Apparatus and method for producing coils, preferably for electrochemical cells for battery production

Abstract

An apparatus (100) for manufacturing a coil (B) comprises: a feeding unit (2) configured to feed at least one strip-shaped article (N); and a winding unit (1). The winding unit comprises a plurality of winding heads (10) and movement means (3) of the winding heads (10), the movement means being configured to displace the winding heads (10) along a working path (P); each winding head (10) is configured to wind the strip-shaped article (N) to form the coil (B) and is movable along the working path (P). The feeding unit (2) comprises a movable portion (20) configured to be displaced along a substantially horizontal displacement direction (d).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a coil, for example of the type formed by winding a strip-like article comprising a strip-like member or a plurality of superimposed strip-like members.

[0002] The invention also relates to a method for producing the coil.

[0003] The invention has a preferred, but not exclusive, application in the field of production of electrochemical cells, for which the winding of strip-shaped articles is used. Background Art

[0004] In particular, in the related art, it is known to combine conductor strips and separator strips into layers to form anode and cathode structures. The objects made by overlapping the above layers are then wound in the form of coils and used to manufacture the electrochemical battery cells themselves.

[0005] An example of an apparatus and method for manufacturing a battery by winding a conductor strip and a separator strip is described in WO2010023525A1. Summary of the invention

[0006] In this specification and the appended claims, unless expressly stated otherwise, certain terms and expressions are deemed to have the meanings expressed in the following definitions.

[0007] The term "strip-like article" is intended to mean any solid product presented in an industrial production line in the form of an elongated strip or ribbon, i.e. an element having a longitudinal extension which is significantly greater than a transverse extension. A strip-like article may be formed from a single strip or ribbon of material, or it may be formed from a plurality of strips arranged in an overlapping layer.

[0008] The strip-like article also has properties which allow a certain degree of bending of the strip-like article to occur during its travel along the associated production line.

[0009] The strip-like article may be made, for example, of alternating overlapping conductive elements and insulating layers between the conductive elements and is intended to form a sandwich to be wound into a coil for the production of an electrochemical cell.

[0010] The term "winding" is intended to mean forming a spiral structure by rotating a strip, a ribbon or more generally a strip-like article around an axis, a flat surface or other structure. By winding, the strip-like article will form one or more turns around the axis or the structure.

[0011] The term "coil" means any helical structure formed by winding a strip, ribbon, or more generally a strip-like article around an axis, a flat surface, or other winding structure. Depending on the structure around which the strip-like article is wound, the overall shape of the coil may be generally cylindrical, rather than flat or other.

[0012] As mentioned above, coils can be used not only in the field of electrochemical cells, but also in other fields, such as, for example, in the field of capacitors, in which coil-shaped structures can also be used.

[0013] The term "closed path" is intended to mean a path along which a winding head or other element travels, wherein the start and end points of the path substantially coincide.

[0014] The term "continuous" refers to an expression of motion, meaning an operation that is performed without pause, without stops or interruptions in the operation. In particular, for the motion of a strip or other element, the term "continuous" means that the strip or a portion of a strip never stops during its motion.

[0015] Reference to a measured value or quantity, such as for example the displacement speed of an object, as being "substantially constant" means that such measured value or quantity maintains a value over time that preferably varies by a maximum of ±10%, preferably by a maximum of ±5%, preferably by a maximum of ±2%.

[0016] The term "integral" with reference to the movement of two or more elements means that these elements perform substantially the same movement and are substantially simultaneous. In other words, two integral elements move together as a single body, although the two elements are not necessarily joined or constrained to each other. In fact, it can be provided that the corresponding motion systems of the two elements are coordinated to move the two elements together when necessary. In addition, temporary constraints can be used between the two elements, for example, in certain steps, the two elements are joined to each other so that the two elements move together, and then the two elements are separated again so that the two elements move independently of each other.

[0017] It should also be made clear that the expression "displacing an object between a first position and a second position" is intended to mean a displacement from a first position to a second position as well as a displacement from a second position to a first position.

[0018] The definition applies in the same manner to similar expressions of motion, such as, for example, transferring or moving a generic object between two locations, between two areas, or even between two different operating configurations.

[0019] As used herein, the term "kinematically independent" means that two or more systems are capable of moving in completely autonomous and distinct ways. In other words, a kinematically independent system or device is constructed so that the system or device can perform its intended movement without modifying the position of other related systems. It is also important to understand that this condition of kinematic independence does not prevent the different systems or devices from being able to cooperate with each other and / or transfer material to each other along a common and substantially overlapping portion of space.

[0020] It should also be noted that this condition of kinematic independence does not exclude that different, directly independent components have a common drive source. Thus, in this sense, kinematically independent systems can be moved, for example, by means of the same drive shaft through different types of transmission connections, and in any case achieve their own movements without directly influencing each other.

[0021] The term "pin" hereinafter denotes a mechanical connection element which has an elongated extension or which is in any case configured to define a respective axis about which the element can rotate. In the context of the present invention, the element may have a cross section of any shape, such as semicircular, circular, triangular, or even the overall shape of the pin is flat.

[0022] In the context of the constant need to improve the performance and efficiency of production processes, the Applicant has initially observed that, in a production line for manufacturing coils, the speed of travel of the strip relative to the units performing the winding of the strip can constitute an important factor limiting the production capacity of the line itself.

[0023] Moreover, this limitation is even more critical in cases where high precision is required in forming the coil. In particular, the Applicant has observed that in many applications, such as for example in the field of production of electrochemical cells, high precision of the winding geometry must be ensured to ensure that the finished product has the desired properties.

[0024] Thus, the Applicant has further realised that where a strip-like article is formed from a plurality of strip-like members, for example where the strip-like article is formed from a plurality of strip-like members combined into a multi-layer structure, the state of the strip-like article can be controlled by acting on the individual layers.

[0025] Finally, the Applicant has discovered how the winding speed of the strip-like article can be increased with respect to known solutions if the movement of the strip-like element is not interrupted during the different steps of making the coil.

[0026] In fact, the Applicant has observed that these steps of interruption and resumption of the movement of the strip-like article lead to an undesirable reduction in the productivity of the process, while increasing the wear of the movable parts, which are subjected to greater accelerations and decelerations in an attempt to compensate for these negative variations in productivity.

[0027] The Applicant has also observed that movements with a vector component parallel to the vertical direction can be complex and disadvantageous for the timely control of the movement, since these movements are subject to further accelerations and decelerations due to the effects of gravity.

[0028] In this sense, the Applicant has also observed that the gravity forces exerted following such a movement become increasingly important due to the increase in the weight of the moving parts.

[0029] The Applicant therefore points out that this aspect also further limits the freedom of design of the movable parts and the functions they perform.

[0030] Furthermore, the Applicant has observed that in some cases of unexpected malfunction of the equipment and / or unpredictable underfeeding of the system, there is a risk that some components are no longer fully controlled and can displace themselves under the action of gravity in an unexpected and potentially dangerous manner.

[0031] Applicants have also found that unexpected stops of equipment can be more dangerous when movable parts are stuck in a position that cannot be easily reached by an operator, for example, because the movable parts are located too high. Similar dangerous situations can also occur during normal maintenance of the equipment.

[0032] Furthermore, applicants have noted that some processing steps are more critical than others with respect to these newly discovered problems and that these processing steps can be advantageously modified without significantly affecting the processing time and, therefore, the throughput of the implemented device.

[0033] In order to maintain high speeds for making coils by means of strip-like articles, thereby allowing continuous processing and minimizing wear, the Applicant has therefore realised that this can be achieved by ensuring continuity of movement according to a preferred direction.

[0034] The Applicant has thus further realised that, relative to known solutions, it is possible to improve the production efficiency of electrochemical cells by winding the strip if these operations are performed continuously according to the displacement of specific movable parts which are less affected by the effects of gravity during the operating steps.

[0035] Applicants also believe that providing such a preferred orientation may also help improve the ergonomics of the device, thereby limiting the need for an operator to access hard-to-reach components.

[0036] Finally, the Applicant has discovered that by setting the movable part for coupling in motion while the strip is being wound, it is possible to optimize the operations of coupling the strip and winding the coil without interrupting the process and without compromising the dimensional accuracy of the coil.

[0037] The applicant has also discovered how to limit the adverse effects of gravity on the movable part by providing the movable part with a specific displacement direction.

[0038] Due to these characteristics, the strip can travel, even during the coupling and winding steps, thereby achieving a higher process yield, continuous processing operations, and minimizing the wear caused on the predetermined movable parts.

[0039] Therefore, in a first aspect of the invention, the invention relates to an apparatus for producing a coil, preferably for an electrochemical cell for battery production.

[0040] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a feeding unit configured to feed at least one strip-like element, and preferably the feeding unit is configured to feed a plurality of strip-like elements, the strip-like elements being adapted to form at least one strip-like article.

[0041] Preferably, the plurality of strips comprises at least one conductor strip band and / or a separator strip.

[0042] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a winding unit comprising at least one winding head.

[0043] Preferably, the at least one winding head is configured to wind the strip-like article to produce a coil.

[0044] Preferably, the feed unit comprises a movable part.

[0045] Preferably, the movable part comprises a movable inlet portion through which the strip or strips enter.

[0046] Preferably, the movable portion comprises a movable exit portion from which the strip of articles exits.

[0047] Preferably, the movable part comprises a plurality of strip-like coupling rollers by means of which the strip-like article is formed, and preferably the coupling rollers are arranged upstream with respect to the movable outlet part.

[0048] Preferably, the movable part is configured to be displaced along a substantially horizontal displacement direction.

[0049] The term "movable" refers to parts or devices that have the ability to shift in space. It is important to note that these parts or devices can be moved because they are provided with their own displacement means and because they are constrained to other parts that are constructed with displacement capabilities.

[0050] The term "substantially horizontal" is intended to mean that the possible angular variation of the displacement direction relative to the horizontal plane remains constant and that the possible variation of the angle relative to the horizontal plane is comprised between ±15°, more preferably between ±10°, more preferably between ±5°, even more preferably equal to 0°.

[0051] Furthermore, the term "substantially horizontal" means that the displacement direction includes a horizontal segment equal to at least 60% of its total displacement, more preferably equal to 80% of its total displacement, even more preferably equal to 100% of its total displacement. In other words, the term "substantially horizontal" also includes, for example, a law of motion that provides a first horizontal segment, a second shorter vertical segment with a varying altitude, a third horizontal segment equal to and opposite to the first horizontal segment, and a fourth vertical segment equal to and opposite to the second vertical segment, thereby returning to an initial position before the first horizontal segment.

[0052] The terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to operational steps that have a specific position in a process sequence.

[0053] In more detail, if operation B occurs upstream of operation A, it means that operation B will occur sequentially before operation A.

[0054] Similarly, if operation B occurs downstream of operation A, it means that operation B will occur sequentially after operation A.

[0055] These considerations raised for the operational steps also apply to the following devices and / or parts: the devices and / or parts are located upstream or downstream of other devices and / or parts according to the operational sequence flow of the considered and described process.

[0056] Thanks to these characteristics, the strip-like article can be produced according to a continuous process, in particular during the manufacture of the coil, minimizing the effects of gravity and reducing the loads to which the movable and transmission parts are subjected, thereby reducing wear, otherwise being affected by gravity as the strip moves along a mainly vertical trajectory due to acceleration or deceleration movements,

[0057] In this way, the productivity of the device can be increased in terms of coils wound per unit time, and the average life of the device can be increased in terms of service life.

[0058] Furthermore, a substantially horizontal displacement direction allows an overall improvement in the ergonomics of the device. In fact, providing a horizontal displacement allows reducing the risk of the movable part coming to a stop in a position that is not easily accessible to the operator because it is too high, and generally allows reducing the need for the operator to have to reach areas of too high a height during maintenance and adjustment steps of the device.

[0059] According to a second aspect of the invention, the invention relates to a method for producing a coil, preferably for an electrochemical cell for battery production, by winding at least one strip-shaped article.

[0060] Preferably, the method comprises providing a feeding unit comprising a movable part for feeding at least one strip-like element, and preferably a plurality of strip-like elements, to coupling rollers by means of which the strip-like article is formed.

[0061] Preferably, the method comprises providing at least one winding head.

[0062] Preferably, the method comprises winding the strip-like article leaving the coupling roller by means of at least one winding head.

[0063] Preferably, the method comprises moving the movable part along a substantially horizontal displacement direction.

[0064] Based on this aspect, the same advantages as described in the previous aspect can also be achieved.

[0065] The applicant has also pointed out that by using more than one winding head, it is possible to work on two different coils simultaneously and / or to allow one of the winding heads to perform a resetting action on the winding coil while another winding head performs processing.

[0066] The Applicant has thus further appreciated how the winding speed of a strip-like article can be increased relative to known solutions if the movement of the strip-like element is not interrupted during the formation of the coil.

[0067] The Applicant has finally discovered that by setting the winding head in motion while the strip-like article is being wound, it is possible to speed up the winding operation without compromising the dimensional accuracy of the coils and without creating undesirable tension conditions on the strip-like element.

