Mobile equipment for flushing a fluidic circuit

Abstract

The invention relates to mobile equipment (100) for rinsing a fluidic circuit, in particular for rinsing an active material ink circuit for the manufacture of electrodes for electric battery cells. The mobile equipment (100) comprises: a rinsing product supply tank (10) configured to contain a rinsing product and including a forward connection interface (15) configured to be connected to the fluidic circuit (F); and a recovery tank (20) configured to recover the used rinsing product and including a return connection interface (25) configured to be connected to the fluidic circuit (F). The mobile equipment (100) comprises a mobile structure (30) carrying at least the supply tank (10) and the recovery tank (20). The mobile structure (30) comprises means (40) configured so that the mobile equipment (100) can be moved by a user. (Fig. 1)

Description

Title of the invention: Mobile equipment for flushing a fluidic circuit. Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates, in general, to the technical field of maintenance of a fluidic circuit for an industrial installation, in particular the flushing of such a fluidic circuit.

[0002] The invention relates more specifically to a mobile equipment for rinsing a fluidic circuit, in particular for rinsing an ink circuit of active material for the manufacture of electrodes intended for electric battery cells, and to an associated rinsing process by such equipment. Prior art

[0003] Motor vehicles with electric or hybrid traction or propulsion include one or more battery modules connected to a power network to supply an electric motor (traction or propulsion).

[0004] The battery modules are grouped in a casing and together form a battery block, also often referred to by the English expression "battery pack", this casing generally containing a mounting interface and connection terminals.

[0005] Each battery module is an assembly comprising several electrochemical cells generating current by chemical reaction, for example of lithium-ion (or Li-ion), Ni-MH, Ni-Cd or lead type.

[0006] An electrochemical cell comprises, in particular, a stack of positive electrodes connected to each other and a stack of negative electrodes connected to each other, separated by a separator, known as a "stack". The positive electrodes are connected to each other at a positive terminal, and the negative electrodes are connected to each other at a negative terminal.

[0007] To obtain the electrodes for the electrode stack, there are various electrode manufacturing processes. In particular, these processes can be divided into two categories: wet coating manufacturing, also known as the "wet process" with solvents, and dry manufacturing, that is, without the use of organic solvents. While the first option involves the preparation and use of a liquid ink that must subsequently undergo a solvent-drying step, the second option eliminates this step.

[0008] The wet manufacturing process generally comprises: • a step of preparing an ink comprising a solvent and a dry powder of active electrode material, the step consisting of mixing dry particles of active electrode material with the solvent; • a step of coating the ink thus prepared onto a current collector strip, so as to form an ink-coated current collector strip comprising the active electrode material and the solvent, it being understood that conventionally, the electrodes used are bifacial or bilateral, that is to say they comprise two layers of electrochemical material enclosing the current collector strip; • a drying or heating step of the coated current collector to dry the ink, resulting in a current collector strip coated with a layer of active electrode material; • a calendering step of the current collector strip coated with the active electrode material layer, allowing the current collector strip and the active electrode material strip to be compressed to obtain a desired density and porosity, forming an electrode strip; • one or more cutting steps of the electrode strip to obtain a plurality of unit electrodes of battery cells, which will have to be stacked.

[0009] The coating step is generally performed by equipment having one or more ink distribution tanks connected to coating heads, each configured to apply a predefined quantity of ink to the current collector strip. Wet coating equipment for a current collector strip requires a liquid ink circulation circuit to supply the coating heads from a tank containing the ink. This circuit is generally configured as a loop to supply the coating heads from the distribution tank and also to collect excess uncoated wet ink.

[0010] It is known that coating equipment ensures the constant circulation of ink in the ink circuit, for example, ceramic ink. Such a usage phase is generally alternated with cleaning phases during which cleaning operations are carried out to clean the ink circuit.

[0011] By way of illustration, an operating phase during which the ink circulates along the circulation circuit can last several consecutive months. Furthermore, a cleaning phase can last several days. Such cleaning is necessary because, as the ink circulates in the ink circuit during the operation of the coating equipment, the quality of the ink on the electrodes degrades due to the ceramic settling in the circuit's pipes, creating particles that detach. Cleaning is generally preventive, at intervals predetermined regularity, but it is sometimes constrained when the quality is no longer sufficient for coating, which impacts production.

