Device for holding and rotating a stack, and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for holding and rotating a stack (11) which comprises a plurality of segments (12, 13) and a corresponding number of separator sheets (14) arranged therebetween, or a stack (11) which comprises a plurality of segments (12, 13) and a separator web (15), the segments (12, 13) being arranged in folds of the separator web (15). The device (10) is designed to move at least one holder (16, 17) onto the upper face (18) and the lower face (19) of the stack (11) in each case, to generate a pressing force on the upper face (18) and the lower face (19) of the stack (11) by means of the holders (16, 17) in order to hold the stack (11), and to rotate the stack (11) about a wrap axis (20) by at least 360°.

Description

[0001] Device for holding and rotating a stack and method

[0002] The present invention relates to a device for holding and rotating a stack comprising a plurality of segments and a corresponding number of separator sheets arranged between them, or a stack comprising a plurality of segments and a separator web, wherein the segments are arranged in folds of the separator web. The invention further relates to a corresponding method for operating such a device.

[0003] It is known in principle from the prior art to use energy cells or energy storage devices in motor vehicles, other land vehicles, ships, aircraft, or stationary systems in the form of battery cells or fuel cells, in which very large amounts of energy can be stored over extended periods. Such energy cells have a structure consisting of a large number of segments stacked together, with a separator material positioned between them. The segments can, for example, be designed as electrode sheets, so that anode and cathode sheets alternate within the stack. In such a case, a layer of material or separator is arranged between two adjacent electrode sheets.

[0004] According to one variant, the separators can be arranged between the electrodes in the form of individual separator sheets. According to a second variant, it is also known to form the separator around the segments in the form of a separator track by creating a Z-shaped folding geometry, i.e., by a so-called Z-fold.

[0005] In the production of battery cells, especially prismatic battery cells, there are sub-processes in which an electrode stack is wrapped with foil, e.g. insulating foil or separator foil.

[0006] During this winding process, the electrodes must not be damaged or shifted within the stack. Furthermore, the film wrapped around the stack must be free of defects such as tears or creases. The wrapped stack is subject to stringent geometric requirements. At the same time, a high process speed is necessary for economical operation.

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide an improved device which enables the holding and rotation of an electrode stack and meets the above-mentioned requirements.

[0008] The invention solves this problem with the features of the independent claims.

[0009] A device is proposed for holding and rotating a stack comprising a plurality of segments and a corresponding number of separator sheets arranged between them, or a stack comprising a plurality of segments and a separator web, wherein the segments are arranged in folds of the separator web. The device is proposed to have a gripping and rotating unit with holders for holding the stack, wherein the device is configured to move at least one of the holders, in particular vertically, onto the top and bottom of the stack, to generate a contact force on the top and bottom of the stack with the holders, and to rotate the stack at least 180°, in particular at least 360°, preferably at least 500°, more preferably at least 540°, and particularly preferably at least 700°, about a winding axis.

[0010] A stack of segments inserted into folds of a separator web can also be referred to as a Z-fold stack of the separator web. Such folds can also be called folding pockets. A stack of segments in a Z-fold is preferably wrapped with the same separator web.

[0011] A stack of individual separator sheets, which at least cover the active materials of the segments, can, for example, be wrapped with an insulating film. An insulating film differs from a separator film within the meaning of this application in that the separator film, while electrically insulating, is permeable to ions, e.g., lithium ions. An insulating film is a sheet-like foil that is electrically insulating and impermeable to the corresponding ions of a battery.

[0012] The top and bottom surfaces of a stack are essentially parallel to the main surfaces of the segments, which are preferably coated with an active material. The term "essentially" in this context specifically expresses that tolerance- and manufacturing-related deviations from parallelism are irrelevant for the invention. The side surfaces of a stack are formed by the edges of the sheet-like segments and the separator sheets or the separator web, or the folds of the separator web. The winding axis runs through two opposing side surfaces, or, in the case of eccentric winding, through the corresponding side planes. In the case of Z-folding, the fold edges preferably run parallel to the winding axis.

