TRAYS FOR HOLDING BATTERY CELLS, SUITABLE FOR USE IN BATTERY FORMATION SYSTEMS, WITH ADJUSTMENT DETAILS FOR CELLS OF DIFFERENT SHAPES AND / OR SIZES AND ASSEMBLY METHODS AS DESCRIBED.

Abstract

The invention relates to a tray (1) for supporting cells (2) of a battery, which may be used in a battery-generating system, comprising a support structure (3) consisting of two parallel and spaced-apart main walls (4A, 4B), securely connected by two end walls (5). One or more partitions (6) divide the space defined by the stated main walls (4A, 4B) and by the stated end walls (5) into adjacent segments (7), structured to contain rows of cells (200) respectively. Several partitions (8), arranged inside each segment (7) and supported by the support structure (3) of the tray along the direction perpendicular to the main walls (4A, 4B), define, in each segment (7), several supports (9) for the cells. A propulsion system (10) includes drive systems (11) to apply loads to each row of cells (200) along the direction perpendicular to the main walls (4A, 4B).Each partition (8) consists of a main support element (80) and a conversion element (100) connected together in a detachable manner, the aforementioned conversion element (100) is constructed to contain a cell (2) of a specific shape and size, and may be replaced by another conversion element (100) constructed to contain a cell (2) of a different shape and / or size. In addition, the invention relates to a method of assembling the aforementioned tray.

Description

[0001] BATTERY CELL SUPPORT TRAY USABLE IN A SYSTEM FOR FORMING ELECTRIC BATTERIES, WITH ADAPTER ELEMENTS FOR CELLS OF DIFFERENT SHAPE AND / OR DIMENSIONS

[0002] TEXT OF THE DESCRIPTION

[0003] Field of the Invention

[0004] The present invention relates to a tray for supporting cells of an electrical battery, usable in a system for the formation of electrical batteries, said support tray comprising:

[0005] - a support structure comprising two main walls parallel and spaced apart from each other, firmly connected by two end walls extending orthogonally to the two main walls, and further including one or more septa parallel to the end walls, which connect the two main walls and which divide the space defined by said main walls and by said end walls into a plurality of sectors side by side with each other, configured to receive respective cell arrays, each array comprising a plurality of battery cells oriented parallel to the main walls,

[0006] - a plurality of partitions, arranged inside each of said sectors, parallel to the main walls, so as to define, in each sector, a plurality of seats configured to receive respective battery cells,

[0007] - a pushing system configured to apply a load onto the battery cells along the direction orthogonal to the main walls, wherein the partitions arranged on the same sector are slidably carried by the support structure of the tray along the direction orthogonal to the main walls.

[0008] Known Art

[0009] A tray of the kind mentioned in the foregoing is for example known from document CN114843634A.

[0010] In the production of battery cells for electrical batteries, particularly electrical batteries for vehicles with electrical powertrain or hybrid vehicles, it is necessary to subject the cells to a “formation” process, thereby meaning a process wherein the cells are “trained” by being repeatedly subjected to loading and unloading cycles. The formation process is performed within formation chambers which are kept at a controlled temperature, generally in the range between 20°C and 60°C. The formation process of the cells consists in electrically contacting the two terminals of each battery cell with an electronic power unit, which subjects the cells to a repeated series of loading-unloading cycles. The formation process not only enables testing the manufactured cells, but is also useful to provide the cells with the necessary performances and a suitable duration of their useful life.

[0011] The battery cells are placed into the formation chamber after being arranged on one or more support trays, which are received within the formation chamber wherein the terminals of each cell contact corresponding terminals connected to the electronic power unit.

[0012] The support trays comprise a support structure wherein there are defined seats adapted to receive the cells to be formed.

[0013] The repeated loading and unloading cycles trigger, within the battery cells, chemical reactions which lead to the formation of flammable gases, i.a. of hydrogen.

