EP2923406A1

EP2923406A1 - Apparatus and method for producing electrochemical cells

Info

Publication number: EP2923406A1
Application number: EP13789781.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Hannes Wolf; Klaus Leitner; Andreas MÜLLER; Armin Brenner
Original assignee: BASF SE
Current assignee: BASF SE
Priority date: 2012-11-22
Filing date: 2013-11-12
Publication date: 2015-09-30
Also published as: CN104798241A; WO2014079725A1; US20150249258A1; JP2015536553A; KR20150089036A

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for producing electrochemical cells, preferably lithium-ion cells. The apparatus comprises at least one storage placement position (13, 15, 17, 19), at least one assembly placement position (2, 4), a robot system (3) having a gripper (150), a pipetting machine (5) having a cleaning station, a tool for closing cell stacks, and at least one storage tray having recesses for accommodating components, wherein the total number of recesses is greater than or equal to two, preferably greater than or equal to four, and especially preferably greater than or equal to six. In order to assemble the cells, the individual components E1 to E5 in storage trays are placed onto the storage placement positions and from there are automatically moved to the assembly area and positioned by a gripper. The areas between components E2 and E3 and between E3 and E4 are filled with electrolyte. The characteristic features of the apparatus include the extremely flexible use in regard to the variation of different method parameters, the high throughput, and the low scrap rate of the produced lithium-ion cells.

Description

Apparatus and Method for Producing Electrochemical Cells Description Electrochemical cells are of great industrial importance as energy stores. The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for producing electrochemical cells, preferably lithium ion cells. The apparatus comprises at least one storage place (13, 15, 17, 19), a mounting place (2, 4), a positioning system (3) with gripper (150), a pipetting machine (5) with cleaning station, a tool for closing cells stacked together by stacking and at least one tray with troughs for receiving components, wherein the number of troughs is a total of> two, preferably> four, more preferably> six. In addition, the apparatus can also be equipped with a balance (1) and / or camera (25). The assemblies of the apparatus are preferably surrounded by an enclosure (8), preferably a glovebox. The enclosure is in operative connection with at least one lock (23).

In the prior art production machines for mass production of electrochemical cells are known. The production machines for mass production, however, do not allow to vary the production parameters in the production of electrochemical cells. The development of new and improved electrochemical cells is not possible with this type of automaton.

For example, the prior art discloses in CN 102290602, CN 201540925 and CN 201829565 a type of apparatus based on the use of a turntable. Around the turntable, the different manufacturing stations for the production of the cells are arranged. The components are mounted in a circle around the center on the surface of the turntable and moved by the rotational movement to the individual points of the manufacturing station. Furthermore, an apparatus for assembling film housings is disclosed in CN 102013496. The housings are in this case transported on a conveyor belt along the longitudinal axis of the apparatus, wherein at different positions repeatedly the same process steps are carried out in repetition. In the prior art, there is no information regarding the enclosure that surrounds the respective manufacturing equipment. However, it is believed that the manufacturing equipment must be located in shelters since it is disclosed that the manufacturing equipment is used to produce Li cells. Due to the production of Li cells, it should be ensured that the production of the cells takes place with the exclusion of at least oxygen and atmospheric moisture. Apart from that, in the state of the art individual tools are known which can be used as modules in the production of battery cells. These are grippers that are used for handling components of cells.

There are disclosed in CN 201540925 means for handling films.

CN 102044663 discloses a method and apparatus for lamination of foil electrodes.

Automated battery manufacturing processes are also described in the literature (see, for example, Li, Sha, Wang, Hui, Hu, S.Jack, Lin, Yhu-Tin, Abell, Jeffrey A., J. of Manufacturing Systems 30 (201 1), p 188-195). Automated battery manufacturing processes typically involve the fabrication of batteries from a plurality of similar cells, the identity particularly affecting electrodes and electrolyte. The plurality of cells are formed from stacks of individual pouch cells that are sensitive and therefore place high demands on handling.

An objective in the development of electrochemical cells is to obtain electrochemical cells that have a long life and in which the stored energy can be retrieved within a very short time. The lithium-ion cells produced so far have energy storage densities with values which may be in the range from 70 to 150 Wh / kg. However, the theoretical limit of the energy density of Li cells is even higher. Therefore, it can be assumed that the energy density can be further increased. In addition to the energy density, cycle stability and ampacity are also targets for optimization. In contrast, lead / sulfuric acid accumulators have only an energy density whose values lie in a range of 30 to 40 Wh / kg. Due to the large difference between the energy density achieved so far in practice and the energy density that could theoretically be achieved, there is still great potential for the R & D departments to identify new electrochemical cells that have better performance characteristics. One of the objects on which the invention is based is to provide an apparatus and a method by which the production of electrochemical cells can be made very flexible.

The above-mentioned object and other objects are achieved by providing an apparatus for producing electrochemical cells which has at least one storage location (13, 15, 17, 19), a mounting location (2), a positioning system (3) with gripper ( 150), a pipetting machine (5) with cleaning station, a tool for closing cells assembled by stacking and at least one storage tray with troughs for receiving components, the number of troughs totaling> two, preferably> four, particularly preferably> is six. Apparatus for the production of electrochemical cells

In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a balance (1) and / or at least one camera (25), wherein the camera (25) is arranged in the region of the base plate of the apparatus. The lens of the first camera is directed vertically upwards.

By means of the camera, a lateral position determination of the device gripped by the gripper takes place. This position determination makes it possible to perform a position correction in the positioning of the component. The accuracy in depositing the device is increased. At the same time, in a preferred embodiment, a surface analysis of the underside of the respective component, in particular of the electrodes and / or the separators, can also be carried out by means of the camera. The characterization data of the surface analysis (preferably the electrodes or the separators) are detected by the program control and stored in the database. In a preferred embodiment, the image data from the camera are used by comparison with reference data as a basis for deciding to discard the currently seized part. This process is implemented in the program control or in the software of the program. In another embodiment, the apparatus is equipped with a second camera (25 ') which is arranged in the upper part of the housing and whose lens is directed vertically in the direction of the base plate. The camera is preferably arranged in the area above the scale (1). By means of the second camera, the top of the respective component, preferably the electrodes and / or the separators is analyzed. The data of the surface analysis are recorded by the program control and stored in the database. In a further preferred embodiment, these image data are used by comparison with reference data as a basis for the decision for the separation of the currently inspected component. Process is carried out by means of program control or software. In addition, it is preferred that the apparatus comprises means for moving the tray to the at least one storage slot (13, 15, 17, 19) or the tray to the storage bays.

