Selective flipping device of a sheet electrode

Abstract

The present invention relates to a selective tilting device for a sheet electrode, that is, a method for selectively inverting the electrode. In addition, the present invention relates to an electrochemical cell or an electrochemical cell semi-finished product manufacturing device that uses the method implemented by the aforementioned selective inversion device for sheet electrodes. In particular, the present invention is intended for use in manufacturing an electrochemical cell comprising a plurality of anodes and cathodes alternately stacked with a separator layer made of dielectric material interposed therebetween, which is called a so-called prismatic cell. In particular, the present invention is intended for use in manufacturing an electrochemical cell comprising a plurality of anodes and cathodes alternately stacked with a separator layer made of dielectric material interposed therein, which is called a so-called prismatic cell.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a selective flipping device for a sheet electrode, that is, a method for selectively flipping said electrode.

[0002] The present invention is also intended for equipment for manufacturing an electrochemical cell or semi-finished electrochemical cell products employing the selective inversion device of the aforementioned sheet electrode, as well as for a method implemented by such equipment. Background Technology

[0003] According to the applicant's experience, general equipment for manufacturing prismatic electrochemical cells comprises at least one electrode supply magazine, a conveyor belt for transporting electrodes to a work station, such as a cell assembly station, for example, and one or more manipulators for picking up electrodes from said at least one magazine and placing them on the conveyor belt.

[0004] An example of an assembly station is described in patent application WO2024 / 074998.

[0005] The electrodes within a single magazine can be arranged randomly or in stacks that are not necessarily ordered.

[0006] Therefore, the actuator must not only pick up the electrodes and transport them on the belt, but in some cases, move the electrodes within space accompanied by one or more axial rotations to arrange them on the belt according to the functionally desired orientation for cell generation.

[0007] In this particular instance, the term “orientation” refers to an electrode arrangement with one side exposed in both the magazine and the belt. More specifically, where the electrode defines a first side and a second side facing the first side, the electrode takes on a first orientation by being supported and positioned on the second side—thereby exposing the first side. Otherwise, if it is supported and positioned on the first side and the second side is exposed, the electrode takes on a second orientation. This applies, for example, to both arrangements in the magazine and arrangements on the conveyor belt.

[0008] The applicant noted that widely used solutions of this type exhibit a significant number of problems.

[0009] Above all, picking up electrodes from the magazine with a manipulator is prone to error. For example, when electrodes are supplied as a stack inside the magazine, gripping the first electrode can cause the electrode below it to move as well or cause the two electrodes to rub against each other; in this case, there is a high risk of damage to the electrode below it.

[0010] Once again, the applicant noted that the manipulator consumes a significant amount of time to efficiently pick up electrodes from the magazine and transport them to the belt, which affects the overall speed of cell manufacturing.

[0011] This inherent slowness of the system is further increased when the electrodes must be moved within space according to axial rotation to arrange them on the conveyor belt in an orientation different from the orientation at which the manipulator picked them up.

[0012] The applicant also noted that increasing the speed of the manipulator to reduce working time entails not only a significant risk of damaging the electrode when gripping it, but also an increase in orientation errors or, more simply, positioning errors on the belt.

[0013] In addition, since the actuator requires adequate operating space, the distance between the electrode magazine and the conveyor belt is not negligible, and it is the applicant's experience that this affects both the working time and the precision with which the electrodes are placed.

[0014] To overcome some of these problems, the applicant acknowledges that solutions having multiple magazines and / or multiple manipulators have been developed in the prior art. On the one hand, while these types of solutions appear to accelerate the electrode feeding time to the belt, on the other hand, the overall configuration of the facility is considerably more complex from a technical perspective, and the space required for the movement of the manipulators and the placement of the magazines increases significantly.

[0015] Therefore, starting from this prior art, the applicant has developed a solution to overcome the problems outlined above.

[0016] Electrochemical cells are devices capable of converting chemical energy into electrical energy (and / or vice versa), such as galvanic cells, both primary and secondary, capacitors (including supercapacitors), fuel cells, or electrolytic cells. The present invention seeks, but not exclusively, preferred applications in the field of electrochemical cell production for the manufacture of secondary electric batteries, also known as rechargeable batteries, which can be charged and discharged multiple times.

[0017] In particular, the present invention is intended for use in the manufacture of an electrochemical cell comprising a plurality of positive and negative electrodes, typically rectangular in shape, which are alternately stacked with a separation layer of dielectric material interposed therebetween, known as so-called prismatic cells.

[0018] A sheet electrode has a substantially flat shape. The term sheet electrode is used herein to refer, for example, to a single electrode plate, a pouch-type electrode, or an electrode plate coated with at least one separator layer. Generally, a sheet electrode refers to any type of electrode having a substantially plate-like shape and defining two opposing planar surfaces.

[0019] In the cell, the electrodes are stacked on top of each other by superposition on the planar planes.

[0020] In addition, the electrode has a protrusion (tab) intended to define the electrical connection of the electrochemical cell.

[0021] Depending on the shape and positioning of the tabs, the electrodes may have inherent asymmetry; therefore, within a stack of electrodes, each must be arranged in the same orientation to have overlapping tabs in a regular alignment.

[0022] In particular, the applicant has developed a selective inversion device for sheet electrodes, which preferably includes a gripping station defining a plane XY in which the electrodes are arranged in a first orientation AB.

[0023] Preferably, the device further comprises a gripping means including at least one first roller element that is rotatable about its own rotation axis X1 and configured to pick up an electrode from a gripping station in at least a rolling motion.

[0024] The applicant has found that this brings numerous advantages. In particular, it enables the electrode to be picked up without creep, thereby preventing the risk of damage caused by frictional movement on the electrode on or possibly beneath the surface of the gripping station.

[0025] Preferably, the first roller element, which is at least rotatable about its own rotation axis X1, has at least one cylindrical sector defining a peripheral surface configured to pick up and retain an electrode.

[0026] This has the advantage that the electrode is attached to the main surface, positioned, and gripping is stable and controlled.

[0027] Preferably, the device further comprises means for reversing the electrode, which again rotates about its own rotation axis X2 and includes at least one additional roller element having at least one cylindrical sector defining a peripheral surface configured to pick up and hold the electrode downstream of the first rotating roller element.

[0028] Preferably, the inversion means further comprises means for controlling the rotational direction of the first roller element and / or the additional roller element configured to selectively control the rotational direction with respect to rotation axes X1 and X2, thereby allowing the electrode picked up from the gripping station according to the first orientation to be selectively inverted to take on a second orientation.

[0029] Preferably, the device further includes electrode holding means related to the main surface of the roller element.

