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 part (101) comprising a first jaw (102); a second part (103) comprising a second jaw (104); a receiving zone (105) for receiving the assembly (200) arranged at least partly between the first jaw (102) and the second jaw (104); a return mechanism (106) configured to exert a force tending to bring the first and second jaws (102, 104) together, the return mechanism (106) comprising several return members (106a, 106b, 106c, 106d) configured to cooperate to exert the force together. Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 5

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 to 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. More particularly, the invention relates to a holding device for this 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 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 production process involving a high production rate. Subject of the invention

[0005] The present invention aims to propose a satisfactory solution for maintaining 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; • a second part comprising a second bit; • a reception area for receiving the assembly, the reception area being arranged at least partly between the first jaw and the second jaw; the holding device being configured to selectively adopt: • a first configuration in which the first and second jaws have a first spacing allowing the assembly to be inserted into the receiving area and / or the assembly to be removed from the receiving area; • a second configuration in which the first and second jaws 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; the holding device comprising a return mechanism configured to exert, in the first configuration and in the second configuration, a force tending to bring the first and second jaws together, the return mechanism comprising several return members configured to cooperate to exert the force together.

[0007] Such a holding device makes it possible to hold the assembly in a suitable manner in order to avoid misalignments of its electrodes. The assembly can then easily be moved during its holding by the holding device from one station of a battery cell manufacturing facility to another station of this facility while avoiding the aforementioned misalignment.

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

[0009] According to a characteristic of the holding device, each return member bears on the second jaw opposite a clamping face of the second jaw facing the first jaw.

[0010] Such a solution by supporting several return members has the advantage of being easy to implement, for example using compression springs connecting for example the first part and the second part of the holding device 100.

[0011] According to a characteristic of the holding device, the return members are springs.

[0012] The use of springs has advantages of simplicity of implementation, limitation of costs and ease of maintenance.

[0013] According to a characteristic of the holding device, the first part comprises, at distance from the reception area, at least one passage allowing access, through said at least one passage, to a support area which comprises the second part.

[0014] This has the advantage of facilitating the passage of a support member, such as a pin, to exert a force on the second part opposing the stress of the return mechanism to allow the passage from the second configuration to the first configuration.

[0015] According to a characteristic of the holding device, the second part comprises a support member configured: • to pass through said at least one passage of an additional holding device, such as the holding device described, and superimposed on said holding device; and • to press on the support surface of the additional holding device so that the transition from the second configuration to the first configuration of said holding device causes the transition from the second configuration to the first configuration of said additional holding device.

[0016] This has the advantage of making it possible, when holding devices are stacked, to facilitate their opening (transition from the second configuration to the second configuration of the corresponding holding device).

[0017] According to a characteristic of the holding device, the holding device comprises support elements, and the first part comprises a first side comprising first coupling members and a second side, opposite the first side in a tightening direction of the first and second jaws, from which the support elements extend, each having a free end comprising a second coupling member complementary to one of the first coupling members.

[0018] This has the advantage of allowing the stacking of holding devices, for example, in order to facilitate the transport of several assemblies simultaneously.

[0019] According to a characteristic of the holding device, the second part is mounted according to a sliding connection relative to the first part.

[0020] The sliding connection makes it possible to ensure the bringing together or the moving apart of the first and second jaws while ensuring a tightening of the assembly adapted in the second configuration.

[0021] According to a characteristic of the holding device, the support element(s) of at least part of the support elements form guides participating in the implementation of the sliding connection.

[0022] This makes it possible to implement the sliding connection in combination with the possibility of stacking the holding devices.

[0023] The invention also relates to a support system configured to maintain a plurality of assemblies each intended for the manufacture of a battery cell, each assembly comprising a stack of electrodes, said support system comprising holding devices as described stacked, the holding devices forming at least one pair of holding devices, one of the devices for holding said pair resting on the other of the devices for holding said pair.

[0024] This allows multiple assemblies to be maintained within a single support system to make battery cell manufacturing more efficient.

[0025] The support system may further include one or more of the following features.

[0026] According to a characteristic of the support system, the support system comprises an actuating device allowing the simultaneous passage of each of the holding devices from its second configuration to its first configuration.

[0027] This makes it easier to load or unload the assemblies to or from the holding devices to ensure good timing in the manufacture of battery cells.

[0028] According to a characteristic of the support system, the actuating device comprises, for each holding device, at least one support element configured to exert a support force on a corresponding support surface that comprises the second part of said holding device so as to oppose the stress of the return mechanism of said holding device in order to cause the transition from the second configuration to the first configuration of said holding device.

[0029] In this case, the same actuating device makes it possible to oppose, by direct contact with each of the holding devices, the stress generated by its return mechanism in order to move from the second configuration to the first configuration for each of the holding devices.

[0030] According to a characteristic of the support system, the actuating device is configured to directly exert a bearing force on only one of the holding devices, and the stack of holding devices is configured so that the bearing force is transmitted, within said stack of holding devices, indirectly to each of the other holding devices than the one directly receiving the bearing force exerted by the actuating device.