In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus according to the invention is an apparatus for producing Li-ion cells and the individual components of the apparatus are surrounded by an enclosure (8), preferably a glovebox, and the enclosure is connected to at least one lock (23). , preferably two locks (23, 10), in operative connection. The glovebox (8) contains means for regulating and monitoring the atmosphere in its interior.

In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus according to the invention comprises a base plate; For example, the base plate has a size of 100 cm x 200 cm. The base plate and the components described below are included in a glovebox. The main function of the glovebox is to keep air and humidity out of the assembly area. Preferably, the glove box has means for monitoring and controlling the gas atmosphere, whereby the gas atmosphere can be specified specifically. In addition, the gas supply may also be provided with means for gas purification.

The storage space preferably has means for detecting the position of the storage trays.

In a further preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a guide, which are located in the storage area, the mounting area and / or the lock area. The storage trays can be moved, for example, in the storage area along the guide and fixed at selected locations with high spatial accuracy. Thus, in addition to the means for location detection in the positioning and preferably still further appropriate means for attachment available. The exact local positioning and fixing is particularly advantageous since it follows that grippers can remove components with high spatial accuracy.

In the lock area, the guide can also serve as a holder for receiving the storage trays. Preferably, the tray trays are stackable and a plurality of tray trays may be stacked within the tray. When transferring the tray from the lock into the glovebox, it is possible for a whole stack of several tray trays to first be moved along a guide of the lock in the direction of the interior of the glovebox. In the interior of the glove box, the spatial conditions are more favorable in order to move the tray trays in the stack from the stack to the respective storage positions, provided that a multiplicity of loaded tray trays are simultaneously introduced.

The high positional accuracy in the fixation of the tray at certain storage positions in the storage area is important, since in this way a control of the wells and the inclusion of the components therein is supported by the gripper. The components used for the production of electrochemical cells can sometimes have very small dimensions and also very low weights. The almost trouble-free recording and handling of the individual components by means of the gripper are possible by means of the apparatus according to the invention. The troughed trays are an essential feature of the invention as they are interchangeable and allow for extremely flexible use in the apparatus of the present invention. It is also important that the information belonging to the respective filing tray is stored in the program control. The information is, for example, the number of wells m _y , the size of the wells and their shape and location coordinates. The number of wells depends on the size of the cells to be produced. For example, the number of wells for the production of button cells is greater than the number of wells for the production of pouch cells. In addition, in the Program Tax information regarding the placement of individual hollows with components deposited.

In the area of the filing station (13, 15, 17, 19) there must always be at least one position for accommodating a filing tray. Preferably, however, the storage slot has two or more positions for receiving storage trays. The respective positions provided are preferably always associated with tray, which have the same dimensions, since these can then be easily introduced, positioned and fixed on the feed rail.

In a preferred embodiment, all storage trays have the same dimensions and can be attached to all positions of the storage slot or the storage slots (13, 15, 17, 19). The interchangeability of storage trays is important for the very flexible use of the apparatus. For example, a conversion of the apparatus from the use for the production of button cells on the use for the production of pouch cells - and vice versa - very easily possible. If the apparatus has both button closure means and pouch cell sealing means, these two types of cells can be made in a reciprocal sequence. The means for closing the cells may preferably be represented as individual processing stations.

On the base plate, for example, a storage area is arranged along one longitudinal edge. Along the opposite longitudinal edge are several measuring and processing stations for carrying out the individual process steps for the production of the cells. In a preferred embodiment, the processing stations include a balance (1), an electronic camera (25) with image recognition software, a tool for sealing the electrochemical cells - for example a press for the production of button cells -, a pipetting machine (5) for dispensing liquid electrolyte and a station for cleaning the tips of the automatic pipettor. In an alternative embodiment, instead of the press, a more complex station for producing film cells is arranged. It is also possible that both means for closing button cells and a module for closing of foil cells are arranged.

In the glovebox (8) is a positioning system (3), which can reach by means of a gripper (150) every point above the plate. The achieved positioning accuracy is preferably 0.4 mm, more preferably 0.2 mm and more preferably 0.1 mm. All these components are in electronic communication with a control computer, which coordinates the processing stations and the transport steps. A schematic overview is shown in FIG. The positioning system can be designed, for example, as a gantry system (3) or as an articulated-arm robot (3 '). Any other type of positioning can also be used. With regard to the gripping arm and the gripper (150) of the gantry system, it should be said that the size of the gripper is adapted to the objects to be placed, preferably it is a vacuum gripper, since preferably planar components are positioned. The vacuum gripper requires one or more flat attack surfaces. In particular, this is important when gripping rotationally symmetrical components. In the handling of non-rotationally symmetrical components, for example, if three- or quadrangular components are placed, the vacuum gripper is coupled via a rotating system with the gantry system, so that the gripper (150) recorded components in the plane of the base plate both clockwise and counterclockwise Clockwise in each case by at least 10 °, preferably 22.5 °, more preferably by 45 ° could be rotated, the resolution during rotation> 0.4 °, preferably> 0.2 °, more preferably> 0.1 ° is.

In a preferred embodiment, the storage area as a guide comprises a linear guide system which serves to receive storage trays for the components of the cells. Along the guide, means are provided by which the individual tray trays assume fixed and precisely predefined positions. The positioning of the tray is done with high reproducibility. The positioning of the storage trays also includes their releasable fixation. In a preferred embodiment, the housing, preferably glovebox (8), is in operative connection with at least one sluice (23). The storage trays are introduced through the lock (23) in the storage area of the housing and fixed in the storage area at defined storage positions. Further preferred is also an arrangement in which there is a respective lock (23, 10) at both ends of the guide of the storage area.

