Filling method, filling line and filling kit for filling a container with a viscous fluid, in particular for filling a battery with an electrolyte

Abstract

The present invention relates to a filling method and a filling line 1, in which a plurality of filling units 2, each suitable for containing the amount of fluid necessary to fill the corresponding container C, are recirculated in the filling line 1 along a closed path P2, and the filling units 2 are temporarily integrated with the respective containers C along a part of the path P2, and at a buffer station 110, the containers C are autonomously filled for a time longer than the time required to fill the same amount of fluid in the filling units, and thus, at a filling station 13 separate from the buffer station 110, the filling units can be filled at the normal production speed of the line. Downstream of the buffer station 110, the emptied filling units are separated from the respective filled containers C, filled with a new amount of fluid, and the new amount of fluid is autonomously transferred to another respective container C at the buffer station 110.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a filling method and a filling line for filling a container with any fluid that is slowly introduced into the container, such as a high-density fluid, a semi-liquid (gel), or, for example, a container having a plurality of internal gaps to be filled with fluid, so that the container exhibits resistance to being filled. Specifically, the present invention is suitable for filling a battery with an electrolyte.

[0002] In the field of filling a container with a liquid or semi-liquid, the filling station may need to operate at a preset production speed so that it can be incorporated into a production line operating at the preset production speed.

[0003] However, when the actual time required to fill the container with the required amount of fluid is significantly longer than the theoretically required time to meet the production speed required by the filling station, achieving a determined, particularly high production speed, for example, hundreds of containers per minute, is not necessarily possible.

[0004] For example, this difference between the actual filling time and the required theoretical time can occur when the filling fluid is of high density and / or viscous (e.g., when the filling fluid is a semi-liquid), and / or when the container includes internal gaps that need to be filled. A typical case is that of a battery, which needs to be filled with an electrolyte solution and includes electrodes that divide the internal volume of the container into various gaps, sometimes very thinly.

[0005] An example of such a battery is a cylindrical cell, which comprises a cylindrical container body containing a film (anode, cathode, and insulator) wound around a spool, and the time required to fill it with the electrolyte solution is about several minutes, for example, 10 minutes.

[0006] If the manufacturing line requires a filling rate of N containers per minute, the filling station of the line needs to have a number of filling cocks equal to N*t, where "t" is the time required to fill an individual container, expressed in minutes. In the example of batteries, when it takes 10 minutes per container to fill the electrolyte, to fill 300 batteries per minute, for example, 3000 cocks arranged around a continuously rotating filling carousel would be required.

[0007] Obviously, such a solution requires a significant use of space, as well as very high costs and complexity, so in fact, when the time required to fill a container is long, specifically on the order of several minutes, it becomes impossible to provide a high-speed filling station.

[0008] The aim of the present invention is to provide a filling method and a filling line that can improve the prior art in one or more of the above aspects.

[0009] Within the scope of this aim, the object of the present invention is to fill containers at high speed, specifically on the order of several hundred containers per minute (for example, between 100 and 600 containers per minute), even if the time required to fill an individual container is long, specifically on the order of several minutes (for example, between 2 and 10 minutes).

[0010] A specific object of the present invention is to carry out the above filling while substantially reducing the space occupancy of the filling station, for example, by using a filling carousel with a diameter and a number of cocks (for example, on the order of several tens of cocks) that are common in the field of filling carousels.

[0011] Another object is to enable the use of the line to fill different amounts of fluid, for example, based on the volume of the container to be filled or the type of fluid.

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the background art in a manner that replaces any existing solution.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a filling method and a filling line that are highly reliable, easy to mount, and low in cost.

[0014] This aim, as well as these and other objects that will become more apparent hereinafter, are achieved by the method according to claim 1, optionally comprising one or more of the features of the dependent claims.

[0015] The aims and objects of the present invention are likewise achieved by the filling line according to claim 8, optionally comprising one or more of the features of the dependent claims, and in particular by the filling kit for buffer staging according to claim 19.

[0016] Briefly stated, a plurality of filling units, each suitable for containing the amount of fluid necessary to fill the corresponding container, are preferably recirculated in a filling line along a closed path, the filling units being temporarily integrated with the respective containers along a part of the path and, in the buffer staging of the line, autonomously filling such containers for a time longer than the time necessary to fill each of the filling units with the same amount of fluid. Thus, at the filling station in the same line, the filling units can be filled at a preset production rate that the line needs to have. Downstream of the buffer staging, the emptied filling units are separated from the respective filled containers, filled with a new amount of fluid at the above-mentioned filling station, and the amount can be autonomously transferred again to another respective container at the buffer staging.

[0017] An "offline" filling kit can be substantially defined by, in addition to the filling units, a pack for transporting the containers and mutual fixing means for temporarily integrating the filling units and the pack.

[0018] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of the preferred but non-exclusive embodiments of the present invention, shown by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019]

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Figure 10

Figure 11

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Figure 17

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Referring to the figures, a filling line according to the present invention, generally indicated by reference numeral 1, extends from an inlet 10 where a container C to be filled enters the line to an outlet 11 where a container C (also referred to herein as C') filled with a predetermined amount of fluid exits the line 1, and preferably comprises a first path P1 for conveying a series of containers C to be filled, which are conveyed in a preferably continuous movement. The inlet 10 and the outlet 11 are each passed through by a linear conveyor 10a and 11a known per se, such as a belt conveyor, a chain conveyor or a screw feeder.

[0021] The filling fluid can be any liquid or semi-liquid and can be of high density and / or viscosity. However, the present invention is particularly suitable for filling a fluid that is slowly introduced into the container C due to a specific density / viscosity of the fluid or due to the presence of obstacles and / or gaps inside the container C that slow down the filling of the container. The density can be, for example, between 1.2 and 1.3 g / cm 3 3.

