Additive manufacturing apparatus for the production of an electrochemical cell or semi-finished product of an electrochemical cell, and plant comprising such an apparatus

Abstract

Described is an additive manufacturing apparatus (10) for the production of an electrochemical cell or a semi-finished product of an electrochemical cell, comprising: a) a frame (11) defining a series of production chambers (12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x); b) a three-dimensional printing device (13, 13a, 13b, 13c, 13x) for each production chamber (12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x) and comprising a plurality of deposition heads (14, 15, 16, 17, 18) and control and movement means (23) associated with the plurality of deposition heads and configured to operate the deposition heads; the deposition heads (14, 15, 16, 17, 18) comprising: - a first head (14) configured to deposit at least a portion of a layer of electrically conductive material for the definition of said anode connector; - a second head (15) configured to deposit at least a portion of a layer of electrically conductive material for the definition of said cathode connector; - a third head (16) configured to deposit at least a portion of a layer of electrically active material to make the anode body; - a fourth head (17) configured to deposit at least a portion of an electrically active layer to make the cathode body; - a fifth head (18) configured to deposit at least a portion of an insulating layer for the passage of electrons for the definition of at least part of the insulating portion for the passage of electrons, c) a support flat surface (20) configured to support the layers consecutively deposited on each other by said deposition heads.

Description

[0001] ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING APPARATUS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF AN

[0002] ELECTROCHEMICAL CELL OR SEMI-FINISHED PRODUCT OF AN

[0003] ELECTROCHEMICAL CELL, AND PLANT COMPRISING SUCH AN APPARATUS

[0004] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0005] DESCRIPTION

[0006] The present invention relates to an additive manufacturing apparatus for the production of an electrochemical cell or a semi-finished product of an electrochemical cell and to an additive manufacturing plant comprising such apparatus. The present invention also relates to an additive manufacturing method for the production of an electrochemical cell or a semi-finished product of an electrochemical cell.

[0007] The present solution finds a preferred, although not exclusive, application in the field of the production of electrochemical cells, in particular, solid state electrolytes.

[0008] Especially, but not limited to, the application according to the present solution is advantageous in the field of electrochemical cells made by additive three-dimensional printing.

[0009] In the present description as well as in the claims appended hereto, certain terms and expressions are deemed to assume, unless otherwise explicitly indicated, the meaning expressed in the definitions below.

[0010] The term "electrochemical cell" means a device capable of reversibly converting electrical energy into chemical energy so as to accumulate and make available electrical energy by means of charging and discharging processes respectively.

[0011] In this text, the term "electrochemical cell" is used interchangeably with the terms "cell", "secondary battery" or, more generally, "battery" or "product".

[0012] The terms "anode connector" and "cathode connector" mean parts of the anode and cathode of the electrochemical cell, respectively, which are designed to be electrically connected to the outside of the electrochemical cell for the charging and discharging thereof and do not necessarily take part in the mutual electrochemical interaction between anode and cathode.

[0013] "Anode body" and "cathode body" mean electrically conductive parts of the anode and cathode, respectively, which are electrically connected to the anode connector and cathode connector, respectively, and which are designed for mutual interaction during the charging or discharging process of the electrochemical cell.

[0014] The Applicant is currently aware of the need to increase the specific energy density and improve the environmental compatibility of the batteries by allowing the use of more efficient production techniques and / or the use of alternative materials and / or allowing greater recycling of the batteries.

[0015] For example, lithium-ion batteries currently represent one of the most promising technologies to meet energy needs deriving from energy storage.

[0016] Especially in this sector, therefore, the need is felt to optimise the energy density by reducing the amount of electrochemically inactive materials used in the production of such batteries.

[0017] The design and manufacture of batteries by means of additive three-dimensional printing, in particular batteries with solid state electrolyte, is also increasingly widespread. The additive three-dimensional printing techniques make it possible to create particular electrochemically optimised microstructures.

[0018] Another advantage of these three-dimensional printing techniques is linked to the fact that they allow the making of a complete and sealed battery, even starting from the individual materials in liquid form.

[0019] However, the additive three-dimensional printing machines currently known suffer from an intrinsic production slowness that prevents their application on a large scale at an industrial level.

[0020] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The task of the present invention is therefore to develop an additive manufacturing apparatus for the production of an electrochemical cell or a semi-finished product of an electrochemical cell which is capable of overcoming the limits of the prior art.

[0022] In particular, the main purpose of the present invention is to develop an additive manufacturing apparatus that allows the production rates of electrochemical cells to be considerably increased.

[0023] Another aim of the present invention is to develop a space-saving additive manufacturing apparatus, which allows the volume of a production plant at the same production rates as the production systems known today to be greatly reduced.

[0024] Yet another aim of the present invention is to develop a highly automated additive manufacturing apparatus that does not require particular interventions by specially dedicated operators.

[0025] A further aim of the present invention is to develop an additive manufacturing apparatus which is capable of making electrochemical cells or semi-finished products of electrochemical cells of a quality and efficiency not les than the electrochemical cells, or respective semi-finished products, of a type known today.

[0026] Yet another aim of the present invention is to develop an additive manufacturing method for the production of an electrochemical cell or a semi-finished product of an electrochemical cell by means of an apparatus according to the present invention.

[0027] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge more fully from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of an additive manufacturing apparatus for the production of an electrochemical cell or a semi-finished product of an electrochemical cell, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings listed below.

[0028] A similar task and the aims set out above are achieved by an additive manufacturing apparatus for the production of an electrochemical cell or a semi-finished product of an electrochemical cell, wherein an electrochemical cell or said semi-finished product of an electrochemical cell comprises a plurality of layers defining:

[0029] - an anode connector, made of a first electrically conductive material, - a cathode connector, made of a second electrically conductive material,

[0030] - an anode body, made of a first electrochemically active material,

[0031] - a cathode body, made of a second electrochemically active material,

[0032] - an insulating portion for the passage of electrons.

[0033] In particular, the apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a) a frame defining at least one production chamber; b) at least one three-dimensional printing device housed in the at least one production chamber and comprising a plurality of deposition heads and control and movement means associated with the plurality of deposition heads and configured to operate the deposition heads, wherein said plurality of deposition heads in turn comprises:

[0034] - a first head configured to deposit at least a portion of a layer of the first electrically conductive material for the definition of an anode connector;

[0035] - a second head configured to deposit at least a portion of a layer of the second electrically conductive material for the definition of a cathode connector;

[0036] - a third head configured to deposit at least a portion of a layer of the first electrically active material to make the anode body;

[0037] - a fourth head configured to deposit at least a portion of a layer of the second electrically active material to make the cathode body;

[0038] - a fifth head configured to deposit at least a portion of an insulating layer for the passage of electrons for making said insulating portion for the passage of electrons, c) a support flat surface configured to support the layers consecutively deposited on each other by said deposition heads.

[0039] The apparatus according to the invention for making batteries of the type defined above may comprise a plurality or a series of production modules arranged in a matrix and serviced by one or more robots.

[0040] Each of these production modules can comprise a production cell, a support flat surface and a three-dimensional printer comprising in turn a series or plurality of heads, for example arranged side-by-side, one for each material of the electrolytic cell to be made (for example: anode connector, anode body, cathode connector, cathode body, insulating portion for the passage of electrons). Preferably, in addition to the deposition heads, there are also several drying devices (laser, ultraviolet, or other).

[0041] The plurality of deposition heads, through the control and movement means, in use translate above the support flat surface and the electrolytic cell being defined, that is to say, the electrochemical cell semi-finished product, printing it layer by layer. The control and movement means are configured in such a way that, at each deposited layer, the plurality of heads and the support flat surface move away from each other.

