lower transport belt for the lower output path running via these rollers, respectively. The transport clamping of the planar elements in the upper output path is generated by the upper transport belt and the upper guide device, while the transport clamping of the planar elements in the lower output path is generated by the lower transport belt and the lower guide device.
[0033] The belt drives belonging to the lower output path are preferably offset laterally (laterally) relative to the belt drives belonging to the upper output path in the transport direction. Thus, depending on the number of belt drives, one or more gaps are formed laterally. A nozzle is preferably arranged in each gap. Arranging nozzles in gaps, particularly arranging upper nozzles in the gaps between belt drives in the upper output path, and / or arranging lower nozzles in the gaps between belt drives in the lower output path, has the following advantages compared to continuous wide nozzles with a wide, continuous airflow: the nozzles can be positioned closer to the opposite output conveyor belt, and the (sub)airflow thus acts closer to the planar element to be deflected, and can deflect it more quickly and more specifically into the correct output path.
[0034] It should be noted that the terms "front section" and "rear section" for planar elements can be interpreted functionally. These terms can be distinguished by the segmented clamping state of the planar element. Therefore, when the planar element is segmented within the transport switch outside the opening and the rear section remains in the input path, it is called the front section. Similarly, when the front section has been clamped in one of the output paths, while the rear section remains in the input path and / or the transport switch, it is also called the front section. The mobility of the front section within the transport switch does not imply separation of the front and rear sections, but rather the cancellation of input path clamping and the optional upward or downward deformability relative to the rear section.
[0035] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the rear section is removed from the transport clamp of the input path only when the front section of the planar element is in the transport clamp of one of the output paths. This ensures reliable transport clamping at all times.
[0036] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the first airflow or the second airflow begins before the front section extends from the opening, i.e., before the transport clamp is released. This ensures reliable upward or downward guidance of the planar element directly after the opening.
[0037] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the first airflow or the second airflow is generated for at least this duration until the front section is clamped in the upper or lower output path. Thus, the front section remains securely abutted against the corresponding guide device until it is clamped in the output path, preventing it from colliding with the separation device even under adverse environmental influences (such as unpredictable airflow).
[0038] For subsequent planar elements, even if the rear section of the previous planar element is still in the input path, as long as its front section has been clamped in the output path, airflow switching can be performed in advance, flexibly and safely.
[0039] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the first airflow is generated below the inlet and directed toward the planar element and the upper guide device to press the front section upward, and the second airflow is generated above the inlet and directed toward the planar element and the lower guide device to press the front section downward.
[0040] Preferably, the corresponding airflow is angled forward or toward the separation device in the transport direction. The angle of inclination is therefore between the vertical line and the transport direction in the input path. The angle of inclination is preferably at least 30° or at least 45°. The angle of inclination can be advantageously adapted to the stiffness of the planar element, because a more direct oncoming flow increases the local forces acting on the planar element (favorable to planar elements with higher stiffness), while a more angled inflow provides greater planar support to the planar element (favorable to planar elements with less flexibility) and can also help it enter the output path to a greater extent.
[0041] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the first airflow is generated through one or more lower nozzles, and the second airflow is generated through one or more upper nozzles, wherein the upper and lower nozzles are preferably offset relative to each other in the transport direction. In particular, the upper and lower nozzles may have different distances from the inlet of the input path in the transport direction. Advantageously, even if the airflow does not stop immediately after being shut off, but instead continues to flow or remains moving in the transport switch area, the substantially opposite first and second airflows will not obstruct each other due to the offset.
[0042] Advantageously, the first airflow is generated closer to the inlet of the input path in the transport direction than the second airflow, thus pressing the front section upward, while the second airflow presses the front section downward. Therefore, when guiding the front section upward, the opposing gravitational force can be fully or partially compensated immediately after the inlet. Conversely, when guiding the front section downward, gravity can be used to gently pre-bend the planar element in a targeted manner immediately after the inlet. Furthermore, the offset of the airflow or nozzle in the transport direction also provides advantages in terms of structural space.
[0043] In an alternative preferred embodiment of the method, the upper nozzle and the lower nozzle are not offset from each other in the transport direction. If the airflow is not offset in the transport direction, i.e., the airflow is generated at approximately the same location in the transport direction and optionally only offset laterally, faster transport switch switching can be achieved. This is because, following the planar element transported upwards by the first airflow, the second airflow can be activated immediately after the rear edge of the upwardly transported planar element to press the next planar element downwards (or vice versa).