[0030] Preferably, the holding means can switch between an activation function that applies an attraction to the electrode and maintains the electrode attached to the peripheral surface, and a deactivation function that releases the electrode without applying the attraction.

[0031] Advantageously, this not only enables the electrode to be moved between one roller element and another roller element or between a roller element and a release surface, but also enables the roller element of the gripping means to be moved on top of the gripping station without picking up the electrode if necessary.

[0032] Preferably, the means for holding the electrode includes one or more suction nozzles for suctioning the electrode so as to attach it against a peripheral surface.

[0033] Preferably, the device includes handling means for rotating the at least one first roller element of the gripping means on the gripping station to move it to a tangential position to the at least one additional roller element of the inversion means from the gripping station.

[0034] Preferably, the handling means comprises a support frame rotatable about its own axis of rotation X3, parallel to the axis of rotation X1 of the at least one first roller element of the gripping means.

[0035] Preferably, the rotatable support frame is configured to rotate in a first rotational direction with respect to its own rotational axis X3, wherein at least one first roller element is connected to the rotatable support in a peripheral position and is rotatable in a rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction; wherein at least one first roller element is connected to the rotatable support by an articulated joint movable with respect to the rotatable support; wherein at least one additional roller element comprises a first additional roller element rotatable with respect to its own rotational axis X2' and a second additional roller element rotatable with respect to its own rotational axis X2'' and in contact with the first additional roller element, wherein the first additional roller element has a cylindrical sector configured to pick up and hold the electrode, and the second additional roller element has a cylindrical sector configured to pick up and hold the electrode.

[0036] Preferably, the at least one first roller element of the gripping means is connected to a support frame rotatable in a planetary configuration at its peripheral position by an articulated connection.

[0037] Preferably, the articulated connection comprises at least a first arm, the first end of the first arm is rotatably connected to the rotatable support frame about its own rotation axis X4, and the second end of the first arm rotatably supports the at least one first roller element of the gripping means about its own rotation axis X1.

[0038] Preferably, the articulated connection further includes a second arm having a first end slidably restrained to the first arm and a second end restrained to the rotatable support frame rotatable on a circular track.

[0039] Preferably, the articulated connection linearizes the movement of the at least one first roller element of the gripping means along a straight trajectory Y that contacts an electrode arranged within the aforementioned gripping station.

[0040] Along with the roller element rotating around its own axis, this makes it possible to obtain the rolling motion mentioned above.

[0041] Preferably, a plurality of gripping means, each comprising a roller element, are mounted on the rotatable support frame in a regularly and circumferentially spaced manner.

[0042] Preferably, the inversion means comprises two roller elements that tangent to each other.

[0043] Preferably, the additional roller element is configured to selectively reverse its own rotational direction with respect to the axis X2 after picking up the electrode from the first roller element, wherein one of the two roller elements comprises at least one cylindrical sector defining a peripheral surface configured to pick up and hold the electrode downstream of the additional rotatable roller element.

[0044] Preferably, the inversion assembly includes a third roller or a part of a roller that contacts a pair of roller elements, and the three rollers contact each other.

[0045] Preferably, the device further comprises a conveyor belt for moving the electrode along a supply direction Y' to supply the electrode to a work station, wherein the conveyor belt defines at least one linear section extending along a longitudinal axis Y and movable along the supply direction Y', wherein the linear section defines a support plane XY' movable along the supply direction, wherein the movement of the linear section along the supply direction Y' is provided by the rotation of belt tensioning rollers rotatable along their own rotational direction.

[0046] Preferably, the additional roller element of the reversing means is positioned to be in contact with a linear section of the belt and configured to transfer the electrode to the conveyor belt.

[0047] Preferably, the first roller element of the gripping means is moved by the handling means between the gripping position of the electrode from the gripping station and the tangential position with respect to the linear section of the conveyor belt.

[0048] Preferably, the first roller element is configured to selectively transfer the electrode to the conveyor belt.

[0049] The present invention also relates to a method for selectively inverting a sheet electrode, preferably comprising the step of making the electrode available at a gripping station according to a first orientation AB.

[0050] Preferably, the method also includes the step of grasping the electrode from the grasping station according to the first orientation AB by the rolling motion of the roller or roller portion on the electrode by a grasping means including a roller element.

[0051] Preferably, the method further comprises the step of moving the roller element of the gripping means between a position in contact with an additional roller element of the gripping station and the reversing means, wherein the additional roller element is rotatable about its own rotation axis X2.

[0052] Preferably, the method further comprises the step of selectively controlling the rotational direction of the first roller element of the gripping means and / or the additional roller element of the inversion means with respect to the rotation axes X1 and X2, thereby selectively inverting the electrode picked up from the gripping station according to the first orientation AB or the second orientation BA to take the second orientation BA or the first orientation AB.

[0053] Preferably, the step of selectively controlling the rotational direction of the first roller element of the gripping means and / or the additional roller element of the reversing means with respect to the rotational axes X1 and X2 includes reversing the rotational direction, and is performed when the electrode is gripped by the first roller element of the gripping means and / or the additional roller element of the reversing means, respectively.

[0054] Preferably, the step of moving the roller element of the gripping means between a position in contact with the gripping station and at least one additional roller element of the tilting means comprises: transferring the electrode from the at least one roller element of the gripping means to a first additional roller element of the tilting means and transferring the electrode from the first additional roller element of the tilting means to a second additional roller element of the tilting means at a position in contact with the first additional roller element, which is rotatable about its own rotation axis X2".

[0055] The present invention also relates to an apparatus for manufacturing an electrochemical cell or an electrochemical cell semi-finished product comprising a selective inversion device according to the present invention.

[0056] Preferably, the apparatus according to the present invention comprises one or more magazines for containing a plurality of arranged electrodes oriented along a first orientation AB or a second orientation BA, and each of the one or more magazines defines the gripping station of the inversion device.

[0057] Preferably, the work station further includes a supply conveyor belt that moves the electrode in the supply direction Y', wherein the conveyor belt extends along the longitudinal axis Y and defines at least one linear section movable along the supply direction Y', wherein the linear section defines a support plane XY' movable along the supply direction, and wherein the movement of the linear section in the supply direction Y' is provided by the rotation of a belt tension roller that is rotatable along its own rotational direction.

[0058] Preferably, the at least one additional roller element of the reversing means rotates in a second rotational direction opposite to the rotational direction of the belt.

[0059] Preferably, the electrodes within the one or more magazines are arranged in a stack by overlapping each other.

[0060] Preferably, the facility further includes an assembly station downstream of the conveyor belt, and the assembly station includes a stacking table configured to alternately accommodate electrodes and separators to form an electrochemical cell or an electrochemical cell semi-finished product.