[0022] The container C can also be of any type, but in particular, the container C can be of a type having a plurality of obstacles, cells and / or gaps inside that slow down the filling of the container with fluid.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fluid is an electrolyte for a battery, such as an electrolyte gel, while the container C supplied at the inlet 10 occupies the space inside the container C and prevents, otherwise, a rapid introduction of the electrolyte, and is a container for a battery (e.g., for a cylindrical cell, a prismatic cell, or a pouch cell) having an anode sheet, a cathode sheet, and optionally other materials and components inside. The container C can have a cylindrical shape with a circular base, or a prismatic or pouch shape as shown in the drawings, and an anode, a cathode sheet, and other materials (e.g., insulators) not shown are wound there to form a single multi-layer roll inside the container C.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each container C along the first path P1 is preferably accommodated in a corresponding transport pack 3 or 3', and the transport pack 3 or 3' slides the container C (automatically) into the pack through the rim 31 or 31' and keeps its upper inlet 30 exposed, and is a beaker-shaped body that is open at its upper rim 31 or 31' so as to be able to stabilize it during various operations along the entire first transport path P1. The packs 3, 3' are preferably suitable for remaining integral with the container C along the entire first path P1 by an interference fit and / or a form fit with the outer surface of the container C, but in order to be able to generate a vacuum inside the container C before filling the container C, and / or in order to be able to wash the container C before and / or after the container C is filled with fluid, it is preferable to leave at least one lateral gap 36, 36'. For example, the packs 3, 3' can also have a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0025] The packs 3, 3' can have, on their side surfaces, fixing surfaces in the form of, for example, at least one recess 32, 32' that is coaxial with the central axis of the pack in the illustrated embodiment and is preferably annular. The fixing surfaces 32, 32' are preferably arranged close to the upper rims 31, 31' of the packs 3, 3'.

[0026] In a second embodiment of the present invention, the upper rim 31' of the pack 3' can also comprise a first gasket 37', for example a lip gasket, which is suitable for providing an airtight seal, for example an axial seal, against the filling unit 2', as will be explained below with reference to the second embodiment.

[0027] At the axially opposite ends of the rims 31, 31', the packs 3, 3' have bases 33, 33', which provide internal support to the container C and / or, in any case, are suitable for providing an outer mounting surface for conveying the pack and thus the container C, at least along the first conveying path P1 or some parts thereof. The bases 33, 33' can optionally have at least one through hole 34, 34' in the center, for example, to provide any inlet for cleaning the container C after it has been filled, or during insertion / removal of the container C with respect to the packs 3, 3', and / or during generation of a vacuum inside the container C before it is filled, as will be explained below, and / or for optionally venting.

[0028] The base 33 of the pack 3 can optionally be axially shorter than the axial dimension of the container C from the rim 31 so as to optionally leave a part of the side surface of the container C exposed when the container C is fully slid into the pack 3. In the second embodiment of the present invention, the axial distance between the base 33' and the rim 31' is substantially equal to the height of the container C and / or such that the container C does not project axially outside the pack 3'.

[0029] The sides of the packs 3, 3' can have widened radial parts 35, 35' which, in particular, function as a substantially radial spacer when the packs are arranged on the buffer station 110 described below.

[0030] Filling line 1 also comprises a second path P2 for conveying a series of filling units 2 or 2', depending on which embodiment of the line is considered. The filling units 2, 2' are substantially cocks that can move along the second path P2, and the second path P2 is preferably a closed path that, in any case, is at least partially superimposed on the first conveying path P1, so that, in the superimposed part, the filling units 2, 2' and the respective containers C are superimposed on each other in the axial direction, i.e., parallel to a direction that is substantially perpendicular (vertical) to the floor on which the line 1 is installed. The filling units 2, 2' are conveyed along at least a part of the second path P2, preferably with a continuous movement, especially in the manufacturing assembly 100.

[0031] Each filling unit 2, 2' substantially comprises a syringe-shaped body with reservoirs 21, 21', and the reservoirs 21, 21' are adapted to contain a predetermined amount of fluid to be transferred to the respective containers C in their internal first chambers 21a, 21a'. For this purpose, these reservoirs 21, 21' are provided with bottom openings 20, 20' through which the fluid passes, and the bottom openings 20, 20' can have a diameter of about a few millimeters (e.g., 2 - 3 mm), although not necessarily, and can be preferably connected to the upper inlets 30 of the respective containers C by making openings 20, 20' with spouts 20a, 20a' that project outward from the reservoirs 21, 21'.

[0032] In the first embodiment shown, the reservoir 21 is associated with a plunger 22, and the plunger 22 can move axially with respect to the reservoir 21, for example, by means of a guide body 24 fixed to the reservoir 21 with a flange joint, as in the illustrated embodiment. In particular, the guide body 24 of the plunger 22 is provided with a tubular guide 242 that is coaxial with but outside the reservoir 21 and is associated so that the plunger 22 can slide therein.

[0033] The plunger 22 is fixed to or integrated with the plunger 22 and can slide in an airtight seal along the inner side wall of the storage part 21. The inner space of the storage part is divided into a first chamber 21a for accommodating the fluid to be transferred to the container C and a second chamber 21b for accommodating a pressurized gas (such as air) suitable for moving the piston 23 in a direction to increase the volume of the second chamber 21b of the storage part 21 and at the same time decrease the volume of the first chamber 21a when it expands. The piston 23 is provided, and in this way, the fluid is made to flow out from the opening 20. For this purpose, the plunger 22 is connected to the second chamber 21b and is closed at the other end along the axis of the plunger 22 by a one-way valve 28 that can be mechanically opened only for introducing or discharging the gas in the second chamber 21b of the storage part 21, and is provided with an internal coaxial channel 25.

[0034] In the second embodiment shown, the storage part 21' of the filling unit 2' is associated with an internal stem 22' that can move axially with respect to the storage part 21' and passes through a guide body 24' associated with it outside the storage part 21'.

[0035] The guide body 24' of the second embodiment is a substantially cylindrical rigid body attached so as to cover the storage part 21' such that the storage part 21' is completely accommodated inside the guide body 24' and is slidably guided inside the guide body 24'. In particular, the guide body 24' is provided with a tubular guide 242' that is coaxial with and outside the tubular protrusion 210 of the storage part 21', and the stem 22' is slidably associated within such protrusion. The tubular protrusion 210 of the storage part 21' passes through the tubular guide 242' until it protrudes axially outside such tubular guide 242'.

[0036] The tubular protrusion 210 further comprises a holding part 211 that protrudes radially from a part of the protrusion 210 outside the guide body 24'. The holding part 211 is suitable for being gripped by a mechanical lifting element 52, for example, a cam surface at a fixed position relative to the filling carousel 130 (described below), or a lifting gripper that rotates integrally with the filling carousel 130.

