Configuration changer mechanism, carrier devices, and system for processing pouch battery cell housings

Abstract

A configuration changer mechanism has a tensioning-locking mechanism having a first and a second sub-region. The first sub-region is supported so as to be movable in translation relative to the second sub-region. The second sub-region is mounted so as to be movable in rotation about a first axis of rotation relative to the first sub-region and thus be transferable, by way of movements which include a rotation about the first axis of rotation, between different rest positions of the second sub-region which are successive along a set direction of rotation and which are each mechanically stable. The tensioning-locking mechanism is configured, by way of force coupling between the two sub-regions, to convert a translational movement of the first sub-region, which is caused by the action of an external force on the first sub-region, into a corresponding movement of the second sub-region, which is a rotation about the first axis of rotation in the set direction of rotation or which comprises such a rotation as a movement component and which moves the second sub-region from its present rest position into one of the subsequent rest positions in the direction of rotation. The configuration changer mechanism furthermore has a mechanical component which is transferable between different mechanical configurations and which is coupled in terms of force to the second sub-region such that, by virtue of at least a part of the component performing a movement which is a rotation about a second axis of rotation distinct from the first axis of rotation or which comprises such a rotation as a movement component, said component is transferable between two different mechanical configurations of the component which correspond to the two successive rest positions of the second sub-region. The configuration changer mechanism is usable in particular as a changer in a carrier device and in a workpiece carrier having multiple carrier devices for pouch battery cell housings.

Description

[0001] CONFIGURATION CONVERTER MECHANISM, SUPPORT DEVICES AND SYSTEM FOR PROCESSING POUCH BATTERY CELL CASINGS

[0002] The present invention generally relates to a configuration converter mechanism for transferring a mechanical component, which can have different mechanical configurations, between these configurations. In particular, the invention also lies in the field of battery technology and further relates to a carrier device equipped with the configuration converter mechanism for supporting a pouch battery cell housing during a process for producing a pouch battery cell, a workpiece carrier equipped with several such carrier devices for simultaneously supporting a plurality of pouch battery cell housings during a process for, in particular, the simultaneous production of a plurality of pouch battery cells, and finally to a system for processing a plurality of pouch battery cells within the scope of such a process.

[0003] In the field of mechanics, various types of converters, particularly force converters, are known. Depending on their type, they can be used to convert a force or a kinetic quantity into another mechanical quantity, such as torque, or another kinetic quantity, such as a change in velocity or acceleration of a body. Gearboxes, in particular, are converters in the aforementioned sense.

[0004] In the field of battery technology, particularly in the field of vehicle batteries for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) or battery electric vehicles (BEVs), so-called “pouch battery cells” or “pouch cells” for short are well known as a design for battery cells, particularly lithium-ion battery cells, alongside other designs. A pouch cell is a battery cell with a pouch-shaped structure. The electrodes, the separator and the electrolyte of the cell are housed in a flexible, sealed bag. In many cases, a liquid electrolyte is used as the electrolyte, which must be poured into the bag during production of the pouch cell before it is sealed, i.e. permanently closed.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide improved devices and systems with which a process for producing pouch cells, in particular for filling them with liquid electrolyte and subsequently sealing them, can be carried out efficiently, especially with high throughput. In particular, within the scope of this object, a suitable configuration conversion mechanism is also to be provided, which, when used as a component of the aforementioned devices and systems, contributes to achieving this object.

[0006] This object is achieved according to the teaching of the independent claims. Various embodiments and further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0007] A first aspect of the solution presented here concerns a configuration conversion mechanism for a mechanical component. The configuration conversion mechanism has:

[0008] (i) a locking clamping device with (i-1) a first sub-region and (i-2) a second sub-region, wherein the first sub-region is mounted so as to be translationally movable relative to the second sub-region (in particular along a single translation direction). The second sub-region is mounted so as to be rotationally movable relative to the first sub-region about a first axis of rotation and can be transferred between different, mechanically stable rest positions of the second sub-region, which follow one another along a fixed direction of rotation, by means of movements which include rotation about the first axis of rotation. The first axis of rotation can in particular coincide with the direction of translation (translation direction) or run parallel to it.The locking clamping device is designed to convert a translational movement of the first sub-area, caused by the action of an external force on the first sub-area, into a corresponding movement of the second sub-area by means of a force coupling between the two sub-areas, which movement is a rotation about the first axis of rotation in the fixed direction of rotation or has a movement component therein and transfers the second sub-area from its current rest position into a subsequent rest position according to the direction of rotation; and.

[0009] (ii) a component transferable between different mechanical configurations. The component is force-coupled to the second sub-region in such a way that the transfer of the second sub-region between two different successive rest positions brought about by the movement of the first sub-region transfers the component between two different mechanical configurations of the component corresponding to the two successive rest positions of the second sub-region, by executing a movement of at least a portion of the component which is a rotation about a second axis of rotation different from the first axis of rotation or has such a movement component. The term "locking clamping device", as used herein, is to be understood in particular as a sub-form of a clamping device, wherein clamping devices are gears (mechanisms) with springs that can assume two stable positions and maintain them without the influence of external forces.The special sub-type of the "locking tension mechanism" is characterized by the fact that, from an initial position, tensioned by a spring, a transition to a less tensioned position can be triggered by releasing a locking mechanism. One example is the ballpoint pen with a release button. In a ballpoint pen with a push button at the free end, both positions (tensioned, ready to write; less tensioned, retracted) are achieved by alternately pressing the button.

[0010] The term “mechanically stable rest position”, as used herein, is to be understood in particular as a position of a body, in this case in particular of a partial area of ​​the locking mechanism, in which the body is in a stable equilibrium, so that the body returns to its original position corresponding to the rest position after a (at least minor) disturbance.

[0011] The term "mechanical configuration" or "configuration" for short of a component, as used here, refers to a specific spatial arrangement of the component. Such a spatial arrangement can in particular relate to the component as a whole and be described using up to six degrees of freedom (three each for determining the position and orientation). However, the arrangement can instead or additionally refer to the spatial (absolute or relative) arrangement of various sections or components of the component that are movable relative to one another. For example, a pocket knife (as an analogy), even if it is stationary and held in a fixed orientation, can have a large number of different configurations depending on the number of foldable knives or tools, depending on which of the knives or tools is currently unfolded or not.

[0012] The terms "comprises," "includes," "has," "has," "having," or any other variation thereof, as used herein, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a method or apparatus that comprises or has a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or that are inherent in such method or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive "or" and not an exclusive "or." For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by one of the following conditions: A is true (or present) and B is false (or absent), A is false (or absent) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0013] The terms "a" or "an" as used herein are defined as "one or more." The terms "another" and "another," and any other variations thereof, are defined as "at least one other."

[0014] The term "plurality" as used herein shall mean "two or more".

[0015] The term “configured” or “set up” to fulfil a specific function (and respective variations thereof), as used here where appropriate, is to be understood that a relevant device or component thereof is already in a design or setting in which it can perform the function or is at least adjustable – i.e. configurable – so that it can perform the function after being set accordingly. The configuration can be carried out, for example, by appropriately setting parameters of a process sequence or of switches or the like for activating or deactivating functionalities or settings. In particular, the device can have a plurality of predetermined configurations or operating modes, so that the configuration can be carried out by selecting one of these configurations or operating modes.