[0031] This allows the actuating device to be less complex and less expensive.

[0032] According to a characteristic of the support system: • the stacking of holding devices is such that: • one of the holding devices is a first holding device forming a first end of the stack of holding devices; and • another of the holding devices is a second holding device forming a second end of the stack of holding devices opposite the first end along a stacking axis of the holding devices within said stack of holding devices, the stacking axis being substantially parallel to a clamping axis of each of the holding devices; • the actuating device comprises at least one support element, and is configured so that the support force is exerted at least in part via said at least one support element configured to exert support on a corresponding support surface, which comprises the second part of the first holding device, so as to oppose the stress of the return mechanism of said first holding device in order to cause the transition from the second configuration to the first configuration of said first holding device; • the second part of the first holding device and of each holding device arranged between the first holding device and the second holding device comprises at least one support member configured to transmit all or part of the support force to the second part of one of the holding devices succeeding it in the stack of holding devices.

[0033] This makes it possible to reduce the dimensions of the actuating device, allowing simultaneous opening of each of the holding devices (transition from their second configuration to their first configuration). Furthermore, this makes it possible to position the actuating device in a suitable location, such as positioning in a lower region, for example under the stack of holding devices, without hindering access to the reception areas, for example to grippers, in order to be able to load or unload the assemblies to or from the holding devices.

[0034] The invention also relates to a method for handling assemblies each intended for the manufacture of a battery cell, said handling method comprising the following steps: (a) provide for the sets; (b) providing a stack of holding devices, each holding device being as described; (c) holding said assemblies, each assembly being held clamped in one of the holding devices in its second configuration.

[0035] It is then easy to manipulate the assemblies, for example on the production line by moving them from one station to another station, in particular using a mobile robot in the production installation.

[0036] The handling method may further comprise one or more of the following features.

[0037] According to a characteristic of the handling method, the handling method comprises: • a step of interaction between an actuating device and the stack of holding devices in which the actuating device exerts a bearing force on at least one of the holding devices, resulting in each of the holding devices being in its first configuration; • a step of releasing said support force from which it results that, for each holding device, the return mechanism of said holding device causes the transition from the first configuration of said holding device to the second configuration of said holding device.

[0038] This allows simultaneous control of the opening or closing of the stacked holding devices in order to increase the production rate of battery cells within the production line.

[0039] According to a characteristic of the handling method, the handling method comprises, during the interaction step and before the implementation of the release step: • a step of loading the sets resulting in the implementation of step c); or • a step of unloading the assemblies from the holding devices subsequent to step c).

[0040] Thus, several sets can be loaded or unloaded at the same time.

[0041] The invention also relates to a handling system comprising a holding device as described and an actuating device for actuating the holding device so as to vary the holding device between its second configuration and its first configuration.

[0042] The actuating device is particularly suitable for opposing the return mechanism and makes it possible, for example, to press on the second part of the holding device in order to oppose the return mechanism in order to vary the holding device from its second configuration to its first configuration.

[0043] Other advantages and characteristics may emerge from the detailed description which follows. Brief description of the drawings

[0044] 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.

[0045] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] represents, in a perspective view, a holding device according to the invention in a clamping configuration.

[0046] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] represents the holding device of [Fig.l] according to another viewing angle.

[0047] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] represents, in a perspective view, the holding device of [Fig.l] in an opening configuration.

[0048] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] shows a sectional view of an assembly intended for the fa construction of a battery cell to be held in the holding device.

[0049] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] represents, in a perspective view, the holding device now the whole thing.

[0050] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] represents, in a perspective view, only part of the holding device.

[0051] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] represents, in a perspective view, a system of ma maintenance including the device for maintaining the open configuration.

[0052] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] represents, in a perspective view, the system of my maintenance including the device for holding in the clamping configuration.

[0053] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] represents, in a perspective view, the support system comprising a stack of holding devices in a clamping configuration.

[0054] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] represents, in a perspective view, a variant of the holding device according to the invention in a clamping configuration.

[0055] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] represents, in a simplified view, a particular embodiment of the support system.

[0056] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] shows, in a perspective view, only part of the holding device.

[0057] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] represents, in a simplified view, a particular embodiment of the support system.

[0058] 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

[0059] In the present description, by "substantially orthogonal" is meant orthogonal or orthogonal to plus or minus 10 degrees.

[0060] In the present description, by “substantially parallel” is meant parallel or parallel to plus or minus 10 degrees.

[0061] A holding device 100, an example of which is illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, for holding an assembly 200 (for example visible as such in [Fig. 4] and visible held in [Fig. 5]) intended for the manufacture of a battery cell advantageously allows preferably a loading of the assembly 200 towards this holding device 100 or an unloading of the assembly 200 from this holding device 100.

[0062] In particular, as shown in an example in [Fig. 4], the assembly 200 comprises a stack 201 of electrodes, also called a stack of electrodes. Conventionally, the electrodes can each be chosen from an anode 202 and a cathode 203. In the example illustrated in [Fig. 4], 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 can 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.

