System and method for manufacturing a battery cell

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a battery cell, said method comprising the following steps: providing (E30) a set of main electrodes (10) comprising at least one first electrode plate (3), at least one second electrode plate (5), and at least one electrode separator (1) sandwiched along a transverse direction (Z); cutting (E50) at least partially the set of main electrodes (10) along the transverse direction (Z) of the set of main electrodes (10) to form at least two sets of auxiliary electrodes (13), each set of auxiliary electrodes (13) comprising at least one first auxiliary electrode plate (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d), at least one second auxiliary electrode plate (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d), and at least one auxiliary electrode separator (1). The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a battery cell. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: System and method for manufacturing a battery cell TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of manufacturing a battery cell. In particular, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a battery cell, and a system for manufacturing a battery cell. CONTEXT

[0002] It is known to manufacture a lithium-ion battery with several battery cells. Each battery cell comprises a stack of electrodes separated by a separator film interposed between two electrodes. To obtain such a stack, it is known to treat each layer of the stack one by one, said layer being chosen from: a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator film. However, this manufacturing method is not entirely satisfactory, because the manufacture of such a stack requires a lot of time.

[0003] To improve the manufacturing speed, it is known to use a separator film that is integrated into the stack by folding said separator film in an accordion fashion; thus, the same separator film is arranged to separate each pair of adjacent electrodes in the stack. For this purpose, between each fold of the separator film added to the stack, an electrode selected from a positive electrode and a negative electrode is added to a portion of the separator film previously added to the stack. However, in some cases, a problem arises: folding the separator may generate creases in said separator and cause mechanical damage to the battery cell. Furthermore, due to the increasing demand for battery cells, another problem to be solved is that of accelerating the manufacturing process of battery cells. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems. To this end, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a battery cell, said method comprising the following steps: - providing a main electrode assembly comprising at least one first electrode plate, at least one second electrode plate, and at least one electrode separator interposed between the at least one first electrode plate and the at least one second electrode plate, said at least one first electrode plate, said at least one second electrode plate, and said at least one separator being sandwiched along from a transverse direction; - pressing the main electrode assembly between a lower surface of the main electrode assembly and an upper surface of the main electrode assembly, said lower and upper surfaces of the main electrode assembly being opposite each other along the transverse direction of the main electrode assembly; - at least partially cutting the main electrode assembly along the transverse direction of the main electrode assembly, so as to form at least two auxiliary electrode assemblies, each auxiliary electrode assembly comprising at least one first auxiliary electrode plate, at least one second auxiliary electrode plate, and at least one auxiliary electrode separator.

[0005] The foregoing arrangements allow the manufacture of at least two sets of auxiliary electrodes in a single cutting step. Thus, the pressing of said at least two sets of auxiliary electrodes is carried out in a single step, thereby increasing the speed of the stacking process.

[0006] According to one embodiment, the method comprises one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the at least one electrode separator comprises a binder configured to melt above a threshold temperature, and wherein the step of pressing the main electrode assembly is carried out by pressing the main electrode assembly at a temperature above the threshold temperature.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the step of cutting the set of main electrodes is carried out using a cutting unit comprising a hot blade, or a hot wire knife.

[0009] Therefore, it is possible to perform the step of cutting the main electrode assembly along a line. Thus, it is possible to create the at least two auxiliary electrode assemblies with a single tool. This cutting can also define the edges of the auxiliary electrode assemblies.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the step of pressing the set of main electrodes is carried out before the step of cutting the set of main electrodes.

[0011] Advantageously, when the step of pressing the set of main electrodes is carried out before the step of cutting the set of main electrodes, it is possible to reinforce the set of main electrodes, to obtain a more compact and more resistant set of main electrodes before carrying out the cutting step.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the step of providing the set of main electrodes comprises the following steps: - provide a separating film; - provide at least one first electrode plate; - provide at least one second electrode plate; - placing the at least one first electrode plate on a stacking table; - placing an electrode separator on the stacking table, said electrode separator being formed by a corresponding part of the separator film; - place at least one second electrode plate on the stacking table;

