Manufacturing machine and method for manufacturing cylindrical batteries

Abstract

A manufacturing machine (14) and a method for manufacturing cylindrical batteries (1) having a cylindrical casing (3) which houses an electrochemical cell (2) and is closed at the top by a lid (10). There are provided: a first processing drum (19) mounted to rotate about a first rotation axis (20) so as to move forward along a first processing path a first seat (21) designed to support the cylindrical casing (3); a deformation unit (22) arranged along the first processing path and configured to form an annular groove (12) on the lateral wall (4) of the cylindrical casing (3); a second processing drum (31) arranged downstream of said first processing drum (19) and mounted to rotate about a second rotation axis (32) so as to move forward along a second processing path a second seat (33) designed to support the cylindrical casing (3); a feeding unit (34) configured to feed the lid (10) on the top of the cylindrical casing (3) supported by the second seat (33); a third processing drum (46) arranged downstream of the second processing drum (31) and mounted to rotate about a third rotation axis (47) so as to move forward along a third processing path a third seat (48) designed to support the cylindrical casing (3); and a bending unit (49) arranged along the third processing path and configured to bend the edge (13) of the cylindrical casing (3) so as to abut against the lid (10). A method for manufacturing cylindrical batteries is also described herein.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a manufacturing machine and a manufacturing method for producing cylindrical batteries.

[0002] This invention provides an advantageous application for the production of lithium-ion cylindrical batteries, and the following description will explicitly refer to the lithium-ion battery without loss of generality. Background Technology

[0003] Commercial lithium-ion batteries are assembled in three different geometries: cylindrical, prismatic, and pouch-shaped.

[0004] A cylindrical battery is formed by a cylindrical metal casing containing a single electrochemical cell, which is formed by a negative electrode, a separator, and a positive electrode wound together around a central pin.

[0005] Specifically, the cylindrical shell is initially open on one side (i.e., it has the shape of a cup with a closed lower end and an open upper end) to allow insertion of the wound electrochemical cell and the electrolyte of the wound electrochemical cell; once the cell formation is complete (i.e., once all the components have been arranged inside the cylindrical shell), the open end of the cylindrical shell is closed, thereby forming a sealed closure.

[0006] Specifically, in order to close the open end of the cylindrical shell, a circular cap (possibly connected to an annular washer) is used and the circular cap is connected to the cylindrical shell, thereby deforming the upper edge of the cylindrical shell itself against the cap. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of this invention is to provide a manufacturing machine and method for producing cylindrical batteries, which allows the cylindrical batteries to operate at high production speeds (measured in terms of the number of cylindrical batteries produced per unit time) while ensuring high quality in the final product.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a manufacturing machine for manufacturing a cylindrical battery is provided, the cylindrical battery comprising: a cylindrical casing that houses an electrochemical battery cell and is closed at the top by a cap; the manufacturing machine comprising:

[0009] The first processing roller, which is mounted to rotate about a first axis of rotation so as to move forward along a first processing path, is designed to support a first support of a cylindrical housing.

[0010] The deformation unit is arranged along the first processing path and configured to create annular grooves on the sidewall of the cylindrical shell.

[0011] The second processing roller, which is arranged downstream of the first processing roller and is mounted to rotate about the second axis of rotation so as to move forward along the second processing path, is designed to support the second support of the cylindrical housing.

[0012] The feeding unit is configured to feed the cover onto the top of the cylindrical housing supported by the second support;

[0013] The third processing roller, arranged downstream of the second processing roller and mounted to rotate about a third axis of rotation so as to move forward along the third processing path, is designed to support a third support for the cylindrical housing; and

[0014] The first bending unit is configured along the third processing path and is configured to bend the edge of the cylindrical shell to abut against the cover.

[0015] Preferably, the manufacturing machine includes a second bending unit arranged along a second processing path and configured to bend only the edge of the cylindrical shell toward the cover.

[0016] Preferably, the manufacturing machine includes a compression unit disposed downstream of the first bending unit and configured to axially compress the cylindrical housing in order to plastically deform the groove.

[0017] Preferably, the feeding unit is configured to feed the cover and gasket together onto the top of the cylindrical housing supported by the second support.

[0018] Preferably, the feed unit includes:

[0019] - The retaining head is designed to retain the cover;

[0020] - A feed roller, which is arranged on the side of the second machining roller, wherein the feed roller is mounted to rotate about a fourth rotation axis and is supported by an inserted hinged arm.

[0021] Preferably, the machine includes a transfer roller mounted to rotate about a fifth rotation axis, wherein the transfer roller is located between a first processing roller and a second processing roller, and is configured to transfer the cylindrical housing from the first processing roller to the second processing roller.

[0022] Preferably, the second processing roller is configured to transfer the cylindrical housing directly to the third processing roller.

[0023] Preferably, the deformation unit is configured to rotate integrally with the first processing roller.

[0024] Preferably, the deformation unit includes:

[0025] - A first support body, which is axially aligned with the first support and mounted to rotate about the sixth.

[0026] The axis rotates, and the sixth axis of rotation is parallel to the first axis of rotation; and

[0027] - Multiple deformable discs, designed to deform the sidewalls of a cylindrical shell to create annular grooves, are mounted on a first support to form a circle. A cylindrical roller is positioned at the center of the circle during use and is radially movable to approach and move away radially from the cylindrical shell located between the deformable discs during use.

[0028] Preferably, each deformable disk is mounted on the first support in a rotatable manner so as to rotate about a seventh rotation axis parallel to the sixth rotation axis.

[0029] Preferably, each deformable disk is installed in an idle manner so that it can rotate freely around the seventh rotation axis.

[0030] Preferably, each deformable disk is mounted eccentrically relative to the seventh rotation axis so as to move radially as it rotates around the seventh rotation axis.

[0031] Preferably, the manufacturing machine includes a first lifting device that is axially movable and configured to remove the cylindrical housing from the first support by connecting the cylindrical housing to the deformation unit, and to reinsert the cylindrical housing into the first support by separating the cylindrical housing from the deformation unit.

[0032] Preferably, a first central abutment element is provided in the middle of the first support, which is integral with the first processing roller and therefore does not rotate with the first support, and the cylindrical housing connected to the deformation unit is pushed against the first central abutment element.

[0033] Preferably, each bending unit is mounted on a corresponding processing roller, so that it rotates together with the corresponding processing roller in an integral manner.

