Apparatus and method for forming cell stacks for the energy cell manufacturing industry

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus (10) for stacking segments (11) of energy cells, comprising at least two supply devices (12, 13, 14), in each case designed and configured to supply segments (11) at a continuous supply speed, and comprising at least one cell stack device (15), designed and configured to receive the segments (11) from the at least two supply devices (12, 13, 14) and to stack the segments (11) together into stacks (16), wherein the cell stack device (15) comprises at least one removal device (17) for receiving the segments (11) and at least one dispensing device (18) for dispensing the segments (11), characterised in that the removal device (17) is designed and configured to carry out a repeating movement alternating between acceleration and deceleration, and in that the removal device (17) receives the segments (11) at the supply speed, depending on a predefined receipt sequence, in each case from one of the at least two supply devices (12, 13, 14), wherein the removal device delivers the segments (11), in each case in a decelerated movement or at a standstill, to the at least one dispensing device (18), in order to form and configure, in a predefined sequence, a stack (16) consisting of segments (11) from the at least two supply devices (12, 13, 14). The invention further relates to a corresponding method.

Description

[0001] Device and method for forming cell stacks for the energy cell producing industry

[0002] The invention relates to a device for stacking segments of energy cells, comprising at least two feed devices each designed and configured to feed segments at a continuous feed rate, and at least one cell stacking device designed and configured to receive the segments from the at least two feed devices and to stack the segments one on top of the other to form stacks, wherein the cell stacking device comprises at least one removal device for receiving the segments and at least one delivery device for delivering the segments.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for stacking segments of energy cells with the steps of feeding segments at a continuous feed rate by means of at least two feeding devices, taking over the segments from the at least two feeding devices and stacking the segments on top of one another to form stacks by means of at least one cell stacking device, wherein the segments are taken over by means of at least one removal device comprising the cell stacking device and are delivered to or by means of at least one delivery device.

[0004] Devices and methods for stacking segments of energy cells are known from the prior art. Such stacks of segments are required in particular as upstream intermediate products in the manufacture of energy cells or in the manufacture of batteries comprising energy cells. Energy cells or energy storage devices within the meaning of the invention are used, for example, in motor vehicles, other land vehicles, ships, aircraft, or even in stationary systems such as photovoltaic systems in the form of battery cells or fuel cells, in which very large amounts of energy must be stored over longer periods of time. For this purpose, such energy cells have a structure consisting of a large number of segments stacked into a stack. These segments are usually alternating anode sheets and cathode sheets, which are separated from one another by separator sheets that are also manufactured as segments.The segments are regularly pre-cut in an upstream manufacturing process and then stacked in a predetermined order and connected to each other. The anode sheets and cathode sheets are cut, for example, from a continuous web and then individually placed at intervals on a continuous web of separator material. This subsequently formed "double-layer" continuous web of separator material with the applied anode sheets or cathode sheets is then cut into segments again in a second step using a cutting device. In this case, the segments are formed in a double layer by a separator sheet with an anode sheet or cathode sheet arranged on top.

[0005] Alternatively, the starting materials—i.e., the anodes and cathodes provided on continuous webs, as well as the separator material—can be separated into sheets from the continuous webs. In this way, the essential components for the energy cell are individually provided in sheet form, which can be formed and arranged into stacks with the appropriate sequence and volume.

[0006] If technically feasible or necessary, the continuous webs of separator material with the anode and cathode sheets applied can also be stacked on top of each other before cutting, forming a continuous web comprising a first continuous layer of separator material with anode or cathode sheets applied thereon and a second continuous layer of separator material with anode or cathode sheets applied thereon. Segments within the meaning of this invention are therefore single-layer segments of a separator material, anode material, or cathode material, double-layer, triple-layer, or multi-layer segments of the structure described above. The only advantage of the known segments is that the anode or cathode material, in a multi-layer structure, is separated by at least one separator material.

[0007] Devices for producing battery cells are known, for example, from WO 2016 / 041713 A1 and DE 102017 216213 A1.

[0008] The production of battery cells, for example for electromobility, currently takes place on production lines with an output of 100 to 240 monocells per minute. These operate in certain areas or continuously with timed, discontinuous movements, such as back-and-forth movements, and are therefore limited in terms of production output. The majority of existing machines operate using single-sheet stacking methods (e.g., "pick and place"), with the disadvantage of slower processing. Laminating cell formations is not possible here.

[0009] Another well-known approach is a machine with continuously running material webs and timed tools, such as cutting knives or tools for changing the pitch, as well as transport means for forming cell stacks. For the production of cell stacks, for example, there are devices and methods that provide different web-like materials by means of independent feed devices in order to separate these into predetermined segments using provided cutting devices. The separated segments can then be stacked in the desired order using individually movable delivery elements through targeted, appropriate displacements by the delivery elements. Controlling the delivery elements requires a considerable logistical effort, with the segments and delivery elements being subjected to correspondingly high dynamics at the intended transport speeds.Due to the corresponding parameters, such devices tend to be highly error-prone during stacking and to wear and tear on the respective components. Furthermore, feeding the material webs requires separate means and equipment for separating and preparing the segments, which necessitates high investment costs and the provision of a correspondingly large installation space for the multitude of separate device components. In principle, machines with cyclic movements are performance-limited. The mass-bearing parts, such as holders and tools, must be constantly accelerated and decelerated. The processes determine the timing, and a lot of energy is consumed in the process. The mass of the moving parts cannot be reduced arbitrarily. Faster-moving parts often have to withstand greater loads and therefore become even more complex and heavier.

[0010] To reduce the production costs of battery manufacturing, among other things, the production output of the machines must be increased. A prerequisite for high production output is a high production rate of the energy cell stacks, which are formed from several stacked segments of the type described above. To achieve very high production rates of energy cells and / or energy storage devices, it is desirable to stack the manufactured segments at the highest possible production rate with the highest possible positioning accuracy.

[0011] Furthermore, existing devices and methods do not allow for flexible and precise stacking of segments at high production speeds. The known devices are designed either to produce stacks of segments at high production speeds or to form a specific sequence of segments into a stack. Forming a stack from different segments or different starting materials of the segments is not feasible in a continuous process with high production output and reliable positioning of the segments to be stacked using current devices and methods.

[0012] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a device for stacking energy cell segments that enables stacking of the segments at the highest possible production rate while simultaneously making the stacking process flexible. The object is further to propose a corresponding method.

[0013] This object is achieved by the device mentioned at the outset in that the removal device is designed and configured to be drivable for a repeating alternating movement consisting of an acceleration and a deceleration, and in that the removal device takes over the segments at the feed speed depending on a predetermined takeover sequence from one of the at least two feed devices, wherein the removal device transfers the segments in each case in a delayed movement or at a standstill to the at least one delivery device in order to form and set up a stack in a predetermined sequence from segments of the at least two feed devices.

[0014] The device according to the invention ensures that the segments are taken over by the removal device at the feed speed of one of the at least two feed devices and then, by decelerating the movement of the removal device, are transferred to the delivery device at a lower speed or even while stationary. The design of the device with at least two feed devices enables, on the one hand, a flexible takeover of segments from at least one of the feed devices and, on the other hand, a continuous provision of the segments and subsequent stacking is ensured. This enables the provision of segments by means of at least one of the feed devices at a high transport speed, whereby, however, only a low load on the segments occurs during takeover.On the other hand, by slowing the speed of the removal device or by stopping the removal device, the segments can be delivered to the delivery device with lower transverse forces acting on the segments. The reduced transverse forces during delivery of the segments to the delivery device are particularly important here, as the segments can then be stacked more precisely in the delivery device. This can minimize abrasive relative movements between a segment that has already been deposited and the segment that is currently being delivered. When segments are provided by means of at least two feed devices, the feeding and delivery of the segments is of particular importance.In an advantageous embodiment, the segments can be fed essentially simultaneously, so that the segments are made available to the removal device essentially simultaneously. Further preferably, the segments are also taken over essentially simultaneously by the removal device of the cell stacking device. However, the segments are preferably delivered in a delayed movement or at a standstill, such that the segments are delivered onto a single stack in a predetermined sequence. The segments are further preferably delivered alternately by the at least two feed devices to form a stack.

