DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING ELECTRODE STRIPS AND FOR MAKING ELECTRODE ASSEMBLIES

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an electrode string supply device for supplying an electrode string for the purpose of manufacturing an electrode arrangement. The invention further relates to an electrode string supply method for supplying an electrode string for the purpose of manufacturing an electrode arrangement.

[0002] The invention lies in the field of manufacturing electrode assemblies, and in particular battery cells and cell assemblies therefor. More specifically, the invention lies in the technical field of large-scale production systems for the mass production of battery cells. In particular, battery cells for use in electromobility, especially battery cells for the main power supply of electric vehicles, such as passenger cars and trucks, are to be manufactured in large series.

[0003] For the technological background of the invention, particular reference is made to the following literature: [1] EP 2 866 293 B1 [2] EP 2 557 626 B1 [3] KR 100832801 B1 [4] DE 10 2007 057 129 B4 [5] EP 3 415 265 A1 [6] DE 10 2017 131 345 A1 [7] DE 10 2017 216 133 A1 [8] US 2014 / 020239 A1 [9] US 2015 / 033547 A1

[10] DE 10 2017 216 138 A1

[0004] From [7] and

[10] methods and devices for providing electrode strands by cutting electrodes on a carrier designed as a vacuum drum with radially movable carrier segments and positioning the electrodes thus separated on a separator track are known.

[0005] [8] and [9] show that electrodes are cut by punching with preformed punching tools.

[0006] The invention aims to provide improved devices and methods for use in the mass production of electrode arrangements, particularly for battery cells, with regard to adaptability, precision and process reliability.

[0007] To solve this problem, the invention provides devices and methods as set out in the independent claims.

[0008] Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0009] According to a first aspect thereof, the invention provides an electrode string supply device for supplying an electrode string for the purpose of producing an electrode arrangement comprising: an electrode web supply device for providing a web-shaped electrode substrate; a separator web supply device for providing a separator web; an electrode singulation device for singulating the electrode substrate into individual electrode pieces, which includes an electrode substrate conveying device with a carrier movable in a conveying direction for conveying the electrode substrate and a cutting device for cutting the electrode substrate on the carrier along a cutting curve in order to cut an electrode piece from the web-shaped electrode substrate during conveying; and a positioning and fixing device for positioning and fixing the electrode pieces on the separator web;wherein the cutting curve of the cutting device comprises a side-edge cutting curve region for cutting a side edge of the electrode piece extending in the conveying direction and at least one cut-edge cutting curve region for cutting a cut edge of the electrode piece extending transversely to the conveying direction.

[0010] According to the invention, the cutting curve is a continuous cutting curve.

[0011] It is preferred that the cutting curve of the cutting device has a first side-edge cutting curve region for cutting a first side edge of the electrode piece and a second side-edge cutting curve region for cutting a second side edge of the electrode piece, wherein the cut-edge cutting curve region is arranged between the side-edge cutting curve regions.

[0012] It is preferred that the side edge cutting curve region or at least one of several side edge cutting curve regions is designed to cut out a contact tab of the electrode piece.

[0013] It is preferred that the side-edge cutting curve region, or at least one of several side-edge cutting curve regions, has a U-shaped region for cutting a contour of a contact flag projecting at the first edge.

[0014] It is preferred that the side edge cutting curve region or at least one of several side edge cutting curve regions has at least one region running in a straight line in a direction directed towards the conveying direction.

[0015] According to the invention, the side edge cutting curve region, or at least one of several side edge cutting curve regions, transitions in an arc shape into the cutting edge cutting curve region when viewed from a stationary point of view.

[0016] It is preferred that the cutting edge / cutting curve area has a profile that depends on the movement of the carrier.

[0017] It is preferred that the cutting edge / cutting curve area, viewed from a stationary point of view, runs obliquely to the conveying direction.

[0018] It is preferred that the cutting edge cutting curve region is longer than the at least one side edge cutting curve region.

[0019] According to the invention, the cutting device comprises at least one laser unit for generating a cutting beam. The laser unit preferably includes at least one pulsed laser for generating a pulsed laser beam as the cutting beam.

[0020] Preferably, the cutting device comprises at least one deflection unit for a cutting jet.

[0021] According to the invention, the cutting device comprises a cutting control unit for controlling the cutting process according to the cutting curve. In other words, the cutting control unit is configured to control the cutting device to perform the cutting process according to the cutting curve. For this purpose, the cutting control unit has, in particular, a memory containing corresponding machine-readable control instructions.

[0022] Preferably, the cutting device comprises at least one galvanometer drive for a deflection unit.

[0023] Preferably, the cutting device comprises a first and a second deflection unit for a cutting jet, which are arranged side by side or one behind the other in the conveying direction.

[0024] It is preferred that the carrier has several carrier segments, each of which has a support surface for receiving at least one electrode piece and is movable relative to each other in a first direction directed in the conveying direction and in a second direction directed perpendicular to the support surface.

[0025] The contact surface of the respective carrier segment is designed in particular to receive one electrode piece or two or more electrode pieces arranged side by side.

[0026] In one version, a single electrode piece is cut off at a time. In other versions, two or more electrode pieces are cut side by side and separated.

[0027] It is preferred that the electrode substrate conveying device has a suction device for fixing the electrode substrate to the carrier by means of negative pressure.

[0028] It is preferred that the carrier be designed as a vacuum roller.

[0029] It is preferred that the electrode substrate conveying device includes an adhesive device for fixing the electrode substrate to the carrier by means of a preferably switchable adhesive bond. The adhesive device is in particular a switchable adhesive device as described and shown in reference [6].

[0030] It is preferred that the support is cylindrical in shape with an arrangement of radially movable support segments extending in the circumferential direction.

[0031] It is preferred that the carrier has at least one control element for the relative movement of the carrier segments depending on the position or orientation of the carrier.

[0032] It is preferred that the carrier has a detachable fastening device for attaching and, if necessary, replacing the carrier segments.

[0033] It is preferred that the beam has a prestressing device for prestressing the beam segments in a direction of movement.

[0034] It is preferred that the support comprises rigid plate elements, particularly made of metal, as support segments. Preferably, the plate elements are designed as cassettes. Preferably, each plate element has at least one pressure chamber that can be supplied with negative / positive pressure.

[0035] It is preferred that the carrier has carrier segments with a series of intake openings arranged according to the contour of the electrode pieces. Preferably, the intake openings are connected to the at least one pressure chamber.

[0036] It is preferred that the carrier has at least a first cam disk on a first region of a circumferential motion path of the carrier segments and at least a second cam disk on a second region of the motion path of the carrier segments, wherein the carrier segments are in contact with the cam disks in order to control their relative motion.

[0037] It is preferred that the carrier has at least one driver per carrier segment which engages with the carrier segment, so that the carrier segment can be driven by the driver in the conveying direction and is movable relative to the carrier segment in the second direction.

[0038] It is preferred that the carrier has carrier segments with a switchable adhesion device.

[0039] It is preferred that the positioning and fixing device includes an activation device for activating a binder material of the separator web or an adhesive application device for applying an adhesive.

[0040] It is preferred that the positioning and fixing device has a counter roller for pressing the separator web onto the carrier.

[0041] The invention is preferably used in an electrode assembly manufacturing device for producing electrode assemblies consisting of a first electrode, a second electrode and separator layers in between, comprising: a first electrode string supply device according to one of the preceding embodiments for supplying a first electrode string with a first separator track and first electrode pieces fixed thereto, a second electrode string supply device according to one of the preceding embodiments for supplying a second electrode string with a second separator track and second electrode pieces fixed thereto, a positioning and joining unit for the relative positioning and joining of the electrode strings so that the first and second electrode pieces are aligned with each other and lie on top of each other, and a cell assembly singulation device for singulating the joined electrode arrangements into individual cell assemblies.

[0042] According to a further aspect, the invention provides an electrode string provision method for providing an electrode string for the purpose of manufacturing an electrode arrangement, comprising: a) Providing a web-shaped electrode substrate; b) Providing a separator web; c) Singulating the electrode substrate into individual electrode pieces, comprising c1) conveying the electrode substrate on a carrier and c2) cutting an electrode piece from the web-shaped electrode substrate during conveying by cutting at least two edges of the contour of the electrode piece on the carrier along a cutting curve, d) Positioning and fixing the electrode pieces on the separator web.

[0043] According to the invention, step c2) comprises: cutting a side edge of the electrode piece extending in the conveying direction and cutting a cutting edge of the electrode piece extending transversely to the conveying direction in a cutting operation with the cutting curve.

[0044] It is preferred that step c2) includes: cutting a first side edge, the cutting edge and a second side edge of the electrode piece in one cutting operation using the cutting curve.

[0045] According to the invention, step c2) comprises: cutting along the continuous cutting curve. Preferably, the cutting along the continuous cutting curve is carried out continuously.

[0046] It is preferred that the cutting of at least one side edge of the electrode piece includes the step: cutting out a contact tab of the electrode piece.

[0047] It is preferred that the cutting of at least one side edge of the electrode piece includes the step of cutting a U-shaped contour of a contact tab projecting from the side edge.

[0048] It is preferred that the cutting of at least one side edge of the electrode piece includes the step: cutting along a region of the cutting curve which runs in a straight line in a direction directed towards the conveying direction.

[0049] According to the invention, cutting at least one side edge of the electrode piece comprises the step: viewed from a stationary point of view, an arc-shaped transition into cutting the cutting edge.

[0050] According to a first alternative of the inventive method, the cutting of at least one side edge of the electrode piece comprises the step: continuously carrying out the cutting process by continuously passing a cutting beam over the cutting curve.

[0051] According to a second alternative of the inventive method, the cutting of at least one side edge of the electrode piece comprises the following step: performing the cutting process by passing through a partial section of the cutting curve, which includes a transition between a side edge and the cutting edge, with a cutting beam deflected by means of a first deflection unit, and subsequently passing through the remaining partial section of the cutting curve with a cutting beam deflected by means of a second deflection unit.

[0052] It is preferred that the cutting of the cutting edge proceeds depending on the movement of the carrier.

[0053] It is preferred that the cutting edge, viewed from a stationary point of view, runs obliquely to the conveying direction.

[0054] It is preferred that the cutting edge extends further than the cutting of at least one side edge. Preferably, the cutting edge is longer than the first and second side edges.

[0055] It is preferred that step c2) comprises: generating at least one cutting beam using at least one laser unit, in particular a pulsed laser.

[0056] It is preferred that step c2) comprises: deflecting a cutting beam by means of at least one deflection unit.

[0057] It is preferred that the cutting of the cutting edge comprises: controlling the cutting according to a predetermined, in particular continuous, cutting curve by means of a control unit.

[0058] It is preferred that the cutting of the cutting edge includes: driving a deflection unit to deflect a cutting beam by means of an electroplating drive.