[0037] The function of the stem 22' is to block the opening 20' of the storage part 21'. For this purpose, the stem 22' comprises a closing end 22a' suitable for closing the opening 20'. In contrast, the opposite end of the stem 22' comprises a radial protrusion 22b' suitable for engaging with a means for lifting the stem 22', for example, another cam surface 51 arranged at a fixed position around the coupling carousel 140 (described below), or another lifting gripper that rotates integrally with the coupling carousel 140.

[0038] The first piston 23' is slidably mounted on the stem 22' so as to be axially movable along the stem 22' and is suitable for providing an airtight seal against the inner surface of the storage part 21'.

[0039] The stem 22' is fixed to or integrated with the stem 22' and is coupled to the inner surface of the storage part 21' in an airtight manner, and further comprises a second piston 29' arranged along the stem 22' such that the first piston 23' is placed between the second piston 29' and the bottom of the storage part 21' where the opening 20' is provided.

[0040] In this way, the following are defined within the reservoir 21': a substantially cylindrical first chamber 21a' between the bottom of the reservoir 21' and the first piston 23', which is suitable for containing the fluid to be transferred to the container C; a substantially cylindrical second chamber 21b' between the two pistons 23' and 29', which is suitable for containing pressurized gas (e.g., pressurized air); and a substantially cylindrical third chamber 21c' between the second piston 29' and the tubular protrusion 210 of the reservoir 21', which is suitable for allowing an axial stroke of the stem 22' away from the opening 20' of the reservoir 21'. In other words, when the closed end 22a' of the stem 22' is axially separated from the opening 20' and the opening 20' is released, the volume of the third chamber 21c' decreases or substantially disappears.

[0041] Due to the sliding connection between the first piston 23' and the stem 22', it is possible to move the two pistons 23' and 29' away from each other with the pressurized gas in the second chamber 21b' in an expanded state, thereby expanding the volume of the second chamber 21b' of the reservoir 21' and reducing the volumes of the first chamber 21a' and, optionally, the third chamber 21c'.

[0042] For this purpose, the stem 22' is connected to the second chamber 21b' and is provided with an internal coaxial channel 25' that is closed at the other end along the axis of the stem 22' by a one-way valve 28' that can be mechanically opened only for introducing or discharging the pressurized gas in the second chamber 21b' of the reservoir 21'.

[0043] In the second embodiment shown, the internal channel 25' of the stem 22' preferably communicates with the second chamber 21b' via a radial duct 251 disposed adjacent to the lower surface of the second piston 29'. The first piston 23' preferably having a sleeve 231 for guiding the piston 23' along the stem 22' is provided with one or more channels 232 for passing pressurized gas at the upper part of the sleeve 231, which, in particular, prevent the communication between the second chamber 21b' and the channel 25' when the first piston 23' abuts (end stop) against the second piston 29', i.e., when the first chamber 21a' is completely filled with the amount of fluid to be transferred to the container C or when the volume of the second chamber 21b' is minimized.

[0044] The stem 22' also preferably uses a first contrast spring 220 that functions between, for example, the second piston 29' and an abutment 212 disposed outside the stem 22' inside the tubular protrusion 210 of the reservoir 21' to be elastically loaded towards the opening 20' so as to keep the opening 20' closed.

[0045] A second radial seal gasket 38' can be placed between the guide body 24' and the reservoir 21'.

[0046] At least one second contrast spring 213 (e.g., helical) can be disposed between the reservoir 21' and the guide body 24' to elastically load the reservoir 21' axially away from the guide body 24'.

[0047] The kit formed by the filling unit 2 or 2' and each pack 3 or 3' also comprises means 27 for removably fixing, which means 27 temporarily integrates the filling units 2, 2' and the container C with each other, and more specifically, temporarily integrates the filling units 2, 2' and, where present, the packs 3, 3' with each other, thereby being suitable for forming an integrated assembly 4 or 4' as shown, for example, in FIGS. 6 to 9 or FIGS. 14 to 17.

[0048] The means 27 for removably fixing (the parts of which are shown in the figures with the same reference numerals in the two illustrated embodiments in view of their similarity) is preferably associated with each filling unit 2 or 2', as in the illustrated embodiment, but alternatively, where applicable, the pack 3 or 3' can also be provided with the means 27 for removably fixing.

[0049] The means 27 for removably fixing can be provided with one or more claws 271, for example, a grapple formed by a plurality of said claws 271 capable of approaching each other / separating from each other around the central axis of the filling unit 2 or 2'.

[0050] In other embodiments not shown, the means for removably fixing can perform the fixing using other snap-action coupling means, or by interference, or by friction (for example, using a screw connection).

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, each claw 271 is a rocker with a fulcrum 276 that oscillates relative to the horizontal axis, for example, in the first embodiment, each pair of lugs 26a - 26b protruding from the reservoir 21, or, in the second embodiment, outside the guide body 24'. Each claw 271 can have, at one end, a hook 272 suitable for gripping the recesses 32, 32' of the packs 3, 3' or, in embodiments where the packs 3, 3' are not used, directly the container C.

[0052] Each claw 271 can further be pivotally attached to the respective link rod 273 on the arm opposite to the fulcrum 276. Further, the link rod 273 is preferably hinged to each hinge eyelet 277 of the drive slider 274 that can move in a direction coaxial with the filling units 2, 2'. For example, in the first embodiment, the drive slider 274 is attached to the tubular guide 242 so as to be axially slidable toward / away from the storage portion 21, that is, with respect to the flange of the guide body 24 fixed to the storage portion 21. In the second embodiment, the drive slider 274 is attached to the tubular guide 242' of the guide body 24' so as to be axially slidable toward / away from the storage portion 21'.

[0053] Axial mutual approach and separation between the drive slider 274 and the guide body 24 (or 24') cause, respectively, the separation and fixation between the filling unit 2 (or 2') and the pack 3 (or 3'), that is, the mutual separation and approach of the hooks 272 of the claws 271 along the corresponding axial plane.

[0054] Furthermore, elastic return means are preferably provided to keep the fixing means 27 elastically loaded in a locked state with respect to the container C or with respect to the packs 3, 3'. Thereby, the filling units 2, 2' can be coupled by a snap action by simply axially joining them to the packs 3, 3' or to the container C if any, thereby obtaining the integrated assemblies 4, 4'.