[0013] the step of placing the at least one first electrode plate, the step of placing the at least one second electrode plate, and the step of placing an electrode separator being carried out alternately so that the electrode separator is interposed between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the steps of placing the at least one first electrode plate on a stacking table, the step of placing an electrode separator on the stacking table, and the step of placing the at least one second electrode plate on the stacking table are carried out successively and repeatedly so as to form the set of main electrodes. It is understood that between each first and second electrode plate is arranged an electrode separator.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the first layer of the main electrode assembly comprising the lower surface comprises an electrode separator, and the last layer of the main electrode assembly comprising the upper surface comprises an electrode separator. Thus, the electrode separator surrounds the main electrode assembly such that no active electrode material is exposed to the external environment.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the method comprises an alignment step in which two different plates are aligned before placing them on the stacking table.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the first electrode plate has a different polarity from the second electrode plate so as to allow the step of placing the at least one first electrode plate, the step of placing the at least one second electrode plate, and the step of placing an electrode separator to be carried out alternately.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the step of placing the at least one first electrode plate, the step of placing the at least one second plate electrode, and the step of placing an electrode separator, are carried out at least twice so as to alternately stack a first electrode plate and a second electrode plate; the step of placing an electrode separator being carried out between each step of placing a first or second electrode plate.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the step of placing the at least one first electrode plate comprises placing at least two first electrode plates at the same time, said at least two first electrode plates being placed adjacent to each other along a plane perpendicular to the transverse direction, said at least two first electrode plates being spaced apart from each other along a first cutting space, said first cutting space defining a first cutting zone between the at least two first electrode plates.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the step of placing the at least one second electrode plate comprises placing at least two second electrode plates at the same time, said at least two second electrode plates being placed adjacent to each other along a plane perpendicular to the transverse direction, and said at least two second electrode plates being spaced apart from each other along a second cutting space, said second cutting space defining a second cutting area between the at least two second electrode plates; the step of placing the at least one first electrode plate, and the step of placing the at least one second electrode plate being carried out so that all or part of the first cutting area coincides with the second cutting area along a coincidence area;

[0021] According to one embodiment, the step of cutting the set of main electrodes further comprises cutting the set of main electrodes according to the coincidence zone.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the coincidence zone comprises a coincidence line along which the main electrode is cut.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the step of placing the at least one first electrode plate comprises depositing a plurality of first electrode plates, each first electrode plate of the plurality of first electrode plates being aligned with at least one other first electrode plate of the plurality of first electrode plates, and the step of placing the at least one second electrode plate comprises depositing a plurality of second electrode plates, each second electrode plate of the plurality of second electrode plates being aligned with at least one other second electrode plate of the plurality of second electrode plates.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the at least one first electrode plate is aligned according to a matrix comprising rows and columns.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the at least one second electrode plate is aligned according to a matrix comprising rows and columns.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the matrix distribution of the first electrode plates corresponds to the matrix distribution of the second electrode plates.

[0027] According to one embodiment, each row is offset relative to another row by a distance greater than 0.3 mm. In other words, the first cutting gap is less than 0.3 mm.

[0028] According to one embodiment, each column is offset relative to another column by a distance greater than 0.3 mm. In other words, the second cutting space is less than 0.3 mm.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the step of placing the electrode separator is carried out in such a way that the electrode separator overlaps at least one element chosen from among the first electrode plate, the second electrode plate, the first cutting zone, and the second cutting zone.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the step of placing the electrode separator comprises folding a single separator film.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the step of providing at least one first electrode plate comprises providing a first current collector film on which a first electrode material is coated so as to define one or more first electrode plates, and wherein the step of providing at least one second electrode plate comprises providing a second current collector film on which a second electrode material is coated so as to define one or more second electrode plates; the first current collector film and the second current collector film each respectively comprise at least one first uncoated portion configured to define a first connection tab, or at least one second uncoated portion configured to define a second connection tab.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises a step of welding the first connection tabs of the plurality of first electrode plates together, and a step of welding the second connection tabs of the plurality of second electrode plates together.

[0033] According to one embodiment, at least one zone chosen between the first cutting zone and the second cutting zone is devoid of electrode material, in order to facilitate the step of cutting the set of main electrodes.

[0034] By "without electrode material" is meant that the electrode material is not covered on the first cutting area and / or on the second cutting area.