[0059] It is preferred that the cutting of the cutting edge comprises: deflecting at least one cutting jet by means of a first and a second deflection unit, which are arranged next to each other in the conveying direction, in order to traverse the particularly continuous cutting curve by means of the deflection units.

[0060] It is preferred that step c2) comprises: deflecting at least one cutting beam by means of a first and a second deflection unit arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction in order to cut out electrodes simultaneously or overlapping in time by means of the deflection units.

[0061] It is preferred that step c1) comprises: c1a) placing areas of the electrode substrate to be separated from one another by step c2) onto support surfaces formed on several support segments of the carrier, wherein the support segments are movable relative to each other in a first direction directed in the conveying direction and in a second direction directed perpendicular to the support surface, wherein the placing and step c2) is carried out with adjacent support segments approaching each other and the adjacent support segments with electrode pieces fixed to them are moved apart in the first and / or second direction to carry out step d).

[0062] Preferably, the electrode string provisioning method includes the step: fixing the electrode substrate to the carrier by means of negative pressure.

[0063] Preferably, the electrode string provision method comprises the step: conveying the electrode substrate and the electrode pieces separated according to step c2) by means of a vacuum roller as a carrier.

[0064] Preferably, the electrode string provisioning method comprises the step of fixing the electrode substrate to the carrier by means of a preferably switchable adhesive device or adhesive bond. In particular, the adhesive device operates according to the principle described in reference [6].

[0065] Preferably, the electrode string provision method comprises the step: moving the carrier segments in the conveying direction by rotating the roller-shaped carrier with an arrangement of the carrier segments extending in the circumferential direction, wherein the relative movement of the carrier segments of step c1a) is carried out by radial movement of the carrier segments.

[0066] Preferably, the electrode string provisioning method comprises the step: controlling the relative movement of the carrier segments depending on the position or orientation of the carrier.

[0067] Preferably, the electrode string provision method includes the step of replacing the carrier segments as needed in case of wear or to adapt them to a contour of the electrode pieces to be cut.

[0068] Preferably, the electrode string provisioning method includes the step: pre-tensioning the carrier segments in a direction of movement of the respective carrier segment.

[0069] Preferably, the electrode string provisioning method comprises the step of providing rigid plate elements, particularly made of metal, as support segments. In particular, cassette-shaped plate elements, especially with at least one pressure chamber, are used.

[0070] Preferably, the electrode string delivery method comprises the step of: drawing in the electrode pieces through a series of suction openings arranged according to the contour of the electrode pieces. In particular, an edge region of the electrode pieces is drawn in through this series of suction openings. This ensures secure fixation of the electrode.

[0071] Preferably, the electrode string provisioning method comprises the step of guiding the carrier segments over at least a first cam disk on a first region of a circumferential movement path of the carrier segments and at least a second cam disk on a second region of the movement path of the carrier segments in order to control the movement of the carrier segments via the course of the cam disks.

[0072] Preferably, the electrode string provision method further comprises the step of setting a distance between the electrode pieces on the electrode string by adjusting the position of at least one of the cam discs.

[0073] Preferably, the electrode string provisioning method comprises the step of: driving the carrier segments by means of respective drivers in the conveying direction and moving the carrier segments relative to the respective driver in the second direction.

[0074] It is preferred that step d) includes: activating a binder material of the separator web or applying an adhesive.

[0075] It is preferred that step d) includes: pressing the separator web onto the carrier by means of a counter roller.

[0076] A preferred use of the electrode string provision method according to the invention is in an electrode arrangement manufacturing method for producing electrode arrangements consisting of a first electrode, a second electrode and separator layers in between, comprising: providing a first electrode string with a first separator track and first electrode pieces fixed thereto by means of an electrode string provision method according to one of the preceding embodiments, Providing a second electrode strand with a second separator track and second electrode pieces fixed to it by means of an electrode strand provisioning method according to one of the preceding embodiments, relative positioning and joining of the electrode strands so that the first and the second electrode pieces are aligned relative to each other and lying on top of each other and singling out the joined electrode arrangements into individual cell assemblies.

[0077] Preferably, the electrode assembly manufacturing process is carried out using the electrode assembly manufacturing device. Preferably, the electrode assembly manufacturing device is configured to perform the electrode assembly manufacturing process. Preferably, the electrode assembly manufacturing device includes a control unit configured to control the electrode assembly manufacturing device to perform the steps of the electrode assembly manufacturing process. The invention also relates to a computer program product with machine-readable control instructions which, when loaded into a control unit of the electrode assembly manufacturing device, control the electrode assembly manufacturing device to perform the electrode assembly manufacturing process.

[0078] Preferably, the electrode string provisioning method according to one of the preceding embodiments is carried out using the electrode string provisioning device according to one of the preceding embodiments. Preferably, the electrode string provisioning device according to one of the preceding embodiments is configured to carry out the electrode string provisioning method according to one of the preceding embodiments. Preferably, the electrode string provisioning device according to one of the preceding embodiments has a control unit configured to control the electrode string provisioning device according to one of the preceding embodiments to carry out the steps of the electrode string provisioning method according to one of the preceding embodiments.The invention also relates to a computer program product with machine-readable control instructions which, when loaded into a control of the electrode string supply device according to one of the preceding embodiments, control the electrode string supply device to carry out the electrode string supply method according to one of the preceding embodiments.

[0079] The following section explains in more detail some advantages and technical effects of preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0080] Preferred embodiments of the invention relate to a combined cutting and fixing unit for the production of cell assemblies. In particular, such a unit is intended for use in a large-scale production plant for the manufacture of battery cells. The preferred application area for the battery cells is electromobility.

[0081] For cell assembly, particularly in the mass production of cell stacks, continuous cell stack manufacturing processes are preferred. Currently, the most widely used methods are "stack and folding," "winding," and "cell stacking."

[0082] The core of the "stack and folding" and "cell stacking" processes is the connection of electrodes and separators. In preferred embodiments, this connection is achieved through a lamination or adhesive bonding process. This step makes it possible to produce cell stacks by stacking multiple cell assemblies on top of each other.

[0083] The basis for lamination is a separator with an active layer that develops adhesive properties under the influence of, for example, heat and pressure. This allows the electrode to be fixed to the separator by precise placement and subsequent lamination.

[0084] When gluing, an adhesive (e.g. made of PVDF) is applied to the separator or the electrode, which also results in the electrode being fixed to the separator.

[0085] In embodiments of the invention that use one of the aforementioned methods, the electrode is first separated and then placed on the continuous separator.

[0086] In "stack and folding" or "Z-stacking," the separator is continuously folded into a Z-shape. The cell stack is then created by placing the electrodes between the individual folds.

[0087] In cell assembly designs based on the "cell stacking" principle, the electrodes are placed on the separator. By then joining the two strands (anode-separator and cathode-separator) and laminating or bonding them, a cell assembly consisting of anode-separator-cathode-separator is obtained. At this stage, the two separators remain continuous. The cell assemblies are then separated by cutting the two separator strands (or only one separator strand if the other was already cut before joining). Stacking the individual cell assemblies then creates a cell stack.

[0088] By providing a combined cutting and fixing unit, it is not necessary for the electrode strips or strands to contain positioning features or similar elements. Furthermore, unlike [1], no mold halves are required to fix the separator.

[0089] In the electrode arrangement to be manufactured, a defined sequence, in particular separator-anode-separator-cathode, is preferably followed to provide the electrochemical function of a battery cell. Preferably, mono-cells are produced from one anode, one cathode, and two separators, and then stacked to form a complete cell stack.

[0090] Preferably, at least one galvanometer scanner is used (exclusively) to deflect a laser used as a cutting beam. By taking the conveyor speed into account, cutting can be performed along the entire length of a conveyor. Scan speeds on the order of 5 m / s are sufficient. For the beam source, maximum powers of up to 1 kW are sufficient when using pulsed systems. Preferably, a picosecond laser is used. Picosecond lasers are special lasers that generate ultrashort light pulses in the picosecond range (pulse duration between 10⁻⁹ and 10⁻¹² s). The short pulse duration of the laser results in good cutting performance. In addition, the laser generates less heat during cutting, thus minimizing the risk of damaging the electrode material.

[0091] In preferred embodiments of the invention, a special cutting process is employed in which—in contrast to previous methods, such as those known from [5]—several cutting steps are performed on the support, for example, a roller. In preferred embodiments, a complete contour cut of the electrode is provided. In currently preferred practical embodiments, a laser system is constructed from a pulsed laser and a 3D scanner with galvanometric axes. In other solutions, other lasers, e.g., a CW laser, are used, which is combined with a special deflection unit that enables the cutting of not just one edge, but several edges of the electrode piece on the support, which is designed, for example, as a roller. In particular, preferred embodiments of the invention provide for special cutting strategies.In particular, the cutting out of a conductor tab (contact tab) and the separation cut are carried out in a single cutting process and with the same cutting device. Preferred embodiments further provide a particularly advantageous way of placing the individual electrode pieces onto the separator.

[0092] Particularly preferred embodiments of the invention are based on the process principle of "stacking cell clusters". In previous solutions operating according to this process principle, the electrodes are contoured and separated in several steps – notching and separation.

[0093] Since the electrode coating is relatively sensitive to mechanical influences, preferred embodiments of the invention provide that the electrode can be separated in one cut and placed on the separator.

[0094] Furthermore, one of the key factors influencing the performance of a battery cell is the positioning accuracy of the individual layers stacked on top of each other. In preferred embodiments of the invention, high positioning accuracy and repeatability of the cutting and positioning process enable a higher energy density in the cell. This is because the protrusion of the separator, acting as an insulator between the electrodes, can be minimized by higher positioning accuracy. The resulting reduction in installation space corresponds to an identical cell with a higher energy density.

[0095] When designing a station for electrode assembly production, the individual components of the station are arranged in such a way that the joining of the two individual strands takes place as directly as possible.

[0096] Particularly preferred embodiments of the invention enable a combined method for the production of individual cell assemblies, comprising one anode and one cathode as well as two separators.

[0097] Preferred embodiments of the electrode assembly manufacturing process include the individual processes of singulating, transporting, positioning, and fixing the electrodes onto two material webs made of separator material, as well as the subsequent joining of the two material webs. Final separation yields the individual cell assemblies.

[0098] This process allows for the production of individual cell assemblies. Stacking these assemblies with an additional layer (either just a separator or a combination of separator-electrode-separator) results in a complete cell stack.

[0099] Singulation in this process is preferably carried out using a laser method. However, it is also conceivable to replace the laser with a rotary tool. Thus, singulation can also be achieved by mechanical cutting.

[0100] The electrode can be fixed in place either by gluing (e.g. by applying a PVDF solution) or by laminating (heating the active layer of a laminating separator).

[0101] An advantage of preferred embodiments of the invention is that the electrodes can be placed directly onto the separator after being cut free. This eliminates handling steps, thereby reducing the risk of electrode damage and positional loss before placement on the separator. Furthermore, higher process speeds can be achieved because all processes run continuously.