[0055] In a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment of the present invention, where the fixing means 27 is implemented by a grapple, the locked state is a state in which the distance between the hooks 272 is minimized with respect to the central axis of the filling units 2, 2'. The elastic return means substantially consists of a compression spring 275 placed between the drive slider 274 and the guide body 24 or 24' so as to oppose the mutual approach between the drive slider 274 and the guide body 24 or 24'.

[0056] The drive slider 274 is preferably implemented by a multi-lobe plate such that the compression springs 275 are placed between the respective lobes of the slider 274 and the guide bodies 24, 24'. Further, the lobes of the drive slider 274 are optionally offset with respect to the eyelets 277 for hinging the link rod 273, whereby the regions between one lobe and the next lobe do not prevent the pivoting points of the link rod 273 with the respective claws 271 from moving away from the guide body 24 or 24'.

[0057] According to a particular aspect of the present invention, the transport paths P1 and P2 pass through an assembly 100 for manufacturing a filled container C (filled with a predetermined amount of fluid) and a buffer station 110.

[0058] The manufacturing assembly 100 comprises a separation station 12, a filling station 13 for filling the filling unit downstream of the separation station (with respect to the transport direction of the filling unit 2 represented by the arrow of the second path P2), and a coupling station 14 downstream of the filling station 13. The stations 12 to 14 each comprise at least one separation carousel 120, at least one filling carousel 130, and at least one coupling carousel 140, each of which can rotate preferably continuously around the respective central rotation axes 121, 131, 141.

[0059] Each carousel 120, 130, 140 is provided with a plurality of gripping means 122, 132, 142, which are arranged along the outer peripheral region and are suitable for holding each of at least the filling units 2 or 2' during the rotation of the corresponding carousel (based on the embodiment considered). The gripping means 122, 132, 142 are at equal angular distances from each other about their respective central rotation axes 121, 131, 141 so as to form a circumference. The pitch of the gripping means 122, 132, 142 about their respective central rotation axes 121, 131, 141 is preferably equal for all carousels.

[0060] The carousel itself having gripping means along the circumference is well known in the bottling field.

[0061] Preferably, the transfer star wheels 101 to 106 are also provided upstream and downstream of each of the carousels 120, 130, 140 (with respect to the conveying direction of the paths P1 and / or P2). The transfer star wheels 101 to 106 also rotate about their respective rotation axes parallel to the central rotation axes 121, 131, 141 of the carousels 120, 130 and 140, preferably with continuous movement. The transfer star wheels 101 to 106 can be of the type having receptacles arranged at a constant pitch about the rotation axis of each star wheel for carrying an object received from an upstream carousel or conveyor and passing it to a downstream carousel or conveyor.

[0062] The intermediate transfer star wheels 102 and 103 are placed between the carousel 120 and 130 and between the carousel 130 and 140, respectively, for transferring at least the filling units 2, 2' between one carousel and the next.

[0063] Downstream of the discharge conveyor 108 for the integrated assemblies 4, 4' and upstream of the separation carousel 120, a first inlet star wheel 101 is provided for connecting the outlet of the buffer station 110 to the manufacturing assembly 100 in order to return the integrated assemblies 4, 4' after the corresponding containers C have been filled (with respect to the conveying direction of the second path P2).

[0064] Downstream of the linear conveyor 10a and preferably upstream of the joining carousel 140, a second inlet star wheel 106 is alternatively arranged for supplying the containers C to be filled, optionally housed in respective packs 3, 3', to the joining carousel 140 (with respect to the conveying direction of the first path P1). Alternatively, the second inlet star wheel 106 can be arranged upstream of the filling carousel 130 (with respect to the conveying direction of the first path P1).

[0065] Upstream of the supply conveyor 107 for supplying the integrated assemblies 4, 4' to the buffer station 110 and downstream of the joining carousel 140 (with respect to the conveying direction of the second path P2), a first discharge star wheel 105 is provided.

[0066] Downstream of the separation carousel 120 and upstream of the discharge conveyor 11a for discharging the filled containers C', optionally housed in respective packs 3, 3' (with respect to the conveying direction of the first path P1), a second discharge star wheel 104 is alternatively arranged.

[0067] The first conveying path P1 and the second conveying path P2 preferably include arcs described by the rotation of their gripping means about their respective central axes of rotation 121, 141 and 131 by the gripping means 122, 142 and, in the case of P2, 132. The arcs of the first path P1 and the second path P2 are preferably superimposed along the circumferences described by the gripping means 122 and 142 of the separation carousel 120 and the joining carousel 140, respectively.

[0068] Other overlapping portions between the first path P1 and the second path P2 are provided along the buffer station 110 and along the supply conveyor 107 and the discharge conveyor 108 for the integrated assemblies 4, 4' to / from the buffer station 110.

[0069] When the forward speed along the (closed) second path P2 is constant, the length of the portion (or arc) of the second path P2 at the filling station 13 is preferably shorter than the length of the overlapping portion between the first path P1 and the second path P2 at the buffer station 110.

[0070] The gripping means can be in the form of, for example, grippers. In the separation carousel 120, the gripping means 122 can be formed by two pairs of grippers overlapping in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation 121 so as to grip the filling units 2, 2' of the integrated assemblies 4, 4' and the container C (or, if any, the pack 3 or 3') respectively. Such pairs of grippers can be movable axially relative to each other (for example, using jacks associated with each pair of overlapping grippers) to space the filling units 2, 2' and the container C apart from each other or to leave them separated from each other.

[0071] Preferably, the gripping means 122, or a suitable inclined cam fixed around the central axis 121 of the separation carousel 120, can have a thrust surface adapted to push the drive slider 274 towards the guide bodies 24, 24' to open the claws 271, thereby enabling the separation of the filling units 2, 2' from the rest of the integrated assemblies 4, 4' during rotation around the axis 121.

[0072] Also in the coupling carousel 140, the gripping means 142 can be formed by two pairs of grippers superposed in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation 141 so as to grip the filling units 2 or 2' and the packs 3 or 3' (or the containers C) respectively. Such pairs of grippers can be moved relative to each other parallel to the axis of rotation 141 (for example, using respective jacks) so as to axially join the filling unit 2 or 2' and the respective container C to form an integrated assembly 4, 4' in which the filling units 2, 2' and the respective containers C are in fluid communication. In the case of the example of the grapple shown, if the fixing means 27 are of the snap-fit type, the integrated assemblies 4, 4' can be obtained simply by bringing the fixing means 27 closer to each other as described above.