[0016] The configuration converter according to the first aspect can, in particular, be designed as a purely passive converter that requires an externally applied force for its operation. It can thus be used in particular where no power supply is available, such as as part of a mobile (machine) assembly, such as the workpiece carrier described below.

[0017] The use of the combination of the special locking clamping mechanism and the component coupled to it enables the configuration converter to convert an externally applied force acting in a translational direction on the first sub-area in such a way that a rotation of the component about its (second) axis of rotation results, which is different from the translational direction. Thus, a conversion from translation to rotation takes place, the axis of rotation of which can essentially be freely selected. Furthermore, the configuration converter is capable of performing this conversion in such a way that after each actuation, the configuration converter, and thus also the component, reaches a subsequent, mechanically stable rest position. Thus, the position of the component can be gradually transferred between its various rest positions by each actuation of the configuration converter. In these rest positions, it remains stable and virtually "locks" in the absence of actuation.

[0018] In the following, various exemplary embodiments of the configuration converter are first described, which can each be combined with each other as well as with the other aspects of the present solution described, unless this is expressly excluded or is technically impossible.

[0019] In some embodiments, the locking clamping mechanism is further configured such that for each of the rest positions of the second sub-region, there is a corresponding mechanically stable rest position of the first sub-region, in which the first sub-region is held due to the force coupling between the two sub-regions when the second sub-region is in its corresponding rest position, wherein the rest positions of the first sub-region differ for different corresponding rest positions of the second sub-region. In this way, corresponding rest positions are also provided for the first sub-region with regard to its translational movement capability, which can be used in particular to bring the first sub-region into a desired position and to hold it stable there, depending on the configuration and thus the rest position.For example, depending on the rest position, the first sub-area can be brought into a position where it releases a certain spatial area, for example to make room for a tool or another component of a device, or - on the contrary - blocks it (for example to serve as a stop for the movement of another component).

[0020] In some versions, the locking mechanism has:

[0021] (i) the first partial region, which is tubular, in particular hollow-cylindrical, with a tubular interior extending along the translation direction;

[0022] (ii) the second sub-region, which has a wing arrangement with at least one wing piece extending transversely to the translation direction; (iii) a tubular, in particular hollow-cylindrical, guide body (25), in which the first sub-region (15) is mounted so as to be translationally movable along a translation direction coinciding with the first axis of rotation, wherein

[0023] (iii-1) a groove or a slot-shaped opening in a wall of the guide body interacts with a lateral projection of the first partial region in the sense of a guide for the guide along the translation direction;

[0024] (iii-2) the link body has a sawtooth-like contour at its end facing the second partial region, the minima of which, located between each two adjacent teeth of the contour, define the rest positions of the second partial region;

[0025] (iv) a shaft mounted in the tube interior of the first sub-region, which is force-coupled both to the second sub-region and to the component, for which purpose a second spring may be provided in particular to mediate the force coupling between the two sub-regions along the translation direction; and

[0026] (v) a (first) spring to press the second portion with its wing arrangement against the sawtooth-like contour of the gate body.

[0027] The locking clamping mechanism is configured in such a way that when an external force acts along the translation direction on the first sub-area, the latter, guided by the slotted guide with the shaft as a force transmitter, displaces the second sub-area along the translation direction against the spring force of the (first) spring in order to move the vane arrangement from a rest position defined by the contour and then, after the external force has ceased, due to a rotational movement of the second sub-area caused by the interaction of the vane arrangement with the sawtooth-like contour and the spring force of the (first) spring, into a rest position of the second sub-area following along the direction of rotation, which corresponds to a corresponding position of the shaft along the translation direction and thus to a configuration of the component corresponding to this position.

[0028] This special design of the configuration converter mechanism represents a particularly space-saving solution in which translational mobility of the first sub-area along a single translation direction is sufficient. Both the first and the second sub-area can each have mutually corresponding rest positions at different positions along the translation direction, wherein the rest positions of the second sub-area are transferred to the component by a corresponding coupling via the shaft into corresponding rest positions of the component, so that during the transition between the rest positions of the component, a rotation about the second axis of rotation occurs. Thus, a purely one-dimensional translational movement of the first sub-area caused by an external force can be converted in particular into a movement of the component which is a rotation about the second axis of rotation or at least as a movement component (if applicable).in addition to at least one other, in particular translational, movement component).

[0029] In some embodiments, this configuration converter mechanism further comprises a second spring to provide the force coupling between the first subregion and the shaft along the translation direction via the second spring. Due to the spring action of the second spring, this force coupling is not rigid but is more or less damped depending on the spring stiffness, so that, in particular, smooth or even jerk-free movements of the shaft can be executed by this force coupling.

[0030] In some embodiments, this configuration converter mechanism further comprises a housing for at least partially accommodating the locking clamping mechanism. The housing can, in particular, serve to protect the configuration converter mechanism as a whole or parts thereof, in particular the locking clamping mechanism or parts thereof, against undesirable external physical, chemical, or biological influences, such as mechanical effects or chemical effects of liquids, in particular electrolyte liquids in the case of application in the field of battery cell production.

[0031] The housing can in particular comprise: (i) a first housing part with a pot-shaped or tubular, in particular hollow-cylindrical, base body, in the interior of which the locking clamping mechanism is accommodated at least in part and which is firmly connected to the gate body; and (ii) a second housing part, which is connected to the first sub-region in order to couple the external force to the first sub-region, and which surrounds the first housing part at least in part such that the second housing part is displaceable relative to the first housing part along the translation direction. Such a housing has the particular advantage that it can adapt its overall dimensions depending on the current state of the configuration converter mechanism in order to follow the relative movement of the two sub-regions.Each of the two housing parts can also be specifically adapted to its tasks, in particular the first housing part as a protective cover and the second housing part as a basic frame for supporting and fastening the entire configuration converter mechanism.

[0032] The features and advantages explained with regard to the first aspect of the invention also apply accordingly to the further aspects of the present solution explained below.

[0033] A second aspect of the solution presented here concerns a carrier device for supporting a pouch battery cell housing during a process for manufacturing a pouch battery cell. The carrier device comprises:

[0034] (i) a holder for holding the pouch battery cell housing; and

[0035] (ii) a configuration converter mechanism according to the first aspect.

[0036] The component of the configuration converter mechanism has an engagement mechanism which, as one configuration, has a loading and unloading position and, as another configuration, a filling position, between which it can be transferred by means of the configuration converter mechanism. In the loading and unloading position, loading and unloading of the holder with the pouch battery cell housing is enabled by releasing a loading and unloading path required for this purpose for the pouch battery cell housing. In the filling position, at least one engagement element of the engagement mechanism is introduced into the loading and unloading path in such a way that the engagement element engages or can engage in a filling opening of a pouch battery cell housing, which may be held by the holder, in particular in order to keep the filling opening open.

[0037] Such a carrier device can thus be used, in particular, to hold, in particular fix, a pouch battery cell housing to be processed in a defined position by means of the holder, and, in particular, to use the configuration converter mechanism to specifically implement different positions, which are used in different phases of a process for producing a pouch cell, as mechanically stable positions. In particular, it can be ensured in the filling position that the filler opening of a pouch battery cell housing to be filled with electrolyte fluid is open during this filling process. This can, on the one hand, prevent the electrolyte fluid from inadvertently reaching undesired locations, in particular outside the pouch battery cell housing, due to a filler opening that is not open or only insufficiently open.On the other hand, potential damage to the pouch battery cell housing can also be prevented by using a filling tool, such as a needle-shaped filling lance.