[0015] By means of the at least two feed devices, segments with a different structure and / or a different material composition can preferably be provided to the removal device in order to form and set up a stack with a predetermined stacking sequence of different segments by means of the cell stacking device. Preferably, a segment with a different sequence of anode sheet or cathode sheet and at least one separator sheet is provided by means of one of the at least two feed devices in order to form and set up a stack with a corresponding sequence of segments by means of the removal device. In this way, it is possible to provide a stack for an energy cell which consists of different segments, wherein the different segments have, for example, a different sequence of anode sheet or cathode sheet and at least one separator sheet.Alternatively and further preferably, the segments can, for example, each be different individual sheets (anode sheet, cathode sheet or separator sheet).

[0016] In the context of the invention, a continuous feed rate of the segments by means of the feed devices means that segments can be continuously provided at a predetermined feed rate. However, “continuous” does not necessarily mean that the segments must be provided at a constant feed rate. Preferably, at least one of the feed devices is designed and configured to follow a varying speed profile. For this purpose, further means (e.g. control and / or regulating means) and / or devices are provided if necessary to provide a change in the feed rate. In this way, for example, the segments can be delivered at a feed rate A and alternatively at a feed rate B. Preferably, the at least two feed devices can be operated at the same or identical feed rate.

[0017] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the device comprises three feed devices, each designed and configured to feed segments at a continuous feed rate, wherein the removal device takes the segments in a predetermined takeover sequence from at least one of the three feed devices in order to form and arrange a stack of segments in a predetermined sequence. Three feed devices provide a further variation for forming a stack from several different segments. With three feed devices, for example, the starting materials for stacks of energy cells, anode sheet, cathode sheet, and separator sheet, can each be fed independently in order to form and arrange a stack therefrom in a predetermined sequence.Preferably, stacks can be produced in this way in which an anode sheet and a cathode sheet are covered by at least one separator sheet on the top and / or bottom. More preferably, at least four feed devices can be provided, wherein in such a configuration, the segments to be fed by means of the feed devices are preferably provided as an anode sheet, a cathode sheet, and two separator sheets. An advantageous further development is characterized in that the removal device is formed by a rotatably driven rotary body, and the repetitive alternating movement of acceleration and deceleration is formed by an accelerated and decelerated rotary movement of the rotary body.Implementing the removal device as a rotatably driven rotating body has the advantage of a very high transfer speed of the segments from the removal device in a continuous feed movement. Furthermore, the use of the rotatably driven rotating body has the advantage of a very compact design for the cell stacking device. Preferably, the rotatably driven rotating body is designed and configured as a rotatably driven drum. The advantages of drums as a transport medium are well known. Surprisingly, the use of drums has also led to positive production speed and accuracy in the field of energy cell manufacturing and as a removal device.Furthermore, the at least two feeding devices can each be designed and configured as a drum run in the form of several drums connected in series, whereby a feeding of the segments is provided at a very high feeding speed.

[0018] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the rotating body comprises at least one receiving die for receiving the segments, and the rotating body can be decelerated and accelerated during one revolution according to the number of receiving dies. In the embodiment with a single receiving die, the rotating body is preferably rotatable such that the receiving die picks up the segments from different locations, i.e., from different feed devices, according to a predetermined sequence and releases them accordingly via the delivery device. Such an embodiment places greater demands on the dynamics, since comprehensive movement of the rotating body or drum must be ensured.A single takeover stamp enables precise takeover and delivery of the corresponding segments, which, for example, makes the timing of the takeover and delivery of the segments less complex, since a small number of possible control and / or regulation processes have to be taken into account.

[0019] A practical embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the rotary body comprises at least three transfer dies, wherein, in the case of more than two transfer dies, these are preferably arranged at substantially the same angles to one another. With a preferred plurality of transfer dies, the transfer rate of the segments by the rotary body can be increased or, conversely, the required rotational speed of the rotary body can be reduced for a predetermined number of segments to be transferred per unit of time. In the event of deviations in the angle between the transfer dies, starting from a substantially identical arrangement, an electrical and / or electronic regulation / control system can preferably be provided in order to design and establish a synchronous provision of the transfer dies when the rotary body is used according to the invention.With more than one transfer punch, more than one segment can be fed in parallel from the at least two feed devices to the removal device, thereby enabling faster feed speeds and processing using the device. In an embodiment with two feed devices, four transfer punches are advantageous, whereas in an alternative embodiment with three feed devices, five transfer punches are advantageous. In a further alternative embodiment with four feed devices, six transfer punches are advantageous. The number of transfer punches depends significantly on the positioning of the feed devices as a function of the arrangement of the stacking device or the rotating body with the corresponding feed devices and the subsequent delivery of the segments.In preferred embodiments, the at least two transfer dies can be variably arranged on the rotating body, since the rotation forms and establishes a desired arrangement of the rotating body, preferably by means of additional electrical and / or electronic control and / or regulating means, position- and time-specifically on the at least two feed devices. When delivering a segment at a standstill, the device should preferably be designed and the respective devices positioned relative to one another in such a way that the remaining segments are not positioned in the receiving areas. In further advantageous embodiments, the number of transfer dies corresponds at least to the number of feed devices, wherein the number of transfer dies preferably corresponds to a plurality of feed devices.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, four transfer punches are arranged opposite one another, i.e., at an angle of substantially 90 degrees to the rotational axis of the rotating body. Furthermore, the two feed devices are preferably aligned with one another in such a way that they ensure simultaneous transfer of the segments by means of the transfer punches. In this way, the transfer punches are located in the transfer station at the same time, and when a segment is being delivered, preferably none of the transfer punches is located in the transfer station with the removal device. The proposed further development offsets the transfer station and the transfer station relative to one another in such a way that a continuous stacking process is ensured without two transfer punches having to deliver the segment at the same time.

[0021] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the transfer dies each have a transfer surface shaped like a circular arc in the cross-section of the rotating body, and the transfer dies are arranged at the same diameter in cross-section. The transfer dies thus form a transfer radius and thus preferably pass through the transfer station and the transfer station at the same diameter relative to the rotating body.

[0022] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the removal device comprises at least two support zones arranged at a distance from one another in the direction of rotation and extending a length Y in the direction of rotation for receiving the segments at the at least two receiving stations and for delivering the segments to the delivery point. Between the support zones, free zones extending a length Z in the direction of rotation are further preferably provided. The free zones are deliberately not designed for receiving segments and allow, for example, passing through the at least one transfer station and / or at least one of the feed devices without a segment being delivered in the transfer station and / or in one of the feed devices.The support zones and the free zones are preferably arranged such that the removal device passes the delivery device and / or at least one of the at least two transfer stations with a free zone during a transfer phase at the at least two transfer stations during which a segment is received from a support zone. Such an arrangement and design of the cell stacking device enables stacking of the segments at a very high unit rate in that the removal device, due to its design as a rotating body with the support zones and the free zones, receives the segments in a continuous rotary movement over the support zones in the at least two transfer stations. The proposed design of the cell stacking device provides improved reception and transfer of the segments and thus improved stacking of the segments.Since the takeover and transfer of the segments does not take place simultaneously in a single position of the removal device due to the proposed support zones, free zones and their arrangement, the removal device can be provided in its movement behavior when taking over and transferring the segments in order to optimize an improved takeover of the segments from the feed and the delivery and stacking of the segments by individually designing its movement behavior in the positions when it passes the transfer station and at least one takeover station with the support zones.

[0023] It is further proposed that the length Y of one or each support zone be smaller, equal to, or greater than the length Z of one or each free zone. If the length Y of the support zone is smaller, this is advantageous for the transfer of the segments, since in this case, the greater length of the free zone provides a larger angle of rotation for adapting the movement behavior of the removal device until the segment is taken over and transferred. If the length Y of the support zones is equal to the length Z of one or each free zone, this can achieve the advantage of a change in the movement behavior that is as uniform as possible, in particular with identical accelerations and decelerations of the removal device.If the length Y of the support zones is greater than the length Z of the free zones, this is advantageous with regard to the capacity of the removal device, since the outer surface of the rotating body can be designed to receive and transfer a larger number of segments.

