BATTERY CELL PREPARATION TECHNOLOGY

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technique for preparing battery cells for battery module production. During the preparation process, battery cells are supplied as raw battery cells, converted into a so-called prepared battery cell through one or more preparation processes, and transferred to at least one downstream process for battery module production. The preparation processes may include, for example, the (chemical) pretreatment of a battery cell surface, the application of an insulating layer, in particular an insulating film, the activation of a surface structure, and / or the placement of a spacer element on a surface of the battery cell.

[0002] In downstream battery module production, two or more prepared battery cells are usually joined to form a stack, which forms the electrical storage of a battery module, in particular a battery module for an electric vehicle or a stationary energy storage device.

[0003] Previously known preparation techniques for preparing raw battery cells for downstream battery module production are not optimally developed.

[0004] They typically require at least one process in which the battery cells must be individually gripped by a handling device, such as an industrial robot, and transported to a processing station, where the battery cell must be deposited or transferred to another gripping or guiding device. After the processing process, the battery cell must be gripped again by a handling device and transported to a subsequent station. The gripping and transfer processes required for this can occasionally lead to errors or delays, so the prepared battery cells must first be fed into a buffer where a certain supply of prepared battery cells is always maintained to prevent subsequent processes from being disrupted.

[0005] However, the aim for battery module production is to continuously accept the prepared battery cells, especially without a buffer storage.

[0006] EP 1 015 361 A2 discloses a high-speed manufacturing system, particularly for batteries. Batteries are transported from a conveyor to a processing station and then transported further by a conveyor.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved battery cell preparation technique. The invention achieves this object by the features of the independent claims.

[0008] The battery cell preparation technique according to the present disclosure includes a battery cell preparation line, a product carrier for use in the battery cell preparation line, and a battery cell preparation method.

[0009] Compared to previously known techniques, the preparation technique requires less equipment and enables an increase in throughput.

[0010] The battery cell preparation line according to the present disclosure is intended and configured to prepare one or more battery cells for battery module production. It can be configured, in particular, as a combined conveying and processing station, which preferably receives one or more raw battery cells in a feed area and provides one or more prepared battery cells in a transfer area.

[0011] For the sake of simplicity, the term preparation line is used below to refer to the term battery cell preparation line.

[0012] The preparation line comprises at least one linear conveyor that moves at least one raw battery cell from a feed area to one or more preparation process stations arranged along the preparation line. The at least one linear conveyor further moves one or more prepared battery cells to a transfer area. The transfer area may already be part of a subsequent battery module production process.

[0013] The preparation line or linear conveyor comprises a main conveyor for battery cell movement, which is designed to transport the at least one battery cell with a constant macro-conveying movement. The preparation line or linear conveyor further comprises at least one auxiliary conveyor interposed in the conveying path of the main conveyor. The auxiliary conveyor is designed to transport at least one battery cell with an intermediate conveying movement that temporarily deviates from the macro-conveying movement, so that a battery cell can be guided along the conveying path of the auxiliary conveyor to a preparation process station at a speed such that the current movement of the battery cell is adapted to the process requirements of this preparation process station.

[0014] For the sake of simplicity, the term "preparation process station" is replaced by the term process station.

[0015] In the preparation line, the at least one battery cell is preferably moved in a continuous linear movement from a feed area, where it is present as a raw battery cell, past one or more process stations and led to a transfer area, where it is present as a prepared battery cell and can be used for the subsequent battery module production.

[0016] Within the preparation line, there is a macro-conveying movement which is constant, in particular at the transfer points to the feed area and the transfer area, i.e., in particular at a constant conveying speed and / or a constant conveying cycle. The overall conveying path is divided into one, two or more sections of a main conveying path formed by the main conveying means, and, on the other hand, into at least one and optionally two or more intermediate conveying paths formed by the at least one auxiliary conveying means. On the main conveying path, the movement of a battery cell occurs according to the constant macro-conveying movement. On an intermediate auxiliary conveying path, a deviating intermediate conveying movement may be present, which is adapted to the respective process requirements of a process station which operates along the auxiliary conveying path and is, in particular, arranged stationary there.

[0017] This ensures that, without additional gripping or transferring of battery cells, at least one preparation process can be carried out. This process acts on a battery cell and, with regard to the relative movement between the battery cell and the respective processing element, imposes requirements on the battery cell movement that differ from the requirements for the macro-conveying movement between the feed area and the transfer area. The auxiliary conveying means is preferably designed to temporarily accelerate and decelerate a battery cell relative to the macro-conveying movement in such a way that the macro-conveying movement is maintained at the transition points between the sections of the main conveying path and the auxiliary conveying path.

[0018] A battery cell can be moved directly by the main conveyor and the at least one auxiliary conveyor. However, indirect movement of a battery cell is preferred, wherein the battery cell is accommodated and held in a product carrier that is moved by the main conveyor and the at least one auxiliary conveyor.

[0019] The preparation line according to the present disclosure can comprise one or preferably several product carriers for accommodating one or more battery cells. Particularly preferably, a product carrier is designed specifically to accommodate one battery cell. In other words, a product carrier is a single product carrier or a product carrier for accommodating one battery cell individually.

[0020] The main conveyor and the at least one auxiliary conveyor are designed to move one or more product carriers with battery cells accommodated therein. In particular, one, two, or more battery cells or product carriers can be conveyed at any one time on each part of the main conveyor line and on each auxiliary conveyor line. In particular, a limited number of battery cells or product carriers can be conveyed on an auxiliary conveyor line, for example, a conveyance of exactly one battery cell or one product carrier, or exactly two or three battery cells or product carriers, at any given time.