The locks have a device for gas exchange and at least one lock (23) via a device for heating. In the locks, the components are pretreated prior to their introduction into the enclosure in order to remove the components of the air, and in particular moisture, if possible. In particular, these devices comprise an apparatus for evacuating and flooding with inert gas. The negative pressure achievable in the lock (s) is preferably> 5 mbara, more preferably> 1 mbara and especially preferably 0.1 mbara and the heating temperature is in the range of 20 to 200 ° C, preferably 50 to 180 ° C, in particular preferably 80 ° C to 160 ° C. The pressures are given in bar absolute (bara).

For guiding and coupling storage trays

In addition, it is preferred that the apparatus has a device for guiding the storage trays, which comprises, for example, one or more guide rails and guide elements. The guide elements are attached to the tray trays. Sliding guide elements, rollers and ball bearings can be used as guide elements. The guide is preferably a linear guide. The tray trays provided with the guide elements are placed on the guide and can travel along the guide rail. be moved to exactly predetermined positions within the apparatus. The predetermined positions are the storage locations (13, 15, 17, 19).

In a preferred embodiment, the storage trays may be provided with an electric drive, by which they are then moved to the positions of the storage locations (13, 15, 17, 19).

In another preferred embodiment - and in the event that the apparatus is installed in a glovebox - the tray trays by manual intervention along the guide rail from the interior of the lock to the individual storage locations (13, 15, 17, 19), of one of Storage bins moved to the next storage bins or from the storage bins into the lock. The term storage place may refer to certain storage places (13, 15, 17, 19) or to a total of storage places. By the use of reference numerals, the term should not be limited. The delivery trays can also be present in stacked form on the storage bins, which is particularly preferred in connection with the use of the storage bins in the locks.

It is further preferred that the ends of the individual tray trays have couplings. Through the clutches several storage trays can be linked together, which then form a serial arrangement of trays. The serial arrangement of the stackable trays coupled together can be both pushed and pulled along the guide. As a result, the handling of the storage trays within the apparatus is substantially improved because with a single drive - respectively a single intervention in the interior of a glove box - a whole group of storage trays is transported simultaneously.

Preferably, the coupling elements are located laterally on the tray trays, as shown in Figures 5.a - 5.c. The coupling elements make it possible to push or pull the tray on the guide. The couplings are designed so that a preferred distance remains between the tray trays, which allows to manually detect the trays.

The distance between the individual tray-connected trays is preferably in the range of 1 to 4 cm, preferably the distance is less than 3 cm. In a further embodiment, which is also preferred, the couplings according to the figure 5.a are hook-shaped. Wherein the hooks are designed to be complementary, so that they can interlock with adjacent tray trays as shown in Figure 5.b. Preferably, the hooks are made with an oversize, which results in a tensile or shear direction a game, which is preferably <5 mm, more preferably <4mm and more preferably <3mm. Because there is a game, it is possible that To position and fix tray trays along the guide rail. The process of positioning and fixing is called indexing. The indexing is done for example via pneumatically moved metal pins that engage in, for example, holes in the tray trays. The indexing is advantageous for the economic operation of the apparatus.

The fact that the location of these holes is very well defined, the tray trays are aligned with respect to the positioning system.

In a further preferred embodiment, the coupling elements to permanent magnets (see Figure 5.c). The provided with permanent magnets tray trays are linked together in such a way that meet at two adjacent tray trays each have a coupling element with a magnetic north pole and a coupling element with a magnetic south pole. The magnets are held in position by a handrail movable with respect to the coupling. On the support rod is also an elastic element - for example, a coil spring - which allows the tray trays in tensile thrust direction with a tolerance of 5 mm, preferably 4 mm, more preferably 2 mm game position, so that here too the indexing is possible , In Figure 6.a is a schematic representation of a magnetic see coupling element in the preferred embodiment shown. The game ensures indexability, i. the displacement in a spatially defined position and as a result, the attachment.

The components of the cells, that is to say the housing parts (E1, E5), electrodes (E2, E4) and separators (E3), are introduced into the troughs of the storage trays in the storage area. Preferably, the tray trays are rectangular plates with a flat surface, wherein the length times width in the range between 10 x 10 cm and 50 x 50 cm and the height or thickness of the tray trays of preferably <5 cm, more preferably <2 cm and especially preferably <1 cm. The troughs are recesses with the contour of the respective components, which are stored in a trough. Preferably, the troughs are arranged in a matrix. An exemplary illustration is shown in FIG. The storage trays have channels or milled through which a

Gas exchange between the interior of the wells and the outside of the storage trays when heating the components in the vacuum lock is enabled. It is also important that the gas exchange between the interior of each individual trough and the outside of the storage trays is possible even when the storage trays are stacked on top of each other.

The components of the cells have partly due to the small dimensions and low film thickness film-like character. This leads to the problem that the components adhere to each other and a targeted removal of individual parts is disturbed. In an advantageous embodiment, separating elements are provided between the individual components. inserted elements (103), as shown in Figure 2. b, which prevent the adhesion of the components (102).

These separating elements may consist, for example, of plastics, conductive plastics, of conductively coated plastics or of thin sheets. Preferably, the separating elements are equipped in an embossing process with guide lugs (100) and centering points, so that between two superimposed separating elements, a flat space for receiving the film-like components (102) is formed. The embossed contours of the separating elements (103) also has the task of positioning the foil-like electrodes and separators with a tolerance of 5 mm, preferably 2 mm, preferably 1 mm, in the plane of the table. The separators can also be provided with flexible tongues which serve as hold-downs to prevent the rolling of single-sided coated films.

In a preferred embodiment, the tray elements provided with components are first stacked in the lock (23) and subjected to a conditioning program. After conditioning, the tray trays are placed in the storage area and positioned and fixed there. For equipping the storage slots (13, 15, 17, 19) with the tray trays funds are available. However, this step can also be performed manually, for example, if handling holes with gloves (14, 16, 18, 20) are provided in the housing, preferably glovebox (8), which allows the operator to engage in the area of the housing.

