Method and air flow diverter for conveying flat elements for the production of galvanic cells

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device (10) for conveying flat elements (12) for the production of galvanic cells, wherein the method is carried out with the continuous movement of a flat element (12) in a direction of conveyance (14). In a pneumatic diverter (18) of the conveying device (10), by means of which the conveyance path (16; 22; 24) is vertically divided into two directions (22; 24), air nozzles (60; 62) are arranged both above and below guide belts (21; 23) which delimit a diverter region (18). The air nozzles (60; 62) produce an as narrow and wide an air flow (30; 31) as possible and push the flat element (12) onto one of the conveying belts (21; 23). In the upward switching direction, the air flow (30) of a lower nozzle (60) pushes the flat element (12) onto the underside of the upper conveying belt (21). In the downward switching direction, the air flow (31) of an upper nozzle (62) pushes the flat element (12) onto the upper side of the lower conveying belt (23). As soon as the flat element (12) has reached a wedging point at the diverter outlet, the air flow can be switched over. Therefore, no particular minimum distance between the flat elements (12) is necessary, because the switching operation does not have to wait for the flat element (12) to completely pass through.

Description

[0001] Air flow switch for transporting flat elements for the production of galvanic cells

[0002] Technical area

[0003] The present invention relates to methods and devices for transporting flat elements for the production of galvanic cells.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] Flat elements, such as battery elements such as electrodes, are mechanically sensitive components that are required in large quantities and in various versions for the production of galvanic cells, such as batteries. Production logistics are correspondingly demanding when it comes to the efficient, flexible, and safe transport of such flat elements.

[0006] It is well known that transport switches with mechanically switched switch tongues are used to transport objects along different transport routes. These allow individual objects to be sorted into different transport routes.

[0007] However, such conventional transport switches pose a significant risk of damage to flat elements and are themselves subject to mechanical wear. Such transport switches also operate relatively slowly, necessitating a relatively large minimum distance between consecutive transport objects or reducing the maximum possible transport speed. The minimum distance between transport objects in such conventional transport switches is due, for example, to the fact that a switch finger must move between the transport objects. Depending on the size of the switch finger and its switching speed, a sufficiently large gap between the transport objects must be maintained. All of this impairs the efficiency and throughput of the transport process.

[0008] Disclosure of the invention

[0009] It can be considered an object of the present invention to propose an alternative possibility for transporting flat elements for the production of galvanic cells, in particular battery elements or fuel cell elements, which enables safe, efficient and fast transport, wherein different transport routes can be selected flexibly.

[0010] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Further embodiments of the invention emerge from the features of the subclaims and the present disclosure as a whole.

[0011] One aspect of the invention relates to a method for transporting flat elements for the production of galvanic cells, e.g. battery elements, comprising the following steps with continuous movement of a flat element, e.g. a battery element, in a transport direction:

[0012] - Transporting the flat element, while creating a transport clamp, along an inlet path, at the mouth of which a transport switch is connected in the transport direction, from which an upper outlet path emerges via an upper guide means and a lower outlet path emerges via a lower guide means, wherein the upper and lower outlet paths are separated in the transport direction by a separating device;

[0013] - movement of a front section of the flat element from the mouth into the transport switch, wherein the front section is moved out of the transport clamp of the inlet path, while the transport clamp of a rear section of the flat element still located in the inlet path remains effective;

[0014] - Selectively generating a first gas stream by which the front section is pushed upwards and thereby applied to the upper guide means, or a second gas stream by which the front section is pushed downwards and thereby applied to the lower guide means;

[0015] - movement of the front section over the upper or lower guide means to which the front section is applied into the associated upper or lower discharge path;

[0016] - Transporting the front section in the upper or lower discharge path, whereby a transport clamp acting on the front section is generated between the upper guide means and the separating device or between the lower guide means and the separating device; and thereafter

[0017] - Moving the rear section out of the transport clamp of the inlet path.

[0018] The flat element can then be transported further in the respective upper or lower discharge path in the transport direction, whereby the rear section, after leaving the transport switch, can also be transported further in the respective discharge path by means of transport clamping.

[0019] The method offers the advantage that the planar element, for example a battery element or a fuel cell element, is securely clamped at all times, either entirely or in sections, in the inlet path, in sections in the inlet path and one of the outlet paths, or entirely or in sections in one of the outlet paths. It is transferred, so to speak, from the inlet path to one of the outlet paths during the ongoing transport process and is always securely clamped. The first or second gas stream can be switched or configured as desired for a subsequent planar element as soon as a preceding planar element is securely clamped at least in section in one of the outlet paths. Therefore, practically no minimum distance is required between successive planar elements.

[0020] The permanent transport clamp, combined with the first and second gas streams as a switching element, also enables very rapid switching between the discharge paths and high transport speeds. The transport speed can be as high as 1.4 m / s, for example. The distance between consecutive flat elements can be as small as 20 mm, but it can also be smaller. The distance can be kept constant throughout the transport switch, which is very advantageous, for example, for subsequent stacking.