[0063] The holding device 100 comprises a first part 101 comprising a first jaw 102, a second part 103 comprising a second jaw 104, and a receiving area 105 for receiving the assembly 200 (also called receiving area 105 of the assembly 200). The receiving area 105 is arranged at least in part between the first jaw 102 and the second jaw 104. The holding device 100 is configured to selectively adopt: • a first configuration, in particular called the opening configuration, in which the first jaw 102 and the second jaw 104 have a first spacing dl (this first spacing dl being at the level of the reception zone 105) allowing the insertion of the assembly 200 into the reception zone 105 and / or the removal of the assembly 200 from the reception zone 105; • a second configuration, in particular called the clamping configuration, in which the first jaw 102 and the second jaw 104 have 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 105 (in other words, the second configuration makes it possible to clamp the assembly 200 when it is present in the receiving zone 105). In other words, the second configuration makes it possible to clamp the assembly 200, when it is present in the receiving zone 105, so as to ensure that the assembly 200 is held between the first jaw 102 and the second jaw 104 at (i.e. in) the receiving zone 105. In particular, the first configuration is illustrated as an example in [Fig. 3] and the second configuration is illustrated as an example in figures 1 and 2. [Fig. 5] illustrates the second configuration while the assembly 200 is po located in the reception area 105 and clamped between the first jaw 102 and the second jaw 104 which then hold the assembly 200 within the holding device 100.

[0064] In particular, in [Fig.3], the reception zone 105 is represented diagrammatically by a dotted parallelepiped.

[0065] In particular, in the first configuration, the assembly can be removed from between, or inserted between, the first and second jaws 102, 104 by a lateral side of the holding device not opposing the passage of the assembly 200.

[0066] By “the receiving zone 105 is arranged, at least in part, between the first jaw 102 and the second jaw 104”, it is for example understood that the receiving zone 104 can be arranged between the first jaw 102 and the second jaw 104, or in part between the first jaw 102 and the second jaw 104 in the sense that it can overflow relative to the first and second jaws 102, 104.

[0067] The holding device 100 comprises a return mechanism 106 (figures 1, 2, 3 and 5 for example) exerting / configured to exert, in the first configuration and in the second configuration, a stress tending to bring the first and second jaws 102, 104 closer together (i.e. bring them closer to each other). The return mechanism 106 comprises several return members 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d cooperating / configured to cooperate to exert the stress together.

[0068] Such a holding device 100 allows suitable holding of the assembly 200 when it is present in the receiving zone 105 by distributing in particular the support of the second jaw 104 via several return members 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d.

[0069] Preferably, the holding device 100 is configured so that, in the second configuration, the assembly 200 is clamped only between the first and second jaws 102, 104 when the assembly 200 is present in the receiving zone 105. This makes it possible to limit the number of jaws to two, thus simplifying the holding device 100 and tending to homogenize the clamping of the assembly 200 between the first and second jaws 102, 104.

[0070] 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).

[0071] The return mechanism 106 can be adapted to always exert a force urging the second jaw 104 towards the first jaw 102, in particular regardless of the spacing (even zero) between the first jaw 102 and the second jaw 104.

[0072] The return mechanism 106 may be such that it allows the first and second jaws 102, 104 to come into contact (i.e. zero spacing between the latter) when no assembly 200 is present in the receiving zone 105 and no stress external to the holding device 100 is not exerted to oppose the return mechanism 106.

[0073] Preferably, as is illustrated in particular in figures 1 to 3 and 5, each return member 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d bears on the second jaw 104 opposite a clamping face 107 of the second jaw 104 facing the first jaw 102. This allows the application of forces, by the return mechanism 106, on the second jaw 104 to induce the desired stress while allowing good distribution of the support of the second jaw 104 on the assembly 200 when it is present in the receiving zone 105 and the holding device 100 is in its second configuration.

[0074] The return members 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d may be springs as can be seen for example in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 5. This is inexpensive and the fact that each return member 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d is a spring allows for simple maintenance of the holding device 100, and suitable calibration of the desired support of the second jaw 104 on the assembly 200 when it is present in the receiving zone 105 and the holding device 100 is in its second configuration.

[0075] For example, the first jaw 102 comprises a preferably planar clamping face 115, just as the second jaw 104 comprises the preferably planar clamping face 107. These clamping faces 115, 107 face each other in particular and may be delimited so as to be symmetrical with respect to a plane arranged between the first and second jaws 102, 104 and preferably substantially parallel to the planes of the planar clamping faces 107, 115.

[0076] The first spacing d1 and the second spacing d2 are in particular each measured / determined, at the receiving zone 105, between the first jaw 102 and the second jaw 104. In particular, the first spacing d1 and the second spacing d2 are each measured / determined between the clamping face 115 of the first jaw 102 and the clamping face 107 of the second jaw 104 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 105.

