Holding device for holding an assembly intended for the manufacture of a battery cell

Abstract

A holding device (100) for holding an assembly (200) intended for the manufacture of a battery cell, comprises: a first jaw (106) and a second jaw (107); a zone (103) for receiving the assembly (200) arranged at least in part between the first jaw (106) and the second jaw (107); The first jaw (106) and the second jaw (107) each comprise at least one clearance (104, 105), the clearances (104, 105) being configured to each receive a member (301, 302) for gripping a clamp (300) allowing the clamp (300), when the assembly (200) is present in the zone (103) for receiving and held clamped by the first and second jaws (106, 107), to clamp said assembly (200). Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Holding device for holding an assembly intended for the manufacture of a battery cell Technical field of the invention

[0001] The technical field of the invention relates to the manufacture of battery cells and more particularly the handling of an assembly intended for the manufacture of a battery cell, for example on a battery cell production line, said assembly comprising a stack of electrodes, also called an electrode stack. The invention relates to a holding device for holding the assembly. State of the prior art

[0002] In the context of battery manufacturing, it is known to manufacture battery cells intended to be included in the composition of a corresponding battery. Each battery cell comprises stacked electrodes and must be handled carefully during the manufacture of the battery cell in order to avoid misalignment of the stacked electrodes, this handling can slow down the production rates of the battery cells.

[0003] This is especially true with pouch type battery cells. These cells are also known as sachet cells. The cells are produced in several distinct stages. During these stages, it is necessary to move, between different work stations, an assembly comprising a stack, or pile, of electrodes. For example, one of these movements consists of moving the assembly from a stacking station, where electrodes separated by a porous separator have been arranged on top of each other, to a welding station, where electrodes of the same polarity are welded together. During such a movement, the integrity of the assembly must be maintained, in particular the alignment of the electrodes relative to each other.Given the safety and performance risks associated with electrode misalignment, when this happens, the entire assembly is scrapped, impacting factory productivity. This poses a major challenge for manufacturers.

[0004] There is therefore a need to secure the handling of the assembly intended for the manufacture of a battery cell, in particular in the context of an industrial manufacturing process involving a high manufacturing rate. Subject of the invention

[0005] The present invention aims to facilitate the handling of an assembly intended for the manufacture of a battery cell.

[0006] For this purpose, the invention relates to a holding device for holding an assembly intended for the manufacture of a battery cell, the assembly comprising a stack of electrodes, the holding device comprising: • a first part comprising a first bit and a second part comprising a second bit; • a reception area for the assembly arranged at least partly between the first jaw and the second jaw; said holding device being configured to selectively adopt: • a first configuration in which the first and second jaws have, at the reception area, a first spacing allowing the assembly to be inserted into the reception area and / or the assembly to be removed from the reception area; • a second configuration in which the first and second jaws, at the level of the reception zone, have a second spacing strictly less than the first spacing and making it possible to clamp the assembly when it is present in the reception zone; in which the first jaw and the second jaw each comprise at least one clearance, the clearances being configured to each receive a gripping member of a clamp allowing the clamp, when the assembly is present in the reception zone and held clamped by the first and second jaws in the second configuration of the holding device, to clamp said assembly.

[0007] This makes it possible to ensure suitable handling of the assembly in order to avoid misalignment of the electrodes when handling the assembly.

[0008] The holding device may further comprise one or more of the following features.

[0009] According to a characteristic of the holding device: • the first part includes a first edge; • the second part includes a second edge; the first and second edges being arranged on the same side of the holding device, said at least one clearance of the first jaw being arranged at the first edge and said at least one clearance of the second jaw being arranged at the second edge.

[0010] This allows insertion and removal of the assembly via this side, the clamping forces via the holding device and via the clamp are then carried out in the same direction, which ensures consistency in holding the assembly whether it is held by the clamp and / or by the holding device.

[0011] According to a characteristic of the holding device, said at least one clearance of the first jaw is opposite said at least one clearance of the second jaw.

[0012] This makes it possible to ensure that the assembly is gripped by the clamp without generating an overhang when opening the holding device which could cause local deformation of the assembly.

[0013] According to a characteristic of the holding device, the first jaw comprises a plurality of clearances and the second jaw comprises a plurality of clearances, the clearances of the second jaw each being opposite only one of the clearances of the first jaw.