[0038] In the following, various exemplary embodiments of the carrier device are first described, which can each be combined with each other and with the other aspects of the present solution as desired, unless this is expressly excluded or is technically impossible.

[0039] In some embodiments, the engagement mechanism further comprises a third configuration, and the configuration converter mechanism comprises a third rest position of the second subregion corresponding to the third configuration. In the third configuration, the engagement mechanism comprises a third position different from the loading and unloading position on the one hand and the filling position on the other, so that upon at least three actuations of the configuration converter mechanism, these three positions, optionally including one or more further configurations, of the engagement mechanism are passed through sequentially, in particular in the sense of a closed loop (cyclic process).

[0040] In some embodiments, the engagement mechanism in the third configuration assumes a position in which the or each engagement element is moved out of the loading and unloading path and exposes the filler opening of a pouch battery cell housing, if held in the holder. This position can be used in particular as a position in which the filler opening is sealed in the filling position after a previous filling of the pouch battery cell housing. For this purpose, a corresponding sealing tool must generally be brought to the filler opening or the area of ​​the pouch battery cell housing surrounding it, for which purpose the release of the loading and unloading path on the one hand and the filler opening on the other hand when transferring the engagement mechanism into the third configuration can be used or can represent prerequisites.

[0041] In some embodiments, the engagement mechanism comprises a crossbar that can be converted between the various configurations of the engagement mechanism by means of the configuration converter mechanism and from which the engagement element(s) extend as projections, in particular with circular or elliptical cross-sections. This has the advantage that all engagement elements can be moved simultaneously, for which only the crossbar needs to be moved accordingly via the configuration converter mechanism. The crossbar can also serve as a mechanically robust base structure for the arrangement of the engagement elements.

[0042] In some embodiments, the engagement mechanism has at least two engagement elements, between which a recess or opening is located in the crossbar. Through this opening, when the component is in the filling position, access to the filling opening of the pouch battery cell housing, which may be held in the holder, is provided. This can be used, in particular, to fill the pouch battery cell housing with a liquid, in particular an electrolyte liquid, by means of a filling lance that can be guided through the recess or opening. The recess or opening can also provide further (mechanical) protection against any damage to the pouch battery cell housing caused by the filling lance.

[0043] In some embodiments, the holder has an adjustment option to adapt it to different formats of pouch battery cell housings. This ensures optimal and stable holding of each pouch battery cell housing in the holder, even with changing formats. This also serves to ensure process reliability and yield optimization.

[0044] A third aspect of the solution presented here relates to a workpiece carrier for simultaneously supporting a plurality N of pouch battery cell housings during a process for, in particular, the simultaneous production of up to N pouch battery cells. The carrier device comprises a carrier structure that supports N of the aforementioned devices according to the second aspect, fixed thereto or formed integrally therewith, such that these devices are simultaneously operable to support up to N pouch battery cell housings, each of which may be held by a holder of an associated one of the devices, during the process. The carrier structure can in particular be designed as or comprise a (rigid) carrier plate.

[0045] A fourth aspect of the solution presented here relates to a system for processing a plurality of pouch battery cell housings as part of a process for manufacturing pouch battery cells. The system has a plurality of processing stations for processing the pouch battery cell housings, which are to be passed through sequentially. The system is also configured to use a workpiece carrier according to the third aspect both during the processing of the pouch battery cell housings in the individual processing stations and for transferring the pouch battery cell housings between the processing stations as part of the process for handling the pouch battery cell housings. One or more workpiece carriers according to the third aspect of the present solution can, in particular, each themselves be a (movable) component of the system.

[0046] In the following, various exemplary embodiments of the system are first described, each of which, unless this is expressly excluded or is technically impossible, can be combined with each other and with the other aspects of the present solution as desired.

[0047] In some embodiments, at least one of the processing stations has one or more actuators, by means of which, when actuated once or repeatedly, a respective force can be exerted on the respective first partial regions of each of the carrier devices of the workpiece carrier in order to set a predetermined configuration of the respective engagement mechanism of each of the carrier devices of the workpiece carrier, which is assigned to the processing station. The workpiece carrier can thus be designed as a purely passive component, i.e. without having to have its own power supply or its own drive. Rather, it is possible for the drive required to transfer the workpiece carrier or its engagement mechanisms of the carrier devices of the workpiece carrier between the various configurations or positions to be provided solely by the processing station at which the workpiece carrier is currently located.This also facilitates the transport of the workpiece carrier from processing station to processing station, since no separate energy supply for the workpiece carrier is required and, if necessary, needs to be maintained, apart from the energy provided by the system itself for transport.

[0048] In some embodiments, at least one of these processing stations, which may in particular be a processing station for loading and unloading pouch battery cell housings into or from the holders of the carrier devices of the workpiece carrier, has a suction mechanism. While the workpiece carrier is located at or in this processing station, this suction mechanism is configured to suction at least one side wall of a pouch battery cell housing, which may be present in the holder of one of the carrier devices, in order to open or keep open a filling opening of the pouch battery cell housing, such that by actuating the actuator(s), the engagement mechanism of the carrier device can be brought into a position in which at least one of the engagement elements of the engagement mechanism engages or can engage in the filling opening.

[0049] In some embodiments, one of the processing stations is configured for loading and / or unloading pouch battery cell housings into or from the holders of the carrier devices of the workpiece carrier, while the engagement mechanisms of the carrier devices are each in the loading and unloading position. Since the respective loading and unloading path of the carrier devices is released in the loading and unloading position, the loading and unloading of the workpiece carrier with pouch battery cell housings can be accomplished without problems, even with any tolerances to be observed regarding the handling of the pouch battery cell housings during loading and unloading, in particular while eliminating or at least minimizing the risk of damage due to unintended contact of the pouch battery cell housings with system components.

[0050] In some embodiments, at least one of the processing stations is configured to fill pouch battery cell housings, if present in the workpiece carrier and each held by the holder of an associated one of the workpiece carrier's support devices, with an electrolyte fluid, in particular using a filling lance, while the engagement mechanisms of the support devices of the workpiece carrier are each in their filling position. The system can thus be used for the, in particular simultaneous and thus throughput-increasing filling of a plurality of pouch battery cell housings present in the workpiece carrier. This filling process can be advantageously combined, in particular in conjunction with the aforementioned suction mechanism.In addition, in the filling position assumed by the engagement mechanisms of the carrier devices of the workpiece carrier, it is ensured that the filling openings of the pouch battery cell housings are in an open state and are held while filling takes place.

[0051] In some embodiments, at least one of the processing stations is configured to close pouch battery cell housings, which may be present in the workpiece carrier and are each held by the holder of an associated one of the carrier devices of the workpiece carrier, after they have been previously filled with an electrolyte liquid, in particular to seal their filling openings, while the engagement mechanisms of the carrier devices of the workpiece carrier are each in a position different from the filling position (closing position). The system is thus able to carry out both filling and subsequent closing of the pouch battery cell housings. Since various tools or components of the system can be used for this purpose, which have different dimensions, shapes, and / or arrangements and movement curves (e.g.Since the pouch battery cell housings can have different travel paths (e.g., travel distances) within the system, it may be advantageous to provide, in addition to a loading / unloading position and a filling position, one or more additional positions for the engagement mechanisms of the carrier devices that differ from these. An example of this is the closing position discussed here. However, it is also conceivable for the closing position to coincide with the loading / unloading position and differ only from the filling position, in order to make the entry openings of the pouch battery cell housings accessible for the system components or tools used to close them.