[0042] On the support base, or support flat surface, of each production chamber, electrical contacts can be positioned that allow the presence of defects in the electrolytic cell that is being made within the same production chamber to be detected in real time, or during the deposition of the different layers of material by the heads; these defects are typically short circuits or insulation deficiencies. If at some point in the production a defect is detected, the printing of the electrolytic cell may be interrupted, as for example in the production cell 121 of Figure 1. Following the interruption of the operations for deposition of material by the heads, the same semi-finished product of an electrochemical cell can be discarded or recycled by grinding the failed surface and subsequently returning it to complete the production process.

[0043] The matrix of production modules can work in such a way as to distribute the cleaning, maintenance and unloading operations of completed electrochemical cells over time. These operations are preferably carried out, where possible, by one or more service robots.

[0044] The volume of each production chamber can be filled with treated, dusted and dehumidified air, and the air can be discharged and reconditioned at each opening of the production chamber, where the production chamber is opened for an end-of-work discharge or for other reasons. In general, the volume of the at least one production chamber can range from a few litres to tens of litres.

[0045] Each production chamber has a volume in proportion to the electrochemical cells to be made. Each production chamber can also be of such dimensions as to allow the production, inside it, of several electrochemical cells, or of such dimensions as to contain several electrochemical cells.

[0046] For example, if the production of small electrochemical cells is required, production chambers of dimensions useful for the production of a small electrochemical cell can be developed, for example a production chamber having an internal volume of 200 mm x 400 mm x 300 mm; if the production of large electrochemical cells is required, production chambers useful for the production of a larger electrochemical cell can be developed.

[0047] In the case of small dimensions of the individual production chambers, it can also be easy to print in an atmosphere of inert gas or directly under vacuum.

[0048] The support flat surface, where the deposition of the electrolytic cell, that is, the battery, begins, can integrate or include electrically conductive zones or areas, surrounded by electrically insulating areas or zones. At least part of the conductive parts of one or other electrode of the electrolytic cell must, in use, be deposited at the electrically conductive zones or areas. The electrically conductive areas define "diagnostic" contacts with the electrochemical cell being made to allow the detection of the presence of any defects during the printing phases.

[0049] The remaining part of the support flat surface with respect to the conductive zones or areas surrounded by as many electrically insulating zone or areas can be made of electrically insulating material or electrically conductive material.

[0050] When arranging the geometry of the battery to be printed, it is ensured that, at the time of depositing the first layer, a collector, that is, a conductor or anode or cathode, is in electrical contact with a first conductive zone, or a first group of electrically conductive zones, of the conductive zones and the other collector with another second electrically conductive zone or a second group of electrically conductive zones. In other words, in use, when depositing at least the first layer, a portion of the first layer of the first electrically conductive material, that is, a portion of the first layer made of the first electrically conductive material, is in electrical contact with a first conductive zone, or a first group of electrically conductive zones of the conductive zones, and a portion of the first layer of the second electrically conductive material, that is, a portion of the first layer made of the second electrically conductive material, is in electrical contact with the second electrically conductive zone or the second group of electrically conductive zones. For greater flexibility in changing the format of the electrolytic cell to be made, the support flat surface may comprise a plurality of electrically conductive zones or areas arranged substantially in a matrix. Each of the electrically conductive zones or areas of the plurality of electrically conductive zones or areas may be polygonal, for example square, or circular in shape and may be surrounded by a ‘grid’, mesh or lattice, of insulating material.

[0051] The support flat surface, as mentioned above, is substantially flat and smooth.

[0052] In general, the first layers are deposited by the heads on the support flat surface which is substantially flat and smooth.

[0053] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] Reference is made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0055] ■ Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of an additive manufacturing apparatus according to the invention;

[0056] ■ Figure 2a shows a detail of the additive manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0057] ■ Figure 2b shows a detail of the additive manufacturing apparatus according to a further embodiment of the invention;

[0058] ■ Figures 3, 4 and 5 each show an example of a portion of a structure made with an apparatus according to the invention; ■ Figures 6 and 7 each show a top view of one form of a support flat surface of an additive manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0059] The thicknesses and curvatures shown in the drawings introduced above are to be understood purely as examples, are generally magnified and not necessarily shown in proportion.

[0060] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] A preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention is described below, with reference to the drawings introduced above.

[0062] Similar components are denoted in the various drawings with the same numerical reference.

[0063] In the detailed description that follows, further embodiments and variants with respect to embodiments and variants already discussed in the description itself will be illustrated limited to the differences with what has already been stated.

[0064] Furthermore, the different embodiments and variants described below are likely to be used in combination, where compatible.

[0065] With reference initially to figure 1 , according to an embodiment of the invention, an additive manufacturing apparatus for the production of an electrochemical cell or a semifinished product of an electrochemical cell, is indicated in its entirety with the reference number 10.

[0066] The definition of such an apparatus 10, an electrochemical cell C, or a semi-finished product of an electrochemical cell, comprises a plurality of layers defining:

[0067] - an anode connector, made of a first electrically conductive material,

[0068] - a cathode connector, made of a second electrically conductive material,

[0069] - an anode body, made of a first electrochemically active material,

[0070] - a cathode body, made of a second electrochemically active material,

[0071] - an insulating portion for the passage of electrons, known in the trade as a “separator”. The electrolytic cell C is not intended to be part of the present invention, and is described briefly and in general terms in order to better define the apparatus 10 according to the invention.

[0072] This apparatus 10 comprises: a) a frame 11 defining at least one production chamber, preferably a series of production chambers 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x; b) at least one three-dimensional printing device 13, 13a, 13b, 13c, 13x housed in a corresponding production chamber 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x; a three-dimensional printing device 13 is schematically shown in Figure 2, where the other devices 13a, 13b, 13c and 13x are to be understood as being equal to the three-dimensional printing device 13; the three-dimensional printing device 13 comprises a plurality of deposition heads 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and control and movement means 23 associated with the plurality of deposition heads 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and configured to operate said deposition heads 14, 15, 16, 17, 18; the plurality of deposition heads 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 in turn comprises:

[0073] - a first head 14 configured to deposit at least a portion of a layer of first electrically conductive material for the definition of said anode connector;

[0074] - a second head 15 configured to deposit at least a portion of a second layer of electrically conductive material for the definition of said cathode connector;

[0075] - a third head 16 configured to deposit at least a portion of a layer of first electrochemically active material to make the anode body;

[0076] - a fourth head 17 configured to deposit at least a portion of an electrically active second layer to make the cathode body;

[0077] - a fifth head 18 configured to deposit at least a portion of a layer for making, at least part of, said insulating portion for the passage of electrons, c) at least one support flat surface 20 configured to support the layers consecutively deposited on each other by said deposition heads 14, 15, 16, 17, 18.

[0078] Within the scope of the present description, the expression “a portion of a layer of a certain material” means that the portion of that layer is made of that certain material. In other words, the first head 14 is configured to deposit at least a portion of first electrically conductive material, that is to say, a portion made of said first electrically conductive material, of a layer of the electrochemical cell or of semi-finished product of the electrochemical cell. In other words, the first head 14 is configured to make, with said first electrically conductive material, at least a portion of a layer of the electrochemical cell or of the semi-finished product of the electrochemical cell.