[0012] Such a cleaning process is currently time-consuming to implement, requires skilled labor and necessitates the implementation of equipment adapted to the products used, which are often corrosive.

[0013] In the case of wet ink for electrode manufacturing, the ink generally comprises or is made of ceramic ink, requiring cleaning with specific products. Furthermore, such circuit cleaning necessitates the use of a large quantity of tubing specifically designed to be resistant to such inks, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Description of the invention

[0014] The invention aims to remedy all or part of the disadvantages of the prior art by proposing in particular a solution to reduce the fouling of the ink circuit over time while facilitating its implementation and reducing the impact on production.

[0015] To this end, according to a first aspect of the invention, a mobile device is proposed for rinsing a fluidic circuit, in particular for rinsing an ink circuit of active material for the manufacture of electrodes intended for electric battery cells, the mobile device comprising: • a rinse aid supply tank configured to contain a rinse aid and including a connection interface configured to be connected to the fluid circuit; and • a recovery tank configured to recover the used rinsing product and including a return connection interface configured to be connected to the fluid circuit; mobile equipment comprising a mobile structure carrying at least the feed tank and the recovery tank, the mobile structure comprising means of movement configured so that the mobile equipment can be moved by a user.

[0016] Thanks to this combination of features, a user wishing to perform maintenance by flushing the fluid circuit has mobile equipment in the form of a trolley for easily moving the supply and recovery tanks. Its movement is simplified by the means of transporting the mobile structure, and the flushing process is also simplified because the mobile equipment only needs to be connected to the fluid circuit.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the supply and recovery tanks each comprise a body extending vertically parallel to a vertical axis The reference point is between a base defining the lower end of the associated tank and a lid defining the upper end of the associated tank. The lid is preferably movable, moving between a closed position to seal the associated tank and an open position to allow access to the interior. Such a lid facilitates access to the interior of the associated tank, for example, for cleaning. Furthermore, tanks extending vertically allow, for equivalent capacity, a reduction in their horizontal footprint, thus limiting their overall footprint.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the incoming connection interface is connected to a tap located on the bottom of the feed tank, the incoming connection interface preferably comprising an elbow connected to a control valve.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the return connection interface is connected to a top port located on the cover of the recovery tank.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the supply and recovery tanks are arranged side by side. Such a configuration is particularly simpler to use and takes up less floor space than if the supply and recovery tanks were in a vertically stacked configuration with equal usable volumes.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the mobile equipment includes a chassis attached to the mobile structure and supporting the supply and recovery tanks so as to raise them.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the mobile equipment includes a user-friendly gripping interface. Such an interface facilitates the handling of the mobile equipment forming a trolley.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the gripping interface is preferably integral with the chassis.

[0024] According to one embodiment, at least one of the supply and recovery tanks, preferably each of the two supply and recovery tanks, is provided with at least one viewing window allowing a user to see the internal contents of the associated tank from outside said tank.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the mobile equipment is pumpless. Indeed, when using the mobile equipment during a rinsing phase, the same pump dedicated to the fluidic circuit for its use during the production phase, ensuring ink circulation, can be used. The mobile equipment is thus simplified and its reliability improved.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the means of movement include casters, preferably swivel casters. Of course, other means of movement can be used, for example, air-cushioned means of movement, that is to say, the mobile support is then wholly or partially supported by Air cushions or other gases above the ground. Such means of transport can, for example, form a gravity compensation mechanism (aerostatic lift) to further facilitate movement by the user.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the means of movement include braking and / or locking means for braking and / or locking, respectively, the means of movement.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the rinsing product comprises, preferably consists of, N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone and / or N-Ethylpyrrolidone.

