Device for loading cell holders of accumulators

Description

[0001] Rechargeable batteries (also known colloquially as "batteries") for power tools or other devices consist of a few battery cells that are inserted into a slot in a cell holder. With such relatively small batteries, not all battery cells are inserted into a slot in the cell holder with the same orientation. Some battery cells are inserted with their positive pole in a slot; others are inserted with their negative pole in a slot. The different orientations of the battery cells in a cell holder are often due to the fact that these batteries are designed according to ergonomic considerations, the available space, and other criteria.

[0002] Such cell holders can be loaded, for example, using a robotic arm equipped with a gripper. This type of loading works, but is relatively slow (loading a slot takes significantly longer than a second) and is relatively expensive and complicated to use.

[0003] EP 3 098 884 A1 discloses a holding device for energy storage devices, wherein the energy storage cores are pressed out and ejected in a first step, and the energy storage shells are ejected in a second step. Accordingly, instead of loading complete energy storage devices, used energy storage devices are separated.

[0004] From CN 108 899 589 A a device for handling batteries arranged in series is known, which is not suitable for loading individual batteries.

[0005] The invention is based on the object of providing a device for loading cell holders with accumulator cells of different polarity that is simple in design, fast, and highly flexible. Furthermore, it should be cost-effective and operate reliably.

[0006] This object is achieved according to the invention by a device for equipping cell holders with accumulator cells, comprising a first magazine and a second magazine for accumulator cells, a first feed device and a second feed device, and a conveyor device for inserting an accumulator cell into a slot of a cell holder, wherein the first feed device is set up in such a way that it can feed an accumulator cell from the first magazine to the conveyor device, and wherein the second feed device is set up in such a way that it can feed an accumulator cell from the second magazine to the conveyor device.

[0007] According to the invention, the conveyor system is selectively supplied with battery cells from two different magazines. In one magazine, the battery cells are oriented, for example, with their positive pole at the top. In the second magazine, the battery cells are oriented, for example, with their positive pole at the bottom. In the context of the invention, this type of filling is referred to as pole-oriented filling. This means that all cells in a magazine are oriented in the same way.

[0008] Then, by controlling the first or second feed device accordingly, it is possible to transport a battery cell into the feed area of ​​the conveyor with its positive pole at the top or its positive pole at the bottom. Feeding a battery cell from the first magazine into the feed area of ​​the conveyor is just as fast as feeding a battery cell from the second magazine.

[0009] The conveyor then moves the battery cell located in its intake area into the slot. The conveyor transports a battery cell from the intake area of ​​the conveyor into the corresponding slot of the cell holder using a simple linear movement, regardless of the orientation or polarity of the battery cell in the corresponding slot of the cell holder.

[0010] This device is relatively simple in design, easy to handle, and also very advantageous from an occupational safety perspective, since, unlike a robot arm with a gripper, there is no risk of accidents or collisions with people. The moving parts of the feed devices and the conveyor system can be easily encapsulated, thus preventing injury to persons in the vicinity of the device according to the invention. Furthermore, the device operates very quickly, since only simple linear or rotary movements need to be performed, which can be carried out with high acceleration or deceleration. Tests have shown that assembly times of one second or less per battery cell can be achieved. The orientation of the battery cells is irrelevant.As a result, the device according to the invention represents a simple, compact and reliable device for loading cell holders.

[0011] An advantageous embodiment of the first or second feed device provides a slider and a controllable linear drive for the slider, wherein the slider and the linear drive are aligned and arranged such that the slider moves a battery cell located at the exit of the first magazine into a feed area of ​​the conveyor device when the linear drive is controlled accordingly. The same applies to the second feed device, which can move a battery cell from an exit of the second magazine into the feed area of ​​the conveyor device.

[0012] Put simply, the slider of the first feeder pushes a battery cell located at the exit of the first magazine into the feed area of ​​the conveyor through a linear movement. This movement requires minimal force and time. It is technically very easy to implement, for example, with the help of a pneumatic cylinder with the slider mounted on its piston rod. Such pneumatic cylinders are very powerful, fast, and reliable.

[0013] In an alternative embodiment, the first feed device comprises a rotatably mounted transport roller with at least one groove for receiving a battery cell, wherein a longitudinal axis of the groove runs parallel to a rotational axis of the transport roller, wherein the at least one groove can be moved by means of the rotary drive from an output of the first magazine into the intake area of ​​the conveyor device.

