WO2019052815A1 - STACKING DEVICE FOR MULTILAYER FLAT ELECTRODE STACKS - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a stacking device (78) for multi-layer, flat electrode stacks (10), wherein the stacking device (78) in the Y direction (118) is movable. The detachably mounted on guide elements (128), exchangeable removable carrier (115) has a support surface (114). This is acted upon by first biasing springs (122) which continuously set the electrode stacks (10) stacked on the support surface (114) to the counterholder (120) during the handling of the changeable carrier (115).

Description

 Description title

 Stacking device for multi-layer, flat electrode stacks Technical field

The invention relates to a stacking device for multilayer flat electrode stacks, wherein the stacking device is movable in the Y direction and comprises a removable carrier. Furthermore, the invention relates to a

Battery cell and to a use of the same.

State of the art

Electrical energy can be stored by means of batteries. Batteries convert chemical reaction energy into electrical energy. Here are

Primary batteries and secondary batteries distinguished. Primary batteries are only functional once, while secondary batteries, also referred to as accumulators, are rechargeable. In particular, so-called lithium-ion battery cells are used in an accumulator. These are characterized among other things by high energy densities, thermal stability and extremely low self-discharge.

Lithium-ion battery cells have a positive electrode, also referred to as a cathode, and a negative electrode, also referred to as an anode. The cathode and the anode each include one

Current conductor, on which an active material is applied. The electrodes of the battery cell are formed like a film and with the interposition of a

Separator, which separates the anode from the cathode, for example, stacked into an electrode stack. The electrodes can also become one

Wound electrode winding or form an electrode unit in another way. The two electrodes of the electrode unit are electrically connected to poles of the battery cell, which are also referred to as terminals. The electrodes and separator are surrounded by a generally liquid electrolyte. The battery cell further comprises a cell housing, which is made of aluminum, for example. The cell housing usually prismatic, in particular cuboid designed and pressure-resistant. But other forms of housing, such as circular cylindrical or flexible pouch cells are known.

The main goal in the development of new battery cells is to increase the electrochemical useful volume in the cell. The electrode stack has proven to be the most suitable design of an electrode unit for maximizing the useful volume, since it can be produced both in an ideal prismatic manner and in any other geometry. Electrode stacks can be produced, for example, with stacking devices.

From DE 10 2013 207 351 Al a method and an apparatus for

Production of an energy storage cell and the energy storage cell known. CN 102969527 A likewise shows an electrode stack formation in which the individual electrode stacks are separated from one another by intermediate layers and the electrodes each comprise contact lugs.

Presentation of the invention

It is proposed a stacking device for multi-layer flat electrode stack, wherein the stacking device can be moved in the Y direction and optionally also in the X direction and comprises a removable carrier. The

Removable carrier is detachably received on guide elements, designed to be interchangeable and comprises a support surface which is acted upon by first biasing springs, which continuously set the stacked on the support surface electrode stack when handling the change carrier to counter-holder.

Advantageously, by the invention proposed

Stacking device stacked on a support surface of Electrode stacks are held continuously under tension by means of spring force on the counterholds, whereby it is ensured that no layer slips within the electrode stacks. Advantageously, the removable carrier is fixed during the stacking process, can be unlocked and can be easily replaced either manually or by a handling system.

In a further embodiment of the solution proposed by the invention, the counter-holder are pivotally or movably received in the X- and Z-direction on the removable carrier and engage over a stack end on the

Support surface of the exchange carrier stacked electrode stacks. Against the

Counter-holder is the stack due to the biasing springs, which act on the support surface, continuously employed, so that the stacked

Electrode stack defined remain fixed.

The removable carrier is secured by locking elements on guide elements. To handle the Wechselträgers the locks are released and the removable carrier can be in a very simple manner with the arranged thereon, biased electrode stack either with an automatic handling system or manually move.