[0044] In a preferred embodiment of the method, at least in the input path, sensors detect the edges of the planar element oriented transversely to the transport direction, and the corresponding signals from the sensors are used to control the first and second airflows, particularly to control the on-time of the first and second airflows. For example, when the geometry of the planar element is known, the front or rear edge provides information about the overall position and orientation of the planar element. Furthermore, the speed can be determined by measuring the time between the detection of the front and rear edges.
[0045] This detection can preferably be performed additionally in the upper and / or lower output paths. Thus, the position or speed at which the planar element crosses the transport switch is known. Furthermore, it can be determined whether the planar element is still reliably held in the output path, for example, when the sensor is arranged adjacent to the transport element of the separation device before or after it. This information allows for precise control of the airflow's on / off or switching (up / down). The spacing between different planar elements can also be controlled. The sensor can be, for example, an optical sensor (e.g., a grating), a proximity sensor, or a tactile sensor.
[0046] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the first and second airflows each have a flow cross-section upon impacting the planar element, the flow cross-section being larger transversely to the transport direction than along the transport direction. This allows for particularly reliable guidance of wide, for example, foil-shaped planar elements.
[0047] Another aspect of the present invention relates to an apparatus for transporting planar elements, particularly battery elements, for manufacturing primary batteries, wherein the transport is carried out while the planar elements move continuously along the transport direction.
[0048] The apparatus can in particular be constructed, preferably set up or configured for performing the methods disclosed herein. However, it should be noted that the apparatus-related features disclosed herein regarding the methods, and the method-related features disclosed herein regarding the apparatus, are disclosed in whole or in part as features of two different technical solution categories.
[0049] The device includes:
[0050] - An input path in which planar elements, especially battery elements, for manufacturing primary batteries can be transported while generating transport clamps, and a transport switch is connected at the opening of the input path along the transport direction, an upper output path is branched off from the transport switch via an upper guide device and a lower output path is branched off from the transport switch via a lower guide device, wherein the upper output path and the lower output path are separated in the transport direction by a separation device;
[0051] - A first airflow device capable of selectively generating a first airflow, wherein the front section of the planar element after extending from the opening can be pressed upward by the first airflow and thereby abut against the upper guide device.
[0052] - A second airflow device that selectively generates a second airflow, wherein the front section of the planar element after extending from the opening can be pressed downward by the second airflow and thereby abut against the lower guide device; wherein
[0053] - Transport clamping of the planar element can be generated between the upper guide device and the separation device and between the lower guide device and the separation device, so that the planar element, especially the front section of the planar element, can be clamped in the upper output path or transported by means of transport clamping.
[0054] The device, also referred to as a transport device or switch device, may include a control device with a corresponding control program. In a preferred embodiment of the device, the control device is configured to selectively activate the first airflow to guide the planar element into the upper output path based on control commands for guiding the planar element, or to selectively activate the second airflow to guide the planar element into the lower output path.
[0055] In a preferred embodiment of the device, the second airflow device includes at least one upper nozzle, and the first airflow device includes at least one lower nozzle, wherein the outlet opening of the lower nozzle is arranged below the inlet, such that the area after the first airflow passes through the inlet points towards the upper guide device, and wherein the outlet opening of the upper nozzle is arranged above the inlet, such that the area after the second airflow passes through the inlet points towards the lower guide device.
[0056] Thus, the planar element can be blown with air in the region behind the opening via an upper or lower nozzle. The device may include multiple nozzles to appropriately generate and guide the airflow overall.
[0057] In a preferred embodiment of the device, the upper and lower nozzles are angled forward toward the transport direction, preferably at least 30°, more preferably at least 45°. In other words, the nozzles are preferably angled toward the separation device. This allows for the inflow of the aforementioned planar element with minimal effort. In principle, the nozzle placement can also be adjustable. Adjustment can also be automatic to follow the movement of the planar element as it passes through the transport switch. For this purpose, other sensors that identify the planar element, such as cameras, can be used. This is particularly advantageous when the transport switch is long or the height difference of the output path is large.
[0058] In a preferred embodiment of the device, the upper nozzle and the lower nozzle are offset from each other in the transport direction. The lower nozzle, facing the upper output path, can be arranged closer to the inlet of the input path than the upper nozzle, facing the lower output path. Conversely, it is also possible, or alternatively, the nozzles can be arranged without offset in the transport direction.