[0014] The same applies to the second conveyor. Its design is essentially the same as the first conveyor. However, the groove in the transport roller of the second feeder transports a battery cell from the exit of the second magazine into the feeder's intake area.

[0015] With the help of the transport roller, for example, a battery cell located in the exit area of ​​the first magazine can be moved into the feed area of ​​the conveyor by rotating the transport roller by just 90°. The same applies to the transport roller of the second feed device. Such a rotational movement can be performed in a fraction of a second. Feeding a battery cell with the desired orientation of the positive pole (top or bottom) into the feed area of ​​the conveyor can be done in a very short time.

[0016] As soon as the battery cell is within the feed area of ​​the conveyor, it can be activated and the battery cell located there can be inserted into the slot of the cell holder or conveyed. This process also takes only a fraction of a second, so the overall process of inserting a battery cell into a slot of the cell holder can be completed in one second or even faster.

[0017] As soon as a slot in the cell holder is occupied with a battery cell, the cell holder is moved one slot further relative to the conveyor. At the same time, a battery cell is moved from the first or second magazine into the feed area of ​​the conveyor with the orientation required for the next slot to be occupied. The required orientation of the battery cell determines whether a battery cell is transported from the first or second magazine into the feed area of ​​the conveyor.

[0018] These processes can be performed simultaneously or staggered. As soon as another battery cell is within the feed area of ​​the conveyor and the cell holder is positioned accordingly, the next slot can be loaded with this battery cell.

[0019] The geometries of the distance between the rotational axes of both transport rollers depending on the size of the groove and the diameter of the accumulator cells are claimed in claim 4. This geometric relation is explained below in connection with the description of the Figure 5 In short, this achieves optimal protection of the battery cells against tipping while simultaneously requiring minimal space and a minimal number of components.

[0020] To prevent a battery cell located in a groove of the transport roller from falling out of the groove during the rotation of the transport roller, a further advantageous embodiment provides a circularly curved guide wall that surrounds at least part of the transport roller and is arranged concentrically to the rotational axis of the transport roller. This ensures positive transport of the battery cell in the groove and ensures that the battery cell does not fall out of the groove during transport into the intake area of ​​the conveyor device.

[0021] The distance of the guide wall from the rotational axis of the transport roller is claimed in claim 6. This geometric relation is also determined by the Figure 5 and their description is explained.

[0022] One embodiment of a conveyor device provides for the conveyor device to have a rotary-driven conveyor wheel. This conveyor wheel extends with its outer diameter into the intake area of ​​the conveyor device. Thus, when a battery cell is transported into the intake area by one of the feed devices, the outer diameter of the conveyor wheel rests against the cylindrical outer contour of the battery cell. When the conveyor wheel is driven, it conveys the battery cell (through an optional conveyor shaft) toward the cell holder through frictional engagement with the battery cell.

[0023] It is therefore advantageous if the conveyor wheel is made of an elastic and non-slip material, such as rubber or a plastic with a high coefficient of static friction.

[0024] To prevent the battery cell from shifting backward when the conveyor wheel presses against the outer contour of the battery cell from the front, a counterbearing is provided on the side opposite the conveyor wheel. This counterbearing can, for example, be a second rotatably mounted roller, which either runs along idly or is also rotatably driven. If the roller is rotatably driven, the drive power and the force exerted by the conveyor on the battery cell can be increased. This allows for higher accelerations and greater forces when loading the cell holder. This further reduces the time required to convey a battery cell from the feed area into the slot of a cell holder.

[0025] Alternatively, it is also possible to design the abutment, for example, as a fixed rib running parallel to the conveying direction of the conveyor wheel. This abutment then supports the accumulator cell and thus prevents it from shifting backward. In this case, the rib should be made of a material with a low coefficient of static friction.

[0026] In an alternative embodiment, it is also possible for the conveyor device to comprise a plunger and a linear drive. The plunger is arranged above the feed area of ​​the conveyor device. Extending the plunger transports a battery cell located in the feed area (through an optional conveyor shaft) into the slot of the cell holder, which is located behind the conveyor shaft as seen in the conveying direction. Here, too, a pneumatic cylinder can easily be used as a linear drive, and a plunger, for example in the form of a rubber button, can be attached to the end of the piston rod of the pneumatic cylinder.

