WO2019154814A1

WO2019154814A1 - Joining technique and production method for a multi-layer composite of an energy conversion device

Info

Publication number: WO2019154814A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/052791
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jürgen LIEPERT; Peter Kiemstedt
Original assignee: Kuka Deutschland Gmbh
Priority date: 2018-02-06
Filing date: 2019-02-05
Publication date: 2019-08-15
Also published as: DE102018102642B4; DE102018102642A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a joining technique for producing a layered composite (30) from a plurality of material blanks (6, 7, 8), which are each individually fed to one of two transfer rollers (2, 3). The material blanks are fed with an inaccurate position (9). The actual position of a reference structure (16, 17, 18) on a fed material blank is sensed and the transfer roller (2, 3) in question is moved and positioned in such a way that a desired position (10) defined on the roller shell (12, 13) comes into contacting overlap with the reference structure (16, 17, 18). A first material blank (6) is held on the first transfer roller (2) by means of an adhesion device and a second material blank (7) on the second transfer roller (3). The transfer rollers are moved and positioned relative to each other in such a way that the reference structures of the held material blanks (6, 7) are brought into contacting overlap. A material blank (7) of the one transfer roller (3) is transferred to the other transfer roller (3) in such a way that said material blank overlaps with the material blank (6) there. Both material blanks (6, 7) are then applied to a further fed material blank (8) by movement and position of the transfer roller (3) again.

Description

Joining technique and manufacturing method for a layer assembly of an energy conversion device

DESCRIPTION

The invention relates to a joining technique for

positioned and overlapping connection of

Material cut to form a SchichtVerbunds and a method for producing a composite layer for a power conversion device such as a battery or a fuel cell. Previously known joining techniques and manufacturing methods of the aforementioned type are not optimally formed.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a

improved joining technique and an improved

Show production process. The invention solves this problem by the subject matters of the independent claims.

The joining device according to the present disclosure is for precisely fitting superposition of at least two and preferably at least three thin layers

Material cut formed. It is further configured to perform the joining method according to the present disclosure.

The joining device has two adjacent transfer rollers, at least temporarily for mutual contact or can be brought to an approximation with such a distance that between the transfer rollers one, two or more material blanks can be guided and possibly. can be acted upon by a contact pressure.

The transfer rollers are further movable and positionable so as to be supplied to a

Material cut and especially to a

Reference structure can be positioned on a supplied MaterialZuschnitt that the target position on the

Roll shell in overlapping contact with the

Reference structure arrives at the supplied MaterialZuschnitt. The transfer rollers are preferably movable in synchronism with the feeding movement of the material blank, i. in such a roll, that the peripheral speed of the roll mantle of the transfer roll to the

Feed rate of the material blank is adjusted.

The transfer rollers have an adhesion device, by means of which a material blank is adhesively receivable on the roll shell. The adhesion device is preferably controllable, the term controllable

at least one activation and deactivation as a result of a control signal or preferably a continuous or discrete adjustability of the adhesion effect. An adhesion device may for example be a suction device.

The transfer rollers are thus designed to receive at least one material cut fed in a respective conveying direction. The transfer rollers are controlled movable and have their own particular

controllable drives on.

An actual position on the reference structure of a

supplied material blank can in any way for the joining device in processable form for

Be made available. The actual position can

For example, be determined by a detection device that is part of the joining device or connected to the joining device. Alternatively or additionally, an actual position may be obtained from an external device component or an external controller. This can be, for example, a control of an upstream in the manufacturing process

Machine element be.

Due to the mobility and positionability of a transfer roller, it is possible for a material blank supplied with inaccurate positioning to be received in an exact position on the roll shell. By the movement and positioning of the transfer roller relative to the determined actual position of the supplied material blank thus a positionally accurate

Handling in the further processing steps

guaranteed. The position accuracy may preferably be a maximum positional deviation between the defined desired position on the roll shell and the

Reference structure on the recorded material cut of less than 1mm, in particular equal to or less than 0, 2mm. The inclusion of a material blank on the

Roll shell by means of the adhesion device, in particular by an activation of

Adhesion device.

The transfer rollers are so relative to each other

movable and positionable, that the desired positions on the j eweiligen roll shell are brought into touching overlap each other. At least one material cut on each of the transfer rolls may be on the

Roll shell be included whose reference structure is predetermined by the desired position or. coincides with the desired position. Consequently, through the

Movement and positioning of the transfer rollers to each other and two or more recorded material blanks with the j eweiligen reference structures to each other in

touching overlap arrive or. to be brought .

It is further provided that a material blank is transferred from one transfer roller to the other transfer roller. This can especially be done by

appropriate control or regulation of

Adhesion devices are triggered or supported. In the transfer of a material blank from one transfer roller to the other, a contact pressure can be generated between the transfer rollers. By the contact pressure, in particular, two or more

Material blanks between the transfer rollers are at least partially compressed.

A joining method according to the present disclosure is configured to have two or more flexible ones Materialcuts in a layer combination to fit accurately. The joining method preferably comprises at least the following steps.

Two in each case inaccurately positioned material blanks are in each case fed to a transfer roller, wherein in each case the actual position of a reference structure is detected or obtained from the supplied material blank. The first transfer roller is moved relative to the first fed material blank and the second

Transfer roller is moved relative to the second fed material cut and in each case positioned so that each one defined on the roll shell target position comes into touching coverage to j eweiligen reference structure on the material blank. The material cuts are in each case on the roll shell assigned

Transfer roller received by means of the local adhesion device. During the recording, preferably, the movement of the transfer roller is synchronized with the supply movement of the respective material blank, so that the lateral surface of the transfer roller is in each case flat and distortion-free on the supplied during recording

Material cut unrolls.

The transfer rollers are moved and positioned relative to one another in such a way that the reference structures of the recorded material sections or, respectively,. the

underlying target positions on the roll shells get overlapping each other. Come here

in particular the reference structures to the

Material cut to each other in touching coverage. A recorded on the one transfer roller

Material cut is transferred to the other transfer roller, in particular the transferring

Material cut already on the other

Transfer roller recorded material cut superimposed accurately. As a result, the Stapelverbünd is formed.

According to a preferred embodiment, the

Joining method alternatively or additionally include the following steps.