[0014] This makes it easier to grip the assembly from the holding device while allowing satisfactory holding by the clamp when the holding device moves from its second configuration to its first configuration.

[0015] The invention also relates to a handling system for an assembly intended for the manufacture of a battery cell, the assembly comprising a stack of electrodes, the handling system comprising the holding device as described and a clamp comprising gripping members each shaped to fit into one of the clearances.

[0016] This makes it possible to ensure suitable handling of the assembly in order to avoid misalignment of the electrodes during handling of the assembly, in particular within a battery cell production line.

[0017] The handling system may further comprise one or more of the following features.

[0018] According to a characteristic of the handling system, in the second configuration, the reception area is accessible to the gripping members of the clamp via the clearances.

[0019] This allows the clamp to grip the assembly when this assembly is held by clamping within the holding device in its second configuration.

[0020] According to a characteristic of the handling system, the handling system comprises a loading configuration in which the holding device and the gripper have a relative positioning such that the gripping members of the gripper are positioned so that: • said gripping members allow a transition from the first configuration of the holding device to its second configuration; • each of the gripping members of at least a portion of said gripping members is arranged to be inserted into one of the corresponding clearances during the transition from the first configuration of the holding device to the second configuration of the holding device.

[0021] This allows the clamp to place an assembly in the holding device without interrupting the clamping of the assembly by the clamp.

[0022] The invention also relates to a method of handling an assembly intended for the manufacturing a battery cell, the handling method comprising the following steps: (a) providing the assembly comprising a stack of electrodes; (b) provide the holding device; (c) provide a clamp comprising gripping members for clamping the assembly; d) carrying out a passage of said assembly between the holding device and the clamp, step d) comprising a period of time during which the assembly, then positioned in the receiving zone, is clamped both by the holding device and by the clamp.

[0023] As a result, during the passage, the clamping of the stack is not released, thus avoiding misalignment of the electrodes.

[0024] The handling method may further comprise one or more of the following features.

[0025] According to a characteristic of the handling method, during step d), the time period is: • preceded by holding the assembly by clamping using only one of the clamp and the holding device; • followed by holding the assembly by tightening only the other of the clamp and the holding device.

[0026] This allows a relay passage between the clamp and the holding device particularly adapted to avoid misalignment of the electrodes.

[0027] According to a characteristic of the handling method, step d) is a loading of the assembly into the holding device by the clamp.

[0028] According to a characteristic of the handling method, step d) is an unloading of the assembly from the holding device by the clamp.

[0029] According to a characteristic of the handling method, prior to step d), a step of loading the assembly into the holding device by the gripper, the loading step comprising a period of time during which the assembly is positioned in the reception zone and is clamped both by the holding device and by the gripper.

[0030] Other advantages and characteristics may emerge from the detailed description which follows. Brief description of the drawings

[0031] The invention will be better understood upon reading the detailed description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the appended drawings listed below.

[0032] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] represents, according to an embodiment of the invention and according to a perspective view, a device for holding an assembly in a configuration of closing.

[0033] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] represents, in a perspective view, a holding device according to an embodiment of the invention in an opening configuration.

[0034] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] represents, in a sectional view, an assembly to be clamped by the holding device.

[0035] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] represents, in a perspective view, a handling system comprising the holding device in its opening configuration according to [Fig.2],

[0036] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] represents, in a perspective view, the handling system comprising the holding device in its closed configuration according to [Fig.1].

[0037] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] shows, in a perspective view, the handling system comprising the holding device in its closed configuration clamping the assembly and a gripper also clamping the assembly.

[0038] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] shows, in a perspective view, the holding device in its closed configuration tightening the assembly.

[0039] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] shows, in a sectional view, the clamp clamping the assembly.

[0040] In these figures, the same references are used to designate the same elements. The elements represented in the different figures are not necessarily drawn to scale in order to facilitate understanding of the figures. Detailed description

[0041] In the present description, by "substantially orthogonal" is meant orthogonal or orthogonal to plus or minus 10 degrees.

[0042] In the present description, by "substantially parallel" is meant parallel or parallel to plus or minus 10 degrees.