[0029] According to another aspect of the invention, it relates to a method for rinsing a fluidic circuit, in particular for rinsing an ink circuit of active material for the manufacture of electrodes intended for electric battery cells, by mobile equipment as described above, characterized in that it comprises at least the following steps: • cessation of fluid circulation in the fluidic circuit; • Disconnecting a fluid source from the fluid circuit and connecting the supply tank for rinsing product to the fluid circuit; • disconnection of a return from the fluidic circuit and connection of the recovery tank to the fluidic circuit; • Circulation of the rinsing product from the supply tank to the recovery tank.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the step of circulating the rinsing product is carried out by pumping means for the fluidic circuit, the pumping means being configured to circulate the fluid in the fluidic circuit during its operation. Such pumping means for the fluidic circuit are specific to the fluidic circuit operating during the production phases and are therefore separate from the mobile support, and more generally from the mobile equipment. The mobile equipment may therefore lack its own pumping means. Brief description of the figures

[0031] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, with reference to the accompanying figures, which illustrate: • [Fig. 1]: An isometric perspective view of a mobile device according to an embodiment of the invention, for rinsing an ink circuit of active material for the manufacture of electrodes for electric battery cells • [Fig.2]: a side view of the mobile equipment of [Fig.1]; • [Fig.3]: a front view of the mobile equipment of [Fig.1]; • [Fig.4]: a top view of the mobile equipment of [Fig.1]; • [Fig. 5]: A view of an ink circuit of material rinsed by the equipment mobile of the [Fig.l].

[0032] For clarity, identical or similar elements are identified by identical reference signs throughout the figures.

[0033] In the description and claims, to clarify the description and claims, the terminology longitudinal, transverse, and vertical shall be adopted without limitation, with reference to the X, Y, Z trihedron shown in the figures. Detailed description of an embodiment

[0034] Figures 1 to 4 illustrate a mobile equipment 100 according to one embodiment.

[0035] The mobile equipment 100 forms a trolley that can be moved by a user to be positioned in the vicinity of a fluidic circuit F to be rinsed. Such a mobile equipment 100 thus has a mobile structure 30 forming a trolley and comprising means of movement 40 configured so that the mobile structure 30, and therefore the mobile equipment 100, can be moved by a user.

[0036] In this embodiment, the mobile equipment 100 is intended for rinsing an ink circuit of active material for the manufacture of electrodes intended for electric battery cells (not illustrated).

[0037] The mobile structure 30 supports two tanks useful for ensuring the rinsing function of the fluidic circuit F to be rinsed.

[0038] Thus, the mobile equipment 100 includes a rinsing agent supply tank 10 configured to contain a rinsing agent. The rinsing agent is a liquid solvent, preferably composed of N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone, commonly known as NMP. Such a solvent is particularly effective for rinsing inks such as ceramic inks.

[0039] The supply tank 10 is provided with a forward connection interface 15 configured to be connected to the fluidic circuit F so as to allow the circulation of the rinsing product in fluid form, from the supply tank 10 into the ink circuit F. The supply tank 10 therefore contains the rinsing product and thus forms the source of rinsing product which is intended to pass through all or part of the ink fluidic circuit F.

[0040] The mobile equipment 100 also includes a recovery tank 20 configured to recover the used rinse aid after it has circulated through all or part of the ink circuit. The recovery tank 20 includes a return connection interface 25 configured to be connected to the ink fluid circuit F. The recovery tank 20 is separate from the feed tank 10, so as not to mix the clean rinse aid with the used rinse aid, which is contaminated by ink residues carried by the liquid solvent.

[0041] The mobile structure 30 comprises a horizontal platform 32 delimited on its periphery by vertical walls 33, defining a tray. The horizontal platform 32 defines a bottom of the tray of the mobile structure 30. The vertical walls 33 laterally close the tray by delimiting a closed contour and define an upper opening, oriented vertically above the horizontal platform 32.

[0042] Preferably, the mobile structure 30 and the feed tanks 10 and recovery tanks 20 of the mobile equipment 100 are formed from stainless steel, preferably made of stainless steel.

[0043] On one side of the underside of the horizontal platform 32, i.e., under the tray or vertically below the horizontal platform 32, casters 41 are fixed. All or some of the casters 41, preferably all of them, constitute means of movement 40 and are mounted to pivot about a vertical axis to facilitate the movement of the mobile equipment 100 by a user. There are four casters 41, thus ensuring the stability of the mobile platform 30. To ensure the safety of the mobile structure 30 in a static or stationary position, the means of movement 40 include braking and / or locking means (not shown) for braking and / or locking the means of movement, respectively.

