System and method for supporting and moving battery cells to a formation chamber using an exhaust hood

Abstract

A tray (1) for supporting a plurality of battery cells (2) and moving them into a formation chamber is provided with an exhaust hood (23) configured to be mounted on a support structure (3) of the tray (1) in a preset position with respect to the support structure (3). The exhaust hood (23) comprises a gas manifold (24) connectable to a vacuum source, and a plurality of suction nozzles (29) that act as plugs for exhaust holes (2B) of the battery cells (2) during movement of the exhaust hood (23) up to the formation chamber. During a formation process of the battery cells (2) inside the formation chamber, the exhaust holes (2B) of the battery cells (2) are connected to the vacuum source by means of the gas manifold (24) of the exhaust hood (23) in order to evacuate the gases generated inside the battery cells (2) during the formation process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for supporting and moving a plurality of battery cells, the system being used to move battery cells into a formation chamber for battery cells and to support battery cells during a formation process within the formation chamber.

[0002] Specifically, the present invention relates to a system as described above, the system comprising a tray for supporting individual cells, the tray including a support structure configured to hold a plurality of individual cells in a predetermined position relative to the support structure.

[0003] It should be noted that the present invention is generally applicable to any type of support tray, and more specifically, to any type of support structure that can be provided for the tray, as long as it is capable of receiving and holding multiple battery cells in a strictly predetermined position relative to the support structure. Background Technology

[0004] The above-mentioned type of tray is known, for example, from document CN 114843634A.

[0005] In the production of battery cells used in storage batteries (especially those for pure electric or hybrid vehicles), it is necessary to subject the cells to a "formation" process, which means "training" the cells by repeatedly subjecting them to charge and discharge cycles. The formation process takes place in a formation chamber maintained at a controlled temperature ranging from approximately 20°C to 60°C. The formation process involves electrically contacting the two terminals of each battery cell with an electronic power unit, which applies a series of repeated charge-discharge cycles to the cell. This formation process not only tests the manufactured cells but also helps to provide the necessary performance characteristics and ensure their normal service life.

[0006] After being arranged on one or more support trays to be received in the formation chamber, the battery cells are placed in the formation chamber, wherein the terminal contacts of each cell are connected to the corresponding terminals of the electronic power unit.

[0007] The support tray includes a support structure having a defined receiving seat adapted to receive monomers to be formed.

[0008] Repeated charging and discharging cycles trigger chemical reactions within the battery cells, leading to the generation of combustible gas (i.e., hydrogen).

[0009] For this reason, known formation chambers are equipped with suction systems for the gases generated during the formation process. Such systems generally require a suction port for each cell to be formed, adapted to communicate with an exhaust opening located in the cell housing; this makes the overall layout of the formation chamber very complex. Therefore, the known solutions are relatively complex and expensive, and they require a long time to establish the necessary connection between the cell and the suction system, which seriously jeopardizes productivity.

[0010] Purpose of the invention

[0011] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a system for supporting and moving multiple battery cells, which can be used to move the battery cells into a formation chamber for the battery cells and to support the battery cells during the formation process in the formation chamber, thereby enabling the suction of gases generated in the battery cells during the formation process to be performed in a simple and reliable manner.

[0012] Another objective is to provide a system as described above that can be implemented through simple and quick operation.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system of the type described above that is easily automated.

[0014] Another objective is to provide the aforementioned system, provided that the support tray carrying the cell is outside the formation chamber before being moved into the formation chamber, that the system is also adapted to ensure an airtight seal for the orifices provided in the cell for evacuating gas from the cell. Summary of the Invention

[0015] To achieve one or more of the objectives described above, the present invention provides a system for supporting and moving a plurality of battery cells. This system is used to move battery cells into a formation chamber of a battery cell and to support the battery cells during a formation process within the formation chamber. The system includes a support tray for the battery cells, the support tray comprising a support structure configured to hold a plurality of battery cells in a predetermined position relative to the support structure. The system is characterized by...

[0016] - The exhaust hood is associated with the tray and configured to be mounted on the tray's support structure at a predetermined position relative to the support structure.

[0017] -The exhaust hood includes:

[0018] -Gas manifold,

[0019] - Multiple suction nozzles, which communicate with the gas manifold and are configured to be positioned at the corresponding vent holes of the battery cells when the exhaust hood is mounted on the support structure of the tray.

[0020] - At least one discharge port for fluid communication between the gas manifold and a vacuum source.

[0021] The suction nozzle is configured to:

[0022] - During the movement of the battery cells into the formation chamber using the support tray, the vents of the battery cells are kept isolated from the external environment, and

[0023] - By means of the gas manifold of the exhaust hood, the exhaust port of the battery cell is fluidly connected to the vacuum source during the formation process of the battery cell in the formation chamber.

[0024] In one embodiment, the exhaust hood has a frame comprising a plurality of hollow beams connected to each other, the hollow beams defining the gas manifold and carrying the suction nozzle, the at least one exhaust port being associated with one of the beams of the frame of the exhaust hood.