[0043] A holding device 100, an example of which is illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 2, for holding an assembly 200 (for example visible in FIGS. 3 to 8) intended for the manufacture of a battery cell advantageously allows loading of the assembly 200 towards this holding device 100 or unloading of the assembly 200 from this holding device 100 while making it possible to maintain clamping of the assembly 200 in order to avoid misaligning the electrodes of a stack 201 of electrodes, also called a stack of electrodes, of this assembly 200.

[0044] In particular, as shown in an example in [Fig. 3], the assembly 200 comprises the stack 201 of electrodes. Conventionally, the electrodes can each be chosen from an anode 202 and a cathode 203. In the example illustrated in [Fig. 3], the stack 201 of electrodes comprises an alternation of anodes 202 and cathodes 203, the electrodes being separated two by two by a separator 204 of the assembly 200 intended to receive, in particular by impregnation, an electrolyte for the exchange of ions between the electrodes during the charging or discharging of the battery cell. The assembly 200 may comprise a first connection terminal 205 and a second connection terminal 206 (also called “tabs” in English). The first connection terminal 205 is, for example, electrically connected to all the anodes 202, and the second connection terminal 206 is, for example, electrically connected to all the cathodes 203.

[0045] The holding device 100 comprises a first part 101 comprising a first jaw 106, a second part 102 comprising a second jaw 107, and a zone 103 for receiving the assembly 200. The receiving zone 103 is arranged at least in part between the first jaw 106 and the second jaw 107. The holding device 100 is configured to selectively adopt: • a first configuration, in particular called the opening configuration, in which the first jaw 106 and the second jaw 107 have, at the level of the receiving zone 103, a first spacing dl allowing the insertion of the assembly 200 into the receiving zone 103 and / or the removal of the assembly 200 from the receiving zone 103; • a second configuration, in particular called the clamping configuration, in which the first jaw 106 and the second jaw 107 have, at the receiving zone 103, a second spacing d2 strictly less than the first spacing dl and making it possible to clamp the assembly 200 when it is present in the receiving zone 103. In other words, the second configuration makes it possible to clamp the assembly 200, when it is present in the receiving zone 103, so as to ensure that the assembly 200 is held between the first jaw 106 and the second jaw 107 at (i.e. in) the receiving zone 103. In particular, the first configuration is illustrated as an example in [Fig. 2] and the second configuration is illustrated as an example in [Fig. 1]. [Fig. 7] illustrates the second configuration while the assembly 200 is positioned in the receiving zone 103 and clamped between the first jaw 106 and the second jaw 107.

[0046] The clamping of the assembly 200 by the first and second jaws 106, 107 makes it possible to hold the assembly 200 within the holding device 100.

[0047] The first jaw 106 and the second jaw 107 each comprise at least one clearance 104, 105, the clearances 104, 105 being configured to each receive a member 301, 302 for gripping a clamp 300 allowing the clamp 300, when the assembly 200 is present in the receiving zone 103 and held clamped by (i.e. clamped between) the first jaw 106 and the second jaw 107 in the second configuration of the holding device 100, to clamp said assembly 200.

[0048] When the clamp comes to clamp the assembly 200, the latter is then held by the clamp 300. The clamp 300 can vary between an opening configuration where the assembly 200 can be inserted into the clamp and a closing configuration adapted to clamping the assembly 200.

[0049] In particular, the first jaw 106 comprises a clamping face and the second jaw 107 comprises a clamping face.

[0050] The first spacing dl and the second spacing are in particular each measured, at the level of the receiving zone 103, between the first jaw 106 and the second jaw 107 in particular between the clamping face of the first jaw 106 and the clamping face of the second jaw 107 arranged to be in contact, in the second configuration of the holding device 100, with the assembly 200 positioned (i.e. when the latter is positioned) in the receiving zone 103.

[0051] The gripping members 301, 302 of the clamp 300 (for example as seen in FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 8) preferably each have a finger shape. Each gripping member 301, 302 may have a shape complementary to that of the clearance 104, 105 with which it will cooperate to allow loading or unloading.

[0052] By “the receiving zone 103 is arranged, at least in part, between the first jaw 106 and the second jaw 107”, it is for example understood that the receiving zone 103 can be arranged between the first jaw 106 and the second jaw 107, or in part between the first jaw 106 and the second jaw 107 in the sense that it can overflow relative to the first and second jaws 106, 107.

