Apparatus for manufacturing coil

Abstract

An apparatus (100) for manufacturing a coil (B), preferably for an electrochemical cell for battery production, comprising: a first confined area (Z11) configured to operate at a first pressure (P11) and comprising at least one operating unit of the apparatus (100) for manufacturing a coil (B); and a first adjacent region (Z2) configured to operate at a second pressure (P2) and connected in a hydrodynamic manner to the first confined region (Z11). The first restricted region (Z11) is configured to operate in an overvoltage state (SP1) with respect to the first adjacent region (Z2). Also described is a method for producing a coil (B), preferably for an electrochemical cell for battery production, which coil (B) is produced by winding a strip-shaped article (N).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a coil, for example of the type formed by winding a strip-like product, comprising a strip or a plurality of overlapping strips, preferably for an electrochemical cell for battery production.

[0002] The solution also relates to a method for producing a coil, preferably for an electrochemical cell for battery production, by winding a strip-shaped article.

[0003] The invention is preferably, but not exclusively, applied in the field of producing electrochemical cells, for the production of which the winding of a strip-shaped product is used. Background Art

[0004] In particular, in the relevant technical field, it is known to combine conductor strips and separator strips into layers to form anode and cathode structures. The product made by overlapping the above layers is then wound into a coil form and used to manufacture the electrochemical cell itself.

[0005] Typically, equipment used to manufacture coils for batteries operates in a controlled environment with a very low percentage of suspended particles (clean room) and in some cases or due to certain parts of this controlled environment, the controlled environment has extremely low relative humidity and low temperature (dry room).

[0006] For reasons of convenience and modularity of the device, the different parts and devices may be included in separable, replaceable, and independently / definable modules to provide the user with a high degree of adaptability and freedom of modification.

[0007] This approach is related to the need, particularly for lithium-based materials that are subject to explosion risk, to minimize the possibility of explosions occurring during the processing steps.

[0008] It is therefore obvious that these technical measures arise from safety needs and objectives and are related to the possibility of undesired chemical reactions between substances in the treatment environment. Summary of the invention

[0009] In this disclosure and in the claims appended hereto, unless expressly stated otherwise, certain terms and expressions are deemed to have the meanings expressed in the following definitions.

[0010] The term "polluting substances" refers to solid and / or liquid and / or gaseous substances which are present and / or generated in the area of ​​the device for manufacturing coils. Preferably, the polluting substances include in particular fine dust or powder.

[0011] The term "confined" refers to an area that is spatially defined by the use of one or more electronic devices and / or one or more physical elements (such as walls or air curtains), but which still allows fluid dynamic exchange with at least one environment outside the defined area.

[0012] The term "fluidically connected" and the even clearer term "fluidically connected in use" refers to a state in which there exists an operating configuration between the first part and the second part of the system in which a substance can be transferred fluidically in an effective manner.

[0013] In other words, when in use, in such a hydrodynamically connected configuration, a fluid path can be determined that follows a predetermined concentration or pressure gradient or hydrodynamically imposed direction of travel.

[0014] The term "operating unit" refers to a collection of one or more devices and / or one or more units of a device for manufacturing a coil, which collection is configured to perform at least one working step of a coil manufacturing process. The operating unit may include at least a part of a winding unit and / or a supply unit of the device for manufacturing a coil.

[0015] The term "overpressure" in connection with a certain area of ​​a device for manufacturing coils means that this area has a higher pressure state, preferably an average pressure, than another area of ​​the device.

[0016] The term "depression" in connection with a specific area of ​​an apparatus for manufacturing coils means that this area has a lower pressure state, preferably an average pressure, than another area of ​​the apparatus.

[0017] The term "winding" is intended to mean making a helical structure by rotating a ribbon, a tape or more generally a tape-like product around an axis, a flat surface or another structure. By winding, the tape-like product will form one or more turns around an axis or structure.

[0018] The term "coil" is intended to mean any helical structure formed by winding a ribbon, strip, or more generally a tape-like article around an axis, a flat surface, or another winding structure. Depending on the structure around which the tape-like article is wound, the overall shape of the coil may be generally cylindrical, rather than flattened or otherwise.

[0019] In the context of the present invention, the term "substantially parallel" is intended to mean that deviations from perfect parallelism may be ±15°, preferably ±10°, more preferably ±5°.

[0020] The Applicant has observed that it is useful to extract dust and particulate matter that is generated and / or released in areas where cleaning, ablation and / or treatment of the surface of the strip is performed.

[0021] In this context, the Applicant has noted that it is useful to have confined areas capable of creating a strong low pressure, in order to quickly collect the substances generated during these processes and to prevent as much as possible these substances from being able to move in the environment.

[0022] Furthermore, the process step of winding the strip for the battery may be performed in a discontinuous manner with sudden accelerations and decelerations, resulting in local turbulence that further displaces any dust generated.

[0023] The Applicant has observed that it would be useful to be able to attempt to suppress this dust circulation phase, particularly in situations where the applied extraction system is not sufficient to immediately or completely remove the generated and circulating particles.

[0024] Furthermore, the Applicant has noted that the winding region is a particularly sensitive region, since the winding of the strip to produce the final battery takes place there.

[0025] Furthermore, the Applicant has noticed, after much research and experimentation, that it would be interesting to adopt an approach contrary to the prior art by creating an additional change in the mobility of any dust present in the processing environment. More specifically, the Applicant has discovered that any dust present can be confined or moved to the desired environment, thereby preventing as much as possible this dust from reaching more sensitive environments requiring specific dust protection levels.

[0026] The Applicant has therefore discovered that it would be useful to be able to create environmental conditions of a "macro" flow in the environment, which would prevent dust from reaching certain particularly critical areas of the installation.

[0027] The applicant then defines the distinction between different environments by classifying those that can tolerate higher dust levels and those that are heavily contaminated by unwanted dust.

[0028] Therefore, in a first aspect of the present solution, the present solution relates to a device for manufacturing a coil, preferably for an electrochemical cell for battery production.

[0029] Preferably, the apparatus for manufacturing a coil comprises a first confined area configured to operate at a first pressure.

[0030] Preferably, said first confined area comprises at least one operating unit of said apparatus for manufacturing coils.

[0031] Preferably, the apparatus for manufacturing a coil comprises a first adjacent region configured to operate at a second pressure.