[0014] For this reason, the known formation chambers are provided with a suction system for the gases produced during the formation step. Such systems generally require the presence of a suction port for each battery cell to be formed, which port is adapted to communicate with a degassing opening provided in the cell casing; this significantly complicates the general layout of the formation chamber.

[0015] Moreover, the gases produced by the chemical reactions triggered within the cells during the loading-unloading cycles may cause a swelling of the cell walls, (also known as “bulging”), which may lead to deformations of the cells themselves and to excessive stresses on the support structure of the tray.

[0016] In order to solve the problems due to the production of such gases, some known solutions envisage means to a apply a preload on the battery cells.

[0017] CN1 14843634A, already mentioned in the foregoing, describes a support tray for the formation of cells of an electrical battery, comprising a support structure and a system for adjusting the size of the seats for the cells, comprising a pantograph kinematics including a series of elements arranged to form X shapes.

[0018] Each partition defines two mutually facing surfaces, on each of which there are provided two vertical grooves, which act as a guide for respective adaptor elements defining the profiles of respective battery cells to be formed.

[0019] Said facing surfaces of the partitions comprise a further guide, interposed between the vertical grooves and configured to receive a separating element arranged between two adjacent cells.

[0020] Moreover, each partition defines side surfaces whereon there are provided respective vertical guides, configured to receive shim elements so as to connect adjacent partitions, if the cells have such a thickness as to require a longer dimension of the seats along the direction orthogonal to the main walls.

[0021] Once the cells are arranged on the tray, a load is applied along a direction orthogonal to the main walls of the cells, which load is adapted to exert a preload onto the cells, thereby compacting them towards a main wall of the tray.

[0022] However, the known solution described in the foregoing is complex and requires a high number of components.

[0023] A limit of the known solution described in the foregoing, and more generally of the solutions which have been proposed so far in the known art, consists in the impossibility of subjecting each cell in every sector of the tray to the same preload.

[0024] Object of the Invention

[0025] Therefore, the invention aims at providing a support tray of the above-mentioned type which does not exhibit the drawbacks discussed in the foregoing.

[0026] A further object of the invention consists in providing a tray for supporting electrical battery cells the structure whereof is easily and flexibly adjustable to cells having different shapes and sizes.

[0027] Finally, a further object of the invention consists in providing a support tray of the type described in the foregoing which is economical and easy to produce.

[0028] Summary of the Invention

[0029] In order to achieve one or more of the above-mentioned objects, the object of the invention is a support tray of the type mentioned at the beginning of the present description, and moreover being characterized in that each partition comprises a main support element and an adaptor element removably connected to each other, said adaptor element being configured to receive a cell having specific shape and size, and being replaceable with a different adaptor element, configured to receive a cell having different shape and / or size.

[0030] Thanks to said features, the tray according to the present invention enables receiving, within the seats of the sectors, battery cells having different sizes and shapes by simply replacing the adaptor elements of the partitions, while keeping the structure of the tray and the main support elements of the partitions unaltered.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the pushing system includes a plurality of actuators, each arranged inside a respective sector in proximity to one of the main walls, and comprising a pushing plate extending parallel to the main walls of the tray, and a pushing mechanism operatively connected to the pushing plate.

[0032] In an example, the adaptor element of each partition has an external face connected to the respective main support element, and an internal face defining a profile matching the profile of a respective battery cell to be formed.

[0033] According to a further advantageous feature of a preferred embodiment, the tray is associated with a distancing tool including a plurality of distancing fingers, said tool being configured to be lowered above the partitions of each sector of the tray, after that said partitions have been arranged on said support structure freely slidable along the direction orthogonal to the main walls, so that the distancing fingers fit between one partition and the other, inducing them to move along said direction to a position suitable for receiving the battery cells to be formed.

[0034] Further, moreover, the tray is preferably associated with a degassing mask, configured to be mounted on the support structure of the tray, and comprising a gas manifold, a plurality of suction nozzles configured to be positioned at respective degassing holes provided on the battery cells to be formed, and at least one discharge port to put the degassing mask into fluid communication with a suction duct of a formation chamber. Another object of the present invention consists in a method for assembling a tray for the formation of battery cells, according to the features set forth in claim 10.

[0035] Detailed Description of a Preferred Embodiment

[0036] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description set forth in the following with reference to the annexed drawings, which are provided by way of non-limiting example only and wherein:

[0037] - Figure 1 is a perspective view of a support tray according to the present invention,

[0038] - Figure 2 is a top view of the support tray of Figure 1 ,

[0039] - Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along line Ill-Ill of Figure 2,

[0040] - Figure 3A is a view of the detail denoted by arrow III in Figure 3,

[0041] - Figure 4 is a front view of the support tray of Figure 1 ,

[0042] - Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along line V-V of Figure 4,

[0043] - Figure 6 is a view of the detail denoted by arrow VI in Figure 5,

[0044] - Figure 7 is a perspective view of a structural element of the support tray according to the present invention,

[0045] - Figure 8 is a perspective view of a functional element of the support tray according to the present invention,

[0046] - Figures 9A, 9B, 9C are orthogonal views of the element of Figure 8,

[0047] - Figures 10 and 11 are perspective views of further functional elements of the support tray according to the present invention,

[0048] - Figure 12 is a top view of the support tray according to the present invention, in a condition filled with a plurality of battery cells,

[0049] - Figure 13 is a perspective view of a distancing tool operable on the support tray according to the present invention,

[0050] - Figure 14 is a perspective view of a degassing mask which may be associated with the tray according to the invention.

[0051] Referring to the drawings, reference 1 generally denotes a support tray for the formation of cells 2 of an electrical battery.

[0052] The phrase “formation of battery cells” as used herein denotes a step of the manufacturing process of electrical batteries, for example as used in the automotive field, which consists in performing a repeated sequence of loading and unloading cycles on the battery cells, before they are assembled to compose the electrical battery. The formation step of the cells is essential in the production of electrical batteries, since it enables testing each cell and improving the useful life and the performance thereof.

[0053] Generally speaking, the step of cell formation is performed inside formation chambers, which are provided with at least one electronic power unit and a plurality of electrical terminals. In the formation chamber, the terminals of the battery cells contact the electrical terminals of the electronic power unit, in order to enable performing said loading and unloading cycles.

[0054] The battery cells to be tested are arranged into seats provided within support trays, which are configured to support the cells during the formation step within the formation chamber.

[0055] The support tray 1 according to the present invention comprises a support structure 3, including a first main wall 4A and a second main wall 4B parallel and spaced apart from each other, which extend along a first direction A of the support tray 1 (see Figure 1 ).

[0056] The support structure 3 moreover comprises two end walls 5, which firmly connect the two main walls 4A, 4B.

[0057] In more detail, the end walls 5 extend along a second direction B, orthogonal to the first direction A, from a first end 5A attached to the first main wall 4A to a second end 5B attached to the second main wall 4B.

[0058] The support structure 3 moreover comprises one or more septa 6 (Figures 6 and 7) extending parallel to the end walls 5 along the second direction B, which divide the space defined between the two main walls 4A, 4B and by the two end walls 5 into a plurality of sectors 7 side by side with each other.

[0059] The septa 6 firmly connect the two main walls 4A, 4B and extend from a first end 6A attached to the first main wall 4A to a second end 6B attached to the second main wall 4B.

[0060] The firm connection of the end walls 5 and of the septa 6 to the two main walls 4A, 4B may be implemented by any known technique, e.g. by means of a threaded connection or by welding.

[0061] Each sector 7 is configured to receive an array 200 (Figure 12) of battery cells 2 (Figure 6), wherein each array 200 of battery cells 2 comprises a plurality of cells 2 parallel to the main walls 4A, 4B and side by side with each other along the second direction B.

[0062] The support tray 1 moreover comprises a plurality of partitions 8, arranged within each sector 7 and extending parallel to the main walls 4A, 4B.

[0063] The set of the partitions 8 included within the same sector 7 defines a plurality of seats 9 side by side with each other, configured to receive respective battery cells 2.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment shown in Figure 7, the cross section of each septum 6 has a profile substantially shaped as an “upside-down T”, comprising a vertical wall 61 , which defines side surfaces 62 parallel to each other and facing respective sectors 7 along the second direction B of the tray 1 .

[0065] Each septum 6 moreover comprises a horizontal base 63, protruding along the first direction A beyond the side surfaces 62 of the vertical wall 61 , so as to define, in each of the two sectors 7 separated by the septum 6, a respective horizontal surface 64.

[0066] Correspondingly, each side wall 5 comprises a horizontal portion 51 protruding along the first direction A towards a respective sector 7, so as to define a horizontal surface 52 (Figure 3), and a vertical portion 53 defining a side surface 54 parallel to the side surfaces 62 of the septa 6 and facing a respective sector 7 of the tray 1 .

[0067] Referring to the Figures 7 to 11 , the partitions 8 in each sector 7 are slidably supported by the support structure 3 along the second direction B.

[0068] Specifically, in the case of the sectors 7 delimited by one of the side walls 5, each partition is supported on the horizontal surface 52 of the side wall 5 of the horizontal surface 64 of the respective septum 6, and it is laterally restrained by the side surface 54 of the side wall 5 and by the side surface 62 of the respective septum 6.

[0069] Correspondingly, in the case of sectors 7 delimited by two septa 6, each partition 8 is supported on the horizontal surfaces 64 of the two respective septa 6, and it is laterally restrained by the side surfaces 62 of the respective two septa 6.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, each partition 8 comprises a main support element 80 (Figure 8) and an adaptor element 100 (Figure 10) removably connected to the main support element 80.

[0071] Referring to the Figures 8 to 9C, the main support element 80 of each partition 8 comprises a base 81 defining two supporting seats 81 A arranged at the opposite ends of the main element 80 along the first direction A, and configured to act as a slidable support base for the partition 8 on the horizontal surfaces 52 of the side walls 5 and / or on the horizontal surfaces 64 of the septa 6 of the respective sector 7.

[0072] Moreover, the main support element 80 of each partition 8 comprises two side formations 82 arranged at the opposite ends of the main element 80 along the first direction A, each defining at least one surface 82A configured to interface with the side surfaces 62 of the septa 6 and / or with the side surfaces 54 of the side walls 5, in such a way as to be supported along the first direction A.

[0073] The side formations 82 of the main support elements 80 moreover define surfaces 82B parallel to the main walls 4A, 4B and facing outwards with respect to the corresponding seat 9. The surfaces 82B of a main element 80 are configured to be abutment points of the partition with the same number of surfaces 82B of an adjacent partition 8.

[0074] Each main support element 80 moreover defines an internal face 83 facing towards a respective seat 9 of the sector 7, and an external face 84 facing towards the external face 84 of a main support element 80 of an adjacent partition 8.

[0075] The internal face 83 of the main support element comprises a seat 85, which defines two side surfaces 85Y extending parallel to the side walls 5, a horizontal surface 85X extending transversally to the side surfaces 85Y and a front surface 85Z extending parallel to the main walls 4A, 4B, and which is configured to receive a respective adaptor element 100 of the partition 80.

[0076] Referring to Figures 10 and 11 , each adaptor element 100 comprises a substantially flat external face 101 , an internal face 102 configured to receive a respective battery cell 2, a base 103 and, preferably, two fastening portions 104 arranged at the opposite ends of the adaptor element 100 along the first direction A. Specifically, the adaptor element 100 is configured to be removably mounted on the respective main support element 80, in such a way that the adaptor element 100 simply rests with its base 103 on the surface 85X and is laterally restrained along the first direction A by the side surfaces 85Y of the main support element 80. In such a mounting arrangement, the external face 101 of the adaptor element directly faces the front surface 85Z of the respective main support element 80.