[0044] The mobile equipment 100 comprises a chassis 31 integral with the mobile structure 30 and mounted on said mobile structure 30 to support the feed tanks 10 and recovery tanks 20, thereby raising them. The chassis 31 has a structural framework composed of cross members forming a lattice, preferably made of metal. Preferably, the chassis is entirely made of cross members forming profiles.

[0045] The chassis 31 is supported by the mobile structure 30. In particular, the chassis 31 is integral with the horizontal platform 32 and extends vertically above said platform 32. The chassis 31 has a lower part forming chassis feet housed at least in part in the interior space of the tray of the mobile structure 30, located vertically above the platform 32 and an upper part erected vertically.

[0046] The mobile equipment 100 is configured so that its footprint is limited by the footprint of the mobile structure 30 equipped with the means of movement 40. In other words, a vertical projection onto a horizontal plane (ground) of the supply tanks 10 and recovery tanks 20 and the chassis together define a surface which is: • strictly less than an area of ​​a vertical projection onto the horizontal plane of the mobile structure 30 and which is contained within that area; and which is • contained in the surface of the vertical projection of the mobile structure 30.

[0047] In other words, the footprint of the mobile equipment 100 is defined by the footprint of the mobile structure 30 equipped with the means of movement 40. In this way, the mobile equipment 100 is easily moved, and its stability is improved. Furthermore, in the event of an obstacle, only the mobile structure 30 would be likely to encounter the obstacle and not the tanks, which may be fragile. This feature also ensures that in the event of a leak at the connection interfaces, any fluid that might flow outside the tanks will flow into the tank of the mobile structure 30. User safety is further guaranteed.

[0048] The feed tank 10 and recovery tank 20 each comprise a body 11, 21 extending vertically parallel to a vertical reference axis Z. The body 11, 21 of the feed tank 10 and recovery tank 20 each have a cylindrical shape with an axis parallel to the vertical reference axis. Each of the bodies 11, 21 of the feed tank 10 and recovery tank 20 extends vertically between a bottom 12, 22 defining a lower end of the associated tank 10, 20 and a lid 13, 23 defining an upper end of the associated tank 10, 20.

[0049] The shape of the mobile equipment 100 thus addresses a space constraint issue. Since space is limited, it is advantageous to minimize the lateral dimensions of the mobile equipment 100. Therefore, the feed tank 10 and recovery tank 20 have a vertically elongated shape to save floor space.

[0050] The supply tank 10 and recovery tank 20 are arranged side by side, parallel to each other. The upper part of the frame 31 extends between the two tanks, said supply tank 10 and recovery tank 20 being attached to the frame 31 by fastening means. The fastening means here comprise hoops connected together in pairs to define a band and locally surrounding the body 11, 21 of one of the supply tank 10 and recovery tank 20, the band being further secured to the frame, for example by welding. Each of the supply tank 10 and recovery tank 20 is held securely to the frame 31 by means of two bands per tank, positioned at different heights, such that: • an upper band is positioned at a high end portion of the frame 31 and around an upper portion of the tank located vertically in an upper half relative to its height; and • a lower band, positioned around a lower portion of the tank located vertically in a lower half relative to its height, preferably to a lower end portion of the body 11, 21 of the associated tank 10, 20.

[0051] The axes of the cylindrical bodies 11, 21 of the feed tank 10 and recovery tank 20 are parallel and contained in a plane XZ. The upper part of the chassis 31 which extends between the two tanks forms a mast with an axis parallel to the vertical reference axis Z and contained in the XZ plane.

[0052] The mobile equipment 100 includes a user-friendly gripping interface 50 to facilitate handling. In particular, the gripping interface comprises a U-shaped tube attached to the frame 31. This tube extends generally parallel to a reference plane YZ, orthogonal to the plane XZ. Specifically, as can be seen in [Fig. 2], the mobile equipment 100 includes two gripping interfaces 50, or handles, each extending on either side of the upper part of the frame 31, which forms a mast. The handles extend along two opposite and distinct sides of the mobile equipment 100, or trolley. A handle on each side of the mobile equipment 100 thus allows it to be moved easily.