[0032] Preferably, the first adjacent region is hydrodynamically connected to the first confined region.

[0033] Preferably, the first confined area is configured such that the first confined area is operated in an overpressure state relative to the first adjacent area.

[0034] Therefore, in the overpressure state, the first pressure is greater than the second pressure.

[0035] Due to these characteristics, an overpressure environment can be formed, which prevents any pollutants generated or otherwise present in another environment, that is, the first adjacent area, from entering the first restricted area. Therefore, pollutants that may exist in the first adjacent area, such as dust, are confined outside the first restricted area.

[0036] In a second aspect of the solution, the solution relates to a method for producing a coil, preferably for an electrochemical cell for battery production.

[0037] Preferably, the coil is produced by winding a strip-like product.

[0038] Preferably, the method comprises arranging an apparatus for manufacturing the coil.

[0039] Preferably, said apparatus for manufacturing a coil comprises a first confined area.

[0040] Preferably, the first restricted area comprises at least one operating unit of an apparatus for manufacturing coils.

[0041] Preferably, the method comprises achieving an overpressure operating state in said first confined area relative to a first adjacent area.

[0042] Preferably, the first adjacent region is fluidically connected to the first confined region to hinder the ingress of pollutants from the first adjacent region into the first confined region.

[0043] These characteristics ensure that the first confined area is substantially free of contaminating material from the first adjacent area.

[0044] In a third aspect of the present solution, the present solution relates to a further method for producing a coil, preferably for an electrochemical cell for battery production.

[0045] Preferably, the coil is produced by winding a strip-like product.

[0046] Preferably, the method comprises arranging an apparatus for manufacturing a coil, the apparatus comprising an initially confined area.

[0047] Preferably, said first confined area comprises at least one operating unit of said apparatus for manufacturing coils.

[0048] Preferably, said apparatus for manufacturing a coil comprises a first adjacent region fluidically connected to said first confined region.

[0049] Preferably, the method comprises achieving a low pressure operating state in the first adjacent region relative to the first restricted region to hinder pollutants from entering the first restricted region from the first adjacent region and / or facilitate pollutants from entering the first restricted region from the first adjacent region.

[0050] These features are particularly useful in retaining any contaminants present in the first adjacent region.

[0051] In at least one of the above aspects, the solution may also have at least one of the preferred features set out below.

[0052] Preferably, when in use, the first adjacent region is hydrodynamically connected to the first confined region.

[0053] In at least one embodiment of the present solution, the overpressure is greater than 0.1 mbar, preferably greater than 0.5 mbar, more preferably greater than 2 mbar.

[0054] In at least one embodiment of the present solution, the overpressure is comprised between 0.1 mbar and 10 mbar, preferably between 0.3 mbar and 5 mbar, more preferably between 0.5 mbar and 3 mbar.

[0055] This generates an air flow from the first restricted area to the first adjacent area, so that the movement of pollutants in the opposite direction, ie from the first adjacent area to the first restricted area, is hindered.

[0056] In at least one embodiment of the present solution, the first adjacent area is connected to the first restricted area in a fluid-dynamic manner by at least one opening, and the opening is arranged to define an air flow by the overpressure, preferably, the air flow is essentially laminar, and the air flow passing through the opening has a speed greater than 0.1m / s, preferably greater than 0.3m / s, more preferably between 0.1m / s and 1m / s, and even more preferably between 0.35m / s and 0.55m / s.

[0057] Therefore, in this case, the amount of airflow passing through the aforementioned opening portion is such that the inflow of pollutants from the first adjacent area into the first restricted area is hindered.

[0058] In at least one embodiment of the present solution, the device for producing a coil comprises a winding unit.

[0059] Preferably, the winding unit corresponds to the operating unit of the apparatus for manufacturing coils.

[0060] Preferably, the winding unit comprises at least one winding head configured to wind at least one strip-shaped product to manufacture the coil.

[0061] Preferably, the winding unit is included in a first confined area.

[0062] Preferably, the winding unit is operated in the overpressure state relative to the first adjacent area.

[0063] Due to these properties, the winding unit is substantially unaffected by any polluting substances that may be present in the first adjacent area. The achievement of this object is particularly appreciated in the field to which this solution belongs, since, in general, it is particularly important to prevent polluting substances from being incorporated into the coil during the winding of at least one strip-shaped product.

[0064] Preferably, the winding unit comprises a plurality of winding heads, each of which is configured to wind at least one strip-shaped product to manufacture a coil.

[0065] Preferably, the winding unit comprises movement means of said at least one winding head, which movement means are configured to displace said at least one winding head along the working path.

[0066] In at least one embodiment of the solution, the device for producing coils comprises a feed unit.

[0067] Preferably, the feeding unit is configured to feed a plurality of strip-shaped elements suitable for manufacturing the at least one strip-shaped product.

[0068] Preferably, the plurality of strips comprises at least one conductor strip and / or a separator strip.

[0069] Preferably, at least one conductive strip of the plurality of strips is an electrode, and more preferably an anode.

[0070] Preferably, at least one conductive strip of the plurality of strips is an electrode, and more preferably a cathode.

[0071] Preferably, at least one of the plurality of strips is an insulator, and more preferably an electrical insulator.

[0072] Preferably, the electrical insulator is made of plastic.

[0073] Preferably, the plurality of strips comprises at least one anode and at least one cathode.

[0074] Preferably, the plurality of strips comprises at least one anode, at least one cathode and at least one separator strip.

[0075] Preferably, the feed unit comprises a movable part, the movable part comprising an exit portion through which the strip of product passes when the strip of product leaves the feed unit.

[0076] The feeding unit preferably comprises an outlet portion through which the strip-shaped product is fed to the winding unit, and the feeding unit preferably comprises at least one inlet portion.

[0077] Said at least one inlet portion is preferably adapted to receive said at least one strip from a respective dispensing device.

[0078] Preferably, a respective feed path is defined for each of said belt-like elements.

[0079] The feed paths preferably comprise respective accumulating sections which are substantially parallel to each other.

[0080] Preferably, the feed unit is configured to change the respective longitudinal extension of each of the accumulating sections by movement of the movable part. The longitudinal extensions of the accumulating sections are changed simultaneously, preferably by the same amount, and preferably keeping the accumulating sections substantially parallel to each other.