[0025] In the example, the frame and support structure of the exhaust hood include interlocking elements configured to precisely position the exhaust hood at a predetermined location on the tray.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, each suction nozzle is configured as a suction cup with a hollow body of elastomeric material, the hollow body being configured to sealably engage the portion of the upper wall of the corresponding battery cell received on the tray surrounding the corresponding vent hole.

[0027] In the example, the at least one discharge port of the exhaust hood is associated with a connecting member that can be engaged with the at least one discharge port to provide fluid communication between the at least one discharge port and a vacuum source. Furthermore, the at least one discharge port includes a normally closed valve configured to open when the connecting member engages the at least one discharge port. The exhaust hood and the connecting member have mutually engaging elements for precisely positioning the connecting member relative to the at least one discharge port of the exhaust hood.

[0028] Another object of the present invention is a method for supporting and moving multiple battery cells of a storage battery using the above-described system. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Other features and advantages of the invention will become clear from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided by way of non-limiting example only, in which:

[0030] Figure 1This is a perspective view of the support tray, provided as an example only. The present invention can be applied to this support tray.

[0031] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Top view of the support tray.

[0032] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 Sectional view of line III-III,

[0033] Figure 3A yes Figure 3 Arrow III shows a detailed view.

[0034] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Front view of the support tray

[0035] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of line VV.

[0036] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Arrow VI shows a detailed view.

[0037] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the structural components supporting the tray.

[0038] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the functional components supporting the tray.

[0039] Figure 9A , Figure 9B , Figure 9C yes Figure 8 Orthographic view of the components,

[0040] Figure 10 and Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the other functional components supporting the tray.

[0041] Figure 12 This is a top view of the support tray with multiple battery cells inside.

[0042] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of a distance-fixing tool that can be operated on a support tray.

[0043] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of an exhaust hood as part of an embodiment of the system according to the invention.

[0044] Figure 15 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the system according to the present invention, wherein the exhaust hood is mounted on a tray carrying the battery cells.

[0045] Figure 16This is an enlarged perspective view showing the suction cups supported by the vent cover when attached to the corresponding battery cell.

[0046] Figure 17 , Figure 18 This is a magnified perspective view showing further details of the exhaust hood, and

[0047] Figure 19 This is a front sectional view of the connecting member associated with the exhaust hood, which is used to connect the exhaust hood to a vacuum source. Detailed Implementation

[0048] As stated above, the present invention is generally applicable to any type of support tray, and more specifically, to any type of support structure that can be provided for the tray, as long as it is capable of receiving and holding multiple battery cells relative to the support structure in a strictly predetermined position. The specific structure and construction of the tray, which is the subject of a co-pending patent application by the same applicant, will be described below by way of non-limiting example only. For example, the invention is also applicable to another type of tray, which is also the subject of another co-pending patent application by the same applicant. Furthermore, the possibility of applying the invention to any known type of tray is not excluded, provided that it is configured such that the battery cells carried by the tray can each be arranged in a defined position relative to the structure of the tray. This condition is essential to ensure that when the vent hood, which is part of the system according to the invention, is located above the support structure of the tray under operating conditions, the suction nozzle carried by the vent hood is positioned at the vent of the battery cell.

[0049] Reference Figures 1-13 In the attached figure, reference numeral 1 generally indicates the support tray for the cell 2 used to form the storage battery.

[0050] The phrase "cell formation" as used in this article refers to a step in the manufacturing process of batteries, such as those used in the automotive industry, which involves performing a series of repeated charge and discharge cycles on the individual cells before assembling them into a battery. The cell formation step is essential in battery production because it allows for testing of each cell and improves its lifespan and performance.

[0051] Generally, the battery formation process is performed inside a formation chamber, which is equipped with at least one electronic power unit and multiple electrical terminals. Within the formation chamber, the terminals of the individual battery cells contact the electrical terminals of the electronic power unit to enable the charging and discharging cycles to be performed.

[0052] The cell to be tested is placed in a housing within a support tray configured to hold the cell within the formation chamber during the formation step.

[0053] The support tray 1 according to the invention includes a support structure 3, which includes a first main wall 4A and a second main wall 4B that are parallel to each other and spaced apart, the first main wall and the second main wall extending along a first direction A of the support tray 1 (see...). Figure 1 ).

[0054] In addition, the support structure 3 includes two end walls 5, which securely connect the two main walls 4A and 4B.

[0055] More specifically, the end wall 5 extends along a second direction B orthogonal to the first direction A from the first end 5A attached to the first main wall 4A to the second end 5B attached to the second main wall 4B.

[0056] In addition, the support structure 3 includes one or more partitions 6 extending parallel to the end wall 5 along the second direction B. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The partition will divide the space between the two main walls 4A and 4B and the space defined by the two end walls 5 into several adjacent sections 7.

[0057] The partition 6 securely connects the two main walls 4A and 4B, and extends from the first end 6A attached to the first main wall 4A to the second end 6B attached to the second main wall 4B.

[0058] The secure connection between the end wall 5 and the partition 6 and the two main walls 4A and 4B can be achieved by any known technique, such as by means of threaded connection or by welding.

[0059] Each segment 7 is configured to receive battery cell 2 ( Figure 6 ) array 200 ( Figure 12 Each array 200 of battery cells 2 includes a plurality of battery cells 2 arranged parallel to the main walls 4A, 4B and side by side with each other along the second direction B.

