Holding arrangement for at least one plate-shaped component of an electrochemical system

Abstract

Holding arrangement (10) for at least one plate-shaped component (30) of an electrochemical system, in particular for temporarily holding the plate-shaped component (30) during a coating process, wherein the holding arrangement (10) comprises: • at least one plate frame (14) in which the at least one plate-shaped component (30) can be arranged, • a holding frame (12) in which the at least one plate frame (14) can be arranged, wherein the plate frame (14) comprises a first frame element (13) and a second frame element (15), wherein at least one of the first and second frame elements (13, 15) has at least one support surface (25) for the plate-shaped component (30), and wherein the first and second frame elements (13, 15) can be connected to one another while receiving the plate-shaped component (30) between them and forming a positive connection.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a holding arrangement for at least one plate-shaped component of an electrochemical system and a method for holding such a component.

[0002] Electrochemical systems, such as fuel cells or electrolyzers, typically comprise a multitude of plate-shaped components arranged in stacks. These components, which can also be referred to as separator plates, are usually made of metal. Typically, these components are manufactured from sheet metal using stamping, deep-drawing, and / or embossing processes. The components are then coated, for example, using PVD (physical vapor deposition) processes. The coating serves primarily to reduce the risk of corrosion and / or increase electrical conductivity.

[0003] To perform this coating process, the plate-shaped components are fixed in a plate frame, which is then inserted into a holding frame. Typically, several plate-shaped components are arranged in a plate frame, and several plate frames are arranged in a holding frame.

[0004] It has been shown that the previous solutions do not allow for efficient assembly of the holding frames and thus of the coating system and, in particular, do not allow for efficient automated assembly.

[0005] The invention therefore has the object of providing a holding arrangement for plate-shaped components and a method for holding plate-shaped components, which are characterized by increased efficiency, in particular in connection with the loading of coating systems.

[0006] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claim. Advantageous further developments are defined in this description, in the figures, and in the dependent claims.

[0007] Accordingly, a holding arrangement for at least one plate-shaped component of an electrochemical system is proposed, in particular for temporarily holding the plate-shaped component during a coating process, the holding arrangement comprising: • at least one plate frame in which the at least one plate-shaped component can be arranged, and • a holding frame in which the at least one plate frame can be arranged, wherein the plate frame comprises a first frame element and a second frame element, wherein at least one of the first and second frame elements has a support surface for the plate-shaped component, and wherein the first and second frame elements can be connected to one another while receiving the plate-shaped component between them and forming a positive connection.

[0008] If reference is made below to only a single plate-shaped component, this does not exclude the possibility that a plurality of plate-shaped components may be present, and the description may apply to the corresponding plurality. If reference is made below to a plurality of plate-shaped components, this does not exclude the possibility that only a single plate-shaped component may be present.

[0009] The disclosed solution is particularly characterized by the fact that the frame elements can be connected to one another by means of a positive fit. This positive fit can be achieved, for example, by relative movements, and in particular an axial and / or linear relative movement of the frame elements, which can be efficiently automated. In particular, this can reduce the potential for errors and thus improve the reproducibility of the assembly process.

[0010] Further embodiments and variants of the present invention, which also contribute to increased efficiency, in particular in an automated arrangement of the plate-shaped components in the plate frame or holding frame, are explained below.

[0011] The plate frame can generally be configured to accommodate a plurality of plate-shaped components arranged in a row along at least one axis. Furthermore, the plate frame can be configured to accommodate a plurality of plate-shaped components arranged along a plurality of axes and, for example, a plurality of rows. In particular, the plate-shaped components can be distributed within the plate frame along preferably mutually orthogonal rows and columns. For example, the plate-shaped components can be arranged in a matrix within the plate frame, wherein the matrix comprises a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns.

[0012] Within the panel frame, at least a first side of the panel-shaped components can be at least predominantly exposed, in particular for coating. This can be understood, for example, as meaning that at least two-thirds, at least three-quarters, or at least 90% of the surface is uncovered by the panel frame. According to one variant, both a first and a second side of the panel-shaped components are at least predominantly exposed within the panel frame, in particular to the extent mentioned above.

[0013] The plate-shaped component can be a separator plate of an electrochemical system, such as a fuel cell or an electrolyzer. The separator plate can be single-layer or double-layered, whereby in the latter case, two sheet metal layers can be connected to each other in such a way that they have inner sides facing each other and outer sides facing away from each other. In the latter case in particular, the separator plate can form a so-called bipolar plate of an electrochemical system, which is typically coated on both sides.

[0014] The plate-shaped component may be a combination of a separator plate and a masking plate, wherein the masking plate is designed to cover areas of the separator plate that are not to be coated and to make them inaccessible for the coating to be applied.

[0015] If only one outer side of a separator plate is to be coated with a specific coating, it is also possible to insert two separator plates together as a plate-shaped component, but without a permanent connection, with the two outer sides of the separator plates to be coated facing away from each other. Combinations with masking plates are also possible here.

[0016] The contact surface of the at least one frame element can form a mechanical support surface for the plate-shaped component. Additionally or alternatively, it can enable electrical contact with the plate-shaped component. At least the frame element comprising the contact surface can thus comprise an electrically conductive material, in particular a metallic material. Preferably, both frame elements are made of an electrically conductive material, in particular of metal.

[0017] The plate-shaped component, or each of a corresponding plurality thereof, can be surrounded in a frame-like manner by sections of the plate frame. In particular, at least one of the frame elements can have an opening enclosed by sections of the frame element. An exposed section of the plate-shaped element can be accessible through this opening.

[0018] The frame elements and / or the support frame may be free of movable components. In particular, no movable components may be used to establish any form-fitting connection between the frame elements and / or the plate frame and support frame mentioned herein, which may, for example, be comprised by or attached to the frame elements, the plate frame, and / or the support frame. Instead, the frame elements and / or the plate frame and / or the support frame may be moved as such, or in other words, in their entirety. The form-fitting connection may, for example, be established by means of rigid regions of the connected components, which, for example, are shaped complementarily to one another and / or are brought into engagement.