[0024] It is further proposed that the lengths Z of the free zones between the support zones be either the same or different. If the length Z of the free zones is the same, this allows for repetitive, as similar as possible, movement processes of the rotating body between the takeover and transfer of a segment, and vice versa. If the length Z of the free zones is different, this allows for individually different movement processes, which, for example, allows for deviations in the feed movements or the discharge movements of the segments to be taken into account.

[0025] It is further proposed that one or each support zone have a transfer surface. The transfer surface allows the segments to be held flat against the support zones and transported by the rotating body from at least one of the transfer stations to the transfer station. This allows for particularly gentle transport of the segments with the lowest possible local, area-related maximum forces acting on the segments.

[0026] It is further proposed that one or each clearance zone be formed by a radially inwardly extending recess on the rotating body. The proposed design of the clearance zones creates free spaces on the rotating body, which enables collision-free, overlapping relative movement, e.g., of the dispensing device or of at least one of the feed devices to the rotating body. Furthermore, this allows the mass of the rotating body to be moved to be reduced, which in turn simplifies motion control and reduces the energy required to drive the rotating body.

[0027] It is further proposed that one or each free zone has a boundary offset radially inward from one or each support zone. This radially inward offset boundary creates a clearly defined spatial separation of the free zone from the support zone, which, for example, enables simplified detection of the rotational movement of the rotating body.

[0028] A further expedient embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the at least one dispensing device has a linearly movable receptacle which transports the stacks away from the removal device in the direction of the surface normal of the segments. The linearly movable receptacle allows the stacks and / or the segments stacked therein to be transported away without the effect of transverse forces. This prevents the segments or stacks from losing their precisely positioned arrangement during removal. The term “receptacle” of the dispensing device within the meaning of the invention is to be understood, for example, as a means which forms and sets up a removal of the segments from the removal device by means of a vacuum supply. The removal can, for example, be designed and set up as a deposit lever to remove the segments from the removal device.

[0029] A preferred development of the invention is characterized in that the removal device and / or the receptacle of the at least one dispensing device have one or more vacuum lines that can be subjected to negative pressure, which, by applying negative pressure, support the transfer of the segments by the removal device from at least one of the feed devices and / or by the at least one dispensing device from the removal device and the transport on the removal device. By means of the vacuum lines that can be subjected to negative pressure, the transfer of the segments and the transport of the segments on the removal device can be realized with very low forces acting on the segments. Furthermore, the forces exerted on the segments can be controlled very easily by switching the negative pressure in the vacuum lines on and off. For example,The transfer of the segments by the removal device from the at least two feed devices can be very easily controlled by switching on the vacuum lines of the removal device and switching off the vacuum lines of the feed devices in a transfer position. The transfer of the segments from the removal device to the delivery device then takes place analogously by switching off the vacuum lines of the removal device and switching on the vacuum lines of the receiving device of the delivery device.In a further embodiment, a holding vacuum is applied to one or each vacuum line of the removal device leading into a support zone, which is switched off with a delay during or upon transfer of the segment to the delivery device, and a segment to be transferred is withdrawn against the still at least partially applied holding vacuum, which ensures a fixed, precisely positioned holding of the segment to be transferred and helps to prevent position changes due to any floating or falling movements.

[0030] An expedient embodiment of the invention is characterized in that at least one of the at least two feed devices comprises a buffer device for the delayed provision of the segments and / or a preliminary product of the segments, wherein the preliminary product is preferably an endless web comprising a plurality of segments. Such buffer devices enable a demand-based supply of the segments and / or a preliminary product of the segments in order to provide the segments depending on the further device components and with the associated device steps. The buffer device is preferably designed and configured to adapt a distance of the segments during supply such that the supply distance is variable. In this way, the segments have to cover a greater distance, whereby the segments can be provided with a delay, for example, to the removal device.Further preferably, the buffer device comprises a tensioning mechanism for setting a desired web tension for (endless) webs or for (endless) webs with segments. The buffer device is preferably designed and configured as a so-called "dancer."

[0031] An advantageous development is characterized in that at least one of the at least two feed devices comprises a cutting device designed and configured to cut segments and / or a pre-product of the segments, wherein the pre-product is preferably a continuous web comprising a plurality of segments. This enables a broader range of applications for the device, for example, by segmenting a pre-product into segments. Furthermore, segments can be cut according to a predetermined cut.

[0032] A further preferred development of the invention is characterized in that at least one of the at least two feed devices comprises at least one sub-device, designed and configured to continuously provide segments to the cell stack device at a predetermined spacing from one another. In this way, the segments can be fed to the removal device at a predetermined spacing, wherein the spacing of the segments increases in particular during the course of transport or feeding by means of the feed device. The feeding of the segments to the removal device can be controlled and / or regulated by the sub-device, since the provision of the segments on the removal device at a predetermined spacing is determined by the feed speed.In this way, the removal device can transfer the segments to the at least one delivery device at a predetermined rate with a delayed movement or while stationary, and the sequence of provision can be changed based on the transfer by the feed devices. This leads, on the one hand, to efficient use of the existing feed device by means of the removal device and, on the other hand, enables a desired sequence in the delivery of the segments. Preferably, the dividing device is designed and configured as a pitch-changing drum. A further advantage of the dividing device is that the cell stacking devices or the removal device can be taken over and stacked in a predetermined sequence by means of the removal device due to the division or spacing of the supplied segments.For example, segments of number A can be provided on a first feed device and segments of number B on a second feed device, each with different spacing. Continuous use of the removal device preferably enables proper stacking in a predetermined sequence. Thus, the spacing of segments on the two feed devices can be adjusted as needed to provide a desired stacking sequence. A further advantage of the at least one sub-device is that segments are delivered by the removal device at a lower stacking rate than they are fed to the removal device by the feed devices.This allows the conveying rate of the feed devices to be designed accordingly high, while the stacking rate can be designed correspondingly low at the same time to ensure high positioning accuracy of the stacked segments and thus of the stack itself. A change in pitch within the meaning of the invention is understood in particular to mean a change in the spacing of the segments from one another on the corresponding feed devices. Such changes in pitch serve, for example, to either increase or decrease the spacing of the segments from one another, in particular in order to arrange them accordingly on the removal device by means of the feed devices depending on the movement of the rotating body and / or the arrangement and number of the transfer stamps.

[0033] According to a further preferred embodiment, at least one of the at least two feed devices comprises at least one transfer drum, designed and configured to transfer segments to the cell stacking device and / or to receive segments from the buffer device or the cutting device. Drum-shaped transfer devices are particularly suitable for continuous transfer processes with high process speeds. Preferably, the at least one transfer drum is also designed and configured for the delayed provision of the segments. In other words, the transfer drum enables the segments to be spaced apart by means of the transfer drum, for example by the transfer drum having a different speed or a different diameter to a preferably upstream further rotating body and / or a drum which is provided for the provision of the segments.

[0034] The object is also achieved by the method mentioned at the outset in that the removal device is driven to a repeating alternating movement consisting of an acceleration and a deceleration, and in that the removal device takes over the segments at the feed speed depending on a predetermined takeover sequence from one of the at least two feed devices, wherein the removal device transfers the segments in each case in a delayed movement or at a standstill to the at least one delivery device in order to form and set up a stack in a predetermined sequence from segments of the at least two feed devices.

[0035] One of the advantages of the proposed method is that the segments are taken over by the removal device in a continuous feed at the feed speed of the at least two feed devices. They are then transferred to the delivery device for stacking the segments at a lower speed or even at a standstill by decelerating the movement of the removal device. The at least two feed devices provide a flexible and simultaneously efficient provision of segments, preferably with different segment combinations.Furthermore, when the segments are received at the feed speed of the feed devices, this ensures, on the one hand, uninterrupted removal of the segments in a sequence specified by the removal device at a high transport speed from the feed devices with the lowest possible load on the segments during transfer. On the other hand, the slowed speed of the removal device or the standstill of the removal device allows the segments to be transferred to the delivery device with lower transverse forces acting on the segments. The reduced transverse forces are particularly important when the segments are delivered to the delivery device, as they allow the segments to be stacked more precisely in a specified sequence in the stacking device.Due to the proposed control system, the cell stacking device forms an interface between the continuous feeding of the segments via the feeding devices and the stacking of the segments.