[0102] Examples of implementation are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic overview of an electrode arrangement manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the invention with a first and a second electrode string supply device; Fig. 2 a perspective view of an embodiment of one of the electrode string supply devices of the electrode arrangement manufacturing device according to Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 a perspective view of an embodiment of a positioning and joining unit and a cell assembly singulation device of the electrode arrangement manufacturing device of Fig. 1 ; Fig. 4 a top view of a section of an electrode path being processed in the electrode string supply device; Fig. 5 a representation as in Fig. 4 , wherein a cutting curve with cutting edges for generating the electrodes by cutting electrode pieces from the electrode path is indicated; Fig. 6 a top view of an electrode string provided by the electrode string supply device, which has electrode pieces fixed on a separator track; Fig. 7 a side view of a first electrode strand in the form of an anode strand provided by the first electrode strand supply unit, a second electrode strand in the form of a cathode strand provided by the second electrode strand supply unit, during merging by the positioning and fixing unit; Fig. 8 a side view of the electrode strands of Fig. 7 in the connected state; Fig. 9 a perspective view of an electrode arrangement produced by the electrode arrangement manufacturing device, using the example of a cell stack for a battery; Fig. 10 a view of the unfolded cutting curve; Fig. 11 a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of the basic cutting motion along the cutting curve; Fig. 12 a perspective view of a first embodiment of an electrode singulation device with a first embodiment of a cutting device for cutting the electrode substrate on a carrier along the cutting curve; Fig. 13 a schematic representation of the cutting strategy with the first embodiment of the cutting device; Fig. 14 a perspective view of a second embodiment of the electrode singulation device with a second embodiment of the cutting device; Fig. 15 a schematic representation of the cutting strategy with the second embodiment of the cutting device; Fig. 16 a perspective view of a third embodiment of the electrode singulation device with a third embodiment of the cutting device; Fig. 17 a schematic representation of the cutting strategy with the third embodiment of the cutting device; Fig. 18 a perspective sectional view of an embodiment of an electrode substrate conveying device of the electrode string supply device with a carrier movable in one conveying direction for conveying the electrode substrate; Fig. 19 a perspective view of a support segment of the support of Fig. 18 ; Fig. 20 an enlarged, partially cropped detail view of an area of ​​the support segment of Fig. 19 ; Fig. 21 a perspective view of an area of ​​the carrier designed as a vacuum roller according to the illustrated embodiment, with the carrier segments designed as cassettes; Fig. 22 a section through an outer circumferential region of the support of Fig. 21 , where carrier segments and associated drivers are shown in engagement with each other; Fig. 23 an enlarged side view of a series of circumferentially arranged support segments in a radial position with minimal distance to carry out the cutting process; Fig. 24 an enlarged detail view of the framed box from Fig. 23 , to illustrate the electrode path and the resulting gap between the carrier segments; Fig. 25 a perspective view of the carrier and a counter roller as part of a positioning and fixing device provided in the electrode string supply device for positioning and fixing the electrode pieces on the separator track according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 26 a cross-section through the arrangement of the carrier and the counter roller of Fig. 25 ; Fig. 27 a section of the carrier with a transition between a first and a second cam element for controlling a movement of the carrier segments; Fig. 28 an exploded view of an example of an air guide assembly for the vacuum roller, which represents an example of the carrier; Fig. 29 a section through a control mandrel and a shaft of the assembly of Fig. 28 ; and Fig. 30 a cut through the vacuum roller.

[0103] Fig. 1 Figure 10 shows an electrode assembly manufacturing device for producing electrode assemblies 12. An electrode assembly 12 consists of a first electrode 14.1, for example an anode 16, a second electrode 14.2, for example a cathode 18, and separator layers 20 made of a material that acts as a separator 22 between them. The electrode assembly 12 can be used, for example, in a battery cell (not shown) of a battery for an electric vehicle. Accordingly, the electrode assembly manufacturing device 10 is used in particular in a large-scale production plant for the manufacture of electric vehicle batteries.

[0104] The electrode assembly manufacturing device 10 comprises a first electrode string supply device 24.1 and a second electrode string supply device 24.2. An embodiment of the electrode string supply devices 24.1, 24.2 is shown in Fig. 2 presented and explained in more detail below.

[0105] The first electrode string supply device 24.1 is designed to supply a first electrode string 26.1. The first electrode string 26.1 has a first separator track 28.1 made of the material acting as separator 22 and first electrode pieces 30.1 fixed to the first separator track 28.1, which then form the first electrodes 14.1 of the electrode arrangement 12.

[0106] The second electrode string supply device 24.2 is designed to supply a second electrode string 26.2. The second electrode string 26.2 has a second separator track 28.2 made of the material acting as separator 22 and second electrode pieces 30.2 fixed to it, which then form the second electrodes 14.2 of the electrode arrangement 12.

[0107] For the one shown in Fig. 1 and 2In the embodiment shown, in which the first electrodes 14.1 form the anodes and the electrodes 14.2 form the anodes, the first electrode strand 26.1 can also be referred to as the anode strand, and the second electrode strand 26.2 can be referred to as the cathode strand.

[0108] The electrode assembly manufacturing device 10 further comprises a positioning and joining unit 32 and a cell assembly singulation device 34.

[0109] The positioning and joining unit 32 is designed for the relative positioning and joining of the electrode strands 26.1, 26.2. For this purpose, the positioning and joining unit 32 is controlled such that the electrode strands 26.1, 26.2 with the electrode pieces 30.1, 30.2 attached to them are joined together in such a way that the first and second electrode pieces 30.1, 30.2 are aligned with each other and lie one above the other. This creates electrode arrangements 12, which are further joined by the continuous separator tracks 28.1, 28.2. An embodiment of the positioning and joining unit 32 is shown in Fig. 3 presented and explained in more detail below.

[0110] The cell assembly singulation device 34 is designed to singulate the assembled electrode arrangements 12 into individual cell assemblies 36, which can then be used as battery cells. An embodiment of the cell assembly singulation device is also shown in Fig. 3 presented and explained in more detail below.

[0111] With the in Fig. 1 In the illustrated embodiment of the electrode assembly manufacturing device 10, an electrode assembly manufacturing process can be carried out in which individual cell assemblies 36 are produced from web-shaped materials for anodes 16, cathodes 18, and separators 22 provided on coils 37. For this purpose, the following sub-processes are carried out on the electrode string supply devices 24.1: an electrode string supply process for providing the electrode strings 26.1, 26.2, a joining of the electrode strings 26.1, 26.2, and the formation of the cell assemblies 36. The first electrode string 26.1 has isolated anodes 16 on a continuous separator 22, and the second electrode string 26.2 has isolated cathodes 18 on a continuous separator 22. The electrode string supply process for providing the second electrode string 26.1, which is carried out here by manufacturing...2 is identical and is carried out in series with the electrode string provisioning method for providing the first electrode string 26.1, which is carried out here by manufacturing. Accordingly, the electrode string provisioning devices 24.1, 24.2 have the same structure and the same function, which is explained below only with reference to the first electrode string provisioning device 24.1, an embodiment of which is shown in . Fig. 2 as shown. Subsequently, based on the Fig. 3 An exemplary embodiment of the positioning and joining unit 32 and the cell assembly singulation device 34 is explained in order to illustrate the functionality of the overall process of the electrode assembly manufacturing method and the most important components of the electrode assembly manufacturing device 10. Subsequently, in addition to the overall process, a cutting step, particularly one to be carried out by laser, in the individual electrode string supply methods, as well as advantageous designs of components of the electrode string supply device 24.1, 24.2, are discussed.

[0112] Fig. 2 Figure 1 shows an embodiment of one of the electrode string supply devices 24.1, 24.2 using the example of the first electrode string supply device 24.1. As can be seen from Fig. 1 As can be seen, the second electrode string supply device 24.2 is essentially identical in construction. Fig. 2 Thus, only the material supply in the first part of the system is shown, which provides the first electrode string 26.1; the provision of the second electrode string 26.2 is analogous.

[0113] According to the Fig. 1 and 2 The electrode string supply device 24.1, 24.2 comprises an electrode web supply device 38, a separator web supply device 42, an electrode singulation device 44 and a positioning and fixing device 54.

[0114] The electrode web supply device 38 is designed to supply a web-shaped electrode substrate 40. The separator web supply device 42 is designed to supply the separator web 28.1, 28.2. The web supply devices 38, 42 each have, in particular, a coil holder 56 for rotatably holding a coil 37 with the electrode substrate 40 or the separator web 28.1, 28.2, and a winding system 58 for precisely unwinding these webs 40, 28.1, 28.2. The winding system 58 has rollers 60, some of which are designed as passively rotatable deflection rollers and others as actively driven drive rollers, and a web control device 62.The path control device 62 can include a path control unit implemented in a control 64 of the electrode arrangement manufacturing device 10, as well as sensors for detecting parameters of the path movement, such as the position of at least one path edge and speed, and actuators for adjusting the parameters of the path movement.

[0115] The function of the web supply units 38 and 40 is explained below. Controlled material unwinding is achieved via control systems. The web control unit 62, which essentially comprises a winding block control (for controlling the speed of the web movement) and a web edge control (for controlling the position of a web edge), ensures continuous and precise unwinding of the web-shaped electrode substrate 40 and the separator web 28.1 and 28.2. Additionally, inspection systems can be integrated in the material feed area (not shown). These inspection systems include, for example, surface and geometry checks and, within the overall concept, serve to minimize rejects.

[0116] The material is preferably fed on coils 37 (material rolls), although direct coupling to upstream production steps would also be possible. The web-shaped electrode substrate 40 is located on the coil 37 of the electrode web supply device 38, as shown in Fig. 4 is shown.

[0117] The in Fig. 4 The depicted track-shaped electrode substrate 40 has a conductive carrier material 66 with a coating 68 of active material 70 and an uncoated edge strip 72, such that the coating 68 with active material 70 does not extend to the edge of the carrier material 66 on one side. A contact tab 74, in particular in the form of a current collector tab 76, is subsequently cut out in the area of ​​the uncoated edge strip 72.

[0118] The following refers again to Fig. 2 Reference is made to the separator web 40 located on the coil 37 of the separator web supply device 38. In one embodiment, the electrode pieces 30.1 are fixed to the separator 22 by lamination. In this case, a separator web 40 with an activatable lamination layer is provided. If the fixing is done by gluing, a simple separator material without a lamination layer can be provided.

[0119] In Fig. 2 An embodiment of the separator track supply device 42 and the positioning and fixing device 54 for lamination is shown using the example of the first electrode string supply device 24.1. The subprocess of activating the separator 22 is carried out in this embodiment. The positioning and fixing device 54 serves to position and fix the individual electrode pieces 30.1 on the separator track 28.1. In the illustrated embodiment, it has an activation device 78 for activating an adhesive function of the separator and a pressing device 80, which will be explained in more detail later. In the illustrated embodiment, the activation device 78 has a heating section 82 with a heating unit 84.