[0021] An auxiliary conveyor is preferably designed to adapt an actual movement of a battery cell to a desired movement, i.e. in particular to control or regulate the actual movement of a battery cell. In this case, individual components of the actual movement, such as an actual orientation, can be controlled and other components, such as an actual position and an actual speed, can be regulated. The actual movement can thus be adapted precisely to the requirements of a preparation process within the intermediate conveying movement on an auxiliary conveyor line. Alternatively or additionally, a preparation process can be adapted to a component of the actual movement, in particular to a detected transverse offset of a battery cell relative to a reference line or reference edge running in the longitudinal direction of the preparation line.

[0022] In other words, at least one process element of a preparation process station can be controlled or regulated depending on an actual position and / or an actual orientation of a battery cell.

[0023] A product carrier according to the present disclosure is intended and configured for use in a battery cell preparation line according to the present disclosure. The product carrier comprises a base body with a receiving nest for receiving one or more battery cells, in particular for receiving exactly one battery cell. The product carrier further comprises a support structure that forms a stop for precisely fitting a battery cell. In other words, the support structure is configured to specify a reference position for a battery cell to be received.

[0024] According to a first preferred embodiment, the product carrier comprises at least one magnet that interacts with a magnetic linear conveyor of an auxiliary conveyor of the battery cell preparation line. The magnetic linear conveyor can, in particular, be a linear motor.

[0025] According to a further preferred embodiment, the product carrier comprises a reference structure that enables or supports a preferably contactless detection of the actual position and / or the actual orientation of the product carrier by a detection means of the battery cell preparation line. This can in particular be an optical or electromagnetic marker.

[0026] According to a further preferred embodiment, the product carrier comprises a guide structure that enables or supports an adjustment, in particular a control specification, of the actual position and / or an adjustment or control specification of the actual orientation of the product carrier relative to the battery cell preparation line. This can in particular be a guide edge or a guide groove.

[0027] According to a further preferred embodiment, the product carrier comprises a holding means that fixes a battery cell in an inserted position, in particular the reference position, to the product carrier and / or fixes it under pretension against the at least one contact structure. The holding means is preferably designed as a self-closing holding means.

[0028] The features of the aforementioned preferred embodiments can be used individually or in any combination.

[0029] A battery cell preparation method according to the present disclosure is provided and configured for preparing and providing at least one battery cell for (subsequent) battery module production. In the method, at least one battery cell is moved as a raw battery cell in a battery cell preparation line from a feed area to one or more preparation process stations and is moved further as a prepared battery cell to a transfer area. The method further comprises at least the following steps.

[0030] The battery cell is transported by a main conveyor during a constant macro-conveying movement (during regular operation), in particular at a constant conveying speed and / or conveying cycle at the transfer points to the feed area and the transfer area. In the area of ​​at least one auxiliary conveyor line, which comprises a partial section of the battery cell preparation line between the feed area and the transfer area, a battery cell is transported by at least one auxiliary conveyor during an intermediate conveying movement. The intermediate conveying movement temporarily deviates from the macro-conveying movement in such a way that the battery cell can be fed along the auxiliary conveyor line to a preparation process at such a speed that the current movement of the battery cell is adapted to the requirements of this preparation process.The adjustment may include a specification and, in particular, a control or regulation of a current actual position, a current actual speed, and a current actual orientation. The aforementioned movement characteristics can be controlled or regulated individually or jointly, and each separately in sub-components.

[0031] The at least one preparation process preferably acts on a surface of a moving battery cell from above. Furthermore, the preparation process is preferably carried out by a stationary processing element. Alternatively or additionally, a product carrier can be designed such that the battery cell is acted upon from a different direction, for example in the horizontal direction, in particular in the transverse direction, or from below. The product carrier can accordingly have at least one lateral or lower opening through which access is possible. In particular, a product carrier can have a base body in the form of a frame with one, two or more lateral openings.

[0032] The battery cell preparation technique according to the present disclosure thus provides a combined conveying and processing technique that ensures fast, safe, and essentially continuous preparation and provision of battery cells for a subsequent battery module manufacturing process. Furthermore, the proposed technique utilizes simpler and more cost-effective technical means compared to multiple battery gripping and transferring.

[0033] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims, the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

[0034] The invention is illustrated schematically and by way of example in the drawings. These show: Figure 1: a battery cell preparation line according to the present disclosure in a perspective view; Figure 2: a schematic side view of a battery cell preparation line in a second embodiment; Figures 3 and 4: a top view and a front view of a product carrier according to the present disclosure; Figures 5 and 6: sectional views along section lines VV and VI-VI of the product carrier from Figure 3 .

[0035] Figure 1shows an exemplary embodiment of a battery cell preparation line (1) according to the present disclosure. This line conveys one or more battery cells (2, 3) from a feed area (5) to a transfer area (6). The conveying direction is a substantially linear and substantially horizontal direction, which is designated in the drawings as the longitudinal direction or advance direction (X). A further substantially horizontal direction, which runs transversely to the conveying direction (X), is designated in the drawings as the transverse direction (Y). A direction that is substantially orthogonal to the advance direction (X) and the transverse direction (Y) and points upwards is designated in the drawings as the vertical direction (Z).

[0036] The preparation line (1) comprises one or more linear conveyors (4). A battery cell in the form of a raw battery cell (2) is fed to the linear conveyor (4) at a transfer point (18) from the feed area (5). The transfer point (18) can be of any design. For example, a so-called T-gantry with a gripper can be provided, which picks up a raw battery cell (2) and preferably places it individually on one of the linear conveyors (4).