[0034] Preferably, each bending unit includes:

[0035] - A second support body, arranged axially aligned with the corresponding support, and rotatably mounted to rotate about an eighth rotation axis parallel to the corresponding support.

[0036] The axis of rotation of the work drum; and

[0037] - Multiple curved discs, designed to bend the edges of the sidewalls of a cylindrical housing, are mounted on a second support to form a circle. The cylindrical housing is placed at the center of the circle during use and is radially movable to approach and move away from the cylindrical housing located between the curved discs during use.

[0038] Preferably, each curved disc is rotatably mounted on the second support so as to rotate about a ninth rotation axis parallel to the eighth rotation axis.

[0039] Preferably, each curved disc is installed in an idle manner so that it can rotate freely about the ninth axis of rotation.

[0040] Preferably, each curved disk is mounted eccentrically relative to the ninth axis of rotation so that it can move radially during its rotation about the ninth axis of rotation.

[0041] Preferably, the manufacturing machine includes a second lifting device that is axially movable and configured to remove the cylindrical housing from the corresponding support by connecting the cylindrical housing to the bending unit, and to reinsert the cylindrical housing into the corresponding support by separating the cylindrical housing from the bending unit.

[0042] Preferably, a second central abutment element is provided in the middle of the second support, which is integral with the corresponding processing roller and therefore does not rotate with the second support, and the cylindrical housing connected to the bending unit is pushed against the second central abutment element.

[0043] Preferably, the first processing roller, the second processing roller, and the third processing roller rotate around their respective rotation axes in a continuous movement pattern.

[0044] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a cylindrical battery is provided, the cylindrical battery comprising: a cylindrical casing that houses an electrochemical battery cell and is closed at the top by a cap; the manufacturing method comprising the following steps:

[0045] -The first support moves forward along the first machining path using a first machining roller, the first machining roller being mounted to rotate about a first rotation axis and designed to support a cylindrical housing.

[0046] First support;

[0047] - By means of deformable elements, annular grooves are generated on the sidewalls of the cylindrical shell, and the deformable elements move along...

[0048] Arranged along the first processing path;

[0049] -The second support moves forward along the second machining path by means of the second machining roller, the second machining roller being arranged downstream of the first machining roller and mounted around the second axis of rotation.

[0050] Rotation is achieved, and the second support is designed to support the cylindrical shell.

[0051] - The cover is fed onto the top of the cylindrical housing supported by the second support by means of the feeding unit;

[0052] -The third support moves forward along the third machining path by means of the third machining roller, the third machining roller being arranged downstream of the second machining roller and mounted around the third axis of rotation.

[0053] Rotation, the third support is designed to support the cylindrical shell; and

[0054] - The edge of the cylindrical shell is bent against the cover by means of a bending unit, which is arranged along the third processing path.

[0055] The claims describe embodiments of the invention that form an integral part of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0056] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate non-limiting embodiments of the invention, in which:

[0057] · Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a cylindrical battery;

[0058] · Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A magnified schematic diagram of the upper part of a cylindrical battery;

[0059] · Figures 3 to 8 The schematic diagram illustrates the use of closing at the top. Figure 1 A series of operations on the cylindrical casing of the cylindrical battery;

[0060] · Figure 9 It is produced Figure 1 The battery and specifically produces Figure 1 A schematic plan view of a machine for manufacturing the upper closure of the cylindrical casing of a cylindrical battery.

[0061] · Figure 10 for Figure 9 A schematic front view of the manufacturing machine equipped with a first processing roller containing a deformation unit;

[0062] · Figure 11 yes Figure 9 A schematic front view of the manufacturing machine with a second processing roller having a first bending unit;

[0063] · Figure 12 and Figure 13 yes Figure 9 Two schematic front views of the feed unit of the manufacturing machine at two different operating moments;

[0064] · Figure 14 yes Figure 9 A schematic front view of the manufacturing machine equipped with a third processing roller of a second bending unit;

[0065] · Figure 15 yes Figure 14 A schematic front view showing details of the second curved unit; and

[0066] · Figure 16 yes Figure 9 A schematic front view of the compression unit of the manufacturing machine. Detailed Implementation

[0067] exist Figure 1 In the diagram, number 1 indicates the overall cylindrical battery used for electrical energy.

[0068] The cylindrical battery 1 includes an electrochemical battery cell 2 in the form of a "jelly-roll" or "Swiss-roll" and a cylindrical housing 3. The electrochemical battery cell 2 is formed by several sheets wound together to obtain a cylindrical shape, and the cylindrical housing 3 encloses the electrochemical battery cell 2 inside.

[0069] The cylindrical housing 3 has a cylindrical sidewall 4, a lower end 5 and an upper end 8. The lower end 5 is closed from the beginning by the lower wall 6, which is seamlessly connected to the sidewall 4 and supports (with sufficient electrical insulation) the negative electrode 7. The upper end 8, which is opposite to the lower end 5, is initially open to allow the insertion of the electrochemical cell 2, and is subsequently closed and sealed.

[0070] like Figure 2 As better illustrated, a circular cover 10 is arranged at the upper end 8 of the cylindrical housing 3, which forms a closure at the upper end 8 (i.e., constitutes the upper base of the cylindrical housing 3). An annular washer 11 is connected to the cover 10 between the cover 10 and the side wall 4 of the cylindrical housing 3. Specifically, the assembly of the cover 10 and the annular washer 11 is clamped between an annular groove 12 obtained in the side wall 4 (by deformation) and the edge 13 of the side wall 4 that has been deformed against the cover 10.

[0071] Reference Figures 3 to 8 The following describes the manner in which the open upper end 8 of the closed cylindrical shell 3 is constructed.

[0072] like Figure 3 As shown, firstly, the sidewalls 4 of the cylindrical shell 3 are completely cylindrical (as are the edges 13), without any deformation to allow easy insertion of the electrochemical cell unit 2.

[0073] like Figure 4 As shown, once the electrochemical cell unit 2 is inserted into the cylindrical housing 3, the sidewall 4 (below edge 13) of the cylindrical housing 3 is plastically deformed to create an annular groove 12.

[0074] like Figure 5As shown, the washer 11 is then placed on the annular groove 12 (which forms the resting base).

