Production line of electrochemical cells

Abstract

A line and method for processing electrochemical cells (30) wherein the method provides:-progressively moving a plurality of seats (25) along a transport path (20) according to a forward direction A with a movement step P and according to a time interval T between one movement step P and another, where the time interval T is defined by a movement time Tm and a stop time Ts; wherein the seats (25) are equidistant from each other and are spaced along at least one movable section (21) of the transmission path (20) according to a predetermined spacing step size D, and wherein the movement step size P corresponds to N times the predetermined spacing step size D; -during the step-by-step movement of the plurality of seats (25), in a stop time Ts: in a working area (22) defined by the movable section (21) along the transport path (20), stopping N seats (25) of the plurality of seats (25) at a time to simultaneously perform the same operation on N electrochemical cells (30) transported by the N seats (25) stopped in the working area (22); during the step-by-step movement of the plurality of seats (25), in a stop time Ts: in a deposition region (23) defined along the movable section (21) of the transport path (20) upstream of the working region (22) with respect to the advancing direction A, stopping N of the plurality of seats (25) at a time, and placing the N electrochemical cells (30) one after the other in N different positions (P1, P2, P3) at the N seats (25) stopped in the deposition area (23).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a production line for electrochemical cells and an associated method.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to electrochemical cells for producing secondary type batteries (also called rechargeable batteries) that can be charged and discharged multiple times. Background Art

[0003] Such rechargeable batteries are commonly used in portable electronic devices, electric vehicles, industrial, military, and aerospace applications.

[0004] Examples of such batteries are lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries, and nickel-metal hydride rechargeable batteries.

[0005] In some types of applications, the battery includes a hollow container with an interior cavity into which an electrochemical cell consisting of two electrodes (an anode and a cathode) and a separator placed between the two electrodes is inserted. One electrode is electrically connected to the bottom of the base of the container, and the other electrode is electrically connected to the top plate of the container.

[0006] In such applications, the electrochemical cell inserted into the hollow container can be a jelly roll or Swiss roll type electrochemical cell, in which a separator and electrodes are wound in a spiral to form a cylindrical electrochemical cell that is inserted into the cavity of the container. An electrode of the cell thus formed is placed in electrical contact with an electrode placed on the bottom of the hollow container. Another electrode is placed in electrical contact with a lid, which is placed on the container and creates an additional electrode.

[0007] The applicant has observed that during the jelly roll forming process, due to the aforementioned spiral winding of the separator and electrode, a portion of the separator, typically with an S-shaped cross-section, is generated within the through-hole in the jelly roll. This portion of the separator within the through-hole can obstruct subsequent welding operations intended to weld the electrode to the container bottom. In fact, in the applicant's experience, welding the electrode to the container bottom is performed by inserting a welding device into the through-hole of the jelly roll.

[0008] For example, as disclosed in KR101726381, it is known in the art to perform a reforming operation adapted to reposition a portion of a partition created as a result of the jelly roll forming process within the through-hole of a jelly roll against the inner wall of the through-hole; this operation is performed by inserting a preheated reforming needle into the through-hole.

[0009] Applicants note that various types of operations are performed on a processing line for electrochemical cells, such as, for example, the construction of electrochemical cells (e.g., of the jelly roll type); reconstruction operations (e.g., in the case of a jelly roll type electrochemical cell); possible operations for inserting a hollow cylinder into a through-hole of a jelly roll type electrochemical cell, the hollow cylinder being adapted to protect the inner wall of the through-hole during a subsequent welding process that requires inserting a welding device into the through-hole of the jelly roll; operations for writing data on the outer surface of the electrochemical cell; operations for checking and verifying written data; operations for checking resistors between various elements of the electrochemical cell; checking and rejecting electrochemical cells deemed inadequate, etc.

[0010] The Applicant has also observed that in a processing line for electrochemical cells, in which the various operations are performed by a plurality of stations placed one after the other, it would be useful if these stations all had the same cycle time, so that each station could directly feed the electrochemical cells leaving an immediately upstream station, and so as to produce a compact process.

[0011] However, the present applicants have noted that there may be "slower" stations performing operations that require a longer execution time per electrochemical cell than the operations performed by the immediately upstream station. In such cases, the "slower" station will have a cycle time that is greater than the cycle time of the immediately upstream station.

[0012] In order to avoid increasing the line's processing time by adjusting the cycle time of the upstream station to that of the "slower" station, the aforementioned execution time difference would require the presence of a buffer between the two stations to compensate for the different execution times. However, this would adversely affect the overall size and cost of the processing line. Summary of the Invention

[0013] Against this background, the Applicant has recognized the need to enable the design of a processing line having a simple structure and short processing times, limited space and costs.

[0014] The present invention therefore relates in its first aspect to a processing line for electrochemical cells.

[0015] Preferably, the processing line comprises a first station and a moving device.

[0016] Preferably, the first station has a first device.

[0017] Preferably, the first device comprises a conveyor which moves stepwise along the transport path according to the advancement direction A with movement steps P and according to a time interval T between one movement step P and another movement step.

[0018] Preferably, the time interval T is defined by the movement time Tm and the conveyor stop time Ts (ie, T=Tm+Ts).

[0019] Preferably, the first device comprises a plurality of seats, each seat being configured to accommodate an electrochemical cell, said seats being arranged on a conveyor so as to be transported along the transport path.

[0020] Preferably, the first apparatus comprises processing equipment.

[0021] Preferably, the transport path comprises a movable section.

[0022] Preferably, the seats are equidistant from one another and are spaced apart along the advancement direction A according to a predetermined spacing step D, at least along the active section of the transport path.

[0023] Preferably, the movement step size P corresponds to N times the predetermined interval step size D, wherein N is an integer at least equal to 2.

[0024] Preferably, a working area is defined along the active section of the transport path, at which working area N seats of the plurality of seats are adapted to stop for a stop time Ts.

[0025] Preferably, the processing device is configured to simultaneously perform the same operation on N electrochemical cells housed in N seats in the working area within a stop time Ts.

[0026] Preferably, a deposition area is defined upstream of the working area with respect to the advancement direction A along the active section of the transport path, at which deposition area N seats of said plurality are adapted to stop for a stop time Ts.

[0027] Preferably, the mobile device is configured to place the N electrochemical cells one after another at N different positions on the conveyor during the stop time Ts at the N seats currently stopped in the deposition area.

[0028] The present invention therefore relates in its second aspect to a method for processing an electrochemical cell.

[0029] Preferably, provision is made to move the plurality of seats stepwise along the transport path according to the advancement direction A with movement steps P and according to a time interval T between one movement step P and another.

