Electrochemical cell processing line

Abstract

A processing line and method for an electrochemical cell (30), -A movement step P moves a plurality of seat units (25) in stages along a transport path (20) in the direction of travel A and according to a time interval T between one movement step P and the other, wherein the time interval T is defined by a movement time Tm and a stop time Ts, the seat units (25) are equidistant from each other and are spaced apart along at least one active sector (21) of the transport path (20) according to a predetermined separation step D, and the movement step P corresponds to N times the predetermined separation step D. -During the stepwise movement of the multiple seat units (25), during a stop time Ts, N seat units (25) are stopped at one time in a work area (22) defined along the active sector (21) of the transport path (20), and the same operation is performed simultaneously on the N electrochemical cells (30) transported by the N seat units (25) stopped in the work area (22). -During the stepwise movement of the multiple seat portions (25), at a stopping time Ts, N of the multiple seat portions (25) are stopped at once in a deposit area (23) defined along the active sector (21) of the transport path (20) upstream of the work area (22) with respect to the direction of travel A, and N electrochemical cells (30) are sequentially placed at N different positions (P1, P2, P3) of the N seat portions (25) stopped in the deposit area (23). A processing line and method configured in such a manner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a processing line for an electrochemical cell and related methods.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to an electrochemical cell for manufacturing a secondary battery, also called a rechargeable battery, which can be charged and discharged multiple times.

Background Art

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

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

[0005] In some types of applications, an electric battery comprises a hollow container having an internal cavity into which an electrochemical cell consisting of two electrodes (anode and cathode) and a separator disposed between the two electrodes is inserted. One electrode is electrically connected to the bottom of the container and the other electrode is electrically connected to the upper plate of the container.

[0006] In such applications, the electrochemical cell inserted into the hollow container may be a jelly roll or Swiss roll type electrochemical cell, and the separator and electrodes are spirally wound to form a cylindrical electrochemical cell inserted into the container cavity. The electrodes of the cell thus formed are disposed in electrical contact with an electrical pole disposed at the bottom of the hollow container. The other electrode is disposed on the container and is disposed in electrical contact with a cap that forms an additional electrical pole.

[0007] The applicant observed that, in the process of forming the jelly roll, as a result of the aforementioned helical winding of the separator and electrode, a portion of the separator, typically having an S-shaped cross-section, is created within the through-hole of the jelly roll. This portion of the separator within the through-hole can interfere with subsequent welding operations aimed at welding the electrode to the bottom of the container. In fact, in the applicant's experience, welding the electrode to the bottom of the container is performed by inserting a welding device into the through-hole of the jelly roll.

[0008] For example, as disclosed in Korean Patent No. 101726381, it is known in the art to perform a reshaping operation adapted to rearrange a portion of the separator generated within the through-holes of a jelly roll as a result of the jelly roll forming process relative to the inner wall of the through-holes, and this operation is performed by inserting a preheated reshaping needle into the through-holes. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] The applicant noted that various types of operations are performed in the electrochemical cell processing line, such as constructing and reforming electrochemical cells (e.g., jelly roll type), possible operations for inserting a hollow cylinder adapted to protect the inner wall of the through-hole in a jelly roll type electrochemical cell during a subsequent welding process that requires inserting a welding device into the through-hole in the jelly roll, operations for writing data to the outer surface of the electrochemical cell, operations for checking and verifying the written data, operations for checking the electrical resistance between various elements of the electrochemical cell, and operations for checking and removing electrochemical cells deemed unsuitable.

[0010] The applicant also noted that in an electrochemical cell processing line where various operations are performed by sequentially arranged stations, it is useful for all stations to have the same cycle time so that each station is directly supplied with an electrochemical cell leaving the station immediately upstream, enabling compact processing.

[0011] However, the applicant noted that there may be “slower” stations that perform operations that require a longer run time at each electrochemical cell than the operations performed by the station immediately upstream. In such cases, the “slower” stations have a longer cycle time than the station immediately upstream.

[0012] To avoid increasing line processing time by matching the cycle time of the upstream station to the cycle time of the "slower" station, the above difference in execution times necessitates the presence of a buffer between the two stations to compensate for the different execution times. However, this negatively impacts the overall dimensions and cost of the processing line.

[0013] In this regard, the applicant recognized the need to devise a processing line with a simple structure combined with short processing time, limited space, and cost. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] Therefore, in its first embodiment, the present invention relates to a processing line for electrochemical cells.

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

[0016] Preferably, the first station has the first equipment.

[0017] Preferably, the first device includes a conveyor that moves in stages along a transport path according to the direction of travel A by the movement step P and the time interval T between one movement step P and the other movement step P.

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

[0019] Preferably, the first device includes a plurality of seats each configured to accommodate an electrochemical cell, and the seats are arranged on a conveyor so as to be conveyed along a conveyance path.

[0020] Preferably, the first device includes a processing device.

[0021] Preferably, the conveyance path includes an active sector.

[0022] Preferably, the seats are equidistant from each other and are spaced along the traveling direction A according to a predetermined separation step D at least along the active sector of the conveyance path.

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

[0024] Preferably, along the active sector of the conveyance path, a work area is defined such that N of the plurality of seats are adapted to stop for a stop time Ts at a time.

[0025] Preferably, the processing device is configured to simultaneously perform the same operation on the N electrochemical cells accommodated in the N seats in the work area for the stop time Ts.

[0026] Preferably, along the active sector of the conveyance path, a deposition area is defined upstream of the work area with respect to the traveling direction A, and N of the plurality of seats are adapted to stop for a stop time Ts at a time.

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

[0028] Therefore, in its second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for processing an electrochemical cell.

[0029] Preferably, it is configured to move a plurality of seat portions stepwise along a conveyance path according to the traveling direction A by the movement step P and according to the time interval T between one movement step P and the other movement step P.

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

[0031] Preferably, the seat portions are equidistant from each other and are spaced apart according to a predetermined separation step D along at least one active sector of the conveyance path.

