Device and method for conveying value documents or flat elements for the production of galvanic cells

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for influencing a movement of flat elements (2) for the production of galvanic cells or value documents (2). The device (1) comprises a conveying region (10), which provides a space for moving a flat element (2) or a value document (2). The device (1) also comprises a gas supply unit (20), which supplies a first gas flow (21), directed in a first direction (31), to the conveying region (10) in order to thus exert a first force (41) on the flat element (2) or value document (2). The gas supply unit (20) or a further gas supply unit (20') supplies a second gas flow (22) to the conveying region (10) in order to thus exert a second force (42) on the flat element (2) or value document (2). A first volume flow allocated to the first gas flow (21) can be set independently of a second volume flow allocated to the second gas flow (22), or a second volume flow allocated to the second gas flow (22) can be set independently of a first volume flow allocated to the first gas flow (21) in order to thus influence the movement of the flat element (2) or the value document (2). The invention also relates to a method for conveying flat elements (2) or value documents (2).

Description

[0001] Device and method for conveying valuable documents or flat elements for the production of galvanic cells

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to the transport of flat objects using gas streams. In particular, the invention relates to a device for transporting valuable documents or flat elements for the production of galvanic cells, as well as a method for transporting valuable documents or flat elements for the production of galvanic cells.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] In the manufacture of electrochemical energy storage devices, e.g., batteries, or electrochemical energy converters, e.g., fuel cells for electric vehicles, flat elements, e.g., battery elements such as monocells or individual electrodes, are produced in preliminary processes. In particular, anodes, cathodes, anode-separator combinations, cathode-separator combinations, or anode-separator-cathode-separator combinations can be produced. However, such flat elements or battery elements do not always need to be processed continuously, but can be temporarily stored in magazines or intermediate storage units. However, this requires that the flat elements be removed from the magazines or intermediate storage units.Handling processes are known for this purpose that involve separating flat elements from a stack of flat elements, but these are usually slow or difficult to implement. Furthermore, the transport of such flat elements between individual processing devices is often difficult with regard to the precise positioning and alignment of the flat elements during transport. It may happen that the flat elements deviate from the intended transport path during transport, requiring the flat elements to be positioned and aligned using complex alignment modules to return them to the correct transport position.

[0006] The same essentially applies to valuable documents, such as banknotes, when they are separated from a stack of valuable documents and transported further. This results in similar difficulties with valuable documents as with flat elements or battery elements, particularly concerning the precise positioning and alignment during separation or transport of the valuable documents.

[0007] Description

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to be able to better influence the movement of value documents or of flat elements for the production of galvanic cells during the conveying or singling of the value documents or flat elements.

[0009] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Exemplary embodiments emerge from the dependent claims and the following description.

[0010] According to one aspect, a device is provided for influencing the movement of value documents or of planar elements for the production of galvanic cells, in particular battery cells. The device can be (specifically) designed to influencing the movement of value documents. Alternatively, it can be (specifically) designed to influencing the movement of planar elements for the production of galvanic cells. However, the device could also be suitable for influencing the movement of both—value documents and planar elements for the production of galvanic cells.

[0011] The device comprises a conveying region that provides a space for moving a planar element for the production of galvanic cells or a value document. The device further comprises a gas supply unit that is designed to supply a first gas stream directed in a first direction to the conveying region, thereby exerting a first force on the planar element or value document located in the conveying region. The gas supply unit or a further gas supply unit is designed to supply a second gas stream to the conveying region, thereby exerting a second force on the planar element or value document located in the conveying region.A first volume flow associated with the first gas flow is adjustable independently of a second volume flow associated with the second gas flow, or a second volume flow associated with the second gas flow is adjustable independently of a first volume flow associated with the first gas flow, in order to influence the movement of the flat element or valuable document located in the transport area. Only one of the volume flows or both volume flows can be adjustable.

[0012] The device according to the invention can be used to improve the positioning accuracy or positional accuracy of flat elements for the production of galvanic cells, in particular battery cells, or valuable documents during transport. Advantageously, force components or motion components during the transport of the flat elements or valuable documents can be specifically and individually adjusted by adjusting individual gas volume flows supplied to the transport area. This is particularly advantageous when the flat elements or valuable documents are transported in a suspended state through the transport area, since the flat elements or valuable documents are transported through the transport area without contact, i.e., in a suspended state.By transporting the flat elements or valuable documents in suspension, wear and tear of the flat elements or valuable documents during the transport process can be avoided, as the flat elements or valuable documents do not come into contact with any transport devices. The suspension of the flat elements or valuable documents can be provided and adjusted by appropriate flow characteristics of the gas streams in the transport area.

[0013] In particular, the device according to the invention can be used to improve the positioning accuracy or the positional accuracy of planar elements, in particular battery elements, or valuable documents during the separation of a stack of planar elements or valuable documents. The planar elements can be, for example, battery elements.

[0014] The device according to the invention also allows for the alignment or adjustment of the movement direction of the flat elements or valuable documents during suspended transport to be carried out completely contactlessly. This is because the independent adjustment of at least two separate gas flows allows the directional components for the movement of the flat elements or valuable documents to be specifically and actively influenced, so that a flat element or valuable document that may have been offset from the ideal transport path or transported at an angle can be returned to the ideal transport path by specifically adjusting, for example, the first gas flow and / or the second gas flow.The setting of the two gas flows can exert different force components on the flat element or valuable document, which ultimately influences the movement, for example a translational movement and / or rotational movement of the flat element or valuable document in the transport area.

[0015] As explained in more detail below, the first gas stream and / or the second gas stream can each comprise a plurality of individual gas streams, or a third gas stream can be provided, which in turn comprises a plurality of individual gas streams. The first gas stream, the second gas stream, and any further gas streams can each be introduced into the conveying area in different directions in order to be able to steer the flat element or value document in different directions. In other words, a plurality of gas streams can be introduced into the conveying area, each of which can differ from one another in terms of their strength, i.e., their volume flow, and their direction.

[0016] The device according to the invention can be a device for conveying valuable documents.

[0017] However, the device according to the invention can also be a device for influencing the movement of planar elements for the production of galvanic cells. These can be planar elements for the production of galvanic cells, in particular electrochemical energy storage devices, in particular batteries, or electrochemical energy converters, in particular tertiary cells, such as fuel cells.

[0018] For example, the device according to the invention can be a device for conveying battery elements.

[0019] The term "battery" is generally used as a generic term for primary cells and secondary cells. The planar elements can be battery elements for producing a primary cell or a secondary cell. For example, the battery elements are monocells, bicells, individual electrodes such as anodes or cathodes, or anode-separator combinations, cathode-separator combinations, or anode-separator-cathode-separator combinations.

[0020] The flat elements can also be fuel cell elements, such as

[0021] Fuel cell electrodes (fuel cell anodes or fuel cell cathodes) or combinations of fuel cell anodes and / or fuel cell cathodes and other elements (e.g., membranes or plates) or individual fuel cell units (several of which are connected together to form a fuel cell). The flat elements can also be battery elements or fuel cell elements that are coated and / or arranged on a carrier.

[0022] In the case of valuable documents, these can be banknotes or identification documents, but also shares, certificates, stamps, checks, admission tickets, tickets, airline tickets, identity cards, visa stickers or similar items, as well as labels, seals or other elements.

[0023] The gas streams are each introduced into the transport area from the gas supply unit. The transport area can be viewed as a free space directly adjacent to a dispensing opening through which a flat element or value document is provided. The gas streams supplied by the gas supply unit can flow freely in the transport area. In particular, a flow with a specific flow character can develop within the transport area. The gas streams can be configured or interact with one another in such a way that a buoyancy effect acts on a flat element or value document in order to lift it, for example from a stack of flat elements or from a stack of value documents, or to simply transport it along a transport path located in the transport area.The lifting or transport of the flat elements or valuable documents can be carried out in such a way that only a single flat element or valuable document moves through the transport area and is transported there by the gas flow. In other words, the flat elements or valuable documents can be transported individually and one after the other through the transport area.