In a preferred embodiment, an automatic pipetting device (5) is located above the base plate, with which liquid components are applied to the electrodes of the cells or to the separator. The automatic pipetting machine picks up the electrolyte to be dispensed from a storage area and dispenses it in predetermined quantities in the cell to be assembled. The dosing accuracy is +/- 0.1 μΙ_ with a dispensed quantity of 10 μΙ_ per dosing point. The metering device either has its own device for positioning or is coupled to, for example, the portal system and is positioned by the latter at least in one axis.

In a further preferred embodiment, the apparatus is characterized in that it has a multiplicity of vessels with electrolytes up to I_N, where N> 2. Preferably, the number of electrolyte vessels N> 10 (- o) and further preferably the number of electrolyte vessels N> 20. Conceivable and possible is also a number of electrolyte vessels N> 100.

The reservoir for the electrolyte comprises vessels with a pierceable membrane seal that can be penetrated by the needle of the automatic pipetting machine. The size of the usable vessels is variable and depends on the respective work program. If the influence of the composition of the electrolytes on the performance characteristics of the electrochemical cells to be examined, it is expedient to a larger number Use electrolyte vessels with a low capacity. For example, in the form of a matrix-shaped arrangement with 10 x 10 vessels, each having a capacity of 2 - 5 ml of electrolyte solution. If, on the other hand, the influence of the electrodes on the performance characteristics of the electrochemical cells is to be investigated, it is expedient to use only a few or even a single electrolyte. In this case, then electrolyte vessels are used, which have a larger capacity. For example, an arrangement of 3 × 3 vessels whose respective capacity is 20-50 ml is suitable. The apparatus according to the invention is characterized in that it is used extremely flexibly for research purposes in the laboratory sector. With regard to the dimensioning and capacity, the apparatus according to the invention is therefore also subject to certain limits concerning the throughput and the design. The high flexibility is also due to the modular design of the apparatus. In addition, the apparatus can also be used for long-term operation, through which the efficiency of the use of the apparatus can be increased.

Long-term operation of the apparatus

Another object is to provide an apparatus and method for the production of electrochemical cells, which is operated over a long period of time with little effort.

An essential aspect of the apparatus according to the invention is that a certain amount of cells is produced and at the same time the parameters of the individual cell are varied in a defined manner. Due to the use of tray trays, manufacturing does not relate to a continuous manufacturing process of a large number of identical cells but to the production of a plurality of different cells. The production is therefore also subject to limitations, as far as the upper limit of the number of pieces is concerned.

In a preferred embodiment, a pipetting machine is used in the apparatus which uses a liquid to avoid its own contamination and to operate. This fluid is referred to below as the system fluid. The system liquid preferably consists of one of the components of the electrolyte, more preferably of the component which is liquid under normal conditions and completely volatile. The system liquid is required in proportion to the metered amount in at least tenfold excess, the liquid must be disposed of after use from the glovebox. Typical amounts of system fluid are on the order of 1 to 5 liters per day. Accordingly, the apparatus according to the invention has at least one container for system liquids and at least one container for liquid waste. The absorption capacity of the liquid container for the system liquid is preferably 2 to 20 liters, more preferably 5 to 15 liters. The absorption capacity of the container for the liquid waste exceeds the capacity of the receptacle for the system liquids at least by 1 liter, preferably at least by 2 liters. Preferably, the containers are designed so that they can also be flooded with inert gas to ensure contamination of the atmosphere in the interior of the housing space, preferably the glovebox. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus according to the invention has at least one container for a system fluid for operating the automatic pipetting apparatus and at least one container for liquid waste. The receiving capacity of the liquid container for the cleaning liquid is preferably 2 to 20 liters, more preferably 5 to 15 liters. The absorption capacity of the container for the liquid waste exceeds the capacity of the receiving container for the cleaning liquids at least by 1 liter, preferably at least by 2 liters.

Preferably, the containers are designed so that they can also be flooded with inert gas to ensure contamination of the atmosphere in the interior of the housing space, preferably the glovebox.

The equipment of the apparatus according to the invention with the containers for the system liquid and the liquid waste is chosen so that the apparatus can be operated with little maintenance and without long interruption times. The interruption times are given when, for example, the storage containers for the electrolyte liquids are exchanged. In part, it also comes to interrupting the operation of the apparatus when introducing or removing the storage trays.

The dosage of the electrolyte is carried out by means of a handling system for liquids, preferably by means of automatic pipetting. The automatic pipetting machine requires a system fluid for cleaning and operation. The major part of the system liquid advantageously consists of the main component of the electrolyte liquid. For the purpose of cleaning, the system fluid is forced through the lines of the automatic pipettor so that possible additives that might have been deposited in the lines of the automatic pipetting device are loosened and washed away.

It must also be considered that an inert gas pressure prevails inside the housing of the apparatus or within the glovebox, whereby the interior is very effectively protected against the ingress of air - which indeed contains oxygen, nitrogen and moisture - from the outer area of the apparatus ,

The apparatus, which is equipped with the system liquid and liquid waste containers, preferably also has a device which provides pressure equalization between the system liquid containers, the liquid waste container and the glovebox. A preferred embodiment of the apparatus, which is equipped with two containers - ie a container for system liquid and a container for the liquid waste - is shown schematically in Figure 6.b. In this embodiment, the gas supply (250) via a line (251), a shut-off (252) and the line (253) with the headspace of the container (254) in operative connection. The conduit (256) terminates in the vessel, with the conduit end terminating at a distance of about 0.5 to 5 cm above the vessel bottom. In this embodiment, in which the conduit is immersed in the liquid, the conduit constitutes a riser. The removal of the cleaning fluid from the container is accomplished by the conduit immersed therein.

A line (257) is in operative connection with the shut-off devices (260) and (259). The other end of the obturator (260) is in operative connection with the interior of the glovebox. The line, at the end of which the obturator (259) is located, serves for the discharge of inert gas. Furthermore, in each case a coupling (257) is located in the supply and discharge lines of the container, through which the container can be disconnected from the glovebox and which also ensures that the glovebox remains closed despite the decoupling.

Preferably, the container for the liquid waste is connected in an analogous manner as the container for the cleaning liquid. In the container for the liquid waste, however, an inlet tube takes the place of the riser. The inlet tube protrudes, in contrast to the riser, only 1 - 5 cm far into the upper part of the container.