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

[0033] Preferably, during the stepwise movement of the plurality of seat portions, at the stop time Ts, N seat portions out of the plurality of seat portions are stopped within a work area defined along an active sector of the conveyance path, and the same operation is simultaneously performed on N electrochemical cells conveyed by the N seat portions stopped in the work area.

[0034] Preferably, during the stepwise movement of the plurality of seat portions, at the stop time Ts, N seat portions out of the plurality of seat portions are stopped in a deposition area defined along an active sector of the conveyance path upstream of the work area with respect to the traveling direction A, and N electrochemical cells are sequentially arranged at N different positions of the N seat portions stopped in the deposition area.

[0035] According to the present invention, a first station can perform operations on N electrochemical cells at once during a stop time Ts. Furthermore, during the stop time Ts, N electrochemical cells can be delivered to the first station at N different positions of N seating units stopped in a predetermined deposition area of ​​that station. Due to the fact that a movement step P corresponds to N times the seating unit separation step D, by setting the time interval T between one movement step P and the other movement step P to be equal to N times a predetermined cycle time Tc of the line, and configuring the stop time Ts to be greater than the predetermined cycle time Tc, the present invention makes it possible to perform such operations for a run time greater than the cycle time Tc without requiring the presence of a buffer to temporarily stop electrochemical cells coming from an immediately upstream station having such a cycle time Tc.

[0036] Overall, the above objective is achieved, which enables the implementation of a processing line with a simple structure, short processing time, limited space, and cost.

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

[0038] In particular, "building cycle time," which refers to the construction of an electrochemical cell, indicates the time from when one electrochemical cell leaves a particular building device / station until the next electrochemical cell leaves. In other words, for an electrochemical cell building station, "building cycle time" indicates the number of electrochemical cells built (and therefore output from the building station) per unit time. For example, a building cycle time of 1 second means that the building station builds (and therefore outputs) one electrochemical cell per second. On the other hand, a building cycle time of 2 seconds means that the station builds (and therefore outputs) 0.5 electrochemical cells per second.

[0039] The term "construction" in reference to electrochemical cells refers to the process of cell formation. In particular, a jelly roll electrochemical cell refers to the process of spirally winding separators and electrodes to form a cylindrical jelly roll.

[0040] The “separation step D” referring to a seat moving along a transport path in the direction of travel indicates a distance measured along the direction of travel between two planes perpendicular to the direction of travel and parallel to each other, passing through two identical points of two seats adjacent to each other in the direction of travel. Such two identical points may be located, for example, on the centerlines of each seat.

[0041] The term "conditioning" as used in reference to electrochemical cells refers to one or more actions that may be performed on the electrochemical cell before the assembly of the electrochemical cell. These actions are typically performed after the step of constructing the jelly roll electrochemical cell and after the actions of reshaping them. Such actions may include, for example, the insertion of a hollow cylinder into the through-hole of a jelly roll electrochemical cell, adapted to protect the inner wall of the through-hole during a subsequent welding process that requires the insertion of a welding device into the through-hole of the jelly roll. Other examples of conditioning actions may include actions for writing data to the outer surface of the electrochemical cell, actions for checking and verifying the written data, actions for checking the electrical resistance between various elements of the electrochemical cell, and actions for rejecting electrochemical cells deemed unsuitable.

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

[0043] The conveyor may be equipped with a conveyor belt or transport wheels.

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

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

[0046] Preferably, the further station in the processing line is an electrochemical cell construction station.

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

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

[0049] Preferably, the processing line also includes a construction station adapted to construct the electrochemical cell in a construction cycle time Tc.

[0050] Preferably, along the active sector of the transport path, the pickup area is defined downstream of the work area with respect to the direction of travel A.

[0051] Preferably, the first device comprises a transfer device having N heads configured to sequentially pick up N electrochemical cells in the pickup region from N seats of a plurality of seats moving through a pickup region over a travel time Tm.

[0052] Preferably, the N heads are mounted so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis so as to periodically follow a closed-loop trajectory.

[0053] Preferably, this closed-loop orbital cooperates with the transport path in the pickup region so that N electrochemical cells can be picked up by N heads.

[0054] Preferably, the transfer device includes a regulation unit configured to command the rotation of N heads in a total rotation time equal to a time interval T, such that N heads are sequentially positioned in the pickup area during a travel time Tm, then continue to rotate, and return to the pickup area again during a stop time Ts.

[0055] Preferably, the processing line also includes a second station.

[0056] Preferably, the second station includes a second conveyor that moves in stages along a second transport path according to a second direction of travel A2 by a second movement step P2 and according to a second time interval T2 between the second movement step P2 and the other.

[0057] The second conveyor may be equipped with a conveyor belt or transport wheels.

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

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

[0060] Preferably, the second seat portions are equidistant from each other and spaced apart along a second direction of travel A2 according to a predetermined separation step D along at least the second active sector of the second transport path.

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

[0062] Preferably, a second loading region is defined along the second active sector of the second transport path, which is adapted such that one of the plurality of second seats stops at a time for a second stop time Ts2.

[0063] Preferably, the N heads of the transfer device are configured to deliver the N electrochemical cells picked up from the pickup area one at a time to a second seat that is stopped in the second deposition area during a continuous stop time Ts2.

[0064] Preferably, the adjustment unit of the transfer device is configured to command the rotation of N heads so that N heads are sequentially positioned in the second deposition area during N consecutive stop times Ts2, thereby enabling the delivery of the picked-up N electrochemical cells to a second seat that stops in the second deposition area each time.

[0065] Preferably, along the second active sector of the second transport path, a plurality of second work areas are defined downstream of the second stacking area with respect to the second direction of travel A2, and in each second work area, it is configured so that one of the plurality of second seats stops at a time for a stop time Ts2.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, the processing apparatus is a reforming apparatus having N reforming needles, which is adapted to simultaneously perform the same reforming operation on N electrochemical cells housed in N seating areas stopped in the working area.

