Transport device for an atmosphere-controlled battery production system, battery production system and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a transport device (100) for an atmosphere-controlled battery production system, comprising an interior (102) which is atmospherically decoupled from the surroundings and has a charge passage (104), wherein an interior atmosphere can be set within the interior (102), a first flange (106) which forms the charge passage (104) and is positioned and designed to connect the transport device (100) to the battery production system in an atmosphere-tight manner, a sealing means (124, 126) which is positioned and designed to seal the charge passage (104) relative to the battery production system, a closure unit (114) which cooperates with the first flange (106) and can be used to close the charge passage (104), wherein during intended operation the closure unit (114) has a contaminated outer side (116) in contact with the surrounding atmosphere, wherein the closure unit (114) is positioned and designed in such a way that when the charge passage (104) is opened the interior atmosphere is not influenced by the contaminated outer side (116).

Description

[0001] Transport device for an atmosphere-controlled

[0002] Battery manufacturing system, battery manufacturing system and process

[0003] The invention relates to a transport device for an atmosphere-controlled battery manufacturing system, a battery manufacturing system for producing batteries and / or battery semi-finished products, and a method for producing batteries and / or battery semi-finished products. Transport devices for supplying battery material for battery manufacturing are generally known. Typically, battery material is processed within a cleanroom and / or dry room, the atmosphere of which, in particular the air in the cleanroom and / or dry room, has a predetermined purity class and a predefined humidity level. Low humidity is particularly important during the processing of the battery material, for example, electrode material, in order to meet the stringent requirements for batteries, for example, for the automotive industry.The requirements regarding residual moisture and the remaining particles in cleanrooms and / or dry rooms are constantly increasing. The investment costs for such cleanrooms and / or dry rooms are high. Furthermore, these requirements result in high costs and significant technical effort to maintain the functionality of such a cleanroom and / or dry room.

[0004] Battery manufacturing can be divided into electrode production, cell assembly, and cell finishing. Electrode production comprises a dry and a wet mixing process in which various components are prepared into a paste, also known as a slurry. This paste is applied to current collector foils, then dried and compacted in a calendering process. Alternatively, the current collector foils are dry-coated. These coated, dried, compacted foils, which are typically wound into coils, are then cut to a specific width. Finally, the electrodes produced in this way are dried under vacuum.

[0005] Cell assembly involves assembling the battery components, particularly the electrodes, into a functional battery cell. The assembly steps are designed according to the cell format. The electrodes, especially the anodes and cathodes, are placed in a housing along with other components, such as separators and terminals. The housing is then filled with an electrolyte and sealed. Finally, the cell finalization process takes place, during which the cell is charged and discharged. The cell's functionality is also tested during cell finalization.

[0006] The quality of manufactured battery cells is determined primarily by the manufacturing technology used and the atmosphere during electrode production and cell assembly. A clean and dry manufacturing environment is essential for battery cell production due to the sensitive cell materials involved. Two key parameters of the manufacturing environment are purity, particularly the absence of particles, and humidity. Furthermore, the oxygen and / or carbon dioxide content can be relevant. Since the required humidity levels are low, the dew point is typically specified, for example, -20°C, -40°C, or -60°C.

[0007] Moisture ingress can lead to surface passivation and electrolyte degradation, resulting in the formation of toxic hydrofluoric acid, which negatively impacts cell performance. Furthermore, this leads to increased gas production, degradation effects, and thus operational safety risks within the cell. Another crucial aspect of manufacturing high-quality battery cells is ensuring that electrode fabrication and cell assembly are essentially contamination-free.

[0008] Moisture can enter battery cell production in various ways. To maintain the required dew point with the lowest possible energy consumption, moisture ingress should be prevented.

[0009] The greatest moisture input is caused by humans and represents a critical moisture source for the process. People release water into the environment through breathing, perspiration, or moisture in their clothing. In particular, the local moisture impact from exhalation in the product or process environment is a critical and uncontrollable factor. Further moisture input occurs at airlocks when people and / or materials are transferred through them.

[0010] It is known from unrelated technology applications, such as the semiconductor or paint booth industries, that components must be introduced into processing rooms without contamination. However, the requirements are lower, particularly in the semiconductor industry, because the components being moved are many times smaller than in battery manufacturing, where components weighing more than 100 kg, and sometimes even more than 1,000 kg, are regularly moved. Therefore, positioning and sealing transport containers in the semiconductor industry can be achieved with simpler means. Furthermore, the contamination requirements in battery manufacturing are not comparable to those in the semiconductor or paint booth industries. Another relevant difference compared to the semiconductor or paint booth industries is the low humidity.Even minor leaks lead to water-induced mass flows into the process or product areas of battery cell production that need to be protected, due to the partial pressure difference.

[0011] JP6897654B2 discloses a transport box for isolated, layered electrodes to shield them from the atmosphere. The transport box has a device to create a higher air pressure inside the transport box than atmospheric pressure using dry air, thus preventing air from the surrounding atmosphere from entering the transport box. One disadvantage of this transport box is that it can be contaminated from the outside, and this contamination and / or adhering moisture can be introduced into the battery cell manufacturing process.

[0012] DE 10 2021 004 571 A1 discloses a method for cleaning exhaust air generated during a processing operation in a cleanroom or dry room, as well as a system for carrying out the method. However, contamination during the entry and exit of semi-finished products and / or personnel is not prevented.

[0013] CN112193597A discloses a transport box for batteries with a protective housing. However, this transport box does not allow for the contamination-free and / or moisture-free transfer of batteries within a battery cell manufacturing process.