[0061] The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing an electrochemical cell or an electrochemical cell semi-finished product in an apparatus according to the present invention. The method preferably comprises the step of grasping the electrode from the grasping station according to the first orientation AB by means of a grasping means comprising a roller element, by means of a rolling motion of the roller or roller portion on the electrode.

[0062] Preferably, the method further comprises the step of moving the roller element of the gripping means between a position in contact with an additional roller element of the gripping station and the reversing means, wherein the additional roller element is rotatable about its own rotation axis X2.

[0063] Once again, the above method preferably includes the step of selectively controlling the rotational direction of the first roller element of the gripping means and / or the additional roller element of the inversion means with respect to the rotation axes X1 and X2, thereby selectively inverting the electrode picked up from the gripping station according to the first orientation AB or the second orientation BA to take the second orientation BA or the first orientation AB.

[0064] In the method according to the present invention, preferably, the first roller element or the additional roller element is in contact with the straight section of the conveyor belt, and both are configured to selectively transmit the electrode to the conveyor belt. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0065] These features and additional features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent with reference to the accompanying drawings and from the following description of embodiments of the present invention given as examples, which are not to be considered limiting: - FIG. 1 shows a first variation of the first embodiment of the present invention; - FIG. 2 shows the first operating state of the first embodiment of FIG. 1; - FIG. 3 shows the second operating state of the first embodiment of FIG. 1; - FIGS. 4, FIGS. 4a, and FIGS. 4b illustrate a first variation of a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 4 illustrates the step of lifting an electrode, FIG. 4a is an enlarged view of the moment the electrode is lifted, and FIG. 4b shows how the electrode is arranged on a roller element after it has been lifted; - FIGS. 5 and 6 show the first and second operating states of the first variant of the first embodiment; - FIG. 7 shows a first variation of the second embodiment; - FIGS. 8 and 9 show the first and second operating states of the first variant of the second embodiment; - FIG. 10 shows a second variation of the second embodiment; - FIGS. 11 and 12 respectively show the step of lifting the electrode as an enlarged view at the moment of lifting the electrode, and FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of how the electrode is arranged on the roller element after it has been lifted; - FIG. 13 shows the tangential position of the gripping roller element with respect to the first roller element of the inversion assembly; - FIGS. 14 and 15 show the first and second operating states of the first variant of the second embodiment; - FIG. 16 shows a third embodiment, and in particular, the step of picking up the electrode and the position of the roller element in contact with the first roller element of the inversion assembly; - FIGS. 17 and 18 show the first and second operating states of the third embodiment; - FIG. 19 shows a fourth embodiment of the device according to the present invention; - FIG. 20 shows the step of picking up the electrode, an enlarged view of the moment the electrode is picked up, and an additional enlarged view showing the positioning of the electrode within the gripping roller element; -Fig. 21 shows the steps of a gripping roller element in a position in contact with the inversion assembly; - FIGS. 22 to 24 show the exchange of electrodes between the gripping roller element and the inversion assembly and within the inversion assembly; -Fig. 25 shows the exchange of electrodes between the inversion assembly and the roller element of the gripping means; - Fig. 26 shows electrodes being unloaded onto a conveyor belt; - FIG. 27 shows an alternative operating configuration of the fourth embodiment; - FIG. 28 shows a fifth embodiment of the device according to the present invention; - FIGS. 29 to 33 show the electrode exchange step between the two roller elements of the gripping means and the inversion assembly; -Fig. 34 shows electrodes being unloaded onto a conveyor belt; and - FIG. 35 shows an alternative operating configuration of the fifth embodiment. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0066] Referring to the drawings above, a selective inversion device for a sheet electrode is illustrated.

[0067] The electrode defines two principal planar planes defined by free edges. The exposed plane of the same electrode determines the orientation of the electrode. Thus, if the electrode lies on the first plane and the second plane is exposed, the first orientation AB is defined. If the electrode lies on the second plane and the first plane is exposed, the second orientation BA is defined. For illustrative purposes, the free edges of the electrode in the drawings are labeled with the letters A and B. Clearly, an arrangement of free edges in a linear sequence AB implies that the electrode takes the first orientation AB, and conversely, an arrangement of free edges in a linear sequence BA implies that the electrode takes the second orientation BA. The notation of edges and orientations in the drawings is entirely illustrative, and the opposite notation may be used without altering the understanding of the text or the device.

[0068] Generally, the above device comprises at least the following:

[0069] - Electrode gripping station in which electrodes are arranged according to a first orientation;

[0070] - Means for gripping an electrode from a gripping station;

[0071] - Means for reversing the electrode to selectively change the orientation of the electrode.

[0072] The gripping station (1) defines the plane XY on which the electrode is placed, where Y is the longitudinal axis and X is the transverse axis perpendicular to the axis Y.

[0073] A unique aspect of the device according to the present invention is that the lifting of the electrode by the gripping means occurs without any creep.

[0074] In practice, the gripping means picks up the electrode from the gripping station with a pure rolling motion consisting of two motion components: rotation about the rotation axis X1 and movement about the movement axis Y1, where these axes are parallel to the axes X and Y defining the electrode support plane.

[0075] The device according to the present invention is configured to supply a correctly oriented electrode to a work station of a facility for manufacturing an electrochemical cell or an electrochemical cell semi-finished product.

[0076] In a traditional configuration, the equipment includes a conveyor belt (2) that transports the electrode to the work station along the supply direction Y'.

[0077] More specifically, the conveyor belt is in the form of a closed loop and is wound around tension rollers that rotate about their own axis and move according to the first rotational direction of these tension rollers.

[0078] The conveyor belt defines at least one linear section (20) that extends along the longitudinal axis Y.

[0079] The linear section can move according to the aforementioned supply direction Y' defined on the axis Y.

[0080] The linear section of the conveyor belt defines a movable support plane XY' according to the above supply direction.

[0081] The above equipment also includes one or more electrode storage magazines (1), each of which defines a holding station for an inversion device.

[0082] According to the preferred solution, the magazine is filled with multiple stacked electrodes.

[0083] Accordingly, the gripping means of the device according to the present invention singles out the electrode when picked up from the top of the stack, thereby picking up the electrode separately from the electrodes below.

[0084] The rolling motion of the gripping means on the electrode therefore enables the electrode to be individualized without slipping or friction with the electrode below during stacking.

[0085] The magazine can be fixed or movable.

[0086] In this second case, the magazine may move along a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis Y, or alternatively, move along a vertical axis Z perpendicular to the axes X and Y.