[0067] Preferably, in the defined work area along the active sector of the transport path, N reforming needles and N seats currently stationary in the work area are movable relative to one another to allow simultaneous insertion of the N reforming needles into the respective holes of the N electrochemical cells housed in the N seats currently stationary in the reforming area. Preferably, the electrochemical cells are of the jelly roll type.

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

[0069] Preferably, a corresponding adjustment operation is performed in each of the multiple work areas. The adjustment operation may include, for example, inserting a hollow cylinder into the through-hole of each jelly roll type electrochemical cell, checking the electrical resistance between various elements of the electrochemical cell, visually inspecting the electrochemical cell to check, for example, the dimensions of the through-hole, writing data to the outer surface of the electrochemical cell, checking and verifying the written data, and rejecting electrochemical cells deemed unsuitable.

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

[0071] Preferably, the transport path is closed.

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

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

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

[0075] In a preferred embodiment, the moving device is an industrial robot (e.g., a SCARA type) having a robotic arm with at least two degrees of freedom.

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

[0077] Preferably, the second time interval T2 between the second movement step P2 of the second conveyor and the other is equal to the construction cycle time Tc (i.e., T2 = Tc).

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

[0079] In a preferred embodiment, the stop time Ts is approximately equal to 2 / 3 of the time interval T between one movement step P and the other, and the movement time Tm is approximately equal to 1 / 3 of the time interval T.

[0080] Preferably, the second stopping time Ts2 is greater than the second moving time Tm2. Preferably, Ts2 ≥ 2 * Tm2, ​​and more preferably Ts2 ≥ 3 * Tm2.

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

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

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

[0084] Preferably, the reforming method is configured such that, during the stop time Ts, N electrochemical cells are sequentially picked up from a construction station having a predetermined construction cycle time Tc and sequentially placed in N currently stopped seats within the deposition area, and the time interval T between one movement step P and the other is equal to N times the construction cycle time Tc.

[0085] Preferably, in the reforming method, during the stepwise movement of the plurality of seat portions, at the movement time Tm, -N of the multiple seating areas within the pickup area defined along the active sector of the transport path downstream of the work area with respect to the direction of travel A are passed sequentially. - The system is configured to sequentially pick up N electrochemical cells from N seats that move within the pickup region.

[0086] Preferably, the reforming method is configured to move a plurality of second seat portions in stages along a second transport path according to a second direction of travel A2 by a second movement step P2, and according to a second time interval T2 between the second movement step P2 and the other.

[0087] Preferably, the second time interval T2 is defined by a second travel time Tm2 and a second stop time Ts2, where T2 = T / N.

[0088] Preferably, the second seat portions are equidistant from each other and spaced apart according to a predetermined separation step D along at least the second active sector of the second transport path.

[0089] Preferably, the second movement step P2 corresponds to a predetermined separation step D.

[0090] Preferably, during a second stop time Ts2, one of the plurality of second seats is stopped at a second deposition region along the second active sector of the second transport path, and the N electrochemical cells extracted from the N seats moving from the pickup region are delivered one at a time to the second seat stopped in the second deposition region during the subsequent stop time Ts2.

[0091] Preferably, the structures of the N reforming needles are equal to each other.

[0092] Preferably, the functions of the N reshaping needles are equal to each other.

[0093] Preferably, the N reforming needles have a longitudinal axis.

[0094] Preferably, each of the N reshaping needles comprises a body portion and a tip portion.

[0095] Preferably, in each reshaping needle, the main body is substantially cylindrical, and the longitudinal axis of the reshaping needle is the axis of symmetry of the cylindrical main body.

[0096] Preferably, in each reshaping needle, the main body portion is at least partially hollow.

[0097] Preferably, in each reshaping needle, the main body portion and the tip portion are manufactured as a single unit.

[0098] Preferably, the tip portion may or may not be symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis of the reshaping needle.

[0099] In one embodiment, the free end of the tip portion of each reshaping needle is eccentric with respect to the longitudinal axis of the reshaping needle.

[0100] Preferably, the reshaping device includes at least one rotating mechanism configured to rotate N reshaping needles around their respective longitudinal axes.

[0101] Preferably, at least one rotating mechanism is configured to rotate the N reforming needles while (or possibly before) inserting them into the through-holes of the electrochemical cell.

[0102] Preferably, the reshaping apparatus comprises N heating elements configured to heat N reshaping needles to a predetermined temperature.

[0103] Preferably, the N heating elements are each housed inside the N reshaping needles and are rotatably integrated with each of the N reshaping needles.

[0104] The N heating elements are preferably of a conductive type, for example, containing N electrical resistors.

[0105] Preferably, the reshaping apparatus also comprises N temperature sensors, each associated with one of the N reshaping needles and configured to detect its temperature.

[0106] Preferably, the reshaping apparatus comprises at least one controller equipped with a power supply connected to N heating elements (and N temperature sensors, if present).

[0107] Preferably, N temperature sensors are each adapted to detect the temperature values ​​of N heated reshaping needles and transmit the detected temperature values ​​to the at least one controller. Preferably, based on the temperature values ​​detected by the N temperature sensors, the at least one controller is adapted to maintain the temperature of the N reshaping needles at a predetermined temperature value by controlling the operation of N heating elements.

[0108] Preferably, each of the N temperature sensors is housed in its own reshaping needle and is rotatably integrated with the respective reshaping needle.

[0109] Preferably, N heating elements (and N temperature sensors, if present) are connected to the at least one controller via N slip-ring type electromechanical devices.

[0110] Preferably, the at least one rotating mechanism includes an electric rotary motor.

[0111] Preferably, the at least one rotating mechanism comprises a plurality of toothed wheels driven by the electric rotary motor.

[0112] Preferably, the at least one rotating mechanism comprises a plurality of toothed wheels configured to rotate all N reshaping needles simultaneously.

[0113] Preferably, all N reshaping needles are rotated in the same direction.