[0053] In particular, the first spacing d1 and the second spacing d2 are each measured between the first and second jaws 106, 107, in particular in a measurement direction substantially orthogonal to: • to the clamping face, preferably flat, of the first jaw 106; • to the clamping face, preferably flat, of the second jaw 107; the clamping face of the first jaw 106 being opposite the clamping face of the second jaw 107.

[0054] For example, the first jaw 106 comprises fingers 108, the fingers 108 of each pair of adjacent fingers 108 being separated by one of the clearances 104 of the first jaw 106. In the example illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the first jaw 106 comprises six fingers 108.

[0055] For example, the second jaw 107 comprises fingers 109, the fingers 109 of each pair of adjacent fingers 109 of the second jaw 107 being separated by one of the clearances 105 of the second jaw 107. In the example illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the second jaw 107 comprises six fingers 109.

[0056] In particular, each finger 108 of the first jaw 106 is opposite (i.e. facing each other) of only one of the fingers 109 of the second jaw 107 (the reverse is also then true in the sense that each finger 109 of the second jaw 107 is opposite - i.e. opposite - only one of the fingers 108 of the first jaw 106) from which results the formation of a local pinching region between the first jaw 106 and the second jaw 107.

[0057] Each clearance 104, 105 may have the shape of a notch, in particular of elongated shape. This is particularly suitable for allowing cooperation with the gripping members 301, 302 of the clamp 300 which can then interdigitate with the fingers 108, 108 of the first and second jaws 106, 107 in a suitable manner.

[0058] In the example illustrated in figures 1 and 2, the first jaw 106 comprises five clearances 104 each adopting the shape of a notch, and the second jaw 107 comprises five clearances 105 each adopting the shape of a notch.

[0059] In particular, the clearances 104, 105 allow: • during a loading phase (figures 4 to 6) of the assembly 200 in the holding device 100 then arranged in its first configuration ([Fig.2]), to present the assembly 200, via the clamp 300 clamping said assembly 200, in the reception zone 103 ([Fig.5]), then to pass from the first configuration of the holding device 100 to the second configuration of the holding device 100 without releasing the clamping ensured by the clamp 300 ([Fig.6]), once the assembly 200 is clamped by the holding device 100, the clamp 300 can be opened and separated from the assembly 200 due to the presence of the clearances 104, 105 ([Fig.7]); • during a phase of unloading the assembly 200 from the holding device 100 then arranged in its second configuration ([Fig.7]), to present the clamp 300 so that the gripping members 301, 302 of the clamp 300 are each positioned in one of the corresponding clearances 104, 105 in order to clamp the assembly 200, once the assembly 200 is clamped by the clamp 300 ([Fig.6]), the holding device 100 can vary from its second configuration to its first configuration (for example, moving from [Fig.6] to [Fig.5]) thanks to the clearances 104, 105 which then do not oppose this variation, at this moment the assembly 200 can be removed from the receiving zone 103 by moving the clamp 300 without prejudice to the holding / clamping of the assembly 200 by the 300 clamp.

[0060] Therefore, the clamp 300 can comprise as many gripping members 301, 302 as the holding device 100 comprises clearances 104, 105.

[0061] More particularly, [Fig.8] illustrates a sectional view of the clamp 300 clamping the assembly 200. The clamp 300 may comprise: • a first part 303 comprising a connecting body 304 and a part of the gripping members 301, for example five in number, each extending from the connecting body 304 of said first part 303; • a second part 305 comprising a connecting body 306 and a part of the gripping members 302, for example five in number, each extending from the connecting body 306 of said second part 305.

[0062] Everything that applies to said at least one clearance 104, 105 of one of the first and second jaws 106, 107 can apply to each clearance of the corresponding jaw (i.e. the first jaw 106 or the second jaw 107).

[0063] Preferably, the first part 101 of the holding device 100 comprises a first edge 110 and the second part 102 of the holding device 100 comprises a second edge 111, the first and second edges 110, 111 being arranged on the same side of the holding device 100, said at least one clearance 104 of the first jaw 106 being arranged at the first edge and said at least one clearance 105 of the second jaw 107 being arranged at the second edge 111. This allows in particular a lateral insertion of the assembly 200 into the holding device 100, in particular because the aforementioned side is on the lateral side.