[0075] like Figure 6 As shown, the cover 10 is then placed on the annular groove 12 (which forms a resting base and has an inserted, previously arranged washer 11). Alternatively, the cover 10 may be pre-attached to the washer 11, and then the assembly of the cover 10 and the washer 11 is placed on the annular groove 12.

[0076] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, edge 13 then bends against the assembly of cover 10 and gasket 11 to clamp (hold) the assembly of cover 10 and gasket 11 against the underlying annular groove 12. Preferably, this operation is performed in two consecutive steps: first, edge 13 is bent toward the assembly of cover 10 and gasket 11 (e.g., Figure 7 (As shown) bend approximately 40-50°, and then only further bend edge 13 until it abuts against the assembly of cover 10 and gasket 11 (as shown). Figure 8 (As shown in the image) reaches a 90° bend.

[0077] The final operation performed is the axial compression of the entire cylindrical housing 3, which causes axial plastic deformation of the annular groove 12 and compaction of the edge 13 against the cover 10.

[0078] exist Figure 9 In the text, reference numeral 14 indicates the overall manufacturing machine that produces the cylindrical battery 1 and specifically produces the upper closure of the cylindrical casing 3 of the cylindrical battery 1.

[0079] Manufacturing machine 14 includes a horizontal conveyor (not shown) that moves a series of cylindrical housings 3 containing electrochemical battery cells 2 forward, and these cylindrical housings 3 are open at the top along the entry path terminating in the exchange station S1.

[0080] Manufacturing machine 14 includes a horizontal transfer roller 15, which is mounted to rotate about a vertical axis of rotation 16 (perpendicular to the paper plane), to receive the cylindrical housing 3 in exchange station S1, and to transfer the cylindrical housing 3 in exchange station S2.

[0081] Manufacturing machine 14 includes a horizontal transfer roller 17, which is mounted to rotate about a vertical axis of rotation 18 (parallel to the axis of rotation 16), to receive the cylindrical housing 3 in exchange station S2, and to transfer the cylindrical housing 3 in exchange station S3.

[0082] Manufacturing machine 14 includes a horizontal processing roller 19, which is mounted to rotate about a vertical axis of rotation 20 (parallel to axis of rotation 18), receive cylindrical housing 3 in exchange station S3, and transfer cylindrical housing 3 in exchange station S4. Figure 10 As shown, the processing roller 19 supports a plurality of (e.g., twelve) supports 21, which are evenly distributed along the periphery of the processing roller 19 and move forward by rotation of the processing roller 19 about the axis of rotation 20 along a circular processing path extending between exchange stations S3 and S4 (i.e., the processing path begins at exchange station S3 and ends at exchange station S4). Each support 21 is designed to laterally grip the corresponding cylindrical housing 3, for example, by suction holding the cylindrical housing 3 (i.e., the support 21 engages a portion of the sidewall 4 of the cylindrical housing 3); in this way, the cylindrical housing 3 can be axially translated relative to the corresponding support 21 (as described below).

[0083] Corresponding deformable units 22, carried by the machining roller 19 and moving (rotating) integrally with the machining roller 19 itself, are connected to respective supports 21 of the machining roller 19. Each deformable unit 22 is configured to form an annular groove 12 on the side wall 4 of the cylindrical shell 3 supported by the corresponding support 21. In other words, there are as many deformable units 22 as supports 21, and therefore each deformable unit 22 always and only operates with a single corresponding support 21. Each deformable unit 22 is arranged along the machining path defined by the machining roller 19 to create an annular groove 12 in the cylindrical shell 3, which moves forward along the machining path supported by the corresponding support 21. For simplicity, in Figure 10 Only three supports 21 and one deformation unit 22 are shown in the figure, but in reality, twelve supports 21 and twelve corresponding deformation units 22 are provided.

[0084] like Figure 10 As shown, each deformation unit 22 is mounted on the processing drum 19 to rotate integrally with the processing drum 19 itself, and each deformation unit 22 includes a support 23, which is axially aligned with a corresponding support 21 and mounted to rotate about a vertical rotation axis 24 parallel to the rotation axis 20. In other words, each support 23 is coaxial with its corresponding support 21 and rotates about its own central rotation axis 24, which is arranged laterally (at a certain distance) from the rotation axis 20 of the processing drum 19.

[0085] Each deformation unit 22 includes multiple (e.g., four, five, or six) deformation disks 25, which are designed to deform the sidewalls 4 of the cylindrical shell 3 supported by the corresponding supports 21 to create annular grooves 12. In each deformation unit 22, the deformation disks 25 (all coplanar with each other, i.e., arranged at the same vertical height) are mounted on the support 23 to form a circle, with the cylindrical shell 3 positioned at the center of this circle during use. The deformation disks 25 are radially movable to move radially closer to and further away from the cylindrical shell 3 between the deformation disks 25 during use. Specifically, each deformation disk 25 is rotatably mounted on the support 23 to rotate about a vertical axis of rotation 26 parallel to the axis of rotation 24.

[0086] According to a preferred embodiment, each deformable disk 25 is mounted on the support 23 in an idle manner so as to rotate freely about the rotation axis 26 (i.e., without constraint and without external actuation). Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, each deformable disk 25 is mounted eccentrically relative to the rotation axis 26 so as to move radially during its rotation about the rotation axis 26; that is, by cyclically moving the deformable disk 25 closer to and further away from the corresponding cylindrical housing 3 arranged at the center of the circle formed by the deformable disks 25, the eccentricity of each deformable disk 25 causes the deformable disk 25 to continuously translate radially during its rotation about the rotation axis 26.

[0087] For each support 21, a corresponding lifting device 27 is provided, which is carried by the processing roller 19 so as to move (rotate) integrally with the processing roller 19 itself. The lifting device 27 is axially movable (i.e., along the axis of rotation 26) and is configured to remove the cylindrical housing 3 from the corresponding support 21 by connecting it to the corresponding deformation unit 22 (located above the support 21), and to reinsert the cylindrical housing 3 into the corresponding support 21 by separating it from the deformation unit 22. In the middle of the support body 23, there is a central abutment element 28, which rotates integrally with the roller 19 and therefore does not rotate with the support body 23, and the cylindrical housing 3 connected to the deformation unit 22 is pushed against the central abutment element 28; that is, the central abutment element 28 is stationary relative to the processing roller 19, and therefore the support body 23 rotates about the central abutment element 28.