[0014] US patent 2022140435A1 discloses a container for transporting and / or storing batteries, wherein openings are provided in a lid to purge gas under high pressure into the storage space of the container. This container also has the disadvantage that battery cell manufacturing would be contaminated by the introduction of the transport container.

[0015] The industry has a need for high-purity battery cell manufacturing that can take place independently of the humidity and contamination of the atmosphere surrounding the battery cell production process. In particular, the anticipated further increases in requirements for the dew point and / or the absence of contamination in the air within battery cell production necessitate concepts that go beyond the use of a conventional cleanroom and / or dryroom. It is an object of the invention to provide a transport device for an atmosphere-controlled battery manufacturing system, a

[0016] To provide a battery manufacturing system for the production of batteries and / or battery semi-finished products and a method for the production of batteries and / or battery semi-finished products that reduces or eliminates one or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a solution that enables contamination-free transfer of battery material between a transport device and a battery manufacturing system.

[0017] This problem is solved by a transport device, a battery manufacturing system, and a method according to the features of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments of these aspects are specified in the respective dependent claims. The features disclosed in the claims, the description, and the drawings can be combined individually, in any technologically meaningful way, and further embodiments of the invention are shown.

[0018] According to a first aspect, the aforementioned problem is solved by a transport device for an atmosphere-controlled battery manufacturing system, comprising an interior atmospherically decoupled from the environment with a charge passage, wherein an interior atmosphere can be adjusted within the interior, a first flange forming the charge passage which is arranged and configured to connect the transport device to the battery manufacturing system in an atmosphere-tight manner, preferably a first centering means which is arranged and configured to position the charge passage relative to the battery manufacturing system, a sealing means which is arranged and configured to seal the charge passage relative to the battery manufacturing system, and a closing unit cooperating with the first flange with which the charge passage can be closed.wherein, in normal operation, the closure unit has a contaminated outer surface in contact with the surrounding atmosphere, wherein the closure unit is arranged and designed such that, when the charge passage is opened, the interior atmosphere is unaffected by the contaminated outer surface.

[0019] The invention is based on the understanding that a contamination-free transfer of battery material located inside the transport device to a battery manufacturing system is possible if the contaminated outer surface of the sealing unit has no influence on the atmosphere inside the transport device. As explained below in various exemplary embodiments, this can be achieved, for example, by covering the contaminated outer surface. The invention is further based on the understanding that the transport device can be designed such that a contaminated outer surface of the battery manufacturing system also has no influence on the atmosphere inside the transport device or on the atmosphere inside the battery manufacturing system.

[0020] The transport device is designed for an atmosphere-controlled battery manufacturing system. In the context of battery manufacturing, a controlled atmosphere refers specifically to an atmosphere controlled with regard to humidity and / or particle contamination.

[0021] The transport device comprises the interior space with the cargo passage. The interior space is atmospherically decoupled from the environment. This means, in particular, that the atmosphere surrounding the transport device has no influence on the interior atmosphere. Specifically, the interior space of the transport device is sealed off from the environment and its atmosphere.

[0022] To move battery material into or out of the interior, the device includes a charge passage. The charge passage can also be understood as an opening. It is particularly preferred that the charge passage is located on a side of the transport device that is vertically oriented during normal operation. It is also preferred that the transport device has a housing that forms the interior. The charge passage can, for example, be provided as an opening in this housing, particularly on one of the side walls.

[0023] The transport device also includes the first flange. The first flange forms the charge passage. This can be achieved, for example, by having a rectangular or round first flange that surrounds the charge passage. The first flange is further designed to allow the transport device to be connected to the battery manufacturing system in an atmosphere-tight manner. For this purpose, the first flange preferably has a flat coupling surface that can be coupled to a second, also flat, coupling surface of the battery manufacturing system. However, various other designs of the first flange are also possible to create an atmosphere-tight connection between the transport device and the battery manufacturing system.

[0024] The transport device preferably comprises the first centering means. The centering means is arranged and configured to position the charge passage relative to the battery manufacturing system. The first centering means can, for example, be a chamfer on the first flange or on the closure unit that interacts with a bevel on the battery manufacturing system.

[0025] The sealing agent is arranged and configured to seal the charge passage relative to the battery manufacturing system. It is preferred that the sealing agent seals the closure unit against a housing, preferably against the first flange. Furthermore, the sealing agent can be arranged on the first flange to interact with a second flange of a battery manufacturing system.

[0026] When the transport device is connected to the battery manufacturing system, a contamination-free connection is required to ensure a subsequent transfer of the battery material without contamination. Therefore, the transport device must be positioned relative to the battery manufacturing system in a predefined manner to ensure a contamination-free seal. The transport device also includes the sealing unit, which closes the charge passage. The sealing unit is specifically designed and arranged to allow the charge passage to be opened. The sealing unit interacts with the first flange in such a way that the flange forms the charge passage. In its intended operation and closed state, the sealing unit forms the outer surface of the transport device.As a result, the outer surface of the closure unit, as well as the other outer surfaces of the transport device or the housing of the transport device, are contaminated.

[0027] The sealing unit is now arranged and designed such that, when the charging passage opens, the interior atmosphere is unaffected by the contaminated outer surface. This arrangement and design of the sealing unit prevents moisture and / or particles from entering the interior atmosphere of the transport device. Likewise, it preferably prevents the interior atmosphere of the battery manufacturing system from being contaminated by moisture and / or particles from the outer surface of the sealing unit.