[0053] Each of the covers 13, 23 is movable between a closed position to close the associated tank 10, 20 and an open position allowing access to the interior of the associated tank 10, 20. To ensure this mobility, the cover 13, 23 is connected (indirectly here) to the associated body 11, 21 of the supply tank 10 or recovery tank 20 by a hinge with a horizontal pivot axis. Each of the covers 13, 23 is thus mounted to pivot relative to the body 11, 21 of the associated tank 10, 20, by pivoting about a horizontal axis.

[0054] Each of the lids 13, 23 comprises a bracket extending from a proximal end connected to the hinge by which it is mounted in a horizontal pivot joint with the associated tank body 11, 21, to a distal end having means for locking the closed position with the associated tank body 11, 21. The locking means comprise a screw integral with the associated bracket and cooperating with a complementary threaded hole integral with the associated tank body 11, 21.

[0055] Each of the covers 13, 23 has an annular contour, in particular circular, to cooperate and close in the closed position an upper opening of the corresponding cylindrical body 11, 21.

[0056] Each of the lids 13, 23 is further dome-shaped, with one apex at its center fixed to a central portion of the corresponding bracket. Thus, in the closed position, each bracket spans the body 11, 21 of the associated tank 10, 20 over the associated lid 13, 23. Each bracket has an arched shape to extend over the associated dome-shaped lid 13, 23.

[0057] Each of the feed tanks 10 and recovery tanks 20 further comprises: • at least one porthole 14, 24 providing a view allowing a user to see the internal contents of the associated tank 10, 20 from outside said tank tank 10, 20; in this embodiment, each of the lids 13, 23 of the associated tanks 10, 20 is provided with a sight glass 14, 24; • at least one, preferably two connection interfaces 16, 26, each of said connection interfaces preferably being of the Clamp fitting type (or "ferrule Clamp"); such Clamp fittings are generally composed of two ferrules to be connected, a Clamp collar (or clamping collar) and a sealing gasket; in this embodiment, each of the covers 13, 23 of the associated tanks 10, 20 is provided with two interfaces intended to form Clamp fittings 16, 26; • at least one, preferably a single, gravity fluid discharge interface 17, 27 preferably equipped with a control valve, for example a quarter-turn valve; the gravity fluid discharge interface is connected to the tank by a pipe, preferably angled to facilitate user access to the interface.

[0058] The supply connection interface 15 of the supply tank 10 is formed, in particular here constituted, by the gravity fluid discharge interface 17, 27 of the supply tank 10. Said supply connection interface 15 is thus connected to a tap located on the bottom 12 of the supply tank 10, the supply connection interface 15 being connected to said tap by a bent pipe.

[0059] The return connection interface 25 of the recovery tank 20 is formed by one of the two connection interfaces 26 of the recovery tank 20. Said return connection interface 25 is thus connected to a top opening located on the cover 23 of the recovery tank 20.

[0060] The operation of the mobile equipment 100 will be better understood in light of the rinsing process associated with the mobile equipment 100 as described.

[0061] With reference to [Fig.5], during the implementation of an ink coating step on a current collector strip by a coating equipment 200 for the manufacture of electrodes for electric battery cells, the ink flows through liquid ink circulation circuit F from an ink tank 201 to an ink distributor 202 (see the arrow of the outward path Cl) then distributing the ink from the ink distributor 202 to and from the coating heads 203 (see the arrow of the outward path Cl').

[0062] The ink conveying through the ink circuit F is implemented by a pump located on the circuit F, on a portion of the ink circuit located between the ink tank 201 and the ink distributor 202 in the forward direction, i.e. from the ink tank 201 towards the ink distributor 202.

[0063] A return circuit allows the uncoated or unflowed ink from the coating heads 203 to circulate from said coating heads 203 to and back to the ink dispenser 202 (see return path arrow C2') then from ink dispenser 202 to and up to ink tank 201 (see return path arrow C2).

[0064] The ink circuit F rinsing process then comprises the steps described below.

[0065] The first step is to stop the flow of ink in the ink circuit F. In other words, in such a step, the flow of ink through the ink circuit F of the coating equipment 200 is stopped. In practice, the operation of the ink circulation pump P is stopped.