[0064] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the or each first clearance 104 is provided / arranged in the first edge 110, and the or each second clearance 105 is provided / arranged in the second edge 111. Thus, the first jaw 106 can at least partially delimit the first edge 110 and the second jaw 107 can at least partially delimit the second edge 111.

[0065] For example, said at least one clearance 104 of the first jaw 106 extends from the first edge 110, in particular which it then interrupts locally, in the direction of an edge of the first part 101 of the holding device 100 (and more particularly of the first jaw 106) opposite the first edge 110, but without reaching said edge in particular, where appropriate, so as to allow the connection of the fingers 108 of the first jaw 106.

[0066] For example, said at least one clearance 105 of the second jaw 107 extends from the second edge 111, in particular which it then interrupts locally, in the direction of an edge of the second part 102 of the holding device 100 (and more particularly of the second jaw 107) opposite the second edge 111, but without reaching said edge in particular, where appropriate, so as to allow the connection of the fingers 109 of the second jaw 107.

[0067] According to an embodiment making it possible to ensure suitable clamping of the assembly 200 during loading and unloading, said at least one clearance 104 of the first jaw 106 is opposite said at least one clearance 105 of the second jaw. 107.

[0068] Where appropriate, when the first jaw 106 comprises a plurality of clearances 104 and the second jaw 107 comprises a plurality of clearances 105, the clearances 105 of the second jaw 107 are preferably each opposite only one of the clearances 104 of the first jaw 106 (the reverse also being true in the sense that the clearances 104 of the first jaw 106 are preferably each opposite only one of the clearances 105 of the second jaw 107). In particular, this makes it possible to hold the assembly 200 more uniformly by the clamp 300 during unloading or loading.

[0069] Preferably, for each pair of clearances comprising one of the clearances 104 of the first jaw 106 and one of the clearances 105 of the second jaw 107 opposite said clearance 104 of the first jaw 106, the clearances 104, 105 of said pair of clearances are then crossed by a secant plane, preferably substantially orthogonal, to the clamping faces and / or to a support plane of the receiving zone 103 on which the assembly 200 rests when it is clamped and / or loaded in the holding device 100. This allows effective clamping of the assembly 200 by the clamp 300 both in the first configuration and in the second configuration of the holding device 100.

[0070] According to a particular embodiment, the holding device 100 comprises a return mechanism 112 (see for example figures 1 and 2) exerting, in the first configuration and in the second configuration, a force tending to bring the first and second jaws 106, 107 together, the holding device 100 being configured so that, in the second configuration, the assembly 200 is clamped, preferably only, between the first and second jaws 106, 107 thanks to the return force (i.e. the force) of the return mechanism 112. The return mechanism 112 may comprise several return members 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d cooperating to exert the force together.

[0071] The return members 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d may be springs. The use of springs has advantages of simplicity of implementation, limitation of costs and ease of maintenance.

[0072] For example, each return member 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d bears on the second jaw 107 opposite the clamping face 113 delimited by the second jaw 107 and facing the first jaw 106. Such a solution by bearing has the advantage of being easy to implement, for example using compression springs connecting for example the first part 101 of the holding device 100 and the second part 102 of the holding device 100. For example, the first part 101 of the holding device 100 may comprise a portion 116 (FIGS. 1 and 2) connected to the first jaw 106, for example so as to delimit a U, so that said portion 116 is fixed relative to the first jaw 106 and has a face oriented towards the first jaw 106 with the interposition of the second jaw 107: the return members 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d can then be compressed by pressing on the portion 116 (in particular on the face of the portion 116 oriented towards the first jaw 106) and on the second jaw 107 so as to exert the stress.

[0073] In order to facilitate the transition from the second configuration to the first configuration, in particular in the context of the presence of the return mechanism 112, the first part 101 of the holding device 100 may comprise, at a distance from the receiving zone 103, at least one passage 114 (two passages 114 in FIGS. 1 and 2) allowing access, through this passage 114, to a corresponding support surface 115 which comprises the second part 102 of the holding device 100. The passage 114 may then be crossed by a support member, such as a pin, then exerting a force on the second part 102 of the holding device 100 to oppose the stress of the return mechanism 112 in order to allow the transition from the second configuration to the first configuration.