[0024] The gas used for the first gas stream and / or the second gas stream can be air, for example, so that the gas supply unit can be an air supply unit or a blowing air unit that feeds or blows an air stream into the conveying area. According to one embodiment, the conveying area corresponds to a separation area for separating the planar element or a separation area for separating the value document from a stack, i.e., from a stack of planar elements or from a value document stack.

[0025] Separation can correspond to lifting and transporting the flat element or value document away from the stack. For this purpose, a receiving unit can be provided, for example, which is designed to receive a stack containing a plurality of flat elements or value documents and to provide the flat elements or value documents one after the other to the separating area. During separation, the flat elements or value documents can be transported away from the stack one after the other by the gas streams in a lifting or withdrawal direction, whereby the topmost flat element or value document can initially be moved slightly upwards at an angle when lifted from the stack.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the gas supply unit is designed to supply the second gas flow to the conveying area in a second direction in order to thus exert the second force on the planar element or value document located in the conveying area, wherein the first direction differs from the second direction.

[0027] The gas supply unit can be designed to use the first gas flow to exert the first force on the planar element or value document located in the transport area, in order to cause the planar element or value document located in the transport area to move along a first direction of movement, for example along a main direction of movement or a withdrawal direction, via which the planar element or value document is transported to a further transport device. The gas supply unit can further be designed to use the second gas flow to exert the second force on the planar element or value document located in the transport area, in order to cause the planar element or value document located in the transport area to move along a second direction of movement, which differs from the first direction of movement. The second direction of movement can be transverse or oblique to the main direction of movement orto the withdrawal direction. Thus, a force component and thus a movement component can be imprinted on the flat element or valuable document, which can, for example, act transversely to the main direction of movement or the withdrawal direction. In this way, a lateral positioning or alignment option for the flat element or valuable document can be provided in order to place it on a predetermined transport path. The second gas stream directed in the second direction can therefore be introduced into the transport area at any angle relative to the first gas stream directed in the first direction.

[0028] If the volume flow of the first gas stream is now also adjusted independently of the volume flow of the second gas stream, the force component and thus the directional component acting on the flat element or valuable document through the volume flow of the first gas stream can be specifically adjusted relative to the force component and thus the directional component acting on the flat element or valuable document through the volume flow of the second gas stream. This allows for precise positioning and spatial alignment of the flat element or valuable document within the transport area, i.e., during transport.

[0029] A possible application scenario could involve the first gas stream levitate the flat elements or valuable documents, while a second gas stream moves these elements in a transport direction. Thus, the strength of the first gas stream can be adjusted to the weight of the flat elements or valuable documents. The second gas stream can then be used to adjust the acceleration in the transport direction. This application scenario allows the gas streams to be independently adjusted specifically for their respective requirements.According to one embodiment, the gas supply unit is designed to supply the first gas flow and / or the second gas flow into the conveying area, so that a negative pressure is created in the conveying area in order to lift the planar element or value document located in the conveying area from a stack of planar elements or value documents, for example the stack already mentioned above, by means of the negative pressure generated, or to maintain a suspended state of the planar element or value document located in the conveying area by means of the negative pressure generated.

[0030] As indicated above, the flat element or valuable document can be lifted from a stack of flat elements or from a stack of valuable documents provided below the conveying area and then conveyed through the conveying area.

[0031] The gas supply unit can introduce or blow the first and / or second gas stream into the conveying area, creating a negative pressure in the conveying area. The negative pressure can be caused by the accelerated first and / or the accelerated second gas stream, whereby the Bemoulli effect comes into play. The topmost flat element or valuable document can then be attracted from the stack and moved through the conveying area to an adjacent, onward transport device. By targeting the surface of the currently topmost flat element, the movement and orientation of this flat element conveyed in the conveying area can be precisely controlled.

[0032] For example, the gas supply unit can introduce or blow the first gas stream into the conveying area in such a way that only a vertical upward force acts within the conveying area due to the first gas stream. At the same time, the gas supply unit can introduce or blow the second gas stream into the conveying area in such a way that a feed force acts within the conveying area due to the second gas stream in the main direction of movement or withdrawal direction towards the onward transport device. Instead, the second gas stream can also be introduced or blown into the conveying area in such a way that a lateral or obliquely directed force acts within the conveying area due to the second gas stream, which conveys the flat element or valuable document towards one side of the device and thus transversely to the main direction of movement or withdrawal direction.

[0033] It can also be provided that the gas supply unit inputs or blows the first gas stream into the conveying area in such a way that within the conveying area only a feed force acts in the main direction of movement or withdrawal direction towards the onward transport device by the first gas stream, while the second gas stream is input or blown into the conveying area in such a way that within the conveying area a lateral or obliquely directed force acts by the second gas stream, which conveys the flat element or value document towards one side of the device and thus transversely to the main direction of movement or withdrawal direction.

[0034] Thus, various combinations of gas flow directions exist with respect to the flat element or valuable document. These can be supplemented by a third, fourth, etc. gas flow, each of which can differ in its flow direction into the transport area.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the gas supply unit is designed to supply the first gas stream into the conveying region such that the first gas stream impinges on a surface of the planar element or value document located in the conveying region, in particular on an uppermost planar element or value document of the stack, at a first angle. The gas supply unit is designed to supply the second gas stream into the conveying region such that the second gas stream impinges on the surface of the planar element or value document located in the conveying region, in particular on the uppermost planar element or value document of the stack, at a second angle. The first angle differs in magnitude from the second angle. Various combinations are possible. In one example, the first angle is approximately 90° and the second angle is approximately 30° to 45°.In another example, the first angle is approximately 30° to 45° and the second angle is also approximately 30° to 45°, although the directions in which the first gas stream and the second gas stream impinge on the surface of the planar element or value document may nevertheless be different. In the latter case, the first gas stream may impinge on the surface at an angle but still be directed in the main direction of movement or withdrawal direction, whereas the second gas stream may also impinge on the surface at an angle but additionally has a transverse component and is thus oriented at an angle to the main direction of movement or withdrawal direction, in order to set a lateral movement of the planar element or value document relative to the main direction of movement or withdrawal direction.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the device further comprises a control unit which is designed to control a direction of movement of the planar element or value document by means of a regulation of the first volume flow assigned to the first gas flow and / or by means of a regulation of the second volume flow assigned to the second gas flow, wherein the control unit is designed to change the first volume flow and the second volume flow relative to one another, in particular to change a strength of the first volume flow and the second volume flow independently of one another.

[0037] The regulation can therefore be carried out using a control unit, wherein input information for processing in a processor of the control unit can include, for example, current position and / or orientation information with regard to the flat element or value document. Based on such position and / or orientation information with regard to the flat element or value document, the control unit can therefore actively control a movement or direction of movement of the flat element or value document by adjusting the first volume flow and the second volume flow independently of one another. The regulation can comprise a decrease or increase in the respective volume flow. The input information can be obtained via corresponding sensors in the device, for example via optical sensors or proximity sensors.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the first volume flow associated with the first gas flow and / or the second volume flow associated with the second gas flow are adjustable depending on a deviation between an actual position and a desired position of the planar element or value document in the conveying area.

[0039] The actual position can indicate the current position of the flat element or valuable document in the transport area. This actual position can be obtained by appropriate sensors in the device, for example, via optical sensors, proximity sensors, or a light barrier curtain arranged transversely to the transport path of the flat element or valuable document.

[0040] The target position can indicate a desired or specified or ideal position of the flat element or valuable document in the transport area, which should ideally be maintained for the transport of the flat element or valuable document through the transport area.