[0021] The method of the invention always prevents a front edge of the flat element from striking the separating device, because the respective gas flow ensures secure application of the flat element to the upper or lower guide means. The transport switch is switched by switching from the first to the second gas flow or vice versa. The separating device does not need to be moved to switch the transport switch. The separating device itself can, in particular, be arranged statically. The method is therefore particularly suitable for sensitive flat elements, is very efficient, safe, easy to control, and of low technical complexity. The method according to the invention is intended for the transport of flat elements for the production of galvanic cells.These can be flat 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] The flat elements can also be fuel cell elements, such as 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).

[0024] The flat elements can also be battery elements or fuel cell elements that are coated and / or arranged on a carrier.

[0025] The planar elements can be foil-like or composite foil-like. They can have very low rigidity, for example, like a single-layer, double-layer, or triple-layer aluminum or copper foil. However, they can also be flexible. The planar elements, especially the battery elements, can comprise, for example, monocells, bicells, individual electrodes (anodes or cathodes), anode-separator combinations, cathode-separator combinations, or anode-separator-cathode-separator combinations. Cathodes often comprise an aluminum foil, and anodes often comprise a copper foil, which may or may not be graphite-coated. Monocells often comprise an anode, a cathode, and a separator foil.

[0026] The opening of the inlet path is considered to be the point on the inlet path at which the transport clamping of the planar element in the inlet path ends or is eliminated at the transport switch. Preferably, the front section can become freely movable within the transport switch by eliminating the transport clamping, or can be freely pivoted and optionally deformed relative to the rear section. The deformation of the planar element can be elastic, plastic, or a mixture thereof. However, the present disclosure preferably requires the person skilled in the art to design the method and devices usable for this purpose such that no plastic deformation of the planar element occurs.

[0027] The respective first or second gas stream preferably strikes the flat element in a planar manner and presses or bends it gently in the desired direction. The first and second gas streams can be directed towards an area upstream of the separating device, in particular towards an area downstream of the mouth, as viewed along the transport direction. The first and second gas streams can each be generated by a plurality of nozzles which are offset from one another laterally or transversely to the transport direction and which are preferably arranged at the same point along the transport direction. The respective gas stream contains a plurality of first and second partial gas streams. By means of a plurality of laterally offset nozzles, reliable deflection into the correct discharge path can be achieved even in the case of very wide flat elements, such as wide film sections. In the case of a plurality of laterally orIn the case of nozzles that are offset from one another transversely to the transport direction, the second gas flow device comprises a plurality of upper nozzles that are preferably arranged at the same point along the transport direction, and / or the first gas flow device comprises a plurality of lower nozzles that are preferably arranged at the same point along the transport direction. Compared to a single nozzle, this has the advantage that the respective flat element is reliably guided into the correct discharge path over a large part of its width, if necessary over its entire width, with the help of the (partial) gas flows. This is particularly advantageous for very flexible flat elements.In comparison to a continuous wide nozzle with a wide continuous gas flow, lower nozzles also have the advantage that their lateral position can be selected in the gaps between the guide means, so that the (partial) gas flows do not - as in the case of a single wide continuous gas flow - hit an intermediate guide means and possibly influence this negatively, e.g. in the case of an intermediate feed conveyor belt, they may stretch it or cause it to vibrate.

[0028] If reference is occasionally made herein to a gas stream or the gas stream, this is for the purpose of linguistic simplification. What has been said can then apply to the first and second gas streams or to all first and second partial gas streams. The gas stream can comprise, for example, an air stream, a protective gas stream, or even a gas mixture. With regard to its effective area on the planar element, its volume flow, and its change (momentum), the person skilled in the art will further be able, based on the present teaching, to design the gas stream to the specific properties of the planar element. In doing so, they will consider, for example, the geometry, stiffness, and mass of a given planar element. Likewise, the person skilled in the art will be able to expediently arrange and dimension a device usable for generating the gas stream, e.g., with nozzles, using the disclosed method.In the context of the process, the transport direction is not to be interpreted strictly vectorially, but rather refers to the main direction of transport across the transport switch, as well as the local directions of the inflow path and the respective outflow paths. The continuous movement of the planar element can be constant, but can also change locally or overall. It is essential that the process can be carried out across the transport switch without interrupting the movement.

[0029] The inlet path, the upper and lower guide means, and the upper and lower outlet paths can be implemented with belt drives or belts. However, other solutions are also conceivable. Functionally, at least clamping and movement can preferably be possible in the inlet path. The upper and lower guide means can each enable at least one guidance of the flat element and can be driven in the transport direction, e.g., as a belt drive. In this way, the respective guide means can support the flat element in its movement or also drive it with friction or adhesion. Analogously, the respective outlet path can also preferably enable clamping and movement.