[0114] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, provided as exemplary and non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0115] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram of the processing line for an electrochemical cell according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 2] An electrochemical cell equipped with a reforming needle according to one embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown. [Figure 3] An alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown, illustrating a reshaping needle. [Figure 4] A schematic side view shows a reshaping apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 4 schematically shows the reshaping apparatus, with some details partially shown in a cross-sectional view, and some parts removed to better highlight other parts. [Figure 6] Figure 3 shows a schematic front view of the reshaping apparatus, with some parts removed to better highlight other components. [Figure 7] A schematic diagram of the processing line for an electrochemical cell according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0116] Figure 1 schematically shows a processing line 70 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0117] The processing line 70 is configured to carry out a method for processing an electrochemical cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0118] In the illustrated embodiment, the processing line 70 includes a first station consisting of a reshaping device 1.

[0119] The reshaping device 1 is configured to perform a reshaping operation on the jelly roll type electrochemical cell 30 shown in Figure 2, in which the two electrodes and the separator between the two electrodes are wound spirally to form a cylindrical electrochemical cell 30.

[0120] As described above, in the process of forming the jelly roll type electrochemical cell 30, as a result of the aforementioned helical winding of the separator and electrode, a portion of the separator 32, which typically has an S-shaped cross-section, is created within the through-hole 31 of the jelly roll.

[0121] The reforming operation is adapted to reposition a portion of the separator 32 relative to the inner wall of the through hole 31.

[0122] In the illustrated embodiment, the reshaping machine 1 includes a conveyor belt 29 that moves in stages along a transport path 20 according to the direction of travel A by the movement step P and according to the time interval T between one movement step P and the other. The time interval T is defined by the travel time Tm and the stop time Ts of the conveyor belt (i.e., T = Tm + Ts).

[0123] The reshaping apparatus 1 also comprises a plurality of seating areas 25, each configured to accommodate an electrochemical cell 30.

[0124] The seat portions 25 are fixed to the conveyor belt so that they can be transported along the transport path 20.

[0125] The transport path 20 includes an active sector 21.

[0126] At least along the active sector 21 of the transport path 20, the seat portions 25 are equidistant from each other and spaced apart along the direction of travel A according to a predetermined separation step D. Preferably, as roughly indicated by dots in Figure 1, the seat portions 25 are equidistant from each other and spaced apart along the direction of travel A according to a separation step D over the entire transport path 20.

[0127] For example, the predetermined separation step D may be between 50 mm and 100 mm.

[0128] According to the present invention, the movement step P of the conveyor belt 29 corresponds to N times a predetermined separation step D, where N is an integer equal to at least 2. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, N=3, so P=3*D. As a result, during the movement time Tm of the conveyor belt 29, the seat portion 25 moves along the direction of travel A by a distance equal to N times the separation step D.

[0129] Figures 1 and 7 show embodiments of the reshaping machine 1 with N=3. However, the structural and functional characteristics described with reference to this example can be used by those skilled in the art to create reshaping machine 1 with N other than 3 (for example, N=4, as shown in the example below with reference to Figures 4-6).

[0130] The reshaping device 1 also includes a reshaping apparatus 80 equipped with N reshaping needles 81 (in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, three reshaping needles 81).

[0131] As shown in Figure 3, each of the N reforming needles 81 extends longitudinally along the longitudinal axis R2 and terminates at a tip portion 81a.

[0132] In particular, each of the N reforming needles 81 has a substantially cylindrical body portion 81b, and the longitudinal axis R2 is the axis of symmetry of the cylindrical body portion 81b. Preferably, the tip portion is formed integrally with the body portion 81b.

[0133] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the free end of the tip portion 81a is eccentric with respect to the axis R2 in order to avoid interference with a part of the separator 32 and potentially damage during insertion of the needle 81 into the through hole 31 of the cell 30. However, the present invention also applies to the case where the tip portion 81a is aligned with the axis R2, as shown in Figure 2.

[0134] To optimize the reforming operation, it is preferable to heat the N reforming needles 81.

[0135] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, in order to further optimize the reshaping operation, the N reshaping needles 81 are adapted to rotate around their own axis R2.

[0136] In the case of a reshaping needle 81 set to rotate, and where the free end of the tip portion 81a is eccentric with respect to the axis R2, it is preferable to partially insert the reshaping needle 81 into the through hole 31 of the cell 30 before initiating rotation, and such insertion is configured to be calibrated to ensure that the tip 81a is inserted into the through hole 31 without interfering with the S-shaped separator portion. The reshaping needle 81 is then rotated to complete the insertion of the needle 81 into the through hole 31.

[0137] Preferably, the rotation direction of the reforming needle 81 is opposite to the winding direction of the jelly roll.

[0138] For example, the N reforming needles 81 may be rotated at a speed of 50 to 2000 rpm. Preferably, the rotation speed of the N needles 81 is between 500 and 2000 rpm, and more preferably between 1000 and 2000 rpm.

[0139] Figures 4 to 6 show embodiments of the reshaping apparatus 80 where N=4. However, the structural and functional characteristics described below can be used by those skilled in the art to create a reshaping apparatus 80 where N is other than 4 (for example, N=3, as in the example shown in Figure 1).

[0140] In the embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 6 (for ease of explanation, only one of the N needles 81 is shown in Figures 4 to 5), the reshaping device 80 comprises, for each reshaping needle 81, a slip-ring type electromechanical device 82 schematically shown in Figure 5 and at least one heating element 83.

[0141] For example, the heating element 83 includes an electrical resistor.

[0142] In the illustrated embodiment, the heating element 83 is preferably positioned inside the reshaping needle 81. This has the advantage that the N reshaping needles 81 can be heated while performing the reshaping operation, preferably before being inserted into the through-hole 31 of the electrochemical cell 30.

[0143] Preferably, the main body portion 81b of the reshaping needle 81 is at least partially hollow so that the heating element 83 can be inserted.

[0144] The heating element 83 is positioned inside the reforming needle 81 along most of the length of the main body portion 81b.

[0145] The heating element 83, positioned within the cavity of the reforming needle 81, rotates integrally with the reforming needle 81.