[0019] It has been recognized that moving components are prone to errors in the coating process. For example, they can be coated during a coating process, which can impair their mobility or the reproducibility of their mobility. Thus, eliminating such moving components can reduce the potential for errors and improve automation.

[0020] The support frame can be configured to accommodate multiple plate frames. These can be distributed along at least one axis, and in particular along exactly one axis, and in particular arranged in a row.

[0021] The support frame and / or the panel frame (and thus also its frame elements) can also be panel-shaped, at least after receiving the panel-shaped components or after receiving the panel frames equipped with panel-shaped components. When the support frame and panel frame are assembled, the support frame, the panel frame and the panel-shaped component can lie at least partially in a common plane and / or be aligned parallel to a common spatial plane. For example, the center planes of the support frame, the panel frame(s) and / or the panel-shaped component(s) can run parallel to one another or coincide. The respective center plane can reflect an average position of the respective panel or frame thickness.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the positive locking can be released to remove the plate-shaped components, for which purpose the frame elements can be separated from one another. For example, the positive locking can be formed by a relative movement of the frame elements, and in particular by a movement of at least one of the frame elements in a first direction, and released by a corresponding movement in a second direction. The second direction is preferably opposite to the first direction. Once formed, the positive locking can block further movement in the first direction.

[0023] To form the positive connection, the frame elements can have correspondingly shaped and, in particular, at least partially complementary shaped features. These can, for example, be selectively engaged with one another and / or selectively locked with one another. In particular, the shaped features can be designed such that they hold or block one another in order to prevent undesired movement and / or undesired play of the frame elements relative to one another. For example, shaped features in one of the frame elements, in particular the frame element that forms the aforementioned contact surface, can be designed as stepped shaped elements that border on or protrude from the contact surface.The step can be designed as a projection that extends at least partially around the perimeter and is spaced from the contact surface, with a section that is tapered relative to the step preferably providing the spacing from the contact surface. However, the shaped features can also be designed as recesses.

[0024] The positive locking can block at least one degree of freedom of a relative movement between the frame elements. In particular, this degree of freedom can correspond to a movement that, if not blocked, would lead to a separation of the frame elements from one another. For example, the positive locking can be configured to block the frame elements from lifting off the plate element(s) as well as from one another. Such lifting can occur along an axis that runs at an angle and, in particular, orthogonally to the plate plane of the plate-shaped component.

[0025] Any reference herein to degrees of freedom of movement may refer to a Cartesian spatial coordinate system whose axes are preferably arranged along one vertical and two horizontal spatial axes. As is known, there may be three translational degrees of freedom along these axes and three rotational degrees of freedom about these axes.

[0026] For example, the positive locking can block at least one translational degree of freedom (in particular in both opposite directions along the associated axis) and preferably at least two translational degrees of freedom (in particular in both opposite directions along the associated axes). Additionally or alternatively, one translational degree of freedom can be blocked in only one direction along an associated axis, whereas the positive locking can be selectively released in the corresponding unblocked direction. Additionally or alternatively, the positive locking can block at least one, at least two, or all rotational degrees of freedom of the frame elements.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the positive locking is established by a relative movement of the frame elements in a first direction along a translational degree of freedom and released by a relative movement of the frame elements in a second, opposite direction along the same translational degree of freedom. This enables the positive locking to be established and released with less complex movements, which reduces the susceptibility to errors and improves automation. In particular, according to one embodiment, it can be provided that no rotational movements of the frame elements are performed to establish and / or release the positive locking.

[0028] According to a further embodiment, the plate frame and the holding frame can also be connected to one another to form a positive connection. All of the features and variants described herein, which are explained in the context of the positive connection between the plate frames, can apply to this positive connection. This applies in particular to the type and number of degrees of freedom blocked by the positive connection, the relative movements required to establish and / or release the positive connection, and the structural features for forming the positive connection. In principle, two frame elements forming a holding frame can be connected to one another with the at least one plate frame interposed. However, the holding frame preferably has only one frame-shaped element that is connected directly to the plate frame.

[0029] The fact that the at least one plate frame and the holding frame can also be connected by means of a positive connection, in particular without the need to move additional connecting components, in turn improves the automation capability.

[0030] According to one variant, the positive connection between the frame elements and / or the positive connection between the plate frame and the holding frame can be established by a linear relative movement. In particular, the linear relative movement can run along a single rectilinear movement axis. In principle, however, it is also possible for the movement axis to be non-reciprocal, at least in sections. For example, the movement axis can be curved or bent at least in sections. Additionally or alternatively, the movement axis can run at an angle relative to a longitudinal or transverse axis of the plate-shaped component, for example. Additionally or alternatively, the movement axis can have a shape such that shape features which produce the positive connection and which have an undercut can also be brought into engagement with one another. This can in particular require a bent course of the movement axis.

[0031] According to a further development, a movement axis of the linear relative movement for establishing the positive connection between the frame elements and a movement axis of the linear relative movement for establishing the positive connection between the plate frame and the holding frame run parallel to each other. This can apply at least in a state in which the plate frame is accommodated in the holding frame. At the latest with this relative arrangement, the movement axes of the already established positive connections and / or movement axes along which the positive connections can be released again can run parallel to each other. This illustrates the low complexity of the required movements, which enables efficient and error-free automation.