Another material cut is fed (with an inaccurate positioning) to one of the transfer rollers, at which at least one material blank is already picked up. Here again the actual position of a

Reference structure supplied to the other

Material cut detected or sourced. The transfer roller with the at least one received material blank is then fed relative to the other

Material cut moved so that a

Reference structure on the at least one recorded material blank in overlapping contact with the

Reference structure supplied to the other

Material cut reaches.

The at least one material cut received on the transfer roller is fed to the other one

Material cut applied. Meanwhile, the transfer roller is preferably moved in synchronization with the feed movement of the further material blank, wherein preferably the roll mantle rolls on the further material blank. A manufacturing method according to the present invention

Disclosure is directed to fabricating a layer composite of an energy conversion device and utilizes the presently disclosed joining device and / or the presently disclosed joining method. As far as the term "material blank" is used in the present disclosure, this is in terms of

Manufacturing method replaceable by in the

Manufacturing method to be joined layers. In particular, a composite layer for an energy conversion device forms the particular component at which an electrochemical reaction takes place. For a battery, this may be the uptake or release of ions at a cathode or anode where a potential is created between the cathode and anode that can induce current flow. In a fuel cell, in particular a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell, an oxidation reaction may take place on the layer assembly, in which electrons are released, which likewise generate a potential that can cause a flow of current. In addition to the battery and fuel cell mentioned in the present disclosure, any one may

Energy conversion device for which a composite layer by means of disclosed

Manufacturing process is generated.

In the manufacturing process at least two

Material blanks added to a Schichtverbünd, which forms the layer composite of the energy conversion device. At least one of the

Materialcuts made of an electroactive material educated . This can be a cathode or anode material for a battery cell or a catalyst material or. be coated with a catalyst carrier material. In particular, an oxidation reaction or reduction reaction of a fuel cell can take place on the catalyst. Another material blank that is inserted in the sheet composite may be, for example, a separator material that separates the anode from the cathode, or a diffusion or permeation layer that allows ions or a reactant to pass through the wall of the material blank. Alternatively or additionally, a material blank inserted into the layer composite can be made of any other material, for example of a wrapping or packaging material, a

Lining material or a release material.

Further preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims and in the

explained below.

The invention is illustrated by way of example and schematically in the drawings. Show it :

Figures 1-7 A joining device with a first

Transfer roller and its movement and positioning for receiving a supplied with inaccurate positioning material blank as well as for accurate application to another supplied piece of material; FIG. 8: a plan view of the transfer roller of FIGS. 1-7;

FIGS. 9-12: side views for further explanation of the processes according to FIGS. 1 to 7;

Figures 13-16: A joining device with two

adjacent transfer rollers to which a plurality of material blanks are supplied, which are joined according to the joining method to a layer composite.

The invention relates to a joining technique for producing a layer composite (30) from a plurality

Material cut pieces (6, 7, 8), which are each fed individually to one of two transfer rollers (2, 3). The material cuts are made with an inaccurate

Position (9) supplied. The actual position of a

Reference structure (16, 17, 18) on a supplied

Material section is recorded and the same

Transfer roller (2, 3) is moved and positioned, a target position (10) defined on the roll mantle (12, 13) is in touching covering with respect to

Reference structure (16, 17, 18) passes. A first

Material cut (6) is received on the first transfer roller (2) by means of an adhesion device and a second material blank (7) on the second

Transfer roller (3). The transfer rollers are so

moved to each other and positioned that the

Reference structures of the recorded material sections (6, 7) are brought into touching overlap. A material blank (7) of the one transfer roller (3) is transferred to the other transfer roller (3) - under

Covering of the local material blank (6). Both material blanks (6, 7) are then re-moved and positioning the transfer roller (3) on a further supplied material blank (8)

applied.

Following are the movement and

Positioning of the first transfer roller (2) relative to a first piece of material (6) and the application of the material piece (6) accommodated on the first transfer roller (3) to another fed piece of material (8) explained. The associated processes are shown in Figures 1 to 8. They can be correspondingly on the second transfer roller (3) and fed there

Apply piece of material (7).

FIG. 1 shows a joining device (1) according to FIG

present disclosure in the oblique view. A first

Material cut (6) and another (third)

Material cut (8) are in a conveying direction (X) a transfer roller (2) supplied. The transfer roller (2) is at least in a transverse direction (Y) to

Conveying direction (X) of a supplied material blank (6,8) displaceable and rotatable about a normal direction (Z) to the conveying direction (X). For reasons of simplified illustration, a rotation of the transfer roller (2) about the normal direction (Z) is shown only in FIGS. 7 and 8 and explained below.

The joining device (1) preferably has several

controllable drives for the movement of the transfer roller (2). These may in particular have a controllable rotary drive, which is a rotation of the

Transfer roller (2) or at least of the roll shell (12) about an axis of rotation (RI) causes, which is in particular the central axis of the transfer roller (2). The rotary drive is preferably controllable such that a

Circulation speed of the roll shell (12) and a positioning or. Setting the rotation position

is possible. The rotational position of the transfer roller (2) is indicated in the drawings by a dashed line on the roller end wall, which also indicates the rotational position (10b) of a target pick-up line on the roll shell (12).

The controllable drives can also have a

Translational drive by which the transfer roller (2) or at least the roll shell (12) in a transverse direction (Y) to the conveying direction (X) is substantially movable. If the transfer roller (2) is rotated about a normal axis (Z), a displacement of the transfer roller (2) or the transfer roller (2) may occur. the roll mantle (12) alternatively along the Rotation axis (RI) take place. In the context of the present disclosure, it is believed that the term "substantially in the transverse direction (Y)" includes a displacement along the axis of rotation (RI).

The controllable drives of the transfer roller (2) may further comprise a drive, through which the

Transfer roller (2) or at least the roll shell (12) in the normal direction (Z) to the conveying direction (X) is movable and in particular positionable. With respect to the feed level, which is fed by one

Material cut (6, 7, 8) is defined, this drive can in particular a lifting drive for lifting or approaching the roll shell (12) relative to the feed plane or. be opposite to a supplied material cut.

All the above features and drives the first

Transfer roller (2) can be provided in a corresponding manner for the second transfer roller (3), whose arrangement and use are explained below.