[0030] Preferably, the time interval T is defined by a movement time Tm and a stop time Ts.

[0031] Preferably, the seats are equidistant from one another and are spaced apart according to a predetermined spacing step D along at least one active section of the transport path.

[0032] Preferably, the movement step length P corresponds to N times the predetermined interval step length D.

[0033] Preferably, during the stepwise movement of said plurality of seats, during the stop times Ts, provision is made for N seats of said plurality of seats to be stopped at a time in the working area defined along the active section of the transport path in order to simultaneously perform the same operation on the N electrochemical cells transported by the N seats stopped in the working area.

[0034] Preferably, during the stepwise movement of the plurality of seats, during the stop time Ts, it is provided that N seats of the plurality of seats are stopped at a time in a deposition area defined along an active section of the transport path upstream of the working area with respect to the advancement direction A, and that N electrochemical cells are placed one after another in N different positions at the N seats stopped in the deposition area.

[0035] According to the present invention, in the first station, this operation can be performed on N electrochemical cells at a time during a stop time Ts. Furthermore, during the stop time Ts, N electrochemical cells can be delivered to the first station at N different positions on N seats at a defined deposition area of ​​the station. Since the movement step length P corresponds to N times the spacing step length D of the seats, by setting the time interval T between one movement step length P and another to be equal to N times the predetermined cycle time Tc of the line, and by setting the stop time Ts to be greater than the predetermined cycle time Tc, the present invention allows this operation to be performed with an execution time greater than the cycle time Tc, without requiring the presence of a buffer to temporarily stop electrochemical cells from the directly upstream station having such a cycle time Tc.

[0036] Overall, the objects set out above enable the realization of a processing line with a simple structure and short processing times, achieved with limited space and costs.

[0037] As mentioned, the "cycle time" of a station of an electrochemical cell processing line indicates the time between one electrochemical cell leaving the station and the next electrochemical cell leaving. In other words, given a station adapted to perform a predetermined operation on electrochemical cells, the "cycle time" indicates the number of electrochemical cells processed (and therefore output) by the station per unit time. For example, a cycle time of 1 second means that the station processes (and therefore outputs) one electrochemical cell per second. On the other hand, a cycle time of 2 seconds means that the station processes (and therefore outputs) 0.5 electrochemical cells per second.

[0038] Specifically, the "build cycle time" as mentioned for building an electrochemical cell indicates the time between the electrochemical cell leaving a particular build device / station and the subsequent electrochemical cell leaving. In other words, given a build station for an electrochemical cell, the "build cycle time" indicates the number of electrochemical cells built (and therefore output from the build station) per unit time. For example, a build cycle time of 1 second means that the build station builds (and therefore outputs) one electrochemical cell per second. On the other hand, a build cycle time of 2 seconds means that the station builds (and therefore outputs) 0.5 electrochemical cells per second.

[0039] As mentioned, the "construction" of an electrochemical cell refers to the process of forming the cell. Specifically, a jelly roll electrochemical cell refers to the process of spirally winding a separator and electrodes to form a cylindrical jelly roll.

[0040] As mentioned, the "interval step D" of the seats moving along the transport path according to the advancing direction refers to the distance measured along the advancing direction between two parallel planes, which are perpendicular to the advancing direction and pass through two identical points of two seats adjacent to each other along the advancing direction. For example, these two identical points can be located at the center line of the respective seats.

[0041] As mentioned, "conditioning" of an electrochemical cell indicates one or more operations that may be performed on the electrochemical cell before the cell is assembled. These operations are typically performed after the steps of constructing the jelly roll electrochemical cells and after the operations of modifying them. Such operations may include, for example, inserting a hollow cylinder into a through-hole of the jelly roll electrochemical cell, the hollow cylinder being adapted to protect the inner wall of the through-hole during a subsequent welding process that requires the insertion of welding equipment into the through-hole of the jelly roll. Other examples of conditioning operations may include operations for writing data on the outer surface of the electrochemical cell, operations for checking and verifying written data, operations for checking the resistance between various elements of the electrochemical cell, operations for rejecting electrochemical cells that are deemed inappropriate, etc.

[0042] In the aspects discussed above, the present invention may have at least one of the preferred features described below. Therefore, unless expressly stated otherwise, these characteristics may exist individually or in combination with each other.

[0043] The conveyor may comprise a conveyor belt or conveyor wheels.

[0044] Preferably, said time interval T between one movement step P of the conveyor is equal to N times the predetermined cycle time Tc of the line (ie T=Tm+Ts=N*Tc).

[0045] Preferably, said predetermined cycle time Tc of the line corresponds to the cycle time of a further station than the first station.Preferably, said further station is comprised in said line and is located upstream in said line of the first station.

[0046] Preferably, said further station of the processing line is a construction station for electrochemical cells.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the predetermined line cycle time Tc corresponds to the build cycle time of the electrochemical cell build station. In other words, the time interval T between one conveyor movement step P and another is equal to N times the build cycle time Tc of the electrochemical cell. The build cycle time Tc corresponds to the time between the departure of an electrochemical cell from the electrochemical cell build station and the departure of the next electrochemical cell. Preferably, the stop time Ts is greater than the predetermined cycle time Tc.

[0048] Preferably, during the stop time Ts, the mobile device is configured to pick up N electrochemical cells one after another from a construction station of an electrochemical cell having a predetermined construction cycle time Tc and then place the electrochemical cells one after another on the conveyor. In this case, the predetermined cycle time Tc of the line preferably corresponds to the construction cycle time Tc of the construction station, and the time interval T between one movement step P of the conveyor and another movement step is equal to N times the construction cycle time Tc. Furthermore, the stop time Ts is greater than the construction cycle time Tc.

[0049] Preferably, the processing line further comprises said building station adapted to build said electrochemical cell with a building cycle time Tc.

[0050] Preferably, the pick-up area is defined along the active section of the transport path downstream of the working area with respect to the advancement direction A.

[0051] Preferably, the first device comprises a transfer device comprising N heads configured to pick up N electrochemical cells one after another at a pick-up area from N seats of said plurality of seats transported through the pick-up area in a movement time Tm.

[0052] Preferably, the N heads are rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation to cyclically follow a closed loop trajectory.

[0053] Preferably, the closed-loop trajectory cooperates with the transport path at the pick-up area such that N electrochemical cells can be picked up by N heads.

[0054] Preferably, the transfer device includes a regulating unit configured to command the N heads to rotate with a total rotation time equal to the time interval T, so that the N heads are positioned one after another at the pick-up area during the movement time Tm, to then continue rotating and return again at the pick-up area during the stop time Ts.