[0041] If a flat element or valuable document located in the transport area deviates from a predetermined transport path, for example, the flat element or valuable document that has deviated from the predetermined transport path can be brought back onto the predetermined transport path immediately by regulating the first and / or the second volume flow. Analogously, the first volume flow assigned to the first gas flow and / or the second volume flow assigned to the second gas flow can also be adjustable depending on a deviation between an actual orientation and a target orientation of the flat element or valuable document in the transport area. In this way, both the position and the orientation of the flat element or valuable document can be kept within predetermined limits while the flat element or valuable document is being transported through the transport area.This enables precise transfer of the flat element or valuable document to a further transport device or processing device that is connected to the transport area.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the device further comprises a guide element which provides an upper boundary of the conveying region, in particular a boundary of the conveying region arranged above the stack, wherein the guide element has at least one first gas supply opening which is designed to supply the first gas flow directed in the first direction into the conveying region, and wherein the guide element has at least one second gas supply opening which is designed to supply the second gas flow into the conveying region, or a further guide element which provides a further upper boundary of the conveying region, in particular above the stack, and is arranged directly next to the guide element, has a second gas supply opening which is designed to supply the second gas flow into the conveying region.

[0043] The guide element and / or the further guide element can be arranged so close to the uppermost flat element or value document of the stack that the negative pressure in the conveying area is generated by means of the Bemoulli effect.

[0044] The guide element can be designed as a guide plate having a guide surface facing the conveying area. The guide plate can thus serve as a guide element that prevents the conveyed flat element or valuable document from moving uncontrollably out of the conveying area. The guide element can form an upper boundary of the conveying area or free space. The free space can delimit a flow area with a flow that remains constant over time, wherein the flow in the conveying area can be varied by regulating the first and / or second volume flow. The guide element can therefore interact with the gas flows in the conveying area such that the flat element or valuable document is transported out of the conveying area in a controlled and suspended manner.

[0045] It can be provided that in addition to the (first) guide element, the further (second) guide element is provided, wherein the (first) guide element has the first gas supply opening which is designed to supply the first gas flow directed in the first direction into the conveying area, and wherein the further (second) guide element is arranged adjacent to the (first) guide element and has the second gas supply opening which is designed to supply the second gas flow into the conveying area.

[0046] The gas supply openings can be blow holes through which the gas flow is directed onto the surface of the respective flat element or valuable document. The gas supply openings can preferably be provided in the guide element, in particular in the guide plate. Preferably, several gas supply openings are arranged distributed two-dimensionally across the guide element.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the device further comprises a guide element, for example the guide element already mentioned above, which provides an upper boundary of the conveying area, in particular a boundary of the conveying area arranged above the stack, wherein the guide element has a first group of gas supply openings which are designed to supply the first gas flow directed in the first direction in the form of a first plurality of individual gas flows each directed in the first direction into the conveying area, wherein the guide element has a second group of gas supply openings which are designed to supply the second gas flow in the form of a second plurality of individual gas flows each directed in a second direction into the conveying area or a further guide element, for example the further guide element already mentioned above, which provides a further upper boundary of the conveying area,in particular a boundary of the conveying area arranged above the stack and arranged directly next to the guide element, has a second group of gas supply openings which are designed to supply the second gas stream in the form of a second plurality of individual gas streams each directed in a second direction into the conveying area.

[0048] In other words, all individual gas streams from the first group of gas supply openings can be supplied into the conveying area in the same direction, i.e., the first direction. Similarly, all individual gas streams from the second group of gas supply openings can be supplied into the conveying area in the same direction, i.e., the second direction.

[0049] The first group of gas supply openings can thus comprise a plurality of the previously described first gas supply openings, through which the first gas stream is introduced into the conveying area in the first direction. The second group of gas supply openings can, in turn, comprise a plurality of the previously described second gas supply openings, through which the second gas stream is introduced into the conveying area in the second direction.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the device comprises a first gas reservoir connected to the first group of gas supply openings, wherein the first volume flow associated with the first gas flow can be adjusted by regulating a gas pressure in the first gas reservoir. Furthermore, the device comprises a second gas reservoir connected to the second group of gas supply openings, wherein the second volume flow associated with the second gas flow can be adjusted by regulating a gas pressure in the second gas reservoir. The gas pressure in the first gas reservoir can be adjusted independently of the gas pressure in the second gas reservoir, or the gas pressure in the second gas reservoir can be adjusted independently of the gas pressure in the first gas reservoir.

[0051] If, for example, the gas pressure in the first gas storage device is increased, the volume flow of the first gas stream introduced into the transport area through the first gas supply opening or introduced into the transport area in the form of individual gas streams through the first group of gas supply openings also increases. If, for example, the gas pressure in the first gas storage device is reduced, the volume flow of the first gas stream introduced into the transport area through the first gas supply opening or introduced into the transport area in the form of individual gas streams through the first group of gas supply openings also decreases. The same applies analogously to the gas pressure in the second gas storage device and the second volume flow.

[0052] In one example, the first gas storage device has a gas supply line via which a gas can be supplied to the first gas storage device in order to generate an overpressure in the first gas storage device, and the second gas storage device likewise has a gas supply line via which a gas can be supplied to the second gas storage device in order to generate an overpressure in the second gas storage device. The guide element is arranged on a base of the first gas storage device and / or the second gas storage device. The guide element can be arranged on a base of the first gas storage device and the second gas storage device. However, it can also be provided that the guide element is arranged on a base of the first gas storage device and the further guide element is arranged on a base of the second gas storage device.

[0053] The gas can be introduced into the respective gas storage unit via the gas supply lines, allowing a specific pressure to be built up in the respective gas storage unit, which is required to provide the respective gas flow via the gas supply openings described above. By using suitable openings or opening diameters on the respective gas storage unit, a specific outflow velocity of the respective gas flow from the respective gas storage unit can be set. However, it is also possible for no gas storage unit to be provided, and for the first and second gas flows to be generated directly via corresponding gas supply lines or blow lines.

[0054] Since the guide element, in particular the guide plate, is located at the bottom of the gas storage unit, the gas supply openings provided in the guide element are also located directly above the free space, i.e., the conveying area. The gas supplied to the first gas storage unit and the gas supplied to the second gas storage unit can be the same gas or different gases.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the gas supply openings of the first group of gas supply openings are bores that each extend through the guide element at a first bore angle. Additionally or alternatively, the gas supply openings of the second group of gas supply openings are bores that each extend through the guide element at a second bore angle.

[0056] The first bore angle may differ in magnitude from the second bore angle. The gas supply openings may be round openings. The diameters of the gas supply openings may vary from one another. For example, the gas supply openings of the first group of gas supply openings may have a first diameter, and the gas supply openings of the second group of gas supply openings may have a second diameter that differs from the first diameter. However, it is also possible for the diameters of different gas supply openings of the first group of gas supply openings to differ from one another and / or for the diameters of different gas supply openings of the second group of gas supply openings to differ from one another.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the first group of gas supply openings is arranged in at least one first row in the guide element, which extends parallel to a main movement direction, for example, the above-mentioned main movement direction or withdrawal direction, of the flat element or value document located in the transport area, and the second group of gas supply openings is arranged in at least one second row in the guide element, which extends parallel to the main movement direction, for example, the above-mentioned main movement direction or withdrawal direction, of the flat element or value document located in the transport area. The arrangement of the gas supply openings of the respective group parallel to the main movement direction or withdrawal direction has the advantage that the front and rear sections of the value document or the flat element are subjected to as equal forces as possible and are thus moved or lifted more evenly.

[0058] In other words, all gas supply openings of the first group of gas supply openings can be arranged one behind the other in a row, and all gas supply openings of the second group of gas supply openings can also be arranged one behind the other in a row. Further such rows of gas supply openings can be provided. For example, a third group of gas supply openings can be arranged in a third row that extends parallel to the main movement direction, for example, the aforementioned main movement direction or withdrawal direction, of the flat element or valuable document located in the transport area, etc.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the at least one first row and the at least one second row are arranged next to one another with respect to the main direction of movement, wherein preferably a plurality of first and second rows are arranged alternately next to one another with respect to the main direction of movement.