[0088] In use, in exchange station S3, the cylindrical housing 3 is inserted into the support 21. Subsequently, while the processing roller 19 rotates about the rotation axis 20, the corresponding lifting device 27 with upward axial movement removes the cylindrical housing 3 from the support 21 by connecting the cylindrical housing 3 to the corresponding deformation unit 22 located above the support 21; in this position, the cylindrical housing 3 abuts against the central abutment element 28.

[0089] Once the cylindrical housing 3 has been connected to the deformation unit 22 via the lifting device 27, the support 23 begins to rotate about the rotation axis 24, and thus the deformation disk 25 tends to rotate on the side wall 4 of the cylindrical housing 3 (the cylindrical housing 3 remains stationary when it presses against the central abutment element 28); the radial movement of the deformation disk 25 caused by the eccentricity of the deformation disk 25 causes the side wall 4 of the cylindrical housing 3 to deform, and thus forms the annular groove 12.

[0090] Subsequently, when the cylindrical shell 3 reaches the vicinity of the exchange station S4, the rotation of the support 23 stops, and the corresponding lifting device 27 separates the cylindrical shell 3 from the corresponding deformation unit 22 located above the support 21 by moving axially downward, and brings the cylindrical shell 3 back into the support 21.

[0091] Finally, in the exchange station S4, the cylindrical housing 3 with the annular groove 12 now leaves the corresponding support 21 of the processing roller 19.

[0092] like Figure 9 As shown, the manufacturing machine 14 includes a horizontal transfer roller 29, which is mounted to rotate about a vertical rotation axis 30 (parallel to the rotation axis 20), receiving a cylindrical housing 3 from the processing roller 19 in an exchange station S4, and transferring the cylindrical housing 3 in an exchange station S5.

[0093] like Figure 9 As shown, the manufacturing machine 14 includes a horizontal processing roller 31, which is mounted to rotate about a vertical rotation axis 32 (parallel to the rotation axis 30). The horizontal processing roller 31 receives the cylindrical housing 3 from the transfer roller 29 in exchange station S5 and transfers the cylindrical housing 3 in exchange station S6. Figure 11As shown, the processing roller 31 supports a plurality of (e.g., twelve) supports 33, which are evenly distributed along the periphery of the processing roller 31 and move forward by rotation of the processing roller 31 about the rotation axis 32 along a circular processing path extending between exchange stations S5 and S6 (i.e., the processing path begins at exchange station S5 and ends at exchange station S6). Each support 33 is designed to laterally grip the corresponding cylindrical housing 3, for example, by suction holding the cylindrical housing 3 (i.e., the support 33 engages a portion of the sidewall 4 of the cylindrical housing 3); in this way, the cylindrical housing 3 can be axially translated relative to the corresponding support 33 (according to the method described below).

[0094] like Figure 9 As shown, the manufacturing machine 14 includes a feeding unit 34, which is configured to feed an assembly consisting of a cover 10 and a gasket 11 stacked on top of each other in a feeding station S7 located between exchange stations S5 and S6, on the upper end 8 of a cylindrical housing 3 supported by various supports 33 (i.e., above the cylindrical housing 3).

[0095] like Figure 9 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the feed unit 34 includes a plurality of (e.g., six) suction holding heads 35, each designed to hold an assembly consisting of a cap 10 and a washer 11 stacked on top of each other. Furthermore, the feed unit 34 includes a feed roller 36 arranged beside the processing roller 31, mounted to rotate about a vertical axis of rotation 37 (parallel to the axis of rotation 32), and supporting the holding heads 35 by corresponding inserted hinge arms 38. Preferably, each hinge arm 38 has a central joint and thus two degrees of freedom.

[0096] The feed roller 36 rotates around the axis of rotation 37, carrying each retaining head 35 through a pick-up station S8, where the retaining head 35 picks up the cover 10, then through a pick-up station S9, where the retaining head 35 picks up the washer 11 that overlaps with the previously picked-up cover 10, and finally through a feed station S7, where the assembly consisting of the overlapping cover 10 and washer 11 is released onto the cylindrical housing 3 (e.g., Figure 12 and Figure 13 (As shown).

[0097] like Figure 11As shown, corresponding bending units 39, carried by the processing roller 31 and moving (rotating) integrally with the processing roller 31 itself, are connected to respective supports 33 of the processing roller 31. Each bending unit 39 is configured downstream of the feed station S7 (i.e., after the feed of the cover 10 and washer 11) to cause a first (partial) bend in the edge 13 of the cylindrical housing 3 carried by the corresponding support 33. In other words, there are as many bending units 39 as supports 33, therefore, each bending unit 39 always and only with a single corresponding support 33. Each bending unit 39 is arranged along the processing path defined by the processing roller 31 to produce a partial bend in the edge 13 of the cylindrical housing 3. Figure 7 As shown in the diagram, the cylindrical housing 3 moves along the machining path and is supported by corresponding supports 33. For simplicity, in Figure 11 Only three supports 33 and one bending element 39 are shown in the figure, but in reality, twelve supports 33 and twelve corresponding bending elements 39 are provided.

[0098] like Figure 11 As shown, each bending unit 39 is mounted on the processing drum 31 to rotate integrally with the processing drum 31 itself, and each bending unit 39 includes a support body 40, which is axially aligned with a corresponding support 33 and mounted to rotate about a vertical rotation axis 41 parallel to the rotation axis 32. In other words, each support body 40 is coaxial with its corresponding support 33 and rotates about its own central rotation axis 41, which is arranged laterally (at a certain distance) from the rotation axis 32 of the processing drum 31.

[0099] Each bending unit 39 includes a plurality of (e.g., four, five, or six) bending discs 42, which are designed to bend the edges 13 of the sidewalls 4 of the cylindrical housing 3 supported by corresponding supports 33. In each bending unit 39, the bending discs 42 (all coplanar with each other, i.e., arranged at the same vertical height) are mounted on the support 40 to form a circle, with the cylindrical housing 3 positioned at the center of this circle in use, and the bending discs are radially movable to move radially closer to and further away from the cylindrical housing 3 between the bending discs 42 in use. Specifically, each bending disc 42 is rotatably mounted on the support 40 to rotate about a vertical axis of rotation 43 parallel to the axis of rotation 41.