[0055] Preferably, the processing line further comprises a second station.

[0056] Preferably, the second station comprises a second conveyor which moves stepwise along the second transport path according to the second advancement direction A2 with a second movement step P2 and according to a second time interval T2 between the second movement step P2 and another second movement step.

[0057] The second conveyor may include a conveyor belt or a transfer wheel.

[0058] Preferably, the second time interval T2 is defined by the second movement time Tm2 and the second stop time Ts2 of the second conveyor, T2=T / N.

[0059] Preferably, the second station comprises a plurality of second seats, each second seat being configured to accommodate an electrochemical cell, said second seats being arranged on the second conveyor for transport along the second transport path.

[0060] Preferably, said second seats are equidistant from one another and are spaced apart according to a predetermined spacing step D along the second advancement direction A2 at least along the second active section of the second transport path.

[0061] Preferably, said second movement step P2 of the second conveyor corresponds to a predetermined spacing step D.

[0062] Preferably, a second depositing area is defined along the second active section of the second transport path, at which second depositing area the plurality of second seats are adapted one at a time to stop for a second stop time Ts2.

[0063] Preferably, the N heads of the transfer device are configured to deliver the N electrochemical cells picked up from the pick-up area one at a time to the second seat stopped at the second deposition area in successive stop times Ts2.

[0064] Preferably, the regulating unit of the transfer device is configured to command the rotation of the N heads so that the N heads are positioned one after another at the second deposition area in N consecutive stop times Ts2 to allow the N electrochemical cells picked up to be delivered to the second seat at each stop at the second deposition area.

[0065] Preferably, a plurality of second working areas are defined downstream of the second deposition area along a second active section of the second transport path relative to the second advance direction A2, wherein at each second working area the plurality of second seats are adapted one at a time to stop in a stop time Ts2.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, the processing device is a reforming device having N reforming needles, adapted to simultaneously perform the same reforming operation on N electrochemical cells housed in N seats parked in the working area.

[0067] Preferably, in said defined working area along the active section of the transport path, the N modification needles and the N seats currently parked in the working area are movable relative to each other to allow the N modification needles to be simultaneously inserted into the corresponding holes of the N electrochemical cells housed in the N seats currently parked in the modification area. Preferably, the electrochemical cells are of jelly roll type.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment, the second station is a conditioning device.

[0069] Preferably, a corresponding adjustment operation is performed in each of the plurality of working areas. The adjustment operation may include, for example, inserting a hollow cylinder into the through-hole of each electrochemical cell of the jelly roll type, an operation for checking the resistance between various components of the electrochemical cell, an operation for visually inspecting the electrochemical cell to, for example, check the size of the through-hole, an operation for writing data on the outer surface of the electrochemical cell, an operation for inspecting and verifying the written data, an operation for rejecting an electrochemical cell deemed inappropriate, and the like.

[0070] Preferably, N is comprised between 2 and 5; for example, N=3 or N=4.

[0071] Preferably, the transmission path is closed.

[0072] Preferably, the transmission path is a closed loop path.

[0073] Preferably, the second transport path is closed.

[0074] Preferably, the second transmission path is a closed loop path.

[0075] In a preferred embodiment, the mobile device is an industrial robot (eg of the SCARA type) having a robot arm with at least 2 degrees of freedom.

[0076] In a preferred embodiment, the N heads of the transfer device are configured to pick up the electrochemical cells by suction.

[0077] Preferably, a second time interval T2 between a second movement step P2 and a further second movement step in the second conveyor is equal to the building cycle time Tc (ie T2 = Tc).

[0078] Preferably, the stopping time Ts is greater than the moving time Tm. Preferably, Ts≥3*Tm; more preferably, Ts≥5*Tm.

[0079] In a preferred embodiment, the stop time Ts is approximately equal to ⅔ of the time interval T between one movement step P and another movement step, and the movement time Tm is approximately equal to ⅓ of the time interval T.

[0080] Preferably, the second stop time Ts2 is greater than the second movement time Tm2. Preferably, Ts2≥2*Tm2; more preferably, Ts2≥3*Tm2.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment, the second stop time Ts2 is substantially equal to 2 / 3 of the second time interval T2 between the second movement steps P2, and the second movement time Tm2 is substantially equal to 1 / 3 of the second time interval T2.

[0082] The second movement time Tm2 is preferably shorter than the movement time Tm.

[0083] The second stop time Ts2 is preferably shorter than the stop time Ts1.

[0084] Preferably, in the conversion method, during said stop time Ts, it is provided that N electrochemical cells are picked up one after another from a building station with a predetermined building cycle time Tc in order to place the N electrochemical cells one after another in the N seats currently stopped in the deposition area, wherein said time interval T between one movement step P and another movement step is equal to N times the building cycle time Tc.

[0085] Preferably, in the transformation method, during the stepwise movement of the plurality of seats, during the movement time Tm, the transformation method provides for:

[0086] - transporting N of the plurality of seats one after another in a pick-up area defined along an active section of the transport path downstream of the working area relative to the advancement direction A; and - picking up N electrochemical cells one after another from the N seats transported in the pick-up area.

[0087] Preferably, in the modification method, provision is made for the plurality of second seats to be moved stepwise along the second transport path according to the second advancement direction A2 with a second movement step P2 and according to a second time interval T2 between the second movement step P2 and a further second movement step.

[0088] Preferably, the second time interval T2 is defined by the second movement time Tm2 and the second stop time Ts2, wherein T2=T / N.

[0089] Preferably, said second seats are equidistant from one another and are spaced apart according to a predetermined spacing step D at least along the second active section of the second transport path.

[0090] Preferably, the second movement step P2 corresponds to a predetermined interval step D.

[0091] Preferably, in the second stop time Ts2, it is provided that in the second deposition area of ​​the second active section along the second transport path, the multiple second seats are stopped one at a time, and in the subsequent stop time Ts2, the N electrochemical cells taken out from the N seats (transported from the pick-up area) are delivered one at a time to the second seats stopped in the second deposition area.

[0092] Preferably, the N modified needles are identical in structure to each other.

[0093] Preferably, the N modified needles are functionally identical to each other.

[0094] Preferably, the N modified needles have a longitudinal axis.

[0095] Preferably, the N modified needles each include a body portion and a tip portion.

[0096] Preferably, in each retrofit needle, the body portion is substantially cylindrical, and the longitudinal axis of the retrofit needle is the axis of symmetry of the cylindrical body portion.

[0097] Preferably, in each modified needle, the body portion is at least partially hollow.