[0037] The at least one linear conveyor (4) is designed at least in two parts and comprises a main conveyor (8) and an auxiliary conveyor (20) interposed in the conveying path of the main conveyor (8). Alternatively, two or more auxiliary conveyors (20) can be provided, which are interposed in the conveying path of the main conveyor (8), which is exemplified in Figure 2 is shown.

[0038] At least from the transfer point (18) a battery cell (2) is transported by the main conveyor (8) at a constant macro-conveying movement (A).

[0039] At the end of the conveyor line in the forward direction (X) of the main conveyor (8) there is a second transfer point (19), through which a battery cell, here a prepared battery cell (3), is delivered to the transfer area (6). The second transfer point (19) can also have any desired design. In the example of Figure 1 the prepared battery cells (3) continuously conveyed to the transfer point are gradually introduced into receiving registers, in particular in such a number and sorting that exactly the required combination of prepared battery cells (3) for the production of exactly one battery module is summarized in one receiving register.

[0040] The conveying element (26) of the main conveying means (8) can be driven in any way, in particular by one or more controllable conveyor drives (27). According to the example in Figure 2 a part of the conveyor element (26), in particular a part of the upper run, can be set back relative to the conveying plane in the area of ​​overlap with an auxiliary conveyor means (20, 25). A partially set-back guidance of the conveyor element (26) can be carried out in any desired manner, in particular in the form of a loop guide, as shown in Figure 2is outlined. Alternatively, instead of a continuous conveyor element, a plurality of conveyor elements can be provided, each forming one or more sections of the conveyor path of the main conveyor. In other words, those parts of the at least one conveyor element (26) that run in the conveying plane can form the conveyor path of the main conveyor (8). A transported battery cell (2, 3) and in particular a goods carrier (21) can be transferred in a linear movement between the sections of the conveyor path of the main conveyor (8) and the conveyor path of an intermediate auxiliary conveyor (20, 25). For this purpose, the sections of the conveyor path of the main conveyor (8) and the conveyor paths of the at least one auxiliary conveyor (20, 25) preferably adjoin one another directly, in particular with the conveyor paths being arranged in a common alignment or level.

[0041] One or more preparation process stations (9) are arranged along the at least one linear conveyor (4) and in particular along the respective auxiliary conveyor means (20) or auxiliary conveyor lines (20). The preparation process stations (9) can have any desired design. According to the example of Figure 2 A first process station (9) can be a cleaning device (10) that removes contaminants from the surface of a battery cell (2, 3). The cleaning device (10) can have any suitable process element (11) for this purpose, in particular an application device and / or a removal device for cleaning fluid. In other words, the cleaning device (10) is designed to apply a cleaning fluid and, if necessary, subsequently remove it.

[0042] In the example of Figure 2A subsequent second process station (14) is designed as a material application device that applies an additional material to a surface of a battery cell (2, 3). The material application device (14) can comprise any suitable process element (15) for this purpose, in particular a film applicator, an adhesive tape applicator, and / or a paint applicator. In other words, the material application device (14) is designed to apply an adhesive, an insulating agent, and / or a sealing agent to a surface of a battery cell (2, 3).

[0043] In the example of Figure 2a subsequent third process station (12) is designed as a surface treatment device (12) that acts on a surface material of a battery cell (2, 3). The surface material can comprise an additional material applied by the preceding material application device (14) and / or a possibly previously cleaned raw surface of the battery cell (2, 3). The surface treatment device (12) comprises any suitable process element (13), in particular a plasma applicator and / or a radiation applicator. In other words, the surface treatment device (12) is preferably designed to apply a plasma (ionized gas) and / or radiation to a surface material of a battery cell (2, 3). The surface treatment can in particular be a chemical surface treatment, i.e.a treatment that triggers or supports a chemical reaction in the area of ​​the surface of the battery cell by adding a substance and / or energy.

[0044] In the example of Figure 2a fourth process station (16) which follows is designed as a placement device which applies a placement to a surface of a battery cell (2, 3). For this purpose, the placement device (16) can have any suitable process element (17), in particular a spacer applicator and / or an adhesive element applicator. In other words, the placement device (16) is preferably designed to apply a spacer film and / or a spacer to the surface of a battery cell (2, 3). A spacer film and / or a spacer can effect a spacing and, if appropriate, internal fixing of adjacent (preparatory) battery cells (3) in a battery cell stack for a battery module to be subsequently manufactured.

[0045] The at least one auxiliary conveyor (20) can be designed as desired. It is particularly designed to move at least one battery cell (2, 3), in particular a battery cell (2, 3) held in a product carrier (21), with an intermediate conveying movement (B) that deviates from the macro conveying movement (A) and is adapted to the process requirements of one of the aforementioned preparatory process stations (9, 10, 12, 14, 16).

[0046] Particularly preferably, an auxiliary conveying means (20) is designed as a magnetic linear conveyor, in particular as a linear motor (25) which interacts with at least one magnet (22, 23, 24) of a goods carrier (21).

[0047] The main conveyor (8) can also be designed as desired. It is particularly designed to transport a plurality of battery cells (2, 3) and in particular a plurality of battery cells (2, 3) each individually accommodated in product carriers (21). In particular, the main conveyor (8) directly transports the one or more product carriers (21) in several partial areas of the overall length of the linear conveyor (4) between the transfer points (18, 19), in each of which the battery cells (2, 3) are accommodated in receiving nests (31). Direct contact between a battery cell (2, 3) and the main conveyor (8) is possible, but not required. The main conveyor (8) is preferably designed as a circulating conveyor that conveys one or more product carriers (21), in particular loaded product carriers (21), in the feed direction (X) from the feed area (5) to the transfer area (6).The main conveyor (8), designed as a circulating conveyor, is preferably further configured to return one or more goods carriers, in particular empty goods carriers (21'), from the transfer area (6) to the feed area (5) in a return direction (X'). The main conveyor (8) can particularly preferably comprise a circulating conveyor element (26), for example, a preferably circulating conveyor belt. Alternatively, any other conveyor element can be provided, for example, a conveyor chain or a slideway with, for example, a linear drag or entrainment means.

