Inspection during the production of modules or pre-module products

Abstract

Inspection in the manufacture of a module or a pre-stage product of a module includes providing an individual anode layer / cathode layer at a pickup position, transporting a laminating device to the pickup position, picking up the anode layer / cathode layer from the pickup position by the laminating device, detecting the position and / or orientation of the anode layer / cathode layer, transporting the anode layer / cathode layer to a lamination position by the laminating device, aligning the laminating device including the transported anode layer / cathode layer with respect to the lamination position, and laminating the transported anode layer / cathode layer at the lamination position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Inspection of modules or pre-stage products of modules is disclosed herein. These modules or their pre-stages can be, for example, layer structures containing layer materials, structures for fuel or battery cells, or components for their manufacture. This inspection is disclosed as a method and an apparatus. Details are defined in the claims. This description also includes relevant information regarding the structure and function of the inspection, as well as variations of the apparatus and method.

Background Art

[0002] Prior Art Patent Document 1 relates to a test apparatus for testing the position of an electrode layer in a laminate in which a release film and an electrode layer are bonded by an adhesive from the release film side. An infrared irradiation unit irradiates the laminate with infrared rays from the release film side. An infrared-sensitive camera records the infrared rays transmitted through the release film and reflected by the electrode layer. A detection unit records the position of the electrode layer based on the image captured by the camera. A laminate composed of a release film and an electrode layer is laminated on a lamination table. A transport unit is used to transport the release film and the electrode layer and arrange them on the lamination table. The test apparatus confirms the position of the electrode layer in the laminate released by the transport unit.

[0003] Patent Document 2 relates to an electrode layer loading apparatus for secondary batteries. The apparatus has an electrode layer pickup unit for picking up electrode layers, and these electrode layers are stacked and individually supplied to a magazine unit. A visual inspection unit detects the alignment state of the electrode layers by directing a plurality of cameras at the electrode positions of the electrode layers. The electrode layers are arranged on a lamination table by moving an electrode plate receiving unit to a position on the lamination table using a loading driver.

[0004] In other known solutions, the completed battery cells and the electrode laminates in the previous stage are subjected to tests for electrical short circuits. This procedure leads to a high proportion of unusable (intermediate and final) products because electrode laminates that are not precisely manufactured are also laminated and finally processed into inappropriate battery cells.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Technical Problem Based on this, a configuration and method are provided that enable the high-speed and high-precision manufacturing of a module or a previous stage product of a module, such as a battery cell containing a fuel or a layer material, reduce the short-circuit risk, and improve efficiency.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] Technical Solution An inspection method in the manufacture of a module or a previous stage product of a module includes, for example, steps in the following order: providing an individual anode layer and / or cathode layer at a pickup position; transporting a laminating device to the pickup position; picking up the anode layer / cathode layer from the pickup position by the laminating device; detecting the position and / or orientation of the anode layer / cathode layer; transporting the anode layer / cathode layer to a lamination position by the laminating device; aligning the laminating device with the transported anode layer / cathode layer with respect to the lamination position; and laminating the transported anode layer / cathode layer at the lamination position.

[0008] In a modified example of the inspection method, the individual anode layers are alternately transported to the stacking position from the first side surface using the first stacking device, and the individual cathode layers are transported to the stacking position from the opposite second side surface using the second stacking device. In a modified example of the inspection method, alternately, the individual anode layers are transported to the stacking position solely from the first side surface using the first stacking device, and the individual cathode layers are transported to the stacking position solely from the opposite second side surface using the second stacking device. These procedures are advantageous as they ensure that delicate electrodes are handled by the stacking device without contamination of the electrode coating on the contact surface of the stacking device.

[0009] In a modified example of the inspection method, the position and / or orientation of the anode layer / cathode layer is detected before the anode layer / cathode layer is picked up from the pickup position by the stacking device and / or during the transport of the anode layer / cathode layer to the stacking position by the stacking device. In a modified example of the inspection method, the position and / or orientation of the anode layer / cathode layer is detected by a first camera during the transport of the anode layer / cathode layer to the stacking position by the stacking device and / or by a second camera before the anode layer / cathode layer is picked up from the pickup position by the stacking device.

[0010] To ensure accurate positioning, in one modification, the provisional position during the transport of the arriving anode layer / cathode layer is first confirmed using a matrix camera and an illumination device (white, adjustable from 0 to 20°).

[0011] In a modified example of the inspection method, the first camera and / or the second camera detect the position and / or orientation of the anode layer / cathode layer from a viewpoint above the anode layer / cathode layer at an angle of ± about 25° in the vertical direction. In a modified example of the inspection method, a white light source associated with the first camera and / or the second camera illuminates the anode layer / cathode layer for image capture by the first and / or second camera. In a modified example of the inspection method, the first and / or second camera completely capture the anode layer / cathode layer by (a single) image capture in order to detect its position and / or orientation. In a modified example of the inspection method, the first camera and / or the second camera use a single image capture to capture an area, at least one corner area, two diagonally opposite corner areas, and / or at least one corner area and at least a part of the edge of the anode layer / cathode layer, and detect the position and / or orientation of the anode layer / cathode layer. In a modified example of the inspection method, the first camera and / or the second camera are designed as line scan cameras, which detect the position and / or orientation of the anode layer / cathode layer before being picked up by a loading device, or when reaching the pick-up position, or during movement to the pick-up position.

[0012] In a modified example of the inspection method, at least one optically effective element is connected upstream of the first camera and / or the second camera, and detects the position and / or orientation of the anode layer / cathode layer at one or more points or areas before being picked up by a stacking device, or when arriving at the pick-up position, or during movement to the pick-up position.

[0013] In a modified example of the inspection method, the correction value is determined from the position and / or orientation of the anode layer / cathode layer before being picked up by the laminating apparatus, the position and / or orientation of the laminating apparatus, and / or the position and / or orientation of the individual anode layer / cathode layer picked up during the transport of the anode layer / cathode layer to the lamination position. In a modified example of the inspection method, these correction values are taken into account when aligning the laminating apparatus equipped with the transported anode layer / cathode layer with respect to the lamination position. In a modified example of the inspection method, these correction values are taken into account for alignment when the laminating apparatus picks up the anode layer / cathode layer, and the anode layer / cathode layer is picked up by the laminating apparatus in a centered zero position and / or an aligned state.

[0014] In a modified example of the inspection method, using the calculated correction value, the laminating apparatus can be positioned with respect to the anode layer / cathode layer before / at the time of picking up, so that the anode layer / cathode layer is picked up at the zero position by the laminating apparatus. For this purpose, the laminating apparatus can correct its position and / or orientation with respect to the anode layer / cathode layer at the pickup position.

[0015] Similarly, after being picked up and during transport, the laminating apparatus can be positioned according to the correction value from the image capture, so that at the lamination position, on the electrode laminate arranged at the lamination position by the laminating apparatus, the anode layer / cathode layer is arranged appropriately so that further correction operations are minimized or eliminated.

[0016] This method can be carried out very quickly and with high precision. For example, the apparatus described below is suitable for carrying out this method.

[0017] An apparatus for transporting and inspecting a module or a pre-stage product of a module, comprising: a stacking device intended and configured to pick up individual anode layers / cathode layers at a pickup position; a transport device intended and configured to transport the stacking device towards the pickup position and also in a direction away from the pickup position; a first camera intended and configured to detect the position and / or orientation of the anode layer / cathode layer on the path from the pickup position to the stacking position; and a positioning device comprising at least one actuator for operating the stacking device in order to align the stacking device provided with the anode layer / cathode layer with respect to the stacking position during pickup of the anode layer / cathode layer and / or during transport of the anode layer / cathode layer to the stacking position, and / or to stack the anode layer / cathode layer at the stacking position.