[0098] Preferably, in each modified needle, the body portion and the tip portion are made in one piece.

[0099] Preferably, the tip portion may be symmetrical or asymmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the modified needle.

[0100] In one embodiment, in each modified needle, the free end of the tip portion is eccentric relative to the longitudinal axis of the modified needle.

[0101] Preferably, the modification apparatus comprises at least one rotation mechanism configured to rotate the N modification needles about their corresponding longitudinal axes.

[0102] Preferably, the at least one rotation mechanism is configured to rotate the N modification needles simultaneously with (and possibly even before) inserting the N modification needles into the through-holes of the electrochemical cell.

[0103] Preferably, the modification device comprises N heating elements configured to heat the N modification needles at a predetermined temperature.

[0104] Preferably, the N heating elements are respectively accommodated in the N modified needles and rotate integrally with the corresponding N modified needles.

[0105] The N heating elements are preferably of an electrically conductive type, for example comprising N resistors.

[0106] Preferably, the modification device further comprises N temperature sensors respectively associated with the N modification needles and configured to detect temperatures thereof.

[0107] Preferably, the retrofit device comprises at least one controller provided with a power supply connected to the N heating elements (and N temperature sensors, when present).

[0108] Preferably, the N temperature sensors are respectively adapted to detect temperature values ​​of the N heated modification needles and transmit the detected temperature values ​​to the at least one controller. Preferably, based on the temperature values ​​detected by the N temperature sensors, the at least one controller is adapted to maintain the temperature of the N modification needles at a predetermined temperature value by controlling the operation of the N heating elements.

[0109] Preferably, each of the N temperature sensors is accommodated in a corresponding modification needle and rotates integrally with the corresponding modification needle.

[0110] Preferably, the N heating elements (and N temperature sensors, when present) are connected to the at least one controller via N electromechanical devices of the slip ring type.

[0111] Preferably, said at least one rotating mechanism comprises an electric rotating motor.

[0112] Preferably, said at least one rotating mechanism comprises a plurality of gears driven by said electric rotary motor.

[0113] Preferably, the at least one rotating mechanism comprises a plurality of gears configured to rotate all N modified needles simultaneously.

[0114] Preferably, all of the N modified needles rotate in the same rotational direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0115] Further features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof, provided by way of indicative and non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0116] - Figure 1 Schematically illustrates a processing line for an electrochemical cell according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0117] - Figure 2 Schematically illustrates an electrochemical cell with a modified needle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0118] - Figure 3 shows a modified needle according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0119] - Figure 4 Schematically shows a side view of a transformation device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0120] - Figure 5 Schematically shows Figure 4 a remodeled device with some parts removed to better highlight other parts and some details of a partial cross section;

[0121] - Figure 6 Schematically shows Figure 3 A front view of the modified device with some parts removed to better highlight others;

[0122] - Figure 7 A processing line for an electrochemical cell according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0123] Figure 1 A processing line 70 according to an embodiment of the invention is schematically shown.

[0124] The processing line 70 is configured to implement a method of processing an electrochemical cell according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0125] In the embodiment shown, the processing line 70 comprises a first station consisting of a reforming device 1 .

[0126] The transformation device 1 is configured to Figure 2 The illustrated jelly roll type electrochemical cell 30 is modified in that two electrodes and a separator therebetween are wound in a spiral to form a cylindrical electrochemical cell 30 .

[0127] As described above, during the formation of the jelly-roll type electrochemical cell 30, a portion of the separator 32 having a generally S-shaped cross-section is created within the through-hole 31 in the jelly-roll due to the aforementioned spiral winding of the separator and electrodes.

[0128] The remodeling operation is adapted to reposition the portion of the partition 32 against the inner wall of the through-hole 31 .

[0129] In the embodiment shown, the transformation device 1 comprises a conveyor belt 29 that moves stepwise along the transport path 20 according to the advancement direction A with movement steps P and with a time interval T between one movement step P and another. The time interval T is defined by the movement time Tm and the stop time Ts of the conveyor belt (i.e., T=Tm+Ts).

[0130] The retrofit device 1 also comprises a plurality of seats 25 , each seat being configured to house an electrochemical cell 30 .

[0131] The seats 25 are fixed to the conveyor belt so that they can be transported along the transport path 20 .

[0132] The transport path 20 comprises a movable section 21 .

[0133] At least along the active section 21 of the transport path 20, the seats 25 are equidistant from one another and are spaced apart along the advancement direction A according to a predetermined spacing step D. Preferably, as Figure 1 The seats 25 are equidistant from one another and are spaced apart along the advancement direction A according to a spacing step D throughout the transport path 20 , as generally indicated by dots.

[0134] For example, the predetermined distance step D may be between 50 mm and 100 mm.

[0135] According to the invention, the movement step length P of the conveyor belt 29 corresponds to N times the predetermined interval step length D, wherein N is an integer at least equal to 2. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, N=3, so P=3*D. Therefore, during the movement time Tm of the conveyor belt 29, the seat 25 advances along the advancing direction A by a distance equal to N times the interval step length D.

[0136] Figure 1 and Figure 7 An embodiment of the retrofit device 1 is shown with N=3. However, the structural and functional features described with reference to this embodiment can be used by those skilled in the art to produce a device with N other than 3 (for example, with N=4, as described below). Figure 4-Figure 6 In the example shown), the transformation device 1 is used.

[0137] The transformation device 1 also includes a transformation device 80, which includes N transformation needles 81 (in Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, there are three modified needles 81).

[0138] like Figure 3 As shown, each of the N retrofit needles 81 extends longitudinally along the longitudinal axis R2 and terminates in a tip portion 81a.

[0139] Specifically, each of the N modified needles 81 includes a generally cylindrical body portion 81b, and the longitudinal axis R2 is the axis of symmetry of the cylindrical body portion 81b. The tip portion is preferably made in one piece with the body portion 81b.

[0140] exist Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, the free end of the tip portion 81a is eccentric relative to the axis R2 to avoid interference with and possible damage to a portion of the separator 32 when the needle 81 is inserted into the through hole 31 of the battery 30. However, the present invention is also applicable to Figure 2 The case of the tip portion 81a is shown aligned with the axis R2.

[0141] In order to optimize the reforming operation, the N reforming needles 81 are preferably heated.

[0142] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, still in order to optimize the reforming operation, the N reforming needles 81 are adapted to rotate about their own axis R2 .