[0013] Preferably, at least one holder is moved substantially perpendicularly to the top side and at least one holder is moved substantially perpendicularly to the bottom side of the stack, i.e., substantially perpendicular to the winding axis. The movement of the holders on each side is preferably independent of one another. The top and bottom sides can, in principle, be reversed depending on the rotational position of the holders. The device for holding and rotating is preferably a winding device.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment, the device is configured to rotate the stack at least 180°, in particular at least 360°, preferably at least 500°, more preferably at least 540°, and most preferably at least 700°, around a winding axis and to wind it into a separator web or an insulating web during the rotation. The corresponding winding serves to permanently fix the stack so that the fixed stack can, for example, be inserted into a housing or a pouch for the production of a battery.

[0015] According to a further development, it is proposed that the device be configured to move or offset the stack essentially parallel to the surface normals of the top or bottom surfaces. Such a movement or offset facilitates the handling and transfer of a stack.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the device is configured to move the holders parallel to the winding axis. The mobility of the holders on both sides, parallel to the winding axis, allows for compensation of any parallel misalignment of the stack, thus ensuring a wrinkle-free winding when an insulating or separator web is wound around the stack.

[0017] Preferably, the gripping and rotating unit has a main shaft, wherein the main shaft of the gripping and rotating unit is preferably rotatable any number of times in one direction.

[0018] The gripping and rotating unit can therefore preferably rotate a held stack or multiple stacks in succession in the same direction as often as desired, without requiring a return rotation in the opposite direction. This improves the potential process speed when winding stacks.

[0019] Furthermore, according to a further development, it is proposed that at least one linear guide, which can be connected or is connected to the main shaft in a rotationally fixed manner, is arranged on the main shaft, preferably at one end of the main shaft, wherein at least one holder for the top and at least one holder for the bottom of a stack is guided on the linear guide.

[0020] The linear guide is preferably aligned perpendicular to the main shaft. The holders can therefore be moved along the linear guide perpendicularly to the top and bottom of a stack to hold it with a corresponding clamping force. The winding axis and main shaft are preferably parallel, with the winding axis being eccentric or coaxial to the main shaft depending on the position of the holders and thus the position of a held stack. In an advantageous embodiment, a rotatably mounted gear is provided on the main shaft for controlling the holders for the top of the stack and the holders for the bottom of the stack.Both gears each have a sliding cam, wherein a corresponding cam block of a holder for the top of the stack or for the bottom of the stack engages in the sliding cams, wherein the rotatably mounted gear closest to the holders has a recess for the engagement of a cam block of a holder in the sliding cam of the rear gear.

[0021] This allows for a compact design of the device. Furthermore, electrical sliding contacts or a limited number of rotations during winding can be avoided with the proposed device. The rotatable gears on the main shaft, whose rotary movements can be converted into linear movements by means of the sliding cams and a preferred linear guide at the end of the main shaft, allow for the stationary arrangement of motors, in particular servo motors, for control. The recess in the rotatably mounted gear closest to the holders allows the two holders for the top and bottom to be controlled independently of each other. The range of possible relative movements due to the guidance of a cam block by the recess of another gear, which also has a sliding cam, is limited, with the two sliding cams further restricting the range of relative movements due to their design.This limited range of possible relative movement of the holders is, however, perfectly adequate for gripping and holding a stack for battery manufacturing. This allows for unlimited rotation or winding in one direction without the need for intermediate reversal, as there is no design-related rotation limit.

[0022] Through a combinational control of the gears, preferably by servo motors, various movements for gripping, moving, and winding a stack can be realized as individual functions, for example, by a single holder, as well as with superimposed movements. This makes it possible, for example, to first lift a stack with the lower holder and then follow with controlled force to securely grip the stack and lift it off, for example, a stacking table or a transport carriage. Furthermore, the upper and lower holders can be moved in parallel.

[0023] The cam block is preferably designed as a roller, so that friction in the sliding cam is minimized.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the two gears rotatably mounted on the main shaft each have a gear connection to a pinion of a servo motor.

[0025] Accordingly, the relative movement of a rotatably mounted gear relative to the main shaft can be adjusted by the corresponding servomotor, provided that the movement is not superimposed by a rotation of the main shaft.

[0026] It is further proposed that a non-rotating gear be arranged on the main shaft, which has a gear connection to a pinion of a servo motor. The rotational position of the main shaft can be controlled by the servo motor via the servo motor and the gear connection to the non-rotating gear on the main shaft.

