BATTERY MANUFACTURING DEVICE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a manufacturing device for batteries, a method for manufacturing multiple batteries using a manufacturing device, and the use of a manufacturing device.

[0002] Increasingly, motor vehicles are being powered, at least partially, by an electric motor, resulting in electric or hybrid vehicles. A high-voltage battery, typically comprising several individual battery modules, is used to power the electric motor. These battery modules are usually identical in construction and electrically connected in series and / or parallel, so that the voltage applied to the high-voltage battery is a multiple of the voltage provided by each individual battery module. Each battery module, in turn, contains several batteries, usually housed in a common casing, which are also electrically connected in series and / or parallel.

[0003] Each battery typically comprises several battery cells, also known as galvanic cells. These cells each have two electrodes, namely an anode and a cathode, as well as a separator between them and an electrolyte containing freely moving charge carriers. A liquid is one example of a suitable electrolyte. Alternatively, the battery is designed as a solid-state battery, in which the electrolyte is a solid.

[0004] The anode and cathode, which form the electrodes of the battery cell, typically comprise a substrate that acts as a current collector. An active material, which is a component of a layer applied to the substrate, is usually attached to this substrate. The electrolyte may already be present in this layer, or it may be added later. At a minimum, however, the active material is suitable for absorbing the working ions, such as lithium ions. Depending on its use as the anode or cathode, a different substrate material and a different type of layer material are used.

[0005] To protect the battery cells, they are typically housed in a battery casing. The casing also protects the electrolyte from environmental influences. In one design, the casing is made of solid metal, which offers a relatively high level of protection. However, this increases the battery's volume and weight. Since vehicle batteries are usually surrounded and protected by other components, such as the battery module housing, it is possible to design the battery casing to be comparatively lightweight, using a so-called pouch casing. In this case, the casing is made of a metal foil. While this reduces the level of protection, it still allows the battery cells to be handled and assembled as a single unit, simplifying further processing.

[0006] In one embodiment, the metal foil of the pouch housing is wrapped directly around the battery cells like packaging, with the foil being folded several times. In this case, excessive stress on the metal foil is possible at the fold points, potentially allowing air to penetrate and electrolyte to leak out. In an alternative embodiment, two interconnected shells are provided, produced from a single metal foil using deep drawing. During battery production, the battery cells are placed into one of the shells using a gripper, and the other shell is then folded over them, similar to opening a book.

[0007] The automated production of batteries using a manufacturing device involves a relatively large number of moving parts that must be driven. This increases the cost of the manufacturing device. Furthermore, if a higher production speed is desired, increased acceleration of the parts is required, necessitating a relatively robust design. To prevent feedback between the rapidly moving parts, the manufacturing device must be stabilized, requiring a comparatively large footprint.

[0008] In KR 2020 0059618 A, a manufacturing device for batteries is disclosed. A conveyor belt is used for transporting individual battery components.

[0009] From DE 10 2016 225 184 A1 a battery module is disclosed which comprises several pouch cells.

[0010] US 2015 / 0298338 A1 discloses a device for cutting battery separators. The separator is fed in as a strip and cut to the appropriate length.

[0011] Reference CN 205723827 U shows a device for manufacturing electrodes. Several conveyor belts are present.

[0012] The invention is based on the objective of providing a particularly suitable manufacturing device for batteries, a particularly suitable method for producing several batteries using a manufacturing device, and a particularly suitable use of a manufacturing device, advantageously improving flexibility and / or reducing manufacturing costs.

[0013] With regard to the manufacturing device, this problem is solved according to the invention by the features of claim 1, with regard to the method by the features of claim 4, and with regard to the use by the features of claim 5. Advantageous further developments and embodiments are the subject of the respective dependent claims.

[0014] The manufacturing device is used for the production of batteries and is therefore a battery manufacturing device. It is suitable, specifically designed and configured for this purpose. In particular, the manufacturing device is operated in such a way that batteries are produced using it. Specifically, several batteries are produced using the manufacturing device during operation, preferably successively one after the other. However, it is also suitable to operate the manufacturing equipment for the production of only a single battery. The batteries produced with the manufacturing device are expediently identical in construction. However, it is also possible, for example, to reconfigure the manufacturing device so that different types of batteries can be produced using it.