[0079] Similarly, the second head 15 is configured to deposit at least a portion of second electrically conductive material, that is to say, a portion made of said second electrically conductive material, of a layer of the electrochemical cell or of the semi-finished product of the electrochemical cell. In other words, the second head 15 is configured to make, with said second electrically conductive material, at least a portion of a layer of the electrochemical cell or of the semi-finished product of the electrochemical cell.

[0080] Similarly, the third head 16 is configured to deposit at least a portion of first electrochemically active material, that is to say, a portion made of said first electrochemically active material, of a layer of the electrochemical cell or of the semifinished product of the electrochemical cell. In other word, the third head 16 is configured to make, with said first electrochemically active material, at least a portion of a layer of the electrochemical cell or of the semi-finished product of the electrochemical cell.

[0081] Similarly, the fourth head 17 is configured to deposit at least a portion of second electrochemically active material, that is to say, a portion made of said second electrochemically active material, of a layer of the electrochemical cell or of the semifinished product of the electrochemical cell. In other word, the fourth head 17 is configured to make, with said second electrochemically active material, at least a portion of a layer of the electrochemical cell or of the semi-finished product of the electrochemical cell.

[0082] Similarly, the fifth head 18 is configured to deposit at least a portion of an electrically insulating material for the passage of electrons, of a layer of the electrochemical cell or of the semi-finished product of the electrochemical cell. In other words, the fifth head 18 is configured to make, with an insulating material for the passage of electrons, at least a portion of a layer of the electrochemical cell or of the semi-finished product of the electrochemical cell. The apparatus 10 is therefore substantially configured to make electrochemical cells C by depositing two conductive materials, two electrochemically active materials, an insulating material for the passage of electrons.

[0083] In the electrochemical cell or in the semi-finished product of the electrochemical cell produced by the apparatus 10:

[0084] - the set of portions of the first electrically conductive material, of the layers consecutively deposited on each other, defines the anode connector;

[0085] - the set of portions of the second electrically conductive material, of the layers consecutively deposited on each other, defines the cathode connector;

[0086] - the set of portions of the first electrochemically active material defines the anode body;

[0087] - the set of portions of the second electrochemically active material defines the cathode body;

[0088] - the set of portions of the insulating material for the passage of electrons defines the insulating portion for the passage of electrons.

[0089] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the fifth head 18 may be configured to deposit at least a portion of a non-continuous layer of insulating material for the passage of electrons. A non-continuous layer means that the layer has empty regions, that is to say, free of material. In this way, it is possible to make an insulating portion for the passage of electrons which is "porous", that is to say, having a plurality of openings, which at a later stage of the production process of the cells themselves, are impregnated with a liquid electrolyte.

[0090] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, as mentioned above, the apparatus 10 comprises a series or plurality of production chambers 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x. Advantageously, as clearly shown in Figure 1 , the frame 11 can define a plurality of production chambers 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x arranged in a matrix, that is, in an orderly manner according to rows and columns.

[0091] Preferably, moreover, the apparatus 10 further comprises a plurality of three-dimensional printing devices 13, 13a, 13b, 13c and 13x, each of which is housed in a respective production chamber 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x. When the apparatus 10 comprises a plurality of three-dimensional printing devices 13, 13a, 13b, 13c and 13x, each of them is to be understood as being equal to the at least one three-dimensional printing device 13 as defined in the scope of the present invention.

[0092] In this way, the apparatus 10 according to the invention allows as many electrochemical cells C to be simultaneously produced as there are active production chambers 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x.

[0093] Preferably, the apparatus 10 further comprises a plurality of support flat surfaces 20, each of which is housed in or faces a respective production chamber 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x.

[0094] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the control and movement means 23 of the deposition heads 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 are configured in such a way as to move the plurality of deposition heads 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 away from the support flat surface or vice versa 20. Alternatively, the control and movement means 23 are also connected to the support flat surface 20 and are configured to move the support flat surface 20 away from the plurality of deposition heads 14, 15, 16, 17, 18. Preferably, the amount of movement away between one or more of the deposition heads 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 from the support flat surface 20, is equal to the thickness of the layer just deposited. These means of control and movement 23 of the deposition heads 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 are to be understood as being of a type known per se in the field of three-dimensional printing.

[0095] For example, the control and movement means 23 may comprise a CPU. Preferably, the CPU has a memory in which data relating to the electrochemical cell or the semi-finished product of the electrochemical cell are stored.

[0096] Alternatively, the apparatus 10 may comprise a management unit 29 comprising or consisting of a CPU. Preferably, the CPU has a memory in which data relating to the electrochemical cell or the semi-finished product of the electrochemical cell are stored. Preferably, the control and movement means 23 are connected to the management unit 29 to be controlled by the latter.

[0097] According to a preferred aspect, the control and movement means 23 are configured to operate the deposition heads 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 in an alternating manner.

[0098] The deposition heads 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 are also intended to be of a type known per se in the field of three-dimensional printing.

[0099] According to a preferred aspect, each head of the plurality of deposition heads 14, 15,

[0100] 16, 17, 18 may comprise a single deposition nozzle or a plurality of deposition nozzles, preferably arranged substantially linearly along a main direction of extension z.

[0101] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, each deposition nozzle of the plurality of deposition nozzles of each deposition head 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 is selectively operable by said control and movement means 23.

[0102] If each head of the plurality of deposition heads 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 comprises a single deposition nozzle, preferably the control and movement means 23 may be configured so as to allow movement of the deposition heads 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 along three mutually perpendicular directions x, y, z.

[0103] Alternatively, if each head of the plurality of deposition heads 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 comprises a single deposition nozzle, the control and movement means 23 can be configured in such a way as to allow the movement of the deposition heads 14, 15, 16,

[0104] 17, 18 along two mutually perpendicular directions, that is to say, in an x-z geometric plane. Preferably, said x-z geometric plane is parallel to the support flat surface 20. In this case, moreover, the control and movement means 23 are also configured to allow the movement of the support flat surface 20 along a direction y transversal to said x-z geometric plane.

[0105] If each head of the plurality of deposition heads 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 comprises a plurality of deposition nozzles arranged substantially linearly along a main direction of extension z, preferably the control and movement means 23 can be configured in such a way as to allow the movement of the deposition heads 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 along two directions x, y, perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the main direction of extension z.

[0106] Alternatively, if each head of the plurality of deposition heads 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 comprises a plurality of deposition nozzles arranged substantially linearly along a main direction of extension z, preferably the control and movement means 23 can be configured in such a way as to allow the movement of the deposition heads 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 along a movement direction x perpendicular to said main direction of extension z and parallel to the support flat surface 20. In this case, moreover, the control and movement means 23 are configured to allow the movement of the support flat surface 20 along a direction y transversal to the geometric plane defined by the main direction of extension z and by the movement direction x.

[0107] According to a preferred aspect, the control and movement means 23 are configured in such a way as not to produce dust and / or dirty the printing areas.

[0108] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the support flat surface 20 is housed in the respective production chamber 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x, or it faces the production chamber 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x that is to say it faces the inside of the production chamber 20, as it defines the bottom wall of the production chamber 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x itself.

[0109] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the apparatus 10 also comprises at least one drying device 22, for example two drying devices 22, as schematically shown in Figure 2. Preferably, each production chamber 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x comprises at least one drying device 22.

[0110] Each of the drying devices 22 may be configured to dry a layer of material or a portion of a layer of material which, in use, is deposited by a printing device 13, that is to say, by one of the deposition heads of the plurality of deposition heads 14, 15, 16, 17, 18.

[0111] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the drying device 22, or the drying devices 22, may be of a type configured to emit a beam of laser light or alternatively a type of beam of ultraviolet light.