[0052] The features and advantages explained with respect to the first aspect of the invention also apply accordingly to the further aspects of the invention.

[0053] Further advantages, features and possible applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures.

[0054] This shows

[0055] Fig. 1 schematically shows in a side view and two cross-sectional views a configuration converter mechanism, in particular its locking tensioning mechanism, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0056] Fig. 2 schematically shows the locking mechanism of Fig. 1 in two perspective sectional views rotated relative to each other by an angle of 90° around the longitudinal axis of the locking mechanism; and

[0057] Fig. 3 shows schematically some individual components of the locking clamping device from Figures 1 and 2;

[0058] Fig. 4 shows a loop-like sequence of various positions of the locking clamping device from Figures 1 and 2; Fig. 5 shows a schematic side view of a carrier device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0059] Fig. 6 shows a schematic perspective view of a workpiece carrier according to an exemplary embodiment; and

[0060] Fig. 7 schematically shows a block diagram of a system for processing a plurality of pouch battery cell casings according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0061] In the figures, unless otherwise stated, like reference numerals designate like, similar, or corresponding elements. Elements shown in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Rather, the various elements shown in the figures are depicted in such a way that their function and general purpose are understandable to those skilled in the art. Connections and couplings between functional units and elements shown in the figures can also be implemented as indirect connections or couplings, unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0062] Fig. 1 shows various detailed views of a locking clamp 101 of a configuration converter mechanism 100. However, except in Fig. 1(b), the previously mentioned "component" 127 of the configuration converter mechanism 100, which can be transferred between different configurations, is not shown here, as well as in Figs. 2 to 4, for reasons of clarity (it is shown as a special embodiment, "engagement mechanism" in Figs. 5 and 6). In particular, Fig. 1(a) shows a side view, Fig. 1(b) a cross-sectional view along section line AA of Fig. 1(a), and Fig. 1(c) an enlarged section C of Fig. 1(b). The same locking clamp 101 is shown in perspective in Figs. 2a and 2b. Detailed views 300 of selected individual components of the locking clamp 101 are compiled in Fig. 3. Accordingly, the following explanations refer equally to Figures 1 to 3.Where the terms “above” or “below” (or variations thereof) are used here, they refer to the specific representation in the respective figures.

[0063] The configuration converter mechanism 100 has a structure with respect to its locking clamping mechanism 101 in which several of its components (cf. Fig. 3) are arranged nested within one another and together form the locking clamping mechanism 101. Firstly, this locking clamping mechanism 101 has a base body 118, which on the one hand forms a central support structure of the locking clamping mechanism 101 and at the same time serves to fasten it to an external support structure, in particular a support device 500 from Fig. 5 and / or a workpiece carrier 600 from Fig. 6) according to the second or third aspect of the present solution.For this purpose, the locking clamping mechanism 101 can have, in particular, a screw thread or another fastening mechanism (for example, in the sense of a bayonet lock or a snap-in connection) at its bottom end (in Figures 1 to 3, this is its lower end, which is also referred to here as the "bottom" for the purpose of simplified reference) (not shown). The base body 118 simultaneously represents a first housing part of a multi-piece housing of the locking clamping mechanism 101, wherein the housing additionally has a second housing part 117, which can in particular have a tubular or pot shape, and in whose interior further components of the locking clamping mechanism 101 are arranged, protected from influences.

[0064] The base body 118 or its interior is at least partially closed at its bottom end by a first (lower) end piece 122 and at its opposite end by a second (upper) end piece 126. The use of such end pieces 122, 126, which are not integrally formed with the base body 118, is particularly advantageous with regard to the assembly of the locking clamping device 101 during its production, in order to be able to insert the additional components of the locking clamping device 101 intended for arrangement in the interior of the base body 118 before the base body 118 is closed by means of the end pieces 122 and 126. Furthermore, one or more air holes 118a can be formed in the wall of the base body to enable rapid air exchange during movement of components of the locking clamping device 101 located in the base body, in order to reduce the build-up of disruptive air pressure differences.

[0065] A tubular, in particular substantially hollow-cylindrical, guide body 125 is arranged in the base body 118 at its end remote from the ground (upper). Sections of the tubular, in particular substantially hollow-cylindrical, body, referred to here as the "first partial region" 115 of the locking clamping mechanism 101, are inserted into its interior and mounted for translational movement along the longitudinal direction 130 of the base body. A groove 125c in a wall of the guide body 125 interacts with a lateral projection 115a of the first partial region 115 to guide the guide body along the longitudinal direction 130 as the translation direction. The link body 125 has a sawtooth-like contour at its (lower) end facing the second partial area 119, the minima of which lie between each two adjacent teeth of the contour 125a, 125b and 125c (also the above-mentioned groove).

[0066] The first partial region 115 is also introduced into the interior of the base body 118 in such a way that it extends through the second (upper) end piece of the base body 118 and the second housing part 117 of the base body 118 into the interior of the base body 118 and is mounted there for translational movement along the longitudinal direction 130. On the first partial region 115, on both sides of the second housing part 117, there is a sealing ring 116a (in the application of Figures 5 and 6, this seals in particular against electrolyte fluid) and a stop piece 116b, which couples the first partial region 115 to the second housing part 117. The stop piece 116b also has the task of transmitting an external force acting on the second housing part 117 in the direction of the first spring 121 to the first partial area 115 for actuating the locking clamping mechanism 101.For this purpose, the second housing part 117 can have a projection or the like, in particular on its outer wall or its (upper) end face, onto which the external force can act.

[0067] Within the interior of the first sub-region 115, a rod-shaped shaft 123 is movably mounted along its longitudinal direction 130. Within this mounting, a second spring 124 is provided, which provides a spring-loaded force coupling between the first sub-region 115 and the shaft 123 along the common longitudinal direction 130, so that force can be transmitted from the first sub-region 115 to the shaft 123, and vice versa, along the common longitudinal direction 130. The shaft 123 protrudes from the second housing part 117 and the first sub-region 115 at its end remote from the base.

[0068] At the end of the shaft 123 remote from the ground, which protrudes from the partial region 115 at its remote end, a connecting piece 114 can be attached or formed as an integral part of the shaft 123, as shown. The component 127 of the configuration converter mechanism 100 can be coupled to the connecting piece 114 (cf. Fig. 1 (b)) in order to transfer the component 127 between its various mechanical configurations upon actuation of the configuration converter mechanism 101 and a resulting movement of the shaft 123 and thus of the connecting piece 114 attached thereto along the longitudinal direction 130. In the simple example of Fig.1(b), the component 127 is a simple lever which is coupled to the connecting piece 114 via a joint axis 128 and is pivotable about a first axis of rotation 129 which is angled, in particular (as shown) orthogonal to the longitudinal direction 130, wherein different configurations of the component 127 have different pivot angles.

[0069] At its bottom end, which may in particular be conical or frustoconical, the shaft 123 is force-coupled indirectly via a further component referred to here as the "second sub-region" 119 and optionally additionally (as shown), in particular for the purpose of reducing friction, by means of a further intermediate piece 120, to a first spring 121 mounted on the first end piece 122. The longitudinal directions of the first sub-region 115, the shaft 123, and the springs 121 and / or 12 are together (as shown) or parallel to one another, so that overall the first sub-region 115 is resiliently mounted on the bottom side by means of the spring 121 via the intermediate components 123, 124, 119, and 120.