[0068] Thanks to these characteristics, the strip-like article can also be advanced during the winding step, allowing the winding speed of the strip to be increased and without having to stop the strip during this operation.

[0069] Therefore, in a third aspect of the invention, the invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a coil, preferably for an electrochemical cell for battery production.

[0070] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a feeding unit configured to feed at least one strip of goods, and preferably, the strip of goods comprises one or more strips, the strips comprising conductor strips and / or separator strips.

[0071] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a winding unit.

[0072] The winding unit preferably comprises a plurality of winding heads.

[0073] Preferably, the winding unit comprises movement means of said winding head, which movement means are configured to displace said winding head along the working path.

[0074] Preferably, each winding head is configured to wind the strip-like article to form the coil.

[0075] Preferably, the winding head is capable of moving along the working path so that: during the winding of the strip-like article with the aid of the corresponding winding head, at least one strip-like article is subjected to a substantially constant tension due to the movement of the winding head, preferably at least in the section included between the feeding unit and the winding head.

[0076] The term "substantially constant tension" is intended to mean that the tension remains constant during the operating steps of the device and varies between ±15%, more preferably between ±10%, more preferably between ±5%. Furthermore, in the context of the present invention, a constant tension state may preferably be manifested as a constant speed of the strip-like article during the feeding and winding steps of the strip-like element.

[0077] Due to these characteristics, the strip-like article can be subjected to a substantially constant tension, in particular during the formation of the coil, since the winding is carried out while the winding head is displaced.

[0078] In this way, both the productivity of the apparatus in terms of coils wound per unit time can be increased and the characteristics of the winding can be improved so that the winding can be performed in a more precise and regular manner.

[0079] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the invention relates to a method for producing a coil, preferably for an electrochemical cell for battery production, by winding at least one strip-shaped article.

[0080] The method preferably comprises providing a plurality of winding heads movable along the working path.

[0081] Preferably, the method envisages winding said strip-like article by a winding head of said plurality of winding heads.

[0082] Preferably, the method comprises moving the winding head by which the strip of article is wound such that the strip of article is subjected to a substantially constant tension.

[0083] Based on this aspect, the same advantages as those associated with the previous aspect can also be achieved.

[0084] In a fifth aspect of the invention, the invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a coil, preferably for an electrochemical cell for battery production.

[0085] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a feeding unit configured to feed at least one strip-like article by displacing the strip-like article along a feeding direction, the strip-like article preferably comprising one or more strip-like members, the strip-like members comprising a conductive member strip-like member and / or a separator strip-like member.

[0086] The apparatus preferably comprises a winding unit.

[0087] Preferably, the winding unit comprises a plurality of winding heads.

[0088] Preferably, the winding unit comprises movement means of said winding head, which movement means are configured to displace said winding head along the working path.

[0089] Preferably, each winding head supports a gripping device configured to grip a portion of said strip, and the gripping device is configured to wind said strip to form said coil.

[0090] Preferably, the movement device is further configured to displace the corresponding winding head along an operating section of the working path in a direction inconsistent with the feeding direction when the corresponding winding head grasps the portion of the strip-shaped article.

[0091] Due to these characteristics, during the strip-shaped member is wound, the length of the strip-shaped article can be reduced, or in any case the strip-shaped article is kept at a minimum. In this way, the situation of the undesirable tension state caused on the strip-shaped member can be limited, and generally a higher winding speed can be achieved.

[0092] In a sixth aspect of the invention, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a coil, preferably for an electrochemical cell for battery production, the coil being formed by winding at least one strip-like article.

[0093] The method preferably comprises providing a plurality of winding heads movable along the working path.

[0094] It is preferably provided that the strip-like article is moved in a feeding direction in order to feed the strip-like article to a winding head in the winding heads.

[0095] Preferably, the method comprises gripping a portion of the strip-like article by means of gripping means of the winding head.

[0096] Preferably, the method comprises displacing the winding head along an operating section of the working path in a direction not coincident with the feed direction, while the winding head grips the portion of the strip-like article.

[0097] Based on this aspect, the same advantages as described in the previous aspect can also be achieved.

[0098] In a seventh aspect of the invention, the invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a coil, preferably for an electrochemical cell for battery production.

[0099] Preferably, the device comprises a feeding unit, which is configured to feed at least one strip-like article, the strip-like article comprising at least one strip-like member, preferably, the strip-like article comprises a plurality of strip-like members, the strip-like members comprising conductive strip-like members and / or separator strip-like members.

[0100] The apparatus preferably comprises a winding unit.

[0101] Preferably, the winding unit comprises a plurality of winding heads, each winding head being configured to wind the strip-like article around a corresponding winding axis to form the coil.

[0102] Furthermore, the winding unit preferably comprises movement means of the winding head, which movement means are configured to displace the winding head along the working path.

[0103] Preferably, the winding head is displaced according to a trajectory comprising at least one rotation about an axis of rotation of the movement means, different from the winding axis, and preferably a translation and / or rotation about another axis different from the rotation axis and the winding axis.

[0104] Due to these characteristics, it is possible to perform a cyclic movement of the rotating head by means of a special kinematic mechanism, which movement can be achieved by rotation around the axis of rotation of the kinematic means and further movement of the head performed by translation and / or further rotational movement.

[0105] In this way, the required trajectory of the winding head can be obtained with a structurally simple solution and high speed operation can therefore be achieved to carry out the winding of the strip during the movement of the head itself without causing undesirable tensioning or uncontrollable movements of the strip.

[0106] It will be appreciated that the trajectory followed by the winding head may include a rotation and a translation / rotation performed sequentially, or that the trajectory followed by the winding head may include a rotation-translation movement with a combination of such rotation / translation.

[0107] In an eighth aspect, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a coil, preferably for an electrochemical cell for battery production, by winding at least one strip-shaped article.

[0108] The method preferably comprises providing a plurality of winding heads.

[0109] It is preferably provided that the strip-shaped material is wound around a winding axis by means of one of the winding heads.

[0110] Preferably, the method comprises moving the winding head according to a trajectory formed by at least one rotation about an axis of rotation of the movement device, and preferably a translation and / or rotation about another axis, the axis of rotation being different from the winding axis, the other axis being different from the axis of rotation and the winding axis.

[0111] Based on this aspect, the same advantages as described in the previous aspect can also be achieved.

[0112] In a ninth aspect of the invention, the invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a coil, preferably for an electrochemical cell for battery production.

[0113] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a feeding unit configured to feed at least one strip of goods, the strip of goods preferably comprising one or more strips, including a conductor strip and / or a separator strip.

[0114] Preferably, the feed unit comprises a movable part including an exit portion through which the strip of articles passes when the strip of articles leaves the feed unit.

[0115] The apparatus also preferably comprises a winding unit configured to receive the strip-like article from the outlet portion.

[0116] The winding unit preferably comprises a plurality of winding heads.

[0117] Preferably, the winding unit comprises movement means for said winding head.

[0118] Preferably, each winding head is configured to wind the strip-like article to form the coil.

[0119] The winding head and the movable part are preferably both movable.

[0120] Preferably, the moving device is configured to move the winding heads along the working path so that: when the winding heads move, the corresponding winding heads around which the strip-like article is wound are maintained at a predetermined distance from the movable portion.

[0121] Due to these characteristics, the distance between the feed unit and the winding head can be controlled in various steps of making the coil, thereby providing an appropriate distance for winding, minimizing undesirable tension states and allowing cutting of the strip-like article when necessary.

[0122] In a tenth aspect, the invention relates to a method of manufacturing a coil, preferably for an electrochemical cell for battery production, said coil being manufactured by winding at least one strip-like article.

[0123] The method preferably comprises providing a plurality of winding heads movable along the working path.

[0124] Preferably, the method envisages feeding said strip-like article to one of said winding heads through an outlet portion of a feeding unit.

[0125] Preferably, the method comprises winding the strip-like article by means of the winding head to which the strip-like article is fed.

[0126] It is preferably envisaged that the outlet portion and the winding head fed with the strip-like article are moved simultaneously so as to keep the outlet portion and the winding head at a predetermined distance.

[0127] Based on this aspect, the same advantages as described in the previous aspect can also be achieved.

[0128] In an eleventh aspect of the invention, the invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a coil, preferably for an electrochemical cell for battery production.

[0129] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a feeding unit configured to feed at least one strip-shaped article, the strip-shaped article preferably comprising one or more strip-shaped members, the strip-shaped members comprising a conductive member strip-shaped member and / or a separator strip-shaped member;

[0130] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a winding unit.

[0131] The winding unit preferably comprises a plurality of winding heads, each of which is preferably configured to wind the strip-like article to form the coil.

[0132] Preferably, the winding unit may comprise movement means of the winding head, the movement means being configured to displace the winding head along the working path.

[0133] Preferably, the plurality of winding heads include at least a first winding head and a second winding head.

[0134] The movement device is preferably configured to vary the distance between the first winding head and the second winding head along the working path.

[0135] Due to these characteristics, in particular, since the distance between the two winding heads can be changed, the steps of manufacturing the coil can be effectively managed, in particular, by changing the distance between the two winding heads between the step of winding and the step of cutting the strip-like article.

[0136] In a twelfth aspect of the invention, the invention relates to a method for producing a coil, preferably for an electrochemical cell for battery production, by winding at least one strip-shaped article.

[0137] Preferably, the method comprises providing a plurality of winding heads movable along the working path.

[0138] Preferably, the plurality of winding heads include at least a first winding head and a second winding head.

[0139] The method preferably comprises winding the strip-like article by means of the first winding head and / or the second winding head.

[0140] It is also preferably envisaged that the distance between the first winding head and the second winding head along the working path is varied.

[0141] Based on this aspect, the same advantages as described in the previous aspect can also be achieved.

[0142] In its thirteenth aspect, the invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a coil, preferably for an electrochemical cell for battery production. The apparatus preferably comprises a feeding unit configured to feed a strip-like article, preferably comprising at least one or more strip-like members, preferably comprising a conductor strip-like member and / or a separator strip-like member.

[0143] Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a winding unit, which preferably comprises a plurality of winding heads.

[0144] Preferably, the apparatus comprises movement means of said winding head, which movement means are preferably configured to displace said winding head along a working path.

[0145] Each winding head is preferably configured to wind the strip-like element to form the coil during displacement of the winding head along an operating section of the working path, the displacement being performed by means of the movement means.

[0146] Due to these characteristics, the apparatus for making coils can wind the strip-like article without interrupting the feeding of the strip-like article, since the winding head can be moved while the strip-like article is being wound.

[0147] In this way, since the tension on the strip can be controlled by the winding speed and the displacement of the winding head, on the one hand the strip can be operated at higher speeds than known solutions while ensuring the required quality of the structure of the coil.

[0148] In a fourteenth aspect of the invention, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a coil, preferably for an electrochemical cell for battery production, the coil being made by winding a strip-like article.

[0149] The method preferably comprises providing a plurality of winding heads movable along the working path.

[0150] Furthermore, the method preferably comprises winding the strip-shaped article by means of the winding head during an operating section of the winding head along the working path.

[0151] Furthermore, since the winding can be carried out while the winding head itself is travelling along the working path, in particular a specific section of the working path, the method according to this aspect allows the production of coils at a higher speed and without interrupting the path of the strip-like article. The displacement of the winding head can in fact be coordinated with the feeding of the strip-like article to the winding head, so that: during the process of producing the coil, it is not necessary to interrupt the travel of the strip-like article or the associated strip-like element that may form the strip-like article.

[0152] In a fifteenth aspect of the invention, the invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a coil, preferably for an electrochemical cell for battery production.

[0153] Preferably, the device comprises a feeding unit configured to feed at least one strip of goods, the strip of goods preferably being formed by means of a plurality of strips, the strips preferably comprising conductor strips and / or separator strips.

[0154] The apparatus preferably comprises a winding unit.

[0155] The winding unit preferably comprises a plurality of winding heads.

[0156] Preferably, the winding unit comprises movement means of said winding head, which movement means are configured to displace said winding head along the working path.

[0157] Preferably, each winding head is configured to wind the strip-like article to form the coil.

[0158] Preferably, at least one of the strip-like members is continuously fed to the winding head by the feeding unit.

[0159] Thanks to these characteristics, the coils can be manufactured without interrupting the feed of the strip, thus avoiding interruptions in the movement of the strip, always to the advantage of productivity and the quality of the products made, which could produce undesirable tensions or in any case reduce the productivity of the equipment.

[0160] In a sixteenth aspect of the invention, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a coil, preferably for an electrochemical cell for battery production, by winding at least one strip-shaped article.

[0161] Preferably, the method comprises combining a plurality of laminae to form the strip-like article, the plurality of laminae preferably comprising conductor strips and / or separator strips.

[0162] Preferably, at least one of the strips is fed continuously;

[0163] The method preferably comprises providing a plurality of winding heads movable along the working path.

[0164] It is preferably provided that the strip-shaped material is wound up by means of the winding head.

[0165] Based on this aspect, the same advantages as described in the previous aspect can also be achieved.

[0166] In a seventeenth aspect of the invention, the invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a coil, preferably for an electrochemical cell for battery production.

