Laminating equipment for laminating multilayer endless webs for the manufacture of energy cells.

Abstract

A laminating apparatus for a multilayer endless web 3 for the manufacture of an energy cell, comprising at least one separator web 4, 6 and at least one electrode 5, has a press device which laminates the multilayer endless web 3 under the action of a pressing force. The press device has a pressing surface having at least one protrusion projecting outward, the protrusion being positioned so that it contacts a portion of the endless web 3 adjacent to the edge side of the electrode 5 when the pressing force is applied.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a laminating device for laminating a multi-layer endless web for the production of an energy cell, having the features of the superordinate concept of claim 1.

Background Art

[0002] An energy cell, or likewise an energy storage unit in the sense of the present invention, for example, in an automobile, other land vehicle, ship, airplane, or likewise, is used in a stationary installation such as a photovoltaic installation in the form of a battery cell or a fuel cell, in which a very large amount of energy needs to be stored over a relatively long time interval.

[0003] For this purpose, it is possible for such an energy cell to have a structure consisting of a plurality of segments laminated into a single laminate. These segments are each formed from alternating anode sheets and cathode sheets which are separated from one another by separator sheets which are likewise manufactured as segments. The segments are pre-cut during the manufacturing process and then stacked into the laminate in a predefined order and joined to one another by lamination. In that case, the anode sheets and the cathode sheets are first cut from an endless web and then placed on top of an endless web of separator material in an individualized state with a spacing. This subsequently formed "two-layered" endless web consisting of separator material with the placed anode sheet or cathode sheet is then, in a first step, again cut into segments with a cutting device, where these segments are in this case formed in a two-layered manner by separator sheets with the anode sheet or cathode sheet placed thereon. To the extent that this is technically feasible or necessary, endless webs of separator material having anode and cathode sheets can be stacked prior to cutting, thereby forming an endless web having a first endless layer of separator material having an anode or cathode sheet placed on top of it, and a second endless layer of separator material also having an anode or cathode sheet placed on top of it. This "four-layered" endless web is then cut into segments using a cutting device, and these segments are formed in this case in four layers: a first separator sheet, an anode sheet, a second separator sheet, and a cathode sheet adjacent to the second separator sheet. The advantage of this solution is that one cut may be saved. Furthermore, the cut electrodes may similarly be placed on an endless separator web and stacked on yet another endless separator web to form a three-layer endless web, from which a three-layer segment having a separator sheet, an electrode sheet, and yet another separator sheet is then cut. In the spirit of this invention, a segment is accordingly a single-layer segment of a separator material, an anode sheet, or a cathode sheet, or similarly, a two-layer, three-layer, or four-layer segment of the above-described structure.

[0004] Furthermore, the aforementioned "two-layer" or "four-layer" endless webs can similarly be complemented into "three-layer" or "five-layer" endless webs by placing yet another separator sheet on top of the electrodes, in which case these endless webs each have a separator web on both sides.

[0005] Selectively, electrodes can exist in an endless web, i.e., uncut, in a "two-layer," "three-layer," "four-layer," or "five-layer" endless web, which are then cut into significantly longer lengths and then, for example, wound up. Selectively, the endless web can be first wound up and then cut after the winding is complete. In this case, the electrodes do not exist as spaced segments within the endless web, but rather, instead, they exist within a single segment, which extends uninterrupted within the intermediate space between the separator webs.

[0006] Furthermore, within the endless web, electrodes in the form of a copper web, copper film, or comparable support material may be provided with intermittent coverings. In this electrode, each of these covering portions forms a section-like, spaced-out rising portion within the electrode.

[0007] For laminating "two-layer," "three-layer," "four-layer," or "five-layer" endless webs, these endless webs are guided between two press devices, which apply a pressing force to the endless webs. In this case, electrodes are pressurized together with the separator web within the endless web. Essentially, the electrodes, along with the separator web, are bonded and laminated together by the action of pressing force using a press device. Additionally, lamination can be assisted by the heat generated by the pressing force. Furthermore, additional heating zones or cooling zones may be provided to regulate the temperature of the endless web during lamination. For the realization of high-quality bonding, it is desirable that the endless web be subjected to the same compressive force as much as possible along its longitudinal and transverse extensions.

[0008] The problem is that in this case, the electrodes are narrower than the endless web of the separator material, and therefore the separator material protrudes laterally beyond these electrodes. Consequently, the electrodes have free ridges on their edges, and the separator material overlaps these laterally.

[0009] As long as the electrodes are spaced apart from each other in the form of already cut segments within the endless web, These electrodes, based on their spacing, additionally form intermediate spaces within the endless web, and in doing so, these electrodes additionally hold the separator webs at a certain distance from each other, based on the thickness of these separator webs within the intermediate spaces. Consequently, the electrode has additional free ridges on the side surfaces of the edges that demarcate the intermediate space.