[0015] The batteries produced using the manufacturing device are, in their intended state, preferably components of a motor vehicle. The batteries are suitable, specifically designed and configured for this purpose. In their intended state, the batteries are, for example, components of a motor vehicle energy storage system, which comprises several such batteries. Preferably, the batteries are divided into several battery modules, which are identical in construction. The batteries are arranged, in particular, in a housing of the energy storage system or the respective battery module and are electrically connected in parallel and / or in series. Thus, the electrical voltage applied to the energy storage system / battery module is a multiple of the electrical voltage provided by each of the batteries. The housing of the energy storage system or...The housing of the respective battery module is preferably made of a metal, for example, steel such as stainless steel, or an aluminum alloy. A die-casting process, for example, is used for its manufacture. In particular, the housing of the energy storage device or the respective battery module is designed to be sealed. Advantageously, an interface is incorporated into the housing of the energy storage device or the respective battery module, forming a connection for the energy storage device / battery module. This interface is electrically connected to the batteries, so that electrical energy can be supplied to and / or withdrawn from the batteries from outside the energy storage device, provided a suitable connector is plugged into the connection.

[0016] The motor vehicle is preferably land-based and preferably has a number of wheels, at least one, preferably several or all, of which are driven by a drive system. Adequately, one, preferably several, of the wheels is designed to be steerable. This makes it possible to move the motor vehicle independently of a specific roadway, such as rails or the like. It is advantageously possible to position the motor vehicle essentially arbitrarily on a roadway, which is made in particular of asphalt, tar, or concrete. The motor vehicle is, for example, a commercial vehicle such as a truck or a bus. However, it is particularly preferred that the motor vehicle be a passenger car.

[0017] The drive system expediently propels the motor vehicle. For example, the drive system, particularly the main drive, is at least partially electric, and the motor vehicle is, for instance, an electric vehicle. The electric motor is powered, for example, by means of the energy storage device, which is suitably designed as a high-voltage battery. The high-voltage battery expediently provides a direct current voltage, the voltage being, for example, between 200 V and 800 V, and, for example, substantially 400 V. Preferably, an electrical converter is arranged between the energy storage device and the electric motor, by means of which the current supplied to the electric motor is adjusted. Alternatively, the drive system also includes an internal combustion engine, so that the motor vehicle is designed as a hybrid vehicle.Alternatively, the energy storage device supplies a low-voltage electrical system of the motor vehicle, and in particular provides a direct current voltage of 12 V, 24 V or 48 V.

[0018] In another alternative scenario, the battery is a component of a forklift, an industrial plant, or a handheld device, such as a power tool, particularly a cordless screwdriver. In yet another alternative scenario, the battery is part of a power supply system and is used, for example, as a buffer battery. In yet another alternative scenario, the battery is a component of a portable device, such as a mobile phone or other wearable. It is also possible to use such a battery in camping, model making, or for other outdoor activities.

[0019] Each battery manufactured / produced using the manufacturing device comprises a cell stack, which includes one or preferably several stacked battery cells, each of which is, in particular, a galvanic cell. The battery cell or cells comprise two electrodes, namely an anode and a cathode, and a separator arranged between them. Preferably, each electrode comprises a support, which is also referred to as a conductor. An active material is arranged between the two supports, which is suitable and configured to accept working ions, such as lithium ions. For example, a lithium metal oxide, such as lithium cobalt(III) oxide (LiCoO2), NMC, NCA, LFP, GIC, or LTO, is used as the active material. Alternatively, NMC622 or NMC811 is used as the active material. For example, the active material is assigned to one of the electrodes.However, it is particularly preferred that each of the electrodes is assigned an active material, whereby the two active materials differ, for example.

[0020] Furthermore, the battery comprises a pouch housing with a first pouch housing half and a second pouch housing half, which are preferably attached to one another. The two pouch housing halves are suitably sealed together. Each pouch housing half is made of a metal foil, preferably by deep drawing. A metal-plastic composite foil is preferably used as the metal foil. For example, the two pouch housing halves may be identical in construction, mirror images of each other, or completely different. In the intended state, the cell stack is arranged inside the pouch housing and thus surrounded by the two pouch housing halves. In particular, the two pouch housing halves are separated from each other before the battery is manufactured, i.e., before the manufacturing equipment is used.

[0021] The battery preferably comprises an electrolyte that provides a number of freely moving charge carriers, such as lithium ions. For example, the electrolyte is a component of the anode and / or cathode, preferably of the respective active material, or is at least suitable for adhering to and thus being absorbed by them. The battery cell is, for example, a solid-state battery, so that the electrolyte is in solid form. Alternatively, the electrolyte is liquid. The pouch housing, in particular, prevents leakage of the electrolyte and / or the entry of ambient air into the electrolyte and / or the active material, thus preventing an unwanted chemical reaction between them. Preferably, after the two pouch housing halves have been joined, the electrolyte is filled into the pouch housing through a pressure-sensitive opening.