Figures 2 and 3 illustrate the positioning of the first transfer roller (2) on a first supplied

Material cut (6).

The first material blank (6) has a

Reference structure (16). In the examples shown, this is an edge or contour of the first material blank (6) leading in the conveying direction (X).

Alternatively, the reference structure (16) may be formed by any other edge, contour or other structure on the first material blank (6). The actual position of the reference structure (16) may be provided in any manner for the movement and positioning of the transfer roller (2). In the illustrated examples, the joining device (1) comprises at least one detecting device (19) whose

Detection area is at least temporarily directed to the supplied material blank (6.8). In particular, it may be an optical detection device such as a camera, one or more

Photocells or a light curtain act. The following example assumes that the

Reference structure (16) is determined by a camera which is directed on the feed path of the material blanks (6,8) to the transfer roller (2).

The actual position of the reference structure (16) can be determined and processed as absolute spatial reference and / or relative spatial reference to the transfer roller (2).

Particularly suitable is the determination of a projected distance in the conveying direction (X) between

for example, a forefront of the

Reference structure (16) and the rotation axis (RI) of the transfer roller (2) or. a forecast

Contact line between the roll shell (12) and the feed plane. Furthermore, it may be suitable

Transverse deviation (dYl) between a reference point of the

Reference structure (16) (here the center) and an associated reference point of the desired position (10) or. the target-receiving line (10a) on the transfer roller (2) (here center of the target-receiving line (10a)) to detect. In addition, for example, a Rotation position offset (dR) are detected, which will be explained below.

In the example of Figure 2, the actual position of the reference structure (16) over a transverse offset (dVl) relative to a longitudinal axis (A) of the feed plane and a leading distance between the reference structure (16) and the contact line of the transfer roller (2) is detected to the feed plane , By way of example, it is assumed here that the reference structure (16) does not exhibit a rotational deviation with respect to the target pick-up line (10a) on the

Transfer roller (2) has. In the example shown are

in particular the reference structure (16) and the target receiving line parallel to the transverse direction (Y).

Respectively, a reference line (A ') extending in the tangential direction of the roller (2) on the roll shell deviates exclusively from the longitudinal axis (A) of the feed plane by a transverse offset (dY1). The reference line (A ') is aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis (A).

The lead spacing is reduced according to the feed rate of the first material blank (6) and it can accordingly be predicted or possibly. be controlled, at which time the reference structure (16) reaches the contact line, or. the lead distance becomes zero. Accordingly, the drives of the

Transfer roller (2) are controlled or regulated so that the target-receiving line (10 a) reaches the contact line at the same time. In particular, in a period (short) before the time at which the lead spacing becomes zero, the rotational speed of the Roll mantle (12) are adapted to the feed rate of the material blank (6).

In addition, the transfer roller (2) or at least the roll shell (12) is positioned by a transverse offset movement (VQ) such that the reference point at the target Aufnähmelinie (10a) in making the touching

Overlap just above the associated reference point on the reference structure (16) comes to rest. In the examples shown, this is done by having a center line of the roll mantle at the same transverse offset (dY1).

is adjusted relative to the longitudinal axis (A) of the feed plane, which has been determined as a transverse offset (dYl) of the reference structure (16) on the first material blank (6).

FIG. 3 shows a state shortly after contact is made between the transfer roller 2 and the FIG

Material cut (6). The material blank (6) is applied to the transfer roller (2) on the roll shell (12).

recorded. Due to the positioning of the transfer roller (2) resp. the target pick-up line (10a) in (more exact)

Covering the reference structure (16) passes the

Material cut (6) exactly on such

Surface area of the roll shell (12), which is defined as the intended receiving area (K). The intended receiving area (K) is in particular trailing as a to the target-receiving line (10a)

Defined surface area whose surface dimensions (B, L) with the surface dimensions (B, L) of the first material blank (6) match. In the example shown, the material blank (6) has a substantially rectangular area which is defined by a length (L) and a width (B). is defined. Alternatively, any others

Surface shapes may be provided.

FIG. 4 shows the transfer roller (2) with the first material blank (6) completely accommodated. In the illustrated state is determined by the

Detecting device (19) the actual position of a

another reference structure (18) at the other

supplied material cut (8) recorded. The detection resp. the reference to this actual position can be made in the same way as explained above for the detection or reference of the reference structure (16) on the first material blank (6).

In the example shown, it is assumed that a leading body contour further

Material blank (8) forms the detected contour (31), from which, however, to the slightly spaced

Reference structure (18) can be converted. Alternatively or additionally, the reference structure (18) can be detected directly.

The transfer roller (2) is recorded with the

MaterialScrew (6) in such a way relative to the supplied further material cut (8) moves and positions that the desired position (10) (here defined again by the target-receiving line (10a) and the rotational position (10b) of the Soll-Aufnähmelinie) in touching Covering the reference structure (18) on the other material blank (8) passes. In order to achieve this, the transfer roller (2) is moved at least by a transverse offset (VQ) in such a way that the transverse offset (dY2) of the roller jacket is opposite the longitudinal axis (A) of the feed plane is set to the same value as the transverse offset (dY2) of the

Reference structure (18) of the further material blank (8) relative to the longitudinal axis (A) has been determined. By a movement of the transfer roller (2), which is synchronized to the feed movement of the further material blank (8), the roll shell (12) rolls from the touching overlap between the reference structures (16,18) of the material blanks (6,8) on the surface the further material blank (8) from. The on the

Transfer roller (2) recorded material blank (6) is applied to the other supplied material blank (8). As a result of the positioning of the transfer roller (2) relative to the supplied material blank (8), an exact positioning of the first material blank (6) on the further material blank (8) is achieved.

FIG. 6 shows a state of the joining device after application. Here is the layer composite (30) of the first material blank (6) and the other

Material cut (8) formed. In the layer composite (30), the reference structures (16, 18) of the

Materialcuts (6,8) exactly on top of each other at a positioning tolerance mentioned above.

FIG. 7 shows an oblique view of the joining device (1) according to FIGS. 1 to 6. A supplied material blank (6) has a rotational position offset (dR) in accordance with the inaccurate positioning (9). In the present

For example, this means that the reference structure (16) (not visible here) faces a nominal orientation the target pick - up line (10a) or. deviates from a nominal orientation of the axis of rotation (RI). When

Nominal orientation here is a parallel alignment to the transverse direction (Y) or. assumed a vertical orientation to the conveying direction (X).