[0048] According to a preferred embodiment, a preparation process station (9, 10, 12, 14, 16) is assigned its own auxiliary conveyor (20). In the example of Figure 2Each of the process stations (10, 12, 14, 16) is assigned a separate auxiliary conveyor (20). Alternatively, a plurality of, for example, a group of, in particular, adjacent process stations (14, 12, 16) can be assigned a common auxiliary conveyor (20).

[0049] According to a preferred embodiment, a preparation process station (9) and in particular each process station (10, 12, 14, 16) can be arranged on the battery cell preparation line (1) and in particular on the conveying path of an auxiliary conveyor (20) in such a way that a processing element (11, 13, 15, 17) of the respective preparation process station (9) acts essentially from above on a battery cell (2, 3), which is moved along the respective processing element (11, 13, 15, 17) by the respective auxiliary conveyor (20). Particularly preferably, a preparation process station (9) and / or its processing element (11, 13, 15, 17) is arranged stationary, in particular stationary above a conveying path of an auxiliary conveyor (20).

[0050] An auxiliary conveying means (20), and in particular the magnetic linear conveyor (25), is preferably designed to adapt an actual movement of a goods carrier (21) and / or an actual movement of a battery cell (2, 3) to a desired movement. The desired movement can be defined according to the process requirements of a respective preparatory process station (9) and, in particular, can specify a (current) desired position and / or a desired orientation and / or a desired speed within the area of ​​action between the respective process element (11, 13, 15, 17) and a battery cell (2, 3). The adaptation of the actual movement to the desired movement can be carried out completely or in part by controlling or regulating the actual position (PI) and / or the actual speed (VI) and / or the actual orientation (OI). The actual position (PI) can, if necessary,be defined separately as a current longitudinal position, particularly along the forward direction (X), and as a transverse position, particularly along the transverse direction (Y). The two position components can be adjusted jointly or independently of one another by open-loop or closed-loop control to a corresponding target position in the forward direction (X) and / or in the longitudinal direction (X).

[0051] To achieve the most precise possible adaptation of the target movement of a battery cell, various enabling techniques and structures can be used individually or in combination. Some of the possible techniques and structures are described below. Other suitable techniques or structures can be provided alternatively or in addition.

[0052] The battery cell preparation line (1) preferably comprises at least one detection means (29) designed to detect a (current) actual position (PI) and / or an actual orientation (OI) of a battery cell (2, 3) and / or a product carrier (21, 21'). The detection means (29) can be designed as desired for this purpose and can interact in any desired manner with a battery cell (2, 3) and / or a product carrier (21, 21') and any recognizable reference structures (28) provided there. The detection means is preferably designed as a contactless detection means. According to an alternative embodiment, the preparation line (1) can have a preferably contactless position detection and / or a preferably contactless orientation detection, which may operate without a separate detection means (29).For example, a (current) actual position and / or a (current) actual orientation of a battery cell (2, 3) and / or a goods carrier (21, 21') can be obtained from an external data source or estimated on the basis of an external data reference.

[0053] A product carrier (21, 21') is preferably designed to receive and hold a battery cell (2, 3), in particular precisely one battery cell (2, 3), in a predetermined reference position (R). The reference position (R) can be defined in particular relative to a reference structure (28) of the product carrier (21, 21'). The reference position (R) can possibly provide different proportions and in particular different accuracies for the reference position (R) in different directions, in particular in the forward direction (X) and in the transverse direction (Y). A preferred embodiment of a product carrier (21) is explained below.

[0054] The detection means (29) or the position detection and / or orientation detection is / are preferably designed to detect a relative actual position and / or a relative actual orientation of a battery cell (2, 3) with respect to a goods carrier (21) in which the battery cell (2, 3) is received and held. This relative actual position or relative actual orientation can in particular only occur once within the conveying path between the feed area (5) and the transfer area (6), preferably at or in the forward direction (X) shortly after the first transfer point (18). As a result of the retaining reception of the battery cell (2, 3) within the goods carrier (21), the relative actual position and / or relative actual orientation can be constant or assumed to be constant for the further conveying path.

[0055] An absolute actual position and / or an absolute actual orientation of a goods carrier (21) can additionally be recorded and / or precisely specified at various points along the conveyor line.

[0056] Of course, it is alternatively or additionally possible to record an absolute actual position and / or an absolute actual orientation of a battery cell (2, 3) and / or a goods carrier (21, 21') relative to the preparation line (1) at only one or several points along the conveyor line, particularly in the area of ​​the at least one auxiliary conveyor (20). Additional recording means or data references from external recording devices may be provided for this purpose.

[0057] In the example of Figures 1 and 2in the inlet area at or behind the first transfer point (18), a contactless detection of the actual position of a battery cell (2, 3) there is determined as the relative actual position of the battery cell (2, 3) with respect to at least one reference structure (28) of the goods carrier (21) in which the respective battery cell (2, 3) is received and held.