[0081] Because these characteristics, can utilize the displacement of movable part to come simultaneously for forming the band-shaped article each band-shaped article in the band-shaped article accumulation same number of band-shaped articles.In this way, can use the continuous feeding of band-shaped article, but still provide the step that band-shaped article is not wound simultaneously.

[0082] Preferably, the winding unit is configured to receive the strip-shaped product from the outlet portion.

[0083] Preferably, the feed unit comprises a converging area.

[0084] Preferably, the converging area includes a coupling roller of the plurality of strip-like members, and the strip-like product is manufactured by the coupling roller.

[0085] Preferably, the convergence area is included in the first restricted area.

[0086] Preferably, the converging region operates under the overpressure condition.

[0087] This arrangement is particularly useful for protecting the convergence area from changes in environmental conditions due to the presence of pollutants in the first adjacent area. In fact, it must be pointed out that the convergence area is usually a particularly critical area of ​​the device for manufacturing coils, because the separating strips may be subject to static electricity, which inevitably attracts pollutants, for example in the form of fine dust.

[0088] During the coupling of the plurality of belt-like members via the coupling rollers, it is desirable to prevent the introduction of contaminants between the plurality of belt-like members to avoid possible malfunctions and / or damage to the coils.

[0089] Preferably, the plurality of strips converge at the convergence zone by reducing the mutual distance between each strip and a coupling roller producing the strip product.

[0090] In this way, the zones and the processing steps can be designed in an optimized manner to form the final strip-shaped product.This state is allowed by making the accumulation / feeding step of the strips and the joining / convergence step independent of each other.

[0091] Preferably, the strips of the plurality of strips are fed in a direction substantially parallel to a displacement direction of the movable portion in the converging area.

[0092] In this way, any stress generated on the strips in the vicinity of the coupling rollers can be further reduced, and any stress generated between the strips on the coupling rollers during the coupling step can be further reduced.

[0093] In at least one embodiment of the present solution, the feed unit comprises a restricted suction area configured to operate at a third pressure.

[0094] Preferably, the feed unit comprises a second adjacent region which is fluid-dynamically connected to the suction region.

[0095] Preferably, the second adjacent region is configured such that the second adjacent region has a fourth pressure greater than the third pressure.

[0096] This makes it possible to divide the feed unit into at least two areas, namely into a suction area and a second adjacent area, wherein any polluting substances present in the second adjacent area are sucked into the suction area.

[0097] Preferably, the third pressure is the lowest pressure value in the feeding unit.

[0098] Preferably, said third pressure is actuated and managed by means of suction means located close to a point having a potentially higher density of polluting substances than other points of said feed unit.

[0099] In this manner, contaminants may be removed from the system by effectively drawing the contaminants into the system while simultaneously establishing the desired pressure differential conditions to create a pressure gradient to fluidically push or confine the contaminants from the second adjacent region to the suction region.

[0100] In at least one embodiment of the present solution, the fourth pressure is substantially equal to the second pressure.

[0101] In this way, the first adjacent region and the second adjacent region have substantially the same pressure, with both regions being at a lower pressure relative to the first confined region.

[0102] In at least one embodiment of the present solution, said first adjacent region configured to operate at said second pressure comprises at least a second restricted area within said first adjacent region.

[0103] Preferably, the second confined area has a fifth pressure and is configured to operate in a second overpressure state relative to the first adjacent area.

[0104] In other words, the fifth pressure is greater than the second pressure.

[0105] The first adjacent region then defines at least a second restricted region which is at an overpressure relative to the first adjacent region to prevent any contaminants present in the first adjacent region from entering the at least second restricted region.

[0106] Preferably, the fifth pressure is equal to the first pressure.

[0107] Preferably, said at least second confined region is hydrodynamically connected to said first adjacent region.

[0108] Preferably, at least one separating winding formed by winding a plurality of turns of the separating strip is arranged in the at least second restricted area.

[0109] More preferably, two separation windings are arranged in said at least second confined area.

[0110] Preferably, the first adjacent area includes two second restricted areas within the first adjacent area.

[0111] More preferably, two separation windings are arranged in respective second restricted areas.

[0112] The separating strip may be subject to static electricity which inevitably attracts pollutants, for example in the form of dust, so that it is particularly important to position the separating winding in a second confined area operating in a second overpressure state relative to the first adjacent area.

[0113] Preferably, a separating winding is included in a respective dispensing device to feed the separating strip to a respective inlet portion of the feed unit.

[0114] Preferably, at least one of the partition winding members is rotated to unwind the corresponding tape-like member, thereby supplying the unwound tape-like member to the feeding unit, and preferably, then supplying the unwound tape-like member to the winding unit.

[0115] In at least one embodiment of the present solution, the suction area is an ablation area of ​​one of the plurality of strips.

[0116] Preferably, the ablation region is determined to correspond to at least one respective laser ablation device.

[0117] Preferably, the laser ablation device is arranged to perform removal of material from a surface of a strip-like element of the plurality of strip-like elements to form a predetermined pattern on the surface.

[0118] The ablation operation of the strip may result in the generation of pollutants such as fine dust resulting from the removal of material from the strip. Therefore, a suction zone located at the laser ablation device allows the pollutants generated by the ablation of the strip to be sucked out, thereby preventing them from reaching a second adjacent fluid dynamic zone connected to the suction zone.

[0119] Preferably, the feeding unit comprises the laser ablation device.

[0120] Preferably, at least one conductor winding formed by winding the conductor strip a plurality of turns is arranged in the second adjacent region.

[0121] More preferably, two conductor windings are arranged in the second adjacent region.

[0122] Preferably, the conductor strip wound in multiple turns is an electrode, and more preferably an anode.

[0123] Preferably, the conductor strip wound in multiple turns is an electrode, and more preferably a cathode.

[0124] Preferably, said at least one conductor winding is associated with a respective laser ablation device.

[0125] Preferably, the conductor windings are fed to an associated laser ablation device.

[0126] Preferably, the conductor winding is rotated to unwind the corresponding strip, thereby pushing the strip and thereby feeding it to the laser ablation device.

[0127] Preferably, a conductor winding is comprised in a respective dispensing device to feed the conductor strip to a respective inlet portion of the feed unit.

[0128] Preferably, the conductor winding is rotated to unwind the corresponding tape, thereby feeding the unwound tape to the feeding unit, and preferably, then feeding the unwound tape to the winding unit.

[0129] More preferably, the conductor winding member is rotated to unwind the corresponding tape-shaped member, thereby sequentially supplying the unwound tape-shaped member to the laser ablation device, the feeding unit, and the winding unit.

[0130] In at least one embodiment of the solution, the feed unit comprises two suction areas: a first suction area and a second suction area.

[0131] Preferably, the feeding unit comprises two adjacent second areas: a second adjacent area and a further second adjacent area.

[0132] The second adjacent region and the further second adjacent region are fluidically connected to the first suction region and the second suction region, respectively.

[0133] Preferably, the first suction area and the second suction area are corresponding ablation areas of one of the plurality of strip-like elements, and the ablation areas are determined at corresponding laser ablation devices.

[0134] Preferably, the second adjacent region and the further second adjacent region each comprise at least one conductor winding.

[0135] More preferably, the second adjacent region comprises at least one conductor winding formed by an anode wound with a plurality of turns, and the other second adjacent region comprises at least one conductor winding formed by a cathode wound with a plurality of turns.

[0136] In at least one embodiment of the solution, the device for producing a coil comprises at least one partial limiting element.

[0137] Preferably, the partial restricting element is arranged between the first adjacent area and the first restricted area.

[0138] Preferably, the at least one partially confined element is configured to define a plurality of non-sealed environments by inhibiting the hydrodynamic transfer of contaminants from the first adjacent region to the first confined region.

[0139] Thus, providing the confinement element makes it possible to define different environments in the device for producing coils, wherein a transfer of polluting substances from a first adjacent area to the first confined area is prevented.

[0140] In at least one embodiment of the solution, the at least one partial limiting element comprises at least one wall.

[0141] Preferably, said partial limiting element comprises at least one opening in said wall.

[0142] Preferably, said at least one opening is configured to allow passage of at least one of said plurality of strips or said strip-like article, thereby simultaneously effecting a fluid dynamic exchange between said first confined area and said first adjacent area.

[0143] This wall makes it possible to physically separate two areas of the device for manufacturing a coil, namely a first confined area from a first adjacent area.

[0144] Furthermore, the wall allows at least one of the plurality of strips or the strip-like article to pass through while preventing transfer of contaminants from the first adjacent area to the first restricted area.

[0145] This allows perfect control of the hydrodynamic exchange area between the two regions and therefore of the conditions for inhibiting the transfer of polluting species.

[0146] In addition to or as an alternative to the at least one wall, the at least one partial limiting element may include a device such as an air curtain, which is arranged to generate a substantially laminar air flow that can prevent the transfer of pollutants between the two environments.

[0147] In at least one embodiment of the present solution, the first confined area and / or the second confined area is arranged as a chamber comprising a closed box-like body.

[0148] Preferably, the closed box-shaped body comprises at least one of the partial limiting elements, which is arranged between the first adjacent area and the first restricted area and / or between the first adjacent area and the second restricted area, respectively.

[0149] Preferably, the closed box-like body is in the shape of a parallelepiped, wherein at least one of the faces of the closed box-like body comprises part of the limiting element.

[0150] More preferably, the face of the box-like body comprises corresponding walls, at least one of which is provided with an opening allowing a strip of the plurality of strips to pass through while forming a fluid dynamic exchange between two adjacent areas of the apparatus for manufacturing the coil.

[0151] In at least one embodiment of the solution, said second adjacent area is made as a chamber, preferably comprising an associated closed box-like body.

[0152] Preferably, the closed box-like body of the second adjacent region comprises a respective partial limiting element which is arranged between the second adjacent region and the suction region which is fluidically connected to the second adjacent region.

[0153] The partial restriction element preferably comprises a wall having an opening configured to allow passage of a strip of the plurality of strips while establishing a fluid dynamic exchange between the second adjacent region and the suction region.

[0154] In at least one embodiment of the present solution, the first restricted area and / or the first adjacent area comprises a pressure sensing device.

[0155] Preferably, the pressure sensing device is operatively connected to a processing unit.

[0156] Preferably, the processing unit is configured to achieve and / or maintain respective pressure values ​​of the first restricted area and / or the first adjacent area.

[0157] Preferably, the above pressure value is an average pressure value in the first restricted area and / or the first adjacent area.

[0158] The pressure sensing devices may be arranged at various points in the first restricted area (or the first adjacent area) in an equidistantly spaced manner to obtain a calculated value of the average pressure of the first restricted area (or the first adjacent area) by the processing unit.

[0159] Preferably, the additional pressure sensing device is located in the at least one second restricted area and / or the at least one second adjacent area and / or the at least one suction area, and the additional pressure sensing device is operatively connected to the processing unit. In this case, the processing unit is preferably also configured to achieve and / or maintain a corresponding pressure value of the at least one second restricted area and / or the at least one second adjacent area and / or the at least one suction area.

[0160] In at least one embodiment of the present solution, the pressure regulating device is arranged to control the pressure in the first confined area and / or the pressure in the first adjacent area and / or the pressure in the suction area and / or the pressure in the second adjacent area and / or the pressure in the second confined area.

[0161] Preferably, the pressure regulating device comprises at least one gas inlet line located in the first restricted area and / or in the second adjacent area and / or in the second restricted area.

[0162] Preferably, the gas inlet line comprises at least one gas injection device configured to introduce a desired amount of gas into the first confined area and / or the second adjacent area and / or the second confined area.

[0163] Additionally or alternatively, the pressure regulating device comprises at least one gas outlet line in the first adjacent region and / or in the suction region.

[0164] Preferably, the gas outlet line comprises at least one suction device configured to extract a desired amount of gas from the first adjacent area and / or from the suction area.

[0165] Preferably, the apparatus for manufacturing coils comprises the aforementioned pressure regulating device.

[0166] In at least one embodiment of the solution, the device for producing the coil comprises at least one device for measuring the air flow velocity.

[0167] Preferably, the measuring means are arranged in correspondence with at least one opening located between two adjacent areas of the device allowing a fluid dynamic exchange between said adjacent areas.

[0168] Preferably, the measuring device comprises a flow meter.

[0169] Preferably, the measuring device is comprised in the regulating device.

[0170] In at least one embodiment of the present solution, the method for manufacturing a coil comprises achieving and / or maintaining, in the first confined area, the overpressure relative to the first adjacent area to be greater than 0.1 mbar, preferably to be achieved and / or maintained to be greater than 0.5 mbar, and more preferably to be achieved and / or maintained to be greater than 2 mbar.

[0171] In at least one embodiment of the present solution, the method for manufacturing the coil comprises achieving and / or maintaining, in the first confined area, the overpressure relative to the first adjacent area between 0.1 mbar and 10 mbar, preferably between 0.3 mbar and 5 mbar, and more preferably between 0.5 mbar and 3 mbar.

[0172] In this way, the development of turbulence can be suppressed by achieving a substantially laminar flow regime, thereby allowing the displacement of any polluting substances to be controlled in order to guarantee the correct execution of the desired industrial process.

[0173] In at least one embodiment of the present solution, the method for manufacturing coils comprises arranging a feeding unit of the apparatus for manufacturing coils to feed a plurality of strips to a coupling roller, by means of which the strip-shaped product is manufactured.

[0174] Preferably, the method comprises arranging a winding unit comprising at least one winding head.

[0175] Preferably, the method comprises achieving and / or maintaining the overpressure state of the first confined area relative to the first adjacent area, wherein the first confined area comprises the winding unit.

[0176] This arrangement prevents any contaminating material that may be present in the first adjacent area from contaminating or otherwise altering the environment in which the winding unit is located.

[0177] In at least one embodiment of the present solution, the method for producing a coil provides that the feed unit comprises a convergence region.

[0178] Preferably, the converging area comprises a coupling roller of the plurality of strip-like members, and the strip-like product is manufactured by the coupling roller.

[0179] Preferably, the convergence area is included in the first confined area, so the convergence area is in the overpressure state.

[0180] These features prevent contaminants that may be present in the first adjacent region from eventually entering between the plurality of belt-like members during coupling of the plurality of belt-like members by coupling rollers.

[0181] In at least one embodiment of the present solution, the method for manufacturing a coil comprises arranging a pressure sensing device in the first confined area and / or in the first adjacent area.

[0182] Preferably, the method comprises arranging at least one gas inlet line in the first confined area.

[0183] Preferably, said at least one gas inlet line comprises at least one gas injection device configured to introduce a desired amount of gas into said first confined area.

[0184] In addition to or as an alternative to the at least one gas inlet line, the method preferably comprises arranging at least one gas outlet line in the first adjacent region.

[0185] Preferably, said at least one gas outlet line comprises at least one suction device configured to extract a desired amount of gas from said first adjacent region.

[0186] Preferably, the method comprises operatively connecting the pressure sensing device to a processing unit.

[0187] Preferably, the method comprises operatively connecting the at least one gas injection device and / or the at least one extraction device to a processing unit.

[0188] Preferably, the method comprises achieving and maintaining, via a processing unit, respective pressure values ​​for the first restricted area and / or the first adjacent area.

[0189] The sensing device, the at least one gas inlet line, the at least one gas outlet line and the processing unit together enable adjusting and maintaining a desired pressure in a region of interest of the apparatus for manufacturing coils.

[0190] It should be noted that some steps in the above method may be independent of the described execution order. In addition, some steps may be optional. In addition, some steps of the method may be repeatedly performed, or these steps may be performed continuously or in parallel with other steps of the method. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0191] The characteristics and advantages of the present solution will become more apparent from the detailed description of an embodiment shown by way of non-limiting example with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0192] ● Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for manufacturing a coil according to an embodiment of the present solution, and

[0193] ● Figures 2 to 5 Shows Figure 1 Details of the equipment used to manufacture the coils. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0194] With reference to the figures, 100 denotes an apparatus for manufacturing a coil B, in particular an electrochemical cell for battery production.

[0195] Special reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The apparatus 100 for manufacturing the coil B comprises a first confined area Z1 which is configured to operate at a first pressure P1 and comprises at least one operating unit of the apparatus 100 for manufacturing the coil B.

[0196] The apparatus 100 for manufacturing the coil B further comprises a first confined zone Z2 configured to operate at a second pressure P2 and fluidically connected to the first confined zone Z1 .

[0197] The first confined zone Z1 is configured to operate in an overpressure state SP1 relative to the first adjacent zone Z2.

[0198] exist Figure 1 In the preferred embodiment shown in , the overpressure SP1 is 0.2 mbar or higher.

[0199] With particular reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The operating unit is a winding unit 1, which includes a plurality of winding heads 2, and the winding heads 2 are configured to wind at least one strip product N to manufacture a coil B.

[0200] Figure 3 The operating unit is shown in different operating states.

[0201] Therefore, the winding unit 1 is included in the first confined zone Z1 and operates in an overvoltage state SP1 relative to the first adjacent zone Z2.

[0202] The winding unit 1 further comprises a moving device 3 of the plurality of winding heads 2, which is configured to displace the plurality of winding heads 2 along a working path.

[0203] Furthermore, the apparatus 100 for manufacturing the coil B includes a power supply unit 4 .

[0204] The power supply unit 4 is configured to feed a plurality of strips N1, N2, N3, N4 (particularly four strips) suitable for manufacturing the at least one strip product N. The plurality of strips N1, N2, N3, N4 include a first conductive strip N1, a second conductive strip N2 (the first conductive strip is a strip between the anode and the cathode, and the second conductive strip is another strip between the anode and the cathode), a first separator strip (electrical insulator) N3, and a second separator strip (electrical insulator) N4.

[0205] The feeding unit 4 further includes a movable portion 5 including an outlet portion 6 from which the strip-shaped product N leaves the feeding unit 4 and is fed to the winding unit 1 .

[0206] Therefore, the winding unit 1 is configured to receive the strip-shaped product N from the outlet portion 6 .

[0207] The feed unit 4 is equipped with an inlet portion 7 to receive the strips N1 , N2 , N3 , N4 from the respective dispensing devices.

[0208] With particular reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 , each dispensing device comprises a winding member formed by a respective strip member wound in a plurality of turns.

[0209] In detail, Figure 1 The apparatus 100 for manufacturing a coil B shown in the drawing comprises: a first pair of conductor windings 8, 9 formed by respective conductor strips N2 wound with a plurality of turns; a second pair of conductor windings 10, 11 formed by respective conductor strips N1 wound with a plurality of turns; and four separated windings 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b formed by respective electrical insulators N3, N4.

[0210] With particular reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 A respective feed path 14, 15, 16, 17 is defined for each strip N1, N2, N3, N4.

[0211] These feed paths 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 comprise respective accumulator portions 18 , which are preferably substantially parallel to one another.

[0212] The feed unit 4 is configured to change the respective longitudinal extension of each of the respective accumulators 18 by movement of said movable part 5. In particular, the longitudinal extensions of the accumulators 18 are changed simultaneously, preferably simultaneously by the same amount, so that the accumulators 18 remain substantially parallel to each other.

[0213] With particular reference Figure 3 and 4 , the feeding unit 4 comprises a convergence zone Z3 including a coupling roller 19 of the plurality of strips N1, N2, N3, N4, by means of which the strip product N is manufactured. The convergence zone Z3 is included in the first restricted zone Z1, and therefore the convergence zone Z3 operates under the above-mentioned overpressure state SP1.

[0214] It should be noted that the strips N1 , N2 , N3 , N4 of the device 100 for manufacturing the coils B converge at a convergence zone Z3 , thereby reducing the mutual distance from the coupling roller 19 .

[0215] Preferably, the strips N1 , N2 , N3 , N4 are fed in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of movement of the movable part 5 in the convergence zone Z3 .

[0216] With particular reference Figure 5 The feeding unit 4 includes: a first suction zone Z4A and a second suction zone Z4B, which are restricted and configured to operate under a third pressure P3; and a second adjacent zone Z5A and an additional second adjacent zone Z5B, which are fluidically connected to the first suction zone Z4A and the second suction zone Z4B, respectively.

[0217] The second adjacent zones Z5A, Z5B are configured such that the fourth pressure P4 is greater than the third pressure P3, preferably, the fourth pressure P4 is substantially equal to the second pressure P2.

[0218] In detail, the second adjacent zone Z5A comprises a first pair of conductor windings 8, 9 formed by respective conductor strips N2 wound a plurality of turns, whereas the further second adjacent zone Z5B comprises a second pair of conductor windings 10, 11 formed by respective conductor strips N1 wound a plurality of turns.

[0219] The two extraction zones Z4A, Z4B are ablation zones of the respective conductor strip N1 , N2 , which are determined at the respective laser ablation devices 20 , 21 .

[0220] At least one winding of the first pair of conductor windings 8, 9 is associated with the laser ablation device 20 of the first suction zone Z4A, while at least one winding of the second pair of conductor windings 10, 11 is associated with the laser ablation device 21 of the second suction zone Z4B.

[0221] Therefore, the conductor windings associated with the laser ablation devices 20 , 21 are rotated to unwind the corresponding tapes, thereby continuously supplying the unwound tapes to the corresponding laser ablation devices 20 , 21 , the feeding unit 4 , and the winding unit 1 .

[0222] With particular reference Figure 2 , the first adjacent area Z2 includes at least a second restricted area in the first adjacent area Z2. In particular, the first adjacent area Z2 includes a second adjacent area Z6A and another second adjacent area Z6B in the first adjacent area Z2.

[0223] The second confined zone Z6A, Z6B has a fifth pressure P5 substantially equal to the first pressure P1 and is configured to operate in a second overpressure state SP2 relative to said first confined zone Z2.

[0224] The second confined zone Z6A, Z6B is fluidically connected to the first adjacent zone Z2.

[0225] In detail, the second confined zone Z6A comprises a first pair of partition windings 12a, 12b, whereas the further second confined zone Z6B comprises a second pair of partition windings 13a, 13b.

[0226] At least one of the first pair of partition winding members 12a, 12b is rotated to unwind the corresponding tape-like member, thereby supplying the unwound tape-like member to the feeding unit, and then supplying the unwound tape-like member to the winding unit. In addition, at least one of the second pair of partition winding members 13a, 13b is rotated to unwind the corresponding tape-like member, thereby supplying the unwound tape-like member to the feeding unit 4, and then supplying the unwound tape-like member to the winding unit 1.

[0227] The apparatus 100 for manufacturing the coil B includes a partial limiting element 22. Specifically, the partial limiting element 22 is disposed between the first adjacent area Z2 and the first limited area Z1, and the partial limiting element 22 is configured to define a plurality of non-sealed environments by inhibiting the transfer of pollutants from the first adjacent area Z2 to the first limited area Z1 in a fluid dynamic manner.

[0228] With particular reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The partial limiting element 22 includes at least one wall 23, which is provided with at least one opening 24, and the opening 24 is configured to allow at least one of the multiple strips N1, N2, N3, N4 to pass through, while forming a fluid dynamic exchange between the first restricted area Z1 and the first adjacent area Z2.

[0229] Referring now to the first confined zone Z1 and the second confined zone Z6A, Z6B, the first confined zone Z1 and the second confined zone Z6A, Z6B are made as a chamber 25 comprising a respective closed box-like body.

[0230] The closed box-shaped body 26 associated with the first restricted area Z1 includes a partial restriction element 22 located between the first adjacent area Z2 and the first restricted area Z1. In contrast, the two closed box-shaped bodies 26A, 26B associated with the second restricted areas Z6A, Z6B each include a corresponding partial restriction element 22A, 22B located between the first adjacent area Z2 and the second restricted area Z6A and between the first adjacent area Z2 and another second restricted area Z6B.

[0231] The apparatus 100 for manufacturing a coil B shown in the figure further comprises a pressure sensing device 27 which is disposed in both the first restricted zone Z1 and the first adjacent zone Z2 and is operatively connected to a processing unit 28 .

[0232] The processing unit 28 is configured to achieve and / or maintain respective pressure values ​​of the first restricted zone Z1 and the first adjacent zone Z2.

[0233] A further pressure sensing device 27 is located in the second restricted zone Z6A, Z6B, the second adjacent zone Z5A, Z5B and the suction zone Z4A, Z4B and is operatively connected to the processing unit 28. Therefore, the processing unit 28 is also configured to achieve and / or maintain the respective pressure values ​​of the above-mentioned zones Z4A, Z4B, Z5A, Z5B and Z6A, Z6B.

[0234] The apparatus 100 for manufacturing the coil B further includes a pressure regulating device 29 .

[0235] The pressure regulating device 29 is designed to influence the pressure in the first restricted zone Z1 , the first adjacent zone Z2 , the suction zones Z4A, Z4B, the second adjacent zones Z5A, Z5B and the second restricted zones Z6A, Z6B.

[0236] In detail, the pressure regulating device 29 includes a gas inlet pipeline 30 located in the first restricted zone Z1, the second adjacent zone Z5A, Z5B and the second restricted zone Z6A, Z6B and a gas outlet pipeline 31 located in the first adjacent zone Z2 and the suction zone Z4A, Z4B.

[0237] The gas inlet pipeline 30 includes at least one gas injection device 32, which is configured to inject a required amount of gas into the first restricted area Z1, the second adjacent areas Z5A, Z5B and the second restricted areas Z6A, Z6B, and the gas outlet pipeline 31 includes at least one suction device 33, which is configured to extract a required amount of gas from the first adjacent area Z2 and the suction areas Z4A, Z4B.

[0238] The device 100 for manufacturing the coil B further comprises a measuring device 34 for measuring the air flow velocity, which is located at the opening 24 of the wall 23 .

[0239] Specifically, the measuring device 34 includes a flow meter.

[0240] A method for manufacturing a coil B, which is preferably used for an electrochemical cell for battery production and is made by winding a strip product N, involves the following steps: arranging an apparatus 100 for manufacturing coil B, and realizing an overvoltage operating state SP1 in a first confined area Z1 relative to a first adjacent area Z2.

[0241] The method may comprise the step of achieving and / or maintaining in the first confined zone Z1 an overpressure SP1 relative to the first adjacent zone Z2 , the overpressure SP1 being comprised between 0.2 mbar and 0.5 mbar.

[0242] Additionally or alternatively, the method may include the following steps: arranging a feeding unit 4 of an apparatus 100 for manufacturing a coil B to feed a plurality of strips N1, N2, N3, N4 to a connecting roller 19, the strip product N being manufactured with the aid of the connecting roller 19; arranging a winding unit 1; and achieving and / or maintaining an overpressure state SP1 of a first restricted area Z1 relative to a first adjacent area Z2, wherein the first restricted area Z1 includes the winding unit 1.

[0243] Additionally or alternatively, the method may include the following steps: arranging a pressure sensing device 27 in the first restricted area Z1 and / or the first adjacent area Z2; arranging at least one gas inlet pipeline 30 in the first restricted area Z1, the at least one gas inlet pipeline 30 including at least one gas injection device 32, which is configured to introduce a required amount of gas into the first restricted area Z1; setting at least one gas outlet pipeline 32 in the first adjacent area Z2, the at least one gas outlet pipeline 31 including at least one suction device 33, which is configured to extract a required amount of gas from the first adjacent area Z2; operatively connecting the pressure sensing device 27 to the processing unit 28; operatively connecting the at least one gas injection device 31 and the at least one suction device 33 to the processing unit 28; and realizing and maintaining the corresponding pressure values ​​of the first restricted area Z1 and the first adjacent area Z2 via the processing unit 28.

[0244] Another method for realizing coil B, which is preferably used for electrochemical cells for battery production and is realized by winding a strip product N, includes the following steps: arranging an apparatus 100 for manufacturing coil B; and realizing a low-pressure operating state DP1 relative to the first restricted area Z1 in the first adjacent area Z2 to prevent pollutants from entering the first restricted area Z1 from the first adjacent area Z2, and / or promote pollutants from the first restricted area Z1 to enter the first adjacent area Z2.

Claims

1. A device (100) for manufacturing a coil (B), preferably, the coil (B) is used for an electrochemical cell for battery production, the device (100) comprising: a first confined area (Z1) configured to operate at a first pressure (P1) and comprising at least one operating unit of the device (100) for manufacturing a coil (B), and a first adjacent zone (Z2) configured to operate at a second pressure (P2) and connected fluidically to the first confined zone (Z1), Wherein, the first confined zone (Z1) is configured to operate in an overpressure state (SP1) relative to the first adjacent zone (Z2).

2. The device (100) for producing a coil (B) according to the preceding claim, wherein: The overpressure (SP1) is greater than 0.1 mbar, preferably, the overpressure (SP1) is greater than 0.5 mbar, more preferably, the overpressure (SP1) is greater than 2 mbar.

3. The device (100) for manufacturing a coil (B) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: a winding unit (1), said winding unit (1) comprising at least one winding head (2), said winding head (2) being configured to wind at least one strip-shaped product (N) to produce said coil (B), The winding unit (1) is included in the first restricted area (Z1), and the winding unit (1) operates in the overvoltage state (SP1) relative to the first adjacent area (Z2).

4. The device (100) for manufacturing a coil (B) according to the previous claim, the device (100) comprising a feeding unit (4), the feeding unit (4) being configured to feed a plurality of strips (N1, N2, N3, N4), the plurality of strips being suitable for manufacturing at least one of the strip products (N), the plurality of strips comprising at least one conductive strip (N1, N2) and / or at least one separator strip (N3, N4), wherein: The feeding unit (4) comprises a convergence zone (Z3), which comprises a coupling roller (19) of the plurality of strips (N1, N2, N3, N4), the strip product (N) being manufactured with the aid of the coupling roller (19), the convergence zone (Z3) being included in the first restricted area (Z1) and operating under the overpressure state (SP1).

5. The device (100) for manufacturing a coil (B) according to claim 4, wherein: The feeding unit (4) comprises a suction zone (Z4A, Z4B) which is limited and configured to operate at a third pressure (P3), - a second adjacent zone (Z5A, Z5B), which is fluidically connected to the suction zone (Z4A, Z4B) and is configured to have a fourth pressure (P4), which is greater than the third pressure (P3).

6. The device (100) for producing a coil (B) according to the preceding claim, wherein: The fourth pressure (P4) is substantially equal to the second pressure (P2).

7. The device (100) for manufacturing a coil (B) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first adjacent area (Z2) configured to operate under the second pressure (P2) includes at least one second restricted area (Z6A, Z6B) in the first adjacent area (Z2), the second restricted area (Z6A, Z6B) having a fifth pressure (P5), and the second restricted area (Z6A, Z6B) is configured to operate under a second overpressure state (SP2) relative to the first adjacent area (Z2).

8. The device (100) for manufacturing a coil (B) according to claim 5, 6, or claim 7 as a derivative of claim 5 or 6, wherein: The suction zone (Z4A, Z4B) is an ablation zone of one of the plurality of strips (N1, N2, N3, N4), the ablation zone being determined to correspond to at least one corresponding laser ablation device (21).

9. The device (100) for manufacturing a coil (B) according to any one of the preceding claims, the device (100) comprising at least one partial limiting element (22), the at least one partial limiting element (22) being arranged between the first adjacent area (Z2) and the first confined area (Z1), wherein The at least one partially confined element (22) is configured to define a plurality of non-sealed environments to inhibit the hydrodynamic transfer of contaminants from the first adjacent zone (Z2) to the first confined zone (Z1).

10. The device (100) for producing a coil (B) according to the preceding claim, wherein: The at least one partially restraining element (22) comprises - at least one wall (23), - at least one opening (24) in said wall (23), - said at least one opening is configured to allow at least one of said plurality of strips (N1, N2, N3, N4) or said strip-like product (N) to pass through, thereby simultaneously performing a fluid dynamic exchange between said first restricted zone (Z1) and said first adjacent zone (Z2).

11. The device (100) for manufacturing a coil (B) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first restricted area (Z1) and / or the second restricted area (Z6A, Z6B) are manufactured as a chamber (25), the chamber (25) includes a closed box-shaped body (26), the closed box-shaped body (26) includes at least one of the partial restricting elements (22), and the partial restricting element (22) is respectively arranged between the first adjacent area (Z2) and the first restricted area (Z1) and / or between the first adjacent area (Z2) and the second restricted area (Z6A, Z6B).

12. The device (100) for manufacturing a coil (B) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first restricted area (Z1) and / or the first adjacent area (Z2) include a pressure sensing device (27), which is operatively connected to a processing unit (28), and the processing unit (28) is configured to achieve and / or maintain a corresponding pressure value of the first restricted area (Z1) and / or a corresponding pressure value of the first adjacent area (Z2).

13. An apparatus (100) for manufacturing a coil (B) according to any one of the preceding claims, the apparatus (100) comprising at least one measuring device (34) related to air flow velocity, preferably, the measuring device (34) being positioned to correspond to at least one opening between two adjacent areas of the apparatus (100) allowing fluid dynamic exchange between the adjacent areas.

14. A method for manufacturing a coil (B), preferably for an electrochemical cell for battery production, wherein the coil (B) is manufactured by winding a strip product (N), the method comprising: - arranging a device (100) for manufacturing a coil (B), said device (100) comprising a first restricted area (Z1), said first restricted area (Z1) comprising at least one operating unit of said device (100) for manufacturing a coil (B), - forming an operational overpressure state (SP1) in the first confined area (Z1) relative to a first adjacent area (Z2) connected to the first confined area (Z1) in a fluid-dynamic manner, so as to prevent pollutants from entering the first confined area (Z1) from the first adjacent area (Z2).

15. Method for manufacturing a coil (B) according to the preceding claim, comprising: - achieving and / or maintaining said overpressure (SP1) greater than 0.1 mbar, preferably achieving and / or maintaining said overpressure (SP1) greater than 0.5 mbar, more preferably achieving and / or maintaining said overpressure (SP1) greater than 2 mbar.

16. The method for manufacturing a coil (B) according to claim 14 or 15, comprising: - a feeding unit (4) of the device (100) for manufacturing coils (B) is arranged to feed a plurality of strips (N1, N2, N3, N4) to a coupling roller (19), with the aid of which the strip product (N) is manufactured, - arranging a winding unit (1), said winding unit (1) comprising at least one winding head (2), - achieving and / or maintaining the overpressure state (SP1) of the first confined area (Z1) relative to the first adjacent area (Z2), wherein the first confined area (Z1) comprises the winding unit (1).

17. Method for producing a coil (B) according to the preceding claim, wherein: The feeding unit (4) comprises a convergence area (Z3), the convergence area (Z3) comprises a coupling roller (19) of the plurality of strips (N1, N2, N3, N4), the strip product (N) is manufactured with the aid of the coupling roller (19), the convergence area (Z3) is included in the first restricted area (Z1), and therefore the convergence area (Z3) is in the overpressure state (SP1).

18. A method for manufacturing a coil (B) according to any one of claims 14 to 17, comprising: - arranging a pressure sensing device (27) in the first restricted zone (Z1) and / or in the first adjacent zone (Z2), - arranging at least one gas inlet line (30) in the first restricted zone (Z1), the gas inlet line (30) comprising at least one gas injection device (32), the at least one gas injection device (32) being configured to introduce a desired amount of gas into the first restricted zone (Z1), and / or - arranging at least one gas outlet line (31) in the first adjacent zone (Z2), the gas outlet line (31) comprising at least one suction device (33), the at least one suction device (33) being configured to extract a desired amount of gas from the first adjacent zone (Z2), - operatively connecting the pressure sensing device (27) to a processing unit (28), - operatively connecting the at least one gas injection device (32) and / or the at least one suction device (33) to the processing unit (28), - achieving and maintaining, via the processing unit (28), a corresponding pressure value of the first restricted zone (Z1) and / or a corresponding pressure value of the first adjacent zone (Z2).

19. A method for manufacturing a coil (B), preferably for an electrochemical cell for battery production, wherein the coil (B) is manufactured by winding a strip product (N), the method comprising: - arranging a device (100) for manufacturing a coil (B), said device (100) comprising a first confined area (Z1) comprising at least one operating unit of said device (100) for manufacturing a coil (B), and a first adjacent area (Z2), said first confined area (Z1) comprising at least one operating unit of said device (100) for manufacturing a coil (B), said first adjacent area (Z2) being connected to said first confined area (Z1) in a fluid-dynamic manner, - A low pressure operating state (DP1) is achieved in the first adjacent area (Z2) relative to the first restricted area (Z1) to hinder pollutants from entering the first restricted area (Z1) from the first adjacent area (Z2), and / or to facilitate pollutants from the first restricted area (Z1) to enter the first adjacent area (Z2).

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