[0027] In order to prevent the accumulator cells conveyed by the conveyor from falling over before they are pressed into the provided slot of the cell holder with their front end in the conveying direction, the conveyor device provides a rotatable half-shell in a further advantageous embodiment.

[0028] This half-shell is always rotated to prevent the battery cells being transported from the conveyor shaft from falling out or tipping over. For example, if two or three adjacent slots on the sides of the slot to be populated have already been populated with battery cells, the battery cell being transported by the conveyor cannot tip over in these directions. The half-shell is then rotated to cover the still open area of ​​the cell holder where no battery cells have yet been inserted. This also prevents the battery cell being moved by the conveyor from tipping over in this direction.

[0029] In order to ensure optimal alignment of the half-shell at all times, the conveyor system provides a controllable rotary drive for the half-shell.

[0030] Furthermore, a movable carriage is provided behind the feed area or the optional conveyor shaft, as seen in the conveying direction. This movable carriage carries the cell holder and moves the cell holder so that the next slot of the cell holder to be filled is always located behind the feed area or the optional conveyor shaft. The battery cell conveyed through the conveyor shaft then finds its intended slot "on its own." Once it arrives there, it is held in place with a slight press fit.

[0031] It is possible to provide two linear drives, aligned orthogonally to each other, for controlling and positioning the carriage and thus also the cell holder. These drives can be designed as servomotors or stepper motors. Servomotors or stepper motors allow sufficiently precise positioning of the cell holder or carriage relative to the conveyor shaft, so that the battery cells emerging from the conveyor shaft always find their intended slot.

[0032] The drives, be they linear drives or rotary drives of the feeding devices, the conveyor device, the rotating half-shell and / or the carriage, can be pneumatic, electromechanical or hydraulic drives.

[0033] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first magazine and / or the second magazine are designed as a tube or hose whose inner diameter is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the battery cells. In this case, the battery cells are stacked one behind the other in the first magazine with the same orientation, so that, for example, their positive poles point upwards.

[0034] In the corresponding second magazine, multiple battery cells are stacked one behind the other in the same orientation, with the positive pole facing down. This ensures that a battery cell with the desired orientation (positive pole facing up or positive pole facing down) can always be fed into the feed area of ​​the conveyor system, as needed. This is done by simply controlling either the first feeder or the second feeder.

[0035] In this embodiment, the first magazine or the second magazine is usually positioned vertically. Then, with the help of gravity, whenever a battery cell has been transported away from the magazine exit by the corresponding feeder, the next battery cell falls from the magazine into the magazine exit and is available for transport to the feed area of ​​the conveyor.

[0036] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, it is also possible for the magazine to be designed in the manner of a tube or hose with a rectangular cross-section. The height of the magazine is slightly greater than the length of the battery cells, and the width of the magazine is slightly greater than the diameter of the battery cells. In this case, the magazines are generally aligned horizontally. They are also loaded with battery cells in such a way that all cells in a magazine have the same pole orientation.

[0037] One could also say that battery cells of the same orientation are placed side by side in the magazine. By pushing, for example, with a ram or pusher, one battery cell at a time can be conveyed to the magazine exit and from there, with the help of the first or second feeder, moved into the intake area of ​​the conveyor.

[0038] The advantages of the invention are also realized by a method for loading a cell holder, wherein this method requires a device comprising a first magazine and a second magazine for rechargeable battery cells, a first feed device and a second feed device as well as a conveyor device for inserting a rechargeable battery cell into a slot of a cell holder, wherein the first feed device is configured such that it can feed a rechargeable battery cell from the first magazine to an infeed area of ​​the conveyor device, wherein the second feed device is configured such that it can feed a rechargeable battery cell from the second magazine to the infeed area of ​​the conveyor device, and wherein the conveyor device can convey a rechargeable battery cell located in the infeed area (through an optional conveyor shaft) into a free slot of a cell holder.

[0039] This process is very simple and fast, as it requires only a few linear or rotary movements of the feeder or conveyor. The same applies to positioning the cell holder. Feeding a battery cell from an exit of the first magazine or the second magazine and positioning the cell holder can occur simultaneously, further reducing insertion time.

[0040] The advantages of the method according to the invention are particularly great when the battery cells located in the first magazine and the second magazine are each aligned identically, but the orientation of the battery cells stored between the first magazine and the second magazine is different. This means, for example, that in one magazine, the positive pole of the battery cells can be at the top, while in the other magazine, the positive pole of the battery cells is at the bottom.