[0035]

[0036]

[0037]

[0038]

[0039]

[0040]

[0041] The object of the invention can also be achieved by implementing a system for manufacturing a battery cell comprising: - a stacking table configured to assemble a set of main electrodes by alternately stacking at least one first electrode plate, at least one electrode separator and at least one second electrode plate sandwiched along a transverse direction; - a pressing unit configured to press the main electrode assembly between a lower surface of the main electrode assembly and an upper surface of the main electrode assembly, said lower and upper surfaces of the main electrode assembly being opposite each other along the transverse direction of the main electrode assembly; - a cutting unit configured to cut the main electrode assembly along the transverse direction of the main electrode assembly so as to form at least two auxiliary electrode assemblies. According to one embodiment, the system comprises one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination. According to one embodiment, the cutting unit comprises a hot blade, or a hot wire knife. According to one embodiment, the system comprises alignment means configured to align the at least one first electrode plate, the at least one electrode separator, and the at least one second electrode plate when sandwiched on the stacking table. According to one embodiment, the alignment means are configured to perform an alignment step. For example, the alignment means comprise a vision system configured to measure the position of one plate relative to another and to compensate for any misalignment. Brief description of the drawings The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments, given by way of illustration and not limitation with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like references refer to like elements or to elements having like functions, and in which: [Fig.l] is a schematic representation of certain steps of the method of manufacturing a battery cell according to one embodiment.

[0042] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation of the step of providing the assembly of main electrodes according to one embodiment.

[0043] [Fig. 3] is a schematic representation of the step of pressing the main electrode assembly according to one embodiment.

[0044] [Fig.4] is a schematic representation of the step of cutting the assembly of main electrodes according to one embodiment.

[0045] [Fig.5] is a schematic representation of the step of cutting the set of main electrodes according to one embodiment.

[0046] [Fig.6] is a schematic representation of the step of cutting the set of main electrodes according to one embodiment.

[0047] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION ACCORDING TO ONE EMBODIMENT

[0048] In the figures and in the remainder of the description, the same references represent identical or similar elements. Furthermore, the different elements are not shown to scale in order to promote clarity of the figures. Furthermore, the different embodiments and variants are not mutually exclusive and can be combined with each other.

[0049] As illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, the invention relates to a method of manufacturing a battery cell, and a system for manufacturing a battery cell. The system is configured to carry out the steps of the method of manufacturing the battery cell.

[0050] For this purpose, and as illustrated in [Fig.l], the system comprises a stacking table 30 configured to assemble a set of main electrodes 10 by alternately stacking at least one first electrode plate 3, at least one electrode separator 1, and at least one second electrode plate 5 sandwiched in a transverse direction denoted “Z”.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the final battery cell to be manufactured comprises a plurality of battery cells in series, each comprising an anode and a cathode. The anodes are identical and may comprise an anodic current collector film on which an anodic material is deposited. The cathode is identical and may comprise a cathodic current collector film on which a cathodic material is deposited. Typically, the anodic material and the cathodic material are applied respectively to the anodic current collector film and the cathodic current collector film to form an anodic coil and a cathodic coil. These coils are used to form the anodic plates and the cathodic plates. The arrangements described above make it possible to provide anode plates used as the first electrode plate 3, and to provide cathode plates used as the second electrode plate 5, or vice versa.

[0052] [Fig.l] illustrates two different embodiments showing the stacking process which will be described below. The first embodiment illustrates a stacking table 30, on which two first electrode plates 3a, 3b are intended to be placed, for example, during step El3. Two second electrode plates 5a, 5b are also intended to be placed on the stacking table 30, for example during step El5. The second embodiment illustrates a stacking table 30 on which four first electrode plates 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d are intended to be placed, and four second electrode plates 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d are intended to be placed. Each first electrode plate 3 may comprise a first connection tab 16, and each second electrode plate 5 may comprise a second connection tab 18.

[0053] The at least one electrode separator 1 is positioned between the first electrode plate 3 and the second electrode plate 5, so as to avoid any direct contact between an active material of the first electrode plate 3, and an active material of the second electrode plate 5. Said direct contact can cause the formation of dendrites, or short circuits. As illustrated in [Fig.l], the at least one separator 1 can be provided in the form of a film wound on a reel.

[0054] Advantageously, and as illustrated in [Fig. 2], the system may comprise alignment means 20 configured to align the at least one first electrode plate 3, the at least one electrode separator 1, and the at least one second electrode plate 5 when they are sandwiched on the stacking table 30. Said alignment means 20 are for example configured to carry out an alignment step E20 which will be described below. According to one embodiment, the alignment means 20 comprises a vision system configured to measure the position of one plate relative to another and to compensate for any misalignment.

[0055] With reference to [Fig. 3], the battery cell manufacturing system further comprises a pressing unit 40 configured to press the main electrode assembly 10 between a lower surface 7 of the main electrode assembly 10 and an upper surface 9 of the main electrode assembly 10. Said lower surface 7 and said upper surface 9 of the main electrode assembly 10 are opposite to each other along the transverse direction Z of the main electrode assembly 10.

[0056] Figures 4 to 6 illustrate that the system further comprises a cutting unit 50 configured to cut the main electrode assembly 10 along the transverse direction Z of the main electrode assembly 10 so as to form at least two auxiliary electrode assemblies 13. For example, the cutting unit 50 comprises a hot blade, or a hot wire knife.

[0057] As previously indicated, the invention relates to a method of manufacturing a battery cell.

[0058] The method comprises a step of providing (E30) a set of main electrodes 10 comprising at least one first electrode plate 3, at least one second electrode plate 5, and at least one electrode separator 1 interposed between the at least one first electrode plate 3 and the at least one second electrode plate 5. Said at least one first electrode plate 3, said at least one second electrode plate 5, and said at least one separator 1 are sandwiched along a transverse direction denoted “Z”.

[0059] By way of example and as illustrated in [Fig. 1], the step of providing (E30) the set of main electrodes 10 comprises the following steps: - providing (E01) a separator film 1; - provide (E03) at least on the first electrode plate 3; - provide (E05) at least on the second electrode plate 5.

[0060] The at least one electrode separator 1 may comprise a binder 4 deposited on a separator substrate 6, said binder 4 being configured to melt above a threshold temperature.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the step of providing (E03) at least one first electrode plate 3 comprises providing a first current collector film on which a first electrode material is applied so as to define one or more first electrode plates 3. In the same way, the step of providing (E05) at least one second electrode plate 5 may comprise providing a second current collector film on which a second electrode material is applied so as to define one or more second electrode plates 5. Advantageously, the first current collector film and the second current collector film each respectively comprise at least one first uncoated portion configured to define a first connection tab 16, or at least one second uncoated portion configured to define a second connection tab 18.

[0062] The above-mentioned elements can then be sandwiched along the transverse direction Z to form the main electrode assembly 10, according to the following steps: - the at least one first electrode plate 3 on a stacking table 30; - place (El 1) an electrode separator 1 on the stacking table 30, said electrode separator 1 being formed by a corresponding part of the film of the separator 1; - placing (E15) the at least one second electrode plate 5 on the stacking table 30.

[0063] Advantageously, the step of placing (E13) the at least one first plate electrode 3, the step of placing (E15) the at least one second electrode plate 5, and the step of placing (Eli) an electrode separator 1 are carried out alternately so that the electrode separator 1 is interposed between each first electrode plate 3 and each second electrode plate 5.

[0064] Generally, the step of placing (El 1) the electrode separator 1 is carried out in such a way that the electrode separator 1 overlaps at least one element selected from the first electrode plate 3, the second electrode plate 5, the first cutting zone, and the second cutting zone. For example, the step of placing (El 1) the electrode separator 1 comprises folding a single separator film 1.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the first layer of the main electrode assembly 10 comprises a lower surface 7, and may be formed by an electrode separator 1. On an opposite side, the last layer of the main electrode assembly 10 comprises an upper surface 9, which may also be formed by an electrode separator 1. Thus, the electrode separator 1 surrounds the main electrode assembly 10 such that no active electrode material is exposed to the external environment. Generally, the first electrode plate 3 has a different polarity from that of the second electrode plate 5. Thus, it is preferred to alternately carry out the step of placing (E13) the at least one first electrode plate 3, the step of placing (E11) an electrode separator 1, and the step of placing (E15) the at least one second electrode plate 5.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the step of placing (E13) the at least one first electrode plate 3, the step of placing (E15) the at least one second electrode plate 5, and the step of placing (E11) an electrode separator 1 are carried out at least twice so as to alternately stack a first electrode plate 3 and a second electrode plate 5; the step of placing (E11) an electrode separator 1 being carried out between each step of placing (E13), (E15) a first electrode plate 3 or a second 5. The arrangements described above make it possible to manufacture a battery stack comprising a plurality of battery cells.