[0070] The spring 121 (also referred to herein as the "first spring") is preferably stronger, i.e., it has a greater spring force for the same deflection than the spring 124 (also referred to herein as the "second spring"). This ensures that, in the absence of an external force acting on the first sub-region 115 and thus, via the second spring 124, on the shaft 123, the first spring 121 can press the shaft 123 and the first sub-region 115, counter to the action of the second spring 124, into their respective positions away from the ground, in which the second spring 124 is compressed completely or at least to a certain extent (which depends on the ratio of the spring strengths of the two springs).

[0071] The second sub-region 119 has a guide section 119a that is at least partially rod- or tubular-shaped, on the outside of which a wing arrangement with at least one wing piece 119b extending transversely to a longitudinal axis of the guide piece is attached or formed integrally with the second sub-region 119. The or each wing piece 119b is beveled on its side remote from the base to form an inclined sliding surface. The base-side end of the second sub-region 119 can, in particular, be conical or frustoconical in shape in order to be able to couple in a centered and slip-resistant manner to an (upper), in particular circular, opening of the intermediate piece 120. However, the second sub-region 119 is mounted such that it can rotate about the longitudinal direction 130, so that this forms a rotation axis, which is referred to here as the "first rotation axis."The wing arrangement 119b is configured such that it can engage in the groove 125c, so that the groove 125 can also act as a slotted guide with respect to the second sub-region if the orientation of the second sub-region with respect to its axis of rotation is such that the wing piece 119a can engage in the groove 125c. In other rotational positions, however, the wing piece can also come to rest in one of the further minima 125a or 125b of the sawtooth contour of the second sub-region 119, if no external force acting counter to the first spring 121 acts on the first sub-region 115. These positions of the second sub-region 119 thus represent mechanically stable rest positions of the second sub-region 119.Since the second partial region 119 is force-coupled to the shaft 123 and the positions of the minima 125 a, b, c differ along the longitudinal direction 130, these minima 125 a, b, c simultaneously define corresponding rest positions of the shaft 123, the connecting piece 114 and the component 127.

[0072] The operation of the configuration converter mechanism 100 can be described as follows with additional reference to Fig. 4, in which a sequence 400 of various successive states of the locking tensioning mechanism 101 is illustrated.

[0073] When no external force acts on the first sub-area 115, the locking clamping mechanism 101 is in a first rest position defined by the current rotational position of the second sub-area 119 and thus its wing arrangement, which is held by the "strong" first spring 121. This rest position can, in particular, as shown in Fig. 4(a), correspond to a rotational position of the second sub-area in which the wing piece 119b engages the groove 125c, so that the spring 121 has its maximum possible deflection, defined in particular by the length of the groove 125c, and the shaft 123 thus assumes its position at its maximum distance from the bottom of the base body.

[0074] If, as shown in Fig. 4(b), an external force is exerted, directly or indirectly, on the second housing part 117 to actuate the configuration converter mechanism 100, which force has a directional component along the longitudinal direction 130 toward the bottom of the base body 118, then this force or force component is transmitted through the stop piece 116b to the first sub-region 115, so that the latter is pressed toward the bottom and, in turn, transmits the force or force component, at least partially, to the second spring 124. The spring 124, in turn, acts as a force transmitter and couples the force or force component to the shaft 123, which is thereby pressed against the second sub-region 119, which in turn presses on the intermediate piece 120, which in turn presses on the first spring 121, shortening and thus tensioning it. In this position, the wing piece 119b is not in any of the minima 125a, b, c so that there is no rest position.Rather, it is a generally dynamic, non-transitional position that would not be stable without the external force.

[0075] If the external force is removed, as shown in Fig. 4 (c), or is reduced sufficiently so that the spring force of the tensioned first spring 121 gains the upper hand, the coupled components of intermediate piece 120, second sub-region 119, and shaft 123 are pressed away from the ground along the longitudinal direction against the (weaker) second spring 124. Thus, the wing arrangement or wing piece 119b comes into contact with the sawtooth-like contour of the link body 125. The interaction of the contour, caused by the first spring 121, with the oblique sliding surface of the wing piece 119b, which is now pressed against it, more precisely against a sliding surface of a sawtooth of the contour, generates a torque acting on the second sub-region 119 with respect to the first axis of rotation.Therefore, the wing piece rotates around the first rotation axis 130 along the sliding surface of the sawtooth until it reaches the minimum from the group of minima 125a, b, and c adjacent to it in the sliding direction, where a second rest position, different from the first rest position, is reached. This second rest position is mechanically stable even after the external force is removed and is held by the first spring 121.

[0076] If the configuration converter mechanism 100 or the locking clamping mechanism 101 is actuated again by renewed application of an external force, the second rest position is exited again, just as the first rest position was previously, and an unstable intermediate position shown in Fig. 4 (d) is reached, which corresponds to the position in Fig. 4 (b). If the force is then removed again or is sufficiently reduced, the locking clamping mechanism transitions to a third rest position shown in Fig. 4 (e), which is different from the other two rest positions, in the same way as described above for the transition between the first and second rest positions.

[0077] Upon subsequent further actuation of the configuration converter mechanism 100 or the locking clamping mechanism 101, the initial state from Fig. 4(a), ie the first rest position, is reached again after passing through a further unstable intermediate position shown in Fig. 4(f), which in turn corresponds to the position from Fig. 4(b).

[0078] Fig. 5 illustrates a carrier device 500 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present solution. The carrier device 500 is configured, in particular, to handle a pouch battery cell housing 109 during the production of a pouch battery cell, in particular to hold it in a predetermined position. For this purpose, the carrier device 500 has a carrier structure 104, which can be designed, in particular, as a rigid base plate on which a holder is provided. The holder has, on the one hand, two outer holders 108 and, on the other hand, an intermediate middle holder 110. A different number of middle holders 110 is also conceivable.

[0079] The two outer holders 108 are displaceable with respect to their position relative to the central holder 110 and can be fixed in different positions, for example each with a fixing screw 111, so that adaptation to at least two different formats of pouch battery cell housing 109 is possible. This enables optimal hold of the pouch battery cell housing 109 in the holder. The holder is preferably oriented such that the pouch battery cell housing 109 is held therein essentially such that its main surfaces are orthogonal to the base plate 104 and the pouch battery cell housing 109 can be loaded into or unloaded from the holder from an upper side of the carrier device 500 opposite the base plate 104 along a substantially rectilinear loading and unloading path.

[0080] The carrier device 500 further comprises an engagement mechanism which serves to keep a filling opening of a pouch battery cell housing 109, which may be located in the holder, open during processing.

[0081] For this purpose, the engagement mechanism comprises, among other things, two stand structures 102a and 102b, which are mounted on the base plate 104 and can extend, in particular perpendicularly, thereto. The stand structures 102a,b preferably have a height which exceeds that of a pouch battery cell housing 109 located in the holder. At the upper end of each stand structure, a guide groove is provided in which a crossbar 112, which runs parallel to the base plate 104 and also represents a component of the engagement mechanism, is movably mounted. The mobility of the crossbar 112 is controlled by a pivot mechanism 107, which, in particular, on both sides of the crossbar 112, pivots the respective guide groove in the stand structure 102a,b and a respective guide element (e.g.Projection) of the crossbar 112, is configured such that a pivoting movement of the crossbar 112 can be performed, which movement is composed of at least one translation and at least one rotation. More precisely, the mobility of the crossbar 112 is configured such that it can assume various rest positions. A first rest position corresponds to a position of the crossbar 112 in which it clears the loading and unloading path, so that it does not impede loading and unloading of the holder with a pouch battery cell housing 109. This first rest position can therefore be referred to as the loading and unloading position.