[0059] In a preferred embodiment of the device, a sensor is arranged at least in the input path, which can generate a signal and use it to control airflow when a transverse edge of a planar element oriented in the transport direction is detected in the input path.
[0060] In a preferred embodiment of the device, the input path includes at least one pair of input transport belts, and the planar element can be transported between the input transport belts by means of transport clamps. The upper input transport belt of the input transport belt pair extends into the upper output path as an upper output transport belt and serves as an upper guide device. The lower output path includes at least one separate lower output transport belt, which serves as a lower guide device. Alternatively, the lower input transport belt of the input transport belt pair may extend into the lower output path as a lower output transport belt and serve as a lower guide device, wherein the upper output path includes at least one separate upper output transport belt, which serves as an upper guide device.
[0061] In a preferred embodiment of the device, the input path includes multiple such input conveyor belt pairs, with gaps formed between the input conveyor belt pairs transversely to the transport direction, wherein each pair has a separate lower output conveyor belt and an upper nozzle, or each pair has a separate upper output conveyor belt and a lower nozzle arranged in a gap.
[0062] This allows the device to be extended in width and to reliably transport very wide planar elements, such as wide foil segments.
[0063] In other words, the present invention relates to a transport device and a corresponding transport method. In the pneumatic switch of the transport device, the transport path is divided into two directions vertically, with air nozzles arranged above and below a guide belt defining the switch area. The air nozzles generate an airflow that is as fine and wide as possible, pressing the transport medium or planar element against one of the transport belts. When switching directions upwards, the airflow from the lower nozzle presses the planar element against the lower side of the upper transport belt. When switching directions downwards, the airflow from the upper nozzle presses the planar element against the upper side of the lower transport belt. Once the planar element is gripped at the switch exit, the airflow can be switched. Therefore, a specific minimum spacing between the planar elements is not required, as the switching process does not have to wait for the planar element to pass completely. Attached Figure Description
[0064] The present invention will now be described in detail by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals may denote at least the same technical features.
[0065] Figure 1 The flowchart illustrates a method for transporting planar elements using appropriate devices; and
[0066] Figure 2 Shown in another view Figure 1 The device. Detailed Implementation
[0067] Figure 1 An apparatus 10 is shown for transporting planar elements 12, such as battery elements, used in the manufacture of primary batteries, during which the planar elements 12, such as battery elements, move continuously along a transport direction 14. The apparatus 10 includes an input path 16, a transport switch 18, a first airflow device 20a, and a second airflow device 20b. Furthermore, the apparatus 10 includes an upper guide device 21 that initiates the formation of an upper output path 22, and a lower guide device 23 that initiates the formation of a lower output path 24. The upper output path 22 and the lower output path 24 are led out from the transport switch 18 and separated from each other by a separating device 26.
[0068] The planar element 12 can be clamped in the input path 16 to create a transport clamp and can be transported along the transport direction 14. The input path 16 is introduced into the transport switch 18 through its opening 28.
[0069] The first airflow device 20a is configured to selectively generate a first airflow 30 upward after the inlet 28 of the input path 16, and the second airflow device 20b is configured to selectively generate a second airflow 31 downward after the inlet 28. The first and second airflows 30 and 31... Figure 1 The images shown above and below are for illustrative purposes only, and their purpose will be explained further below.
[0070] The input path 16 can be formed, for example, by a plurality of input conveyor belt pairs 32, each including an upper input conveyor belt 34 and a lower input conveyor belt 36, between which the planar element 12 can be held for transport. The upper output path 22 can be formed, for example, by a corresponding upper input conveyor belt 34, which, in the illustrated example, extends into the upper output path 22 as an upper output conveyor belt 38 and serves as an upper guide 21. The corresponding upper output conveyor belt 38 can be guided via at least one upper transport element (pressure roller) 40 of the separating device 26. In this example, the lower output path 24 is correspondingly formed by a plurality of individual lower output conveyor belts 42 serving as lower guides 23, which are guided via the lower transport elements (pressure rollers) 44 of the separating device 26.
[0071] The device 10 can be used in particular to perform a method for transporting planar elements 12, such as battery elements, and preferably includes a corresponding control device 66. The planar element 12 moves continuously along the transport direction 14. When the planar element 12 reaches a plurality of input conveyor belt pairs 32 in the input path 16, the planar element is clamped between these conveyor belts and driven toward the transport switch 18. Upon reaching the opening 28, the front section 46 of the planar element 12 moves into the transport switch 18, wherein the front section 46 disengages from the transport clamp, while the rear section 48, still located in the input path 16, remains clamped.