[0032] According to a further development, the plate frame can be arranged in the holding frame in such a way that the positive connection between the frame elements and / or the positive connection between the plate frame and the holding frame is reinforced under the influence of gravity. This reduces the risk of the positively connected components becoming unintentionally detached from one another. In particular, the respectively connected components (i.e. the frame elements connected to one another or the plate frame connected to the holding frame) and in particular their positively connected sections can be increasingly pressed against one another under the influence of gravity. This can be achieved, for example, by a movement axis for establishing and / or releasing the positive connection running essentially or completely vertically and / or at an angle of less than 90°, in particular of less than 50°, to a vertical spatial direction.In one embodiment, a direction of movement for releasing the form fit is directed against a direction of gravity.

[0033] Any movement axis disclosed herein for establishing and / or releasing the positive connection between the frame elements and / or between the plate frame and the holding frame can lie substantially in or parallel to a plate plane of the plate-shaped component. For example, the movement axis can be inclined by less than 60° and in particular less than 40° or less than 20° relative to this plate plane. The plate plane can in particular correspond to a flat surface plane of the plate-shaped component, wherein the flat surface plane can contain those regions of the component that are not deformed, for example, during a deep-drawing and / or embossing process.

[0034] Accordingly, one embodiment provides that the plate frame can be arranged in the holding frame in such a way that a movement axis of the linear relative movement for establishing the form fit is inclined by no more than 20° to a plate plane of the plate-shaped component. This has been shown to enable space-efficient automation with reliably reproducible movement sequences.

[0035] According to a further development, the positive connection between the frame elements and / or the positive connection between the plate frame and the holding frame comprises a first of the respective positively connected components having a recess, and a second of the respective positively connected components having a protruding region that can be received in the recess to establish the positive connection. For example, the recess can comprise a depression and / or cutout. A movement axis for establishing the positive connection can run at an angle and, in particular, substantially orthogonal to the protruding region.

[0036] In particular, it can be provided that the protruding region has a first section with a comparatively reduced cross-section and a second section with a comparatively enlarged cross-section. In this case, a cross-section can be considered which runs transversely to a longitudinal axis of the protruding region and / or to an axis along which the protruding region protrudes relative to adjacent regions of the frame element. In particular, the reduced and the enlarged section can be shaped identically, but have different cross-sectional dimensions, in particular different diameters. The first section is preferably arranged closer to an adjacent region of the frame element than the second section. The second section can, for example, comprise or form a free end of the protruding region.In particular, the first and second sections can together form a stepped form element, as previously explained in the context of the contact surface.

[0037] Furthermore, it can be provided in particular that the recess has a first region and a second region and that the first region is larger than the second region. For example, the second section of the protruding region can be accommodated in the first region of the recess, but not in the second region of the recess. On the other hand, the first section of the protruding region can be accommodated in both the first and the second region of the recess. In this way, the protruding region and in particular both its first and second sections can first be inserted into the first region of the recess and / or guided through it and then only the first section can reach the second region of the recess and, for example, be pushed into there. The second section of the protruding region, on the other hand, can remain outside the second region of the recess.It can form a positive connection with, for example, an edge region surrounding the recess, which prevents the frame elements from lifting off from one another. However, in a state in which the protruding region is arranged in the first region of the recess, such lifting may still be possible.

[0038] According to one embodiment, at least one of the frame elements has a contact surface for the corresponding other frame element. This contact surface is particularly raised relative to adjacent regions of the at least one frame element. The raised surface can be formed integrally with the adjacent regions. Alternatively, it can be a separate component that is attached to the frame element or its adjacent regions.

[0039] The contact surface can be flat. It can comprise a low-friction material. For example, the contact surface can be made of metal and / or the same material as the adjacent frame element. The contact surface can be aligned parallel to a plate plane and / or parallel to sides of the frame elements that face each other. The contact surface can provide an area in which the frame elements can slide against each other in a defined and reproducible manner, enabling reliable establishment of the positive connection.

[0040] By raising the contact surface, a defined distance can be set between the frame elements, at least in certain areas. This distance can be selected in particular to reduce contact forces between the plate-shaped component and a frame element displaced relative to it. This can reduce the risk of damage.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the height difference between the contact surface and the adjacent regions of the frame element corresponds to at least one overall maximum height and / or at least one local maximum height of the plate-shaped component. In the latter case, a local region of the plate-shaped component can be considered, in particular, which is opposite a portion of at least one of the frame elements and / or which is positioned closer to an outer edge than to a geometric center of the plate-shaped component.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the contact surface borders on shaped elements, in particular stepped shaped elements, by means of which the positive connection between the frame elements can be established. These shaped elements can be, for example, the protruding area and / or the recess, as described above. Due to the proximity of the contact surface to the shaped elements or their joint formation and / or spatial overlap, the contact surface can reliably support the establishment of the positive connection and, for example, at least partially guide it.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the positive connection between the frame elements is designed to prevent the frame elements from lifting off the plate-shaped components and / or from each other. As previously mentioned, this can particularly relate to lifting off along an axis that runs at an angle and in particular orthogonally to a plate plane of the plate-shaped component.

[0044] According to one embodiment, at least one of the frame elements has a pin or other projecting portion that can be received in a recess of the plate-shaped component and / or the corresponding other frame element. The pin or projecting portion can have a positioning or, in other words, centering function to align the frame elements with each other and / or at least one of them relative to the plate-shaped component.

[0045] If it serves to connect the frame elements, the protruding portion can be routed through the plate-shaped component or simply past it. In the former case, separate recesses in the plate-shaped component and additional pins in the frame element can be eliminated, thus increasing the design flexibility.

[0046] According to one embodiment, at least one of the first frame element and the second frame element comprises a spring element configured to exert a compressive force on the plate-shaped component. The spring element can be elastically deformable, for example, when the plate-shaped component is received between the frame elements and / or at the latest when the positive connection is established. A restoring force resulting from the elastic deformation can act as a compressive force on the plate-shaped component. The spring element can, for example, comprise a material section curved in the direction of the plate-shaped component. The spring element can, for example, improve mechanical fixing and / or electrical contacting of the plate-shaped component.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the holding frame has a recess into which the panel frame can be inserted. The holding frame can completely enclose this recess, which can in particular be an opening, so that it has, for example, a closed, circumferential edge. Adjacent to this edge, the holding frame can form, at least in sections, a contact surface for the panel frame. According to one embodiment, several contact surface sections are distributed along the edge, which are separated from one another, for example, by remaining free areas.