[0010] In order that the electrode is not hindered by excessively high compression in its functionality, the pressing force can be simply limited and increased, and damage to energy cells within the ridge region is always detrimental to the quality of these energy cells and should therefore be avoided as much as possible. The lamination of the endless web presents problems within the edge portions and, to the extent present, within the intermediate space between electrodes, based on the free edges of the electrodes present therein. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0011] Given this background, the fundamental problem underlying this invention is: The objective is to provide a laminating apparatus that enables improved lamination of an endless web within the marginal zone adjacent to the electrode, with a reduced probability of electrode damage within the marginal region. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In accordance with the present invention, a laminating apparatus having the features of claim 1 is proposed to solve this problem.

[0013] Further advantageous configurations can be seen from the dependent claims, drawings, and descriptions to which they belong. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] In accordance with the basic concept of this invention, The press device comprises at least one protruding portion. , two positioned facing each other It has a pressed surface, and the raised part is, The raised portion is adjacent to the edge of the electrode when pressure is applied. One part in each of the different aspects So that it touches the minute, Placed to do, and, The raised parts have different heights. This is proposed.

[0015] In the proposed configuration, the raised portion on the press surface forms the contour of the press surface, and this raised portion is adapted to the contour of the electrode within the region of the electrode's edge side surface, thereby reducing the load on the adjacent edges of the electrode during lamination. The free edges of the electrode are consequently accommodated within the press surface, or in other words, surrounded by the press surface. In extreme cases, the first ridge may be dimensionally set such that, in terms of height, it is supported by the separator web when the predetermined pressing force during lamination of the endless web is exceeded, and therefore further increases in the load acting on the electrode within the ridge region are limited. In that case, for that purpose, the raised portions have the advantage that, without the need for the pressing force to generally increase, the raised portions can have a sufficient pressing force applied thereto for lamination within the region of the intermediate space between the electrodes or also on the side edge surfaces of these electrodes. By these raised portions entering into the intermediate space between the electrodes and / or into the side edge surfaces of the electrodes adjacent to these electrodes, the pressing device stamps and crushes the separator web of the endless web by the raised portions within the region of the intermediate space and / or within the region of the side edge surfaces of the electrodes. The pressing force acting on the electrodes remains in an unchanged state accordingly or can even be further reduced thereon. This is particularly advantageous because, although the electrodes and the separator web should surely be firmly joined to each other during lamination, in that case, however, the material should be exposed to the smallest possible pressing force in order not to be unnecessarily compressed, and the ion exchange between the electrodes through the separator web, which is important for the function and efficiency of the energy cell, is reduced or even further blocked thereon. A further advantage of the proposed solution is that the raised portions form lateral abutment surfaces for the electrodes during lamination, in that the electrodes are additionally fixed during lamination in the alignment of these electrodes with respect to the separator web. The proposed solution is particularly advantageous when the electrodes are narrower than the separator web and the separator web projects laterally beyond the electrodes. Furthermore, the raised portions can have different heights, and thus the applied pressing force can be adapted to the surface of the endless web in terms of the distribution and magnitude of these pressing forces. Furthermore, by setting different dimensions for opposing raised portions in terms of height, the press plane can be configured purposefully with respect to the endless web, and in particular, asymmetrically with respect to the central plane of the endless web.

[0016] Furthermore, it is proposed that the pressing device laminates the multi-layered endless web under the introduction of heat within the lamination device. Lamination, that is, the bonding of endless webs of separator material to each other and to electrodes, occurs by the penetration of polymer from one layer to the other, which is caused by adhesive forces acting within the interface. These adhesive forces can be simplified and achieved by introducing heat. In that case, however, it must be noted that the material within the interface is not compressed to such an extent that ion exchange, which is important for the function of the energy cell, is inhibited under the introduction of heat and the applied compressive force.

[0017] Furthermore, the press surface is provided with at least one first and second raised portion, It is proposed that these raised portions extend along the longitudinal direction of the endless web and are spaced apart from one another, and that this spacing is greater than the spacing between the side edges of the electrodes that extend along the longitudinal direction of the endless web. The electrodes are fixed to both edge sides of the endless web, which extends longitudinally parallel to the supply direction, during lamination, by the first and second ridges, thereby improving the fixation of the electrodes during lamination. In this case, the fixation of the electrodes does not need to be performed simultaneously. The fixing of these electrodes at the edges and sides of the electrodes can be done simultaneously, so that these electrodes are protected from sliding displacement simultaneously and on both sides by the first and second ridges during lamination. The distance between the first ridge and the second ridge is, in this case, the distance between the opposing edges and sides of the ridges, i.e., the width of the free recess between the two ridges.

[0018] Furthermore, within the endless web, multiple electrodes are provided that are regularly spaced apart from each other. The press surface is provided with at least one third and a fourth raised portion, and It is proposed that the fourth ridge has a spacing from the third ridge that corresponds to the length of the electrode in the longitudinal direction of the endless web. The third and fourth protrusions have the same function as the first and second protrusions, and are arranged so as to enter the intermediate space between the consecutive electrodes. In this case, the distance between the third and fourth ridges is purposefully selected to correspond to the length of the electrode, so that the third ridge enters the intermediate space and the fourth ridge enters the subsequent intermediate space, in accordance with the corresponding synchronization of the movement of the press surface relative to the endless web. The distance between the third and fourth ridges is the distance between the opposing side edges of both ridges. As long as the endless web is an endless web having intermittent coverings, the covered portions correspond to electrodes, and the distances between these coverings correspond to the distances between electrodes.