[0087] In a preferred solution, the gripping means includes a roller element (3) rotatable about its own rotation axis X1.

[0088] Generally, in this description, the roller element refers to an element having a cylindrical shape, but also refers to an element defined by one or more cylindrical sectors arranged circumferentially and spaced apart from each other.

[0089] Once again, the definition of a roller element also includes an element having a substantially cylindrical shape but with a non-constant radius over the entire circumferential development, that is, an element having at least one cylindrical sector with a constant radius and tapered areas with a reduced radius.

[0090] In the drawing, for the sake of simplification of representation, the roller element is represented as a circular cross-section with a constant radius to the extent that it does not compromise the variations described above.

[0091] As will be discussed in more detail below with the help of the description of individual embodiments, the inversion means also includes one or more roller elements.

[0092] The roller element (3) is then configured to pick up and hold the electrode. In particular, at least one of the cylindrical sectors of the same element includes a reversible means for maintaining the electrode attached to the peripheral surface of the sector itself. The sheet electrode is then wound around the peripheral surface of the cylindrical sector of the roller element. In a preferred embodiment, the reversible holding means includes a suction nozzle that pulls and holds the electrode in an attached position by affecting the peripheral surface of the roller element to form a vacuum thereon.

[0093] Alternative solutions are not excluded, such as the use of reversible magnetic retaining means capable of retaining electrodes by magnetic attraction or solutions using adhesive materials to coat the peripheral surface.

[0094] The reversible retention means can also switch between an activation function that applies an attractive force to the electrode and maintains the electrode attached to the peripheral surface, and a deactivation function that releases the electrode without applying the said attractive force.

[0095] The reversing means also includes at least one additional roller element (4) rotatable about its own axis X2.

[0096] Once again, the inversion means also includes means for controlling the rotational direction of the first roller element (3) and / or additional roller element (4) in a manner that selectively controls the rotational direction relative to its own rotational axis in order to selectively modify the orientation of the electrode.

[0097] The control means will not be described in detail, assuming that it is self-evident to a person skilled in the art to select an element capable of changing the rotational direction of the rotatable roller element from among the numerous possibilities available to them at their discretion. For example, the control means may include a motor acting on the rotational axis of the roller element and an electronic control unit controlling the motor's motion output. Obviously, other solutions may be provided.

[0098] Additionally, by convention, in this description, all axes parallel to the transverse axis X are X', X'', … X n Or they will be denoted as X1, X2, … Xn. All axes parallel to the longitudinal axis Y are Y', Y'', … n Or it will be displayed as Y1, Y2, …

[0099] We will now delve deeper into the advantages of the present invention by relying on the descriptions of individual examples explained in detail below.

[0100] First embodiment

[0101] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, a first variation of a first embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention is illustrated, wherein the gripping means comprises a first roller element (3). The first roller element is rotated on an electrode by a connecting rod-crank type operating system, generally denoted by reference numeral (5). The electrode is arranged within a gripping station—defining a support plane XY—according to a first orientation AB.

[0102] More specifically, the first roller element is rotatable about its own axis X1, which is supported at one end (500) of the connecting rod (50). The opposite end (501) of the connecting rod is forced to move along a circular track of constant radius defined on the periphery of the crank (51), which rotates about its own axis of rotation X3. Due to the movement of the opposite end of the connecting rod along this track, the first roller element (3) is capable of parallel translation on the axis Y1. Depending on the direction of rotation of the crank about its own axis, the parallel translation occurs in a specific direction.

[0103] The reversing means also includes at least one additional roller element (4) rotatable about its own axis X2.

[0104] The first roller element can move from the gripping station to a position where it is picked up by the electrode and contacts the additional roller element (4).

[0105] At this position, by controlling the rotational direction of the first and / or additional roller elements by means of a control means, electrodes can be exchanged between two roller elements in contact with each other, that is, they can be unloaded directly from the first roller element.

[0106] In a specific embodiment, the electrode is released directly onto the support surface (20) of the conveyor belt (2) of the facility for manufacturing electrochemical cells by means of inversion.

[0107] In the above solution, additional roller elements are arranged in contact with the plane of the conveyor belt.

[0108] At the aforementioned tangential position, the first roller element also contacts the support surface of the conveyor belt and is positioned in an aligned arrangement with respect to the additional roller element.

[0109] As previously explained, the conveyor belt is moved by the rotational movement of tension rollers according to a first rotational direction which may be clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0110] The above rotation direction also determines the direction of the supply rotation Y'.

[0111] In order to transmit electrodes between the roller element and the tangent, or between the roller element (3) or (4) and the belt (2), the two roller elements or the roller element and the belt must rotate in opposite directions, that is, have opposite directions of rotation on their axes of rotation.

[0112] Returning to the specific embodiment described, the first roller element (3) of the gripping means performs rolling motion on the electrode at the gripping station oriented in a direction corresponding to Y', and thus rotates in a direction of rotation corresponding to the direction of rotation of the conveyor belt.

[0113] If this rotational direction is maintained, the first roller element can only transfer the electrode to an additional roller element (4) of the reversing means having the opposite rotational direction.

[0114] Once the electrode is received, additional roller elements sequentially transfer it to the belt (Fig. 3).

[0115] However, if the rotational direction of the first roller element is reversed after receiving the electrode from the gripping station (1), the electrode can be delivered directly to the belt by bypassing the additional roller element once a tangential position to the additional roller element and the belt is reached (Fig. 2).

[0116] Regarding the electrode, it is picked up from the gripping station according to orientation AB according to the exposed surface, and the exposed surface is also a surface attached to the peripheral surface of the gripping roller element.

[0117] In the case of FIG. 2, where the first roller element directly transmits the electrode to the belt, there is no inversion, and therefore the electrode is transmitted to the belt with the same orientation (the same side is exposed relative to the gripping station).

[0118] Instead, as shown in FIG. 3, where the first roller element transfers the electrode to an additional roller element, the electrode is reversed when passing between one roller and the other roller, because the second roller (in the functional sequence) picks up the electrode from where it was the support surface and releases it onto the belt on the exposed surface, and thus the electrode will be placed on the belt in an orientation opposite to that of the gripping (an exposed surface different from the gripping station).

[0119] To facilitate the separation of the electrodes and passage between the two roller elements or between the roller elements and the conveyor belt, the reversible holding means is switched to an inactive state.

[0120] FIGS. 4 to 6 show a second variation of the first embodiment.