[0018] In a variant of the apparatus, a first stacking device is provided and configured to transport individual anode layers from a first side, and a second stacking device is provided and configured to transport individual cathode layers alternately with the first stacking device from an opposite second side to the stacking position. In a variant of the apparatus, the first stacking device transports individual anode layers exclusively from the first side to the stacking position, and the second stacking device transports individual cathode layers exclusively from the opposite second side to the stacking position.

[0019] In a variant of the apparatus, the first camera is intended and configured to detect the position and / or orientation of the anode layer / cathode layer during transport of the anode layer / cathode layer to the stacking position by the stacking device. In a variant of the apparatus, a second camera is intended and configured to detect the position and / or orientation of the anode layer / cathode layer before the anode layer / cathode layer is picked up from the pickup position by the stacking device.

[0020] In a modification of the device, the first camera and / or the second camera is intended and configured to detect the position and / or orientation of the anode layer / cathode layer at a viewing angle of ± about 25° in the vertical direction from above the anode layer / cathode layer. In a modification of the device, the white light source associated with the first and / or second camera is intended and configured to illuminate the anode layer / cathode layer for image capture by the first camera and / or the second camera. In a modification of the device, the first camera and / or the second camera is intended and configured to detect the position and / or orientation of the anode layer / cathode layer by completely continuously detecting the anode layer / cathode layer in a (single) image capture. In a modification of the device, the first camera and / or the second camera is intended and configured to detect the position and / or orientation of the anode layer / cathode layer using a single image capture to detect an area, at least one corner area, two diagonal corner areas, and / or at least one corner area, and / or at least one section of the edge of the anode layer / cathode layer. In a modification of the device, the first and / or second camera is designed as a line scan camera, and the line scan camera is intended and configured to detect the position and / or orientation of the anode layer / cathode layer before being picked up by the stacking device, or when reaching the pick-up position or during movement to the pick-up position.

[0021] In a modification of the device, at least one optically effective element is connected upstream of the first camera and / or the second camera and is intended and configured to detect the position and / or orientation of the anode layer / cathode layer at one or more points or areas before being picked up by the stacking device, or when arriving at the pick-up position, or during movement to the pick-up position. In a modification of the device, the at least one optically effective element is a lens or lens array, a mirror or mirror array, a prism or prism array, a surface light source, coaxial ring light, dark field light, or a combination thereof.

[0022] In a modified example of the device, the control unit is intended and configured to determine correction values based on the image capture and / or data from the detection device and / or the first and / or second cameras, the position and / or orientation of the anode layer / cathode layer before being picked up by the laminating device, the position and / or orientation of the laminating device, and / or the position and / or orientation of the individual anode layer / cathode layer picked up during the transport of the anode layer / cathode layer to the lamination position. In a modified example of the device, the control unit is intended and configured to take these correction values into account in the positioning commands to the positioning device, the transport device, and / or the laminating device when aligning the laminating device comprising the transported anode layer / cathode layer with respect to the lamination position. In a modified example of the device, the control unit, by taking these correction values into account for the orientation and positioning of the laminating device when picking up the anode layer / cathode layer in the positioning commands to the positioning device, the transport device, and / or the laminating device, is intended and configured such that the laminating device picks up each anode layer / cathode layer at the central zero position and / or in alignment with the electrode laminate disposed at the lamination position.

[0023] By checking the position of the arriving anode layer / cathode layer before or at the pickup position, the orientation and position of the laminating device can be accurately determined during or before the pickup of the anode layer / cathode layer. Thereby, the anode layer / cathode layer can be picked up by the laminating device in an accurately adjusted and controlled manner. In one modified example, a further check of the orientation and position of the lifted individual anode layer / cathode layer is performed while the laminating device is being transported to the lamination position, which additionally increases the accuracy of the placement of the individual anode layer / cathode layer on the electrode laminate at the lamination position.

[0024] In the production of a module or a pre-stage product of a module, a further inspection method includes steps in the following order, namely, providing individual anode layers / cathode layers; transporting the anode layers / cathode layers to a stacking position by a stacking device; stacking the transported anode layers / cathode layers at the stacking position; detecting the electrode stack grown around the anode layer / cathode layer stacked at the stacking position in at least one side view and / or at the vertical edge of the electrode stack at the stacking position; and checking the orientation and / or position of each of the stacked anode layers / cathode layers or other portions of the electrode stack grown at the stacking position with respect to the other portions of the stacked anode layer / cathode layer.

[0025] By this procedure, the exact position of the top layer with respect to the other layers of the electrode stack can be determined. This checking becomes increasingly important as the height of the electrode stack increases, because if the top layer is misaligned and there is no further correction, the electrode stack needs to be discarded. However, the inspection becomes increasingly accurate as the height of the electrode stack increases, because the geometric regions (corners or vertical edges of the electrode stack) to be measured can be detected and evaluated more easily and accurately.

[0026] This also makes it possible to calculate more accurate correction values when the next layer is placed on the electrode stack in a variant of the method. Overall, this method with accurate position checking makes it possible to significantly reduce the risk of short circuits, for example, in fuel or battery cells.

[0027] This is revealed by the fact that the solution presented herein enables an accuracy of ±0.1 mm or more when placing the anode layer / cathode layer on the electrode stack, aiming at waste reduction and efficiency improvement, whereas the previous solution only placed the layers with an accuracy of ±0.5 mm.

[0028] After the anode layer / cathode layer is disposed on the electrode laminate, the position / misalignment of each layer with respect to each other is confirmed. As a result, it is confirmed whether the individual layers of the entire electrode laminate are aligned in the longitudinal direction or the transverse direction, or with what deviation they are aligned with each other. In one modification example, the misalignment of the individual layers with respect to each other is determined by capturing an image of at least one (vertical and / or transverse direction) edge of the electrode laminate (grown up to the current image capture) by at least one third camera. By analyzing the obtained image capture using an image processing method (such as corner / edge search), it is possible to confirm whether one or more layers of the electrode laminate protrude in the longitudinal direction or the transverse direction with respect to other layers, and whether the accuracy specified in advance is maintained when the anode layer / cathode layer is laminated on each other. The alternately stacked anode layers and cathode layers of the electrode laminate have different dimensions from each other, and as a result, stepped (vertical) edges are formed in the side view, and they must be processed in a corresponding manner (image). Deviations from the normal dimensions of the anode or cathode layer may be associated with each individual layer protruding (in the lateral direction). Also, it may be relevant that different anode layers / cathode layers always form steps of the same height throughout the electrode laminate. The latter is evidence that the individual anode layers / cathode layers are stacked without wrinkles or folds.

[0029] For this purpose, in one modification example of the method, the alternately stacked anode layers and cathode layers of the electrode laminate have different dimensions with (vertical) edges having steps in the z direction in side view, and their shapes and / or dimensions are inspected. In one modification example of the method, for the alternately stacked anode layers and cathode layers of the electrode laminate, it is inspected how much deviation each individual layer protrudes (in the lateral direction) inward / outward compared to the other anode layers or cathode layers of the electrode laminate. In one modification example of the method, it is determined with what deviation in the z direction (vertical axis) different anode layers / cathode layers form steps within the electrode laminate.

[0030] In a variant of this method, two third matrix cameras are used, and these cameras are directed towards the diagonally opposite corners / (vertical) edges of the electrode stack in the placement position (when viewed from above). In a variant of this method, the cameras are set at each edge of the electrode stack. In a variant of this method, each edge of the electrode stack is illuminated using a (white) spotlight, thereby illuminating the desired positions.

[0031] In a variant of this method, four third matrix cameras are used, and these cameras are directed towards all four corners / (vertical) edges of the electrode stack in the placement position (when viewed from above). In a variant of this method, backlighting or dark field illumination is achieved by respective light sources. Thereby, the relevant regions of different anode layers / cathode layers can be easily recognized by transmitted light. In a variant of this method, the beam path of the third camera is guided using mirrors or prisms to adapt to spatial conditions.