[0167] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a feeding unit configured to feed at least one strip of goods, preferably comprising one or more strips, including a conductor strip and / or a separator strip.

[0168] The feed unit preferably comprises an outlet portion through which the strip-shaped article is fed to the winding unit, and preferably the feed unit comprises an inlet portion.

[0169] Said inlet portion is preferably adapted to receive said at least one strip from a respective dispensing device.

[0170] The apparatus preferably comprises a winding unit.

[0171] The winding unit preferably includes a plurality of winding heads, each of the plurality of winding heads being configured to wind the strip-like article to form the coil.

[0172] Preferably, the winding unit comprises movement means of the winding head configured to displace the winding head along a working path.

[0173] The apparatus preferably comprises accumulation means configured to accumulate a variable amount of said at least one strip-like article, preferably between said inlet portion and said outlet portion.

[0174] Preferably, the device comprises actuating means of the accumulator means, the actuating means actuating the accumulator means, preferably by displacing the accumulator means, to vary the accumulation of the strip.

[0175] Due to these characteristics, a step can be envisaged in which at least one of the strips is not fed to the winding head, in particular is not wound onto the winding head, while at least one of the strips is allowed to continue to advance. In this way, the cutting step can be best managed and / or, in the case of a strip-like article formed from a plurality of overlapping layers, strips of different lengths can be provided.

[0176] It is also possible to accumulate all the strip-like members that form the strip-like article at the same time, for example, when the moving device and therefore the movable part moves along the operating section, it is also possible to accumulate all the strip-like members that form the strip-like article at the same time and quickly wind up the accumulated strip-like members, and / or utilize the amount of accumulated strip-like members to optimally adjust the tension of the strip-like members.

[0177] In an eighteenth aspect of the invention, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a coil, preferably for an electrochemical cell for battery production, by winding at least one strip-shaped article.

[0178] Preferably, the method comprises providing a plurality of winding heads movable along the working path.

[0179] The method preferably envisages winding the strip-like article by means of the winding head.

[0180] Preferably, the method comprises accumulating a variable amount of said at least one strip-like article in an upstream position relative to said winding head around which said strip-like article is wound, said accumulation being preferably variable during displacement of said winding head.

[0181] Based on this aspect, the same advantages as described in the previous aspect can also be achieved.

[0182] In a nineteenth aspect of the invention, the present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a coil, preferably for an electrochemical cell for battery production.

[0183] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a feeding unit configured to feed at least one strip of goods, preferably comprising one or more strips, including a conductor strip and / or a separator strip.

[0184] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a winding unit comprising a plurality of winding heads.

[0185] Preferably, each winding head supports gripping means configured to grip a portion of the strip-like article.

[0186] The winding unit preferably comprises movement means of the winding head, which movement means are configured to displace the winding head along a working path.

[0187] Preferably, each winding head is configured to wind the strip-like article to form the coil.

[0188] Preferably, each gripping means comprises a pair of pins configured to retain the strip of article between the pair of pins.

[0189] Preferably, at least one of the pins is movable to engage another pin to thereby retain the strip of article between the pins.

[0190] Due to these properties, the strip-like article can be gripped and stopped and thus wound up in a simple manner and as part of a continuous and automated process.

[0191] In its twentieth aspect, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a coil, preferably for an electrochemical cell for battery production, by winding at least one strip-shaped article.

[0192] Preferably, the method comprises providing a plurality of winding heads movable along the working path.

[0193] The method preferably comprises gripping a portion of the strip-like article by means of the winding head.

[0194] It is preferably provided that the strip-shaped material is wound up by means of the winding head.

[0195] Preferably, grasping the portion of the strip comprises arranging the portion between a pair of pins, at least one of the pins being movable to engage the other pin to retain the strip between the pins.

[0196] Based on this aspect, the same advantages as described in the previous aspect can also be achieved.

[0197] Based on a twenty-first aspect of the invention, the invention also relates to a device for manufacturing a coil, preferably for an electrochemical cell for battery production.

[0198] The apparatus preferably comprises a feeding unit configured to feed at least one strip of goods, the strip of goods being formed by a plurality of strips, the strips preferably comprising conductor strips and / or separator strips.

[0199] Preferably, the feed unit comprises a movable part.

[0200] Preferably, a respective feed path is defined for each of said strips.

[0201] The feed paths preferably comprise respective accumulating sections which are substantially parallel to each other.

[0202] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a winding unit comprising at least one winding head configured to wind said strip-like article to form said coil.

[0203] 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 simultaneously, thereby preferably keeping the accumulating sections substantially parallel to each other.

[0204] Due to these characteristics, for each strip-shaped member in the strip-shaped member that forms the strip-shaped article, the same amount of strip-shaped member can be accumulated simultaneously by the displacement of the movable part. In this way, the continuous feeding of the strip-shaped member can be used, but at the same time, the step in which the strip-shaped article is not wound is provided.

[0205] Based on a twenty-second aspect, the present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a coil, preferably for an electrochemical cell for battery production. Preferably, the coil is manufactured by winding at least one strip-shaped article.

[0206] The method preferably comprises advancing a plurality of strips, preferably comprising conductor strips and / or separator strips, along respective feed paths.

[0207] It is preferably provided that the strips are combined into layers at the end of the feed path to form the strip-like article.

[0208] The method preferably comprises providing at least one winding head and, preferably, winding the strip-like article by means of the winding head.

[0209] Preferably, each of the respective said feed paths comprises a respective accumulating section of variable length, said accumulating sections preferably being substantially parallel to each other.

[0210] Preferably, the method comprises changing the length of each of the accumulative sections simultaneously, preferably, the method comprises changing the length of each of the accumulative sections simultaneously by the same amount, preferably thereby keeping the accumulative sections substantially parallel to each other during changing the length.

[0211] Based on this aspect, the same advantages as described in the previous aspect can also be achieved.

[0212] The present invention, in at least one of the above aspects, may have at least one of the following additional preferred features.

[0213] Preferably, the movable part is moved in translation by performing alternating rectilinear movements.

[0214] In this way, the above-mentioned technical advantages can be achieved by minimizing the adverse effects of gravity, thereby producing a compact and at the same time efficient movement.

[0215] Preferably, the winding unit comprises movement means of the at least one winding head, which movement means are configured to displace the at least one winding head along the working path.

[0216] Preferably, the winding head is capable of moving along a working path so that: during the winding of the strip-like article by means of the corresponding winding head, at least one strip-like article is subjected to a substantially constant tension due to the movement of the winding head at least in the section included between the feeding unit and at least one winding head.

[0217] In this way, the tension of the strip can be kept substantially constant, thereby making the processing steps more efficient, reducing damage to the strip itself, and producing the coils with greater precision.

[0218] Preferably, at least one winding head and the associated movement means configured to displace the winding head are kinematically independent from the movable part. In this way, the movement means can be positioned in a freer manner relative to the movable part, thus reducing any synchronization and mutual obstruction problems between the movement means and the movable part during the steps of cooperation and / or material exchange.

[0219] Preferably, the movement means of at least one winding head are constrained to the movable part directly downstream of the coupling roller.

[0220] In this way, the device is more compact as a whole, less bulky, and although the movable part may be heavier than in other embodiments, the solution of horizontal translation allows for less complexity in terms of displacement, since the forces relative to acceleration and deceleration according to the vertical component are minimized. Moreover, this form of cooperation between the movement means and the movable part can be more easily managed, allowing simple and effective movements.

[0221] Preferably, at least one movement device of the winding head is mounted directly on the movable part.

[0222] Preferably, at least one movement device of the winding head is mounted directly on the movable part in such a way as to allow rotation.

[0223] In this way, a particularly efficient and compact type of movement of the at least one winding head is achieved.

[0224] Preferably, the movement device comprises a rotatable body configured to rotate about a rotation axis of the rotatable body.

[0225] Preferably, the movement device comprises a plurality of arms which are constrained to the rotatable body and are articulated to the rotatable body at one end of the arm in a manner allowing rotation about a second axis of rotation, the second axis of rotation being substantially parallel to the axis of rotation, and wherein the winding head is articulated at the opposite end of the arm according to the winding axis of the winding head, the winding axis being substantially parallel to the axis of rotation.

[0226] Thanks to this solution, working paths that are specifically designed and can be easily adapted to different coil forming needs can be easily defined and modified.

[0227] Preferably, the arm is extendable or the arm is mounted on a cam so as to be displaced also according to a radial component relative to the axis of rotation of the rotatable body.

[0228] In this way, complex working paths can be realized, which include segments such as radial segments, tangential segments or a combination of radial segments or tangential segments.

[0229] Preferably, the movement device comprises a rotatable body configured to rotate about a rotation axis of the rotatable body and at least one winding head directly constrained to the rotatable body and allowed to rotate about a winding axis substantially parallel to the rotation axis.

[0230] Thanks to this solution, a more compact form of the device can be achieved, which reduces the relative overall size and weight of the device employed.

[0231] Preferably, the feed unit is configured to define a feed zone for each of the plurality of strips.

[0232] Preferably, a feed zone is at least partially defined upstream of the movable portion.Preferably, in said feed zone, each strip-like element of the plurality of strip-like elements moves along accumulation sections that are substantially parallel to each other.

[0233] Thanks to this solution, it is possible to provide a cumulative portion of synchronous movement of the related strips, thus without introducing any mutual misalignment and / or distortion due to different paths.

[0234] Preferably, the feeding unit is configured to define a converging area included between the feeding area and the coupling roller and located inside the movable part.

[0235] Preferably, at the convergence zone, a plurality of strip-like elements converge by reducing the mutual distance between the individual strip-like elements until the coupling roller, thereby forming a strip-like article.

[0236] In this way, the zones and processes for forming the final strip-shaped article can be designed in an optimized manner.This can be allowed by making the accumulation / feeding step of the strip-shaped article and the coupling / convergence step independent of each other.

[0237] Preferably, a strip-like element of the plurality of strip-like elements is fed in the convergence zone according to a direction substantially parallel to the displacement direction of the movable part.

[0238] In this way, any stresses generated on the strips near and during the coupling step between the strips on the coupling rollers can be further reduced.

[0239] In particular, the Applicant has noticed that, between the steps of cutting and joining the strips, some of the free ends may bend under the displacements produced. Thanks to the technical solution described above, the deformations caused by these displacements can be reduced, thus improving the final characteristics of the product obtained.

[0240] Preferably, a strip-like element of the plurality of strip-like elements is also fed at a portion of the feed zone according to a direction substantially parallel to the displacement direction of the movable part.

[0241] In this way, the above mentioned problems related to potential damages are further reduced even during displacement of the feed zone.Preferably, the strip fed according to a direction substantially parallel to the displacement direction of the movable part is also conductive at a part of the feed zone, such as an anode or cathode.

[0242] Preferably, the at least one winding head is movable along the working path and the associated method comprises moving the at least one winding head such that the strip-like article is subjected to a substantially constant tension.

[0243] In this way, the web-like article can be processed efficiently without having to keep the profile of the web-like article constant and avoiding the introduction of undesired damage or deformation.

[0244] Preferably, the method envisages the use of a feeding unit configured to be able to move, in a defined portion at least partially upstream of the movable portion, each strip-like element of the plurality of strip-like elements along respective accumulating sections substantially parallel to one another.

[0245] In this way, strips of a plurality of strips may be kept synchronized with each other.

[0246] Preferably, the method envisages the use of a feeding unit which is configured to converge a plurality of strips in a convergence zone comprised between a feeding zone and a connecting roller and located inside the movable part, thereby forming a strip-like article by reducing the mutual distance between the individual strips in the plurality of strips until the connecting roller.

[0247] In this way, the strips can be joined into a strip item in an area dedicated and optimized for this operation.

[0248] Preferably, each winding head supports a gripping device configured to grip a portion of the strip-like article, and the gripping device is preferably further configured to rotate itself around a winding axis to wind the strip-like article.

[0249] Due to this characteristic, the strip-shaped article can be easily grasped so that the strip-shaped article is then wound by the rotation of the same device that grasps the strip-shaped article. In this way, the rotation speed of the winding head when winding the strip-shaped article and the trajectory and speed can be easily controlled.

[0250] Preferably, the feeding unit defines a feeding direction of the strip-shaped article.

[0251] In this way, the feeding unit itself defines the direction in which the strip-like article is fed, ie the direction in which the strip-like article reaches the winding head and is then gripped and wound.

[0252] In the case where the strip-like article is formed of a plurality of strip-like members, the feeding direction coincides with the feeding direction of the article after the strip-like members have been combined.

[0253] Preferably, the movement device is configured to wind the strip-shaped article during displacement of the winding head.Preferably, the displacement direction of the respective winding head when winding does not coincide with the feed direction.

[0254] Due to this characteristic, during the winding of the strip-shaped member, the length of the strip-shaped article can be reduced, or the strip-shaped article can be kept at a minimum. In this way, the situation of causing tension on the strip-shaped member can be limited, and a higher winding speed can be generally achieved.

