workpiece carrier

Abstract

Workpiece carrier in which a plurality of workpieces (1) can be arranged in a multiple arrangement, wherein the workpiece carrier comprises: - at least two longitudinal beams (19), - spring-loaded partitions (13) that run between the two longitudinal beams (19) and are slidable along the longitudinal beams (19), wherein at least one receiving area (7) for one or more workpieces (1) is defined between two adjacent partitions (13), which is laterally bounded by adjacent longitudinal beams (19), - a sliding mechanism (15) with which the partition walls (13) can be moved against a spring force, so that the workpieces (1) in the receiving areas (7) are held force-fit by the adjacent partition walls (13).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a workpiece carrier in which a plurality of workpieces can be arranged in a multiple arrangement.

[0002] Battery manufacturing involves heating and / or drying steps. During these steps, battery cell components are heated and / or dried for an extended period in a dedicated processing station. The battery cell components are arranged in a workpiece carrier, which securely holds them. The workpiece carrier also transports the battery cell components to and from the production station. Multiple workpiece carriers can be stacked, allowing the battery cell components to be processed in a predetermined arrangement within the production station. The tool carrier protects the components during transport, manufacturing, and any intermediate storage.

[0003] JP 2002-2708A shows a container with sliding partitions whose lateral tabs engage in grooves in the container's side walls. Spring elements between a container end wall and a partition allow the partitions and the objects arranged between them to be pushed together.

[0004] EP 3 290 152 A1 shows a workpiece carrier with sliding support elements that can be moved along side rails.

[0005] DE 20 2018 107 171 U1 shows a container with dividers running transversely between the container side walls and longitudinally running dividing webs arranged between two adjacent dividers.

[0006] The task is to provide a workpiece carrier for workpieces, for example battery cell components, that securely holds the workpieces in a multiple arrangement.

[0007] According to a first aspect, the problem is solved by a workpiece carrier in which a large number of workpieces can be arranged in a multiple configuration. The workpiece carrier comprises at least two longitudinal beams and spring-loaded partitions that run between the two longitudinal beams and are slidable along the longitudinal beams. Between each pair of adjacent partitions, at least one receiving area for one or more workpieces is defined, which is laterally bounded by adjacent longitudinal beams. A sliding mechanism is provided by which the partitions can be moved against a spring force, so that the workpieces are held in the receiving areas by the adjacent partitions in a force-fit manner. Between each pair of adjacent partitions, at least one spring is coupled, which runs around the longitudinal beam and bears against the partitions in a pre-tensioned state.

[0008] The workpiece carrier is designed to hold workpieces. A workpiece is a component to be machined or transported. The workpiece carrier holds the workpieces for these purposes. Battery cell components, as examples of workpieces, can be end products or intermediate products from which batteries or their components are manufactured. The term "battery cell components" also includes batteries. The batteries, or their components or intermediate products, can be rechargeable or single-use.

[0009] In a multi-workpiece arrangement, the workpiece carrier is designed to hold several workpieces, which are advantageously placed in designated areas. The size of such a workpiece-holding area can exceed the size of the workpiece itself. It is advantageous to provide at least sufficient clearance to accommodate the workpiece.

[0010] The holding area is defined by adjacent partition walls and adjacent longitudinal beams. These define the holding area longitudinally and laterally, respectively. Further holding areas are defined by an outer wall and the adjacent partition wall, as well as adjacent longitudinal beams, so that workpieces can also be held force-fit between this outer wall and the adjacent partition wall. The force-fit is created by the forces acting between the components. Compressive or, in particular, frictional forces, generated by pressing the components together, hold them in position. Nevertheless, in some designs, the force-fit can be further enhanced by a positive fit.

[0011] By sliding the partitions, the workpieces are clamped between two adjacent partitions and held in place by the frictional engagement of the two partitions, which press against the workpieces from opposite sides. Similarly, the partition adjacent to the outer wall is moved and, together with the outer wall, holds the workpieces positioned between them by frictional engagement. The descriptions below regarding holding the workpieces between two adjacent partitions and the means provided for this purpose also apply to the workpieces between the outer wall and the adjacent partition. However, the outer wall is not moved.