The inventively proposed stacking device is located advantageously below a linear conveyor system, on the

Individual tables multi-layer electrode stacks are added. Each of the individual tables of the linear conveyor system are in an overhead position above the inventively proposed stacking device by solution of

Clamps or robots with vacuum grippers - to name a few - the each fixed to the individual table electrode stack on the

Support surface of the exchange carrier off. The support surface of the exchange carrier advantageously comprises at least one channel or an arrangement of a plurality of channels, which are crossed, for example. Advantageously, the channels extend continuously on the surface of the support surface. Di channels serve as engagement openings for staples, grippers or belt-like conveyor systems, with which the number of stacked on the support surface electrode stack can be removed and fed to a subsequent process. As an alternative to the described channels, in the edge area of the

Support surface of the exchange carrier also be formed recesses. The recesses are preferably in the edge region at the region of the edge of the support surface and may for example be arranged opposite one another.

Due to the fact that the channels partially interrupt the surface of the contact surfaces, there remain contact surfaces on which the electrode stacks rest. If, for example, recesses are made in the edge region on the support surface of the changeable support, the result is a contact surface extending continuously over the support surface.

Furthermore, a battery cell is proposed, the at least one

Electrode stack comprises, which is produced on a stacking device proposed according to the invention.

A battery cell according to the invention advantageously finds use in an electric vehicle (EV), in a hybrid vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) or in a consumer electronics product. Consumer electronics products are in particular mobile phones, tablet PCs or notebooks.

Advantages of the invention

The inventively proposed stacking device is designed to be movable in the Y direction and in particular below a linear

Conveyor system, are guided in the individual tables along a rail.

After depositing a number of electrode stacks on the removable carrier, the stacking device is moved in the Y direction, so that the removable carrier can be removed after unlocking on guide elements. The advantage of the proposed solution according to the invention, in particular of the Wechselträgers is a quick replacement of the same, due to the bias of the entire arrangement of electrode stacks on the Support surface slipping of the layers of the electrode stack is excluded. The biasing springs which continuously act on the support surface keep the entire stack of electrode stacks continuously under spring force. The number of stacked electrode stacks is due to the bias against the support surface opposite counter-holder is made.

Advantageously, the exchange carrier continuously maintains the voltage passively, is reliably with a few simple steps, which would also be automated, interchangeable and positionable and also allows for a follow-up process subsequent to the stack a very precise transfer.

Advantageously, the acted upon by the first biasing spring contact surface of the removable exchange carrier is designed so that on the one hand the electrode stack can be placed flat on a contact surface of the support surface and on the other hand at least one channel or more channels or recesses and the like are present to the stacked arrangement of To be able to remove electrode stacks for a follow-up process with grippers, clamps or bands or the like. Thus, the

Change carrier a precisely configured interface to a subsequent to the stacking of the electrode stack subsequent process in the

 Production of battery cells is.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS With reference to the drawing, the invention will be discussed in more detail below

described.

It shows:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a battery cell,

Figure 2 shows the essential components of a plant for the production of

Electrode stacks, FIG. 3 shows the stacking device proposed according to the invention below a linear conveyor system,

4 shows an enlarged view of the exchangeable exchange carrier,

Figures 5.1

and 5.2 two possible embodiments of the support surface, the

 interchangeable removable carrier is arranged and

Figure 6 is a schematic representation of a multilayer electrode stack.

variants

In the following description of the embodiments of the invention, the same or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, wherein a repeated description of these elements is dispensed with in individual cases. The figures illustrate the subject matter of the invention only schematically.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a battery cell 2

Battery cell 2 comprises a housing 3, which is prismatic, in the present cuboid, is formed. In the present case, the housing 3 is designed to be electrically conductive and manufactured, for example, from aluminum. The housing 3 may also be formed in the form of a flexible pouch film.

The battery cell 2 comprises a negative terminal 11 and a positive terminal 12. Via the terminals 11, 12, a voltage provided by the battery cell 2 can be tapped off. Furthermore, the battery cell 2 can also be charged via the terminals 11, 12.

Within the housing 3 of the battery cell 2, an electrode unit is arranged, which is embodied here as an electrode stack 10. The electrode stack 10 has two electrodes, namely an anode 21 and a cathode 22. The anode 21 and the cathode 22 are each designed like a foil and by a first belt-shaped separator 18 from each other separated. The first band-shaped separator 18 is ionically conductive, that is permeable to lithium ions.