[0067] [Fig.l] illustrates two different variants for carrying out step E30. Indeed, as illustrated in [Fig.l], the step E13 of placing the at least one first electrode plate 3 comprises placing at least two first electrode plates 3 at the same time, said at least two first electrode plates 3 being placed adjacent to each other along a plane perpendicular to the transverse direction Z. Said at least two first electrode plates 3 being spaced from each other along a first cutting space g3, said first cutting space g3 defining a first cutting zone between the at least two first electrode plates 3. Thus, the first variant shows that two first electrode plates 3a, 3b are intended to be put in place during step E13, and the second variant illustrates a stacking table 30 on which four first electrode plates 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d are intended to be put in place during step E13.

[0068] Furthermore, the step E15 of placing the at least one second electrode plate 5 may comprise placing at least two second electrode plates 5 at the same time, said at least two second electrode plates 5 being placed adjacent to each other along a plane perpendicular to the transverse direction Z, and said at least two second electrode plates 5 being spaced apart from each other along a second cutting space g5, said second cutting space g5 defining a second cutting zone between the at least two second electrode plates 5. Thus, the first variant shows that two second electrode plates 5a, 5b may be placed on the stacking table 30 during the step E15, and the second variant shows that four second electrode plates 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d are intended to be placed during the step E15.

[0069] Advantageously, the step E13 of placing the at least one first electrode plate 3, and the step E15 of placing the at least one second electrode plate 5 are carried out in such a way that all or part of the first cutting zone is in coincidence with the second cutting zone along a coincidence zone 17.

[0070] It is understood that the variant described above is not limiting, and that the step E13 of placing the at least one first electrode plate 3 may comprise placing a plurality of first electrode plates 3, the plurality of first electrode plates 3 being for example aligned according to a matrix comprising rows and columns. Similarly, the step E15 of placing the at least one second electrode plate 5 may comprise placing a plurality of second electrode plates 5, the plurality of second electrode plates 5 being for example aligned according to a matrix comprising rows and a column. Advantageously, the distribution of the matrix of the first electrode plates 3 may correspond to the distribution of the matrix of the second electrode plates 5.

[0071] In other words, the step of placing (E13) the at least one first electrode plate 3 comprises the deposition of a plurality of first electrode plates 3, each first electrode plate 3 of the plurality of first electrode plates 3 being aligned with at least one other first electrode plate 3 of the plurality of first electrode plates 3, and the step of placing (E15) the at least one second electrode plate 5 comprises the deposition of a plurality of second electrode plates 5, each second electrode plate 5 of the plurality of second electrode plates 5 being aligned with at least one other second electrode plate 5 of the plurality of second electrode plates 5.

[0072] According to one embodiment, each row is offset relative to another row by a distance greater than 0.3 mm. In other words, the first cutting space g3 is less than 0.3 mm.

[0073] According to one embodiment, each column is offset relative to another column by a distance greater than 0.3 mm. In other words, the second cutting space g5 is less than 0.3 mm.

[0074] [Fig.2] illustrates an embodiment in which the first electrode plate 3, the second electrode plate 5 and the electrode separator 1 are sandwiched to form the main electrode assembly 10. As illustrated in this embodiment, the method comprises an alignment step E20 in which two different plates are aligned before placing them on the stacking table 30.

[0075] As illustrated in [Fig. 3], the method further comprises a pressing step E40 of the main electrode assembly 10 between the lower surface 7 of the main electrode assembly 10 and the upper surface 9 of the main electrode assembly 10. As indicated previously, said lower 7 and upper 9 surfaces of the main electrode assembly 10 are opposite each other along the transverse direction Z of the main electrode assembly 10. For example, the pressing step E40 of the main electrode assembly 10 comprises a rolling step. According to an embodiment shown in [Fig. 3], the at least one electrode separator 1 may comprise a binder 4 configured to melt beyond a threshold temperature. In this case, the pressing step E40 of the main electrode assembly 10 is carried out by pressing the main electrode assembly 10 at a temperature higher than the threshold temperature.According to one embodiment, the pressing step E40 comprises wet rolling. For example, the electrode separator 1 may comprise a bonding agent configured to be in the liquid state when the main electrode assembly 10 is pressed along the transverse direction Z. According to another embodiment, the pressing step E40 comprises dry rolling. For example, the electrode separator 1 may comprise a bonding agent dissolved in a liquid such as water or a solvent. Said bonding agent may be applied to the electrode separator 1 before being evaporated in the drying oven. Finally, the pressing step E40 may comprise rolling using a bonding agent comprising a wax, or a hot melt agent.