[0121] The main difference between this variant and the previous one is that the first roller element (3) is connected to a support frame (5) that rotates about its own rotation axis X3. As illustrated in the images, the first roller element (3) is connected to the periphery of the rotatable support frame in an orbital position by an articulated connection (50). The connection is rotatable about an axis X4 that is at least parallel to the rotation axis X3 and positioned at the periphery of the rotatable support frame. The articulated connection also linearizes the motion of the roller element tangentially to the electrodes arranged within the gripping station along a straight orbit Y1.

[0122] This planetary structure moves the first roller element (3) in a rolling manner on the gripping station to a position where it comes into contact with an additional roller element (4) of the reversing means in order to pick up the electrode.

[0123] Similar to the first variation of the first embodiment, the first roller element (3) is in contact with the roller element (4) and is positioned tangentially to the conveyor belt (2).

[0124] When picking up the electrode from the gripping station, the rotational direction of the rotatable support relative to the rotation axis X3 is opposite to the rotational direction of the first roller element relative to its own rotation axis X1.

[0125] In this variation of the embodiment, the rotatable support frame (5) has a rotational direction that matches that of the belt, while the first roller element rotates in a counter-rotation. Thus, rolling motion occurs in a direction Y'' opposite to the supply direction Y'.

[0126] At the tangential position, if the first roller element maintains the rotational direction, it directly unloads the electrode onto the belt according to the gripping orientation (Fig. 5).

[0127] Otherwise, by reversing the direction of rotation, the first roller element transfers the electrode to an additional roller element of the inversion means to reverse its orientation. When exiting the inversion device, the additional roller element supplies the electrode to the conveyor belt with an orientation reversed from that of the gripper (Fig. 6).

[0128] In this additional variation of the first embodiment, a rotatable support may have a plurality of first roller elements installed in an orderly distribution on its periphery, each of which is configured to pick up sequentially from a gripping station and enter tangentially with an additional roller element and a conveyor belt.

[0129] This carousel structure enables faster delivery times of electrodes to the conveyor belt and then to the work station.

[0130] 2nd embodiment

[0131] Referring to FIGS. 7 through 9, a first variation of a second embodiment of the present invention is described. The gripping means comprises a first roller element (3), whereas in this case, the inversion means comprises two additional roller elements that are in contact with each other and rotatable about their respective axes X2' and X2'', and these constitute an inversion assembly (4).

[0132] These inversion assemblies (4) are positioned in contact with the support surface (20) of the conveyor belt (2). Two additional roller elements are also aligned and arranged in order along the feed axis Y' to define the proximal roller element (40) and distal roller element (41) of the inversion assembly, where the terms "proximal" and "distal" are defined according to the position of the roller elements relative to the gripping station.

[0133] Going into more detail, the first roller element is supported during movement by the connecting rod-crank system (5) already described for the first embodiment.

[0134] The first roller element (3) rotates in a direction that matches the rotational direction of the conveyor belt (2) and moves toward the inversion assembly in a direction Y1 that matches the supply direction Y', picking up the electrode while rolling from the gripping station. The first roller element is also sent to a position that contacts the proximal roller element (40) of the inversion assembly.

[0135] At the above position, the first roller element exchanges the electrode with the proximal roller by tangential motion in two possible operating modes:

[0136] 1) The first roller element (3) maintains its rotational direction and exchanges electrodes with the proximal roller (40), which has an opposite rotational direction. By having a rotational direction opposite to the rotational direction of the belt, the proximal roller directly transmits electrodes to the belt in an orientation opposite to the gripping orientation (Fig. 9).

[0137] 2) The first roller element (3) reverses its rotational direction and exchanges the electrode with the proximal roller element (40). Once the electrode is exchanged between the first roller element and the proximal roller, an additional exchange is performed between the proximal roller element and the distal roller element (41). The two roller elements are in opposite rotational states, where the distal roller element has a rotational direction opposite to the rotational direction of the belt. Once the electrode is grasped, the distal roller element transfers it to the belt in an orientation that matches the orientation when it was picked up from the grasping station (Fig. 8).

[0138] The applicant noted that the operating modes described above enable the electrode to pass from the gripping station to the release surface in the shortest possible time.

[0139] Nevertheless, as a function of the rotational direction of the roller elements and their controllability, it is generally possible to establish variations of operation different from those described above. For example, in an alternative mode to the second mode of operation mentioned above, the first roller element (3) exchanges the electrode with the proximal roller (40) by tangential motion while maintaining its rotational direction opposite to the rotational direction of the proximal roller. Once the electrode is exchanged between the first roller element (3) and the proximal roller (40), the proximal roller reverses its rotational direction, and further exchange is performed between the proximal roller element and the distal roller element (41). The two roller elements are in opposite rotational states, where the distal roller element (41) has a rotational direction opposite to the rotational direction of the belt. Once the electrode is grasped, the distal roller element transfers it to the belt in an orientation that matches the orientation when it was picked up from the grasping station (Fig. 8).

[0140] It is assumed that there is a switching of the holding means between the active state and the inactive state and vice versa upon the passage of the electrode between the roller element and the tangent and between the roller element and the belt.

[0141] In additional variations illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 15, the first roller element is supported in an orbital position by a planetary structure (5) as already described for the first embodiment. In particular, the planetary structure includes a rotatable support frame to which the first roller element is connected by an articulated connection (50).

[0142] The articulated connection includes a first arm (510) extending from a first end (510a) connected to the periphery of a rotatable support. The first arm (510) is articulated on a rotatable support frame (5) with respect to a rotation point X4 along the axis X. A second end (510b) of the first arm (510) rotatably supports a first roller element (3). The articulated connection also includes a second arm (511) having a first end (511a) slidably constrained on the first arm and a second end (511b) constrained to a guide (52) having a circular track integral with the rotatable support (5). The articulated connection linearizes the motion of the first roller element along a straight track Y1 tangential to the electrode during rolling motion in relation to the gripping station.

[0143] In this additional variation of the embodiment, the first roller element (3) rolls on the electrode on the gripping station in a direction that matches the supply direction, and thus rolls in a rotational direction that matches that of the belt.

[0144] The rotatable support frame (5) is in the opposite rotational state.

[0145] Similar to a variation of the embodiment described above, at a station in contact with a proximal roller element of the inversion assembly, the first roller element of the gripping means can exchange electrodes with a proximal roller element rotating in the opposite direction while maintaining its rotational direction, and the proximal roller element then transmits them to the belt with inversion, thus transmitting them in an orientation opposite to the gripping orientation (Fig. 14). Alternatively, the first roller element reverses its rotational direction and exchanges electrodes with the proximal roller element of the inversion assembly, and the proximal roller element then transmits them to a distal roller element. The latter has a rotational direction opposite to the belt, and the electrodes are transmitted to the belt in a non-flipped setting, that is, in the same orientation as the gripping orientation (Fig. 15).