[0032] In a variant of this method, a third matrix camera is used in the field of view from above the electrode stack, which either completely captures the electrode stack in one image capture as a whole, or two third matrix cameras that capture one of the two diagonally opposite corners of the electrode stack from above respectively, or a maximum of four third matrix cameras that capture all four corners of the electrode stack from above, and these are directed at the electrode stack in the placement position from a viewpoint when viewed from above. Also here, in a variant, the beam path of the camera is guided by an appropriate arrangement of mirrors or prisms for adaptation to spatial conditions. In a variant, coaxial (red) light and a (white) spotlight are used for the illumination of each of the third cameras.

[0033] This makes it possible to very accurately recognize that the anode layer / cathode layer is always arranged at the correct position on the electrode stack.

[0034] In a modified example of this method, the movement along the vertical axis (z-axis) of the lifting device with each workpiece carrier and their inaccuracies are also considered. Before starting to arrange the anode layer / cathode layer to form the electrode laminate, a third camera is used to record the x and y positions of the workpiece carriers at various z heights. In this way, the third camera can be used to check whether the anode layer / cathode layer is stacked at the correct x and y positions corresponding to the respective z positions of the workpiece carriers on the lifting device while arranging the anode layer / cathode layer. The accuracy of the rotation direction (θ) around the vertical axis when picking up the anode layer / cathode layer with the laminating device can also be corrected in this way for the subsequent accurate lamination of the anode layer / cathode layer of the electrode laminate.

[0035] The device for transporting and inspecting the module or the pre-stage product of the module comprises a pick-up position for providing individual anode layer / cathode layers, a laminating device intended and set to transport the anode layer / cathode layer to the laminating position and laminate the transported anode layer / cathode layer at the laminating position, a camera intended and set to capture an image of the electrode carrier grown around the anode layer / cathode layer laminated at the laminating position in a form including at least one side view and / or the vertical edge in the z direction of the electrode laminate, and a control unit intended and set to determine the respective orientation and / or position of the laminated anode layer / cathode layer or the stacked anode layer / cathode layer with respect to other electrode laminates grown at the laminating position from the image capture of the second camera.

[0036] In a variant of the device, the control unit is intended and configured to determine the position of the stacked anode layer / cathode layer relative to the other layers of the electrode stack by checking the position / rotation / misalignment of the individual anode layer / cathode layer relative to each other after the anode layer / cathode layer is disposed on the electrode stack, and / or the control unit is intended and configured to determine the misalignment of the individual anode layer / cathode layer relative to each other using the image capture of at least one third camera from at least one (vertical and / or transverse) edge of the electrode stack. In a variant of the device, the control unit is intended and configured to check the acquired image capture by corner / edge search to determine whether one or more of the anode layer / cathode layer of the electrode stack protrude inward or outward relative to the other anode layer / cathode layer, and / or whether the accuracy is maintained when stacking the anode layer / cathode layer.

[0037] In a variant of the device, the control unit is intended and configured to determine different dimensions having steps in the z direction in a side view from the image capture in the alternately stacked anode and cathode layers of the electrode stack, and to examine the shape and / or dimensions of the stacked anode and cathode layers. In a variant of the device, the control unit is intended and configured to inspect the anode and cathode layers stacked vertically on top of each other to determine the deviation from the other anode or cathode layers of the electrode stack where each individual layer protrudes inward or outward. In a variant of the device, the control unit is intended and configured to examine the image capture and determine the misalignment in the z direction (vertical axis) depending on how much step is formed in the electrode stack by different anode layer / cathode layer.

[0038] In one variant of the device, the control unit receives image captures from at least two third cameras that include the diagonally opposite corners of the electrode stack ES in the stacked position and / or their edges on their vertical axis (z-axis) when viewed from the side, and for the anode and cathode layers stacked on top of each other, determines for other anode or cathode layers within the electrode stack by what deviation the different layers are above or below each other in the longitudinal and / or transverse direction of the layer in the x or y direction (transverse, longitudinal), and / or by what deviation the different anode / cathode layers in the z direction (vertical axis) form steps within the electrode stack.

[0039] In one modification of the device, at least two third cameras are directed at the (vertical) edges of the electrode stack and / or the respective edges of the electrode stack are illuminated using (white) spotlights to illuminate the desired positions on the electrode stack.

[0040] In one variant of the present device, the control unit receives image captures from at least four third cameras that include the four corners of the electrode stack as viewed from above in the placement position, and determines the position of the topmost stacked anode / cathode layer relative to at least one lower layer of the electrode stack by checking the position / rotation / misalignment of the individual anode / cathode layers relative to each other by means of the image captures from each of the four cameras after the anode / cathode layers have been placed on the electrode stack.

[0041] In a modified example of the present device, the control device is intended and configured to consider the movement and inaccuracy of the lifting device provided with each workpiece carrier along the vertical axis (z-axis). Before starting the arrangement of the anode layer / cathode layer for forming the electrode laminate, the x and y positions of the workpiece carrier at various z heights are captured by a third camera, and corresponding data is stored in the data memory for comparison with the x and y positions of the workpiece carrier at various z heights during the arrangement of the anode layer / cathode layer. It is confirmed whether the anode layer / cathode layer is laminated within the accuracy at the corresponding x and y positions corresponding to the respective z positions of the workpiece carrier on the lifting device, and / or when picking up the anode layer / cathode layer with the laminating device, the orientation of the rotational direction (θ) around the z-axis (vertical axis) is corrected.

[0042] The above-described process and device make it possible to significantly reduce the risk of short circuits in the thus-formed modules, which also leads to an improvement in the overall quality and efficiency of the fuel or battery cells.

[0043] Overall, the above-described device and method enable a high lamination throughput with an accuracy of ±0.1 mm or more.

[0044] Aspects of the method are presented above in terms of the device, and vice versa. Both aspects of the method and aspects of the device are used to explain the configuration and its operation.

[0045] Further features, characteristics, and advantages of the device and method can be found in the following description in conjunction with the drawings. Possible modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings schematically show the devices described herein and explain their operation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0046]

Figure 1

Figure 1a

Figure 2

Figure 2a

Figure 2b

Figure 3

Figure 3a

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0047] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MODIFICATIONS OF THE APPARATUS AND METHOD FIG. 1 schematically shows a part of an assembly line 100 for manufacturing a module or a pre-stage product of a module. Here, the assembly line 100 will be described by taking the manufacture of a fuel cell or a battery cell including a layer material and / or a fluid as an example. A central transport section 110 transports a plurality of workpiece carriers 120 between several process stations. The central transport section 110 is set to transport the workpiece carriers 120 in groups in individual transport sections by a driving device (not further shown).

[0048] As a supply station to the assembly line 100, a first cutting or punching station (not further illustrated) is set to cut the first continuous layered material supplied from a roll into uniform rectangular pieces and send them out onto the carrier 82 as an array of individual anode layers AL. A second cutting or punching station (not further illustrated) is set to cut the second continuous layered material supplied from a roll into uniform rectangular pieces and send them out onto the carrier 92 as an array of individual cathode layers KL. The first placement station 80 supplies the individual anode layers AL onto the transportable adhesive tray 212 of the first transport section 210 and supplies them to the laminating device 138. The second placement station 90 supplies the individual cathode layers KL onto the transportable adhesive tray 312 of the second transport section 310 and supplies them to the laminating device 138. During their transport to the lamination unit 130, the anode layer AL and the cathode layer KL are guided through the inspection stations 84 and 94 assigned to the respective transport sections 210 and 310 to inspect their quality. In one variant, the cathode is a metal foil provided with conductive coatings on both sides and provided with protruding conductor tabs. In one variant, the anode is a metal foil laminated between two dielectric foils (separators) and provided with conductive coatings on both sides, and the current conductor tabs protrude laterally, i.e., on one of the short sides between the separators.