[0077] For example, each return member 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d bears on the second jaw 104 opposite the clamping face 107 of the second jaw 104 facing the first jaw 102 (more particularly towards the clamping face 115 of the first jaw 102). Such a support solution 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 103 of the holding device 100. For this purpose, the first part 101 of the holding device 100 may comprise a portion 116 (notably visible in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 5) connected to the first jaw 102, for example so as to delimit a U as it follows from [Fig.6] showing the first part 101 of the holding device 100, so that said portion 116 is fixed relative to the first jaw 102 and has a face oriented towards the first jaw 102 with the interposition of the second jaw 104 (figures 1, 2, 3 and 5): the return members 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d can then be compressed by pressing on the portion 116 (in particular on the face of the portion 116 oriented towards the first jaw 12) and on the second jaw 104 so as to exert the stress.

[0078] In particular, as can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, for each return member 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d formed by a compression spring, the second jaw 104 and / or the portion 116 of the first part 101 of the holding device 100 may comprise a housing 117a, 117b of a corresponding end of said return member 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d allowing said return member 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d to be held when its compression increases during the transition from the second configuration to the first configuration of the holding device 100 and when it relaxes during the transition from the first configuration to the second configuration of the holding device 100.

[0079] Where appropriate, the increase in the compression or the relaxation of each of the return members 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d is preferably carried out in a direction substantially orthogonal to the clamping faces 107, 115 of the first and second jaws 102, 104.

[0080] For example, as shown in [Fig.6], the first part 101 of the holding device 100 comprises a first part 118 comprising the first jaw 102, a second part 119 comprising the portion 116 of the first part 101 of the holding device 100 and a third part 120 forming a spacer connecting the first part 118 and the second part 119 according to a fixed spacing while allowing the presence of the second jaw 104 and its mobility between the first part 118 and the second part 119. The first and second parts 118, 119 can be fixed to the third part 120 by any suitable assembly means such as screws.

[0081] Alternatively, the first, second and third parts 118, 119, 120 may in fact be a single monolithic part, for example obtained by molding and / or machining.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the first part 101 of the holding device 100 comprises, at a distance from the receiving zone 105, at least one passage 108 allowing access, through this passage 108, to a support surface 109 which comprises the second part 103 of the holding device 100. In Figures 1 to 3, 5 and 6, the holding device 100 comprises two passages 108 arranged at opposite longitudinal ends of the first part 101 of the holding device 100 in order in particular to allow a force to be exerted on the second part 103 of the holding device 100. maintenance (in particular on the support surfaces 109) opposed to the stress to easily vary the maintenance device 100 from its second configuration to its first configuration.

[0083] When using the holding device 100, the passage(s) 108 can then be crossed by a support member 121, such as a pin, then exerting a force on the second part 103 of the holding device 100 to oppose the stress of the return mechanism 106 in order to allow the transition from the second configuration to the first configuration.

[0084] The passage(s) 108 may each be formed by a notch provided in a corresponding edge of the first part 101 of the holding device 100.

[0085] Thus, as shown in an example in Figures 7 and 8, the invention may relate to a handling system 1000 comprising the holding device 100 and an actuating device 1001 for actuating the holding device 100 so as to vary the holding device 100 between its second configuration and its first configuration. This actuating device 1001 is particularly suited to the return mechanism 106 and makes it possible, for example, to bear on the second part 103 of the holding device 100 (in particular on the bearing surfaces 109) through the first part 101 of the holding device 100 via the passages 108, for example to vary from the second configuration to the first configuration.

[0086] For example, in Figures 7 and 8, the actuating device 1001 comprises two actuating pins 1002a, 1002b (also called actuating rods) and an elongated body 1003 from which the two actuating pins 1002a, 1002b extend in a direction secant, in particular substantially orthogonal, to the direction of elongation of the elongated body 1003. The two actuating pins 1002a, 1002b are spaced appropriately so as to each pass through one of the passages 108 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 device 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 actuating pins 1002a, 1002b from the elongated body 1003.

[0087] In particular, in [Fig.7], the state of the handling system 1000 is such that the holding device 100 is in its first configuration due to the supports provided by the pins 1002a, 1002b for actuating the actuating device 1001 on the second part 103 of the holding device 100: the assembly 200 can then be placed between the first and second jaws 102, 104.

[0088] In particular, in [Fig.8], the state of the handling system 1000 is such that the holding device 100 is in its second configuration due to the fact that the pins 1002a, 1002b for actuating the actuating device 1001 are placed at a distance from the second part 103 of the holding device 100: the stress on the return mechanism 106 induces the clamping of the assembly 200, positioned in the receiving zone 105, by the first and second jaws 102, 104.

[0089] Several holding devices 100 can be stacked, thus forming a stack 125 of holding devices 100, for example for the purpose of transferring them on a pallet from one station to another in a battery cell or battery production line. [Fig. 9] illustrates a particular embodiment of the stack 125 of holding devices 100 in which the holding devices 100 are each in their second configuration with a set 200 clamped in the corresponding receiving zone 105. The example illustrated in [Fig. 9] shows a stack of seven holding devices 100, but is not limited to such a number in the sense that more generally the stack 125 of holding devices can comprise a number of holding devices 100 greater than or equal to 2.