[0082] In a second rest position, however, the crossbar 112 is pivoted over the holder such that, when a pouch battery cell housing 109 is located in the holder and a filler opening of the pouch battery cell housing 109 is present and open on the side of the pouch battery cell housing 109 opposite the base plate 104, engagement elements 112a provided on the crossbar 112, which may in particular be pin-shaped, can engage in the filler opening to hold it in an open state. In this rest position, the pouch battery cell housing 109 can in particular be filled with an electrolyte fluid. This can be done in particular by means of one or more filling lances, which are inserted into the open filler opening for this purpose in order to dispense the electrolyte fluid into the interior of the pouch battery cell housing 109.Since the engagement elements 112A simultaneously engage the filling opening, it remains stably open, so that undesired damage to the pouch battery cell housing 109 by the filling lances and / or incorrect dispensing of the electrolyte fluid on the outside of the pouch battery cell housing 109 can be avoided with a high degree of certainty. The second rest position can therefore be referred to as the filling position.

[0083] Filling safety can be further increased by providing a recess or opening 112b in the crossbar 112 at a suitable location, particularly between two adjacent engagement elements 112a, through which a filling lance can be guided into the filling opening. This provides an additional protective factor due to the additionally defined boundary conditions for the mobility of the filling lances.

[0084] Optionally, a third rest position can be provided, which differs from the first two rest positions. In this rest position, the crossbar 112 with the engagement elements 112a does indeed clear the loading and unloading path. However, it assumes a position different from the loading and unloading position in which it simultaneously clears the top side of the pouch battery cell housing 109 with the filler opening for a tool for closing (sealing) the filler opening, as well as a travel path for the tool. Such a third rest position, which can be referred to as the closed position, is therefore always useful or even necessary if the use of the tool for closing the filler opening is not also possible from the loading and unloading position of the engagement mechanism.

[0085] In order to transfer the engagement mechanism between its various rest positions, which, due to the different positions, also correspond to different mechanical configurations of the engagement mechanism, the support device 500 has at least one configuration converter mechanism 100 according to Figures 1 to 4. If two configuration converter mechanisms 100 are provided, each arranged adjacent to one of the post structures 102a and 102b, they are each coupled with their connecting piece 114 to the crossbar 112 via a connecting part 103, such as a lever, in order to be able to transfer the crossbar between its three rest positions, wherein these rest positions each correspond to an assigned rest position of the locking clamping mechanism 101 of the configuration converter mechanism 100 (as described above). The engagement mechanism thus assumes the role of the "component" of the configuration converter mechanism 100, analogous to component 127 from Figure 1 (b).

[0086] In addition, a position element can be provided on the support device 500, for example, as shown, on the stand structure 102b, which serves as a position mark for an external position sensor in order to enable the latter to determine the position of the support device 500 as accurately as possible.

[0087] Fig. 6 illustrates a workpiece carrier 600 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present solution. The workpiece carrier 600 has a base plate 104, which can correspond to that of the carrier device 500 from Fig. 5. A plurality of carrier devices 105 are arranged parallel to one another on this base plate, in the present example five carrier devices 105, each of which, as shown, can correspond in particular to a carrier device 500 from Fig. 5. In order to provide a particularly inaccessible contact surface for the external force required to actuate the configuration converter mechanism 100 of the respective carrier device 105 in this arrangement, a position control part 106 is attached to each of the second housing parts 117 of the locking clamps 101 of the configuration converter mechanisms 100.This can, in particular, be a plate-shaped projection on which an actuator of a processing system using the workpiece carrier 600 (see Fig. 7) can be placed to exert the external force. The functionality of the workpiece carrier 600 essentially corresponds to the functionality of its individual carrier devices 500, as described above, although the various carrier devices 105 can be operated, in particular, simultaneously, but optionally also at different times. Overall, the workpiece carrier 600 is a passive device, the drive of which requires the application of external forces to the locking clamps 101 of the configuration converter mechanisms 100. One advantage of the workpiece carrier 600 is, in particular, the simplification of handling a plurality of pouch battery cell housings 109 during the production of pouch battery cells.

[0088] Fig. 7 illustrates a system 700 for, in particular, simultaneously processing a plurality of pouch battery cell housings 109 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present solution. The system 700 has a plurality of processing stations 710-730, which are passed through sequentially or in a closed loop as part of a process for manufacturing pouch battery cells. For this purpose, a workpiece carrier 600 from Fig. 6 is used to handle a plurality of pouch battery cell housings 109 and to transport them between the individual processing stations 710 to 730. Further processing stations, such as the processing stations 740 and 750 shown in dashed lines, can also be provided, which are passed through as part of the processing.

[0089] A first processing station 710 is a loading station in which the workpiece carrier 600 is loaded with a number of pouch battery cell housings 109 that is greater than or equal to the number of carrier devices 105 on the workpiece carrier 600. For this purpose, the loading station 710 can, in particular, have appropriate robotics. The pouch battery cell housings 109 already have a battery cell with at least one cathode, at least one anode, and a separator located therebetween. This can, in particular, be a lithium-ion pouch cell.

[0090] To bring the workpiece carrier 600 into its loading position, the loading station 710 has an actuator 711 that is suitably configured to actuate the configuration converter mechanisms 100 of the workpiece carrier 600 in order to initially move the engagement mechanisms of its carrier devices 105 into their respective loading and unloading positions so that the loading process can be carried out. The actuator 711 is further configured, for example via a corresponding control, to move the respective engagement mechanism of the carrier devices 105 into its filling position by correspondingly actuating the configuration converter mechanisms 100 after the carrier devices 105 have been loaded, so that the engagement elements 112a can engage the open filling openings of the respective pouch battery cell housing 109 to keep them open.

[0091] The system 700 further comprises at least one device, for example several conveyor belts (indicated here by arrows), for transporting the workpiece carrier 600 between the individual processing stations.

[0092] In the direction of the process flow, a further processing station 720 is provided downstream of the loading station 710. This processing station serves to fill the pouch battery cell housings 109 present in the workpiece carrier 600 with electrolyte fluid and can therefore be referred to as a filling station. A filling system with movable filling lances is provided in the filling station 720, which, as already described above, can be guided through the openings or recesses 112b of the crossbars 112 of the carrier devices 105 and 500 to fill the pouch battery cell housings 109. Since the engagement mechanisms of the carrier devices 105 of the workpiece carrier 600 are already in their filling position upon arrival at the filling station 720, filling can take place without the engagement mechanisms having to be previously moved to another rest position.However, after the filling process, an actuator 720 of the filling station 720 can be used to bring the engagement mechanisms into their closed position by actuating the configuration converter mechanisms 100 of the workpiece carrier 600, since keeping the filling openings open by means of the engagement elements 112a is no longer necessary.

[0093] A third processing station 730 serves to close the filling openings of the pouch battery cell housings 109 previously filled in the filling station 720. For this purpose, a sealing tool of the processing station 730 is used on each of the carrier devices 105. This processing station 730 can thus be referred to as a closing station. It also has an actuator 731, which is used to return the engagement mechanisms of the carrier devices 105 back to their respective loading and unloading positions after the filling openings have been closed by actuating the configuration converter mechanisms 100 of the carrier devices 105.