[0060] In addition, the support tray 1 includes a plurality of dividers 8, which are arranged within each section 7 and extend parallel to the main walls 4A and 4B.

[0061] A set of separators 8 included in the same section 7 defines a plurality of side-by-side receiving seats 9, which are configured to receive corresponding battery cells 2.

[0062] exist Figure 7 In the preferred embodiment shown, each partition 6 has a cross-section that is substantially shaped as an "inverted T" and includes a vertical wall 61 that defines side surfaces 62 that are parallel to each other and face the corresponding segment 7 along the second direction B of the tray 1.

[0063] In addition, each partition 6 includes a horizontal base 63 that protrudes along a first direction A beyond the side surface 62 of the vertical wall 61, thereby defining a corresponding horizontal surface 64 in each of the two sections 7 separated by the partition 6.

[0064] Correspondingly, each sidewall 5 includes a horizontal portion 51 and a vertical portion 53, the horizontal portion protruding along a first direction A toward the corresponding segment 7, thereby defining a horizontal surface 52. Figure 3 The vertical portion defines the side surface 62 parallel to the partition 6 and the side surface 54 facing the corresponding section 7 of the tray 1.

[0065] Reference Figures 7 to 11 The separator 8 in each segment 7 is slidably supported by the support structure 3 along the second direction B.

[0066] Specifically, in the case of a section 7 defined by one of the sidewalls 5, each partition is supported on the horizontal surface 64 of the corresponding partition 6 and the horizontal surface 52 of the sidewall 5, and is laterally limited by the side surface 54 of the sidewall 5 and the side surface 62 of the corresponding partition 6.

[0067] Correspondingly, in the case of a section 7 defined by two partitions 6, each partition 8 is supported on the horizontal surface 64 of the two corresponding partitions 6 and is laterally limited by the side surface 62 of the corresponding two partitions 6.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each separator 8 includes a main support element 80 ( Figure 8 ) and an adapter element 100 removably connected to the main support element 80. Figure 10 ).

[0069] Reference Figures 8 to 9C Each partition 8's main support element 80 includes a base 81 that defines two support receptacles 81A arranged along a first direction A at opposite ends of the main element 80 and configured to serve as slidable support bases for the partition 8 on the horizontal surface 52 of the sidewall 5 and / or on the horizontal surface 64 of the partition 6 of the corresponding segment 7.

[0070] In addition, each partition 8's main support element 80 includes two side-formed structures 82 arranged along a first direction A at opposite ends of the main element 80, each defining at least one surface 82A configured to contact the side surface 62 of the partition 6 and / or the side surface 54 of the sidewall 5, such that it is supported along the first direction A.

[0071] Furthermore, the side molding structure 82 of the main support element 80 defines a surface 82B that is parallel to the main walls 4A and 4B and faces outward relative to the corresponding receiving seat 9. The surface 82B of the main element 80 is configured as an adjoining point of the separator and the adjacent separator 8 having the same number of surfaces 82B.

[0072] In addition, each main support element 80 defines an inner surface 83 facing the corresponding receiving seat 9 of the section 7, and an outer surface 84 facing the outer surface 84 of the main support element 80 of the adjacent partition 8.

[0073] The inner surface 83 of the main support element includes a receiving seat 85 that defines two side surfaces 85Y extending parallel to the side wall 5, a horizontal surface 85X extending transversely to the side surface 85Y, and a front surface 85Z extending parallel to the main walls 4A, 4B, and the receiving seat is configured to receive a corresponding adapter element 100 of the separator 80.

[0074] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 Each adapter element 100 includes a substantially flat outer surface 101, an inner surface 102 configured to receive a corresponding battery cell 2, a base 103, and two fastening portions 104 preferably arranged along a first direction A at opposite ends of the adapter element 100.

[0075] Specifically, the adapter element 100 is configured to be removably mounted on the corresponding main support element 80, such that the adapter element 100 rests simply on the surface 85X with its base 103 and is laterally limited along the first direction A by the side surface 85Y of the main support element 80. In this mounting arrangement, the outer surface 101 of the adapter element directly faces the front surface 85Z of the corresponding main support element 80.

[0076] Preferably, the fastening portion 104 of the adapter element 100 engages with a corresponding receiving seat 87 provided on the corresponding side molding structure 82 of the corresponding main support element 80, thereby preventing the adapter element 100 from translating relative to the main support element 80 along the second direction B.

[0077] The inner surface 102 of each adapter element 100 includes a receiving seat 105 that defines two side surfaces 105Y extending parallel to the side wall 5, a horizontal surface 105X extending transversely to the side surfaces 105Y, and a front surface 85Z extending parallel to the main walls 4A, 4B. The receiving seat is configured to receive a corresponding battery cell 2 to be formed, the outline of which matches the outline defined by the surfaces 105X, 105Y of the receiving seat 105.

[0078] A particularly advantageous feature of the invention relates to the adaptability of the tray 1 to battery cells of different shapes and / or sizes. In fact, the adapter elements 100 of the separator 8 can be interchanged with each other and can be implemented in a manner that defines a receiving seat 105, which varies according to the profile (shape) and / or size of the cell to be formed.