[0112] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the control and movement means 23 are further associated with the one or more drying devices 22 and are configured to move the drying device(s) 22 together with the deposition heads 14, 15, 16, 17, 18. Alternatively, the one or more drying devices 22 are fixed to a portion of the production chamber in front of the support flat surface 20.

[0113] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the plurality of heads 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 are arranged alongside each other linearly. Furthermore, preferably, they are interposed between a first drying device 22 and a second drying device 22.

[0114] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the first head 14 is suitable for being connected to or is connected, preferably in a fluid fashion, to a first tank 31 suitable for containing the first electrically conductive material, the second head 15 is suitable for being connected to or is connected, preferably in a fluid fashion, to a second tank 32 suitable for containing the second electrically conductive material, the third head 16 is suitable for being connected to or is connected, preferably in a fluid fashion, to a third tank 33 suitable for containing the first electrochemically active material; the fourth head 17 is suitable for being connected or is connected, preferably in a fluid fashion, to a fourth tank 34 suitable for containing the second electrochemically active material; and, finally, the fifth head 18 is suitable for being connected to or is connected, preferably in a fluid fashion, to a fifth tank 35 suitable for containing the insulating material for the passage of electrons.

[0115] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the apparatus 10 comprises the first tank 31 , the second tank 32, the third tank 33, the fourth tank 34, the fifth tank 35. More preferably, the at least one three-dimensional printing device 13, 13a, 13b, 13c, 13x comprises the first tank 31 , the second tank 32, the third tank 33, the fourth tank 34, the fifth tank 35.

[0116] As mentioned above, preferably, for each head of the plurality of deposition heads 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, each deposition nozzle of the plurality of deposition nozzles is selectively operable by the control and movement means 23. Thus, according to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the control and movement means 23 are configured to selectively allow or prevent the fluid connection between each of the nozzles of each deposition head 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and the tank 31 , 32, 33, 34, 35 to which each deposition head 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 is connected to or suitable to be connected to.

[0117] According to a preferred aspect, the first and the second electrically conductive material, used, respectively, for making the anode connector and the cathode connector, are preferably an electrically conductive solution, known in the trade as ink, but it is to be understood that it can also be another similar and technically equivalent material. Such a solution comprises a solvent, suitable to be evaporated by the action of the one or more drying devices 22, and an electrically conductive material or mixture of materials. For example, the first and second electrically conductive materials for making, respectively, the anode connector and the cathode connector may be a solution comprising, in addition to the solvent, metal, in particular copper and / or aluminium, or graphite or graphene.

[0118] According to a preferred aspect, the first and the second electrochemically active material can be or comprise, for example, a solution, known in the trade as "slurry" comprising a solvent, suitable to be evaporated by the action of the one or more drying devices 22, and an electrochemically active material or mixture of materials. In particular, among the electrochemically active materials for making the anode body are: graphite, graphene, activated carbon, activated silicon, lithium titanate, titanium oxide. In other words, the first electrochemically active material may comprise one of: graphite, graphene, activated carbon, activated silicon, lithium titanate, titanium oxide. While among the electrochemically active materials for making the cathode body are: lithium cobalt oxide, lithium manganese oxide, lithium iron phosphate, lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide, sodium-based compounds. In other words, the second electrochemically active material may comprise one of: lithium cobalt oxide, lithium manganese oxide, lithium iron phosphate, lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide, sodium-based compounds.

[0119] According to a preferred aspect, the electrically insulating material used for making the insulating portion may consist of an electrolyte in the solid state or in the gel state. For example, the insulating material for making the insulating portion can be a solution, comprising a solvent, suitable for being evaporated by the action of one or more drying devices 22, and an electrically insulating material or mixture of materials for the passage of electrons, such as polymers, glasses, ceramics, possibly comprising electrolytic salts. Figures 3, 4 and 5 show, by way of example, the so-called “latexes”, that is, the three- dimensional structures made by three-dimensional printing.

[0120] Figure 3 shows an example of a tetrahedral base module M, shaped liked a ‘four-pointed star’.

[0121] Figure 4 shows a first latex L1 composed of ten modules M connected by respective vertices, the modules M being connected to each other in order to define cavities Q. Figure 5 shows a second latex L2 composed of four modules M.

[0122] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the apparatus 10 may also comprise an air treatment device 25 connected to the at least one production chamber, or to all production chambers 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x.

[0123] The air treatment device 25 may be configured to introduce into each production chamber 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x treated, dedusted and dehumidified air.

[0124] The term ‘treated air’ is intended, within the scope of the present invention, to mean air substantially free of dust and in particular free of conductive and metallic particles or in any case with a smaller amount of dust or conductive and metallic particles lower than the air present outside each production chamber 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x. In addition, the term ‘treated air’ is to be understood as very dry air, preferably with a dew point of about -40°C. Preferably, the air treatment device 25 is of the ‘copper free’ type, that is, made of copper-free materials.

[0125] Preferably, the air treatment device 25 comprises a suction or recirculation system with removal and recovery of the solvents of all the various functional inks used, released in the drying phase of each layer; said system operates continuously during production.

[0126] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the air treatment device 25 may comprise, alternatively or together, means for forming the vacuum inside the at least one production chamber 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x, (that is, of the plurality of production chambers 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x) so as to minimise the risk of dust debris being incorporated into the electrolytic cell C being made.

[0127] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the air treatment device 25 may comprise, alternatively or together, means for filling the at least one production chamber 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x (or the plurality of production chambers 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x) with inert gas.

[0128] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the support flat surface 20, or each support flat surface 20 of each production chamber 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x, is substantially smooth, that is, substantially free of grooves or protrusions.

[0129] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the support flat surface 20, or each support flat surface 20 of each production chamber 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x, comprises a first electrically conductive zone 20a and a second electrically conductive zone 20b, wherein the first electrically conductive zone 20a and the second electrically conductive zone 20b are electrically insulated from each other. For example, as illustrated in Figure 6, each of the first electrically conductive zone 20a and the second electrically conductive zone 20b is completely surrounded by an electrically insulating zone or electrically insulating ring 20c, that is to say, made of electrically insulating material.

[0130] According to this preferred aspect, the first electrically conductive zone 20a is intended to make contact, that is, to establish electrical and physical contact with, at least a portion of a first layer of the first electrically conductive material. In other words, the first electrically conductive zone 20a is intended to come into physical contact, and thus establish an electrical contact, with a portion of a first layer made of the first electrically conductive material.

[0131] Furthermore, similarly, the second electrically conductive zone 20b is intended to make contact with, or establish electrical and physical contact with, at least a portion of the first layer of the second electrically conductive material. In other words, the second electrically conductive zone 20b is intended to come into physical contact, and thus establish an electrical contact, with a portion of the first layer made of the second electrically conductive material.

[0132] Thus, in use, at least part, that is, at least a portion, of the first layer made of the electrically conductive material for defining the anode connector, that is, at least a portion of the first layer made of the first electrically conductive material, is deposited so as to be at least partly superimposed on the first electrically conductive zone 20a and at least partly, that is, at least a portion, of the first layer of the second electrically conductive material for defining the cathode connector, that is, at least a portion of the first layer made of the second electrically conductive material, is deposited so as to be at least partly superimposed on the second electrically conductive zone 20b. In yet different words, the first electrically conductive zone 20a is intended to come into physical contact, and consequently to establish an electrical contact, with at least a portion of the first electrically conductive material of a first layer and, similarly, the second electrically conductive zone 20b is intended to come into physical contact, and consequently to establish an electrical contact, with at least a portion of the second electrically conductive material of the first layer.