[0058] The relative actual position is detected and stored separately, in particular for each battery cell (2, 3). The goods carrier (21) is guided with a precise actual movement at least in the region of an auxiliary conveyor (20) and in particular a magnetic linear conveyor (25), wherein a linear motor interacts, in particular with at least one magnet (22), on a goods carrier (21). The actual movement is preferably precisely controlled or regulated by the linear motor, at least with regard to the current actual speed. Furthermore, a current actual position along the advance direction (X) can be precisely controlled or regulated by the linear motor (25).The control or regulation of the actual position (PI) of a product carrier (21) can be carried out according to the known relative actual position of the battery cell (2, 3) with respect to this product carrier (21) in such a way that the absolute actual position of the battery cell (2, 3) along the advance direction (X) is adapted to the respective process requirements of a preparation process station (9).

[0059] Figures 3 to 6 show a product carrier according to the present disclosure in a preferred embodiment.

[0060] The product carrier (21) is designed for use in a battery cell preparation line (1) according to the present disclosure. It comprises a base body (30) with a receiving nest (31) for receiving a battery cell (2, 3). In the example of Figure 3a plan view of the product carrier (21) with a received battery cell (2) is shown. The product carrier and in particular the base body (30) has at least one contact structure (32) which forms a stop for the precise reception of a battery cell (2, 3). In the example shown, the contact structure (32) is formed by a contact edge or contact wall against which the battery cell (2, 3) introduced into the receiving nest (31) can be placed. Here, connection contacts (36) of the battery cell (2, 3) are in contact with the contact structure (32). Alternatively, any other contour or physical structure of the battery cell can contact the contact structure (32).

[0061] The product carrier (21) has a holding means (34) which fixes the battery cell (2, 3) in the inserted position on the product carrier (21). The fixation is preferably achieved by a self-closing means and further preferably in a reference position and / or under pre-tension against the at least one contact structure (32). The holding means (34) is designed in the example shown as a self-closing holding means. On the one hand, it has a clamping bar which can be actuated by external influence in order to release or activate the clamping and holding function. A slotted guide, for example, can be provided on the clamping bar. When the slotted guide is in a basic position or in an active position, one or more pressure stamps of the holding means (34) are pressed against the battery cell (2, 3), in particular in the direction of the contact structure (32). When the clamping bar or slotted guide is in an inactive ortension-free position, the one or more pressure stamps are released from the force and / or removed from the battery cell (2,3).

[0062] The holding means (34) and / or the receiving nest (31) can be adjustable or replaceable in order to adapt the product carrier to accommodate different types of battery cells (2,3).

[0063] The goods carrier (21) preferably has a guide structure (33) which enables or supports an adjustment of the actual position (PI) and / or an adjustment of the actual orientation (OI) of the goods carrier (21, 21') relative to the preparation line (1). In the examples shown, the guide structure (33) is formed by a guide edge or guide groove which, for example, extends in the conveying direction or advance direction (X). By means of contact between the guide structure (33) of a goods carrier (21) and a guide aid of the preparation line (1), for example a guide rail, a current actual position of the goods carrier can be determined at least in the transverse direction (Y) and in particular can be set to the value of a target position in the transverse direction (Y). The reference position of the battery cell (2, 3) illustrated in the figures, which is determined in particular by the at leasta support structure (32) and / or the holding means (34) and / or the receiving nest (31) can be specified, effects a specification and in particular an exact specification of the relative actual position of a battery cell (2, 3) in the transverse direction (Y) with respect to the goods carrier (21) in which the battery cell (2, 3) is received. By means of the reference position and the guide structure (33) on a goods carrier (21), a battery cell (2, 3) received in a goods carrier (21) can thus also be guided with regard to the absolute actual position (PI) in the transverse direction (Y), so that the absolute actual position (PI) is set to the value of a target position.

[0064] If necessary, the guide means, and in particular the aforementioned guide rail of the preparation line (1), can be adjustable and / or positionable in the transverse direction (Y) in a controlled or regulated manner. In this way, the absolute actual position (PI) of the goods carrier (21) and / or a received battery cell (2, 3) in the transverse direction (Y) can also be controlled or regulated.

[0065] The guide structure (33), in particular the aforementioned guide edge or guide groove, can be present in one or more forms. Preferably, there are at least two contact points between the guide structure (33) and the guide means of the preparation line (1), wherein the contact points are arranged such that an absolute actual orientation (OI) can also be set and, in particular, controlled or regulated by the guide means.

[0066] In the examples of the figures, a relative actual position (PI) of the battery cell (2, 3) along the advance direction (X) relative to a product carrier (21) is variable to a certain extent. It is therefore preferred that the actual position detection or the detection means (29) detects at least a relative actual position (PI) and / or a relative actual orientation (OI) of a battery cell (2, 3) relative to the product carrier (21) in which the battery cell (2, 3) is accommodated. This is particularly preferably achieved by detecting reference structures (28) on the one hand on the battery cell (2, 3) and on the other hand on the product carrier (21). The reference structures can have any desired design. The reference structures (28) on the battery cell (2, 3) and on the product carrier (21) can each have different or identical designs. In particular, they can each be designed as an optical marker, a magnetic marker, or an electromagnetic marker.In the illustration by . Figure 3 A recognizable reference structure (28) of the battery cell (2, 3) is an edge of a base body of the battery cell (2, 3) leading in the advance direction (X). Two optical markers are provided on the product carrier (21), which can be detected, for example, by a vision system, in particular a camera with image capture technology. By detecting the position, in particular a relative position of the aforementioned reference structures (28) can be detected and evaluated in order to determine the (current) relative actual position of the battery cell (2, 3) relative to the product carrier (21), in particular along the advance direction (X).