[0090] Thus, the invention also relates to a support system 2000 configured to hold a plurality of assemblies 200 each intended for the manufacture of a battery cell, said support system 2000 comprising stacked holding devices 100 thus forming said stack 125 of holding devices. The holding devices 100 then form at least one pair of holding devices 100a, 100c, one of the devices 100c for holding said pair rests on the other of the devices 100a for holding said pair.

[0091] According to a particular embodiment, as illustrated in [Fig.10], the second part 103 of the holding device 100 comprises a support member 121 configured to pass through said at least one passage 108 of a holding device, as described, additional and superimposed on said holding device 100. The support member 121 is further configured to press on the support surface 109 of the additional holding device so that the transition from the second configuration to the first configuration of said holding device 100 causes the transition from the second configuration to the first configuration of said additional holding device.

[0092] Thus, it is possible to vary several holding devices 100 via a direct interaction of the actuation device 1001 such as that described above with only one of the holding devices 100, in particular the one located at the base of the stack 125 of holding devices. This is for example shown diagrammatically in [Fig. 11] illustrating a stack of four holding devices 100, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d where: • the holding device 100, 100a located at the base of the stack 125 of holding devices is placed by the actuating device 1001 in its first configuration thanks to the direct support of the actuation pins 1002a, 1002b; • each additional holding device 100b, 100c, 100d, arranged above said holding device 100, 100a located at the base of the stack 125 of holding devices, is placed in its first configuration thanks to the supports of the support members 121, of the holding device 100 located immediately below it, and passing through the passages 108 of the first part 101 of said additional holding device 100b, 100c, 100d.

[0093] As mentioned above, the holding devices 100 can be stacked; there is a need to allow this stacking while ensuring mechanical holding of the holding devices 100 stacked together, for example in order to move the stack 125 of holding devices 100.For this purpose, the holding device 100 may comprise support elements 113a, 113b, 113c, 113d, and the first part 101 of the holding device 100 may comprise (Figures 1 and 2) a first side 110 comprising first coupling members 111a, 111b, 111c, 111d and a second side 112, opposite the first side 110 in a clamping direction (also called clamping axis) of the first and second jaws 102, 104, from which the support elements 113a, 113b, 113c, 113d extend, each having a free end comprising a second coupling member 114a, 114b, 114c, 114d complementary to one of the first members 111a, 111b, 111c, 11 Id coupling. In particular, the stack visible in [Fig.9] is formed by coupling the first coupling members 111a, 111b, 11 le, 11 Id and the second coupling members 114a, 114b, 114c, 114d for each pair of adjacent superimposed holding devices.The support elements 113a, 113b, 113c, 113d can be fixed to the first part 101 of the holding device 100 by any suitable means such as screws.

[0094] It results from the first and second configurations of the holding device 100 that the first and second parts 101, 103 of the holding device 100 can be mounted together so as to be movable between them. For this purpose, and to allow in the second configuration a suitable clamping of the assembly 200 by the first and second jaws 102, 104 when the assembly 200 is in the receiving zone 105, the second part 103 of the holding device 100 is preferably mounted according to a sliding connection relative to the first part 101 of the holding device 100. This makes it possible to form a mechanical connection with a single degree of freedom, the relative movement of which between the first and second parts 101, 103 of the holding device 100 is a translation, the axis or direction of which is also the axis of the sliding connection substantially parallel to the clamping direction of the first and second jaws 102, 104.

[0095] For example, this sliding connection can be implemented by taking advantage of the presence of the support elements 113a, 113b, 113c, 113d. Thus, the support element(s) of at least a portion of the support elements 113a, 113b, 113c, 113d can form guides participating in the implementation of the sliding connection. For this purpose, the support element(s) of said at least one part of the support elements 113a, 113b, 113c, 113d can each pass through a corresponding opening 126a, 126b ([Fig. 1 ]) belonging to the second part 103 of the holding device so that the second part 103 of the holding device can slide, via the openings 126a, 126b, along the support element(s) of said at least one part of the support elements 113a, 113b, 113c, 113d.

[0096] In the example illustrated in figures 1 and 2, two support elements referenced 113a, 113d serve as guides.

[0097] In addition, so that the sliding connection is of good quality to guide the variation between the first configuration and the second configuration, the third part 120 may comprise openings 122 each housing a guide projection 123 penetrating into the second part 103 of the holding device (in particular in preferably through holes) so as to participate in the guiding of the second jaw 104, in particular at an edge of the second part 103 of the holding device 100 opposite the edge of the second part 103 of the holding device 100 cooperating with the corresponding support elements 113a, 113d forming guides. In the example illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 6, four projections 123 participate in the guiding.

[0098] For example, each support element 113a, 113b, 113c, 113d may have a body adopting the shape of a cylindrical rod, the free end of which comprises a projection or pin forming one of the second coupling members 114a, 114b, 114c, 114d configured to engage in a corresponding hole forming one of the first coupling members 111a, 111b, 111c, 111d while notably allowing the first part 101 of another holding device 100 comprising said hole to rest at the periphery of this hole on a shoulder formed by the intersection of said body and said projection or pin.