[0073] The coupling station 14 can also be provided with means for pressurizing the filling units 2, 2' adapted to open the one-way valves 28, 28' of the internal channels 25, 25' and inject a pressurized gas (for example air) into the second chambers 21b, 21b' to gradually expand the second chambers 21b, 21b' by translating the pistons 23, 23' towards the bottom of the reservoirs 21, 21'. The pressurizing means can be integral with the coupling carousel 140 in rotation and can comprise a plurality of needles 144 optionally connected via a valve to a compressor (not shown). Each needle 144 is superposed on the corresponding gripping means 142 and can communicate with the said channels of the filling units 2, 2' of the respective integrated assemblies 4, 4' by opening the one-way valves 28, 28' located above the channels 25, 25'. The needles 144 are arranged equidistantly from each other along the outer peripheral region of the coupling carousel 140. Each pressurizing needle 144 and the gripping means 142 of the associated filling units 2, 2' can move relative to each other towards / away from each other in a direction parallel to the central axis of rotation 141, for example using a jack.

[0074] Optionally, each of the gripping means 142 of the joining station 140 can comprise vacuum generating means (such as a suction nozzle 145) for generating a vacuum in the container C of the integrated assemblies 4, 4' before receiving the amount of fluid contained in the respective filling units 2, 2'.

[0075] Referring particularly to the second embodiment shown, a substantially vacuum bell is obtained by a guide body 24' joined end-to-end to the pack 3' with a first gas seal gasket 37' interposed therebetween. The integrated assembly 4' has a ventilation gap 39' between the opening 20' of the reservoir 21' and the inlet 30 of the container C, the height of which preferably varies with the axial movement of the reservoir 21' relative to the guide body 24'. The ventilation gap 39' is connected to at least one lateral gap 36' and the through-hole 34' of the pack 3' so that air in the container C can escape towards the through-hole 34' during generation of a vacuum in the container C. A second contrast spring 213 is suitable for maintaining the volume of the ventilation gap 39' at a substantially minimum or zero value.

[0076] In contrast to the second spring 213, the volume of the gap 39' can be mechanically increased by a mechanical lifting element 52 acting on the holding portion 211 of the tubular projection 210 of the reservoir 21'.

[0077] A suction nozzle 145, which can be provided at the base of the gripping means 142 for supporting the integrated assembly 4', can be connected to the hole 34' of the pack 3' so as to be able to suck air from the container C through the inlet 30 of the container C and the gaps 36' and 39'.

[0078] In contrast to the second spring 213, after air has been discharged from the container C, suction by the nozzle 145 causes the reservoir 21' to translate axially towards the container C, substantially eliminating the volume of the ventilation gap 39', and as a result, a sealed connection is created between the reservoir 21' and the container C.

[0079] When the filling units 2, 2' are released from the coupling station 14, the one-way valves 28, 28' are closed, and thus the pressurized gas is trapped in the second chambers 21b, 21b'.

[0080] In an alternative embodiment, the buffer station 110 can have pressurizing means by providing a plurality of pressure taps in the buffer station 110 that are automatically connected to the plunger 22 of the integrated assembly 4 (or to the stem 22' of the integrated assembly 4') moving in the accumulator 110. In that case, the pressure taps are automatically removed before the integrated assembly exits the accumulator 110.

[0081] In another alternative embodiment of the present invention, instead of pneumatic actuation obtained by gas expansion, the plunger 22 can be actuated electrically (e.g., using a linear motor) or mechanically (e.g., using a spring or using an inclined cam surface that interacts with the plunger 22 to axially move the plunger 22 while advancing the integrated assembly within the buffer station 110).

[0082] The filling station 13 comprises, at each gripping means 132, means for introducing a predetermined amount of fluid into the filling unit, and in particular a cock 134 and a filling nozzle 135 for each gripping means 132 connected to the main reservoir of line 1 that contains the fluid for filling the container C. The cock 134 and the filling nozzle 135 are mounted along the outer peripheral region of the filling carousel 130 so as to rotate integrally with such carousel about the central axis of rotation 131 of such carousel itself. The filling nozzle 135 is mounted below the gripping means 132 and can be directed upward so as to be able to fit with the bottom openings 20, 20' of the filling unit 2 held by the respective gripping means 132. Optionally, each filling nozzle 135 can be connected to a vent valve or snifter 136.

[0083] When transferring a predetermined amount of fluid from the filling nozzle 135 to the filling units 2, 2', the first chambers 21a, 21a' of the filling units 2, 2' are gradually filled with the fluid, and as a result, the pistons 23, 23' are moved in a direction to reduce the volume of the second chambers 21b, 21b'.

[0084] The buffer station 110 is arranged along the overlapping portion of the paths P1 and P2 from the joining station 140 to the separating station 120 and is associated with the supply conveyor 107 and the discharge conveyor 108 of the integrated assemblies 4, 4'. The supply conveyor 107 and the discharge conveyor 108 supply and discharge the integrated assemblies 4, 4' to and from the buffer station 110 at the manufacturing speed of line 1, respectively.

[0085] The buffer station 110 is a FIFO (first in, first out) type accumulator and can be an accumulator table or assembly of an accumulator conveyor. The FIFO accumulator is the time required for the containers C of the integrated assembly 4 or 4' (in particular, N*t integrated assemblies, where N is the manufacturing speed of line 1 converted to containers per minute and t is the time in minutes for filling each container C with a predetermined amount of fluid) to be filled with their respective predetermined amounts of fluid. To keep the integrated assembly 4 or 4' within the buffer station 110, the integrated assembly 4 or 4' is distributed over a wide area or made to travel a meandering and / or long path, and optionally arranged to form a meandering route and a route suitable for accumulating (a large number of) integrated assemblies in any case, and can have one or more moving pads, conveyor belts, electric roller conveyors, or sliding surfaces.

[0086] The accumulator table or accumulator conveyor is known per se, for example, by US Patent No. 5,282,525 or by European Patent No. 1144285.

[0087] The unitary assemblies 4, 4' arrive at the buffer station 110, preferably continuously, aligned and optionally spaced apart from each other at the same pitch as the pitch between the gripping means 122, 132, 142 of the carousel and between the receptacles of the transfer star wheels 101 - 106.