FIG. 8 shows a plan view of FIG. 7.

According to the present disclosure, the transfer roller (2) can be aligned by a rotational displacement movement (VR) such that the target position (10) on the transfer roller (2), in particular the target receiving line (10a, 10b), in preparing the touching contact between the roll shell (12) and the

Reference structure (16) on the supplied

Material cut (6) on the actual position of

Reference structure (6) is aligned. This means in particular that the target pick-up line is aligned parallel to the reference structure (16).

This can preferably take place in that the

Transfer roller (2) to such a rotation position offset (dR) relative to the normal axis (Z) or. Vertical axis is rotated to the feed plane, as

Rotational position offset (dR) of the reference structure (16) has been determined or obtained.

During the recording of a material blank (6) and / or during the application of a recorded material blank (6) on a further supplied material blank (8), a further and in particular continuous transverse offset movement (VQ) of Transfer roller (2) are executed so that the

Roll jacket (12) of the transfer roller (2) true to the roll on the surface of the supplied material blank (6, 8) rolls. The further transverse offset movement (VQ) can in particular at a transverse offset speed

taken from the slope (m) of the transverse offset of the supplied material blank and the

Feed rate is calculable.

The slope (m) indicates by what amount the

Transfer roller (2) resp. the roll shell (12) during the rolling movement on the supplied material blank (6,

8) currently has to be offset in the transverse direction, so that no (local) delay takes place. In the example of FIGS. 7 and 8, the reference line (A ') running in the tangential direction of the transfer roller (2) differs from the longitudinal axis (A) by the rotational offset (dR)

Feeding level. The reference line (A ') is defined by the

Positioning the transfer roller (2) with the desired position (10) in register with the reference structure (16,

18) on the material blank (6, 8) in the state shown already oriented in a correct initial orientation for receiving the material blank (6, 8). The slope (m) can, for example. through a trigonometric

Function calculated from the rotational offset (dR). Alternatively, the slope (m) can be determined in any other way, for example. by optical detection. If necessary can an existing delay of the supplied

Materialzuschnitts (6, 8) determined and by a compensating displacement movement of the transfer roller (2) or. the roll shell (12) when receiving the

Material blank are compensated. FIGS. 9 to 12 show the processes according to FIGS. 1 to 6 in a side view. FIG. 9 shows the precisely fitting reception of a first material blank (6) on the first transfer roller (2) and the supply of a further material blank (8) according to the above explanation. The feeding of the material blanks (6, 8) takes place here by a feed device (4)

is designed as a belt conveyor, for example. The

Feeding device (4) and the transfer roller (2) each have an adhesion device (14, 21), which in this case is in each case designed as a suction device, in particular as a controllable suction device.

In the joining method according to the present disclosure, preferably at least one transfer roll (2), material blanks (6, 8) of a first type and another type are fed alternately. In the shown

Examples are in each case alternately a first material blank (6) and a third material blank (8). The first material cut (6) is in

Layer composite (30) over the second material cut (8) joined, with possibly. further intermediate layers are possible, which will be explained below.

The alternating order between the different types of material cuts may alternatively be done according to other rules.

The alternate feed of at least two

Different types of material cuts can be made in any way and with any

Device components are generated. In the example FIG. 9 shows a preferred embodiment variant. Here, in each case, material blanks of a first type (6) and material blanks of a further type (8) are sorted and provided by a first type

Storage device (23) and a further storage device (24) according to the desired change pattern on the

Feeding device (4) stored. The storage devices (23,24) can have any training. In the example shown, carriers (25) are provided on the storage devices (23, 24), in particular in the form of carrier belts, on which the

Material blanks are provided sorted. The carrier (25) can in particular in one

Carrier material storage (27) and in particular as a winding or coil are present, from which the carrier (25) via an applicator (26) is guided to a residual memory, which may also be formed as a coil or coil. The carrier (25) can preferably by a movement of the applicator body (26) to the

Feeding device (4) are approximated that a on the carrier (25) befindlicher material blank (6) on the feeder (4) is stored. The tray can be supported or triggered in particular by means of an adhesion device (21) of the feed device (4).

The adhesion device (21) is shown in Figs

Examples again shown as a suction device. Alternatively, the adhesion device (21) may have a different design and the adhesive absorption of

Material cut on the feeder (4) cause by another principle of action. The adhesion effect (S), in particular a suction, a electrostatic attraction, a magnetic attraction or possibly. be a mechanical adhesive or gripping action.

The AdhäsionsVorrichtungen (14, 15, 21, 22) to the

Transfer rollers (2, 3) and / or the feed devices (10, 45) are preferably controllable in such a way that their

Adhesion effect (S) only in certain

Surface areas and if necessary is generated only temporarily, especially in the area of an overlap with a male material blank. In each case, the suction effect can be reduced or deactivated in such a surface area by using a material blank according to the disclosed joining method of FIG

Roll shell or the surface of a feeder (4) to be removed.

FIG. 10 shows a state of the joining apparatus (1) in which a first material blank (6) is received on the roll shell (12) of the first transfer roll (2) and the further material blank (8) is attached to the

Transfer roller (2) approximates.

Figure 11 shows a state of the joining device (1), in which a touching and overlapping contact between the at the transfer roller (2) received

Material cut (6) and the other supplied

Material cut (8) takes place. The reference structures (16, 18) are positioned directly above each other in this state. The joining device (1) may preferably in addition to a

Transfer roller (2) and below the feed plane, a pressure surface (32) or another suitable

Have pressure body. Between the (first)

Transfer roller (2) and the pressure body (32) may preferably be a contact pressure (P2) on the or the material blanks (6, 8) are acted between the

Transfer roller (2) and the feed plane are located. The

Contact pressure (P2) can be used in particular to densify the layer composite (30). The contact pressure (P2) can continue to be used, possibly at or between the material cutouts provided

Activate connecting means. Such connecting means may in particular be pressure-activated adhesives. Alternatively or additionally, as a result of the contact pressure, a mechanical connection can be produced between two or more layers of the layer composite (30),

for example, by embossing or folding. To the

Roll shell (12) can corresponding profiles or. Embossing or folding structures may be provided.