[0079] In a preferred embodiment, the main support element 80 is made of a metallic material, thereby giving the separator 8 sufficient strength, while the adapter element 100 associated with the main element 80 is made of a plastic material, thereby allowing for simple and economical implementation of various different adapter elements 100.

[0080] Reference Figures 2 to 6 In addition, the support tray 1 includes a pushing system 10, which is configured to apply a load to the individual unit array 200 along the second direction B, such that the individual unit array can slide along the direction B together with the partitions 8 that support them until they press together against one of the main walls 4A, 4B, thereby applying a compressive load to the individual unit 2.

[0081] For each segment 7, the actuation system 10 includes an actuator 11 and a push plate 13. The actuator is arranged near one of the two main walls 4A, 4B and includes at least one screw 12, which is rotatable relative to the support tray 1 about a corresponding axis C parallel to the second direction B. The push plate is arranged parallel to the main walls 4A, 4B.

[0082] In the example shown in the attached figure, each actuator 11 is arranged near the first main wall 4A.

[0083] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each actuator 11 includes two screws 12 spaced apart from each other along a first direction A.

[0084] Each screw 12 extends through the main wall 4A along the second direction B and is threadedly engaged with the internal threads of a threaded sleeve 20 that is securely connected to the main wall 4A, such that rotation of the screw 12 about its axis of rotation C causes it to move forward along the second direction B.

[0085] Preferably, each screw 12 defines an end portion 12C that is accessible from the outside of the support structure 3 and is configured to engage with a manual or automatic screwdriver that controls the rotation of the screw about axis C.

[0086] For each segment 7, an end separator 8A is defined, which corresponds to the separator 8 closest to the corresponding actuator 11 and is arranged to face the push plate 13.

[0087] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the operation of a push system 10 for applying a preload to a battery cell 2 along a second direction B is described.

[0088] In the first step, the actuation system 10 is configured such that the actuation plate 13 of each actuator 11 is spaced relative to the end separator 8A of the corresponding segment 7.

[0089] In this step, the separators 8, which can slide parallel to the second direction B on the horizontal surfaces 52, 64 of the sidewalls 5 and the partitions 6, move away from each other along the second direction B, thereby defining the receiving seat 9 for receiving the individual 2.

[0090] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the step of using the distance-fixing separator 8 can be performed by the distance-fixing tool 110 ( Figure 13 The distance tool is equipped with multiple distance fingers 111.

[0091] Specifically, once all the dividers 8 have been positioned on the support structure 3 of the tray 1, the spacing tool 110 is lowered above the dividers, so that the spacing fingers 111 of the tool 110 are fitted between one divider 8 and the other divider.

[0092] Once the spacer finger 111 has been inserted, the tool 110 controls the separator 8 to move in a translational direction B, thereby spacer the separator 8 and preparing the tray 1 to receive the battery cells 2 to be formed.

[0093] Then, the battery cell 2 is placed into the corresponding receiving seat 9 of the tray by means of an automatic machine or manually, preferably while providing a gap between the cell 2 and the receiving seat 9, so that the insertion of the battery cell 2 is easier.

[0094] When all the battery cells 2 to be formed have been placed on the support tray 1, the rotation of each screw 12 about the corresponding axis of rotation C is controlled by acting on the end portion 12C.

[0095] Due to the mechanism described above, the tightening of the screw 12 causes the end 12A of each screw to abut against the push plate 13 of the corresponding actuator 11, thereby controlling the translational movement of the push plate along the second direction B.

[0096] Initially, when the push plate 13 contacts the corresponding end separator 8A of the same section 7, the forward movement of the push plate 13 eliminates the gap provided between the battery cell 2 and the receiving seat 9 during the step of inserting the battery cell 2 into the tray 1, thereby bringing the surfaces 82B of the side forming structure 82 of the main support element abutting each other.

[0097] Further forward movement of the push plate 13 applies a load to the individual unit array 200 along the second direction B, generating a compressive load suitable for compressing all the individual units 2 of the same array 200 as a whole toward the second main wall 4B. This compressive load is transmitted through the paired, mutually contacting surfaces 82B of the main support element 80.

[0098] Therefore, as a whole, the support tray 1 is capable of providing a receiving seat 9 for battery cells 2 with different sizes and shapes along three spatial dimensions. Indeed, as described above, the dividers 8 of each segment 7 are arranged in such a way that they receive battery cells 2 with different thicknesses, where "thickness" refers to the space occupied by the battery cell 2 along the second direction B. Furthermore, the dimensions of the receiving seat 9 along the first direction A and along the vertical direction Z can be adapted using adapter elements 100, which are interchangeable and have different horizontal surfaces 105X and vertical surfaces 105Y.

[0099] Another feature of the support tray 1 according to the invention relates to its ability to withstand structural loads during the formation process, during the formation steps of the battery cell 2.

[0100] In fact, during the formation process of cell 2, different kinds of gases, namely hydrogen, are generated in cell 2.