[0067] At least one process station (9) and in particular one process element (11, 13, 15, 17) can preferably be controlled or regulated as a function of the detected or otherwise known actual position (PI) and / or actual orientation (OI) of a battery cell (2, 3). This can in particular relate to the current actual position (PI) along the feed direction (X) and an actual orientation (OI) of a battery cell. The control or regulation of the process station (9) and / or the process element (11, 13, 15, 17) can in particular take place as a function of a detected relative actual position and / or a detected relative actual orientation of a battery cell (2, 3) relative to a product carrier (21). The control or regulation can provide that the processing element begins its action on the battery cell (2, 3) at the exact time at which the contour or surface to be processed arrives at the action zone of the processing element (11, 13, 15, 17) according to the intermediate conveying movement (B).as long as the battery cell passes the impact zone.

[0068] By means of the aforementioned control or regulation it can be achieved, for example, that an insulation to be applied as a self-adhesive layer is positioned exactly on the surface of the battery cell (2, 3), even if the relative actual position and / or the relative actual orientation of the battery cell (2, 3) with respect to the product carrier (21) in which the battery cell (2, 3) is accommodated and held is subject to certain tolerances.

[0069] The product carrier (21) comprises, as shown in Figures 5 and 6 preferably at least one magnet (22) which cooperates with a magnetic linear conveyor and in particular a linear motor (25) of an auxiliary conveyor (20). In the example of Figures 5 and 6Two or more permanent magnets are arranged on the underside or on or in the lower part of the goods carrier (21). The arrangement can be chosen differently. Preferably, the one or more magnets (22) are arranged on that side of the goods carrier (21) or the base body (30) which comes into operative contact or into operative connection with the magnetic linear conveyor or linear motor (25). The operative contact can be a direct, i.e., physically touching contact, or an indirect, contactless contact, which acts, for example, through remote forces via an air gap.

[0070] Separate contact areas may be provided for conveying a product carrier (21) on the main conveyor (8), if necessary. In the figures, these are, for example, two support surfaces or skids (35) oriented along the feed direction (X) on the lower outer edges of the product carrier.

[0071] According to the example shown, the one or more magnets (22) of the goods carrier can be exclusively permanent magnets (23) and / or electromagnets (24).

[0072] At least one of the magnets (22, 23, 24) can be used as a reference structure (28) via which a current actual position (PI) of a goods carrier (21) relative to an auxiliary conveyor (20) and in particular relative to a magnetic linear conveyor (25) can be determined.

[0073] The magnetic linear conveyor (25) or the linear motor is preferably designed to control and preferably regulate a current actual position of the goods carrier (21) at least along the advance direction (X) via its interaction with the at least one magnet of a goods carrier (21). The magnetic linear conveyor or a separate detection means can further be designed to detect a current actual position (PI) of a goods carrier (21) at least along the advance direction (X), specifically based on the detection of the at least one magnet (22) as a reference structure (28).

[0074] Alternatively, another magnetically or electromagnetically acting means may be provided as an additional reference structure (28).

[0075] Modifications to the invention are possible in various ways. In particular, all features described, claimed, or shown for the various embodiments can be combined with one another, replaced with one another, or omitted in any way.

[0076] A product carrier (21) can have a coding or an identification means. The coding or the identification means is preferably designed to make a product carrier (21) clearly distinguishable from other product carriers. The coding or the identification means can preferably be detected once or multiple times in the battery cell preparation process or on the preparation line (1). In particular, the further detected information can be assigned to the coding or the identification feature of the product carrier (21). This can be done in particular in an ordered data structure that is managed, for example, in a control system of the preparation line (1). Alternatively or additionally, the various detected data, and in particular a detected relative actual position (PI) and / or a detected relative actual orientation (OI), can be stored on or in the identification means.

[0077] The stored acquisition data are preferably queried, read out, and processed for the control or regulation of a process element (11, 13, 15, 17). They can also be combined with acquired, estimated, or precisely specified information about the actual position or actual orientation of a product carrier (21).

[0078] The auxiliary conveyor (20), in particular the magnetic linear conveyor, is preferably designed to adapt the actual movement of a goods carrier (21) and / or a battery cell (2, 3) to a desired movement. The adaptation of the actual movement takes place in particular by controlling or regulating the actual position (PI) and / or the actual speed (VI) and / or the actual orientation (OI) of the goods carrier (21) or the battery cell (2, 3). Particularly preferably, the preparation line has a transverse guide means by which the actual position of a goods carrier (21) and / or a battery cell (2, 3) in the transverse direction (Y) can be controlled or adjusted, in particular to achieve a desired position in the transverse direction (transverse position control). The desired position in the transverse direction can be fixed or variable. The transverse guide means is preferably designed as a controllable and, in particular, adjustable transverse guide means.The transverse guide means may be the guide rail mentioned above or another suitable means.

[0079] Alternatively or additionally, the preparation line comprises a dynamic longitudinal positioning means by which the (current) actual position of a goods carrier (21) and / or a battery (2, 3) in the longitudinal direction or advance direction (X) can be controlled or adjusted, in particular to achieve a target position in the longitudinal direction (longitudinal position control). The target position in the longitudinal direction can be predetermined for one or more points in time or time periods according to a fixed scheme. Alternatively or additionally, the (current) target position in the longitudinal direction can be dynamically determined or variable. The longitudinal positioning means is preferably designed as a controllable and, in particular, adjustable longitudinal positioning means. The longitudinal positioning means can be a position control or position regulation of the aforementioned magnetic linear conveyor, in particular the linear motor, or another suitable means.