[0255] It should be noted that the term "non-conforming" and its antonym "conforming" refer to two directions, and it should be understood that for non-conforming, these directions extend in opposite directions, or, for concordant, these directions extend in the same direction.

[0256] The directions need not necessarily be parallel, in which case the two directions will be considered inconsistent when a component of one direction that is substantially parallel to the second direction defines a path along which the object is displaced in an oppositely oriented direction relative to the other oriented direction.

[0257] Fig.11 This concept is schematically illustrated, where the two directions are represented by solid lines and are denoted by the letters a and b respectively, while the component parallel to the second direction is represented by a dashed line and is denoted by the letter c. In the example shown in the figure, the two directions are represented as being inconsistent, as can be seen from the arrows in the two lines.

[0258] Preferably, said displacement of the respective winding head along the operating section is substantially parallel to said feed direction.

[0259] In the context of the present invention, the term "substantially parallel" shall mean that there may be a deviation of ±10°, preferably ±5°, from perfect parallelism.

[0260] Due to this characteristic, the winding head can follow the travel movement of the strip and / or move in the direction opposite to the travel direction of the strip, thereby winding the strip in this case. Each of these characteristics contributes to making the winding of the strip and thus the formation of the coil faster and more efficient.

[0261] Preferably, the feeding unit comprises: an outlet part, through which the strip-like article passes when the strip-like article leaves the feeding unit and is fed to the winding unit; and an inlet part, which is preferably suitable for receiving at least one strip-like member from a corresponding dispensing device, and the feeding path of the strip-like member is included between the inlet part and the outlet part.

[0262] Preferably, the feeding unit comprises a movable part, and the outlet portion is preferably formed at the movable part.

[0263] Since the feed unit is provided with a movable part, the position of the part from which the strip-like article leaves to be fed to the winding head can be modified. In this way, the winding head will be able to grip the strip-like article more easily and the distance between the head and the feed unit can be adjusted, and thus the length of the strip-like article between the winding head on which the strip-like article is wound and the feed unit can be adjusted.

[0264] Preferably, the apparatus comprises cutting means configured to cut the strip-like article at a position downstream of the feed unit.

[0265] The term "cutting" with reference to a strip or other article means creating a break in the continuity of the strip or element so as to define two distinct, separate and kinematically independent portions.

[0266] The cutting can be performed by any type of device, either a contact cutting device such as, for example, a knife, or a non-contact cutting device such as by laser ablation.

[0267] The cutting device located downstream of the feed unit allows the strip to be cut without having to stop it, making it possible to coordinate the cutting action with the movement of the head performed by means of the associated movement device.

[0268] Preferably, the feed unit and the movement device are configured so that: in preparation for the cutting device to cut the strip-like article, the corresponding winding head is positioned at a predetermined distance from the feed unit, and the predetermined distance is preferably approximately equal to the minimum distance from the feed head.

[0269] It should be understood that, in the context of the present invention, the term "substantially equal" is mentioned with reference to the minimum distance between two parts, and that during different operating steps of the device, the two parts may also be at a slightly shorter distance, however, overall, this distance can be considered to be the minimum distance achievable, compatible with the kinematic mechanism that puts the two parts in motion and its overall dimensions.

[0270] In other words, during the movement of the winding head along the working path of the winding head, the winding head can be at a shorter distance than the distance at which the winding head is in the above-mentioned cutting step, however, in the context of this operation, the distance at which the winding head is located is the minimum distance at which the winding head can be positioned to allow access to and use of the device for cutting and to be compatible with the movement mechanism for movement.

[0271] Due to this characteristic, it is possible to minimize the length of the portion of the strip-like article that leaves the feed unit when cutting is performed, thereby simplifying the management and, in particular, the winding operation of the two strip-like article lengths produced after cutting.

[0272] Preferably, the feeding unit and the moving device are configured such that when the cutting device cuts the strip-like article, the corresponding winding head is positioned at the minimum distance from the movable part.

[0273] Based on this characteristic, the movement of the movable part can be advantageously utilized to position the aforementioned winding head at a minimum distance.

[0274] Preferably, the cutting device is movable integrally with the winding head and / or the strip-like article.

[0275] Preferably, the movement device is configured to displace the winding head along the working path according to a trajectory, the trajectory comprising at least:

[0276] rotation about an axis of rotation of the movement means, the axis of rotation being different from the winding axis; and

[0277] • Translation and / or rotation about another axis different from the rotation axis and the winding axis.

[0278] This feature makes it possible to carry out, by means of a special kinematic mechanism, a cyclic movement of the winding head, which movement can be obtained by rotation about the axis of rotation of the kinematic means, and a further movement of said head can be obtained by translation and / or a further rotational movement.

[0279] In this way, the desired trajectory of the winding head can be obtained with a structurally simple solution and thus higher speeds can be achieved for winding the strip during the movement of the head itself without causing tension or uncontrollable movements of the strip.

[0280] Preferably, the winding head and the movable part are capable of moving in a coordinated manner, and the moving device is configured to move the winding head along the operating section so that: when the winding head moves, the corresponding winding head wound with the strip-like article is maintained at a predetermined distance from the movable part.

[0281] Due to these characteristics, the distance between the feed unit and the winding head can be controlled during the process of making the coil, thereby providing the appropriate distance for winding, minimizing tension conditions and allowing cutting of the strip-like article when necessary.

[0282] Preferably, the at least one strip-like article is subjected to a substantially constant tension at least for a section comprised between the feed unit and a respective winding head around which the strip-like article is wound.

[0283] It will be appreciated that, thanks to the invention, the strip-like article is subjected to a substantially constant tension due to the fact that winding is performed while the winding head is being displaced, in particular while the coil is being made.

[0284] Preferably, the feeding unit is configured to feed the strip-like article at a feeding speed, the winding head is configured to wind the strip-like article at a winding speed and is configured to be shifted at a shifting speed, and the winding speed and the shifting speed preferably cause the strip-like article to be subjected to the substantially constant tension.

[0285] In this way, the tension is controlled by controlling only the speed at which the device operates, thereby allowing easy control of the operating steps of the device.

[0286] Preferably, the feed speed is substantially equal to the sum of the winding speed and the displacement speed.

[0287] This condition allows a substantially constant tension to be maintained in the web without the need to stop the web during winding or generally during coil formation.

[0288] Preferably, the strip-like article comprises a plurality of strip-like members overlapped in layers, at least one of the strip-like members being fed continuously.

[0289] Preferably, the feed speed is constantly greater than zero along the feed path, and preferably is substantially constant.

[0290] These characteristics allow everyone to make coils without interrupting the feeding of the strip, thus avoiding interruptions in the movement of the strip that could otherwise create unnecessary tensions or in any case reduce the productivity of the device. However, it is understood that one or more strips can be locally slowed down or stopped between the inlet and the outlet of the feed unit without causing an interruption in the movement of the strip. This can be achieved, for example, by locally accumulating one or more strips, or in other words, by lengthening and / or shortening the path of the strip between the inlet and the outlet of the feed unit.

[0291] Preferably, the feeding unit comprises a coupling roller, the strips are arranged to converge towards the coupling roller, the strips being partially wound around the coupling roller, so that downstream of the coupling roller the strips are grouped to form the strip-like article.

[0292] Preferably, said outlet portion is defined at said coupling roller.

[0293] Preferably, the coupling roller is connected to the movable part.

[0294] Due to these characteristics, the strips can be grouped to obtain multi-layer strip articles, by a solution that allows continuous travel of the strips. Furthermore, during different operating steps of the device, the positions at which the strips are coupled can be advantageously modified.

[0295] Preferably, the operating section comprises at least a first portion and a second portion, and preferably, the first portion and the second portion are substantially parallel to each other.

[0296] This characteristic makes it possible to obtain an operating section with a relatively high degree of extension and to use a kinematic device that is relatively simple from a construction point of view, since for two substantially parallel sections a less complex kinematic mechanism can be used for the travel.

[0297] Preferably, the movement means are configured to displace each winding head in a first direction along the first portion and to move each winding head in the second portion in an opposite direction relative to the first direction.

[0298] In this way, the overall dimensions of the movement device or more generally of the device can be optimized, since the winding head can be moved in two mutually opposite directions along two substantially parallel sections.

[0299] Preferably, each gripping device is configured to cause the strip of article to be wound along the first portion at a different speed relative to the second portion.

[0300] Due to the use of different winding speeds, a substantially constant tension on the web-like article can be maintained during the winding of the web-like article, in particular if the web-like article is fed continuously.

[0301] Preferably, the winding head is shifted in a direction consistent with the feeding direction in the first part and in a direction inconsistent with the feeding direction in the second part, and the winding head is preferably configured so that when the corresponding winding head is shifted in a direction inconsistent with the feeding direction, the winding head winds the strip-like article at a higher speed.

[0302] Due to these properties, the movement of the winding head can be optimally utilized to wind the strip of article as quickly as possible, taking into account the fact that the winding head moves during winding and at the same time the strip of article continues to be fed.

[0303] Preferably, the operating section comprises a third portion, preferably substantially parallel to the first portion and / or the second portion, wherein the winding head is displaced along the third portion again in a direction coinciding with the feed direction.

[0304] The provision of a third portion makes it possible to further exploit the properties of the movement device in the context of a circulation solution and preferably provides for a displacement of the winding head along a closed path.

[0305] Preferably, during the displacement of the moving head along the first portion and / or the second portion and / or the third portion, the strip-like article is wound.

[0306] Preferably, the moving device is configured to wind the strip-like article by an amount between 5% and 15%, preferably 10%, of the total length of the strip-like article for forming a single coil along the first portion; an amount between 70% and 90%, preferably 80% of the total length of the strip-like article for forming a single coil along the second portion; and an amount between 5% and 15%, preferably 10% of the total length of the strip-like article for forming a single coil along the third portion.

[0307] In this way, winding mainly takes place when the winding head is returning, ie along the second portion, and winding can take place along the second portion at a higher speed when the winding head moves in a direction not coincident with the feeding direction.

[0308] Preferably, the apparatus comprises: an accumulation device configured to accumulate the amount of at least one of the plurality of strip-like members between the inlet portion and the outlet portion; and an actuating device of the accumulation device, which preferably shifts the accumulation device to change the amount of the accumulated strip-like members.

[0309] Due to this characteristic, a step can be provided in which, while advancing at least one of the strips, the at least one strip is not fed to the winding head, in particular, the at least one strip is not wound onto the winding head. In this way, the cutting step can be best managed and / or, in the case of a strip-like article formed from a plurality of overlapping layers, strips of different lengths can be provided.

[0310] Preferably, the accumulation device comprises at least one movable element configured to vary the total length of the feed path by movement of the movable element.

[0311] Preferably, the movable element is formed by the movable part.

[0312] Preferably, the moving device is configured to move integrally with the movable portion, and preferably, the moving device is rotatably supported on the movable portion.

[0313] In this way, all strip-like members that form a strip-like item can be accumulated simultaneously, for example, when the moving device and therefore the movable part move along the first part of the operating section, all strip-like members that form a strip-like item can be accumulated simultaneously, and, when the moving device and therefore the movable part return to the second part of the operating section, the strip-like members thus accumulated can be quickly wound up.

[0314] Preferably, the movable element comprises at least one movable roller, at least one of the strip-like members is wound around the movable roller and at least one fixed roller, thereby changing the total length. Preferably, the movable roller and the fixed roller are configured to rotate idly.

[0315] Due to this characteristic, in the case of a strip-like article formed by a plurality of overlapping strip-like elements, it is possible to stagger the progress of a single strip-like element or more specifically a strip-like element relative to the rest of the strip-like elements, without having to stop the progress of the strip-like element. In this way, by cutting the accumulated strip-like elements at a predetermined position, it is possible to obtain a portion of the strip-like article in which one or more of the strip-like elements forming the multilayer structure are not provided. This is particularly advantageous in the case of coils for electrochemical cells, in which it is usually envisaged that a terminal portion of the coil is provided in which only a portion of the separator strip-like element is provided.

[0316] Preferably, the feed unit comprises means for holding at least one of the one or more strip-like members, the means being configured to slow down or stop the feeding of at least one of the one or more strip-like members through the outlet portion.

[0317] Preferably, the accumulation means is configured to accumulate the strip-like elements when the holding means slows down or stops the feeding of the strip-like elements.

[0318] In this way, the accumulation device can be operated when the strip is slowed or stopped, thereby avoiding tensioning of the strip by the accumulation device and allowing a single strip to continue to travel if it is not fed through the outlet portion of the feed unit.

[0319] Preferably, the operating section comprises at least one substantially straight section.

[0320] The provision of a straight section along which the winding takes place is particularly advantageous in order to avoid undesired tensions in the strip-like material.

[0321] Preferably, the straight section is substantially parallel to the feed direction to further facilitate the absence of tension on the strip-like article when making the coil.

[0322] Preferably, the first portion and / or the second portion and / or the third portion each form a corresponding straight line segment.

[0323] Preferably, the winding heads are configured to discharge the coil after the at least one strip-like article is at least partially wound, the working path comprises a reset section, each of the winding heads is displaced from a discharge position along the reset section to a gripping position, in which the winding heads grip the portion of the at least one strip-like article. Preferably, the working path is closed.