[0133] Preferably, the size and mutual positioning of the first and second electrically conductive zones 20a, 20b are chosen in such a way that, in use, at least part, that is a portion, of a first layer made of the first electrically conductive material for making the anode connector is deposited at the first electrically conductive zone 20a and at least part, that is, a portion, of the first layer made of the second electrically conductive material for making the cathode connector is deposited at the second electrically conductive zone 20b.

[0134] Alternatively, the support flat surface 20, or each support flat surface 20 of each production chamber 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x, comprises a plurality of electrically conductive zones 201 , electrically insulated from each other. For example, each electrically conductive zone of the plurality of electrically conductive zones is completely surrounded by an electrically insulating zone or electrically insulating ring, that is, made of electrically insulating material. The plurality of electrically conductive zones 201 comprises a first group of electrically conductive zones 201a and a second group of electrically conductive zones 201b.

[0135] According to this preferred aspect, the first group of electrically conductive zones 201a is intended to make contact, that is, establish a physical and electrical contact, with at least a portion of a first layer of the first electrically conductive material. In other words, the first group of electrically conductive zones 201a is intended to come into physical contact, and thus establish an electrical contact, with a portion of a first layer made of the first electrically conductive material.

[0136] Furthermore, similarly, the second group of electrically conductive zones 201 b is intended to make contact, that is establish an electrical and physical contact, with at least a portion of the first layer of the second electrically conductive material. In other words, the second group of electrically conductive zones 201 b is intended to come into physical contact, and thus establish an electrical contact, with a portion of the first layer made of the second electrically conductive material.

[0137] Thus, in use, at least part, that is, at least a portion, of the first layer made of the first electrically conductive material for defining the anode connector is positioned so as to be at least partly superimposed on the first group of electrically conductive zones 201a and at least partly, that is, at least a portion, of the first layer of the second electrically conductive material for defining the cathode connector is positioned so as to be at least partly superimposed on the second group of electrically conductive zones 201 b. In other words, the first group of electrically conductive zones 201a is intended to come into physical contact, and consequently establish electrical contact, with at least a portion of the first electrically conductive material of a first layer and, similarly, the second group of electrically conductive zones 201 b is intended to come into physical contact, and consequently establish electrical contact, with at least a portion of the second electrically conductive material of the first layer.

[0138] Preferably, the first and second electrically conductive zones 20a, 20b or each of the electrically conductive zones 201a, 201 b may have a substantially circular or polygonal shape in plan, that is, at a face of the support flat surface 20 facing in use towards the deposition heads 14, 15, 16, 17, 18. Preferably, the electrically conductive zones of the plurality of electrically conductive zones 201a, 201b have the same shape and / or dimensions as each other. Preferably the plurality of electrically conductive zones 201a, 201 b is arranged to form a matrix of electrically conductive zones wherein the electrically conductive zones are separated from each other by a mesh or lattice 201c of electrically insulating material. Preferably, the plurality of electrically conductive zones 201a, 201 b occupies almost completely the face of the support flat surface 20 which, in use, faces towards the deposition heads 14, 15, 16, 17, 18.

[0139] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the at least one support flat surface 20 comprises a main layer and a removable layer, removably associated with the main layer. According to this preferred aspect, the first and second electrically conductive zones 20a, 20b or the plurality of electrically conductive zones 201a, 201b are made at the removable layer.

[0140] Preferably the removable layer has a reduced thickness with respect to the thickness of the main layer. According to a preferred aspect, the removable layer can be, at the end of making each electrochemical cell, removed with respect to the main layer together with the electrochemical cell. In particular, the removable layer can be a "disposable" layer, that is to say a layer which is removed, for example through mechanical processing, from the electrochemical cell or can be separated from the electrochemical cell C and reused in the production of a further electrochemical cell C.

[0141] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the apparatus 10 comprises, at least one control group 28 configured and / or programmed to detect short circuits and / or insulation deficiencies within the semi-finished product of the electrochemical cell, that is, the electrochemical cell in production within each production chamber 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x, preferably at the end of the deposition of each layer by the deposition heads 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 of the three-dimensional printing device 13, 13a, 13b, 13c, 13x housed in that production chamber 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x. Preferably, the apparatus 10 comprises a control group 28 for each production chamber 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x for detecting short circuits and / or insulation deficiencies within the semi-finished product of the electrochemical cell, that is, the electrochemical cell in production within the production chamber 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x to which said control group 28 is associated. Preferably, the control group 28 is electrically connected to the first electrically conductive zone 20a and to the second electrically conductive zone 20b, if present, or to the first group of electrically conductive zones 201a and to the second group of electrically conductive zones 201 b, if present.

[0142] Preferably, the control group 28 may comprise a first test unit 26, configured and / or programmed to detect short circuits and at least a second test unit 27 configured and / or programmed to detect insulation deficiencies within the electrochemical cell C in production or the semi-finished product of the electrochemical cell.

[0143] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, for each control group 28, the apparatus 10 comprises first contacts 281 and second contacts 282. The test unit 26 is electrically connected to the first electrically conductive zone 20a and the second electrically conductive zone 20b respectively by means of first contacts 281 and second contacts 282. Alternatively, the test unit 26 is electrically connected to each of the first group of electrically conductive zones 201a and the second group of electrically conductive zones 201b by means of first contacts 281 and second contacts 282, respectively. In this way, thanks to the first contacts 281 , the test unit 26 can verify the presence or absence of short circuits and thanks to the second contacts 282 the test unit 26 can verify the correct contact of the electrochemical cell being produced, that is, the electrochemical cell semi-finished product.

[0144] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, for each control group 28, the apparatus 10 comprises third contacts 283 and fourth contacts 284. Like the first test unit 26, the at least one second test unit 27 is also preferably electrically connected to the first electrically conductive zone 20a and to the second electrically conductive zone 20b or, alternatively, to the first group of electrically conductive zones 201 a and to the second group of electrically conductive zones 201 b, in particular by means of the third contacts 283 and the fourth contacts 284, respectively.

[0145] As mentioned above, preferably, the control group 28, in particular the first test unit 26 and the second test unit 27, if present, is / are configured and / or programmed in such a way as to detect, respectively, short circuits and insulation deficiencies at least at each layer deposited in use by each head of the plurality of deposition heads 14, 15, 16, 17, 18. In this way it is possible to interrupt the production process and send a semi-finished product of an electrochemical cell as waste or also for "repair". A repair phase, shown by way of an example in a production chamber of Figure 1 , can consist, for example, in the mechanical removal of a layer or portion of a semi-finished product of an electrochemical cell or of an electrochemical cell and then resume printing on the same semi-finished product of an electrochemical cell.

[0146] Preferably, the at least one second test unit 27 may be configured and / or programmed to impose or apply a voltage to the first electrically conductive zone 20a and to the second electrically conductive zone 20b or, alternatively, to the first group of electrically conductive zones 201a and to the second group of electrically conductive zones 201b, and to check whether current passes, through the electrochemical cell C or the semifinished product of the electrochemical cell, between the first electrically conductive zone 20a and the second electrically conductive zone 20b or, alternatively, between the first group of electrically conductive zones and the second group of electrically conductive zones. Alternatively, the at least one second test unit 27 is configured and / or programmed to apply to the first electrically conductive zone 20a and to the second electrically conductive zone 20b or, alternatively, to the first group of electrically conductive zones 201a and to the second group of electrically conductive zones 201b, in a predefined time interval, a voltage having a predefined value or a voltage having a value variable over time according to a predefined profile. Furthermore, according to this preferred aspect, the at least one second test unit 27 is configured and / or programmed to check whether the predefined voltage value, between the first electrically conductive zone 20a and the second electrically conductive zone 20b or, alternatively, between the first group of electrically conductive zones 201a and the second group of electrically conductive zones 201 b, is maintained unchanged in the predefined time interval or if it varies, in said predefined time interval as expected, according to the predefined profile.