[0049] Instead of the transportable adhesive trays 212 of the first transport section 210 and the transportable adhesive trays 312 of the second transport section 310, a vacuum transport belt is provided in one variant. Also in this variant, the first and second transport sections 210, 310 have several pickup positions 221, 321. Also here, handling of a single type of delicate electrode is provided, which avoids contamination of the electrode coating.

[0050] Such an assembly line 100 has a first transport section 116 having a pickup area 132, a stacking area 134, and a delivery area 136. Several, for example, four first lifting devices 135 are provided in the stacking area 134 to lift the workpiece carrier 120 in the Z direction from the slide 140. The slide 140 can be positioned along the first transport section 116 in the advancing direction 112 and the opposite direction. The slide 140 is set to position a plurality of workpiece carriers that pick up a plurality of empty workpiece carriers 120 in groups from the pickup area 132 to the stacking area 134 and / or carry the stacked bodies created in the stacking area 134, respectively, from the stacking area 134 into the delivery area 136. Each lifting device 135 is set to lift and lower each workpiece carrier 120 by the slide 140 in a controlled manner for stacking. The slide 140 has a length that at least substantially corresponds to the extension of the pickup area 132 and the stacking area 134, or the stacking area 134 and the delivery area 136, in the transport direction (x direction) of the workpiece carrier 120. *Where to place it in the transport direction of the workpiece carrier 120. The slide 140 is arranged to move longitudinally on two linear guides and has 2×N holders 142 on each long side for arranging N workpiece carriers 120. The lifting device 135 extends between the linear guides and can therefore lift N workpiece carriers 120 in the z direction while keeping them at their respective x and y positions while the slide 140 is moved along the linear guides (in the x direction). Similarly, the lifting device 150 is provided for N workpiece carriers 120 in the pickup area 132 and is provided in each case in the delivery area 136.

[0051] In the pickup area 132, in the variant shown here, several workpiece carriers 120 can be removed from the central transport section 110, here as four groups. In other variants, more or fewer than four workpiece carriers 120 can also be removed from the central transport section 110. For this purpose, the central transport section 110 has a lifting device 150 upstream of the stacking unit 130 within the pickup area 132, which in one variant may also be part of the central transport section 110 and here is in the form of a shear lift table. The lifting device 150 is designed to lift a group of four workpiece carriers 120 from the central transport section 110 of the pickup area 132 and place them on the slide 140. In one variant, the slide 140 may also be part of the central transport section 110. This slide 140 within the stacking unit 130 moves along the transport direction x of the workpiece carrier 120 and in the opposite direction in a manner controlled by a drive device not shown in detail, picks up the group of workpiece carriers 120 within the pickup area 132, and transports them from the pickup area 132 into the stacking area 134 and from the stacking area 134 into the delivery area 136.

[0052] In the stacking area 134, using vacuum or adhesive trays 212, 312, also called shuttles, from each of the first and second transport sections 210, 310 located on both long sides of the central transport section 110, the number (here four) of stacking devices 138 corresponding to the number of workpiece carriers 120 within the group transports the individual anode layers AL and the individual cathode layers KL into the stacking area 134 (see FIG. 1). That is, two stacking devices 138 are assigned to each workpiece carrier 120 within the stacking area 134. For this purpose, the arrangement of the stacking devices 138 is equipped with respective drive devices not described in detail, which vertically move the stacking devices 138 individually in the z direction and raise and lower the individual anode layers and cathode layers KL. In the variant shown here, the transport sections 210, 310 are endless transport paths respectively, and are set to transport the vacuum or adhesive trays 212, 312 in a horizontal transport plane along a closed path.

[0053] A further transfer device 224, shown below in relation to FIG. 2, functions to horizontally move the stacking device 138 individually in the y direction to the central transport section 110 in the lateral direction, and to transfer the individual anode layers AL and cathode layers KL from the trays of the first transport section 210 and the second transport section 310 to their respective stacking positions 133 on the workpiece carrier 120 within the stacking area 134. In this process, the individual anode layers AL from the first side of the workpiece carrier 120 and the individual cathode layers KL from the second side of the workpiece carrier 120 are alternately conveyed to their respective workpiece carriers 120 and stacked on each workpiece carrier 120 to form the electrode laminate ES. The assembly line 100 / stacking unit 130 according to FIG. 1 includes, for example, four stacking positions 133. The stacking unit 130 also has several first lifting devices 135 acting in the z direction for each workpiece carrier 120, lifting the workpiece carriers 120 in the z direction from the slide 140, separating them from the slide 140, and also arranging these workpiece carriers 120 in the z direction on the slide 140 in a controlled manner. Thereby, layer materials can be mounted on the workpiece carrier 120 to form the electrode laminate ES, while the slide 140 can move back and forth in the x direction.

[0054] Each stacking position 133 is provided with a planar holder 137 with positioning pins 139, which receives the empty workpiece carrier 120 and holds it in an accurate position (see FIG. 2).

[0055] In FIG. 2, a workpiece carrier 120 located in one of the first lifting devices 135 within the stacking unit 130 is shown. It is lifted from a slide 140 (not shown) and is located at the stacking position 133. At this stacking position 133, the empty workpiece carrier 120 is filled as described below and then returned to the central transport section 110 for conveyance to the next process station. As described above, the first lifting device 135 serves to remove at least one empty workpiece carrier 120 from the central transport section 110. At each stacking position 133, one stacking device 138 conveys individual anode layers AL (left side in FIG. 2) and another stacking device 138 conveys individual cathode layers KL (right side in FIG. 2) alternately from both sides of the workpiece carrier 120 in the y direction and the reverse direction, and stacks them on the workpiece carrier 120 in the z direction. In this way, the electrode laminate ES grows to the desired number of layers. In a variant, the workpiece carrier 120 descends by the height / thickness of the anode layer AL or cathode layer after each anode layer AL or cathode layer in the z direction.

[0056] Each of the stacking devices 138 is intended and configured to pick up either individual anode layers AL / individual cathode layers KL by a controlled air negative pressure and hold them above the workpiece carrier 120 while conveying them to the stacking position 133. Each stacking device 138 has a planar gripping tool to which a negative pressure for holding and transporting the anode layer / cathode layer AL, KL is applied. In a variant, it is also provided to release the individual anode layers AL and individual cathode layers KL at the stacking position 133 by a short-duration controlled air pressure overpressure shock and stack these layers AL, KL on the workpiece carrier 120.

[0057] In addition to transporting the layers AL and KL, the apparatus described in this specification also serves to inspect the layers AL and KL on the way from their respective transport sections 210 and 310 to the corresponding stacking positions 133. For this purpose, pickup positions 221 and 321 are provided in the stacking area 134, and the individual anode layer / cathode layer AL and KL are transported there together with the vacuum or adhesive trays 212 and 312. Before the adhesive trays 212 and 312 having the anode layer / cathode layer reach the corresponding stacking positions 133, the anode layer AL / cathode layer KL is captured by the second camera 220. This second camera 220 is used to detect the position and / or orientation, here x, y and θ, of the anode layer / cathode layer on the adhesive trays 212 and 312 before the anode layer / cathode layer AL and KL are picked up from the adhesive trays 212 and 312 by the stacking device 138. The inspection of the cathode layer AL or anode layer KL by the second camera 220 can be carried out while moving the vacuum or adhesive trays 212 and 312 transporting the cathode / anode layer AL and KL to be inspected along the closed path of the transport sections 210 and 310.