The anode 21 comprises an anodic active material 41 and an anodic current conductor 31. The anodic current conductor 31 is made electrically conductive and made of a metal, for example of copper. The anodic current collector 31 is electrically connected to the negative terminal 11 of the battery cell 2. The cathode 22 comprises a cathodic active material 42 and a

Cathodic current collector 32. The cathodic current collector 32 is made electrically conductive and made of a metal, for example

Aluminum. The cathodic current collector 32 is electrically connected to the positive terminal 12 of the battery cell 2.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of the components of a plant for producing electrode stacks 10.

FIG. 2 shows a plant 58 for the production of electrode stacks 10. A feed 60 for a first ribbon-shaped separator 18 is used

 Feeding on a transport device 62. The transport device 62 may be a circulating belt or even a linear conveyor system or the like. On the transport device 62, the first belt-shaped separator 18 is transported in the transport direction 64.

Above the transport device 62 is a coil supply of a first band-shaped material 66 for a first electrode, for example a cathode. The supply of the first ribbon-shaped material 66 for the first electrode

(Cathode) takes place via a plurality of pulleys, not shown here, to a driven wheel 92. A peripheral surface 94 of the driven wheel 92 is associated with a laser 96 or a knife-like cutter. Below the laser 96 or the knife-like cutting device, a cut 68 of the first ribbon-shaped material 66 for the first electrode, whereby a portion 70, ie, a first cathode segment 56, is generated. The separated portion 70 becomes on the peripheral surface 94 of the driven wheel 92 fixed within a vacuum region 86 before the respective section 70 is placed on the first belt-shaped separator 18 on the transport device 62.

The driven wheel 92 is provided with a drive 90 which includes an encoder and drive control such that the driven wheel 92 is alternately alternately accelerated and decelerated during its rotation, such that when the sections 70 are deposited on the separator track on the top the transport device 62 defined gaps are generated.

Thereafter, the supply 72 of a second belt-shaped separator 19. This is transferred to the transport device 62, so that the first belt-shaped separator 18, and the equally spaced, separated sections 70, cathode segments 56, are covered by the second belt-shaped separator 19.

Subsequently, within a transfer area 74, the transfer of the first belt-shaped separator 18, the portions 70 spaced apart therefrom, i.e., the first belt-shaped separator 18, takes place. the cathode segments 56 and the second belt-shaped separator 72 to a linear conveyor system 76. The linear conveyor system 76 includes, for example, individual with negative pressure

acted upon carriage, which is apparent from Figure 2 that the individual linear discrete stacking devices 76 are assigned to the linear conveyor system 76 at its bottom.

After passage of the transfer region 74, a laser cut 80 is preferably carried out, the arrangement of the first belt-shaped separator 18, section 70 of the first electrode transferred to the linear conveyor system 76, i. the

Cathode segments 56 and the second belt-shaped separator 19. These 3-layer stack 106 are fixed laterally via grippers or vacuum on each separate vacuum-loadable tables of the linear conveyor system 76.

From Figure 2 shows that the linear conveyor system 76, a further driven wheel 92 is associated. This one comes with a second one strip-shaped material 82 for a second electrode, that is applied to the anode, which undergoes a cut 80 by a laser 96. The second electrode portions 70, separated from the second second electrode tape-shaped material 82, ie, the anode, are fixed within the vacuum region 86 on the driven wheel 92 and onto the first belt-shaped separator assemblies 18 conveyed from the individual stages of the linear conveyor system 76 , the second electrode section 70 and the second belt-shaped separator 19 are applied.

The obtained, fixed for example by grippers of the linear conveyor system 76 four-ply stack are in the outlet region of the linear

Conveyor system 76 turned by 180 ° and in an overhead position on individual

Stacking devices 78 stored.

For completeness, it should be mentioned that the driven wheel 92, which is arranged above the linear conveyor system 76, also a

Vacuum region 86 and a blow-off 88 has. At position 84, the laser cut of the second second electrode ribbon material 82 is preferably by means of the laser 96. As an alternative to the laser 96, which is preferably a continuous or pulsed (ns or ps) solid state laser, one may also be used knife-like cutting device are used to the individual sections 70, in this case the anode segments 55, at this point of the second band-shaped material 82 for the second

Separate electrode.