The contact pressure (P2), which in the application of at least one recorded on the transfer roller (2)

Material blank on the other supplied

Material cut (8) is affected, can be generated in any way. According to a first

Variant embodiment, the contact pressure from an elastic deformation of the material blanks in the laminate (30) result. Such elastic deformation can be caused for example by the roll shell (12) being at a distance

opposite to the feed level, which is lower than that Thickness of the material cuts in the layer compound in

unloaded condition. This distance can be fixed

be set or variable, in particular by the above-mentioned drive for moving the transfer roller (2) in the normal direction (Z).

Alternatively or additionally, an elastic element may be provided which supports the transfer roller (2) or the transfer roller (2). the

Roll shell (12) in the normal direction (N) to the

Feeding level pushes and possibly. is biased.

FIGS. 13 to 16 show an alternative embodiment of the joining device according to the present disclosure with two adjacent transfer rollers (2, 3), to which one or more material blanks (6, 8/7) can each be fed separately. In the examples shown, the second transfer roller (3) is arranged in the normal direction (Y) adjacent to the first transfer roller (2), i. on the opposite side to the feed level. Alternatively, any other arrangement may be chosen.

The two transfer rollers (2,3) can according to the

shown representation of a matching or

at least different in size have training.

The joining device (1) can also be a second

Feed device (5), the second

Transfer roller (3) is assigned to at least

To supply material blanks (7) of such a (second) kind, which differs from the types of material blanks (6, 8) directly fed to the first transfer roll (2). In the following, it is assumed by way of example that the second transfer roller (3) has an identical structure and a correspondingly matching mobility and drive equipment, as described above with regard to the first transfer roller (2). By feeding the (second) material blanks (7) to the second transfer roller (3), a second conveying direction (X ') and a second feed plane is defined. In the examples shown, the second feed plane is parallel to the feed plane on the first transfer roller (2). In practice, any other relative position of the feed levels may be present.

The feeding of the second material blanks (7) on the second transfer roller (3) can take place according to a preferred and not shown embodiment in that a depositing device moves a carrier and in particular a carrier belt past the second transfer roller (3) in the conveying direction (X ') on which the second material blanks (7) are adhered. This storage device, for example, a

Have training that corresponds to the storage devices (23, 24) according to the above explanation of Figure 9. The second material blanks (7) can be attached to the carrier resp. Carrier tape if necessary adhere by an electrostatic effect and on the second support roller (3) by

Absorbing be absorbed.

In the example of FIGS. 13 to 16, the

Joining device (1) a second detecting device (20), the actual position of one to the second

Transfer roller (3) supplied material blank (7) recorded, in particular, the actual position of a

Reference structure (17) on a supplied

Material cut (7) takes place analogously to the above statements to Figures 1 to 6.

The second transfer roller (3) is movable and positionable such that a desired position (11) on the

Roll shell (13) of the second transfer roller in

overlapping contact with the reference structure (17) on the supplied material blank (7) is brought. The movements and orientations of the second transfer roller are preferably carried out analogously to the above-described movements and orientations of the first transfer roller according to FIGS. 1 to 8.

The first and second transfer rollers (2, 3) are preferably used independently of each other

Accurate recording of each delivered

Material blank (6,7) moves and positions. This is shown by way of example in FIG. There are accordingly a first material blank (6) on the first transfer roller (2) and a second

Material cut (7) on the second transfer roller (3) added. In the recorded position, the respective reference structure (16, 17) on the recorded

Material cut (6, 7) exactly resp. at the top

mentioned position tolerance at the desired position (10, 11) or. aligned in overlapping contact with the target pick-up line (10a, 11a).

As shown in FIG. 14, according to a preferred embodiment, a material blank, which is received on the one transfer roller (3) are transferred to the other transfer roller (2), wherein it in particular at least one superimposed on the other transfer roller (2) received material blank (6).

In order to achieve this, the first transfer roller (2) and / or the second transfer roller (3) are moved relative to one another in such a way that the reference structures (16, 17) of the accommodated material blanks (6, 7) come into touching overlap with one another. The enlarged one

Detail of the contact zone between the

Transfer rollers (2, 3) in Fig. 14 shows a state shortly after the contacting contact between the

Reference structures (16, 17) has been made on the material blank (6,7). During a further synchronized rotary movement of the transfer rollers (2, 3), the second material blank (7) is detached from the second transfer roller (3) and at the first

Transfer roller (2) recorded in positionally accurate overlay to the first material blank (6). The

Adhesion device (15) of the second transfer roller (3) can preferably be deactivated at least in a surface area in the circumferential direction behind the contact zone or reduced in the adhesion (S) to operate the detachment of the second material blank from

Support roll shell (13) or trigger. This can be done in particular by local reduction or

Shutdown of a suction or a

electrostatic attraction effect or one of the other above-mentioned adhesion effects. According to a preferred embodiment, when transferring a material blank (7) from the one

Transfer roller (3) on the other transfer roller (2) a contact pressure (PI) on the at least one

Material cut (7) are affected. This is shown by way of example in the enlarged detail view in FIG. The contact pressure (PI) can be up

be generated in any way. In the example of FIG. 14, at least one of the transfer rollers (2, 3) is delivered by a normal displacement movement (VN) in the direction of the other transfer roller (3, 2). The delivery can be force-controlled or position-controlled. The

Contact pressure can result from the delivery force and / or an elastic deformation of the at least one material blank (6, 7) guided between the transfer rollers (2, 3). Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the transfer rollers (2, 3) can be replaced by an elastic roller

Biasing means are urged towards the other transfer roller (3,2).

FIG. 15 shows a subsequent state of FIG

Joining device (1), in which the two superimposed on the first transfer roller (2) recorded

Material cutouts (6,7) are applied with exact position to the other supplied material blank (8).

The application of the two material blanks (6, 7) takes place analogously to the processes explained above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8.

In the example of FIGS. 13 to 16, the

Layer composite (30) of a total of three Material cut (6, 7, 8) formed. According to

alternative and not shown variants of the embodiment can by the disclosed joining method or. the

also disclosed a joining device (30) of two, four or more material blanks are formed. For this, the transmission of a

Cutting the material from one transfer roller (3) to the other transfer roller (2) and / or applying at least one to a transfer roller (2)

recorded MaterialZuschnitt on another supplied material blank (8) in any

Order and frequency are repeated.