[0143] When the modification needle 81 is set to rotate and the free end of the tip portion 81a is eccentric relative to the axis R2, it is preferred that the modification needle 81 be partially inserted into the through-hole 31 of the battery 30 before starting to rotate. This insertion is calibrated to ensure that the tip 81a is inserted into the through-hole 31 without interfering with the S-shaped separator portion. Thereafter, the modification needle 81 is rotated, and the insertion of the needle 81 into the through-hole 31 is completed.

[0144] Preferably, the rotation direction of the reforming needle 81 is opposite to the winding direction of the jelly roll.

[0145] For example, the N modified needles 81 may rotate at a speed between 50 rpm and 2000 rpm. Preferably, the rotation speed of the N needles 81 is between 500 rpm and 2000 rpm; more preferably, between 1000 rpm and 2000 rpm.

[0146] Figure 4-Figure 6 An embodiment of a retrofit device 80 is shown with N=4. However, the structural and functional features described below can be used by those skilled in the art to generate devices with N other than 4 (e.g., where N=3, as in Figure 1 In the example shown in ), the modified device 80 is used.

[0147] exist Figures 4 to 6 In the embodiment shown (wherein, for ease of explanation, Figures 4 and 5 Only one of the N needles 81 is shown in FIG. 1 ), for each modified needle 81, the modification device 80 includes a slip ring type electromechanical device 82 and a Figure 5 At least one heating element 83 is schematically shown in FIG.

[0148] For example, the heating element 83 includes a resistor.

[0149] In the embodiment shown, the heating element 83 is preferably arranged inside the reforming needle 81. This advantageously allows the N reforming needles 81 to be heated while performing the reforming operation and preferably also before they are inserted into the through-hole 31 of the electrochemical cell 30.

[0150] Preferably, the body portion 81 b of the conversion needle 81 is at least partially hollow so as to allow the heating element 83 to be inserted.

[0151] A heating element 83 is disposed within the modification needle 81 along most of the length of the body portion 81b.

[0152] The heating element 83 placed in the lumen of the reformed needle 81 rotates integrally with the reformed needle 81 .

[0153] Compared to alternative solutions (e.g., known from CN209001039U) in which the modification needle is heated by a heating element located outside the modification needle and between the needle drive motor and the cell to be modified before insertion into the through-hole of the electrochemical cell, this embodiment of the present invention with an internal heating element 83 advantageously allows the production of a modification needle 81 having a limited length and, therefore, is less susceptible to bending during use. This allows for better control over the precise position of the modification needle 81 when it is inserted into the through-hole 31 of the electrochemical cell 30. Furthermore, the internal heating of the needle 81 allows the desired optimal temperature to be maintained throughout the modification process, preventing the needle 81 from cooling or changing its temperature once inserted into the through-hole 31 of the electrochemical cell 30.

[0154] In this regard, Figure 5 A preferred embodiment is shown in FIG, wherein a temperature sensor 84 is provided which is placed inside the modification needle 81 and is configured to continuously detect the temperature of the modification needle 81 at least during the modification operation.

[0155] The heating element 83 and the temperature sensor 84 are connected to a controller 85 provided with a power supply 86 via electrical connections 87, 88. The controller 85 can be at a remote location or close to the modification needle 81. Furthermore, the controller 85 can be a single controller or comprise several controllers, for example one controller for each modification needle 81.

[0156] To allow for the transformation needle 81 and the heating element 83 (and the temperature sensor 84 when provided) to rotate relative to the controller 85 , the electrical connection between the heating element 83 (and the temperature sensor 84 when provided) and the controller 85 passes through the slip ring type electromechanical device 82 .

[0157] The latter is a device of the type known in the art, adapted to continuously transmit power and signals between a static part and a rotating part.

[0158] like Figure 5 As shown, a slip ring type electromechanical device 82 is inserted between the modification needle 81 and the controller 85 .

[0159] The temperature sensor 84 is adapted to detect the temperature of the heated modification needle 81 and transmit the detected value to the controller 85 via the electrical connection 88. Based on the value detected by the temperature sensor 84, the controller 85 is adapted to maintain the temperature of the modification needle 81 at a predetermined temperature value by controlling the operation of the heating element 83 via the electrical connection 87.

[0160] For example, the predetermined temperature value may be between 60°C and 130°C.

[0161] This can be achieved with a power supply between 20 Watts and 200 Watts.

[0162] The modification device 80 further comprises a rotary support 89 for each modification needle 81. Each rotary support 89 rotates about a respective support axis R1 coinciding with the longitudinal axis R2 of the respective modification needle 81.

[0163] Each rotary support 89 is mounted so as to rotate integrally with the modification needle 81 and the heating element 83 placed therein (and with the temperature sensor 84 when provided). Figure 5 As shown, the rotating support 89 defines a housing to accommodate therein the rotating portion 82a of the slip ring type electromechanical device 82. The rotating portion 82a of the slip ring type electromechanical device 82 rotates integrally with the rotating support 89.

[0164] The modification apparatus 80 further comprises a support frame 90. The support frame 90 comprises a support structure 91 and a bracket 92 slidably mounted on the support structure 91.

[0165] All N modified needles 81 are integrally mounted on the bracket 92 so as to be translatable. All N rotation supports 89 are integrally mounted on the bracket 92 so as to be translatable.

[0166] The carriage 92 translates relative to the support structure 91 along a track 93 extending along a sliding direction R3. The sliding direction R3 is parallel to the longitudinal axis R2 of the modified needle 81. The longitudinal axes R2 of the N modified needles 81 are parallel to each other.

[0167] Therefore, the N modification needles 81 can be moved relative to the N electrochemical cells to be modified, thereby allowing the N modification needles 81 to be simultaneously inserted into / removed from the corresponding holes 31 of the N electrochemical cells 30 .

[0168] In order to allow the carriage 92 to translate relative to the support structure 91, the modification device 80 includes a translation electric motor 94 that is integral with the support structure 91 and that rotates a worm 95 that extends parallel to the sliding direction R3. The worm 95 is coupled to a bushing 96 that is connected to the carriage 92. When the worm 95 is rotated by the translation electric motor 94, the bushing 96 translates along the worm 95 and thus translates the carriage 92 along the sliding direction R3.

[0169] exist Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 85 is shown as being integral with the bracket 92. However, in other alternative embodiments, the controller 85 may be in a location remote from the bracket 92.

[0170] In any case, the fixed portion 82 b of the slip ring type electromechanical device 82 is integrated with the bracket 92 .

[0171] The N reforming needles 81 translate integrally with the carrier 92 and rotate relative to the carrier 92 about the longitudinal axis R2 .

[0172] In this respect, the modification device 80 comprises at least one rotation mechanism 97 configured to rotate the N modification needles 81 about respective longitudinal axes R2 and to rotate the N supports 89 about respective support axes R1 .