[0058] Alternatively, the inspection of the anode layer AL or cathode layer KL can be carried out using the second camera 220 while the vacuum or adhesive trays 212 and 312 transporting the anode layer / cathode layer AL and KL to be inspected are stationary (for a short time, a few milliseconds), and other vacuum or adhesive trays 212 and 312 moving along the closed path of the transport sections 210 and 310, for example, the vacuum or adhesive trays 212 and 312 moving along the closed path immediately before and / or after the vacuum or adhesive trays 212 and 312 that are stationary (for a short time) for the inspection using the second camera 220, move along the closed path of the transport sections 210 and 310.

[0059] The second camera 220 is oriented such that it can acquire an image capture of the position and / or orientation (x, y, and / or θ) from a perspective vertically above, just before the anode layer / cathode layer AL, KL reach their respective pickup positions 221, 321 during transportation. In FIG. 2, two of the first cameras 220 for the anode layer AL and the cathode layer KL are shown. It should be understood that the second camera 220 can also be provided only before each pickup position 221, 321, or before each first pickup position 221, 321. Each first camera 220 is provided with a white light source 225 for illuminating the cathode / anode position for image capture by the camera 220 (see FIG. 1a). Depending on the space conditions, the second camera 220 (also shown in FIG. 1a) is designed as a full-frame camera that can completely capture the anode layer / cathode layer AL, KL in a single image capture, or the second camera is designed as a line-scan camera that captures the position and / or orientation of the anode layer / cathode layer represented by x, y, and / or θ while being transported to the corresponding pickup positions 221, 321. The full-frame camera can have, for example, a 24-megapixel digital image imaging chip (220a). Depending on the requirements for accuracy and resolution, and the space conditions, the second camera 220 can also provide a full image capture from above the anode layer / cathode layer using an appropriate optical system, such as a lens 226 and a 90° deflection mirror 227 that is semi-transmissive to white light.

[0060] Each stacking device 138 is assigned a conveying device 224 that conveys the stacking device 138 back and forth between each pickup position 221, 321 and the loading position 133. Therefore, a number of stacking devices 138 (here, four) corresponding to the number of workpiece carriers 120 in the group convey the individual anode layers AL and the individual cathode layers KL into the stacking area 134 from the respective first and second transport sections 210, 310 located on both long sides of the central transport section 110, using vacuum or adhesive trays 212, 312, also called shuttles (see FIG. 1). That is, two stacking devices 138 are assigned to each workpiece carrier 120 in the stacking area 134. For this purpose, the stacking devices 138 are arranged with respective adjustment drive devices 138a for vertically moving the stacking devices 138 individually in the z-direction to raise and lower the individual anode AL layers and cathode layers KL. Using additional conveying devices 224, the stacking devices 138 are individually moved horizontally in the y-direction across the central transport section 110 to convey the individual anode layers AL and cathode layers KL from the trays 211, 311 of the first transport section 210 and the second transport section 310 to their respective stacking positions 133.

[0061] In each case, a common horizontal linear guide is provided for the two stacking devices 138 and is arranged above each workpiece carrier arranged in the stacking area 134. The linear guide extends from the pickup position of the transport section 210 to the pickup position of the transport section 310 and spans the stacking area 134.

[0062] The sensors 230 function as detection devices for detecting the position and / or orientation (x, y, z, and / or θ) of the stacking device 138. For clarity, only the y-direction position of the stacking device 138 among them is shown here as supplying data corresponding to the control unit ECU.

[0063] On the path from the pickup positions 221, 321 to the stacking position 133, each stacking device 138 passes through the first camera 260. This first camera 260 is used to detect the position and / or orientation (x, y, z, and / or θ) of the anode layer / cathode layer AL, KL on the lower surface of the stacking device 138 with respect to the position and / or orientation (x, y, z, and / or θ) of the stacking device 138 on its path to the stacking position 133. This data is supplied to the control unit ECU for controlling the corresponding adjustment devices, such as the adjustment drive devices 138a, 224, etc., and processed there. These positioning devices also include a pneumatic actuator (not shown), enabling the stacking device 138 to pick up and place the anode layer / cathode layer AL, KL, and also including an electrical or pneumatic actuator for aligning the stacking device 138 in x, y, z, and / or θ during the transportation of the anode layer / cathode layer to the stacking position 133. As a result, the anode layer / cathode layer AL, KL is optimally arranged for stacking at the stacking position 133 and on the electrode stack located there, and for the anode layer / cathode layer to be stacked at the stacking position 133.

[0064] The first camera 260 is used here to detect the position and / or orientation (x, y, z, and / or θ) of the anode layer / cathode layer AL, KL with respect to the laminating device 138 before the anode layer / cathode layer AL, KL is laminated at the lamination position 133. This data is supplied to the control unit ECU and processed there. The control unit ECU determines correction values from the data from the image capture and various detection devices. Specifically, the position and / or orientation (x, y, z, and / or θ) of the anode layer / cathode layer AL, KL before being picked up by the laminating device 138 at the pickup position or on the way there, the position and / or orientation (x, y, z, and / or θ) of the laminating device 138 at the pickup position or on its path, and the position and / or orientation (x, y, z, and / or θ) of the picked-up individual anode layer / cathode layer with respect to the laminating device 138 during transportation to the lamination position 133, from which the correction values are determined. These correction values are used to align the transported anode layer / cathode layer with the laminating device 138 in terms of x, y, z, and / or θ with respect to the lamination position 133, so that the transported anode layer / cathode layer is accurately arranged at its target position with respect to the electrode laminate ES located at the lamination position 133. In other words, these correction values are taken into account when correcting the orientation and position (in terms of x, y, z, and / or θ) of the laminating device 138 in the positioning to the positioning device, the transport device 224, and / or the laminating device 138 when picking up the anode layer / cathode layer, and as a result, the anode layer / cathode layer is picked up by the laminating device 138, for example, at the central zero position or aligned with the electrode laminate located at the lamination position 133.

[0065] The first camera 260 is aligned such that during the transport of the anode layer / cathode layer, its position and / or orientation (in x, y, and / or θ) is captured from a vertical perspective from below using image capture immediately before the respective anode layer / cathode layer AL, KL reaches its stacking position 133. FIG. 2 shows one of the second cameras 260 for the anode layer AL and one of the second cameras 260 for the cathode layer KL. In each second camera 260, a light source 275, for example a white light source, is provided to illuminate the anode layer / cathode layer for image capture by the first camera 260. Depending on the spatial conditions, the second camera 220, also shown in FIG. 1a, is designed as a full-frame camera to completely capture the anode layer / cathode layer AL, KL in a single image capture, or the first camera 260 is designed as a line-scan camera to capture the position and / or orientation of the anode layer / cathode layer in x, y, and / or θ while it is being transported to the corresponding stacking position 133. The full-frame camera can have, for example, a digital image capture chip 260a with 24 megapixels. Depending on the requirements of accuracy, resolution, and spatial conditions, the first camera 260 can also provide a full image capture from below of the anode layer / cathode layer using a suitable optical system, for example a lens 276 and a 90° deflection mirror 277 that is semi-transparent to white light. Also, the light source 275 can be rotatably arranged to provide optimal incidence of light on each cathode / anode layer AL, KL. For example, the first camera 260 can provide a field of view of the anode layer / cathode layer AL, KL of at least 720×400 mm with a resolution of 134 μm / pixel or more.

[0066] A ring light source is arranged in the beam path of the second camera 260, i.e., in the region of the vertical portion of the beam path. The light from the ring light source (about 600 - 780 nm) strikes the lower surface of the anode or cathode at a flat angle, i.e., less than 45 degrees, to enhance the contrast of surface defects.

[0067] Figure 2a shows a modification of the configuration of the second camera 260. Here, the first camera 260 is also aligned, and during the transport of the anode layer / cathode layer, its position and / or orientation (x, y, and / or θ) are detected from a vertical perspective from below using image capture just before the respective anode layer / cathode layer AL, KL reaches its stacking position 133.