[0072] In the transport switch 18, a first airflow 30 is selectively generated via a first airflow device 20a or a second airflow 31 is selectively generated via a second airflow device 20b. The first airflow 30 or the second airflow 31 is guided onto the front section 46 of the planar element 12. Consequently, the front section 46 is pressed upwards or downwards and abuts against the upper guide device 21 or the lower guide device 23. This is achieved by selectively generating the first airflow 30 on the lower side 50 of the planar element 12 (deflected to the upper output path 22) or generating the second airflow 31 on the upper side 52 of the planar element 12 (deflected to the lower output path 24). For this purpose, the second airflow device 20b may have one or more upper nozzles 62, and the first airflow device 20a may have one or more lower nozzles 60. The upper nozzles 62 and lower nozzles 60 may respectively point towards the area after the opening 28 or towards the area reached by the planar element 12 as it extends from the opening 28.
[0073] When the planar element 12 reaches the upper output path 22 or lower output path 24 selected by the selectively controlled airflow devices 20a and 20b via the corresponding guide devices 21 and 23, the front section 46 is clamped in the selected upper or lower output path 22 or 24. This can be done, for example, in the upper output path 22 between the upper transport element 40 and the upper output transport belt 38. The upper transport element 40 may include, for example, a roller that is driven if necessary, pressing against the upper output transport belt 38. Once the front section 46 is clamped in the selected upper output path 22, the rear section 48 can finally disengage from the input path 16 and thus from the transport clamp.
[0074] This method is particularly suitable for guiding multiple planar elements 12 sequentially and selectively into upper or lower output paths 22, 24 in the manner described above.
[0075] The airflows 30 and 31 are preferably generated selectively before the front section 46 of the planar element 12 enters the transport switch 18, and are preferably generated for at least this long period of time until the front section 46 is clamped in the selected output paths 22 and 24.
[0076] To control the airflows 30, 31, for example, the leading edge 54 of the planar element 12 can be detected by sensor 58 in the input path 16. Sensor 58 can be formed, for example, a grating, whose signal is used to control the first and second airflow devices 20a, 20b. Because the transport speed is taken into account, it is possible to know when the planar element 12 enters the transport switch 18. Since the planar element 12 is always reliably held as described, multiple planar elements 12 can be guided through the transport switch 18 with substantially no minimum spacing, such that airflows 30, 31 are always selectively manipulated shortly before the next planar element 12 enters the transport switch 18, depending on which output path 22, 24 the next planar element 12 should be guided to.
[0077] like Figure 1As shown, airflows 30 and 31 are preferably applied to the planar element 12 at an acute angle, thereby pressing the planar element 12 against the corresponding output conveyor belts 38 and 42, and thus guiding it towards the corresponding output paths 22 and 24. It may be advantageous that the first airflow 30, deflected to the lower side 50 of the planar element 12, is generated closer to the inlet 28 of the input path 16 than the second airflow 31, deflected to the upper side 52 of the planar element 12. This is because, when the transport clamping is released after the front section 46 leaves the inlet 28, if the planar element 12 should be guided to the upper output path 22, it can be immediately held on the upper output conveyor belt 38. Conversely, if it should be guided to the lower output path 24, gravity can first be used to gently lower the front section 46 towards the lower output conveyor belt 42. However, the offset of the upper and lower nozzles 62 and 60 along the transport direction 14 is entirely optional. The upper nozzle and the lower nozzles 62, 60 can preferably be tilted forward toward the transport direction 14 or toward the separation device 26, for example, tilted at least 30° or at least 45°.
[0078] The outlet opening 63 of the lower nozzle 60 is preferably arranged below the mouth 28 and extends through the area after the mouth 28 toward the upper guide device 21. The outlet opening 63 of the upper nozzle 62 is preferably arranged above the mouth 28 and extends through the area after the mouth 28 toward the lower guide device 23.
[0079] In this example, the lower nozzle 60 is positioned closer to the inlet 28 of the input path 16 than the upper nozzle 62 due to its offset in the transport direction 14.
[0080] Figure 2 Shown in isometric top view Figure 1 Device 10. In Figure 2 As can be clearly seen, the nozzles 60, 62 or the first or second airflow 30, 31 have a flow cross-section when impacting the planar element 12, which is larger transversely to the transport direction 14 than in the transport direction 14. This is for example... Figure 2 The wide planar element 12 shown in the example is advantageous, thereby allowing the planar element to be deflected uniformly. Similarly, the device 10 can be extended for such a large-area element 12. Figure 2 As shown, the input path 16 includes multiple input conveyor belt pairs 32. Gaps 64 are formed between the input conveyor belt pairs 32 transversely to the transport direction 14. The input path 16 is thus widened.