[0173] The rotating mechanism 97 includes an electric rotating motor 98 and a plurality of gears 99 (in Figure 6 is better shown in ).

[0174] At least the first gear 99a of the plurality of gears 99 is keyed to or otherwise rotates coaxially with the N rotation supports 89 and the N modification needles 81. A transmission mechanism 100 transmits rotational motion to the first gear 99a. The transmission mechanism 100 is connected to the electric rotation motor 98 and is configured to rotate all of the first gears 99a in the same angular direction.

[0175] The transmission mechanism 100 is mounted on the bracket 92 .

[0176] The transmission mechanism 100 includes a second gear 99b among the plurality of gears 99. The single second gear 99b is directly rotated by the electric rotary motor 98 in a second angular direction opposite the first angular direction. This single second gear 99b engages two adjacent first gears 99a and causes the first gears to rotate in the first angular direction. Each of the two adjacent first gears 99a is also gear-connected to a corresponding second gear 99b and causes the second gear to rotate in the second angular direction. Furthermore, these second gears 99b are gear-connected to two other first gears 99a and cause the first gears to rotate in the first angular direction.

[0177] The transmission mechanism 100 is particularly used to rotate the four reforming needles 81 .

[0178] However, the transmission mechanism 100 may be adapted to rotate a different number of reforming needles 81 (e.g., Figure 1 and Figure 7 The transformation device 1 shown, where N=3).

[0179] return Figure 1 The reforming device 1 defines a reforming area 22 and a deposition area 23 in the active section 21 of the transport path 20, in each of which N seats 25 of the plurality of seats 25 are adapted to stop in a stop time Ts.

[0180] At the reforming area 22, the N reforming needles 81 and the N seats 25 currently stopped in the reforming area 22 are movable relative to each other to allow the N reforming needles 81 to be simultaneously inserted into the corresponding holes 31 of the N electrochemical cells 30 accommodated in the N seats 25 currently stopped in the reforming area 22. Thus, the reforming operation is simultaneously performed on the N electrochemical cells 30 at a time.

[0181] Preferably, the time interval T between one movement step P and another movement step of the belt is equal to N times the construction cycle time Tc of the electrochemical cell (ie, T=Tm+Ts=N*Tc; wherein Figure 1 and Figure 7 In the embodiment shown, T=3*Tc).

[0182] Furthermore, the stop time Ts is greater than both the build cycle time Tc and the movement time Tm. This advantageously allows maximizing the time dedicated to the rebuilding operation.

[0183] This makes it possible to perform a rebuild operation wherein the execution time (which may be set to be equal to or nearly equal to the stop time Ts) is greater than the build cycle time Tc of the electrochemical cell 30 .

[0184] For example, in the case of Tc=1s (and therefore, T=N*Tc=3s), Ts can be set to be substantially equal to 2.5s and Tm to be equal to 0.5s. Thus, the modification operation can be performed within a time of 2.5 seconds, including the time for inserting or removing the N modification needles 81 into or from the corresponding through holes 31.

[0185] Furthermore, the reconstruction device 1 comprises a mobile device 50 configured to place N electrochemical cells 30 one after another in N different positions P1 , P2 , P3 on the conveyor 29 at the N seats 25 currently stopped in the deposition area 23 within a stop time Ts.

[0186] For example, the mobile device 50 may be an anthropomorphic industrial robot of the SCARA type, wherein the robot arm 51 has at least 2 degrees of freedom.

[0187] Since the stop time Ts is greater than the build cycle time Tc, this advantageously allows N electrochemical cells 30 to be placed directly on the conveyor belt 29 at positions P1, P2, P3 during the stop time Ts without requiring a buffer to store electrochemical cells 30 from an upstream build station with a build cycle time Tc.

[0188] Along the active section 21 of the transport path, downstream of the reforming area 22 , relative to the advancement direction A, a pickup area 24 is defined through which N seats 25 are adapted to be conveyed in a movement time Tm.

[0189] The reconstruction device 1 also includes a transfer device 40, which includes N heads 42, which are configured to pick up (for example, by suction) N electrochemical cells 30 from N seats 25 transported through the pickup area 24 one by one during the movement time Tm at the pickup area 24.

[0190] The N heads 42 are arranged around a rotation axis R ( Figure 1 A shaft 41 (with a rotation axis R perpendicular to the plane of the paper) is rotatably mounted to cyclically follow a closed-loop trajectory 43. The latter is configured to cooperate with the transport path 20 at the pickup area 24 in order to allow N electrochemical cells 30 to be picked up by N heads 42.

[0191] The transfer device 40 includes an adjustment unit 44, which is configured to command the N heads 42 to rotate with a total rotation time equal to the time interval T, so that the N heads 42 are positioned one after another at the pickup area 24 during the movement time Tm, and then continue to rotate and return again at the pickup area 24 during the stop time Ts.

[0192] Figure 7 A preferred embodiment of a processing line 70 is shown which, in addition to the reforming device 1 , comprises a construction station 60 for electrochemical cells 30 upstream of the reforming device 1 and a second station comprising a conditioning device 101 downstream of the reforming device 1 .

[0193] The terms “upstream” and “downstream” refer herein to the direction of advancement of the electrochemical cell 30 within the processing line 70 , which is built in the building station 60 and then undergoes a reforming operation in the reforming device 1 and then undergoes a series of conditioning operations in the conditioning device 100 .

[0194] The building station 60 is adapted to build electrochemical cells 30 , for example of the jelly roll type, according to techniques known in the art and will therefore not be described in detail below.

[0195] The building station 60 is adapted to build the electrochemical cell 30 having a building cycle time Tc.

[0196] As mentioned above Figures 1-6 The manufacturing and transformation device 1. For the convenience of explanation, Figure 7 Only the mobile device 50 and the transfer device 40 are highlighted.

[0197] The mobile device 50 is adapted to pick up electrochemical cells 30 built with cycle time Tc from the building station 60 and place them directly at positions P1 , P2 , P3 on the conveyor belt 29 during the stop time Ts, without requiring a buffer zone between the building station 60 and the reconstruction device 1 .

[0198] The adjustment device 101 includes a second conveyor belt 129 that is moved stepwise along the second transport path 120 according to a second advancing direction A2 with a second movement step length P2 and according to a second time interval T2 between the second movement step length P2 and another movement step length. The second time interval T2 is defined by a second movement time Tm2 and a second stop time Ts2 of the second conveyor belt, where T2=Tm2+Ts2=T / N.

[0199] The second transport path 120 includes a second movable section 121 .