[0074] It is clear that the values ​​of the first and second spacings dl, d2 will have to be adapted by the person skilled in the art according to the needs. For example, for an assembly 200 with a thickness equal to 12 millimeters, dl is greater than the 12 millimeters of the thickness of the assembly 200 with a margin to allow handling (for example dl is equal to 27 millimeters).

[0075] The return mechanism 112 can be adapted to always exert a force urging the second jaw 107 towards the first jaw 106, in particular regardless of the spacing (even zero) between the first jaw 106 and the second jaw 107.

[0076] The return mechanism 112 may be such that it allows the first and second jaws 106, 107 to come into contact (i.e. zero spacing between the latter) when no assembly 200 is present in the receiving zone 103 and no external stress on the holding device 100 is exerted to oppose the return mechanism 112.

[0077] It follows from what has been described above that the invention also relates to a handling system 1000 for the assembly 200, the handling system 1000 comprising the holding device 100 and the clamp 300 comprising the gripping members 301, 302 each shaped to be inserted into one of the clearances 104, 105. Such a handling system 1000 is particularly suitable for use within a battery or battery cell production line in order to preserve the integrity of assemblies 200, in particular as long as they have not each been inserted into a protective pocket making it possible to ensure the relative holding of the electrodes of said stack 200 between them. This handling system 1000 is in particular illustrated according to a particular exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 4 and 5. within the system 1000 the clamp 300 and the holding device 100 can be moved relative to each other by any type of suitable means such as for example a robotic system.

[0078] Preferably, in the context of the handling system 1000, in the second configuration, the receiving zone 103 is accessible to the gripping members 301, 302 of the clamp 300 via the clearances 104, 105 ([Fig.6]). This is what makes it possible to ensure suitable clamping of the assembly 200 when the clamp 300 and the holding device 100 cooperate during the loading or unloading of the assembly 200 to or from the holding device 100. In particular, this is visible in [Fig.7] where the clamp 300 (not shown) can come and clamp the assembly 200, as shown for example in [Fig.6], then positioned in the receiving zone 103 and clamped between the first jaw 106 and the second jaw 107.

[0079] Preferably, the handling system 1000 comprises a loading configuration in which the holding device 100 and the clamp 300 have a relative positioning such that the gripping members 301, 302 of the clamp 300 are positioned so that: • said gripping members 301, 302 allow a transition from the first configuration of the holding device 100 to its second configuration; • each of the gripping members 301, 302 of at least a portion of said gripping members 301, 302 is arranged to be inserted into one of the corresponding clearances 104, 105 during the transition from the first configuration of the holding device 100 to the second configuration of the holding device 100.

[0080] This is, for example, made possible by any robotic means allowing suitable relative positioning between the holding device 100 and the clamp 300.

[0081] An exemplary embodiment of this loading configuration is illustrated in [Fig.5] where said at least part of said gripping members corresponds to all of the gripping members 302 of the second part 305 of the clamp 300. In this loading configuration, the other gripping members 301 (i.e. those not included in said at least part of said gripping members) are each already inserted into one of the clearances 104 of the first jaw 106. Then, according to this exemplary embodiment, when changing from the first configuration to the second configuration, the gripping members 302 of the second part 305 of the clamp 300 are each inserted into one of the clearances 105 of the second jaw 107.

[0082] Of course, this exemplary embodiment is not limiting in the sense that it is also possible that, in the loading configuration, none of the gripping members 301, 302 is inserted into any of the clearances 104, 105, from which it follows that each of the gripping members 301, 302 is arranged to be inserted into one clearances 104, 105 corresponding to the transition from the first configuration of the holding device 100 to the second configuration of the holding device 100.

[0083] The handling system 1000 may comprise a mechanism 1001 for actuating the holding device 100 allowing the transition from the second configuration to the first configuration, and vice versa. This actuating mechanism 1001 is particularly suitable when the holding device 100 comprises the return mechanism 112.

[0084] For example, in Figures 4 and 5, the actuating mechanism 1001 comprises two pins 1002a, 1002b and an elongated body 1003 from which the two pins 1002a, 1002b extend in a secant direction, in particular substantially orthogonal, to the direction of elongation of the elongated body 1003. The two pins 1002a, 1002b are spaced appropriately so as to each pass through one of the passages 114 provided in the first part 101 of the holding device 100 when the elongated body 1003 is moved in translation, for example using a motor 1004 of the actuating mechanism 1001. This translational movement is notably substantially orthogonal to the direction of elongation of the elongated body 1003 and substantially parallel to the direction of extension of the two pins 1002a, 1002b from the elongated body 1003.