[0081] The number of multiple lower output conveyor belts 42 is the same as the number of the input conveyor belt pairs 32, wherein the upper input conveyor belts 34 also form upper output conveyor belts 38 in their extensions. Individual lower output conveyor belts 42 are arranged in the gaps 64.
[0082] Furthermore, an upper nozzle 62 of a second airflow device 20b is arranged in each gap 64, which can generate a second airflow 31 directed towards a lower output conveyor belt 42 arranged in the same gap 64. A lower nozzle 60 of a first airflow device 20a is arranged before each input conveyor belt pair 32, which can generate a first airflow 30 directed towards an upper output conveyor belt 38 extending from the corresponding input conveyor belt pair 32.
[0083] List of reference numerals
[0084] 10 devices
[0085] 12 planar elements
[0086] 14. Transportation Direction
[0087] 16 Input Path
[0088] 18 Transport Switches
[0089] 20a First airflow device
[0090] 20b Second airflow device
[0091] 21 Upper guidance device
[0092] 22. Upper Output Path
[0093] 23 Lower guidance device
[0094] 24 Lower Output Path
[0095] 26 Separation device
[0096] 28. Mouth
[0097] 30 First airflow
[0098] 31 Second airflow
[0099] 32 Input conveyor belt pairs
[0100] 34 Upper input conveyor belt
[0101] 36 Lower input conveyor belt
[0102] 38. Upper output conveyor belt
[0103] 40 Upper transport components
[0104] 42 Lower output conveyor belt
[0105] 44 Lower transport components
[0106] 46 Front Section
[0107] 48 Rear Section
[0108] 50 Lower side
[0109] 52 upper side
[0110] 54 Front edge
[0111] 56 Back edge
[0112] 58 sensors
[0113] 60 Lower nozzle
[0114] 62 Upper nozzle
[0115] 63 Outflow opening
[0116] 64 gaps
[0117] 66 Control device
Claims
1. A method for transporting a planar element (12) for manufacturing a primary battery, wherein the planar element (12) moves continuously along a transport direction (14), the method comprising the following steps: - In the event of transport clamping, the planar element (12) is transported along the input path (16), and a transport switch (18) is connected at the opening (28) of the input path along the transport direction (14). An upper output path (22) is branched off from the transport switch via an upper guide device (21), and a lower output path (24) is branched off from the transport switch via a lower guide device (23). The upper output path and the lower output path (22; 24) are separated in the transport direction (14) by a separating device (26). - Move the front section (46) of the planar element (12) from the opening (28) into the transport switch (18), wherein the front section (46) is removed from the transport clamp of the input path (16), while the transport clamp of the rear section (48) of the planar element (12) still located in the input path (16) remains effective; - Selectively generate a first airflow (30) or a second airflow (31), the first airflow pressing the front section (46) upward and thus abutting it against the upper guide device (21), and the second airflow pressing the front section (46) downward and thus abutting it against the lower guide device (23); - Move the front section (46) to the corresponding upper output path or lower output path (22; 24) via the upper guide device or lower guide device (21; 23) to which it is attached; - The front section (46) is transported in the upper or lower output path (22; 24), wherein a transport clamping action on the front section (46) is generated between the upper guide device (21) and the separation device (26) or between the lower guide device (23) and the separation device (26); and - Remove the rear section (48) from the transport clamp of the input path (16).
2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transport clamping in the upper output path (22) is generated by the upper transport element (40) of the upper guide device (21) and the separation device (26), and the transport clamping in the lower output path (24) is generated by the lower guide device (23) and the lower transport element (44) of the separation device (26), wherein the upper transport element and the lower transport element may each have at least one pressure roller.
3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The rear section (48) is removed from the transport clamp of the input path (16) only when the front section (46) of the planar element (12) is in the transport clamp of one of the output paths (22; 24).
4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The first airflow (30) or the second airflow (31) begins before the front section (46) extends out of the mouth (28).
5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The first airflow (30) or the second airflow (31) is generated for at least this long period of time until the front section (46) is sandwiched in the upper output path or the lower output path (22; 24).