[0048] In particular, the positive connection between the plate frame and the retaining frame can be established adjacent to an edge region of the recess. For this purpose, the edge region can comprise a shaped element that can be brought into engagement with a particularly complementarily shaped shaped element of the plate frame.

[0049] The following describes steps of a method for holding at least one plate-shaped component of an electrochemical system. This method is not the subject of the present utility model. However, the method may be the subject of another patent application, in particular an international patent application under the PCT, a European patent application, or a German patent application.

[0050] Such a method for holding at least one plate-shaped component of an electrochemical system, in particular for temporarily holding the plate-shaped component during a coating process, can, according to a first aspect, comprise, for example, at least the following steps: a) placing the plate-shaped component on a support surface of a first frame element; b) positively connecting the first frame element to a second frame element to form a plate frame, wherein the plate-shaped component is arranged between the first and second frame elements; c) Arranging the plate frame in a holding frame.

[0051] Any variants, refinements, and states explained in the context of the holding arrangement may also be provided in the context of the method. For example, the method may be applied to a holding arrangement according to any variant described herein and / or implemented using a holding arrangement according to any variant described herein.

[0052] The above sequence a) to c) may correspond to or reflect a chronological sequence of the corresponding measures.

[0053] Such a method for holding at least one plate-shaped component can additionally or alternatively also comprise the following steps: The placement according to a) can take place along an axis which can run at an angle and in particular orthogonally to the support surface and / or to a central plane of the frame element.

[0054] Such a method for holding at least one plate-shaped component can additionally or alternatively also comprise the following steps: When placing according to a), a protruding region of the first frame element is received in a recess of the plate-shaped component and / or the second frame element.

[0055] Such a method for holding at least one plate-shaped component can additionally or alternatively also comprise the following steps: ,Connecting the plate frames and the holding frames to one another to form a positive connection.

[0056] Such a method for holding at least one plate-shaped component can additionally or alternatively also comprise the following steps: To produce the positive connection in step b), a linear relative movement is generated between the first and second frame element, in particular exclusively a linear relative movement and / or a linear relative movement along only one movement axis, which is, for example, rectilinear.

[0057] Such a method for holding at least one plate-shaped component can additionally or alternatively also comprise the following steps: At least one of the first and second frame elements has a contact surface for the corresponding other frame element, wherein this corresponding other frame element slides along the contact surface during the linear relative movement. All embodiments and further developments, as explained above in the context of the holding arrangement, can also apply to the contact surface. This particularly concerns the definition of a height difference and / or proximity to or enclosing of shape features by means of which the positive connection is established.

[0058] Such a method for holding at least one plate-shaped component can additionally or alternatively also comprise the following steps: establishing the positive connection between the plate frame and the holding frame by means of a linear relative movement, in particular wherein the plate frame is actively moved relative to the holding frame and / or wherein the holding frame is actively moved relative to the plate frame.

[0059] Embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to the accompanying schematic figures. Similar features may be provided with the same reference numerals across the figures. Not all instances of a feature shown within a figure are always provided with a reference numeral that is fundamentally associated with that feature. Fig. Figure 1 is a schematically simplified view of a holding arrangement arranged in a PVD chamber during the coating process. Fig. 2 shows a holding arrangement according to an example of the prior art. Fig. 3 shows a holding arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 4 & 5 show detailed views of the holding arrangement from Fig. 3. Fig. 6 shows the holding frame of the holding arrangement from Fig. 3 in a single part view. Fig. 7 shows a first frame element of a holding arrangement. Fig. 8 shows the first frame element according to Fig. 7 with plate-shaped components placed on top. Fig. 9 shows a second frame element of a holding arrangement. The Fig. 10-13 show detailed views of a frame element of the Fig. 6-8 formed form closure. Fig. 14 & 15 show a variant of the Fig. 12 & 13 shown form closure. Fig. 16 & 17 show further detailed views of holding arrangements according to embodiments.

[0060] Fig. 1 is a highly simplified schematic view of a holding arrangement 10 arranged in a PVD chamber 1 during an ongoing coating process. The holding arrangement 10 can be designed according to the following embodiment of the invention, wherein the coating process and the PVD chamber 1 are designed according to examples of the prior art.

[0061] The coordinate system in Fig. 1 comprises two horizontal spatial axes x, y and a vertical spatial axis z, which in the example shown is oriented opposite to the direction of gravity. The holding arrangement 10 is oriented such that one views a comparatively flat side or edge area thereof.

[0062] In a known manner, the PVD chamber 1 is a vacuum chamber in which a material 2 to be evaporated or deposited is arranged. This material 2, which is also referred to as a target, is evaporated and / or ionized by means of an energy supply not shown separately, e.g., by heating, sputtering, or arc. The subsequently released components of the material 2 are deposited on the holding arrangement 10 and the plate-shaped components accommodated therein (not visible in Fig. 1). This is in Fig. 1 is indicated by arrows. An electrical potential gradient is created between the holding arrangement 10 and the material 2 to promote material deposition. Electrical contacts 3 are shown schematically.

[0063] Fig. Figure 2 shows a holding arrangement 100 according to an example of the prior art. As can be seen from the orientation of the coordinate system compared to Fig. 1, the holding arrangement is opposite Fig. 1. In particular, it is rotated in such a way that a front surface, which in an arrangement as in Fig. 1 is facing the material 2, is facing the viewer.