[0085] It follows from what has been described above that the invention also relates to a method of handling the assembly 200, the handling method comprising the following steps: a) provide the set 200 ([Fig.3]); b) provide the holding device 100 (figures 1 and 2); c) providing the clamp 300 comprising the gripping members 301, 302 making it possible to clamp the assembly 200 (figures 4 and 8); d) carrying out a passage of said assembly 200 between the holding device 100 and the clamp 300 (for example this passage corresponds to a transition from [Fig.4] to [Fig.7] or to a transition from [Fig.7] to [Fig.4]), step d) comprising a period of time during which the assembly 200, then positioned in the reception zone 103, is both clamped by the holding device 100 and by the clamp 300 ([Fig.6]). It should be noted that the aforementioned time period advantageously allows the passage to be ensured like the passage of a relay without the tightening of the assembly 200 being released.

[0086] When the assembly 200 is clamped by the holding device 100, this clamping is carried out by the first jaw 106 and the second jaw 107 then in contact with the assembly 200.

[0087] When the assembly 200 is clamped by the pliers, this clamping is carried out in particular between and by two rows of gripping members 301, 302 facing each other.

[0088] In order to oppose the misalignment of the electrodes of the stack 201 of electrodes: • in the second configuration and when the assembly 200 is positioned in the receiving zone, the clamping ensured by the holding device 100 (i.e. by the first and second jaws 106, 107) is exerted in a direction substantially parallel to a stacking direction of the electrodes within the stack 200 of electrodes; • where appropriate, the clamping of the assembly 200 provided by the clamp 300 is exerted in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of stacking of the electrodes within the stack 200 of electrodes.

[0089] For example, during step d), the time period is: • preceded by holding the assembly 200 by clamping by only one of the clamp 300 and the holding device 100; • followed by holding the assembly 200 by clamping only the other of the clamp 300 and the holding device 100. This ensures that the assembly is held both during loading and unloading.

[0090] In particular, step d) may be a loading of the assembly 200 into the holding device 100 by the clamp 300. Thus, in this case, the time period is preceded by the holding of the assembly 200 by clamping by only the clamp 300 and step d) corresponds to the loading phase described above.

[0091] In particular, step d) may be an unloading of the assembly 200 from the holding device 100 by the clamp 300. Thus, in this case, the time lapse is preceded by the holding of the assembly 200 by clamping by only the holding device 100, and step d) corresponds to the unloading phase described above.

[0092] The handling method may comprise, prior to step d), a step of loading the assembly 200 into the holding device 100 by the clamp 300, the loading step comprising a period of time during which the assembly 200 is positioned in the receiving zone 103 and is both clamped by the holding device 100 and by the clamp 300. Step d) corresponds to the unloading of the assembly 200 from the holding device 100 by the clamp 300.

[0093] The first and second jaws 106, 107 may each have an elongation, substantially orthogonal to the stacking direction when the assembly 200 is positioned in the receiving zone 103, so that their fingers 108, 109 are staggered according to this elongation in order to distribute the clamping forces of the holding device 100.

[0094] The holding device 100 and / or the handling system 1000 and / or the handling method have an industrial application in the context of manufacturing of battery cells, particularly in the vehicle sector.

[0095] The battery, in particular for a vehicle, may comprise a plurality of cells each obtained during a manufacturing process in which cells are held via the holding device 100 and the clamp 300.

[0096] The battery mentioned above is, preferably, a battery for a motor vehicle and intended to serve as an energy source for an electric motor of the motor vehicle making it possible to implement movement of the motor vehicle for example: • by propulsion or traction via two drive wheels of the vehicle; or • by all-wheel drive via four-wheel drive of the vehicle in particular when two electric motors of the vehicle, powered by the battery, are coupled respectively to a front axle of the motor vehicle comprising two of the wheels of the motor vehicle and to a rear axle of the motor vehicle comprising two other wheels of the motor vehicle.