6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The first airflow (30) is generated below the inlet (28) and directed toward the planar element (12) and the upper guide device (21) to press the front section (46) upward, and the second airflow (31) is generated above the inlet (28) and directed toward the planar element (12) and the lower guide device (23) to press the front section (46) downward.
7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The first airflow (30) is generated by one or more lower nozzles (60), and the second airflow (31) is generated by one or more upper nozzles (62), wherein the upper nozzles and lower nozzles (60; 62) are preferably offset relative to each other in the transport direction (14).
8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least in the input path (16), the edges (54; 56) of the planar element (12) oriented transversely to the transport direction (14) are detected by the sensor (58), and the corresponding signal of the sensor (58) is used to control the first airflow and the second airflow (30; 31), especially to control the on-time of the first airflow and the second airflow.
9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The first airflow and the second airflow (30; 31) have flow cross sections when they impact the planar element (12), and the flow cross sections are larger transverse to the transport direction (14) than along the transport direction (14).
10. An apparatus (10) for transporting a planar element (12) for manufacturing a galvanic cell, said transport being carried out while the planar element (12) moves continuously along a transport direction (14), said apparatus being particularly configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The device (10) includes: - Input path (16), in which planar element (12) can be transported when transport clamping is generated, and a transport switch (18) is connected at the opening (28) of the input path along the transport direction (14), an upper output path (22) is branched off from the transport switch via an upper guide device (21) and a lower output path (24) is branched off from the transport switch via a lower guide device (23), wherein the upper output path and the lower output path (22; 24) are separated in the transport direction (14) by a separation device (26); - A first airflow device (20a) capable of selectively generating a first airflow (30), wherein the front section (46) of the planar element (12) is pressed upward by the first airflow (30) after extending from the opening (28) and thereby abuts against the upper guide device (21); - A second airflow device (20b) selectively generates a second airflow (31), wherein the front section (46) of the planar element (12), after extending from the opening (28), can be pressed downward by the second airflow (31) and thereby abut against the lower guide device (23); wherein - Transport clamping of the planar element (12) can be generated between the upper guide device (21) and the separation device (26) and between the lower guide device (23) and the separation device (26), so that the planar element (12), especially the front section (46) of the planar element (12), can be transported in the upper output path or the lower output path (22; 24) by means of transport clamping.
11. The apparatus (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The device (10) includes a control device (66) which can selectively activate the first airflow (30) to guide the surface element (12) into the upper output path (22) based on a control command for guiding the surface element (12), or can selectively activate the second airflow (30) to guide the surface element (12) into the lower output path (24).
12. The apparatus (10) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The second airflow device (20b) includes at least one upper nozzle (62), and the first airflow device (20a) includes at least one lower nozzle (60), wherein the outlet opening (63) of the lower nozzle (60) is arranged below the mouth (28) such that the first airflow passes through the area after the mouth (28) and points towards the upper guide device (21), and wherein the outlet opening (63) of the upper nozzle (62) is arranged above the mouth (28) such that the second airflow passes through the area after the mouth (28) and points towards the lower guide device (23), wherein the upper nozzle (62) and the lower nozzle (60) are preferably arranged at an angle of at least 30° forward toward the transport direction (14).
13. The apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, The second airflow device includes a plurality of upper nozzles that are offset from each other laterally to the transport direction, the upper nozzles preferably being arranged at the same position along the transport direction, and / or the first airflow device includes a plurality of lower nozzles that are offset from each other laterally to the transport direction, the lower nozzles preferably being arranged at the same position along the transport direction.
14. The apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that, The input path (16) includes at least one input transport belt pair (32), and the planar element (12) can be transported between the input transport belts by means of transport clamps, and - The upper input transport belt (34) of the input transport belt pair (32) extends into the upper output path (22) as an upper output transport belt (38) and is used as an upper guide device (21), wherein the lower output path (24) includes at least one separate lower output transport belt (42) which is used as a lower guide device (23), or - The lower input transport belt (36) of the input transport belt pair (32) extends into the lower output path (24) as a lower output transport belt (42) and is used as a lower guide device (23), wherein the upper output path (22) includes at least one separate upper output transport belt (38) which is used as an upper guide device (21).
15. The apparatus (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The input path (16) includes multiple such input transport belt pairs (32) forming a gap (64) transverse to the transport direction (14) between the input transport belt pairs, and each has a separate lower output transport belt (42) and upper nozzle (62) or a separate upper output transport belt (38) and lower nozzle (60) arranged in the gap (64).