[0099] As illustrated in particular in [Fig. 12], the second part 103 of the holding device 100 may also comprise rods 124 extending from the second jaw 104 opposite its clamping face 107. These rods 124 are each fixed to this second jaw 104. These rods 124 can slide through the portion 116, via corresponding holes 127, in particular through holes, provided in the portion 116 ([Fig. 6]), during the variation between the first configuration and the second configuration of the holding device 100 in order to participate in the definition of the sliding connection. In particular, these rods 124 are each inserted into one of the return members 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d each adopting the form of a compression spring. This allows the rods 124 to serve as a guide for the return members 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d.

[0100] Advantageously, the first jaw 102 and the second jaw 104 may each comprise at least one clearance 128, 129, the clearances 128, 129 being configured to each receive a gripping member, such as a finger, of a clamp allowing the clamp, when the assembly 200 is present in the receiving zone 105 and held clamped by the first and second jaws 102, 104, to clamp said assembly 200. The clearances 128, 129 are in particular arranged so as to: • allow the assembly 200 to be held by the clamp via these clearances 128, 129 when the assembly 200 is held in the reception area 105 of the holding device 100 in its second configuration; • allow the assembly 200 to be held by the clamp via these clearances 128, 129 when changing from the second configuration of the holding device 100 to its first configuration. This makes it possible to ensure that the assembly 200 is held in place when this assembly 200 passes between the clamp and the holding device 100 in the manner of a relay pass in order to avoid misalignment of the electrodes of the assembly 200.

[0101] In order to oppose the misalignment of the electrodes of the stack 200 of electrodes: • in the second configuration and when the assembly 200 is positioned in the receiving zone 105, the clamping ensured by the holding device 100 (i.e. by the first and second jaws 102, 104) is in particular 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 is exerted in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of stacking of the electrodes within the stack 200 of electrodes.

[0102] The first part 101 of the holding device 100 may comprise a location for receiving the assembly 200. This location helps to define the receiving zone 105. The location may be delimited at least in part by the clamping face 115 of the first jaw 102 as well as by longitudinal edges 130, 131 of the first jaw 102 extending from two opposite edges of the clamping face 115 of the first jaw 102 ([Fig.6]).

[0103] According to one embodiment of the support system 2000, the support system 2000 comprises the actuating device 1001 allowing the simultaneous passage of each of the holding devices 100 from its second configuration to its first configuration, and preferably vice versa, allowing for example the simultaneous loading or unloading of the holding devices.

[0104] For example, in the context of what has been described in relation to [Fig. 10], the actuating device 1001 can be configured to directly exert a force support on only one of the holding devices 100 ([Fig. 11]), and the stack 125 of holding devices is configured so that the support force is transmitted, within said stack 125 of holding devices, indirectly to each of the other holding devices than the one directly receiving the support force exerted by the actuating device 1001.

[0105] In particular, each of the other holding devices 100b, 100c, 100d than that 100a directly receiving the support force exerted by the actuating device 1001 receives a transmitted force, resulting from the support force, by one of the holding devices 100 of the stack 125 of holding devices.

[0106] For example, as shown diagrammatically in [Fig.11], the stack 125 of holding devices is such that: • one of the holding devices 100 is a first holding device 100a forming a first end, for example lower, of the stack 125 of holding devices; and • another of the holding devices 100 is a second holding device 100 forming a second end, for example upper, of the stack 125 of holding devices opposite the first end along a stacking axis A1 of the holding devices 100 within said stack 125 of holding devices, in particular the stacking axis A1 being substantially parallel to the clamping axis A2 of each of the holding devices 100 of the stack 125 of holding devices. The actuating device 1001 may then comprise at least one support element 1002a, 1002b (for example corresponding to the actuating pin(s) 1002a, 1002b described above) and be configured so that the support force is exerted at least in part via said at least one support element 1002a, 1002b (where appropriate, is exerted via the support elements 1002a, 1002b) configured to exert support on the corresponding support surface 109, which comprises the second part 103 of the first holding device 100a, so as to oppose the stress of the return mechanism 106 of said first holding device 100a in order to cause the transition from the second configuration to the first configuration of said first holding device 100a.The second part 103 of the first holding device 100a and of each holding device 100c, 100d arranged between the first holding device 100a and the second holding device 100b comprises said at least one support member 121 configured to transmit all or part of the support force to the second part 103 of one of the holding devices succeeding it in the stack 125 of holding devices, in particular in a direction oriented from the first holding device 100a towards the second holding device 100b. holding, thus making it possible to obtain the first configuration of said one of the holding devices succeeding it in the stack 125 of holding devices.

[0107] In [Fig. 11], the first parts 101 of the holding devices 100 are shown in partial hatched sections to enable visualization of how they are crossed, where appropriate, by the support members 121 or the support elements 1002a, 1002b.