If there is overpressure in the glovebox, positions (250), (251), (259) can be omitted. The discharge (258) is then directly above the headspace of the container with the obturator (252) in operative connection.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the functions of the shut-off elements (260) and (261) can advantageously be integrated into the respective clutches (257). This is done by using self-locking quick-release couplings. For the operation of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus, which is shown in Figure 6.b. In the basic state, the container is uncoupled and the shut-off valves (260) are closed.

The container is connected to the glovebox via the couplings (257). After opening the obturator (259) in the direction of the exhaust gas and gas supply direction (252), a gas flow from the gas supply through the headspace of the container is set into the exhaust air in motion. The volume of the headspace of the container should be exchanged at least five times, more preferably ten times, and even more preferably twenty times. Subsequently, the shut-off devices (252) and (259) are closed. In order to avoid pressure build-up in the container, first the shut-off device (252) and with a time delay the shut-off device (259) are closed. The time delay is at least ten seconds. Thereafter, the shut-off devices (260) are opened. In the simplified form with self-locking quick couplings, the line (253) is first connected with the shut-off device open. Due to the overpressure in the interior of the glove box, the inert gas begins to flow immediately through the container. When the volume of the head space of the container is preferably exchanged with the inert gas five times, more preferably at least ten times, and particularly preferably twenty times, the atmospheric contaminants are sufficiently removed.

For example, if there is a container having a free head volume of three liters, and a conduit having an inner diameter of 4 mm and a length of 1 m, with 100 standard liters of air per hour flowing through the conduit, results in this container this results in a period of about 2 minutes for a ten-time gas exchange.

If there is overpressure in the glove box, the inert gas for container inerting can be obtained directly from the glove box instead of the external container. To do this, line (251) is connected directly to the glovebox. Outflow from the container then takes place via line (258). Valve (260) and the associated wiring harness can then be omitted. Important in this case is an adjustable throttle device in line (258), so that the pressure acting in the glovebox pressure can be maintained.

Production of electrochemical cells

The invention also encompasses a process for the production of electrochemical cells using the apparatus according to the invention. The method includes assembly of components, entry of electrolyte and sealing of the cells. The components E1 to E5 are removed by means of a gripper from wells of at least one storage tray and assembled in a mounting chamber. The process is characterized by the following steps:

(I) positioning a lower housing element (E1) in the slot of a mounting chamber (4), located in a bracket on the mounting location

is;

(ii) Positioning and alignment of an electrode (E2) on the

Housing element in the slot of the mounting chamber;

(iii) dosing a first portion of a selected electrolyte onto the

Surface of the inserted electrode;

(iv) positioning and aligning a separator (E3) on the electrolyte wetted surface;

Electrode on the electrolyte wetted separator;

(v) dosing a second portion of the selected electrolyte onto the surface of the inset separator;

(vi) positioning a counter electrode (E4) to the electrode arranged in step (ii) on the electrolyte wetted separator;

(vii) positioning an upper housing element (E5) in the slot of the

Assembly chamber;

(viii) closing the stack of cell components with a tool, the individual steps being separate or in combination with each other

be executed.

The combination of individual steps is related to the fact that the individual components may already have a fixed connection to other components before the method is carried out. For example, the individual electrodes may have a fixed connection to the respective part of the housing which is already prefabricated.

In a preferred embodiment of the method, the individual components are weighed before positioning in the slot of the mounting chamber with the balance.

As a result, an electrode adjustment takes place with regard to the ion absorption capacity. Preferably, the weighed components comprise at least the components E2 and E4 (i.e., the electrodes), which are weighed separately. In this way - due to the weighing of the electrodes after the conditioning - a significant improvement in the quality of the cells produced is made possible. Based on the data of the weighing, a comparison is made, which consists of combining those counterelectrodes in a cell whose ion accepting capacity is almost identical. The process step of aligning the electrodes with respect to the ion-receiving capacity contributes significantly to produce the cells with very high accuracy and thereby enable a correlation of structural and performance characteristics, which is in the use of the apparatus according to the invention and the method for research applications of great importance.

In the alignment of the electrodes, it is important that the ion-receiving capacity of the anode is in the range of up to 30% above the value of the ion-releasing capacity of the cathode, Preferably, the ion acceptor capacity of the anode is in the range of up to 20% above the ion dispense capacity of the cathode, more preferably, the ion acceptor capacity of the anode is in the range of up to 10% above the ion dispense capacity of the cathode. In no case, however, should the ion-receiving capacity of the anode be less than the ion-releasing capacity of the cathode. The ion absorption capacity is preferably determined by calculation from the weight of the electrode assuming further boundary conditions.

Due to the balancing of the electrodes, those electrodes whose calculated absorption capacity is not in the preferred range are sorted out. In this regard, there is a free tray (or tray) in the storage area (preferably on tray) which serves to receive the electrodes (or other devices) that are out of the tight tolerance range.

The tray for the tray is not tied to a specific trough. In the case of a storage tray with several troughs, for example, the location of the storage trough can be varied. The gripper can perform a reorganization of stored components. In the storage cavities and the separating elements can be placed, which are located between the components. In addition, a process procedure is preferred in which the above-mentioned process steps (i) - (viii) are preceded by the following steps:

(x.1) positioning of at least one equipped with components

Tray, preferably several equipped with components

Tray trays inside the lock (23);

(x.2) conditioning the components on the tray

Heating in the temperature range of 20 to 200 ° C, preferably

100 to 180 ° C, more preferably 140 to 160 ° C, for a period of time

Range of 0.5 to 48 h, preferably in the range 2 to 36 h, further

preferably 4 to 18 hours;

(x.3) Introduction of the at least one tray with the activated

Components in the storage position or the storage positions

the enclosure flooded with protective gas, preferably glovebox (8). When carrying out the conditioning according to step (x.2), it is preferred for the components to be exposed to a reduced pressure in the range of <5 mbara, preferably <1 mbara and more preferably <0.1 mbara.

