Device and method for generating an electrode stack with flat electrode elements

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for generating an electrode stack (2) with flat electrode elements (3). The device (1) comprises a stacking wheel (10), which is mounted to rotate about a stacking axis (11), and a plurality of stacking wheel fingers (12), which define respective intermediate spaces (13) for receiving the electrode elements (3), and a wiper unit (20), which is designed to remove the electrode elements (3) one after the other from the respective intermediate spaces (13) through interaction with a rotational movement (14) of the stacking wheel (10) about the stacking wheel axis (11). The device also comprises a receiving unit (30) for successively receiving electrode elements (3) removed from the intermediate spaces (13). The receiving unit (30) comprises a base structure (31), on which the electrodes (3) received into the receiving unit (30) can be stacked, and a delimiting element (32), which forms a stop for the electrode elements (3) received into the receiving unit (3) and which is arranged statically in relation to the stacking wheel axis (11).

Description

[0001] Device and method for producing an electrode stack with flat electrode elements

[0002] The present invention relates to the stacking of electrode elements for the production of energy storage devices or energy converters. In particular, the present invention relates to a device for producing an electrode stack with planar electrode elements and a method for producing an electrode stack with planar electrode elements.

[0003] The stacking of flat electrode elements is well known. For example, electrode elements are usually stacked for the production of electrochemical energy storage devices, such as lithium-ion batteries, or energy converters, such as fuel cells. In particular, electrode elements are stacked in the production of pouch cells, a widely used type of lithium-ion accumulator. The electrode elements are usually designed as a cathode, based on aluminum foil, for example, and / or an anode, based on copper foil, for example. The smallest unit of every lithium-ion cell consists of two electrodes and a separator that separates the electrodes from each other. The ion-conductive electrolyte is later placed between them after filling. During the stacking process, the electrode elements are stacked in a repeating cycle of anode, separator, cathode, separator, and so on.

[0004] However, currently known systems for stacking electrode elements sometimes lack the precision with which the individual electrode elements are stacked on top of each other, which can lead to impairments in the efficiency and possibly even in the functionality of the ultimately produced energy storage device. In particular, positional deviations can occur in the object flow of the electrode elements fed into the stack, making it difficult to stack the electrode elements in alignment.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to improve the positioning accuracy of individual electrode elements during the formation of an electrode stack. This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Exemplary embodiments emerge from the dependent claims and the following description.

[0006] According to one aspect, a device for producing an electrode stack with flat electrode elements is specified. The device comprises a stacking wheel which is rotatably mounted about a stacking wheel axis and has a plurality of stacking wheel fingers which define respective spaces for receiving the electrode elements. The device further comprises a stripping unit which is designed to remove the electrode elements one after the other from the respective spaces by interacting with a rotational movement of the stacking wheel about the stacking wheel axis. The device further comprises a receiving unit which is designed to receive the electrode elements removed from the spaces one after the other. The .The receiving unit comprises a base structure on which the electrode elements received in the receiving unit can be stacked, as well as a limiting element which forms a stop for the electrode elements received in the receiving unit and which is arranged statically with respect to the stacking wheel axis.

[0007] The device according to the invention makes it possible to ensure that the electrode elements stacked in the receiving unit are aligned flush, since the static limiting element always maintains the same position and / or alignment with respect to the electrode elements conveyed into the receiving unit. The limiting element thus prevents, among other things, electrode elements already placed or stacked in the receiving unit from slipping, for example due to a pushing or impact movement, due to further electrode elements conveyed into the receiving unit. In other words, the stop, which is adjusted to a width or length of the electrode elements, can be stopped by the limiting element from moving outwards as the electrode elements are sometimes introduced into the receiving unit at high speed.The underlying, already stacked electrode elements are thus blocked against outward displacement when a new electrode element is placed on top, thereby initiating a pushing force.

[0008] Likewise, the static arrangement of the limiting element relative to the stacking wheel axis can compensate for any misalignment of individual electrode elements during transport through the stacking wheel, which would otherwise lead to a potentially misaligned stacking of the electrode elements in the receiving unit. In other words, even if individual electrode elements are misaligned or positioned differently during transport through the stacking wheel, the limiting element can provide a fixed stop, ensuring that the electrode elements are stacked precisely and thus in alignment.

[0009] Alternatively or additionally, the boundary element can be arranged statically with respect to the floor structure, i.e. the stacking floor.

[0010] In the present context, the term "static" can mean that the limiting element is not movable relative to the stacking wheel axis, but is fixed relative to it. In particular, this may mean that the limiting element cannot be moved relative to the stacking wheel axis even after an electrode stack has been formed. This makes it possible to provide high reproducibility with high positional quality and positioning accuracy of the stacked electrode elements across several different stacks, which would not be possible if the limiting element were to be shifted relative to the stacking wheel axis. This can ensure that each electrode element entering and stacked in the receiving unit is inserted into the receiving unit by the same maximum distance.

[0011] According to an advantageous embodiment, the limiting unit can be moved to configure the device outside of normal operation, particularly in a configuration mode, and particularly when the receiving unit is empty. This makes it possible to adjust the device for elements of a different format or to compensate for any partial foldover of the outer edge, which corresponds in particular to a separator. The foldover, which protrudes upwards from the limiting element, can result in a newly placed element no longer resting against the limiting element, but rather against the foldover of the cell below.

[0012] The flat electrode elements are stacked, for example, as electrode elements for the production of electrochemical energy storage devices, such as lithium-ion batteries, or energy converters, such as fuel cells. In particular, the electrode stack provided by the device according to the invention can serve as a basis for the production of such energy storage devices or energy converters.

[0013] The electrode elements can be configured as a cathode and / or anode. In particular, the cathode and anode are conveyed alternately. A separator or separating layer can be arranged between the electrode elements, in particular between the cathode and anode. During the stacking process, the electrode elements can thus be stacked in a repeating cycle, alternating between the anode, separator, cathode, separator, and so on.

[0014] Alternatively, the electrode elements can also be designed as a prefabricated cell, which comprises a cathode, an anode, and preferably also at least one separating layer. The electrode element can already be designed as a cell, and finished cells can be stacked on top of one another in the receiving unit.

[0015] The stacking wheel can be designed as a rotatable unit. The stacking wheel fingers, which can extend substantially radially relative to the stacking wheel axis, define a plurality of intermediate spaces, each of which can be separated from the other by the stacking wheel fingers in the circumferential direction of the stacking wheel.

[0016] For example, a first space may be defined by a first row of stacking wheel fingers and a second row of stacking wheel fingers. Adjacent spaces may in turn be separated from each other by such rows of stacking wheel fingers.

[0017] The intermediate spaces can accommodate the electrode elements, wherein it can be provided that a single intermediate space is designed to accommodate one electrode element in each case. In particular, it can be provided that a feed unit inserts or pushes an electrode element into an intermediate space in the stacking wheel, wherein this electrode element is then transported into the area of ​​the receiving unit by the rotation of the stacking wheel. There, the electrode element can then be conveyed out of the intermediate space by the stripping unit or a stripper and into the receiving unit. The stripping unit can be fixed in the device together with the stacking wheel axis or the rotational axis of the stacking wheel, so that the rotational movement of the stacking wheel, through interaction with the stripping unit, causes the electrode element to be pushed out of the intermediate space.

[0018] By rotating the stacking wheel around the stacking wheel axis and filling the multitude of spaces distributed in the circumferential direction of the stacking wheel with one electrode element each, a sequence of consecutive

[0019] Electrode elements are transported into the receiving unit, where they are then stacked to form an electrode stack.

[0020] As the electrode elements are fed into the receiving unit, they can follow a sequence of movements or a pattern of movements. Each movement of the electrode elements can be stopped by abutting against the limiting element. In other words, the movement of the electrode elements received in the receiving unit can be stopped by the limiting element, in particular by striking the limiting element. This can apply equally to each electrode element received in the receiving unit, so that each electrode element is moved the same distance into the receiving unit before being stopped at the limiting element, which in turn ensures that the individual electrode elements are aligned with one another within the stack. The base structure can form a support surface for the electrode stack to be placed on.The floor structure can, for example, be moved in such a way that the storage level of each newly deposited element statically fits the stacking wheel and the boundary element.

[0021] Thus, the term "stop" can mean that the electrodes strike the limiting element at a certain speed upon entering the receiving unit. Thus, the limiting element may differ in particular from a sliding device, which would align the electrode elements only after they have been stacked and deposited on the floor structure. As already mentioned above, the stop ensures that individual electrodes that have already been deposited or 7 . stacked electrode elements can be displaced by an impact from a subsequently stacked electrode element.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the limiting element forms the stop for the electrode elements received in the receiving unit in such a way that a movement of the electrode elements received in the receiving unit in at least one direction is prevented in order to thus enable an aligned stacking of the electrode elements.

[0023] In particular, this can mean that movement of electrode elements already stacked and thus at rest in the receiving unit is prevented in at least one direction. The limiting element can thus prevent slipping or sliding of individual, already stacked electrode elements, which could possibly still occur without the stop formed by the limiting element.

[0024] Preferably, the stacking takes place, especially regularly, at the same level and is achieved by successively lowering the storage shelf. In particular, this occurs without the limiting element moving along with it. The stacking wheel can be designed as a single or multi-element unit.

[0025] The limiting element can also be designed as a single or multi-element element.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the limiting element is arranged statically with respect to the floor structure in such a way that a movement of electrode elements stacked in the receiving unit in a direction tangential to the rotational movement of the stacking wheel is prevented.

[0027] For example, the limiting element is arranged within a direction of movement of the electrode elements conveyed into the receiving unit, so that the electrode elements abut against the limiting element during conveyance into the receiving unit and are prevented from further movement. This can include stopping the electrode elements at the limiting element.

[0028] The tangential direction to the rotational movement of the stacking wheel can be specified, for example, by an imaginary tangent to a circumferential direction of the stacking wheel. Accordingly, the tangential direction can also be a direction perpendicular to a radial direction of the stacking wheel.

[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment, a position of the limiting element is fixed relative to a position of the floor structure, so that a receiving extension defined by the floor structure is unchangeable.

[0030] In particular, the receiving extension can correspond to a dimension between the limiting element and a stop (e.g. the wiper) arranged opposite the limiting element (with respect to the electrode stack) along the base structure. The position of the limiting element relative to the stop (e.g. the wiper) arranged opposite the limiting element is preferably fixed. The receiving extension can represent a dimension along the base structure which forms a support area or a support surface for depositing the electrode stack. This receiving extension can be kept constant by statically arranging, in particular by fixedly positioning, the limiting element, so that all electrode elements conveyed into the receiving unit travel the same distance to the limiting element before they hit the limiting element and come to rest.The limiting element can therefore represent a limit of the receiving extension. A stop opposite the limiting element, in particular the wiper, can represent a limit of the receiving extension opposite the limiting element. It can be provided that, in addition to the position of the limiting element, the orientation of the limiting element relative to the stacking wheel axis is also fixed.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the receiving extension defined by the base structure runs parallel to a direction which is arranged perpendicular to the stacking wheel axis.

[0032] This means that the receiving extension can extend along the floor structure and can thus be measured along the above-explained tangential direction of the stacking wheel's rotational movement. In other words, the receiving extension can be measured, for example, in a direction perpendicular to the above-explained radial direction of the stacking wheel. The receiving unit can further comprise lateral limiters that prevent the stacked electrode elements from slipping in a direction parallel to the stacking wheel axis or the stacking wheel's rotational axis.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the floor structure is arranged to be displaceable relative to the stacking wheel.

[0034] The term “movable” can mean that the soil structure can be adjusted according to a

[0035] Translational movement can be used. For example, this may mean that the base structure is not rotating. The base structure can be moved away from the stacking wheel, so that the distance between the base structure of the receiving unit and the stacking wheel axis increases as the electrode stack grows.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the base structure is displaceable relative to the stacking wheel depending on a current stacking height of electrode elements and / or a current mass of electrode elements in the receiving unit.

[0037] This means that the higher the electrode stack, the further the base structure can be moved away from the stacking wheel axis. As the electrode stack grows, the distance between the base structure and the stacking wheel axis can increase. The displacement can also be dependent on the total mass or weight of the electrode elements stacked on the base structure. The displacement can be provided by passive means, such as a spring device, or by active means, such as a drive unit for moving the base structure. Such a drive unit will be explained in more detail later. After the electrode stack has been removed from the receiving unit for further processing, the base structure can be moved back to its initial position towards the stacking wheel.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the floor structure is displaceable relative to the stacking wheel along a displacement direction which runs along or parallel to a radial direction of the stacking wheel.

[0039] The radial direction of the stacking wheel can, for example, be the radial direction already explained above. By shifting along the radial direction or parallel to the radial direction of the stacking wheel, the distance between the base structure and the stacking wheel axis can be varied during the shift. According to one embodiment, the stacking wheel, the stripping unit, and the receiving unit are arranged relative to one another in such a way that the electrode elements follow a specific movement sequence when removed from the gaps and when received in the receiving unit, wherein the base structure is displaceable relative to the stacking wheel in such a way that the movement sequence is identical for each electrode element received in the receiving unit.

[0040] In particular, the base structure can be shifted or lowered relative to the stacking wheel in such a way that an upper deposit surface, which is formed by the most recently stacked electrode element, always has the same distance from the stacking wheel. The movement sequence that an electrode element executes between being removed from the respective space in the stacking wheel and being deposited on the upper deposit surface of the most recently stacked electrode element can therefore be the same for each electrode element conveyed into the receiving unit. This preferably results in the same forces always acting on the most recently deposited electrode elements, thereby creating identical conditions when depositing each individual electrode element. This promotes, among other things, reproducibility and stack quality across several different electrode stacks.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the base structure is arranged displaceably relative to the stacking wheel in such a way that a distance between the stacking wheel axis and an electrode element last received in the receiving unit is constant.

[0042] As explained above, this ensures that the movement sequence is consistent for each electrode element conveyed into the receiving unit, and in particular, the placement movement of the electrode element on the stack. For example, by motor-guided tracking of the base structure, all electrode elements can always be deposited on the stack at the same height. Electrode elements with a reproducible position, trajectory, and dynamics can thus be deposited on a consistently positioned deposit surface, with only the spring effect of a more or less tall stack possibly changing with the stack height. Sensory height detection of the stack is therefore advantageous in order to always be able to place an element on the stack at the same level.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the device further comprises a detection unit designed to detect operating parameters associated with a stacking of the electrode elements in the receiving unit. In particular, a height control for the storage shelf tracking and / or a measurement of the outer geometry of the stack from above or below.

[0044] Such operating parameters may include, for example, a current stack height, a stack mass, a measure of the positional accuracy of individual electrode elements in the receiving unit, a distance between the stacking wheel and the ground structure, a rotation speed of the stacking wheel, or a combination of these parameters. These parameters can be provided after acquisition by a controller, a drive unit, and / or a user interface.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the detection unit is designed to detect the operating parameters based on optical or camera-based measuring methods.

[0046] This can enable optical or camera-based height control and regulation of the floor structure in order to adapt the floor structure to the current stack height, as explained above.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the device further comprises a drive unit which is designed to displace the floor structure relative to the stacking wheel based on the detected operating parameters.

[0048] Thus, the drive unit can be an active means for moving the ground structure, wherein a motor-driven displacement mechanism or sensing mechanism can be provided which actively displaces or moves the ground structure of the receiving unit.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the base structure of the receiving unit is angled relative to a horizontal support plane of the device. In particular, the base structure of the receiving unit is angled relative to the horizontal support plane of the device while the electrode elements are placed on the electrode stack, so that the boundary element is located in a region of a highest point of the base structure. For example, the base structure of the receiving unit remains angled relative to the horizontal support plane of the device permanently, or at least until the electrode stack is fully formed.

[0050] The horizontal support plane of the device can be defined by a mounting surface of the device, by means of which the device is installed in an operating environment. The mounting surface can thus be positioned on a floor surface of the operating environment.

[0051] The base structure of the receiving unit can thus be angled relative to the horizontal support plane or installation surface of the device, so that a surface normal of the flat electrode elements stacked on the base structure is angled relative to a direction of gravity. For example, the surface normal of the flat electrode elements stacked on the base structure and the direction of gravity form an acute angle. The base structure can therefore be tilted relative to the floor surface of the operating environment, so that the limiting element, which is statically aligned with respect to the stacking wheel axis and / or the base structure, is arranged in the region of the highest point of the base structure. This alignment of the base structure and the limiting element can lead to a further improvement in the movement sequence of the individual electrode elements during placement on the electrode stack.The angled arrangement of the base structure means that the electrode elements already placed on the electrode stack experience a force component due to gravity in the direction of the stop or scraper opposite the limiting element. This can help prevent the electrode elements already on the electrode stack, or the topmost one, from slipping or sliding when the next electrode element is placed on top. This can further improve the alignment of the electrode elements.

[0052] According to one aspect, a method for producing an electrode stack with flat electrode elements is specified. The method can be carried out, for example, using the device described above. In one step of the method, a first electrode element is provided. In a further step, the first electrode element is introduced into an intermediate space formed by stacking wheel fingers of a stacking wheel rotating about a stacking wheel axis or rotation axis. In a further step, the first electrode element is transported with the stacking wheel. In a further step, the first electrode element is removed from the intermediate space. In a further step, the first electrode element is fed into a receiving unit. In a further step, a movement of the first electrode element after it has been fed into the receiving unit is limited by means of a limiting element.In a further step, a second electrode element is provided. In a further step, the second electrode element is introduced into a further intermediate space, which is different from the intermediate space and is formed by the stacking wheel fingers of the stacking wheel. In a further step, the second electrode element is removed from the further intermediate space. In a further step, the second electrode element is fed into the receiving unit in order to thus create an electrode stack, which is formed on a base structure of the receiving unit. In a further step, movement of the second electrode element after being fed into the receiving unit is limited by means of the limiting element. The limiting element is arranged statically with respect to the base structure and thus forms a stop for the first and second electrode elements fed into the receiving unit.In an example, the individual process steps can be carried out in the specified order.

[0053] Fig. 1 shows a device for producing an electrode stack with flat electrode elements.

[0054] Fig. 2 shows a plan view and a cross-sectional view of a device for producing an electrode stack with flat electrode elements.

[0055] Fig. 3 shows a detailed view of a receiving unit of a device for producing an electrode stack with flat electrode elements.

[0056] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a device for producing an electrode stack with flat electrode elements.

[0057] Fig. 5 shows a flow chart for a method for producing an electrode stack with flat electrode elements.

[0058] The representations in the figures are schematic and not to scale. Where the same reference symbols are used in different figures in the following description, they refer to identical or similar elements. Identical or similar elements may also be designated by different reference symbols.

[0059] Fig. 1 shows a device 1 for producing an electrode stack 2 with flat electrode elements 3, which is, for example, a cross-sectional view or a side view of the device 1. The device 1 has a stacking wheel 10 which is rotatably mounted about a stacking wheel axis 11 and comprises a plurality of stacking wheel fingers 12 which define respective intermediate spaces 13 for receiving the electrode elements 3. In the illustration shown in Fig. 1, some of the plurality of stacking wheel fingers 12 as well as some of the intermediate spaces 13 and the electrode elements 3 located therein are identified by reference numerals. As can be seen, the stacking wheel fingers 12 extend essentially radially with respect to the stacking wheel axis 11 and can be slightly curved.

[0060] In the present example, the stacking wheel 10 performs a clockwise rotational movement 14 to convey the individual electrode elements 3 from a feed unit (not shown) to a receiving unit 30. A stripping unit 20 interacts with the rotational movement 14 of the stacking wheel 10 such that the electrode elements 3 are successively removed from the respective gaps 13 and subsequently conveyed into the receiving unit 30 according to a specific movement sequence. The receiving unit 30 has a base structure 31, which comprises, for example, a base surface or other base elements, so that the electrode elements 3 can be stacked on the base structure 31. The base structure 31 defines a receiving extension 34 or a receiving dimension 34, which runs parallel to a direction 33 arranged perpendicular to the stacking wheel axis 11.The direction 33 can have a tangential orientation with respect to the rotational movement 14 of the stacking wheel 10. The receiving extension 34 can be limited in the direction 33, i.e., outwardly, by a limiting element 32, which forms a stop for the electrode elements 3 received in the receiving unit 30 and which is arranged statically with respect to the stacking wheel axis 11.

[0061] The limiting element 32 is shown curved in the schematic representation of Fig. 1. In an embodiment not shown, however, the limiting element 32 can also be straight.

[0062] The limiting element 32 can form the stop for the electrode elements 3 received in the receiving unit 30 in such a way that a movement of the electrode elements 3 already stacked in the receiving unit 30 in the direction 33 is prevented, thus enabling an aligned stacking of the electrode elements 3, as shown in Fig. 1. In other words, this means that a movement of the electrode elements 3 stacked in the receiving unit 30 in the direction 33 tangential to the rotational movement 14 of the stacking wheel 10 is prevented. The position and / or orientation of the limiting element 32 relative to a position and / or orientation of the rotation axis 11 and / or the base structure 31 can be fixed and thus unchangeable, so that the receiving extension 34 defined by the rotation axis 11 and / or the base structure 31 is unchangeable in its extension in the direction 33.

[0063] The device 1 can further comprise a detection unit 40, which is designed to detect operating parameters associated with a stack of the electrode elements 3 in the receiving unit 30. The detection unit 40 can comprise a camera and / or optical measuring instruments to enable visual or optical detection of the operating parameters. The camera or sensor is preferably arranged above, i.e., in a top view of the stack of the electrode elements 3, in order to detect the deposition result of the last electrode element.

[0064] The device 1 may further comprise a drive unit 50 which is designed to move the floor structure 31 relative to the stacking wheel 10 based on the detected

[0065] Operating parameters to move, in particular to shift. The drive unit 50 can be formed by a motor-driven displacement mechanism, which can shift the base structure 31 together with the limiting element 32 or separately from the limiting element 32 along the displacement direction 35. The displacement direction 35 can be aligned with respect to the stacking wheel 10 such that the base structure 31 moves away from the stacking wheel 10 or the stacking wheel axis 11, while the individual electrode elements 3 are successively received in the receiving unit 30 and stacked there.

[0066] Fig. 1 shows a state in which there are currently three electrode elements 3 in the stack 2 and a fourth electrode element 3 is being removed from an intermediate space 13 and received in the receiving unit 30. This electrode element 3, which has just been removed from the intermediate space 13, is pushed out of the corresponding intermediate space 13 by the stripping unit 20 and thus reaches the receiving unit 30 and onto the electrode stack 2. The base structure 31 can be further displaced relative to the stacking wheel 10 along the displacement direction 35 in discrete steps or continuously each time an electrode element 3 is fed onto the electrode stack 2. This displacement, which is carried out actively by the drive unit 50, for example, can take place depending on a current stack height and / or a current mass of electrode elements 3 in the receiving unit 30 or in the electrode stack 2.

[0067] The stacking wheel 10, the stripping unit 20, and the receiving unit 30 can be arranged relative to one another in such a way that the electrode elements 3 follow the movement sequence already mentioned above when they are removed from the gaps 13 and when they are received in the receiving unit 30. The base structure 31 can, in particular, be displaced relative to the stacking wheel 10 in such a way that the said movement sequence is identical for each electrode element 3 received in the receiving unit 30. This can be achieved, for example, by displacing the base structure 31 relative to the stacking wheel 10 in such a way that a distance between the stacking wheel axis 11 and each electrode element 3 stacked last in the receiving unit 30 remains constant.In other words, the distance between the respective intermediate space 13 and the currently uppermost electrode element 3 in the electrode stack 2, which an electrode element 3 must cover in order to get from the intermediate space 13 to the electrode stack 2, is the same for each of the successive electrode elements 3 introduced into the receiving unit 30.

[0068] A further advantageous embodiment provides height detection, which ensures that the stacking level is the same for each electrode element currently being stacked. A constant lowering of the storage base or base structure 31 for each electrode element is possible, but the height detection takes into account the compression of the stack due to the weight of the electrode elements, i.e., when the first electrode element is placed on the base structure 31, the travel distance per electrode element is rather high. The more electrode elements are stacked, the shorter the travel distance, since the spaces between the not ideally smooth electrode elements at the bottom of the stack are reduced due to the weight, i.e., the electrode stack is compressed.

[0069] The base structure 31 of the receiving unit 30 can, as shown in Fig. 1, be angled relative to a horizontal support plane 4 of the device 1, so that the limiting element 32 is located in a region of a highest point 36 of the base structure 31. In other words, the base structure 31 can be arranged slightly tilted relative to the support plane 4, so that a surface normal of the already stacked electrode elements 3 and / or the above-mentioned displacement direction 35 is angled relative to a direction of gravity g when the device 1 is used as intended in an operating environment.

[0070] Fig. 2 shows a top view and a cross-sectional view of a device 1 for producing an electrode stack 2 with flat electrode elements 3. This can be, for example, the device 1 from Fig. 1. The left-hand illustration shows the top view and the right-hand illustration shows the cross-sectional view of the device 1. In the left-hand illustration, it can be seen that a row of stacking wheel fingers 12 of the stacking wheel 10 has three stacking wheel fingers 12, wherein the right-hand cross-sectional view shows that such a row of stacking wheel fingers 12 separates two adjacent spaces 13 from each other.

[0071] From Fig. 2, when looking at the illustrations, it was also clear that the

[0072] The stripping unit 20 has a plurality of wall elements 21 which are separated in the area of ​​the stacking wheel fingers 12 by recesses 22, each of which is combed through by one of the stacking wheel fingers 12. This has the effect that an electrode element 3 extending across the width of a row of stacking wheel fingers 12 can be transported evenly out of the corresponding intermediate space 13 upon contact with the stripping unit 20. In other words, as soon as the stacking wheel 10 has rotated far enough and the electrode element 3 has thus reached the stripping unit 20, the electrode element 3 is moved out of the intermediate space 13 by further rotation of the stacking wheel 10. It should be understood that the right-hand illustration in Fig. 2 shows the stacking wheel 10 with a counterclockwise direction of rotation 14 around the stacking wheel axis 11, so that the illustration shown on the right in Fig. 2 is reversed compared to the illustration in Fig. 1.

[0073] In Fig. 2, both views also show a lateral limiting unit 38, which can laterally guide the electrode elements 3 during their movement out of the corresponding gap 13. For this purpose, the lateral limiting unit 38 can have two lateral limiting elements 39, which guide the electrode elements 3 according to a lateral target movement or transport them into a lateral target position in the receiving unit 30. Likewise, the base structure 31 of the receiving unit 30, on which the electrode elements 3 are stacked to form the electrode stack 2, can be seen in both views.

[0074] The side limiting unit 38 and / or the side limiting elements 39 can also be arranged further away from the floor structure 31, i.e., further up in the image plane than schematically shown in Fig. 2, in order to correct the position of the elements. As soon as the edge of the element touches the stripping unit 20, the clamping in the stacking wheel

[0075] 10 is canceled, and from then on, the side limiting unit 38 and / or the side limiting elements 39 can effectively intervene.

[0076] Fig. 3 shows a detailed view of the receiving unit 30 of the device 1 from Figures 1 and 2. The stacking wheel 10 with several stacking wheel fingers 12 can again be seen, which each define the intermediate spaces 13 for conveying the electrode elements 3.

[0077] In an embodiment not further shown, the stripping unit 20 or rear wall of the receiving unit 30 can be mounted so that it passes through the stacking wheel axis

[0078] 1 1. This allows for easy adjustment of the angle of the storage shelf 31 relative to the horizontal plane. This adjustment, for example, in addition to the distance between the base structure 31 and the stacking wheel 10, allows for the adjustment of the angle of impact of an electrode element on the storage shelf 31. The adjustable angle of impact and / or impact location allows for an ideal setting between normal and tangential force acting on the electrode element for optimal stack formation.

[0079] Fig. 3 shows a state or point in time in which a first electrode element 3a is already resting on the base structure 31 of the receiving unit 30. The first electrode element 3a can rest against the limiting element 32 and thus be prevented from further movement in the direction 33. Furthermore, at the time shown, a second electrode element 3b is being conveyed out of one of the intermediate spaces 13 and fed into the receiving unit 30. At this point in time, the second electrode element 3b impacts, for example, with an edge, on the first electrode element 3a already located in the receiving unit 30, which leads to a force or impulse at an impact point 37, which urges or pushes the first electrode element 3 towards the limiting element 32.However, since the first electrode element 3a already rests against the limiting element 32, this contact between the two electrode elements 3a, 3b does not lead to a slippage of the first electrode element 3a. Since this applies equally to each additional electrode element 3 fed into the receiving unit 30, an aligned stacking of the electrode elements 3 can be promoted.

[0080] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the device 1 described in the preceding figures. The stacking wheel fingers 12 of the stacking wheel 10 rotating about the stacking wheel axis or rotation axis 11 can again be seen. The stacking wheel 10 can be driven by a stacking wheel motor 15. Also visible are the stripping unit 20 and the receiving device 30 with the limiting element 32 arranged statically to the stacking wheel axis 11. The limiting element 32 can be attached directly to the base structure 31. However, it is also possible for the limiting element 32 not to be attached directly to the base structure 31, but for both components to be merely positioned and / or aligned with one another, for example statically. Fig. 5 shows a flow chart for a method for producing an electrode stack with flat electrode elements.The method can be carried out, for example, by the device 1 described with reference to Figures 1 to 4, to which reference is also made here. In a step S1 of the method, a first electrode element 3a is provided. In a further step S2, the first electrode element 3a is introduced into an intermediate space 13a formed by stacking wheel fingers 12 of a stacking wheel 10 rotating about a stacking wheel axis or rotation axis 11. In a further step S3, the first electrode element 3a is transported by the stacking wheel 10. In a further step S4, the first electrode element 3a is removed from the intermediate space 13a (see also the state in Fig. 1). In a further step S5, the first electrode element 3a is fed into a receiving unit 30.In a further step S6, a movement of the first electrode element 3a is limited by means of a limiting element 32 after it has been fed into the receiving unit 30. In a further step S7, a second electrode element 3b is provided. In a further step S8, the second electrode element 3b is introduced into a further intermediate space 13b, which is different from the intermediate space 13a and is formed by stacking wheel fingers 12 of the stacking wheel 10. In a further step S9, the second electrode element 3b is transported by the stacking wheel 10. In a further step S10, the second electrode element 3b is removed from the further intermediate space 13b (cf. also the state in Fig. 1).In a further step S11, the second electrode element 3b is fed into the receiving unit 30 to thereby produce an electrode stack 2, which is formed on a base structure 31 of the receiving unit 30. In a further step S12, a movement of the second electrode element 3b is limited by means of the limiting element 32 after it has been fed into the receiving unit 30.

[0081] The limiting element 32 can be arranged in relation to the stacking wheel axis or

[0082] The rotation axis 11 or the floor structure 31 can be arranged statically. The limiting element 32 can also be designed to be movable outwards.

[0083] For example, to enable a stepped storage of partially bent elements. It can thus form a stop for the first and second electrode elements 3a, 3b fed into the receiving unit 30.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A device (1) for producing an electrode stack (2) with flat electrode elements (3), comprising: a stacking wheel (10) which is rotatably mounted about a stacking wheel axis (11) and has a plurality of stacking wheel fingers (12) which define respective intermediate spaces (13) for receiving the electrode elements (3); a stripping unit (20) which is designed to remove the electrode elements (3) one after the other from the respective intermediate spaces (13) by interacting with a rotational movement (14) of the stacking wheel (10) about the stacking wheel axis (11); a receiving unit (30) which is designed to receive the electrode elements (3) removed from the intermediate spaces (13) one after the other; wherein the receiving unit (30) has a base structure (31) on which the electrode elements (3) received in the receiving unit (30) can be stacked;wherein the receiving unit (30) further comprises a limiting element (32) which forms a stop for the electrode elements (3) received in the receiving unit (30) and which is arranged statically with respect to the stacking wheel axis (11); 2. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the limiting element (32) forms the stop for the electrode elements (3) received in the receiving unit (30) in such a way that a movement of the electrode elements (3) received in the receiving unit in at least one direction (33) is prevented, in order to thus enable an aligned stacking of the electrode elements (3).

3. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the limiting element (32) is arranged statically with respect to the stacking wheel axis (11) in such a way that a movement of stacked in the receiving unit (30) Electrode elements (3) in a direction (33) tangential to the rotational movement (14) of the stacking wheel (10) is prevented.

4. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a position of the limiting element (32) is fixed relative to a position of the floor structure (31), so that a receiving extension (34) defined by the floor structure (31) is unchangeable.

5. Device (1) according to claim 4, wherein the receiving extension (34) defined by the base structure (31) runs parallel to a direction (33) which is arranged perpendicular to the stacking wheel axis (11).

6. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base structure (31) is arranged displaceably relative to the stacking wheel (10).

7. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base structure (31) is displaceable relative to the stacking wheel (10) depending on a current stack height and / or a current mass of electrode elements (3) in the receiving unit (30).

8. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base structure (31) is displaceable relative to the stacking wheel (10) along a displacement direction (35) which runs along or parallel to a radial direction of the stacking wheel (10).

9. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the stacking wheel (10), the stripping unit (20) and the receiving unit (30) are arranged relative to one another in such a way that the electrode elements (3) are the intermediate spaces (13) and when being received in the receiving unit (30) follow a specific movement sequence, wherein the base structure (31) is displaceable relative to the stacking wheel (10) in such a way that the movement sequence is identical for each electrode element (3) received in the receiving unit (30).

10. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base structure (31) is arranged displaceably relative to the stacking wheel (10) in such a way that a distance between the stacking wheel axis (11) and an electrode element (3) last received in the receiving unit (30) is constant.

11. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a detection unit (40) which is designed to detect operating parameters which are associated with a stacking of the electrode elements (3) in the receiving unit (30).

12. Device (1) according to claim 1 1, wherein the detection unit (40) is designed to detect the operating parameters based on optical or camera-based measuring methods.

13. Device (1) according to one of claims 11 or 12, further comprising: a drive unit (50) which is designed to displace the floor structure (31) relative to the stacking wheel (10) based on the detected operating parameters.

14. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the floor structure (31) of the receiving unit (30) is angled relative to a horizontal support plane (4) of the device (1), so that the limiting element (32) is located in a region of a highest point (36) of the floor structure (31).

15. A method for producing an electrode stack (2) with flat electrode elements (3), comprising: Providing a first electrode element (3a, Sl); Inserting the first electrode element (3a) into an intermediate space (13a) formed by stacking wheel fingers (12) of a stacking wheel (10) rotating about a rotation axis (11) (S2); Transporting the first electrode element (3a) with the stacking wheel (10, S3); Removing the first electrode element (3a) from the intermediate space (13a, S4); Feeding the first electrode element (3a) into a receiving unit (30, S5); Limiting a movement of the first electrode element (3a) by means of a limiting element (32) after feeding into the receiving unit (30, S6); Providing a second electrode element (3b, S7), Inserting the second electrode element (3b) into a further intermediate space (13b) which is different from the intermediate space (13a) and which is formed by stacking wheel fingers (12) of the stacking wheel (10) (S8); Transporting the second electrode element (3b) with the stacking wheel (10, S9); Removing the second electrode element (3b) from the further space (13b, S10); feeding the second electrode element (3b) into the receiving unit (30) to thereby produce an electrode stack (2) which is formed on a base structure (31) of the receiving unit (30) (S l 1); Limiting a movement of the second electrode element (3b) by means of the limiting element (32) after it has been fed into the receiving unit (30, S 12); wherein the limiting element (32) is arranged statically with respect to the rotation axis (1 1) and thus forms a stop for the first and second electrode elements (3a, 3b) fed into the receiving unit (30) (S 12).

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