[0019] In that case, The first, second, third, and fourth ridges may, advantageously, be formed and positioned such that they complement a single recess corresponding to the outer shape of the electrode. Consequently, during lamination, the electrode is fixed entirely to the side edges of the electrode, and therefore, during lamination, the electrode is fixed relative to the endless web not only in the feeding direction or longitudinal direction of the endless web, but also perpendicular to the electrode.

[0020] Furthermore, the press device is equipped with two press rolls having a circular cross-section. It is proposed that these press rolls be arranged such that there is a gap between the outer surfaces of these press rolls through which the endless web passes. The advantage of the proposed solution lies in the fact that, by using press rolls within the proposed arrangement, lamination can be achieved with extremely high productivity, namely, at the transport speed of the endless web, advantageously within the drum process.

[0021] In that case, it is further proposed that the gap has a gap width, and that this gap width is smaller than the thickness of the endless web. As the endless web is transported through the gap, the pressing force required for lamination can be applied by these press rolls, depending on the proposed dimensions of the gap. Consequently, special feed movements of the press rolls are no longer necessary.

[0022] In that case, the first and / or second and / or third and / or fourth ridges may be advantageously positioned on a portion of the casing surface of one or both of the press rolls. By forming raised portions on the outer surface of the press rolls, these press rolls directly form pressed portions that conform to the contours of the electrodes positioned within the endless web.

[0023] In that case, it is proposed that the first and second ridges are positioned on the side edges of the casing surface. As a result, the first and second ridges come into contact within the edge portion of the endless web when the press roll rolls across the endless web. In that case, the first and second ridges can be realized on the sheath surface in the form of a closed ring extending around the periphery, so that the first and second ridges continuously contact the endless web and, in conjunction with the improved laminate, additionally form a guide for the endless web.

[0024] In that case, the third and fourth raised portions are further arranged parallel to at least one of the rotational axes of the press roll, and each raises a portion of the outer surface. It is proposed that the third and fourth ridges are spaced apart in the unfolding of the arc length of the sheath surface, and that this spacing is longer than the length of the electrode in the longitudinal direction of the endless web. The proposed solution ensures that, without the possibility of damaging the electrode edge zones by rolling along the ridges, the press rolls, in conjunction with the corresponding synchronization of the press roll rotational motion and the transport motion of the endless web, always enter the intermediate space between successively preceding and succeeding electrodes with the third and fourth ridges of these press rolls. The distance between the third and fourth ridges is, in that case, the unfolded length of the casing surface between the opposing edges of the ridges.

[0025] In that case, the press roll is The rotational axes of these press rolls are arranged so that they are parallel to each other. With the proposed arrangement of the press rolls, the rotational motion of these press rolls can be linked and synchronized with one another using a very simply configured drive mechanism, without changing the direction of this rotational motion.

[0026] Furthermore, the press device has at least one press belt, The press belt It is proposed that the press belt is positioned so as to contact one of the surfaces of the endless web. The press force acting on the endless web can be balanced by the press belt. In this case, the press belt is advantageously the same or larger in width perpendicular to the feeding direction of the endless web, so that the endless web is exposed to the press force and laminated across its entire width. The press belt can be formed such that it either generates the pressing force itself or is subjected to the pressing force via a separate pressing force generating device, such as a press roll. In the latter case, the pressing force is generated by the press roll and further transmitted to the endless web by the press belt. The press belt itself can be formed in the form of a flexible fiber-reinforced woven belt, a steel belt, or an extremely delicate link chain, or any other of the sort. In that case, the press belt can be formed as a driven endless belt, or as a fixed-position press belt with a friction-reduced surface. As long as the press belt is formed as a driven endless belt, this endless belt can additionally be used for transporting the endless web. Conversely, if the press belt is formed as a fixed-position press belt, additional equipment is required for transporting the endless web. In this case, the endless web is actively pulled out alongside the press belt.

[0027] In this case, the first and / or second and / or third and / or fourth ridges may be positioned on the surface of the press belt, which is advantageous to that extent. This is because the press belt contacts the surface of the endless web, and consequently, the pressing force is directly applied to and transmitted. Accordingly, the press belt, through the arrangement of the raised portions on the press belt itself, conforms to the shape and geometric shape of the endless web and the electrodes positioned on the endless web within the contour of the press belt.

[0028] In that case, two more press belts are provided, and these press belts It is proposed that these press belts, positioned opposite each other and facing the endless web, be arranged so that a gap is provided between them through which the endless web passes. The endless web can thus be subjected to and pressed by a pressing force on both sides, each via a single press belt. In that case, the gap width is advantageously only slightly smaller than the thickness of the endless web, and therefore the endless web is automatically subjected to the pressing force for lamination as it passes and with the corresponding support of the press belt.