[0041] Further advantages and advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the following drawings, their description, and the patent claims. Drawings show: Figure 1 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of a device according to the invention; Figure 2 is a section in the direction of the line AA through the device according to Figure 1 ; Figure 3 shows a section through the device along the line BB; Figure 4 shows an isometric view of a second embodiment of a device according to the invention; Figure 5 shows a horizontal section through the device according to Figure 4 along the line AA; Figure 6 a vertical section through the device according to Figure 4 ; Figure 7 shows an isometric view of a third embodiment of a device according to the invention; Figure 8 shows a vertical section along the line AA; and Figure 9 shows a horizontal section through the device along the line BB. Description of the embodiments

[0042] In the Figures 1 to 3 A first embodiment of a device according to the invention is shown. In most figures, a Cartesian coordinate system is shown to indicate the different spatial and movement directions. Figures 1 to 3 the individual components and their mutual assignment can be seen.

[0043] The description begins at the lower end of the device and ends at its upper part and thus in the opposite direction to the movement of the accumulator cells 5 through the device.

[0044] The lowermost part of the device according to the invention is a carriage 1, which carries a cell holder 3. The carriage 1 can be moved in the direction of the X-axis, the Y-axis and / or the Z-axis by linear drives (not shown).

[0045] Alternatively, the upper part of the device can also be moved relative to the carriage 1. "Mixed forms" are also possible, which consist of one or two movement axes being assigned to the carriage 1 and two or one movement axes being assigned to the upper part of the device. Figure 1 The embodiment shown also requires only two axes of movement.

[0046] The relative movements between the carriage 1 and the upper part of the device can be realized with the help of suitable guides and linear drives (not shown).

[0047] The carriage 1 and with it the cell holder 3 is always positioned under a conveyor arranged in the upper part of the device in such a way that a free slot of the cell holder 3 is located below an optional conveyor shaft (not visible in the Figure 1 ) is located.

[0048] In the Figure 11 shows a battery cell 5 inserted into a slot at the top left of the cell holder 3. This occurs when the battery cell 5 is conveyed downwards from the conveyor device of the device according to the invention in the conveying direction indicated by an arrow (in the direction of the negative Y-axis) until the lower end of the battery cell 5 is pressed into the previously free slot of the cell holder 3. The battery cell is then slightly press-fitted into the slot and is thus fixed and secured against tipping.

[0049] To prevent the accumulator cell 5 from tipping during assembly, an (optional) rotary-driven half-shell 7 is provided, which is always rotated about its longitudinal axis in such a way that it prevents the accumulator cell 5 from tipping. Figure 1In the position shown, a supporting wall or other abutment should be provided on the side of the accumulator cell 5 opposite the half-shell 7. This abutment, as well as the guides and linear drives, is shown in the diagram for reasons of clarity. Figure 1 not shown.

[0050] If the first slot of the cell holder 3 is occupied (as in the Figure 1 shown), the carriage 1 is controlled so that it moves one slot further. For example, in the direction of the negative Z-axis or in the direction of the negative X-axis. Then there is again a free slot below the conveyor device according to the invention. The rotatable half-shell 7 does not follow the feed movement of the carriage 1; it maintains its position. It is obvious that the same effect can also be achieved if the carriage 1 is stationary and the upper part of the device moves relative to the carriage.

[0051] As already explained, after the first slot has been loaded, the carriage 1 is moved in the negative Z-axis direction until the next free slot is located below the conveyor. The battery cell in the first slot then prevents the "next" battery cell from tipping in this direction. By appropriately rotating the half-shell 7, the battery cell can also be prevented from tipping in the other directions. This situation is Figure 1 not shown. In this way, all slots of the cell holder 3 are successively populated with accumulator cells 5.

[0052] The transport of the accumulator cells 5 from a first magazine 9 or a second magazine 11 into a feed area of ​​the conveyor device and the subsequent transport of the accumulator cells 5 to a slot of the cell holder 3 are described below.

[0053] In the Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, the first magazine 9 or the second magazine 11 is a flexible hose or a tube, the inner diameter of which is matched to the outer diameter of a battery cell 5 so that the battery cells 5 can be stacked with some play in the magazine 9, 11. In the Figure 1 Only one accumulator cell 5 is indicated in each of the magazines 9 and 11, respectively. For the accumulator cells 5 in the first magazine 9, the positive pole of the accumulator cell is located at the top. For the accumulator cells 5 in the second magazine 11, the positive pole of the accumulator cells 5 is located at the bottom. All accumulator cells in the first magazine and the second magazine 11 are aligned in the same direction. This is the pole-oriented filling of the magazines 9, 11, as already mentioned.