[0030] In preferred embodiments of the method, the transport clamping in the upper discharge path is created by the upper guide means and an upper transport element of the separating device, and the transport clamping in the lower discharge path is created by the lower guide means and a lower transport element of the separating device, wherein the upper and lower transport elements can each have at least one pressure roller. The upper and lower transport elements can in particular be located opposite the associated upper or lower guide means and preferably contact it to create the transport clamping. The upper and lower transport elements can each be formed by an outer surface of the separating device or arranged thereon.

[0031] The upper and lower transport elements can, for example, each comprise a sliding surface of the separating device or a roller that is mounted on the separating device. The upper transport element is preferably paired with the upper guide means to create the transport clamp, while the lower transport element is preferably paired with the lower guide means. The rollers or pressure rollers can be driven, in particular if the associated upper or lower guide means is not driven. An upper pressure roller can, for example, contact the upper guide means and rotate in one direction such that a vector of the peripheral speed of the upper pressure roller at a point of contact with the upper guide means points in the same direction as a speed vector of the upper guide means. Accordingly, a lower pressure roller can contact the lower guide means and behave analogously to the upper pressure roller.The upper and lower pressure rollers can thus rotate in opposite directions. Further downstream, the discharge paths can be realized by belt drives.

[0032] Alternatively, the upper transport element and the lower transport element of the separating device can also have transport belts. For example, the separating device can have several laterally offset (e.g., coaxial) rollers, over which an upper transport belt of the upper discharge path or a lower transport belt of the lower discharge path runs. The transport clamping of the flat elements in the upper discharge path is then created by the upper transport belt(s) and the upper guide means, and the transport clamping of the flat elements in the lower discharge path is created by the lower transport belt(s) and the lower guide means.

[0033] The belt drives belonging to the lower discharge path are preferably offset transversely to the transport direction (laterally) compared to the belt drives of the upper discharge path. This creates one or more gaps laterally, depending on the number of belt drives. One nozzle is preferably arranged in each gap. The arrangement of the nozzles in the gaps, in particular the upper nozzles in the gaps between the belt drives of the upper discharge path and / or the lower nozzles in the gaps between the belt drives of the lower discharge path, has the advantage, compared to a continuous wide nozzle with a wide, continuous gas flow, that the nozzles can then be positioned closer to the opposite discharge conveyor belt, allowing the (partial) gas flows to act on the flat element to be deflected, thus deflecting it more quickly and precisely into the correct discharge path.

[0034] It should be noted that the terms “front” and “rear” sections of the planar element can be interpreted functionally. These terms can be defined by the section-by-section clamping state of the planar element. The “front” section refers to sections of the planar element located outside the opening in the transport switch, and the “rear” section refers to sections that are still in the inlet path. Similarly, the “front” section refers to sections that are already clamped in one of the inlet paths while the rear section is still in the inlet path and / or the transport switch. The mobility of the front section in the transport switch in no way implies a separation of the front from the rear section, but rather the elimination of clamping of the inlet path and optional deformability upwards or downwards relative to the rear section.

[0035] In preferred embodiments of the method, the rear section is only moved out of the transport clamp of the inlet path when the front section of the flat element is in the transport clamp of one of the outlet paths. This ensures a secure transport clamp at all times.

[0036] In preferred embodiments of the method, the first gas flow or the second gas flow begins before the front section exits the orifice or the transport clamp is removed. This ensures reliable upward or downward guidance of the flat element immediately behind the orifice.

[0037] In preferred embodiments of the method, the first gas stream or the second gas stream is generated at least until the front section is clamped in the upper or lower discharge path. Thus, the front section remains securely attached to the respective guide means until it is clamped in the discharge path and cannot run into the separating device even under adverse environmental influences (such as unforeseeable air currents).

[0038] Switching of the gas flow can be carried out early, flexibly and safely for a subsequent planar element, even if a rear section of a preceding planar element is still in the inlet path as soon as its front section is already clamped in the outlet path.

[0039] In preferred embodiments of the method, the first gas stream is generated below the orifice and is directed towards the planar element and the upper guide means to push the front section upwards and the second gas stream is generated above the orifice and is directed towards the planar element and the lower guide means to push the front section downwards.

[0040] Preferably, the respective gas stream is angled forward in the transport direction or toward the separating device. The angle of the angle therefore lies between a vertical and the transport direction in the inlet path. The angle is preferably at least 30° or at least 45°. The angle can advantageously be adjusted to the rigidity of the planar element, since a more direct flow increases the force acting locally on the planar element (advantageous for stiffer planar elements), whereas a more angled flow supports the planar element more extensively (advantageous for less stiff planar elements) and can provide more extensive support as it enters the outlet path.

[0041] In preferred embodiments of the method, the first gas stream is generated with one or more lower nozzles and the second gas stream with one or more upper nozzles, wherein the upper and lower nozzles are preferably offset from one another in the transport direction. In particular, the upper nozzle and the lower nozzle can have different distances from the mouth of the inlet path in the transport direction. Advantageously, the substantially opposing first and second gas streams cannot impede one another due to the offset, even if the gas streams do not come to a standstill immediately after switching off, but rather the gas continues to flow or is in motion in the region of the transport switch.

[0042] It can be advantageous if the first gas stream is generated closer to the inlet path opening in the transport direction to push the front section upwards than the second gas stream, which pushes the front section downwards. This allows the opposing force of gravity directly behind the opening to be fully or partially compensated when the front section is directed upwards. However, when the front section is directed downwards, the force of gravity directly behind the opening can be specifically utilized to gently bend the flat element. Furthermore, offsetting the gas streams, for example, of the nozzles, in the transport direction also offers space advantages.

[0043] In alternative preferred embodiments of the method, the upper and lower nozzles are not offset from one another in the transport direction. Without the offset of the gas streams along the transport direction, i.e., if the gas streams are generated at approximately the same position along the transport direction and are optionally only offset laterally, the transport switch can be switched more quickly. This is because, behind a flat element transported upwards by the first gas stream, the second gas stream can be activated immediately after a rear edge of the upwardly transported flat element, for example, to push the next flat element downwards (or vice versa).

[0044] In preferred embodiments of the method, at least in the inlet path, an edge of the planar element oriented transversely to the transport direction is detected by a sensor, and a corresponding signal from the sensor is used to control the first and second gas streams, in particular to control their switch-on times. Such a front or rear edge, for example, provides information about the position and orientation of the planar element as a whole, if the geometry of the planar element is known. Furthermore, the speed can be determined by measuring the time between detection of the front and rear edges. Such detection can preferably also take place in the upper outlet path and / or lower outlet path. Thus, the position or also the speed of the planar element across the transport switch is known. It can also be determined whether the planar element is securely clamped again in the outlet path when the sensor, for example,It is positioned close to or behind a transport element of the separation device. This information can be used to very effectively control the switching on, off, or switching (up / down) of the gas flow. The distance between different flat elements can also be monitored. The sensor can be an optical sensor (e.g., a light barrier), a proximity sensor, or even a tactile sensor.

[0045] In preferred embodiments of the method, the first and second gas streams, upon impacting the flat element, each have a flow cross-section that is larger transverse to the transport direction than in the transport direction. This allows for particularly reliable guidance of wide, for example, film-like flat elements.

[0046] A further aspect of the invention relates to a device for transporting flat elements for the production of galvanic cells, in particular battery elements, with continuous movement of such a flat element, in particular battery element, in a transport direction.

[0047] The device can be designed, preferably configured, or preferably configured to carry out the method disclosed herein. It should nevertheless be noted that features related to the device disclosed herein with respect to the method, as well as features related to the method disclosed herein with respect to the device, are explicitly disclosed, in whole or in part, as features of both subject categories. The device comprises:

[0048] - an inlet path in which a flat element for the production of galvanic cells, in particular a battery element, can be transported by creating a transport clamp and at the mouth of which a transport switch is connected in the transport direction, from which an upper discharge path emerges via an upper guide means and a lower discharge path emerges via a lower guide means, the upper and lower discharge paths being separated in the transport direction by a separating device;

[0049] - a first gas flow device which can selectively generate a first gas flow, wherein a front portion of the sheet-like element, after exiting the mouth, can be pushed upwards by the first gas flow and can thereby be applied to the upper guide means;

[0050] - a second gas flow device which can selectively generate a second gas flow, wherein the front portion of the sheet-like element, after exiting the mouth, can be pressed downwards by the second gas flow and thereby applied to the lower guide means; wherein

[0051] - a transport clamping of the flat element can be created between the upper guide means and the separating device as well as between the lower guide means and the separating device, so that the flat element, in particular the front section of the flat element, is clamped in the upper or lower discharge path or can be transported by means of a transport clamping.

[0052] The device, which can also be referred to as a transport system or switch system, can comprise a control device with a corresponding control program. In preferred embodiments of the device, the control device is designed to selectively activate the first gas stream based on a control command for guiding the planar element to the upper discharge path, or to selectively activate the second gas stream to guide the planar element to the lower discharge path.

[0053] In preferred embodiments of the device, the second gas flow device comprises at least one upper nozzle and the first gas flow device comprises at least one lower nozzle, wherein an outflow opening of the lower nozzle is arranged below the mouth such that the first gas flow is directed through a region after the mouth onto the upper guide means, and wherein an outflow opening of the upper nozzle is arranged above the mouth such that the second gas flow is directed through a region after the mouth onto the lower guide means.

[0054] Thus, the flat element in the area after the orifice can be exposed to gas flow via the upper or lower nozzle. The device can comprise a plurality of nozzles to effectively generate and direct the gas flow.

[0055] In preferred embodiments of the device, the upper nozzle and the lower nozzle are angled forward in the transport direction, preferably by at least 30°, more preferably at least 45°. In other words, the nozzles are preferably angled in the direction of the separating device. This allows the above-described flow onto the flat element to be implemented with little effort. In principle, it is also possible for the nozzles to be adjustable in terms of their angle. The adjustment can also be automatic in order to follow the flat element as it passes through the transport switch. Additional sensors, e.g. cameras, which detect the flat element can be used for this purpose. This can be additionally beneficial if the transport switch is very long or if the height difference between the discharge paths is very large. In preferred embodiments of the device, the upper nozzle and the lower nozzle are offset from one another in the transport direction.The lower nozzle, pointing toward the upper discharge path, can be positioned closer to the inlet path opening than the upper nozzle, pointing toward the lower discharge path. The reverse is also possible, or alternatively, the nozzles can be arranged without offset in the transport direction.

[0056] In preferred embodiments of the device, a sensor is arranged at least in the inlet path, with which a signal can be generated and used to control the gas flow when an edge of a flat element oriented transversely to the transport direction is detected in the inlet path.

[0057] In preferred embodiments of the device, the infeed path comprises at least one pair of infeed conveyor belts, between which a flat element can be transported by means of transport clamping, wherein an upper infeed conveyor belt of the pair is extended into the upper discharge path as an upper discharge conveyor belt and serves as an upper guide means, wherein the lower discharge path comprises at least one separate lower discharge conveyor belt that serves as a lower guide means. Alternatively, a lower infeed conveyor belt of the pair can be extended into the lower discharge path as a lower discharge conveyor belt and serve as a lower guide means, wherein the upper discharge path comprises at least one separate upper discharge conveyor belt that serves as an upper guide means.

[0058] In preferred embodiments of the device, the inlet path comprises a set of such pairs of inlet conveyor belts, between which gaps are formed transversely to the transport direction, wherein in each case a separate lower outlet conveyor belt and an upper nozzle or in each case a separate upper

[0059] Discharge conveyor belt and a lower nozzle are arranged in a gap.

[0060] In this way, the device can be scaled in width and enables safe transport of very wide, flat elements, such as wide foil sections.

[0061] To put it another way, the present invention relates to a transport device and a corresponding transport method. In a pneumatic switch of the transport device, via which the transport path is divided vertically into two directions, air nozzles are arranged above and below guide belts that delimit a switch area. The air nozzles generate an air flow that is as narrow and wide as possible and presses the transport medium or flat element against one of the transport belts. When the switch direction is upwards, the air flow from a lower nozzle presses the flat element against the underside of the upper transport belt. When the switch direction is downwards, the air flow from an upper nozzle presses the flat element onto the top side of the lower transport belt. As soon as the flat element reaches a transport clamp at the switch exit, the air flow can be switched.Therefore, no specific minimum distance between the planar elements is necessary, because the switching process does not have to wait until the planar element has been completely passed through.

[0062] Brief description of the figures The present invention is explained in more detail by way of example with reference to the following figures, wherein the same reference numerals can at least also imply the same technical features.

[0063] Fig. 1 shows the sequence of a method for transporting flat elements using a corresponding device; and

[0064] Fig. 2 shows the device from Figure 1 in another view.

[0065] Detailed description of exemplary embodiments

[0066] Fig. 1 shows a device 10 for transporting flat elements 12, which are used for the production of galvanic cells, e.g. battery elements, with continuous movement of a flat element 12, e.g. battery element, in a transport direction 14. The device 10 comprises an inlet path 16, a transport switch 18, a first gas flow device 20a and a second

[0067] Gas flow device 20b. Furthermore, the device 10 comprises an upper guide means 21 that initiates an upper discharge path 22 and a lower guide means 23 that initiates a lower discharge path 24. The upper discharge path 22 and the lower discharge path 24 lead out of the transport switch 18 and are separated from each other by a separating device 26.

[0068] The flat element 12 can be clamped in the inlet path 16 to create a transport clamp and can thereby be transported in the transport direction 14. The inlet path 16 leads via its mouth 28 into the transport switch 18. The first gas flow device 20a is designed to selectively generate a first gas flow 30 upwards after the mouth 28 of the inlet path 16, and the second gas flow device 20b is designed to selectively generate a second gas flow 31 downwards after the mouth 28. The first and second gas flows 30, 31 are shown upwards and downwards in Fig. 1 purely for illustrative purposes and will be explained in more detail with regard to their purpose.

[0069] The infeed path 16 can be formed, for example, by a plurality of pairs of infeed conveyor belts 32, each comprising an upper infeed conveyor belt 34 and a lower infeed conveyor belt 36, between which the flat element 12 can be clamped and transported. The upper outfeed path 22 can, for example, be initiated by the respective upper infeed conveyor belt 34, which in the example shown is extended into the upper outfeed path 22 as an upper outfeed conveyor belt 38 and serves as an upper guide means 21. The respective upper outfeed conveyor belt 38 can for this purpose be guided over at least one upper transport element (pressure roller) 40 of the separating device 26. The lower outfeed path 24 can, in this example, be initiated accordingly by a plurality of separate lower outfeed conveyor belts 42 as a lower guide means 23, each of which is guided over a lower transport element (pressure roller) 44 of the separating device 26.

[0070] The device 10 can be used in particular for carrying out a method for transporting the planar element 12, e.g. a battery element, and preferably comprises a corresponding control device 66. The planar element 12 is continuously moved in the transport direction 14. When the planar element 12 reaches the pairs of inlet conveyor belts 32 in the inlet path 16, it is clamped between them and carried in the direction of the transport switch 18. Upon reaching the mouth 28, a front section 46 of the planar element 12 is moved into the transport switch 18, wherein the front section 46 emerges from the transport clamp, while a rear section 48 of the planar element 12, still located in the inlet path 16, remains clamped.

[0071] In the transport switch 18, the first gas flow 30 is selectively connected to the first gas flow device 20a or the second gas flow 31 is selectively connected to the second

[0072] Gas flow device 20b generates the first gas flow 30 or the second gas flow 31 is directed onto the front section 46 of the planar element 12. As a result, the front section 46 is pushed upwards or downwards accordingly and applied either to the upper guide means 21 or to the lower guide means 23. This occurs selectively by generating the first gas flow 30 on an underside 50 of the planar element 12 (direction to the upper drainage path 22) or on an upper side 52 of the planar element 12 (direction to the lower drainage path 24). For this purpose, the second gas flow device 20b can have one or more upper nozzles 62 and the first gas flow device 20a can have one or more lower nozzles 60. The upper nozzles 62 and the lower nozzles 60 can be directed accordingly to an area after the mouth 28 or to an area into which the flat element 12 reaches when exiting the mouth 28.

[0073] When the planar element 12 reaches the upper discharge path 22 or lower discharge path 24 selected by selectively controlling the gas flow devices 20a, 20b via the respective associated guide means 21, 23, the front section 46 is clamped in the selected upper or lower discharge path 22, 24. This can occur, for example, in the upper discharge path 22 between the upper transport element 40 and the upper discharge conveyor belt 38. The upper transport element 40 can, for example, comprise a roller, possibly driven, that presses on the upper discharge conveyor belt 38. As soon as the front section 46 is clamped in the selected upper discharge path 22, the rear section 48 of the planar element 12 can finally emerge from the inlet path 16 and thus from the transport clamp.

[0074] The method is particularly suitable for guiding a plurality of planar elements 12 successively and selectively in the manner described into the upper or lower discharge path 22, 24.

[0075] The gas streams 30, 31 are preferably already generated selectively before the front section 46 of the planar element 12 enters the transport switch 18 and are preferably generated at least until the front section 46 is clamped in the selected discharge path 22, 24.

[0076] To control the gas flows 30, 31, for example, a front edge 54 of the planar element 12 in the inlet path 16 can be detected with a sensor 58. The sensor 58 can, for example, form a light barrier whose signal is used to control the first and second gas flow devices 20a, 20b. This is because, taking the transport speed into account, it is then known when the planar element 12 enters the transport switch 18. Since the planar element 12 is always securely clamped as described, several planar elements 12 can be guided through the transport switch 18 with practically no minimum distance by selectively controlling the gas flows 30, 31 shortly before the next planar element 12 enters the transport switch 18, depending on which outlet path 22, 24 the next planar element 12 is to be guided into.

[0077] As shown in Fig. 1, the gas streams 30, 31 are preferably directed in a pointed

[0078] Angle is applied to the flat element 12, whereby the flat element 12 is pressed onto the respective outfeed conveyor belt 38, 42 and is thereby also directed in the direction of the corresponding outfeed path 22, 24. It can be advantageous to generate the first gas stream 30, which is directed onto the underside 50 of the flat element 12, closer to the mouth 28 of the inlet path 16 than the second gas stream 31, which is directed onto the upper side 52 of the flat element 12. This is because, after the transport clamping of the front section 46 is removed upon leaving the mouth 28, the flat element 12 can be immediately held on the upper outfeed conveyor belt 38 when it is to be directed into the upper outfeed path 22. If, however, it is to be directed into the lower discharge path 24, gravity can first be used to allow the front section 46 to sink gently towards the lower discharge conveyor belt 42.However, an offset of the upper and lower nozzles 62, 60 relative to one another along the transport direction 14 is purely optional. The upper and lower nozzles 62, 60 can preferably be angled forward in the transport direction 14 or in the direction of the separating device 26, for example, by at least 30° or at least 45°.

[0079] An outflow opening 63 of the lower nozzle 60 is preferably arranged below the mouth 28 and directed through the area after the mouth 28 toward the upper guide means 21. The outflow opening 63 of the upper nozzle 62 is preferably arranged above the mouth 28 and directed through the area after the mouth 28 toward the lower guide means 23.

[0080] In the present example, the lower nozzle 60 is arranged closer to the mouth 28 of the inlet path 16 than the upper nozzle 62 due to the offset in the transport direction 14.

[0081] Fig. 2 shows the device 10 from Fig. 1 additionally in an isometric plan view. In Fig. 2 it is clearly visible that the nozzles 60, 62 or the first or second gas stream 30, 31, when impinging on the flat element 12, have a flow cross-section which is larger transversely to the transport direction 14 than in the transport direction 14. This offers advantages for wide flat elements 12, as shown by way of example in Fig. 2, which can thereby be guided evenly. The device 10 can also be scaled for such large-area elements 12. For example, it can be seen in Fig. 2 that the inlet path 16 comprises a plurality of pairs of inlet conveyor belts 32. Gaps 64 are formed between the pairs 32 and transversely to the transport direction 14. The inlet path 16 is therefore wider.

[0082] A set of lower discharge conveyor belts 42 corresponds to the set of pairs 32, whose upper infeed conveyor belt 34 also forms an upper discharge conveyor belt 38 in its extension. A separate lower discharge conveyor belt 42 is arranged in each gap 64.

[0083] Furthermore, an upper nozzle 62 of the second gas flow device 20b is arranged in each gap 64, which can generate a second gas flow 31 in the direction of the lower discharge conveyor belt 42 arranged in the same gap 64. In front of each pair of inlet conveyor belts 32, a lower nozzle 60 of the first gas flow device 20a is arranged, which can generate the first gas flow 30 in the direction of the upper discharge conveyor belt 38 extending from the respective pair 32.

[0084] List of reference symbols

[0085] 10 Device

[0086] 12 Planar element

[0087] 14 Transport direction

[0088] 16 Inlet path

[0089] 18 Transport switch

[0090] 20a first gas flow device

[0091] 20b second gas flow device

[0092] 21 upper guide means

[0093] 22 upper drainage path

[0094] 23 lower guide means

[0095] 24 lower drainage path

[0096] 26 Separation device

[0097] 28 Mouth

[0098] 30 first gas stream

[0099] 31 second gas flow

[0100] 32 pairs of infeed conveyor belts

[0101] 34 upper infeed conveyor belt

[0102] 36 lower infeed conveyor belt

[0103] 38 upper discharge conveyor belt

[0104] 40 upper transport element

[0105] 42 lower discharge conveyor belt

[0106] 44 lower transport element

[0107] 46 front section

[0108] 48 rear section

[0109] 50 Bottom 52 Top

[0110] 54 front edge

[0111] 56 rear edge

[0112] 58 Sensor 60 lower nozzle

[0113] 62 upper nozzle

[0114] 63 Outlet opening

[0115] 64 gap

[0116] 66 Control device

Claims

Claims 1. A method for transporting flat elements (12) for the production of galvanic cells, comprising the following steps with continuous movement of a flat element (12) in a transport direction (14): transporting the flat element (12), while creating a transport clamp, along an inlet path (16), at the mouth (28) of which a transport switch (18) is connected in the transport direction (14), from which an upper outlet path (22) emerges via an upper guide means (21) and a lower outlet path (24) emerges via a lower guide means (23), the upper and lower outlet paths (22; 24) being separated in the transport direction (14) by a separating device (26); Moving a front section (46) of the planar element (12) from the mouth (28) into the transport switch (18), wherein the front section (46) is moved out of the transport clamp of the inlet path (16), while the transport clamp of a rear section (48) of the planar element (12) still located in the inlet path (16) remains effective; Selectively generating a first gas stream (30) by which the front portion (46) is pushed upwards and thereby applied to the upper guide means (21), or a second gas stream (31) by which the front portion (46) is pushed downwards and thereby applied to the lower guide means (23); Moving the front section (46) over the upper or lower guide means (21; 23) to which the front section (46) is applied into the associated upper or lower discharge path (22; 24); Transporting the front section (46) in the upper or lower discharge path (22; 24), wherein a transport clamp acting on the front section (46) is generated between the upper guide means (21) and the separating device (26) or between the lower guide means (23) and the separating device (26); and thereafter Moving the rear section (48) out of the transport clamp of the inlet path (16).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the transport clamping in the upper discharge path (22) is generated by the upper guide means (21) and an upper transport element (40) of the separating device (26) and the transport clamping in the lower discharge path (24) is generated by the lower guide means (23) and a lower transport element (44) of the separating device (26), wherein the upper and lower transport elements can each have at least one pressure roller.

3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rear section (48) is only moved out of the transport clamp of the inlet path (16) when the front section (46) of the flat element (12) is in the transport clamp of one of the outlet paths (22; 24).

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first gas stream (30) or the second gas stream (31) already begins before the front section (46) exits the mouth (28).

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first gas stream (30) or the second gas stream (31) is generated at least until the front section (46) is clamped in the upper or lower discharge path (22; 24).

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first gas stream (30) is generated below the mouth (28) and is directed towards the planar element (12) and the upper guide means (21) in order to press the front section (46) upwards, and in that the second gas stream (31) is generated above the mouth (28) and is directed towards the planar element (12) and the lower guide means (23) in order to press the front section (46) downwards.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first gas stream (30) is generated with one or more lower nozzle(s) (60) and the second gas stream (31) is generated with one or more upper nozzle(s) (62), wherein the upper and lower nozzle(s) (60; 62) are preferably offset from one another in the transport direction (14).

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least in the inlet path (16) an edge (54; 56) of the flat element (12) oriented transversely to the transport direction (14) is detected by a sensor (58) and a corresponding signal of the sensor (58) is used to control the first and second gas streams (30; 31), in particular to control their switching-on times.

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second gas streams (30; 31) upon impinging on the flat element (12) each have a flow cross-section which is larger transversely to the transport direction (14) than in the transport direction (14).

10. Device (10) for transporting flat elements (12) for the production of galvanic cells with continuous movement of a flat element (12) in a transport direction (14), in particular designed to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the device (10) comprises the following: an inlet path (16) in which a flat element (12) can be transported with the creation of a transport clamp and at the mouth (28) of which a transport switch (18) is connected in the transport direction (14), from which an upper outlet path (22) emerges via an upper guide means (21) and a lower outlet path (24) emerges via a lower guide means (23), the upper and lower outlet paths (22; 24) being separated in the transport direction (14) by a separating device (26);a first gas flow device (20a) which can selectively generate a first gas flow (30), wherein a front section (46) of the planar element (12) can be pushed upwards by the first gas flow (30) after exiting the mouth (28) and can thereby be applied to the upper guide means (21); a second gas flow device (20b) which can selectively generate a second gas flow (31), wherein the front section (46) of the planar element (12) can be pushed downwards by the second gas flow (31) after exiting the mouth (28) and can thereby be applied to the lower guide means (23); wherein; a transport clamping of the planar element (12) can be produced between the upper guide means (21) and the separating device (26) as well as the lower guide means (23) and separating device (26), so that the planar element (12), in particular the front section (46) of the planar element (12), can be transported in the upper or lower discharge path (22; 24) by means of transport clamping.

11. Device (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that the device (10) comprises a control device (66) which, on the basis of a control command for guiding the planar element (12), can selectively activate the first gas stream (30) in order to guide the planar element (12) into the upper drainage path (22) or can selectively activate the second gas stream (30) in order to guide the planar element (12) into the lower drainage path (24).

12. Device (10) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the second gas flow device (20b) comprises at least one upper nozzle (62) and the first gas flow device (20a) comprises at least one lower nozzle (60), wherein an outflow opening (63) of the lower nozzle (60) is arranged below the mouth (28) in such a way that the first gas flow is directed through a region after the mouth (28) onto the upper guide means (21), and wherein an outflow opening (63) of the upper nozzle (62) is arranged above the mouth (28) in such a way that the second gas flow is directed through a region after the mouth (28) onto the lower guide means (23), wherein the upper nozzle (62) and the lower nozzle (60) are preferably inclined forwards by at least 30° in the transport direction (14).

13. Device (10) according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that that the second gas flow device comprises a plurality of upper nozzles offset from one another transversely to the transport direction, which are preferably arranged at the same point along the transport direction, and / or that the first gas flow device comprises a plurality of lower nozzles offset from one another transversely to the transport direction, which are preferably arranged at the same point along the transport direction.

14. Device (10) according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the inlet path (16) comprises at least one pair of inlet conveyor belts (32), between which the flat element (12) can be transported by means of transport clamping, and - that an upper infeed conveyor belt (34) of the pair (32) is extended into the upper discharge path (22) as an upper discharge conveyor belt (38) and serves as an upper guide means (21), wherein the lower discharge path (24) comprises at least one separate lower discharge conveyor belt (42) which serves as a lower guide means (23), or - that a lower infeed conveyor belt (36) of the pair (32) is extended into the lower discharge path (24) as a lower discharge conveyor belt (42) and serves as a lower guide means (23), wherein the upper discharge path (22) comprises at least one separate upper discharge conveyor belt (38) which serves as an upper guide means (21).

15. Device (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that the inlet path (16) comprises a plurality of such pairs of inlet conveyor belts (32), between which gaps (64) are formed transversely to the transport direction (14), and in that in each case a separate lower outlet conveyor belt (42) and a upper nozzle (62) or a separate upper discharge conveyor belt (38) and a lower nozzle (60) are arranged in a gap (64).

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