Apparatus for packaging electrochemical cells for the production of batteries

Abstract

An apparatus for packaging electrochemical cells (1) (2) for the production of batteries, comprises an application unit (20), configured to fasten at least one electrical collector (4) to an axial end of an internal assembly (3) of an electrochemical cell. The application unit (20) comprises: - a wheel (21) provided with respective gripping members (23) for retaining the internal assembly (3), - a flattening station (24), configured to flatten, on an axial end of the internal assembly, at least one tab (5a, 6a) of a conductor element (5, 6) of the internal assembly while the latter is retained on the wheel (21), - a positioning station (25), located downstream of the flattening station (24), configured to position the electric collector (4) on the axial end of the internal assembly (3) while the latter is retained on the wheel (21), and - a fastening station (26), placed downstream of the positioning station (25), configured to fasten the electric collector (4) to the end of the internal assembly (3) while the latter (3) is retained on the wheel (21).

Description

[0001] Apparatus for packaging electrochemical cells for the production of batteries

[0002] The present invention concerns an apparatus for packaging electrochemical cells for the production of batteries.

[0003] The present invention applies, though not exclusively, to the production of secondary batteries, e.g. lithium-ion batteries, which will be referred to hereinafter without losing generality.

[0004] As known, the production of electrochemical cells involves, in wider terms:

[0005] - a step of packaging the electrochemical cell, in which an internal assembly of conductor elements (one for the anode and one for the cathode) and separator elements is made and in which said internal assembly is inserted into an outer protective casing,

[0006] - a step of filling the electrochemical cell with an electrolytic solution that is placed in contact with the internal assembly, and finally,

[0007] - a step of formation of the electrochemical cell that allows to make it suitable for delivering and / or storing electrical energy.

[0008] The packaging step, in particular, provides that the conductor elements and the separator elements are coupled according to a predefined structure, for example by superimposing them in alternating flat layers, as in the case of prismatic batteries, or by winding in a spiral alternating layers of conductor tapes and separator tapes to form a coil, as in the case of cylindrical batteries.

[0009] In any case, the structures of conductor elements and separator elements, generically indicated with the expression "internal assemblies", obtained by the coupling of conductor elements alternated to separator elements, before being introduced into the outer protective casing, are fastened at the opposed axial ends to special electrical collectors, each of which, by connecting the different elements of the same type of conductor (for example the anode or the cathode) together, forms one of the two electrical poles of the electrochemical cell.

[0010] In the present disclosure, as well as in the accompanying claims, certain terms and expressions are deemed to assume, unless otherwise expressly indicated, the meaning expressed in the following definitions.

[0011] The term "internal assembly" of an electrochemical cell generically refers to the structure in which the conductor elements and the separator elements are combined within the electrochemical cell. This structure can have substantially flat layers alternated through superimposition on top of each other (obtained by "stacking" or "Z-folding" techniques), i.e. it can be a cylindrical coil structure with a circular section or more generally with an elliptical section, formed by the spiral winding of conductor tapes and separator tapes alternated between them.

[0012] An electrical collector is a conductor element configured to electrically join single portions of a conductor element, i.e. single portions of distinct conductor elements, albeit of the same type. The electrical collector is preferably fastened to an axial end of the internal assembly. Preferably, the electrical collector has a shape of the axial end of the internal assembly to which it is fastened. For example, in the case of internal assembly in the form of a cylindrical coil with a circular section, the electric collector typically has a disc shape. Preferably, the portions of conductor element that are joined by the electrical collector are tabs protruding from the axial end of the internal assembly.

[0013] An electrical collector is "fastened" or "applied" to an internal assembly of an electrochemical cell when they are in a fastened condition of mutual contact.

[0014] "Tab" of a conductor element is meant to indicate a portion of the conductor element protruding from the main body of the internal assembly. For example, in the case of a cylindrical coil conformed internal assembly, the tab is a portion of conductor tape protruding from the cylindrical body of the coil. Preferably, the tab protrudes from the internal assembly along an axial direction.

[0015] "Flattening" of one or more tabs is meant to indicate the operation of folding the one or more tabs towards the main body of the internal assembly from which they protrude. In particular, when the one or more tabs protrude from an end of the main body of the internal assembly, the flattening operation consists in folding the one or more tabs against said end.