[0088] The buffer station 110 is suitable for advancing the unitary assembly 4 or 4' arriving from the supply conveyor 107 towards the discharge conveyor 108 at a speed and path length determined by the time (t) required to fill the individual containers C with a predetermined amount of fluid. Such an incoming unitary assembly 4 or 4' comprises a filling unit 2 or 2' substantially filled with a predetermined amount of fluid and a container C not yet filled with such an amount.

[0089] Due to the pressure exerted by the gas in the second chamber 21b or 21b', that amount of fluid is slowly transferred to the containers C of the unitary assemblies 4, 4', and the unitary assemblies 4, 4' can remain on the accumulator table for the time required to complete the transfer of that amount of fluid from the filling units 2, 2' of the unitary assemblies 4, 4' to the containers C.

[0090] Thanks to the buffer station 110, the manufacturing assembly 100 can operate at a high manufacturing speed N (e.g., between 100 and 600 containers C per minute) by quickly filling the filling unit 2 or 2' using a carousel 13 having a limited number of gripping means 132 and filling nozzles (e.g., on the order of 10 times, e.g., between 30 and 60). In the buffer station 110, each filling unit 2 or 2' then autonomously fills the corresponding container C of the integrated assembly 4 or 4' over the (longer) time t required depending on the internal characteristics of the container C and / or the nature of the fluid, by transferring a predetermined amount of fluid received in a much shorter time (e.g., 5 seconds) from the filling station 13 of the manufacturing assembly 100 to the container C over the time t (e.g., 10 minutes). Thus, the filling station 13 can have a relatively small number of filling nozzles and cocks (e.g., between 30 and 60 on the carousel 130).

[0091] The operation of the present invention is apparent from the foregoing description.

[0092] The container C is continuously conveyed at a certain desired (high) manufacturing speed N corresponding to the speed of the manufacturing line into which the filling line 1 is inserted, along the first conveying path P1 between the inlet 10 and the outlet 11 of the manufacturing assembly 100. For example, the speed N at which the filled container C' exits the outlet 11 of the manufacturing assembly 100 is several hundred containers per minute (e.g., between 100 and 600 per minute).

[0093] Along the container conveying path P1, the container is pre-filled at speed N with the amount of fluid necessary to fill the container C at the filling station 13 and is fixed to each respective "movable cock" represented by the filling unit 2 or 2', which is pressurized at the coupling station 14.

[0094] In particular, at the filling station 13, the filling units 2, 2' are gripped by the respective gripping means 132 of the filling carousel 130 and conveyed to the respective filling nozzles 135, which are coupled to the openings 20, 20' of the reservoirs 21, 21'.

[0095] In the first embodiment, during rotation of the filling carousel 130, the fluid injected into the reservoir 21 from the opening of the cock 134 of the nozzle 135 lifts the piston 23 to a height determined by the amount of fluid injected, which is determined based on the predetermined amount required to fill the container C. In the example shown in the drawings, the amount of fluid is the maximum allowable volume, and by filling the first volume 21a of the reservoir 21, as a result, the piston 23 is lifted to the stroke limit.

[0096] Thereafter, each filling unit 2 is transferred (through the intermediate star wheel 103) to the coupling carousel 140, where each filling unit 2 is coupled to the corresponding pack 3 to form an integrated assembly 4 and is coupled to the corresponding pressurizing needle 144 for injecting pressurized gas (air) into the second chamber 21b. The pressurized gas lowers the piston 23 and starts to transfer the fluid to the container C. The vacuum generating means 145 (if any) can exhaust the air displaced by the filling fluid from the interior of the container C.

[0097] In the second embodiment, during the rotation of the filling carousel 130, the stem 22' of the filling unit 2' is lifted by the lifting means 51 so as to open the opening 20'. The fluid injected into the storage portion 21' through the opening of the cock 134 of the nozzle 135 passes through the opening 20' and lifts the first piston 23' to a height determined by a predetermined amount of the injected fluid. In the example shown in the drawing, the predetermined amount of the fluid is the maximum allowable volume, and by filling the first volume 21a' of the storage portion 21', as a result, the piston 23' is lifted to the stroke limit, that is, it abuts against the second piston 29'. The second chamber 21b' is integrally rotatable with the gripping means 132 (around the central axis 131) and can be optionally vented within the filling station 130 using the reciprocating vent needle 133 that acts on the one-way valve 28'.

[0098] Before the filling unit 2' is released from the filling carousel 130, the stem 22' is disengaged from the lifting means 51, and the first contrast spring 220 returns the stem 22' to the position where the opening 20' is closed. The vent valve 136 sucks and removes the excess filling fluid accumulated between the closed end 22a' and the filling nozzle 135.

[0099] Thereafter, each filling unit 2' is transferred to the corresponding gripping means 142 of the coupling carousel 140 (through the intermediate star wheel 103) and fixed to the corresponding pack 3' coupled to the suction nozzle 145 coming from the conveyor 10a to form an integrated assembly 4'.

[0100] Preferably, between the first rotating portion of the integrated assembly 4' centered on the central axis 141 of the filling carousel and before the operation of the vacuum generating means 145, the mechanical lifting element 52 pulls the storage portion 21' of the integrated assembly 4' away from the container C in a state where the guide body 24' is airtight fixed to the pack 3' by the fixing means 27. In this way, a vacuum is formed both inside the container C and in the gap 39' thus formed between the container C and the storage portion 21'.

[0101] Thereafter, the tubular protrusion 210 is separated from the lifting element 52, and the second spring 213 returns to the position where the storage portion 21' abuts against the container C. At this position, the spout 20a' of the opening 20' is coupled to the inlet 30 of the container C.

[0102] Thereafter, pressurized gas is introduced, whereby the pressurized gas (air) begins to fill the second chamber 21b' through the pressurizing needle 144 and the channels 25' and 251. The gas injected into the second chamber 21b' first begins to push the second piston 29' away from the first piston 23', as a result lifting the stem 22', thus opening the opening 20', and as a result, fluid flows out from the storage portion 21' into the container C. The expansion of the gas continues even after the integrated assembly 4' is separated from the respective pressurizing needles 144 and discharged onto the supply conveyor 107 through the first unloading star wheel 105 from the coupling carousel 140, and the expansion continues while the integrated assembly 4' remains at the buffer station 110, whereby the first piston 23' is moved towards the bottom of the storage portion 21' having the opening 20'.

