Device and method for transporting a flat element for the production of galvanic cells

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for transporting a flat element (2) for the production of galvanic cells. The device (1) comprises a feed path, a first output path (10) and a second output path (20). A first rotation element (40) is provided, which together with a guide element (23) which is opposite the first rotation element (40) provides transport clamping for a flat element (2) in order to transport said flat element from the feed path (3) into the second output path (20). Furthermore, a second rotation element (50) can be provided, which together with a guide element (13) which is opposite the second rotation element (50) provides transport clamping for the flat element (2) in order to transport said flat element from the branching region (5) into the first output path (10). The first rotation element (40) has a first rotational position (41) in which a first segment portion (46) of the first rotation element (40) projects into the first output path (10), and a second rotational position (42) in which the first rotation element (40) is located completely outside the first output path (10). The invention also relates to a method for transporting a flat element (2) for the production of galvanic cells.

Description

[0001] Device and method for transporting a flat element for the production of galvanic cells

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to the transport of planar elements at branching points. In particular, the present invention relates to a device for transporting a planar element for the production of galvanic cells and a method for transporting a planar element for the production of galvanic cells.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] Flat elements, such as battery elements, such as electrodes and two- or multi-layer electrode pairs, are mechanically sensitive components that are required in large quantities and in various variants 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 flat objects along different transport routes. These allow individual objects to be sorted into different transport routes.

[0007] However, such conventional transport switches pose a risk of damage to flat elements and are themselves subject to mechanical wear. Such transport switches also require a relatively large minimum distance between consecutive transport objects. 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, the gap between the transport objects must be sufficiently large. All of this impairs the efficiency and throughput of the transport process.

[0008] Description

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to make the transport of flat elements for the production of galvanic cells, in particular battery elements or fuel cell elements, at branching points more efficient.

[0010] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Exemplary embodiments emerge from the dependent claims and the following description.

[0011] According to one aspect, a device for transporting a planar element for the production of galvanic cells, e.g., battery elements or fuel cell elements, is provided. The device comprises a feed path with a feed guide arrangement for transporting a planar element into a branching region, a first output path with a first output guide arrangement for transporting the planar element from the branching region in a first direction, and a second output path with a second output guide arrangement for transporting the planar element from the branching region in a second direction.The device further comprises a first rotational element which is rotatable about a first rotational axis and is designed, together with a guide element opposite the first rotational element, in particular the second output guide arrangement, to provide a transport clamp for the planar element in order to transport the planar element from the branching region into the second output path. During a rotational movement of the first rotational element about the first rotational axis, the first rotational element has a first rotational position in which a first segment section of the first rotational element protrudes into the first output path in such a way that the first segment section, together with the guide element, in particular the second output guide arrangement, provides the transport clamp for the planar element.During the rotational movement of the first rotational element about the first rotational axis, the first rotational element also has a second rotational position in which the first rotational element, in particular the first segment section of the first rotational element, is located completely outside the first output path.

[0012] With the device according to the invention, the flat elements, for example battery elements or fuel cell elements, can be arranged with a smaller distance from one another or even without a distance from one another into different output paths or

[0013] Branching paths can be controlled. The rotating movement of the first rotation element between the first rotation position and the second rotation position, as well as the rotation of a second rotation element if necessary, allows for quick switching between the two output paths, so that the flat elements are quickly directed to one or the other output path.

[0014] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the rotation of the respective rotation element enables the planar elements to roll along an outer surface of the segment section of the respective rotation element and, in particular, does not slide along an outer surface of the rotation element, since the segment section of the respective rotation element rotates along with the planar element being transported past.

[0015] The device according to the invention is intended for transporting flat elements. The device according to the invention is a device for transporting 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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).

[0018] The flat elements can also be battery elements or fuel cell elements that are coated and / or arranged on a carrier.

[0019] The feed path can be a feed transport path along which a flat element is conveyed into the device, in particular into the branching region. For this purpose, the feed path has a feed guide arrangement designed in the form of a transport device for transporting the flat element into the branching region. The feed guide arrangement can have conveying means such as belts or the like, between which the flat elements are clamped during transport, thereby ensuring that the flat elements are clamped during transport in the feed path. Likewise, the feed guide arrangement can have conveying means such as suction plates, suction belts, and / or roller transports. In contrast to belt transport, suction belts or suction plates that use negative pressure do not have clamping on both sides.The first output path can be a first output transport path along which a planar element is conveyed out of the device, in particular out of the branching region. For this purpose, the first output path has a first output guide arrangement, which is designed in the form of a transport device for transporting the planar element in the first direction out of the branching region. The first output guide arrangement can also have conveying means such as belts or the like, between which the planar elements are clamped during transport, thereby ensuring that the planar elements are clamped during transport in the first output path. Likewise, the first output guide arrangement can have conveying means such as suction plates, suction belts, and / or roller transports.

[0020] The second output path can be a second output transport path along which a planar element is conveyed out of the device, in particular out of the branching region. For this purpose, the second output path has a second output guide arrangement, which is designed in the form of a transport device for transporting the planar element in the second direction out of the branching region. The second output guide arrangement can also have conveying means such as belts or the like, between which the planar elements are clamped during transport, thereby ensuring that the planar elements are clamped during transport in the second output path. Likewise, the second output guide arrangement can have conveying means such as suction plates, suction belts, and / or roller transports.

[0021] Since the feed path thus splits or branches into the first and second output paths, whereby the flat elements can be directed optionally into the first or second output path from the feed path, the device according to the invention can also be regarded as a transport switch for the flat elements. No movable switch wing is required for the optional switching between transporting the flat elements into the first output path or the second output path. Instead, the optional switching between transporting the flat elements into the first output path or the second output path is accomplished by the targeted control or rotation of the first rotation element and, if applicable, a second rotation element. This has the advantage that relative movement and thus friction between the flat elements and the components of the device involved in the transport can be avoided.This is because transporting the flat element over rigid switch panels or stationary parts would pose a risk of damage to the sensitive flat element. In other words, using the device according to the invention, the flat elements can always be clamped on both sides from the feed path to the respective output path, so that virtually no relative movement occurs between a surface of the flat element and the clamped component, which is particularly gentle on the material.

[0022] Alternatively, it is also possible for the device to have a movable switch wing in addition to the rotating element(s). Such a movable switch wing can assist in "threading" the object into the correct output path behind the rotating elements and prevent misrouting. This could occur if the object is severely curved in the transport direction and tends to follow the curve due to the curvature behind the rotating element clamp.

[0023] For this purpose, the first rotation element comprises the first segment section, which is formed along a circumference of the first rotation element such that the first segment section lies opposite the guide element of the second output guide arrangement for a specific period of time, i.e. during a clamping phase, so that a flat element just arriving in the branching region can be clamped between the first segment section of the first rotation element and the guide element of the second output guide arrangement. This transport clamping between the first segment section of the first rotation element and the guide element of the second output guide arrangement can then be maintained for the duration of a clamping phase. In this way, the flat element is transported or redirected from the feed path into the second output path.The first rotational position of the first rotational element can be characterized in that the first segment portion of the first rotational element is opposite the guide element of the second output guide arrangement, thus effecting transport clamping. Since the first segment portion of the first rotational element can extend in sections over a specific circumferential length of the first rotational element and the first segment portion of the first rotational element rotates with the first rotational element, the transport clamping can be maintained over the aforementioned clamping phase duration. Conversely, this means that there can be multiple first rotational positions of the first rotational element in which clamping is effected.

[0024] In the first rotational position of the first rotational element, the first segment section of the first rotational element projects into the first output path, which may mean that the first segment section rotates into the first output path and / or extends through the first output path in order to come into contact with the planar element to be deflected, which bears against the guide element of the second output guide arrangement, and, as explained above, together with the guide element of the second output guide arrangement, to provide the transport clamp for the planar element to be deflected.

[0025] The first rotation element also has a second rotation position in which the first rotation element is located completely outside the first output path. This can mean that the first segment section has been rotated out of the first output path and thus no longer extends through the first output path. In the second rotation position of the first rotation element, a planar element can be transported from the branching region into the first output path, e.g., due to inertia during the movement of the planar element along its transport direction and / or due to the influence of gravity. The transport of the planar element into the first output path can be assisted by a second rotation element (described in more detail below).The first rotation element may have an intermediate segment portion which adjoins the first segment portion along the circumference of the first rotation element and which faces the branching region in the second rotation position.

[0026] It should be understood that the term “output path” defines the area or path region on which a planar element is moved during transport on the respective output path. In other words, the respective output path can be relatively narrow, since it involves planar elements that can be transported lengthwise along the output path. The extent of the output paths can thus be defined by a thickness of the planar elements. The first segment section of the first rotary element can protrude into the first output path, for example by being moved past transport device elements or guide elements of the first output guide arrangement. In other words, the first segment section of the first rotary element can dip into the first output path, i.e. between transport device elements or guide elements of the first output guide arrangement.

[0027] A second rotating element can also be used in the same way. In particular, a first segment portion of such a second rotating element, together with a further guide element opposite the second rotating element, in particular the first output guide arrangement, can provide transport clamping for the planar element during a clamping phase in order to transport the planar element from the feed path into the first output path. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the device further comprises a second rotation element which is rotatable about a second rotation axis and is designed to provide, together with a further guide element opposite the second rotation element, in particular the first output guide arrangement, a transport clamp for the planar element in order to transport the planar element from the branching region into the first output path.During a rotational movement of the second rotational element about the second rotational axis, the second rotational element has a first rotational position in which a first segment section of the second rotational element projects into the second output path in such a way that the first segment section of the second rotational element, together with the guide element, in particular the first output guide arrangement, provides the transport clamp for the flat element, wherein the second rotational element has a second rotational position during the rotational movement of the second rotational element about the second rotational axis in which the second rotational element, in particular the first segment section of the second rotational element, is located completely outside the second output path.

[0029] When switching between transporting the planar elements to the first output path or the second output path, the first (and also the second) rotation axis remains stationary.

[0030] The first segment section of the second rotation element can be formed along a circumference of the second rotation element such that the first segment section of the second rotation element lies opposite the guide element of the first output guide arrangement for a specific period of time, i.e. during a clamping phase, so that a flat element just arriving in the branching region can be clamped between the first segment section of the second rotation element and the guide element of the first output guide arrangement. This transport clamping between the first segment section of the second rotation element and the guide element of the first output guide arrangement can then be maintained for the duration of a clamping phase. In this way, the flat element is transported or redirected from the feed path into the first output path.

[0031] Preferably, the clamping phase in which a planar element is clamped between the first segment section of the first rotary element and the guide element of the second dispensing guide arrangement is offset in time from a clamping phase in which a planar element is clamped between the first segment section of the second rotary element and the guide element of the first dispensing guide arrangement.

[0032] The first rotational position of the second rotational element can be characterized in that the first segment portion of the second rotational element is opposite the guide element of the first output guide arrangement, thus effecting transport clamping. Since the first segment portion of the second rotational element can extend in sections over a specific circumferential length of the second rotational element and the first segment portion of the second rotational element rotates with the second rotational element, the transport clamping can be maintained over the aforementioned clamping phase duration. Conversely, this means that there can be several first rotational positions of the second rotational element in which clamping is effected.

[0033] In the first rotational position of the second rotational element, the first segment portion of the second rotational element projects into the second output path, which may mean that the first segment portion of the second rotational element rotates into the second output path and / or extends through the second output path to come into contact with the planar element that bears against the guide element of the first output guide arrangement and, as explained above, together with the guide element of the first output guide arrangement, to provide the transport clamp for the planar element.

[0034] The second rotational element also has a second rotational position in which the second rotational element is located completely outside the second output path. This may mean that the first segment portion of the second rotational element has been rotated out of the second output path and thus no longer extends through the second output path. The second rotational element may also have an intermediate segment portion that adjoins the first segment portion of the second rotational element along the circumference of the second rotational element and that faces the branching region in the second rotational position of the second rotational element.

[0035] The first segment portion of the second rotary element can extend into the second output path, for example, by being moved past transport device elements or guide elements of the second output guide arrangement. In other words, the first segment portion of the second rotary element can penetrate into the second output path, i.e., between transport device elements or guide elements of the second output guide arrangement.

[0036] The guide element of the second output guide arrangement and / or the further guide element of the first output guide arrangement can be a belt, in particular a flat belt, or a loose or driven roller. Depending on the curvature of the object to be transported, a belt can be advantageous if the object is to be prevented from approaching the other, stationary rotating element that has been rotated out of the respective transport path.

[0037] The first rotation element and / or the second rotation element can be plate-shaped or roller-shaped. In the operating state of the device, the first rotation element and / or the second rotation element can, in particular, rotate around their respective center of gravity.

[0038] According to one embodiment, a radius of the first rotation element varies along a circumferential direction of the first rotation element such that the first segment portion of the first rotation element has a larger radius than an intermediate segment portion of the first rotation element adjacent in the circumferential direction of the first rotation element.

[0039] In other words, the first segment portion of the first rotation element can represent an elevation, i.e., a portion of the first rotation element that protrudes relative to adjacent regions of the first rotation element in the circumferential direction. Likewise, a radius of the second rotation element can vary along a circumferential direction of the second rotation element such that the first segment portion of the second rotation element has a larger radius than an intermediate segment portion of the second rotation element that is adjacent in the circumferential direction to the second rotation element.

[0040] In this way, by rotating the first or second rotary element by a corresponding angle of rotation, it is possible to ensure that the first segment section of the first or second rotary element is opposite the respective guide element of the first or second output guide arrangement only for certain time periods, i.e., during the clamping phases explained above, in order to effect transport clamping. At other time periods, i.e., between the clamping phases explained above, the segment section of the first or second rotary element is not opposite the respective guide element of the first or second output guide arrangement, so that no transport clamping can take place during these other time periods.

[0041] Preferably, the clamping phase, at which the first segment section of the first rotation element is located opposite the guide element of the second output guide arrangement, and the clamping phase, at which the first segment section of the second rotation element is located opposite the guide element of the first output guide arrangement, occur at a different time from one another or not simultaneously.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the first rotation element has a first end and a second end, wherein the first segment section of the first rotation element is arranged at the first end of the first rotation element, wherein the first rotation element has a recess region in an angular section between the first end and the second end, which recess region is designed such that an outer surface of the first rotation element in the angular section between the first end and the second end is radially set back relative to an outer surface of the first segment section, in particular by at least 20%, preferably by at least 40%.

[0043] This can mean that along a circumferential direction of the first rotation element, the recess region forms a depression or constriction that sets back the outer circumference of the first rotation element in this angular section between the first end and the second end of the rotation element, so that the first end and the second end each form protruding portions of the first rotation element. A recess region can be provided in each of the opposite angular sections between the first end and the second end.

[0044] This shape of the first rotation element makes it possible to avoid a collision with a rear edge of the planar elements when switching over the rotation element, for example when the first rotation element is rotated from the first to the second rotation position or between the transport of the planar elements into the first output path or into the second output path. By rotating the rotation element out of the path in conjunction with the set-back shape, it can be achieved that the rotation element rotated out of the path in each case does not come into contact with the planar element at its set-back angular section, and thus (damaging) sliding friction of the planar element on the rotated-out rotation element is avoided.

[0045] Furthermore, by protruding the first end and the opposite second end on both sides relative to the recessed outer surface in the respective angular sections of the first rotation element, a (point-)symmetrical shape can be provided for the first rotation element, which avoids imbalances with regard to the rotational movement.

[0046] The first end and the second end can be arranged opposite each other with respect to the rotational axis of the first rotational element. This shape described for the first rotational element can also be provided for the second rotational element, as will become apparent from the description of the figures.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the first rotation element has an elongated shape with the first end and the second end, wherein a second segment portion of the first rotation element is arranged at the second end of the first rotation element. The first end and the second end can be arranged opposite each other with respect to the rotation axis of the first rotation element.

[0048] The first end and the second end of the first rotary element can thus provide two segment sections with which the transport clamping for the planar elements can be achieved. In particular, the first rotary element can thus guide a planar element into the respective output path twice per revolution, thus providing a higher throughput, i.e., a higher transport frequency, of planar elements.

[0049] The first rotating element can be rectangular or propeller-shaped. The first segment portion of the first rotating element can have a rounded segment surface that can roll on the flat element when the first segment portion of the first rotating element is opposite the guide element of the second output guide arrangement.

[0050] In one example, the second rotation element also has an elongated shape with a first end and a second end, wherein the first segment portion of the second rotation element is arranged at the first end of the second rotation element and a second segment portion of the second rotation element is arranged at the second end of the second rotation element.

[0051] The second rotating element can be rectangular or propeller-shaped. The first segment portion of the second rotating element can have a rounded outer segment surface that can roll on the flat element when the first segment portion of the second rotating element is opposite the guide element of the first dispensing guide arrangement.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the first rotation element has a third rotation position in which the second segment section of the first rotation element projects into the first output path in such a way that the second segment section of the first rotation element together with the guide element, in particular the second output guide arrangement, provides the transport clamping for the planar element, wherein the first rotation element has a fourth rotation position in which the first rotation element, in particular the first segment section and the second segment section of the first rotation element, are located completely outside the first output path.

[0053] The first rotary element can thus provide two transport clamping phases with the guide element of the second output guide arrangement per revolution, namely on the one hand when the first segment section of the first rotary element is opposite the guide element of the second output guide arrangement, and on the other hand when the second segment section of the first rotary element is opposite the guide element of the second output guide arrangement.

[0054] In one example, the second rotation element also has a third rotation position in which the second segment section of the second rotation element projects into the second output path in such a way that the second segment section of the second rotation element together with the further guide element, in particular the first output guide arrangement, provides the transport clamping for the planar element, wherein the second rotation element has a fourth rotation position in which the second rotation element, in particular the first segment section and the second segment section of the second rotation element, are located completely outside the second output path.The second rotary element can thus also provide two transport clamping phases with the guide element of the first output guide arrangement per revolution, namely on the one hand when the first segment section of the second rotary element is opposite the guide element of the first output guide arrangement, and on the other hand when the second segment section of the second rotary element is opposite the guide element of the first output guide arrangement.

[0055] According to one example, the first rotation element has a geometry that is point-symmetrical with respect to the first rotation axis and / or the second rotation element has a geometry that is point-symmetrical with respect to the second rotation axis.

[0056] The rotating elements can thus be rotated around the respective rotation axis located at the center of the respective rotating element. The center of gravity of the rotating elements can be arranged on the respective rotation axis.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the first rotation element is designed to provide the transport clamp for the planar element by pressing an outer surface of the first segment portion of the first rotation element against a first surface of the planar element.

[0058] The flat element is then pressed with a second surface of the flat element against the guide element of the second output guide assembly. The flat element is then clamped between the outer surface of the first segment section of the first rotary element and the guide element of the second output guide assembly and is conveyed further along the second output path.

[0059] In one example, the second rotation element is also designed to

[0060] To provide transport clamping for the planar element by pressing an outer surface of the first segment portion of the second rotary element against a first surface of the planar element.

[0061] The flat element is then pressed with a second surface of the flat element against the guide element of the first output guide assembly. The flat element is then clamped between the outer surface of the first segment portion of the second rotary element and the guide element of the first output guide assembly, while being conveyed further along the first output path.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the device further comprises a control unit which is designed to control the rotational movement of the first rotational element about the first axis of rotation and, if applicable, the rotational movement of the second rotational element about the second axis of rotation. For this purpose, the control unit can, for example, control a drive of the first rotational element (e.g. motor) and, if applicable, a drive of the second rotational element (e.g. motor) accordingly. The control unit is, in particular, designed to control the rotational movement of the first rotational element such that the first rotational element is rotated about the first axis of rotation such that a circumferential speed of the outer surface of the first segment section of the first rotational element when providing the transport clamp corresponds to a transport speed of the flat element.

[0063] In other words, the outer surface of the first segment portion of the first rotation element rolls on the first surface of the planar element while maintaining the transport clamping.

[0064] In one example, the second rotational element is also rotatable about the second rotational axis such that a circumferential speed of the outer surface of the first segment portion of the second rotational element coincides with a transport speed of the planar element when the transport clamp is provided. In other words, the outer surface of the first segment portion of the second rotational element also rolls on the first surface of the planar element while maintaining the transport clamp.

[0065] The control unit can be configured to provide a start-stop operation for the rotational movement of the first rotational element and / or the second rotational element. For example, a rotational movement of the first rotational element can be started when an incoming planar element has reached a specific position within the device. The rotational movement of the first rotational element can then continue until the planar element has entered the second output path or until the first rotational element no longer has contact with the planar element. The rotational movement of the first rotational element can then be stopped. Analogously, such a start-stop operation can also be applied to the rotational movement of the second rotational element.

[0066] It can further be provided that the control unit is designed to convey a plurality of planar elements one after the other into the first output path or to convey a plurality of planar elements one after the other into the second output path. In particular, it can be provided that, at least over a certain period of time, no alternating feeding of the planar elements into the first and second output paths is provided.

[0067] The control unit can further be configured to adjust a rotational speed of the first rotational element independently of a rotational speed of the second rotational element, and vice versa. The rotational speeds of the first rotational element and the second rotational element can be set differently.

[0068] The device according to the invention can respond to varying distances between the incoming planar elements. In particular, different (varying) leading edge distances of the planar elements can be compensated for by individually and / or time-dependently adjusting the rotation speed of the first rotation element, the second rotation element, and the speeds of the corresponding guide elements in the two output paths. This can also be accomplished by the control unit, in particular by specifically controlling the speeds of the aforementioned components.

[0069] With the device according to the invention, even incoming planar elements that are not spaced apart from one another could be transported into the respective output paths, i.e. planar elements that are introduced into the branching area directly one after the other.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the first rotation element is rotated, in particular controlled by the control unit, such that the outer surface of the first segment portion of the first rotation element rolls on the first surface of the planar element while maintaining the transport clamping.

[0071] In one example, the second rotation element is rotated, in particular controlled by the control unit, such that an outer surface of the first segment portion of the second rotation element rolls on a second surface of the planar element while maintaining the transport clamping.

[0072] It can be provided that a relative speed between a rotating element and the respective opposing guide element is avoided. For example, it can be provided that the segment section of the respective rotating element and the opposite guide element do not exhibit any relative movement to one another when the segment section projects into the respective output path. This can be achieved by the set-back shape and by the fact that - due to a decoupling of the rotating elements, as explained in more detail below - the rotation of the respective segment section rotated into the path can be stopped after the end of contact with the respective flat element, after rotating out, so that no contact with relative speed to other sections of the rotating element takes place.Such movement of the individual components within the device can be accomplished by the control unit described herein. In particular, the device according to the invention can prevent sliding between the transported flat element and the first or second rotation element.

[0073] Likewise, sliding between the transported flat element and an adjacent guide element (e.g. belt) can be prevented.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the control unit is designed to control the rotational movement of the first rotational element as a function of a current position of a planar element in the feed path.

[0075] In one example, the control unit is further configured to control the rotational movement of the second rotational element as a function of a current position of a planar element in the feed path.

[0076] Additionally or alternatively, the control unit can be configured to control a rotational movement of the first rotational element depending on the current position of a planar element in the first output path or the second output path. Likewise, the control unit can be configured to control a rotational movement of the second rotational element depending on the current position of a planar element in the first output path or the second output path.

[0077] This ensures that the first and second rotation elements begin to rotate in a timely manner when a flat element is to be transported into the first or second output path, respectively. In particular, this ensures that the respective transport clamping of the flat element between the segment sections and the respective opposing guide elements can begin in a timely manner. Appropriate sensors, such as light barriers, for detecting the position of the flat element, for example a leading and / or trailing edge of the flat element, can be provided in the feed path and / or in the first or second output path, so that the first and / or second rotation elements can be controlled based on the position information received.

[0078] In particular, the position of the flat element can be determined with the aid of one or more sensors, e.g. light barriers, which are present in front of or on the feed path and register the time of arrival of the flat element, e.g. the front edge. Based on the time of arrival of the flat element at the sensor and the transport speed, the time of arrival of the flat element in the branching area or at the first / second rotation element can then be determined and the rotation of the first / second rotation element can be controlled accordingly, e.g. accelerated, in order to bring the respective segment section into contact with the flat element and achieve the above-mentioned transport clamping. Preferably, the rotational movement of the first / second rotation element is controlled such that the transport clamping begins in the first half of the flat element.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the first segment portion of the first rotation element has a circumferential length in the circumferential direction of the first rotation element that amounts to at least 20% of the length of the planar element. As a result, the first segment portion provides improved guidance of the planar element along its transport direction. The first segment portion of the first rotation element can have the same radius with respect to the first rotation axis over its entire extent.

[0080] In one example, the first segment portion of the second rotation element also has a circumferential length in the circumferential direction of the second rotation element that is at least 20% of the length of the planar element, in order to provide improved guidance of the planar element along its transport direction. The first segment portion of the second rotation element can have the same radius with respect to the second rotation axis over its entire extent.According to one embodiment, the feed guide arrangement is designed to transport the planar element into the branching region by means of a transport clamp provided by two opposing guide elements of the feed guide arrangement, wherein the feed guide arrangement is designed to maintain the transport clamp of the planar element in the feed guide arrangement at least until the transport clamp for the planar element provided by the first rotation element and the guide element, in particular the second output guide arrangement, has occurred.

[0081] Additionally or alternatively, the feed guide arrangement can be designed to maintain the transport clamping of the planar element in the feed guide arrangement at least until the transport clamping for the planar element provided by the second rotation element and the guide element, in particular the first output guide arrangement, has occurred.

[0082] This means that the transport clamp provided in the feed path is only terminated when a transport clamp has been provided in either the first output path or the second output path, depending on where the flat element is to be transported. This ensures that the transport clamp is always in place for the flat element being transported within the device.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the first segment portion of the first rotation element is offset relative to the guide element, in particular the first output guide arrangement, in a direction parallel to the first rotation axis.

[0084] This ensures that the first segment portion of the first rotary element can be moved past the guide element of the first output guide arrangement, so that the first segment portion of the first rotary element can extend into the first output path. As described above, the transport clamping of the planar element in the second output path is enabled by clamping the planar element between the first segment portion of the first rotary element and the guide element of the second output guide arrangement, whereby the first segment portion of the first rotary element is first moved through the first output path to reach the guide element of the second output guide arrangement.

[0085] In one example, the first segment portion of the second rotation member is offset relative to the guide member of the second output guide assembly in a direction parallel to the second rotation axis.

[0086] This ensures that the first segment section of the second rotary element can also be moved past the guide element of the second output guide arrangement, so that the first segment section of the second rotary element can extend into the second output path. As described above, the transport clamping of the planar element in the first output path is made possible by clamping the planar element between the first segment section of the second rotary element and the guide element of the first output guide arrangement, whereby the first segment section of the second rotary element is first moved through the second output path in order to reach the guide element of the first output guide arrangement.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the feed guide arrangement comprises a feed transport belt arrangement, wherein the first output guide arrangement comprises a first output transport belt arrangement and the guide element, in particular of the first output guide arrangement, is a transport belt and wherein the second output guide arrangement comprises a second output transport belt arrangement and the further guide element, in particular of the second output guide arrangement, is a further transport belt.

[0088] The conveyor belt of the first output conveyor belt arrangement can be a conveyor belt guided over a roller arrangement. The guide element of the first output guide arrangement can also comprise a plurality of parallel conveyor belts.

[0089] Analogously, the transport belt of the second output transport belt arrangement can be a transport belt guided over a roller arrangement. The guide element of the second output guide arrangement can also have a plurality of parallel transport belts.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the device further comprises a guide element arranged at the branching region, wherein the guide element is arranged adjacent to the first output path and is arranged behind the first rotation element along the first output path. Additionally, the guide element can be arranged adjacent to the second output path and is arranged behind the second rotation element along the second output path.

[0091] The guide element can be a guide element that tapers in the direction opposite to the transport direction of the flat elements. For example, it can be a guide element that tapers to a point opposite to the transport direction of the flat elements.

[0092] The guide element supports the threading of the leading edge of an incoming flat element into the correct output path. The guide element is, for example, fixed, i.e., fixedly arranged within the device.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the guide element is arranged such that, when a planar element is transported from the branching region into the first output path, contact between the transported planar element and the guide element is prevented. Alternatively or additionally, the guide element is arranged such that, when a planar element is transported from the branching region into the second output path, contact between the transported planar element and the guide element is prevented. In particular, the device can be configured such that contact between the planar elements and the guide element is avoided. For this purpose, it can be provided that a distance between a respective transport path for the planar elements and the guide element is sufficiently large that such contact is avoided.

[0094] For example, the supply path, the first output path, the second output path, the first rotation element and / or the second rotation element can be arranged relative to the guide element within the device in such a way that contact between the respectively transported planar element and the guide element is prevented.

[0095] However, it can also be provided that the device does not have any additional guide element at all, in particular does not have any additional guide element which is arranged along the first output path behind the first rotation element or along the second output path behind the second rotation element.

[0096] Advantageously, the device according to the invention can ensure that only very few or even none of the components used are in sliding contact with the transported flat elements, thus protecting the material of the flat elements during transport. Furthermore, the device according to the invention may have few or no interfering edges, thus ensuring safe and, in particular, damage-free transport of the flat elements.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the rotational movement of the first rotational element about the first rotational axis is decoupled from a movement of the feed guide arrangement, in particular from a movement of a guide element of the feed guide arrangement, which the latter carries out for transporting the planar element in the feed path.

[0098] Alternatively or additionally, the rotational movement of the first rotational element about the first rotational axis is decoupled from a movement of the first output guide arrangement, in particular from a movement of a guide element of the first output guide arrangement, which the latter carries out for transporting the planar element in the first output path.

[0099] Alternatively or additionally, the rotational movement of the first rotational element about the first rotational axis is decoupled from a movement of the second output guide arrangement, in particular from a movement of a guide element of the second output guide arrangement, which the latter carries out for transporting the planar element in the second output path.

[0100] The term “decoupled” can mean that the movements of the elements mentioned can be controlled independently of each other, for example by the control device.

[0101] In one example, the rotational movement of the second rotational element about the second rotational axis is decoupled from a movement of the feed guide arrangement, in particular from a movement of a guide element of the feed guide arrangement, which the latter carries out to transport the planar element in the feed path.

[0102] Alternatively or additionally, the rotational movement of the second rotational element about the second rotational axis is decoupled from a movement of the first output guide arrangement, in particular from a movement of a guide element of the first output guide arrangement, which the latter carries out for transporting the planar element in the first output path.

[0103] Alternatively or additionally, the rotational movement of the second rotational element about the second rotational axis is decoupled from a movement of the second output guide arrangement, in particular from a movement of a guide element of the second output guide arrangement, which the guide element carries out to transport the planar element in the second output path. In a further example, the rotational movement of the second rotational element about the second rotational axis can be stopped when the second rotational element, in particular the second segment section of the second rotational element, is located completely outside the second output path, thus preventing the second rotational element from coming into contact with a planar element conveyed into the second output path at that time.

[0104] Analogously, in a further example, the rotational movement of the first rotational element about the first rotational axis can be stopped when the first rotational element, in particular the first segment section of the first rotational element, is located completely outside the first output path, in order to thus prevent the first rotational element from coming into contact with a planar element conveyed into the first output path at that time.

[0105] The rotational movement of the two rotating elements can thus be decoupled from the conveying movement of the transport device (e.g., belt), both decoupled from the transport device for the feed path and decoupled from the transport device of the two output paths. This can mean that the first and second rotating elements can be moved into the respective first rotational position depending on the desired transport path for the respective flat element in order to guide the respective flat element into the first or second output path.

[0106] Such decoupling allows multiple consecutive flat objects to be routed to the same output path, if necessary or desired. This decoupling allows for flexible sorting of the flat elements into the various output paths, e.g., depending on their properties, which may only be detected by a sensor shortly before the transport switch.

[0107] Due to the decoupling, it is possible to stop the segment section of the other rotating element that is not required for deflection in the respective planar element and leave it rotated out of the output path, so that the rotating element or segment section does not come into contact with this planar element, including the recessed sections of the rotating element. This prevents relative movement and thus friction between this other rotating element or segment section and the planar element. This is further supported by the significantly recessed sections of the rotating elements.

[0108] According to one aspect, a method for transporting a planar element for the production of galvanic cells is provided. In one step of the method, a planar element is transported through a feed path by means of a feed guide arrangement into a branching region. In a further step, the planar element is transported into a first output path by means of a first output guide arrangement or the planar element is transported into a second output path by means of a second output guide arrangement. When transporting the planar element from the branching region into the second output path, a transport clamp for the planar element is provided by means of a first rotation element, which is rotatable about a first rotation axis, and a guide element opposite the first rotation element, in particular the second output guide arrangement.When transporting the planar element through the branching region, the first rotational element is moved into a first rotational position, in which a first segment portion of the first rotational element protrudes into the first output path such that the first segment portion, together with the guide element, in particular the second output guide arrangement, provides a transport clamp for the planar element. In a further step, the first rotational element is moved into a second rotational position, in which the first rotational element is located completely outside the first output path.

[0109] Brief description of the figures Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a device for transporting a flat element with a first rotation element which is in a first rotation position.

[0110] Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of the device from Fig. 1 with a second rotation element which is in a first rotation position.

[0111] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a device for transporting a flat element.

[0112] Fig. 4 shows a side view of a device for transporting a flat element with two rotation elements, each of which is in its second rotation position.

[0113] Fig. 5 shows a side view of the device from Fig. 4, wherein the first rotation element is in a first rotation position and the second rotation element is in the second rotation position.

[0114] Fig. 6 shows a side view of the device of Fig. 4, wherein the first rotation element is in the second rotation position and the second rotation element is in a first rotation position.

[0115] Fig. 7 shows a perspective detailed view of the configuration of the device from Fig. 6.

[0116] Fig. 8 shows a further perspective detailed view of the configuration of the device from Fig. 6.

[0117] Fig. 9 shows a schematic view of an exemplary roller arrangement of an output path for the device of Figs. 1 and 2. Fig. 10 shows a flow chart of a method for transporting a planar element.

[0118] Detailed description of exemplary embodiments

[0119] 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.

[0120] Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a device 1 for transporting a flat element 2 for producing galvanic cells, for example battery elements or fuel cell elements. The device 1 has a feed path 3 which is equipped with a feed guide arrangement 4 for transporting a flat element 2 into a branching region 5. The feed guide arrangement 4 can have a feed conveyor belt arrangement which comprises one or more conveyor belts which are guided over corresponding rollers 6, 7. The feed guide arrangement 4 can in particular comprise an upper guide element 4a which is guided circumferentially over the rollers 6. The feed guide arrangement 4 can further comprise a lower guide element 4b which is guided circumferentially over the rollers 7.The two guide elements 4a, 4b of the feed guide arrangement 4 can effect a transport clamping for a flat element 2 transported in the feed path 3. In the case shown in Fig. 1, a flat element 2 is currently located in the feed path 3. The two guide elements 4a, 4b of the feed guide arrangement 4 can be moved parallel to one another and at the same speed along the feed path 3, i.e. from left to right in the device 1 shown in Fig. 1, in order to transport the flat element 2 clamped between them along the feed path 3 towards the branching region 5. The branching region 5 indicated in Fig. 1 by a dashed rectangle can define a branching of the feed path 3 into a first output path 10 and a second output path 20.The first output path 10 comprises a first output guide arrangement 12 for transporting a planar element 2 from the branching region 5 in a first direction 11. In the case shown, there is no change of direction or deflection of the planar element 2 when it passes from the feed path 3 into the first output path 10. The second output path 20 comprises a second output guide arrangement 22 for transporting a planar element 2 from the branching region 5 in a second direction 21. In the case shown, there is a change of direction or deflection of the planar element 2 when it passes from the feed path 3 into the second output path 20.

[0121] The first output guide arrangement 12 can have an output conveyor belt arrangement comprising one or more conveyor belts guided over corresponding rollers 15, 16. It should be noted that in the example shown in Fig. 1, the output conveyor belt arrangement comprises conveyor belts, but other conveying means such as suction plates, suction belts and / or roller transports can also be provided. The first output guide arrangement 12 can in particular comprise an upper guide element 13, which is guided circumferentially over the rollers 15 and over a roller coupled to a first rotation element 40. The first output guide arrangement 12 can further comprise a lower guide element 14, which is guided circumferentially over the roller 16 and one or more further rollers (not shown).The two guide elements 13, 14 of the first output guide arrangement 12 can effect a transport clamping for a flat element 2 transported in the first output path 10. In the case shown in Fig. 1, there are currently two flat elements in the first output path 10. The two guide elements 13, 14 of the first output guide arrangement 12 can be moved parallel to one another and at the same speed along the first output path 10, ie from left to right in the device 1 shown in Fig. 1, in order to transport a flat element 2 clamped therebetween along the first output path 10 away from the branching region 5. It can be seen that during the transport of a planar element 2 from the feed path 3 through the branching region 5 into the first output path 10, in particular no relative movement of the planar element 2 occurs transversely to the transport direction of the planar element 2 or transversely to the first direction 11.This simplifies the movement sequence and thus protects the material of the flat element 2.

[0122] The second output guide arrangement 22 can also have an output conveyor belt arrangement, which comprises one or more conveyor belts guided over corresponding rollers 7, 25. It should be noted that in the example shown in Fig. 1, the output conveyor belt arrangement comprises conveyor belts, but other conveying means such as suction plates, suction belts and / or roller transports can also be provided. The second output guide arrangement 22 can in particular comprise a lower guide element 23, which is guided circumferentially over the rollers 7 as well as over a roller coupled to a second rotation element 50 and one or more further rollers (not shown). The second output guide arrangement 22 can further comprise an upper guide element 24, which is guided circumferentially over the roller 25 and one or more further rollers (not shown).The two guide elements 23, 24 of the second output guide arrangement 22 can effect a transport clamping for a flat element 2 transported in the second output path 20. In the case shown in Fig. 1, two flat elements are currently located in the second output path 20. A further flat element 2 is also about to be moved into the second output path 20, as will be explained in more detail below. The two guide elements 23, 24 of the second output guide arrangement 22 can be moved parallel to one another and at the same speed along the second output path 20, ie in the device 1 shown in Fig. 1 diagonally downwards to the right, in order to transport a flat element 2 clamped between them along the second output path 20 away from the branching region 5.

[0123] It can be provided that the roller 16 and the roller 25 are arranged on a single (common) axis, whereby the rollers 16 and 25 can, however, be rotatable independently of one another. In particular, the guide elements 14 and 24 (e.g., belts) can be guided over a common axis of the rollers 16 and 25. It can also be provided that the rollers 16 and 25 are replaced by a single roller. The guide elements 14 and 24 can be arranged eccentrically to one another on a common axis. This increases the compactness of the device 1 and reduces the number of rollers required within the device 1.

[0124] The device further comprises the above-mentioned first rotation element 40 and the second rotation element 50. In the example shown, the rotation elements 40 and 50 are each designed in the form of a roller, although other geometries for the rotation elements 40 and 50 are also possible, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0125] The first rotation element 40 is rotatable about a first rotation axis 45 according to a first rotational movement 45a or direction of rotation 45a and is designed to provide, together with the guide element 23 of the second output guide arrangement 22 opposite the first rotation element 40, a transport clamp for the flat element 2 in order to transport the flat element 2 from the feed path 3 into the second output path 20. For this purpose, the first rotation element 40 has a first segment section 46 which, in a first rotation position 41 of the first rotation element 40, projects into the first output path 10, ie projects through it, so that the first segment section 46 of the first rotation element 40 extends to the guide element 23 of the second output guide arrangement 22, in order to thus provide the transport clamp for the flat element 2 together with the guide element 23 of the second output guide arrangement 22.For the transport clamping of the planar element 2 during the deflection in the branching region 5, the first segment section 46 of the first rotation element 40 is pressed against a first surface 2a of the planar element 2, whereupon the planar element 2 is in turn pressed against the opposite guide element 23 of the second output guide arrangement 22, which ultimately causes the transport clamping between the first segment section 46 of the first rotation element 40 and the guide element 23 of the second output guide arrangement 22.

[0126] As can be seen in Fig. 1, a radius of the first rotation element 40 varies along the circumference of the first rotation element 40 such that the first segment section 46 of the first rotation element 40 has a larger radius than an intermediate segment section 47 of the first rotation element 40 adjacent along the circumference of the first rotation element 40. It can be seen that in the first rotation position 41 shown, the segment section 46 of the first rotation element 40 projects straight into the first output path 10, so that the segment section 46 reaches as far as the opposite guide element 23 of the second output guide arrangement 22, which, as explained above, enables the transport clamping when deflecting into the second output path 20.

[0127] The second rotational element 50 is structurally similar or identical to the structure of the first rotational element 40. In particular, the rotational element 50 is rotatable about a second rotational axis 55 according to a second rotational movement 55a or rotational direction 55a and also has a first segment section 56. In Fig. 1, the second rotational element 50 is in a second rotational position 52 in which the first segment section 56 of the second rotational element 50 does not protrude into the second output path 20, since it is directed away from the second output path 20, for example. In the second rotational position 52 of the second rotational element 50 shown in Fig. 1, the first segment section 56 of the second rotational element 50 is thus located completely outside the second output path 20.

[0128] As can be seen in Fig. 1, a radius of the second rotation element 50 also varies along the circumference of the second rotation element 50 such that the first segment section 56 of the second rotation element 50 has a larger radius than an adjacent intermediate segment section 57 of the second rotation element 50 along the circumference of the second rotation element 50. It can be seen that in the second rotation position 52 shown, the segment section 56 of the second rotation element 50 does not protrude into the second output path 20, so that the

[0129] Segment section 56 is currently ineffective, ie is not currently being used for transport clamping.

[0130] Fig. 2 now shows a schematic view of the device from Fig. 1 with the second rotation element 50, which is in a first rotation position 51. The second rotation element 50 is rotatable in a second rotation direction 55a about a second rotation axis 55 and is designed, together with the guide element 13 opposite the second rotation element 50, to provide a transport clamp for the flat element 2 in order to transport the flat element 2 from the feed path 3 into the first output path 10. For this purpose, the first segment section 56 of the second rotation element 50 projects into the second output path 20 in the first rotation position 51 of the second rotation element 50, iethrough it, so that the first segment section 56 of the second rotation element 50 extends as far as the guide element 13 of the first output guide arrangement 12, in order to thus provide the transport clamping for the flat element 2 together with the guide element 13 of the first output guide arrangement 12. For the transport clamping of the flat element 2 during conveyance out of the branching region 5, the first segment section 56 of the second rotation element 50 is pressed against a second surface 2b of the flat element 2, whereupon the flat element 2 is in turn pressed against the opposite guide element 13 of the first output guide arrangement 12, which ultimately brings about the transport clamping between the first segment section 56 of the first rotation element 50 and the guide element 13 of the second output guide arrangement 12.

[0131] In the configuration shown in Fig. 2, the first rotation element 40 is in a second rotation position 42, in which the first segment section 46 of the first rotation element 40 does not protrude into the first output path 10, since it is directed away from the first output path 10, for example. In the second rotation position 42 of the first rotation element 40 shown in Fig. 2, the first segment section 46 of the first rotation element 40 is thus completely outside the first output path 10. It can be seen that in the second rotation position 42 shown, the first segment section 46 of the first rotation element 40 does not protrude into the first output path 10, so that the segment section 46 is currently ineffective, i.e. is not currently being used for transport clamping.

[0132] Figures 1 and 2 further show a control unit 100, which can be designed to control the rotational movement 45a of the first rotational element 40 as a function of a current position of a planar element 2 in the feed path 3 and / or to control the rotational movement 45a of the first rotational element 40 as a function of a current position of a planar element 2 in the first output path 10 or the second output path 20. The control unit 100 can also be designed to control the rotational movement 55a of the second rotational element 50 as a function of a current position of a planar element 2 in the feed path 3 and / or to control the rotational movement 55a of the second rotational element 50 as a function of a current position of a planar element 2 in the first output path 10 or the second output path 20.

[0133] The device 1 can have a guide element 60 arranged at the branching region 5, wherein the guide element 60 is arranged adjacent to the first output path 10 and is arranged along the first output path 10 behind the first rotation element 40. The guide element 60 can be arranged such that, when a flat element 2 is transported from the branching region 5 into the first output path 10, contact between the transported flat element 2 and the guide element 60 is prevented. Analogously, the guide element 60 can be arranged such that, when a flat element 2 is transported from the branching region 5 into the second output path 20, contact between the transported flat element 2 and the guide element 60 is prevented. In other words, the guide element 60 can serve as protection against incorrect deflection of the flat elements 2, but not as a sliding element.Preferably, the guide element 60 is arranged such that a distance is always provided to the transported flat elements 2.

[0134] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a device 1 for transporting a flat element 2. The device shown in Fig. 2 can, for example, be based on the device shown in Figures 1 and 2, wherein in particular the mode of operation is the same. The device again has the feed path 3, which is equipped with the feed guide arrangement 4 for transporting a flat element 2 into the branching area 5. Three flat elements 2 are shown, which are fed one after the other to the branching area 5. The feed guide arrangement 4 has a transport belt arrangement which comprises a plurality of transport belts which are guided over corresponding rollers. The feed guide arrangement 4 has an upper guide element 4a, which is guided circumferentially over rollers. The feed guide arrangement 4 further has a lower guide element 4b, which is also guided circumferentially over rollers.The two guide elements 4a, 4b as well as the guide elements or belts of the feed guide arrangement 4 arranged parallel thereto (possibly of identical construction) can together effect a transport clamping for the flat elements 2 transported in the feed path 3. The two guide elements 4a, 4b of the feed guide arrangement 4 are aligned parallel to one another and are moved at the same speed along the feed path 3, ie from left to right in the device 1 shown in Fig. 1, in order to transport the flat elements 2 clamped therebetween along the feed path 3 towards the branching area 5.

[0135] Furthermore, the first output path 10 is again shown, wherein flat elements 2 can be selectively transported from the branching area 5 into the first output path 10. For this purpose, the first output guide arrangement 12 can be used, which can comprise a plurality of (possibly identical) transport belts arranged parallel to one another, wherein a plurality of upper transport belts 13 together with a plurality of lower transport belts 14 can ensure the necessary transport clamping on the first output path 10. The second output path 20 is also again shown, wherein flat elements 2 can be selectively transported from the branching area 5 into the second output path 20. For this purpose, the second output guide arrangement 22 can be used, which can comprise a plurality of (possibly identical) transport belts arranged parallel to one another.identical) transport belts, wherein several upper transport belts together with several lower transport belts can provide the required transport clamping on the second output path 20.

[0136] The first rotation element 40 is also shown, which here is designed in the form of four plate-shaped or disc-shaped first rotation elements 40 arranged adjacent to one another along the first rotation axis 45. All of the first rotation elements 40 are located in the second rotation position 42, in which the respective first segment sections 46 of the first rotation elements 40 do not protrude into the first output path 10. In the second rotation position 42 of the first rotation elements 40 shown in Fig. 3, the first segment sections 46 of the first rotation elements 40 are located completely outside the first output path 10. It can be seen that in the second rotation position 42 shown, the segment sections 46 of the first rotation elements 40 do not protrude into the first output path 10, so that the segment sections 46 are currently ineffective, i.e. are not being used for transport clamping.It can be provided that the first rotation elements 40 are brought into the first rotation position 41 (cf. Fig. 1) at the same rotation speed to provide the transport clamping in the second output path 20.

[0137] The second rotation element 50 is also shown again, which here is designed in the form of four plate-shaped or disc-shaped second rotation elements 50 arranged parallel to one another along the second rotation axis 55. All second rotation elements 50 are located in the second rotation position 52, in which the respective first segment sections 56 of the second rotation elements 50 do not protrude into the second output path 20. The first segment sections 56 of the second rotation elements 50 are located completely outside the second output path 20 in the second rotation position 52 of the second rotation elements 50 shown in Fig. 3. It can be seen that in the second rotation position 52 shown, the segment sections 56 of the second rotation elements 50 do not protrude into the second output path 20, so that the segment sections 56 are currently ineffective, i.e. are not being used for transport clamping.It can be provided that the second rotation elements 50 are brought into the first rotation position 51 (cf. Fig. 2) at the same rotation speed to provide the transport clamping in the first output path 10.

[0138] Fig. 4 shows a side view of the device 1 with the two rotation elements 40, 50, each in its second rotational position 42, 52. The relationships and functionalities of the device 1 previously explained with reference to Figures 1 to 3 continue to apply.

[0139] The two rotational elements 40, 50 are each plate-shaped or disc-shaped and have an elongated shape. In particular, the first rotational element 40 has an elongated shape with a first end 40a and a second end 40b, wherein the first segment portion 46 of the first rotational element 40 is arranged at the first end 40a of the first rotational element 40 and a second segment portion 48 of the first rotational element 40 is arranged at the second end 40b of the first rotational element 40. Likewise, the second rotational element 50 has an elongated shape with a first end 50a and a second end 50b, wherein the first segment portion 56 of the second rotational element 50 is arranged at the first end 50a of the second rotational element 50 and a second segment portion 58 of the second rotational element 50 is arranged at the second end 50b of the second rotational element 50.

[0140] The two rotational elements 40, 50 have a tapered central section in the region of the rotational axes 45, 55, as well as a widened section in the region of the first ends 40a, 50a and the second ends 40b, 50b. In other words, the two rotational elements 40, 50 have a constricted central region and become wider again toward their respective ends. In this case, the two rotational elements 40, 50 each have a point-symmetric geometry with respect to their rotational axes 45, 55. They are designed like a propeller.

[0141] In other words, the first rotation element 40 has a recess region (e.g., a constriction or depression) in an angular section between the first end 40a and the second end 40b, which recess region is designed such that an outer surface of the first rotation element 40 is radially set back from an outer surface of the first segment section 46 in the angular section between the first end 40a and the second end 40b. This can result in the first end 40a and the second end 40b each forming protruding sections of the first rotation element 40, as shown in Figures 4 to 8. In this case, a recess region can be provided in each of the opposite angular sections between the first end 40a and the second end 40b.

[0142] With regard to the other components shown in Fig. 4, reference is made to Figures 1 to 3. The functioning of the two rotation elements 40, 50 within the device 1 will now be explained in more detail.

[0143] Fig. 5 shows a side view of the device 1 from Fig. 4, wherein the first rotation element 40 is in the first rotation position 41 and the second rotation element 50 is in the second rotation position 52. This means that the first rotation element 40 is currently clamping during transport and the second rotation element 50 is currently ineffective. The first rotation element 40 clamps during transport for the flat element 2 by pressing an outer surface 46a of the first segment section 46 of the first rotation element 40 against a first surface of the flat element 2. The flat element 2 (cf. Figures 1 to 3) is in the side view of Fig.5 is not shown, but the functional principle of the pressing is clarified, since the outer surface 46a of the first segment section 46 of the first rotary element 40, in the first rotational position 41 of the first rotary element 40, extends as far as the opposite guide element 23 of the second output guide arrangement 22, so that a flat element is pressed against the opposite guide element 23 and thus a clamping of the flat element between the outer surface 46a and the opposite guide element 23 is made possible. The flat element thus deflected onto the second output path 20 can then be transported away on the second output path 20 by means of the second output guide arrangement 22, during which time the flat element is clamped between the upper guide element 24, which is guided via the rollers 25, and the lower guide element 23, which is guided via the rollers 26.

[0144] As can also be seen, the first segment section 46 of the first rotary element 40 extends past the guide element 13 of the first output guide arrangement 12, i.e. the segment section 46 of the first rotary element 40 projects into or through the first output path 10 in the first rotational position 41 of the first rotary element 40. It should be understood that the first output path 10 extends along the guide element 13 of the first output guide arrangement 12, since the guide element 13 of the first output guide arrangement 12 is used for transporting flat elements on the first output path 10. With regard to the other components shown in Fig. 5, reference is made to Figures 1 to 3.

[0145] Figures 4 to 6 show, in particular, a sequence of the rotational states of the first rotational element 40 and the second rotational element 50. The first rotational element 40 is rotated counterclockwise from Fig. 4 via Fig. 5 to Fig. 6, specifically synchronously with a planar element (not shown) which is to be deflected downwards, so that the latter rolls on the outer surface 46a of the first rotational element 40 facing the planar element (cf. Fig. 5). A relative movement or sliding between the planar element and the outer surface 46a of the first segment section 46 of the first rotational element 40 is thereby largely or completely avoided. If the next orsubsequent planar element is also to be deflected downwards into the second output path 20, the first rotation element 40 is rotated further in the counterclockwise direction, wherein the opposite, second segment section 48 of the first rotation element 40 then becomes effective, in the same way as the first segment section 46 of the first rotation element 40 was previously effective.

[0146] If the next element is to be transported straight ahead into the first output path 10, the rotation of the first rotary element 40 is stopped in the second rotation position 42 (cf. Fig. 6) and the rotation of the second rotary element 50 is started in a clockwise direction. The second rotary element 50 rotates clockwise from Fig. 5 to Fig. 6, also synchronously with a flat element (not shown) to be transported straight ahead, so that the latter rolls on the outer surface 56a of the first segment section 56 of the second rotary element 50 facing the flat element (cf. Fig. 6). A relative movement or sliding between the flat element and the outer surface 56a of the first segment section 56 of the second rotary element 50 is largely or completely avoided. If the next orIf the subsequent planar element is also to be transported straight ahead into the first output path 10, the second rotary element 50 continues to rotate clockwise, whereby the opposite, second segment section 58 of the second rotary element 50 then becomes effective, in the same way as the first segment section 56 of the second rotary element 50 was previously effective. This last state is not shown in the sequence illustrated in Figures 4 to 6.

[0147] Fig. 6 shows a side view of the device 1 of Figures 4 and 5, wherein the first rotation element 40 is in the second rotation position 42 and the second rotation element 50 is in the first rotation position 51. This means that the second rotation element 50 is currently effecting a transport clamping and the first rotation element 40 is currently ineffective. The second rotation element 50 effects the transport clamping for the flat element 2 by pressing an outer surface 56a of the first segment section 56 of the second rotation element 50 against a first surface of the flat element 2. The flat element 2 (cf. Figures 1 to 3) is in the side view of Fig.6 is not shown, but the functional principle of the pressing is clarified, since the outer surface 56a of the first segment section 56 of the second rotary element 50, in the first rotational position 51 of the second rotary element 50, extends as far as the opposite guide element 13 of the first output guide arrangement 12, so that a flat element is pressed against the opposite guide element 13 and thus a clamping of the flat element between the outer surface 56a and the opposite guide element 13 is made possible. The flat element thus conveyed onto the first output path 10 can then be transported away on the first output path 10 by means of the first output guide arrangement 12, during which time the flat element is clamped between the upper guide element 13, which is guided via the rollers 6, 15, and a lower guide element 14 (cf. Figures 1 and 2).

[0148] As can also be seen, the first segment section 56 of the second rotary element 50 extends past the guide element 23 of the second output guide arrangement 22, i.e. the segment section 56 of the second rotary element 50 projects into or through the second output path 20 in the first rotational position 51 of the second rotary element 50. It should be understood that the second output path 20 extends along the guide element 23 of the second output guide arrangement 22, since the guide element 23 of the second output guide arrangement 22 is used for transporting flat elements on the second output path 20. With regard to the other components shown in Fig. 6, reference is made to Figures 1 to 3.

[0149] Fig. 7 shows a perspective top view of the device 1 of Figures 4 to 6, in particular a perspective top view of the configuration of the device 1 shown in Fig. 6. It should be understood that the first rotation element 40 has two or more first rotation elements 40 spaced apart from one another along the first rotation axis 45. Two of these are shown in Fig. 7. Analogously, the second rotation element 50 can have two or more second rotation elements 50 spaced apart from one another along the second rotation axis 55, two of which are shown in Fig. 7. The first rotation elements 40 are in the second rotation position 42 and the second rotation elements 50 are in the first rotation position 51, so that what was said about Fig. 6 also applies analogously to Fig. 7. The first rotation elements 40 arranged next to one another along the first rotation axis 45 are rotatably arranged on a first shaft 49.The second rotational elements 50, arranged side by side along the second rotational axis 55, are rotatably mounted on a second shaft 59. As can be seen, the guide element 23 of the second dispensing guide arrangement 20 extends in sections between two adjacent second rotational elements 50 when the second rotational elements 50 are in the first rotational position 51 of the second rotational elements 50. Analogously, a guide element 13 of the first dispensing guide arrangement 12 can extend in sections between two adjacent first rotational elements 40 when the first rotational elements 40 are in the first rotational position 41 of the first rotational elements 40, although this is not shown in Fig. 7, but instead relates to the configuration of Fig. 5.

[0150] Fig. 7 also shows in an enlarged view that the outer surfaces 56a of the first segment sections 56 of the second rotational elements 50 in the first rotational position 51 of the second rotational elements 50 extend as far as the respective opposite guide elements 13 of the first dispensing guide arrangement 12, so that a pressing of a flat element (not shown) against the opposite guide elements 13 is effected and thus a clamping of the flat element between the outer surfaces 56a and the opposite guide elements 13 is made possible.

[0151] It can be provided that the first shaft 49 is fixedly arranged within the device 1 and that the first shaft 49 is always at the same distance from the second shaft 59, on which the second rotation elements 50 are rotatably arranged. With regard to the further components shown in Fig. 7, reference is made to Figures 1 to 6. Fig. 8 shows a perspective bottom view of the device 1 of Figures 4 to 6, in particular a perspective bottom view of the configuration of the device 1 shown in Fig. 6, wherein the flat elements 2 are now also shown. With regard to the individual components, reference is made to the explanations for Fig. 7. Fig. 8 shows a state in which a flat element 2 is being clamped between the outer surfaces 56a and the opposing guide elements 13.The second rotation elements 50 rotate clockwise around the common second rotation axis 55, whereby the outer surfaces 56a roll on the surface of the planar element and the latter is transported along the first output path 10, i.e., to the right in Fig. 8. Regarding the other components shown in Fig. 8, reference is made to Figures 1 to 7.

[0152] Fig. 9 shows a schematic view of a roller arrangement of the first output path 10 for the device 1 of Figures 1 and 2. Fig. 9 thus shows an alternative embodiment of the first rotation element 40 to Figures 3 to 8. The first rotation element 40 is rotatably arranged on the first shaft 49 and rotates about the first rotation axis 45 in the direction of rotation indicated by solid arrows. The guide elements 13 of the first output path guide arrangement 10, which here are in the form of belts, are guided via rollers 17 mounted on the shaft 49, specifically on both sides of the first rotation element 40, wherein the rotation of the rollers 17 is indicated by a dashed arrow. The rotation of the rollers 17 is provided via the guide elements 13 by means of the drive rollers 15. The direction of rotation of the drive rollers 15 and of the associated drive shaft 15a is indicated by dashed arrows.The rollers 17 can be mounted on the first shaft 49, so that the rotation of the rollers 17 is not transmitted to the first shaft 49. The first segment section 46 can be driven via a fixed connection of the first rotation element 40 to the first shaft 49, so that the first segment section 46 is driven via a rotation of the first shaft 49 about the first rotation axis 45. As can be seen, the first segment section 46 of the first rotation element 40 protrudes beyond the roller circumference of the rollers 17, so that the first segment section 46 of the first rotation element 40 can be rotated or immersed into the first output path 10, which extends directly beneath the guide elements 13, when moved into the first rotation position 41 (see Figure 1). Regarding the other components shown in Figure 9 and their functions, reference is made to Figures 1 and 2.

[0153] Fig. 10 shows a flow chart of a method for transporting a planar element, wherein the method can be carried out, for example, with the device 1 described above (cf. Figures 1 to 9).

[0154] In a step S10 of the method, a planar element 2 is transported through a feed path 3 by means of a feed guide arrangement 4 into a branching region 5. In a further step S21, the planar element 2 is transported into a first output path 10 by means of a first output guide arrangement 12, or in a further step S22, the planar element 2 is transported into a second output path 20 by means of a second output guide arrangement 22. When the planar element 2 is transported from the branching region 5 into the second output path 20, a transport clamp for the planar element 2 is provided by means of a first rotation element 40, which is rotatable about a first rotation axis 45, and a guide element 23 opposite the first rotation element 40, in particular the second output guide arrangement 22.During transport of the planar element 2 through the branching region 5, the first rotation element 40 is moved into a first rotation position 41, in which a first segment section 46 of the first rotation element 40 protrudes into the first output path 10 in such a way that the first segment section 46, together with the guide element 23, in particular the second output guide arrangement 22, provides a transport clamp for the planar element 2. In a further step S32, the first rotation element 40 is moved into a second rotation position 42, in which the first rotation element 40 is located completely outside the first output path 10.When transporting the planar element 2 from the branching region 5 into the first output path 10, a transport clamp for the planar element 2 can be provided by means of a second rotational element 50, which is rotatable about a second rotational axis 55, and a further guide element 13, in particular the first output guide arrangement 12, opposite the second rotational element 50. When transporting the planar element 2 through the branching region 5, the second rotational element 50 can be brought into a first rotational position 51, in which a first segment section 56 of the second rotational element 50 projects into the second output path 20 in such a way that the first segment section 56, together with the further guide element 13, in particular the first output guide arrangement.

[0155] 12, provides a transport clamp for the planar element 2. In a further step S31, the second rotation element 50 can be moved into a second rotation position 52, in which the second rotation element 50 is located completely outside the second output path 20.

Claims

P a t e n t a n s p r ü c h e 1. Device (1) for transporting a planar element (2) for the production of galvanic cells, comprising: a feed path (3) with a feed guide arrangement (4) for transporting a planar element (2) into a branching region (5); a first output path (10) with a first output guide arrangement (12) for transporting the planar element (2) from the branching region (5) in a first direction (11); a second output path (20) with a second output guide arrangement (22) for transporting the planar element (2) from the branching region (5) in a second direction (21);a first rotation element (40) which is rotatable about a first rotation axis (45) and is designed, together with a guide element (23) opposite the first rotation element (40), to provide a transport clamp for the planar element (2) in order to transport the planar element (2) from the branching region (5) into the second output path (20); wherein the first rotation element (40), during a rotational movement (45a) of the first rotation element (40) about the first rotation axis (45), has a first rotation position (41) in which a first segment section (46) of the first rotation element (40) projects into the first output path (10) in such a way that the first segment section (46) together with the guide element (23) provides the transport clamp for the planar element (2);wherein the first rotation element (40) has a second rotation position (42) during the rotational movement (45a) of the first rotation element (40) about the first rotation axis (45), in which the first rotation element (40) is located completely outside the first output path (10); 2. Device (1) according to claim 1, comprising: a second rotation element (50) which is rotatable about a second rotation axis (55) and is designed, together with a further guide element (13) opposite the second rotation element (50), to provide a transport clamp for the flat element (2) in order to transport the flat element (2) from the branching region (5) into the first output path (10); wherein the second rotation element (50) has a first rotation position (51) during a rotational movement (55a) of the second rotation element (50) about the second rotation axis (55), in which a first segment section (56) of the second rotation element (50) projects into the second output path (20) in such a way that the first segment section (56) of the second rotation element (50) together with the further guide element (13) provides the transport clamp for the flat element (2);wherein the second rotation element (50) has a second rotation position (52) during the rotational movement (55a) of the second rotation element (50) about the second rotation axis (55), in which the second rotation element (50) is located completely outside the second output path (20); 3. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a radius of the first rotation element (40) varies along a circumferential direction of the first rotation element (40) such that the first segment section (46) of the first rotation element (40) has a larger radius than an intermediate segment section (47) of the first rotation element (40) adjacent in the circumferential direction of the first rotation element (40).

4. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first rotation element (40) has a first end (40a) and a second end (40b); wherein the first segment portion (46) of the first rotation element (40) is arranged at the first end (40a) of the first rotation element (40); wherein the first rotation element (40) has a recess region in an angular section between the first end (40a) and the second end (40b), which recess region is designed such that an outer surface of the first rotation element (40) in the angular section between the first end (40a) and the second end (40b) is radially set back from an outer surface (46a) of the first segment section (46), in particular by at least 20%, preferably by at least 40%.

5. The device (1) according to claim 4, wherein the first rotation element (40) has an elongated shape with the first end (40a) and the second end (40b); wherein a second segment portion (48) of the first rotation element (40) is arranged at the second end (40b) of the first rotation element (40).

6. Device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the first rotation element (40) has a third rotation position in which the second segment section (48) of the first rotation element (40) projects into the first output path (10) in such a way that the second segment section (48) together with the guide element (23) provides the transport clamp for the flat element (2); wherein the first rotation element (40) has a fourth rotation position in which the first rotation element (40), in particular the first segment section (46) and the second segment section (48) of the first rotation element (40), are located completely outside the first output path (10).

7. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: a control unit (100) which is designed to control the rotational movement (45a) of the first rotational element (40) about the first rotational axis (45) in such a way that the first rotational element (40) is rotated about the first rotational axis (45) in such a way that a peripheral speed of a The outer surface (46a) of the first segment portion (46) of the first rotation element (40) corresponds to a transport speed of the planar element (2) when providing the transport clamp; wherein the first rotation element (40) is designed to provide the transport clamp for the planar element (2) by pressing the outer surface (46a) of the first segment portion (46) of the first rotation element (40) against a first surface (2a) of the planar element (2); wherein the first rotation element (40) is rotated in particular such that the outer surface (46a) of the first segment portion (46) of the first rotation element (40) rolls on the first surface (2a) of the planar element (2) while maintaining the transport clamp.

8. Device (1) according to claim 7, wherein the control unit (100) is designed to control the rotational movement (45a) of the first rotation element (40) as a function of a current position of a planar element (2) in the feed path (3).

9. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first segment portion (46) of the first rotation element (40) has a circumferential length in the circumferential direction of the first rotation element (40) which is at least 20% of a length of the planar element (2).

10. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the feed guide arrangement (4) is designed to transport the planar element (2) into the branching region (5) by means of a transport clamp provided by two opposing guide elements (4a, 4b) of the feed guide arrangement (4); wherein the feed guide arrangement (4) is designed to maintain the transport clamping of the planar element (2) in the feed guide arrangement (4) at least until the rotational movement of the sheet-like element (2) by the first rotation element (40) and the guide element (23) provided transport clamping for the flat element (2) has occurred.

11. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first segment portion (46) of the first rotation element (40) is offset relative to the guide element (13) in a direction parallel to the first rotation axis (45).

12. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the feed guide arrangement (4) comprises a feed Transport belt arrangement; wherein the first output guide arrangement (12) has a first output transport belt arrangement and the guide element (13) is a transport belt; wherein the second output guide arrangement (22) has a second output transport belt arrangement.

13. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: a guide element (60) arranged at the branching region (5); wherein the guide element (60) is arranged adjacent to the first output path (10) and is arranged along the first output path (10) behind the first rotation element (40); wherein the guide element (60) is arranged in particular such that, when a planar element (2) is transported from the branching region (5) into the first output path (10), contact between the transported planar element (2) and the guide element (60) is prevented; and / or wherein the guide element (60) is arranged in particular such that, when a planar element (2) is transported from the branching region (5) into the second output path (20), contact between the transported flat element (2) and the guide element (60) is prevented.

14. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotational movement (45a) of the first rotational element (40) about the first rotational axis (45) is decoupled from a movement of the feed guide arrangement (4), in particular from a movement of a guide element (4a, 4b) of the feed guide arrangement (4), which it carries out to transport the planar element (2) in the feed path (3); and / or wherein the rotational movement (45a) of the first rotational element (40) about the first rotational axis (45) is decoupled from a movement of the first output guide arrangement (12), in particular from a movement of a guide element (13, 14) of the first output guide arrangement (12), which it carries out to transport the planar element (2) in the first output path (10);and / or wherein the rotational movement (45a) of the first rotational element (40) about the first rotational axis (45) is decoupled from a movement of the second output guide arrangement (22), in particular from a movement of a guide element (23, 24) of the second output guide arrangement (22), which the latter carries out for transporting the planar element (2) in the second output path (20); 15. A method for transporting a planar element (2) for the production of galvanic cells, comprising: Transporting a flat element (2) through a feed path (3) by means of a feed guide arrangement (4) into a branching region (5, S10); Transporting the planar element (2) from the branching region (5) into a first output path (10) by means of a first output guide arrangement (12, S21), or Transporting the planar element (2) from the branching region (5) into a second output path (20) by means of a second output guide arrangement (22, S22); wherein - when transporting the planar element (2) from the branching region (5) into the second output path (20) by means of a first A rotary element (40) which is rotatable about a first rotation axis (45) and a guide element (23) opposite the first rotary element (40), a transport clamp for the flat element (2) is provided, and - when transporting the flat element (2) through the branching area (5), the first rotation element (40) is moved into a first rotational position (41), in which a first segment section (46) of the first rotational element (40) projects into the first output path (10) in such a way that the first segment section (46) together with the guide element (23) provides a transport clamp for the flat element (2); bringing the first rotational element (40) into a second Rotation position (42) in which the first rotation element (40) is located completely outside the first output path (10) (S32).

Images