[0022] The manufacturing device comprises a first feeding device for the first pouch housing half and a second feeding device for the second pouch housing half. In other words, the two pouch housing halves are separate and are fed by their respective feeding devices when these are operated. Thus, the first feeding device serves to feed the first pouch housing half and the second feeding device serves to feed the second pouch housing half, and they are suitable, specifically designed and configured for this purpose. When the manufacturing device is in operation, the respective pouch housing half is expediently fed by means of the first and second feeding devices.

[0023] Furthermore, the manufacturing device has a third feeding device for the cell stack. This third feeding device serves to feed the cell stack and is specifically designed and configured for this purpose. Thus, when the manufacturing device is in operation, the three components are fed in by means of these three feeding devices. Specifically, the individual components—the pouch housing halves and the cell stack—are fed in such a way that they are joined together.

[0024] The third feeding device comprises a conveyor belt. The conveyor belt is particularly suitable, expediently designed, and configured to feed the cell stack. In particular, the conveyor belt is designed as a closed loop to simplify operation. For example, the conveyor belt is a belt conveyor. Preferably, the conveyor belt is arranged parallel to the cell stack, which is placed onto the conveyor belt, for example, for feeding.

[0025] Due to the conveyor belt, the number of moving parts is comparatively low. Furthermore, it is possible to operate the conveyor belt essentially continuously, thus continuously feeding the cell stacks, with the cell stacks, for example, spaced apart from each other on the conveyor belt. Since the conveyor belt operates continuously, acceleration is not required, allowing the third feeding device to be designed with a relatively delicate structure, thereby reducing the weight of the driven components. Consequently, manufacturing costs are reduced. It is also possible to adjust the battery production time by changing the speed at which the conveyor belt operates. As a result, the number of batteries produced by the manufacturing device can be adapted to current requirements, thus increasing flexibility.A comparatively high production speed is also made possible by moving the conveyor belt at a comparatively high speed.

[0026] In particular, several first and second pouch halves and cell stacks are fed sequentially when multiple batteries are to be produced. Suitablely, one first and one second pouch half, as well as one cell stack, are used / required for each battery. Advantageously, the feeding devices are operated in a coordinated manner. For this purpose, appropriate sensors are used, for example, to determine the current state of each feeding device. Each feeding device is suitably assigned a corresponding sensor. Alternatively, or in combination with this, the feeding devices are kinematically coordinated with each other, in particular tactilely. For example, individual parts of the different feeding devices mechanically interlock to coordinate them. Preferably, due to the coordination of the feeding devices, they are operated synchronously with each other.

[0027] The conveyor belt, for example, consists of only a single belt, or several parallel belts. As a result, the inertia of the conveyor belt is further reduced. It is also possible to keep certain areas of the cell stack free from the conveyor belt, thus preventing damage to these areas.

[0028] The third feeding device suitably includes a second conveyor belt. This is arranged, in particular, parallel to the first conveyor belt. At a minimum, however, the second conveyor belt is arranged such that the cell stack is held between the first and second conveyor belts when fed by the third feeding device. In particular, the two conveyor belts are arranged parallel to an expansion plane of the cell stack. Due to the second conveyor belt, the cell stack is stabilized during feeding, so that the cell stack can be safely transported to a desired location for joining with the pouch housing halves. In this process, the two conveyor belts prevent the cell stack from tipping. Suitably, during operation, the cell stack is held securely between the two conveyor belts, ensuring safe transport.Preferably, the second conveyor belt is identical in construction to the first conveyor belt, so that identical parts can be used.

[0029] The first feeding device comprises a first conveyor belt that extends from a first receiving station for the first pouch housing half to an assembly position. The first receiving station serves to receive the first pouch housing half via the first conveyor belt. At a minimum, however, the first conveyor belt is loaded with the first pouch housing half(s) at the first receiving station. The first conveyor belt is made, for example, of a plastic, particularly a rubber material. The first conveyor belt is preferably designed to run continuously, thus simplifying operation.

[0030] The second feeding device comprises a second conveyor belt, which is, for example, designed to run around the entire circumference. The second conveyor belt is guided from at least one second receiving station, which serves to receive the second pouch housing half(s) and is suitable, in particular designed and equipped, for this purpose, to the same mounting position as the first conveyor belt. The first receiving station is spaced apart from the second receiving station.