[0147] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the control group 28, is connected to the control and movement means 23 of the at least one three-dimensional printing device 13, 13a, 13b, 13c, 13x and / or to the management unit 29, if present, and is configured to send to the control and movement means 23, and / or to the management unit 29, a stop command or signal to stop the actuation of the heads of the plurality of heads 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 if a short circuit or an insulation deficiency is detected. In this way it is possible to stop the production of a semi-finished product of an electrochemical cell that has defects. The semi-finished product can be discarded or recycled, rectifying, or removing, the failed surface and subsequently returning it to complete the production process.

[0148] For example, in Figure 1 a production chamber 12y is labelled ‘defect’ to indicate that at least one of the test units 26 and 27 has detected a short-circuit or insulation defect therein.

[0149] As mentioned above, the contacts are redundant, that is, they are at least double, that is, they include first contacts configured for the detection of the absence of short circuit, and second contacts configured for the verification of the correct contact between a control group 28 and a same electrochemical cell C in production.

[0150] The present invention also relates to a production plant 60 for the production of electrochemical cells, comprising an apparatus 10 as described above and a picking-up robot 40 configured for picking up one or more finished electrochemical cells C from the respective production chamber 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x.

[0151] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the apparatus 10 is configured and organized in such a way that the production of the electrolytic cells C is temporally out of phase between the production chambers 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x, so that the electrolytic cells C are terminated at different times and the picking up robot 40 can remove them one after the other as the electrolytic cells C are completed, without down times and periods of forced shutdown of the production chambers 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x due to failure to remove from their interior a complete but not removed electrolytic cell C because the picking up robot 40 is engaged in the removal of another electrolytic cell C from another production chamber 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x which has finished printing at the same instant.

[0152] This out-of-phase organization of production is shown in Figure 1 by the different percentages of production progress written inside the production chambers 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x.

[0153] For example, in a first production chamber 12a the making of an electrolytic cell C is completed at 0%; in a second production chamber 12b alongside the making of an electrolytic cell C is completed at 70%; in another production chamber 12z the making of an electrolytic cell C has been completed and is ready for extraction.

[0154] Figure 1 also shows a production chamber 12w that requires a cleaning phase, or dehumidification, or dust removal.

[0155] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the picking up robot 40 may comprise an automatic trolley with on board a manipulator arm 41 for picking up and moving the electrochemical cells C.

[0156] The picking up robot 40 also comprises a loading compartment 42 configured to receive and contain a plurality of finished electrochemical cells C picked from the matrix of production chambers.

[0157] It may therefore be understood how an apparatus 10 according to the present invention allows the task and aims to be achieved.

[0158] In particular, according to the present invention an additive manufacturing apparatus has been developed that allows the production rates of electrochemical cells to be considerably increased.

[0159] In addition, according to the present invention, a compact additive manufacturing apparatus has been developed, which allows the volume of a production plant to be greatly reduced at the same production rates as the production systems currently known. Furthermore, according to the present invention, a highly automated additive manufacturing apparatus has been developed, which does not require particular interventions by specially dedicated operators.

[0160] The present invention further relates to an additive manufacturing method for the production of an electrochemical cell or semi-finished product of an electrochemical cell by means of an apparatus as described above. When describing the method, the elements of the apparatus involved in the method and having the same function and the same structure as the elements previously described retain the same reference number and are not again described in detail.

[0161] The additive manufacturing method for producing an electrochemical cell or a semifinished product of an electrochemical cell according to the present invention comprises:

[0162] - providing at least one support flat surface 20 configured to support, in use, layers consecutively deposited on each other by said deposition heads 14, 15, 16, 17, 18;

[0163] - with said first head 14, depositing at least a portion of a layer of a first electrically conductive material, that is, at least a portion made of said first electrically conductive material of a layer, for the definition of an anode connector above said at least one support flat surface 20;

[0164] - with said second head 15, depositing at least a portion of a layer of a second electrically conductive material, that is, at least a portion made of said second electrically conductive material of a layer, for the definition of an anode connector above said at least one support flat surface 20;

[0165] - with said third head 16, depositing at least a portion of a layer of a first electrochemically active material, that is, at least a portion made of said first electrochemically active material of a layer, to make an anode body above said at least one support flat surface 20;

[0166] - with said fourth head 17, depositing at least a portion of a layer of a second electrochemically active material, that is, at least a portion made of said second electrochemically active material of a layer, to make a cathode body above said at least one support flat surface 20;

[0167] - with said fifth head 18, depositing at least a portion of an insulating layer for the passage of electrons, that is, at least a portion in an insulating material for the passage of ions of a layer, for the definition of at least part of an insulating portion for the passage of electrons above said at least one support flat surface 20.

[0168] According to a preferred aspect, the above-mentioned method further comprises providing at least one drying device 22 and drying, by means of said at least one drying device 22, a layer of material or a portion of a layer of material deposited by the printing device 13.

[0169] According to a preferred aspect, the above-mentioned method further comprises providing an air treatment device 25 connected to the at least one production chamber 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x and introducing into each production chamber 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x treated, dedusted and dehumidified air.

[0170] According to a preferred aspect, the method further comprises forming the vacuum inside the production chamber 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x through the means for forming the vacuum.

[0171] According to a preferred aspect, the method further comprises filling said production chamber 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x with said inert gas.

[0172] According to a preferred aspect, the at least one support flat surface 20 comprises a first electrically conductive zone 20a and a second electrically conductive zone 20b, wherein the first electrically conductive zone 20a and the second electrically conductive zone 20b are electrically insulated from each other. Alternatively, the support flat surface 20 comprises a first group of electrically conductive zones 201a and a second group of electrically conductive zones that are electrically connected to each other.

[0173] According to a preferred aspect, the method provides for depositing at least a portion of a first layer of the first electrically conductive material at the first electrically conductive zone 20a, or the first group of electrically conductive zones 201a, and depositing at least a portion of a first layer of the second electrically conductive material at the second electrically conductive zone 20b, or the second group of electrically conductive zones 201 b. In other words, the method comprises depositing on the first electrically conductive zone 20a, or on the first group of electrically conductive zones 201a, a portion of a first layer of the first electrically conductive material, that is, a portion of a first layer made of the first electrically conductive material, and depositing on the second electrically conductive zone 20b, or on the second group of electrically conductive zones 201 b, a portion of the first layer of the second electrically conductive material, that is, a portion of the first layer made of the second electrically conductive material; in this way it is possible to establish a physical and electrical contact between the first electrically conductive zone 20a, or the first group of electrically conductive zones 201a and a portion of the first layer made of the first electrically conductive material and to establish a physical and electrical contact between the second electrically conductive zone 20b, or the second group of electrically conductive zones 201b and a portion of the first layer made of the second electrically conductive material.

[0174] According to a preferred aspect, the method further comprises providing a control group 28 and electrically connecting it to the first electrically conductive zone 20a and to the second electrically conductive zone 20b or alternatively to the first group of electrically conductive zones 201a and to the second group of electrically conductive zones 201b. According to this preferred aspect, the method further comprises detecting, through the control group 28, short circuits and / or insulation deficiencies within the electrochemical cell or semi-finished product of the electrochemical cell during its production.