[0100] According to a preferred embodiment, each bending disk 42 is mounted on the support 40 in a free-spinning manner so as to rotate freely about the rotation axis 43 (i.e., without constraint and without external actuation). Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, each bending disk 42 is mounted eccentrically relative to the rotation axis 43 so as to move radially during its rotation about the rotation axis 43; that is, the eccentricity of each bending disk 42 causes the bending disk 42 to continuously translate radially during its rotation about the rotation axis 43, thereby causing the bending disk 42 to cyclically approach and move away from the corresponding cylindrical housing 3 arranged at the center of the circle formed by the bending disks 42.

[0101] For each support 33, a corresponding lifting device 44 is provided, which is carried by the processing roller 31 and moves (rotates) integrally with the processing roller 31 itself. The lifting device 44 is axially movable (i.e., along the axis of rotation 43) and is configured to remove the cylindrical housing 3 from the corresponding support 33 by connecting it to the corresponding bending unit 39 (located above the support 33), and to reinsert the cylindrical housing 3 into the corresponding support 33 by separating it from the bending unit 39. In the middle of the support body 40, there is a central abutment element 45, which rotates integrally with the processing roller 31 and therefore does not rotate with the support body 40. The cylindrical housing 3 connected to the bending unit 39 is pushed against the central abutment element 45; that is, the central abutment element 45 is stationary relative to the processing roller 31, and therefore the support body 40 rotates about the central abutment element 45.

[0102] according to Figure 12 and Figure 13 In the possible embodiments shown, the central abutment element 45 of each bending unit 39 has a vertically movable pusher that travels a processing stroke (from top to bottom) to transfer the assembly consisting of the cover 10 and the gasket 11 from the corresponding retaining head 35 to the upper end 8 of the lower cylindrical housing 3 (for this purpose, each retaining head 35 has a through hole into which the pusher is inserted).

[0103] In use, at exchange station S5, the cylindrical housing 3 is inserted into the support 33. Subsequently, as the processing roller 31 rotates about the rotation axis 32, the support 33 passes through the feed station S7, where an assembly consisting of overlapping covers 10 and washers 11 is placed on top of the cylindrical housing 3. Subsequently, as the processing roller 31 rotates about the rotation axis 32, a corresponding lifting device 44 with upward axial movement removes the cylindrical housing 3 from the support 33 by connecting the cylindrical housing 3 to a corresponding bending unit 39 located above the support 33; in this position, the cylindrical housing 3 abuts against the central abutment element 45.

[0104] Once the cylindrical housing 3 has been connected to the bending unit 39 via the lifting device 44, the support 40 begins to rotate about the rotation axis 41, and therefore, the bending disk 42 tends to rotate on the side wall 4 of the cylindrical housing 3 (the cylindrical housing 3 remains stationary when pressed against the central abutment element 45); the radial movement of the bending disk 42 caused by its eccentricity results in partial bending of the edge of the cylindrical housing 3 (e.g., Figure 7 (As shown).

[0105] Subsequently, when the cylindrical housing 3 reaches the vicinity of the exchange station S6, the rotation of the support 40 stops, and the corresponding lifting device 44 separates the cylindrical housing 3 from the corresponding bending unit 39 located above the support 33 by moving axially downward, and brings the cylindrical housing 3 back into the support 33.

[0106] Finally, in the exchange station S6, the cylindrical housing 3, now equipped with the cover 10 and the gasket 11, leaves the corresponding support 33 of the processing roller 31.

[0107] like Figure 9 As shown, the manufacturing machine 14 includes a horizontal processing roller 46, which is mounted to rotate about a vertical rotation axis 47 (parallel to the rotation axis 32). In exchange station S6, cylindrical housings 3 are received from processing roller 31 and transferred in exchange station S10. That is, processing roller 31 is configured to directly transfer each cylindrical housing 3 to processing roller 46 at exchange station S6.

[0108] like Figure 14 As shown, the processing roller 46 supports a plurality of (e.g., twelve) supports 48, which are evenly distributed along the periphery of the processing roller 46 and move forward by rotation of the processing roller 46 about the axis of rotation 47 along a circular processing path extending between exchange stations S6 and S10 (i.e., the processing path begins at exchange station S6 and ends at exchange station S10). Each support 48 is designed to laterally grip the corresponding cylindrical housing 3, for example, by suction holding the cylindrical housing 3 (i.e., the support 48 engages a portion of the sidewall 4 of the cylindrical housing 3); in this way, the cylindrical housing 3 can be axially translated relative to the corresponding support 48 (as described below).

[0109] like Figure 14 As shown, corresponding bending units 49, carried by the processing roller 46 and moving (rotating) integrally with the processing roller 46 itself, are connected to respective supports 48 of the processing roller 46. Each bending unit 49 is configured to produce a second (end) bend of the edge 13 of the cylindrical housing 3 carried by the corresponding support 48, to complete the bending of the edge 13 (as shown). Figure 8(As shown). In other words, there are as many bending units 49 as supports 48, so each bending unit 49 always and only works with a single corresponding support 48. Each bending unit 49 is arranged along a processing path defined by the processing roller 46 to complete the bending of the edge 13 within the cylindrical housing 3, which moves forward along the processing path and is supported by the corresponding support 48. For simplicity, in Figure 14 Only three supports 48 and one bending element 49 are shown in the figure, but in reality, twelve supports 48 and twelve corresponding bending elements 49 are provided.

[0110] like Figure 14 As shown, each bending unit 49 is mounted on the processing drum 46 to rotate integrally with the processing drum 46 itself, and each bending unit 49 includes a support 50 axially aligned with a corresponding support 48 and mounted to rotate about a vertical axis of rotation 51 parallel to the axis of rotation 47. In other words, each support 50 is coaxial with its corresponding support 48 and rotates about its own central axis of rotation 51, which is arranged laterally (at a certain distance) from the axis of rotation 47 of the processing drum 46.

[0111] Each bending unit 49 includes multiple (e.g., four, five, or six) bending discs 52, which are designed to bend the edges 13 of the sidewalls 4 of the cylindrical housing 3 supported by corresponding supports 48. In each bending unit 49, the bending discs 52 (all coplanar with each other, i.e., arranged at the same vertical height) are mounted on the support 50 to form a circle, with the cylindrical housing 3 positioned at the center of this circle during use, and the bending discs 52 are radially movable to move radially closer to and further away from the cylindrical housing 3 between the bending discs 52 during use. Specifically, each bending disc 52 is rotatably mounted on the support 50 to rotate about a vertical axis of rotation 53 parallel to the axis of rotation 51.