[0101] In addition to posing a danger due to their high flammability, such gases may also accumulate within monomer 2 and cause it to expand (or “bulge”), thereby putting pressure on the divider 8 of tray 1.

[0102] In addition, the formation process requires a controlled temperature to be maintained in the formation chamber, preferably between 20°C and 60°C.

[0103] like Figure 8 As can be seen, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a plurality of ribs 86 are envisioned at the outer surface 84 of each main support element 80.

[0104] During the formation process of monomer 2, the ribs 86 of the two mutually facing outer surfaces 84 of the adjacent main elements 80 define a gap 22 therebetween, which performs a dual function.

[0105] First, the presence of gap 22 facilitates heat exchange between monomer 2 and the environment within the formation chamber, which makes it easier to maintain the selected temperature of the formation step of monomer 2 in a simpler and more uniform manner.

[0106] Second, the gap 22 can serve as a region in which the separator 8 can elastically deform under stress generated by the gas originating from the monomer 2 during the formation step.

[0107] Reference Figure 12 Each battery cell 2 includes two electrical terminals 2A and a vent 2B. The electrical terminals are configured to make electrical contact with corresponding electrical terminals of the electronic power units within the formation chamber, and the vent 2B is configured to receive a corresponding suction port of the gas suction system of the formation chamber. During the formation process of the battery cell 2, different types of gases, including combustible gases, are generated within the cell 2, making it necessary to provide the vent 2B for each battery cell. Through this vent, the gases generated within the battery cell during the formation process within the formation chamber can be evacuated using the gas suction system provided within the formation chamber. Furthermore, even when the battery cell 2 is not arranged within the formation chamber, the vent 2B of the cell is still required to allow the gases to diffuse into the surrounding environment.

[0108] The main principle of this invention lies in providing a single component, namely an exhaust hood, which in Figures 14-18 The vent is generally indicated by reference numeral 23 in the accompanying drawings. When the tray is still outside the formation chamber, the vent is associated with the tray 1 that supports the battery cell 2. Once the tray 1 carrying the battery cell moves into the formation chamber, the vent performs the function of conveying the gas escaping from the battery cell 2 toward the suction system.

[0109] For this purpose, the exhaust hood 23 includes a gas manifold 24 and a plurality of suction nozzles 29, each suction nozzle being in fluid communication with the gas manifold 24, and each suction nozzle being positioned such that, when the exhaust hood 23 is mounted on the support structure 3 of the tray 1, each suction nozzle 29 is positioned at a corresponding exhaust port 2B of the battery cell 2. In the illustrated example, the exhaust hood 23 has a frame made of hollow beams that defines the gas manifold 24. Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the suction nozzles 29 communicating with the exhaust manifold are suction cups, which are supported by the frame of the exhaust hood. Figure 14 and Figure 15 Two embodiments with different numbers of suction cups are shown. The number of suction cups must be the same as the number of battery cells 2 along each cell array, because one suction cup must be provided for each vent 2B.

[0110] The advantage of this solution is that, in fact, the suction cup 29 can perform the functions of a suction nozzle to evacuate the gas in the battery cell 2 during the formation process in the formation chamber, and also the functions of keeping the vent hole 2B of the battery cell 2 isolated from the external environment during the movement of the tray 1 carrying the battery cell into the formation chamber, as well as the functions of a retaining element that securely holds the vent cover to the support structure 3 of the tray 1 during all the operations described above.

[0111] Of course, when the exhaust hood 23 is mounted on the support structure 3 of the tray 1, it must be ensured that each suction cup 29 is located at the exhaust port 2B of the corresponding battery cell 2. Therefore, two conditions must be met: i) the position of each battery cell 2 relative to the support structure 3 of the tray 1 must be known and preset; ii) the position of the exhaust hood 23 (and suction cup 29) relative to the support structure 3 of the tray 1 must be known and preset.

[0112] The first condition (1) is of course satisfied by the support tray 1 described above, because the tray is configured in such a way that once the battery cell 2 has been received in the tray 1 and the actuation system 10 has been activated, the battery cell 2 reaches the preset position relative to the support structure 3. Of course, the same effect can be achieved by using other types of trays besides those shown by way of example in this document.

[0113] In the example shown, the second condition (ii) regarding the positioning of the exhaust hood 23 (and suction cup 29) relative to the support structure 3 of the tray 1 is satisfied because the support structure 3 of the tray 1 is located at its four vertices (see...). Figure 1 A receiving seat 25A is provided for engaging the corresponding reference pin carried by the frame 24 of the exhaust hood 23. Figure 14 The engagement of the reference pin 25 within the engagement receiving seat 25A prevents relative movement between the vent 23 and the tray 1 along two orthogonal horizontal directions, while the vertical reference is achieved by the engagement of the lower surface of the frame 24 against the upper surface of the support structure 3. Of course, variations are possible in which the reference pin 25 is carried by the support structure 3 of the tray, and the receiving seat 25A is formed in the lower surface of the frame 24.

[0114] In the embodiment shown in the figure, the frame 24 of the exhaust hood 23 includes two main hollow beams 27 that are parallel to each other and spaced apart. These two main hollow beams are securely connected by a plurality of auxiliary hollow beams 28. The auxiliary hollow beams 28 extend orthogonally to the main hollow beams 27 and each of them carries a plurality of suction nozzles 29.