[0066] Next, the ink source S is disconnected from the ink circuit F, i.e., the ink tank 201 is disconnected from the ink circuit F. The rinse aid supply tank 10 is then connected to the fluid circuit F. To do this, the supply line of the ink circuit F, taken upstream of the pump P, is connected to the supply line connection interface 15 of the supply tank 10 located below the supply tank 10. The ink tank 201 is thus simply replaced by the supply tank 10 in the supply line, i.e., upstream of the ink distributor 202 and upstream of the pump P with respect to the ink circuit.

[0067] Care is taken to ensure that the feed tank 10 has been pre-filled with rinsing agent, said rinsing agent or liquid preferably comprising N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone and / or N-Ethylpyrrolidone. The disconnection of the ink tank 200 is carried out directly at the outlet of the ink tank 200 on the path Cl and upstream of the pump P.

[0068] Next, a return line from the ink circuit F is disconnected, i.e., the return line of the ink circuit is disconnected directly upstream of the ink tank 201. The recovery tank 20 is then connected to the ink circuit F. To do this, the return line of the ink circuit F is connected to the return connection interface 25 of the recovery tank 20 located on the cover 23 of the recovery tank 20. The ink tank 201 is thus simply replaced by the recovery tank 20 on the return path, i.e., downstream of the ink distributor 202 with respect to the ink circuit.

[0069] After implementing these disconnection / connection steps, the ink tank 201 was thus replaced by the mobile equipment 100 so that the supply tanks 10 and recovery tanks 20 of the mobile equipment 100 together replaced the ink tank 201 on the ink circuit F.

[0070] Of course, the connections can be made directly or indirectly by means of connection (related or not) using intermediate connectors such as pipes or intermediate fittings.

[0071] It is also possible to remove any filters from the ink circuit F.

[0072] A step of circulating the rinsing product from the feed tank 10 to the recovery tank 20 can then be implemented, in particular by opening the control valve equipping the discharge interface 17 forming the inlet connection interface 15 and by controlling the existing ink pump of the ink circuit F used during coating. Therefore, the same pumping means P circulate the fluid (ink) in the fluidic circuit F during the operation of the coating equipment 200 during ink coating phases and ensure the circulation of the rinsing product through the fluidic circuit F. The mobile equipment therefore does not need to be equipped with additional pumping means P.

[0073] Preferably, the circulation speed of the rinsing agent is increased to a higher speed than that of the ink. Indeed, a higher speed than for the ink can be used because the rinsing agent is more liquid than the ink (and therefore less viscous). This speed is controlled by pump control means.

[0074] During this step of circulation of the rinse aid from the supply tank 10 to the recovery tank 20, it is possible to monitor the return of rinse aid into the recovery tank 20 through the sight glass 24 until there is "clean" rinse aid coming out of the circuit, for example between 5 and 10L.

[0075] Once the ink circuit F has been rinsed, the circulation of the rinsing product in the ink circuit F is stopped. In other words, in such a step, the flow of rinsing product through the ink circuit F of the coating equipment 200 is stopped. In practice, the pump P is stopped.

[0076] The supply tank 10 can then be disconnected from the mobile equipment 100 and the ink tank 201 reconnected to the forward circuit.

[0077] Pump P can then be restarted, and the return flow through a corresponding sight glass in the ink tank 201 should be monitored until the required ink level is reached (approximately 5 L). During this step, the recovery tank 20 remains connected to the ink return circuit F.

[0078] A check can be carried out by taking a sample of ceramic ink from the return path (C2) to have it checked (for example to check the viscosity and dry extracts) and thus validate that all rinsing product is removed from the ink circuit F. This ensures that the ink is not contaminated by the composition of the rinsing product for subsequent coating operations.

[0079] Finally, the ceramic ink return from the recovery tank 20 can be disconnected and reconnected to the ink tank 201. The mobile unit 100 is thus replaced by the ink tank 201, so that the ink tank 201 is substituted for the supply tank 10 and recovery tank 20 of the mobile unit 100. the ink circuit F after ensuring that the ink circulating again in the ink circuit F no longer contains rinsing product or only in negligible quantities.

[0080] Thanks to the invention, a trolley with 2 tanks is proposed to allow rinsing of the ceramic ink circuit. Rinsing reduces the frequency of complete disassembly for cleaning and maintains better ceramic ink quality between disassembly phases.