[0112] According to a preferred embodiment, each bending disk 52 is mounted on the support 50 in a free-spinning manner so as to rotate freely about the rotation axis 53 (i.e., without constraint and without external actuation). Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, each bending disk 52 is mounted eccentrically relative to the rotation axis 53 so as to move radially during its rotation about the rotation axis 53; that is, by causing the bending disk 52 to cyclically approach and move away from the corresponding cylindrical housing 3 arranged at the center of the circle formed by the bending disks 52, the eccentricity of each bending disk 52 causes the bending disk 52 to continuously translate radially during its rotation about the rotation axis 53.

[0113] For each support 48, a corresponding lifting device 54 is provided, which is carried by the processing roller 46 so as to move (rotate) integrally with the processing roller 46 itself. The lifting device 54 is axially movable (i.e., along the axis of rotation 53) and is configured to remove the cylindrical housing 3 from the corresponding support 48 by connecting it to the corresponding bending unit 49 (located above the support 48), and to reinsert the cylindrical housing 3 into the corresponding support 48 by separating it from the bending unit 49. In the middle of the support body 50, there is a central abutment element 55, which rotates integrally with the roller 46 and therefore does not rotate with the support body 50, and the cylindrical housing 3 connected to the bending unit 49 is pushed against the central abutment element 55; that is, the central abutment element 55 is stationary relative to the processing roller 46, and therefore the support body 50 rotates about the central abutment element 55.

[0114] In use, in exchange station S6, the cylindrical housing 3 is inserted into the support 48. Subsequently, when the processing roller 46 rotates about the rotation axis 47, the corresponding lifting device 54 with upward axial movement removes the cylindrical housing 3 from the support 48 by connecting the cylindrical housing 3 to the corresponding bending unit 49 located above the support 48; in this position, the cylindrical housing 3 abuts against the central abutment element 55.

[0115] Once the cylindrical housing 3 has been connected to the bending unit 49 via the lifting device 54, the support 50 begins to rotate about the rotation axis 51, and thus, the bending disk 52 tends to rotate on the side wall 4 of the cylindrical housing 3 (the cylindrical housing 3 remains stationary when pressed against the central abutment element 55); the radial movement of the bending disk 52 caused by the eccentricity of the bending disk 52 causes the edge of the cylindrical housing 3 to bend (e.g., Figure 8 and Figure 15 (As shown).

[0116] Subsequently, when the cylindrical housing 3 reaches the vicinity of the exchange station S10, the rotation of the support 50 stops, and the corresponding lifting device 54 separates the cylindrical housing 3 from the corresponding bending unit 49 located above the support 48 by moving axially downward, and brings the cylindrical housing 3 back into the support 48.

[0117] Finally, in the exchange station S10, the cylindrical housing 3 leaves the corresponding support 48 of the processing roller 46.

[0118] like Figure 9 As shown, the manufacturing machine 14 includes a horizontal transfer roller 56, which is mounted to rotate about a vertical rotation axis 57 (parallel to the rotation axis 47), to receive the cylindrical housing 3 in exchange station S10, and to transfer the cylindrical housing 3 in exchange station S11.

[0119] like Figure 9 As shown, the manufacturing machine 14 includes a horizontal conveyor (not shown) that moves a series of cylindrical housings 3 containing electrochemical battery cells and closed at the top along an exit path that begins at an exchange station S11.

[0120] like Figure 16 As shown, the manufacturing machine 14 includes (at least functionally) a plurality of compression units 58 arranged downstream of the bending unit 49. Figure 16 Only one is shown in the image. Each compression unit 58 is configured to axially compress the corresponding cylindrical shell 3 so as to plastically deform the annular groove 12, thereby producing compaction of the entire upper end 8 of the cylindrical shell 3 itself (by comparison showing the cylindrical shell 3 before axial compression). Figure 8 And shows the cylindrical shell 3 after axial compression. Figure 2 (This is obvious). Specifically, each compression unit 58 includes a hammer 59 that is axially movable to apply axial compression to the corresponding cylindrical housing 3.

[0121] According to a possible embodiment, an additional (fourth) processing roller is provided, which is located between the processing roller 46 and the transfer roller 56, rotates about a vertical rotation axis, and is provided with a series of supports, each of which is designed to receive the cylindrical housing 3 and is provided with a series of compression units 58 that cooperate with the supports.

[0122] According to an alternative embodiment, the compression unit 58 is integrated together with the bending unit 49 in the processing roller 46, for example by replacing the abutment element 55 of the bending unit 49 with the movable hammer 59 of the compression unit 58: first (in the initial part of the processing path), the bending unit 49 acts to complete the bending of the edge 13 of the cylindrical housing 3, and then (in the final part of the processing path), the compression unit 58 acts to axially compress the cylindrical housing 3.

[0123] According to another embodiment, the compression unit 58 replaces the bending unit 49 in the processing roller 46 and thus becomes the bending and compression unit 58: for each bending and compression unit 58, the first (initial) portion of the stroke of the hammer 59 completes the bending of the edge 13 of the corresponding cylindrical housing 3, while the second (final) portion of the stroke of the hammer 59 axially compresses the corresponding cylindrical housing 3.

[0124] According to another embodiment, the bending unit 49 of the processing roller 46 replaces the compression unit 58 and thus becomes a bending and compression unit 49: for each bending and compression unit 49, the bending disc 52 initially completes the bending of the corresponding cylindrical housing 3 edge 13, and then the corresponding lifting device 54 travels an additional (small) upward stroke to axially wrinkle (compress) the upper end 8 of the corresponding cylindrical housing 3 against the bending disc 52.

[0125] like Figure 9 As shown, near the transfer roller 56, there is a control station S12, in which an optical control device 60 checks whether the upper end 8 of each cylindrical housing 3 matches the desired specifications; in addition, near the transfer roller 56, there is a waste station S13 (obviously located downstream of the control station S12), in which cylindrical housings 3 that do not meet the desired specifications (i.e., are defective) are discarded by being removed from the transfer roller 56 and subsequently guided to a waste collection path.

[0126] According to a preferred embodiment, the manufacturing machine 14 is a continuous-type machine, that is, it operates using a continuous movement pattern, which prevents the conveyor from cyclically alternating between stop and move steps, but instead maintains a constant feed rate (which increases or decreases significantly with the increase or decrease of the hourly productivity of the manufacturing machine 14). Therefore, all the processing rollers 19, 31, and 46 rotate around their respective axes of rotation 20, 32, and 47 with a continuous movement pattern.