The conditioning of the individual components, in particular of the electrodes and the separators, during the introduction process is of central importance in a large number of electrochemical cell types. However, it should also be noted that the separators may have lower thermal stability than the electrode materials. In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the separators at a temperature of from room temperature up to 70 ° C, preferably 30 to 60 ° C, and the electrodes at a temperature ranging from room temperature up to 150 ° C, preferably 40 to 120 ° C, conditioned. For example, the lock has two different temperature zones for introduction, so that the conditioning of the storage trays with separators and the storage trays with electrodes in the different temperature zones of the lock takes place simultaneously. In another embodiment, the conditioning of the separators and the electrodes is performed sequentially.

The choice of the particular protective gas atmosphere in the glovebox (8) is adapted to the particular type of electrochemical cell which is manufactured in the glovebox (8).

Preferably, the atmosphere within the enclosure is controlled and controlled in the practice of the method of the invention. If the method relates to the production of Li-ion cells, argon is preferably used as the protective gas, wherein the protective gas, preferably argon, has an overpressure whose value is in the range of 0.1 to 100 mbar, more preferably a value of 1 to 50 mbar above atmospheric pressure.

In the method of producing Li-ion cells, it is further preferable that the content of water vapor in the glove box (8) is <100 ppm, more preferably <10 ppm, and particularly preferably <1 ppm, and / or the oxygen content is preferably <1000 ppm , more preferably <100 ppm and even more preferably <10 ppm.

Process for the preparation of ion cells according to one of Claims 8 - 12, characterized in that the process steps are followed by the following step:

(y.1) Removal of the tray equipped with finished cells from the housing through a second lock (10).

The spatial separation of the introduction of storage trays with components by means of a first lock (23) and the discharge of finished cells by means of a second lock increases the flexibility of the apparatus. It should also be mentioned here that the conditioning of the components and in particular of the electrodes is one of the time-consuming method steps which have an influence on the duration of time for the entire production method. Therefore, it is advantageous to have at least one additional lock available. However, the second lock (10) can be designed simpler than the first lock (23) - for example, without heating device. Thus, the second lock preferably serves the introduction of components that are not subjected to thermal treatment or to the discharge of the finished cells or empty containers. For the production of button cells (crimp cell

For different embodiments of the method and the apparatus is a detailed description of the operation in the following, but which is not intended to limit the invention.

There is a press in the assembly area for the assembly of the button cells.

The press is equipped with a movable die. There is one in the matrix

Trough. For the drive of the die are any known to the expert drives, preferably are electrical linear spindles, linear motors or pneumatic pistons. For a simplified accessibility, the die is pushed out under the ram and brought similar to a drawer in the gripping area of the gripping system. In this extended position, the components of the cell are sequentially filled. To close the cell, the movable die is moved with the cell under the press die and then pressed together with the stamp cell.

For the production of foil cells (pouch cells)

The station for making the foil cells comprises a lower body in which a depression for receiving the foil-like components of the cell is located. Laterally there are preferably hook-like structures (such as fine saw blades) or flexible strips, which prevent the films from curling up when the film is slightly curved. Laterally movable is located above the depression a lowerable on the body heated device for three-sided sealing of the laterally projecting strips of the film housing. For the sealing of the fourth side, there is also a movable sealing device in the sealing station. The sealing devices are located below a vacuum bell. On the side where the one-sided sealing jaw is located, there is a sliding tongue. This tab is slid a few millimeters over the bottom case after placing the lower case so as to maintain a space between the bottom and top case (analogous to bookmarks located between the pages of a closed book).

The whole station can be tilted over a joint by a few degrees, so that the side on which the tongue is located points upwards. On the upper side of the tongue, a groove can preferably be incorporated, via which a liquid can be brought into the interior of the film pocket. Also preferred are two or more of the gap-holding tongues.

In a preferred embodiment, a scanner is located in the gripping region of the positioning system (3), preferably a line scanner, more preferably one-dimensional or two-dimensional. The individual parts or at least the finished arranged cell receives a bar code, so that a better findability of the finished cells is ensured. The marking and registration is for the area of application of the apparatus in the area of high-throughput research, because it is possible to produce a wide variety of different cells. The production parameters of the individual cells are detected by the program control. The later findability and identification of cells is of great importance in connection with the apparatus according to the invention.

At another location in the gripping area of the positioning system (3) is a downwardly directed camera (25) with an image evaluation software. This camera is used to inspect the surface of the electrodes and to evaluate the electrodes pointing downwards with the carrier film with regard to optically detectable errors. The visual inspection of the electrodes also contributes to an improvement in the apparatus according to the invention and in the method according to the invention. It is also possible to specifically investigate the influences of the surface structure of the electrodes as parameters.

By means of the apparatus according to the invention and the method according to the invention it is possible to produce more than fifty cells / day, preferably more than one hundred cells / day and more preferably more than two hundred cells per day. At the same time, a very low reject rate can be achieved during production, the reject rate being <1%, preferably <0.5% and even more preferably <0.1%. Since it is a special feature of the apparatus according to the invention that the production parameters of cells can be varied in many ways, the production output of the apparatus is set to an upper limit. This is because the apparatus is not an assembly line equipment of identically constructed cells. The upper limit of the production capacity is in the range of 200 to 800 cells per day, preferably 200 to 400 cells per day. Special features are the low reject rate and the high quality of the manufactured cells. The high quality of the fabricated cells is related to the precision of positioning and matching of the ion-receiving capacity of the electrodes.

However, it would be conceivable for the production capacity of the apparatus according to the invention to be further increased, in which individual elements are arranged in a parallel manner, or several apparatuses according to the invention are operated in parallel. Although there is an upper limit in terms of production output, it is not entirely out of the question to increase production output through modifications.

method

In a preferred embodiment of the method, the individual production steps are carried out in a fixed sequence.

In the following, the method is specified in one embodiment for the production of foil cells or pouch cells, the method in this embodiment comprising the following steps: a.1) placing the lower housing film in the mounting position (2),

a.2) placing and aligning an electrode, cathode or anode,

a.3) distributing a predetermined subset of the electrolyte in the form of a few drops on the surface of the electrode,

a.4) placing and aligning a separator,

a.5) further dribbling with a predetermined second subset in the form of a few drops of the electrolyte,

a.6) retracting one or more spacers (tongue) for later filling with electrolyte,

a.7) placing the electrode, anode or cathode polarized opposite to the first electrode,

a.8) Three-sided sealing of the housing films,

a.9) tilting the three-sided closed film stack so that the spacer points upwards,

a.10) filling with the last predetermined subset of the electrolyte,

a.1 1) Alternate evacuation and intake of inert gas,

a.12) removing the spacer,

a.13) sealing the still open side,

a.14) Removal of the completely sealed film stack for further use.