[0064] The holding arrangement 100 comprises a rectangular holding frame 102, which has a central recess 111, and more precisely, an opening. This opening is completely enclosed by the holding frame 102. Three plate frames 104 are inserted into the recess 111. The plate frames 104 are arranged in a row along the z-axis shown. The plate frames 104 comprise a plurality of recesses 106, and more precisely, openings, which are separated from one another by frame sections 108. These recesses 106 are each arranged in a row along the y-axis shown. Plate-shaped components (not shown) and, in particular, separator plates of an electrochemical system can be arranged in each of the recesses 106.

[0065] In Fig. 2, it is not separately apparent that an outer edge of the plate frames 104 can overlap, at least in sections, with an inner edge of the holding frame 102. In other words, this inner edge of the holding frame 102 can serve as a bearing surface for at least sections of the outer edge of a respective plate frame 104. This secures the plate frames 104 against falling out of the holding frame 102 in a direction away from the viewer (i.e., in the negative x-direction).

[0066] All three in Fig. The plate frames 104 shown in Figure 2 are secured within the holding frame 102 by means of rocker arms 110. These rocker arms 110 are movable components and, more precisely, are rotatable about a x-axis shown. In a first position (not shown), the rocker arms 110 do not overlap with the recess 111, so that the recess is released for receiving and removing the plate frames 104 and, in particular, the uppermost plate frame 104. In the second position shown, the rocker arms 110 overlap with the recess 111 and are pivoted about their respective axes of rotation into a region of the recess 111. As a result, they lie opposite an edge section of the uppermost plate frame 104, so that the plate frame 104 cannot be moved past the rocker arms 110 out of the holding frame 102 in a direction of the viewer (i.e., in the positive x-direction).As an alternative to resting on an edge section of the holding frame 102, the plate frames 104 can also rest on rocker arms independent of the rocker arms 110 shown or on other projections on the side of the holding frame 102 facing away from the viewer.

[0067] Furthermore, the support frame 102 includes fastening pins 112, which are received in non-visible holes in the lowermost plate frame 104. This secures the position of this lowermost plate frame 104 within the support frame 102. Likewise, the plate frames can be fastened to one another using fastening pins 112'.

[0068] The rocker arms 110 are movable components that can only be operated automatically with great effort, for example, using specially adapted manipulators. Furthermore, the invention has recognized that such movable components are prone to failure, as their mobility can be impaired as a result of the coating process.

[0069] Placing a plate frame 104 onto the mounting pins 112 requires a pivoting and / or tilting movement, which requires correspondingly adapted movement paths of a manipulator. The automated insertion of the mounting pins 112 into the holes of a plate frame 104 is also error-prone.

[0070] The invention therefore proposes a different procedure for holding separator plates in a holding arrangement. An embodiment of a holding arrangement 10 according to the invention is described below, beginning with Fig. 3. This holding arrangement 10 in turn comprises a holding frame 12 with a central recess 11 and a plurality of plate frames 14, which are arranged one after the other along a first axis (z-axis) within the holding frame 12. The plate frames 12 also each have a plurality of recesses 16, which are arranged one after the other along a second axis (y-axis), which runs orthogonal to the first axis. The z-axis runs analogously to Fig. 1 vertical and the x- and y-axes are horizontal. In Fig. 3, the plate frames 12 are compared with Fig. 7ff simplified representation, Fig. 3 serves in particular to illustrate the connection of the plate frames 14 with the holding frame 12.

[0071] Each plate frame 14 is connected to the support frame 12 via several positive connections. The positive connections are each located in a positive locking area 18, as shown in Fig. 3 marked. The Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 show details of one of the form-locking areas 18 from Fig. 3 and more precisely the oval outlined upper right form-fitting area 18. In Fig. 5 shows only the section of the holding frame 12 which is encompassed by this form-fitting region 18. One can see an elongated section, which is adjoined by a support surface 20 projecting into the recess 11. This support surface 20 serves as a support surface for an opposite outer edge section of a plate frame 14. Within the support surface 20, a protruding region 22 is arranged, the exact shape of which is described below, in particular with reference to the Fig. 10-13 is explained.

[0072] Fig. 4 shows the same connection area 18 as Fig. 5, but also showing the portion of the plate frame 14 encompassed by this connecting region 18. The plate frame 14 comprises a recess 24 into which at least a part of the protruding region 22 is received. As will be explained below with reference to Fig. 10-13, the recess 24 is shaped like a keyhole and the protruding portion 22 is formed with an enlarged head portion.

[0073] To achieve the state of Fig. 4, the protruding area 22 was converted into a Fig. 4, and then the plate frame 14 was moved linearly and rectilinearly relative to the holding frame 12. A corresponding movement axis or direction B is shown. Thus, the protruding area 22 enters a comparatively smaller area of the recess 24, which is Fig. 4 is covered by the protruding area 22. In particular, the protruding area 22 and, more precisely, its head section facing the viewer is larger than this smaller area of the recess 24. In this way, a positive connection is formed between the plate frame 14 and the holding frame 12, which in particular prevents the plate frame 14 from being lifted off the holding frame 12 in a direction facing the viewer (ie in the positive x-direction according to Fig. 3).

[0074] To release this form fit, the plate frame 14 is moved relative to the holding frame 12 in the opposite direction to the direction of the movement axis B, whereupon the protruding area 22 and in particular its enlarged head section is Fig. 4 can be passed through the enlarged area of the recess 24, whereby the plate frame 24 can be lifted off the holding frame 12 in a direction facing the viewer.