[0324] In this way, the apparatus may be operated in a cyclical manner, advantageously providing an operating portion, in which the winding head is winding and generally making the coil, and a reset portion, in which the head may be returned to a suitable position to restart the cycle.

[0325] This is particularly advantageous where a straight path is provided or in any case where it is desired to concentrate the winding operation in a specific area, as it is sufficient to control the rotation of the head and its behavior relative to the strip in that zone, thereby simplifying the required movement mechanism.

[0326] Preferably, the length of the operating section is equal to at least 5%, preferably at least 10%, preferably at least 15%, preferably at least 20% of the total length of the working path.

[0327] Preferably, in such an operating section, the winding of the strip-like article takes place during the displacement of the respective winding head around which the strip-like article is wound.

[0328] Therefore, in other words, this displacement will cover a considerable part of the entire working path of the winding head. It will therefore be understood that the movement of the winding head is not limited to compensating for any diameter differences caused during winding, or to compensating for the minimum displacement of the strip-like article relative to the moving feed direction of the strip-like article during winding.

[0329] In this way, it is possible to ensure that the head follows the progress of the strip during its movement and the formation of the coil. Furthermore, it is possible in this way to utilize in a suitable manner the operating section along which the winding head moves and winds the strip, so as to coordinate the operation of two or more winding heads in a suitable manner, for example by envisaging that one winding head starts winding one coil while another winding head ends winding another coil.

[0330] Preferably, the cutting device is configured to cut the strip-like article along the operating section of the working path, and preferably cut the strip-like article in a middle region of the working path.

[0331] Due to this characteristic, it is possible to utilize the movement of the winding head in the various steps, both for winding and for cutting, and to transfer the coils thus cut to the discharge area of ​​the coils.

[0332] Preferably, the plurality of winding heads comprises at least a first winding head and a second winding head, and the movement device is configured to change the distance between the first winding head and the second winding head along the working path.

[0333] The possibility of varying the distance between the two winding heads makes it possible to effectively manage the steps of making the coil, in particular by varying the distance between the two winding heads between the step of performing the winding and the step of performing the strip-like article.

[0334] Preferably, the moving device is configured to make the first winding head approach the second winding head along the working path when the cutting device cuts the strip-shaped article.

[0335] In this way, the cutting can be carried out between the two winding heads so as to minimize the size of the two wings of the strip-like article produced after the cutting, with one head being as close as possible to the other.

[0336] Preferably, the moving device is configured to move the first winding head away from the feeding unit, and the moving device is further configured to shift the second winding head along the operating section to an intermediate position between the first winding head and the feeding unit when the first winding head is moved away.

[0337] Due to this characteristic, the second winding head can be arranged so that it grips the strip-shaped article while the other winding head is still winding the strip-shaped article itself, or in any case gripping the strip-shaped article itself. In this way, when the second moving head grips the strip-shaped article, the strip-shaped article is still wound on the first winding head.

[0338] Preferably, the movement device is configured such that when the first winding head travels along the third portion, the second winding head located ahead of the first winding head along the working path travels along the first portion.

[0339] Furthermore, this characteristic allows optimizing the overall dimensions of the device and performing at least partial winding of two coils simultaneously, since after cutting the strip, the first winding head ends winding the remaining fins along the third portion and the second winding head starts winding along the first portion.

[0340] Preferably, each gripping means comprises a pair of pins configured to retain the strip of article between the pins, at least one of the pins being movable to engage the other pin to retain the strip of article between the pins.

[0341] The provision of pins allows the strip-like article to be gripped and stopped so that it can be wound up in a simple manner and as part of a continuous and automated process.

[0342] Preferably, the winding axis is aligned with the longitudinal extension of the pin.

[0343] Preferably, the at least one pin is movable in an extraction direction transverse to the feeding direction of the strip-like article, preferably, the at least one pin is movable in an extraction direction perpendicular to the feeding direction of the strip-like article.

[0344] In this way, the strip-like article can be placed between the two pins in a sandwiched configuration during the approach of the winding head to the article itself, since during the movement of the head, a single pin approaches the strip-like article, while the other pin is brought to the first pin only after the first pin reaches the strip-like article. Once in this position, the pin can start to rotate around itself, thus starting to wind and grip the strip-like article.

[0345] Preferably, both of the pins are movable, the pins are configured to move both independently of each other and in conjunction with each other, and the pins are configured to move along the extraction direction.

[0346] In this way, the same pin can advantageously be used both for gripping the web and for starting winding of the web and for discharging the coil after it has been made.

[0347] Preferably, each of the strips defines a respective feed path comprising a respective accumulating section, the accumulating sections being substantially parallel to one another.

[0348] Preferably, two or more of the groups formed by at least one of the accumulating sections, the feeding direction of the strip-like articles, the displacement direction of the movable section and at least one of the sections of the operating section are substantially parallel to each other.

[0349] Preferably, the accumulating section, the feeding direction of the strip-like article, the displacement direction of the movable part and at least one of the parts of the operating section are all substantially parallel to each other.

[0350] Preferably, the feed unit is configured to vary a respective longitudinal extension of each of the accumulating segments, preferably in a coordinated manner with the movement of the movable part along the displacement direction.

[0351] In this way, a constant tension can be maintained, even during the accumulation of the strips forming the strip-like article, so that the movement of the movable part does not generate undesired tension on the strips.

[0352] Preferably, the accumulating sections extend between respective pairs of deflecting rollers, which are preferably idle rollers.Preferably, the deflecting rollers of the pairs of deflecting rollers are supported on the movable part.

[0353] This characteristic allows the strip to slide during its accumulation and in particular during the movement of the movable part, so as not to generate undesirable tensions, as previously described.

[0354] Preferably, the longitudinal extensions of the accumulator sections vary simultaneously by the same amount, thereby maintaining the accumulator sections substantially parallel to each other.

[0355] Due to this characteristic, for each strip-shaped member in the strip-shaped member that forms the strip-shaped article, the displacement of the movable part can be utilized to make the strip-shaped member accumulate the same amount at the same time. In this way, the continuous feeding of the strip-shaped member can be utilized, while still providing the step in which the strip-shaped article is not wound.

[0356] Preferably, combining the strip-like elements into a layer comprises converging the strip-like elements downstream of the accumulation section towards an outlet portion through which the strip-like articles are fed to the winding head.

[0357] In this way, a space for positioning grippers and knives, which can be used to cut one or more of the strips before combining them to form a strip-like article, can be defined between one strip and another before the outlet portion.

[0358] Preferably, the strip-like article is gripped by a gripping device, and the strip-like article is wound by rotation of the gripping device about a winding axis.

[0359] This characteristic also allows to easily grasp the strip-shaped article, which can then be wound by rotating the same device that grasps the strip-shaped article. In this way, the rotation speed and the trajectory and speed of the winding head when winding the strip-shaped article can be easily controlled.

[0360] Preferably, it may be provided that gripping the portion of the strip-like article comprises feeding the strip-like article, the strip-like article being fed by displacement in a feeding direction.

[0361] In this way, the feeding unit itself defines the direction in which the strip-like article is fed, ie the feeding unit itself defines the direction in which the strip-like article arrives at the winding head and is then gripped and wound.

[0362] Preferably, the strip-like article is wound during displacement of the winding head. Preferably, when the winding head winds the strip-like article, the winding head is displaced in a direction not coinciding with the feeding direction.

[0363] In addition, due to this characteristic, during the winding of the strip-shaped member, the length of the strip-shaped article can be reduced, or in any case the length of the strip-shaped article can be kept at a minimum. In this way, the situation of causing tension on the strip-shaped member can be limited, and generally a higher winding speed can be achieved.

[0364] In a preferred embodiment, it is envisaged that the strip-like article is fed to the winding head, the strip-like article preferably being fed through an outlet portion of the strip-like article.

[0365] Preferably, the outlet portion is movable along a displacement direction, which is preferably substantially parallel to the feed direction.

[0366] Preferably, the outlet portion is movable forwards and backwards along the displacement direction.

[0367] By moving the outlet portion, the position at which the strip-shaped article leaves and is fed to the winding head can be changed. In this way, the winding head can more easily grip the strip-shaped article and can also adjust the length of the strip-shaped article between the head wound with the strip-shaped article and the feeding unit.

[0368] In a preferred embodiment, it is envisaged that the strip-like article is cut at a location downstream of the feed unit.

[0369] By cutting the strip downstream of the feed unit, it is possible to cut the strip without stopping it, thereby making it possible to coordinate the cutting action with the movement of the head performed by the associated movement means.

[0370] Preferably, said winding head is positioned at a minimum distance from said outlet portion in preparation for said step of cutting said strip-like article.

[0371] Also due to this characteristic, it is possible to minimize the length of the portion of the strip-like article leaving the feed unit when cutting, thereby simplifying management and, in particular, simplifying the winding operation of the two lengths of the strip-like article produced after cutting.

[0372] Preferably, the method comprises: providing a cutting device for cutting the strip-like article; and, when cutting the strip-like article, moving the cutting device integrally with the movable part and / or the winding head and / or the strip-like article.

[0373] In this way, cutting can be performed during the movement of the winding head, thus eliminating the need to stop the strip, thus allowing a continuous process to manufacture the coils.

[0374] In a preferred embodiment, it is conceivable to move the winding head according to a trajectory formed by at least:

[0375] rotation about an axis of rotation of the movement means, the axis of rotation being different from the winding axis; and

[0376] Translation and / or rotation about another axis than the rotation axis and the winding axis.

[0377] Thanks to these steps, the required trajectory of the winding head can be obtained with a structurally simple solution and higher speeds can therefore be achieved in order to carry out the winding of the strip during the movement of the head itself, without causing tension or uncontrollable movements of the strip.

[0378] In a preferred embodiment, it is conceivable to move the outlet portion and the winding head to which the strip-like article is fed simultaneously, thereby keeping the outlet portion and the winding head to which the strip-like article is fed at a predetermined distance.

[0379] Also due to this characteristic, the distance between the feed unit and the winding head can be controlled in various steps of making the coil, thereby providing the appropriate distance for winding, minimizing tension conditions, and allowing cutting of the strip-like article when necessary.

[0380] Preferably, it is envisaged that the outlet portion and the winding head are moved simultaneously while the winding head is winding the strip-like article. The strip-like article is gripped and moved by the winding head so that the strip-like article is subjected to a substantially constant tension upstream of the winding head.

[0381] In this way, the strip-like article can be subjected to a substantially constant tension, in particular when producing the coil, due to the fact that the winding is carried out while the winding head is displaced.

[0382] Preferably, the formed strip-like article is fed through the outlet portion at a feeding speed substantially equal to the sum of a winding speed of the strip-like article and a displacement speed at which the winding head around which the strip-like article is wound is displaced.

[0383] In this way, the tension is controlled simply by controlling the speed at which the device operates, allowing easy control of the different operating steps.

[0384] In a preferred embodiment, it is envisaged that a plurality of layers are combined to form the strip-like article, at least one of the strips being fed continuously.

[0385] Preferably, the feed speed is constantly greater than zero, and more preferably, the feed speed is substantially constant.

[0386] Furthermore, these characteristics allow the coils to be manufactured without interrupting the feed of the strip, thereby avoiding interruptions in the movement of the strip which could otherwise generate unnecessary tensions or in any case reduce the productivity of the apparatus.

[0387] Preferably, it is envisaged that the strips are coupled to form the strip-like article by partially winding the strips around coupling rollers.

[0388] Preferably, said outlet section is defined at said coupling roller.

[0389] Also due to these characteristics, the strips can be grouped to obtain a multilayer strip-like article by a solution that allows a continuous travel of the strips. Furthermore, during different operating steps of the device, the positions at which the strips are coupled can be advantageously varied.

[0390] In a preferred embodiment, it is envisaged to move the winding heads along first and second substantially parallel portions of the operating section, each winding head being displaced in a first direction along the first portion and in a direction opposite thereto in the second portion.

[0391] In this way, it is possible to obtain an operating section which extends widely and to use a kinematic device which is relatively simple from a construction point of view, since for two substantially parallel sections a less complex kinematic mechanism can be used for the travel.

[0392] Furthermore, since the winding head can be moved along two parallel or even substantially coinciding sections but in two mutually opposite directions, the operating steps of the winding head or, more generally, of the method according to the invention can be optimized.

[0393] Preferably, each gripping device is configured to wind the strip of article along the first portion at a different speed relative to the second portion.

[0394] Preferably, the winding head is displaced in the first portion in a direction consistent with the feed direction and in the second portion in a direction inconsistent with the feed direction.

[0395] The strip-like article is preferably wound at a higher speed when the respective winding head is displaced along the second portion.

[0396] Due to the use of different winding speeds, a substantially constant tension on the strip article can be maintained during the winding of the strip article, in particular, also during the winding of the strip article when the strip article is fed continuously.

[0397] In a preferred embodiment, it is envisaged to move the winding head along a third portion of the operating section, preferably substantially parallel to the first and second portions, the winding head preferably being displaced along said third portion in a direction coinciding with the feeding direction.