[0054] In this embodiment, the magazines 9 and 11 are arranged vertically. This means that gravity ensures that a battery cell 5 always reaches the exit of the first magazine 9 or the second magazine 11 as soon as a battery cell 5 has been removed from one of the magazines 9, 11.

[0055] The exit of the first magazine 9 is in the Figure 1 visible. It is the free space below the lower end of the first magazine 9. The exit of the second magazine 11 is also designed and arranged below the second magazine 11 in a corresponding manner.

[0056] In the Figure 1A slider 13 and a linear drive 15 are provided to the left of the exit of the first magazine 9. The slider 13 and the linear drive 15 form a first feed device. When the linear drive 15 is actuated, it moves the slider 13 in the direction of the positive X-axis until the slider 13 has conveyed a battery cell 5 from the exit of the first magazine 9 into a feed area of ​​the conveyor device.

[0057] A mirror-symmetrical arrangement is located on the right side of magazine 11.

[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, the conveying device consists of a rotationally drivable conveying wheel 17 on each side of the accumulator cell 5 located in the intake area. The conveying wheels 17 can be driven, for example, by an electric motor 19. The conveying wheel 17 is preferably made of rubber or another elastic material with a high coefficient of static friction to ensure a good frictional connection between the conveying wheels 17 and the accumulator cell 5.

[0059] On the opposite side of the Figure 1 visible conveyor wheel 17 there is an abutment (not visible in the Figure 1 ). In the first embodiment, this abutment is a second conveyor wheel 17, which is also rotatably driven. It can also simply rotate (without its own drive). It is also possible to design the abutment as a fixed rib whose longitudinal direction runs parallel to the Y-axis.

[0060] The abutment prevents the accumulator cell 5 from deflecting (backward) when the conveyor wheel 17 presses against the cylindrical outer contour of the accumulator cell 5. A certain contact force between the drivable conveyor wheel 17 and the accumulator cell 5 is required to frictionally transfer the force required to convey and secure the accumulator cell 5 and its designated slot in the cell holder 3 from the conveyor wheel 17 to the accumulator cell 5.

[0061] When the rotary drive or electric motor 19 is activated, it transmits its rotary movement (here via a gear and a flat or toothed belt) to the conveyor wheel 17, so that the latter rotates counterclockwise and thus moves the accumulator cell 5 out of the intake area of ​​the conveyor in the conveying direction (ie downwards in the Figure 1 ) through an optional conveyor shaft) in the direction of the slot or cell holder 3.

[0062] The production shaft is in the Figure 3 It is the section between the intake area of ​​the conveyor and the rotating half-shell 7. In the Figure 3 There is an accumulator cell 5 in the conveyor shaft.

[0063] The optional rotary drive conveyor wheel 17 on the opposite side of the accumulator cell 5 rotates in the opposite direction, so that the drive forces of both conveyor wheels are added.

[0064] An alternative conveyor device consists of a ram and a linear drive arranged between the first magazine 9 and the second magazine 11 and above the feed area (not shown). The direction of movement of the ram is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the accumulator cell 5 in the feed area of ​​the conveyor device.

[0065] When this linear drive is activated, it pushes an accumulator cell 5 located in the intake area of ​​the conveyor downwards (through the optional) conveyor shaft into a free slot in the cell holder 3.

[0066] In the Figures 4 to 6 A second embodiment of a device according to the invention is shown. Many components are constructed similarly to the first embodiment; they have the same reference numerals and the same applies to the Figures 1 to 3 Said accordingly.

[0067] In the Figure 4 the perspective is slightly different than the Figure 1 . The Figure 4 shows the conveyor device "from behind", so to speak, so that a rotary or swivel drive 21 for the rotatable half-shell 7 becomes visible. The half-shell 7 is in the Figure 4largely concealed by a battery cell 5. Via a deflection gear (not shown in detail), the drive 21 can rotate the half-shell 7 about a rotational axis. The rotational axis of the half-shell runs coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the battery cell 5, which is to be secured against tipping by the half-shell 7.