[0027] Furthermore, according to an advantageous embodiment, it is proposed that the main shaft of the gripping and rotating unit be displaceable parallel to the winding axis. In this way, the two holders can be moved independently of each other. This allows not only for the stack to be moved parallel to the winding axis, but also for the efficient picking up and dropping of a stack by widening the distance between the two gripping and rotating units.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment, the main shaft, together with a support, is displaceable parallel to the winding axis. Preferably, the servomotors for controlling the two gears rotatably mounted on the main shaft with sliding cams and the non-rotatably mounted gear are arranged on the support. In this way, axial relative movement between the gears and the corresponding servomotors, for example in the gear connection, can be avoided when the main shaft moves parallel to the winding axis.

[0029] Preferably, the carrier is displaceable parallel to the winding axis relative to a gripping and rotating unit base by means of a spindle drive which can be driven by a further servo motor.

[0030] Preferably, the additional servomotor of the gripping and rotating unit for the spindle drive is mounted on the gripping and rotating unit base. The servomotor is therefore statically arranged in the device, so that the moving part of the gripping and rotating unit has a lower mass.

[0031] In an advantageous embodiment, a spindle can be driven by the additional servomotor for the spindle drive, wherein the spindle and the main shaft have coaxial or parallel axes of rotation.

[0032] Furthermore, it is preferred that the main shaft has an axial bore, wherein the spindle is freely rotatable and axially displaceable in the bore of the, preferably coaxial, main shaft.

[0033] This allows a direct coupling with a direct force transmission to the main shaft via the spindle, thus avoiding the introduction of additional moments.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment, the device includes an electronic control unit for controlling the servo motors. The control unit preferably detects the current consumption of the servo motors and further preferably regulates the current consumption. The control unit also preferably regulates the torque, rotational speed, and / or rotational position of the servo motors.

[0035] A stack can preferably be held and rotated, and preferably also moved translationally, by means of the kinematics and servomotors described above, with a defined and predefinable, for example constant, contact force of the holders on the stack. The relationship between the torque of the servomotors and the contact force is determined by the kinematics of the gear connections, the sliding cams, and the further geometry of the device.

[0036] The control device is preferably configured to continuously detect the angle of rotation and the position of a stack held by the device. Furthermore, when controlling the contact force of the holders on the stack, the frictional forces, the weight of the mechanism itself, the angle of rotation, and / or the acceleration are preferably taken into account. Additionally, the current consumption of the servo motors can, for example, be limited to prevent damage to a stack caused by excessive contact pressure of the holders on the top and bottom of the stack.

[0037] The brackets can still preferably be designed with springs. This can, for example, prevent load peaks.

[0038] The holders are preferably arranged on both sides of the stack to be gripped or held. Furthermore, each gripping and rotating unit preferably has one holder for the top and one holder for the bottom of the stack.

[0039] The holders, in particular the individual holders of a gripping and rotating unit, preferably have three contact surfaces. Preferably, a holder has a central gripper, the contact surface of which is designed for gripping a stack in the central area of ​​one side and applying the clamping force, and two edge grippers, the contact surfaces of which are each designed for supporting the top or bottom edge of a stack. The edge grippers prevent the held stack from deflecting or sagging and can protect the edges of the stack from edge pressure by the separator web or insulating web during a winding process.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment, each holder has a central gripper and at least one edge gripper, preferably two edge grippers, wherein the contact surface of the central gripper for holding the stack is offset relative to the contact surface of the edge gripper by a distance of 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm, preferably by a distance of 0.2 mm to 1 mm, in the direction of an opposite holder. This ensures that the clamping force of the holder is primarily applied to the stack via the central holder.

[0041] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, each holder has a central gripper and at least one edge gripper, preferably two edge grippers, wherein the contact surface of the edge gripper in the direction of the winding axis has at least twice, preferably three times, the extent of the contact surface of the central gripper. This allows the edges of the stack to be supported during winding with a separator web. In particular, the deflection of the edge grippers can be reduced in conjunction with the offset of the contact surfaces. The edge grippers can therefore preferably have a thickness of less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm.

[0042] Preferably, the electronic control unit is designed to regulate the contact force of the respective holders on the top and bottom of the stack.