[0120] After unwinding, the separator 22 is activated for the application of the electrode pieces 30.1. In this case, the separator web 28.1 is guided through the heating section 82 and heated to a defined temperature, thereby activating the lamination layer on the separator 22. The heating unit 84 can be moved away from the separator 22 in the event of a machine standstill. This prevents heat from being introduced into the material in an uncontrolled manner.

[0121] If an adhesive bonding method is used, dispensing units (not shown) are located at this point, which apply the adhesive to the separator 22. The adhesive layer can be applied over a surface, in strips, or in dots.

[0122] The electrode singulation device 44 is designed to singulate the electrode substrate 40 into individual electrode pieces 30.1. The electrode singulation device 44 comprises an electrode substrate conveying device 46 and a cutting device 50. The electrode substrate conveying device 46 has a carrier 48 movable in a conveying direction for conveying the electrode substrate 40. The cutting device 50 is designed to cut the electrode substrate 40 on the movable carrier 48. The cutting takes place along a cutting curve 52 in order to cut an electrode piece 30.1 from the linear electrode substrate 40 during conveying.

[0123] The conveying path of the electrode substrate conveying device 44 can be configured in different ways. It can be elongated or straight, with the carrier 48 being designed, for example, as a conveyor belt – e.g., a vacuum belt. In the illustrated embodiment, the carrier 48 is cylindrical or roller-shaped, so that the conveying path and the conveying direction 124 of the electrode substrate conveying device 46 are directed circumferentially about an axis of rotation 144 of the carrier 48.

[0124] The carrier 48 has a series of individual carrier segments 86 arranged successively in the conveying direction 124, on which the electrode substrate 40 is placed. The carrier segments 86 each have a support surface 154 for receiving at least one electrode piece 30.1 and are movable relative to each other in a first direction directed in the conveying direction and in a second direction directed perpendicular to the support surface.

[0125] Furthermore, the electrode substrate conveying device 46 includes a device for fixing the electrode substrate 40 to the carrier 48. In the illustrated embodiment, this device is designed as a suction device 88 – which will be explained in more detail later – for generating a vacuum on the carrier 48, so that the carrier 48 is designed as a vacuum roller 89. However, other designs of the device for fixing the electrode material to the carrier 48 are also possible, for example, an adhesive device with switchable mechanical adhesive properties, as described and shown, for example, in reference [6].

[0126] The cutting device 50 is designed not only to cut the cutting edge 123 between the adjacent electrode pieces 30.1 in the electrode substrate 40, but also to form at least one side contour on at least one side edge 122.1, 122.2 of the electrode pieces 30.1 by cutting. The cutting device 50 preferably comprises a laser system with at least one laser beam source (not shown) and at least one deflection unit 90. As will be explained in more detail later, several deflection units 90a, 90b may also be provided. Furthermore, a cutting control unit 92, implemented in the control system 64, is provided for cutting the device 50 depending on the conveying speed of the electrode substrate 40.

[0127] The electrode singulation device 38 is designed to carry out the sub-process of singulating the electrodes 14.1.

[0128] The electrode 14.1 is cut out of the continuous strip of electrode substrate 40 in one go. This cutting is performed by the laser system, which includes at least one laser beam source and at least one optical deflection unit 90, 90a, 90b. Depending on the workpiece dimensions, the cutting process can be carried out by one or more laser systems. Depending on the cycle time and material properties (dimensions, coating thicknesses, etc.), it can also be advantageous to have several deflection units 90a, 90b connected in parallel or in series. Different embodiments of the cutting devices 50 and their function, as well as examples of the more precise sequence of the cutting process and the course of the cutting curve, are described in more detail below.

[0129] The contour cut is performed on the support segments 86 of the support 48. These are movable relative to each other to minimize material waste.

[0130] In particular, the carrier segments 86 are designed as individual format cassettes arranged on the vacuum roller 89. The electrode shape is thus generated by a synchronized movement of the deflection unit 90 and the rotational movement of the vacuum roller 89. The vacuum roller 89 rotates in the representation in Fig. 2 clockwise, and the rotational speed is matched to the track speeds.

[0131] To minimize material waste, the individual support segments 86 are radially displaceable on the vacuum roller 89. Their position is determined by a control element, in particular in the form of at least one cam disk 94. The detailed construction of a preferred embodiment of the vacuum roller 89 will be explained separately later.

[0132] The directly upstream web edge control of the web control device 62 is designed such that the position of the uncoated edge strip 72, from which the deflector flags 76 are later cut, always corresponds to the cutting curve 52 of the laser.

[0133] Sections and dust of the electrode material produced by cutting are removed directly at the vacuum roller 89 via a process extraction system (not shown).

[0134] By fixing the ribbon-shaped electrode substrate 40 to the carrier 48, in particular the vacuum roller 89, it is ensured that the electrode 14.1 does not lose its position once it has been cut out of the electrode substrate 40.

[0135] The electrode string supply device 24.1 has a (first) cleaning station 96 (optionally with ionization) for cleaning the outer surface of the electrode 14.1 in the area of ​​the vacuum roller 89 in the conveying direction after the cutting device 50, which is also connected to the process extraction system. Thus, the side facing the separator 22 is cleaned before fixing.

[0136] To avoid particle carryover, the surface of the carrier 48 can optionally also be cleaned in the area before the belt is fed back in.

[0137] As explained above, the electrode string supply device 24.1 further comprises a positioning and fixing device 54, by means of which the subsequent sub-process "applying electrode piece 30.1 to separator track 28.1" can be carried out. As explained above, the positioning and fixing device 54 comprises the activation device 78 or, in the alternative not shown, the adhesive application device. The positioning and fixing device 54 further comprises the pressing device 80. In the illustrated embodiment, the pressing device 80 has a counter roller 100. Finally, the positioning and fixing device 54 has a positioning and fixing device control, which can be implemented in the control unit 64 and controls the fixing device – e.g., the suction device 88 – in order to deactivate its fixing function after the corresponding electrode piece 30.1 has been pressed onto the separator track 28.1.The positioning and fixing device 54 can also have a second cleaning station 97.

[0138] The internal structure of a preferred embodiment of the positioning and fixing device 54 and its function are described below with reference to the illustration of Fig. 2 explained in more detail.

[0139] The positioning and fixing device 54 of the electrode strand supply device 24.1 serves to apply the electrode 14.1 to the separator 22. After laser cutting and vacuuming, the individual electrode piece 30.1, which is already cut to form the respective electrode 14.1, is now located on the vacuum roller 89. The separator 22, which may already be activated, is then fed onto the upper side of the vacuum roller 89. By continuously rotating the vacuum roller 89 in accordance with the web speed of the electrode substrate 40 and the separator web 28.1, the electrode 14.1 can now be applied to the separator web 28.1. This application is achieved by interrupting the vacuum at the transfer position 98 – see [reference]. Fig. 1 . Additionally, the electrode 14.1 can also be detached from the vacuum roller 89 by targeted blowing using compressed air.

[0140] To increase the process reliability of the connection between the electrode 14.1 and the separator 22, the clamping process is carried out not only at a defined temperature, which is generated, among other things, by the heating section 82, but also under pressure. For this purpose, the counter roller 100 is located above the vacuum roller 89. This counter roller generates the required clamping force when the electrode 14.1 is applied to the separator 22 and simultaneously passes through it. The clamping force can be generated precisely via a drive, e.g., a lifting unit 102, or varied by creating a defined gap between the two rollers 89 and 100.

[0141] Depending on the material properties and fixing method (laminating or gluing), it may be advantageous to additionally temperature control the pressing device 80, such as the counter roller 100. This can involve either cooling or heating the pressing device 80 to a constant temperature. Accordingly, the pressing device 80 is preferably equipped with a temperature control unit.

[0142] In the event of a machine standstill, the counter roller 100 can be freed via the lifting unit 102, which also serves to generate the pressing force. This prevents heat from being introduced into the material in an uncontrolled manner.

[0143] After fixing, the second side of the electrode 14.1, which side rests on the vacuum roller 89 in the singulation process, is cleaned in the separate second cleaning station 97.

[0144] The first electrode strand 26.1 is thus provided by the first electrode strand supply device 24.1. As explained above and from Fig. 1 As can be seen, the construction of the second electrode string supply device 24.2 is analogous to the construction of the first electrode string supply device 24.1, and the generation of the second electrode string 26.1 is analogous to that of the first electrode string 26.2. Preferably, the contour of the second electrode pieces 30.2 is a mirror image of the contour of the first electrode pieces 30.1, so that the contact tabs 74 of the anodes 16 and the cathodes in the cell assembly 36 are located on opposite sides.

[0145] In the Fig. 4 bis 6 The individual process steps that are carried out in the first electrode string supply device 24.1 are shown with reference to the input and output products together with the conveying direction 124.

[0146] Fig. 4 The web-shaped electrode substrate 40 for the first electrode 14.1 with uncoated edge strip 72 is shown.

[0147] Fig. 5 Figure 52 shows the cutting edges and the cutting curve 52 for forming and cutting the electrode pieces 30.1 and thus for producing the electrodes 14.1. As can be seen from this, the cutting curve 52 of the cutting device 50 has at least one side-edge cutting curve section 52.1, 52.3 for cutting a side edge 122.1, 122.2 of the electrode piece 30.1 extending in the conveying direction and at least one cut-edge cutting curve section 52.2 for cutting a cut edge 123 of the electrode piece 30.1 extending transversely to the conveying direction.

[0148] Fig. 5 Figure 1 shows the isolated and fixed electrodes 14.1 on the separator track 28.1. Contact tabs 74 point upwards. Fig. 5 before.

[0149] The formation of the corresponding input and output products for the second electrode string supply unit 24.2 results from the Fig. 4 bis 6 by reflection along the center line of the corresponding figure, directed in the direction of travel.

[0150] As in Fig. 1 The two electrode strands 26.1, 26.2 produced by the two electrode strand supply devices 24.1, 24.2 are then joined together by means of the positioning and joining unit 32 of the electrode arrangement manufacturing device 10.

[0151] Fig. 3 Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the positioning and joining unit 32 for joining the two electrode strands 26.1, 26.2. The positioning and joining unit 32 has a web control device 62 for the first electrode strand 26.1, a web control device 62 for the second electrode strand 26.2, a further activation device 78 for activating the lamination layers of the separator webs 28.1, 28.2 (or alternatively a further adhesive application device), in particular with a further heating section 82 and a first and a second counter-rotating press roller 104.

[0152] With the in Fig. 3 The positioning and joining unit 32 shown is used for the sub-process of joining the two strands.