[0146] Compared to alternative solutions (for example, known from Chinese Utility Model No. 209001039) in which the reforming needle is heated before being inserted into the through-hole of the electrochemical cell by a heating element located outside the reforming needle and between the needle drive motor and the cell being reformed, this embodiment of the present invention having an internal heating element 83 advantageously allows for the creation of a reforming needle 81 having a limited length and therefore being less prone to bending during use. This allows for greater control over the precise position of the reforming needle 81 when it is inserted into the through-hole 31 of the electrochemical cell 30. Furthermore, the internal heating of the needle 81 allows for the maintenance of the desired optimal temperature throughout the entire reforming process and prevents the needle 81 from cooling or otherwise changing its temperature after it has been inserted into the through-hole 31 of the electrochemical cell 30.

[0147] In this regard, a preferred embodiment is shown in Figure 5, which includes a temperature sensor 84 positioned inside the reshaping needle 81 and configured to continuously detect the temperature of the reshaping needle 81 at least during the reshaping operation.

[0148] The heating element 83 and temperature sensor 84 are connected via electrical connections 87 and 88 to a controller 85 equipped with a power supply 86. The controller 85 may be located at a remote location or near the reshaping needle 81. Furthermore, the controller 85 may be a single controller or may consist of several controllers, for example, one for each reshaping needle 81.

[0149] Assuming that the reforming needle 81 and the heating element 83 (and the temperature sensor 84, if provided) are rotating relative to the controller 85, the electrical connection between the heating element 83 (and the temperature sensor 84, if provided) and the controller 85 passes through a slip-ring type electromechanical device 82.

[0150] The latter is a type of device known in the art, adapted to continuously transmit power and signals between a stationary part and a rotating part.

[0151] As shown in Figure 5, the slip ring type electromechanical device 82 is interposed between the reforming needle 81 and the controller 85.

[0152] The temperature sensor 84 is configured to detect the temperature of the heated reshaping needle 81 and transmit the detected value to the controller 85 via the electrical connection 88. Based on the value detected by the temperature sensor 84, the controller 85 is configured to maintain the temperature of the reshaping needle 81 at a predetermined temperature value by controlling the operation of the heating element 83 via the electrical connection 87.

[0153] For example, the specified temperature value may be between 60 and 130°C.

[0154] This can be achieved with a power supply between 20 and 200 watts.

[0155] The reshaping device 80 further comprises a rotating support 89 for each reshaping needle 81. Each rotating support 89 rotates about its respective support axis R1, which coincides with the longitudinal axis R2 of the respective reshaping needle 81.

[0156] Each rotating support 89 is rotatably mounted to a reshaping needle 81 and a heating element 83 (and a temperature sensor 84, if provided) located therein. As shown in Figure 5, the rotating support 89 defines a housing for accommodating the rotating part 82a of a slip-ring type electromechanical device 82. The rotating part 82a of the slip-ring type electromechanical device 82 is rotatably integrated with the rotating support 89.

[0157] The reshaping apparatus 80 further comprises a support frame 90. The support frame 90 comprises a support structure 91 and a carriage 92 slidably attached to the support structure 91.

[0158] All N reforming needles 81 are integrally and translationally mounted to the carriage 92. All N rotating supports 89 are integrally and translationally mounted to the carriage 92.

[0159] The carriage 92 translates relative to the support structure 91 along a rail 93 that extends along the sliding direction R3. The sliding direction R3 is parallel to the longitudinal axis R2 of the reshaping needle 81. The longitudinal axes R2 of the N reshaping needles 81 are parallel to each other.

[0160] This allows the N reforming needles 81 to move relative to the N electrochemical cells being reformed, and enables the simultaneous insertion and removal of the N reforming needles 81 into each of the holes 31 of the N electrochemical cells 30.

[0161] To enable the carriage 92 to translate relative to the support structure 91, the reshaping device 80 includes an electric translation motor 94 that rotates an endless screw 95 which is integrated with the support structure 91 and extends parallel to the sliding direction R3. The endless screw 95 is coupled to a bushing 96 connected to the carriage 92. As the endless screw 95 is rotated by the electric translation motor 94, the bushing 96 translates along the endless screw 95, and therefore causes the carriage 92 to translate along the sliding direction R3.

[0162] In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the controller 85 is shown integrated with the carriage 92. However, in other alternative embodiments, the controller 85 may be located separately from the carriage 92.

[0163] In either case, the fixed portion 82b of the slip-ring type electromechanical device 82 is integrated with the carriage 92.

[0164] The N reforming needles 81 are translationally integrated with the carriage 92 and rotate around the longitudinal axis R2 relative to the carriage 92.

[0165] In this regard, the reshaping device 80 comprises at least one rotating mechanism 97 configured to rotate N reshaping needles 81 around their respective longitudinal axes R2, and N supports 89 that rotate around their respective support axes R1.

[0166] The rotating mechanism 97 comprises an electric rotary motor 98 and a plurality of toothed wheels 99 (better shown in Figure 6).

[0167] At least one of the multiple toothed wheels 99a, a first toothed wheel 99a, is fixed to rotate with N rotating supports 89 and N reshaping needles 81, or is otherwise coaxial with them. A transmission mechanism 100 transmits rotational motion to the first toothed wheel 99a. This transmission mechanism 100 is connected to an electric rotary motor 98 and is configured to rotate all the first toothed wheels 99a in the same angular direction.

[0168] The transmission mechanism 100 is attached to the carriage 92.

[0169] The transmission mechanism 100 includes a second toothed wheel 99b among a plurality of toothed wheels 99. A single second toothed wheel 99b is directly rotated by an electric rotary motor 98 in a second angular direction opposite to the first angular direction. This single second toothed wheel 99b engages with two adjacent first toothed wheels 99a, causing them to rotate in the first angular direction. Each of the two adjacent first toothed wheels 99a also engages with its own second toothed wheel 99b, causing it to rotate in the second angular direction. These second toothed wheels 99b then engage with two further first toothed wheels 99a, causing them to rotate in the first angular direction.

[0170] This transmission mechanism 100 is specifically for rotating the four reshaping needles 81.