[0031] Adequately, at least one of the conveyor belts, preferably both, is driven. In particular, the second conveyor belt is identical in construction to the first conveyor belt and, for example, arranged as a mirror image of it, with the mirror symmetry being at least partially determined by the mounting position. Adequately, the two conveyor belts run at least partially parallel to each other, with the beginning of the parallel section of the two conveyor belts being determined by the mounting position. In particular, in the section where the two pouch housing halves are moved / arranged parallel to each other, they are joined together during operation.For example, the conveyor belts between the respective receiving station and the assembly position are antiparallel or, more preferably, inclined, so that the two conveyor belts form an angle with each other, which is, for example, between 90° and 45°, with the apex of the angle being determined by the assembly position. In other words, the conveyor belts are arranged in a Y-shape.

[0032] Due to the conveyor belts and their corresponding arrangement, it is possible to pick up the individual pouch housing halves at different locations, namely the respective receiving stations. This reduces the complexity of the manufacturing equipment and consequently also the manufacturing costs. They are then transported to a common assembly position, where the pouch housing halves can be joined together. The conveyor belts allow the first and second feeding devices to operate essentially continuously. Preferably, they are operated continuously. Because of this continuous operation, acceleration of the feeding devices is essentially unnecessary, and they, like the third feeding device, can be designed with a comparatively delicate design. In other words, the number of accelerated parts is further reduced.

[0033] In particular, the manufacturing device comprises a joining tool for joining the pouch housing halves, which is arranged, for example, at the assembly position or in the section where the two conveyor belts run parallel to each other. For example, during operation, at least one of the pouch housing halves is coated with an adhesive, at least on its edge. In the section where the two conveyor belts run parallel to each other, the two pouch housing halves are pressed together by the conveyor belts, so that the pouch housing halves are bonded together by means of the adhesive.

[0034] In particular, the third feeding device is designed such that the cell stack is transported to the assembly position by means of the third feeding device. Advantageously, during operation, the cell stack and the two pouch housing halves are joined together at the assembly position, i.e., in particular at a single point, thus further reducing the size of the manufacturing device. Here, the cell stack is inserted into at least one of the pouch housing halves by means of the third feeding device and, for example, positioned against an inner side of the respective pouch housing half and consequently stabilized there. Alternatively or in combination with this, the conveyor belt and also any second conveyor belt are arranged essentially vertically, and the respective conveyor belts terminate above the assembly position.For example, there is a gap between the assembly position and the ends of the conveyor belt(s) so that when the cell stack exits the conveyor belt, it falls to the assembly position. Ideally, this gap, and therefore the fall distance, is relatively small, for example, between 0.5 cm and 5 cm. This prevents damage to the cell stack.

[0035] For example, the pouch housing halves are elastically deformed in the area of ​​the assembly positions due to the guidance provided by the conveyor belts. Preferably, however, the first conveyor belt is guided by a first belt roller, against which the first conveyor belt thus bears direct mechanical contact. The first belt roller is suitably rotatably mounted to reduce friction. The first belt roller is arranged between the first receiving station and the assembly position, with the first conveyor belt located between the first belt roller and the second conveyor belt. Furthermore, the first belt roller is mounted to be longitudinally displaceable, expediently in the direction of the second conveyor belt. Consequently, it is possible to move the first conveyor belt towards the second conveyor belt using the first belt roller, so that the distance between the first and second conveyor belts is determined by the position of the first belt roller.In particular, it is possible to position the first conveyor belt onto the second conveyor belt using the first roller. In summary, the longitudinally adjustable first roller allows the distance between the first and second conveyor belts to be changed / varyed, including decreasing it.

[0036] The manufacturing device suitably further comprises a second belt roller, by means of which the second conveyor belt is guided, and which is arranged between the assembly position and the second receiving station. The second conveyor belt is arranged between the first conveyor belt and the second belt roller. In particular, the second belt roller is identical in construction to the first belt roller. It is preferably possible to move the two belt rollers towards each other, and thus also the two conveyor belts. Suitably, it is possible to align the two conveyor belts with each other using the two belt rollers, so that they run parallel between the two belt rollers and the assembly position. Suitably, the path of the conveyor belts between the belt rollers and the assembly position is parallel to the subsequent path of the conveyor belts.

[0037] In particular, the manufacturing device is operated such that, by means of one or both conveyor belts, if present, the two pouch housing halves are placed on top of each other after they have passed the respective belt roller or reached the assembly position. For this purpose, the conveyor belts are deformed and the pouch housing halves resting on them are moved, so that no deformation of the pouch housing halves occurs when passing the assembly positions. Thus, damage to the pouch housing halves is avoided.