[0398] Due to these properties, the movement of the winding head can be optimally utilized to wind the strip-like article as quickly as possible, taking into account the fact that the winding head moves during winding and at the same time the strip-like article continues to be fed.

[0399] Preferably, at least one of said strips travels at a substantially constant speed along a section comprised between an inlet portion through which each of said strips is fed and said outlet portion.

[0400] In a preferred embodiment, it is envisaged that said at least one strip-like element is accumulated to a certain amount before being gripped by said winding head, and preferably said accumulation is variable during the displacement of said winding head.

[0401] Preferably, the strips comprise conductor strips and / or separator strips, the method comprising accumulating at least one of the conductor strips between the inlet portion and the outlet portion during travel of the conductor strip.

[0402] Also due to this characteristic, a step can be envisaged in which at least one of the strips is not fed to the winding head, in particular is not wound onto the winding head, while at least one of the strips is allowed to continue to advance. In this way, the cutting step can be best managed and / or, in the case of a strip-like article formed from a plurality of overlapping layers, strips of different lengths can be provided.

[0403] Preferably, it is envisaged to slow down or stop the feeding of one or more of the strips, when the feeding is slowed down or stopped, the variable amount of the accumulated one or more of the strips is accumulated.

[0404] In this way, accumulation of the strips can take place while the strips are slowed or stopped, thereby preventing tension on the strips and allowing a single strip to continue travelling if it is not fed through the outlet portion of the feed unit.

[0405] Preferably, the outlet portion is displaced when the strip-like articles are accumulated, preferably the outlet portion is displaced along the displacement direction.

[0406] Preferably, the winding heads are moved simultaneously so as to maintain the outlet portion and the winding heads at a substantially constant distance from each other.

[0407] Preferably, the winding head moves integrally with said outlet portion.

[0408] In this way, all strip-like members that form a strip-like item can be accumulated simultaneously, for example, when the moving device and therefore the movable part moves along the first part of the operating section, all strip-like members that form the strip-like item can be accumulated simultaneously, and when the moving device and therefore the movable part returns to the second part of the operating section, the strip-like members thus accumulated can be quickly wound up.

[0409] Preferably, accumulating said at least one strip comprises varying the distance travelled by said at least one strip between said inlet portion and said outlet portion.

[0410] Also due to this characteristic, in the case of a strip-like article formed by a plurality of overlapping strip-like elements, it is possible to stagger the progress of a single strip-like element or more specifically a strip-like element relative to the rest of the strip-like elements, without having to stop the progress of the strip-like elements.

[0411] Preferably, the operating section comprises a substantially straight section.

[0412] The provision of a straight section along which the winding takes place is particularly advantageous in order to avoid undesired tensions in the strip-like material.

[0413] In a preferred embodiment, it is conceivable to discharge the coil after the strip-like article has been at least partially wound, after which the winding head returns along the working path to a gripping position in which it grips the portion of the strip-like article.

[0414] These characteristics also contribute to making the method of the invention possible to carry out in a cyclical manner, advantageously providing an operating portion, in which the winding head performs winding and generally manufactures the coil, and a reset portion, in which the winding head can return to a position suitable for restarting the cycle.

[0415] Preferably, the plurality of winding heads comprises at least a first winding head and a second winding head, and the method comprises varying a distance between the first winding head and the second winding head along the working path.

[0416] The variation of the distance between the two winding heads makes it possible to effectively manage the steps of making the coil, in particular, by varying the distance between the two heads between the step of winding and the step of cutting the strip-like article.

[0417] Preferably, it is envisaged that the first winding head is brought close to the second winding head along the working path in preparation for the step of cutting the strip-like article.

[0418] In this way, the cutting of the strip is carried out between the two winding heads, minimizing the size of the two wings of the strip produced after cutting, one head being as close as possible to the other.

[0419] Preferably, it is envisaged that, while the first winding head grips the portion of the strip-like article, the first winding head is moved away from the outlet portion and the second winding head is positioned in an intermediate position between the first winding head and the outlet portion.

[0420] Also due to this characteristic, the second winding head can be arranged so that the second winding head grasps the strip-shaped article while the other winding head is still winding the strip-shaped article itself, or grasps the strip-shaped article itself in any case. In this way, when the second moving head grasps the strip-shaped article, the strip-shaped article is still wound on the first winding head.

[0421] Preferably, when the first winding head travels along the third portion, the second winding head located ahead of the first winding head travels along the first portion.

[0422] This characteristic also allows to optimize the overall dimensions of the device. Furthermore, it is preferably conceivable to wind the two coils at least partially simultaneously, since after the strip is cut, the first winding head ends winding the remaining fin along the third portion and the second winding head starts winding along the first portion.

[0423] Preferably, grasping the portion of the strip comprises positioning the portion of the strip between a pair of pins, at least one of the pins being movable to engage the other pin to retain the strip between the pins.

[0424] In this way, the strip-like article can be gripped and stopped so as to be wound up in a simple manner and as part of a continuous and automated process.

[0425] Preferably, the pin is movable in an extraction direction transverse to the feeding direction of the strip-like article, preferably, the pin is movable in an extraction direction perpendicular to the feeding direction of the strip-like article.

[0426] Due to this characteristic, during the movement of the head, a single pin approaches the strip and only once this single pin has reached the strip, the other pin is brought to the first pin.

[0427] Preferably, both of the pins are movable, and the method comprises moving the pins independently of one another to grip the portion of the strip-like article, and moving the pins in conjunction with one another to discharge the coil from the winding head when the coil is formed by winding the strip-like article.

[0428] In this way, the same pin can advantageously be used both for gripping the web and for starting the winding of the web and for discharging the coil as it is being made.

[0429] It should be noted that some steps in the above method may be independent of the reported execution order. In addition, some steps may be optional. In addition, some steps in the method may be repeatedly executed, or may be executed in series or in parallel with other steps in the method. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0430] The characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment illustrated by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0431] - Figure 1 is a schematic front view of an apparatus according to the present invention;

[0432] - Figure 2 is a perspective view of an apparatus made in accordance with the present invention;

[0433] - Figures 3 to 8 is a schematic front view showing the device according to the invention during different operating steps;

[0434] - Fig. 9 is another perspective view of the apparatus according to the present invention, with some components removed for clarity of illustration;

[0435] - Fig.10 is a schematic perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention;

[0436] - Fig.11is a schematic diagram showing two inconsistent directions according to the meaning of the present invention; and

[0437] - Fig.12 shows an alternative embodiment of a movable part of a feed unit of the device according to the invention, wherein the movable part moves to accumulate a certain amount of strip-like elements,

[0438] - Figure 13 to Figure 14 is a schematic front view showing the device according to the invention during different operating steps,

[0439] - Fig.15 is a schematic diagram of a device according to the invention during different operating steps,

[0440] - Fig.16 is a perspective view of the movable part of the device according to the invention,

[0441] - Fig.17 yes Fig.16 Detail of a stereogram of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0442] First refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the apparatus for manufacturing a coil B according to the present invention is indicated as a whole by 100 .

[0443] In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus 100 is used for winding a strip-shaped article N for producing electrochemical cells.

[0444] However, it should be understood that this represents one possible implementation example and that the apparatus 100 according to the invention may be used for winding strip-like articles also for different uses, even in fields other than those related to the production of electrochemical cells.

[0445] For example, still in the field of energy storage, the invention may be applied to the production of other rolled components for batteries or supercapacitors.

[0446] In some embodiments, for example, Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the device 100 can be used in a production line for producing coils for electrochemical battery cells, wherein the strip-like article N is made of a combination of multiple strip-like members N1, N2, N3, and N4. Preferably, the strip-like article N is made of a combination of multiple strip-like members N1, N2, N3, and N4 overlapped into layers.

[0447] Such a strip-like member preferably comprises at least two conductor strip-like members N1 , N3 and two separator layers N2 , N4 , which are alternately arranged to form the strip-like article N.

[0448] As such, the separator strips N2, N4 may allow the two conductor strips N1 and N3 to remain electrically separated from each other when helically wound to form a coil for an electrochemical cell.

[0449] In a preferred embodiment, the strips N1, N2, N3, N4 are fed by a dedicated distribution device 6. As an example, Figure 1 An example of embodiment of a dispensing device 6 of separator strips is shown, which may be formed by a coil of larger size in which the strips are collected in order to be unrolled and then fed during operation of the device.

[0450] The strip-like members fed by the dispensing device 6 are fed to the feeding unit 2. In a preferred embodiment, the feeding unit 2 is responsible for combining the strip-like members between the dispensing device 6 and the feeding unit 2 to form a strip-like article N before the strip-like members are wound by the relevant winding unit 1. The characteristics of the winding unit 1 will be described in detail below.

[0451] Preferably, the feed unit 2 comprises an inlet portion 21 preferably adapted to receive the strip-like article N coming from the respective dispensing device 6 and an outlet portion 22 through which the strip-like article N leaves the feed unit 2 and is fed to the winding unit 1 .

[0452] Thus, a feed path 8 for the strip is defined between the inlet portion 21 and the outlet portion 22 .

[0453] It is understood that the strip may be conveyed through a further unit for, for example, preliminary processing of the strip before feeding it to the feeding unit 2. For example, a preliminary ablation operation may be performed on the conductor strip to form a relative outer edge to facilitate connection with other conductor parts in the electrochemical cell.

[0454] As previously mentioned, the strip-shaped pieces N1 , N2 , N3 , N4 can be combined inside the feeding unit 2 to form the strip-shaped article N to be wound so as to manufacture a coil.

[0455] To this end, the strips N1, N2, N3, N4 can be made to travel in different directions to converge toward the coupling roller 23, as in Fig. 9 and Fig.17As can be seen in FIG. 2 , all the strip-like elements N1 , N2 , N3 , N4 are partially wound on the coupling roller 23 so that downstream of said coupling roller 23 a single multilayer structure forming the strip-like article N is arranged.

[0456] In a preferred embodiment, the strips N1 , N2 , N3 , N4 are fed continuously inside the feed unit 2 .

[0457] In other words, each strip, or possibly one or more of the aforementioned strips, is introduced into the feed unit 2 without stopping, travelling at a speed greater than zero and preferably at a substantially constant speed.

[0458] However, it may be necessary to provide for the interruption of one or more of the strips forming the strip article N, or to slow the progress of one or more of the strips, for other operational needs associated with the particular process being performed.

[0459] For example, when making a coil for making an electrochemical cell, it can be provided that the strip-shaped pieces forming the anode and cathode, respectively, are not present in the end portion of the strip-shaped article wound to make the coil. In other words, it can be provided that the coil has an end fin and / or an initial fin in which only two overlapping separators are provided.

[0460] For this and other purposes, accumulation means 4 may be provided, for example Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Fig.13 and Fig.14 As shown, the accumulation device 4 is configured so that the amount of at least one strip-like member of the plurality of strip-like members N1 , N2 , N3 , N4 is accumulated between an inlet portion 21 and an outlet portion 22 of the device.

[0461] Reference Fig.13 , Fig.14 and Fig.16 , the feed zone ZA and the convergence zone ZC included in the operating space of the power unit 2 are marked respectively.

[0462] In more detail, for each of the plurality of strips N1, N2, N3, N4, the feed zone ZA is at least partially defined upstream of the movable portion 20, wherein each of the plurality of strips N1, N2, N3, N4 moves along an accumulation section 81 that is substantially parallel to each other.

[0463] In addition, for example, with particular reference to Fig.16The converging zone ZC is included between the feeding zone ZA and the connecting roller 23 and is included inside the movable part 20. In the converging zone ZC, a plurality of strip-like members N1, N2, N3, and N4 are converged by reducing the mutual distance between the respective strip-like members until the connecting roller 23, thereby forming a strip-like article N.

[0464] like Figure 3 As shown in the embodiment example of , in a preferred embodiment, the accumulation device 4 includes at least one movable element 4A, and the movable element 4A is configured to change the total length of the feed path by movement of the movable element 4A.

[0465] The amount of strips accumulated may be variable, in which regard it is envisaged that the amount of strips accumulated may be variable in length during different steps of the process to meet specific needs as described above.

[0466] To this end, means may be provided for activating the accumulation device 4 to vary the amount of strips accumulated, preferably by displacing the means.

[0467] like Figure 3 As shown in the example of , the movable element 4A may include at least one movable roller 40 on which a strip-like member to be accumulated in a certain amount is wound.

[0468] The strip is then wound on movable rollers 40 and at least one fixed roller. In this way, by varying the distance between the two rollers, the length of the path the strip must travel between the inlet portion 21 and the outlet portion 22 can be varied, effectively allowing the desired amount to be accumulated.

[0469] In this way, for example, consider Figure 3 For example, by lowering the movable roller 40, the length of the strip N1 can be increased, and considering the constant or substantially constant travel speed at the entrance of the feeding unit 2, the portion of the strip at the exit portion can be slowed down or stopped relative to other strips.

[0470] It should also be noted that in a preferred embodiment, the movement of the movable roller 40, or more generally the movement of the accumulation device 4, can be associated with a strip-like element retaining device 26A, which is configured to slow down or stop one or more strip-like elements.