[0171] However, this transmission mechanism 100 may be adapted to rotate a different number of reshaping needles 81 (for example, in the case of reshaping machine 1 shown in Figures 1 and 7, N=3).

[0172] Returning to the reshaping machine 1 in Figure 1, the active sector 21 of the transport path 20 defines a reshaping region 22 and a deposition region 23, each of which is adapted so that N of the multiple seating portions 25 stop at a time Ts.

[0173] In the reshaping region 22, the N reshaping needles 81 and N seats 25 currently stationary in the reshaping region 22 are movable relative to each other, allowing the N reshaping needles 81 to be simultaneously inserted into the respective holes 31 of the N electrochemical cells 30 housed in the N seats 25 currently stationary in the reshaping region 22. This allows the reshaping operation to be performed on the N electrochemical cells 30 simultaneously at one time.

[0174] Preferably, the time interval T between one movement step P of the belt and the other is equal to N times the construction cycle time Tc of the electrochemical cell (i.e., T = Tm + Ts = N * Tc, where T = 3 * Tc in the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 7).

[0175] Furthermore, the pause time Ts is greater than both the construction cycle time Tc and the movement time Tm. This advantageously allows for maximizing the time spent on reshaping operations.

[0176] This allows the reshaping operation to be performed with an execution time longer than the construction cycle time Tc of the electrochemical cell 30 (which may be set to be the same as or approximately the same as the stop time Ts).

[0177] For example, if Tc = 1 second (and therefore T = N * Tc = 3 seconds), then Ts can be set to be essentially equal to 2.5 seconds and Tm to be equal to 0.5 seconds. This allows the reshaping operation to be performed in a run time of 2.5 seconds, including the time to insert and remove the N reshaping needles 81 into and out of each through-hole 31.

[0178] Furthermore, the reshaping machine 1 includes a moving device 50 configured to sequentially place N electrochemical cells 30 on the conveyor 29 at N different positions P1, P2, P3 of the N seat portions 25 currently stopped within the deposition region 23 during a stop time Ts.

[0179] For example, the mobile device 50 may be a SCARA-type humanoid industrial robot having a robotic arm 51 with at least two degrees of freedom.

[0180] Since the stop time Ts is greater than the construction cycle time Tc, this is advantageous as it allows N electrochemical cells 30 to be placed directly onto the conveyor belt 29 at positions P1, P2, and P3 during the stop time Ts without requiring a buffer to store the electrochemical cells 30 coming from the upstream construction station during the construction cycle time Tc.

[0181] Along the active sector 21 of the transport path, a pickup area 24 is defined downstream of the reforming area 22 with respect to the direction of travel A, and is adapted so that N seat portions 25 move through it during travel time Tm.

[0182] The reshaping device 1 also includes a transfer device 40 having N heads 42 configured to sequentially pick up N electrochemical cells 30 from N seat portions 25 that move through a pickup region 24 (for example, by suction) in the pickup region 24 during a travel time Tm.

[0183] N heads 42 are rotatably mounted around a shaft 41 having a rotation axis R (perpendicular to the plane of the sheet in Figure 1) so as to periodically follow a closed-loop trajectory 43. The latter is configured to cooperate with the transport path 20 in the pickup region 24 so as to enable N electrochemical cells 30 to be picked up by the N heads 42.

[0184] The transfer device 40 includes an adjustment unit 44 configured to command the rotation of N heads 42 in a total rotation time equal to a time interval T, such that N heads 42 are sequentially positioned in the pickup area 24 during a travel time Tm, then continue to rotate, and return to the pickup area 24 again during a stop time Ts.

[0185] Figure 7 shows a preferred embodiment of a processing line 70 that, in addition to the reforming equipment 1, includes a construction station 60 for the electrochemical cell 30 upstream of the reforming equipment 1 and a second station including a conditioning equipment 101 downstream of the reforming equipment 1.

[0186] In this specification, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” refer to the direction of travel of the electrochemical cells 30 within the processing line 70, which are constructed at the construction station 60, then undergo a reshaping operation at the reshaping equipment 1, and then undergo a series of adjustment operations at the adjustment equipment 100.

[0187] The construction station 60 is adapted to construct, for example, a jelly roll type electrochemical cell 30 according to techniques known in the art, and therefore will not be described in detail below.

[0188] The construction station 60 is adapted to construct the electrochemical cell 30 with a construction cycle time Tc.

[0189] The reshaping machine 1 is constructed as described above with reference to Figures 1 to 6. For ease of explanation, only the moving device 50 and the transfer device 40 are highlighted in Figure 7.

[0190] The moving device 50 is adapted to pick up the electrochemical cell 30 constructed during cycle time Tc from the construction station 60 and place it directly onto the conveyor belt 29 at positions P1, P2, and P3 during stop time Ts, without requiring the presence of a buffer between the construction station 60 and the reforming equipment 1.

[0191] The adjustment device 101 includes a second conveyor belt 129 that moves in stages along a second transport path 120 according to a second direction of travel A2 by a second movement step P2 and according to a second time interval T2 between the second movement step P2 and the other. The second time interval T2 is defined by a second movement time Tm2 and a second stop time Ts2 of the second conveyor belt, where T2 = Tm2 + Ts2 = T / N.

[0192] The second transport path 120 includes a second active sector 121.

[0193] The adjustment device 101 also comprises a plurality of second seats 125, each configured to accommodate an electrochemical cell 30. The second seats 125 are positioned on a second conveyor belt 129 so as to be transported along a second transport path 120.

[0194] Along at least the second active sector 121, the second seat portions 125 are equidistant from each other and spaced apart along the second direction of travel A2 according to the same separation step D as the seat portions 25 of the reshaping machine 1. Preferably, as roughly indicated by dots in Figure 7, the seat portions 125 are equidistant from each other and spaced apart along the second direction of travel A2 according to the separation step D over the entire second transport path 120.