[0103] In both embodiments of the filling kit shown, the container C then continues its travel along the path P1 at the production speed N of the assembly 100 again, while the filling unit 2 or 2' coupled to the container C fills the container C completely with fluid due to the expansion of the pressurized gas in the second chambers 21b, 21b'. The container C remains at the buffer station 110 for a predetermined time required for filling, for example at least 2 minutes. Optionally, the filling time t for the container C can include, in addition to the time during which it is moving within the buffer station 110, the time for transporting the integrated assemblies 4, 4' along the portions of the conveyors 107 and 108 where the start and continuation of filling can respectively take place.

[0104] When the integrated assemblies 4, 4' arrive at the outlet of the buffer station 110, for example, when the integrated assemblies 4, 4' are on the discharge conveyor 108, each container C is completely filled with a predetermined amount of fluid. The discharge conveyor 108 advances the integrated assemblies 4, 4' at a high production speed required by the manufacturing assembly 100. After optionally venting gas through the valves 28, 28', at the separation station 12, the drive slider 274 mechanically operates to separate the emptied filling units 2, 2' from the filled containers C, and each filled container is conveyed to the second discharge star wheel 104 by the corresponding gripping means 122 (e.g., lower) of the separation carousel 120, and the second discharge star wheel 104 conveys the filled containers to the discharge conveyor 11a.

[0105] Subsequently, the filling unit 2 or 2' is continuously recycled within the filling line 1 along the closed path P2, and the filling unit 2 or 2' is temporarily integrated again with its respective container C along a part of the closed path P2 (thus forming its respective independent integrated assembly 4 or 4'), so that mainly at the buffer station 110, it can fill the container C for a time t (which may be long) longer than the time required to fill the filling unit with the same amount of fluid, ensuring a preset production speed N of the filled container C at the output from the line 1.

[0106] Therefore, it has been found that the present invention fully achieves the intended aims and purposes.

[0107] The present invention thus devised can be subject to numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims. Further, all details may be replaced by other technically equivalent elements.

[0108] In practice, the materials used, as well as the accompanying shapes and dimensions, can be arbitrary according to the requirements and the state of the art.

[0109] The disclosure of Italian Patent Application No. 102022000012958, for which this application claims priority, is incorporated herein by reference.

[0110] If reference signs follow the technical features recited in any claim, they are included solely for the purpose of enhancing the understanding of the claim, and accordingly such reference signs shall have no limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

1. In a filling line in which the container (C) is continuously conveyed along a first conveying path (P1) between an inlet (10) for an empty container (C) and an outlet (11) for the filled container (C), a method for filling the container (C) with a fluid, comprising: Conveying a series of filling units (2, 2') along a second conveying path (P2), wherein the first and second paths (P1, P2) are at least partially overlapped with each other; Filling each of the filling units (2, 2') with a predetermined amount of the fluid along a part of the second path (P2); Temporarily integrating each of the filling units (2) with each of the containers (C) along the overlapping portion between the first conveying path (P1) and the second conveying path (P2) so as to form an integrated assembly (4, 4') in which the filling unit (2, 2') and the respective container (C) are in fluid communication; comprising; The method further comprises: Accumulating the integrated assembly (4, 4') in a buffer station (110) where the filling units (2, 2') transfer the amount of fluid to the container (C); At the end of the transfer of the amount of fluid, separating the container (C) filled in this way from the filling unit (2, 2') emptied in this way, and conveying the container filled in this way towards the outlet (11). A method, characterized in that it further comprises the above steps.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the second conveying path (P2) is a closed path, and the filling units (2, 2') filled with the amount of fluid in the filling step are those separated from the integrated assembly (4, 4') previously in the separating step.

3. The method according to any one or more of claims 1 or 2, wherein the time for filling each of the filling units (2, 2') with the amount of fluid is shorter than the time (t) for transferring the amount of fluid from the filling unit (2, 2') to the container (C).

4. The first and second conveying paths (P1, P2) pass successively through at least one separation station (12) for separating the filling unit (2, 2') from the container (C) of the integrated assembly (4, 4'), a filling station (13) for filling the filling unit (2, 2'), a coupling station (14) for coupling the filling unit (2, 2') to the container (C), and the buffer station (110), wherein the separation station, the filling station, and the coupling station (12, 13, 14) each comprise at least one separation carousel (120), at least one filling carousel (130), and at least one coupling carousel (140), each of the carousels (120, 130, 140) rotating preferably in a continuous movement around a corresponding central axis of rotation (121, 131, 141), and comprising a plurality of gripping means (122, 132, 142) equidistantly angled from each other about the central axis of rotation (121, 131, 141). The method according to any one or more of claims 1 to 3.

5. At least one of the filling unit (2, 2') and the container (C), or a pack (3, 3') suitable for accommodating the container (C), comprises means (27) for removably fixing which can be actuated by an instruction, and the step of temporarily integrating comprises bringing the filling unit (2, 2') and the container (C) closer to each other and actuating the means (27) for removably fixing such that the container (C) is integrated with the filling unit (2, 2'). The method according to any one or more of claims 1 to 4.

6. The container (C) along the first path (P1) is received in each of the packs (3, 3'), and the step of temporarily integrating comprises a direct connection between the pack (3, 3') and the means (27) for removably fixing associated with either the filling unit (2, 2') or the pack (3, 3'). The method according to any one or more of claims 1 to 5.

7. The step of temporarily integrating the filling unit (2, 2') and the container (C) comprises a step of hermetically fixing between the filling unit (2, 2') and the pack (3, 3') that houses the container (C); a step of generating a vacuum in the container (C) by sucking air from the pack (3, 3'); The method according to any one or more of claims 1 to 6, comprising:

8. The method according to any one or more of claims 1 to 7, wherein the fluid used for the filling is an electrolyte for a battery.

9. The method according to any one or more of claims 1 to 8, wherein the container (C) is a container for a battery that houses an anode and cathode sheet, and optionally other materials and components therein.

10. The amount of fluid used for said filling has a mass density between 1.2 and 1.3 g / cm ３ The method according to any one or more of claims 1 to 9.