[0028] Opening the charging passage includes, in particular, removing the sealing unit. With a transport device designed in this way, it is therefore possible to connect the transport device to the battery manufacturing system without contamination of the internal atmosphere and thus of the battery material within the transport device when the sealing unit or the airlock unit of the battery manufacturing system, which will be described in more detail below, is opened.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the transport device, it is provided that the contaminated outer surface of the closure unit is arranged and designed to be covered, in particular before and / or during opening, by a lock unit of the battery manufacturing system.

[0030] Such a designed outer surface of the closure unit can, for example, be flat. Furthermore, it is preferred that such an outer surface has no undercuts. By covering the contaminated outer surface of the closure unit, it can be ensured that the moisture and / or particles on the outer surface of the closure unit do not affect, and in particular contaminate, the interior atmosphere of the transport device and / or the battery manufacturing system.

[0031] As explained in more detail below, it may be particularly preferred that the airlock unit of the battery manufacturing system is also designed such that the contaminated outer surface of the airlock unit is covered by the contaminated outer surface of the closure unit.

[0032] In a further preferred embodiment of the transport device, it is provided that the first flange has an inner circumferential surface, the closure unit has an outer circumferential surface and an end face, and in a closed position the outer circumferential surface of the closure unit is atmospherically sealed against the inner circumferential surface of the first flange, whereby in normal operation the end face of the closure unit is the contaminated outside, so that by covering the end face the interior atmosphere is unaffected by the contaminated outside.

[0033] With such a design of the first flange and the closure unit, as well as the interaction between the first flange and the closure unit, it can be easily ensured that no contamination of the interior atmosphere occurs.

[0034] The inner circumferential surface can also be enclosed by the closure unit and the outer circumferential surface by the first flange.

[0035] A preferred embodiment of the transport device is characterized by the inclusion of an electrical connection unit, which is arranged and configured to establish an electrical connection with the battery manufacturing system. This electrical connection unit allows, for example, the exchange of signals between the transport device and the battery manufacturing system. Furthermore, it can be used to control electrical components of the transport device and / or the battery manufacturing system. Additionally, the electrical connection unit can be used to recharge the transport device's batteries.

[0036] In a further preferred embodiment of the transport device, it is provided that the closure unit has a projection, in particular a wedge-shaped projection, which is arranged and designed to interact with a corresponding recess on the lock element, wherein the projection and the recess are arranged and designed to connect the closure unit with the lock unit.

[0037] The projection and / or recess may, for example, include a fastening unit designed and configured to connect the locking unit and the gate unit. The fastening unit may, for example, comprise a ball-and-spring assembly. The balls may, for example, be arranged on an outer circumference of the projection and, during normal operation, engage in correspondingly designed inlets in the recess. The balls may, for example, be actuated by compressed air. The balls may protrude.

[0038] Alternatively, the locking unit can have the recess and the lock unit the projection.

[0039] The transport device can be arranged and designed to create a fluid flow between the closure unit and the airlock unit, ensuring clean and dry air between them. As a result, minor leaks could be more easily tolerated.

[0040] In a further preferred embodiment of the transport device, at least one friction strip is arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the first flange and / or on the outer circumferential surface of the locking unit such that the locking unit is positioned on the first flange by a friction pair consisting of a friction material, for example, plastic or ceramic, and another material. A friction material is understood to be, in particular, a material that is low-abrasion. In battery manufacturing, metallic materials are generally used due to cleanroom conditions. Plastics, in particular, are often avoided. However, it is one of the insights of the present invention that metal pairings, especially at centering points, generate abrasion that is disadvantageous for battery manufacturing.By using a centering element made of plastic, a metal pairing can thus be avoided.

[0041] In another preferred embodiment of the transport device, the first flange is arranged elastically in at least one direction, in order to compensate for positioning inaccuracies in particular.

[0042] In a further preferred embodiment of the transport device, it is provided that it is designed to be connected to the battery manufacturing system by a connecting movement in a connection direction, wherein the first flange is elastically arranged in the connection direction, so that the first flange is movable back and forth in the connection direction and causes a preload after a connection with the battery manufacturing system.

[0043] It is preferred that the first flange be arranged to be movable by several millimeters.

[0044] An elastically arranged first flange allows a continuous force to be generated between the first flange and the battery manufacturing system. This improves the seal between the transport device and the battery manufacturing system. It may also be preferable for the first flange to be elastically mounted in a direction other than the connection direction, in particular to be reciprocally movable, for example, to compensate for alignment inaccuracies of the transport device.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment of the transport device, the first flange is mounted on a housing of the transport device with a compensating element, in particular a spring element, in particular two or more spring elements, and / or a bellows. In a further preferred embodiment of the transport device, it comprises a first centering means with a chamfered projection, which is arranged and designed to interact in a centering manner with a corresponding second centering means of the battery manufacturing system.

[0046] The chamfer is preferably arranged on an outer circumferential surface of the cantilever. The chamfer can, for example, be formed by a plastic element.

[0047] A preferred embodiment of the transport device is further characterized by the fact that the sealing means is or comprises a seal that at least partially circumferentially surrounds the charge passage and is preferably arranged between the first centering means and the charge opening.

[0048] Another preferred embodiment of the transport device is characterized by the fact that the closure unit has an electrically controllable magnet which is arranged and designed to connect the closure unit to the gate unit of the battery manufacturing system by means of a magnetic force.