The illustration according to FIG. 3 shows a stacking device 78 proposed according to the invention, which is arranged below a linear conveyor system 76, as shown in FIG.

The illustration according to FIG. 3 shows that above the

According to the invention proposed stacking device 78 is a linear

Conveyor system 76 runs. Alternatively, robots with vacuum grippers can be used. The linear conveyor system 76 includes a rail 104 extending in the direction of an X-axis 100 at which a number of

Individual tables 102 are moved. The individual tables 102 run with rollers 106 along the rail 104. In the overhead position of the individual tables 102 shown in FIG. 3, electrode stacks 10 to be deposited after fixing brackets 108 are placed on a support surface 114. The illustration according to FIG. 3 shows that a number of electrode stacks 10 have already been deposited on the support surface 114 and a stack height 112 has been reached.

As soon as the individual table 102 has reached its position in an overhead position, an ejection device arranged in the individual table 102 moves vertically downwards by a few millimeters. The receiving plate 130 moves in the direction of the Z-axis 116 vertically upward toward the electrode stack 110 to be deposited. In this case, it is held under spring tension, so that the counter-holder 120 are free and move outwards. The receiving plate 130 moves in the direction of the Z-axis 116 a few millimeters upwards, so that the counter-holder 120 can pivot inwards. Thereafter, the receiving plate 130 moves in the Z direction 116 downwards, so that the electrode stack to be deposited 110 is stored.

In the state shown in FIG. 3, it is shown that counter holders 120 pivotably arranged on an exchangeable exchangeable carrier 115 overlap the upper end of the stack of stacked electrode stacks 10. The

Support surface 114 as shown in Figure 3 is by first

Biasing springs 122 acted upon. This ensures that at a

Swiveling the counter-holder 120, which are arranged pivotably on the exchangeable removable carrier 115, the stack of stacked electrode stack 10 stacked on the support surface 114 is continuously adjusted to the issued counter-holder 120. As a result, it is achieved in an advantageous manner that no slippage occurs within the stack, but that they remain in their precise position. For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that the Z-axis is designated by reference numeral 116 and the Y-axis has the reference numeral 118.

If a stack height 112 - as shown in FIG. 3 - is reached on the contact surface 114, the counter holders 120 pivot over the end of the stack of electrode stacks 10 opposite the support surface 114, so that the stack is fixed. After unlocking the locking elements 126, the exchangeable removable carrier 115 of his example, rod-shaped trained guide member 128 are removed either manually or by an automated handling system.

The rod-shaped guide elements 128 are with

Biasing springs, namely the second biasing springs 124 reinforced.

The stacking device 78 also includes a receiving plate 130, which in turn receives the rod-shaped guide elements 128. The receiving plate 130 is part of a storage station 132 which, for example, guided in a dovetail guide 134 or the like, in the direction of the Y-

Axis 118 can be moved so that after unlocking the

Locking elements 126 and the moving out of the stacking device 78, which is arranged below the linear conveyor system 76, the removable carrier 115 can be removed together with the stacked there electrode stack 10.

FIG. 4 shows the change carrier 115 in an enlarged view. In addition to the pivoted counter-holders 120, recesses 136, which serve to receive the locking elements 126 indicated in FIG. 3, are located on the upper side of the exchangeable carrier 115. The

 Locking elements 126 fix the exchangeable removable carrier 115 on the rod-shaped guide elements 128. Furthermore, the removable carrier 115 comprises bores 138 on its underside. The bores 138 are complementary to the diameter, for example of the rod-shaped guide elements 128 and allow the interchangeable exchange carrier 115 to be plugged on After insertion of the exchangeable exchange carrier 115, the locking elements 126 are again positioned so that

Locking lugs engage in the recesses 136 in the edge region at the top of the exchange carrier 115 and fix the exchangeable removable carrier 115 in a working position. FIG. 4 further shows that the action causes the first biasing springs 122 of the stacks to grow to the stacking height 112, which overlaps the upper stacking end

push out swiveled counterhold 120. Thus, a slippage or a displacement of individual electrode stacks 10 or individual layers within the Electrode stack 10 excluded due to the continuously acting biasing force, so that when handling the exchangeable changer 115 either manually or via an automatic handling system or the like, the precision of the layers of individual electrode stack 10th

is maintained and a precise transfer to a to the

 Batch process subsequent subsequent process is ensured.