[0153] After an anode strand (first electrode strand 26.1) and a cathode strand (second electrode strand 26.2) have been produced in the upstream processes, these are now joined together. The anode strand 26.1 is fed in from above and the cathode strand 26.2 from below via two feed points 118.1 and 118.2 – see also Fig. 1 The use of web edge controls ensures that strands 26.1, 26.2 do not break due to excessive tensile stress. In addition to the web feed 118.1, 118.2, the positioning of the two strands 26.1, 26.2 relative to each other is achieved via a first optical system 120. The desired position of the first and second electrode strands 26.1, 26.2 is determined in the Fig. 7 und 8 depicted. Fig. 7 shows the anode strand 26.1 and the cathode strand 26.2 during their joining and Fig. 8 shows the connected anode and cathode strand with the still connected electrode arrangements 12.

[0154] The connection between the two strands 26.1, 26.2 is also made either by laminating or by gluing. In Fig. 3 is, analogous to Fig. 2 , a heating section 82 for the two strands 26.1, 26.2 is shown.

[0155] After heating the separator 22 or applying the adhesive, the two strands 26.1, 26.2 are brought together between the two press rollers 104. Here, the desired process force is also defined by the gap between the two press rollers 104 or by a preset pressure force. The concept of the press rollers 104 is analogous to the arrangement of the vacuum roller 89 and counter rollers 100. The two press rollers 104 are positioned symmetrically to the strands 26.1, 26.2.

[0156] Furthermore, in Fig. 3 Following the positioning and joining unit 32, an embodiment of the cell assembly singulation device 34 is shown. This device comprises a cell assembly conveying unit 106 with a cell assembly carrier 108 movable in the conveying direction, for example a conveyor belt – particularly in the form of a vacuum belt 130 – and a cell assembly cutting device 110 for cutting the still connected separator webs 40 in order to obtain the individual cell assemblies 36. The cell assembly cutting device 110 preferably includes a further laser system with a laser 112 and a deflection device that deflects the laser beam depending on the conveying speed of the cell assembly conveying unit 106.

[0157] Using the cell cluster singulation device 34, the subprocess of producing the cell cluster 36 can be carried out as the final subprocess of the overall process. An example of a cell cluster 36 is shown in Fig. 9 depicted.

[0158] After the two electrode strands 26.1, 26.2 are connected to each other, the individual cell assemblies 36, consisting of - see Fig. 9 - consisting of one anode 16, one cathode 18 and two separators 22, arranged separately. As in Fig. 3 As shown, the target position of the cutting edge 128 of the cell assembly 36 is detected using a second optical system 126. The separation cut is made either mechanically, or as shown in Fig. 3 depicted using a laser system with laser 112.

[0159] Finally, the cell assemblies 36 are transferred via the cell assembly carrier 108, which is designed here as a vacuum belt 130, to the following process steps for further battery production.

[0160] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the cutting process for electrode singulation, and thus the structure and function of preferred embodiments of the electrode singulation device 44 and its components – electrode substrate conveying device 46 and cutting device 48 – are described with reference to the illustration in the Fig. 10 bis 30 The process is described in more detail below. The cutting process is explained using the example of cutting the first electrode 14.1. The cutting of the second electrode 14.2 is carried out analogously, but preferably in a mirrored form, as explained above, in order to arrange the conductor tabs on opposite sides as in the diagram. Fig. 9 to be achieved as shown.

[0161] Fig. 10 shows an example of the cutting curve 52 unfolded on a plane. Fig. 11 The cutting curve 52 is shown in a coordinate system that moves along with the support 48. Fig. 12 Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the electrode singulation device 44, in which the cutting device 50 is provided with a (single) deflection unit 90, and Fig. 13 shows a schematic representation of a cutting strategy for the serial cutting of electrode pieces 30.1 with this cutting device 50 equipped with a deflection unit 90.

[0162] As mentioned above, the cutting device 50 has a laser system with at least one laser beam source (not shown) and at least one optical deflection unit 90. Since the singulation process takes place on the carrier 48 moving in the conveying direction 124, e.g., on a rotating vacuum roller 89, the laser beam must be deflectable to follow the conveying movement. The deflection unit 90 is designed for corresponding deflection, including height adjustment of the working plane, when cutting on a cylindrical carrier 48. For this purpose, a currently preferred embodiment of the deflection unit 90 is designed as a 3D scanner with galvanometric axes, i.e., with galvanometric drives in multiple degrees of freedom.

[0163] The laser system preferably comprises a pulsed or continuous fiber laser (not shown) as the laser beam source. Preferably, this is configured as a pulsed picosecond laser with a power of up to 1 kW.

[0164] The cutting curve 52 for generating the individual electrodes 14.1 is created by synchronizing the movement of the carrier 48, i.e. e.g. the rotary movement of the vacuum roller 89, and the cutting movement in the working area 132 of the deflection unit 90.

[0165] Fig. 10 Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the resulting cutting curve 52 projected onto a plane for singulating the electrode 14.1. In other words, the cutting curve 52 is in Fig. 10 viewed from a stationary point of view. In the exemplary embodiment, the cutting curve 52 is continuous and has a first side-edge cutting curve region 52.1, the cut-edge cutting curve region 52.2, and a second side-edge cutting curve region 52.3, wherein the cutting curve regions 52.1, 52.2, 52.3 are used to form rounded edges 134 at the corners of the electrode 14.1 (see Fig. 4 ) merge into each other in an arc shape.

[0166] In the illustrated embodiment, the first side edge cutting curve area 52.1 cuts the first side edge 122.1 (first short edge), which does not have the edge section 72, while the second side edge cutting curve area 52.3 cuts the second side edge 122.2 (second short edge), on which the edge section 72 is formed.

[0167] The cut along the first side-edge cutting curve section 52.1 is made opposite to the conveying direction 124 of the carrier 48 (here, the direction of rotation of the vacuum roller 89), and therefore the first side-edge cutting curve section 52.1 is correspondingly longer than the second side-edge cutting curve section 52.3 in the developed view. The first side-edge cutting curve section 52.1 has a straight course along the conveying direction 124.

[0168] The first side edge cutting curve area 52.1 then transitions - here in an arc shape - into the cutting edge cutting curve area 52.2, which, due to the laser beam following the conveying movement of the carrier 48, runs at an angle in the unfolded representation.

[0169] The cutting edge cutting curve section 52.2 then transitions – here in an arc – into the second side edge cutting curve section 52.3, which cuts the second side edge 122.2. Since the cutting motion here occurs in the conveying direction of the carrier 48, the second side edge cutting curve section 52.3 is correspondingly shorter in the developed view. The second side edge cutting curve section 52.3 has a U-shaped section 136 for cutting a contour of the contact flag 74 projecting from the second side edge 122.2. The legs of the U-shaped section 136 are aligned according to the movement of the carrier 48 in the conveying direction. Fig. 10 The image is therefore skewed.

[0170] Fig. 11 Figure 52 shows the cutting curve and a basic cutting motion in a coordinate system that moves with the carrier 48. A dotted line indicates a separation cut 138 from the previous cutting process for cutting off the previous electrode piece 30.1. Also shown are the starting point 140 of the cut, the cutting curve 52 with its sections 52.1, 52.2, 52.3 and 136, and the endpoint 142 of the cut.

[0171] One advantage of the cutting curve 52, and thus also of the process, is that only three sides of an electrode 14.1 need to be cut. As in Fig. 5 As shown, a long cutting edge 123 always separates two electrodes 14.1. Fig. 11 shows the cutting movement according to the development Fig. 10 , whereby the conveying direction 124 and thus the material flow is also shown.

[0172] In the embodiment of the cutting curve 52 of Fig. 10 and 11It is intended that both the first side edge 122.1 of the electrode piece 30.1 running in the conveying direction and the second side edge 122.2 of the electrode piece 30.1 running in the conveying direction are cut by the laser system.

[0173] The side edge 122.1 opposite the conductor flag 76 is not cut in some embodiments if the track edge of the electrode substrate 40 is used directly here.

[0174] This is the case with exemplary embodiments such as those found in Fig. 4 und 5 As indicated, the first side edge 122.1, which does not have the edge strip 72, is already in a largely suitable (e.g., straight) shape for the electrode 14.1. In some embodiments, this first side edge 122.1 is not cut at all, and the cutting curve 52 only has the cutting curve areas 52.2, 52.3 for cutting the cutting edge 123 and for cutting the second side edge 122.2 with contouring of the contact flag 74. In other embodiments, corners are to be rounded off on the first side edge 122.1 during the cutting process taking place on the carrier 48. In such an embodiment, it is not necessary to perform a complete cut on the first side edge 122.1, and the cutting curve 52 does not have to be continuous, but can, for example, only allow cutting of a rounding 134 at one corner of the first side edge 122.1, then without cutting along the straight course of the first side edge 122.1 is exposed and then allows cutting of a rounding 134 at the second corner of the first side edge 122.1 and then transitions into the cutting edge cutting curve area 52.2, which then transitions again in an arc shape (to form a rounding 134) into the side edge cutting curve area 52.3. A corresponding cutting curve 52 would not be completely continuous and would only have the cutting edge cutting curve area 52.2 and the one side edge cutting curve area 52.3, possibly with further, possibly offset, cutting curve areas for the roundings 134.

[0175] Thus, on the short side of electrodes 14.1, only the rounded edge transitions in the corners of the electrodes are cut.

[0176] In principle, several variations of the editing strategy are conceivable.

[0177] Since the cutting speed can vary due to specific workpiece properties such as format size, coating thickness, coating material, etc., various cutting strategies were developed to maintain the cycle time. The cutting curve 52 shown above is identical for all currently preferred cutting strategies for cutting out an electrode piece 30.1 from the electrode substrate 40.

[0178] To implement the overall process described above, three basic system architectures and editing strategies have been developed, which are described below. Combinations of the editing strategies and system architectures presented below are also conceivable.

[0179] Fig. 12 Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the electrode singulation device 44. The vacuum roller 89 is provided as a carrier 48, the direction of rotation about the axis of rotation 144 indicating the conveying direction 124. The cutting device 50 has a single deflection unit 90 of the type described above with a working area 132, which is controlled by the cutting control unit 92 such that the Fig. 10 and 11 The cutting curve 52 shown is repeatedly traversed in a staggered sequence to cut off subsequent electrode segments. How this is done is described in Fig. 13 The figure shown illustrates an example of the cutting strategy with a single deflection unit 90. For each cut 146.1, 146.2, 146.3, the corresponding cutting curve 52 is shown, with starting point 140, endpoint 142, and jump 148. During jump 148 of the laser system, the laser radiation is not emitted.

[0180] According to this, the Fig. 12 and 13a cutting strategy for a cut with a deflection unit 90. In this case, the working area 132 of the deflection unit 90 is so large that the electrode 14.1 can be cut out in one pass while in motion.

[0181] A prerequisite for such a cutting strategy is that the width of the electrodes 14.1 is smaller than the working area of ​​the working region 132 and that the cutting speed is so high that the entire electrode 14.1 can be cut during movement through the working area in the direction of rotation.