[0127] According to different embodiments not shown, a bending unit 39 connected to the processing roller 31 is not provided, and the bending of the edges 13 of each cylindrical housing 3 is performed in a single step (instead of two subsequent steps) by a bending unit 49 connected to the processing roller 46.

[0128] It is important to note that deformation unit 22, bending unit 39, and bending unit 49 are structurally identical and differ from each other only in the type of operating tool on which they are installed (i.e., deformation disc 25 is formed differently from bending discs 42 and 52, and bending discs 42 and 52 are also formed differently from each other); therefore, processing rollers 19, 31, and 46 are also structurally identical. In this way, a single complex object is designed and constructed repeatedly (in a “copy and paste” manner) to constitute all three processing rollers 19, 31, and 46, as well as all units 22, 39, and 49.

[0129] The embodiments described herein can be combined with each other without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

[0130] The aforementioned manufacturing machine 14 has many advantages.

[0131] First, the aforementioned manufacturing machine 14 allows for operation with high productivity (i.e., producing a large number of cylindrical shells 3 per unit time) without damaging the cylindrical shells 3 themselves.

[0132] The aforementioned manufacturing machine 14 is particularly compact and has optimal accessibility to all its components for adjustment, form change, maintenance and repair procedures.

[0133] The aforementioned manufacturing machine 14 allows for the transformation of the cylindrical shell 3 in a relatively simple and quick manner.

[0134] Finally, the aforementioned manufacturing machine 14 also exhibits reduced construction complexity and production costs because it repeats the same type of structure several times.

[0135] List of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0136] 1. Cylindrical battery

[0137] 2 Electrochemical cell unit

[0138] 3. Cylindrical shell

[0139] 4. Sidewalls

[0140] 5. Lower end

[0141] 6 lower wall

[0142] 7 Negative electrode

[0143] 8. Upper end

[0144] 10 lids

[0145] 11 Washers

[0146] 12 Annular Grooves

[0147] 13 Edge

[0148] 14 Manufacturing machines

[0149] 15 Transfer Rollers

[0150] 16. Rotation axis

[0151] 17 Transfer Rollers

[0152] 18. Rotation axis

[0153] 19. Processing rollers

[0154] 20 Rotation axis

[0155] 21 supports

[0156] 22 Deformation Units

[0157] 23 Support

[0158] 24. Rotation axis

[0159] 25 Deformable discs

[0160] 26. Axis of rotation

[0161] 27 Lifting device

[0162] 28 Abutment Components

[0163] 29 Transfer Rollers

[0164] 30 Rotation axis

[0165] 31 Processing rollers

[0166] 32. Rotation axis

[0167] 33 supports

[0168] 34 feed units

[0169] 35. Hold Head

[0170] 36 Feed rollers

[0171] 37. Rotation axis

[0172] 38 articulated arm

[0173] 39 Bending Units

[0174] 40 Support

[0175] 41. Axis of rotation

[0176] 42. Curved disc

[0177] 43. Axis of rotation

[0178] 44 Lifting device

[0179] 45 Center contact element

[0180] 46. ​​Processing rollers

[0181] 47. Axis of rotation

[0182] 48 supports

[0183] 49 Bending Units

[0184] 50 Support

[0185] 51. Rotation axis

[0186] 52 Bending Disc

[0187] 53. Axis of rotation

[0188] 54 Lifting device

[0189] 55 Abutting Components

[0190] 56 Transfer Rollers

[0191] 57. Rotation axis

[0192] 58 compression units

[0193] 59 hammers

[0194] 60 Control device

[0195] S1 Exchange Station

[0196] S2 Exchange Station

[0197] S3 Exchange Station

[0198] S4 Exchange Station

[0199] S5 Exchange Station

[0200] S6 Exchange Station

[0201] S7 Feed Station

[0202] S8 Pickup Station

[0203] S9 Pickup Station

[0204] S10 Exchange Station

[0205] S11 Exchange Station

[0206] S12 Control Station

[0207] S13 Scrap Yard

Claims

1. A manufacturing machine (14) for manufacturing a cylindrical battery (1), the cylindrical battery (1) comprising: A cylindrical housing (3) that houses the electrochemical battery cell (2) and is closed at the top by a cover (10); The manufacturing machine (14) includes: The first processing roller (19), which is mounted to rotate about a first rotation axis (20) so as to move forward along a first processing path, is designed to support the first support (21) of the cylindrical housing (3). A deformation unit (22) is arranged along the first processing path and is configured to create an annular groove (12) on the sidewall (4) of the cylindrical housing (3). The second processing roller (31) is arranged downstream of the first processing roller (19), and the second processing roller (31) is mounted to rotate about the second rotation axis (32) so as to move forward along the second processing path. It is designed to support the second support (33) of the cylindrical housing (3). Feeding unit (34) is configured to feed the cover (10) onto the top of the cylindrical housing (3) supported by the second support (33); A third processing roller (46), arranged downstream of the second processing roller (31), and mounted to rotate about a third rotation axis (47) so as to move forward along a third processing path, is designed to support a third support (48) of the cylindrical housing (3); and A first bending unit (49) is arranged along the third processing path and is configured to bend the edge (13) of the cylindrical housing (3) to abut against the cover (10). The deformation unit (22) is configured to rotate together with the first processing roller (19) in an integral manner.

2. The manufacturing machine (14) according to claim 1, comprising a second bending unit (39) arranged along the second processing path, and the second bending unit (39) being configured to only partially bend the edge (13) of the cylindrical housing (3) toward the cover (10).

3. The manufacturing machine (14) according to claim 1, comprising a compression unit (58) arranged downstream of the first bending unit (49), and the compression unit (58) configured to axially compress the cylindrical housing (3) to plastically deform the annular groove (12).

4. The manufacturing machine (14) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein, The feed unit (34) is configured to feed the cover (10) and the gasket (11) together onto the top of the cylindrical housing (3) supported by the second support (33).

5. The manufacturing machine (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The feed unit (34) includes: A retaining head (35) is designed to retain the cover (10); The feed roller (36) is arranged next to the second processing roller (31), the feed roller (36) is mounted to rotate about a fourth rotation axis (37), and the feed roller (36) supports the retaining head (35) by an inserted hinge arm (38).