[0115] When the exhaust hood 23 is installed on the support structure 3 of the tray 1 ( Figure 15 The main hollow beam 27 of frame 24 is arranged parallel to the main walls 4A and 4B along the first direction A above the support structure 3 of the pallet. Correspondingly, in the installation configuration of the exhaust hood, the auxiliary hollow beam 28 is arranged parallel to the side wall 5 along the second direction B, such that each auxiliary hollow beam is located at the corresponding section 7 of the pallet 1.

[0116] Reference Figure 16Each suction cup 29 has a hollow body configured to sealably engage the portion 2C surrounding the vent 2B of the upper wall of the corresponding battery cell 2. The suction cup 29 functions both as a suction nozzle to evacuate gas from the battery cell 2 during the forming process in the formation chamber, and as a means to isolate the vent 2B of the battery cell 2 from the environment during the movement of the tray 1 carrying the battery cell into the formation chamber, and as a retaining element that securely holds the vent hood to the support structure 3 of the tray 1 during all the operations described above.

[0117] In the example shown, each suction cup 29 is arranged at the free end 30A of the corresponding conduit 30 carried by the frame 24 and is adapted to allow the internal cavity of the suction cup 29 to be in fluid communication with the internal space of the frame 24, which serves as a gas manifold.

[0118] Reference Figure 17 Each conduit 30 is removably mounted on the gas manifold 24 and includes a threaded portion at the second end 30B, which is configured to engage a corresponding internal thread provided on the gas manifold 24. This arrangement makes maintenance operations easier.

[0119] In the illustrated example, the exhaust hood 23 has two exhaust ports 26 located at the center of the main beam 27 of the frame 24.

[0120] The exhaust port 26 is adapted to be in fluid communication with a vacuum source (not shown) outside the exhaust shroud 23:

[0121] - When tray 1 is still outside the formation chamber, the suction cup 29 is activated to hold the exhaust hood 23 on the support structure 3 of tray 1 and to keep the exhaust port 2B isolated from the external environment.

[0122] - And when the tray 1 is located in the formation chamber, it is used to deliver gas toward the gas suction system provided in the formation chamber by means of the exhaust hood 23.

[0123] In the example shown, emission port 26 (one of which is in) Figure 18 (Seen in enlarged scale) is configured to receive a corresponding connecting member 31 for connection with a vacuum source. Figure 19In this example, each discharge port 26 includes a discharge conduit 32 adapted to be in fluid communication with a connecting conduit 33 of the connecting member 31. Specifically, in this example, the discharge conduit 32 is configured to engage the inlet end 33A of the connecting conduit 33 of the connecting member 31. To achieve positioning of the connecting conduit 33 relative to the discharge conduit 32 of the discharge port 26, each discharge port 26 of the exhaust hood 23 is provided with a pair of receiving seats 34A on both sides of the discharge conduit 32, the receiving seats being configured to receive two reference pins 34 projecting downward from the connecting member 31 on both sides of the connecting conduit 33. Of course, a variation is conceivable in which the reference pins are carried by the frame 24 and the receiving seats are formed in the connecting member 31. In this example, the discharge port 26 includes a raised flat portion 35 from which the discharge conduit 32 extends.

[0124] Each discharge port 26 is associated with a valve of any known type (not shown), which is configured to be normally closed and open when the discharge port 26 is engaged by a corresponding connecting member 31, allowing fluid to flow from the gas manifold 24 to the vacuum source. In this way, when each discharge port 26 is engaged by a corresponding member 31 for connection to the vacuum source, the valve associated with the discharge port 26 opens, thereby enabling evacuation of the internal cavity of the frame 24 forming the gas manifold; thereafter, when each connecting member 31 is disengaged from the corresponding discharge port 26, the valve associated with the discharge port 26 closes, thereby maintaining the environment within the discharge manifold under vacuum.

[0125] The use of the system described above is as follows.

[0126] In the first step, multiple battery cells 2 are arranged on tray 1, and the pushing system 10 is activated (in the case of the example shown) to bring the battery cells to their predetermined final position relative to the support structure 3.

[0127] Subsequently, the exhaust hood 23 is installed onto the support structure 3 of the pallet 1 by engaging the reference pin 25 of the frame 24 into the corresponding receiving seat 25A of the support structure 3 of the pallet 1. Figure 15 This allows for precise positioning of the exhaust hood 23 relative to the structure 3 of the tray 1, while simultaneously bringing the suction cup 29 into contact with part 2C of the battery cell 2.

[0128] Subsequently, by connecting the connecting member 31 to the discharge port 26, the space within the frame 24 of the exhaust hood 23, which serves as a gas manifold, is connected to a vacuum source. This activates the suction cup 29, holding the exhaust hood on the support structure 23 of the tray 1. Once a vacuum is achieved inside the gas manifold 24, the connecting member 31 disengages from the discharge port 26, and the space within the frame 24 remains under vacuum due to the closure of the valve associated with the discharge port. In this state, the frame 24 of the exhaust hood 23 remains stably held on the support structure 3, and the suction cup keeps the exhaust port 2B isolated from the external environment. Thus, the tray 1 and the exhaust hood 23 fixed thereto form a separate system that can be easily moved to the formation chamber.