[0075] This sequence of movements can be implemented with less complex linear and, in particular, purely straight-line movements, which enables efficient automation. For example, the state from Fig. 3 can be achieved by inserting the plate frames 14 successively into the holding frame 12. In particular, a respective plate frame 14 can first be moved orthogonally to a plane of the holding frame 12 and in particular from its recess 11 and inserted into the recess 11. This is done by inserting the projecting areas 22 into the enlarged areas of the recesses 24 of a plate frame 14 as described. Subsequently, the plate frame 14 is removed according to the arrow B from Fig. 4 is displaced relative to the holding frame 12 to establish the described positive connection between these components. The insertion and displacement can be performed using a manipulator, in particular an industrial robot. Alternatively, at least one of these movements can be generated using a specially designed actuator, for example, an automatically operable slider that displaces the plate frame 14 relative to the holding frame 12.

[0076] For inserting the plate frames 14 into the holding frame 12, the holding frame 12 can also be arranged horizontally in deviation from the coordinate system shown, ie its recess 11 can be spatially oriented horizontally.

[0077] To remove the plate frames 14 from the holding frame 12, they can be moved in the opposite direction and then lifted off the holding frame 12. In the example from Fig. 3, the uppermost and lowermost edges of the support frame 12 are designed in such a way (for example, stepped back into the plane of the sheet) that they do not block the displacements of the plate frames 12.

[0078] Fig. 6 shows a modification of the holding frame 12 from Fig. 3. Here, on the left inner edge of the holding frame 12 or the recess 11, a variant with a continuous support surface 20 is shown, within which several protruding areas 22 are arranged. The right inner edge can also be designed with such a continuous support surface 20, but is only exemplary again designed with individual, comparatively short support surfaces 20 including protruding areas 22. The shape of these multiple support surfaces 20 differs from that of Fig. 5. The support surfaces can therefore be rectangular or trapezoidal, for example, in each case with rounded corners.

[0079] Based on the Fig. 7-9, details of one of the plate frames 14 similar to the Fig. 3. The plate frame 14 comprises two frame elements 13, 15. The frame elements 13, 15 can be assembled to form the plate frame 14 and can be used as a kind of upper and lower half of a plate frame 14, as in Fig. 3. In other words, a dividing plane between the frame elements 13, 15 runs parallel to a plane of the recess 11 of the holding frame 12 when the panel frame 14 composed of the frame elements 13, 15 is inserted into the holding frame 12. Accordingly, each frame element 13, 15 has the frame-like basic shape of the assembled panel frame 14, comprising the plurality of recesses 16 and frame sections 17 separating these recesses 16.

[0080] Reference is first made to the first frame element 13 of Fig. 7. This comprises a plurality of recesses 24 and protruding areas 22', which are in principle designed according to the example of Fig. 3-5, of which the recesses 24 serve, as before, to fasten the plate frame 14 or the frame element 13 to the holding frame 12, but the protruding areas 22' here serve to fasten the first frame element 13 to the second frame element 15 and are therefore designated 22' to distinguish them from protruding areas for fastening between the plate frame 14 and the holding frame 12. The recesses 24 and protruding areas 22' are distributed along the outer edges of the frame element 13.

[0081] The second frame element 15 made of Fig. 9 comprises a plurality of recesses 24' distributed along its edge region. As explained in more detail below, the positions of these recesses 24' correspond to the positions of the protruding regions 22' of the first frame element 13, so that the protruding regions 22' of the first frame element 13 can be inserted into the recesses 24' of the second frame element 15 when the frame elements 13, 15 are assembled. The different designation 24' for the recesses only serves to emphasize that it is about the attachment of the two frame elements 13, 15 to one another, not about the attachment of a frame element 13, 15 to a holding frame as in Fig. 3-5, with regard to the design, the recesses 24 and the recesses 24' can be identical or different.

[0082] Referring again to the first frame element 13 of Fig. 7 further shows that a plurality of pins 26 are provided for each recess 16, specifically near an edge region of each recess 16. More specifically, three such pins 26 are provided for each recess 16, for example, and generally, for example, at least two. The pins 26 protrude toward the viewer.

[0083] The first frame element 13 optionally also has several widened sections 25, of which only the corresponding sections 25 in the area of the uppermost recess 16 are made of Fig. 7 are provided with a corresponding reference numeral. In particular, these sections 25 form contact surfaces for separator plates 30, which are exemplary plate-shaped components to be held by the holding arrangement 10. However, the separator plates 30 can also rest on other, non-widened sections of the edges of the first frame element 13 surrounding the recesses 16.

[0084] In Fig. 8 shows a state in which separator plates 30 are arranged on the sides of the Fig. 7 facing side of the first frame element 13. For each recess 16, a separator plate 30 is provided, which largely or completely covers this recess 16. The separator plates 30 each have recesses 32 into which the pins 26 of the first frame element 13 engage. The pins 26 have a centering and position-securing effect. In particular, the recesses 32 can be significantly smaller and accommodate the pins 26 with significantly less play, so that the separator plates 30 can be aligned in a defined manner relative to the first frame element 13.

[0085] After the separator plates 30 have been Fig. 8 have been positioned on the first frame element 13, the second frame element 15 is made of Fig. 9 on the Fig. 8. The separator plates 30 are therefore arranged between the frame elements 13, 15. The side of Fig. 9 to the separator plates 30. The recesses 27 of the second frame element 15 receive the pins 26 projecting through the recesses 32 of the separator plate 30. Thus, the pins 26 also exert a centering effect on the second frame element 15. Contrary to the representation of Fig. 9, the recesses 27 do not necessarily have to be openings with a closed circumference, but can also have a partially open circumference and be, for example, C-shaped or U-shaped.

[0086] Furthermore, a protruding portion 22' of the first frame element 13 is received in each recess 24' of the second frame element 15. As explained below, a positive connection is then established, which prevents the frame elements 13, 15 from lifting off from one another. It can be seen that in Fig. 7 at the upper and lower edge of the first frame element 13, recesses 24 remain, in which no defined structures of the separator plate 30 and the second frame element 15 are received. These recesses 24 are used for forming the positive connection with the holding frame 12, as can be seen from the Fig. 3-5. Only as an example and in deviation from Fig. 3, two recesses 24 are provided for each upper and lower edge. Thus, in principle, two forming areas 18 can be formed for each corresponding edge according to Fig. 3, provided that the holding frame 12 has correspondingly positioned protruding areas 22.