[0043] Regulating the contact force prevents damage to the stack. This significantly increases the device's tolerance with respect to stack thickness, as geometric deviations within the expected range are no longer a concern due to the pressure regulation. Applying the contact force to the top or bottom of the stack is particularly advantageous during rotation around the winding axis and / or displacement parallel to the surface normals of the top and bottom surfaces, in order to limit the stress on the stack.

[0044] Preferably, the clamping force of the center support is regulated, with the side supports preferably serving only a support function. Furthermore, the center support of the holder has an extent of less than 25% of the side supports along the winding axis.

[0045] According to an advantageous embodiment, the control unit is configured to detect and regulate the current consumption of the servo motors in order to control the contact force of the holders on the top and bottom of the stack.

[0046] According to a further development, it is proposed that the control unit is designed to detect the reaching of the endpoints of the sliding cams or the range of motion by an increase in the current consumption of at least one servo motor.

[0047] During device initialization, the movement range of the holders on the linear guide can be traversed. The main shaft is fixed in a rotational position, for example, by the corresponding servo motor. Upon reaching the end positions, the respective holder or associated mechanism encounters a stop on the sliding track or the movement range in general, for example, by an additional geometric stop that defines an endpoint of the kinematics. Upon reaching the endpoints, the kinematics exhibit a direct coupling to the movement of the holder for the other side of the stack and, in particular, to the main shaft. As a result, the current consumption of the servo motor for the holder, as well as that of the other servo motors that maintain the position, increases upon reaching the endpoints. This increase can be detected by the control unit.The range of motion of the device, in particular of the gripping and rotating units on both sides, can thus be referenced relative to the servo motors.

[0048] Another preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in that a gripping and rotating unit is arranged on one side of the stack to be held, wherein the winding axis passes through the planes of these sides, and wherein the two gripping and rotating units are preferably controllable independently of each other.

[0049] Each of the two gripping and rotating units preferably has a holder for the top and a holder for the bottom of a stack. Furthermore, the movement of the holders on both sides is preferably independent of each other. In this way, the device can grip, hold, and rotate stacks of varying widths. The holders can also preferably be extended laterally, i.e., parallel to the winding axis, so that, for example, picking up and placing the stack is possible by moving the two holders outwards. In another advantageous embodiment, both gripping and rotating units on both sides are mounted so as to be axially displaceable from the winding axis on a gripping and rotating unit base.

[0050] The mobility of the two gripping and rotating units is preferably independent of each other. This allows the device to grip, hold, and rotate stacks of varying widths. Furthermore, the holders can preferably be moved laterally, i.e., parallel to the winding axis, so that, for example, picking up and placing the stack is possible by moving the two holders outwards.

[0051] Furthermore, to solve the problem of the invention, an arrangement of a device of the type described above or according to one of claims 1 to 23 with a stack is proposed. The stack has a plurality of segments and a corresponding number of separator sheets arranged between them, or a plurality of segments and a separator web, wherein the segments are arranged in folds of the separator web, and wherein the device holds the stack with the holders.

[0052] The advantages and effects of this arrangement are the same as those of the device described above.

[0053] Furthermore, to solve the problem of the invention, a method for operating a previously described device or a device according to one of claims 1 to 23 or an arrangement of a previously described device with a stack or according to claim 24 is proposed with the following steps:

[0054] - Maintaining the rotational position of the main shaft of a gripping and rotating unit using the corresponding servomotor; - Moving the holders using the servomotors until the end points of the respective sliding tracks or movement ranges are reached;

[0055] - Detecting the endpoints of an increase in the current draw of at least one servo motor;

[0056] - Saving the detected endpoints as initial points.

[0057] In this way, the positions of the holders in space can be initialized relative to the servomotors, enabling precise control of the device. The proposed initialization can, for example, be performed fully automatically and without additional tools or measuring instruments.

[0058] Furthermore, it is proposed that the control unit continuously detects the movement of the servomotors of the holders starting from initial points and calculates the current positions of the holders.

[0059] In this way, the positions of the holders in the room are known at all times, making very precise handling of a stack possible.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, when a contact force is applied to the top and bottom of the stack by the holders used to hold the stack, the control unit calculates the stack thickness from the current positions of the holders. This enables quality control.