[0146] In this case as well, similar to the variations of the embodiments described above, additional operating modes are possible depending on the flexibility of the control of the roller elements in addition to those just described, and it is understood from the applicant's experience that the operating mode described above is the mode in which the shortest time is required for the electrode to pass from the gripping station to the release surface. For example, in one operating mode, the first roller element (3) of the gripping means is configured to maintain the direction of rotation by exchanging the electrode with the proximal roller element (40) rotating in the opposite direction. The latter can reverse the direction of rotation and subsequently transfer the electrode to the distal roller element (41). The latter has a direction of rotation opposite to that of the belt, and the electrode is transferred to the belt in a non-reversal setting, that is, in the same orientation as the gripping orientation (Fig. 15).

[0147] Third embodiment

[0148] Referring to FIGS. 16 through 18, a third embodiment of the present invention is provided. In this configuration, the configuration of an inversion assembly having three roller elements in contact with one another is unique, while maintaining elements common to those described above. In this configuration, each roller element is in contact with the other two, and two roller elements (40) and (41) are longitudinally aligned with each other and both are in contact with the release surface of the conveyor belt, as well as being rotatable about their own axes X2' and X2''. A third roller element (42) that rotates about its own axis X2''' is arranged above them. The third roller element thus defines the input to the inversion assembly. The two roller elements in contact with the belt are instead the output of the inversion assembly and are still identifiable with respect to proximal or distal positioning with respect to the gripping station.

[0149] In this case as well, once the electrode is picked up, the first roller element (3) of the gripping means is sent to contact the input roller element (42). When the first roller element exchanges the electrode with the input roller element (42) of the inversion assembly, two operating modes are possible:

[0150] 1) The input roller element exchanges the electrode with the proximal roller element (40), which in turn exchanges it with the distal roller element (41). In this case, the input roller element (42) and the distal one have a rotational direction opposite to that of the belt, and the proximal roller element has a rotational direction that matches the belt. The electrode then exits the inversion assembly by the distal roller element in an orientation opposite to that of the gripping station and is released onto the belt (Fig. 18).

[0151] 2) When the input roller element (42) receives an electrode from the first roller element (3) of the gripping means, it reverses its rotational direction and directly exchanges the electrode with the distal roller element (41); the distal roller element (41) has a rotational direction opposite to that of the belt, and thus the input roller is in a rotational state opposite to that. Once exchanged between the two rollers, the electrode is released from the distal roller element onto the belt in the same orientation as when it was picked up from the gripping station (Fig. 17).

[0152] As illustrated in the drawings, the first roller of the gripping means is supported by a rotatable support frame (5) in a planetary motion structure. In this exemplary embodiment, the rotatable support causes the first roller element to roll on an electrode in the gripping station in a direction that coincides with the supply direction Y', and thus the first roller element rotates in a direction that coincides with the belt rotation.

[0153] The input roller element of the inversion assembly therefore has a rotational direction opposite to that of the belt in the first operating mode, while reversing its own rotation to have a rotational direction that matches that of the belt in the second operating mode.

[0154] 4th embodiment

[0155] Referring to FIGS. 19 to 27, a fourth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

[0156] In this case, the inversion assembly is still composed of two roller elements (40) and (41) that are aligned and contact in a straight line and rotatable about their own axes X2' and X2'', but the inversion assembly is placed on a rotatable support frame (5) and is integral with it.

[0157] The first roller element (3) is made to roll by a rotatable support, and the rotatable support moves it to grip an electrode at the gripping station (1) according to a direction Y'' opposite to the supply direction Y'. As a result, the first roller element has a rotational direction opposite to that of the belt, while the rotatable support has a rotational direction that matches that of the belt.

[0158] The first roller element (3) is connected to a rotatable support by an articulated connection (50), which moves it from a position in contact with a gripping station to a position in contact with an inversion assembly, and in particular to both roller elements constituting the same. In this case, referring to the drawings, the articulated connection comprises a single arm (510) having an end (510a) rotatably connected to a support articulated on its own axis of rotation X4 and an opposite end (510b) rotatably supporting the first roller element. The handling means moves the arm—and thus the first roller element—between a tangential position with the gripping station and a tangential position with the inversion assembly. The handling means may be a mechanical motor drive, a cam drive, or other solutions that can be implemented in a manner obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0159] In the first operating mode, when entering a tangential state with the inversion assembly (Fig. 21), the first roller element exchanges electrodes with an input roller element (40) that rotates in the opposite direction to the first roller element (Fig. 22).

[0160] Subsequently, the input roller element exchanges its electrode with the second roller element (41), i.e., the output roller element of the inversion assembly (Fig. 23). In this step, the output roller element has a rotational direction that matches the first roller element.

[0161] At this point, the output roller element (41) reverses its rotational direction so as to be in a rotational state opposite to that of the first roller element (3) (Fig. 24), and thus delivers the electrode to it in an inverted configuration that is an orientation opposite to the orientation of the gripping station (Fig. 25).

[0162] The first roller element is then separated from the inversion assembly and moved to a position in contact with the conveyor belt (2), and unloads the electrodes on it in an orientation opposite to the gripping orientation (Fig. 26).

[0163] Alternatively, in a second operating mode, the first roller element (3) of the gripping means reverses its rotational direction to exchange the electrode with the oppositely rotating input roller element of the inversion assembly once the electrode is picked up from the gripping station (1). The electrode is then exchanged between the two rollers of the inversion assembly and then transferred back from the output roller element (41) to the first roller element (3) of the gripping means, at which point the first roller element (3) has its rotational direction reversed once again to return to the opposite rotational configuration relative to the conveyor belt (2).

[0164] In the third operating mode, the first roller element (3) of the gripping means exchanges electrodes with the oppositely rotating input roller element of the inversion assembly. Once the electrode is picked up, the input roller element (40) reverses its own rotational direction and transfers the electrode to the oppositely rotating output roller element (41). In turn, the output roller element (41) transfers the electrode to the first roller element (3) of the gripping means, which has maintained its own rotational direction opposite to that of the conveyor belt (2).

[0165] In the fourth operating mode, the first roller element (3) transfers the electrode to the input roller element (40) of the inversion assembly, which in turn transfers it to the output roller element (41). Meanwhile, the first roller element (3) reverses its rotational direction to pick up the electrode from the output roller element (41). Once the electrode is picked up from the inversion assembly, the first roller element (3) of the gripping means reverses its rotational direction once again to return to the picking configuration, that is, to return to the opposite rotation relative to the belt.