[0108] If the devices 100 for holding the stack of holding devices are devoid of the support members 121, it is then possible to provide that it is the actuating device 1001 which is provided with the necessary means to cooperate by direct contact with each of the second parts 103 of the devices 100 for holding the stack of holding devices 100. For this purpose, the actuating device 1001 may comprise, for each holding device 100, at least one support element 1006a, 1006a configured to exert a support force on the corresponding support surface 109 that comprises the second part 103 of said holding device 100 so as to oppose the stress of the return mechanism 106 of said holding device 100 in order to cause the transition from the second configuration to the first configuration of said holding device 100.

[0109] This is notably shown diagrammatically in [Fig. 13] representing the stack 125 of holding devices comprising for example four holding devices 100. The actuating device 1001 can then comprise two combs 1005a, 1005b facing each other and each comprising the support elements 1006a, 1006a each in the form of an actuating finger: thus, the support elements 1006a, 1006a of all or part of the support elements 1006a, 1006a are each positioned in contact with the second part 103 of one of the corresponding holding devices 100 belonging to the stack 125 of holding devices to oppose the return mechanism 106 of said holding device 100. The combs 1005a, 1005b can be connected to the movable elongated body 1003 by means of the motor 1004.

[0110] In the context of the production of [Fig.13], the passages 108 are not necessary if the spacing between the first and second parts is sufficient for the passage of support element(s) 1006a, 1006a, the person can nevertheless provide them if necessary.

[0111] The invention also relates to a method for handling assemblies 200 each intended for the manufacture of a battery cell, said handling method comprising the following steps: a) provide the 200 sets for example as illustrated in [Fig.4]; b) providing a stack 125 of holding devices, each holding device 100 of this stack 125 of holding devices being for example as visible in figures 9, 11 or 13; (c) holding said assemblies 200, each assembly 200 being held tight in one of the holding devices 100, i.e. of the stack 125 of holding devices, in its second configuration, i.e. that each set 200 is held clamped between the first and second jaws 102, 104 of one of the holding devices 100 of the stack 125 of holding devices. Handling is then adapted to rationalize the battery cell production line.

[0112] The handling method may comprise • a step of interaction between the actuating device 1001 and the stack 125 of holding devices, in this step of interaction the actuating device 1001 exerts a bearing force on at least one of the holding devices 100 of the stack 125 of holding devices, from which it results that each of the holding devices 100 of the stack 125 of holding devices 100 is in its first configuration; • a step of releasing said support force from which it results that, for each device 100 for holding the stack 125 of holding devices, the mechanism 106 for returning said holding device 100 causes the transition from the first configuration of said holding device 100 to the second configuration of said holding device 100. For each device 100 for holding the stack 125 of holding devices, the transition from its first configuration to its second configuration is in particular automatic when the support force causing opposition to its return mechanism 106 making it possible to hold said holding device 100 in its first configuration is released. It is thus possible to optimize the manufacture of battery cells by making several operations simultaneous.

[0113] The handling method may comprise, during the interaction step and before the implementation of the release step: • a step of loading the sets 200 from which the implementation of step c) results; or • a step of unloading the assemblies 200 from the holding devices 100 subsequently to step c).

[0114] 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.

[0115] Ultimately, during the manufacture of the battery cells, the assembly 200 is placed in a case called a “containment case” including in particular the electrolyte of the battery cell. This case is in particular sealed to maintain the assembly and the electrolyte within it. This case then ensures the mechanical consistency of the battery cell.

[0116] The holding device 100 and / or the handling system 1000 and / or the support system 2000 and / or the handling method have an industrial application in the context of the manufacture of battery cells, in particular in the field of vehicles.

[0117] Everything that has been described in relation to one of the holding device 100, the handling system 1000, the support system 2000, and the handling method can be applied to any other of the holding device 100, the handling system 1000, the support system 2000, and the handling method.

[0118] 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 (102); • a second part (103) comprising a second jaw (104); • a receiving area (105) for receiving the assembly (200), the receiving area (105) being arranged at least partly between the first jaw (102) and the second jaw (104); the holding device (100) being configured to selectively adopt: • a first configuration in which the first and second jaws (102, 104) have a first spacing (dl) allowing the insertion of the assembly (200) into the receiving zone (105) and / or the removal of the assembly (200) from the receiving zone (105);• a second configuration in which the first and second jaws (102, 104) have 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 (105); the holding device (100) comprising a return mechanism (106) configured to exert, in the first configuration and in the second configuration, a force tending to bring the first and second jaws (102, 104) together, the return mechanism (106) comprising several return members (106a, 106b, 106c, 106d) configured to cooperate to exert the force together.;

2. Holding device (100) according to claim 1, in which each return member (106a, 106b, 106c, 106d) bears on the second jaw (104) opposite a clamping face (107) of the second jaw (104) facing the first jaw (102).

3. A holding device (100) according to any one of the claims 1 to 2, in which the return members (106a, 106b, 106c, 106d) are springs.