[0195] The second movement step P2 of the second conveyor belt 129 corresponds to a predetermined separation step D (i.e., P2 = D). As a result, during the second movement time Tm2 of the second conveyor belt 129, the second seat portion 125 moves along the second direction of travel A2 by a distance equal to the separation step D.

[0196] A second loading area 123 is defined along the second active sector 121 of the second transport path 120, where it is adapted so that one second seat 125 stops at a time for a second stop time Ts2.

[0197] The N heads 42 of the transfer device 40 are configured to deliver, one at a time, the N electrochemical cells picked up from the pickup area 24 of the reshaping device 1 during a continuous second stop time Ts2 to the second seat 125 currently stopped in the second deposition area 123.

[0198] The adjustment unit 44 of the transfer device 40 is configured to command the rotation of the N heads 42 so that the N heads 42 are sequentially positioned in the second deposition area 123 during N consecutive stop times Ts2, thereby enabling the delivery of the N picked-up electrochemical cells 30 to the second seat 125, which stops in the second deposition area 123 each time.

[0199] Along the second active sector 121 of the second transport path 120, a plurality of work areas 122 are defined downstream of the second accumulation area 123 with respect to the second direction of travel A2.

[0200] In each work area 122, one second seat 125 is adapted to stop for a stop time Ts2 and perform an adjustment operation.

[0201] Such adjustment operations may include, for example, inserting a hollow cylinder (not shown) adapted to protect the inner wall of the through-hole 31 into the through-hole 31 of the jelly roll-type electrochemical cell 30 during a subsequent welding process in which a welding device needs to be inserted into the through-hole 31 of the jelly roll.

[0202] Other examples of adjustment operations may include operations to check the electrical resistance between various elements of the electrochemical cell, operations to visually inspect the electrochemical cell 30, such as those adapted to check the dimensions of through-holes 31, operations to write data to the outer surface of the electrochemical cell 30, operations to check and verify the written data, and operations to reject electrochemical cells deemed unsuitable.

[0203] In the reshaping machine 1, if the time interval T between one movement step P and the other is equal to N times Tc (i.e., T = N * Tc), then the second time interval T2 between the second movement step P2 and the other is equal to Tc (i.e., T2 = T / N = Tc).

[0204] Preferably, the stopping time Ts2 is greater than the travel time Tm2 to maximize the time spent on each adjustment operation.

[0205] For example, if Tc=1s, Ts2 can be set to approximately 0.66 seconds, and Tm2 can be set to approximately 0.34 seconds. Thus, each adjustment operation can be performed with an execution time of 0.66 seconds.

[0206] Assuming that the adjustment operations performed in the work area 122 generally require a shorter execution time in each electrochemical cell 30 than the execution time required for the reshaping operation, the present invention advantageously enables the reshaping operation to be performed for an execution time longer than the construction cycle time Tc of the electrochemical cell 30 without requiring the deceleration of the adjustment equipment 101 which operates freely at cycle time T2 = T / N = Tc. The same applies to the construction station 60, which can construct the cell 30 in construction step Tc.

[0207] Therefore, overall, the present invention advantageously allows for the insertion of a slower station (reshaping equipment 1) operating with a longer cycle time T equal to N*Tc between two "faster" stations (construction station 60 and adjustment equipment 101) operating with a cycle time Tc, without requiring the presence of a buffer or the need to adapt the processing times of these "faster" stations to the processing times of the "slower" station.

[0208] Finally, it should be noted that even if Figures 1 to 7 refer to a processing line in which the first "slower" station consists of a reshaping device 1 and the upstream and downstream stations of the first station consist of a construction station 60 and a regulating device 101, respectively, the present invention is generally similarly applicable to other types of lines that include a "slower" station between two "faster" stations.

Claims

1. A processing line (70) of an electrochemical cell (30) comprising a first station (1) and a mobile device (50), wherein the first station (1) has a first device (1), and the first device (1) is - A conveyor (29) that moves in stages along a transport path (20) according to the direction of travel A by a movement step P and according to the time interval T between one movement step P and the next, wherein the time interval T is defined by the movement time Tm and stopping time Ts of the conveyor (29), and the conveyor (29) - A plurality of seat portions (25), each configured to house an electrochemical cell (30), and arranged on the conveyor (29) so as to be transported along the transport path (20), - Working device (80), Equipped with, - The transport path (20) comprises an active sector (21), the seat portions (25) are equidistant from each other, and are spaced apart along the direction of travel A according to a predetermined separation step D along at least the active sector (21) of the transport path (20), the movement step P of the conveyor (29) corresponds to N times the predetermined separation step D, where N is an integer at least equal to 2, -A work area (22) is defined along the active sector (21) of the transport path (20) such that N seats out of the plurality of seats stop at the same time for the stop time Ts, and the work device (80) is configured to simultaneously perform the same operation for the N electrochemical cells (30) housed in the N seats (25) that have stopped in the work area (22) for the stop time Ts. - Along the active sector (21) of the transport path (20), upstream of the work area (22) with respect to the direction of travel A, a loading area (23) is defined which is adapted so that N of the multiple seat portions (25) stop at one time for the stopping time Ts, and the moving device (50) sequentially places N electrochemical cells (30) on the conveyor (29) at N different positions (P1, P2, P3) of the N seat portions (25) that are currently stopped within the loading area (23) for the stopping time Ts. A processing line (70) is configured as follows.

2. The processing line (70) according to claim 1, wherein the time interval T between one moving step P and the other of the conveyor is equal to N times a predetermined cycle time Tc of the line, and the stop time is greater than the predetermined cycle time Tc of the line and the predetermined cycle time Tc of the line corresponding to the cycle time of a further station different from the first station.

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

4. The processing line (70) according to claim 3, wherein during the stop time Ts, the moving device (50) is configured to sequentially pick up the N electrochemical cells (30) from the construction station (60) and then sequentially place them on the conveyor (29).

5. The processing line (70) according to claim 3 or 4 further comprises the construction station (60) adapted to construct the electrochemical cell (30) in the construction cycle time Tc.