[0076] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the method also comprises a step of cutting E50 at least partially the set of main electrodes 10 along the transverse direction Z of the set of main electrodes 10 so as to form at least two sets of auxiliary electrodes 13a, 13b. Each set of auxiliary electrodes 13a, 13b then comprises at least one first auxiliary electrode plate 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, at least one second auxiliary electrode plate 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, and at least one auxiliary electrode separator 1. It is understood that when a plurality of first electrode plates 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d are put in place during step El3, and when a plurality of second electrode plates 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d are put in place during step E15, the cutting step E50 is carried out so as to form a plurality of sets of auxiliary electrodes 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, each comprising a first electrode plate 3 and a second electrode plate 5.

[0077] Advantageously, the step E40 of pressing the set of main electrodes 10 is carried out before the step E50 of cutting the set of main electrodes 10. Indeed, when the step E40 of pressing the set of main electrodes 10 is carried out before the step E50 of cutting the set of main electrodes 10, it is possible to reinforce the set of main electrodes 10, to obtain a more compact and more resistant set of main electrodes 10 before carrying out the cutting step E50.

[0078] As indicated above, the cutting step E50 of the main electrode assembly 10 is preferably carried out using a cutting unit 50 comprising a hot blade, or a hot wire knife. Therefore, it is possible to carry out the cutting step E50 of the main electrode assembly 10 along a line. Thus, it is possible to create the at least two auxiliary electrode assemblies 13 with a single tool. This cutting can also define the edges of the auxiliary electrode assemblies 13.

[0079] According to an embodiment in which the main electrode assembly 10 comprises a plurality of first electrode plates 3 arranged in a matrix arrangement, and stacked with a plurality of second electrode plates 5, the step E50 of cutting the main electrode assembly 10 further comprises cutting the main electrode assembly 10 according to the coincidence zone 17. In other words, the coincidence zone 17 comprises a coincidence line along which the main electrode is cut. Advantageously, at least one zone chosen between the first cutting zone and the second cutting zone is devoid of electrode material, in order to facilitate the step E50 of cutting the main electrode assembly 10. By "without electrode material", it is meant that the electrode material is not coated on the first cutting zone and / or on the second cutting zone.

[0080] Finally, the method may also comprise a step E60 of welding the first connection tabs 16 of the plurality of first electrode plates 3, together, and a step E61 of welding the second connection tabs 18 of the plurality of second electrode plates 5, together.

[0081] The preceding arrangements allow the manufacture of at least two sets of auxiliary electrodes 13 in a single cutting step E50. Thus, the pressing E40 of said at least two sets of auxiliary electrodes 13 is carried out in a single step, thereby increasing the speed of the stacking process.

Claims

1. Claims A method of manufacturing a battery cell, said method comprising the following steps: • providing (E30) a set of main electrodes (10) comprising at least two first electrode plates (3), at least two second electrode plates (5), and at least one electrode separator (1) interposed between said at least two first electrode plates (3) and said at least two second electrode plates (5), the step of providing (E30) the set of main electrodes (10) comprising the following steps: • provide (E01) a separator film (1); • provide (E03) at least two first electrode plates (3); • provide (E05) at least two second electrode plates (5); • placing (E13) at least two first electrode plates (3) at the same time on a stacking table (30), said at least two first electrode plates (3) being placed adjacent to each other along a plane perpendicular to a transverse direction (Z), said at least two first electrode plates (3) being spaced apart from each other according to a first cutting space (g3), said first cutting space (g3) defining a first cutting zone between the at least two first electrode plates (3); • placing (El 1) an electrode separator (1) on the stacking table (30), said electrode separator (1) being formed by a corresponding part of the separator film (1); • placing (E15) at least two second electrode plates (5) at the same time on the stacking table (30), said at least two second electrode plates (5) being placed adjacent to each other along a plane perpendicular to the transverse direction (Z), and said at least two second electrode plates (5) being spaced apart from each other according to a second cutting space (g5), said second cutting space (g5) defining a second cutting area between the at least two second electrode plates (5), at least one area chosen between the first cutting area and the second cutting area is devoid of electrode material; the step of placing (El3) at least two first electrode plates (3), and the step of placing (E15) at least two second electrode plates (5) being carried out so that all or part of the first cutting area coincides with the second cutting area along a coincidence area (17); the step of placing (El3) at least two first electrode plates (3), the step of placing (E15) at least two second electrode plates (5), and the step of placing (El 1) an electrode separator (1) being carried out alternately and at least twice such that the electrode separator (1) is interposed between the first electrode plates (3) and the second electrode plates (5), and such that said at least two first electrode plates (3), said at least two second electrode plates (5), and said at least one separator (1) are sandwiched along the transverse direction (Z); • pressing (E40) the main electrode assembly (10) between a lower surface (7) of the main electrode assembly (10) and an upper surface (9) of the main electrode assembly (10), said lower and upper surfaces (9) of the main electrode assembly (10) being opposite each other along the transverse direction (Z) of the main electrode assembly (10); • cutting (E50) at least partially the set of main electrodes (10) along the transverse direction (Z) of the set of main electrodes (10) and according to the coincidence zone (17), in order to form at least two sets of auxiliary electrodes (13), each set of electrodes auxiliaries (13) comprising at least one first auxiliary electrode plate (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d), at least one second auxiliary electrode plate (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d), and at least one auxiliary electrode separator (1).