Figures 5.1 and 5.2 are embodiments of the support surface 114 of the removable exchange carrier 115 can be seen.

It can be seen from the illustration according to FIG. 5.1 that the support surface 114 here has crossed channels 142 which form a channel pattern 144. The channels 142 extend in the embodiment of the support surface 114 shown in Figure 5.1 continuously from one edge 148 to the opposite edge 148 of the support surface 114. Through the channels 142, which are shown here in a crossed representation, resulting in a number of contact surfaces 146, on where the electrode stacks 10 rest. In the embodiment variant shown in FIG. 5.1, the channels 142 serve to stack them up

Electrode stack 10 can be removed within a follow-up process with grippers, staples or bands, so that further processing is possible.

FIG. 5.2 shows an embodiment of the support surface 114. It can be seen from FIG. 5.2 that at the respective edges 148

Support surface 114 recesses 140 are located. Complementary to the

Handling devices, whether they are grippers, staples or strip of the following process, the recesses 140 on the edge 148 of the support surface 114 in a width 150 and a depth 152 are designed so that an interface for the subsequent process with respect to the further processing of the stacked Electrode stack 10 is.

FIG. 6 shows a multilayer electrode stack. The individual electrode stacks 10 of stack segments 52, which are stacked by the inventively proposed stacking device 78 without slippage occurs, are with high precision to a

Subsequent process passed. The stack segments 52 include a

Separator segment 53 of the first belt-shaped separator 18, a

Cathode segment 56, another separator segment 53 of the second separator 19, which separates the anode segment 55 from the cathode segment 56. The electrode stacks 10 according to FIG. 6 are placed on the lower side of the linear conveyor system 76 from above in an overhead position on the stacking devices 78 proposed according to the invention, in particular on the exchangeable exchangeable carrier 115.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein and the aspects highlighted therein. Rather, within the scope given by the claims a variety of modifications are possible, which are within the scope of expert action.

Claims

claims 1. stacking device (78) for multi-layer, flat electrode stacks (10), wherein the stacking device (78) in the Y direction (118) is movable and comprises a removable carrier (115), characterized in that the releasably on guide elements (128) received , Exchangeable removable carrier (115) has a bearing surface (114) which is acted upon by first biasing springs (122), which continuously set the stacked on the support surface (114) electrode stack (10) when handling the Wechselträgers (115) to counter-holder (120) , 2. stacking device (78) according to claim 1, characterized in that the counter-holders (120) are pivotally mounted on the removable carrier (115) and a stack end on the support surface (114) stacked stack of electrodes (10) overlap. 3. stacking device (78) according to claim 1, characterized in that the removable carrier (115) is secured by locking elements (126) on the guide elements (128). 4. stacking device (78) according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrode stacks (10) are deposited in the overhead position of individual tables (102) of a linear conveyor system (76) of these on the support surface (114). 5. stacking device (78) according to claim 1, characterized in that the bearing surface (114) at least one channel (142) or a Channel pattern (144) for grippers, staples or belts for handling within a sequential process for removing the electrode stack (10). 6. stacking device (78) according to claim 5, characterized in that the at least one channel (142) extends continuously over the support surface (114), wherein contact surfaces (146) for the electrode stack (10) remain. 7. stacking device (78) according to claim 1, characterized in that the bearing surface (114) has recesses (140) which lie on the edge (148) of the support surface (114). 8. stacking device (78) according to claim 7, characterized in that the recesses (140) are arranged opposite one another. 9. battery cell (2) comprising at least one electrode stack (10),  manufactured on a stacking device (78) according to the preceding claims. 10. Use of a battery cell (2) according to claim 9 in one  Electric vehicle (EV), in a hybrid vehicle (HEV), in a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) or in a consumer electronics product.