[0068] In the Figure 4 The slots of the cell holder 3 are clearly visible. They are arranged in rows and columns. A rechargeable battery cell 5 is inserted into each slot. The carriage 1 moves the cell holder 3 in the X and Z axes so that a free slot is located below the conveyor shaft of the conveyor device or coaxially and concentrically to the half-shell 7. As already explained, the relative movement of the carriage 1, or cell holder 3, and the upper part of the device is important.

[0069] This free slot is then populated by transporting a battery cell 5 from the feed area into the free slot of the cell holder 3 by means of the conveyor device.

[0070] In this embodiment, the first magazine and the second magazine are also arranged as a hose or tube that runs parallel to each other and is aligned vertically.

[0071] The feed devices in this embodiment are designed differently than in the first embodiment. In this embodiment of the feed devices according to the invention, a basic idea is that each of the feed devices has a rotatably driven transport roller 23 with at least one groove 25. The transport movement is achieved by rotating the transport rollers.

[0072] The transport rollers 23 are each surrounded by a guide wall 27. The guide walls 27 are curved and arranged concentrically to the axis of rotation of the transport rollers 23.

[0073] The principle of these feeding devices is very simple: If a groove 25 is located directly under one of the magazines 9, 11, then an accumulator cell 5 falls due to gravity from the magazine 9 into the exit of the magazine 9 or 11. The groove 25 surrounds the exit of the magazine 9 or 11, so that an accumulator cell 5 falls into the groove 25 of the transport roller.

[0074] Below the transport roller, an arcuately curved stop 29 is provided, which ensures that the accumulator cell 5 does not "fall through" the groove 25 of the transport roller 23. The stop 29 is stationary, i.e., it does not rotate with the transport roller 23. It ends before the intake area of ​​the conveyor device.

[0075] If, for example, an accumulator cell 5 is to be transported from the first magazine 9 into the feed area of ​​the conveyor, the transport roller 23 is rotated approximately 120° counterclockwise. The drives 28 of the transport rollers 23 are in the Figure 6 clearly visible. They can be designed as stepper motors.

[0076] Through a rotational movement of the transport roller 23, the groove 25 conveys or transports a battery cell 5 from the exit of the first magazine 9 into the intake area of ​​the conveyor. The same applies accordingly to the transport of a battery cell 5 from the exit of the second magazine 11 into the intake area of ​​the conveyor.

[0077] In the Figure 5A horizontal section through the transport rollers 23 is shown, which illustrates the functioning of these conveyor devices. In this horizontal section, the first magazine 9 and the second magazine 11 are represented by a broken circular line. Figure 5 the left transport roller 23 is positioned so that a groove 25 is directly below the first magazine 9 and another groove 25 and the accumulator cell 5 located therein are in the intake area of ​​the conveyor device.

[0078] In the Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, it is clear that three grooves 25 are formed on the circumference of a transport roller 23. Their spacing is 120°.

[0079] A circular recess 24 is formed on the transport rollers 23 between each two grooves 25. In this embodiment, their spacing is also 120°.

[0080] The function of the circular recesses 24 can be seen from the Figure 5 The right-hand transport roller 23 prevents the accumulator cell 5 from falling out of the groove 25 in the intake area of ​​the conveyor. In this embodiment, the intake area is located between the rotational axes of the transport rollers 23.

[0081] Outside the intake area, a guide wall 27 prevents the accumulator cell 5 from falling out of the groove 25. The guide walls 27 end before the intake area of ​​the conveyor. The guide walls 27 are arranged concentrically to the transport rollers 23. In the left part of the Figure 5 this is clearly visible.

[0082] The rotational positions of the transport rollers 23 are coordinated so that a transport roller 23 transports an accumulator cell 5 from the output of a magazine 9, 11 into the feed area (in the Figure 5this is the left transport roller 23). The other transport roller 23 is then brought into such a rotational position that a circular recess 24 is located in the intake area of ​​the conveyor device (in the Figure 5 This is the right transport roller 23). The circular recess 24 of the right transport roller in the intake area of ​​the conveyor supports the accumulator cell 5 fed by the left transport roller

[0083] In the Figure 5 various geometric relations are shown which support the function of this embodiment.

[0084] A distance between the rotational axes of the transport rollers 23 is designated by "S".

[0085] A distance between the axis of rotation of a transport roller 23 and the lowest point of the circular arc-shaped recess 24 is designated S VT.