[0049] Alternatively or additionally, the locking unit can be made of a material that generates an attraction with an electric magnet or a permanent magnet. The magnet can thus also be integrated into the battery manufacturing system, allowing for a simpler transport device. Alternatively or additionally, the transport device can include connecting elements that are arranged and designed to interact pneumatically and / or mechanically with the locking unit.

[0050] Alternatively or additionally, the transport device comprises a vacuum unit arranged and configured to generate a vacuum on the outside of the closure unit. In particular, a vacuum can thus be generated between the closure unit and a corresponding airlock unit of the battery manufacturing system, so that the closure unit and the airlock unit can be connected to each other by means of the generated vacuum. In a further preferred embodiment of the transport device, it comprises an automated guided vehicle (AGV) arranged and configured to move the transport device. The AGV is particularly arranged and configured to position the transport device with an accuracy of less than 50 mm, more specifically less than 20 mm, preferably less than 10 mm, and further preferably less than 5 mm, particularly relative to the battery manufacturing system.

[0051] According to a further aspect, the aforementioned problem is solved by a battery manufacturing system for the production of batteries and / or battery semi-finished products, comprising a transport device according to one of the preceding claims, a manufacturing chamber atmospherically decoupled from the environment with a coupling passage, wherein an internal atmosphere can be adjusted within the manufacturing chamber, a second flange forming the coupling passage, which is arranged and configured to interact sealingly with the first flange, a lock unit interacting with the second flange with which the coupling passage can be closed, wherein in intended operation the lock unit has a contaminated outer surface in contact with the surrounding atmosphere, wherein the lock unit and the closure unit are configured to correspond with each other,that when the closure unit and the airlock unit are opened, the contaminated outer surfaces of the closure unit and the airlock unit cover each other, so that the interior atmospheres are unaffected by the contaminated outer surfaces.

[0052] The battery manufacturing system comprises the manufacturing area where the battery material is processed. To convey the battery material into the battery manufacturing system, it features a coupling passage. The coupling passage is formed by a second flange. The second flange and / or the first flange can be defined as an area adjacent to the coupling passage or the charge passage. For example, the battery manufacturing system may have a front wall that incorporates the coupling passage. The second flange could, for instance, be a section of the front wall. Alternatively or additionally, the second flange can reinforce the area adjacent to the coupling passage.

[0053] The second flange is preferably elastically mounted so that it is movable at least in the connection direction and / or orthogonally to the connection direction. It may be preferred that the second flange is arranged by means of a compensating element. Furthermore, it may be preferred that at least one dirt lip is provided adjacent to the second flange, which is arranged and designed to prevent or reduce the ingress of particles into the coupling passage.

[0054] The coupling passage is closed by an airlock unit and can be reopened. The airlock unit is the corresponding element to the closure unit. By covering the contaminated outer surfaces of the airlock unit and the closure unit, it is ensured that the contamination on these outer surfaces does not affect the internal atmospheres of the transport device and the battery manufacturing system.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment of the battery manufacturing system, a handling device is provided for moving the coupled airlock unit and the closure unit. When the closure unit and the airlock unit's contaminated outer surfaces are mutually overlapping, they are, in particular, connected to one another. This assembly of airlock unit and closure unit can be moved by the handling system. Thus, the coupling passage and the charging passage can be easily opened.

[0056] A preferred embodiment of the battery manufacturing system is characterized by the inclusion of a second centering means corresponding to the first centering means. The centering means are arranged and configured to act as a centering element on the transport device when it is connected to the battery manufacturing system, ensuring that the transport device can be connected to the battery manufacturing system in a predefined position. It is preferred that the first centering means be made of plastic and the second centering means be made of metal. Alternatively, the first centering means can be made of metal and the second centering means of plastic. It is further preferred that the battery manufacturing system include a second sealing element, for example, a sealing element extending at least partially around the coupling opening.

[0057] A preferred further development of the battery manufacturing system is characterized in that the lock unit and the closure unit are arranged and designed in such a way that, when the transport device is coupled to the battery manufacturing system, the lock unit and the closure unit are connected to each other in a first coupling step, and in a subsequent second coupling step the first flange and the second flange are arranged next to each other.

[0058] The first coupling step establishes the connection between the airlock unit and the closure unit, specifically covering the contaminated outer surfaces. In the closed position, the airlock unit is pressed against the production system by pneumatic cylinders. This pressure is applied by extended cylinders, which are adjusted to be pushed inwards to enable the first coupling step. The connection between the airlock unit and the closure unit is particularly necessary when they are held together by magnetic force.

[0059] In the second coupling step, inequalities are compensated for by the lock unit, so that the first and second flanges are in contact with each other.

[0060] A further advantage of this arrangement is that tolerances are compensated for. The coupling passage is opened, in particular, by pivoting the locking unit into the manufacturing system. This degree of freedom of pivoting can be used to achieve a firm contact with a defined contact pressure between the flanges, the locking unit, and the closure unit. The defined contact pressure is advantageous for the seals. Another preferred embodiment of the battery manufacturing system is characterized in that the locking unit is arranged and designed to release the coupling passage during the second coupling step, in particular by being moved into the manufacturing chamber. It is preferred that the first flange and the second flange are sealed against each other at the beginning of the second coupling step, in particular with the second sealing element described below.

[0061] Another preferred embodiment of the battery manufacturing system is characterized in that the airlock unit and / or the closure unit has / have a first sealing element which is arranged and designed such that the contaminated outer surfaces are substantially surrounded by the first sealing element. It is particularly preferred that the first sealing element is arranged adjacent to an outer edge of the airlock unit and / or the closure unit. "Adjacent" can be understood to mean, in particular, that the first sealing element is spaced less than 20 cm, less than 10 cm, and especially less than 5 cm from the outer edge.