[0077] Preferably, the fastening portions 104 of the support element 100 engage respective seats 87 provided on respective side formations 82 of the corresponding main support element 80, in such a way as to prevent the translational movement of the adaptor element 100 with respect to the main support element 80 along the second direction B.

[0078] The internal face 102 of each adaptor element 100 comprises a seat 105, which defines two side surfaces 105Y extending parallel to the side walls 5, a horizontal surface 105X extending transversally to the side surfaces 105Y and a front surface 85Z extending parallel to the main walls 4A, 4B, and which is configured to receive a respective battery cell 2 to be formed which has a profile matching the profile defined by the surfaces 105X, 105Y of the seat 105.

[0079] A particularly advantageous feature according to the present invention regards the adaptability of the tray 1 to battery cells having different shapes and / or sizes. As a matter of fact, the adaptor elements 100 of the partitions 8 are interchangeable with each other, and may be implemented in such a way as to define seats 105 which are different as a function of the profile (the shape) and / or the size of the cell to be formed.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment, the main support elements 80 are made of a metal material, so as to impart strength to the partitions 8, whereas the adaptor elements 100 associated to the main elements 80 are made of a plastic material, so as to make the implementation of a variety of different adaptor elements 100 simple and economical.

[0081] Referring to the Figures 2 to 6, the support tray 1 moreover comprises a pushing system 10, which is configured to apply a load onto the cell array 200 along the second direction B, so that they can slide along the direction B, together with the partitions 8 which support them, until they pressed together against one of the main walls 4A, 4B, thereby applying a compressive load onto the cells 2.

[0082] The pushing system 10 comprises, for each sector 7, an actuator 11 , arranged in the proximity of one of the two main walls 4A, 4B and including at least one screw 12, which may turn with respect to the support tray 1 around a respective axis C parallel to the second direction B, and a pushing plate 13 arranged parallel to the main walls 4A, 4B.

[0083] In the example shown in the Figures, each actuator 11 is arranged in proximity of the first main wall 4A.

[0084] In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, each actuator 11 comprises two screws 12, which are spaced apart from each other along the first direction A.

[0085] Each screw 12 extends along the second direction B through the main wall 4A, threadably engaging the internal thread of a threaded sleeve 20 which is firmly connected to the main wall 4A, so that a rotation of the screw 12 around its rotation axis C results in a forward movement thereof along the second direction B.

[0086] Preferably, each screw 12 defines an end portion 12C, which is accessible from the outside of the support structure 3 and which is configured to cooperate with a manual or automatic screwer which controls the rotation thereof around the axis C.

[0087] For each sector 7 an end partition 8A is defined which corresponds to the partition 8 which is nearest to the respective actuator 11 , and which is arranged facing the pushing plate 13.

[0088] With reference to the Figures, there is described the operation of the pushing system 10 for applying a preload onto the battery cells 2 along the second direction B.

[0089] In a first step, the pushing system 10 is in a configuration wherein the pushing plates 13 of each actuator 11 are distanced with respect to the end partition 8A of the corresponding sector 7.

[0090] In this step the partitions 8, which are slidable parallel to the second direction B on the horizontal surfaces 52, 64 of the side walls 5 and of the septa 6, are distanced from each other along the second direction B, so as to define the seats 9 for the cells 2 to be received.

[0091] In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the step of distancing the partitions 8 may be performed by a distancing tool 110 (Figure 13) which is provided with a plurality of distancing fingers 111.

[0092] Specifically, once all the partitions 8 have been positioned on the support structure 3 of the tray 1 , the distancing tool 110 is lowered above the partitions, so that the distancing fingers 11 of the tool 110 fit between one partition 8 and the other.

[0093] Once the distancing fingers 11 have been inserted, the tool 110 controls the translational movement of the partitions 8 along the second direction B, so as to distance the partitions 8 and prepare the tray 1 to receive the battery cells 2 to be formed.

[0094] The battery cells 2 are then placed into the respective seats 9 of the tray, by means of an automatic machine or manually, preferably while providing a clearance between the cells 2 and the seats 9, so as to make the insertion of the battery cells 2 easier.