[0060] Thus, further rows can be arranged next to the first and second rows in relation to the main direction of movement. In one example, the first group of gas supply openings in the first row supplies the individual gas streams in the first direction to the transport area, and the second group of gas supply openings in the second row supplies the individual gas streams in the second direction to the transport area. A third group of gas supply openings in a third row can, in turn, like the first group of gas supply openings, supply the individual gas streams in the first direction to the transport area, and a fourth group of gas supply openings in a fourth row can, in turn, like the second group of gas supply openings, supply the individual gas streams in the second direction to the transport area. Thus, groups orRows of gas supply openings supply individual gas streams alternately in the first and second directions to the conveying area. This example will be explained in more detail with reference to the figures.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the first group of gas supply openings is designed to supply the first gas flow directed in the first direction into the conveying area in order to thus exert a first force component on the planar element or value document, which moves the planar element or value document in a main direction of movement directed substantially parallel to the guide element, wherein the second group of gas supply openings is designed to supply the second gas flow directed in the second direction into the conveying area in order to thus exert a second force component on the planar element or value document, which moves the planar element or value document in a transverse direction directed substantially transversely or perpendicularly to the main direction of movement.

[0062] The main direction of movement and the transverse direction can together span a plane of movement that extends essentially parallel to the guide element or guide plate. This can mean that the first force component provides a feed movement in the main direction of movement, while the second force component provides a movement directed obliquely to the main direction of movement. Both force components can be adjusted independently of each other by regulating the respective volume flows of the first and second gas streams.

[0063] In one example, the device further comprises a forwarding transport unit arranged behind the conveying area in the main direction of movement, wherein the forwarding transport unit is designed to further transport and / or align a planar element or value document coming from the conveying area. The forwarding transport unit can be located at an exit of the conveying area. Upon transition from the conveying area into the forwarding transport unit, the orientation of the transported planar element or value document may substantially remain unchanged.

[0064] According to one aspect, a method for influencing the movement of value documents or of planar elements for the production of galvanic cells, e.g., battery elements, is provided. The method can (specifically) be a method for influencing the movement of value documents. Alternatively, it can (specifically) be a method for influencing the movement of planar elements for the production of galvanic cells, e.g., battery elements.

[0065] In one step of the method, a first gas stream directed in a first direction is supplied into a conveying area by means of a gas supply unit, in order to exert a first force on a planar element located in the conveying area for the production of galvanic cells or on a valuable document located in the conveying area. In a further step, a second gas stream is supplied into the conveying area by means of the gas supply unit or a further gas supply unit, in order to exert a second force on the planar element or valuable document located in the conveying area.In a further step, a first volume flow assigned to the first gas flow is set independently of a second volume flow assigned to the second gas flow, or a second volume flow assigned to the second gas flow is set independently of a first volume flow assigned to the first gas flow, in order to thus influence a movement of the planar element or value document located in the transport area.

[0066] In one example, a movement of the planar elements or value documents relative to a provided stack of planar elements or value documents is influenced. The method steps can be performed in the specified order.

[0067] Short description of the characters

[0068] Fig. 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a device for conveying a flat element or value document.

[0069] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a device for conveying a flat element or value document.

[0070] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of part of a device for conveying a flat element or value document.

[0071] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a guide element with several groups of gas supply openings.

[0072] Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a guide element with several groups of gas supply openings and respective inflow directions of individual gas streams.

[0073] Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a device for conveying a flat element or value document, including a page alignment element.

[0074] Fig. 7 shows a plan view of a device for conveying a flat element or value document, including a further transport unit.

[0075] Fig. 8 shows a schematic sectional view of a device for conveying a flat element or value document, including a first configuration of gas supply openings in a guide element. Fig. 9 shows a schematic sectional view of a device for conveying a flat element or value document, including a second configuration of gas supply openings in a guide element.

[0076] Fig. 10 shows a schematic sectional view of a device for conveying a planar element or value document, including a third configuration of gas supply openings in a guide element.

[0077] Fig. 11 shows a schematic sectional view of a device for conveying a planar element or value document, including a fourth configuration of gas supply openings in a guide element.

[0078] Fig. 12 shows a plan view of a section of a guide element with several groups of gas supply openings and respective inflow directions of individual gas streams.

[0079] Fig. 13 shows a plan view of a guide element with five groups of gas supply openings.

[0080] Fig. 14 shows a plan view of a guide element with three groups of gas supply openings and the respective inflow directions of individual gas streams.

[0081] Fig. 15 shows a flow chart for a method for conveying a flat element or value document.

[0082] Detailed description of exemplary embodiments

[0083] The representations in the figures are schematic and not to scale. Where the same reference symbols are used in different figures in the following description, they refer to identical or similar elements. Identical or similar elements may also be designated by different reference symbols.

[0084] Fig. 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a device 1 for conveying a planar element 2 for the production of galvanic cells, e.g., a battery element, or a valuable document 2. For example, Fig. 1 represents a sectional view through the device 1. The device 1 has a conveying area 10, which provides a space for moving a planar element 2 or a valuable document 2. In the illustrated case, a single planar element 2 or valuable document 2 is moved through the conveying area 10, for example, along the main movement direction 5 indicated by an arrow.The device 1 further comprises a gas supply unit 20, which is designed to supply the conveying area 10 with a first gas stream 21 directed in a first direction 31 (indicated by an arrow), in order to thus exert a first force 41 (indicated by arrows) on the planar element 2 or value document 2 located in the conveying area 10. The gas supply unit 20 is designed to supply the conveying area 10, in addition to the first gas stream 21, with a second gas stream 22, in order to thus exert a second force 42 (indicated by arrows) on the planar element 2 or value document 2 located in the conveying area 10.A first gas volume flow assigned to the first gas flow 21 can be adjusted independently of a second gas volume flow assigned to the second gas flow 22 in order to specifically influence, in particular control, the movement of the planar element 2 or valuable document 2 located in the conveying area 10. The gas supply unit 20 can be designed to supply the second gas flow 22 to the conveying area 10 in a second direction 32 (indicated by an arrow) in order to thus exert the second force 42 on the planar element 2 or valuable document 2 located in the conveying area 10, wherein the first direction 31 differs from the second direction 32.

[0085] The second gas stream 22 can also be supplied to the

[0086] Transport area 10, wherein the further gas supply unit 20' can provide an additional gas supply unit 20' next to the gas supply unit 20. In other words, two gas supply units 20 and 20' can be provided, wherein the first gas supply unit 20 supplies the first gas stream 21 into the transport area 10 and the further gas supply unit 20' supplies the second gas stream 22 into the transport area 10. The dashed dividing line 25 in Fig. 1 shows, by way of example, a separation between the two gas supply units 20 and 20'.

[0087] The device 1 can have a control unit 70, which is designed to control a direction of movement of the planar element 2 or value document 2 by regulating the first volume flow associated with the first gas flow 21 and / or by regulating the second volume flow associated with the second gas flow 22. For example, the control unit 70 can be designed to change the first volume flow and the second volume flow relative to one another, in particular to change an intensity of the first volume flow and the second volume flow independently of one another.

[0088] In the example shown, the first gas stream 21 is directed perpendicularly onto a surface 4 of the planar element 2 or valuable document 2 located in the transport area 10, and the second gas stream 22 is directed obliquely onto the surface 4 of the planar element 2 or valuable document 2 located in the transport area 10. This results in different forces acting on the planar element 2 or valuable document 2. The first gas stream 21 is introduced or blown into the transport area 10, so that a negative pressure is created in a negative pressure region 12 directly above the surface 4 of the planar element 2 or valuable document 2 located in the transport area 10, which negative pressure keeps the planar element 2 or valuable document 2 in a suspended state 3 within the transport area 10.However, the first gas stream 21 generates no or only minimal lateral force effects, i.e., hardly any force effects parallel to the main direction of movement 5, but only a vertical force effect that maintains the levitation state 3. The second gas stream 22 can also exert such a force component on the flat element 2 or value document 2, maintaining the levitation state 3, through the negative pressure region 12 that also arises there. However, the second gas stream 22 also has an obliquely directed flow component, so that the surface 4 of the flat element 2 or value document 2 is flowed against at an angle, i.e., at an acute angle, for example.This oblique flow creates a lateral force component on the flat element 2 or valuable document 2, which is represented by the resulting second force 42 (indicated by arrows), which drives the flat element 2 or valuable document 2 in the main direction of movement 5. Due to the negative pressure generated by the gas streams 21, 22 in the conveying area 10 together with the resulting feed force 42 generated by the second gas stream 22, the flat element 2 or valuable document 2 can be held in the suspended state 3 and simultaneously conveyed in the main direction of movement 5.

[0089] However, the flat element 2 or valuable document 2 can also be lifted by this depression. In this regard, it should be noted that the conveying area 10 can also serve as a separation area, which is used to lift or lift a flat element 2 or valuable document 2 from a stack of flat elements or valuable documents (not shown in Fig. 1) arranged below the conveying area 2 by means of the gas streams 21, 22, in order to thus transport the lifted flat elements 2 or valuable documents 2 individually through the conveying area 10 in the main movement direction 5. In this way, the flat elements 2 or valuable documents 2 can be separated from the stack of flat elements or valuable documents. A corresponding lifting direction 6 or withdrawal direction 6 is indicated by an arrow in Fig. 1.This lifting direction 6 or withdrawal direction 6, in which the topmost flat element 2 or valuable document 2 is conveyed when lifted from the stack, can initially be directed slightly obliquely upwards. The flow caused by the supplied second gas stream 22 can be directed essentially forwards, i.e., approximately parallel to the top of the stack. A guide element 50, which delimits the conveying area 10 at the top, can interact with the gas streams 21, 22 in the singulation area in such a way that the flat element 2 or valuable document 2 is transported out of the singulation area in a controlled and suspended manner.

[0090] By independently adjusting or regulating the two gas streams 21, 22, a precise movement of the flat element 2 or valuable document 2 in the conveying area can be achieved. In particular, the forces 41, 42 exerted on the flat element 2 or valuable document 2 can be specifically adjusted in order to adapt a desired position and / or orientation of the flat element 2 or valuable document 2 in the conveying area 10 at any time. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the forces 41, 42 cause the flat element 2 or valuable document 2 to be conveyed upwards towards the guide element 50 and to the right in the main direction of movement 5. The two gas streams 21, 22 can be regulated by increasing or decreasing the volume flow or flow rate of the first gas stream 21 independently of increasing or decreasing the volume flow or flow rate of the second gas stream 22, or vice versa.This has the advantage that a feed force and a lifting force for the flat element 2 or value document 2 can be changed relative to each other.

[0091] For this purpose, a first gas reservoir 71 can be provided, which is connected to a first gas supply opening 51, wherein the first volume flow assigned to the first gas stream 21 can be adjusted by regulating a gas pressure in the first gas reservoir 71. Correspondingly, a second gas reservoir 72 can be provided, which is connected to a second gas supply opening 52, wherein the second volume flow assigned to the second gas stream 22 can be adjusted by regulating a gas pressure in the second gas reservoir 72. The gas pressure in the first gas reservoir 71 can be adjusted via a first gas supply line 73 or a first gas connection 73 independently of the gas pressure in the second gas reservoir 72 via a second gas supply line 74 or a second gas connection 74. The respective internal pressure within the gas reservoirs 71, 72 is schematically indicated by arrows pointing outwards, towards an inner wall of the gas reservoirs 71, 72.The gas supply openings 51, 52 are arranged in the guide element 50, which can be designed as a guide plate. The first gas supply opening 51 can be provided in the form of a vertical bore in the guide element 50, and the second gas supply opening 52 can be provided in the form of an oblique bore in the guide element 50.

[0092] Although not shown in Fig. 1, a plurality of gas supply openings 51 can be provided in the guide element 50 for the first gas reservoir 71, forming a first group 61 of gas supply openings 51. Each of these gas supply openings 51 of the first group 61 of gas supply openings 51 can provide an individual gas stream directed in the first direction 21 and thus forms part of the first gas stream 21. In other words, the guide element 50 can have a first group 61 of gas supply openings 51, which are designed to feed the first gas stream 21 directed in the first direction 31 into the conveying region 10 in the form of a first plurality of individual gas streams 21, each directed in the first direction 31.

[0093] This also applies analogously to the second gas reservoir 72. Here, too, a plurality of gas supply openings 52 can be provided in the guide element 50 for the first gas reservoir 71, forming a second group 62 of gas supply openings 52. Each of these gas supply openings 52 of the second group 62 of gas supply openings 52 can provide an individual gas stream directed in the second direction 22 and thus forms part of the second gas stream 22. In other words, the guide element 50 can have a second group 62 of gas supply openings 52, which are designed to feed the second gas stream 22 directed in the second direction 32 into the conveying region 10 in the form of a second plurality of individual gas streams 22, each directed in the second direction 32.

[0094] By arranging several gas supply openings distributed in the guide element 50, which supply a gas stream in specific directions into the conveying area 10 in groups, an even more precise adjustment of the position and / or orientation of the planar element 2 or valuable document 2, in particular an even more precise control of the movement of the planar element 2 or valuable document 2 in the conveying area 10, can be achieved at any time. Such groups 61, 62 of gas supply openings 51, 52 will be explained in more detail with reference to Figures 4 and 5.

[0095] As an alternative to the described example, in which all gas supply openings 51, 52 are provided in one and the same guide element 50, it can be provided that, in addition to the (first) guide element 50, a further (second) guide element 50' is provided, wherein the (first) guide element 50 has the first gas supply opening(s) 51, which is / are designed to supply the first gas flow 21 directed in the first direction 31 into the conveying area 10, and wherein the further (second) guide element 50' is arranged adjacent to the (first) guide element 50 and has the second gas supply opening(s) 52, which is / are designed to supply the second gas flow 22 into the conveying area 10. The separation of the two guide elements 50 and 50' is again indicated in Fig. 1 by the dashed dividing line 25.

[0096] The vertical and oblique gas flow directions 31, 32 shown here are merely examples, and other directional combinations for the two gas flows 21, 22 can be provided. For example, the first gas flow 21 can be directed obliquely into the plane of the drawing in Fig. 1 and thus exert a lateral force component on the flat element 2 or value document 2, wherein the second gas flow 22 can be directed obliquely forward, as shown in Fig. 1. Various possible directional combinations for the two gas flows 21, 22 are shown with reference to Figures 8 to 11.

[0097] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a device for conveying flat elements or valuable documents, for example, the device 1 from Fig. 1. The separate gas supply lines 73, 74 can be seen, which supply the first gas reservoir 71 and the second gas reservoir 72 with gas, respectively, so that the required gas pressure can be provided in the reservoirs 71, 72. The gas supply lines 73, 74 are coupled to the gas reservoirs 71, 72 via closure elements, for example closure plates. Likewise, the guide element 50 can be seen as the lower closure of the gas reservoirs 71, 72, wherein the gas supply openings

[0098] 51, 52 (see Fig. 1) are arranged in the guide element 50.

[0099] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of part of a device for conveying flat elements or valuable documents, for example part of the device 1 from Fig. 1. Compared to Fig. 2, the two closure units have been removed here, revealing circumferential sealing elements 75, 76 on the respective housing walls of the gas reservoirs 71, 72. Slot-shaped accesses can be seen in the gas reservoirs 71, 72, which can lead into a further partial area of ​​the respective gas reservoir 71, 72. The gas reservoirs 71, 72 shown in Fig. 1 can represent such partial areas of the gas reservoirs 71, 72. They are shown next to one another in Fig. 1, but can also be arranged one above the other. However, various designs for the arrangement of the gas reservoirs 71, 72 are possible.

[0100] Fig. 4 now shows, as already indicated above, a perspective view of a guide element 50 with several groups 61, 62, 63, 64, 65 of gas supply openings. A first group 61 of gas supply openings has the first gas supply openings 51, which are distributed in a first region of the guide element 50, characterized by a rectangle. Two exemplary gas supply openings 51 are shown within this rectangle or first region characterizing the first group 61, wherein a plurality of first gas supply openings 51 can be provided. In one example, the gas supply openings 51 of the first group 61 are arranged one behind the other parallel to the main direction of movement 5 (see also Fig. 1).

[0101] A second group 62 of gas supply openings has the second gas supply openings 52, which are distributed in a second region of the guide element 50, also characterized by a rectangle. Two exemplary gas supply openings 52 are shown within this rectangle or second region characterizing the second group 62, wherein any desired plurality of second gas supply openings 52 can be provided. In one example, the gas supply openings 52 of the second group 62 are arranged one behind the other parallel to the main direction of movement 5 (see also Fig. 1). The first region for the first group 61 is offset and / or spaced from the second region for the second group 61.

[0102] In the same way, further groups 63, 64, 65 of gas supply openings can be arranged in the guide element 50, as indicated in Fig. 4.

[0103] Fig. 5 now shows a perspective view of the guide element 50 with several groups 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68 of gas supply openings and the respective inflow directions (indicated by arrows) of the individual gas streams passing through the gas supply openings. Regarding the arrangement of the individual groups of gas supply openings, reference is made to the explanations for Fig. 4, with individual areas for the respective groups 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68 again being indicated by a rectangle.

[0104] In the example shown in Fig. 5, the individual gas flows 21 of the gas supply openings of the first group 61, a third group 63, a fifth group 65, and a seventh group 67 are each directed in a first direction 31, obliquely to the main direction of movement 5. Together, they can form the first gas flow 21 directed in the first direction 31. Accordingly, all gas supply openings of the first group 61, the third group 63, the fifth group 65, and the seventh group 67 can be connected to the first gas reservoir 71 (cf. Figures 1 to 3), so that the volume flow through all gas supply openings of these groups 61, 63, 65, 67 is essentially identical.

[0105] The individual gas streams 21 and 22 each also have a downward component, i.e., in the direction of the value document 2 or planar element 2. The individual gas streams 21 are thus oriented obliquely in two directions, which means that they are directed obliquely downwards toward the value document 2 or planar element 2 and are also directed obliquely forwards with one component in the main direction of movement 5 and with one component to the side or perpendicular to the main direction of movement 5. The individual gas streams 22, on the other hand, are directed obliquely downwards toward the value document 2 or planar element 2 and are also directed obliquely forwards with one component in the main direction of movement 5.

[0106] In the example shown in Fig. 5, the individual gas streams 22 of the gas supply openings of the second group 62, a fourth group 64, a sixth group 66, and an eighth group 68 are each directed in a second direction 32, i.e., with one component downward toward the value document 2 or planar element 2 and with one component forward in the main movement direction 5. In other words, the individual gas streams 22 are directed obliquely downward and forward in the main movement direction 5 toward the value document 2 or planar element 2. Together, they can form the second gas stream 22 directed in the second direction 32. Accordingly, all gas supply openings of the second group 62, the fourth group 64, the sixth group 66 and the eighth group 68 can be connected to the second gas reservoir 72 (see Figures 1 to 3), so that the volume flow through all gas supply openings of these groups 62, 64, 66, 68 is substantially identical.

[0107] The gas supply openings of each group 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68 can be arranged in a row one behind the other, as already indicated with reference to Fig. 4. The resulting rows of gas supply openings are arranged next to one another with respect to the main direction of movement 5. In addition, rows of gas supply openings for individual gas flows 21 in the first direction 31 and rows of gas supply openings for individual gas flows 22 in the second direction 32 can be arranged alternately or alternately, as illustrated by the arrows in Fig. 5. This creates a specific flow pattern beneath the guide element 50, whereby the individual gas flows, in particular their volume flows, can be controlled in groups.

[0108] Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the device from Fig. 1, including a lateral alignment element 11, which can be provided in the form of a lateral stop or a lateral stop plate. In addition to the device 1, a receiving unit 200 can be seen, in which flat elements 2 or valuable documents 2 are stacked, as well as a further transport device 100 having transport rollers 110, 120, by means of which flat elements 2 or valuable documents 2 emerging from the conveying area 10 can be further transported, processed, and / or aligned in the main movement direction 5.Likewise, the conveying area 10 arranged between an upper edge of the receiving unit 200 and the guide element 50 is shown, where the respective uppermost flat element 2 or valuable document 2 can be conveyed out of the receiving unit 10 by the gas flow (not shown here) and guided in the main movement direction 5 to the further transport device 100. The gas supply lines 73, 74 are also shown in Fig. 6.

[0109] The lateral alignment element 11 can therefore form a lateral stop for the flat elements 2 or valuable documents 2 conveyed in the conveying area 10, so that laterally moved flat elements 2 or valuable documents 2 abut against the lateral alignment element 11 and can thus be additionally aligned. This lateral movement of the flat elements 2 or valuable documents 2 towards the lateral alignment element 11 can be achieved by deliberately setting an obliquely directed gas stream 21, 22. For example, the first gas stream 21 shown in Fig. 1 can be directed obliquely into the plane of the drawing in Fig. 1, in a similar way to how the second gas stream 22 shown in Fig. 1 is directed obliquely forward. In this way, the first gas stream 21 can exert a lateral force component on the flat element 2 or valuable document 2, which drives the flat element 2 or valuable document 2 laterally towards the lateral alignment element 11.As explained above, the volume flow assigned to the first gas flow 21 can be controlled independently of the volume flow assigned to the second gas flow 22 in order to specifically match the lateral impulse to the forward-directed impulse for the planar element 2 or value document 2.

[0110] Fig. 7 shows a plan view of the device 1 from Fig. 1, including the onward transport unit 100. The plan view shows the guide element 50 of the gas supply unit 20 viewed from above. As can be seen, a plurality of separating rollers 130 can be provided in the onward transport unit 100, each of which is spaced apart from one another in its axial direction. The lateral alignment element 11 already explained in Fig. 6 can be provided to provide a lateral guide surface for the flat elements 2 or valuable documents 2 transported in the transport area 10. The lateral alignment element 11 serves for the lateral alignment of the flat elements 2 or valuable documents 2. As described above, it can be provided that at least one gas stream 21 or 22 is introduced into the transport area 10 from obliquely directed gas channels in such a way that the gas stream component blows in the direction of the lateral alignment element 11.The corresponding gas channels or gas supply openings 51 or 52 can in turn be arranged in the guide element 50, as described above, for example in groups (see Figures 4 and 5).

[0111] Figures 8 to 11 show various exemplary embodiments for arrangements or orientations of the gas supply openings in the guide element 50 of the device 1 from Fig. 1. With regard to the individual elements shown in these figures, reference is made to the description of Fig. 1, so that not every element will be explained again below.

[0112] Fig. 8 shows a schematic sectional view of a device for conveying flat elements or value documents, including a first exemplary configuration of gas supply openings 51, 52, 53, 54 in the guide element 50, wherein two gas supply openings 51, 53 and 52, 54 are provided for each gas reservoir 73, 74. In particular, the first gas reservoir 71 is connected to a first gas supply opening 51 and a third gas supply opening 53, wherein the first gas supply opening 51 generates a first individual gas stream 21 in a first direction 31 and the third gas supply opening 53 generates a third individual gas stream 23 in a third direction 33. The first direction 31 and the third direction 33 are preferably directed in the same direction. In the example shown, the first direction 31 and the third direction 33 are directed perpendicular to the flat element 2 or value document 2.The second gas reservoir 72 is connected to a second gas supply opening 52 and a fourth gas supply opening 54, wherein the second gas supply opening 52 generates a second individual gas stream 22 in a second direction 32 and the fourth gas supply opening 54 generates a fourth individual gas stream 24 in a fourth, third direction 34. The second direction 32 and the fourth direction 34 are preferably directed in the same direction. In the example shown, the second direction 32 and the fourth direction 34 are also directed perpendicularly to the planar element 2 or value document 2.

[0113] The volume flows of the individual gas streams of the first individual gas stream 21 and the third individual gas stream 23 can be jointly controlled by regulating the pressure in the first gas reservoir 71. The volume flows of the individual gas streams of the second individual gas stream 22 and the fourth individual gas stream 24 can be jointly controlled by regulating the pressure in the second gas reservoir 72, independently of the volume flows of the individual gas streams of the first individual gas stream 21 and the third individual gas stream 23.

[0114] Fig. 9 shows a schematic sectional view of a device for conveying flat elements or valuable documents, including a second exemplary configuration of gas supply openings 51, 52, 53, 54 in the guide element 50. The first direction 31 corresponding to the first individual gas stream 21 and the third direction 33 corresponding to the third gas stream 23 are not aligned here. In the example shown, the first direction 31 is directed perpendicular to the flat element 2 or valuable document 2 and the third direction 33 is directed obliquely forward, so that the third individual gas stream 23 exerts a forward-directed force component in the main direction of movement 5 on the flat element 2 or valuable document 2. The second direction 32 corresponding to the second individual gas stream 22 and the fourth direction 34 corresponding to the fourth individual gas stream 24 are, in contrast, again aligned.In the example shown, the second direction 32 and the fourth direction 34 are directed obliquely forward onto the flat element 2 or value document 2, so that the second and fourth individual gas streams 22, 24 each exert a forward-directed force component in the main direction of movement 5 onto the flat element 2 or value document 2. This has the advantage that a feed force and a lifting force for the flat element 2 or value document 2 are generated.

[0115] Element 2 or value document 2 can be changed relative to each other.

[0116] Fig. 10 shows a schematic sectional view of a device for conveying flat elements or valuable documents, including a third exemplary configuration of gas supply openings 51, 52, 53, 54 in the guide element 50. The first direction 31 corresponding to the first individual gas stream 21 and the third direction 33 corresponding to the third gas stream 23 are not aligned here. In the example shown, the first direction 31 is directed perpendicular to the flat element 2 or valuable document 2 and the third direction 33 is directed obliquely forward, so that the third individual gas stream 23 exerts a forward-directed force component in the main direction of movement 5 on the flat element 2 or valuable document 2. The second direction 32 corresponding to the second individual gas stream 22 and the fourth direction 34 corresponding to the fourth individual gas stream 24 are also not aligned.In the example shown, the second direction 32 is directed perpendicularly toward the planar element 2 or value document 2, and the fourth direction 34 is directed obliquely forward, so that the fourth individual gas stream 24 exerts a forward-directed force component in the main movement direction 5 on the planar element 2 or value document 2. This allows the front section of the value document 2 or planar element 2 to be subjected to forces of varying magnitudes in order to optimize the movement.

[0117] Fig. 11 shows a schematic sectional view of a device for conveying flat elements or valuable documents, including a fourth exemplary configuration of gas supply openings 51, 52, 53, 54 in the guide element 50. The first direction 31 corresponding to the first individual gas stream 21 and the third direction 33 corresponding to the third individual gas stream 23 are directed in the same direction here. In the example shown, the first direction 31 is directed obliquely backwards onto the flat element 2 or valuable document 2, and the third direction 33 is also directed obliquely backwards, so that the first and third individual gas streams 21, 23 each exert a backward-directed force component on the flat element 2 or valuable document 2, i.e., opposite to the main direction of movement 5. The second direction 32 corresponding to the second individual gas stream 22 and the fourth direction 34 corresponding to the fourth individual gas stream 24 are also directed in the same direction.In the example shown, the second direction 32 and the fourth direction 34 are directed obliquely forward toward the planar element 2 or value document 2, so that the second and fourth individual gas streams 22, 24 each exert a forward-directed force component in the main movement direction 5 on the planar element 2 or value document 2. As a result, different sections, for example two opposite edge sections, of the value document 2 or planar element 2 can be pulled apart in opposite directions, which can cause the value document 2 or planar element 2 to be tightened.

[0118] The configurations illustrated in Figures 8 to 11 are merely a few examples, and further examples may be provided in which the directions of the individual gas streams can be varied. As explained, for example, with reference to Figures 5 to 7, alternatively or in addition to the vertically directed or obliquely forward or rearwardly directed individual gas streams, individual gas streams may also be provided that are directed laterally in the direction of the lateral alignment element 11 (see again Figures 6 and 7). This means that some of the individual gas streams 21, 22, 23, 24 shown in Figures 8 to 11 may be directed into the plane of the drawing or out of the plane of the drawing.

[0119] Fig. 12 shows a plan view of a section of an exemplary guide element 50 with several groups 61, 62 of gas supply openings 51, 52 and respective associated inflow directions 31, 32, 33, 34 of individual gas streams. A first region of the guide element 50, in which the first group 61 of gas supply openings 51 is provided, is indicated by a dashed rectangle. Likewise, a second region of the guide element 50, in which the second group 62 of gas supply openings 52 is provided, is indicated by another dashed rectangle.

[0120] Fig. 13 shows a plan view of a guide element 50 with five groups 61, 62, 63, 64, 65 of gas supply openings. The gas supply openings 51 of the first group 61 are arranged in a row one behind the other in the guide element 50. The gas supply openings 52 of the second group 62 are also arranged in a row one behind the other in the guide element 50. The gas supply openings 53 of the third group 63 are also arranged in a row one behind the other in the guide element 50, etc. As can be seen, the rows of gas supply openings are each arranged parallel and next to one another with respect to the main direction of movement 5 (cf. Fig. 1). The gas supply openings 51 of the first group 61 can all be directed perpendicularly to the respectively conveyed flat element 2 or valuable document 2.The gas supply openings 52 of the second group 62 can all be directed obliquely forward toward the respective conveyed flat element 2 or value document 2, but parallel to the lateral alignment element 11. The gas supply openings 53 of the third group 63 can all be directed obliquely forward toward the respective conveyed flat element 2 or value document 2, and additionally obliquely toward the lateral alignment element 11.

[0121] Fig. 14 shows a plan view of a guide element 50 with four groups 61, 62, 63, 64 of gas supply openings 51, 52, 53, 54 and the respective inflow directions of individual gas streams (indicated by arrows). The individual gas streams 51 of the first group 61 can be straight, i.e. perpendicular to the guide element surface (the corresponding arrows are not shown here since they run perpendicular to the plane of the drawing). The individual gas streams 52 of the second group 62 and the individual gas streams 53 of the third group 63 can face one another at an angle. The individual gas streams 53 of the third group 63 and the individual gas streams 54 of the fourth group 64 can be directed obliquely away from one another. As can be seen, the individual gas streams belonging to a group are preferably each directed in one and the same direction.

[0122] Fig. 15 shows a flow chart for a method for influencing a movement of value documents 2 or of planar elements 2 for the production of galvanic cells, e.g. battery elements. In a step S1 of the method, a first gas stream 21 directed in a first direction 31 is supplied by means of a gas supply unit 20 into a conveying area 10 in order to thereby exert a first force 41 on a planar element 2 or value document 2 located in the conveying area 10. In a further step S2, a second gas stream 22 is supplied by means of the

[0123] Gas supply unit 20 or a further gas supply unit 20' is supplied into the conveying area 10 in order to thus exert a second force 42 on the planar element 2 or value document 2 located in the conveying area 10. In a further step S3, a first volume flow assigned to the first gas flow 21 is set independently of a second volume flow assigned to the second gas flow 22, or a second volume flow assigned to the second gas flow 22 is set independently of a first volume flow assigned to the first gas flow 21 in order to thus influence a movement of the planar element 2 or value document 2 located in the conveying area 10.

[0124] In one example, a movement of the planar elements 2 or value documents 2 relative to a provided stack of planar elements 2 or value documents 2 is influenced.

Claims

P a t e n t a n s p r ü c h e 1. A device (1) for influencing a movement of value documents (2) or of planar elements (2) for the production of galvanic cells, comprising: a conveying area (10) which provides a space for the movement of a planar element (2) or a value document (2); a gas supply unit (20) which is designed to supply the conveying area (10) with a first gas stream (21) directed in a first direction (31) in order to thereby exert a first force (41) on the planar element (2) or value document (2) located in the conveying area (10); wherein the gas supply unit (20) or a further gas supply unit (20') is designed to supply the conveying area (10) with a second gas stream (22) in order to thereby exert a second force (42) on the planar element (2) or value document (2) located in the conveying area (10);wherein a first volume flow associated with the first gas flow (21) is adjustable independently of a second volume flow associated with the second gas flow (22) or a second volume flow associated with the second gas flow (22) is adjustable independently of a first volume flow associated with the first gas flow (21), in order to thereby influence the movement of the planar element (2) or value document (2) located in the conveying area (10); 2. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the conveying area (10) corresponds to a separation area for separating the planar element (2) or value document (2) from a stack.

3. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the gas supply unit (20) is designed to supply the second gas stream (22) to the conveying area (10) in a second direction (32) in order to thus exert the second force (42) on the planar element (2) or value document (2) located in the conveying area (10), wherein the first direction (31) differs from the second direction (32).

4. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the gas supply unit (20) is designed to supply the first gas stream (21) and / or the second gas stream (22) into the conveying area (10) so that a negative pressure is created in the conveying area (10) in order to lift the planar element (2) or valuable document (2) located in the conveying area (10) from a stack of planar elements (2) or valuable documents (2) by means of the generated negative pressure or to maintain a floating state (3) of the planar element (2) or valuable document (2) located in the conveying area (10) by means of the generated negative pressure.

5. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the gas supply unit (20) is designed to supply the first gas stream (21) into the conveying area (10), so that the first gas stream (22) impinges at a first angle on a surface (4) of the planar element (2) or value document (2) located in the conveying area (10); and wherein the gas supply unit (20) is designed to supply the second gas stream (22) into the conveying area (10) so that the second gas stream (22) impinges on the surface (4) of the planar element (2) or value document (2) located in the conveying area (10) at a second angle; wherein the first angle differs from the second angle.

6. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: a control unit (70) which is designed to regulate the first volume flow associated with the first gas flow (21) and / or to regulate the second gas flow (22) second volume flow to control a direction of movement of the planar element (2) or value document (2); wherein the control unit (70) is designed to change the first volume flow and the second volume flow relative to one another, in particular to change a strength of the first volume flow and the second volume flow independently of one another.

7. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first volume flow assigned to the first gas flow (21) and / or the second volume flow assigned to the second gas flow (22) are adjustable in dependence on a deviation between an actual position and a desired position of the planar element (2) or value document (2) in the conveying area.

8. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: a guide element (50) which provides an upper boundary of the conveying region (10); wherein the guide element (50) has at least one first gas supply opening (51) which is designed to supply the first gas stream (21) directed in the first direction (31) into the conveying region (10); wherein the guide element (50) has at least one second gas supply opening (52) which is designed to supply the second gas stream (22) into the conveying region (10), or a further guide element (50'), which provides a further upper boundary of the conveying region (10) and is arranged directly next to the guide element (50), has a second gas supply opening (52) which is designed to supply the second gas stream (22) into the conveying region (10).

9. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, comprising: a guide element (50) which forms an upper limit of the transport area (10); wherein the guide element (50) has a first group (61) of gas supply openings (51) which are designed to supply the first gas stream (21) directed in the first direction (31) in the form of a first plurality of individual gas streams (21) each directed in the first direction (31) into the conveying region (10);wherein the guide element (50) has a second group (62) of gas supply openings (52) which are designed to supply the second gas stream (22) in the form of a second plurality of individual gas streams (22) each directed in a second direction (32) into the conveying region (10) or a further guide element (50'), which provides a further upper boundary of the conveying region (10) and is arranged directly next to the guide element (50), has a second group (62) of gas supply openings (52) which are designed to supply the second gas stream (22) in the form of a second plurality of individual gas streams (22) each directed in a second direction (32) into the conveying region (10).

10. Device (1) according to claim 9, comprising: a first gas reservoir (71) connected to the first group (61) of gas supply openings (51), wherein the first volume flow associated with the first gas stream (21) is adjustable by regulating a gas pressure in the first gas reservoir (71); a second gas reservoir (72) connected to the second group (62) of gas supply openings (52), wherein the second volume flow associated with the second gas stream (22) is adjustable by regulating a gas pressure in the second gas reservoir (72); wherein the gas pressure in the first gas reservoir (71) is adjustable independently of the gas pressure in the second gas reservoir (72), or the gas pressure in the second gas reservoir (72) is adjustable independently of the gas pressure in the first gas reservoir (71).

11. Device (1) according to one of claims 9 or 10, wherein the gas supply openings (51) of the first group (61) of gas supply openings (51) are bores that each extend through the guide element (50) at a first bore angle; and / or wherein the gas supply openings (52) of the second group (62) of gas supply openings (62) are bores that each extend through the guide element (50) at a second bore angle.

12. Device (1) according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the first group (61) of gas supply openings (51) is arranged in at least one first row in the guide element (50), which extends parallel to a main direction of movement (5) of the planar element (2) or value document (2) located in the conveying area (10); and wherein the second group (62) of gas supply openings (52) is arranged in at least one second row in the guide element (50), which extends parallel to the main direction of movement (5) of the planar element (2) or value document (2) located in the conveying area (10).

13. Device (1) according to claim 12, wherein the at least one first row and the at least one second row are arranged next to one another with respect to the main direction of movement (5), wherein preferably a plurality of first and second rows are arranged next to one another alternately with respect to the main direction of movement (5).

14. Device (1) according to one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the first group (61) of gas supply openings (51) is designed to supply the first gas flow (21) directed in the first direction (31) into the conveying area (10) in order to thus exert a first force component on the planar element (2) or value document (2), which moves the planar element (2) or value document (2) in a main movement direction (5) directed substantially parallel to the guide element; and wherein the second group (62) of gas supply openings (52) is designed to supply the second gas flow (22) directed in the second direction (32) into the conveying area (10) in order to thus exert a second force component on the planar element (2) or value document (2), which force component moves the planar element (2) or value document (2) in a transverse direction directed substantially transversely or perpendicularly to the main direction of movement (5).

15. A method for influencing a movement of value documents (2) or of planar elements (2) for the production of galvanic cells, comprising: Feeding a first gas stream (21) directed in a first direction (31) into a conveying area (10) by means of a gas supply unit (20) in order to thereby exert a first force (41) on a planar element (2) or value document (2) located in the conveying area (10) (S1); Supplying a second gas stream (22) by means of the gas supply unit (20) or a further gas supply unit (20') into the conveying area (10) in order to thereby exert a second force (42) on the planar element (2) or value document (2) located in the conveying area (10) (S2); Setting a first volume flow assigned to the first gas flow (21) independently of a second volume flow assigned to the second gas flow (22) or a second volume flow assigned to the second gas flow (22) independently of a first volume flow assigned to the first gas flow (21), in order to thus influence a movement of the planar element (2) or value document (2) located in the conveying area (10) (S3).

Images