11. In a filling line (1) for carrying out the method according to any one or more of claims 1 to 10, comprising an inlet (10) for an empty container (C), an outlet (11) for the filled container (C), and a first transport path (P1) for the container between the inlet (10) and the outlet (11); a second transport path (P2) for a series of filling units (2), wherein the first and second paths (P1, P2) are at least partially overlapped with each other; a separation station (12), a filling station (13) downstream of the separation station (12) for filling the filling unit (2), a coupling station (14) downstream of the filling station (13), and a buffer station (110) between the coupling station (14) and the separation station (12), wherein the stations (12, 13, 14, 110) are passed through at least by the second transport path (P2), and the first and second transport paths (P1, P2) are overlapped with each other at least at the coupling station (14) and at the buffer station (110), the separation station (12), the filling station (13), the coupling station (14), and the buffer station (110); means (135) for introducing a predetermined amount of fluid to be injected into the container (C) into each of the filling units (2, 2') at the filling station (13); comprising Each of the containers (C) is adapted to couple the corresponding filling unit (2, 2') arriving from the filling station (13) such that the coupling station (14) forms an integrated assembly (4, 4') in which the filling unit (2, 2') and the respective container (C) are in fluid communication. The line (1) comprises actuating means (23, 23') for actuating the filled filling units (2, 2') of the integrated assemblies (4, 4') in order to transfer the quantity of fluid from the filling units (2, 2') of the respective integrated assemblies (4, 4') to the containers (C) at the buffer station (110). At the end of the transfer, the integrated assemblies (4, 4') will be constituted by the emptied filling units (2, 2') and the filled containers (C). The separation station (12) is adapted to disassemble the integrated assemblies (4, 4') that effect an outflow or inflow from the buffer station (110), separating the emptied filling units (2) of each integrated assembly (4) from the corresponding filled containers (C). Filling line (1), characterized in that. Claim 12 The filling line according to claim 11, wherein the second transport path (P2) is a closed path, such that the filling units (2, 2') filled with the quantity of fluid in the filling station (13) arrive from the buffer station (110) through the separation station (12). Claim 13 The separation station, the filling station, and the joining station (12, 13, 14) each comprise at least one separation carousel (120), at least one filling carousel (130), and at least one joining carousel (140), each of the carousels (120, 130, 140) being able to rotate about the corresponding central axis of rotation (121, 131, 141), preferably in a continuous movement, and comprising a plurality of gripping means (122, 132, 142) equidistantly angularly spaced from each other about the central axis of rotation, the first and second transport paths (P1, P2) comprising at least the arcs described by the rotation of the gripping means (122, 142) of the carousel about the respective central axes of rotation (121, 141) of the separation carousel (120) and the joining carousel (140), a filling line according to any one or more of claims 11 to 12.

14. At least one of the filling unit (2) and the container (C), or a pack (3, 3') suitable for accommodating the container (C), comprises means (27) for removably fixing which can be actuated by command, the joining station (14) being suitable for actuating the means (27) for removably fixing, as a result of which the container (C) is integrated with the respective filling unit (2, 2') so as to form the integrated assembly (4, 4'), a filling line according to any one or more of claims 11 to 13.

15. The first path (P1) is configured such that the container (C) can be received within the respective pack (3, 3'), and the means (27) for removably fixing is suitable for generating a snap-fit connection between the pack (3, 3') and the filling unit (2, 2') of the integrated assembly, a filling line according to claim 14.

16. The means (27) for removably fixing comprises a grapple, a filling line according to any one or more of claims 14 to 15.

17. Each of the filling units (2, 2') includes a storage portion (21, 21') provided with an opening (20, 20') for the passage of the fluid, and can move within the storage portion (21, 21'). The storage portion (21, 21') is separated into a first chamber (21a, 21a') suitable for containing the predetermined amount of the fluid, and a second chamber (21b, 21b') suitable for containing a pressurized gas suitable for moving a first piston (23, 23') toward the opening (20, 20') by the expansion of the gas. The filling line according to any one or more of claims 1 to 16, comprising a syringe-shaped body having at least one first piston (23, 23').

18. The filling unit (2') further includes a stem (22') that can move axially to pass through the storage portion (21, 21') until the opening (20') is closed, and to open / block the opening (20'). The first piston (23') can slide along the stem (22'). The filling line according to claim 17.

19. The stem (22') is fixed to or integrated with the stem (22'), and is coupled to the inner surface of the storage portion (21') in an airtight manner. A second piston (29') is provided along the stem (22') such that the first piston (23') is disposed between the second piston (29') and the opening (20'). The filling line according to claim 18.

20. The stem (22') includes a coaxial channel (25') that communicates with the second chamber (21b') and the outside of the filling unit for injecting or discharging the pressurized gas. The filling line according to any one or more of claims 18 to 19.

21. In a filling kit for the filling line according to any one or more of claims 11 to 20, a pack (3, 3') suitable for containing a container (C) to be filled with a predetermined amount of fluid, A storage unit (21, 21') suitable for accommodating the predetermined amount of fluid in a first chamber (21a, 21a') of the storage unit (21, 21'), and a first piston (23, 23') capable of moving within the storage unit (21, 21') and suitable for discharging the fluid from the first chamber (21a) through an opening (20, 20') of the storage unit (21, 21'), a filling unit (2, 2'); Means (27) for removably fixing, suitable for integrating the filling unit (2, 2') and the pack (3, 3') with each other; A filling kit, characterized by comprising the above.

22. The filling kit according to claim 21, wherein the means (27) for removably fixing comprises a grapple.

23. The filling unit (2, 2') further comprises a stem (22') capable of moving axially to pass through the storage unit (21') until the opening (20') is closed and to open / block the opening (20'), and the first piston (23') can slide along the stem (22') to increase / decrease the volume of the first chamber (21a'). The filling kit according to any one of claims 21 or 22.

24. The filling kit according to claim 23, wherein the stem (22') is fixed to or integrated with the stem (22'), coupled to the inner surface of the storage unit (21') in an airtight manner, and a second piston (29') is disposed along the stem (22') such that the first piston (23') is placed between the second piston (29') and the opening (20').

25. The first piston (23') separates the storage unit into a first chamber (21a, 21a') and a second chamber (21b, 21b') suitable for accommodating pressurized gas to move the first piston (23, 23') towards the opening (20') of the storage unit (21') by gas expansion. The filling kit according to any one or more of claims 21 to 24.

26. The second chamber (21b') is defined within the reservoir (21') between the first piston (23') and the second piston (29'), and the stem (22') comprises a coaxial channel (25') that communicates the second chamber (21b') with the outside of the filling unit (2, 2') for injecting or discharging pressurized gas. The filling kit according to claims 24 and 25, characterized in that.

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