[0182] Fig. 12 Figure 90 shows the system setup with a deflection unit. The width of the working area corresponds to the width of the vacuum roller 89. The cutting strategy is as shown in Figure 90. Fig. 13 The diagram shows that the deflection unit 90 always cuts one electrode 14.1 after the other. As already described, only one of the long sides – the cutting edge 123 – of each electrode 14.1 needs to be cut.

[0183] Fig. 14 Figure 1 shows a second embodiment of the electrode singulation device 44. Here, too, the vacuum roller 89 is provided as a carrier 48, the direction of rotation about the axis of rotation 144 indicating the conveying direction 124. The cutting device 50 has a first deflection unit 90a and a second deflection unit 90b, each of the type described above, with overlapping working areas 132a and 132b, respectively. In this embodiment, the deflection units 90a and 90b are arranged side by side parallel and / or transversely to the conveying direction 124. The deflection units 90a and 90b are controlled by the cutting control unit 92 such that the Fig. 10 and 11The depicted cutting curve 52 is repeatedly traversed in a staggered sequence to cut off subsequent electrode segments 30.1, 30.2. A first section 52a of the cutting curve 52 is traversed by the first deflection unit 90a (i.e., 52a denotes the cutting curve of the first deflection unit 90a), and a second section 52b of the cutting curve 52 is traversed by the second deflection unit 90b (i.e., 52b denotes the cutting curve of the second deflection unit 90b). How this is done is described in Fig. 15 The figure shown illustrates an example of the cutting strategy with parallel deflection units 90a, 90b. For the individual cuts 146.1, 146.2, 146.3, the corresponding cutting curve 52 is shown, with sections 52a, 52b and their starting point 140a, 140b and end point 142a, 142b, and corresponding jump 148a, 148b. During the jump 148a, 148b, the laser radiation is not emitted. The overlapping area of ​​the working regions 132a, 132b forms a "stitching zone" 150.

[0184] The Fig. 14 and 15 Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a section with parallel deflection units 90a, 90b. In this case, two or more deflection units 90a, 90b are arranged in parallel, i.e., next to each other.

[0185] The advantage of this design is that the individual deflection units 90a, 90b can operate with smaller working areas 132a, 132b. Together, the working areas 132a, 132b cover the electrode or roller width.

[0186] The transfer of the cut is carried out by the so-called "stitching" 152. Here, the cutting curves 52a, 52b of the adjacent deflection units 90a, 90b overlap in an area - stitching zone 150 - so that in total a continuous cut - cutting curve 52 - can be made.

[0187] The editing strategy looks like this: Fig. 15 The process is illustrated such that the first deflection unit 90a always cuts out one side of the electrode 14.1 (cut 146.1a, 146.2a, etc.). Stitching 152 then takes place in the middle of the long electrode side – cutting edge 123. The adjacent deflection unit 90b then cuts out the second half, including the contour of the contact tab 74 (cut 146.1b, 146.2b, etc.).

[0188] Fig. 16 Figure 1 shows a third embodiment of the electrode singulation device 44, which corresponds to the second embodiment except for the arrangement and control of the deflection units 90a, 90b. Here, the deflection units 90a, 90b are not arranged parallel or side by side, but in series or one behind the other in the conveying direction 124. Fig. 17 Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the cutting strategy that can be implemented. Each deflection unit 90a, 90b traverses a complete cutting curve 52, but only for every second electrode with two deflection units (for every third electrode with three deflection units, etc.), while the intervening electrodes are cut by the other deflection unit(s). In the embodiment with two deflection units 90a, 90b arranged one behind the other, the first deflection unit 90a performs the odd-numbered cuts 146.1, 146.3, 146.5 with a correspondingly larger step 148a, while the second deflection unit 90b performs the even-numbered steps 146.2, 146.4, 146.6.

[0189] The Fig. 16 and 17This shows a cutting operation with deflection units 90a, 90b in series. In this case, two or more deflection units 90a, 90b are arranged in series, i.e., one behind the other. Each working area 132a, 132b covers the electrode or roller width. The advantage of this configuration is that the individual deflection units 90a, 90b can cut out the electrodes 14.1 in parallel (simultaneously or overlapping in time). Thus, the cycle time for the cutting operation can be doubled at the same rotational speed.

[0190] The editing strategy looks like this: Fig. 17 The arrangement is such that the first deflection unit 90a always cuts out the odd-numbered electrode 14.1. The deflection unit 90b located behind it cuts out the next adjacent even-numbered electrode 14.1 simultaneously or offset.

[0191] Other cutting strategies and combinations of the aforementioned cutting strategies are conceivable.

[0192] With all in the Fig. 12 , 14 , 16 In the illustrated embodiments, with a correspondingly smaller electrode width, less than half the width of the electrode substrate 40, several electrodes 14.1 can also be cut side by side. Cutting strategies for such a procedure result, for example, from duplicating or mirroring the cutting curves, so that two electrodes are separated from one electrode strand. That is, two electrodes are cut side by side in the strand.

[0193] The following will be based on the representations in the Fig. 18 bis 30 Preferred embodiments for the electrode substrate conveying device 46 and for the positioning and fixing device 54 are explained in more detail.

[0194] The electrode substrate conveying device 46 has a carrier 48 that is movable in the conveying direction 124. This carrier has carrier segments 86 that form a support surface 154 for an electrode piece 30.1 or for several electrode pieces 30.1 to be cut side by side. The carrier segments 86 are movable relative to each other in a direction directed in the conveying direction 124 and / or in a direction perpendicular to a support surface 154. The cutting edge / cutting curve area 52.2 is positioned in a gap between adjacent carrier segments 86.A relative movement of the carrier segments 86 in a direction directed towards the conveying direction 124 enables the carrier segments 86 to approach each other before the electrode substrate 40 is applied, so that cutting can take place with closely spaced carrier segments 86 and thus minimal waste, and a subsequent increase in the distance between the adjacent carrier segments 86, so that the cut electrode pieces 30.1 can be spaced further apart, and as in . Fig. 6 The electrode segments 30.1 can be applied to the separator track 28.1 at a distance from one another. Movement in a direction perpendicular to the support surface 154 allows the electrode segments 30.1 to approach the separator track 28.1 at the transfer position 98. The carrier 48 is particularly preferably cylindrical, and the conveying direction 124 corresponds to a direction of rotation of the carrier 48 about the axis of rotation 144. In such a configuration, the relative movement of the carrier segments 86 can be achieved by moving the carrier segments 86 in a direction radial to the axis of rotation 144. A movement radially outward is a movement in a direction perpendicular to the support surface and simultaneously leads to a spacing of the carrier segments 86 in the circumferential direction, i.e., the conveying direction 124, and thus also to the relative movement in the direction directed in the conveying direction 124.

[0195] The support 48 is therefore preferably cylindrical and has an arrangement of radially movable support segments 86 extending in the circumferential direction.

[0196] The carrier 48 preferably has at least one control element – ​​preferably in the form of one or more cam discs 94, 94a, 94b – for the relative movement of the carrier segments 86 depending on the position – in particular, rotational position – of the carrier 48. In the illustrated embodiments, a first cam disc 94a is preferably provided on a first region of a circumferential path of motion of the carrier segments 86 and at least a second cam disc 94b on a second region of the path of motion of the carrier segments 86. The carrier segments 86 are in contact with the cam discs 94a, 94b in order to control their relative movement.

[0197] The support 48 preferably further comprises a detachable fastening device 156 for fastening and, if necessary, replacing the support segments 86.

[0198] The support 48 preferably further comprises a prestressing device 158 for prestressing the support segments 86 in a direction of movement.

[0199] The support segments 86 are preferably rigid metal plate elements. The plate elements are preferably designed as cassette-shaped hollow bodies.

[0200] As part of the suction device 88, the carrier segments 86 preferably have a series of suction openings 160. In the illustrated embodiments, these are preferably arranged according to the contour of the electrode pieces 30.1.

[0201] The carrier 48 has at least one driver 162 per carrier segment 86, which engages with the carrier segment 86, so that the carrier segment 86 can be driven by the driver 162 in the conveying direction 124 and is movable relative to the carrier segment 86 in the direction perpendicular to the support surface.

[0202] The following will be used as an example to illustrate the Fig. 18 bis 24 A preferred specific design of the carrier 48, designed as a vacuum roller 89, and of its carrier segments 86 is described as a specific embodiment for the features described above.

[0203] Fig. 18 Figure 1 shows a section through the vacuum roller 89 and a web feeder 163 of the electrode web supply device 38 for supplying the electrode substrate 40. The web feeder 163 has a driven roller 164 - preferably controlled by the web control device 62 - a roller 166 with a backstop, a feed roller 168 and a spring-loaded pressure roller 170.

[0204] The singulation of the electrodes 14.1 described above takes place on a cylindrical surface of the carrier 48, in particular the vacuum roller 89. The electrode substrate 40 is fed in a controlled manner to the electrode web supply unit 38 via the web feeder 163 and is drawn onto the vacuum roller 89 by means of a vacuum generated by the suction device 88, thereby fixing it in place. To prevent the electrode substrate 40 from detaching from the vacuum roller 89 in the event of a pressure drop, the roller 166 with a backstop and the spring-loaded pressure roller 170 are provided. The roller 166 with backstop, which rests spring-loaded on the driven roller 164, prevents the web-shaped electrode substrate 40 from being pulled out of the web feeder 163. The pressure roller 170 assists in drawing the electrode substrate 40 onto the vacuum roller 89, allowing the vacuum to build up.

[0205] Fig. 19 und 20 Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the carrier segments 86, which are designed as cassettes. Radially extending drivers 162, arranged on a drum 226 of the vacuum roller 89, are also shown. The carrier segments 86 each have a pair of cam rollers 172 at their axial ends for engagement with the cam discs 94, 94a, 94b. The carrier segments 86 have pressure chambers 174 for supplying vacuum / positive pressure. The pressure chambers 174 are connected to a pressure system of the suction device 88 by means of connections 176, as will be explained in more detail below. The radially outer surface of the carrier segment forms the contact surface 154. It is provided with bores for air guidance, which open into the pressure chambers 174 and form the suction openings 160. The electrode substrate 40 is thus fixed to individual cassettes as carrier segments 86.The surface of the cassettes corresponds to a cylindrical surface and is provided with a multitude of bores. Two pressure chambers 174 are provided in each cassette for suction and / or retention of the electrode substrate 40. Negative or positive pressure can be selectively introduced into the pressure chambers 174 via the separate connections 176.

[0206] The cassettes are connected to the drum of the vacuum roller 89 via the drive lugs 162 and run on cam discs 94, 94a, 94b via four cam rollers 172. The radius of the cassette surfaces is adapted to the circular path, resulting in a cylindrical surface in the cutting area (laser cutting). A raised contour 178, adapted to the desired contour of the electrode, is formed on the surface of the cassette. This contour forms the contact surface 154, and its edges are located at the level of the focus of the cutting beam during cutting.