6. The manufacturing machine (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a transfer roller (29) mounted to rotate about a fifth rotation axis (30), the transfer roller (29) being located between the first processing roller (19) and the second processing roller (31), and the transfer roller (29) being configured to transfer the cylindrical housing (3) from the first processing roller (19) to the second processing roller (31).

7. The manufacturing machine (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The second processing roller (31) is configured to transfer the cylindrical housing (3) directly to the third processing roller (46).

8. The manufacturing machine (14) according to claim 1, wherein, The deformable unit (22) includes: A first support (23) is axially aligned with the first support (21), and the first support (23) is mounted to rotate about a sixth rotation axis (24) parallel to the first rotation axis (20); and Multiple deformable discs (25) are designed to deform the sidewalls (4) of the cylindrical housing (3) to create the annular groove (12). The multiple deformable discs (25) are mounted on the first support (23) to form a circle. The cylindrical housing (3) is placed at the center of the circle during use. The multiple deformable discs (25) are radially movable to radially approach and move away from the cylindrical housing (3) located between the multiple deformable discs (25) during use.

9. The manufacturing machine (14) according to claim 8, wherein, Each deformable disk (25) is mounted on the first support (23) in a rotatable manner so as to rotate about a seventh rotation axis (26) parallel to the sixth rotation axis (24).

10. The manufacturing machine (14) according to claim 9, wherein, Each of the deformable disks (25) is installed in an idle manner so that it can rotate freely around the seventh rotation axis (26).

11. The manufacturing machine (14) according to claim 9, wherein, Each deformable disk (25) is mounted eccentrically relative to the seventh rotation axis (26) so that it can move radially as the deformable disk (25) rotates around the seventh rotation axis (26).

12. The manufacturing machine (14) according to claim 1, comprising a first lifting device (27) axially movable, and the first lifting device (27) configured to remove the cylindrical housing (3) from the first support (21) by connecting the cylindrical housing (3) to the deformation unit (22), and to reinsert the cylindrical housing (3) into the first support (21) by separating the cylindrical housing (3) from the deformation unit (22).

13. The manufacturing machine (14) according to claim 8, wherein, The first support (23) has a first center abutment element (28) in the middle, which is integral with the first processing roller (19) and therefore does not rotate with the first support (23), and the cylindrical housing (3) connected to the deformation unit (22) is pushed against the first center abutment element (28).

14. The manufacturing machine (14) according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein, Each bending unit (39; 49) is mounted on a corresponding processing roller (31; 46) so that it can rotate together with the corresponding processing roller (31; 46) in an integral manner.

15. The manufacturing machine (14) according to claim 14, wherein, Each bending element (39; 49) includes: A second support (40; 50) is axially aligned with a corresponding support (33; 48), and the second support (40; 50) is mounted to rotate about an eighth rotation axis (41; 51) parallel to the rotation axis (32; 47) of the corresponding processing roller (31; 46); and Multiple curved discs (42; 52) are designed to bend the edges (13) of the sidewalls (4) of the cylindrical housing (3); the multiple curved discs (42; 52) are mounted on the second support (40; 50) to form a circle, the cylindrical housing (3) being located at the center of the circle in use, and the multiple curved discs (42; 52) are radially movable to radially approach and move away from the cylindrical housing (3) being located between the multiple curved discs (42; 52) in use.

16. The manufacturing machine (14) according to claim 15, wherein, Each of the bending discs (42; 52) is rotatably mounted on the second support (40; 50) so as to rotate about a ninth rotation axis (43; 53) parallel to the eighth rotation axis (41; 51).

17. The manufacturing machine (14) according to claim 16, wherein, Each of the bending discs (42; 52) is mounted in an idle manner so that it can rotate freely about the ninth axis of rotation (43; 53).

18. The manufacturing machine (14) according to claim 16, wherein, Each bending disk (42; 52) is mounted eccentrically relative to the ninth axis of rotation (43; 53) so as to move radially as each bending disk (42; 52) rotates about the ninth axis of rotation (43; 53).

19. The manufacturing machine (14) according to claim 14, comprising: Second lifting device (44; 54), the second lifting device (44; 54) The second lifting device (44) is capable of axial movement. 54) is configured to remove the cylindrical housing (3) from the corresponding support (33; 48) by connecting the cylindrical housing (3) to the bending unit (39; 49), and the second lifting device (44; 54) inserts the cylindrical housing (3) back into the corresponding support (33; 48) by separating the cylindrical housing (3) from the bending unit (39; 49).

20. The manufacturing machine (14) according to claim 15, wherein, A second central abutment element (45; 55) is provided in the middle of the second support (40; 50), the second central abutment element (45; 55) is integrally formed with the corresponding processing roller (31; 46), and therefore does not rotate with the second support (40; 50), and the cylindrical housing (3) connected to the bending unit (39; 49) is pushed against the second central abutment element (45; 55).

21. The manufacturing machine (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, All the processing rollers (19, 31, 46) rotate around their corresponding axes of rotation (20, 32, 47) in a continuous motion pattern.

22. A method for manufacturing a cylindrical battery (1), the cylindrical battery (1) comprising: A cylindrical housing (3) that houses the electrochemical battery cell (2) and is closed at the top by a cover (10); the manufacturing method includes the following steps: - The first support (21) is moved forward along the first processing path by means of the first processing roller (19), the first processing roller (19) is mounted to rotate about the first rotation axis (20), and the first support (21) is designed to support the cylindrical shell (3). - An annular groove (12) is formed on the side wall (4) of the cylindrical shell (3) by means of the deformation unit (22) arranged along the first processing path. - The second support (33) is moved forward along the second processing path by means of the second processing roller (31), the second processing roller (31) being arranged downstream of the first processing roller (19) and being mounted to rotate about the second rotation axis (32), the second support (33) being designed to support the cylindrical shell (3). - The cover (10) is fed onto the top of the cylindrical housing (3) supported by the second support (33) by means of the feeding unit (34); - A third support (48) is moved forward along a third processing path by means of a third processing roller (46), the third processing roller (46) being arranged downstream of the second processing roller (31) and mounted to rotate about a third rotation axis (47), the third support (48) being designed to support the cylindrical housing (3); and - The edge (13) of the cylindrical shell (3) is bent to abut against the cover (10) by means of bending units (39; 49) arranged along the third processing path.

Images