[0471] In other words, for example Fig.16 and Fig.17As shown, the action of the accumulation device 4 can be coordinated with the action of the holding device 26A, so that: when the holding device 26A slows down or stops the feeding of the strip-like elements, the accumulation device 2 accumulates the strip-like elements N.

[0472] For example, in some embodiments, for example Figure 2 As shown in , a gripper 26 or other similar retaining element acting on the strip when it needs to be stopped or slowed may be provided to slow the movement of that portion of the strip.

[0473] Advantageously, the gripping member 26 is movable relative to the movable portion so as to adjust the travel speed of the associated strip-like element by controlling its movement.

[0474] The gripping member 26 may also be associated with a further relative cutting device 27 which, if necessary, cuts one of the strips so as to create an interruption in the continuity of said strip within the entire strip-like article N.

[0475] In a preferred embodiment, the further cutting device 27 can be realized by means of a knife or other devices such as a laser ablation system.

[0476] Reference Figures 13 to 17 It can be noted that the movable part 20 is preferably oriented horizontally and that the displacement direction d of the movable part 20 and the feed direction f of the plurality of strips N1, N2, N3, N4 are also oriented horizontally. In this case, the retaining means 26A acting in the convergence zone ZC operate by retaining at least one horizontally oriented strip.

[0477] In more detail, Fig.13 In the figure, the horizontal strip is N1, and in Fig.15 In the figure, the horizontal strip-shaped member is N3, which usually corresponds to a conductive member, such as an anode or a cathode.

[0478] According to further embodiments, fewer or more strips than previously described are provided, resulting in different combinations of the types of materials used, the thickness of the associated strips, etc.

[0479] Now refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The winding unit 1 is disposed immediately downstream of the feeding unit 2 to receive the strip-shaped article N formed by the feeding unit 2 .

[0480] Preferably, the strip-like article N is fed by shifting along a feeding direction f, which in a preferred embodiment corresponds to the direction along which the strip-like article N moves when the strip-like article is formed by combining the individual strip-like members N1, N2, N3, and N4, and may correspond to the direction in which the strip-like article N is presented between the roller 23 and the winding unit 1.

[0481] However, in general, the general direction of travel of the strip-like articles N may be defined according to the characteristics of the feed unit 2 and the characteristics of the way in which the strip-like articles are combined in the feed unit 2 .

[0482] Preferably, refer to Fig.13 and Fig.14 , the feeding direction f includes a horizontal section. Still referring to Fig.13 and Fig.14 According to some embodiments of the invention, the horizontal section of the feed direction f corresponds to an accumulation section 81 located upstream of the movable part 20, as will be described in more detail below.

[0483] Refer again Figure 2 and Figure 3 In a preferred embodiment, the winding unit 1 comprises a plurality of winding heads 10, each of which allows the strip-like article N to be wound according to a manner described in more detail below.

[0484] Reference Figures 3 to 8 as well as Figure 13 to Figure 14 In the embodiment shown in , the movement device 3 and the movable part 20 are kinematically independent. In fact, as can be immediately noticed, the displacement of the movable part 20 does not directly cause a specific movement of the movement device 3, or the movement of the movement device 3 does not directly cause a specific displacement of the movable part 20. The winding head 10 can move within a working path P, which is preferably closed, such as Figure 3 Schematically shown in FIG.

[0485] The movement of the winding heads 10 is performed by means of respective movement means 3 , by means of which each head can be moved along a working path P.

[0486] Still refer to Figures 3 to 8 as well as Figure 13 to Figure 14 , it can be seen how the working path P has common features between the movement allowed by the motion device 3 and the movement allowed by the movable part 20. In this common section, it should be understood that the motion device 3 and the movable part 20 are configured to cooperate so that the coil B always remains kinematically independent.

[0487] For more details, refer to Fig.13 and Fig.14It may be noted that, according to some embodiments of the invention, the common section of the working path P is horizontal and is therefore a continuation of the displacement direction d.

[0488] In some embodiments, for example Figure 2 and Fig.13 In the embodiment shown, the movement device 3 comprises a rotatable body 30 which is rotatable about an axis of rotation C of the rotatable body 30 .

[0489] The rotatable body 30 supports a plurality of extendable arms 31 which are preferably hinged to the rotatable body 30 at one end of the extendable arm 31 and which in turn support respective winding heads 10 at the opposite end of the extendable arm 31 .

[0490] Advantageously, the combination of the rotatable body 30 and the extendable arm 31 allows the winding head to perform the displacements necessary to follow the working path P.

[0491] In a preferred embodiment, this causes the winding head 10 to move according to a trajectory comprising at least one rotation about the axis of rotation C of the movement device 3 and a translation and / or rotation about another axis different from said axis of rotation C.

[0492] It can thus be seen how, in the embodiment shown in the figures, the rotation about another axis is obtained by oscillating the arm 31 about the axis C1 passing through the end connected to the rotatable body 30 .

[0493] However, different combinations of these movements are obviously also conceivable, which can be carried out simultaneously or successively.

[0494] Fig.10 , Fig.15 and Fig.16 A variant of embodiment of the invention is shown in which the winding head 10 is fixed directly on the rotatable body 30, thus eliminating the need for the use of an extendable arm.

[0495] Still refer to Fig.10 , Fig.15 and Fig.16 And according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the rotatable body 30 of the movement device 3 is mounted so as to allow rotation directly on the movable part 20 situated in the downstream zone of the winding roller 23 .

[0496] from Fig.10 , Fig.15 and Fig.16It can be clearly inferred that in these embodiments, the rotatable body 30 is not kinematically independent of the movable part 20, since a component of the movable part 20, such as a translational component, will cause the same translational component of the rotatable body 30, to which an additional displacement relative to itself may be added.

[0497] Typically, according to some embodiments, in addition to being able to move around the rotation axis C of the rotatable body 30, the rotatable body 30 can also advantageously move along the displacement direction d, that is, the rotatable body 30 can also advantageously move along the direction along which the rotatable body 30 and the motion device 3 as a whole can be displaced.

[0498] Now refer to Figure 2 In some embodiments, each winding head 10 supports a gripping device 11 configured to grip a portion of the strip-like article N.

[0499] Therefore, the winding of the strip-like article N can be obtained by rotating the gripping device 11 itself around the winding axis X of the gripping device 11. By gripping one end of the strip-like article N, or more generally, by gripping a portion of one end of the strip-like article N and rotating the end or the portion, the strip-like article N can actually be wound to obtain a helical configuration forming a coil.

[0500] Now also refer to Fig. 9 Each gripping device 11 preferably comprises a pair of pins 12, 13, between which the strip-like article N is held. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in the figures, the pins 12, 13 have a semicircular cross-section. However, it should be understood that other shapes may also be provided, such as any polygonal cross-section, a cylindrical cross-section, or even the overall shape of a flat pin.

[0501] At least one of the two pins is movable so as to be engageable to the other pin, thereby holding the strip-like article N between the two pins.

[0502] The pins 12, 13 are arranged substantially parallel to the winding axis X of the strip-like article and can also be rotated for winding of the turns.

[0503] To allow the pins to grip the strip N, at least one of the two pins may be arranged to be movable along the extraction direction e. In this way, during the movement of the associated head 10 along the path P, the first pin 12 of the pair of pins may approach the strip N.

[0504] The second movable pin 13 is however intended to be arranged in a downstream position along the path P relative to the fixed pin 12 . In this way, the strip-like article can be comprised between the two pins 12 , 13 .

[0505] To this end, the movement of the movable pin 13 relative to the extraction direction e is substantially parallel or generally non-perpendicular to the axis X and perpendicular or generally transverse to the feeding direction f of the strip-like article N.

[0506] In this way, the second pin 13 can be arranged at a position that does not hinder the first pin 12 from approaching the strip-shaped article N, and the second pin 13 can be displaced to a position for holding the article N when the first pin 12 is positioned.

[0507] Advantageously, the first pin 12 may also be configured to move simultaneously with the second pin 13 along the extraction direction e, so as to allow the coil to be discharged, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0508] Figures 3 to 8 The movement of the winding head 10 is shown, and generally illustrates the operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0509] The figures will be described below with respect to two winding heads 10, it being apparent that the same concepts will apply to an indefinite number of heads.

[0510] Therefore, in Figure 3 A first winding head 10A and a second winding head 10B are indicated, the second winding head 10B being arranged in an upstream position along the working path P relative to the first head 10A.

[0511] exist Figure 3 In the state, the first winding head 10A is located at a position adjacent to the outlet portion 22 of the feeding unit, and the first winding head 10A receives the strip-shaped article N from the outlet portion 22 at this position.

[0512] The second winding head 10B is then arranged along a reset section P2 of the working path P. This reset section P2 allows the path P to be closed and is in particular the section along which the winding head returns to the beginning of the operating section P1 after having wound the strip-like article, made the coils and discharged them in the discharge area 7, which is located at the bottom of the working path P1. Figure 1 and Figure 2 It should be understood that the coils B in the discharge area 7 are discharged by the winding unit 1 to be transported to other units for manufacturing batteries.

[0513] Preferably, the discharge is performed by moving two pins 12 , 13 which are moved in the extraction direction so as to discharge the coil B from the associated winding head.

[0514] After the strip-like article N is gripped by the winding head 10A, the strip-like article N continues to move along the working path at the first portion P11 of the operating section P1.

[0515] Preferably, the first portion P11 is linear and extends in a manner consistent with the feeding direction f of the strip-like article N.

[0516] In some embodiments, the feeding unit 2 comprises a movable part 20 which can be displaced along the displacement direction d, at which the outlet part 22 is formed, and to which the coupling roller 23 is preferably fixed.

[0517] For more details, see Fig.13 , Fig.16 and Fig.17 The movable part 20 includes: a movable input part 21', from which a plurality of strip-like members N1, N2, N3, N4 enter; a movable output part 22', from which the strip-like articles N leave; a connecting roller 23 of a plurality of strip-like members N1, N2, N3, N4, with the aid of which the strip-like articles N are formed and which is arranged upstream relative to the movable output part 22'.

[0518] Still refer to Fig.16 and Fig.17 It can be seen that the movable output portion 22 ′ is the last step of displacement of the strip-like article N before being wound into a coil by the winding head 10 .

[0519] Obviously, in the embodiment according to the invention, the winding head 10 is mounted inside the movable part 20, such as for example Fig.16 As shown, the movable output portion 22' of the strip-like member is also located inside the movable portion 20. In an embodiment according to the invention and for example in Fig.13 and Fig.14 In the embodiment shown in , the displacement direction d of the movable part 20 is substantially horizontal.

[0520] The movement of the movable part 20 is achieved by belt or rack movement by means of motorized displacement means not shown in the figures, which preferably comprise rails or slides.

[0521] Fig.13 , Fig.14 and Fig.15 The movable part 20 is shown moving in an exclusively horizontal translational manner according to an alternating rectilinear movement.

[0522] In another embodiment related to the present invention, this alternating linear forward and backward movement on the same section can be replaced by a slightly more complex law of motion, which includes a first horizontal forward section, a second vertical displacement section, a third horizontal backward section (with a module equal to the first horizontal forward section but in the opposite direction) and a fourth vertical displacement section (with a module equal to the second vertical displacement section but in the opposite direction), and when the expected law of motion is achieved, the law of motion allows the movable part 20 to return to the initial starting point.

[0523] In an alternative embodiment, the displacement direction d forms an angle comprised between 30° and 60° with respect to the horizontal, and preferably, the displacement direction d forms an angle equal to 45° with respect to the horizontal.

[0524] Reference Figure 4 , Fig.13 and Fig.16 Preferably, the feed path 8 of the strips N1 , N2 , N3 , N4 comprises a respective accumulation section 81 of variable length, which preferably extends between respective pairs of preferably idle deflecting rollers 24 , 25 .

[0525] Preferably, the accumulating sections 81 extend in a manner substantially parallel to each other, and the directions of the strips N1 , N2 , N3 , N4 are turned by the turning roller 25 so that each of the strips moves to the coupling roller 23 .

[0526] Consistent with the foregoing description, the area where the strips N1 , N2 , N3 , N4 downstream of the accumulating section 81 deviate from the relatively parallel state and converge to the coupling roller 23 is defined as a convergence zone ZC.

[0527] In some embodiments, for example, Figures 1 to 10 , Fig.13 , Fig.14 , Fig.16 , Fig.17 and especially Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, the strip N1 is substantially parallel to the displacement direction d of the movable part 20 and is aligned with the coupling roller 23, so that the roller 25 does not need to be provided.

[0528] Fig.15 An alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in which the strip N3 is substantially parallel to the displacement direction d of the movable part 20 and is substantially aligned with the coupling roller 23 .

[0529] Advantageously, the distance between the substantially parallel accumulation sections 81 makes it possible to accommodate the gripper 26 and the knife 27 previously shown between two adjacent strips in the section comprised between the deflection roller 25 and the coupling roller 23 , or in any case in the aforementioned convergence zone.