In a further preferred embodiment, the apparatus and the method are used for the production of button cells.

B. The production of a button cell comprises the following steps: b.1) placing the lower housing part in the mounting position (4), the spring and the

B) placing an electrode, cathode or anode,

b.3) wetting the electrode with a predetermined subset of the electrolyte, b.4) placing the separator,

b.5) wetting the separator with a predetermined second subset of the electrolyte, b.6) placing the anode or cathode electrode opposite the first electrode, b.7) placing and pressing the upper housing part,

b.8) pressing the housing in a hydraulic press,

b.9) Removing the cell for further processing.

The temperature-controllable lock (23) serves to introduce components (components) and holders into the housing (8), in which the ion cells are assembled by the interaction of the individual production units. In a preferred embodiment, the temperature-controlled lock (23) is equipped with a vacuum pump with which the pressure can be lowered to a value of <100 mbara, preferably <10 mbara, more preferably <1 mbara and particularly preferably <0.1 mbara. In a further preferred embodiment tion form, the interior of the temperature-controlled lock is heated or cooled, with a value in the range of 10 to 150 ° C and preferably from 20 to 120 ° C is selected. The camera (25) can also be used to record the surface of the electrodes when taking the samples. Naturally, different algorithms for image recognition are required for this purpose than are used for correcting the spatial position.

The housing (8) and the lock (23) can be flooded with inert gas or rinsed. Preferably, argon is used as the inert gas. In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the interior of the housing is pressurized, the value of the pressure being in a range from 0.1 to 100 mbar, preferably in a range from 1 to 50 mbar, above atmospheric pressure. The gas atmosphere within the enclosure can be precisely specified and controlled. Preferably, the water vapor content is <100 ppm, more preferably <10 ppm and most preferably <1 ppm. The oxygen content within the enclosure is preferably <1000 ppm, more preferably <100 ppm and even more preferably <10 ppm.

For the development of electrochemical cells

The cells produced by means of the apparatus according to the invention and the method according to the invention are tested with regard to the performance characteristics and the test data are stored in the database. At the end of the development cycle an evaluation and analysis of the performance characteristics takes place, taking into account the respective production parameters.

In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus according to the invention and the method according to the invention form part of a development cycle for the development of electrochemical cells, which comprises the following stages:

I. Software for planning the production of electrochemical cells, for a large number of cells, wherein the production parameters are varied from cell to cell II. Control of the plant for (automated or semi-automated) production

(Variation of production parameters)

III. Testing the different electrochemical cells with sensor, preferably in parallel

IV. Database for recording results in a structured form

V. Algorithm for optimizing the cycle. After completion of a first development cycle, the analysis result from the characterization of the cells can be used to create a production plan for a second development cycle. The entire development cycle can be run through several times, with the process parameters, in particular the electrolyte properties and the properties of the cathodes, being varied.

Brief description of the figures:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of the assembly apparatus in the form of an overview view. The apparatus shown is equipped with two locks (23, 10). The storage bins (13, 15, 17, 19) are equipped in the interior of the glove box with four storage trays, with a storage tray with electrolyte vessels is located above the storage bins (no reference numeral). Figure 2.a shows a schematic representation of a component of a cell (102) which lies in the recess (101) of a separating element (103).

Figure 2.b shows a schematic representation of a stack-shaped arrangement of five separating elements (103) and five components (102). On the upper side of the individual separating elements, there are depressions in the outer area in which the centering noses of the separating elements located above are fixed.

Figure 2.c shows a side view of a tray tray (152), in which two populated troughs and a gripper for handling elements can be seen.

Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a storage tray in a plan view, which is equipped with four wells. Three of the troughs are equipped with components and separating elements and the fourth trough is free of components. FIG. 4.a shows a schematic representation of the method steps during the tuning of the electrode elements, which are first transferred from the stack (200) to the balance (201) and then depending on the result of the weighing of either the assembly station (202) or the waste position (203 ). The elements, which are placed in the waste position, should not continue to be used, they are disposed of.

FIG. 4.b shows a schematic representation of the method steps during the tuning of the electrode elements, which corresponds to the flow chart shown in FIG. Compared to the scheme shown in Figure 4.a the apparatus is equipped with separate stacks for electrode elements, so that the supply of the cathode and the anode is carried out from separate stacks. Figure 5.a shows a schematic representation of a tray equipped with 6 x 3 wells tray in the plan view, each side has two coupling elements (220, 222).

(Coupling elements with hook shape in the plan view.) Figure 5.b shows a side view of two storage trays, which are connected to each other via hook-shaped coupling elements (220).

Figure 5.c shows a schematic representation of a tray equipped with 6 x 3 troughs, which is analogous to the tray in Figure 5. a, but it has other magnetic coupling elements on the side.

Figure 6.a shows a schematic representation of a magnetic coupling element. Detailed illustration of the coupling element (220) from FIG. 5.c.

Figure 6.b shows a schematic representation of an apparatus which is equipped with containers for cleaning liquid or liquid waste.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 - Libra

2 - Assembly station for foil cells (pouch cells)

3 - Handling system for the individual components of the cells, in this case designed as a portal system

4 - Assembly station for button cells

5 - Handling system for liquids, in this case in the form of a pipetting arm

6 - not available

7 - rail system, handling system, in this case designed as a portal system

8 - Glovebox, area for the mounting modules

9 - lock door

10 - Lock without heating, inflow or outfeed of objects which are not to be thermally treated.

1 1 - Storage place for objects not to be treated with heat, for example the vials for liquids

12 - Interior door lock to separate the assembly area and the lock area

13, 15, 17, 19 - Storage compartments for storage trays for the components of the cells to be assembled. These are cathodes, anodes, separators and the housing parts. The filing trays are on one Clamping system clamped so that there is a clear position with respect to the handling system.