[0016] Preferably, the one or more tabs are folded against the end of the main body of the internal assembly, so as to make it substantially flat or almost flat.

[0017] The Applicant has observed that the operations that lead to the application of the electrical collectors to the axial ends of the internal assembly are particularly delicate and may be critical for the correct manufacture of the battery.

[0018] In particular, these operations require a lot of precision and accuracy both in the step of flattening the protruding tabs of the conductor elements against the respective axial ends of the internal assembly and in the step of positioning the electric collectors on the axial ends thus obtained and, finally, in the subsequent final step of fastening the electric collectors to the axial ends.

[0019] The Applicant has verified that the errors during these processing steps are often caused by an imprecise positioning of the internal assemblies with respect to the processing devices.

[0020] Furthermore, the Applicant has verified that these errors increase with increasing processing speed so that the demand for increased production capacity often requires the addition of another production line, multiplying the number of processing stations.

[0021] In order to find a solution that could improve the efficiency of these operations, the Applicant has observed that the internal assemblies are typically displaced between the different work stations where the aforesaid processings are carried out by means of linear conveyors, for example of the belt or chain type.

[0022] The Applicant, however, has verified that the conveyors of this type do not always allow high precision in the displacements, due to the high number of motion transmission mechanisms necessary for their operation and also the inherent deformability of some of its components, such as tapes and belts.

[0023] The Applicant has also verified how these conveyors are, with the same production capacity, particularly bulky.

[0024] The Applicant therefore understood that in order to improve the efficiency of battery production, limiting the number of rejects, even when high production capacities are required, it was necessary to intervene on the transport system of the internal assemblies between the different processing stations.

[0025] The Applicant has therefore found that by transporting the internal assemblies of the electrochemical cells by means of a wheel provided with appropriate gripping members for the internal assemblies and driven in rotation around its own axis so as to be displaced between the different processing stations necessary to apply an electric collector to an axial end of the internal assembly, a high degree of precision in the displacements is obtained that allows to increase the efficiency of the processings itself.

[0026] In a first aspect thereof, therefore, the present invention is directed to an apparatus for packaging electrochemical cells for the production of batteries.

[0027] Preferably, the apparatus comprises an application unit, configured to fasten at least one electrical collector to an axial end of an internal assembly of an electrochemical cell, so as to form a pole of said electrochemical cell.

[0028] Preferably, said internal assembly is formed by a plurality of conductor elements and separator elements.

[0029] Preferably, said application unit comprises a wheel on which a plurality of equipments is mounted.

[0030] Preferably, each equipment is provided with a gripping member, configured to retain said internal assembly on said wheel.

[0031] Preferably, said application unit comprises a movement mechanism of said wheel, configured to rotate said wheel about an axis of rotation so as to define an advancement direction of said internal assembly when retained on said wheel.

[0032] Preferably, said application unit comprises a flattening station, configured to flatten at least one tab of said conductor elements while said internal assembly is retained on said wheel.

[0033] Preferably, said at least one tab is flattened at at least one axial end of said internal assembly.

[0034] Preferably, said application unit comprises a positioning station configured to position said at least one electrical collector on said axial end of said internal assembly while said internal assembly is retained on said wheel.

[0035] Preferably, said positioning station is arranged downstream of said flattening station with respect to said advancement direction.

[0036] Preferably, said application unit comprises a fastening station configured to fasten said electrical collector to said end of said internal assembly while said internal assembly is retained on said wheel.

[0037] Preferably, said fastening station is arranged downstream of said positioning station with respect to said advancement direction.

[0038] Thanks to these characteristics, the apparatus according to the present invention is able to displace the internal assemblies of the electrochemical cells in a quick and, above all, precise manner.

[0039] In addition, the wheel transport system consistently reduces the encumbrances of the application unit, allowing the different processing stations to be arranged around the wheel without hindering each other.

[0040] In the aforesaid aspect, the present invention can present at least one of the preferred characteristics described below.

[0041] In some embodiments, said conductor elements and said separator elements are in the form of sheets and said internal assembly is formed by said sheets of conductor elements and separator elements stacked alternately with each other.

[0042] In some embodiments, said conductor elements are in the form of sheets while said separator elements are in the form of a separator tape and said internal assembly is formed by said sheets of conductor elements stacked and separated from one another by the separator tape folded like "Z" around the single sheets of conductor elements. In some embodiments, said plurality of conductor elements and separator elements is in the form of respective conductor tapes and separator tapes.

[0043] Preferably, in the latter case, said internal assembly is formed by a coil of said conductor tapes and separator tapes wound in a spiral.

[0044] In this way, the electrochemical cells are suitable for the production of cylindrical batteries.

[0045] In some embodiments, said flattening station comprises at least one flattening device.

[0046] In some embodiments, said at least one flattening device is configured to fold said at least one tab towards a flattened configuration wherein said at least one tab is abutted against said axial end of said internal assembly.

[0047] Preferably, said at least one tab, prior to being folded towards said flattened configuration, protrudes from said axial end substantially along an axial direction of said internal assembly.

[0048] Preferably, in said flattened configuration, said at least one tab is abutted against said axial end of said internal assembly substantially perpendicular to said axial direction.

[0049] In this way, the tabs form a substantially flat base that allows the electric collector to be rested firmly and effectively.

[0050] Preferably, each conductor element has at least one tab protruding from said axial end to be folded by means of said flattening device.

[0051] Preferably, when said conductor element is a conductor tape, said conductor tape has a plurality of tabs, all protruding from the same axial end.

[0052] Preferably, each tab of the conductor elements intended to form the anode of the electrochemical cell protrude from an axial end of said internal assembly, while each tab of the conductor elements intended to form the cathode of the electrochemical cell protrude from the opposed axial end of said internal assembly.

[0053] Preferably, said flattening device is axially displaced towards said internal assembly when held in position by said wheel.

[0054] In some embodiments, each flattening device comprises a head intended to abut said at least one tab in order to fold said at least one tab towards said flattened configuration.

[0055] Preferably, said head is rotatable about an axis of rotation.

[0056] Preferably, each flattening device comprises a motor for rotating said head when it abuts said at least one tab.

[0057] In this way, the operation of flattening the protruding tabs against the axial end of the internal assembly takes place so that the tabs are folded in a uniform manner and along a controlled direction, obtaining a substantially spiral arrangement.

[0058] This ordered arrangement offers a more consistent and substantially flat rest base for the electric collector that will be resting on it in the subsequent workstation.

[0059] In addition, the spiral arrangement of the tabs ensures continuous and homogeneous electrical contact between the different tabs.

[0060] In some embodiments, said flattening station comprises a plurality of flattening devices, arranged in succession along said advancement direction.

[0061] Preferably, each flattening device is configured so as to fold said at least one tab towards said flattened configuration by means of successive folds.

[0062] In this way, the operation of flattening the tabs takes place progressively, so as not to excessively stress the tabs during the folding step, thus reducing the risk of any breakage.

[0063] In addition, folding the tabs in successive steps allows to more effectively prevent the elastic return of the tabs which would tend to move them away from the axial end of the internal assembly.

[0064] In some embodiments, said flattening devices are simultaneously displaced away from and towards respective internal assemblies held in position by said wheel.

[0065] In this way, the successive folding steps of the tabs take place simultaneously.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, for folding said at least one tab towards said axial end said flattening station comprises four flattening devices.

[0067] Preferably, said flattening station comprises four flattening devices for folding the tabs of the conductor elements intended to form the anode of the electrochemical cell and four flattening devices for folding the tabs of the conductor elements intended to form the cathode of the electrochemical cell.

[0068] In some embodiments, said internal assembly is in the form of a coil and said application unit is placed downstream of a reforming unit configured to define the shape of a central hole of said coil.

[0069] Preferably, said wheel receives said coil from said reforming unit.

[0070] The reforming unit is a processing unit typical of the packaging of electrochemical cells of the cylindrical type in which the internal assembly is a coil of alternated conductor tapes and separator tapes wound on themselves.

[0071] In particular, the reforming unit is adapted to reposition a portion of separator tape, created inside a through hole of a coil as following its forming process, against the internal walls of the through hole. This operation is carried out, for example, by inserting a previously heated reforming needle into the through hole.

[0072] In some embodiments, said reforming unit comprises a wheel on which a plurality of equipments is mounted.

[0073] In some embodiments, said positioning station is configured to position two electrical collectors at the opposed axial ends of said internal assembly.

[0074] Preferably, said two electric collectors are positioned simultaneously at the opposed axial ends of said internal assembly.

[0075] In some embodiments, said fastening station comprises a soldering device, more preferably it comprises two soldering devices positioned to fasten respective electrical collectors to the opposed axial ends of said internal assembly.

[0076] The features and advantages of the present solution will become clearer from the detailed description of an embodiment example thereof shown, by way of nonlimiting example, with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:

[0077] - figure 1 is a schematic front view of an apparatus for packaging electrochemical cells for the production of batteries made in accordance with the present invention;

[0078] - figures 2 to 4 are simplified schematic views, from different angles, of a significant portion of the apparatus of figure 1,

[0079] - figure 5 is a schematic view of an internal assembly, in subsequent processing steps, in a flattening station of the apparatus of figure 1.

[0080] With reference to the appended figures, 1 indicates overall an apparatus for packaging electrochemical cells 2 for the production of batteries made in accordance with the present invention.

[0081] The packaging apparatus 1 comprises a coupling unit 10, configured to form an internal assembly of an electrochemical cell 2, as well as an application unit 20, configured to fasten respective electrical collectors 4 to the opposed axial ends of the internal assembly formed in the coupling unit 10, so as to form the two poles of the electrochemical cell 2. Between the coupling unit 10 and the application unit 20 there is also provided a reforming unit 30, which receives the internal assembly from the coupling unit 10 and, after defining a central hole 3a thereof, as described in detail below, delivers it to the application unit 20.

[0082] In the preferred example illustrated and described in detail herein, the apparatus 1 packages cylindrical-type electrochemical cells with a circular section, so that the internal assembly formed in the coupling unit 10 is represented by a coil 3 obtained by winding in a spiral two conductor tapes 5 and 6 (one intended to form the anode and the other intended to form the cathode of the electrochemical cell 2) alternated with two separator tapes 7, made of insulating material.

[0083] The separator tapes 7 are unwound from respective coils 7a, while the conductor tapes 5, 6 come from an ablation unit (also part of the apparatus 1), located upstream of the coupling unit 10 and not represented in the appended figures, wherein the conductor tapes 5 and 6 are cut out by means of a laser ablation device at one side thereof, so as to define along said side, a plurality of protruding laterally tabs, respectively indicated with 5a and 6a in figure 5.

[0084] The conductor tapes 5, 6 and the separator tapes 7 are then led through a plurality of guide and tensioning rollers up to a feeding and cutting device 11, where the four tapes are superimposed on each other and delivered to a winding device 12 that wound them in a spiral around a pin of a rotatable head 15, according to methods known in the art.

[0085] In particular, the winding device 11 comprises a wheel 13, rotatable about a horizontal axis XI, on which four movable arms 14 are mounted, at the ends of which a respective head 15 is provided on which the conductor tapes 5, 6 and the separator tapes 7 are wound.

[0086] Of course, the winding device 11 can be made in any other manner suitable for the purpose.

[0087] The coupling unit 10 further comprises a taping device 16 which cooperates with the winding device 11 to close with adhesive tape the coil 3 once formed and separated from the conductor tapes 5, 6 and the separator tapes 7.

[0088] The reforming unit 30, located immediately downstream of the coupling unit 10, is configured to correctly define the shape of a central hole 3a of the coil 3, by positioning against the internal walls of the central hole 3a a portion of separator tape 7 that typically remains inside the central hole 3a of the coil 3 following its forming process.

[0089] The reforming unit 30 comprises a wheel 31, rotatable about a horizontal axis X2, parallel to the axis XI, on the periphery of which equipments 32 are mounted, each provided with a gripping member 33 configured to selectively retain a respective coil 3.

[0090] The equipments 32 are movable with respect to the wheel 31 to receive the coil 3 from the winding device 11 and to bring the coil 3 at a respective reforming device 34 and, finally, to transfer the coil 3 to the application unit 20.

[0091] Each reforming device 34 is positioned next to an equipment 32 and comprises a reforming needle, suitably heated, which is passed through the central hole 3a of the coil 3, when the latter is positioned on the reforming device 34, so as to stress the portion of separator tape 7 against the internal walls of the central hole 3a.

[0092] The application unit 20, which receives the coil 3 from the reforming unit 30, comprises a wheel 21, rotatable about a horizontal axis X3, parallel to the axis XI and to the axis X2, on the periphery of which equipments 22 are mounted, each provided with a gripping member 23 configured to selectively retain a respective coil 3.

[0093] The application unit 20 further comprises a flattening station 24, a positioning station 25 and a fastening station 26 and the wheel 21 is configured to displace the coils 3 retained by the gripping members 23 from a receiving zone A to the flattening station 24, then to the positioning station 25, thus to the fastening station 26 and finally to a release zone B, all arranged one after the other along an advancement direction F defined by the rotation of the wheel 21 about the axis of rotation X3.

[0094] The application unit 20 is positioned immediately downstream of the reforming unit 30 resulting in a relatively small distance from the coupling unit 10, preferably less than one metre at the closest points of the two units.

[0095] The flattening station 24 is configured to flatten the tabs 5a and 6a of the conductor elements 5, 6 at the opposed axial ends of each coil 3.

[0096] The tabs 5a, 6a, made in the ablation unit of the apparatus 1, protrude from the axial ends of the coil 3, substantially parallel to the axis of the coil 3 (indicated with Y in figure 5), and serve to favour the electrical contact of the two conductor elements (respectively the anode and the cathode) with the electrical collectors 4.

[0097] In the preferred embodiment example described herein, the flattening station 24 comprises four flattening devices 24a arranged one after the other to fold the tabs 5a protruding from one axial end of the coil 3 and four flattening devices 24b arranged one after the other on the opposite side of the wheel 21 in a position facing the flattening devices 24a, intended to fold the tabs 6a protruding from the opposed axial end of the coil 3.

[0098] In particular, the flattening devices 24a, 24b are displaceable along an axial direction parallel to the axis Y of the coil 3, so as to fold the respective tabs 5a, 6a towards a flattened configuration in which the tabs are abutted against the respective axial end of the coil 3, and oriented substantially perpendicular to the aforesaid axial direction. Preferably, each flattening device 24a, 24b comprises a head 24c rotatable about its own axis of rotation and intended to abut the respective tabs to fold them towards the flattened configuration.

[0099] The rotation of the head 24c, obtained thanks to a motor not illustrated, allows to impart to the tabs 5a, 6a, in addition to an axial stress, also a tangential type stress that favours the uniform folding of the tabs along a controlled direction, obtaining a substantially spiral arrangement (not depicted in figure 5).

[0100] The provision of four flattening devices for each axial end of the coil 3 allows folding the respective tabs 5a, 6a by means of successive folds.

[0101] The positioning station 25 is configured to position a pair of electrical collectors 4 on the axial ends of the coil 3.

[0102] In particular, the positioning station 25 comprises a pair of gripping hands 25a and 25b, placed on one side and on the other side of the wheel 21 so as to position a respective electric collector 4, picked up by a feeding guide 28, on the opposed axial ends of the coil 3.

[0103] The fastening station 26 is configured to solidly fasten the electric collectors 4 to the opposed axial ends of the coil 3.

[0104] In particular, the fastening station 26 comprises a pair of soldering devices 26a, 26b, placed on one side and on the other side of the wheel 21 so as to solidly fasten the electric collectors 4 on the opposed axial ends of the coil 3.

[0105] The fastening station 26 further comprises an image detection and analysis system, comprising a pair of cameras 27a, 27b, configured to detect the positioning of the electrical collectors and assist in the correct pointing of the soldering devices 26a, 26 towards the electrical collectors 4.

[0106] The apparatus 1 further comprises an unloading unit 40 which receives the coils 3 with the collectors 4 fastened to the ends by the application unit 20 and brings them to the outside of the apparatus 1.

[0107] In particular, the unloading unit 40 comprises an exchange wheel 41 that receives the coils 3 from the wheel 21 at the release zone B and deposits them on a belt conveyor 42 that brings them to a collection point C where they are displaced to the apparatus intended for subsequent processings.

[0108] The coupling unit 10, the reforming unit 30, the application unit 20, as well as the unloading unit 40 are preferably synchronised with each other, i.e. the movement of each of them is preferably uniquely linked to the movement of the other units.

[0109] In particular, the coils 3 are processed one after the other passing from the coupling unit 10, where they are continuously formed, to the reforming unit 30, to the application unit 20 and finally to the unloading unit 40.

[0110] In each processing unit, the coils 3 are retained individually by respective gripping members that displace them between the different work stations of the unit and deliver them to the successive unit one after the other, always maintaining the same ordered succession of entry into and exit from the single units as well as within them, according to the principle of "first in, first out".

[0111] This feature allows, among other things, to avoid the provision of storage stations (buffers) between one processing unit and another, as well as within the single processing units.

[0112] The synchronisation of the different units of the apparatus 1 can be obtained thanks to purely mechanical connections, using for example gears, motion transmission systems such as toothed wheels, belts, cam mechanisms, intermittors and other kinematic systems known in the field, i.e. it can be obtained by means of a software control, carried out by a control unit of the apparatus 1 (not represented in the figures) that controls the movement of each processing unit, itself mechanically independent, so that they are all synchronised with each other, or it can be obtained by means of a hybrid control, partly mechanical and partly by software.

[0113] The coupling unit 10, the reforming unit 30, the application unit 20, and the discharge unit 40 further share different services and different common components of the apparatus 1.

[0114] For example, all the processing units can be serviced by the same centralized lubrication system of the mechanical members and are served by the same power supply system and data and signal transmission.

[0115] In addition, all the units are supported on the same base 8, so as to have a common rest plane.

[0116] The entire apparatus 1 is delimited, both laterally and superiorly, by confinement barriers 9 that separate the apparatus 1 from the external environment, so as to preserve the components of the electrochemical cell, in particular the conductor tapes, from possible external contaminations and, at the same time, to mutually protect the apparatus and the operators. Access to the apparatus 1 is allowed through doors (not represented in the figures) whose opening is only allowed under safe conditions, for example when the apparatus is switched off.

[0117] The internal environment of the apparatus 1 is divided into work cabins where one or more processing units are housed. In particular, the coupling unit 10 is housed within a first work cabin 51, the application unit 20 is housed within a second work cabin 52 and the reforming unit 30 is housed within a third work cabin 53, interposed between the first work cabin 51 and the second work cabin 52.

[0118] Of course, between the different work cabins suitable openings are provided to allow the passage of the components being processed, in particular the coils 3, between successive processing units.

[0119] However, these openings are less wide so as to limit as much as possible the passage of any particulate matter between one work cabin and the other.

[0120] To further improve this feature, the apparatus 1 is serviced by a common ventilation system, which is controlled in such a way that the work cabins 51, 52 and 53 operate with differentiated environmental pressures.

[0121] In particular, it is provided that the pressure inside the first work cabin 51 is maintained at a higher value than the pressure in the second work cabin 52, so as to establish a slight air flow that passes from the first work cabin 51 to the second work cabin 52 through the third work cabin 53 having an intermediate pressure value. In this way, it is substantially prevented that any dust, or other contaminants present in the second work cabin 52, for example as a result of the soldering operations, can enter the first work cabin 51 and come into contact with the conductor tapes 5 and 6.

[0122] The packaging apparatus 1 operates in the following ways.

[0123] The conductor tapes 5 and 6, after being unwound from respective starting coils and processed in the ablation unit, are led into the coupling unit 10 where, alternated with the separator tapes 7, they are joined through superposition in the feeding and cutting device 11 and delivered to the winding device 12.

[0124] The latter forms the coil 3 on the rotatable head 15 and, once separated from the tapes, is displaced by the movable arm 14 at the taping device 16 which closes the coil with adhesive tape to prevent it from unwinding.

[0125] The coil 3 is thus delivered from the movable arm 14 to the reforming unit 30 where it is received and retained by a gripping member 33 of the wheel 31. While the wheel is rotating around its axis of rotation X2, the gripping member 33 brings the coil 3 at a reforming device 34 where the central hole 3a of the coil 3 is redefined with a forming needle.

[0126] At the end of this operation, the wheel 31 has brought the coil 3 at the receiving area A of the application unit 20, where the coil 3 is passed from the gripping member 33 of the wheel 31 to the gripping member 23 of the wheel 21.

[0127] The latter rotates with intermittent motion, stopping the coil at the subsequent work stations.

[0128] In particular, the coil 3 is then first brought to the flattening station 24 where the tabs 5a, 6a of the conductor elements 5, 6 are flattened against the respective axial ends of the coil 3 by the flattening devices 24a and 24b which, on one side and on the other side, displace themselves axially against the coil 3, causing the respective head 24c to rotate.

[0129] The coil 3 is then brought into the positioning station 25 where the gripping hands 25a and 25b place a respective electric collector 4 on the opposed axial ends of the coil 3, so that in the subsequent soldering station 26, such electric collectors 4 are fastened to the ends of the coil 3 by means of the soldering devices 26a, 26b.

[0130] The coil 3 is then displaced from the wheel 21 to the release zone B where it is transferred to the unloading unit 40 which takes it outside the apparatus 1 for the subsequent processing operations of the electrochemical cell.

[0131] This solution thus allows to solve the technical problem identified above, while at the same time achieving additional benefits also deriving from the specific embodiments described above.

[0132] Naturally, a person skilled in the art will be able to make further modifications and variations to the solution described above in order to satisfy specific and contingent application needs, such modifications and variants in any case falling within the scope of protection defined by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Apparatus (1) for packaging electrochemical cells (2) for the production of batteries, comprising an application unit (20), configured to fasten at least one electrical collector (4) to an axial end of an internal assembly (3) of an electrochemical cell, said internal assembly (3) being formed by a plurality of conductor elements (5, 6) and separator elements (7), so as to form a pole of said electrochemical cell, said application unit (20) comprising:- a wheel (21) on which a plurality of equipments (22) is mounted, each equipment (22) being provided with a gripping member (23), configured to retain said internal assembly (3) on said wheel (21),- a movement mechanism of said wheel (21), configured to rotate said wheel (21) about an axis of rotation (X3) so as to define an advancement direction (F) of said internal assembly (3) when retained on said wheel (21),- a flattening station (24), configured to flatten at least one tab (5a, 6a) of said conductor elements (5, 6) at at least one axial end of said internal assembly (3) while said internal assembly (3) is retained on said wheel (21),- a positioning station (25), arranged downstream of said flattening station(24) with respect to said advancement direction (F), and configured to position said at least one electric collector (4) on said axial end of said internal assembly (3) while said internal assembly (3) is retained on said wheel (21),- a fastening station (26), arranged downstream of said positioning station(25) with respect to said advancement direction (F), and configured to fasten said electric collector (4) to said end of said internal assembly (3) while said internal assembly (3) is retained on said wheel (21).

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of conductor elements (5, 6) and separator elements (7) are in the form of respective conductor tapes (5, 6) and separator tapes (7) and said internal assembly (3) is formed by a coil (3) of said conductor tapes (5, 6) and separator tapes (7) wound in a spiral.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said flattening station (24) comprises at least one flattening device (24a, 24b), configured to fold said at least one tab (5a, 6a), protruding from said axial end substantially along anaxial direction (Y) of said internal assembly (3), towards a flattened configuration wherein said at least one tab (5a, 6a) is abutted against said axial end of said internal assembly (3) substantially perpendicular to said axial direction (Y).

4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said flattening device (24a, 24b) is axially displaced towards said internal assembly (3) when held in position by said wheel (21).

5. Apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein each flattening device (24a, 24b) comprises a head (24c) intended to abut said at least one tab (5a, 6a) in order to fold said at least one tab (5a, 6a) towards said flattened configuration.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said head (24c) is rotatable about an axis of said head (24c) and each flattening device (24a, 24b) comprises a motor for rotating said head (24c) when it abuts said at least one tab (5a, 6a).

7. Apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein said flattening station (24) comprises a plurality of flattening devices (24a, 24b), arranged in succession along said advancement direction (F), each configured to fold said at least one tab (5a, 6a) towards said flattened configuration by means of successive folds.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said flattening devices (24a, 24b) are simultaneously displaced away from and towards respective internal assemblies (3) held in position by said wheel (21).

9. Apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, for folding said at least one tab (5a, 6a) towards said axial end, said flattening station (24) comprises four flattening devices (24a, 24b).

10. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said internal assembly (3) is in the form of a coil and said application unit (20) is placed downstream of a reforming unit (30), configured to define the shape of a central hole (3a) of said coil (3), and said wheel receives said coil (3) from said reforming unit (30).

11. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said fastening station (26) comprises a soldering device (26a, 26b).

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