Furthermore, it is possible to arrange at least one further (third) transfer roller (not shown) adjacent to the first or second transfer roller (2, 3), which may be required. at least one additional material cut is fed again.

The orientation of two adjacent transfer rollers (2,

3) for transferring a material blank received on one roll to the other roll is preferably a nominal orientation in which the j reside

Rotation axes of the rollers parallel to each other

are aligned. The orientation of the transfer rollers for receiving a supplied material blank usually deviates from this nominal orientation and is adapted to the detected actual position of the supplied material blank.

The transfer rollers are thus preferably in each case cyclically between one supplied to one Material cut adjusted alignment and a nominal alignment moved back and forth.

Preferably, the circumferential length of the roll mantle of a transfer roll is at least twice as large as the longest expected width (B) of a fed

Material blank along the conveying direction (X). In this way it is achieved that a recorded

Material cut always less than half of

Covered surface.

Accordingly, a movement stroke of a

Transfer roller j each include a half-turn of the transfer roller, wherein each at the beginning or the end of the half-rotation, an offset movement (VN, VQ, VR) is carried out to move the transfer roller from the adjusted orientation to the nominal orientation or vice versa.

The feeding movement of the material blanks may be asynchronous to the movement of the transfer rollers. It is

especially possible, a continuous

Provide feed rate, which can be selected uniformly in particular for all material blanks in the different feed levels.

The joining device (1) can preferably have a manipulator (28) with a receiving device (29) to form a layer composite (30) of at least two joined material blanks (6, 7, 8) from an end region of a feed device (4, 5) in the conveying direction (X,

X ') is located behind a transfer roller (2, 3),

to decrease . On or in the roll shell (12, 13) of at least one of the transfer rolls (2, 3) can preferably a

Profiling be formed, the shape of which in particular at the intended receiving area (K) for a

Material cut (6, 7, 8) is adjusted. The

Profiling can in particular be congruent with one provided on a material blank (6, 7, 8)

Be formed connecting means. Such

Connecting means may preferably be one on the

Material cut have circumferential line or ring shape.

Another variant of the not shown

Joining procedure provides the following steps.

Feeding a first inaccurately positioned

Material blank (6) to a first transfer roller (2) under detection or reference of the actual position of a

Reference structure (16) on the supplied first

MaterialZuschnitt (6) and feeding a second inaccurately positioned material blank (7) to a second transfer roller (3) while detecting or reference the actual position of a reference structure (17) on the

fed second material blank.

Moving the first transfer roller (2) relative to the supplied first material blank (6) and moving the second transfer roller (3) relative to the supplied second material blank (7), so that each one on the roll shell (12, 13) of the transfer roller (2, 3) defined target position in touching coverage to the

Reference structure (16, 17) on j eweiligen material blank (6, 7) passes. Receiving the respective material blank (6, 7) on the respective roll shell (12, 13) of the transfer roll (2, 3) by means of an adhesion device (21, 22). Moving the first and / or second transfer roller (2, 3) relative to each other, so that the reference structures (16, 17) of the received material blanks (6, 7) come into touching overlap each other. Handover of a

recorded material blank (7) of the one

Transfer roller (3) on the other transfer roller (2), wherein the transferring material blank (7) on the already on the other transfer roller (2) recorded material blank (6) superimposed.

If necessary, repeat the recording of a

supplied material blank on the one

Transfer roller, moving the first and / or second

Transfer roller relative to each other, so that the

Reference structure of the additionally recorded

Material blank in touching overlap to the

Reference structures already on the other

Transfer roller recorded material cuts and transfer of the other material blank on the other transfer roller.

Delivery of the two or more material cuttings received overlying the other transfer roller,

in particular by depositing in the feed plane of the other transfer roller. In this embodiment, the plurality of recorded on the other transfer roller

Material cutouts so not on another

applied material cut applied. A material cut (6, 7, 8) can be any

Have training and consist of any material. It may be formed in one piece or in several pieces. A material blank may in particular comprise a thin-layered flat piece of material and at least one frame attached or formed on the edge of the piece of material. The attached or integrally formed element may preferably consist of a flexurally elastic material other than the flat piece of material.

It is advantageous for the joining method if at least one of the material blanks is permeable to gas,

in particular at least one of the material blanks, which forms a peripheral layer in the layer composite. This

Material cut may be preferred first

Material cut on the roll shell of a

Transfer roller (2, 3) are added to the

Subsequently, at least one other overlaps

Material cut (7) on the same roll jacket

is recorded. As a result of the gas permeability, one may intervene through the adhesion device of FIG

Transfer roller generated suction also hold at least one other overlapping recorded material blank in the desired position.

In a manufacturing method according to the present disclosure for manufacturing a fuel cell, the layer composite or the like is formed. Layer composite preferably formed from at least one gas permeation film and a film coated with a catalyst. The gas permeation film can in particular the first

Material cut (6) and the third resp. more Material cut (8) in the figures, which form the outer layers of the composite layer (30). The catalyst-coated film may correspond to the second material blank (7) interposed between the first and third material blank (6, 8). The various layers of gas permeation film and / or with catalyst-coated films are preferably equipped with bonding agents.

In particular, can already be supplied to the

Material cut a rubber coating or a

Be provided adhesive layer. The connecting means are preferably activated by pressure and / or by contact with the connecting means on another material blank. In particular, by applying a contact pressure (PI, P2) in the transfer of a

Material blank from a transfer roller (3) on another transfer roller (2) or when applying at least one recorded on a transfer roller

Material cut to another fed

Material cut the activation done. Thus, an adhesive bond between the individual layers of the layer composite or. the layer structure are made exactly at the moment in which the layers are brought into exact position to each other in contact. Modifications of the invention are possible in various ways. In particular, all of the different variants or variants can be used. Examples of the devices and / or to the different embodiments or. Examples of joining or manufacturing processes

disclosed features can be combined in any way, swapped or omitted. A depositing device (23, 24) can be designed to produce at least two types of material blank (6,

7, 8) alternately to a common feed device (3, 4). By way of example, two or more types of material cutouts may already be present on a carrier (25).