[0086] The diameter of an accumulator cell 5 is designated "DA".

[0087] A distance between the axis of rotation of a transport roller 23 and the lowest point of the groove 25 is designated S AK.

[0088] The radius R FW of the guide wall 27 is dimensioned such that, starting from the distance S AK, the diameter DA of a battery cell 5 is added. It goes without saying that a certain amount of play, for example, of 0.5 mm to 2 mm, is provided so that the battery cell 5 is not clamped between the groove 25 and the guide wall 27.

[0089] The deepest point of the circular recesses 24, which are located in the intake area of ​​the conveyor, lies on the radius R FW of the guide wall 27, which surrounds the other transport roller 23. In the Figure 5 these geometric relationships are clearly visible.

[0090] The accumulator cell 5 in the intake area of ​​the conveyor device can now be transported downwards through the conveyor shaft to the cell holder (not shown) by a conveyor device, for example with two driven conveyor wheels 17, as in the first embodiment.

[0091] Alternatively, the conveying device can also be implemented using a ram and a linear drive (neither shown). Both are arranged above the accumulator cell 5 and thus also above the drawing plane. When the accumulator cell 5 is to be moved downward from the feed area, the linear drive drives the ram downward, which in turn pushes the accumulator cell 5 downward through the conveyor shaft into its assigned slot in the cell holder.

[0092] Based on the Figures 7 , 8 and 9 a further embodiment of a device according to the invention is shown. In the Figure 7Half-shell 7 is particularly clearly visible because it is shown without a battery cell. The conveyor device, with a conveyor wheel and an abutment on the "rear" side of the device, is designed in the same way as in the first embodiment.

[0093] One difference lies in the design of the first magazine 9 and the second magazine 11 as well as the feed devices. The magazines 9 and 11 are designed as hoses or rectangular tubes that extend horizontally. The first magazine 9 extends to the left of the feed area of ​​the conveyor device. The second magazine 11 is arranged to the right of the feed area. The dimensions of the magazines 9 and 11, designed as rectangular tubes, are matched to the length and diameter of the battery cells. This means that the battery cells can be temporarily stored vertically next to one another in the magazines 9 and 11 respectively. In the first magazine 9, the positive poles of the battery cells 5 are arranged at the top. In the second magazine 11, the positive poles of the battery cells 5 are arranged at the bottom. This means that here too, all battery cells 5 in a magazine are aligned identically (pole-oriented filling).The battery cells of the first magazine and the second magazine are aligned in opposite directions.

[0094] The feeding devices are not shown in this embodiment or are shown only in a very simplified manner. They can be implemented, for example, by a punch 33 and a linear drive 31, which is located to the side of the magazines 9 and 11, respectively. In the left part of the Figure 7 A first feed device is shown schematically and in a highly simplified manner. The punch has the reference numeral 33 and the linear drive has the reference numeral 31.

Claims

1. Apparatus for loading cell holders (3) with battery cells (5), comprising a first magazine (9) and a second magazine (11) for battery cells (5), a first supply device and a second supply device, and a conveying device for inserting a battery cell (5) into a slot of a cell holder (3), wherein the first supply device is designed such that it can supply a battery cell (5) from the first magazine (9) to the conveying device, and wherein the second supply device is designed such that it can supply a battery cell (5) from the second magazine (11) to the conveying device.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first supply device comprises a slider (13) and a controllable linear drive (15), and in that the slider (13) moves a battery cell (5) located in the exit of the first magazine (9) into an entry region of the conveying device when the linear drive (15) is controlled accordingly, and in that the second supply device comprises a slider and a controllable linear drive for the slider, and in that the slider moves a battery cell (5) located in the exit of the second magazine (11) into the entry region of the conveying device when the linear drive is controlled accordingly.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first supply device comprises a rotatably mounted transport roller (23) having at least one channel (25) for receiving a battery cell (5), in that a longitudinal axis of the channel runs in parallel with a rotational axis of the transport roller (23), in that the at least one channel (25) can be moved from an exit of the first magazine (9) into the entry region of the conveying device by means of the rotary drive, in that the second supply device comprises a rotatably mounted transport roller (23) having at least one channel (25) for receiving a battery cell (5), in that a longitudinal axis of the channel (25) runs in parallel with a rotational axis of the transport roller (23), and in that the at least one channel (25) can be moved from an exit of the second magazine (11) into the entry region of the conveying device by means of the rotary drive.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the transport rollers (23) comprise at least one depression (24), in that a longitudinal axis of the depression (24) runs in parallel with a rotational axis of the transport roller (23), and in that the at least one depression (24) can be moved between into the entry region of the conveying device by means of the rotary drive.