[0038] For example, the conveyor belts are each an intact belt. Preferably, however, each conveyor belt has several recesses for receiving the respective pouch housing halves, or at least a part thereof. In particular, a cup-shaped shell of the respective pouch housing halves is received by means of the respective recess, especially in a form-fitting manner. Suitablely, this receiving takes place at the respective receiving station. In this way, a position of the pouch housing halves on the respective conveyor belt is predetermined, so that a targeted movement of the two pouch housing halves relative to each other is possible, which reduces rejects in the production of the batteries.

[0039] In this process for manufacturing multiple batteries, a production device is used that includes a first feeder for a first pouch casing half, a second feeder for a second pouch casing half, and a third feeder for a cell stack, the third feeder comprising a conveyor belt. In this process, the third feeder is operated continuously so that cell stacks are fed continuously. Suitablely, multiple first pouch casing halves, multiple second pouch casing halves, and multiple cell stacks are fed by the feeders. In particular, the first and second feeders are also operated continuously, if possible. By adjusting the speed of the feeder(s), it is possible to specify the output of the production device.Advantageously, the manufacturing device includes a control unit that is suitable, in particular designed and equipped, to carry out the process.

[0040] The manufacturing device, comprising a first feeding device for a first pouch housing half, a second feeding device for a second pouch housing half, and a third feeding device for a cell stack, wherein the third feeding device includes a conveyor belt, is used to manufacture multiple batteries. In particular, the third feeding device, and preferably all feeding devices, are operated continuously where possible.

[0041] The invention further relates to a battery manufactured using appropriate production equipment and / or according to the method. The battery comprises two pouch housing halves joined together to form a pouch housing. A cell stack is arranged inside the pouch housing.

[0042] The advantages and further developments described in connection with the manufacturing device can also be applied analogously to the process / use / battery and to each other, and vice versa.

[0043] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 schematically simplified a motor vehicle that has a high-voltage battery with several identical batteries, Fig. 2 schematically a sectional view of one of the batteries, which has two pouch housing halves and a cell stack, Fig. 3 a method for manufacturing several batteries using a manufacturing device, Fig. 4 perspective partial view of the manufacturing device, Figs. 5-10 each perspective different areas of the manufacturing device, Figs. 11, 12 in a side view each a variant of the manufacturing device, and Figs. 13, 14 in a top view further variants of the variant of the manufacturing device.

[0044] Corresponding parts are marked with the same reference symbols in all figures.

[0045] In Figure 1The diagram schematically simplifies the representation of a motor vehicle 2 in the form of a passenger car. The motor vehicle 2 has a number of wheels 4, at least some of which are driven by a drive 6 comprising an electric motor. Thus, the motor vehicle 2 is an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. The drive 6 includes an inverter, which supplies power to the electric motor. The inverter of the drive 6, in turn, is powered by an energy storage device 8 in the form of a high-voltage battery. For this purpose, the drive 6 is connected to an interface 10 of the energy storage device 8, which is housed in a stainless steel casing 12 of the energy storage device 8. Several battery modules are arranged within the casing 12 of the energy storage device 8, some of which are connected in series, and these in turn are connected in parallel.The electrical connection of the battery modules is electrically contacted via interface 10, so that when the drive 6 is operated, the battery modules are discharged or charged (recuperated). Due to the electrical connection, the voltage provided at interface 10, which is 400 V, is a multiple of the voltage provided by each of the identical battery modules. Each battery module in turn comprises several batteries 14, two of which are shown here. The batteries 14 of each battery module are connected electrically, partly in parallel and partly in series, so that the voltage provided by each battery module is a multiple of the voltage provided by any one of the batteries 14.

[0046] In Figure 2A cross-sectional view shows one of the structurally identical batteries 14. The battery 14 has a cell stack 16 with several stacked battery cells 18, four of which are shown here. Each of the battery cells 18 has two electrodes 20, namely an anode and a cathode, each of which is planar, and between which a separator 22 is arranged and rests. Adjacent battery cells 18 are connected to each other via another separator 22. The electrodes 20 comprise a current collector or carrier (not shown in detail) which is provided with an active material, such as NMC. The anode current collector is made of copper and the cathode current collector of aluminum. In particular, the current collectors are each foil-shaped, so that the thickness of the battery cells 18 is comparatively small.The stacking direction of the separators 22 and the electrodes 20 of each battery cell 18 is the same as the stacking direction of the battery cells 18 to the cell stack 16. The electrodes 20, which delimit the cell stack 16 at the respective end, are each electrically contacted with an electrical connection 24, which is formed by means of a copper sheet strip.