[0081] The use of rinsing tanks (two tanks: the supply tank 10 and the recovery tank 20) ​​allows the ink circuit to be cleaned without completely disassembling it. By circulating solvent (NMP) through the circuit, it is rinsed and prevents the accumulation of sedimented ceramic in the pipes or conduits. Regular rinsing keeps the circuit clean and ensures consistent ceramic ink coating quality. Complete disassembly can thus be spaced out and planned more easily.

[0082] Complete disassembly / reassembly generally takes two days. Spacing out these steps saves production time. A rinsed ink network or circuit also limits defects on the ceramic ink tracks and therefore reduces scrap and the risk of breakage during coating.

[0083] Naturally, the invention is described above by way of example. It is understood that a person skilled in the art is able to carry out different embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0084] It is emphasized that all features, as they are apparent to a person skilled in the art from the present description, drawings and attached claims, even if in practice they have only been described in relation to other specific features, both individually and in any combinations, can be combined with other features or groups of features disclosed herein, provided that this has not been expressly excluded or that technical circumstances make such combinations impossible or meaningless.

Claims

Demands

1. Mobile equipment (100) for rinsing a fluidic circuit (F), in particular for rinsing an active material ink circuit for the manufacture of electrodes for electric battery cells, the mobile equipment (100) comprising: - a rinsing product supply tank (10) configured to contain a rinsing product and comprising a forward connection interface (15) configured to be connected to the fluidic circuit (F); and - a recovery tank (20) configured to recover the used rinsing product and comprising a return connection interface (25) configured to be connected to the fluidic circuit (F); the mobile equipment (100) comprising a mobile structure (30) carrying at least the supply tank (10) and the recovery tank (20), the mobile structure (30) comprising means of movement (40) configured so that the mobile equipment (100) can be moved by a user.

2. Mobile equipment (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the supply (10) and recovery (20) tanks each comprise a body (11, 21) extending vertically parallel to a vertical reference axis (Z) between a bottom (12, 22) delimiting a lower end of the associated tank (10, 20) and a cover (13, 23) delimiting an upper end of the associated tank (10, 20), the cover (13, 23) preferably being movable between a closed position to close the associated tank (10, 20) and an open position allowing access to the interior of the associated tank (10, 20).

3. Mobile equipment (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that the incoming connection interface (15) is connected to a tap located on the bottom (12) of the feed tank (10), the incoming connection interface (15) preferably comprising an elbow connected to a control valve.

4. Mobile equipment (100) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the return connection interface (25) is connected to a top port located on the cover (23) of the recovery tank (20).

5. Mobile equipment (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supply (10) and recovery (20) tanks are arranged side by side.

6. Mobile equipment (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a chassis (31) integral with the mobile structure (30) and supporting the supply (10) and recovery (20) tanks so as to raise them.

7. Mobile equipment (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a gripping interface (50) for a user.

8. Mobile equipment (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the supply (10) and recovery (20) tanks, preferably each of the two supply (10) and recovery (20) tanks, is provided with at least one viewing window (14, 24) forming a view allowing a user to see the internal contents of the associated tank (10, 20) from outside said tank (10, 20).

9. Mobile equipment (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is pump-free.

10. Mobile equipment (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means of movement (40) comprise casters (41), preferably swivel casters (41).

11. Mobile equipment (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means of movement (40) include braking and / or locking means for braking and / or locking, respectively, the means of movement.

12. Mobile equipment (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rinsing product comprises, preferably is made up of, N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone and / or N-Ethylpyrrolidone.

13. A method for rinsing a fluidic circuit (F), in particular for rinsing an active material ink circuit for the manufacture of electrodes for electric battery cells, by mobile equipment (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least the following steps:

14. - cessation of fluid circulation in the fluidic circuit (F); - disconnection of a fluid source (S) from the fluidic circuit (F) and connection of the rinsing product supply tank (10) to the fluidic circuit (F); - disconnection of a return from the fluidic circuit (F) and connection of the recovery tank (20) to the fluidic circuit (F); - circulation of the rinsing product from the supply tank (10) to the recovery tank (20). Rinsing process according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the step of circulating the rinsing product is implemented by pumping means (P) of the fluidic circuit, the pumping means (P) being configured to circulate the fluid in the fluidic circuit (F) during its operation.

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