[0036] To avoid repetition, in connection with the method according to the invention, particular reference is also made to the advantages already described in detail in connection with the device according to the invention. These also apply analogously to the method according to the invention described below. A further development is characterized in that three feed devices are provided, each of which feeds the segments at a continuous feed rate. The segments are each taken over by one of the three feed devices in a predetermined takeover sequence from the removal device in order to form and arrange a stack of segments in a predetermined sequence.

[0037] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the removal device has a controllable drive device which is controlled in such a way that the removal device is accelerated to receive the segments from the at least two feed devices and is decelerated to deliver the segments to the delivery device.

[0038] An expedient embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the removal device is formed by a rotatably driven rotary body, and the repetitive alternating movement from the acceleration and deceleration is formed by an accelerated and decelerated rotary movement of the rotary body.

[0039] A further preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the rotary body comprises at least one transfer punch for receiving the segments, wherein in the case of two or more transfer punches these are arranged at the same angle to one another, and that the rotary body is decelerated and accelerated during one revolution in accordance with the number of transfer punches.

[0040] A further expedient embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the stacks are transported away from the removal device in the direction of the surface normal of the segments by means of a linearly movable holder having at least one delivery device.

[0041] A preferred development of the invention is characterized in that the segments and / or a preliminary product of the segments are provided in a delayed manner by means of at least one buffer device comprising the at least two feed devices, wherein the preliminary product is preferably an endless web comprising a plurality of segments.

[0042] A further expedient embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the segments and / or a preliminary product of the segments are cut by means of at least one cutting device comprising the at least two feeding devices, wherein the preliminary product is preferably an endless web comprising a plurality of segments.

[0043] A preferred development of the invention is characterized in that the segments of the cell stacking device are continuously provided by means of at least one sub-device comprising the at least two feed devices with a predetermined spacing from one another.

[0044] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one of the at least two feeding devices comprises at least one transfer drum so that the segments are transferred to the cell stacking device and / or so that the segments are taken over by the buffer device or the cutting device.

[0045] Further useful and / or advantageous features and developments, as well as preferred device objects, emerge from the dependent claims and the description. Particularly preferred embodiments of the device according to the invention and the method according to the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0046] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a device according to the invention in perspective view,

[0047] Fig. 2 is a further cross-sectional view of the device shown in Fig. 1,

[0048] Fig. 3 shows a sequence of stacking segments with a section of the device shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 in cross section, Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of a device according to the invention with three feeding devices in perspective view,

[0049] Fig. 5 is a further cross-sectional view of the further embodiment of the device according to the invention shown in Fig. 4,

[0050] Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of a further embodiment of a device according to the invention with three feeding devices and three removal devices in a perspective view and

[0051] Fig. 7 is a further cross-sectional view of the further embodiment of the device according to the invention shown in Fig. 6.

[0052] The device according to the invention and the method according to the invention are described in more detail with reference to the above figures.

[0053] The device 10 shown in the drawings is designed and configured as an example of an independent and separately designed device 10. However, the invention equally applies to comparable devices 10 that are integrated into a more complex system with multiple assemblies or upstream and / or downstream additional device or machine components. Such devices 10 can, in particular, be designed and configured to be variable in terms of their (machine) width, so that multiple segments can be formed in parallel stacks. In other words, a plurality or multiplicity of segments 11 are preferably processed in parallel on a device 10 by adapting the device components accordingly in width. For this purpose, the provided devices and the respective means must be adapted accordingly in order to provide scalability in width.

[0054] Such segments 11 are produced using a manufacturing machine described below by way of example, which may comprise a device 10 according to the invention and / or downstream of which a device 10 according to the invention is arranged. Such a manufacturing machine—not shown in the figures—preferably comprises a feed system for four continuous webs, two of the continuous webs being formed from a separator material, one continuous web being formed from an anode material, and one continuous web being formed from a cathode material. The continuous webs of the cathode material or the anode material are further preferably each cut by means of a cutting device into anode (sheets) and cathode (sheets) of a predetermined length or width, which are then placed onto one of the continuous webs of the separator material after cutting.The joining takes place by first placing the anodes or cathodes cut from the bottommost continuous web individually onto a conveyor belt, then placing the overlying continuous web of separator material on top, and then placing the anodes or cathodes cut from the continuous web individually onto the continuous web of separator material, which are then covered by the topmost continuous web of additional separator material on top to form a preferred four-layer continuous web. This four-layer continuous web, with the anodes or cathodes on one side, is then fed to a lamination unit (also not shown), where they are bonded together to form a solid composite by applying thermal and / or mechanical energy.Alternatively, such segments can each consist of only one (starting) material for the production of energy cells, so that separate material webs made of a single material are provided, which are cut by a cutting device into separator, anode, or cathode sheets of a predetermined length or width. Such individualized separator, anode, or cathode sheets are then, for example, individually placed on a conveyor belt to be fed to the device 10, in particular by means of at least one of the feed devices 12, 13, 14.

[0055] If, in a preferred embodiment, the segments 11 are fed to the device 10 as laminated four-layer continuous webs, they can be cut into segments 11 of a predetermined length or width, which can also be referred to as monocells, by means of a cutting device 20. However, it is also conceivable to feed single-layer segments 11, double-layer segments 11, and multi- or multi-layer segments 11 as a continuous web 19 or separately to the device 10 in the manufacturing machine, provided that these are to be further processed in a correspondingly stacked manner. Alternatively, the device 10 can also be provided with already separated segments 11, which, for example, were produced from continuous webs 19 to form segments 11 in an upstream processing step or with an upstream cutting device 20.

[0056] Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 each schematically show a first embodiment of a device 10 according to the invention for stacking segments 11 of energy cells - not shown in the figures - comprising at least two feed devices 12, 13, 14 each designed and configured to feed segments 11 at a continuous feed speed, and at least one cell stacking device 15 designed and configured to receive the segments 11 from the at least two feed devices 12, 13, 14 and to stack the segments 11 on top of one another to form stacks 16, wherein the cell stacking device 15 comprises at least one removal device 17 for receiving the segments 11 and at least one delivery device 18 for delivering the segments 11. In Fig.Figure 3 schematically shows a sequence of the inventive transfer of the segments 11 by the removal device 17 from the at least two feed devices 12, 13 and the delivery of the segments 11 to the delivery device 18. For this purpose, the removal device 17 receives one segment 11 from at least one of the feed devices 12, 13 and then delivers it accordingly to the delivery device 18.

[0057] The device 10 according to the invention is characterized in that the removal device 17 is designed and configured to be drivable for a repeating alternating movement consisting of acceleration and deceleration, and in that the removal device 17 receives the segments 11 at the feed speed depending on a predetermined transfer sequence from one of the at least two feed devices 12, 13, 14, wherein the removal device 17 transfers the segments 11 in each case in a delayed movement or at a standstill to the at least one delivery device 18 in order to form and arrange a stack 16 in a predetermined sequence from segments 11 of the at least two feed devices 12, 13, 14. More preferably, the segments 11 are also transferred to the at least one delivery device 18 by means of the removal device 17 depending on a predetermined transfer sequence.In this way, a stack 16 with a desired sequence of segments 11 can be produced from the at least two feeding devices 12, 13, 14.

[0058] In Fig. 1, one segment 11 is shown as an example on each of the feed devices 12, 13. In their intended use, such devices 10 comprise a plurality of segments 11 that are simultaneously present within the device 10 and can be transported and processed by means of the device components.