[0094] According to one process variant, the workpiece carrier 600 can now be transported back to the first processing station 710 and unloaded there, resulting in a closed process loop. In this case, the processing station 710 also serves as a loading and unloading station. In particular, after unloading, a new set of pouch battery cell housings 109 to be processed can be loaded into the workpiece carrier 600.

[0095] According to another process variant, the processing station 710 serves only for loading, while a separate processing station 750 is provided for unloading. The latter can optionally also have an actuator 751 for actuating the configuration converter mechanisms 100 of the workpiece carrier 600. However, this is only necessary if the configuration of the carrier devices 105 of the workpiece carrier 600 is to be changed at this point, which may be the case in particular if the engagement mechanisms of the carrier device 105 are not already in the loading and unloading position upon arrival at the processing station 750.

[0096] One or more additional processing stations can be provided between processing stations 730 and 750 or 710. In particular, this can be a processing station 740 (test station) for testing the already sealed pouch battery cell housings 109, for example, as part of a visual inspection. Since it may be necessary to adjust the position of the engagement mechanisms of the carrier devices 105 in certain cases, the test station 740 can optionally also have an actuator 741 for actuating the configuration converter mechanisms 100 to the workpiece carrier 600.

[0097] Finally, in the context of the process, even if at least one of the processing stations 740 and 750 is used, the workpiece carrier is returned to the first processing station 710 at the end of the process in order to be able to start a new process run.

[0098] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been described above, it should be appreciated that a wide variety of variations exist. It should also be understood that the described exemplary embodiments are merely non-limiting examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the devices and methods described herein. Rather, the foregoing description will provide one skilled in the art with guidance for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various changes in the operation and arrangement of the elements described in an exemplary embodiment may be made without departing from the subject matter as defined in the appended claims, as well as their legal equivalents.

[0099] LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0100] 100 Configuration converter mechanism

[0101] 101 Locking mechanism

[0102] 102a, b Stand structures of the engagement mechanism (component), including

[0103] Guide for pivoting crossbar

[0104] 103 Connecting part, in particular lever

[0105] 104 Supporting structure, in particular base plate

[0106] 105 support devices

[0107] 106 Position control part

[0108] 107 Swivel mechanism

[0109] 108 adjustable outer holder for pouch battery cell housings of various formats

[0110] 109 Pouch battery cell housings

[0111] 110 medium holder for pouch battery cell housing

[0112] 111 Fixing screw for adjusting the (associated) holder 108

[0113] 112 Crossbar of the engagement mechanism

[0114] 112a engagement element, in particular pin

[0115] 112b Recess or opening in crossbar

[0116] 113 Position element for detection by sensor

[0117] 114 connecting piece

[0118] 115 first section

[0119] 115a (lateral) projection of the first sub-area

[0120] 116a sealing ring

[0121] 116 b stop piece

[0122] 117 Housing or second housing part

[0123] 118 Base body or first housing part

[0124] 118a air hole

[0125] 119 second section

[0126] 119a Guide piece

[0127] 119b Wing piece

[0128] 120 intermediate piece

[0129] 121 first (stronger) spring

[0130] 122 first (lower) end piece of the base body

[0131] 123 shaft

[0132] 124 second (weaker) spring

[0133] 125 Link body (125) a,b,c Minima of a sawtooth-shaped contour of one end of the link body, (125)c is also a groove

[0134] 126 second (upper) end piece of the base body

[0135] 127 rotatably mounted component or lever for coupling such a component

[0136] 128 joint axis

[0137] 129 Axis of rotation of the component (“second axis of rotation”)

[0138] 130 Longitudinal direction, also the axis of rotation of the second sub-area (“first

[0139] axis of rotation")

[0140] 300 detailed views of various components of the locking clamping device 101

[0141] 400 Sequence of different states of the locking clamping device

[0142] 500 carrier device (like 105)

[0143] 600 workpiece carriers

[0144] 700 System for processing pouch battery cell casings

[0145] 710 Loading station, optional combined loading and unloading station

[0146] 711 Actuator of the processing station 710 for driving the

[0147] Intervention mechanisms, optionally with suction mechanism for opening a pouch battery cell housing

[0148] 720 filling station

[0149] 721 Actuator of the processing station 720 for driving the engagement mechanisms

[0150] 730 Closing station

[0151] 731 Actuator of the processing station 730 for driving the engagement mechanisms

[0152] 740 optional finishing station, e.g. labeling station

[0153] 741 Actuator of the processing station 740 for driving the engagement mechanisms

[0154] 750 optional processing station, e.g. test station

[0155] 751 Actuator of the processing station 750 for driving the engagement mechanisms