[0012] The partitions are spring-loaded, so their movement occurs against or with the assistance of a spring force. When the frictional connection is established, the movement occurs against the spring force. Advantageously, the workpiece carrier is also pre-tensioned when empty, so that a spring force already acts on the partitions in their predetermined home position, from which they are moved to establish the frictional connection for holding the workpieces. The partitions are advantageously spring-coupled, so that the movement of one partition is transmitted to the other partitions via elastically deformable springs.

[0013] The sliding mechanism allows the partitions to be moved against a spring force, so that the workpieces in the receiving areas are pressed between the adjacent partitions and held securely. This prevents the workpieces from slipping out between the partitions. In one version, the partitions are straight. Alternatively, the partition area facing the workpiece can be adapted to the shape of the workpiece, for example, by a bulge.

[0014] In one embodiment, one or more workpieces from a multitude of workpieces can be arranged in each of the holding areas. With multiple workpieces, they can be arranged in a row along the partitions, so that each workpiece in that row is clamped between the adjacent partitions. In another embodiment, the held workpiece can extend across multiple holding areas, implying that the same workpiece can be arranged in these holding areas. In one embodiment, the partitions have holes through which the longitudinal beams pass, allowing the partitions to be both slidable and guided and held by the longitudinal beams. Alternatively, open notches can be provided at the edges for this purpose.

[0015] In one design, the longitudinal beams run between two opposing exterior walls. At least two of the longitudinal beams are rigidly connected to the exterior walls to define the distance between them. Welded or bolted connections are suitable for this purpose. The other longitudinal beams, if present, can also be rigidly connected or have some play to prevent tilting during assembly. The longitudinal beams can, for example, have a round or square cross-section.

[0016] Support bars can run between two opposing outer walls, onto which workpieces can be placed during loading from above without slipping out of the workpiece carrier. The partitions are also movable along the support bars. The support bars can run below the partitions or through holes or notches open to the edge in the partitions.

[0017] Advantageously, the receiving areas are arranged in rows and columns, with the columns running along the longitudinal beams between the outer sides and the rows running along the partition walls. Rows and columns run perpendicular to each other. Versions with only one column exist, which can result in wider receiving areas.

[0018] Advantageously, external longitudinal beams run along opposite outer sides of the workpiece carrier, and together with the outer walls, the resulting frame structure increases the stability of the workpiece carrier. Alternatively, receiving areas are provided in an external gap whose outer side is not bounded by a longitudinal beam. The force-fit connection through the partition walls nevertheless allows for a secure, force-fit hold for the workpieces even in the receiving areas of the outer gaps.

[0019] In one embodiment, more than one longitudinal beam runs along the same outer surface and / or between two adjacent gaps. For example, the longitudinal beams can be arranged in pairs along the same outer surface and / or between two adjacent gaps: In one embodiment, the two longitudinal beams of the pair are then arranged one above the other. This improves stability.

[0020] At least one spring is coupled between two adjacent partitions. The spring is an elastically deformable element between the adjacent partitions, which is compressed when the partitions are moved towards each other. In this deformed state, the spring force of the elastic element acts against the direction of compression and presses against the partitions. The spring force causes the compressed partitions to move apart again when the compressing force is released. This releases the frictional connection that holds the workpieces and allows them to be removed from the workpiece carrier. Advantageously, the spring is pre-tensioned when the workpiece carrier is empty.

[0021] The spring is designed to run around the longitudinal beam and, when pre-tensioned, is supported by the partition walls. Such a spring can be a coil spring made of wire wound spirally around the longitudinal beam. In one embodiment, coil springs are located on each of the longitudinal beams between the adjacent partition walls and the outer wall and the partition wall adjacent to it. In an alternative embodiment, springs arranged in this way are not provided on all longitudinal beams. In a further embodiment, coil springs are not located on every longitudinal beam running between the adjacent partition walls and the outer wall and the adjacent partition wall, and the longitudinal beams supporting the springs are not the same for all pairs of adjacent partition walls.

[0022] The sliding mechanism is designed to move the partitions to create a force-fit connection and to lock the partitions in place, thus holding the workpieces securely. The sliding mechanism is located on the opposite outer wall and moves the adjacent first partition away from the outer wall. No receiving areas are provided between the outer wall with the sliding mechanism and the first partition. The sliding mechanism causes the adjacent first partition to press the workpieces attached to it against the partition adjacent to the first partition, which then exerts the same effect on the workpieces attached to it until all workpieces are pushed together between the partitions and held securely. The sliding mechanism is designed to change the distance between the first partition and the outer wall. This distance is increased to create the force-fit connection.To release the frictional connection, the distance is reduced, causing the spring action to move the partitions apart again.

[0023] In one embodiment, the sliding mechanism includes at least one spacer with which the distance to the first partition wall is established.

[0024] Moving the spacer also changes the distance. Such a sliding mechanism can include an internal thread on the outer wall and a screw with an external thread as a spacer, which is turned against the first partition wall by the internal thread, thereby moving it.

[0025] In one embodiment, the sliding mechanism comprises a lever designed to space the first partition wall away from the outer wall. Such a lever can, for example, be designed as a toggle lever. Advantageously, the lever can be locked after the force-fit has been established, so that it remains in its position to hold the workpieces securely. Alternative means for the sliding mechanism could be, for example, a wedge or a bolt.

[0026] According to a second aspect, the problem is solved by a workpiece carrier in which a large number of workpieces can be arranged in a multiple configuration. The workpiece carrier comprises at least two longitudinal beams and spring-loaded partitions that run between the two longitudinal beams and are slidable along the longitudinal beams. Between each pair of adjacent partitions, at least one receiving area for one or more workpieces is defined, which is laterally bounded by adjacent longitudinal beams. A sliding mechanism is provided by which the partitions can be moved against a spring force, so that the workpieces are held in the receiving areas by the adjacent partitions by frictional engagement. The sliding mechanism has an internal thread and a screw with an external thread as a spacer.

[0027] The components of the workpiece carrier are advantageously made of metal, which is stable and heat-resistant. The connections between the longitudinal beams and outer walls are advantageously bolted, allowing for detachable connections and the replacement of components and their use in other workpiece carriers. The partitions and springs are simply placed onto the longitudinal beams. The springs are pre-tensioned when the longitudinal beams are attached to the outer walls. A workpiece carrier assembled in this way offers design flexibility, as various components can be combined as needed. The workpiece carrier is sustainable because the components are reusable. For example, the longitudinal beams used can be selected from a range of different lengths.

[0028] Some exemplary implementations are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a three-dimensional arrangement of an exemplary embodiment of a workpiece carrier, Fig. 2 a view of the workpiece carrier, Fig. 3. A bottom view of the workpiece carrier, Fig. 4 a side view of the workpiece carrier and Fig. 5 a three-dimensional detail view of the workpiece carrier.

[0029] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent components are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0030] Fig. Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional arrangement of an embodiment of a workpiece carrier for workpieces 1, which in this embodiment are battery cell components 1. A plurality of battery cell components, as embodiments of workpieces 1, can be arranged in a multiple arrangement within the workpiece carrier. The battery cell components, as workpieces 1, are securely held in their position by the workpiece carrier.

[0031] The workpiece carrier comprises a front outer wall 3 and a rear outer wall 5, between which receiving areas 7 for the battery cell components 1 are provided. Terms such as "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," and similar do not denote absolute positions in space but illustrate the arrangement of the components relative to one another. In this embodiment, the receiving areas 7 are completely or largely filled by the battery cell components 1. The receiving areas 7 are arranged in rows 9 and columns 11. The columns 9 run longitudinally between the outer walls 3 and 5. The rows 11 run transversely to them. Between the rows 11, spring-loaded, sliding partitions 13 are provided, which, when compressed, hold the battery cell components 1 in the receiving areas 7 between two adjacent partitions 13 by frictional engagement.A sliding mechanism 15 is designed to move the partitions 13 so that the battery cell components 1 are securely clamped between adjacent partitions 13 and held in place by friction. The sliding mechanism 15 also fixes the positions of the partitions 13 and the battery cell components 1.

[0032] Similarly, receiving areas 7 are defined between the rear outer wall 5 and the adjacent partition wall 132, in which the battery cell components 1 are held in force by the movable adjacent partition wall 132 and the rear outer wall 5.

[0033] Pin-shaped upward-projecting stacking aids 17 on the front outer wall 3 and the rear outer wall 5 in the corner areas of the workpiece carrier facilitate the stacking of the workpiece carriers by upward-projecting tips 35 of the stacking aids 17 engaging in corresponding recesses 39 of a stacked workpiece carrier.

[0034] Fig. 2 shows a top view of the workpiece carrier Fig. 1. A plurality of sliding partitions 13 are arranged between the front exterior wall 3 and the rear exterior wall 5. A first partition 131 is arranged adjacent to the front exterior wall 3. Its distance to the front exterior wall 3 can be changed by sliding it. When it is slid towards the rear exterior wall 5, its distance to the front exterior wall 3 increases, thereby reducing the depth of the receiving areas 7, which is the distance between adjacent partitions 13.

[0035] Longitudinal beams 19 extend between the front outer wall 3 and the rear outer wall 5. In this embodiment, eight pairs of equidistant longitudinal beams 19 are provided, which are rigidly connected to the front outer wall 3 and the rear outer wall 5. The connection can be made, for example, by welding or bolting. In this embodiment, the longitudinal beams 19 have internal threads on their ends, into which screws 21 engage through holes and washers 23 in the front outer wall 3 and the rear outer wall 5, so that the front outer wall 3 and the rear outer wall 5 are fixed between the longitudinal beams 19 and the screw heads and washers 23, since the holes have a smaller diameter.

[0036] Springs 25 are coupled between the rear outer wall 5 and its adjacent partition 132, as well as between adjacent partitions 13. The springs 25 are coil springs that wind around the longitudinal beams 19 and, in a pre-tensioned state, are supported against the rear outer wall 5 and the adjacent partition 132 or between adjacent partitions 13. In this embodiment, eight coil springs 25, one on each longitudinal beam 19, are arranged between the rear outer wall 5 and the adjacent partition 132, or between two adjacent partitions 13. The springs 25 are also pre-tensioned when the workpiece carrier is unloaded. The length of the springs 25 in series, in a relaxed state on a longitudinal beam 19, is greater than the distance between the outer walls 3 and 5.

[0037] The sliding mechanism 15 comprises nuts 27 with an internal thread attached to the front outer wall 3 and sliding screws 29 whose external thread engages the internal thread. In this exemplary embodiment, three sliding screws 29 and three nuts 27 are provided, one for each gap 11. More or fewer sliding screws 29 and nuts 27 may be provided. The nuts 27 are fixedly connected to the front outer wall 3, for example, by welding. They are located on the inside of the front outer wall 3, such that the first partition 131 is spaced from the front outer wall 3 by at least the height of the nuts 27. The end face of the screw shank presses against the first partition 131 and can thereby push it away from the front outer wall 3.When the sliding screws 29 are turned back, the preload of the springs 25 causes the first partition 131 and the other partitions 13 to move in the opposite direction. Turning the sliding screws 29 changes the length of the screw shank, which projects into the interior of the workpiece carrier above the nut 27, thus moving the first partition 131 away from the front outer wall 3. The inward-projecting shank, together with the height of the nut 27, defines the distance between the first partition 131 and the front outer wall 3.

[0038] The receiving areas 7 are defined by adjacent partitions 13 and adjacent longitudinal beams 19. One or more battery cell components 1 can be arranged in each receiving area 7. If there are multiple battery cell components 1, they are arranged in a row along the partition 13. In this embodiment, a battery cell component 1 with a rectangular contour and five cavities is arranged in each receiving area 7. The illustrated battery cell component 1 is an embodiment of a workpiece that can be held by the workpiece carrier and is shown in an exemplary design only. The workpiece 1 to be held is by no means limited to the illustrated shape or its cuboid base shape. It can have a variety of designs.The battery cell components 1 in the receiving areas 7 are held securely by the adjacent partition walls 13 after these have been moved together by the sliding screws 29 of the sliding mechanism 15 to such an extent that a secure force connection is created between the battery cell components 1 and the partition walls 13.

[0039] In one embodiment, the springs 25 of the unpopulated workpiece carrier without battery cell components 1 are pre-tensioned such that the depth of the receiving areas 7, as the distance between adjacent partitions 13, is sufficient to easily insert the battery cell components 1 into the receiving areas 1 without the need for pressing. The sliding mechanism 15 reduces the depth, the partitions 13 move closer together, and a frictional connection is created by the partitions 13 being pushed together by the sliding screws 29.

[0040] Fig. Figure 3 shows a bottom view of the workpiece carrier. Support rods 31 run between adjacent longitudinal beams 19, onto which the battery cell components 1 can be placed during assembly. In this embodiment, two support rods 31 are arranged between two adjacent longitudinal beams 19. The support rods 31 can, for example, have a round or square cross-section. The latter increases the contact area. The support rods 31 can be attached to the front and rear outer walls 3, 5 in the same way as the longitudinal beams 19.

[0041] Fig. Figure 4 shows the workpiece carrier in a side view.

[0042] The front outer wall 3 and the rear outer wall 5 are beveled forwards and backwards on both their top and bottom sides, respectively, so that support surfaces 33 are formed for stacking multiple workpiece carriers. Cylindrical stacking aids 17 extend between the support surfaces 33. Their tips 35 project beyond the upper support surface 33 through a hole in it. A recess 39 is located in the lower end face of the stacking aid 17, the position of which corresponds to a hole in the lower support 33. The tip 35 of another workpiece carrier can engage in the recess 39 to determine the orientation of the workpiece carriers during stacking and to stabilize the stack against lateral slippage.

[0043] The partitions 13 have holes for the longitudinal beams 19 and the support rods 31. The holes are designed such that the partitions 13 can be slid along the longitudinal beams 19 and support rods 31. In one embodiment, the cross-sectional contours of the holes and the longitudinal beams 19 and support rods 31 correspond in shape and size such that there is sufficient clearance for sliding the partitions 13. In an alternative embodiment, the support rods 31 are arranged below the partitions 13.

[0044] The distance between the first partition 131 and the battery cell components 1, defined by the nuts 27, is clearly visible in the initial position without components. The partitions 13 are moved when the battery cell components 1 are fixed by turning the sliding screws 29, so that their shaft ends move the first partition 131 away from the front outer wall 3. This movement is transmitted via the springs 25, and, if fitted, the battery cell components 1, to the other partitions 13, so that the movement of the sliding screws 29 also pushes the other partitions 13 and battery cell components 1 together until the battery cell components 1 are held in place by friction. In this state, the workpiece carrier can then be moved and rotated without the battery cell components 1 falling out.

[0045] By turning the sliding screws 29 in the opposite direction, the battery cell components 1 are released, as this causes a movement of the partition walls 13 away from each other due to the spring force, thus breaking the force connection.

[0046] Fig. Figure 5 shows a three-dimensional section view of the workpiece carrier in the front corner area. The distance between the first partition 131 and the front outer wall 3 is clearly visible; this distance can be changed by the sliding screws 29 of the sliding mechanism 15.

[0047] In this embodiment, the partition walls 13 have indentations 37 at their upper edge, which are located in the center of the receiving areas 7. These indentations 37 facilitate the loading of the workpiece carrier, since a hand or machine inserting the battery cell components 1 can push the battery cell components 1 further into the receiving areas 7 than would be the case with a straight upper edge.