Gloves, hermetically sealed against the environment. They allow the handling of the racks.

Lock door between heated lock and work area Storage place for objects undergoing conditioning steps; for example, cathodes and anodes heated lock

Lock door to the outside area

Camera for position measurement and defect detection

Centering nose in the outer area of the underside of the separating elements

Recess for receiving cell components Mechanical components of the cell, d.s. Cathode, anode, separator, housing part (s)

separating element

Gripper of the handling system

Empty separator

storage tray

equipped with components separating elements

storage tray

trough

Stock of cathodes respectively anodes

Balance, resolution at least +/- 0.5 mg, preferably +/- 0.1 mg, more preferably +/- 0.05 mg

assembly station

Waste position

Stock cathodes

Stock anodes

Process step in the event that component is within the tolerance band

Procedural step in the event that component outside of

Tolerance bands is

clutch

magnet

hook

Hooks, complementary to hooks (222)

feather

Pressure distribution plate

Holding device, such as nut

Handrail

Gas supply for inert gases Line for feeding inert gases

Barrier for inert gas

Lead in the container for inert gas

Container for liquid

Output line for inert gas

Container for cleaning fluid, shown is the variant with

Riser for the supply, the tube (256) ends a few cm above the container bottom; in the variant for the discharge of liquids, the tube (256) protrudes only a few cm into the container

257 - Couplings for separating the tank from the system

258 - line for the discharge of the inert gas

259 - Shutoff for the discharge line

260 - Shut-off of the supply line

261 - System-side shut-off of the supply and discharge line

262 - Glovebox

263 - Apparatus inside the glovebox with fluid requirements

Claims

Apparatus for the production of electrochemical cells with at least one storage place (13, 15, 17, 19), a mounting place (2, 4), a positioning system (3) with gripper (150), a pipetting machine (5) with cleaning station, a tool for closing cells assembled by stacking and at least one storage tray with troughs for receiving components, wherein the number of troughs is a total of> two, preferably> four, particularly preferably> six. Apparatus for the production of electrochemical cells according to claim 1, characterized in that the apparatus comprises a balance (1) and / or at least one camera (25), wherein the camera (25) is arranged in the region of the base plate of the apparatus. An apparatus for the production of electrochemical cells according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the apparatus comprises means for moving the tray to the at least one storage slot (13, 15, 17, 19) or the storage trays to the storage bins. Apparatus for the production of electrochemical cells according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the electrochemical cells are ionic cells and the assemblies of the apparatus are surrounded by an enclosure (8), preferably a glovebox, and the housing is in operative connection with at least one sluice (23), preferably two sluices (23, 10). The glove box (8) contains agents that keep unwanted components out of the normal atmosphere. Apparatus for the production of Li-ion cells according to one of claims 1 to 4, which is characterized in that the at least one storage space has means for detecting the position of the storage trays. Apparatus for the production of electrochemical cells according to one of claims 1 to 5, which is characterized in that at least one of the following areas is provided with guide: parking spaces (13, 15, 17, 19), mounting area (2, 4) and / or lock area (23, 10). Apparatus for the production of Li-ion cells according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least five of the six wells of the at least one storage tray are equipped with components of cells, wherein in each of the five wells only one particular type of components is located, the components have a stapeiförmige arrangement and between the stacked components each separating elements (103) are arranged. Process for the preparation of redox cells by means of an apparatus according to Claims 1 to 7, in which components E1 to E5 are taken from wells of at least one storage tray by a gripper and assembled in a mounting chamber, the process being characterized by the following steps: (i) Positioning a lower housing element (E1) in the slot of a mounting chamber located in a mounting bracket on the mounting bay; (ii) positioning and aligning an electrode (E2) on the housing element in the mounting chamber slot; (iii) dosing a first portion of a selected electrolyte onto the surface of the in-slot electrode; (iv) positioning and aligning a separator (E3) on the electrolyte wetted surface; (v) dosing a second portion of the selected electrolyte onto the surface of the inset separator; (vi) positioning a counter electrode (E4) to the electrode arranged in step (ii) on the electrolyte wetted separator; (vii) positioning an upper housing member (E5) in the slot of the mounting chamber; (viii) closing the stack of cell components with a tool, wherein the individual steps are performed separately or in combination with each other. Process for the production of electrochemical cells according to claim 8, characterized in that components are weighed prior to positioning in the inset of the assembly chamber with the balance and the weighed components comprise at least the components E2 and E4 (ie the electrodes). 0. A method for producing Li-ion cells using an apparatus according to one of claims 3 to 7, which is characterized in that the process steps mentioned in claim 8 preceded by the following steps: (x.1) positioning of at least one equipped with components Storage Tray, preferably a plurality of storage trays equipped with components, into the interior of a lock (23); (x.2) Conditioning of the components on the tray by heating in the temperature range of 20 to 200 ° C, preferably 100 to 180 ° C, more preferably 140 to 160 ° C, for a period in the range of 0.5 to 48 h , preferably in the range 2 to 36 hours, more preferably 4 to 18 hours; (x.3) Introduction of the at least one storage tray with the conditioned components in the storage position or the storage positions of the housing flooded with protective gas, preferably glovebox (8).

1 . Method for producing Li-ion cells according to claim 10, which is characterized in that, when carrying out the conditioning of step (x.2), the components have a negative pressure in the range of <5 mbara, preferably <1 mbara and more preferably <0.1 mbara are exposed.

2. A process for the preparation of Li-ion cells according to any one of claims 10 - 1 1, which is characterized in that the housing (8) during the production of the cells under a protective gas atmosphere, preferably argon as inert gas, set and the pressure is preferably a value in the range of 0.1 to 100 mbar, more preferably has a value of 1 to 50 mbar above atmospheric pressure.

Process for the production of Li-ion cells according to one of Claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the water vapor content within the housing (1) during the performance of the process is <100 ppm, more preferably <10 ppm and especially preferably <1 ppm and / or the oxygen content is preferably <1000 ppm, more preferably <100 ppm and even more preferably <10 ppm.

Process for the preparation of ion cells according to one of Claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the process steps are followed by the following step: