WO2024069348A1

WO2024069348A1 - Apparatus and method for continuous production of battery cells or parts thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2024069348A1
Application number: PCT/IB2023/059440
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pier Carlo Alberghi; Alessandro Baldini
Original assignee: Sacmi Cooperativa Meccanici Imola Societa' Cooperativa
Priority date: 2022-09-26
Filing date: 2023-09-25
Publication date: 2024-04-04

Abstract

An apparatus and a method for continuous production of battery cells or parts thereof comprises an electrode welding station (301) for welding a jellyroll to electrodes of each battery cell. The electrode welding station comprises: a conveyor (3011) provided with a plurality of clamping devices (3012), configured for gripping a jellyroll-electrodes group and for moving the jellyroll-electrodes group along a feeding path (F) in an advancing direction (AD); a welding device (3013). The feeding path (F) comprises a working stretch (WS) defined between a first position and a second position spaced from the first position in the advancing direction (AD). The welding device (3013) is configured to apply energy to the jellyroll- electrodes group at the whole working stretch (WS), for welding the electrodes to the jellyroll.

Description

DESCRIPTION

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTINUOUS PRODUCTION OF BATTERY CELLS OR PARTS THEREOF

Technical field

This invention relates to an apparatus and a method for continuous production of battery cells or parts thereof.

Background art

Battery production is growing at an ever increasing rate under the impetus of the increasing demand for batteries in many fields.

Generally speaking, batteries can be divided into primary batteries and secondary batteries. Primary battery cells are those that cannot be recharged and are discarded at the end of their life cycle, while secondary battery cells must be recharged when depleted. Both types of batteries are used extensively in many sectors and can be manufactured in many sizes and from different materials.

Examples of secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium (NiCd), lead acid and lithium-ion batteries.

Of the different types of secondary batteries, lithium-ion batteries are currently the most popular worldwide, thanks to their high capacity and low self-discharge.

Moreover, lithium batteries can be made in a variety of shapes. Secondary lithium battery cells may be classified in three categories: cylindrical, prismatic and pouch-shaped. Lithium batteries include a set of electrodes, integrated in a can, for charging and discharging the electrical energy. The set of electrodes has a layer of anode material, a separator and a layer of cathode material which are rolled up or stacked to form a single body, called a "jellyroll". The jellyroll is inserted into the can to form the battery cell. In addition, the battery cell is filled with electrolyte to carry positively charged lithium ions from the anode to the cathode, and vice versa, through the separator.

Typically, battery cells also have battery tabs. Battery tabs are the positive and negative connectors that carry the electrical current of the cell. More specifically, inside the cell, the tabs are connected to the anode and cathode foils and connect these foils to the external electrodes. In new generation batteries, however, the battery cells may be made without the tabs. More specifically, in these cells, the tabs are integrated in the battery itself.

In this context, documents CN214978503, CN113751875,CN208256816, US4502213A, CN111463473A, and CN111993055 describe apparatuses and methods for the production of battery cells.

Document CN113751875 describes a welding method and device for a battery cell cover. Document CN 208256816 describes an automatic welding station for a battery module using laser.

Document CN214978503 describes an apparatus for welding electrodes in batteries, in which first the positive electrode is welded and then in a subsequent step the cell is rotated 180^s and the negative electrode is welded. Additionally, a laser emission head is used for welding, the laser emission head is positioned over a welding hole that corresponds to a housing that contains the cell.

Document US4502213A describes an apparatus in which a series of cell containers having an electrode tab and corresponding lids are received and transported to a welding station where each cell container is welded to the corresponding lid. This document proposes a solution that allows to automate manual work for the production of battery cells.

Document CN111463473A describes a line for the automatic production of cylindrical cells. Document CN111993055 describes a machine for automatically welding the positive electrode to the battery.

However, prior art systems and methods for the production of battery cells have some disadvantages and can be improved.

Generally speaking, the production of battery cells comprises various different welding steps which must be performed in a specific manner. Moreover, the quality of these connections is fundamental for the quality of the battery; in the battery manufacturing field, therefore, the welding process is a very demanding one.

Thus, in this field, there is an ever growing need for an apparatus and method for making battery cells with greater precision and speed (high output).

Disclosure of the invention

The aim of this invention is to provide an apparatus, an automated line and a method for continuous production of battery cells, or parts thereof, to overcome the above mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

This aim is fully achieved by the apparatus, automated line and method of this disclosure as characterized in the appended claims.

According to an aspect of it, this disclosure provides an apparatus for continuous production of battery cells or parts thereof.

Each battery cell includes electrodes. Each battery cell also includes a jellyroll. The jellyroll has a cathode foil and an anode foil. In an example, the anode foil and the cathode foil are metallic. The anode foil and the cathode foil are rolled up together. More specifically, the jellyroll may include an insulating foil, a layer of anode material, a separator layer and a cathode material.

The apparatus comprises an electrode welding station. The electrode welding station is configured for welding the jellyroll to the electrodes. The electrode welding station comprises a transportation system. The transportation system has a loading zone. The loading zone is configured, for each cell to be produced, for receiving the jellyroll and the electrodes. The transportation system also includes an unloading zone. The unloading zone is configured, for each cell to be produced, for releasing an assembly formed of the jellyroll and the electrodes welded together. The transportation system also includes a conveyor. The conveyor may be provided with a plurality of clamping devices. Each clamping device is configured for holding a jellyroll-electrodes group. The jellyroll-electrodes group is formed of the electrodes and the jellyroll coupled to each other.

The conveyor is configured to move the jellyroll-electrodes group along a feeding path from the loading zone to the unloading zone in an advancing direction. In an example, the feeding path comprises a working stretch. The working stretch is defined between a first position and a second position spaced from the first position in the advancing direction. The electrode welding station also comprises a joining device. The joining device is configured to produce electrical continuity between the jellyroll and the electrodes. The electrical continuity between the jellyroll and the electrodes may be produced by gluing, welding or other methods. In an example, the joining device is a welding device. The welding device is configured to apply energy to the jellyroll-electrodes group for welding the electrodes to the jellyroll. More specifically, in an example, the welding device is configured to apply energy to the jellyroll-electrodes group at the whole working stretch. Thus, the components of each battery cell are welded without having to stop the conveyor, which means the welding process is carried out while the conveyor is in motion (that is, on the fly). The fact that the welding device is configured to apply energy to the jellyroll-electrodes group for the entire working stretch to weld the electrodes to the jellyroll, allows to have a continuous process in which welding takes place without stopping the jellyroll along the path of power supply. A continuous welding process, instead of a batch process like those known in the prior art, makes it possible to provide a faster welding process (that is, to speed it up), thus increasing the battery cell production rate.

In an example embodiment of this invention, therefore, the jellyroll electrode welding process in the electrode welding station is an on-the-fly process.

It is to be noted that the transportation system can also carry more than one jellyroll-electrode group at a time.

It is to be noted that the electrode welding station as explained above can be applied to any type of battery cells.

According to another aspect of this disclosure, the jellyroll electrode welding process may be a batch process. In other words, the conveyor may be configured to move the jellyroll-electrodes group in the advancing direction from the loading zone to the welding point. The conveyor may be configured to transport a plurality of jellyroll-electrodes groups to the welding point at the same time. The conveyor is also configured to transport the welded assembly/assemblies from the welding point to the unloading zone. Thus, the conveyor may be used intermittently, with pauses; during each pause, one or more jellyroll-electrodes groups are positioned at the welding point and the electrodes are welded to the jellyroll by the welding device at the welding point.

In an example, the welding device is stationary with respect to the movement of the jellyroll-electrodes group along the working stretch of the feeding path. This solution allows having an apparatus that is less complicated and easier to manage. Alternatively, the welding device may be movable along the advancing direction. In an example, the welding device comprises a first welding head and a second welding head. The first and the second welding head are placed at opposite sides of the working stretch. Further, the first and the second welding head are configured to apply energy to two opposite sides of the jellyroll-electrodes group. The first and the second welding head may be configured to apply energy to two opposite sides of the jellyroll-electrodes group at the whole working stretch. In an example, the first and the second welding head are configured to apply energy to two opposite sides of the jellyroll-electrodes group simultaneously. This feature increases the speed of the welding process because it allows two welds to be made at two different points simultaneously. Alternatively, the first and the second welding head are configured to apply energy to two opposite sides of the jellyroll-electrodes group one after the other. In an example, the welding device includes a laser. Using a laser allows obtaining a weld with greater precision, mechanical strength and lower thermal deformation or shrinkage of the components. Further, in laser welding, the components to be welded and the welding device do not come into direct contact.

Furthermore, each clamping device may include a through hole. The through hole is configured to allow a laser beam to pass through it.

In an example, the feeding path extends along a longitudinal axis. In an example, the working stretch is straight. Further, the working stretch is aligned with the longitudinal axis.

In an example, the conveyor comprises a first conveyor belt and a second conveyor belt. The first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt are coplanar. In an example, each clamping device comprises a first rim and a second rim. The first rim belongs to the first conveyor belt. The second rim belongs to the second conveyor belt. In an example, the first and the second conveyor belt have respective advancing portions facing each other. In addition, the conveyor belts are configured to move synchronously. More specifically, the first and the second conveyor belt are configured to move in such a way that the jellyroll-electrodes group is held between the first rim and the second rim of a respective clamping device.

Furthermore, for each jellyroll-electrodes group, the first and second rims are configured to be operatively active simultaneously at opposite sides of the jellyroll-electrodes group and to apply a clamping force by pushing the electrodes towards the jellyroll. Applying the clamping force allows making welding more precise. More specifically, applying the clamping force allows removing the air between the components to be welded; thus, the contact area between the components to be welded is larger, making it possible to obtain a more precise welding process and to apply a smaller amount of energy to the components.

The apparatus may also comprise a terminal welding station. The terminal welding station is, for each battery cell, configured to receive a welded assembly from the unloading zone of the electrode welding station. For each battery cell, the terminal welding station is also configured to receive a battery cell can. Further, the battery cell can provides a terminal to be welded to the welded assembly. In an example, the terminal welding station includes an electric generator. In an example, the terminal welding station includes a series of first electrodes. The terminal welding station also includes a corresponding series of second electrodes. The first and second electrodes are movable along a first and a second predetermined path, respectively. Further, in an example, the first and second electrodes are reciprocally placeable in a coupling zone. In an example, the first electrodes are pin-shaped, and the second electrodes are flat, or vice versa. Further, the first and second electrodes are connected to the electric generator to generate an electric current between a first electrode and a respective second electrode in the coupling position. The terminal welding station is configured to move each welded assembly coupled to a respective battery cell can along the coupling zone. The terminal welding station is configured to move each welded assembly coupled to a respective battery cell can to the coupling zone in such a way that one of the electrodes of the assembly and the terminal of the battery cell can are interposed between a pin-shaped electrode and a respective flat electrode in the coupling zone.

The electric generator is also configured to provide an electric current (that is, an electric discharge) between the pin-shaped electrode and the flat electrode in the coupling zone.

This solution allows the welded assembly to be welded to the terminal of the battery cell can in motion, thus reducing machine pause time and thereby increasing the speed of the apparatus.

The apparatus may also comprise a can welding station. The can welding station includes a surface. The surface is configured to receive the battery cell can, with the welded assembly coupled thereto, from the terminal welding station. The surface is configured to receive the battery cell can, with the welded assembly coupled thereto in such a way that the cell can rolls onto the surface. More specifically, the cell can rolls along a rolling stretch between a first position and a second position spaced from the first position in a travelling direction. The can welding station includes a laser head. The laser head is configured to generate a laser beam. The laser head is configured to weld the can to the jellyroll. In an example, the laser beam is movable along the whole rolling stretch. More specifically, the laser head is configured to focus energy on an interface of the welded assembly and the battery cell can on an instant centre of rotation of the battery cell can. More specifically, the energy is applied to the instant centre of rotation of the battery cell can while the can is in motion on the surface.

Thus, the weld joining the battery cell can and the jellyroll to each other is made while the can is rolling on the surface along the rolling stretch. It is thus possible to obtain a continuous welding process characterized mainly by its higher speed.

The apparatus also comprises a can closing station. The can closing station is configured to receive the battery cell can, with the jellyroll coupled to it, from the can welding station. In an example, the can closing station is configured to receive a battery cell lid from the loading station. The can closing station is configured for fastening each welded assembly to the respective battery cell can. The can closing station comprise a can conveyor for conveying the battery cell can, with the welded assembly coupled thereto, in an advancing path. The conveyor of the can closing station is configured for conveying the battery cell can, with the welded assembly coupled thereto, in an advancing path.

The can closing station may comprise a plurality of operating heads. The plurality of operating heads is movable along a predetermined path. The plurality of operating heads is configured to move in synchrony with the can conveyor, so that each operating head is operatively active on a corresponding battery cell can with the welded assembly coupled thereto. Each operating head is configured to be operatively active on a corresponding battery cell can with the welded assembly coupled thereto in at least one stretch of the advancing path, so as to apply an irreversible mechanical deformation to the battery cell can to close the welded assembly therein.

According to an aspect of it, this disclosure provides an automated line for continuous production of battery cells. The apparatus according to this disclosure may constitute the automated line for continuous production of battery cells (the line or automated line). The line comprises a loading station for receiving battery cell components. The battery cell components include the jellyroll. The battery cell components also comprise the electrodes. The battery cell components also include the battery cell can.

The line comprises a plurality of operating stations. The plurality of operating stations is configured for processing the battery cell components in order to produce the battery cells. More specifically, the plurality of operating stations is configured for processing the battery cell components stepwise through generation of semi-finished products. In an example, the semi-finished product fed out from at least one of the operating stations is fed as input to another operating station. The plurality of operating stations may include the electrode welding station. The electrode welding station may be configured to receive the electrodes and the jellyroll from the loading station.

The line includes the can closing station. The can closing station is configured for fastening the jellyroll inside the battery cell can.

The line includes a feeding system. The feeding system is configured to receive the components to be processed from the loading station. The feeding system is configured to transport the components to one or more of the operating stations. In an example, the feeding system is configured to transport the components to one or more of the operating stations individually and in sequence. The line includes a cleaning system. The cleaning system is configured to clean the components.

The line also includes a quality control system. The quality control system is configured to perform a quality control check on the components and on the semi-finished products in order to identify scrap objects. The line also includes a discard system. The discard system is connected to the quality control system to remove the scrap objects.

In an example, the quality control system is configured to perform a quality control check both upstream and downstream of each operating station. It is therefore possible to perform a quality control check on components still to be processed or on semi-finished products, as well as on the product being fed into or out from each operating station, thus making it possible to obtain a particularly precise line.

In an example, the line may comprise a space removal system. The space removal system is configured to remove the empty spaces on the feeding system, created when scrap objects are removed by the discard system. More specifically, the space removal system is configured to remove the empty spaces on the feeding system so that the components transported by the feeding system towards the operating stations are arranged in one or more continuous lines.

This solution allows the components or semi-finished products to be fed correctly and in sequence to each operating station even if one or more scrap objects have been detected and removed.

In an example, the feeding system comprises a plurality of conveyor belts. More specifically, each operating station is connected to a respective conveyor belt to receive the components and/or the semi-finished products. An individual conveyor belt for each component is therefore provided; this solution allows the components to be fed in a particularly fast and precise manner. Alternatively, all the components to be processed could be fed to the operating stations by a single conveyor belt. In this example, the space removal system is configured for removing spaces on the conveyor belts.

In an example embodiment, at least one operating station is configured to receive both the components to be processed and the semi-finished product from the loading station and from the preceding operating station, respectively, by means of respective conveyor belts.

In an example, at least one of the operating stations comprises an online monitoring system. The online monitoring system is configured to receive data regarding the quality of the components and/or semi-finished products in real time and to send the data to the discard system. More specifically, the online monitoring system is upstream of the quality control system. It is therefore possible to have information regarding the quality of the components or semi-finished products at an intermediate stage, during which the component or semi-finished product received from the operating station is being processed and before the product fed out from the operating station is ready; in this solution, if the data relating to a component or semi-finished product being processed do not meet predetermined criteria, the process on that specific component or semifinished product is terminated; thanks to this process control system, the line is made more efficient and precise.

The plurality of operating stations may also include the terminal welding station. The terminal welding station is configured to receive the welded jellyroll and electrodes assembly from the unloading zone of the electrode welding station. The terminal welding station is also configured to receive the battery cell can from the loading station. The terminal welding station is configured to weld the welded assembly to a terminal of the battery cell can. More specifically, the terminal welding station is configured to weld one of the electrodes of the assembly to the terminal of the battery cell can.

The plurality of operating stations may also include the can welding station. The can welding station is configured to receive the battery cell can, with the welded assembly coupled thereto, from the terminal welding station. The can welding station is configured to weld the battery cell can to the jellyroll of the welded assembly.

In an example, the can welding station is configured to receive the battery cell can, with the welded assembly coupled thereto, from the terminal welding station.

According to an aspect of it, this disclosure provides a method for continuous production of battery cells or parts thereof. Each battery cell includes electrodes. Each battery cell also includes a jellyroll. The jellyroll has a cathode foil and an anode foil. The anode and cathode foils are rolled up together. The method comprises a step of providing a transportation system. The method comprises a step of providing the transportation system with a conveyor. The conveyor is provided with a loading zone. The conveyor is provided with an unloading zone. The method comprises a step of loading the jellyroll and the electrodes at the loading zone. The method comprises a step of holding a jellyrollelectrodes group. The jellyroll-electrodes group is formed of the electrodes and the jellyroll coupled to each other. In an example, the conveyor includes a plurality of clamping devices. The method comprises a step of holding each jellyroll-electrodes group with each clamping device of the plurality of clamping devices. The method comprises a step of transporting the jellyroll-electrodes group with the conveyor along a feeding path. More specifically, the jellyroll-electrodes group is transported by the conveyor from the loading zone to the unloading zone in an advancing direction.

The method also comprises a step of applying energy to the jellyrollelectrodes group by means of a welding device for welding the electrodes to the jellyroll. The method also comprises a step of releasing an assembly formed of the jellyroll and the electrodes welded together at the unloading zone. The feeding path includes a working stretch. The working stretch is defined between a first position and a second position. The second position is spaced from the first position in the advancing direction. In an example, the welding device applies energy to the jellyroll-electrodes group at the whole working stretch so that the electrodes are welded to the jellyroll as the jellyroll-electrodes group moves along the feeding path. In an example, the welding device is stationary with respect to the movement of the jellyroll-electrodes group along the working stretch of the feeding path.

The method may comprise a step of providing the welding device with a first welding head and a second welding head.

The method also comprises a step of placing the first welding head and the second welding head at opposite sides of the working stretch. The method may comprise a step of applying energy to two opposite sides of the jellyroll-electrodes group at the whole working stretch simultaneously.

In an example, the feeding path extends along a longitudinal axis. Further, in an example, the working stretch is straight. The working stretch is aligned with the longitudinal axis. The method may comprise a step of providing the conveyor with a first conveyor belt and a second conveyor belt. In an example, the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt are coplanar. Further, in an example, the first and the second conveyor belt have respective advancing portions facing each other. The method may comprise a step of providing each clamping device with a first rim and a second rim. The first rim belongs to the first conveyor belt and the second rim belongs to the second conveyor belt. In an example, the method comprises, for each jellyroll-electrodes group, a step of simultaneously activating the first and the second rims at opposite sides of the jellyroll-electrodes group. The method also comprises a step of holding the jellyroll-electrodes group between the first rim and the second rim of a respective clamping device. The method may also comprise a step of applying a clamping force to the jellyroll-electrodes group. More specifically, the clamping force is applied to the jellyroll-electrodes group by pushing the electrodes towards the jellyroll.

The method may comprise a step of moving the first and the second conveyor belt synchronously. According to an aspect of this disclosure, the method comprises a step, for each battery cell to be produced, of receiving components of the battery cell at a loading station. The components include the jellyroll. The components also include the electrodes. The components may include the battery cell can. For each cell to be made, the method comprises a step of processing the battery cell components at a plurality of operating stations to produce the battery cells. In an example, the components are processed to produce the battery cells stepwise through generation of semi-finished products. In an example, the operations performed at the plurality of operating stations include welding the jellyroll to the electrodes. The operations performed at the plurality of operating stations also include fastening the jellyroll inside the battery cell can. In an example, the method comprises, for each cell to be made, a step of feeding the semi-finished product output of at least one of the operating stations to another of the operating stations as input. The method comprises, for each cell to be made, a step of receiving the components to be processed from the loading station. In an example, the method comprises a step of feeding the components to one or more of the operating stations individually and in sequence through a feeding system. For each cell to be made, the method comprises a step of cleaning the components through a cleaning system. For each cell to be made, the method may also comprise a step of performing a quality control check on the components and on the semifinished products to identify scrap objects by means of a quality control system. For each cell to be made, the method may also comprise a step of removing the scrap objects by means of a discard system. The discard system is connected to the quality control system. In an example, the method comprises a step of performing a quality control check both upstream and downstream of each of the operating stations. The method may comprise a step of removing empty spaces on the feeding system. More specifically, the empty spaces on the feeding system are created when the scrap objects are removed by the discard system. The empty spaces on the feeding system are removed so that the components transported by the feeding system towards the operating stations are arranged in one or more continuous lines.

In an example, the method comprises a step of providing the feeding system with a plurality of conveyor belts. The method also comprises a step of transporting the components and/or the semi-finished products to each operating station through a respective conveyor belt.

In an example, the method comprises a step of transporting both the components to be processed and the semi-finished product from the loading station and from the previous operating station, respectively, to at least one operating station through respective conveyor belts.

The method may comprise a step of monitoring the components and/or semi-finished products in real time at least in one of the operating stations. The step of monitoring is performed prior to the quality control check.

More specifically, the method comprises a step of receiving data regarding the quality of the components and/or semi-finished products. The method also comprises a step of sending the data to the discard system.

In an example, the method includes a step of feeding the electrodes and the jellyroll from the loading station to an electrode welding station.

The method comprises a step of welding the electrodes to the jellyroll at the electrode welding station. The method may comprise a step of transporting the assembly formed of the jellyroll and the electrodes welded together from the electrode welding station to a terminal welding station. The method may also comprise a step of transporting the battery cell can from the loading station to the terminal welding station. The method comprises a step of welding one of the electrodes of the welded assembly to a terminal of the battery cell can at the terminal welding station.

The method may also comprise a step of transporting the battery cell can, with the welded assembly coupled to it, from the terminal welding station to a can welding station. The method comprises a step of welding the jellyroll to the battery cell can at the can welding station. The method may comprise a step of transporting the battery cell can, with the jellyroll coupled to it, from the can welding station to a can closing station. The method may also comprise a step of transporting the battery cell lid to the can welding station. The method also comprises a step of closing the battery cell can.

Brief description of drawings

These and other features will become more apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figures 1 and 2 show block diagrams of the automated line according to this disclosure;

- Figure 3 illustrates a jellyroll and electrodes according to this disclosure;

- Figure 4 illustrates an electrode welding station according to this disclosure;

- Figures 5 and 6 show a cross section of the electrode welding station of Figure 4;

- Figure 7 illustrates a can welding station according to this disclosure;

- Figures 8-11 illustrate a terminal welding station according to this disclosure;

- Figures 12 and 13 illustrate an alternative to the terminal welding station of Figures 8-11 ;

- Figures 14-17 illustrate the conveyor for different types of battery cells.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

With reference to the accompanying drawings, the numeral 1 denotes an automated line for continuous production of battery cells. Preferably, the battery cells are cylindrical. The battery cells may also be prismatic or pouch-shaped. Preferably, the battery cells are lithium ion cells. Each battery cell has a jellyroll JR. The jellyroll has an anode foil. The jellyroll JR has a cathode foil. The anode foil and the cathode foil are rolled up together. The jellyroll JR may have a separator foil between the anode foil and the cathode foil. The separator foil is configured to prevent short circuiting. More specifically, each cell stores energy in different layers of chemical compounds. Cathode and anode layers in foil form and separators are placed on top of one another to form a sandwich. The layers placed on top of one another may be rolled up to create a jellyroll for cylindrical or prismatic battery cells. In another example, in the case of a pouch-shaped battery cell, the jellyroll JR is formed by placing the anode foil, the cathode foil and the separator on top of one another to form a stack. A fastening tape may be used to keep the jellyroll rolled up and tied. The line 1 includes a loading station 2 for receiving battery cell components. The battery cell components (the components) include the jellyroll JR. The components also include electrodes E. The electrodes include a negative electrode and a positive electrode. More specifically, in each battery cell, the negative electrode (or anode) releases electrons to an external circuit and undergoes oxidation during an electrochemical reaction. Further, the positive electrode (or cathode) absorbs the electrons from the external circuit and undergoes reduction during the electrochemical reaction. The components may include a battery cell can C. The battery cell can (the can) C is the body of the battery cell. The battery cell can encloses the jellyroll JR. The function of the can is to guarantee the safety and structural strength of the cell. The battery cell can is preferably made from steel. The can C may be cylindrical. In another example, the can C is rectangular. The battery cell can includes terminals. The terminals include a positive terminal and a negative terminal. The terminals of the battery cell are electrical contacts used to connect a load (for example, a machine) or a battery charger to a single battery cell or to two or more cells. In an example, each battery cell has a positive tab and a negative tab. The positive tab and the negative tab are configured to carry electric current from the (positive and negative) electrodes to the external, (positive and negative) terminals of a battery cell. In other words, the positive tab connects the positive electrode to the positive terminal and the negative tab connects the negative electrode to the negative terminal of the cell. Alternatively, the battery cells may be without tabs. In an example, the can C provides one of the terminals of the battery cell. Preferably, the can provides the negative terminal. It should be noted that this example refers to cylindrical cells without tabs. Furthermore, a gasket is used to isolate the positive and negative terminals.

The line 1 also includes a plurality of operating stations 3. The plurality of operating stations is configured for processing the battery cell components in order to produce the battery cells. In an example, the battery cell components are processed stepwise through generation of semi-finished products. Thus, the product fed out from at least one of the plurality of operating stations is a semi-finished product which is processed in another station of the plurality of operating stations to produce the battery cell. Further, in an example, the semi-finished product output from at least one of the operating stations is fed as input to another operating station. The plurality of operating stations 3 includes the electrode welding station 301. The electrode welding station 301 is configured for welding the jellyroll JR to the electrodes E. The electrode welding station 301 comprises a transportation system 3010. The transportation system includes a loading zone I, for receiving, for each cell to be produced, the components to be welded. More specifically, the transportation system receives the jellyroll JR and the electrodes E at the loading zone I. The transportation system includes an unloading zone O for releasing, for each cell to be produced, an assembly formed of the jellyroll JR and the electrodes E welded together. The transportation system may have a jellyroll feeding device. The jellyroll feeding device is configured to carry the jellyrolls JR to the loading zone I. The transportation system 3010 may have an electrode feeding device. The electrode feeding device is configured to carry the electrodes E to the loading zone I. The transportation system 3010 also includes a device for releasing the welded assembly. The device for releasing the welded assembly is configured to take each welded assembly to the unloading zone O and to carry it to the operating stations that follow. In an example, the jellyroll feeding device, the electrode feeding device and the device for releasing the welded assembly are carousels, having a plurality of housings on their outside surfaces to receive the jellyrolls, the electrodes and the welded assemblies, respectively. The carousels rotate about their axes to transport the jellyrolls, the electrodes and the welded assemblies. In an example, as explained above, the battery cells are provided with tabs. The cells may be cylindrical, prismatic or pouch-shaped. In the case of battery cells provided with tabs extending from the jellyroll, the electrodes include an anode bar and a cathode bar. Alternatively, the battery cells may be without tabs. In an example, the battery cells are cylindrical. In the case of battery cells which are cylindrical and without tabs, the electrodes include a disc anode and a disc cathode. The disc cathode and the disc anode connect the positive part and the negative part to the positive terminal and to the negative terminal, respectively. The transportation system 3010 of the electrode welding station 301 also includes a conveyor 3011. In an example, the conveyor 3011 includes a plurality of clamping devices 3012. Each of the plurality of clamping devices 3012 is configured for holding a jellyroll-electrodes group. The jellyroll-electrodes group is formed of the electrodes E and the jellyroll JR coupled to each other. Furthermore, the conveyor is configured to move the jellyroll-electrodes group along a feeding path F. More specifically, each jellyroll-electrodes group is transported from the loading zone I to the unloading zone O of the transportation system 3010 in an advancing direction AD. The feeding path F comprises a working stretch WS. The working stretch WS is defined between a first position and a second position spaced from the first position in the advancing direction AD.

In an example embodiment, the feeding path F extends along a longitudinal axis L. In an example, the working stretch is straight. The working stretch WS is aligned with the longitudinal axis L.

The electrode welding station 301 comprises a welding device, configured to apply energy to the jellyroll-electrodes group for welding the electrodes E to the jellyroll JR. In an example, the welding device applies energy to the jellyroll-electrodes group at the whole working stretch WS. In other words, each jellyroll-electrodes group is taken by a respective clamping device of the plurality of clamping devices 3012 and transported from the loading zone I to the unloading zone O of the transportation system 3010 in an advancing direction AD; the electrodes E of each jellyroll-electrodes group are welded to the jellyroll of the same jellyroll-electrodes group by the welding device 3013 along the working stretch WS without stopping. In this solution, therefore, the process of welding the electrodes E to the jellyroll JR is a continuous process, since welding is performed while the jellyroll-electrodes group is being transported along the working stretch WS.

In an example, the welding device 3013 is stationary with respect to the movement of the jellyroll-electrodes group along the working stretch WS of the feeding path F. Alternatively, the welding device 3013 may be movable along the feeding path and in the advancing direction AD.

In an example, the welding device 3013 comprises a first welding head 3013A and a second welding head 3013B. The first and the second welding head 3013A, 3013B are placed at opposite sides of the working stretch WS. In an example, the first and the second welding head apply energy simultaneously to two opposite sides of the jellyroll-electrodes group at the whole working stretch WS. Alternatively, the first and the second welding head 3013A, 3013B apply energy to the jellyrollelectrodes group one after the other. Thus, welding of the two opposite sides of the jellyroll-electrodes group may be performed at two different points along the feeding path F. For example, the second welding head may be located downstream of the first welding head in the advancing direction AD. In an example, the welding device 3013 includes a laser. The welding device may be a galvanometer scanner (or galvanometer head). More specifically, the laser beam LB emitted by the welding device 3013 is movable. The laser beam emitted by the welding device 3013 follows a welding point on the jellyroll-electrodes group along the whole working stretch WS. Laser can be used for welding in every type of battery cell.

Thus, the first welding head 3013A and the second welding head 3013B emit a first and a second laser beam, respectively. The first and the second laser beam follow two opposite sides of the jellyroll-electrodes group and apply the energy required for welding on two opposite sides of the jellyroll-electrodes group at the whole working stretch WS.

The working stretch may be defined as a part of the feeding path F that is covered by the welding device and where the electrodes E are welded to the jellyroll JR of each jellyroll-electrodes group. In an example, one jellyroll-electrodes group at a time is placed in the working stretch WS. In other words, in an example, one jellyroll-electrodes group is placed in the working stretch WS while the preceding jellyroll-electrodes group is moving in the feeding path towards the working stretch and a welded assembly is advancing in front of the jellyroll-electrodes group positioned in the working stretch WS and is moving towards the unloading zone. Alternatively, a plurality of jellyroll-electrodes groups are placed in the working stretch WS simultaneously.

In an example, each clamping device is conical. Further, the first and the second rim 3012A, 3012B each include a pair of springs at a coupling point where they are coupled to the conveyor 3011. In each clamping device 3012 of the plurality of clamping devices, the cone is perforated to allow the passage of the laser beam LB.

In an example, the conveyor 3011 comprises a first conveyor belt 3011 A and a second conveyor belt 3011 B. In an example, the first conveyor belt 3011 A and the second conveyor belt 3011 B are coplanar. Further, in an example, the first and the second conveyor belt have respective advancing portions facing each other. The conveyor belts may be configured to move synchronously. In an example, the first and the second conveyor 3011 A, 3011 B are each ring shaped. Further, the first and the second conveyor 3011 A, 3011 B each have a plurality of wheels to rotate the first and second conveyor belts so that the jellyroll-electrodes group moves along a feeding path F from the loading zone I to the unloading zone O in the advancing direction AD. In an example, each clamping device 3012 comprises a first rim 3012A and a second rim 3012B. The first rim belongs to the first conveyor belt 3011 A and the second rim belongs to the second conveyor belt 3011 B. In this example, More specifically, the first and the second conveyor belt move in such a way that the jellyrollelectrodes group is held between the first rim 3012A and the second rim 3012B of a respective clamping device 3012. More specifically, in an example, for each jellyroll-electrodes group, the first and the second rim 3012A, 3012B are operatively active simultaneously at opposite sides of the jellyroll-electrodes group. Further, in an example, the first and the second rim apply a clamping force to the jellyroll-electrodes group. The clamping force is applied by pushing the electrodes towards the jellyroll. Preferably, the quantity of the clamping force is between 1 and 100 N.

It is to be noted that this solution with two coplanar conveyor belts and with two conical clamping devices placed on two sides of the jellyrollelectrode group as explained above, is preferably dedicated to tabless cylindrical cells. This solution may be adapted to other types of battery cells as well. In particular, the clamping devices (which in the case of cylindrical cells are conical) must be adapted to the type of the cell.

For example, for cylindrical batteries with a tab, a system composed of two conveyors can be provided as written above, in which a conveyor with conical clamping device is configured to house the caps and the other conveyor transports the cylindrical jellyroll groups arranged on the side and with the cathode tab (to be welded to the cap) extended so as to remain unrolled along its length. In this case, preferably, the second welding of the anode takes place subsequently in a terminal welding station as it is carried out directly with the battery cell container, which will be described below.

In the case of prismatic batteries with the tab, a system with two conveyors can be provided as described above for the cylindrical batteries with the tab. Obviously the first conveyor must be modified to accommodate, via the clamping device, the rectangular terminal of the cell and the other conveyor must be suitable for transporting the prismatic jellyroll arranged on the side and with both the anode and cathode tabs extended so as to remain unrolled in their length to be welded to the terminal.

The solution explained above for welding in prismatic batteries with tabs can also be adapted to pouch batteries with tabs.

Preferably in batteries with tabs only one welding head is provided.

In the case of pouch batteries without tabs a system like that for cylindrical batteries without tabs can be used. Obviously, the clamping devices must be suitable for conveying the prismatic jelly-roll electrode group composed of the prismatic tabs (prismatic equivalents of the electrodes (discs) of the cylindrical cell without the tab) and the prismatic jelly-roll between the tabs. Therefore, the transport system and the electrode welding station 301 according to the present disclosure can be adapted to all types of battery cells.

It should be noted, as may be observed in Figures 13-16, that the transportation system 3010 may have different configurations to adapt to the type of battery cell to be made (with or without tabs, cylindrical, pouchshaped, prismatic).

Below we resume the description of the apparatus preferably dedicated to cylindrical cells without tabs. It is to be noted that the features explained below can also be adapted to other battery types.

In an example, each clamping device 3012 includes a through hole H, configured to allow a laser beam LB of the welding device 3013 to pass through it. More specifically, the first rim 3012A and the second rim 3012B each include a through hole H to allow a first laser beam and a second laser beam emitted by the first welding head 3013A and by the second welding head 3013B, respectively, to pass through it. The first and the second conveyor belt each include an inside surface and an outside surface. Further, the first rim 3012A and the second rim 3012B are coupled to the outside surface of the first and the second conveyor belt, respectively. Further, the first rim and the second rim may be configured to move towards each other to apply the clamping force to the jellyrollelectrodes group. Thus, in an example, the first rim 3012A and the second rim 3012B may perform two different movements. In other words, the first and the second rim 3012A, 3012B move relative to each other to apply the clamping force to the jellyroll-electrodes group; further, the first and the second rim move in the advancing direction AD while holding the jellyrollelectrodes group between them. More specifically, the first and the second rim move in the advancing direction AD together with the first and the second conveyor belt 3011 A, 3011 B. In an example, the first and the second rim 3012A, 3012B are conical. Further, the first and the second rim 3012A, 3012B each include a pair of springs at the coupling point where they are coupled to the first and the second conveyor 3011 A, 3011 B. In the first and the second rim 3012A, 3012B, each cone is perforated to allow the passage of the laser beam LB of the first and the second laser head 3013A, 3013B, respectively.

The plurality of operating stations 3 of the line 1 may include a terminal welding station 302.

The terminal welding station 302 is configured to receive the welded jellyroll and electrodes assembly from the unloading zone O of the electrode welding station 301. The terminal welding station 302 is also configured to receive the battery cell can C from the loading station 2 of the line 1. The terminal welding station 302 is configured to weld the welded assembly to a terminal of the battery cell can C. In an example embodiment, the terminal welding station 302 comprises an electric generator. The terminal welding station 302 may also comprise a series of first electrodes P1 and a series of second electrodes P2. In an example, the first and second electrodes P1 , P2 are movable along a first and a second predetermined path FP, SP, respectively. Further, the first and second electrodes P1 , P2 are reciprocally placeable in a coupling zone CZ. In an example, the first electrodes P1 are pin-shaped, and the second electrodes P2 are flat, or vice versa. The first and second electrodes P1 , P2 are connected to the electric generator to generate an electric current between a first electrode and a respective second electrode in the coupling position CZ. More specifically, the terminal welding station 302 is configured to move each welded assembly coupled to a respective battery cell can C to the coupling zone CZ in such a way that one of the electrodes of the assembly and the terminal of the battery cell can C are interposed between a pin-shaped electrode and a respective flat electrode in the coupling zone CZ.

Such a terminal welding station with two electrodes in which the first electrodes P1 are pin-shaped and the second electrodes P2 are flat, or vice versa, is dedicated to cylindrical batteries.

In an example (with regard to the movement of the first and second electrodes P1 , P2 along the first and the second predetermined path FP, SP), the terminal welding station 302 includes a first and a second wheel. The first electrodes P1 belong to the first wheel and the second electrodes P2 belong to the second wheel. The first and the second wheel roll along the first and the second predetermined path FP, SP, respectively. In an example, each pin-shaped electrode receives a welded assembly at an infeed zone. The infeed zone of the terminal welding station 301 is downstream of the unloading zone of the electrode welding station 301. More specifically, the pin-shaped electrode is inserted into the jellyroll of the welded assembly. Further, at a zone downstream of the infeed zone, a battery cell can C is placed on the welded assembly coupled to the pinshaped electrode. The first wheel and the second wheel roll so as to carry each pin-shaped electrode with the welded assembly and the can coupled thereto and the respective flat electrode into the coupling zone CZ. Once the pin-shaped electrode and the respective flat electrode are positioned in the coupling zone CZ, the flat part of the flat electrode comes into contact with the battery cell can C, and the electric generator applies an electric current to make a weld between the terminal of the can C and an electrode of the welded assembly. In an example, the flat electrode is a mechanism provided with springs so that it can be pushed against the pinshaped electrode. In an example, the negative electrode of the welded assembly is welded to the terminal of the can C at the terminal welding station 302.

Such terminal welding station with two wheels as explained above is suitable for cylindrical batteries without tabs. In the case of cylindrical batteries with tabs, a similar configuration can be provided in which the negative tab of the jelly-roll is fitted on the pin-shaped electrode. The jellyroll can remain clamped in an underlying position close enough and fixed to the electrode so as not to hinder the operation. Subsequently the can is inserted on the tab coupled to the pin-shaped electrode and the electrode is brought to the coupling zone and welding takes place as explained above.

In another example (with regard to the movement of the first and second electrodes P1 , P2 along the first and the second predetermined path FP, SP), the terminal welding station 302 includes at least one carousel, preferably rotating about a vertical axis. The terminal welding station 302 includes a plurality of welding units, mounted on the carousel (angularly distributed around the axis of rotation). Each welding unit is configured to receive a welded assembly and a battery cell can (for example, if necessary, at different angular positions). Each welding unit includes one of the first electrodes P1 and one of the second electrodes P2, movable relative to each other between a close-together, coupling position, and an uncoupled position (spaced apart). In this example, for each welding unit, the respective first and second electrodes are reciprocally movable along a vertical axis. In this example, the first and the second predetermined path FP, SP and the first and second electrodes P1 , P2 are defined by the movement of the carousel (that is, they are substantially constituted by circles around the axis of rotation of the carousel). The carousel may also comprise a rotary collector configured to transmit electric current from a stationary power supply to the welding units mounted on the carousel. With regard to the welding units and the reciprocal movement of the first and the second electrode, different embodiments are possible. For example, the first and the second electrode might be moved by a movement mechanism included in the forming unit itself (for example, a servomotor). In another example, the terminal welding station 302 might include a first and a second carousel. In an example, the first and the second carousel are spaced apart and placed one above the other along a vertical axis. The first carousel includes the first electrodes and the second carousel includes the second electrodes. Preferably, the upper carousel includes the flat electrodes and the lower carousel includes the pin-shaped electrodes. The first and second electrodes may be retractile. For each pin-shaped electrode, therefore, there is a respective flat electrode it comes into contact with in the coupling zone CZ. In this example, at an infeed zone of the terminal welding station 302, a welded assembly with a battery cell can C on it is loaded onto each pin-shaped electrode. Further, the carousel and the second carousel move along the first and the second predetermined path FP, SP, respectively. Each pin-shaped electrode comes into contact with the respective flat electrode in the coupling zone CZ. In an example, the upper carousel is moved downwards towards the lower carousel to place the pin-shaped electrodes into contact with respective flat electrodes in the coupling zone CZ. The pin-shaped electrodes and respective flat electrodes may have an instantaneous contact in the contact zone CZ. Alternatively, the pin-shaped electrodes and respective flat electrodes may remain in contact in the coupling zone CZ, while the carousels move along the first and the second predetermined path FP, SP towards an outfeed zone. In the outfeed zone of the terminal welding station 302, the welded assemblies with an electrode welded to the terminal of the battery cell can are released and transported to the next operating station. It should be noted that in all the example embodiments of the terminal welding station 302, more than one pin-shaped electrode and one respective flat electrode may be positioned in the coupling zone at the same time. The solution explained above which involves a carousel is dedicated to cylindrical cells without tabs; however it can be adapted to cylindrical cells with tabs as well.

The plurality of operating stations 3 may also include a can welding station 303. In an example, the can welding station 303 receives the battery cell can C, with the welded assembly coupled thereto, from a terminal welding station. In an example, the can welding station 303 receives the battery cell can C, with the welded assembly coupled thereto, from the terminal welding station 302 according to this disclosure. Alternatively, the can welding station 303 may receive the battery cell can C, with the welded assembly coupled thereto, from another operating station.

More specifically, the can welding station 303 is configured to weld the can C to the jellyroll JR. In an example, the can welding station 303 comprises a surface S. In an example, the surface S is configured to receive the battery cell can C, with the welded assembly coupled thereto, from the terminal welding station 302. The surface S may be inclined. In an example, each can is placed on the surface S inclined at an angle of 45°. More specifically, in an example, the cell can C rolls on the surface S along a rolling stretch RS between a first position and a second position spaced from the first position in a travelling direction. Further, the surface S may have a plurality of gripping devices to hold the cans as they move along the rolling stretch RS. The can welding station 303 also includes a laser head LH to generate a laser beam LB at the whole rolling stretch RS to weld the can C to the jellyroll JR. The laser beam is movable. The laser head LH may be a galvanometer scanner. More specifically, the laser head LH is configured to focus energy on an interface of the welded assembly and the battery cell can on an instant centre of rotation RP of the battery cell can C.

This solution is particularly suitable for cylindrical cells.

The plurality of operating stations 3 also comprises a can closing station 304. The can closing station 304 is configured for fastening the jellyroll JR inside the battery cell can C. The can closing station 304 is configured for fastening each welded assembly to the respective battery cell can C. In an example, the can closing station 304 receives each battery cell can, with the jellyroll coupled to it, from the can welding station 303.

The can closing station 304 comprises a can conveyor for conveying the battery cell can C, with the welded assembly coupled thereto, in an advancing path. In an example, the conveyor is a rotary carousel.

The can closing station 304 may include a plurality of operating heads. The operating heads may be movable along a predetermined path. Further, the operating heads may be movable in synchrony with the can conveyor so that each operating head is operatively active on a corresponding battery cell can C with the welded assembly coupled thereto in at least one stretch of the advancing path, so as to apply an irreversible mechanical deformation to the battery cell can to close the welded assembly therein. In an example, each of the operating heads may rotate about its own axis. Further, in an example, the operating heads push and deform an upper side of the battery cell can C. Further, the can closing station 304 receives a battery cell lid from the loading station 2 of the line. The battery cell lid is placed on top of the can C to close the battery cell can.

In an example embodiment, the can closing station 304 may include a transportation system and a welding device. The transportation system 3010 and the welding device 3012 are according to one or more aspects of this disclosure. Thus, in this example embodiment, the transportation system is configured to move each battery cell can, with the jellyroll coupled to it, and the respective lid along the feeding path and the cell is closed by the welding device 3012. In this example embodiment, battery cell closure may be performed in motion or in a batch process.

The line 1 comprises a feeding system for receiving the components to be processed from the loading station 2 and transporting the components to one or more of the operating stations 3. In an example, the feeding system transports the components to be processed from the loading station 2 to one or more of the operating stations 3 individually and in sequence. In an example, the feeding system comprises a plurality of conveyor belts 7. More specifically, each operating station 3 may be connected to a respective conveyor belt 7 to receive the components and/or the semifinished products. Further, at least one operating station may be configured to receive both the components to be processed and the semifinished product from the loading station 2 and from the preceding operating station 3, respectively, by means of respective conveyor belts 7. For example, in an embodiment, the electrode welding station 301 receives the components to be processed only from the loading station 2. In an example, the terminal welding station and the can closing station 304 receive both the components to be processed and the semi-finished product from the loading station 2 and from the preceding operating station 3, respectively. Further, in an example, the can welding station 303 receives the semi-finished product to be processed from the preceding operating station 3.

The line may also have a cleaning system 4 configured to clean the components. The components may be cleaned using a plasma torch. The line 1 may also have a quality control system 5, configured to perform a quality control check on the components and on the semi-finished products in order to identify scrap objects. The quality control system may perform a visual inspection on the components to be processed and/or on the semi-finished products. The quality control system may have one or more cameras for checking that each component to be processed and/or each semi-finished product on each conveyor belt 7 is clean to specifications and that geometrical aspects meet predetermined criteria. The quality control system may be configured to perform a quality control check while the components and/or the semi-finished products are moving on the respective conveyor belt 7. An artificial intelligence algorithm may be used to perform the quality control check. In an example, the quality control system 5 is configured to perform a quality control check both upstream and downstream of each operating station 3. In other words, in an example, a quality control check is performed both on the components and/or semi-finished products entering and on the product leaving each operating station 3.

Further, in an example, at least one of the operating stations 3 comprises an online monitoring system for receiving data regarding the quality of the components and/or semi-finished products in real time. The term “real time” is used with reference to a data analysis process by which input data are analysed as soon as they enter a data processing system. The online monitoring system sends the data to the discard system 6. The online monitoring system is located upstream of the quality control system 5. Preferably, quality monitoring is performed after each weld at each operating station 3.

The line may comprise a discard system 6. The discard system 6 is connected to the quality control system 5 to remove the scrap objects. The discard system 6 may comprise a conveyor belt, running parallel with the feeding system.

The line 1 may also comprise a space removal system for removing the empty spaces on the feeding system so that the components transported by the feeding system towards the operating stations 3 are arranged in a continuous line. The empty spaces are created when scrap objects are removed by the discard system 6. The space removal system is located downstream of the discard system 6. In an example, the line 1 includes a space removal system downstream of the loading station 2 and downstream of each of the operating stations 3.

According to an aspect of it, this disclosure provides an apparatus for continuous production of battery cells or parts thereof. The apparatus comprises the electrode welding station 301. The apparatus may also comprise the terminal welding station 302. The apparatus may comprise the can welding station 303. The apparatus comprises the can closing station 304. It should be noted that in an example, the apparatus constitutes the line 1.

The following paragraphs, listed with number references, represent exemplary and non-limiting ways of describing one aspect of the present description.

1. An automated line (1 ) for continuous production of battery cells, comprising:

- a loading station (2), for receiving components of the battery cell, the battery cell components including a jellyroll (JR) having a cathode foil and an anode foil wound together, electrodes (E) and a battery cell can (C);

- a plurality of operating stations (3) configured to process the battery cell components to produce the battery cells stepwise through generation of semi-finished products, wherein the semi-finished product output of at least one of the operating stations are fed as input to another of the operating stations, wherein the plurality of operating stations (3) includes an electrode welding station (301 ) configured for welding the jellyroll (JR) to the electrodes (E), a can closing station (304) configured to firmly fastening the jellyroll (JR) inside the battery cell can (C); - a feeding system, configured to receive the components to be processed from the loading station (2) and to transport the components to one or more of the operating stations (3) individually and in sequence;

- a cleaning system (4), configured to clean the components;

- a quality control system (5), configured to perform a quality control check on the components and on the semi-finished products to determine scrap objects;

- a discard system (6), connected to the quality control system (5) to remove the scrap objects.

2. The automated line (1 ) according to paragraph 1 , wherein the quality control system (5) is configured to perform a quality control check both upstream and downstream of each of the operating stations (3).

3. The automated line (1 ) according to paragraphs 1 or 2, further comprising a space removal system configured to remove empty spaces on the feeding system, which are created due to removal of the scrap objects by the discard system (6), so that the components transported by the feeding system towards the operating stations (3) are arranged in a continuous line.

4. The automated line (1 ) according to any of the previous paragraphs, wherein the feeding system includes a plurality of conveyor belts (7) wherein each operating station (3) is connected to a respective conveyor belt (7) to receive the components and/or the semi-finished products.

5. The automated line (1 ) according to paragraph 4, wherein, at least one operating station is configured to receive both the components to be processed and the semi-finished product from the loading station (2) and from the previous operating station (3), respectively, through respective conveyor belts (7).

6. The automated line (1 ) according to any of the previous paragraphs, wherein at least one of the operating stations (3) includes an online monitoring system configured to receive data regarding the quality of the components and/or semi-finished products in real time and to send the data to the discard system (6), the online monitoring system being upstream of the quality control system (5).

7. The automated line (1 ) according to any of the previous paragraphs, wherein the electrode welding station (301 ) includes:

- a transportation system (3010) having a loading zone (I), for receiving the jellyroll and the electrodes from the loading station, an unloading zone (O) for releasing an assembly formed by the jellyroll and the electrodes welded together, a conveyor (3011 ) provided with a plurality of clamping devices (3012), each clamping device being configured for gripping a jellyroll-electrodes group, formed by the electrodes and the jellyroll coupled together, the conveyor being configured to move the jellyrollelectrodes group along a feeding path (F) from the loading zone (I) to the unloading zone (O), wherein the feeding (F) includes a working stretch (WS) defined between a first position and a second position spaced from the first position in an advancing direction (AD) along the feeding path (F);

- a welding device (3013), configured to apply energy to the jellyrollelectrodes group at the whole working stretch (WS), for welding the electrodes (E) to the jellyroll (JR).

8. The automated line (1 ) according to paragraph 7, wherein the plurality of operating stations (3) includes:

- a terminal welding station (302), configured to receive the assembly of the jellyroll and the electrodes welded together from the unloading zone (O) of the electrode welding station (301 ) and the battery cell can (C) from the loading station (2) and to weld the welded assembly to a terminal of the battery cell can;

- a can welding station (303), configured to receive the battery cell can with the welded assembly coupled thereto from the terminal welding station (302) and to weld the can to the jellyroll. 9. The automated line (1 ) according to any of the previous paragraphs, further comprising a terminal welding station (302) and a can welding station (303), wherein the electrode welding station (301 ) is adapted to receive the electrodes and the jellyroll from the loading station (2) and is configured to weld the electrodes to the jellyroll, and the terminal welding station (302) is adapted to receive, from the electrode welding station (301 ), an assembly formed by the jellyroll and the electrodes welded together and, from the loading station (2), the battery cell can (C) and is configured to weld one of the electrodes of the assembly to a terminal of the battery cell can, and the can welding station (303) is configured to receive, from the terminal welding station (302), the battery cell can with the welded assembly coupled thereto and to weld the jellyroll of the welded assembly to the battery cell can, and the can closing station (304) is configured to receive, from the can welding station, the battery cell can with the jellyroll coupled thereto and to receive, from the loading station, a battery cell lid and to close the battery cell can.

10. A method for continuous production of battery cells, comprising the following steps, for each cell to be produced:

- receiving components of the battery cell at a loading station (2), the battery cell components including a jellyroll (JR) having a cathode foil and an anode foil wound together, electrodes (E) and a battery cell can (C);

- processing the battery cell components at a plurality of operating stations (3) to produce the battery cells stepwise through generation of semifinished products, wherein operations performed at the plurality of operating stations includes welding the jellyroll to the electrodes, firmly fastening the jellyroll inside the battery cell can ;

- feeding the semi-finished product output of at least one of the operating stations to another of the operating stations as input;

- receiving the components to be processed from the loading station and feeding the components to one or more of the operating stations individually and in sequence through a feeding system;

- cleaning the components through a cleaning system (4);

- performing a quality control check on the components and on the semifinished products to determine scrap objects by means of a quality control system (5),

- removing the scrap objects by means of a discard system (6), connected to the quality control system (5).

11. The method according to paragraph 10, comprising a step of performing a quality control check both upstream and downstream of each of the operating stations.

12. The method according to paragraph 10 or 11 , comprising a step of removing empty spaces on the feeding system, which are created due to removal of the scrap objects by the discard system, so that the components transported by the feeding system towards the operating stations are arranged in a continuous line.

13. The method according to any of the previous paragraphs from 10 to 12, comprising the following steps:

- providing the feeding system with a plurality of conveyor belts (7);

- transporting the components and/or the semi-finished products to each operating station through a respective conveyor belt;

- transporting both the components to be processed and the semi-finished product from the loading station (2) and from the previous operating station, respectively, to at least one operating station through respective conveyor belts (7). 14. The method according to any of previous paragraphs from 10 to 13, comprising the following steps:

- monitoring the components and/or semi-finished products in real time at least in one of the operating stations (3) and prior to the quality control check;

- receiving data regarding the quality of the components and/or semifinished products;

- sending the data to the discard system (6).

15. The method according to any of the previous paragraphs from 10 to 14, comprising the following steps:

- feeding the electrodes and the jellyroll from the loading station (2) to the electrode welding station (301 );

- welding the electrodes to the jellyroll at the electrode welding station (301 );

- transporting an assembly formed by the jellyroll and the electrodes welded together from the electrode welding station (301 ) and the battery cell can (C) from the loading station (2) to a terminal welding station (302);

- welding one of the electrodes of the welded assembly to a terminal of the battery cell can (C) at the terminal welding station (302);

- transporting the battery cell can with the welded assembly coupled thereto from the terminal welding station (302) to a can welding station (303);

- welding the jellyroll to the battery cell can at the can welding station (303);

- transporting the battery cell can with the jellyroll coupled thereto from the can welding station and a battery cell lid to the can closing station (304);

- closing the battery cell can.

Claims

1. An apparatus for continuous production of battery cells or parts thereof, wherein each battery cell includes electrodes (E) and a jellyroll (JR) having a cathode foil and an anode foil rolled up together, the apparatus comprising an electrode welding station (301 ) for welding the jellyroll to the electrodes, the electrode welding station including: a transportation system (3010) having a loading zone (I), for receiving, for each cell to be produced, the jellyroll and the electrodes, an unloading zone (O) for releasing, for each cell to be produced, an assembly formed of the jellyroll and the electrodes welded together, a conveyor (3011 ) provided with a plurality of clamping devices (3012), each clamping device being configured for gripping a jellyrollelectrodes group, formed of the electrodes and the jellyroll coupled together, the conveyor being configured to move the jellyroll-electrodes group along a feeding path (F) from the loading zone (I) to the unloading zone (O), in an advancing direction (AD), wherein the feeding path includes a working stretch (WS) defined between a first position and a second position spaced from the first position in the advancing direction (AD) along the feeding path;

- a welding device (3013), configured to apply energy to the jellyrollelectrodes group at the whole working stretch (WS), for welding the electrodes to the jellyroll.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the welding device (3013) is stationary with respect to the movement of the jellyroll-electrodes group along the working stretch (WS) of the feeding path (F).

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the welding device (3013) includes a first welding head (3013A) and a second welding head (3013B), placed at opposite sides of the working stretch (WS), wherein the first and the second welding heads are configured to apply energy to two opposite sides of the jellyroll-electrodes group at the whole working stretch simultaneously.

4. The apparatus according to any of the previous claims, wherein the welding device (3013) includes a laser.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein each clamping device (3012) includes a through hole (H), configured to allow a laser beam (LB) of the welding device (3013) to pass therethrough.

6. The apparatus according to any of the previous claims, wherein the feeding path (F) extends along a longitudinal axis (L) and wherein the working stretch (WS) is straight and aligned with the longitudinal axis.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the conveyor includes a first conveyor belt (3011 A) and a second conveyor belt (3011 B), which are coplanar, wherein each clamping device (3012) includes a first rim (3012A) and a second rim (3012B), wherein the first rim belongs to the first conveyor belt and the second rim belongs to the second conveyor belt, wherein the first and the second belts have respective advancing portions facing each other, the belts being configured to move in a synchronized way, so that the jellyroll-electrodes group is held between the first rim (3012A) and the second rim (3012B) of a respective clamping device (3012).

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, for each jellyrollelectrodes group, the first and the second rims (3012A, 3012B) are configured to be operatively active simultaneously at opposite sides of the jellyroll-electrodes group and to apply a clamping force by pushing the electrodes towards the jellyroll.

9. The apparatus according to any of the previous claims, further comprising a terminal welding station (302), configured to receive, for each battery cell, a welded assembly from the unloading zone (O) of the electrode welding station (301 ), a battery cell can (C), providing a terminal to be welded to the assembly, wherein the terminal welding station (302) includes: an electric generator, a series of first electrodes (P1), and a series of corresponding second electrodes (P2), movable along a first and a second predetermined path (FP, SP), respectively, and reciprocally placeable in a coupling zone (CZ), wherein, the first electrodes are pin-shaped, and the second electrodes are flat, or vice versa, and are connected to the electric generator, to generate an electric current between a first electrode and a respective second electrode in the coupling position, wherein the terminal welding station (302) is configured to move each welded assembly coupled to a respective battery cell can to the coupling zone (CZ), so that one of the electrodes and the terminal are interposed between a pin-shaped electrode and a respective flat electrode in the coupling zone.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the terminal welding station (302) comprises a carousel, rotating about a vertical axis, and a plurality of welding units, positioned on the carousel spaced angularly, wherein each welding unit is provided with one of the first electrodes (P1 ) and one of the second electrodes (P2), movable as one with the carousel and further movable towards and away from each other to define the coupling position.

11. The apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, comprising a can welding station (303) including:

- a surface (S) configured to receive the battery cell can (C) with the welded assembly coupled thereto from the terminal welding station (302), so that the can rolls on the surface along a rolling stretch (RS) between a first position and a second position spaced from the first position in a travelling direction;

- a laser head (LH) configured to generate a movable laser beam (LB) at the whole rolling stretch (RS) to weld the can (C) to the jellyroll, wherein the laser head is configured to focus energy on an interface of the welded assembly and the battery cell can on an instant centre of rotation (RP) of the battery cell can (C).

12. The apparatus according to any of the previous claims, comprising a can closing station (304), configured for fastening each welded assembly to the respective battery cell can, the can closing station comprising:

- a can conveyor for conveying the battery cell can with the welded assembly coupled thereto in an advancing path;

- a plurality of operating heads movable along a predetermined path in synchrony with the can conveyor, so that each operating head is operatively active on a corresponding battery cell can with the welded assembly coupled thereto in at least one stretch of the advancing path, so as to apply an irreversible mechanical deformation to the battery cell can to close the welded assembly therein.

13. A method for continuous production of battery cells or parts thereof, wherein each battery cell includes electrodes (E) and a jellyroll (JR) having a cathode foil and an anode foil rolled up together, the method including the following steps, for each cell to be produced:

- providing a transportation system with a conveyor (3011 ), having a loading zone (I) and an unloading zone (O);

- loading the jellyroll and the electrodes at the loading zone (I);

- holding a jellyroll-electrodes group, formed of the electrodes and the jellyroll coupled together, with a clamping device (3012) of the conveyor,

- transporting the jellyroll-electrodes group with the conveyor along a feeding path (F), in an advancing direction (AD), from the loading zone (I) to the unloading zone (O);

- applying energy to the jellyroll-electrodes group by means of a welding device (3013) for welding the electrodes to the jellyroll,

- releasing at the unloading zone (O) an assembly formed of the jellyroll and the electrodes welded together, wherein, the feeding path (F) includes a working stretch (WS) defined between a first position and a second position spaced from the first position in the advancing direction (AD), and wherein the welding device applies energy to the jellyroll-electrodes group at the whole working stretch (WS) so that the electrodes are welded to the jellyroll as the jellyrollelectrodes group moves along the feeding path (F).

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the welding device (3013) is stationary with respect to the movement of the jellyroll-electrodes group along the working stretch (WS) of the feeding path (F).

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, comprising the following steps:

- providing the welding device (3013) with a first welding head (3013A) and a second welding head (3013B),

- placing the first welding head (3013A) and the second welding head (3013B), at opposite sides of the working stretch (WS),

- applying energy to two opposite sides of the jellyroll-electrodes group at the whole working stretch simultaneously.

16. The method according to any of the previous claims from 13 to 15, wherein the feeding path (F) extends along a longitudinal axis (L) and wherein the working stretch (WS) is straight and aligned with the longitudinal axis, the method comprising the following steps:

- providing the conveyor with a first conveyor belt (3011 A) and a second conveyor belt (3011 B), which are coplanar, wherein the first and the second belts have respective advancing portions facing each other,

- providing each clamping device (3012) with a first rim (3012A) and a second rim (3012B), wherein the first rim belongs to the first conveyor belt and the second rim belongs to the second conveyor belt,

- for each jellyroll-electrodes group, activating simultaneously the first and the second rims at opposite sides of the jellyroll-electrodes group,

- holding the jellyroll-electrodes group between the first rim and the second rim of a respective clamping device,

- applying a clamping force to the jellyroll-electrodes group by pushing the electrodes towards the jellyroll, - moving the first and the second conveyor belts in a synchronized way.