[0095] When all the battery cells 2 to be formed have been placed on the support tray 1 , by acting on the end portions 12C the rotation of each screw 12 is controlled around the respective axis of rotation C.

[0096] Thanks to the mechanism described in the foregoing, the tightening of the screws 12 brings the end 12A of each screw in abutment with the pushing plate 13 of the corresponding actuator 11 , controlling a translational movement thereof along the second direction B.

[0097] Initially, when a pushing plate 13 contacts the respective end partition 8A of the same sector 7, the forward movement of the pushing plate 13 eliminates the clearance provided between the battery cells 2 and the seats 9 during the insertion step of the battery cells 2 into the tray 1 , thereby bringing to mutual abutment the surfaces 82B of the side formations 82 of the main support elements.

[0098] A further forward movement of the pushing plate 13 applies a load onto the cell array 200 along the second direction B, leading to a compression load adapted to compress all the cells 2 of a same array 200 as a whole towards the second main wall 4B. Said compression load is transmitted through the pairs of mutually contacting surfaces 82B of the main support elements 80.

[0099] Therefore, as a whole, the support tray 1 enables providing seats 9 for the battery cells 2 having different sizes and shapes along the three spatial dimensions. As a matter of fact, as described in the foregoing, the partitions 8 of each sector 7 are arranged in such a way as to receive battery cells 2 having different thickness, by “thickness” meaning the encumbrance of the battery cell 2 along the second direction B. Moreover, the dimension of the seats 9 along the first direction A and along a vertical direction Z may be adapted by adopting adaptor elements 100 which are interchangeable with each other, and which have different horizontal surfaces 105X and vertical surfaces 105Y.

[0100] A further feature of the support tray 1 according to the present invention regards the ability thereof to withstand structural loads during the formation step of the battery cells 2 during the formation process.

[0101] As a matter of fact, during the formation process of the battery cells 2, within the cells 2 gases of different kinds develop, i.a. hydrogen.

[0102] Such gases, beside constituting a danger due to their high flammability, may build up within the cells 2 and cause the swelling (or “bulging”) thereof, which exerts a pressure on the partitions 8 of the tray 1 .

[0103] The formation process, moreover, requires a controlled temperature in the formation chamber, preferably comprised between 20°C and 60°C.

[0104] As can be seen in Figure 8, a preferred embodiment according to the present invention envisages the presence, on each main support element 80 at the external face 84 thereof, of a plurality of ribs 86.

[0105] During the formation process of the cells 2, the ribs 86 of two mutually facing external faces 84 belonging to adjacent main elements 80 define a gap 22 therebetween, which performs a twofold function.

[0106] First of all, the presence of the gaps 22 favours the heat exchange between the cells 2 and the environment within the formation chamber, in such a way as so favour keeping, in a simpler and more uniform way, the selected temperature for the formation step of the cells 2.

[0107] Secondly, the gaps 22 may act as a region wherein the partitions 8, under the effect of the stresses deriving from the gas production in the cells 2 during the formation step, may deform elastically.

[0108] Referring to Figure 12, each battery cell 2 comprises two electrical terminals 2A, which are configured to electrically contact respective electrical terminals of the electronic power unit within the formation chamber, and a suction hole 2B configured to receive a respective suction port of a gas suction system of the formation chamber. According to a further feature of the present invention, the support tray 1 may be associated with a degassing mask generally denoted with reference 23 and shown in Figure 14.

[0109] The degassing mask 23 comprises a gas manifold 24, including at least two main ducts 27 extending along the first direction A and connected to a plurality of suction ducts 28 extending parallel to the second direction B.

[0110] Preferably, the manifold 24 comprises two main ducts 27 and a suction duct 28 for each cell array 200 to be formed.

[0111] Each suction duct 28 comprises a plurality of suction nozzles 29, configured to be positioned at the respective suction holes 2B of the battery cells 2.