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one electrode separator (1) comprises a binder (4) configured to melt above a threshold temperature, and wherein the step of pressing (E40) the main electrode assembly (10) is performed by pressing the main electrode assembly (10) at a temperature above the threshold temperature.

3. A method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the step of cutting (E50) the set of main electrodes (10) is carried out using a cutting unit (50) comprising a hot blade, or a hot wire knife.

4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the step of pressing (E40) the set of main electrodes (10) is carried out before the step of cutting (E50) the set of main electrodes (10).

5. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first electrode plates (3) have a different polarity from the second electrode plates (5) so as to enable the step of placing (El3) at least two first electrode plates (3), the step of placing (E15) at least two second electrode plates (5), and the step of placing (El 1) an electrode separator (1) to be carried out alternately.

6. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the step of placing (El3) at least two first electrode plates (3) comprises depositing a plurality of first electrode plates (3), each first electrode plate (3) of the plurality of first electrode plates (3) being aligned with at least one other first electrode plate (3) of the plurality of first electrode plates (3), and the step of placing (E15) at least two second electrode plates (5) comprises depositing a plurality of second electrode plates (5), each second electrode plate (5) of the plurality of second electrode plates (5) being aligned with at least one other second electrode plate (5) of the plurality of second electrode plates (5) electrode (5) of the plurality of second electrode plates (5).

7. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the step of placing (El 1) the electrode separator (1) is performed such that the electrode separator (1) overlaps at least one element selected from the first electrode plates (3), the second electrode plates (5), the first cutting area, and the second cutting area.

8. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the step of providing (E03) at least two first electrode plates (3) comprises providing a first current collector film on which a first electrode material is coated so as to define one or more first electrode plates (3), and wherein the step of providing (E05) at least two second electrode plates (5) comprises providing a second current collector film on which a second electrode material is coated so as to define one or more second electrode plates (5); the first current collector film and the second current collector film each respectively comprise at least one first uncoated portion configured to define a first connection tab (16), or at least one second uncoated portion configured to define a second connection tab (18).

9. The method of claim 8 further comprising a step of welding (E60) the first connection tabs (16) of the plurality of first electrode plates (3) together, and a step of welding (E61) the second connection tabs (18) of the plurality of second electrode plates (5) together.

10. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the step of pressing (E40) the main electrode assembly (10) comprises a rolling step.

11. System for manufacturing a battery cell comprising: • a stacking table (30) configured to assemble a set of main electrodes (10) by alternately stacking at least two first electrode plates (3), at least one electrode separator (1), and at least two second electrode plates (5) sandwiched along a transverse direction (Z); • a pressing unit (40) configured to press the assembly of main electrodes (10) between a lower surface (7) of the set of main electrodes (10) and an upper surface (9) of the set of main electrodes (10), said lower (7) and upper (9) surfaces of the set of main electrodes (10) being opposite to each other along the transverse direction (Z) of the set of main electrodes (10); • a cutting unit (50) configured to cut the set of main electrodes (10) along the transverse direction (Z) of the set of main electrodes (10) so as to form at least two sets of auxiliary electrodes (13).

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the cutting unit (50) comprises a hot blade, or a hot wire knife.

13. A system according to any one of claims 11 or 12, comprising alignment means (20) configured to align said at least two first electrode plates (3), said at least one electrode separator (1), and said at least two second electrode plates (5) when sandwiched on the stacking table (30).

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