[0129] When the system is inserted into the formation chamber, the exhaust hood 23 is connected to the gas extraction system disposed in the formation chamber by means of a connecting member similar to the connecting member 31 described above. In this way, the gas generated by the battery cell 2 is removed during the formation process.

[0130] When the exhaust hood is connected to a vacuum source, the applied vacuum can cause a portion of the electrolyte, which exists in the liquid phase in the battery cell 2, to be drawn away. Additionally, some of the gas released from the battery cell 2 may condense and thus remain trapped within the gas manifold 24.

[0131] Reference Figure 17 In an embodiment of the invention, the exhaust hood 23 includes at least one exhaust port 36 disposed on the lower surface 37 of the gas manifold 24 and configured to perform cleaning and clearing operations on the overhead beams 27, 28 when the exhaust hood is not mounted on the support structure 3 of the tray 1, so that liquid accumulated in the gas manifold 24 flows out.

[0132] Specifically, when the exhaust hood is mounted on the support structure 3 of the tray, for example during the process of moving the battery cell 2 into the formation chamber or during the formation process, the exhaust port 36 is typically hermetically sealed by the plug 38.

[0133] On the other hand, when the exhaust hood 23 is removed from the support structure 3, for example, at the end of the formation process in the formation chamber, the plug 38 is removed so that any liquid that has accumulated between the hollow beams 27, 28 of the gas manifold 24 can flow out through the discharge hole 36.

[0134] In addition, reactants suitable for binding with residual gaseous electrolyte particles can be injected into the gas manifold 24 through the discharge port 36, thereby obtaining liquid products from the reaction that can flow out through the port 36.

[0135] In the actual construction example, the tray 1 has a length of 1640 mm along direction A, a width of 1300 mm along direction B, and a height of 158 mm along the vertical direction Z. The tray has three partitions 6, which define four sections 7, each section having sixteen receiving seats 9 defined by thirty-two dividers 8.

[0136] The exhaust hood 23, which can be associated with the tray 1, has a length of 1200 mm along direction A and a width of 900 mm along direction B. The exhaust hood 23 has four auxiliary hollow beams 28, each of which carries eight suction nozzles 29.

[0137] Of course, structural details and embodiments may be extensively changed relative to what has been described and shown without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims, without prejudice to the principles of the invention.

[0138] For example, an exhaust hood may have a frame that carries a network of pipes that serve as an exhaust manifold, such that the exhaust manifold is implemented as a separate element from the frame.

[0139] The suction nozzle 29 may not have a suction cup, but may simply be a nozzle suitable for sealingly engaging with the vent hole; if engaging with the vent hole, the vent cover should be provided with a mechanical connection device for securing it to the support structure 3 of the tray 1.

[0140] In the above example, the device for precisely positioning the frame 24 of the exhaust hood 23 on the support structure 3 of the tray 1, and the device for precisely positioning the connecting member 31 on the exhaust port 26, can be any known type, which may be different from the type shown herein.

[0141] Each exhaust hood may have one or more exhaust ports 26 configured and arranged in any way.

[0142] Finally, as repeatedly mentioned, the configuration of tray 1 can also be completely different from the configuration shown in this article by way of example only, as long as it can receive and hold multiple battery cells in a strictly preset position relative to the support structure of the tray.

Claims

1. A system for supporting and moving a plurality of battery cells (2), which is capable of carrying the battery cells (2) in a formation chamber of the battery cells and of supporting the battery cells in the formation chamber during the formation process. The system includes: - A support tray (1) includes a support structure (3) configured to hold a plurality of battery cells (2) in a predetermined position relative to the support structure (3). The system is characterized in that an exhaust hood (23) is associated with the tray (1), and the exhaust hood is configured to be mounted on the support structure (3) of the tray (1) at a predetermined position relative to the support structure (3). And wherein, the exhaust hood (23) includes: -Gas manifold (24). - Multiple suction nozzles (29), which communicate with the gas manifold (24) and are configured to be positioned at the corresponding exhaust ports (2B) of the battery cells (2) when the exhaust shroud (23) is mounted on the support structure (2) of the tray (1). - At least one discharge port (26) for fluid communication of the gas manifold (24) with a vacuum source. The suction nozzle (29) is configured to: - During the process of moving the battery cell (2) into the formation chamber by means of the support tray (1), the vent (2B) of the battery cell (2) is kept isolated from the external environment. - By means of the gas manifold (24) of the exhaust hood, the exhaust port (2B) of the battery cell (2) in the formation chamber is fluidly connected to the vacuum source during the formation process of the battery cell (2).

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The exhaust hood (24) has a frame comprising a plurality of hollow beams (27, 28) connected to each other, the hollow beams defining the gas manifold (24) and carrying the suction nozzle (29), the at least one exhaust port (26) being associated with one of the beams (27, 28) of the frame of the exhaust hood (23).

3. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that: - The support structure (3) includes two parallel and spaced main walls (4A, 4B) securely connected by two end walls (5) extending orthogonally to the two main walls (4A, 4B), and further includes one or more partitions (6) parallel to the end walls (5), the one or more partitions connecting the two main walls (4A, 4B) and dividing the space defined by the main walls (4A, 4B) and the end walls (5) into a plurality of adjacent segments (7), the plurality of segments being configured to receive corresponding cell arrays (200), each array (200) including a plurality of battery cells (2) oriented parallel to the main walls (4A, 4B). - A plurality of partitions (8) arranged inside each of the sections (7) parallel to the main walls (4A, 4B) thereby defining a plurality of receptacles (9) in each partition (6), the plurality of receptacles being configured to receive a corresponding battery cell (2) at a predetermined position relative to the support structure (3). - The frame of the gas manifold (24) forming the exhaust hood (23) includes two main hollow beams (27) spaced apart from each other and securely connected by a plurality of auxiliary hollow beams (28) orthogonal to the two main hollow beams (27), each auxiliary hollow beam carrying the suction nozzles (29) arranged in alignment. When the exhaust hood is installed on the support structure (3) of the tray (1), the main hollow beam (27) is arranged parallel to the main wall (4A, 4B) above the support structure (3) of the tray (1), and the suction nozzle (29) carried by the auxiliary hollow beam (28) is in fluid communication with the exhaust port (2B) of the battery cell (82) carried by the tray (1).

4. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The frame (24) of the exhaust hood (23) and the support structure (3) of the tray (1) include interlocking elements (25, 25A) configured to precisely position the exhaust hood (23) at a predetermined position on the tray (1).

5. The system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The interlocking elements (25, 25A) include a plurality of reference pins (25) arranged on one of the support structures (3) of the frame (24) and the tray (1), and a plurality of receiving seats (25A) for the reference pins (25) arranged on the other of the support structures (3) of the frame (24) and the tray (1).

6. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Each suction nozzle (29) is in the form of a suction cup and has a hollow body that is configured to sealably engage the portion (2C) of the upper wall of the corresponding battery cell (2) arranged on the tray (1) surrounding the corresponding vent (2B).

7. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that, Each suction cup (29) is positioned at the end of a conduit (30) that is removably connected to the gas manifold (24).

8. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, A connecting member (31) is associated with at least one exhaust port (26) of the exhaust hood (23), the connecting member being capable of engaging the at least one exhaust port (26) to provide fluid communication between the exhaust port (26) and the vacuum source. Furthermore, the at least one discharge port (26) includes a normally closed valve configured to open when the connecting member (31) engages the at least one discharge port (26).

9. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The exhaust hood (23) and the connecting member (31) have mutually engaging elements (34, 34A) for precisely positioning the connecting member (31) relative to the at least one exhaust port (26) of the exhaust hood (23).

10. The system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The connecting member (31) has a connecting conduit (33) in fluid communication with at least one discharge port (26) of the exhaust hood (23), and the interlocking elements (34, 34A) for precisely positioning the connecting member (31) relative to at least one discharge port (26) of the exhaust hood (23) include a pair of reference pins (34) carried by the connecting member (31) and located on both sides of the connecting conduit (33), and two corresponding receiving seats (34A) arranged on the exhaust hood (23) on both sides of the at least one discharge port (26) for receiving the reference pins (34).

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The gas manifold (24) of the exhaust hood (23) includes at least one discharge port (36) configured to discharge any liquid that accumulates in the gas manifold (24).

12. A method for supporting and moving a plurality of battery cells (2) within a formation chamber of a battery cell, and for supporting the battery cells during a formation process within the formation chamber. in, The method includes providing a tray (1) for supporting individual cells (2), the tray including a support structure (3) configured to hold a plurality of individual cells (2) at a predetermined position relative to the support structure (3). The method is characterized in that it includes: - The exhaust hood (23) is installed on the support structure (3) of the tray (1) at a predetermined position relative to the support structure (3). The exhaust hood (23) includes: -Gas manifold (24). - A plurality of suction nozzles (29), which communicate with the gas manifold (24), are arranged and configured such that when the exhaust hood (23) is mounted on the support structure (3) of the tray (1), the suction nozzles (29) engage with the corresponding exhaust ports (2B) of the battery cell (2), and the exhaust ports remain isolated from the external environment during the movement of the battery cell (2) by means of the support tray (1) into the formation chamber. - When the battery cell (2) on the tray (1) is located in the formation chamber and undergoes the formation process, the vent (2B) of the battery cell (2) is fluidly connected to a vacuum source by means of the gas manifold (24) of the vent hood (23) to evacuate the gas formed in the battery cell (2) during the formation process.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that: - Each suction nozzle (29) is in the form of a suction cup with a hollow body configured to sealably engage the portion (2C) of the upper wall of the corresponding battery cell (2) arranged on the tray (1) surrounding the corresponding vent (2B). - After the exhaust hood (23) has been installed on the support structure (3) of the tray (1), the suction cup constituting the suction nozzle (29) is in fluid communication with the vacuum source to keep the exhaust hood (23) on the support structure (3) of the tray (1) during the process of moving the tray (1) with the battery cell (2) to the formation chamber.

Images