[0175] Preferably, the detection of short circuits and / or insulation deficiencies takes place at the end of the deposition of each layer by the deposition heads 14, 15, 16, 17, 18.

[0176] According to a preferred aspect, the method further comprises stopping the operation or the actuation of the plurality of heads 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 in case a short circuit and / or an insulation deficiency is detected inside the electrochemical cell or the semi-finished product of the electrochemical cell during its production. In particular, the method comprises sending through the control group 28 a stop signal to the control and movement means 23 and / or to the management unit 29, if part of the apparatus 10.

[0177] According to a preferred aspect, in case of detection of a short circuit and / or an insulation deficiency inside the electrochemical cell or semi-finished product of the electrochemical cell, the method comprises removing one or more layers of the electrochemical cell or the semi-finished product of the electrochemical cell and depositing again one or more layers consecutively on top of each other through the deposition heads 14, 15, 16, 17, 18.

[0178] According to a preferred aspect, the control group 28 comprises a first test unit 26 and the method comprises electrically connecting the first test unit 26 to the first electrically conductive zone 20a and to the second electrically conductive zone 20b, or to the first group of electrically conductive zones 201a and to the second group of electrically conductive zones 201 b, respectively by means of first contacts 281 and second contacts 282.

[0179] Preferably, the at least one second test unit 27 imposes or applies a voltage to the first electrically conductive zone 20a and the second electrically conductive zone 20b or, alternatively, to the first group of electrically conductive zones 201a and to the second group of electrically conductive zones 201 b (if present) and checks whether current passes, through the electrochemical cell C or the semi-finished product of the electrochemical cell, between the first electrically conductive zone 20a and the second electrically conductive zone 20b or, alternatively, between the first group of electrically conductive zones 201a and the second group of electrically conductive zones 201b. Alternatively, the at least one second test unit 27 applies to the first electrically conductive zone 20a and to the second electrically conductive zone 20b or, alternatively, to the first group of electrically conductive zones 201a and to the second group of electrically conductive zones 201 b, in a predefined time interval, a voltage having a predefined value or a voltage having a value variable over time according to a predefined profile. Furthermore, according to this preferred aspect, the at least one second test unit 27 checks whether said predefined voltage value, between the first electrically conductive zone 20a and the second electrically conductive zone 20b or, alternatively, between the first group of electrically conductive zones 201a and the second group of electrically conductive zones 201 b, is maintained unchanged within said predefined time interval or if it varies, within said predefined time interval as expected, according to the predefined profile.

[0180] According to a preferred aspect, the control group 28 comprises a second test unit 27 and the method provides for electrically connecting the second test unit 27 to the first electrically conductive zone 20a and to the second electrically conductive zone 20b, or to the first group of electrically conductive zones 201a and to the second group of electrically conductive zones 201 b, respectively by means of third contacts 283 and fourth contacts 284.

[0181] According to a preferred aspect, said method comprises the following steps:

[0182] - with said first head 14, depositing at least a portion of a layer of a first electrically conductive material, that is, at least a portion made of said first electrically conductive material of a layer, for the definition of an anode connector above said at least one support flat surface 20;

[0183] - with said second head 15, depositing at least a portion of a layer of said second electrically conductive material, that is, at least a portion made of said second electrically conductive material of said layer, for the definition of an anode connector above said at least one support flat surface 20;

[0184] - with said third head 16, depositing at least a portion of said layer of a first electrochemically active material, that is, at least a portion made of said first electrically active material of a layer, to make an anode body above said at least one support flat surface 20;

[0185] - with said fourth head 17, depositing at least a portion of said layer of a second electrochemically active material, that is, at least a portion made of said second electrically active material of a layer, to make a cathode body above said at least one support flat surface 20;

[0186] - with said fifth head 18, depositing at least a portion of said insulating layer for the passage of electrons, that is, at least a portion made of said insulating material for the passage of ions of said layer, for the definition of at least part of an insulating portion for the passage of electrons above said at least one support flat surface 20.

[0187] In other words, according to said preferred aspect of the method, each deposition head deposits a portion of the same layer. It follows that, preferably, at least one layer of the electrochemical cell or semi-finished product of the electrochemical cell made by the method comprises a portion of first electrically conductive material, a portion of second electrically conductive material, a portion of first electrochemically active material, a portion of second electrically active material and a portion of insulating material for the passage of electrons. The term “layer” means a region or "slice" of the electrochemical cell or semi-finished product of the electrochemical cell having the same height that extends mainly parallel to the support flat surface 20.

[0188] The invention has thus far been described with reference to its preferred embodiments. It is to be understood that there may be other embodiments pertaining to the same inventive concept, all falling within the scope of protection of the claims set forth below.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Additive manufacturing apparatus (10) for the production of an electrochemical cell (C) or semi-finished product of an electrochemical cell, wherein said electrochemical cell or said semi-finished product of an electrochemical cell comprises a plurality of layers defining:- an anode connector, made of a first electrically conductive material,- a cathode connector, made of a second electrically conductive material,- an anode body, made of a first electrochemically active material,- a cathode body, made of a second electrochemically active material,- an insulating portion for the passage of electrons, and wherein said apparatus comprises: a) a frame (11) defining at least one production chamber (12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x); b) at least one three-dimensional printing device (13, 13a, 13b, 13c, 13x) housed in said at least one production chamber (12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x) and comprising a plurality of deposition heads (14, 15, 16, 17, 18), and control and movement means (23) associated with the plurality of deposition heads (14, 15, 16, 17, 18) and configured to operate said deposition heads (14, 15, 16, 17, 18), wherein said plurality of deposition heads (14, 15, 16, 17, 18) in turn comprises:- a first head (14) configured to deposit at least a portion of a layer of said first electrically conductive material for the definition of said anode connector;- a second head (15) configured to deposit at least a portion of a layer of said second electrically conductive material for the definition of said cathode connector;- a third head (16) configured to deposit at least a portion of a layer of said first electrochemically active material to make the anode body;- a fourth head (17) configured to deposit at least a portion of a layer of said second electrochemically active material to make the cathode body;- a fifth head (18) configured to deposit at least a portion of an insulating layer for thepassage of electrons for the definition of at least part of said insulating portion for the passage of electrons, d) at least one support flat surface (20) configured to support, in use, the layers consecutively deposited on each other by said deposition heads (14, 15, 16, 17, 18).

2. Apparatus (10) according to claim 1 , comprising at least one drying device (22) configured to dry a layer of material or a portion of a layer of material which, in use, is deposited by a printing device (13) on said at least one support flat surface (20).

3. Apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said frame (11) defines a plurality of production chambers (12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x) arranged in a matrix.

4. Apparatus (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein each head of said plurality of deposition heads (14, 15, 16, 17, 18) comprises a plurality of nozzles, wherein each nozzle of said plurality of nozzles is selectively operable by said control and movement means (23).

5. Apparatus (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising an air treatment device (25) connected to the at least one production chamber (12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x) and configured to introduce treated, dedusted and dehumidified air into each production chamber (12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x).

6. Apparatus (10) according to claim 5, wherein said air treatment device (25) comprises means for achieving the vacuum inside said production chamber (12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x).

7. Apparatus (10) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein said air treatment device (25) comprises means for filling said production chamber (12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x) with inert gas.

8. Apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein- the first head (14) is suitable for being connected to a first tank suitable for containing said first electrically conductive material:- the second head (15) is suitable for being connected to a second tank suitable for containing said second electrically conductive material;- the third head (16) is suitable for being connected to a third tank suitable for containing said first electrochemically active material;- the fourth head (17) is suitable for being connected to a fourth tank suitable for containing said second electrochemically active material;- the fifth head (18) is suitable for being connected to a fifth tank suitable for containing an insulating material for the passage of electrons.

9. Apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one support flat surface (20) comprises a first electrically conductive zone (20a) and a second electrically conductive zone (20b), wherein the first electrically conductive zone (20a) and the second electrically conductive zone (20b) are electrically insulated from each other, and wherein the first electrically conductive zone (20a) is intended to make contact with at least a portion of a first layer of the first electrically conductive material and said second electrically conductive zone (20b) is intended to make contact with at least a portion of said first layer of the second electrically conductive material.

10. Apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one support flat surface (20) comprises a plurality of electrically conductive zones (201), electrically insulated from each other and wherein a first group of electrically conductive zones (201a) of the plurality of electrically conductive zones (201) is intended to make contact with at least a portion of a first layer of the first electrically conductive material and wherein a second group of electrically conductive zones (201b) of the plurality of electrically conductive zones (201) is intended to make contact with at least a portion of the first layer of the second electrically conductive material.

11. Apparatus (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the plurality of electrically conductive zones (201) is arranged to form a matrix of electrically conductive zones separated from each other by a mesh or lattice (201c) of electrically insulating material.

12. Apparatus (10) according to claim 9, comprising a control group (28) electrically connected to the first electrically conductive zone (20a) and to the second electrically conductive zone (20b) and configured and / or programmed to detect short circuits and / or insulation deficiencies within the electrochemical cell or the semi-finished product of the electrochemical cell during its production.

13. Apparatus (10) according to claim 10 or 11 , comprising a control group (28) electrically connected to the first group of electrically conductive zones (201a) and to the second group of electrically conductive zones (201b) and configured and / or programmed to detect short circuits and / or insulation deficiencies inside the electrochemical cell (C) during its production.

14. Apparatus (10) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the control group (28) is connected to the control and movement means (23) of the at least one three-dimensional printing device (13, 13a, 13b, 13c, 13x) and is configured and / or programmed to send to the control and movement means (23) a stop command or signal to stop the actuation of the heads of the plurality of heads (14, 15, 16, 17, 18) if a short circuit or an insulation deficiency is detected.

15. Apparatus (10) according to claim 12 or claim 14 in combination with claim 12 , wherein said control group (28) comprises a first test unit (26) and at least a second test unit (27) and wherein said first test unit (26) is electrically connected to each of the first electrically conductive zone (20a) and the second electrically conductive zone (20b) respectively by means of first contacts and second contacts (281 , 282) and said at least a second test unit (27) is electrically connected to each of the first electrically conductive zone (20a) and the second electrically conductive zone (20b) by means of, respectively, third contacts and fourth contacts (283, 284).

16. Apparatus (10) according to claim 13 or according to claim 14 in combination with claim 13, wherein said control group (28) comprises a first test unit (26) and at least a second test unit (27) and wherein said first test unit (26) is electrically connected to eachof the first group of electrically conductive zones (201a) and the second group of electrically conductive zones (201b), respectively, by means of first contacts (281) and second contacts (282) and said at least a second test unit (27) is electrically connected to each of the first group of electrically conductive zones (201a) and the second group of electrically conductive zones (201 b), respectively, by means of third contacts (283) and fourth contacts (284).

17. Production plant for the production of electrochemical cells, comprising an apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims and a picking-up robot (40) configured for picking up one or more finished electrochemical cells (C) from the respective production chamber (12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x).

18. Additive manufacturing method for the production of an electrochemical cell or a semi-finished product of an electrochemical cell by means of an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, and wherein said method provides for: providing at least one support flat surface (20) configured to support, in use, layers consecutively deposited on each other by said deposition heads (14, 15, 16, 17, 18); with said first head (14), depositing at least a portion of a layer of a first electrically conductive material for the definition of an anode connector above said at least one support flat surface (20); with said second head (15), depositing at least a portion of a layer of a second electrically conductive material for the definition of a cathode connector above said at least one support flat surface (20); with said third head (16), depositing at least a portion of a layer of a first electrochemically active material to create an anode body above said at least one support flat surface (20); with said fourth head (17), depositing at least a portion of a layer of a second electrochemically active material to create a cathode body above said at least one support flat surface (20);with said fifth head (18), depositing at least a portion of an insulating layer for the passage of electrons for the definition of at least part of an insulating portion for the passage of electrons above said at least one support flat surface (20).

19. Method according to claim 18, which further provides for providing at least one drying device (22) and drying means of said at least one drying device (22), a layer of material or a portion of a layer of material deposited by the printing device (13).

20. Method according to claim 18 or 19, further providing an air treatment device (25) connected to the at least one production chamber (12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x) and introducing into each production chamber (12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x) treated, dedusted and dehumidified air.

21. Method according to claim 20, wherein said air treatment device (25) comprises means for creating a vacuum inside said production chamber (12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x), and wherein said method provides for creating a vacuum inside said production chamber (12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x) through said means for creating a vacuum.

22. Method according to claim 20 or claim 21 , wherein said air treatment device (25) comprises means for filling said production chamber (12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x) with inert gas and said method provides for filling said production chamber (12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x) with said inert gas.

23. Method according to any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein the at least one support flat surface (20) comprises a first electrically conductive zone (20a) and a second electrically conductive zone (20b), wherein the first electrically conductive zone (20a) and the second electrically conductive zone (20b) are electrically insulated from each other; and wherein said method provides for depositing at least a portion of a first layer of the first electrically conductive material at the first electrically conductive zone (20a) and for depositing at least a portion of the first layer of the second electrically conductive material at the second electrically conductive zone (20b).

24. Method according to claim 23, which provides for providing a control group (28) andfor connecting said control group (28) electrically to the first electrically conductive zone (20a) and to the second electrically conductive zone (20b) and wherein said method also provides for detecting, through said control group (28), short circuits and / or insulation deficiencies within the electrochemical cell or the semi-finished product of the electrochemical cell during its production.

25. Method according to claim 24, wherein said method provides for stopping the actuation of the plurality of heads (14, 15, 16, 17, 18) in case a short circuit and / or an insulation deficiency is detected inside the electrochemical cell or the semi-finished product of the electrochemical cell during its production.

26. Method according to claim 25, wherein said method provides, if a short circuit and / or an insulation deficiency is detected inside the electrochemical cell or the semi-finished product of the electrochemical cell, for removing one or more layers of the electrochemical cell or the semi-finished product of the electrochemical cell and for depositing again one or more layers consecutively on each other by means of said deposition heads (14, 15, 16, 17, 18).

27. Method according to any one of claims 18 to 24, comprising the following steps:- with said first head (14), depositing at least a portion of a layer of a first electrically conductive material for the definition of an anode connector above said at least one support flat surface (20);- with said second head (15), depositing at least a portion of said layer of a second electrically conductive material for the definition of a cathode connector above said at least one support flat surface (20);- with said third head (16), depositing at least a portion of said layer of a first electrochemically active material to create an anode body above said at least one support flat surface (20);- with said fourth head (17), depositing at least a portion of said layer of a second electrochemically active material to create a cathode body above said at leastone support flat surface (20);- with said fifth head (18), depositing at least a portion of said insulating layer for the passage of electrons for the definition of at least part of an insulating portion for the passage of electrons above said at least one support flat surface (20).

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