Instead of the feeding belts shown in the figures, any other conveying means may be used, in particular planar conveying means such as a moving feeding tray (tray with at least one laid-up tray)

Material cut). A feed tray may be or include a printing surface (32) usable to generate the contact pressure (P2) that is between a printing surface (32)

Transfer roller and the feed plane can be generated.

Hereinafter, particularly preferred embodiment features are given, which alone or in any

Combination an advantageous development of

disclosed joining technique or disclosed

Form production process.

A storage device (23, 24) is preferably designed to at least two types of

Material cut pieces (6, 8) alternately to a common feed device (3, 4) to transfer. In this way it may be sufficient to have one and especially one

Feeding device (4, 5) only a storage device (23, 24) to provide.

The joining device (1) preferably has a manipulator (28) with a receiving device (29) to a Layer composite. (30) from at least two joined

Material pieces (6, 7, 8) of an end portion of a feed device (4, 5), which is located in the conveying direction (X, X ') behind a transfer roller (2, 3), decrease. The manipulator can in particular be designed to form a layer composite (30)

tracked processing step or. one

supply to subsequent processing station. It may alternatively or additionally be designed and / or operated, a layer composite (30) of a

Packaging or transport station or one

Hand over packaging or transport process.

The recording, transfer or application of a

Material blank can be specified by any control means and device-technical means.

At least one adhesion device (14, 15) is preferred on a transfer roller and / or at least one

Adhesion device (21, 22) on a feeding device (4, 5), through which a material blank (6, 7, 8) is supplied, during the recording, transfer or

Application switched or controlled to the faithful detachment from the supplying body (in particular

Transfer roller / feeder) and / or the

faithful recording on the receiving body

(In particular transfer roller / feeder) to support or trigger.

When transferring a material blank (7) from one transfer roller (3) to the other transfer roller (2), a (first) contact pressure (PI) is preferably applied to the transfer roller (2)

at least one delivered material cut (7) impacted. The first contact pressure (PI) can also trigger the transfer of the material blank or

support, for example by bringing an adhesive into contact between the surfaces of two

Material cutouts (6, 7) is activated.

Alternatively or additionally is preferred in

Applying the at least one on a transfer roller (2) recorded material blank (6, 7) on a further supplied material blank (8) a (second) contact pressure (P2) on the formed Schichtverbünd (30) impacted. The second contact pressure (P2) can trigger or support the application of the at least one material blank, for example. by activating an adhesive or ply bonding agent between the surfaces of two contacted material blanks (7, 8).

It is accordingly advantageous if a layer connecting means or adhesive is provided on at least one material blank, which is designed to produce a holding or fixing connection with respect to another material blank in the layer composite (30). The ply bonding agent or adhesive may be formed in particular as a point or line-shaped adhesive layer or rubber coating, which in particular peripherally circumferentially on a MaterialZuschnitt

is arranged.

Through the disclosed joining technique can arbitrary

Materials are handled. It is, however, preferred that at least one material blank (6, 7, 8) is inserted electroactive material comprises, in particular an anode or cathode material, or a catalyst material. The disclosed joining technique is suitable for this

sensitive materials in a special way, because it allows a distortion-free and the surface little demanding handling.

Particular advantages arise in the joining technique when at least one of the material blanks (6, 7, 8)

is gas permeable, in particular at least one of the material blanks (6, 8), which has a peripheral position in the

Layer composite (30) forms. Such a gas-permeable material blank (6, 8) can be received in particular by a transfer roller, wherein the

gas-permeable material cut at least one

further material blank (8) is superimposed, and one of the adhesion device to the transfer roller

produced adhesion effect (in particular suction effect) through the gas-permeable material cut through also on the further material cut acts.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

joining device

First transfer roller

Second transfer roller

First feeder / band / tray

Second feeder / tape / tray

First material cut

Second material cut

Third material cut

Inaccurate position on feeder

Target position on the first transfer roller

Target take-up line to first transfer roller

Rotational position of the target pick-up line

Target position on second transfer roller

Target pick-up line to second transfer roller rotational position of the target pick-up line

First roll shell

Second roll shell

Adhesion device on first transfer roller Adhesion device on second transfer roller Reference structure on first material section Reference structure on second material section Reference structure on third material section Detection device

detection device

Adhesion device to first supply device Adhesion device to second supply device First storage device

Second storage device

Carrier / carrier tape 26 applicator body

27 carrier material storage / coil

28 manipulator

29 recording device

30 layer alliances

31 Detected contour

32 printing area

A longitudinal axis / reference axis in conveying direction A 'reference line on roll shell

B Width of a material blank

dYl First transverse offset

dY2 Second transverse offset

dR rotation position offset

H vertical axis / normal axis to feed plane

K Intended pick-up area on the roll shell

L Length of a material blank

m slope of the transverse offset

PI contact pressure between transfer rollers

P2 contact pressure on Schichtverbünd

RI rotation axis of the first transfer roller

R2 axis of rotation of the second transfer roller

S Adhesion effect / suction effect

VN normal displacement movement

VQ transverse misalignment

VR rotational offset motion

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. joining device for accurately fitting superimposition of

at least two thin-layer material blanks (6, 7, 8), wherein the joining device (1) has a first transfer roller (2) and an adjacent second

Transfer roller (3) includes, in each case to do so

are formed, at least one in one

j eweiligen conveying direction (X, X ') supplied

Material cut (6, 7, 8), wherein the first transfer roller (3) and the second transfer roller (4) each have a controllable adhesion device (14, 15) for receiving a material blank (6,

7, 8) on the roll shell (12, 13) and are controlled movable, and wherein the

Joining device (1) is adapted to detect or relate an actual position of a reference structure (16, 17, 18) of a supplied material blank (6, 7, 8), and in each case on a

Roll shell (12, 13) a desired position (10, 11) for the reference structure (16, 17, 18) of a

Material blank (6, 7, 8) is defined and the transfer rollers (2, 3) in each case such relative to a supplied material blank (6, 7, 8) can be positioned and moved, that the desired position on the roll shell (12, 13 ) in

overlapping contact with the reference structure (16, 17, 18) on the material blank (6, 7, 8) passes and the material blank (6, 7, 8) by means of the adhesion device (14, 15) is transferred to the roll shell, and wherein the Transfer rollers (2, 3) can be positioned and moved relative to each other such that a material blank (7) of the one

Transfer roller (3) is transferred to the other transfer roller (2). 2.) joining device according to one of the preceding

Claims, wherein the transfer rollers such

can be positioned to each other that a

Reference structure (17) on a material blank, which is received on the one transfer roller (3), in touching coverage with a reference structure

(16) is brought to a material cut which is received on the other transfer roller (2).