[0068] In contrast to the arrangement of FIG. 2, the white light source 275 is shown here between the horizontal portion of the optical path of the camera 260 and the stacking device 138. For this purpose, an additional semi-transmissive 90° deflection mirror 277a is provided between the camera 260 and the semi-transmissive 90° deflection mirror 277 to direct the white light into the beam path and towards the underside of the stacking device 138 having the cathode / anode layer for image capture by the first camera 260. Otherwise, the camera arrangement of FIG. 2a corresponds to that of FIG. 2.

[0069] Instead of capturing the entire image with a single camera, only selected regions, here the corner / edge regions of the anode layer / cathode layer AL, KL, can be captured during their transport with respect to their position and / or orientation (in x, y, and / or θ) at a vertical perspective from below just before the respective anode layer / cathode layer AL, KL reaches its stacking position 133. For this purpose, as shown in FIG. 2b, two second cameras 260 are used to vertically capture the corner regions of the anode layer / cathode layer AL, KL from below as the anode layer / cathode layer AL, KL is transported over them. In particular, one image capture of the layer KL adhering to the stacking device 138 by negative pressure is captured at each corner during transport ("on the fly"), i.e., while the anode layer / cathode layer AL, KL held on the stacking device is continuously moving to the stacking position 133.

[0070] In front of each stacking position, there is one or two cameras 260 for the anode layer AL (on one side) and one or two cameras 260 for the cathode layer KL (on the other side). For the sake of clarity, only one camera 260 is shown in each of the figures. When the anode layer / cathode layer Al, KL held on the stacking device moves through the camera 260, first an image of one corner at the tip of the layer AL or KL is taken, or images of two corners at the tip of the layer AL or KL are taken. Subsequently, an image of a corner (preferably on the diagonal) at the trailing edge of the layer AL or KL is first taken, or the other two corners at the trailing edge of the layer AL or KL are imaged by the two cameras 260. From any deviation between the position of the leading-edge corner and the position of the trailing-edge corner, which is transverse to the transport direction of each layer AL or KL, the control unit ECU determines correction values (x, y, and / or θ) regarding the movement and orientation of the stacking device 138 with respect to the position / corners of the electrode stack ES. As a result, with a minimum additional requirement (ideally none), when the stack reaches the stacking position 133, the anode layer / cathode layer AL, KL can be placed very quickly and perpendicularly onto the electrode stack ES.

[0071] In the stacking device 138, in one variant, the holding area of the gripper for picking up and holding the anode layer / cathode layer AL, KL can be made smaller than the surface of the anode layer / cathode layer AL, KL. For example, the (four) corner regions of the gripping tool may be recessed. Thus, the anode layer / cathode layer AL, KL can be illuminated in the corner regions during transport from above, i.e., from the side where the light source 275 in contact with the gripping tool is located. As a result, the edge of the cathode layer KL can be detected with a particularly high contrast compared to the surroundings.

[0072] In FIG. 2b, the arrangement of each first camera includes a matrix camera 260 with red coaxial ring illumination 266 and / or blue dark field illumination 268. The dark field illumination provides light irradiated flat (here at an angle of 45° with respect to the optical axis), so that, for example, an edge region reflects or scatters light towards the camera and is then brightly displayed with clear contrast in the camera image.

[0073] With such a configuration, a square area of about 21×21 mm can be captured at a resolution of 10.8 μm / pixel or higher.

[0074] Since there are several adjacent stacked units 130, the inspection of the anode layer / cathode layer AL, KL can be parallelized.

[0075] In the stacking region 134, a plurality of anodes of a first group of electrode laminates or workpiece carriers 120 that are not directly adjacent, for example, the first workpiece carrier and the third workpiece carrier, are inspected temporally overlapping with their respective second cameras 260, and / or in the stacking region, a plurality of cathodes of a second group different from the first group of electrode laminates or workpiece carriers 120 that are not directly adjacent, for example, the second workpiece carrier and the fourth workpiece carrier, can be provided to be inspected temporally overlapping with their respective second cameras 260.

[0076] Since the directly adjacent stacking devices 138 move towards each other, that is, move in the reverse direction in the Y direction, shaking / vibration can be compensated and efficient inspection can be achieved. In addition, the separate stacking devices 138 enable the anodes to be handled independently of the cathodes. This prevents delicate electrodes from contacting the same surface alternately. Thereby, contamination of the electrode coating is avoided.

[0077] Alternatively, the anode layer and the cathode layer may be provided in group units at a plurality of pickup positions of their respective transport sections 210, 310 by vacuum or adhesive trays 212, 312.

[0078] In another variant, the camera 260 inspects the anode layer and the cathode layer in groups. In a variant not shown, for example, different resolutions and different fields of view can be obtained, four cameras 260 can be set to inspect all four corners simultaneously, or one line scan camera can also be set.

[0079] All of the above inspection variants are used to determine at least once the exact position of the anode layer / cathode layer AL, KL, and then correct the alignment before placement. At the pick-up position and / or during conveyance to the lamination position 133, the position and orientation of the characteristic regions (corners, edges) of the layers AL, KL are optically detected, and using the data thus obtained, the orientation of the laminating device 138 with respect to the electrode laminate ES at the lamination position 133 is corrected before and / or during conveyance of the layers AL, KL to the lamination position 133, whereby this placement can be realized in a time-efficient manner and with high precision.

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a further inspection method used in the manufacture of a module or a pre-stage product of a module will be described below. In the first step, individual anode layers / cathode layers AL, KL are provided on respective vacuum or adhesive trays 212, 312. Subsequently, the individual anode layers / cathode layers AL, KL are transported to the lamination position 133 by the laminating device 138. There, the transported anode layer / cathode layer AL, KL is laminated. At the lamination position 133, detection of the electrode laminate ES grown around the laminated anode layer / cathode layer AL, KL is performed in a form including at least one side view and / or the vertical edges of the electrode laminate ES. In a variant of the method, this detection of the side view or the vertical edges of the electrode laminate ES provides an image capture. Finally, confirmation of the alignment direction and / or position with respect to the remaining part of the electrode laminate grown at the lamination position of the laminated anode layer / cathode layer AL, KL, or each of the laminated anode layers / cathode layers AL, KL is performed.

[0081] The positions of the laminated anode layer / cathode layer AL, KL related to the other layers of the electrode laminate ES are determined, for example, by mutually checking the positions / rotations / shifts of the individual anode layer / cathode layer AL, KL after the anode layer / cathode layer AL, KL is disposed on the electrode laminate ES. The shift of the individual anode layer / cathode layer (AL, KL) relative to each other can be determined, for example, by image capture by at least one third camera 320 of at least one (vertical and / or horizontal) edge of the electrode laminate ES. For example, the resulting image capture is checked using a computer-aided image processing method by corner / edge search, and whether one or more of the anode layer / cathode layer AL, KL of the electrode laminate ES protrudes laterally or longitudinally above or below the other anode layer / cathode layer AL, KL, and / or whether a predetermined accuracy is maintained when laminating the anode layer / cathode layer AL, KL can be determined. In a variant of the edge search, the Canny algorithm (Canny edge detector) is used, whereby an image is provided that ideally contains only the edges of the original image.

[0082] The alternately stacked anode layer AL and cathode layer KL of the electrode laminate ES generally have different dimensions. Thereby, a stepped (vertical) edge is formed in the z direction in a side view during lamination. This vertical edge or two vertical edges k1, k2 (see FIG. 3) are inspected using the acquired image capture. In this process, the alternately stacked anode layer AL and cathode layer KL are examined for their shape and / or dimensions. In other variants, the stacked anode layer AL and cathode layer KL are examined, and the difference between the anode layer AL and cathode layer KL and the remaining anode and cathode layers in the electrode laminate ES stacked on top of each other, and the degree to which each individual layer protrudes laterally or longitudinally are determined. The rotation (θ) around the vertical axis can also be determined from these overhangs / underhangs (u1, u2 in FIG. 3), or the deviation in the z direction (vertical axis) where each anode layer / cathode layer (AL, KL) forms a step (s1, s2 in FIG. 3) of the electrode laminate.

[0083] Figures 3 and 3a show how two third cameras 320 are oriented laterally and diagonally against corner portions e1, e2 and / or their edge portions k1, k2 (see Fig. 3) on the vertical axis (z-axis) of the electrode laminate ES at the stacking position. In this way, in order to determine the deviations u1, u2 (see Fig. 3) in the x or y direction (transverse direction, longitudinal direction) of the anode layer AL and the cathode layer KL stacked on top of each other, each individual layer is investigated as to the extent to which it protrudes outward / inward in the longitudinal and / or transverse direction of the layer with respect to the other anode or cathode layers AL, KL within the electrode laminate ES. This means that it is possible to examine the deviations s1, s2 (see Fig. 3) of the steps in the z direction (vertical axis) due to the anode layer / cathode layer AL, KL overlapping each other within the electrode laminate.

[0084] In this case, the two third cameras 320 are directed directly at the vertical edges of the electrode laminate. Furthermore, in order to irradiate each edge of the electrode laminate ES, a white spotlight 330 can be used to irradiate the desired target position at an angle of approximately 45° with respect to the optical axis of each third camera 320.

[0085] In a variant shown as a dashed line in Fig. 3a, four third cameras 320' are directed vertically from above. Although not shown in detail, together with the spotlight 330, they are directed at the four corners e1, e2, e3, e4 of the electrode laminate as seen from above at the placement position. Thereby, the position of the topmost stacked anode layer / cathode layer AL, KL can be determined in relation to the layer in at least one lower layer of the electrode laminate ES. The position / rotation / misalignment of the individual anode layer / cathode layer AL, KL relative to each other is confirmed by image capture from each of the four cameras 320' after the anode layer / cathode layer AL, KL has been placed on the electrode laminate ES.

[0086] Using a camera 320 (see FIG. 3) oriented horizontally on the vertical edge of the electrode laminate ES, the movement of the lifting device 135 provided with each workpiece carrier 120 along the vertical axis (z-axis) can be determined by corresponding processing of image capture. Before starting to form the electrode laminate ES by arranging the anode layer / cathode layer AL, KL, in this way, the x, y positions of the workpiece carriers at different z heights are detected by the third camera 320 from the image capture obtained in the process. The resulting data is stored for comparison with the x, y positions of the workpiece carriers at different z heights during the arrangement of the anode layer / cathode layer, and it is confirmed whether the anode layer / cathode layer is stacked within a predetermined accuracy at the x, y positions corresponding to the respective z positions of the workpiece carriers on the lifting device 135. In one variant, using the data obtained above, when picking up the anode layer / cathode layer with the laminating device 138, the orientation (θ) in the rotational direction centered on the z-axis (vertical axis) is corrected.

[0087] In one variant, from the image capture processing data from at least one of the cameras, particularly the third camera, it is also provided that the laminating device 138 is used to pick up again a layer misarranged from the electrode laminate ES and optionally transport it to a position where it is accurately arranged again on the electrode laminate or discarded.

[0088] The variations of the above-described devices, their structural and operational aspects, and the variations of the method are merely intended to provide a better understanding of the structure, operational mode, and characteristics, and do not limit the disclosure of the embodiments. The figures are partially schematic. To clarify the functions, operational principles, technical designs, and features, the essential characteristics and effects are partially emphasized and shown. Each operational mode, each principle, each technical embodiment, and each feature disclosed in the figures or the text can be freely and arbitrarily combined with each feature in all the claims, the text, and other figures, with all other operational modes, principles, technical embodiments, and features included in or arising from this disclosure, and all conceivable combinations can be assigned to the described procedures. This also includes combinations between all individual embodiments in the text, i.e., combinations between all individual embodiments in each section of this specification and in the claims, and also combinations between different variations in the text, claims, and figures. Also, the claims do not limit the disclosure, nor do they limit all possible combinations of the disclosed features. All the disclosed features are also explicitly disclosed in this specification, individually and in combination with all other features.

Claims

1. A method for inspecting a module or a pre-module product during manufacturing, The steps include: providing individual anode / cathode layers (AL, KL) to pickup positions (221, 321); The steps include transporting the stacking device (138) to the pickup positions (221, 321); The steps include: picking up the anode / cathode layers (AL, KL) from the pickup positions (221, 321) using the stacking apparatus (138); The steps include detecting the position and / or orientation (x, y, z and / or θ) of the picked-up anode / cathode layer (AL, KL); The steps include transporting the picked-up individual anode / cathode layers to the stacking position (133) by the stacking apparatus (138); The steps include: aligning the stacking apparatus (138) equipped with the picked-up and transported anode / cathode layers (AL, KL) with respect to the stacking position (133) (x, y, z and / or θ); The process includes the step of stacking the picked-up and transported anode / cathode layers (AL, KL) at the stacking position (133), The position and / or orientation of each of the picked-up anode / cathode layers (AL, KL) is detected by the first camera (260) during transport of each of the picked-up anode / cathode layers (AL, KL) to the stacking position (133) by the stacking apparatus (138). During transport of the picked-up individual anode / cathode layers (AL, KL) to the stacking position (133), a correction value is determined from the position and / or orientation (x, y, z and / or θ) of the picked-up individual anode / cathode layers (AL, KL). An inspection method in which these correction values ​​are taken into consideration when aligning (x, y, z and / or θ) the stacking apparatus (138) having the picked-up and transported anode / cathode layers (AL, KL) with respect to the stacking position (133).

2. A first stacking apparatus (138) is used to transport individual anode layers (AL) from the first side relative to the stacking position (133), and A second lamination device (138) is used alternately to transport individual cathode layers (KL) from a second side opposite to the lamination position (133). Each anode layer (AL) is formed exclusively from the first side by the first lamination apparatus (138), and The inspection method according to claim 1, wherein individual cathode layers (KL) are transported alternately by a second lamination device (138) exclusively from the second side.

3. The detection of the position and / or orientation of the anode layer / cathode layer (AL, KL) is performed by: This is done before the anode / cathode layers (AL, KL) are picked up from the pickup position (221, 321) by the stacking apparatus (138), and / or The detection of the position and / or orientation of the anode layer / cathode layer (AL, KL) is performed by: The inspection method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inspection is performed by a second camera (220) before the anode layer / cathode layer (AL, KL) is picked up from the pickup position (221, 321) by the stacking apparatus (138).

4. The first camera and / or the second camera (260, 220) detect the position and / or orientation (x, y, z and / or θ) of the anode / cathode layer (AL, KL) from a viewpoint above the anode / cathode layer at approximately ±25° in the vertical direction; and / or Light sources (275, 225) associated with the first camera and / or the second camera (260, 220) illuminate the anode / cathode layer (AL, KL) for image capture by the first camera and / or the second camera (260, 220); and / or The first camera and / or the second camera (260, 220) completely capture the anode / cathode layer (AL, KL) in a single image capture in order to detect the position and / or orientation (x, y, z and / or θ) of the anode / cathode layer (AL, KL); The first camera and / or the second camera (260, 220) of the anode layer / cathode layer (AL, KL) one area, At least one corner area, Two diagonally opposing corner regions, and / or At least one corner region and at least one edge portion The position and / or orientation (x, y, z and / or θ) of the anode / cathode layer (AL, KL) is captured in a single image capture; and / or The inspection method according to claim 2, wherein the first camera and / or the second camera (260, 220) are configured as line scan cameras that detect the position and / or orientation (x, y, z and / or θ) of the anode layer / cathode layer (AL, KL) before it is picked up by the stacking apparatus (138), when it arrives at the pickup position (221, 321), or while it is moving to the pickup position (221, 321).

5. The inspection method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one optically effective element is connected upstream of the first camera and / or the second camera (260, 220) to detect the position and / or orientation (x, y, z and / or θ) of the anode layer / cathode layer (AL, KL) in one or more positions or regions before the anode layer / cathode layer (AL, KL) is picked up by the stacking apparatus (138), when it arrives at the pickup position (221, 321), or while it is moving to the pickup position (221, 321).

6. The correction value is The position and / or orientation (x, y, z and / or θ) of the anode layer / cathode layer (AL, KL) before being picked up by the stacking apparatus (138), The position and / or orientation (x, y, z and / or θ) of the stacking device (138), and / or The position and / or orientation (x, y, z and / or θ) of the picked-up individual anode / cathode layers (AL, KL) during transport to the stacking position (133) From, it was decided, These correction values ​​are taken into consideration when aligning (x, y, z and / or θ) the stacking apparatus (138) containing the transported anode / cathode layers (AL, KL) with respect to the stacking position (133); and / or The inspection method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein these correction values ​​(x, y, z and / or θ) are taken into consideration when aligning the lamination apparatus (138) to pick up the anode layer / cathode layer (AL, KL) by the lamination apparatus (138), and the anode layer / cathode layer (AL, KL) is picked up by the lamination apparatus (138) at the central zero position and / or the aligned position.

7. The inspection method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a plurality of individual anode layers or cathode layers (AL, KL) corresponding to the number of stacking units (130) in the stacking region (134) are provided in groups at their respective pickup positions (221, 321).

8. A device for transporting and inspecting modules or pre-module components, A lamination apparatus (138) intended and configured to pick up individual anode / cathode layers (AL, KL) at the pickup position; A transport device (224) is provided, intended and configured to transport the stacking device (138) toward or away from the pickup positions (221, 321); A first camera (260) is intended and configured to detect the position and / or orientation (x, y, z and / or θ) of each of the picked-up anode / cathode layers (AL, KL) along the path from the pickup position (221, 321) to the stacking position (133); A positioning device including at least one actuator, To operate the lamination apparatus (138) for picking up the anode / cathode layers (AL, KL); and / or To align (x, y, z and / or θ) the stacking apparatus (138) having the picked-up individual anode / cathode layers (AL, KL) with respect to the stacking position (133) during transport of the picked-up anode / cathode layers (AL, KL) to the stacking position (133); and / or The anode layer / cathode layer (AL, KL) is located at the stacking position (133) Equipped with a positioning device that is intended and set up for stacking, A control unit (ECU) is intended and configured to determine correction values ​​from data from the image capture of the first camera, and these correction values ​​are determined from the position and / or orientation (x, y, z and / or θ) of each of the picked-up anode / cathode layers (AL, KL) relative to the stacking apparatus (138) during transport of each of the picked-up anode / cathode layers (AL, KL) to the stacking position (133). These correction values ​​are taken into consideration in positioning commands to the positioning device, the transport device (224), and / or the stacking device (138) when aligning the stacking device (138), which is equipped with the picked-up and transported anode / cathode layers (AL, KL), with respect to the stacking position (133) (in the x, y, z, and / or θ directions), for transporting and inspecting modules or pre-module products.

9. A first lamination apparatus (138) is provided and arranged to alternately transport individual anode layers (AL) from the first side to the lamination position (133), and a second lamination apparatus (138) is provided and arranged to alternately transport individual cathode layers (KL) from the opposite second side to the lamination position (133); and / or Apparatus for transporting and inspecting modules or pre-module products according to claim 8, wherein the first lamination apparatus (138) transports individual anode layers (AL) exclusively from a first side, and the second lamination apparatus (138) transports individual cathode layers (KL) exclusively from the opposite second side.

10. The first camera (260) is intended and configured to detect the position and / or orientation of the anode layer / cathode layer (AL / KL) during transport of the anode layer / cathode layer (AL / KL) to the stacking position (133) by the stacking apparatus (138); and / or Apparatus for transporting and inspecting modules or pre-module products according to claim 8 or 9, wherein a second camera (220) is intended and configured to detect the position and / or orientation of the anode / cathode layer (AL / KL) before it is picked up by the stacking apparatus (138) from the pickup position (221, 321).

11. The first camera and / or the second camera (260, 220) are intended and configured to detect the position and / or orientation (x, y, z and / or θ) of the anode / cathode layer (AL, KL) from a viewpoint above the anode / cathode layer, within approximately ±25° of the vertical; and / or Light sources (275, 225) associated with the first camera and / or the second camera (260, 220) illuminate the anode / cathode layer (AL, KL) for image capture by the first camera and / or the second camera (260, 220); and / or The first camera and / or the second camera (260, 220) are intended and configured to detect the anode / cathode layer (AL, KL) completely in a single image capture in order to detect the position and / or orientation (x, y, z and / or θ) of the anode / cathode layer (AL, KL); The first camera and / or the second camera (260, 220) of the anode layer / cathode layer (AL, KL) one area, At least one corner area, Two diagonally opposing corner regions, and / or At least one corner region and at least one edge portion The anode layer / cathode layer (AL, KL) is intended and configured to capture the position and / or orientation (x, y, z and / or θ) of the anode layer / cathode layer (AL, KL); and / or Apparatus for transporting and inspecting modules or pre-module products according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the first camera and / or the second camera (260, 220) are designed as line scan cameras intended and configured to detect the position and / or orientation (x, y, z and / or θ) of the anode layer / cathode layer (AL, KL) before it is picked up by the lamination apparatus (138), or when it arrives at the pickup position (221, 321), or while it is moving to the pickup position (221, 321).

12. Apparatus for transporting and inspecting modules or pre-module products according to claim 8 or 9, wherein an optically effective element is connected upstream of the first camera and / or the second camera (260, 220) and is intended and configured to detect the position and / or orientation (x, y, z and / or θ) of the anode / cathode layer (AL, KL) in one or more positions or regions before the anode / cathode layer (AL, KL) is picked up by the stacking apparatus (138), or when it arrives at the pickup position (221, 321), or while it is moving to the pickup position (221, 321).

13. The control unit (ECU) is intended and configured to determine correction values ​​from the detection device and / or from the image captures of the first camera and / or the second camera, and these correction values ​​are The position and / or orientation (x, y, z and / or θ) of the anode layer / cathode layer (AL, KL) before it is picked up by the stacking device (138), The position and / or orientation (x, y, z and / or θ) of the stacking device (138), and / or During transport of the anode layer / cathode layer (AL, KL) to the stacking position (133), The position and orientation (x, y, z and / or θ) of the picked-up individual anode / cathode layers (AL, KL) relative to the lamination apparatus (138) It can be determined from, These correction values ​​are taken into consideration when aligning (x, y, z and / or θ) the stacking apparatus (138) having the transported anode / cathode layers (AL, KL) with respect to the stacking position (133) in the positioning device, the transport device (224) and / or positioning commands to the stacking apparatus, and / or The apparatus for transporting and inspecting modules or pre-module products according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the orientation and position (x, y, z and / or θ) of the stacking device (138) are taken into consideration in the positioning commands to the positioning device, the transport device (224) and / or the stacking device (138) when picking up the anode / cathode layers (AL, KL), so that the stacking device (138) picks up each anode / cathode layer (AL, KL) at a position aligned with the electrode stack located at the central zero position and / or the stacking position (133).

14. Apparatus for transporting and inspecting modules or pre-module products according to claim 8 or 9, wherein transport sections (210, 310) are intended and configured to provide anode / cathode layers (AL, KL) in groups at a plurality of pickup positions (221, 321) using their respective vacuum or adhesive trays (212, 312).

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