[0047] The cell stack 16, formed from the battery cells 18, is arranged within a pouch housing 26 and completely enclosed by it. The pouch housing 26 comprises a first pouch housing half 28 and a second pouch housing half 30, which are mirror images of each other and each form a cup-shaped shell 32. The cup-shaped shells 32 each accommodate the cell stack 16 and are produced by deep drawing a metal foil, in particular a metal-plastic composite foil.

[0048] In Figure 3A method 34 for manufacturing several of these batteries 14 is shown, for which a Figure 4 The manufacturing device 36, shown in perspective in a partial view, is used. The manufacturing device 36 has a first feeding device 38 for the first pouch housing halves 28 and a second feeding device 40 for the second pouch housing halves 30. The two feeding devices 38, 40 are arranged as mirror images of each other, and the first feeding device 38 has a circulating first conveyor belt 42 and the second feeding device 40 has a circulating second conveyor belt 44, each formed from a belt made of rubber.

[0049] The first conveyor belt 42 is guided from a first receiving station 46 partially downwards in a vertical direction and also horizontally to a mounting position 48, and from there vertically downwards. From there, the first conveyor belt 42 is guided again to the first receiving station 46, for which guide rollers 50 are used. The second conveyor belt 44 is guided from a second receiving station 52 also to the mounting position 48 and from there vertically downwards parallel to the first conveyor belt 42, the two conveyor belts 42 and 44 being partially adjacent to each other or arranged at a distance from each other that is less than the thickness of the pouch housing 26.The second conveyor belt 44 is also guided by means of guide rollers 50 (not shown) to the second receiving station 52, which is located vertically at the same height as the first receiving station 46, but spaced apart from it. Thus, the conveyor belts 42 and 44 form an angle of essentially 60° between the receiving stations 46 and 52 and the assembly positions 48. Furthermore, the conveyor belts 42 and 44 form a Y-shape in a section beginning with the respective receiving stations 46 and 52, passing through the assembly position 48, and ending with the section in which the two conveyor belts 42 and 44 are parallel to each other and partially adjacent.

[0050] Furthermore, the manufacturing device 36 has a third feeding device 54 arranged vertically for the cell stack 16. The third feeding device 54 is arranged vertically above the assembly position 48 and aligned with the parallel conveyor belts 42, 44 after the assembly position 48.

[0051] in Figure 5The figure shows the beginning of the third feeding device 54, i.e., at the end opposite the mounting position 48. The third feeding device 54 has a conveyor belt 56 and a second conveyor belt 58, which are identical in construction and each have three spaced-apart belts 60. The second conveyor belt 58 is arranged relative to the conveyor belt 56 such that the cell stacks 16 are held between the two conveyor belts 56 and 58 and are only moved when the conveyor belts 56 and 58 are in operation. In particular, a frictional connection is established between the conveyor belts 56 and 58 and the cell stack 16 arranged between them.

[0052] Method 34 provides that in a first work step 62, the cell stacks 16 are inserted between the conveyor belts 56, 58 at the ends of the third feeding device 54 opposite the assembly position 48, as shown in Figure 5As shown, according to method 34, the operation of the third feeding device 54 and thus also of the two conveyor belts 56, 58 is continuous, so that a substantially continuous supply of the cell stack 16 is possible. The individual cell stacks 16 are placed between the conveyor belts 56, 58 at intervals from each other.

[0053] Furthermore, the two conveyor belts 42, 44 are loaded with the respective pouch housing halves 28, 30 at the respective receiving stations 46, 52. For this purpose, each of the conveyor belts 42, 44 has several rectangular recesses 64 spaced apart from one another. The conveyor belts 42, 44 are provided with the recesses 64 along their entire length, with the Figure 4 Only some of them are shown. The first pouch housing halves 28, as well as the symmetrical second pouch housing halves 30, exhibit, as in Figure 6The pot-shaped shells 32 are shown, which are arranged in a form-fitting manner within the recesses 64. Each shell has a rim 66 molded onto it, which rests flat on the first conveyor belt 42. During production, the rim 66 forms at least a partial gas pocket. An adhesive is also applied, at least partially, to the rim 66, for example, using a tool (not shown). The second pouch housing halves 30 are placed on the second conveyor belt 44 at the second receiving station 52 in the same manner.

[0054] In a subsequent second work step 68, the two pouch housing halves 28, 30 and the cell stacks 16 are guided to the assembly position 48 by means of the respective feeding devices 38, 40, 54 and thus transported there. Since the cell stacks 16 and the pouch housing halves 28, 30 are fed to the respective feeding devices 38, 40, 54 one after the other, and since these are operated continuously, one of the cell stacks 16, one of the first pouch housing halves 28, and one of the second pouch housing halves 30 successively arrive at the assembly position 48, as shown in Figure 7As shown, the third feeding device 54 transports the respective cell stack 16 to the assembly position 54, which is at least partially determined by one of the guide rollers 50. At this position, the transport direction of the two conveyor belts 42, 44 changes, and they exhibit a kink. The cell stack 16 is dropped by the third feeding device 54 in such a way that it falls directly at the assembly position 54 between the two associated pouch housing halves 28, 30, specifically into the respective tray 32. The edges 66 of the respective pouch housing halves 28, 30 are already partially bent relative to the trays 32 due to the change in the direction of the two conveyor belts 42, 44 by means of the guide roller 50.

[0055] In a subsequent third step 69, the first conveyor belt 42 is moved towards the second conveyor belt 44 by means of a first belt roller 70. The first belt roller 70, against which the first conveyor belt 42 rests, is arranged between the assembly position 48 and the first receiving station 46, with the first conveyor belt 42 being positioned between the first belt roller 70 and the second conveyor belt 44. The first belt roller 70 is longitudinally displaceable and is moved towards the second conveyor belt 44, so that the first conveyor belt 42 is also moved there, as shown in Figure 8 depicted.

[0056] The second feeding device 40 also has a corresponding second belt roller, which is not shown. As a result, the two pouch housing halves 28, 30 are placed around their respective cell stacks 16 from opposite sides, as shown in Figure 9depicted, in which the second conveyor belt 44 is not shown.

[0057] Due to the two belt rollers 70, the two shells 32 do not bend, and only the edge 66 is bent due to the changing path of the conveyor belts 40, 42. The two belt rollers 70 are then returned to their original position, so that the conveyor belts 42, 44 run straight again between the assembly position 48 and the respective receiving station 46, 42, as shown in Figure 10 This is shown. Thus, the production of another of the 14 batteries is possible.

[0058] The joined pouch housing halves 28, 30 are transported away by means of the section in which the two conveyor belts 42, 44 run parallel. There, the two conveyor belts 42, 44 press the two pouch housing halves 28, 30 together, and they are sealed or welded together, for which a plastic welding process is expediently used. Thus, the pouch housing 26, which is placed around the cell stack 16, is completed. In a subsequent step, the pouch housing 26 is filled with an electrolyte and charged, whereby the resulting gas escapes into the gas pockets provided by the edges 66, which are then sealed and separated from the shells 32.

[0059] In summary, after their manufacture by deep drawing, the pouch housing halves 28, 30 are placed on their respective conveyor belts 42, 44, which are arranged so that they run towards each other, thus bringing the two pouch housing halves 28, 30 together. In the area of ​​contact, i.e., at the assembly position 48, the associated cell stack 16 is fed in and transported as far as possible between the two pouch housing halves 28, 30. To prevent obstruction of the first and second feeding devices 38, 40 and damage to the two pouch housing halves 28, 30 by the third feeding device 54, the cell stack 16 is partially dropped into the pouch housing halves 28, 30. When the two pouch housing halves 28, 30 meet, they are bent in the area of ​​the edge 66, which is to form the gas pocket, and form a contact surface for the cell stack 16 when it falls into the trays 32.

[0060] The three feeding devices 38, 40, 44 are operated continuously, so that batteries 14 are produced continuously. The output of the production device 86 is predetermined depending on the operating speed of the feeding devices 38, 40, 54. In addition, the feeding devices 38, 40, 54 are synchronized with each other by tactile or sensor-electrical means.