[0087] The Fig. 10-15 are detailed views to further explain the positive connection of the first and second frame elements 13, 15. Protruding areas 22 and recesses 24 are shown, but these could equally be protruding areas 22' or recesses 24'. Fig. 11 shows a section of the first frame element 13 on which a protruding region 22 is formed. The protruding region 22 comprises a head section 34, which forms a free end of the protruding region 22. Adjoining this is a further section 36 with a comparatively smaller cross-section and, in particular, a smaller diameter. Adjoining this further section 36 is a contact surface 38, which transitions like a base into an edge section or a flat surface of the first frame element 13.

[0088] Fig. 10 shows a state in which, in the manner explained below, the second frame element 15 has been placed onto the first frame element 13, taking up a part of the protruding area 22. A side of the second frame element 15 facing the first frame element 13 rests against the contact surface 38. The contact surface 38 is raised relative to the adjacent flat surface or outer side of the frame element 13, in particular due to the aforementioned base-like design. This creates a defined distance or gap 42 between the first and second frame elements 13, 15 in the vertical direction of Fig. 10. For the sake of clarity, only the gap 42 is shown here; a representation of a separator plate 30 accommodated in this gap 42 has been omitted for reasons of clarity.

[0089] The height of the contact surface 38 relative to the adjacent surface of the first frame element 13 is selected such that the height of the gap 42 corresponds at least to a height of a section of the separator plate 30 that is accommodated in the gap 42; it can also be selected slightly larger. The height of the gap 42 extends in Fig. 10 vertically between the opposing sides of the first and second frame elements 13, 15. Such a selection of the height of the gap 42 in comparison to the at least local height of the separator plate 30 avoids contact or at least compression between the second frame element 15 and an opposite outer side of the separator plate 30 when the second frame element 15 is displaced in the manner described below. Consequently, the risk of damage to the separator plate 30 can be reduced.

[0090] Fig. Figure 12 shows a detailed view of a state in which the second frame element 15 has been placed on the first frame element 13 without the separator plate 30 arranged therebetween being shown separately. The protruding area 22 and in particular the head section 34 are guided through an enlarged area 46 of the recess 24. This enlarged area 46 is shown in Fig. 12 hidden, but in Fig. 13. However, Fig. 12, the recess 24 also has a reduced-diameter portion 44. This is dimensioned such that the head portion 34 of the protruding portion 22 cannot be arranged therein, nor can it be passed through it. Instead, only the smaller-diameter portion 36 of the protruding portion 22 can be accommodated therein.

[0091] To create a positive connection between the frame elements 13, 15, starting from the state of Fig. 12, the second frame element 15 is moved relative to the first frame element 13 according to the movement arrow B. This is a linear rectilinear movement along a single movement axis, wherein the movement also runs in a plane that is parallel to a plate plane of the separator plates 30 and to center planes of the frame elements 13, 15.

[0092] As a result of this relative movement, the smaller section 36 enters the reduced area 44 of the recess 24. Analogous to the positive connection between a plate frame 14 and a holding frame 12, as described above with reference to the Fig. 3-5, lifting of the frame elements 13, 15 in a direction facing the viewer is then blocked, since the recess 24, and more precisely its reduced area 44, cannot be moved over the head section 34 of the protruding area 22. This means that, as a result of the positive locking, a relative movement of the frame elements 13, 15 in a direction orthogonal to a plate plane of the separator plates 30 (not shown) and the center planes of the frame elements 13, 15 is blocked. Releasing the positive locking can be achieved by a reverse movement sequence, i.e., a displacement opposite to arrow B and subsequent lifting of the first frame element 15 from the second frame element 13.

[0093] It should be noted that the form fit formed also allows relative displacements along a horizontal axis in the Fig. 12 & 13 blocked and a continuation of the movement according to arrow B.

[0094] Coming back to the Fig. 7-9 it can be seen that the recesses 24 in the second frame element 15 in Fig. 9 are arranged such that the schematically indicated reduced areas 44 are each oriented to the left, whereas the enlarged areas 46 are each oriented to the right. This is the case for the lowermost recess 24 in Fig. 9. This means that when the first and second frame elements 13, 15 are displaced relative to each other, as can be seen from the Fig. 12 and Fig. 13, all recesses 24 can each form a positive connection with a respective protruding region 22, which is initially received in the enlarged region 46 of the recess 24.

[0095] Fig. 14 and Fig. 15 show a variant of the Fig. 12 and Fig. 13. A more complex relative movement takes place between the first and second frame elements 13, 15 along arrow C. Due to the undercut 28, release, especially accidental release, of the form fit is difficult. Nevertheless, a simple automated creation of the form fit is possible.

[0096] Fig. 16 shows a perspective detailed view of a state analogous to Fig. 3. A section of the holding frame 12 is shown, including two complete plate frames 14 held thereon. For the uppermost plate frame 14, an area 50 is recognizable in which the Fig. 12 and Fig. 13, the form fit between the frame elements 13, 15 of this plate frame 14 is established. Such an area 50 is also separately marked for the lower plate frame 14, as an example.

[0097] Between the two illustrated plate frames 14, only the frame element 13 of another plate frame 14 is shown. Furthermore, positions of selected separator plates 30 are shown, which are accommodated in this not completely manufactured middle plate frame 14. Also positions of pins 26, which are formed by Fig. 8 smaller recesses 32 of the separator plates 30 extend through. These pins 26 allow the separator plates 30 to be positioned on the lower frame element 13.