[0112] The gas manifold 24 moreover comprises at least a discharge port 26, configured to put the degassing mask 23 into fluid communication with a suction duct of the formation chamber.

[0113] The degassing mask 23 may be removably mounted onto the support structure 3 of the tray 1 , and may be kept in position by means of a plurality of positioning pins 25, which fit into corresponding seats provided on the support structure 3. The present example envisages four pins 25 at the vertexes of the mask, which are adapted to be received into four holes 25A (Figure 1 ) at the vertexes of the tray.

[0114] The association of the degassing mask 23 to the support structure 3 offers the advantage of avoiding, in the formation chamber, the presence of a plurality of suction ports, in the same number as the battery cells 2 to be formed; on the contrary, it is possible to vacuum the gases produced in the formation step through the discharge port 26 of the gas manifold 24, which greatly simplifies the general layout of the formation chamber.

[0115] Moreover, since the degassing mask 23 is removable from the support structure 3, the maintenance operations on the suction nozzles 29 by an operator can be made easier.

[0116] In a practical structural example, the tray 1 has a length, along the direction A, of 1640 mm, a width, along the direction B, of 1300 mm, and a height, along the vertical direction Z, of 158 mm. The tray has three septa 6 which define four sectors 7, each of them having sixteen seats 9 defined by thirty-two partitions 8. Of course, without prejudice to the principle of the invention, the constructive details and the embodiments may be amply varied with respect to what has been described and illustrated herein, without departing from the extent of the invention as defined in the claims that follow.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A tray (1 ) for supporting cells (2) of an electrical battery, usable in a system for the formation of electrical batteries, comprising:- a support structure (3) comprising two main walls (4A, 4B) parallel and spaced apart from each other, firmly connected by two end walls (5) extending orthogonally to the two main walls (4A, 4B), and further including one or more septa (6) parallel to the end walls (5), which connect the two main walls (4A, 4B) and which divide the space defined by said main walls (4A, 4B) and by said end walls (5) into a plurality of sectors (7) side by side with each other, configured to receive respective cell arrays (200), each array (200) comprising a plurality of battery cells (2) oriented parallel to the main walls (4A, 4B);- a plurality of partitions (8), arranged inside each of said sectors (7), parallel to the main walls (4A, 4B), so as to define, in each sector (7), a plurality of seats (9) configured to receive respective battery cells (2);- a pushing system (10) configured to apply a load on the battery cells (2) along the direction orthogonal to the main walls (4A, 4B), wherein the partitions (8) arranged inside the same sector (7), are slidably carried by the support structure (3) of the tray (1 ) along the direction orthogonal to the main walls (4A, 4B), characterized in that each partition (8) comprises a main support element (80) and an adaptor element (100) removably connected to each other, said adaptor element (100) being configured to receive a cell (2) having specific shape and size, and being replaceable with a different adaptor element (100), configured to receive a cell (2) having different shape and / or size.

2. The tray according to claim 1 , characterized in that said pushing system (10) includes a plurality of actuators (11 ), each arranged inside a respective sector (7) in proximity to one of the main walls (4A, 4B), wherein each actuator (11 ) comprises a pushing plate (13) extending parallel to the main walls (4A, 4B) of the tray (1 ), and a pushing mechanism operatively connected to the pushing plate (13).

3. The tray according to claim 2, wherein the pushing mechanism of each actuator (11 ) of the pushing system (10) comprises at least a screw(12) having a first end (12A) rotably connected to the pushing plate (13) of the respective actuator (11 ) around a respective axis (C), extending along a direction orthogonal to the main walls (4A, 4B) up to a second end (12C) accessible from the outside of the support structure (3) of the tray (1 ), said second end (12C) of the screw (12) being configured to cooperate with an external screwer, said screw (12) of the pushing mechanism being threadedly coupled to a bush (20) arranged on a main wall (4A, 4B) so that a rotation of the screw (12) results in a movement of the pushing plate (13) along the direction orthogonal to the main walls (4A, 4B).