3.) joining device according to claim in one of

previous claims, wherein the first

Transfer roller (2) and / or the second transfer roller

(3) at least in a transverse direction (Y, Y ') to j eweiligen conveying direction (X, X') of a supplied material blank (6, 7, 8) displaceable and about a normal direction (Z, Z ') to j eweiligen

Conveying direction (X, X ') is rotatable.

4.) joining device according to one of the preceding

Claims, wherein the first and / or the second

Transfer roller (2, 3) at least one recorded material blank (6, 7) is positionable and movable such that a reference structure (16, 17) on the at least one recorded material blank (6, 7) in overlapping contact with a

Reference structure (18) at another in

Delivery direction (X) supplied material blank (8) passes and the at least one recorded

Material cut (6, 7) is accurately applied to the other material blank (8).

5.) joining device according to one of the preceding

Claims, wherein between the first transfer roller (2) and the second transfer roller (3) a

Contact pressure (PI) on at least one

Material cut (6, 7) can be impacted.

6.) joining device according to one of the preceding

Claims, wherein the joining device (1) at least one detecting device (19, 20) which is adapted to a reference structure (16, 17, 18) on a supplied material blank (6, 7, 8) to recognize, in particular by optical

Contour recognition.

7.) joining device according to one of the preceding

Claims, wherein the joining device has at least one feed device (4, 5), the one or more material blanks (6, 7, 8) in the

Promotes conveying direction (X, X ') to a transfer roller.

8.) joining device according to one of the preceding

Claims, wherein a feed device (4, 5) is designed as a feed belt or feed tray and in particular an adhesion device (21, 22) for holding a material blank (6, 7,

8).

Joining device according to one of the preceding

Claims, wherein the joining device (1) has at least one depositing device (23, 24) which is designed to transfer at least one material blank (6, 7, 8) to a feed device (3, 4), in particular two or more

Storage devices (23, 24) the material sections of a respective storage device (23, 24)

put it down.

10.) joining device according to one of the preceding

Claims, wherein the first transfer roller (2) is adapted to, during the application of the at least one recorded on the roll shell

Material blank (6, 7) on the other

Material cut (8) to affect a contact pressure (P2).

11.) joining device according to one of the preceding

Claims, wherein on or in the roll shell (12,

13) of at least one of the transfer rollers (2, 3) is formed a profiling whose shape

in particular adapted to the intended receiving area (K) for a material blank (6, 7, 8).

12.) joining method for accurately fitting joining of flexible material blanks (6, 7, 8) to a

Layer composite (30) comprising the following

Steps :

Feeding a first inaccurately positioned material blank (6) to a first transfer roller (2) while detecting or referring to the actual position of a reference structure (16) on the supplied first material blank (6) as well

Feeding a second inaccurately positioned material blank (7) to a second transfer roller (3) while detecting or referring to the actual position of a reference structure (17) on the supplied second material blank (7);

Moving the first transfer roller (2) relative to the supplied first material blank (6) and moving the second transfer roller (3) relative to the supplied second one

Material cut (7), so that in each case a target position defined on the roll shell (12, 13) of the transfer roll (2, 3) comes into touching overlap with the reference structure (16, 17) on the respective material blank (6, 7);

Take-up of the relevant material blank (6,

7) on the roll shell (12, 13) of the respective transfer roller (2, 3) by means of a

Adhesion device (21, 22);

Moving the first and / or second

Transfer roller (2, 3) relative to each other, so that the reference structures (16, 17) of the

Received material cuts (6, 7) to each other in touching overlap;

Transfer of a recorded material blank (7) from the one transfer roller (3) to the other transfer roller (2), the transferred material blank (7) already accommodated on the other transfer roller (2)

Material cut (6) superimposed. 13. joining method according to the preceding claim,

further comprising: Feeding a further material blank (8) to a transfer roller (2, 3) on which at least one material blank (6, 7) has already been received, detecting or referring to the actual position of a reference structure (18) on the further material blank (8) ;

Moving the transfer roller (2, 3) with the at least one recorded

Material cut (6, 7) relative to the

further supplied material blank (8), so that a reference structure (16, 17) on the at least one recorded

Material cut (6, 7) in overlapping

Making contact with the reference structure (18) on the further material blank (8);

Apply the at least one on the

Transfer roller (2, 3) recorded

Material blank (6, 7) on the further supplied material blank (8).

14.) Joining method according to one of the preceding

Claims, wherein at least one

Adhesion device (14, 15) on a transfer roller and / or at least one adhesion device (21, 22) on a feed device (4, 5) through which a

MaterialScreen (6, 7, 8) is supplied, switched or controlled in the recording, transfer or application to support the faithful detachment from the supplying body and / or the true-to-life recording on the female body.

15.) Joining method according to one of the preceding

Claims, wherein a MaterialZuschnitt (6, 7, 8) is integrally formed, or more pieces, in particular comprising a thin-layered sheet material and at least one attached to the edge of the piece of material or molded frame member, which consists in particular of a bending elastic other material.

16.) Production process for the production of a

Layer composite of an energy conversion device, wherein the layer composite of at least two

Material blanks (6, 7, 8) is formed, of which at least one of an electroactive

Material is formed by

The material blanks can be cut by means of a joining process according to one of the

previous claims are added. 17.) Production method after the previous one

Claim, wherein the energy conversion device is a fuel cell and the layer composite of at least one gas permeation film (6, 8) and one coated with a catalyst

Foil (7) is formed, which forms in particular the middle layer between two gas permeation films, AND / OR wherein the energy conversion device is a battery and the layer composite of a

Kathodenfolie (6), an anode foil (7) and a separator sheets to be arranged therebetween (8) is formed, in particular a

Middle layer between the cathode foil and the anode foil forms.

18.) Production method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one

MaterialZuschnitt a layer connecting means is arranged, which is designed in particular pressure-activated.