[0061] The invention is explained below with reference to preferred embodiments and the accompanying figures. Fig. 1 shows a device for holding and rotating a stack with gripping and rotating units on both sides;

[0062] Fig. 2 shows a gripping and rotating unit of another device in an isometric view;

[0063] Fig. 3 shows a gripping and rotating unit in a front view with some components partially hidden;

[0064] Fig. 4 shows a gripping and rotating unit in a cutaway side view;

[0065] Fig. 5 shows another device for holding and rotating a stack with gripping and rotating units on both sides;

[0066] Fig. 6 shows a side view of a device for holding and rotating a stack;

[0067] Fig. 7 shows a cutaway side view of a device for holding and rotating a stack;

[0068] Fig. 8 shows another gripping and rotating unit of a device;

[0069] Fig. 9 Parts of a gripping and rotating unit in a top view;

[0070] Fig. 10 Parts of a gripping and rotating unit in another view;

[0071] Fig. 11 Parts of a gripping and rotating unit with a hidden gear on the main shaft; and Fig. 12 Parts of a gripping and rotating unit in another view.

[0072] Figure 1 shows an advantageous embodiment of a device 10 for holding and rotating a stack 11. The device 10 has two double-sided gripping and rotating units 22, each with a holder 16, 17 for the top 18 and bottom 19 of a stack 11. In the situation shown in Figure 1, the holders 16, 17 exert a contact force on the top 18 and bottom 19, so that the stack 11 is securely held by the device 10.

[0073] A stack 11 can, for example, have a plurality of segments 12, 13, for example in the form of anode and cathode sheets for a battery, between which a separator track 15 is arranged in a Z-fold. In alternative configurations, separator sheets 14 can be arranged between the segments 12, 13 in the form of anode and cathode sheets.

[0074] Furthermore, the device 10 can move the holders 16, 17 of the two gripping and rotating units 22 independently of one another, in this advantageous embodiment perpendicular to the winding axis 20, so that the stack 11 can, for example, be gripped and moved translationally perpendicular to the surface normal 21. For this purpose, each gripping and rotating unit 22 has a linear guide 24 on which the holders 16, 17 are guided. The linear guide 24 is rotationally fixed to a main shaft 23.

[0075] The stack 11 can be rotated multiple times around a winding axis 20 by the device 10 to produce a winding around the stack 11 with a separator web 15 or an insulating web 15. For rotation around the winding axis 20, the main shafts 23 of the two gripping and rotating units 22 are rotated synchronously. For example, during winding production, a stack 11 can be held centrally on the winding axis 20 or radially offset by rotation around the winding axis 20. Furthermore, the device 10 also allows for dynamic radial displacement of the stack 10 during rotation around the winding axis 20.

[0076] The main shaft 23 is controlled by a rotationally fixed gear 27, which can be driven by a servomotor 31 via a pinion 43. The holders 16, 17 are driven by the servomotors 30, 32 via gears 25, 26 rotatably mounted on the main shaft 23 and a kinematic mechanism, which is described in the description of the following figures.

[0077] Figure 2 shows a further embodiment of a gripping and rotating unit 22 of a device 10, which has the same kinematics for controlling the holders 16, 17 and the main shaft 23. The two holders 16, 17 are mounted on the linear guide 24. The rotatable gears 25, 26 can be driven by the servomotors 30, 32 via the respective pinions 42 and pinion 44 (not shown).

[0078] This embodiment also features an additional servomotor 33, which allows the holders 16, 17 to be displaced parallel to the winding axis 20. In this advantageous embodiment, the servomotors 30, 31, 32, together with the main shaft 23 and the holders 16, 17, are arranged on a support 28, which is displaceable relative to a gripping and rotating unit base 29 parallel to the winding axis 20. Figure 3 shows the gripping and rotating unit 22 from the center of the device 10, where a stack 11 can be held. The holders 16, 17 are not shown, so the linear guide 24 for the holders 16, 17, which is rotationally fixed to the main shaft 23, is visible. Furthermore, the gears 25, 26 rotatably mounted on the main shaft 23 are recognizable with the sliding cam 35 in the outer gear 25 for the holder 16 and the sliding cam 34 in the gear 26 arranged behind it for the holder 17.The sliding cam 34 of the gear 26 is arranged in a recess 38 of the gear 25, so that the sliding cams 34, 35 are accessible to the two holders 16, 17. By means of the sliding cams 34, 35, relative movements of the three gears 25, 26, 27 can be kinematically converted into linear movements of the two holders 16, 17.