[0080] A transfer point (18, 19) can be configured as desired. According to a first embodiment, a raw battery cell (2) is arranged at a first transfer point (18) directly on the conveyor line of the main conveyor, in particular by being placed directly on the conveyor element (26) of the main conveyor (8). At a second transfer point (19), a prepared battery cell (3) is removed directly from the conveyor line of the main conveyor (8).

[0081] Alternatively, a raw battery cell (2, 3) can be placed on or at a goods carrier (21') at a first transfer point (18), preferably by being introduced into the receiving nest (31). The goods carrier (21, 21') can be located on the (input-side) conveyor section of the main conveyor (8), in the transition from a conveyor section of the main conveyor (8) to an (input-side) conveyor section of an auxiliary conveyor (20), or already on the conveyor section of the auxiliary conveyor (20) at the time or during the placement. Likewise, a prepared battery cell (3) can be removed from a goods carrier (21) at a second transfer point (19). The goods carrier (21) can be located on the (input-side) conveyor section of the main conveyor (8) at the time or during the placement.during the removal on the (output-side) conveyor line of the auxiliary conveyor (20), in the transition from a conveyor line of an auxiliary conveyor (20) to a (output-side) conveyor line of the main conveyor (8) or already on the conveyor line of the main conveyor (8).

[0082] A (separate) transfer device can be arranged at a transfer point (18, 19) and in particular at both transfer points (18, 19) to initiate or carry out a movement of the battery cell between the feed area (5) and the preparation line or between the preparation line and the transfer area (6). Alternatively, the deposit or supply of a raw battery cell (2) and / or the removal or transfer of a prepared battery cell (3) can take place at a transfer point (18, 19) without additional device means. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0083] 1Battery cell preparation line / Preparation line 2Battery cell / Raw battery cell 3Battery cell / Prepared battery cell 4Linear conveyor 5Feeding area 6Transfer area 7Battery module production 8Main conveyor / Main conveyor line (linear) / Circulating conveyor 9Preparation process station(s) / Preparation process 10First process station / First process / Cleaning device / Surface cleaning 11Process element / Cleaning fluid application device / Cleaning fluid removal device / Fluid application and / or fluid removal 12Third process station / Second process / Surface treatment device (chemical) / (Chemical) surface treatment 13Process element / Plasma applicator / Radiation applicator 14Second process station / Third process / Material application device / Material application 15Process element / Foil applicator / Adhesive tape applicator / Paint applicator 16Fourth process station / Fourth process / Loading device / Equipment 17 Processing element / spacer applicator / adhesive element applicator 18 Transfer point / infeed / insertion 19 Transfer point / outfeed / discharge 20 Auxiliary conveyor / auxiliary conveyor section (linear) 21 Goods carrier / loaded goods carrier 21 Goods carrier / empty goods carrier 22 Magnet 23 Permanent magnet 24 Electromagnet 25 Magnetic linear conveyor / linear motor 26 Conveyor element / belt, preferably revolving 27 Conveyor drive, controllable 28 Reference structure / optical marker / magnetic or electromagnetic marker 29 Detection device / contactless detection device / contactless position and / or alignment detection 30 Base body 31 Pick-up nest 32 Contact structure / stop point(s) / stop edge / stop surface 33 Guide structure / guide edge / guide groove 34 Holding device (self-closing) 35Wing / Skid 36Connection contact AMacro conveying movement BIntermediate conveying movement PIIActual position PSTarget position OIIActual orientation OSTarget orientationRReference position VIIActual speed VSSet speed XLongitudinal direction / forward direction / horizontal X'Return direction / horizontal YTransverse direction / horizontal ZVertical direction / top

Claims

1. Battery cell preparation line for preparing one or more unprocessed battery cells (2) for battery module production (7), wherein the preparation line (1) comprises a linear conveyor (4) which moves at least one unprocessed battery cell (2) from a supply region (5) to one or more preparation process stations (9), which are arranged along the preparation line (1), and moves prepared battery cells (3) onwards to a transfer region (6), characterized in that the preparation line comprises: - a main conveying means (8) for battery cell movement, wherein the main conveying means (8) is designed to transport the at least one battery cell (2, 3) and / or a product carrier (21), which is designed to receive a battery cell (2, 3), with a constant macro conveying movement (A), in particular at a constant conveying speed and / or conveying cycle at the transfer points (18, 19) to the supply region (5) and to the transfer region (6), - at least one auxiliary conveying means (20), which is interposed in the conveying line of the main conveying means (8), - wherein the auxiliary conveying means (20) is designed to transport at least one battery cell (2, 3) and / or a product carrier (21), which is designed to receive a battery cell (2, 3), with an intermediate conveying movement (B), which temporarily deviates from the macro conveying movement (A), such that a battery cell (2, 3) can be guided along the conveying line of the auxiliary conveying means (20) to a preparation process station (9) at such a speed that the momentary movement of the battery cell (2, 3) and / or of a product carrier (21) is adapted to the process requirements of this preparation process station (9).

2. Battery cell preparation line according to Claim 1, wherein the preparation line (1) has one or more product carriers (21) for receiving one or more battery cells (2, 3), in particular in each case exactly one battery cell (2, 3).

3. Battery cell preparation line according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein an auxiliary conveying means (20) is formed as a magnetic linear conveyor, in particular as a linear motor (25), which cooperates with at least one magnet (22, 23, 24) of a product carrier (21).

4. Battery cell preparation line according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the main conveying means (8) is formed as a circulating conveyor, which conveys one or more product carriers (21), in particular loaded product carriers, in a preferably linear feed direction (X) from the supply region (5) to the transfer region (6), and furthermore returns product carriers (21), in particular empty product carriers (21'), in a return direction (X') from the transfer region (6) to the supply region (5), wherein the main conveying means (8) in particular has a circulating conveying element (26).