[0098] Due to the omitted frame element 15, contact surfaces 20 including protruding areas 22 in the edge area of the holding frame 12 are again visible at least in sections. By means of these, a form fit can be produced, as can be seen from the Fig. 3-5, to positively connect the support frame 12 and the middle plate frame 14. The upper and lower plate frames 14 of Fig. 16 are fixed in the holding frame 12 in an analogous manner, although the corresponding structural features 20, 22 are even more concealed.

[0099] The upper and lower recesses 24 of the first frame element 13 are made of Fig. 7 to connect the assembled plate frame 14 with the support frame 12. This is particularly true for the only partially shown middle plate frame 14 and especially for its lower frame element 13 shown in Fig. 16 is clearly visible. A protruding region 22' of the lower frame element 13 is also visible on this lower frame element 13 and in the z-direction between the recesses 24. This serves to establish the form fit with the upper frame element 15 (not shown) of this plate frame 14, as explained above.

[0100] Fig. 17 finally shows a kind of perspective partial sectional view through an arrangement analogous to Fig. 16. Here, a part of a second frame element 15 of one of the plate frames 14 is shown. It is shown that a spring element 52 is arranged on one side of this second frame element 15, which is opposite an opposite edge section of a separator plate 30. This spring element 52 is elastically deformable such that it is forced into a stable contact with the separator plate 30 and exerts a compressive force thereon. This improves electrical contact with the separator plate 30, which is suitable for a coating process according to Fig. 1 is advantageous. In addition, this generates mechanical clamping forces that can hold the separator plate 30 even more reliably in the holding arrangement 10. Preferably, such spring elements 52 are arranged in corrosion-resistant areas, for example, outside the media-carrying areas of the separator plate 30.

[0101] Fig. 17 further shows that a protruding region 22' for the positive connection of the frame elements 13, 15 does not have to be formed integrally with one of the frame elements 15 or 13 as in the previous embodiments, but can also be formed as a separate component connected to this frame element 15, for example a component screwed to it via a thread 29.

Claims

[1] Holding arrangement (10) for at least one plate-shaped component (30) of an electrochemical system, in particular for temporarily holding the plate-shaped component (30) during a coating process, wherein the holding arrangement (10) comprises: • at least one plate frame (14) in which the at least one plate-shaped component (30) can be arranged, • a holding frame (12) in which the at least one plate frame (14) can be arranged, wherein the plate frame (14) comprises a first frame element (13) and a second frame element (15), wherein at least one of the first and second frame elements (13, 15) has at least one support surface (25) for the plate-shaped component (30), and wherein the first and second frame elements (13, 15) can be connected to one another while receiving the plate-shaped component (30) between them and forming a positive connection. [2] Holding arrangement (10) according to claim 1, wherein the plate frame (14) and the holding frame (12) can also be connected to one another to form a positive connection. [3] Holding arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the positive connection between the frame elements (13, 15) and / or the positive connection between the plate frame (14) and the holding frame (12) according to claim 2 can be produced by a linear relative movement. [4] Holding arrangement (10) according to claim 3, wherein the linear relative movement runs along a single rectilinear movement axis (B). [5] Holding arrangement (10) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein a movement axis (B) of the linear relative movement for establishing the positive connection between the frame elements (13, 15) and a movement axis (B) of the linear relative movement for establishing the positive connection between the plate frame (14) and the holding frame (12) according to claim 2 run parallel to each other. [6] Holding arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plate frame (14) can be arranged in the holding frame (12) in such a way that the positive connection between the frame elements (13, 15) and / or the positive connection between the plate frame (14) and the holding frame (12) according to claim 2 is reinforced under the influence of gravity. [7] Holding arrangement (10) according to claim 2 and according to one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the plate frame (14) can be arranged in the holding frame (12) in such a way that a movement axis (B) of the linear relative movement for producing the positive connection is inclined by not more than 20 ° to a plate plane of the plate-shaped component (30). [8] Holding arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the positive connection between the frame elements (13, 15) and / or the positive connection between the plate frame (14) and the holding frame (12) according to claim 2 comprises that a first of the respective positively connected components (30) has a recess (24) and a second of the respective positively connected components (30) has a protruding region (22) which can be received in the recess (24) to produce the positive connection in particular wherein the protruding region (22) has a first section (36) with a comparatively reduced cross-section and a second section (34) with a comparatively enlarged cross-section, wherein the recess has a first region (46) and a second region (44), and the first region (46) is larger than the second region (44), wherein the second portion (34) of the protruding region (22) is receivable in the first region (46) of the recess (24), but not in the second region (44) of the recess (24); wherein the first portion (36) of the protruding region (22) is receivable in both the first and second regions (44, 46) of the recess (24). [9] Holding arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the frame elements (13, 15) has a contact surface (38) for the corresponding other frame element (13, 15), wherein the contact surface (38) is raised relative to adjacent regions of the at least one frame element (13, 15). [10] Holding arrangement (10) according to claim 9, wherein the contact surface (38) adjoins at least one shaped element, in particular a stepped shaped element, by means of which the positive connection between the frame elements (13, 15) can be produced. [11] Holding arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the positive connection between the frame elements (13, 15) is designed to prevent the frame elements (13, 15) from being lifted off the plate-shaped components (30) and / or from one another. [12] Holding arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the frame elements (13, 15) has at least one pin (26) or another projecting portion which can be received in a recess (32, 27) of the plate-shaped component (30) and / or the corresponding other frame element (13, 15). [13] Holding arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the first frame element (13) and the second frame element (13) comprises a spring element (52) which is adapted to exert a compressive force on the plate-shaped component (30). [14] Holding arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding frame (12) has a recess (11) into which the plate frame (14) can be inserted. [15] Holding arrangement (10) according to claims 2 and 15, wherein the positive connection between the plate frame (14) and the holding frame (12) can be produced in an edge region adjacent to the recess (11).

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