[0048] The features specified above and in the claims, as well as those discernible from the illustrations, can be advantageously implemented both individually and in various combinations. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments but can be modified in many ways within the scope of expert knowledge. Reference sign 1 workpiece / battery cell component 3 front exterior wall 5 rear exterior wall 7 Recording area 9th line Column 11 13, 131, 132 Partition wall 15. Shifting mechanism 17 Stacking aid 19 longitudinal beams 21 screw 23 Washer 25 springs 27 screw nuts 29 Sliding screw 31 Handrail 33 Contact surface 35 peak 37 Lowering 39 recess

Claims

[1] Workpiece carrier in which a plurality of workpieces (1) can be arranged in a multiple arrangement, wherein the workpiece carrier comprises: - at least two longitudinal beams (19), - spring-loaded partitions (13) that run between the two longitudinal beams (19) and are slidable along the longitudinal beams (19), wherein at least one receiving area (7) for one or more workpieces (1) is defined between two adjacent partitions (13), which is laterally bounded by adjacent longitudinal beams (19), - a sliding mechanism (15) with which the partition walls (13) can be moved against a spring force, so that the workpieces (1) in the receiving areas (7) are held force-fit by the adjacent partition walls (13), characterized by, that at least one spring (25) is coupled between two adjacent partition walls (13), which runs around the longitudinal beam (19) and is supported on the partition walls (13) in a pre-tensioned state. [2] Workpiece carrier according to claim 1, wherein in the receiving areas (7) one or more workpieces (1) from the plurality of workpieces (1) can be arranged in a row along the partition walls (13). [3] Workpiece carrier according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the longitudinal beams (19) run between two opposing outer walls (3, 5). [4] Workpiece carrier according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving areas (7) are arranged in rows (9) and columns (11), wherein the columns (11) run along the longitudinal beams (19) and the rows (9) run along the partitions (13). [5] Workpiece carrier according to one of the preceding claims, wherein outer longitudinal beams (19) extend along opposite outer sides of the workpiece carrier. [6] Workpiece carrier according to claim 4 or 5, wherein more than one longitudinal beam (19) runs along the same outer side and / or between two adjacent gaps (11). [7] Workpiece carrier according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the spring (25) is designed as a coil spring. [8] Workpiece carrier according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the displacement of the partition walls (13) can be fixed by means of the displacement mechanism (15). [9] Workpiece carrier according to one of claims 3 to 8, wherein a first partition (131) is arranged adjacent to one of the outer walls (3) and the sliding mechanism (15) is designed to change the distance of the first partition (131) to the outer wall (3). [10] Workpiece carrier according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the displacement mechanism (15) comprises a spacer. [11] Workpiece carrier according to claim 10, wherein the sliding mechanism (15) comprises an internal thread and a screw (29) with an external thread as a spacer. [12] Workpiece carrier according to one of claims 3 to 11, wherein at least one receiving area (7) is defined between a second partition (132) adjacent to one of the outer walls (5) and this outer wall (5) and at least one spring (25) is coupled. [13] Workpiece holder according to one of the preceding claims, wherein retaining rods (31) on which the workpieces (1) can be placed run between two opposing outer walls (3, 5). [14] Workpiece carrier in which a plurality of workpieces (1) can be arranged in a multiple arrangement, wherein the workpiece carrier comprises: - at least two longitudinal beams (19), - spring-loaded partitions (13) that run between the two longitudinal beams (19) and are slidable along the longitudinal beams (19), wherein at least one receiving area (7) for one or more workpieces (1) is defined between two adjacent partitions (13), which is laterally bounded by adjacent longitudinal beams (19), - a sliding mechanism (15) with which the partition walls (13) can be moved against a spring force, so that the workpieces (1) in the receiving areas (7) are held force-fit by the adjacent partition walls (13), characterized by , that the sliding mechanism (15) has an internal thread and a screw (29) with an external thread as a spacer.

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