[0079] Figure 4 shows a side section through the gripping and rotating unit 22 of Figure 3, which also shows the two holders 16 and 17. Holder 16 is kinematically coupled to a cam block 36 in the sliding cam 35. Holder 17, shown at the bottom, is kinematically connected to a cam block 37 in the sliding cam 34. The cam blocks 36 and 37 are, for example, designed as rollers.

[0080] Furthermore, in this advantageous embodiment, the holders 16, 17 of the two gripping and rotating units 22 are movable parallel to the winding axis 20, so that, for example, a held stack 11 can be moved parallel to the winding axis 20 in the device 10. This allows, for example, the precise adjustment of the alignment with a separator or insulating web 15. The carrier 28 is axially displaceable relative to the gripping and rotating unit base 29 by means of a spindle drive 39, which can be driven by the servo motor 33, so that the holders 16, 17 can be moved towards or away from a stack 11 in the direction of the winding axis 20. In this advantageous embodiment, the spindle 40 of the spindle drive 39 is guided in an axial bore 45 of the main shaft 23. The servo motor 33 is mounted on the gripping and rotating unit base 29.

[0081] Figures 5 to 12 show a further embodiment of a device 10 for holding and rotating a stack 11. The device 10 has two gripping and rotating units 22, which are suspended from a gripping and winding unit base 29. The gripping and winding unit base 29 is attached to a support wall 46.

[0082] The gears 25, 26, 27 of the two gripping and rotating units 22 are encapsulated in a housing, thus preventing the emission of particles by the device 10. The servomotors 30, 31, 32 are each connected to a control unit 41 (see Figure 6) via a cable guide 47.

[0083] Figure 6 shows this embodiment in a side view. Two further servomotors 33 are arranged on the rear side of the support wall 46. These servomotors can move the gripping and rotating units 22, which can also be referred to as gondolas, parallel to the winding axis 20 on the gripping and rotating unit base 29 by means of the spindles 40. Figure 7 is a sectional view of a section of Figure 6, in which one of the spindles 40 is visible. Figure 8 further shows a single gripping and rotating unit 22, in which the holders 16, 17 are visible. In this advantageous embodiment, the holders 16, 17 have three contact surfaces for the stack 11. The holders 16, 17 have a relatively short central gripper 48, the contact surface of which is provided for gripping a stack 11 in the central region of one side of the stack 11.Furthermore, the holders 16, 17 each have two edge grippers 49, the contact surface of which is designed for support on the top 18 or bottom 19 at an edge of a stack 11. The edge grippers 49 are significantly longer than the two center grippers 48 for the top 18 and bottom 19 of a stack 11. Additionally, the contact surface of the center gripper 48 is offset by 0.5 mm from the stack 11 compared to the edge grippers 49.

[0084] Figure 9 shows a top view of the gripping and rotating unit 22 of the embodiment from Figure 8, in which the encapsulation of the gear connections is open. The two gears 25, 26, rotatably mounted on the main shaft 23, are visible, each having a sliding cam 34, 35 (see also Figures 10 and 11). The gears 25, 26 can be controlled by the servomotors 30, 32 via the pinions 42, 44. The gear 27, which is non-rotatably connected to the main shaft 27, can be controlled by the servomotor 31 via the pinion 43. In this embodiment, the gear 27, which is non-rotatably connected to the main shaft 23, is arranged on the side facing the holders 16, 17.

[0085] Figure 10 shows the parts of the gripping and rotating unit 22 in a further view, in which the sliding cams 34 and 35 of the rotatable gears 25, 26 can be seen. The sliding cam 35 kinematically couples the rotational movement of the gear 25 relative to the main axis 23 (not shown in this illustration) to the upper holder 16, which is linearly movable on the linear guide 24, by means of the cam block 36. Similarly, the sliding cam 24 of the gear 26 is kinematically coupled to the lower holder 17, which is also linearly movable on the linear guide 24, by means of the cam block 37.

[0086] In Figure 11, gear 25 is hidden, revealing the recess 38 of gear 26, which enables and simultaneously limits the range of movement of the sliding cam 35. The relative movement of the two gears 25 and 26 to each other is therefore limited, but sufficient for controlling the two holders 16 and 17.

[0087] Figure 12 shows the parts of the gripping and rotating unit 22 from the side of the holders 16, 17, revealing the linear guide 24 on which the two holders 16, 17 are linearly movable. The linear guide 24 is rotationally fixed to the main shaft 23 and the gear 27.

[0088] Reference symbol list

[0089] 10 Device

[0090] 11 stacks

[0091] 12 segments

[0092] 13 Segment

[0093] 14 separator sheets

[0094] 15 separator track

[0095] 16 holders

[0096] 17 holders

[0097] 18 Top

[0098] 19 Subpage

[0099] 20 winding axis

[0100] 21 Surface normals

[0101] 22 Gripping and rotating unit

[0102] 23 Main shaft

[0103] 24 linear guides

[0104] 25 gear

[0105] 26 gear

[0106] 27 gear

[0107] 28 carriers

[0108] 29 Gripping and rotating unit base

[0109] 30 servo motor

[0110] 31 Servomotor

[0111] 32 servo motor

[0112] 33 Servomotor

[0113] 34 Shifting scenery

[0114] 35 Shifting scenery

[0115] 36 Scenery stone

[0116] 37 Scenery stone

[0117] 38 Recess 39 Spindle drive

[0118] 40 spindle

[0119] 41 Control unit

[0120] 42-tooth sprocket, 43-tooth sprocket

[0121] 44 sprockets

[0122] 45 axial bore

[0123] 46 T beam wall

[0124] 47 Cable guide 48 Medium gripper

[0125] 49 edge grippers

Claims

Claims:

1. Device (10) for holding and rotating - a stack (11) comprising a plurality of segments (12, 13) and a corresponding number of separator sheets (14) arranged between them, or - a stack (11) comprising a plurality of segments (12, 13) and a separator web (15), wherein the segments (12, 13) are arranged in folds of the separator web (15), characterized in that - the device (10) has a gripping and rotating unit (22) with holders (16, 17) for holding the stack (11), wherein - the device (10) is set up to - to move at least one of the holders (16, 17), in particular vertically, to the top (18) and the bottom (19) of the stack (11), - to generate a contact force on the top (18) and bottom (19) of the stack (11) using the holders (16, 17) to hold the stack (11), and - to rotate the stack (11) at least 180°, in particular at least 360°, preferably at least 500°, further preferably at least 540°, particularly preferably at least 700°, about a winding axis (20).

2. Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the device (10) is configured to rotate the stack (11) at least 360°, preferably at least 500°, more preferably at least 540°, particularly preferably at least 700°, about a winding axis (20) and during the rotation into a separator track (15) or an insulating to wrap the railway (15).

3. Device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that - the device (10) is set up to move the stack (11) parallel to the surface normals (21) of the top (18) and the bottom (19).

4. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (10) is configured to move the holders (16, 17) parallel to the winding axis (20).

5. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gripping and rotating unit (22) has a main shaft (23), wherein the main shaft (23) of the gripping and rotating unit (22) is preferably rotatable any number of times in one direction.

6. Device (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that at least one linear guide (24) is arranged on the main shaft (23) which can be connected or is connected to the main shaft (23) in a rotationally fixed manner, wherein at least one holder (16) for the top (18) and at least one holder (17) for the bottom (19) of a stack (11) is guided on the linear guide (24).

7. Device (10) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that a rotatably mounted gear (25, 26) for controlling the holders (16) for the top (18) of the stack (11) and the holders (17) for the main shaft (23) is mounted on the main shaft (23). the underside (19) of the stack (11) are provided, wherein both gears (25, 26) each have a sliding cam (34, 35), wherein a corresponding cam block (36, 37) of a holder (16, 17) for the top (18) of the stack (11) or for the bottom (19) of the stack (11) engages in the sliding cams (34, 35), wherein the rotatably mounted gear (25) closest to the holders (16, 17) has a recess (38) for the engagement of a cam block (37) of a holder (17) in the sliding cam (35) of the rear gear (26).

8. Device (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the two gears (25, 26) rotatably mounted on the main shaft (23) each have a gear connection to a pinion (42, 44) of a servomotor (30, 32).

9. Device (10) according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that a rotationally fixed gear (27) is arranged on the main shaft (23), which has a gear connection to a pinion (43) of a servomotor (31).