4. Holding device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the first part (101) comprises, at a distance from the reception zone (105), at least one passage (108) allowing access, through said at least one passage (108), to a support surface (109) which the second part (103) comprises.

5. Holding device (100) according to claim 4, in which the second part (103) comprises a support member (121) configured: • to pass through said at least one passage (108) of an additional holding device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and superimposed on said holding device (100); and • to press on the support surface (109) of the additional holding device (100) so that the transition from the second configuration to the first configuration of said holding device (100) causes the transition from the second configuration to the first configuration of said additional holding device (100).

6. A holding device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the holding device (100) comprises support elements (113a, 113b, 113c, 113d), and wherein the first portion (101) comprises a first side (110) comprising first coupling members (111a, 111b, 111c, 111d) and a second side (112), opposite the first side (110) in a clamping direction of the first and second jaws (102, 104), from which the support elements (113a, 113b, 113c, 113d) extend, each having a free end comprising a second coupling member (114a, 114b, 114c, 114d) complementary to one of the first members (111a, 111b, 111c, llld) coupling.

7. A holding device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second part (103) is mounted in a sliding connection relative to the first part (101).

8. A holding device (100) according to claim 7 and claim 6, wherein the one or more support elements (113a, 113b, 113c, 113d) of at least a portion of the support elements (113a, 113b, 113c, 113d) form guides participating in the implementation of the sliding connection.

9. Support system (2000) configured to hold a plurality of assemblies (200) each intended for the manufacture of a battery cell, each assembly (200) comprising a stack of electrodes, said support system (2000) comprising holding devices (100, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d) according to claim 1 stacked, the holding devices (100, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d) forming at least one pair of holding devices (100a, 100c) of which one of the devices (100c) for holding said pair rests on the other of the devices (100a) for holding said pair.

10. Support system (2000) according to claim 9, comprising an actuating device (1001) allowing the simultaneous passage of each of the devices (100, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d) for maintaining its second configuration to its first configuration.

11. Support system (1000) according to claim 10, wherein the actuating device (1001) comprises, for each holding device (100, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d), at least one support element (1006a, 1006b) configured to exert a support force on a corresponding support surface (109) that comprises the second part (103) of said holding device (100, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d) so as to oppose the biasing of the return mechanism (106) of said holding device (100) in order to cause the transition from the second configuration to the first configuration of said holding device (100, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d).

12. Support system (2000) according to claim 10, in which the actuating device (1001) is configured to directly exert a bearing force on only one of the holding devices (100, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d), and in which the stack (125) of holding devices is configured so that the bearing force is transmitted, within said stack (125) of holding devices, indirectly to each of the other holding devices than the one directly receiving the bearing force exerted by the actuating device (1001).

13. Support system (2000) according to claim 12 in which: • the stack (125) of holding devices is such that: • one of the holding devices (100) is a first holding device (100a) forming a first end of the stack (125) of holding devices maintenance; and • another of the holding devices (100) is a second holding device (100b) forming a second end of the stack (125) of holding devices opposite the first end along a stacking axis (A1) of the holding devices within said stack (125) of holding devices, the stacking axis (A1) being substantially parallel to a clamping axis (A2) of each of the holding devices (100, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d); the actuating device (1001) comprises at least one support element (1002a, 1002b), and is configured so that the support force is exerted at least in part via said at least one support element (1002a, 1002b) configured to exert support on a corresponding support surface (109), which comprises the second part (103) of the first holding device (100), so as to oppose the stress of the return mechanism (106) of said first holding device (100a) in order to cause the transition from the second configuration to the first configuration of said first holding device (100a); the second part (103) of the first holding device (100a) and of each holding device (100c, 100d) arranged between the first holding device (100a) and the second holding device (100b) comprises at least one support member (121) configured to transmit all or part of the support force to the second part (103) of one of the holding devices succeeding it in the stack (125) of holding devices.

14. A method of handling assemblies (200) each intended for the manufacture of a battery cell, said handling method comprising the following steps: a) providing the assemblies (200); b) providing a stack of holding devices (100), each holding device (100) being according to claim 1; c) holding said assemblies (200), each assembly (200) being held clamped in one of the holding devices (100) in its second configuration.

15. Handling method according to claim 14, comprising: • a step of interaction between an actuating device (1001) and the stack of holding devices (100) in which the actuating device (1001) exerts a bearing force on at least one of the holding devices (100) from which it results that each of the holding devices (100) is in its first configuration; • a step of releasing said bearing force from which it results that, for each holding device (100), the return mechanism (106) of said holding device (100) causes the transition from the first configuration of said holding device (100) to the second configuration of said holding device (100).

16. Handling method according to claim 15, comprising, during the interaction step and before the implementation of the release step: • a step of loading the assemblies (200) resulting in the implementation of step c); or • a step of unloading the assemblies (200) from the holding devices (100) subsequently to step c).

17. A handling system (1000) comprising a holding device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and an actuating device (1001) for actuating the holding device (100) so as to vary the holding device (100) between its second configuration and its first configuration.

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