[0200] The conditioning device 101 further comprises a plurality of second seats 125, each second seat 125 being configured to accommodate an electrochemical cell 30. The second seats 125 are arranged on a second conveyor belt 129 for conveyance along the second transfer path 120.

[0201] At least along the second active section 121, the second seats 125 are equidistant from one another and are spaced apart along the second direction of advancement A2 according to the same spacing step D as the seats 25 in the retrofit device 1. Figure 7 The seats 125 are equidistant from one another and are spaced apart according to a spacing step D along the second advancement direction A2 on the second transport path 120 , as generally indicated by dots.

[0202] The second moving step P2 of the second conveyor belt 129 corresponds to the predetermined interval step D (ie, P2=D). Therefore, the second seat 125 advances a distance equal to the interval step D along the second advancing direction A2 during the second moving time Tm2 of the second conveyor belt 129.

[0203] The second movable section 121 along the second transport path 120 defines a second depositing area 123 where the second seats 125 are adapted to stop one at a time for a second stop time Ts2 .

[0204] The N heads 42 of the transfer device 40 are configured to transfer the N electrochemical cells picked up from the pickup area 24 of the reforming apparatus 1 one at a time to the second seat 125 currently stopped in the second deposition area 123 in the continuous second stop time Ts2.

[0205] The adjustment unit 44 of the transfer device 40 is configured to command the rotation of the N heads 42 so that the N heads 42 are positioned at the second deposition area 123 one after another in N consecutive stop times Ts2 so as to allow the picked-up N electrochemical cells 30 to be delivered to the second seat 125 each time stopping at the second deposition area 123.

[0206] Along the second active section 121 of the second transport path 120 , a plurality of working areas 122 are defined downstream of the second deposition area 123 with respect to the second advancing direction A2 .

[0207] At each working area 122 , the second seat 125 is adapted to stop for the stop time Ts2 each time to perform the adjustment operation.

[0208] Such conditioning operations may include, for example, inserting a hollow cylinder (not shown) into the through-hole 31 of the jelly-roll type electrochemical cell 30 , the hollow cylinder being adapted to protect the inner wall of the through-hole 31 during a subsequent welding process that requires inserting a welding device into the through-hole 31 of the jelly-roll.

[0209] Other examples of adjustment operations may include operations for checking the resistance between different elements of the electrochemical cell, operations for visually inspecting the electrochemical cell 30 (adapted to, for example, inspect the size of the through-hole 31), operations for writing data on the outer surface of the electrochemical cell 30, operations for inspecting and verifying written data, operations for rejecting electrochemical cells deemed inappropriate, etc.

[0210] When the time interval T between one moving step P and another moving step in the transformation device 1 is equal to N times Tc (i.e., T=N*Tc), the second time interval T2 between a second moving step P2 and another second moving step is equal to Tc (i.e., T2=T / N=Tc).

[0211] Preferably, the stop time Ts2 is greater than the movement time Tm2 in order to maximize the time dedicated to each adjustment operation.

[0212] For example, in the case of Tc=1 s, Ts2 can be set to be substantially equal to about 0.66 s and Tm2 to be equal to 0.34 s. Each adjustment operation can thus be performed with an execution time of 0.66 s.

[0213] Taking into account that the conditioning operations carried out in the working area 122 require an execution time on each electrochemical cell 30 that is generally shorter than the execution time required for the rebuilding operations, the present invention advantageously allows rebuilding operations to be carried out with execution times longer than the build cycle time Tc of these electrochemical cells 30, without having to slow down the conditioning device 101, which operates freely with a cycle time T2=T / N=Tc. The same applies to the building station 60, which can build cells 30 with a build step length Tc.

[0214] Overall, the invention therefore advantageously allows the insertion of a slower station (construction device 1) operating with a longer cycle time T (equal to N*Tc) between two "faster" stations (building station 60 and adjustment device 101) operating with a cycle time Tc, without requiring the presence of a buffer zone and without having to adapt the processing time of these "faster" stations to the processing time of the "slower" stations.

[0215] Finally, it should be noted that even if Figure 1-Figure 7 While the processing line shown has a first "slower" station consisting of a reforming device 1, and the stations upstream and downstream of the first station consisting of a building station 60 and a conditioning device 101, respectively, the invention is equally applicable to another type of line which typically includes a "slower" station between two "faster" stations.

Claims

1. A processing line (70) for electrochemical cells (30), comprising a first station (1) and a mobile device (50), wherein the first station (1) has a first device (1), wherein the first device (1) comprises: a conveyor (29) that moves stepwise along the transport path (20) according to an advancement direction A with movement steps P and with a time interval T between one movement step P and the next, wherein the time interval T is defined by a movement time Tm and a stop time Ts of the conveyor (29); a plurality of seats (25), each seat being configured to accommodate an electrochemical cell (30), said seats (25) being arranged on said conveyor (29) for transport along said transport path (20); and - working equipment (80); in: - the transfer path (20) comprises a movable section (21); the seats (25) are equidistant from one another and are spaced apart along the advancement direction A according to a predetermined spacing step D at least along the movable section (21) of the transfer path (20); the movement step P of the conveyor (29) corresponds to N times the predetermined spacing step D, wherein N is an integer at least equal to 2; - a working area (22) is defined along the active section (21) of the transport path (20), at which working area (22) N seats of the plurality of seats are adapted to stop during the stop time Ts; the working device (80) is configured to simultaneously perform the same operation during the stop time Ts on N electrochemical cells (30) accommodated in the N seats (25) stopped in the working area (22); - a deposition area (23) is defined upstream of the working area (22) relative to the advancement direction A along the active section (21) of the transport path (20), at which deposition area (23) N seats (25) of the plurality of seats (25) are adapted to stop during the stop time Ts; the mobile device (50) is configured to place N electrochemical cells (30) one after another on the conveyor (29) in N different positions (P1, P2, P3) at the N seats (25) currently stopped in the deposition area (23) during the stop time Ts.

2. The processing line (70) according to claim 1, wherein The time interval T between one movement step P and another movement step in the conveyor is equal to N times the predetermined cycle time Tc of the line, the stopping time is greater than the predetermined cycle time Tc of the line, and the predetermined cycle time Tc of the line corresponds to the cycle time of another station different from the first station.

3. The processing line (70) according to claim 2, wherein: The other station is a building station (60) for the electrochemical cell (30), the building station (60) having a predetermined building cycle time Tc corresponding to the predetermined cycle time Tc of the line.

4. The processing line (70) according to claim 3, wherein During the stop time Ts, the mobile device (50) is configured to pick up the N electrochemical cells (30) one by one from the building station (60) and then place the N electrochemical cells one by one on the conveyor (29).