[0062] Furthermore, it may be preferred that the first flange and / or the second flange has or have a second sealing element which is arranged and configured to atmospherically separate the interior atmospheres from an environment of the battery manufacturing system, in particular once the coupling passage and / or the charge passage has been released by moving the lock unit and / or the closure unit.

[0063] Furthermore, it is preferred that the first flange and the second flange have flange surfaces aligned parallel to each other, and that the second sealing element acts between the flange surfaces. It is particularly preferred that the second sealing element is arranged adjacent to an outer edge of the first flange and / or the second flange. "Adjacent" can be understood to mean, in particular, that the second sealing element is spaced less than 20 cm, less than 10 cm, and especially less than 5 cm from the outer edge. In a further preferred embodiment of the battery manufacturing system, it is provided that the system includes a fluid flow device which is arranged and configured to introduce a fluid into the space between the closure unit and the airlock element in order to reduce contamination of the contaminated outer surface of the closure unit and / or the airlock element.

[0064] The fluid flow device can have one, two, or more fluid channels, or it can be configured as one, two, or more fluid channels. Furthermore, the fluid flow device can include a means for generating a fluid flow. In addition, the fluid flow device can include a fluid reservoir, a filter, and other fluid flow-related components.

[0065] It may further be preferred that the fluid flow device is arranged and configured to generate a negative pressure, in particular a vacuum, between the closure unit and the locking element, so that these are connected to each other, in particular by means of the negative pressure. The fluid flow device may be partially provided on the battery manufacturing system and / or on the transport device.

[0066] Particularly at proximal joints between the airlock element and the closure unit, contaminants can potentially escape to the outside and thus affect the interior atmosphere. Introducing the fluid into the gap can reduce or even eliminate such contamination.

[0067] In a further preferred embodiment of the battery manufacturing system, it is provided that the fluid device has at least one fluid channel for supplying the fluid, the fluid channel passing through the first flange, so that the fluid can be supplied from the battery manufacturing system to the transport device.

[0068] Since the first flange is arranged and designed to connect the transport device to the battery manufacturing system in an atmosphere-tight manner, it is particularly advantageous to establish a fluidic connection between the transport device and the battery manufacturing system. Thus, the first flange can provide a channel that interacts with a corresponding fluid channel of the battery manufacturing system.

[0069] According to a further aspect, the aforementioned problem is solved by a method for manufacturing batteries and / or battery semi-finished products, comprising the steps of: positioning a transport device at a battery manufacturing system in a predefined position, wherein a battery material is arranged in the transport device; atmospherically tight connecting of the transport device and the battery manufacturing system; connecting an openable closure unit of the transport device with an openable lock unit of the battery manufacturing system such that contaminated outer surfaces of the closure unit and the lock unit cover each other; moving the connected closure unit and the lock unit so that a charging passage of the transport device and a coupling passage of the battery manufacturing system are released; and moving the battery material from the transport device to the battery manufacturing system.

[0070] A preferred embodiment of the method comprises the steps of: connecting the lock unit and the closure unit to each other in a first coupling step, and arranging the first flange and the second flange to each other in a subsequent second coupling step, wherein preferably during the second coupling step the coupling passage is released by moving the lock unit.

[0071] For further advantages, design variants and design details of the individual aspects and their possible further training, reference is also made to the description of the further aspects, the corresponding characteristics and further training.

[0072] Preferred embodiments are explained by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures. They show: Fig. 1: a schematic, three-dimensional view of an exemplary embodiment

[0073] embodiment of a transport device in a closed position;

[0074] Fig. 2: a schematic, three-dimensional view of an exemplary

[0075] embodiment of a transport device in an open position;

[0076] Fig. 3: a schematic, three-dimensional view of an exemplary

[0077] embodiment of a battery manufacturing system;

[0078] Fig. 4: a schematic, two-dimensional view of exemplary

[0079] Embodiments of a transport device and a battery manufacturing system;

[0080] Fig. 5: Schematic, two-dimensional views of exemplary

[0081] Embodiments of a closure unit and a lock unit;

[0082] Fig. 6: Schematic, two-dimensional views of exemplary

[0083] Embodiments of a closure unit and a lock unit;

[0084] Fig. 7: Schematic, two-dimensional views of exemplary

[0085] Embodiments of a closure unit and a lock unit;

[0086] Fig. 8: a schematic, three-dimensional detail view of a schematic embodiment of a locking unit;

[0087] Fig. 9: Schematic views of a joining process of a

[0088] Transport device with a battery manufacturing system;

[0089] Fig. 10: Schematic views of the movement of a closure unit and a lock unit;

[0090] Figs. 11-15: schematic, two-dimensional views of exemplary embodiments of a battery manufacturing system; and

[0091] Fig. 16: A schematic view of an exemplary process. In the figures, identical or essentially functionally equivalent or similar elements are designated with the same reference numerals.

[0092] The exemplary embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these exemplary embodiments, the described components each represent individual features of the invention that can be considered independently of one another. These features further develop the invention independently and can therefore be regarded as part of the invention individually or in a combination other than that shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by other features of the invention already described.

[0093] Figures 1 and 2 show a transport device 100 with a housing 101 that encloses an interior space 102 on five sides. On one side of the transport device 100 facing the viewer, the housing 101 is open. This open side is the loading passage 104, which is framed by the first flange 106. The first flange 106 comprises the first flange element 108, the second flange element 110, and the third flange element 112.

[0094] The charge passage 104 is designed to be openable and closed by the closure unit 114. In Figure 1, the charge passage 104 is closed by the closure unit 114. In Figure 2, the charge passage 104 is open by moving the closure unit 114 vertically upwards.

[0095] During normal operation, the transport device 100 moves towards a battery manufacturing system 200. The battery manufacturing system 200 may be located within an ambient atmosphere that is contaminated compared to the internal atmosphere within the transport device 100 and the battery manufacturing system 200, which will be described in detail later. As a result, the outer surfaces of the transport device 100 are contaminated, in particular the outer surface 116 of the closure unit 114.

[0096] If the transport device 100 were coupled to a battery manufacturing system 200 without further measures, and, for example, an airlock unit 214 of the battery manufacturing system 200 were removed, the contaminated outer surface 116 would come into contact with the internal atmosphere of the battery manufacturing system 200. Opening the airlock unit 114 would thus also bring this contamination into contact with the internal atmosphere of the transport device 100.

[0097] Figure 3 shows a battery manufacturing system 200 comprising a manufacturing chamber 202 and a coupling passage 204. Battery material can be supplied to the manufacturing chamber 202 through the coupling passage 204. The coupling passage 204 is formed by a second flange 206. The second flange 206 has a first flange element 208, a second flange element 210, and a third flange element 212. The coupling passage 204 is closed by an opening gate unit 214.

[0098] The airlock unit 214 also has an outer surface 216 facing the environment of the battery manufacturing system. Therefore, the outer surface 216 is also typically contaminated.

[0099] The lock unit 214 is coupled with a movement element 218, which is arranged and designed to move the lock unit 214 in combination with the closure unit 114 away from the coupling passage 204.

[0100] Figure 4 shows a transport device 100 and a battery manufacturing system 200. The contaminated outer surfaces 116, 216 are shown with dashed lines. The transport device 100 comprises a first centering element 118, which is wedge-shaped. The first centering element 118 projects from the first flange 106 in the coupling direction. In other words, the first centering element 118 cantilevers from the first flange 106 toward the battery manufacturing system 200.

[0101] The transport device 100 further comprises a fluid flow device 120, which in this case is designed as a fluid channel 122.

[0102] The first flange 106 is mounted on the housing 101 by means of two spring elements 144. Thus, the first flange 106 is movable back and forth in the connection direction, so that a preload is applied after connection with the battery manufacturing system 200. Figure 5 shows a locking unit 114 which has a wedge-shaped projection 128. The wedge-shaped projection 128 corresponds to a recess 222 of the locking element 214. A fastening unit, designed as a ball-and-spring arrangement, is provided on an outer circumferential surface 130 of the wedge-shaped projection 128.

[0103] The ball-spring arrangement is formed by means of a spring element 134 and a ball 136. A ball stop 224, corresponding to the ball 136, is recessed in the recess 222. When the locking unit 114 is connected to the lock unit 214, the ball 136 is pressed into the ball stop 224, in particular by means of a fluid, so that the locking unit 114 and the lock unit 214 are connected to each other.

[0104] The locking unit 114 comprises a first centering element 118, which is designed as a chamfer 118. The chamfer 118 is arranged facing outwards. A sealing element 124 is also provided on the chamfer 118. The chamfer 118 interacts with a second, obliquely arranged centering element 220 in a positioning and centering manner. On the opposite side of the chamfer 118, the locking unit 114 has a further sealing element 126.

[0105] Figure 6 shows a similar embodiment to that shown in Figure 5, however, the locking unit 114 does not have a chamfer 118 at its upper end. Centering is achieved primarily by the wedge-shaped projection 128. A circumferential seal 124, 126 is provided.

[0106] Figure 7 shows a further embodiment of the locking unit 114 and the lock unit 214 with a wedge-shaped projection 128 and a corresponding recess 222. On the left, the locking unit 114 and the lock unit 214 are shown in the unconnected state, and on the right, in the connected state.

[0107] In the connected state on the right side, overpressure in the fluid channel 122 leads to an overflow 138 at the outermost joint between the closure unit 114 and the lock unit 214, thus further preventing contamination. Figure 8 shows a detailed view of the transport device 100, in particular showing that two plastic strips 140, 142 are arranged on the flange 106. The plastic strips 140, 142 are arranged and designed to position the closure unit 114 on the first flange 106 by means of a friction pairing of plastic and another material. This results in less metallic abrasion and therefore less contamination.

[0108] Figure 9 shows the process of connecting the transport device 100 with a battery manufacturing system 200. In the figure at the top left, the transport device 100 with the locking unit 114, which is closed, is located in front of the battery manufacturing system 200, whose airlock unit 214 is also closed.

[0109] In the figure at the top right, the transport device 100 is connected to the battery manufacturing system 200. The sealing unit 114 and the airlock unit 214 are also connected. In particular, they are connected in such a way that the contaminated outer surfaces 116, 216 cover each other.

[0110] In the figure below left, the assembly of the closure unit 114 and the lock unit 214 is moved into the battery manufacturing system 200, and in the figure below right, it is moved to the side in such a way that the passages 104, 204 are opened and a material exchange between the transport device 100 and the battery manufacturing system 200 is possible.

[0111] Figure 10 shows a handling system 226 which, by means of a rotary movement, shown in the middle figure, and a subsequent translational movement of the connected closure unit 114 and the lock unit 214, releases access between the transport device 100 and the battery manufacturing system 200.

[0112] Figures 11 to 15 show a battery manufacturing system 200 with a transport device 100. In particular, Figures 11 to 15 show the coupling of the transport device 100 to the battery manufacturing system 200. In Figure 11, the transport device 100 is located in front of the coupling passage 204, so that the sealing unit 114 and the airlock unit 214 are arranged opposite each other. The charging passage 104 of the transport device 100 is sealed airtight by means of the sealing unit 114, among other things, by the fact that a sealing element 146 acts between the housing 101 and the sealing unit 114. The coupling passage 204 of the battery manufacturing system 200 is sealed airtight with the airlock unit 214, among other things, by the provision of a sealing element 232.

[0113] Figure 12 shows the first coupling step, in which the airlock unit 214 and the closure unit 114 are connected, for example, by means of a magnet. The contaminated outer surfaces of the airlock unit 214 and the closure unit 114 are in contact with each other. Simultaneously, the first sealing element 228 acts between the airlock unit 214 and the closure unit 114. The first flange surface 148 of the first flange 106 and the second flange surface 234 of the second flange 206 are spaced apart and form a gap.

[0114] Figure 13 shows the second coupling step, in which the transport device 100 is moved further towards the battery manufacturing system 200, so that the first flange 106 is positioned against the second flange 206, with the first flange surface 148 and the second flange surface 234 abutting each other. During the second coupling step, the lock unit 214 and the closure unit 114 connected to it are moved into the battery manufacturing system 200, thus opening the coupling passage 204.

[0115] Figures 14 and 15 show how the assembly of the lock unit 214 and the closure unit 114 is moved further into the battery manufacturing system 200 to fully open the passage between the battery manufacturing system 200 and the transport device 100.

[0116] Figure 16 shows a schematic process for the production of batteries and / or battery semi-finished products. The process comprises step 300: positioning the transport device 100 on the battery production system 200 in a predefined position. In step 302, the transport device 100 and the battery production system 200 are atmospherically sealed together. After the transport device 100 and the battery production system 200 have been sealed together, the closure unit 114 and the airlock unit 214 are connected in step 304 such that the contaminated outer surfaces 116, 216 of the closure unit 114 and the airlock unit 214 cover each other. Subsequently, in step 306, the assembly of the closure unit 114 and the airlock unit 214 is moved away from the passages 104, 204, thus opening them.In step 308, the battery material is moved from the transport device 100 to the battery manufacturing system 200.

[0117] The transport device 100, the battery manufacturing system 200, and the corresponding process described above offer the particular advantage of enabling contamination-free handling of large-volume and high-mass battery materials. Particularly due to the size of the components, future handling processes will no longer be feasible in large cleanrooms and / or dry rooms for the economical production of batteries. Therefore, individual mini-environments are now used. However, since these mini-environments are located in a contaminated atmosphere, handling between them must be contamination-free. This is possible with the transport device 100 and a corresponding battery manufacturing system 200 with a suitable airlock unit 214.This enables the high-quality and economically advantageous production of batteries and / or battery semi-finished products.

[0118] REFERENCE MARK

[0119] 100 T transport device

[0120] 101 cases

[0121] 102 Interior

[0122] 104 charge passage

[0123] 106 first flange

[0124] 108 first flange element

[0125] 110 second flange element

[0126] 112 third flange element

[0127] 114 Locking unit

[0128] 116 contaminated exterior

[0129] 118 first centering device

[0130] 120 Fluid flow device

[0131] 122 Fluid channel

[0132] 124 Sealants

[0133] 126 Sealants

[0134] 128 wedge-shaped projection

[0135] 130 external perimeter area

[0136] 132 Fluid outlet

[0137] 134 Spring element

[0138] 136 balls

[0139] 138 Overflow

[0140] 140 plastic strip

[0141] 142 Plastic strip 144 Spring element

[0142] 146 Sealing element

[0143] 148 first flange surface

[0144] 200 battery manufacturing system

[0145] 202 Production room

[0146] 204 Coupling pass

[0147] 206 second flange

[0148] 208 first flange element

[0149] 210 second flange element

[0150] 212 third flange element

[0151] 214 Lock unit

[0152] 216 contaminated exterior

[0153] 218 Movement element

[0154] 220 second centering device

[0155] 222 In-depth study

[0156] 224 Ball stop

[0157] 226 Handling system

[0158] 228 first sealing element

[0159] 230 second sealing element

[0160] 232 Sealing element

[0161] 234 second flange surface

Claims

REQUIREMENTS 1. Transport device (100) for an atmosphere-controlled battery manufacturing system, comprising an interior space (102) atmospherically decoupled from the environment with a charge passage (104), wherein an interior atmosphere can be adjusted within the interior space (102), a first flange (106) forming the charge passage (104), which is arranged and configured to connect the transport device (100) to the battery manufacturing system in an atmosphere-tight manner, a sealing means (124, 126) which is arranged and configured to seal the charge passage (104) relative to the battery manufacturing system, a closing unit (114) cooperating with the first flange (106) with which the charge passage (104) can be closed, wherein in intended operation the closing unit (114) has a contaminated outer surface (116) in contact with the surrounding atmosphere, - wherein the closure unit (114) is arranged and designed such that when the charge passage (104) is opened, the interior atmosphere is unaffected by the contaminated exterior (116).

2. Transport device (100) according to the previous claim, wherein the contaminated outer surface (116) of the closure unit (114) is arranged and designed to be covered, in particular before and / or during opening, by a lock unit of the battery manufacturing system.

3. Transport device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first flange (106) has an inner circumferential surface, The closure unit (114) has an outer circumferential surface and an end face, and in a closed position the outer circumferential surface of the closure unit (114) is atmospherically sealed against the inner circumferential surface of the first flange (106), whereby in intended operation the end face of the closure unit (114) is the contaminated outer surface (116), so that by covering the end face the interior atmosphere is unaffected by the contaminated outer surface (116).

4. Transport device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure unit (114) has a projection (128) which is arranged and configured to interact with a corresponding recess (222) on the lock element, and the projection (128) and the recess (222) are arranged and configured to connect the closure unit (114) to the lock unit.

5. Transport device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one friction strip (140, 142) is / are arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the first flange (106) and / or on the outer circumferential surface of the locking unit (114) such that the locking unit (114) is positioned on the first flange (106) by a friction pairing of a friction material, for example plastic or ceramic, and another material.

6. Transport device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, which is configured to be connected to the battery manufacturing system by a connecting movement in a connecting direction, wherein the first flange (106) is elastically arranged in at least one direction, in particular to compensate for positioning inaccuracies, and / or the first flange (106) is elastically arranged in the connection direction, so that the first flange (106) is movable back and forth in the connection direction and causes a preload after connection with the battery manufacturing system.

7. Transport device (100) according to the previous claim, wherein the first flange (106) is mounted on a housing (101) of the transport device (100) with a compensating element (144).

8. Transport device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing means (124, 126) is or comprises a seal circumferentially around the load passage (104) at least sectionally and - preferably arranged between the first centering means (118) and the charge passage (104).

9. Transport device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure unit (114) has an electrically controllable magnet which is arranged and configured to connect the closure unit (114) to the lock unit of the battery manufacturing system by means of a magnetic force.

10. Battery manufacturing system (200) for the production of batteries and / or battery semi-finished products, comprising a transport device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, a production chamber (202) atmospherically decoupled from the environment with a coupling passage (204), wherein an interior atmosphere can be set within the production chamber (202), a second flange (206) forming the coupling passage (204), which is arranged and designed to interact sealingly with the first flange (106), a lock unit (214) interacting with the second flange (206), with which the coupling passage (204) can be closed, wherein in intended operation the lock unit (214) has a contaminated outer surface (216) in contact with the surrounding atmosphere, - wherein the lock unit (214) and the closure unit (114) are designed to correspond with each other in such a way that when the closure unit (114) and the lock unit (214) are opened, the contaminated outer surfaces (116, 216) of the Cover the closure unit (114) and the airlock unit (214) so ​​that the interior atmospheres are unaffected by the contaminated exterior surfaces (116, 216).

11. Battery manufacturing system (200) according to the preceding claim, comprising a second centering means (220) configured to correspond to the first centering means (118), - wherein the centering means (118, 220) are arranged and designed to act in a centering manner on the transport device (100) when connecting it to the battery manufacturing system (200), so that the transport device (100) can be connected to the battery manufacturing system (200) in a predefined position.

12. Battery manufacturing system (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lock unit (214) and the closure unit (114) are arranged and designed such that, when the transport device (100) is coupled to the battery manufacturing system (200), the lock unit (214) and the closure unit (114) are connected to each other in a first coupling step, and in a subsequent second coupling step, the first flange (106) and the second flange (206) are arranged to each other.

13. Battery manufacturing system (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lock unit (214) is arranged and configured to release the coupling passage (204) during the second coupling step, in particular to be moved into the manufacturing space (202).

14. Battery manufacturing system (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the airlock unit (214) and / or the closure unit (114) has or have a first sealing element (228) which is arranged and configured such that the contaminated outer surfaces (116, 216) are substantially surrounded by the first sealing element (228), wherein preferably the first sealing element (228) is arranged adjacent to an outer edge of the airlock unit (214) and / or the closure unit (114), and / or the first flange (106) and / or the second flange (206) has or have a second sealing element (230) which is arranged and configured to atmospherically separate the interior atmospheres from an environment of the battery manufacturing system (200), wherein preferably the first flange (106) and the second flange (206) have flange surfaces (148, 234) aligned parallel to each other and the second sealing element (230) acts between the flange surfaces (148, 234).

15. Battery manufacturing system (200) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a fluid flow device (120) which is arranged and configured to introduce a fluid into the space between the closure unit (114) and the lock element (214) in order to reduce contamination of the contaminated outer surface (116) of the closure unit (114) and / or the lock element (214).

16. Method for the manufacture of batteries and / or battery semi-finished products, comprising the steps: Positioning (300) a transport device (100) on a battery manufacturing system (200) in a predefined position, wherein a battery material is arranged in the transport device (100), - Atmospherically tight connection (302) of the transport device (100) and the battery manufacturing system (200), - Connecting (304) an openable closure unit (114) of the transport device (100) with an openable airlock unit (214) of the battery manufacturing system (200) such that contaminated outer surfaces (116, 216) of the closure unit (114) and the airlock unit (214) cover each other, Moving (306) the connected closure unit (114) and the lock unit (214) so ​​that a charge passage (104) of the transport device (100) and a coupling passage (204) of the battery manufacturing system are released, Moving (308) the battery material from the transport device (100) to the battery manufacturing system (200).

17. Method according to the preceding claim, comprising the steps of: - Connecting the lock unit (214) and the closure unit (114) to each other in a first coupling step, and - Arranging the first flange (106) and the second flange (206) to each other in a subsequent second coupling step, wherein preferably during the second coupling step the coupling passage (204) is released by moving the lock unit (214).

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