Claims

Claims

1. Holding device (100) for holding an assembly (200) intended for the manufacture of a battery cell, the assembly (200) comprising a stack (201) of electrodes, the holding device (100) comprising: • a first part (101) comprising a first jaw (106) and a second part (102) comprising a second jaw (107); • a zone (103) for receiving the assembly (200) arranged at least in part between the first jaw (106) and the second jaw (107); said holding device (100) being configured to selectively adopt: • a first configuration in which the first and second jaws (106, 107) have, at the level of the receiving zone (103), a first spacing (dl) allowing the insertion of the assembly (200) into the receiving zone (103) and / or the removal of the assembly (200) from the receiving zone (103); • a second configuration in which the first and second jaws (106, 107) have, at the receiving zone (103), a second spacing (d2) strictly less than the first spacing (dl) and making it possible to clamp the assembly (200) when it is present in the receiving zone (103); wherein the first jaw (106) and the second jaw (107) each comprise at least one clearance (104, 105), the clearances (104, 105) being configured to each receive a member (301, 302) for gripping a clamp (300) allowing the clamp (300), when the assembly (200) is present in the receiving zone (103) and held clamped by the first and second jaws (106, 107) in the second configuration of the holding device (100), to clamp said assembly (200).

2. A holding device (100) according to claim 1, wherein: • the first part (101) comprises a first edge (110); • the second part (102) comprises a second edge (111); the first and second edges (110, 111) being arranged on the same side of the holding device (100), said at least one clearance (104) of the first jaw (106) being arranged at the first edge (110) and said at least one clearance (105) of the second jaw (107) being arranged at the second edge (111).

3. Holding device (100) according to claim 2, wherein said at least one clearance (104) of the first jaw (106) is opposite said at least one clearance (105) of the second jaw (107).

4. A holding device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first jaw (106) comprises a plurality of clearances (104) and the second jaw (107) comprises a plurality of clearances (105), the clearances (105) of the second jaw (107) each being opposite only one of the clearances (104) of the first jaw (106).

5. Handling system (1000) for an assembly (200) intended for the manufacture of a battery cell, the assembly (200) comprising a stack (201) of electrodes (202, 203), the handling system (1000) comprising the holding device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and a clamp (300) comprising gripping members (301, 302) each shaped to fit into one of the clearances (104, 105).

6. Handling system (1000) according to claim 5 wherein, in the second configuration, the reception area (103) is accessible to the gripping members (301, 302) of the clamp (300) via the clearances (104, 105).

7. Handling system (1000) according to any one of claims 5 to 6, comprising a loading configuration in which the holding device (100) and the clamp (300) have a relative positioning such that the gripping members (301, 302) of the clamp (300) are positioned so that: • said gripping members (301, 302) allow a passage from the first configuration of the holding device (100) to its second configuration; • each of the gripping members (301, 302) of at least one part of said gripping members (301, 302) is arranged to be inserted into one of the corresponding clearances (104, 105) during the transition from the first configuration of the holding device (100) to the second configuration of the holding device (100).

8. A method of handling an assembly (200) intended for the manufacture of a battery cell, the handling method comprising the following steps: a. providing the assembly (200) comprising a stack (201) of electrodes; b. providing a holding device (100) according to claim 1; c. providing a clamp (300) comprising gripping members (301, 302) for clamping the assembly (200); d. carrying out a passage of said assembly (200) between the holding device (100) and the clamp (300), step d) comprising a period of time during which the assembly (200), then positioned in the receiving zone (103), is clamped both by the holding device (100) and by the clamp (300).

9. Handling method according to claim 8, wherein, during step d), the time lapse is: • preceded by holding the assembly (200) by clamping by only one of the clamp (300) and the holding device (100); • followed by holding the assembly (200) by clamping by only the other of the clamp (300) and the holding device (100).

10. Handling method according to any one of claims 8 to 9, in which step d) is a loading of the assembly (200) into the holding device (100) by the clamp (300).

11. Handling method according to any one of claims 8 to 9, in which step d) is an unloading of the assembly (200) from the holding device (100) by the clamp (300).

12. Handling method according to claim 11, comprising, prior to step d), a step of loading the assembly (200) into the holding device (100) by the clamp (300), the loading step comprising a period of time during which the assembly (200) is positioned in the receiving zone (103) and is both clamped by the holding device (100) and by the clamp (300).

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