[0166] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 27, if it is necessary to supply the electrode to the belt according to an orientation that matches the gripping orientation, the first roller element bypasses the inversion assembly and is sent directly from the gripping station to a position in contact with the conveyor belt.

[0167] When a rotatable support frame comprises a plurality of first roller elements of gripping means distributed in a regular manner on the periphery of the support, a dedicated inversion assembly will be provided for each of these as described above. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the rotatable support supports a fixed number of roller elements of gripping means and an equal number of inversion assemblies.

[0168] Fifth embodiment

[0169] Referring to FIGS. 28 to 35, a fifth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, comprising an inversion assembly (4) that is placed on a rotatable support frame but is independent of the rotational movement thereof.

[0170] The inversion assembly includes two roller elements (40) and (41) that are in contact with and aligned with each other, one of which is an input roller element (40) and the other is an output roller element (41). The two roller elements are rotatable about their own axes X2' and X2''.

[0171] In this case as well, as required in the example embodiment, the support (5) is rotatable about axis X3 in a rotational direction that matches the belt (2), while the first roller element (3) of the gripping means rotates in the opposite direction and rolls tangentially to the gripping station along the direction Y'' opposite to the supply direction.

[0172] The first roller element (3) of the gripping means is still connected to a rotatable support by an articulated connection (50) that includes an arm (510) that moves the first roller element between the position where it contacts the input roller element of the gripping station and the supply unit, as in the previous example.

[0173] At the above position (Fig. 29), the first roller element (3) exchanges electrodes with the input roller element (40) of the supply group, which rotates oppositely to the first roller element. Subsequently, the input roller element exchanges electrodes with the output roller element (41) of the inversion assembly, which rotates oppositely to the input roller element (Fig. 30). Once the electrodes are acquired, the output roller element (41) of the inversion assembly reverses its own rotation direction to unload the electrodes onto the peripheral surface of the second roller element (3') of the gripping means in the inverted position, that is, in an orientation opposite to the gripping orientation (Fig. 32).

[0174] The second roller element (3') is connected to a rotatably supported member by an articulated arm (510) that obtains its movement between the position in contact with the inversion assembly and the conveyor belt, similar to the first roller element (3), and the electrode is unloaded onto the conveyor belt in an inverted orientation (Figs. 33 and 34).

[0175] Alternatively, if there is no need to change the orientation of the electrode, the first roller element picks up the electrode from the gripping station and brings it directly onto the belt by bypassing the inversion assembly (Fig. 35).

[0176] Similar to the example of the fourth embodiment described above, it is also possible to control the system—and in particular the rotational direction of the roller elements—in modes alternative to those described above, even though it may be less efficient in terms of the time it takes for the electrode to pass from the gripping station to the release surface.

[0177] For example, in the second operating mode, the first roller element (3) of the gripping means reverses its own rotational direction to exchange the electrode with the oppositely rotating input roller element of the inversion assembly once the electrode is picked up from the gripping station (1). The electrode is then exchanged between the two rollers of the inversion assembly and subsequently passes through the output roller element (41), which delivers it to the second roller element (3') having a rotational direction opposite to that of the belt (2).

[0178] In the third operating mode, the first roller element (3) of the gripping means exchanges electrodes with the oppositely rotating input roller element of the inversion assembly. Once the electrode is picked up, the input roller element (40) reverses its own rotational direction and transfers the electrode to the oppositely rotating output roller element (41). In turn, the output roller element (41) transfers the electrode to the second roller element (3') of the gripping means, which has maintained its own rotational direction opposite to that of the conveyor belt (2).

[0179] In the fourth operating mode, the first roller element (3) transfers the electrode to the input roller element (40) of the inversion assembly, which in turn transfers it to the output roller element (41). The second roller element (3') picks up the electrode from the output roller element (41) in a rotational direction that matches that of the belt. Once the electrode is picked up from the inversion assembly, the second roller element (3') of the gripping means reverses its rotational direction to return to the picking configuration, that is, to return to a rotation opposite to that of the belt.

[0180] Once again, when a rotatable support is equipped with a plurality of roller elements of a gripping means, the first and second roller elements will be a pair of such a plurality of roller elements arranged in polar positions on the periphery of the support itself.

[0181] Referring to the embodiments described above, it should be noted that the roller elements are configured in such a way that they do not interfere with each other. In particular, it is evident that two full rollers can move tangentially only when rotating in opposite directions. Therefore, if the implemented solutions anticipate the use of rollers having a circular cross section and a regular radius, solutions will be provided to separate the rollers when one of the rollers is controlled to reverse rotation. Instead, in solutions where the rollers have at least one cylindrical sector and a part with an empty or reduced radius, the exchange of electrodes is achieved by the tangential of each circular sector, whereas the reversal step of the rotational direction corresponds to the non-tangential position of the rollers facing the empty part or the part with a reduced radius.

[0182] It was also mentioned that a grazing station can be defined by a magazine of a facility for manufacturing an electrochemical cell or an electrochemical cell semi-finished product. Solutions can also be envisioned in which there is one or more magazines and grazing roller elements operate sequentially for each of these magazines.

[0183] Each gripping station can also be fixed or movable along the longitudinal axis Y through relative motion with respect to the gripping roller element.

[0184] If necessary, the gripping station may also be able to move toward the roller on the Z axis and / or away from the roller.

[0185] The magazines may contain electrodes arranged in the same orientation or random orientation. Similarly, for multiple magazines, solutions may be conceived in which each magazine arranges electrodes according to a specific orientation or in a random manner. To verify the orientation of the electrodes at the pickup station and thus determine whether they are correctly oriented, cameras may be provided that frame the electrodes at the pickup station and send a signal to an inversion device, said signal determining the rotation of roller elements and their movement depending on whether the electrodes need to be inverted.

[0186] The present invention has been described so far with reference to its preferred embodiments. It is understood that other embodiments related to the same core of the invention may exist, all of which fall within the scope of protection of the following claims.

Claims

Claim 1 A device for selectively inverting a sheet electrode, wherein the sheet electrode comprises a first surface and a second surface facing each other, the first surface and the second surface define a first orientation AB and a second orientation BA according to their exposure, and the device comprises: a gripping station (1) defining a plane XY in which the electrode is arranged in the first orientation AB; and a gripping means comprising at least one first roller element (3) rotatably about its own rotation axis X1 and configured to pick up at least the electrode from the gripping station (1) - wherein the electrode is in the first orientation AB in a rolling motion, and the first roller element (3) has at least one cylindrical sector defining a peripheral surface configured to pick up and hold the electrode, and the at least one first roller element is rotatably about its own rotation axis X1 -; A selective inversion device comprising: an inversion means for inverting the electrode; wherein the inversion means comprises: at least one additional roller element (4, 40, 41) rotatable about its own rotation axis X2 - the roller element has at least one cylindrical sector defining a peripheral surface configured to pick up and hold the electrode downstream of the first roller element -; and means for controlling the rotational direction of at least one of the first roller element and the additional roller element - the means for controlling is configured to selectively control the rotational direction about the rotation axes X1, X2, thereby selectively inverting the electrode picked up from the gripping station (1) according to the first orientation to take a second orientation -; Claim 2 The optional inversion device of claim 1 further comprises a retaining means for retaining the electrode with respect to the peripheral surface of the roller element, wherein the retaining means is switchable between an activation function in which the retaining means applies an attractive force to the electrode and maintains the electrode attached to the peripheral surface, and a deactivation function in which the retaining means does not apply the attractive force and releases the electrode. Claim 3 An optional inversion device according to claim 1, further comprising handling means for rotating the at least one first roller element (3) of the gripping means on the gripping station (1) to move it from the gripping station (1) to a tangential position to at least one additional roller element (4, 40, 41) of the inversion means. Claim 4 In paragraph 3, the handling means comprises a support frame (5) rotatable about its own rotation axis X4, parallel to the rotation axis X1 of at least one first roller element (3) of the gripping means, an optional inversion device. Claim 5 In claim 4, the rotatable support frame (5) is configured to rotate in a first rotational direction about its own rotation axis (X3), and the at least one first roller element is connected to the rotatable support frame in a peripheral position and is rotatable in a rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction; the at least one first roller element (3) is connected to the rotatable support frame (5) by an articulated joint (50) movable about the rotatable support frame; and the at least one additional roller element (4, 40, 41) comprises a first additional roller element (40) rotatable about its own rotation axis X2' and a second additional roller element (41) rotatable about its own rotation axis X2'' and tangent to the first additional roller element, wherein the first additional roller element has a cylindrical sector configured to pick up and hold the electrode, and the second additional roller element has a cylindrical sector configured to pick up and hold the electrode, an optional inversion device. Claim 6 In paragraph 4, the at least one first roller element (3) of the gripping means is connected in a planetary configuration to a peripheral position of the rotatable support frame (5) by an articulated connection (50), the articulated connection includes at least a first arm (510), the first end (510a) of the first arm (510) is connected to the rotatable support frame (5) so as to be rotatable about its own rotation axis X3, and the second end (510b) of the first arm (510) supports the at least one first roller element (3) of the gripping means so as to be rotatable about its own rotation axis X1, an optional inversion device. Claim 7 In paragraph 5, the articulated connecting part (50) linearizes the movement of the at least one first roller element (3) of the gripping means along a straight trajectory Y, and the at least one first roller element is positioned tangentially to the electrode arranged within the gripping station (1), an optional inversion device. Claim 8 In paragraph 4, a selective inversion device in which a plurality of gripping means, each including a roller element, are mounted on the rotatable support frame (5) in a regularly and circumferentially spaced manner. Claim 9 An optional inversion device according to claim 1, wherein the inversion means comprises two additional roller elements (40, 41) in contact with each other. Claim 10 In claim 9, the additional roller element (4, 40, 41) is configured to selectively reverse its own rotational direction with respect to the rotation axis X2 after picking up the electrode from the first roller element (3), and one of the two roller elements comprises at least one cylindrical sector defining a peripheral surface configured to pick up and hold the electrode downstream of the additional roller element (4, 40, 41), an optional reversal device. Claim 11 In claim 9, the inversion means comprises a third roller element (42) in contact with the two additional roller elements in contact with each other, and the three rollers in contact with each other, an optional inversion device. Claim 12 In claim 1, a conveyor belt (2) for supplying an electrode to a work station—the conveyor belt moves the electrode along the supply direction Y', and the conveyor belt (2) develops along the longitudinal axis Y and defines at least one linear section (20) movable along the supply direction Y', the linear section (20) defines a support plane XY' movable along the supply direction, and the movement of the linear section (20) along the supply direction Y' is provided by the rotation of a belt tension roller rotatable along its own rotational direction, optional reversing device. Claim 13 A method for selectively flipping a sheet electrode, wherein the sheet electrode has a first surface and a second surface facing each other, and the first surface and the second surface define a first orientation AB and a second orientation BA according to their exposure, and the method comprises: A. making the electrode available at a gripping station (1) according to the first orientation AB; B. picking up the electrode from the gripping station (1) according to the first orientation AB by a rolling motion of the roller or roller portion on the electrode by a gripping means comprising a first roller element (3); and C. A method comprising the step of moving the first roller element of the gripping means between a position in contact with the additional roller element (4, 40, 41) of the gripping station and the inversion means, wherein the additional roller element (4, 40, 41) is rotatable about its own rotation axis X2; and further comprising the step of selectively controlling the rotational direction with respect to at least one rotation axis of the first roller element and the additional roller element, thereby selectively inverting the electrode picked up from the gripping station into the first orientation AB or the second orientation BA to take the second orientation BA or the first orientation AB. Claim 14 An apparatus for manufacturing an electrochemical cell or an electrochemical cell semi-finished product comprising a selective inversion device for electrodes according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the apparatus comprises one or more magazines for containing a plurality of ordered electrodes oriented along a first orientation AB or a second orientation BA—each of which defines the gripping station (1) of the inversion device—and the apparatus further comprises a conveyor belt (2) for moving the electrodes in a supply direction Y' at a work station, wherein the conveyor belt (2) defines at least one linear section (20) extending along a longitudinal axis Y and movable along the supply direction Y', wherein the linear section (20) defines a support plane XY' movable along the supply direction, and the movement of the linear section (20) in the supply direction Y' is provided by the rotation of a belt tension roller rotatable along its own rotational direction. Claim 15 A method for manufacturing an electrochemical cell or an electrochemical cell semi-finished product in an apparatus according to claim 14, comprising: A. picking up the electrode from the gripping station (1) by a roller portion on the electrode or by the rolling motion of the roller by a gripping means comprising a roller element (3) according to the first orientation AB; B. moving the roller element (3) of the gripping means between a position in contact with the additional roller element (40, 41) of the gripping station and the inversion means, wherein the additional roller element is rotatable about its own rotation axis X2; and the method further comprises the step of selectively controlling the rotational direction with respect to at least one rotation axis of the first roller element (3) and the additional roller element (4, 40, 41), thereby selectively inverting the electrode lifted from the gripping station (1) according to the first orientation AB or the second orientation BA to take the second orientation BA or the first orientation AB.

Images