4. The tray according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said adaptor element (100) of each partition (8) has an external face (102) facing the respective main support element (80), and an internal face defining a profile matching a profile of a respective battery cell (2) to be formed.

5. The tray according to claim 4, wherein the internal face of each adapter element defines two side restraining surfaces (105Y) for the battery cells (2), arranged facing with each other along the direction parallel to the main walls (4A, 4B).

6. The tray according to any one of claims 4 to 5, wherein the internal face of each adaptor element (100) defines a supporting horizontal surface (105X) for the battery cells (2).

7. The tray according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a distancing tool (100) is associated to the tray (1 ), including a plurality of distancing fingers (111 ), said tool (110) being configured to be lowered above the partitions (8) of each sector (7) of the tray, after that said partition (8) have been arranged in said support tray (3) freely slidable along the direction orthogonal to the main walls (4A, 4B) , so that the distancing fingers (111 ) fit between one partition (8) and the other, inducing them to move along said direction to a position suitable for receiving the battery cells (2) to be formed.

8. The tray according to claim 4, wherein each main support element (80) comprises a plurality of reinforcing ribs (86) on its outer face, said ribs (86) being apt to cooperate with corresponding ribs (86) of an adjacent partition (8), so as to define a gap between adjacent partitions (8)9. The tray according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a degassing mask (23) is associated to the tray (1 ), configured to be mounted on the support structure (3) of the tray (1 ), and comprising a gas collector (24), a plurality of suction nozzles (29) configured to be positioned at respective degassing holes (2B) made on the battery cells (2) to be formed, and at least a discharge port (26) to put in fluid communication the degassing mask (23) with a suction duct of a formation chamber.

10. A method for assembling a tray (1 ) for supporting battery cells (2), usable in a system for the formation of electrical batteries, comprising:- providing a support structure (3) comprising two main walls (4A, 4B) parallel and spaced apart from each other, firmly connected by two end walls (5) extending orthogonally to the two main walls (4A, 4B), and further including one or more septa (6) parallel to the end walls (5), which connect the two main walls (4A, 4B) and which divide the space defined by said main walls (4A, 4B) and by said end walls (5) into a plurality of sectors (7) side by side with each other, configured to receive respective cell arrays (200), each array (200) comprising a plurality of battery cells (2) oriented parallel to the main walls (4A, 4B);- arranging a plurality of partitions (8) inside each of said sectors (7), parallel to the main walls (4A, 4B), so as to define, in each sector (7), a plurality of seats (9) configured to receive respective battery cells (2);- proving a pushing system (10) configured to apply a load on the battery cells (2) along the direction orthogonal to the main walls (4A, 4B), wherein the partitions (8) arranged inside the same sector (7), are slidably carried by the support structure (3) of the tray (1 ) along the direction orthogonal to the main walls (4A, 4B), said method being characterized in that:- each partition (8) is arranged so as to include a main support element (80) and an adaptor element (100) removably connected to each other,- said adaptor element (100) is configured to receive a cell (2) having specific shape and size, and- the adaptor element (100) is replaced by different adaptor element (100), configured to receive a cell (2) having different shape and / or size,when the tray (1 ) is to operate with cells having different shape and / or size.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that it comprises:- providing a distancing tool (110) including a plurality of distancing fingers (111 ),- lowering said distancing tool (110) above the partitions (8) in each sector (7) of the tray (1 ), after that said partitions (8) have been arranged on said support structure (3) freely slidable along the direction orthogonal to the main walls (4A, 4B), so that the distancing fingers (111 ) fit between one partition (8) and the other, inducing them to move along said direction to a position suitable for receiving the battery cells (2) to be formed,- inserting the battery cells (2) inside the seats (9) defined between the partitions (8) of each sector (7) of the tray (1 ), - applying, by means of said pushing system (10), a load on the battery cells (2) in each sector (7) of the tray (1 ) along the direction orthogonal to the main walls (4A, 4B) of the tray (1 ).

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