[0029] Furthermore ,child These press surfaces are provided with a first raised portion and / or a second raised portion and / or a third raised portion and / or a fourth raised portion, The first, second, third, and / or fourth ridges of these press surfaces are spaced apart from each other. , and It is suggested that they have different shapes.

[0030] Due to the varying spacing of the raised areas, the press surfaces can be formed individually with respect to the contours on both sides of the endless web. As long as the endless web, for example, a four-layer endless web or a five-layer endless web, is formed by the structure described at the beginning, with cathodes and anodes arranged therein, the fact that the anode is basically larger than the cathode, and consequently the protected edges of the anode have a larger gap than the edges of the cathode, can be taken into consideration. 。 Change Furthermore, different shapes of the recesses may lead to different treatments of the electrode edges.

[0031] Furthermore, it is proposed that the pressing surface be adjustable in width. The adjustable width of the press surface allows the laminating device to be adjusted for laminating endless webs of different widths. In this case, the width of the press surface is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the endless web within the plane of the endless web.

[0032] Furthermore, it is advantageous for the pressing surface to have a width corresponding to the width of the endless web, or a multiple of this width. The proposed solution allows the laminating apparatus to be specifically formed for laminating an endless web of a specified width, or to laminate multiple endless webs of a specified width in a parallel arrangement. As long as the press surface is adjustable, a predetermined position of the width of the press surface is also intended for this purpose, and thus the press surface can be adjusted with little effort from a position for laminating a single endless web to a position for two or more parallel endless webs.

[0033] Furthermore, it is proposed that at least one of the raised sections can be heated. Heating of the raised portion can provide additional, localized assistance to the lamination process, alongside the applied pressure, and the shape and temperature of the heatable raised portion can be specifically adapted to the shape of the surface to be laminated.

[0034] The present invention will be described below based on advantageous embodiments and in reference to the attached figures. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0035] [Figure 1] This is a partial diagram of a laminating apparatus according to the present invention, showing together an endless web and a pressing device having two press rolls. [Figure 2] This is a partial diagram of a laminating apparatus according to the present invention, showing an endless web, a press device having two press rolls and two press belts, and a press belt. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0036] In Figure 1, a portion of a laminating apparatus according to the present invention can be seen. The laminating apparatus comprises a press having two press rolls 1 and 2, which are formed as a cylindrical drum having a circular cross-section. The press rolls 1 and 2 are aligned parallel to each other along their rotational axes, and are positioned such that a gap S with a constant gap width SW exists between the outer surfaces 12 and 13 of the press rolls in the direction of the rotational axes of the press rolls 1 and 2, and therefore perpendicular to the illustrated plane.

[0037] Furthermore, an endless web 3 to be laminated is provided, which extends through the gap S and has a thickness D. The endless web 3 is formed by a "three-layer" endless web 3 having a separator web 4 on the upper side, a separator web 6 on the lower side, and an electrode 5 positioned between them. The electrodes 5 are arranged with an intermediate space 8 at the same interval A, and have a width less than the separator webs 4 and 6, so that these separator webs 4 and 6 protrude laterally beyond the electrodes 5. Within the energy cell, the anode is fundamentally larger than the cathode, and since the separator webs 4 and 6 are identical and used for the placement of the cathode as well as the anode, when electrode 5 is the cathode, the spacing A of the intermediate space 8 and the free lateral edge zone are particularly large. In the reverse inference, if electrode 5 is the anode, the spacing A of the intermediate space 8 and the free edge side are smaller.

[0038] The gap width SW of the gap S is set to be smaller than the thickness D of the endless web 3, so that the endless web 3 is slightly compressed and laminated as it passes through the gap S. The thickness D2 of the separator webs 4 and 6 ranges from 15 to 25 μm, respectively, while the electrode 5 has a thickness D1 ranging from 150 to 400 μm. Consequently, in the embodiment at issue, the resulting electrode web thickness D ranges from approximately 180 μm to 450 μm. The gap width SW is set to be 20 to 100 μm, preferably 40 to 60 μm, smaller than the thickness D of the endless web 3, so that the endless web 3 is slightly compressed when passing through the gap S. The intermediate space 8 is formed by the spacing of the electrodes 5 and has a height corresponding to the thickness D1 of the electrodes 5, i.e., 150 to 400 μm. Furthermore, the intermediate space 8 has a length corresponding to the spacing A between the electrodes 5, which is 3 mm between the anodes and 6 mm between the cathodes in the supply direction T of the endless web 3. In this case, it is worth pursuing to make the spacing A between these electrodes 5 as small as possible in order to increase the material utilization of the endless web 3 and to increase the number of electrodes 5 within a predetermined length of the endless web 3.

[0039] The endless web 3 is transported in the supply direction T and, in that case, pulled through the gap S. The press rolls 1 and 2 can themselves be actively driven, for example by individual drive devices in the form of servo motors, to rotate in opposite directions aligned in the direction of the arrow P, so that these press rolls actively transport the endless web 3, additionally through frictional engagement. Selectively, the press rolls 1 and 2 may be supported only rotatably, and thus these press rolls may be driven by themselves to rotate through frictional engagement with the endless web 3. In this case, the press rolls 1 and 2 simply roll passively on the surface of the endless web 3.