5. The processing line (70) according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising the building station (60), the building station (60) being adapted to build the electrochemical cell (30) with the building cycle time Tc.

6. A processing line (70) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein A pick-up area (24) is defined downstream of the working area (22) along an active section (21) of the transport path (20) relative to the advancing direction A, and wherein the first device (1) comprises a transfer device (40), the transfer device (40) comprising N heads (42), the N heads (42) being configured to pick up N electrochemical cells (30) one after another at the pick-up area (24) from the N seats (25) of the plurality of seats (25) transported through the pick-up area (24) during the movement time Tm.

7. The processing line (70) according to claim 6, wherein The N heads (42) are rotatably mounted about a rotation axis (R) to cyclically follow a closed-loop trajectory (43), and the closed-loop trajectory (43) cooperates with the transport path (20) at the pickup area (24) to allow the N heads (42) to pick up the N electrochemical cells (30).

8. The processing line (70) according to claim 7, wherein The transfer device (40) includes a regulating unit (44) configured to command the N heads (42) to rotate with a total rotation time equal to the time interval T, so that the N heads (42) are at the pickup area (24) one after another during the movement time Tm, and then continue the rotation and return again at the pickup area (24) during the stop time Ts.

9. The processing line (70) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a second station (101), said second station (101) comprising: a second conveyor (129) which is moved stepwise along a second transport path (120) according to a second advancement direction A2 with a second movement step length P2 and according to a second time interval T2 between the second movement step length P2 and a further second movement step length, wherein the second time interval T2 is defined by a second movement time Tm2 and a second stop time Ts2 of the second conveyor, wherein T2=T / N; a plurality of second seats (125), each second seat being configured to accommodate an electrochemical cell (30), the second seats (125) being arranged on the second conveyor (129) for transport along the second transport path (120); the second seats (125) being equidistant from one another and spaced apart along at least the second movable section (121) of the second transport path (120) along the second advancement direction A2 according to the predetermined spacing step D; the second movement step P2 of the second conveyor (129) corresponding to the predetermined spacing step D.

10. The processing line (70) according to claim 9, wherein A second deposition area (123) is defined along a second movable section (121) of the second transport path (120), at which second deposition area (123) the plurality of second seats (125) are adapted to stop one at a time for the second stop time Ts2.

11. The processing line (70) according to claim 10 and any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein The N heads (42) of the transfer device (40) are configured to deliver the N electrochemical cells (30) picked up from the pickup area (24) to the second seat (125) stopped in the second deposition area (123) one at a time in consecutive stop times Ts2.

12. The processing line (70) according to claims 11 and 8, wherein The regulating unit (44) of the transfer device (40) is configured to command the rotation of the N heads (42) so that the N heads (42) are positioned one after another at the second deposition area (123) in N consecutive stop times Ts2 to allow the picked-up N electrochemical cells (30) to be delivered to the second seat (125) each time stopping at the second deposition area (123).

13. The processing line (70) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein A plurality of second working areas (122) are defined downstream of the second deposition area (123) relative to the second advancing direction A2 along the second active section (121) of the second transport path (120), and wherein, at each second working area (122), one second seat (125) at a time of the plurality of second seats (125) is adapted to stop for the stop time Ts2.

14. The production line (70) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The working device (80) is a modification device having N modification needles (81), and wherein, in the working area (22) defined by the active section (21) along the transfer path (20), the N modification needles (81) and the N seats (25) currently stopped in the working area (22) are movable relative to each other to allow the N modification needles (81) to be simultaneously inserted into the corresponding holes (31) of the N electrochemical cells (30) accommodated in the N seats (25) currently stopped in the working area (22).

15. A processing line (70) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The electrochemical cell (30) is of jelly roll type.

16. A method for processing an electrochemical cell (30), comprising: - stepwise movement of a plurality of seats (25) along a transport path (20) according to an advancement direction A with a movement step length P and according to a time interval T between one movement step length P and another movement step length, wherein the time interval T is defined by a movement time Tm and a stop time Ts; wherein the seats (25) are equidistant from one another and are spaced apart according to a predetermined spacing step length D along at least one movable section (21) of the transport path (20), and wherein the movement step length P corresponds to N times the predetermined spacing step length D; - during the stepwise movement of the plurality of seats (25), in the stop time Ts: stopping N seats (25) of the plurality of seats (25) at a time in the working area (22) defined by the active section (21) along the transport path (20) to simultaneously perform the same operation on N electrochemical cells (30) transported by the N seats (25) stopped in the working area (22); - During the stepwise movement of the plurality of seats (25), in the stop time Ts: in a deposition area (23) defined along a movable section (21) of the transport path (20) upstream of the working area (22) with respect to the advancement direction A, stopping N seats (25) of the plurality of seats (25) at a time and placing N electrochemical cells (30) one after another in N different positions (P1, P2, P3) at the N seats (25) stopped in the deposition area (23).

17. The method according to claim 16, comprising: During the stop time Ts, N electrochemical cells (30) are picked up one after another from a building station (60) having a predetermined building cycle time Tc to place the N electrochemical cells (30) one after another in the N seats (25) currently stopped in the deposition area (23), wherein the time interval T between one movement step P and another movement step is equal to N times the building cycle time Tc.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, comprising during the stepwise movement of the plurality of seats (25), in the movement time Tm: - transporting N seats (25) of the plurality of seats (25) one after another in a pickup area (24) defined along a movable section (21) of the transport path (20) downstream of the working area (22) with respect to the advancement direction A; and - N electrochemical cells (30) picked up one after another from said N seats (25) transported in said pick-up area (24).

19. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, further comprising: A plurality of second seats (125) are progressively moved along a second transport path (120) according to a second advance direction A2 with a second movement step length P2 and according to a second time interval T2 between the second movement step length P2 and another movement step length, wherein the second time interval T2 is defined by a second movement time Tm2 and a second stop time Ts2, wherein T2=T / N; wherein the second seats (125) are equidistant from one another and are spaced apart according to the predetermined interval step length D at least along a second movable section (121) of the second transport path (120), and wherein the second movement step length P2 corresponds to the predetermined interval step length D.

20. The method according to claims 18 and 19, further comprising: During the second stop time Ts2, one second seat of the plurality of second seats (125) is stopped at a time in the second deposition area (123) of the second active section (121) along the second transport path (120), and the N electrochemical cells (30) picked up from the N second seats (25) in transport from the pick-up area (24) are delivered one at a time in the continuous stop time Ts2 to the second seat (125) stopped in the second deposition area (123).

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