5. Apparatus according to claim 3 or claim 4, characterized in that a distance (S) between the rotational axes of the two transport rollers (23) is equal to the distance (SAK) between the rotational axis of a transport roller (23) and the lowest point (SAK) of the channel (25) plus the diameter (DA) of a battery cell (5), plus the distance (SVT) between the rotational axis of a transport roller (23) and the lowest point (SVT) of the depression (24).

6. Apparatus according to claim 3, claim 4 or claim 5, characterized in that the transport rollers (23) are each surrounded by a guide wall (27), and in that the guide walls (27) are arranged concentrically to the rotational axes of the transport rollers (23).

7. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that a distance (RFW) between the guide wall (27) and the rotational axis of a transport roller (23) is equal to the distance (SAK) between the lowest point of a channel (25) plus the diameter (DA) of a battery cell (5).

8. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveying device comprises at least one rotatably drivable conveying wheel (17), a rotary drive (19) and an optional conveying shaft, in that the conveying wheel (17) projects into an entry region of the conveying device, and in that an abutment for a battery cell (5) located in the entry region is provided opposite the rotatably drivable conveying wheel (17).

9. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the abutment is designed as a wheel or rib, and in that a distance between the conveying wheel (17) and the abutment corresponds approximately to the diameter (DA) of a battery cell (5).

10. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the conveying device comprises a plunger and a linear drive, in that the plunger is arranged above the entry region of the conveying device, and in that the plunger conveys a battery cell (5) located in the entry region in the direction of a cell holder (3).

11. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveying device comprises a rotatable half-shell (7) which secures the battery cells (5) conveyed from from the entry region against tipping.

12. Apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the conveying device comprises a controllable rotary drive (21) for the half-shell (7).

13. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the apparatus has a carriage (1) which carries a cell holder (3) to be loaded, and in that the carriage (1) is arranged behind the half-shell (7) in the conveying direction.

14. Apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the apparatus has guides and drives, so that the carriage (1) and the conveying device or a conveying shaft can be moved relative to one another in at least two spatial directions.

15. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the linear drives and / or rotary drives of the supply devices, the conveying device, the rotatable half-shell (7) and / or of the carriage (1) are pneumatic, electromechanical or hydraulic drives.

16. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first magazine (9) and / or the second magazine (9) is designed as a tube or hose, the inner diameter (Di) of which is slightly greater than the outer diameter of the battery cells (5).

17. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the first magazine (9) and / or the second magazine (11) is designed as a tube or hose which has a rectangular cross section, in that a width (Bi) of the hose is slightly greater than the outer diameter (DA) of the battery cells (5), and in that a height (Hi) of the hose is slightly greater than the length (L) of the battery cells (5).

18. Method for loading a cell holder (3) with battery cells (5) by means of an apparatus for loading a cell holder, comprising a first magazine (9) and a second magazine (11) for battery cells (5), a first supply device and a second supply device, and a conveying device for inserting a battery cell (5) into a slot of a cell holder (3), and wherein the conveying device can convey a battery cell (5) located in the entry region into a slot of the cell holder (3), wherein the first supply device is designed such that it can supply a battery cell (5) from the first magazine (9) to the conveying device, and wherein the second supply device is designed such that it can supply a battery cell (5) from the second magazine (11) to the conveying device, comprising the steps of: - supplying a battery cell (5) from an exit of the first magazine (9) or of the second magazine (11) into an entry region of the conveying device, - positioning the cell holder (3) such that, when viewed in the conveying direction, a free slot is present behind the entry region or an optional conveying shaft, and subsequently - conveying the battery cell (5) located in the entry region of the conveying device into the cell holder (3).

19. Method according to claim 18, characterized in that the battery cells (5) located in the first magazine (9) and in the second magazine (11) are aligned differently, and in that the first or the second supply device is operated according to the polarity of the battery cell (5) required in the slot to be loaded.

20. Method according to claim 18 or claim 19, characterized in that the steps "supplying a battery cell (5)" and "positioning the cell holder (3)" are carried out simultaneously or in succession.