[0059] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one of the at least two feed devices 12, 13, 14 comprises a cutting device 20, designed and configured to cut segments 11 and / or a precursor product of the segments 11, wherein the precursor product is preferably an endless web 19 comprising a plurality of segments 11. The cutting devices 20 are each formed by a cutting means 21 and a counter-drum 22 in Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. The cutting device 20 cuts the endless web 19 guided on the counter-drum 22 into segments 11 of a predetermined length, which is defined by the cutting process and / or the corresponding cutting means 21. Starting from the cutting device 20, the cut segments 11 are each fed to the corresponding feed device 12, 13, 14.The counter drum 22 further preferably functions simultaneously as a transport drum in order to transport the segments 11 and / or the endless webs 19 containing the segments 11 in the transport direction.

[0060] Preferably, at least one of the at least two feed devices 12, 13, 14 comprises at least one transfer drum 23, designed and configured to transfer segments 11 to the cell stacking device 15 and / or to receive segments from a buffer device 32 or a cutting device 20. In a preferred embodiment, at least one or each feed device 12, 13, 14 is formed by a drum 23, for example, a transfer drum 23 or a drum run (not shown in the figures) with several (transport) drums, to which the segments 11 are held, for example, by vacuum. If the fed continuous web 19 is a four-layer continuous web 19, the segments 11 cut therefrom correspond to a monocell. If the continuous web 19 consists of separate material webs, the segments 11 cut therefrom preferably each correspond to a separator, anode, or cathode sheet.

[0061] In Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 a preferred embodiment is shown, according to which the device 10 comprises three feeding devices 12, 13, 14, each designed and configured to feed segments 11 at a continuous feed speed, wherein the removal device 17 takes over the segments 11 in a predetermined takeover sequence from at least one of the three feeding devices 12, 13, 14 in order to form and set up a stack 16 in a predetermined sequence of segments 11.

[0062] In an advantageous embodiment, the removal device 17 is formed by a rotatably driven rotary body 24, and the repeating alternating movement of acceleration and deceleration is formed by an accelerated and decelerated rotary movement of the rotary body 24. An advantageous further development is characterized in that the rotary body 24 comprises at least one transfer punch 25 for receiving the segments 11, and in that the rotary body 24 can be decelerated and accelerated during one revolution in accordance with the number of transfer punches 25. Preferably, the rotary body 24 comprises at least three transfer punches 25, wherein if there are more than two transfer punches 25, these are preferably arranged at the same angle to one another. The embodiment of the device 10 in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 comprises, by way of example, four transfer punches 25, and the further preferred embodiment in Fig. 4 and Fig.5 has five takeover stamps 25 each.

[0063] 1 to 3, the angles of the four transfer punches 25 are aligned at substantially 90° to one another. The transfer punches 25 each have support zones 26 in the form of the transfer punches 25. The transfer punches 25 have an outer surface which, in terms of its outer dimensions, corresponds at least to the outer shape of the segments 11 or can also be larger than these. The transfer punches 25 further preferably each have a transfer surface 27 which, in the cross-section of the rotation body 24, is shaped like a segment of a circle, and the transfer surfaces 27 of the transfer punches 25 are arranged on the same diameter in cross-section. Preferably, the transfer punches 25 have, in their cross-section perpendicular through the axis of rotation of the removal device 17, a contour which is shaped like a segment of a circle, each with the same radii, so that they complement one another to form a virtual circle.Furthermore, the removal device 17 with its transfer punches 25 is arranged and dimensioned in terms of its radii such that, during the rotational movement, it engages with the outer surfaces of the transfer punches 25 at least in one area during the transfer of the at least two feed devices 12, 13, 14, preferably tangent to the outer surfaces of the transfer drum 23 with a gap corresponding at least to the thickness of the segments 11. The rotational movement of the removal device 17 is controlled relative to the respective transfer drum 23 such that the transfer punches 25 each take over exactly one segment 11 from the transfer drum 23 during rotation.For this purpose, the movement of the removal device 17 is preferably controllable and / or regulated in such a way that the lateral surfaces of the transfer punches 25 at the point of shortest distance to the transfer drum 23, which preferably corresponds to the transfer station, have a circumferential speed corresponding to the circumferential speed of the segments 11 held on the transfer drum 23, and the segments 11 can ideally be taken over by the transfer punches 25 without a relative speed in the circumferential direction.

[0064] The lateral surfaces of the transfer dies 25 have at least one circular arc length in the circumferential direction, which corresponds to the width of the segments 11 directed in the circumferential direction of the transfer drum 23, so that the segments 11 are transferred over their entire surface by the transfer dies 25. Furthermore, the transfer dies 25 also have a length in the axial direction of the removal device 17 that corresponds at least to the length of the segments 11 in the axial direction. The transfer dies 25 preferably have a comb-like structure with a plurality of webs 31 directed parallel to one another and in the circumferential direction, between which gaps with a constant and identical width are arranged. The end faces of the webs 31 then together form the lateral surfaces of the transfer dies 25.

[0065] The transfer punches 25 each form a transfer surface 27 on their outer sides, which are separated from one another by free zones 28 due to the plurality of transfer punches 25. In the present exemplary embodiments of Fig. 1 to Fig. 5, the removal device 17 is formed by a rotary body 24 which can be driven to rotate and has at least two support zones 26 which are arranged at a distance from one another in the circumferential direction (and preferably fixed in the circumferential direction) and extend a length Y in the circumferential direction for receiving the segments 11 at at least one of the transfer stations. The support zones 26 are formed here by the transfer surfaces 27 of the transfer punches 25. Between the support zones 26, free zones 28 are provided which extend a length Z in the circumferential direction and which, in the present exemplary embodiments, are each formed by a recess extending radially inward and thus form a free space.The support zones 26 are specifically designed to receive one segment 11 each, while the free zones 28 are not designed to receive segments 11 and merely form deliberately unused intermediate zones between the support zones 26, which can create advantageous movement properties and / or states of the rotating body 24 for implementing the different movement states of the removal device 17 and for receiving and transferring the segments 11. For this purpose, the support zones 26 and the free zones 28 are arranged such that the removal device 17 passes the delivery device 18 and / or at least one of the at least two feed devices 12, 13, 14 with a free zone 28 in a transfer phase at at least one of the transfer stations, during which a segment 11 is received from a support zone 26.

[0066] The free zones 28 are implemented here by recesses. Alternatively, they can also be formed by passive surfaces of the rotating body 24 in general, which do not have vacuum lines and are therefore not designed to receive segments 11. The free zones 28 are characterized by the fact that they do not carry any segments 11 and therefore do not release any segments 11 in the transfer station. It is therefore not necessary for the removal device 17 to fulfill special movement conditions during the transfer phase, in which it passes the transfer station with the free zones 28, and its movement behavior can be designed solely to receive the segments 11 in the transfer station.

[0067] The support zones 26 and the free zones 28 are arranged such that while a support zone 26 passes at least one of the receiving stations, a free zone 28 passes the transfer station and / or at least one of the further receiving stations of the corresponding further feed devices 12, 13, 14. While a support zone 26 is aligned with the transfer station, a free zone 28 is preferably aligned with at least one of the receiving stations. In this case, the free zones 28 can have a greater length Z in the circumferential direction of the rotation body 24 than the support zones 26, so that the angles of rotation during which the free zones 28 pass the transfer station and / or at least one of the receiving stations are greater than the angles of rotation during which the support zones 26 pass the transfer station and at least one of the receiving stations.As a result, the angles of rotation available for the acceleration and deceleration of the removal device are greater than the angles of rotation required for the receipt and transfer of the segments 11. Due to the larger angles of rotation, the maximum acceleration and maximum deceleration for changing between the two predetermined speeds can be reduced. The free zone 28 has a length Z spanning at least two receipt stations and the transfer station. The length Y of one or each support zone 26 can be less than, equal to, or greater than the length Z of one or each free zone 28. Furthermore, the lengths Z of the free zones 28 between the support zones 26 can also be the same or different, whereby the advantages described above can be achieved.

[0068] Drums with a cylindrical outer surface are suitable as rotating bodies 24, in which the support zones 26 and the free zones 28 are formed by zones that are deliberately designed to carry or receive segments 11, while the free zones 28 are not designed for this purpose and can also be referred to as passive zones. Furthermore, all bodies that receive the segments 11 in a rotary movement at the receiving stations, transport them further to the transfer station by means of the rotary movement, and deliver them there as described above are also suitable as rotating bodies 24.

[0069] The rotating body 24 can also be designed as a rotor with multiple rotor arms, wherein one or each rotor arm can have a receiving surface at its free ends. Furthermore, one or each rotor arm can be provided with vacuum channels, which can open into the free ends of the rotor arms and in particular into the receiving surfaces arranged thereon. The rotor arms of the rotor are preferably positioned fixedly relative to one another in the direction of the rotor's orbit, in particular their distance from one another in the direction of the orbit is fixed, in particular their distance from one another in the direction of the orbit is unchangeable.

[0070] In an advantageous embodiment of the device 10 according to the invention, the at least one dispensing device 18 has a linearly movable receptacle 29, which transports the stacks 16 away from the removal device 17 in the direction of the surface normal of the segments 11. The dispensing device 18 preferably has a receptacle 29 that can be moved linearly by means of a lifting device 30, wherein the movement of the receptacle 29 is triggered by activation of the lifting device 30 and guided by means of a guide device, e.g., a guide rod. The receptacle 29 can be moved linearly between a receiving position and a dispensing position, wherein the receiving position of the receptacle 29 is arranged as close as possible to the transfer station of the segments 11, while the dispensing position of the receptacle 29 corresponds to a more distant position of the receptacle 29 assigned to the dispensing device 18.A further advantageous embodiment of the device 10 according to the invention is characterized in that the removal device 17 and / or the receptacle 29 of the at least one delivery device 18 have one or more vacuum lines that can be subjected to negative pressure and that, by applying negative pressure, support the transfer of the segments 11 by the removal device 17 from at least one of the feed devices 12, 13, 14 and / or by the at least one delivery device 18 from the removal device 17 and the transport on the removal device 18. The vacuum lines can be provided, for example, in webs 31 of the transfer dies 25, which can be subjected to negative pressure and whose openings open into the end-side lateral surfaces of the webs 31 and / or the transfer dies 25, as is shown, for example, in Fig. 1 and Fig. 4.Furthermore, corresponding openings for vacuum lines that can be subjected to negative pressure can also be provided in the outer surfaces of the transfer drums 23. The segments 11 are then held on the outer surfaces of the transfer drums 23 by applying negative pressure in the vacuum lines and are taken over by the removal device 17 by switching off the negative pressure in the vacuum lines of the transfer drum 23 and by switching on the negative pressure in the vacuum lines of the take-over stamp 25 passing through the take-over station. To provide a vacuum, it is expedient if the device 10 comprises at least one vacuum device 34 for providing the negative pressure.

[0071] Further preferably, at least one of the at least two feed devices 12, 13, 14 comprises a buffer device 32 for the delayed provision of the segments 11 and / or a preliminary product of the segments 11, wherein the preliminary product is preferably an endless web 19 comprising a plurality of segments 11. For this purpose, the segments 11 are generally not yet separated on the endless web 19 and are further preferably separated into separate segments 11 by means of a downstream cutting device 20. For this purpose, the segments 11 can be transported, for example, on a transport track. The buffer device 32 is preferably designed and configured to adapt a material web comprising the segments 11, which is designed, for example, as an endless web 19, during the feed in such a way that the feed path can be changed.By adjusting the path, the segments 11, for example, must travel a longer distance, which means that the segments 11 can be made available to the removal device 17 with a delay, for example, particularly if a continuous transport speed is maintained. If the path is shortened, the segments 11 can be made available to the feeder at a correspondingly accelerated rate. Further preferably, the buffer device 32 comprises a tensioning mechanism for setting a desired web tension for (endless) webs 19 or for (endless) webs 19 with segments 11. The buffer device 32 is preferably designed and configured as a so-called "dancer."

[0072] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one of the at least two feed devices 12, 13, 14 comprises at least one sub-device 33 designed and configured to continuously provide segments 11 to the cell stacking device 15 at a predetermined spacing from one another. The transfer drum 23 is preferably designed and configured as a sub-device 32. The advantage of the sub-device 33 is that the cell stacking devices 15 or the removal device 17 are intended to receive the segments 11 from one of the feed devices 12, 13, 14 in accordance with the predetermined sequence. In order to provide the sequence synchronously in accordance with the provided receiving dies 25, it may be expedient to arrange the segments 11 at a distance from one another so that the movement to be performed by the rotating body 24 has a lower degree of complexity.For example, the segments 11 of a first feed device 12 can be stacked at a lower stacking rate than the segments 11 of a second feed device 13. This allows the conveying rate of the feed devices 12, 13 to be adjusted to each other accordingly, and the stacking rate can simultaneously be designed to be correspondingly low for a high positional accuracy of the stacked segments 11 and thus of the stack 16 itself.

[0073] The device 10 according to the invention can preferably have a dividing device 33 for each of the feed devices 12, 13, 14 so that the segments 11 can be operated at a high conveying rate in the feed device 12, 13, 14 and, at the same time, with precise positioning of the segments 11, since the stacking rate of the segments 11 in the cell stacking device 15 can be considerably lower than the feed rate of the segments 11 in the feed devices 12, 13, 14 due to the solution according to the invention. When the material webs / endless webs 19 or the segments 11 are "split", a distance is created between the cut segments 19 and / or a delay in the feed speed is created in order to subsequently provide the segments 11 on the cell stacking device 15 in a specific sequence and speed. The method is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing.The method is used for stacking segments 11 of energy cells, comprising the steps of feeding segments 11 at a continuous feed rate by means of at least two feeding devices 12, 13, 14, receiving the segments 11 from the at least two feeding devices 12, 13, 14 and stacking the segments 11 on top of one another to form stacks 16 by means of at least one cell stacking device 15, wherein the segments 11 are received by means of at least one removal device 17 comprising the cell stacking device 15 and are delivered to or by means of at least one delivery device 18. In particular, in the illustrations in Fig. 3, the stacking process is illustrated by way of example using two feeding devices 12, 13. The segments 11 are provided by means of the feeding devices 12, 13 and, on the one hand, are received by the removal device 17 and, finally, delivered to the delivery device 18.

[0074] This method is characterized according to the invention in that the removal device 17 is driven to a repeating alternating movement consisting of acceleration and deceleration, and in that the removal device 17 receives the segments 11 at the feed speed depending on a predetermined takeover sequence from one of the at least two feed devices 12, 13, 14, wherein the removal device 17 transfers the segments 11 to the at least one delivery device 18 in a delayed movement or at a standstill in order to form and arrange a stack 16 in a predetermined sequence from segments 11 of the at least two feed devices 12, 13, 14. In the sequence in Fig. 3, the removal device 17 is in the delivery position or at the transfer station, wherein in the first image no segment 11 has yet been picked up by the takeover stamps 25.Segments 11 are arranged on each of the first and second feed devices 12, 13 and are ready to be picked up by the removal device 17. In the second illustration of Fig. 3, the removal device 17 is again in the delivery position or at the transfer station, with one segment 11 each having been picked up by the first and second feed devices 12, 13 by means of two of the pick-up punches 25. For this purpose, the removal device 17 is rotated along the direction of rotation, with the segments 11 each having been picked up by the pick-up punches 25. The removal device 17 is preferably controlled and / or regulated in accordance with the feed devices 12, 13, 14 in order to form and set up a pick-up by means of the pick-up punches 25.Preferably, segments 11 are taken over simultaneously by the first and second feed devices 12, 13. However, it may also be expedient for only one segment 11 to be taken over by the first or the second feed device 13. Alternatively, it may be expedient for no segment to be taken over by one of the feed devices 12, 13, 14 during a rotation, which can be achieved, for example, by appropriate spacing between the segments. In the third illustration in Fig. 3, the removal device 17 is again in the delivery position or at the transfer station, with a segment 11 having been taken over again from the first and second feed devices 12, 13 by means of two of the take-over punches 25. For this purpose, the removal device 17 rotates along the direction of rotation, with the segments 11 in each case being picked up by the take-over punches 25.During the rotation carried out, the removal device 17 has transferred / discharged the previously picked up segments 11 to the delivery device 18 in a delayed movement or while stationary in order to form a stack 16 at the delivery device 18. The stacks 16 are preferably transported away from the removal device 17 in the direction of the surface normal of the segments 11 by means of a linearly movable holder 29 having the at least one delivery device 18. To discharge the corresponding segment 11, a deposit lever of the delivery device more preferably performs a linear lifting movement in the radial direction of the removal device 17 and in the process takes the segment 11 along in the direction of its surface normal. Due to the direction of the discharge movement of the segment 11, the smallest possible forces act on the segment 11, and a particularly smooth discharge movement of the segment 11 can be realized.The linear lifting movement of the deposit lever ends with the release of the segment 11 into the holder 29 of the release device 18. The stroke of the lifting movement of the deposit lever is controlled such that the segment 11 is deposited in the holder 29 without a falling movement and with the lowest possible pressure force.

[0075] In a further advantageous embodiment, three feeding devices 12, 13, 14 are provided, each feeding the segments 11 at a continuous feeding speed, wherein the segments 11 are each taken over by one of the three feeding devices 12, 13, 14 in a predetermined takeover sequence from the removal device 17 in order to form and arrange a stack 16 of segments 11 in a predetermined sequence. The stacking process with three feeding devices 12, 13, 14 is analogous to the process described above, wherein the segments of the three feeding devices 12, 13, 14 are each taken over by the removal device 17 and accordingly delivered to the delivery device 18. Figs. 4 and 5 show a device 10 with three feeding devices 12, 13, 14, by means of which the method according to the invention can be carried out accordingly.As a rule, more complex regulation and / or control operations are provided for with three feeding devices, since the removal device 17 and the movements to be carried out with it must be adapted accordingly.

[0076] The removal device 17 preferably has a controllable drive device which is controlled in such a way that the removal device 17 is accelerated to receive the segments 11 from the at least two feed devices 12, 13, 14 and decelerated to deliver the segments 11 to the delivery device 18. When controlled by means of the drive device, the desired sequence of the segments 11 to be stacked is particularly crucial. For example, it is possible to set the order in which the segments 11 are to be received by each of the feed devices 12, 13, 14. More preferably, the feed speed and / or the provision of the segments by means of the feed devices 12, 13, 14 can also be controlled.

[0077] In a further embodiment, the removal device 17 is formed by a rotatably driven rotary body 24, and the repetitive alternating movement is formed from the acceleration and deceleration by an accelerated and decelerated rotary movement of the rotary body 24. More preferably, the rotary body 24 comprises at least one receiving punch 25 for receiving the segments 11, wherein, in the case of two or more receiving punches 25, these are arranged at the same angle to one another, and the rotary body 24 is decelerated and accelerated during one revolution in accordance with the number of receiving punches 25.

[0078] The segments 11 and / or a preliminary product of the segments 16 can be provided with a delay by means of at least one buffer device 32 comprising the at least two feed devices 12, 13, 14, wherein the preliminary product is preferably an endless web 19 comprising a plurality of segments 11. Furthermore, the segments 11 and / or a preliminary product of the segments 11 can be cut by means of at least one cutting device 20 comprising the at least two feed devices 12, 13, 14, wherein the preliminary product is preferably an endless web 19 comprising a plurality of segments 11. If the segments 11 are already provided individually, e.g., on a transport track, a cutting device 20 is generally no longer provided. In the embodiments shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 5, each of the feed devices 12, 13, 14 comprises a cutting device 20 in order to cut the endless webs 19 comprising segments 11 as required.Furthermore, each of the feed devices 12, 13, 14 comprises a buffer device 32.

[0079] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one of the at least two feeding devices 12, 13, 14 comprises at least one transfer drum 23 so that the segments 11 are transferred to the cell stacking device 15 and / or so that the segments 11 are taken over by the buffer device 32 or the cutting device 20.

[0080] In a further preferred embodiment, the segments 11 of the cell stacking device 15 are continuously provided at a predetermined spacing from one another by means of at least one dividing device 33 comprising the at least two feed devices 12, 13, 14. The spacing in the feed devices 12, 13, 14 can be carried out, for example, by splitting the supplied segments 11 at the first feed device 12 by means of the dividing device 33 into a number B per unit of time and at the second feed device 13 into a number C per unit of time. In this way, the segments 11 of the feed devices 12, 13 are each spaced from one another, particularly at a continuous transport speed, so that they can each be taken over by the removal device 17, for example, with the intended spacing.An endless web 19 of uncut segments 11 or a stream of segments 11 can be fed at high speed, and the segments 11 cut therefrom or the segments 11 can be further processed and stacked online. A high stream of segments 11 can be transported reliably and effectively in an orderly manner, virtually without stopping or interruption, and advantageously provided with the desired spacing. In the stream of segments 11 with the number B, the spacing between two segments 11 can be greater than or approximately equal to the length of a segment 11.A spacing B of segments 11 in the stream between two consecutive segments 11 makes it possible to provide a desired sequence of segments 11 during the subsequent transfer by means of the removal device 17, wherein the spacing and an associated time interval can be used to access a segment 11 during conveying of the stream of segments 11. With a spacing C of segments 11 in the stream between two consecutive segments 11, a corresponding transfer by means of the removal device 17 is also provided. The dividing device 33 therefore preferably supports the process of transferring the segments 11 by the removal device 17 at the feed speed depending on a predetermined transfer sequence from one of the at least two feed devices 12, 13, 14.

[0081] Figs. 6 and 7 show a further preferred embodiment of the device 10 according to the invention, according to which the device 10 comprises three feed devices 12, 13, 14, each designed and configured to feed segments 11 at a continuous feed rate. The device 10 in Figs. 6 and 7 further comprises a cell stacking device 15, which is designed and configured to receive the segments 11 from the three feed devices 12, 13, 14 and to subsequently stack the segments 11 onto one another to form stacks 16 by means of three removal devices 17 further comprising the cell stacking device 15.Such preferred embodiments can also comprise more than three feed devices 12, 13, 14 and / or more than three removal devices 17; in a further particularly preferred embodiment - not shown in the figures - a device 10 with four feed devices 12, 13, 14 and / or four removal devices 17 is particularly useful in order to feed four material webs 19 or segments 11 to the cell stack device(s) 15 or the removal devices 17.

[0082] In particular, Fig. 7 shows in detail the process of feeding the segments 11 to the cell stacking device 15. The exemplary direction of rotation of the drums is illustrated by corresponding arrows drawn in the respective drums. In Figs. 6 and 7, material webs 19, which are preferably in the form of continuous webs, are fed by means of the feed devices 12, 13, 14, which can be cut into segments 11 by means of cutting devices 20 arranged upstream of the cell stacking device 15. The cutting devices 20 are each formed in Figs. 6 and 7 by a cutting means 21 and a counter drum 22 and cut the material web 19, which is preferably in the form of a continuous web 19 and is guided on the counter drum 22, into segments 11 of a predetermined length, which is defined by the cutting process and / or the corresponding cutting means 21.Starting from the cutting device 20, the cut segments 11 are fed by means of the corresponding feed device 12, 13, 14. The counter drum 22 preferably also functions as a transport drum to transport the segments 11 and / or the endless webs 19 containing the segments 11 in the transport direction.

[0083] In the preferred embodiment, the segments 11 have first been cut into segments 11 by the cutting device 20. Preferably, the material webs 19 are each a separator material web, an anode material web, and a cathode material web, each of which is cut into segments 11 by the cutting device 20, so that separator, anode, and cathode sheets can be stacked into stacks 16, preferably by means of the cell stacking device 15.

[0084] In Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, the feed devices 12, 13, 14 furthermore each have a transfer drum 23 which is designed and configured to transfer the segments 11 to the cell stacking device 15. In the embodiment, the transfer drum 23 and the counter drum 22 are designed as a single drum so that synergy effects can be utilized in the best possible way. By means of the transfer drum 23, the cut segments 11 can be transferred to a collecting drum 35 which further encompasses the cell stacking device 15 and is designed and configured to receive the segments 11 fed by the three feed devices 12, 13, 14 from the transfer drums 23. The collecting drum 35 in turn transfers the segments 11 to a drum run 36 with a plurality of distribution drums 37, on which the segments 11 are held, e.g. by vacuum.The distribution drums 37 comprising the cell stacking device 15 are designed and configured to distribute the segments 11 in order to receive them in a predetermined sequence by the removal device 17 using the corresponding receiving stamps 25. For this purpose, the removal device 17 performs a repeating, alternating movement consisting of acceleration and deceleration in order to, on the one hand, receive the predetermined segments 11 from the distribution drum 37 in a precise position and then transfer them to the corresponding delivery device 18 in a delayed movement or while stationary. The drum run 36 provides a distribution of the segments 11 of the three feed devices 12, 13, 14, whereby a stack 16 of segments 11 can be formed in a predetermined sequence by means of each of the removal devices 17.Preferably, each of the removal devices 17 produces a stack 16 of segments 11 in the same sequence, wherein more preferably every second segment 11 taken over is a separator sheet and an anode or cathode sheet can be taken over alternately therebetween. More preferably, separator sheets are fed onto the collecting drum 35 in at least twice the number as anode or cathode sheets, or in total at least in the same number. The feed speed of the feed device 12, 13, 14 feeding the separator segments 11 is, for example, faster than the feed speed of the feed device 12, 13, 14 feeding the anode or cathode segments 11. More preferably, segments 11 are each retained on the provided drums or on the provided devices at least temporarily by means of vacuum.

Claims

Device (10) for stacking segments (11) of energy cells, comprising at least two feed devices (12, 13, 14) each designed and configured for feeding segments (11) at a continuous feed rate, and at least one cell stacking device (15), designed and configured for receiving the segments (11) from the at least two feed devices (12, 13, 14) and for stacking the segments (11) on top of each other to form stacks (16), wherein the cell stacking device (15) comprises at least one removal device (17) for receiving the segments (11) and at least one dispensing device (18) for dispensing the segments (11), characterized in that the removal device (17) is designed and configured to be driven by a repetitive alternating movement consisting of an acceleration and a deceleration,and that the removal device (17) takes the segments (11) from one of the at least two feeding devices (12, 13, 14) at a feed rate depending on a predetermined transfer sequence, wherein the removal device transfers the segments (11) to the at least one dispensing device (18) in a delayed movement or at standstill in order to form and arrange a stack (16) in a predetermined sequence of segments (11) from the at least two feeding devices (12, 13, 14). Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the device (10) comprises three feeding devices (12, 13, 14), each configured and arranged for feeding segments (11) at a continuous feed rate, wherein the removal device (17) takes the segments (11) from at least one of the three feeding devices (12, 13, 14) in a predetermined transfer sequence.to form and set up a stack (16) in a predefined sequence of segments (11). Device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the removal device (17) is formed by a rotatably driven rotating body (24), and the repetitive alternating movement of acceleration and deceleration is formed by an accelerated and decelerated rotational movement of the rotating body (24). Device (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the rotating body (24) comprises at least one receiving punch (25) for receiving the segments (11), and that the rotating body (24) can be decelerated and accelerated during one revolution according to the number of receiving punches (25). Device (10) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the rotating body (24) comprises at least three receiving punches (25), wherein, in the case of more than two receiving punches (25), these are preferably arranged at equal angles to each other.Device (10) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the receiving punches each have a receiving surface (27) that is arc-segment shaped in the cross-section of the rotating body (24), and the receiving surfaces (27) of the receiving punches (25) are arranged on the same diameter in cross-section. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the at least one dispensing device (18) has a linearly movable receptacle (29) which transports the stacks (16) away from the removal device (17) in the direction of the surface normals of the segments (11).Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the extraction device (17) and / or the receiving device (29) of the at least one dispensing device (18) have one or more vacuum lines which can be subjected to negative pressure, which, by applying negative pressure, allow the segments (11) to be taken up by the extraction device (17) from at least one of the feeding devices (12, 13, 14) and / or by the. The device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 8 comprises at least one dispensing device (18) from the removal device (17) and supports transport on the removal device (17). It is characterized in that at least one of the at least two feeding devices (12, 13, 14) comprises a buffer device (32) for the delayed provision of the segments (11) and / or a pre-product of the segments (11), wherein the pre-product is preferably a continuous web (19) comprising a plurality of segments (11). It is characterized in that at least one of the at least two feeding devices (12, 13, 14) comprises a cutting device (20) configured and set up to cut segments (11) and / or a pre-product of the segments (11), wherein the pre-product is preferably a continuous web (19) comprising a plurality of segments (11).Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that at least one of the at least two feeding devices (12, 13, 14) comprises at least one sub-device (33) configured and equipped to continuously supply segments (11) with a predetermined spacing to the cell stacking device (15). Device (10) according to one or more of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that at least one of the at least two feeding devices (12, 13, 14) comprises at least one transfer drum (23) configured and equipped to transfer segments (11) to the cell stacking device (15) and / or to receive segments (11) from the buffer device (32) or the cutting device (20). Method for stacking segments (11) of energy cells, comprising the steps Feeding segments (11) at a continuous feeding rate by means of at least two feeding devices (12, 13, 14), Transfer of the segments (11) from the at least two feeding devices (12, 13, 14) and stacking of the segments (11) into stacks (16) by means of at least one cell stacking device (15), wherein the segments (11) are transferred by means of at least one removal device (17) comprising the cell stacking device (15) and are transferred to or by means of at least one delivery device (18), characterized in that the removal device (17) is driven to a repeating alternating movement of an acceleration and a deceleration, and that the removal device (17) takes the segments (11) from each of the at least two feeding devices (12, 13, 14) at the feeding speed depending on a predetermined transfer sequence, - wherein the removal device (17) transfers the segments (11) to the at least one delivery device (18) in a delayed movement or in a standstill, in order to form and set up a stack (16) in a predetermined sequence of segments (11) from the at least two feed devices (12, 13, 14).

14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that three feeding devices (12, 13, 14) are provided, each of which feeds the segments (11) at a continuous feeding rate, wherein the segments (11) are taken from the removal device (17) in a predetermined sequence by each of the three feeding devices (12, 13, 14) in order to form and arrange a stack (16) in a predetermined sequence of segments (11).

15. Method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the extraction device (17) has a controllable drive device which is controlled such that the extraction device (17) is accelerated to take over the segments (11) from the at least two feed devices (12, 13, 14) and is decelerated to deliver the segments (11) to the delivery device (18).

16. Method according to one or more of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the extraction device (17) is driven by a rotatably a body of revolution (24) is formed, and the repetitive alternating motion is formed from the acceleration and deceleration by an accelerated and decelerated rotational motion of the body of revolution (24).

17. Method according to claim 16, characterized in that the rotating body (24) comprises at least one receiving punch (25) for receiving the segments (11), wherein, in the case of two or more receiving punches (25), these are arranged at equal angles to each other, and that the rotating body (24) is decelerated and accelerated during a revolution according to the number of receiving punches (25).

18. Method according to one or more of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that the stacks (16) are transported away from the removal device (17) in the direction of the surface normals of the segments (11) by means of a linearly movable receiving device (29) having at least one dispensing device (18).

19. Method according to one or more of claims 13 to 18, characterized in that the segments (11) and / or a pre-product of the segments (11) are provided with a delay by means of at least one buffer device (32) comprising at least two feeding devices (12, 13, 14), wherein the pre-product is preferably an endless web (19) comprising a plurality of segments (11).

20. Method according to one or more of claims 13 to 19, characterized in that the segments (11) and / or a pre-product of the segments (11) are cut by means of at least one cutting device (20) comprising at least two feeding devices (12, 13, 14), wherein the pre-product is preferably an endless web (19) comprising a plurality of segments (11).

21. Method according to one or more of claims 13 to 20, characterized in that the segments (11) of the cell stacking device (15) are continuously provided by means of at least one sub-device (33) comprising at least two feed devices (12, 13, 14) at a predetermined distance from each other. Method according to one or more of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that at least one of the at least two feeding devices (12, 13, 14) comprises at least one transfer drum (23) so that the segments (11) are transferred to the cell stacking device (15) and / or so that the Segments (11) are taken over by the buffer device (32) or the cutting device (20).

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