5. Battery cell preparation line according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a product carrier (21, 21') is designed to receive and hold a battery cell (2, 3) in a predefined reference position (R) in relation to a reference structure (28) of the product carrier (21, 21').

6. Battery cell preparation line according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the battery cell preparation line (1) has at least one detection means (29), which is designed to detect an actual position (PI) and / or an actual orientation (OI) of a battery cell (2, 3) and / or of a product carrier (21, 21'), in particular a relative actual position or relative actual orientation of a battery cell (2, 3) in relation to a product carrier (21) in which the battery cell (2, 3) is received and held, and / or an absolute actual position and / or absolute actual orientation of a battery cell (2, 3) and / or of a product carrier (21, 21') in relation to the battery cell preparation line (1), wherein the detection is preferably effected contactlessly.

7. Battery cell preparation line according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxiliary conveying means (20), in particular the magnetic linear conveyor, is designed to adapt the actual movement of a product carrier (21) or of a battery cell (2, 3) to a setpoint movement, in particular to control or regulate the actual position (PI) and / or the actual speed (VI) and / or the actual orientation (OI) of the product carrier (21) or of the battery cell (2, 3).

8. Battery cell preparation line according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one process member (11, 13, 15, 17) of a preparation process station (9) is controlled or regulated in dependence on an actual position (PI) and / or actual orientation (OI) of a battery cell (2, 3), in particular in dependence on a relative actual position and / or relative actual orientation of a battery cell (2, 3) in relation to a product carrier (21) in which the battery cell (2, 3) is received and held.

9. Battery cell preparation line according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one preparation process station (9) is arranged on the battery cell preparation line (1) and in particular on the conveying line of an auxiliary conveying means (20) in such a way that a process member (11, 13, 15, 17) of the preparation process station (9) acts substantially from above on a battery cell (2, 3) which is moved along the respective process member (11, 13, 15, 17) by the auxiliary conveying means (20), wherein in particular the preparation process station (9) and / or its process member (11, 13, 15, 17) is arranged stationarily.

10. Battery cell preparation line according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one preparation process station (9) is formed as: - a cleaning apparatus (10) which removes contaminants from a surface of a battery cell (2, 3), in particular by application and any subsequent removal of a cleaning fluid; OR as - a surface treatment apparatus (12) which acts on a surface material of a battery cell (2, 3), in particular by application of plasma or radiation; OR as - a material application apparatus (14) which applies an additional material to a surface of a battery cell (2, 3), in particular an adhesive, an insulating agent, a sealing agent, a spacer element; OR as - a loading apparatus (16) which applies a loading item to a surface of a battery cell (2, 3), in particular a spacer film or a spacer.

11. Product carrier for use in a battery cell preparation line (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the product carrier (21, 21') has: - a main body (30) with a receiving nest (31) for receiving one or more battery cells (2, 3), in particular for receiving exactly one battery cell (2, 3); - at least one abutment structure (32) which forms a stop for receiving a battery cell (2, 3) in an accurately fitting manner, characterized in that the product carrier furthermore has: - at least one magnet (22, 23, 24) which cooperates with a magnetic linear conveyor, in particular a linear motor (25) of an auxiliary conveying means (20) of the battery cell preparation line (1); AND / OR - a reference structure (28) which enables or assists preferably contactless detection of the actual position (PI) and / or actual orientation (OI) of the product carrier (21, 21') by a detection means (29) of the battery cell preparation line (1), in particular an optical or electromagnetic marker; AND / OR - a guide structure (33) which enables or assists an adaptation of the actual position (PI) and / or an adaptation of the actual orientation (OI) of the product carrier (21, 21') in relation to the battery cell preparation line (1), in particular a guide edge or guide groove; AND / OR - a preferably self-closing holding means (34) which fixes a battery cell (2, 3) in an inserted position on the product carrier (21), in particular in a reference position and / or under preload against the at least one abutment structure (32).

12. Battery cell preparation method for preparing and providing at least one battery cell (2, 3) for battery module production (7), wherein the at least one battery cell is moved, in the form of an unprocessed battery cell (2), in a battery cell preparation line (1) from a supply region (5) to one or more preparation process stations (9) and is moved, in the form of a prepared battery cell (3), onwards to a transfer region (6), characterized by the following steps: - transporting the battery cell (2, 3) and / or a product carrier (21), which is designed to receive a battery cell (2, 3), with a constant macro conveying movement (A), in particular at a constant conveying speed and / or conveying cycle at the transfer points (18, 19) to the supply region (5) and to the transfer region (6), by means of a main conveying means (8), - in the region of at least one auxiliary conveying line (20) comprising only one section of the battery cell preparation line (1) between the supply region (5) and the transfer region (6): transporting the battery cell (2, 3) and / or the product carrier (21) with an intermediate conveying movement (B), which temporarily deviates from the macro conveying movement (A), by means of at least one auxiliary conveying means (20), such that the battery cell (2, 3) or the product carrier (21) can be supplied along the auxiliary conveying line (20) to a preparation process (9) at such a speed that the momentary movement of the battery cell (2, 3) is adapted to the requirements of this preparation process (9).

13. Battery cell preparation method according to the preceding claim, wherein the preparation process (9) acts from above on a surface of a moving battery cell (2, 3) and in particular is carried out by a stationarily arranged process member (11, 13, 15, 17).

14. Battery cell preparation method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a battery cell (2, 3) is received in a product carrier (21) and moved together with the product carrier (21).

15. Battery cell preparation method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the battery cell preparation line (1) and / or a product carrier (21) is formed according to one of the preceding claims.