[0061] In Figure 11An alternative embodiment of the manufacturing device 36 is shown in a side view. Here, too, the third feeding device 54 has the conveyor belt 56 onto which the cell stacks 16 are placed. The first feeding device 38 and the second feeding device 40 each have a feed roller 72 through which the conveyor belt 56 passes, so that the cell stacks 16 are moved between the feed rollers 72. The feed rollers 72 rotate continuously during operation. Each of the feed rollers 72 picks up the respective pouch housing halves 28, 30 and moves them to the conveyor belt 56. The axes of rotation of the two pouch housing halves 72 are arranged on a straight line that runs perpendicular to the conveyor belt 56. Consequently, the cell stacks 16 moved through the feed rollers 72 are fitted with the pouch housing halves 28, 30, thus creating the pouch housings 26.The two feed rollers 72 press the corresponding pouch housing halves 28, 30 together. An adhesive (not shown) applied to one of the pouch housing halves 28, 30 causes the two pouch housing halves 28, 30 to adhere to each other. Alternatively, the two pouch housing halves 28, 30 are sealed together or welded using a plastic welding device (not shown).

[0062] In Figure 12An alternative embodiment of the manufacturing device 36 is shown, in which the individual components are also present. However, the two feed rollers 72 are offset from each other, so that a straight line 74, on which the axes of rotation of the two feed rollers 72 lie, forms an angle of 45° with the conveyor belt 56. Consequently, the cell stack 16 are first provided with the second pouch housing halves 30 and only then with the first pouch housing halves 28.

[0063] Even in the Figures 11 and 12 In the variants shown, the conveyor belt 56 is operated continuously according to procedure 34.

[0064] In Figure 13Another alternative of the manufacturing device 36 is shown in a top view. The individual cell stacks 16 are placed at intervals on the conveyor belt 56 of the third feeding device 54, which is shown here in abbreviated form and is arranged horizontally. The first and second feeding devices 38, 40 each have a flap 76 which, as shown for the first feeding device 38, is hinged with respect to a vertical axis. The pouch housing halves 28, 30 are arranged on the inside of the flaps 76, which are located on the same side of the conveyor belt 56, projecting beyond the respective flap 76 on the side facing the cell stacks 16.

[0065] When one of the cell stacks 16 is transported between the flaps 76, the flaps are moved either by the cell stack 16 striking the respective pouch housing halves 28, 30 or by means of an additional drive (not shown). Thus, the two pouch housing halves 28, 30 are placed around the respective cell stack 16 on both sides. Subsequently, the flaps 76 are moved back to their original position and fitted with the respective pouch housing halves 28, 30.

[0066] At the in Figure 13 In the variants shown, the two pouch housing halves 28, 30 are simultaneously placed around the respective cell stack 16. In the Figure 14In the illustrated variant, the two flaps 76, and thus the first and second feeding devices 38, 40, are offset from each other along the direction of movement of the cell stack 16, i.e., along the path of the conveyor belt 56, so that the cell stack 16 is first supplied with the first pouch housing halves 28 and subsequently with the second pouch housing halves 30. In addition, the flaps are bent over at the edges, which prevents damage to the pouch housing halves 28, 30. In both of these variants, the conveyor belt 56 is operated continuously according to method 34.

[0067] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Rather, other variants of the invention can also be derived by a person skilled in the art without departing from the subject matter of the invention. In particular, all individual features described in connection with the individual embodiments can also be combined with one another in other ways without departing from the subject matter of the invention.

Claims

1. Manufacturing device (36) for batteries (14), comprising a first feed device (38) for a first pouch housing half (28), and comprising a second feed device (40) for a second pouch housing half (30), and comprising a third feed device (54) for a cell stack (16), wherein the third feed device (54) comprises a conveyor belt (56), and wherein the first feed device (38) has a first conveyor belt (42) which is guided from a first receiving station (46) for the first pouch housing half (28) to an assembly position (48), and wherein the second feed device (40) has a second conveyor belt (44) which is guided from a second receiving station (52), at a distance from the first receiving station (46), for the second pouch housing half (30) to the assembly position (48), characterized in that the first conveyor belt (42) is guided between the assembly position (48) and the first receiving station (46) by means of a longitudinally displaceable first belt roller (70), wherein the distance between the first conveyor belt (42) and the second conveyor belt (44) is determined by means of the position of the first belt roller (70), or in that the conveyor belts (42, 44) each have recesses (64) for receiving pot-shaped shells (32) of the respective pouch housing half (28, 30).

2. Manufacturing device (36) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the third feed device (54) comprises a second conveyor belt (58), which is arranged in such a way that the cell stack (16) is held between the conveyor belt (56) and the second conveyor belt (58).

3. Manufacturing device (36) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cell stack (16) can be transported up to the assembly position (48) by means of the third feed device (54).

4. Method (32) for producing a plurality of batteries (14) by means of a manufacturing device (36) according to any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the third feed device (54) is operated continuously.

5. Use of a manufacturing device (36) according to any of Claims 1 to 3 for producing batteries (14).