[0207] In Fig. 21 A segment of the vacuum roller 89 is shown, with the individual carrier segments 86 designed as cassettes. The cassettes can be considered as format parts, i.e., the cassettes, and in particular their contour shapes 178, are adapted to the format sizes of the electrodes 14.1 to be cut.

[0208] Fig. 22 Figure 1 shows a cross-section through the vacuum roller 89 in the area of ​​the guide for the carrier segments 86 and the drivers 162. The cam disk 94 serves to radially guide the carrier segments 86 on the vacuum roller 89. To prevent the carrier segments 86 from lifting off the cam disk 94, they are pressed onto the cam disk 94 by the preloading device 158. The preloading device 158 includes, in particular, compression springs 180 in the drivers 162. The drivers 162 are designed such that the carrier segments 86 are freely mounted radially and rotationally in a guide 181 via two bearing pins 182. One bearing pin 182 also ensures the position of the carrier segments 86 in the axial direction of the vacuum roller 89. Thus, it is possible to displace the carrier segments 86 radially by changing the cam path.

[0209] Furthermore, the detachable fastening device 156 is provided on the driver 162. This device is designed such that the support segments 86 can be easily lifted from the drum 226 by disassembling the upper half of the driver 184. This allows individual support segments 86 to be replaced during maintenance.

[0210] The radial adjustment capability of the carrier segments 86 serves, on the one hand, to minimize or eliminate the waste in the area where the electrodes 14.1 are separated, see Fig. 5 Furthermore, the radial adjustability makes it easier to place the electrodes 14.1 at a defined distance in the transfer area to the separator 22 - at the transfer position 98 - so that the same overhang from separator 22 to electrode 14.1 is always achieved, see Fig. 6 The influence of the radial adjustment option is explained below using the illustration in the Fig. 23 und 24 explained. Fig. 23 shows an axial view of two adjacent carrier segments 86 on the vacuum roller 89 with the electrode substrate 40 in the working area 132, 132a, 132b of the cutting device (area of ​​laser cutting). Fig. 24 This shows in Fig. 23 Detail outlined in boxes in an enlarged view. In the area of ​​the laser cut, the cam disk 94 has the smallest radius, thus minimizing the distance between the individual support segments 86. A minimal distance between the support segments 86 is advantageous so that cutting takes place in the area of ​​the gap – cutting gap 186 – and therefore no damage occurs to the support segments 86 during the cutting process.

[0211] The spacing between the support segments 86 also allows the particles generated during the cutting process to be extracted inwards. For this purpose, extraction points are provided on both sides of the vacuum roller 89, enabling the particles to be selectively extracted from the outside inwards.

[0212] To transfer the electrodes 14.1 to the separator 22, the distance between the electrode segments 30.1 is increased. The transfer takes place in the area of ​​the positioning and fixing device 54 at the transfer position 98. Fig. 25 and 26 Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the positioning and fixing device 54, with which the step "applying the electrode to the separator" is carried out.

[0213] In the area where electrode 14.1 transitions to separator 22, the cam disk 94 has its largest radius. The support segments 86 are further spaced apart to form a transfer gap 188. This ensures the desired distance between the electrodes 14.1 as shown in Fig. 6 shown manufactured.

[0214] The radially internal, non-rotating (stationary) cam disk 94 directly transmits the process forces generated by the counter roller 100 during application to the separator 22. No load is exerted on the rotary mechanism or the bearings of the vacuum roller 89.

[0215] To achieve a uniform pressure distribution across the entire web width, the height of the counter roller 100 is adjusted via two separate drives of the lifting unit 102. In addition, the resulting pressure force on the counter roller 100 is measured by force sensors.

[0216] In the illustrated embodiment, the counter roller 100 is heated directly by internal heating elements 190 with a corresponding connection 192. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to heat the counter roller 100 in its upper area using IR emitters or inductively.

[0217] In one embodiment, a circumferential cam disk 94 can be provided on each of the two sides. In the embodiment described in the Fig. 25 bis 27 In the illustrated embodiment, a base plate 199 and several cam discs 94a, 94b are provided on each side, at least one or more of which are adjustable in position relative to the base plate 199. To adjust the gap 188 that forms between the electrodes 14.1, the circumferential control element is divided into two halves – the first cam disc 94a and the second cam disc 94b – see figure. Fig. 27. Fig. 27 The first cam disc 94a is shown as a fixed lower cam disc and the second cam disc 94b as an upper cam disc adjustable relative to it, as well as an adjustment range 194 in between.

[0218] By vertically adjusting the cam disk 94b (here the second, upper cam disk 94a) located in the area of ​​the positioning and fixing device 54, the radial stroke traveled by the carrier segments 86 can be varied. This results in a decrease or increase in the distance between the electrodes 14.1.

[0219] The adjustment is made, see Fig. 25 and 26 , on both sides via an adjusting screw 195, which presses against a counter spring 196. Two guide elements 198 are installed laterally to guide the adjustable cam disc 94b. This allows the adjustable cam disc 94b to be guided relative to a base plate 199.

[0220] Fig. 27 Figure 1 shows the transition between the cam discs 94a, 94b. The multiple cam discs 94a, 94b overlap in a transition area - overlap 200 - to achieve clean guidance of the carrier segments 86.

[0221] In order to ensure that the carrier segments 86 are always guided cleanly despite the radial adjustment of the upper cam disk 94b, the two halves of the control element overlap in the middle area, i.e. the carrier segments 86 have contact with both cam disks 94a, 94b in this area of ​​overlap 200.

[0222] Finally, a preferred embodiment of the suction device 88 will be described below with reference to the illustration in the Fig. 28 bis 30 explained in more detail.

[0223] Fig. 28 Figure 1 shows the construction of the air guide at one shaft end of the vacuum roller 89 with air connections 202, which are to be connected to the connections 176 of the support segments 86, a mounting flange 204 of the shaft 224 of the vacuum roller 89, a main bearing 206 of the vacuum roller 89, with which it is mounted on the respective base plate 199, as well as a control mandrel 208 with bearings 210, an opening 211 in the control mandrel 208 and a clamp 212 for locking.

[0224] Fig. 27 Figure 1 shows a section through the control mandrel 208 and the shaft 224 of the vacuum roller, showing an open area 214, in which the air connections 202 are open, and a closed area 215, in which the air connections 202 are open. Areas 214 and 215 can be adjusted by rotating the control mandrel 208. In other embodiments, not shown in detail, such an adjustment is possible via some other type of air control element, e.g., via rotating switchable actuators, or via mechanical flaps or closures that can be controlled by means of control cams or the like.

[0225] Fig. 30 Figure 1 shows a sectional view through the vacuum roller 89, showing on one side a first control mandrel 208a with a central air connection 216a, the clamping device 212 with clamping disc 218 and locking device 220, and a drive 222 for the vacuum roller 89, and inside the shaft 224 with the main bearings 206, the drum 226 and the connections 176 of the pressure chambers 174 and the air connections 202, and on the other side a second control mandrel 208b with central air connection 216b.

[0226] The function of the in the Fig. 27 bis 30 The suction device 88 shown is described below. Vacuum is used to fix the electrode substrate 40 or the individual electrode pieces 30.1 to the vacuum roller 89 – see the above description of the carrier segments 86 designed as cassettes. To ensure the transfer of the electrode piece 30.1 onto the separator track 28.1 is process-reliable, targeted control of the vacuum is provided.

[0227] In preferred embodiments, it is provided that, in addition to interrupting the negative pressure at the transfer point, an overpressure is also introduced into the pressure chambers 174.

[0228] To achieve targeted pressure control, one or two control pins 208, 208a, 208b are integrated into the shaft 224 of the vacuum roller 89. A first control pin 208, 208a allows control of the area in which the vacuum is applied to the individual carrier segments 86. A second control pin 208b serves to introduce the positive pressure from the opposite side.

[0229] The vacuum can be supplied externally (e.g., via the central air connection 216a, designed as a side-channel compressor) or generated via individual vacuum generators on the support segments 86, which are designed as metallic plate elements or cassettes. If vacuum generators are used, it is sufficient to introduce positive pressure (compressed air) into the vacuum roller 89 via both control mandrels 208a, 208b.

[0230] The control mandrels 208, 208a, 208b are rotatably mounted in the shaft 224 so that they remain stationary when the vacuum roller 89 is rotating. Air is supplied to the vacuum roller 89 through a bore in the interior and a cutout – opening 211 – in the outer surface of the control mandrel 208.

[0231] On both sides of the shaft 224, there are individual bores corresponding to the number of carrier segments 86, positioned at the level of the cutouts of the two control mandrels 208a, 208b. Thus, both negative and positive pressure can be directed into the individual carrier segments via each bore. To adjust the areas 214, 215, where the air is selectively supplied, the control mandrel 208 is equipped with a locking device 220. This device allows the control mandrel 208 to be fixed to the clamping disc 218.

[0232] Devices 24.1, 24.2, 10 and methods for use in the mass production of cell assemblies 36 for batteries with electrodes 14.1, 14.2 and separator layers 20 have thus been described. To improve process reliability and speed, it is proposed that, when providing electrode strands 26.1, 26.2 from a separator web 28.1, 28.2 and electrodes fixed thereon, the electrodes 14.1, 14.2 be singulated from a web-shaped electrode substrate 40 on a moving carrier 48 of a conveying device 46 in such a way as follows: that at least two edges 122.2, 123 of the electrodes 14.1, 14.2 are cut in a cutting process and / or that carrier segments 86 of the carrier 48 that are movable relative to each other are brought closer together for cutting and further spaced apart to fix the then separated electrodes 30.1, 30.2. Bezugszeichenliste:

[0233] 10 Electrode assembly manufacturing device 12 Electrode assembly 14.1 First electrode 14.2 Second electrode 16 Anode 18 Cathode 20 Separator layer 22 Separator 24.1 First electrode strand supply device 24.2 Second electrode strand supply device 26.1 First electrode strand 26.2 Second electrode strand 28.1 First separator track 28.2 Second separator track 30.1 First electrode piece 30.2 Second electrode piece 32 Positioning and joining unit 34 Cell assembly singulation device 36 Cell assembly 37 Coil 38 Electrode track supply device 40 Track-shaped electrode substrate 42 Separator track supply device 44 Electrode singulation device 46 Electrode substrate conveying device 48 Carrier 50 Cutting device 52 Cutting curve 52.1 First Side edge cutting curve area 52.2 Cutting edge cutting curve area 52.3 Second side edge cutting curve area 52a Section first deflection unit 52b Section second deflection unit 54 Positioning and fixing device 56 Coil holder 58 Unwinding system60 Roller 62 Web control unit 64 Control 66 Carrier material 68 Coating 70 Active material 72 Edge strip 74 Contact flag 76 Deflector flag 78 Activation unit 80 Pressing unit 82 Heating section 84 Heating unit 86 Carrier segment 88 Suction unit 89 Vacuum roller 90 Deflection unit 90 First deflection unit 90 Second deflection unit 92 Cutting control unit 94 Cam disc 94 First cam disc 94 Second cam disc 96 Cleaning station 97 Second cleaning station 98 Transfer position 100 Counter roller 102 Lifting unit 104 Press roller 106 Cell composite conveying unit 108 Cell composite carrier 110 Cell composite cutting unit 112 Laser 118.1 First web feed 118.2 Second web feed 120 First optical system 122.1 First side edge 122.2 Second side edge 123 Cutting edge 124 Conveyor direction 126 Second optical system 128 Cutting edge (cell cluster) 130 Vacuum belt 132 Working area 132a Working area first deflection unit 132b Working area second deflection unit 134 Rounding 136 U-shaped area138 Separation step from previous process 140 Start point cut 142 End point cut 144 Axis of rotation 146.1 First cut 146.1a First cut (first deflection unit) 146.1 Top cut (second deflection unit) 146.2 Second cut 146.2a Second cut (first deflection unit) 146.2b Second cut (second deflection unit) 146.3 Third cut 146.3a Third cut (first deflection unit) 146.3b Third cut (second deflection unit) 146.4 Fourth cut 146.5 Fifth cut 146.6 Sixth cut 148 Jump 148a Jump first deflection unit 148b Jump second deflection unit 150 Stitching zone 152 Stitching 154 Support surface 156 Fastening device 158 Pre-tensioning device 160 Suction opening 162 Driver 163 Web feed 164 Driven roller 166 Roller with backstop 168 Feed roller 170 Spring-loaded pressure roller 172 Cam roller 174 Pressure chambers 176 Connection 178 Contour shape 180 Compression spring 181 Guide 182 Bearing pin 184 Upper driver half 186 Cutting gap 188 Transfer gap 190 Heating element 192 Heating element connection194 Adjustment range 195 Adjusting screw 196 Counter spring 198 Guide elements 199 Base plate 200 Overlap 202 Air connection 204 Mounting flange 206 Main bearing 208 Control mandrel 208a First control mandrel 208b Second control mandrel 210 Control mandrel bearing 211 Opening in control mandrel 212 Clamp for locking 214 Open area 215 Closed area 216a Central air connection on first control mandrel 216b Central air connection on second control mandrel 218 Clamping washer 220 Locking mechanism 222 Drive for vacuum roller 224 Shaft 226 Drum

Claims

1. Electrode string providing apparatus (24.1, 24.2) for providing an electrode string (26.1, 26.2) for the purpose of producing an electrode arrangement (12), comprising: an electrode web providing device (38) for providing a web-like electrode substrate (40); a separator web providing device (42) for providing a separator web (28.1, 28.2); an electrode separation device (44) for separating the electrode substrate (40) into individual electrode pieces (30.1, 30.2) , which comprises an electrode substrate conveyor device (46) having a carrier (48) movable in a conveying direction (124) for conveying the electrode substrate and a cutting device (50) for cutting through the electrode substrate (40) on the carrier (46) along a cutting curve (52) in order to cut off an electrode piece (30.1, 30.2) from the web-like electrode substrate (40) during conveying; and a positioning and fixing device (54) for positioning and fixing the electrode pieces (30.1, 30.2) on the separator web (28.1, 28.2); wherein the cutting device (50) comprises at least a laser unit for generating a cutting beam and a cutting control unit (92) for controlling cutting corresponding to the cutting curve (52), characterized in that the cutting curve (52) of the cutting device (50) is a continuous cutting curve (52) and comprises at least a side edge cutting curve section (52.1, 52.3) for cutting a side edge (122.1, 122.3) of the electrode piece (30.1, 30.2) running in a conveying direction (124) and a cut edge cutting curve section (52.2) for cutting a cut edge (123) of the electrode piece (30.1, 30.2) running transversely to the conveying direction, and that the at least one side edge cutting edge section (52.1, 52.3) transitions to the cut edge cutting curve section (52.2) in an arcuate manner when viewed from a stationary position.

2. Electrode string providing apparatus (24.1, 24.2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cutting curve (52) of the cutting device (50) comprises a first side edge cutting curve section (52.1) for cutting a first side edge (122.1) of the electrode piece (30.1, 30.2) and a second side edge cutting curve section (52.3) for cutting a second side edge (122.2) of the electrode piece (30.1, 30.2), wherein the cut edge cutting curve section (52.2) is arranged between the side edge cutting curve sections (52.1, 52.3).

3. Electrode string providing apparatus (24.1, 24.2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side edge cutting curve section (52.3) or at least one of several side edge cutting curve sections (52.1, 52.3) is configured for cutting out a contact lug (74) of the electrode piece (30.1, 30.2), comprises a U-shaped section (136) for cutting a contour of a contact lug (74) protruding from one side edge (122.2) and comprises at least one straight section in a direction oriented in the conveying direction (124).

4. Electrode string providing apparatus (24.1, 24.2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cut edge cutting curve section (52.2) has a course that depends on the movement of the carrier (48) and runs diagonally to the conveying direction (124), viewed from a stationary position, and is longer than the at least one side edge cutting curve section (52.1, 52.3).

5. Electrode string providing apparatus (24.1, 24.2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cutting device (50) has at least one deflection unit (90, 90a, 90b) for the cutting beam.

6. Electrode string providing apparatus (24.1, 24.2) according to claim 5, characterized in that the cutting device (50) has a first and a second deflection unit (90, 90a, 90b) for the cutting beam which are arranged one behind the other.

7. Electrode string providing apparatus (24.1, 24.2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrode substrate conveying device (44) has an adhesion device for fixing the electrode substrate (40) on the carrier (48) by means of switchable adhesive bonding.

8. Electrode string providing apparatus (24.1, 24.2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier (48) has several carrier segments (86), each of which has a support surface (154) for receiving at least one electrode piece (30.1, 30.2) and which are movable relative to each other in a first direction oriented in a conveying direction (124) and in a second direction oriented perpendicular to the support surface (154), and that the carrier (48) is selected from a group comprising a carrier (48) which has at least one control element for relatively moving the carrier segments (86) depending on the position of the carrier; a carrier (48) which has a releasable fastening device (156) for fastening and, if necessary, exchanging the carrier segments (86), a carrier (48) which has a biasing device (158) for biasing the carrier segments (86) in a movement direction, a carrier (48) which has at least a first cam disc (94a) at a first section of a circumferential trajectory of the carrier segments (86) and at least a second cam disc (94b) at a second section of the trajectory of the carrier segments (86), wherein the carrier segments (86) are in contact with the cam discs (94a, 94b) in order to control their relative movement, a carrier (48), which has at least one driving dog (162) per carrier segment (86) which is in engagement with the carrier segment (86), so that the carrier segment (86) can be driven in the conveying direction (124) by the driving dog (162) and is movable relative to the carrier segment (86) in the second direction, and a carrier (48) which has carrier segments (86) with a switchable adhesion device.

9. Electrode string providing method for providing an electrode string (26.1) for the purpose of producing an electrode arrangement (12), comprising: a) providing a web-like electrode substrate (40); b) providing a separator web (28.1, 28.2); c) separating the electrode substrate (40) into individual electrode pieces (30.1, 30.2), comprising: c1) conveying the electrode substrate (40) on a carrier (48) and c2) cutting off the electrode piece (30.1, 30.2) from the web-like electrode substrate (40) during conveying by cutting at least two edges (122.2, 123) of the contour of the electrode piece (30.1, 30.2) on the carrier along a continuous cutting curve (52); and d) positioning and fixing the electrode pieces (30.1, 30.2) on the separator web (28.1, 28.2), wherein step c2) includes the steps: c2a) cutting a side edge (122.2) of the electrode piece (30.1, 30.2) running in a conveying direction and cutting a cut edge (123) of the electrode piece (30.1, 30.2) running diagonally to the conveying direction in a cutting operation with the cutting curve (52) by i) continuously performing the cutting operation by continuously passing through the cutting curve (52) with a cutting beam or ii) performing the cutting operation (52) by passing through a sub-section (52a) of the cutting curve (52), which sub-section comprises a transition between a side edge (122.1) and the cut edge (123), with a cutting beam deflected by means of a first deflection unit (90a) and subsequently by passing through the remaining sub-section (52b) of the cutting curve (52) with a cutting beam deflected by means of a second deflection unit (90b), wherein cutting at least one side edge (122.1, 122.2) of the electrode piece (30.1, 30.2) transitions to cutting the cut edge (123) in an arcuate manner when viewed from a stationary position.

10. Electrode string providing method according to claim 9, characterized in that step c2) comprises at least one of the steps: c2b) cutting a first side edge (122.1), the cut edge (123) and a second side edge (122.2) of the electrode piece (30.1, 30.2) in a cutting operation with the cutting curve (52); and c2c) continuous cutting along a continuous cutting curve (52).

11. Electrode string providing method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that cutting at least one side edge (122.1, 122.2) of the electrode piece (30.1, 30.2) comprises the steps: 11.1 cutting out at least one contact lug (74) of the electrode piece (30.1, 30.2), 11.2 cutting a U-shaped contour of a contact lug (74) protruding from the side edge and 11.3 cutting along a straight section (52.1) of the cutting curve (52) in a direction oriented in the conveying direction (124).

12. Electrode string providing method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that cutting the cut edge (123) 12.1 proceeds depending on the movement of the carrier (48) and 12.2 takes place diagonally to the conveying direction (124) when viewed from a stationary position and 12.3 lasts longer than cutting the at least one side edge (122.1, 122.2).

13. Electrode string providing method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that step c2) comprises: deflecting at least one cutting beam by means of a first and a second deflection unit (90a, 90b) which are arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction, in order to cut out electrodes (14.1) simultaneously or overlapping in time by means of the deflection units (90a, 90b).

14. Electrode string providing method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that step c1) comprises: c1a) placing sections of the electrode substrate (40) to be separated from each other by step c2) on support surfaces (154) formed on several carrier segments (86) of the carrier (48), wherein the carrier segments (86) are movable relative to each other in a first direction oriented in the conveying direction (124) and in a second direction oriented perpendicular to the support surface (124), wherein the placing and step c2) are carried out with adjacent carrier segments (86) brought closer to each other, and the adjacent carrier segments (86) with electrode pieces (30.1, 30.2) fixed thereon are moved apart in the first and / or second direction in order to carry out step d), wherein the electrode string providing method comprises at least one of the steps: 14.1 guiding the carrier segments (86) via at least one cam disc (94a) at a first section of a cirumferential trajectory of the carrier segments (86) and at least one second cam disc (86) at a second section of the trajectory of the carrier segments (86) in order to control the movement of the carrier segments (86) via the course of the cam discs (94a, 94b); and 14.2 driving the carrier segments (86) by respective driving dogs (162) in the conveying direction (124) and moving the carrier segments (6) relative to the respective driving dog (162) in the second direction.

15. Electrode string providing method according to any one of claims 9 to 14, characterized by fixing the electrode substrate (40) on a carrier (48) by means of a switchable adhesion device or by adhesive bonding.