6. A processing line (70) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a pickup area (24) is defined downstream of the work area (22) with respect to the direction of travel A, along the active sector (21) of the transport path (20), and the first device (1) comprises a transport device (40) having N heads (42) configured to sequentially pick up N electrochemical cells (30) in the pickup area (24) from N seats (25) of a plurality of seats (25) that move through the pickup area (24) over a travel time Tm.

7. The processing line (70) according to claim 6, wherein the N heads (42) are mounted so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis (R) so as to periodically follow a closed-loop orbit (43), and the closed-loop orbit (43) cooperates with the transport path (20) in the pickup region (24) so ​​as to enable the N electrochemical cells (30) to be picked up by the N heads (42).

8. The transfer device (40) comprises an adjustment unit (44) configured to command the rotation of the N heads (42) for a total rotation time equal to the time interval T, such that the N heads (42) are sequentially in the pickup area (24) during the transfer time Tm, then continue to rotate, and return to the pickup area (24) again during the stop time Ts, the processing line (70) according to claim 7.

9. - A second conveyor (129) moves in stages along a second transport path (120) according to a second direction of travel A2 by a second movement step P2 and according to a second time interval T2 between the second movement step P2 and the other, wherein the second time interval T2 is defined by the second movement time Tm2 and the second stop time Ts2 of the second conveyor, and T2 = T / N. - A plurality of second seat portions (125), each configured to accommodate an electrochemical cell (30), the second seat portions (125) are arranged on the second conveyor (129) so as to be transported along the second transport path (120), the second seat portions (125) are equidistant from each other and spaced apart along the second direction of travel A2 according to a predetermined separation step D along at least the second active sector (121) of the second transport path (120), and the second movement step P2 of the second conveyor (129) is a plurality of second seat portions (125) corresponding to the predetermined separation step D, The processing line (70) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a second station (101) having the same.

10. The processing line (70) according to claim 9, wherein a second loading area (123) is defined along the second active sector (121) of the second transport path (120), which is adapted so that one of the plurality of second seat portions (125) stops at a second stopping time Ts2 at a time.

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

12. The processing line (70) according to claims 11 and 8, wherein the adjustment unit (44) of the transfer device (40) is configured to command the rotation of the N heads (42) so that the N heads (42) are sequentially positioned in the second deposition area (123) for N consecutive stop times Ts2, thereby enabling the delivery of the picked-up N electrochemical cells (30) to the second seat (125) which stops in the second deposition area (123) each time.

13. A processing line (70) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein a plurality of second work areas (122) are defined along the second active sector (121) of the second transport path (120) downstream of the second stacking area (123) with respect to the second direction of travel A2, and in each second work area (122) it is configured such that one of the plurality of second seat areas (125) stops at a time for the stop time Ts2.

14. The processing line (70) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the working device (80) is a reforming device having N reforming needles (81), and in the working area (22) defined along the active sector (21) of the transport path (20), the N reforming needles (81) and the N seats (25) currently stopped in the working area (22) are movable relative to each other so as to enable simultaneous insertion of the N reforming needles (81) into each hole (31) of the N electrochemical cells (30) housed in the N seats (25) currently stopped in the working area (22).

15. The processing line (70) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the electrochemical cell (30) is of the jelly roll type.

16. A method for processing an electrochemical cell (30), - Moving a plurality of seat units (25) in stages along a transport path (20) in accordance with the direction of travel A by a movement step P, and according to a time interval T between one movement step P and the other, wherein the time interval T is defined by a movement time Tm and a stop time Ts, the seat units (25) are equidistant from each other and are spaced apart along at least one active sector (21) of the transport path (20) according to a predetermined separation step D, and the movement step P corresponds to N times the predetermined separation step D. - During the stepwise movement of the plurality of seat portions (25), at the stop time Ts, N seat portions (25) from the plurality of seat portions (25) are stopped at one time in a work area (22) defined along the active sector (21) of the transport path (20), and the same operation is performed simultaneously on the N electrochemical cells (30) transported by the N seat portions (25) stopped in the work area (22), - During the stepwise movement of the plurality of seat portions (25), at the stop time Ts, N of the plurality of seat portions (25) are stopped at once in a deposit area (23) defined along the active sector (21) of the transport path (20) upstream of the work area (22) with respect to the direction of travel A, and N electrochemical cells (30) are sequentially placed at N different positions (P1, P2, P3) of the N seat portions (25) stopped in the deposit area (23), A processing method that includes this.

17. The method according to claim 16, comprising, during the stop time Ts, sequentially picking up N electrochemical cells (30) from a construction station (60) having a predetermined construction cycle time Tc, and sequentially placing them in the N seat portions (25) currently stopped within the deposition region (23), wherein the time interval T between one movement step P and the other is equal to N times the construction cycle time Tc.

18. During the stepwise movement of the plurality of seat portions (25), at the movement time Tm, - To sequentially pass N of the multiple seat portions (25) within the pickup area (24) defined along the active sector (21) of the transport path (20) downstream of the work area (22) with respect to the direction of travel A, The method according to claim 16 or 17, comprising sequentially picking up N electrochemical cells (30) from the N seat portions (25) moving within the pickup region (24).

19. - A second movement step P2 moves a plurality of second seats (125) in stages along a second transport path (120) in accordance with a second direction of travel A2 and a second time interval T2 between the second movement step P2 and the other, wherein the second time interval T2 is defined by a second movement time Tm2 and a second stop time Ts2, where T2 = T / N, the second seats (125) are equidistant from each other and are spaced apart along at least a second active sector (121) of the second transport path (120) according to a predetermined separation step D, and the second movement step P2 corresponds to the predetermined separation step D. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, further comprising:

20. The method according to claims 18 and 19, further comprising, during the second stop time Ts2, stopping one of the plurality of second seat portions (125) at a time in a second deposition region (123) along the second active sector (121) of the second transport path (120), and during a continuous stop time Ts2, delivering one at a time the N electrochemical cells (30) picked up from the N second seat portions (25) moving from the pickup region (24) to the second seat portion (125) stopped in the second deposition region (123).

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