[0040] Both press rolls 1 and 2 are provided with a third raised portion 10 and a fourth raised portion 11 in the form of projections or planar portions that protrude radially outward from the outer surfaces 12 and 13, and these third raised portion 10 and fourth raised portion 11 are narrower than the spacing A of the electrodes 5 in the intermediate space when unfolding the outer periphery with respect to the rotation axis of the press rolls 1 and 2. To the extent that the present invention is described with respect to the third and fourth protrusions 10 and 11, and hereafter with respect to the first and second protrusions, the designations first, second, third, and fourth do not imply any order or sequence. Accordingly, the designations "third" and "fourth" do not necessarily presuppose the presence of the first and second protrusions, and vice versa. These markings are used solely for the identification of raised areas, where each raised area is defined by its orientation and arrangement.

[0041] The third and fourth raised portions 10 and 11 have heights H1 and H2, extending from the outer surfaces 12 and 13, and their sum corresponds to a maximum of the electrode thickness D1, i.e., depending on the electrode thickness D1 between 150 μm and 400 μm. The third and fourth raised portions 10 and 11 are positioned on the press rolls 1 and 2 such that they contact the endless web 3 within the area of ​​the intermediate space 8 during the transport motion of the endless web 3 and the rotational motion of the press rolls 1 and 2, and that they crush the separator webs 4 and 6 within the area of ​​the intermediate space 8. The heights H1 and H2 of the third and fourth protrusions 10 and 11 may be configured in that case, in particular for the endless web 3 to be laminated, and taking into consideration the spacing A of the intermediate space 8, the thickness D2 of the separator webs 4 and 6, and the thickness D1 of the electrode 5. In that case, the third and fourth protrusions 10 and 11 intentionally have different heights H1 and H2, advantageously between 0 and 400 μm, so that these third and fourth protrusions penetrate into the intermediate space at different depths, giving an asymmetrical separation plane between the third and fourth protrusions 10 and 11 with respect to the central plane of the electrode 5.

[0042] Furthermore, the third and fourth protrusions 10 and 11 additionally form a morphologically engaged connection between the press rolls 1 and 2 and the endless web 3, so that these press rolls 1 and 2 are connected to the endless web 3 in an improved manner with respect to force transmission for the active driving of the endless web 3. The same is true, of course, when press rolls 1 and 2 are not actively driven and are not driven by the endless web 3.

[0043] For a solution according to the present invention, taking into consideration the thickness D2 of the separator web and the distance A between the electrodes, The widths of the third and fourth raised portions 10 and 11, formed by the expansion of the arc lengths of the radially outward end faces of the third and fourth raised portions 10 and 11 in the circumferential direction of the press rolls 1 and 2, It is important that the third and fourth ridges 10 and 11 are supported in the separator webs 4 and 6, and that the separator webs 4 and 6 are dimensionally set so that they are pressed toward each other within the area of ​​the intermediate space 8.

[0044] Furthermore, it is possible that a fourth raised portion 11, or yet another raised portion identical or similarly different in form, may be provided in addition to the third raised portion 10 on the press rolls 1 and 2, and these raised portions are In the rotational direction of press rolls 1 and 2, the distance U to the third raised portion 10, formed by the length of the unfolded arch-shaped segment, corresponds to a length equal to the length of the electrode 5 plus the tolerance value in the longitudinal direction of the endless web 3. They are positioned on the coat surfaces 12 and 13. Accordingly, the press rolls 1 and 2 having the third raised portion 10 always enter one of the intermediate spaces 8, and the fourth raised portion 11 always enters the subsequent intermediate space 8 of the endless web 3 between the electrodes 5 and laminates the endless web 3.

[0045] The outer surfaces 12 and 13 here form the press surfaces of the press device, and these press surfaces are individually contoured for the endless web 3 to be laminated by the configuration of the third ridge 10 and the fourth ridge 11, and, where present, by any further ridges. In this case, the third ridge 10 and the fourth ridge 11, and the intermediate space 8 are exaggerated in the illustration for clarity.

[0046] Selective embodiments of the present invention can be identified within Figure 2. The press apparatus here further comprises two press belts 20 and 21 alongside both press rolls 1 and 2, which contact the upper and lower surfaces of the endless web 3. The press rolls 1 and 2 here are formed and arranged identically to the press rolls 1 and 2 in Figure 1, differing only in that these press rolls are formed as cylindrical drums having outer casings 12 and 13 with the same radius around their circumference. The press rolls 1 and 2 are in contact with the free surfaces of both press belts 20 and 21. The press belts 20 and 21 here have a third ridge 10 and a fourth ridge 11 on the surface of these press belts facing the endless web 3, and therewith, they form a pressing surface of the press device that acts on the endless web 3. Press rolls 1 and 2 may, however, have different diameters and radii, as long as it is advantageous for lamination.

[0047] The third and fourth raised portions 10 and 11 of the press belts 20 and 21 are sized and positioned to correspond to the third and fourth raised portions 10 and 11 of the press rolls 1 and 2 in the first embodiment. The important gap S and gap width SW for laminating the endless web 3 are, in this case, defined by the spacing of the press belts 20 and 21, and so the press rolls 1 and 2 have a spacing that is increased by the sum of the thicknesses of the press belts 20 and 21 by the outer surfaces 12 and 13 of these press rolls. Furthermore, it is possible that additional ridges may be arranged on the press belts 20 and 21, and these ridges are spaced further apart from each other than the length of the electrode 5 in the supply direction T of the endless web 3. In this case, the spacing between these ridges is the spacing between the opposing side edges of these ridges.

[0048] Selectively or additionally, further first and second protrusions may be provided on the third and fourth protrusions 10 and 11 on the side edges of the press belts 20 and 21, or on the press rolls 1 and 2 in the embodiment of Figure 1. These first and second raised portions crush the separator webs 4 and 6 at their edges and are adjacent to the edge surfaces of the electrode 5 extending in the supply direction T.

[0049] As long as the first and second protrusions are also provided, similar to the third and fourth protrusions 10 and 11, These third and fourth protrusions 10 and 11, together with these first and second protrusions and / or any other protrusions, are complementary to form recesses that correspond to the outer shape of the electrode 5. Therefore, without applying increased pressing force to the electrode 5, the press rolls 1 and 2, or the press belts 20 and 21, laminate the endless web 3 in a stamp-like manner.

[0050] The press surfaces, by the third and fourth ridges 10 and 11, and the first and second ridges, and / or, where present, any other ridges, collectively and individually, in the formed state of these press surfaces, form contour surfaces adapted to the endless web 3 to be laminated. This contour surface allows the endless web 3 to be laminated in an improved manner, taking into account the intermediate space 8 and the edge portions of the separator webs 4 and 6 that protrude beyond the electrodes 5.

[0051] The press rolls 1 and 2 here form a pressing force generating device, which here applies a pressing force to the press belts 20 and 21. As a pressing force generating device, however, similarly, bar carpets (Stangenteppich), pressing units having corresponding pressing cylinders, pneumatic pressing force generating devices having, for example, air-fillable cushions, and other such devices, These can be used insofar as they are suitable for evenly applying the required pressing force to the press belts 20 and 21.

[0052] In these embodiments, a laminate of an endless web 3 having cut electrodes 5 arranged at intervals A from each other was described. However, it is also possible to laminate the endless web 3 having an endless electrode web using a laminating device. In this case, the third and fourth raised portions 10 and 11 are omitted, and only the first and second raised portions are provided within the region of the edge side surface of the press surface. The first and second raised portions are formed as penetrating and upright edges in the case of press surface realization in press belts 20 and 21, corresponding to the overlapping edges of separator webs 4 and 6, or as protruding rings on the side edges of the outer surfaces 12 and 13 in the case of press surface realization in press rolls 1 and 2.

[0053] The first and second ridges extend in the longitudinal direction with respect to the press surface, the endless web 3 to be laminated, and the supply direction T. Accordingly, these are also considered as longitudinal ribs, and these longitudinal ribs are arranged parallel to each other and have a distance between them that corresponds to at least one width of the electrode 5. The third and fourth raised portions 10 and 11 extend laterally with respect to the press surface, the endless web 3 to be laminated, and the supply direction T. Furthermore, these are also considered as lateral ribs, and each of these lateral ribs has a gap between it and the others, and this gap is longer than the length of the electrode 5 in the longitudinal direction of the endless web 3.

[0054] As long as the electrode 5 is positioned within the endless web 3 without being cut, that is, within a single section, the intermediate space 8 and consequently the third and fourth protrusions 10 and 11 are omitted, and only the first and second protrusions are provided. Furthermore, unless necessary to reduce the corresponding load on the ridges, the first and second ridges on the side edges of the press surface may also be omitted individually or together, and therefore, in this case, only the third and / or fourth ridges 10 and 11 may be provided.

[0055] Generally, the load on the endless web 3 during lamination within the ridge region of electrode 5 is reduced by the press surface surrounding electrode 5 within these ridge regions. As long as the pressing force on the endless web 3 increases within the thickness of the endless web, for example, based on the shape inaccuracy of the endless web 3, the pressing motion of the endless web 3 is limited by the press device being supported on the separator webs 4 and 6 via the first, second, third and / or fourth ridges 10 and 11. Accordingly, the pressing force applied by the press device to the endless web 3, and especially to the electrodes 5 within the ridge region, is limited to its maximum value. Furthermore, these raised portions simultaneously form contact surfaces that engage due to their shape, and these raised portions fix the electrodes 5 in one direction during lamination. This is particularly advantageous when the electrode 5 is already in a cut state within the endless web 3, and the third and fourth protrusions 10 and 11 enter the intermediate space 8, thereby fixing the electrode 5 in order to realize the intermediate space 8 with the minimum possible spacing in the alignment of these electrodes with one another.

[0056] Furthermore, the heights H1 and H2 of the third and fourth raised portions 10 and 11 can be purposefully selected so that the endless web 3 is laminated within a defined press surface at the edge portion adjacent to the electrode 5. The same, of course, applies to the heights of the first and second raised portions, which are not shown in the figure.

[0057] The designations for the first, second, third, and fourth raised portions are used solely for the purpose of identifying these raised portions. If the third and fourth raised portions 10 and 11 are realized for the realization of the idea of ​​the invention, it is not necessarily required that the first and second raised portions be realized. In this case, the first raised portion is realized by the third or fourth raised portion 10 or 11 according to claim 1. If no third and fourth protrusions 10 and 11 are provided, and instead only the first and second protrusions are provided on the side edges of the press surface, the same is true in the reverse case.

[0058] Similar to the first and second ridges, the third and fourth ridges 10 and 11 can also be heated individually or in a combined state, and their temperatures can therefore be individually adjusted for purposeful purposes for improved lamination. However, it is also possible to consider forming the raised portion purely passively, i.e., not by heating, and generating the laminate solely through the applied pressure. While this application relates to the invention described in the claims, it may also encompass the following other embodiments. 1. A laminating apparatus for a multilayer endless web (3) comprising at least one separator web (4, 6) and at least one electrode (5) for the manufacture of an energy cell, wherein the laminating apparatus is - It has a press device, which laminates the multilayer endless web (3) under the action of pressing force. In the laminating apparatus described above, - The press device has a press surface having at least one protrusion that protrudes outward, and the protrusion is The raised portion contacts a portion of the endless web (3) adjacent to the edge side of the electrode (5) when the pressing force is applied. Placed A laminating apparatus characterized by the following features. 2. - The press device laminates the multilayer endless web (3) under the introduction of heat. The laminating apparatus according to item 1 above, characterized by the features described above. 3. - The press surface is provided with at least one first and second raised portion, These raised portions extend along the longitudinal direction of the endless web (3) and are spaced apart from one another, and this spacing is greater than the spacing between the side edges of the electrodes (5) that extend along the longitudinal direction of the endless web (3). The laminating apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 above, characterized by the above. 4. - Within the endless web (3), multiple electrodes (5) are provided, which are regularly spaced apart from each other. - The press surface is provided with at least one third raised portion (10) and a fourth raised portion (11), and, - The fourth protrusion (11) has a distance (U) greater than the length of the electrode (5) in the longitudinal direction of the endless web (3) from the third protrusion (10). A laminating apparatus according to any one of the above 1 to 3, characterized by the features described above. 5. - The first, second, third (10), and fourth (11) ridges are: These protrusions are formed and arranged to complement a single protrusion, and the morphology of this protrusion corresponds to the outer shape of the electrode (5). The laminating apparatus according to items 3 and 4 above, characterized by the features described above. 6. - The press device is equipped with two press rolls (1, 2) having a circular cross-section. These press rolls are arranged such that there is a gap (S) between the outer surfaces (12, 13) of these press rolls through which the endless web (3) passes. A laminating apparatus according to any one of the above 1 to 5, characterized by the features described above. 7. - The gap (S) has a gap width (SW), and this gap width is smaller than the thickness (D) of the endless web (3). The laminating apparatus according to item 6 above, characterized by the features described above. 8. - The first and / or second and / or third and / or fourth (11) protrusions are located on a portion of the outer surface (12, 13) of one or both press rolls (1, 2). A laminating apparatus characterized by any one of the above 3 to 5, and the laminating apparatus according to 6 or 7. 9. - The first and second ridges are located on the side edges of the mantle surfaces (12, 13). The laminating apparatus according to item 8 above, characterized by the features described above. 10. - The third protrusion (10) and the fourth protrusion (11) are arranged parallel to at least one of the rotational axes of the press rolls (1, 2), and - The third ridge (10) and the fourth ridge (11) have a distance (U) from each other in the development of the arc length of the outer surface (12, 13), The laminating apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that this interval is longer than the length of the electrodes (5) in the longitudinal direction of the endless web (3). 11. - Press rolls (1, 2) are The rotational axes of these press rolls are arranged so that they are aligned parallel to each other. A laminating apparatus according to any one of the above 6 to 10, characterized by the features described above. 12. - The press device has at least one press belt (20, 21), The press belt is The press belt is positioned so as to contact one of the surfaces of the endless web (3). A laminating apparatus according to any one of the above 1 to 11, characterized by the features described above. 13. - The raised portion is located on the surface (18, 19) of the press belt (20, 21). The laminating apparatus according to item 12, characterized by the above. 14. - Two press belts (20, 21) are provided. These press belts The surfaces (18, 19) of these press belts, which are facing each other and oriented toward the endless web (3), are arranged such that a gap (S) is provided between them through which the endless web (3) passes. The laminating apparatus according to 12 or 13, characterized by the above. 15. - The gap width (SW) of the gap (S) is, It is just a little less than the thickness (D) of the endless web (3), The laminating apparatus according to item 14, characterized by the above. 16. - The press device has two pressing surfaces positioned opposite each other, and these pressing surfaces allow the press device to contact different sides of the endless web (3), and - These press surfaces are provided with a first raised portion and / or a second raised portion and / or a third raised portion (10) and / or a fourth raised portion (11), and - The first, second, third (10) and / or fourth (11) of these press surfaces have different spacings and / or different heights and / or different shapes. A laminating apparatus according to any one of the above 1 to 15, characterized by the features described above. 17. - The pressing surface is adjustable in width. A laminating apparatus according to any one of the above 1 to 16, characterized by the features described above. 18. - The pressing surface has a width corresponding to the width of the endless web (3), or a multiple of this width. A laminating apparatus according to any one of the above 1 to 17, characterized by the features described above. 19. - At least one raised portion is heatable. A laminating apparatus according to any one of the above 1 to 18, characterized by the features described above.

Claims

1. A laminating apparatus for a multilayer endless web (3) comprising at least one separator web (4, 6) and at least one electrode (5) for the manufacture of an energy cell, wherein the laminating apparatus is - It has a press device, and this press device laminates the multilayer endless web (3) under the action of pressing force. In the laminating apparatus described above, - The press device has a press surface having at least one protruding portion that extends outward, and the protruding portion is The raised portion contacts a portion of the endless web (3) adjacent to the edge side of the electrode (5) when the pressing force is applied. Placed A laminating apparatus characterized by the following features.

2. - The press device laminates the multilayer endless web (3) under the introduction of heat. The laminating apparatus according to feature 1.

3. - The press surface is provided with at least one first and second raised portion, These raised portions extend along the longitudinal direction of the endless web (3) and are spaced apart from one another, and this spacing is greater than the spacing between the side edges of the electrodes (5) that extend along the longitudinal direction of the endless web (3). The laminating apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. - Within the endless web (3), a plurality of electrodes (5) are provided, which are regularly spaced apart from each other. - The press surface is provided with at least one third raised portion (10) and a fourth raised portion (11), and, - The fourth protrusion (11) has a distance (U) greater than the length of the electrode (5) in the longitudinal direction of the endless web (3) from the third protrusion (10). A laminating apparatus according to any one of features 1 to 3.

5. - The first raised portion, the second raised portion, the third raised portion (10), and the fourth raised portion (11) are, These raised portions are formed and arranged to complement each other into a single raised portion, and in the form of this raised portion, the shape corresponds to the outer shape of the electrode (5). The laminating apparatus according to features 3 and 4.

6. - The press device is equipped with two press rolls (1, 2) having a circular cross-section. These press rolls are arranged such that there is a gap (S) between the outer surfaces (12, 13) of the press rolls through which the endless web (3) passes. A laminating apparatus according to any one of features 1 to 5.

7. - The gap (S) has a gap width (SW), and this gap width is smaller than the thickness (D) of the endless web (3). The laminating apparatus according to feature 6.

8. - The first and / or second and / or third and / or fourth (11) protrusions are located on a portion of the outer surface (12, 13) of one or both press rolls (1, 2). A laminating apparatus according to any one of features 3 to 5, and the laminating apparatus according to 6 or 7.

9. - The first and second raised portions are located on the side edges of the outer surface (12, 13). The laminating apparatus according to feature 8.

10. - The third protrusion (10) and the fourth protrusion (11) are arranged parallel to at least one of the rotation axes of the press rolls (1, 2), and - The third raised portion (10) and the fourth raised portion (11) have a distance (U) from each other in the development of the arc length of the outer surface (12, 13), The laminating apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that this interval is longer than the length of the electrodes (5) in the longitudinal direction of the endless web (3).

11. - The press rolls (1, 2) are The rotational axes of these press rolls are arranged so that they are aligned parallel to each other. The laminating apparatus according to any one of features 6 to 10.

12. - The press device has at least one press belt (20, 21), The press belt is The press belt is positioned so as to contact one of the surfaces of the endless web (3). A laminating apparatus according to any one of features 1 to 11.

13. - The raised portion is located on the surface (18, 19) of the press belt (20, 21). The laminating apparatus according to feature 12.

14. - Two press belts (20, 21) are provided. These press belts The press belts are positioned opposite each other and are oriented toward the endless web (3), with a gap (S) provided between them through which the endless web (3) passes. The laminating apparatus according to claim 12 or 13.

15. - The gap width (SW) of the gap (S) is, It is just a little less than the thickness (D) of the endless web (3), The laminating apparatus according to feature 14.

16. - The press device has two pressing surfaces positioned opposite each other, and these pressing surfaces allow the press device to contact different sides of the endless web (3), and - These press surfaces are provided with a first raised portion and / or a second raised portion and / or a third raised portion (10) and / or a fourth raised portion (11), and - The first, second, third (10) and / or fourth (11) of these press surfaces have different spacings and / or different heights and / or different shapes. A laminating apparatus according to any one of features 1 to 15.

17. - The pressing surface is adjustable in width. A laminating apparatus according to any one of features 1 to 16.

18. - The pressing surface has a width corresponding to the width of the endless web (3), or a multiple of this width. A laminating apparatus according to any one of features 1 to 17.

19. - At least one raised portion is heatable. A laminating apparatus according to any one of features 1 to 18.

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