Claims

CLAIMS Configuration converter mechanism (100) for a mechanical component, wherein the configuration converter mechanism (100) comprises: a locking clamping device (101) with a first sub-section (115) and a second sub-section, wherein the first sub-section (115) is mounted so as to be translationally movable relative to the second sub-section (119); the second sub-section (119) is mounted so as to be rotationally movable relative to the first sub-section (115) about a first axis of rotation and can be transferred between different successive mechanically stable rest positions of the second sub-section (119) along a fixed direction of rotation by means of movements that include rotation about the first axis of rotation;and the locking device (101) is set up to convert a translational movement of the first sub-area (115) caused by an external force on the first sub-area (115) into a corresponding movement of the second sub-area (119) by means of a force coupling between the two sub-areas, which is a rotation about the first axis of rotation (130) in the fixed direction of rotation or has a movement component and transfers the second sub-area (119) from its current rest position to one of the rest positions following the direction of rotation; and a component transferable between different mechanical configurations, which is force-coupled with the second sub-area (119) in such a way that the transfer of the second sub-area (119) between different two successive rest positions caused by the movement of the first sub-area (115) transfers the component (127;102a, b, 112) by performing a movement of at least one section of the component (127; 102a, b, 112) which is or has as a movement component a rotation about a second axis of rotation (129) different from the first axis of rotation (130), between two different mechanical configurations of the component (127; 102a, b, 112) corresponding to the two successive rest positions of the second sub-section (119). Configuration conversion mechanism (100) according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism (101) is further configured such that for each of the rest positions of the second sub-section (119) there exists a corresponding mechanically stable rest position of the first sub-section (115) in which it; due to the force coupling between the two sub-areas, when the second sub-area (119) is in its corresponding rest position, wherein the rest positions of the first sub-area (115) differ for different corresponding rest positions of the second sub-area (119). Configuration converter mechanism (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking tensioning device (101) comprises: the first sub-area, wherein this is tubular with a tubular interior extending along the translational direction; the second sub-area, wherein this comprises a wing arrangement with at least one wing element (119b) extending transversely to the translational direction;a tubular cam body in which the first sub-section (115) is mounted to be translationally movable along a translational direction coinciding with the first axis of rotation (130), wherein a groove or a slot-shaped opening (125c) in a wall of the cam body (125) interacts with a lateral projection (115a) of the first sub-section (115) in the sense of a cam guide along the translational direction; the cam body (125) has a sawtooth-like contour at its end facing the second sub-section (119), the minima (125a, b, c) of which, lying between each two adjacent teeth of the contour, define the rest positions of the second sub-section (119); a shaft mounted in the interior of the tube of the first sub-section (115), which is force-coupled to both the second sub-section (119) and the component (127; 102a, b, 112) in order to mediate the force coupling between the two sub-sections along the translational direction;and a first spring to press the second sub-section (119) with its wing arrangement against the sawtooth contour of the cam body (125); such that the locking mechanism (101) is configured in such a way that, when an external force acts on the first sub-section along the translational direction, the second sub-section (119) is displaced along the translational direction against the spring force of the first spring (121) by the cam guide with the shaft as force mediator, in order to move the wing arrangement from a rest position defined by the contour and subsequently, after the external force is removed, due to a rotational movement of the second sub-section caused by the interaction of the wing arrangement with the sawtooth contour; (119) and the spring force of the first spring (121) is brought into a rest position of the second sub-section (119) following the direction of rotation, which corresponds to a corresponding position of the shaft along the direction of translation and thus to a configuration of the component (127; 102a, b, 112) corresponding to this position. Configuration converter mechanism (100) according to claim 3, further comprising a second spring (124) to provide the force coupling between the first sub-section (115) and the shaft by means of the second spring (124) along the direction of translation. Configuration converter mechanism (100) according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising a housing for at least partially receiving the locking tensioning device (101).Configuration converter mechanism (100) according to claim 5, wherein the housing comprises: a first housing part with a pot- or tube-shaped base body, in the interior of which the locking tensioning device (101) is received at least partially and which is fixedly connected to the cam body (125); and a second housing part, which is connected to the first partial area (115) in order to couple the external force to the first partial area (115), and which surrounds the first housing part at least partially in such a way that the second housing part is displaceable relative to the first housing part along the translational direction.Carrier device (105; 500) for carrying a pouch battery cell housing during a process for manufacturing a pouch battery cell, wherein the carrier device (105; 500) comprises: a holder (108, 110) for holding the pouch battery cell housing; and a configuration converter mechanism (100) according to one of the preceding claims; wherein the component (127; 102a, b, 112) of the configuration converter mechanism (100) comprises an engagement mechanism (102a, b, 112, 112a,b) which has as one configuration a charging and discharging position and as another configuration a filling position, between which it can be transferred by means of the configuration converter mechanism (100); and wherein. In the loading and unloading position, the holder (108, 110) is enabled to load and unload the pouch battery cell housing (109) by releasing a necessary loading and unloading path for the pouch battery cell housing (109), and in the filling position, at least one engagement element (112a) of the engagement mechanism (102a, b, 112, 112a,b) is inserted into the loading and unloading path in such a way that the engagement element (112a) engages or can engage in a filling opening of a pouch battery cell housing (109) which may be held by the holder (108, 110).Carrier device (105; 500) according to claim 7, wherein: the engagement mechanism (102a, b, 112, 112a,b) further comprises a third configuration and the configuration converter mechanism (100) comprises a third rest position of the second sub-area (119) corresponding to the third configuration; and the engagement mechanism (102a,b, 112, 112a,b) in the third configuration comprises a third position different from the loading and unloading position on the one hand and the filling position on the other, so that when the configuration converter mechanism (100) is actuated at least three times, these three positions of the engagement mechanism (102a, b, 112, 112a,b) are sequentially traversed. Carrier device (105; 500) according to claim 8, wherein the engagement mechanism (102a, b, 112, 112a,b) in the third configuration assumes a position in which the orEach engagement element (112a) is moved out of the loading and unloading path and exposes the filling opening of a pouch battery cell housing (109) optionally held in the holder (108, 110). Carrier device (105; 500) according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the engagement mechanism (102a,b, 112, 112a,b) has a transverse rod (112) which can be transferred between the different configurations of the engagement mechanism (102a,b, 112, 112a,b) by means of the configuration converter mechanism (100) and from which the engagement element(s) (112a) extend as projections. Carrier device (105; 500) according to claim 10, wherein the. The engagement mechanism (102a, b, 112, 112a,b) has at least two engagement elements (112a) between which a recess is located in the crossbar (112). or opening (112b) through which, in the filling position of the component (127; 102a, b, 112), access is provided to the filling opening of the pouch battery cell housing (109) which may be held in the holder (108, 110).

12. Carrier device (105; 500) according to one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the holder (108, 110) has an adjustment option to adapt it to different formats of pouch battery cell housings (109).

13. Workpiece carrier (600) for simultaneously carrying a plurality N of pouch battery cell housings (109) during a process for manufacturing up to N pouch battery cells, wherein the carrier device (105; 500) has a support structure which carries N devices fixed thereto or integrally formed thereto according to one of claims 7 to 11 such that these devices can be operated simultaneously to carry up to N pouch battery cell housings (109) held, optionally by a holder (108, 110) of an associated device, during the process.

14. System (700) for processing a plurality of pouch battery cell housings (109) in a process for manufacturing pouch battery cells, wherein the system (700) comprises a plurality of sequentially traversable processing stations (710, 720, 730, 740, 750) for processing the pouch battery cell housings (109); wherein the system (700) is configured to carry a workpiece carrier (600) according to claim 13 both during the processing of the pouch battery cell housings (109) in the individual processing stations (710, 720, 730, 740, 750) as well as for transferring the pouch battery cell housings (109) between the processing stations (710, 720, 730, 740, 750) as part of the process for handling the pouch battery cell housings (109).

15. System (700) according to claim 14, wherein at least one of the processing stations (710 to 750) has one or more actuators (711 , 721 , 731, 741, 751), by means of which or whose single or multiple actuation a respective force can be exerted on the respective first sub-areas (115) of each of the support devices (105; 500) of the workpiece carrier (600) in order to achieve a predetermined configuration of the respective engagement mechanism (102a, b, 112) assigned to the processing station (710, 720, 730, 740, 750). 112a, b) to adjust each of the support devices (105; 500) of the workpiece carrier (600).

16. System (700) according to claim 15, wherein at least one of these processing stations has a suction mechanism which is configured, while the workpiece carrier (600) is located at or in this processing station, to suction at least one side wall of a pouch battery cell housing optionally present in the holder (108, 110) of one of the carrier devices (105; 500) in order to open or keep open a filling opening of the pouch battery cell housing, so that by actuating the actuator(s) the engagement mechanism (102a, b, 112, 112a,b) of the carrier device (105; 500) can be brought into a position in which at least one of the engagement elements (112a) of the engagement mechanism (102a,b, 112, 112a,b) engages or can engage in the filling opening.

17. System (700) according to one of claims 14 to 16, wherein one of the processing stations (710) is configured for loading and / or unloading pouch battery cell housings (109) into and / or out of the holders (108, 110) of the carrier devices (105; 500) of the workpiece carrier (600), while the engagement mechanisms of the carrier devices (105; 500) are each in the loading and unloading position.

18. System (700) according to one of claims 14 to 17, wherein at least one of the processing stations (720) is configured to fill, optionally in the workpiece carrier (600), pouch battery cell housings, each held by the holder (108, 110) of an associated carrier device (105; 500) of the workpiece carrier (600), with an electrolyte fluid, in particular using a filling lance, while the engagement mechanisms of the carrier devices (105; 500) of the workpiece carrier (600) are each in their filling position.

19. System (700) according to one of claims 14 to 18, wherein at least one of the processing stations (730) is configured to close pouch battery cell housings optionally present in the workpiece carrier (600), each of which is held by the holder (108, 110) of an associated carrier device (105; 500) of the workpiece carrier (600), after their prior filling with an electrolyte liquid, in particular to seal their filling openings, while the engagement mechanisms of the carrier devices (105; 500) of the workpiece carrier (600) are each in a position different from the filling position.

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