10. Device (10) according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the main shaft (23) of the gripping and rotating unit (22) is displaceable parallel to the winding axis (20).

11. Device (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that the main shaft (23) together with a support (28) is displaceable parallel to the winding axis (20).

12. Device (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that the carrier (28) is operated by means of a spindle drive (39), which can be driven by a further servomotor (33), and is movable parallel to the winding axis (20) relative to a gripping and rotating unit base (29).

13. Device (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that the further servomotor (33) of the gripping and rotating unit (22) for the spindle drive (39) is mounted on the gripping and rotating unit base (29).

14. Device (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that a spindle (40) can be driven by the further servomotor (33) for the spindle drive (39), wherein the spindle (40) and the main shaft (23) have coaxial or parallel axes of rotation.

15. Device (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that the main shaft (23) has an axial bore (41), wherein the spindle (40) is freely rotatable and axially displaceable in the bore (41) of the, preferably coaxial, main shaft (23).

16. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims with reference to claims 8 and 9, characterized in that the device (10) has an electronic control unit (41) for controlling the servomotors (30, 31, 32, 33).

17. Device (10) according to claim 16, characterized in that the electronic control unit (41) is configured to regulate the contact force of the respective holders (16, 17) on the top (18) and bottom (19) of the stack (11).

18. Device (10) according to claim 17, characterized in that the control unit (41) is configured to detect and control the current consumption of the servomotors (30, 31, 32) in order to control the contact force of the holders (16, 17) on the top (18) and bottom (19) of the stack (11).

19. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the control unit (41) is configured to detect the reaching of the endpoints of the displacement cams (34, 35) or the range of movement by an increase in the current consumption of at least one servomotor (30, 31, 32).

20. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each holder (16, 17) has a central gripper (48) and at least one edge gripper (49), preferably two edge grippers (49), wherein the contact surface of the central gripper (48) for holding the stack (11) is offset relative to the contact surface of the edge gripper (49) in a range of 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm, preferably in a range of 0.2 mm to 1 mm, in the direction of an opposite holder (16, 17).

21. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each holder (16, 17) has a central gripper (48) and at least one edge gripper (49), preferably two edge grippers (49), wherein the contact surface of the edge gripper (49) in the direction of the winding axis (20) is at least twice, preferably three times, the area of ​​the The contact surface of the central gripper (48) is extended.

22. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (10) has two gripping and rotating units (22), wherein one gripping and rotating unit (22) is arranged on one side of the stack (11) to be held, wherein the winding axis (20) passes through the planes of these sides, wherein the two gripping and rotating units (22) are preferably controllable independently of each other.

23. Device (10) according to claim 22, characterized in that both double-sided gripping and rotating units (22) are mounted axially displaceable on a gripping and rotating unit base (29) to the winding axis (20).

24. Arrangement of a device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 23 with a stack (11) comprising a plurality of segments (12, 13) and a corresponding number of separator sheets (14) arranged between them, or with a stack (11) comprising a plurality of segments (12,13) ​​and a separator web (15), wherein the segments (12, 13) are arranged in folds of the separator web (15), wherein the device (10) holds the stack (11) with the holders (16, 17).

25. Method for operating a device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 23 or an arrangement according to claim 24, characterized by the steps: - Holding the rotational position of the main shaft (23) of a gripping and rotating unit (22) by the corresponding servomotor (31); - Moving the holders (16, 17) by means of the servomotors (30, 32) until reaching the endpoints of the respective displacement backdrops (34, 35) or movement ranges; - Detecting the endpoints at an increase in the current consumption of at least one servo motor (30,31,32); - Saving the detected endpoints as initial points.

26. Method according to claim 25, characterized in that the control unit (41) continuously detects the movement of the servomotors (30, 31, 32) of the holders (16, 17) starting from initial points and calculates current positions of the holders (16, 17).

27. Method according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that when generating a contact force on the top (18) and bottom (19) of the stack (11) with the holders (16, 17) for holding a stack (11), the control unit (41) calculates the thickness of the stack (11) from the current positions of the holders (16, 17).

28. Method according to one of claims 25 to 27, characterized in that the control unit (41) regulates the contact force of the holders (16, 17) on the top (18) and bottom (19) of the stack (11).

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