[0530] In some embodiments, one of the rollers in each pair of steering rollers 24, 25 is supported on the movable portion 20 so as to move integrally with the movable portion 20, as will be described in more detail below.

[0531] In this way, the length of the accumulating section 81 of each strip-like element can be varied simultaneously by the movement of the movable part 20 .

[0532] Therefore, the feeding unit 2 can accumulate a certain amount of strip-shaped articles N between the inlet portion 21 and the outlet portion 22 during the travel of the movable portion 20 .

[0533] In fact, from Figure 3 and Figure 4 as well as Fig.13 and Fig.14 It can be seen from the comparison that by coordinating the movement of the strip-like members with the displacement of the movable part 20, the length of the accumulation section 81 and more generally the length of the path along which the strip-like members N1, N2, N3, N4 travel between the inlet part 21 and the outlet part 22 are increased, thereby effectively accumulating the corresponding amounts of strip-like members between the inlet part 21 and the outlet part 22.

[0534] Preferably, the displacement of the movable part 20 is linked to the advancement of the strip so as not to generate undesirable tension on the strip. In fact, when the movable part 20 is displaced, the strip can slide on the deflection roller 25, thereby increasing the length of the strip between the rollers 24 and 25 without causing any undesirable tension variation. Preferably, the displacement speed of the movable part 20 will be lower than the feeding speed of the strip if it coincides with the advancement movement of the strip.

[0535] In this way, it is possible to avoid pulling the strip during the movement of the movable part 20, making the displacement neutral with respect to the movement of the strip.

[0536] In a preferred embodiment, the accumulation sections 81 extend in a manner substantially parallel to each other so as to remain substantially parallel, even during and after the displacement of the movable part 20, the accumulation sections 81 remain substantially parallel, and therefore, the length changes of the accumulation sections 81 also remain similar (parallel).

[0537] This can be achieved by displacing the movable part 20 along a displacement direction d substantially parallel to the accumulating section 81, for example Fig.13 and Fig.14 As shown, when the movable part is displaced along the direction d, the length of the accumulating section 81 increases or decreases by the same amount.

[0538] More generally, the displacement direction d may preferably be substantially parallel to the feed direction f, and both the displacement direction d and the feed direction f are substantially horizontal. As previously mentioned, the feed direction f may be very complex and thus comprise a plurality of sections oriented differently from one another, at least one of the plurality of sections being a horizontal section.

[0539] It is meaningful that by comparison Fig.13 and Fig.15 It may be noted that for substantially the same displacement direction d, ie along the horizontal direction, the movable part 20 may always have its specific orientation.

[0540] In fact, it can be noted that, according to a preferred embodiment, the movement direction d corresponds to only a rigid translation which does not modify the relative orientation of the movable part 20 .

[0541] In more detail, it can be noted that in Fig.13 In the embodiment, the movable part 20 has a preferably generally irregular pentagonal shape 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e with a larger base 20a arranged as a horizontal upper side. In this embodiment, the coupling roller 23 is arranged close to the larger base 20a, and the strip-shaped member N1 is generally parallel to the displacement direction d of the movable part 20 and aligned with the coupling roller 23.

[0542] Now, refer to Fig.15 It can be noted that the movable part 20 has a preferably substantially irregular pentagonal shape 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d and 20e with a larger base 20a arranged as an inclined upper side inclined at about 45° relative to the horizontal plane and with a substantially horizontal lower base 20d. However, in this case, the displacement direction d according to which only translation is performed is also in the horizontal direction, and therefore, all the components of the movable part 20 move integrally.

[0543] In the present embodiment, the coupling roller 23 is arranged close to the lower base 20 d , and the strip N3 is substantially parallel to the displacement direction d of the movable portion 20 and aligned with the coupling roller 23 .

[0544] Alternatively, the same result can also be achieved by a suitable arrangement of rollers 24 , 25 between which the accumulation section 81 extends.

[0545] In particular, in a specific embodiment, for example, Fig.12 In the embodiment shown, unlike the embodiments shown in the other figures, the rollers 24 can be arranged to be aligned with each other and the rollers 25 can be arranged to be aligned with each other, and the rollers 24 and 25 are aligned with the displacement direction d of the movable part 20.

[0546] It can thus be observed that, in this case too, the movement of the movable part 20 is associated with a change in the length of each of the accumulator sections 81 .

[0547] In some embodiments, the feed unit 2 comprises one or more alignment devices 82 along the feed path 8, which are configured to guide the strip N to avoid or in any case limit lateral deviations of the strip during its travel. For example, the alignment device 82 may comprise a pivoting bracket that pushes the strip if it deviates in a lateral direction relative to the direction of travel of the strip, so as to return the strip to a straight state.

[0548] Now refer to Figure 4 In some embodiments, the movement of the winding head along the portion P11 may be accompanied by a corresponding movement of the movable portion 20 along the displacement direction d.

[0549] It should also be noted that the winding head 10 and the movable part 20 can move in a coordinated manner. In other words, the movement of the winding head 10 and the movement of the movable part 20 are synchronized. As mentioned above, this configuration does not necessarily exceed the condition of movement independence between the winding head 10 and the movable part 20.

[0550] In this way, it is possible to control the distance between the winding head 10 that winds or more generally holds the strip and the movable part 20 of the winding unit 2. Thus, advantageously, the length of the strip N comprised between the winding unit 2 and the winding head that holds the strip can be minimized or in any case made equal to a predetermined distance.

[0551] For example, from Figure 4 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , also in this operating position, the first head 10A is arranged adjacent to the outlet portion 22 of the feed unit 2 .

[0552] To this end, in a preferred embodiment, the displacement direction d may be substantially parallel to the first portion P11 of the operating section P1 .

[0553] It should be understood that, as mentioned above, in the context of the present invention, the term “substantially” mentioned with reference to the parallelism relative to the operating section P1 along which the winding is performed means that the two directions are parallel, except for deviations related to the winding of the strip-like article N. In fact, during the winding of the strip-like article N, the position of the tangent point of the strip-like article N on the coil formed is variable, and the strip-like article N does not follow a perfect straight line unless compensated by the movement of the extendable arm 31. This may therefore lead to deviations from perfect parallelism.

[0554] Therefore, as mentioned above, the term "substantially parallel" still means that there may be a deviation of ±10°, preferably a deviation of ±5°, relative to perfect parallelism.

[0555] The winding head 10 may also start winding the strip-like article N along the portion P11 .

[0556] It should be understood that this is particularly relevant to the feed speed v f With displacement speed v sp The feeding unit 2 is related to the ratio between the feeding speed v f Feeding strip-shaped articles, the winding head moves at the displacement speed v sp Move along section P11.

[0557] In fact, if the feed rate v f Higher than the displacement speed v sp , then in this section, it can be envisaged to wind the strip-shaped article N at a winding speed for compensating for the difference between the above two speeds.

[0558] In this way, the amount of the fed strip-shaped article N is wound or accumulated as described above. Therefore, by acting on the moving speed of the head when the head winds and / or holds the strip-shaped article N, the strip-shaped article N can be held at a substantially constant tension.

[0559] It should be understood that the feed speed v f It is preferably determined by the speed at which the dispensing coil forming the dispensing device 6 is rotated to unwind the strip, thereby pushing it and then feeding it into the feeding unit 1 and subsequently into the winding unit 3. More generally, the speed can be determined by the actuation mode of the dispensing device 6.

[0560] At the same time, winding the strip-shaped article N by the winding head 10 can also help determine the feeding speed v f , wherein there is a pulling action on each strip-like element. At most, if the coil or other dispensing device 6 is not motorized and is therefore idle, the strip-like element can only travel by a winding action.

[0561] The tension of the strip can also be adjusted by the balance between the action of the dispensing device 6 and the winding of the strip-like article in a manner conceptually similar to that explained with respect to the speed.

[0562] Now refer to Figure 5 , and with Fig.14 In a similar manner, once reaching the displacement limit position in a direction consistent with the feeding direction f, the winding head 10A is displaced in the opposite direction along the second portion P12 of the operating section P1.

[0563] This type of movement of the movable part 20 is consistent with the alternating linear movement described above.

[0564] Regarding the case where the displacement direction d is equal to about 45° relative to the horizontal plane Figure 5 The arguments explained in connection with the following figures apply analogously to the case where the displacement direction d is parallel to the horizontal plane, as is the preferred case of the present invention.

[0565] The movement of the head 10A may advantageously be associated with a corresponding displacement of the movable part 20 of the feed unit 2 .

[0566] During the movement of the winding head 10A along the portion P12 , the strip-like object N is wound by the head itself, preferably at a winding speed greater than the speed provided for the portion P11 .

[0567] It will be appreciated that, when such winding is carried out, the displacement of the winding head 10 is carried out in a direction not coinciding with the feeding direction f.

[0568] Furthermore, preferably, the relevant portion P12 is substantially parallel to the feed direction f, and optionally, the relevant portion P12 is parallel to the displacement direction d.

[0569] In this case, the same considerations as above regarding the term "substantially parallel" apply.

[0570] Therefore, when the winding head 10A moves along the portion P12, the amount of the strip accumulated in the previous step can be wound.

[0571] Also in this step, for the portion P11, equivalent considerations are made for the feed speed and the displacement speed of the head.

[0572] Give speed v f , winding speed v avv and displacement speed v sp In practice it is preferred that the strip-like article N is subjected to a substantially constant tension.

[0573] As mentioned above, in a preferred embodiment this can be achieved by setting the feed speed vf is set to be approximately equal to the winding speed v avv and the shift speed v sp The sum is precisely achieved.

[0574] It will also be understood that advantageously, rotatable body 30 of movement device 3 performs its rotational movement in a continuous manner, while arm 31 rotates in the opposite direction, thus executing a movement opposite to that performed during the movement along portion P11 .

[0575] In other words, the arm 31 swings forward and backward along the portion P11 and the portion P12 so that the winding head can perform the previously described movement and winding of the strip-like article.

[0576] Along the Figure 6 In the illustrated extreme position of the section P12 , the first winding head 10A can be moved away relative to the outlet portion 22 .

[0577] This movement can be achieved by movement of the head itself and / or displacement of the movable part 20 .

[0578] Therefore, if Figure 7 It can be seen that sufficient space may be provided so that the second winding head 10B, which is arranged upstream of the first head 10A along the path P, may be inserted between the first winding head 10A and the outlet portion 22 .

[0579] In fact, it should be noted that, in a preferred embodiment, provision may be made for the distance between the first winding head 10A and the second winding head 10B to be variable over the working path P according to the operating steps of the device 100 .

[0580] Due to this feature, it is possible to obtain Figures 7 to 9 and Fig.17 The configuration shown, in which the two heads 10A and 10B are at a minimum distance allowing the cutting element 51 of the cutting device 5 to be positioned between the two heads 10A and 10B, and the second head 10B is located at a predetermined distance, preferably, the predetermined distance is roughly equal to the minimum distance from the movable part 20, more generally, the predetermined distance is roughly equal to the minimum distance from the feeding unit 2.

[0581] Furthermore, during the work phase in which the cutting is carried out, the two heads are preferably aligned along the feeding direction f of the strip-like article N. In any case, it is understood that it is not necessary to provide a perfect alignment along the feeding direction f, it is sufficient that the two heads are positioned at a close distance to each other and one head is further upstream than the other with respect to the outlet portion 22 of the strip-like element.

[0582] In this way, the relevant part of the strip-shaped article N can be grasped by means of the gripping device 11 of the second winding head 10B, such as from Fig. 9 and Fig.17 And it can be seen from the above content.

[0583] In particular, the portion of the strip-like article N may be gripped by utilizing the pair of pins 12, 13 according to what has been described above.

[0584] In this state, the strip-shaped article N is wound on the first winding head 10A to produce the coil B while being gripped by the second winding head 10B.

[0585] In other words, the strip-shaped article N is gripped simultaneously on the first winding head 10A and the second winding head 10B.

[0586] Furthermore, at this position as well, cutting of the strip-shaped article N can be performed at an intermediate position between the first winding head 10A and the second winding head 10B.

[0587] For this purpose, there may be provided a cutting device 5 which is configured so as to cut the strip-like article N at a position downstream of the feed unit 2 and advantageously at the above-mentioned position.

[0588] In fact, as can be seen from the embodiment shown, the cutting device 5 advantageously cuts the strip-like article N when the corresponding winding head 10 is positioned at the predetermined distance from the feeding unit 2, and the predetermined distance is advantageously approximately equal to the minimum distance compatible with the movement mechanism that causes the movement of the winding head 10.

[0589] As already shown, while cutting, the second winding head 10B approaches the first winding head 10A, advantageously the second winding head 10B being located at the minimum reciprocating distance along the working path P when the strip-like article N is cut.

[0590] Fig. 9 and Fig.17 A preferred embodiment of the cutting device 5 is shown.

[0591] Preferably, the cutting device 5 comprises a body 50 supporting a cutting element 51 .

[0592] In some embodiments, the winding head 10 comprises an abutment element 14 arranged in such a position that the strip-like article N is placed between the abutment element 14 and the cutting device 5 .

[0593] The abutment element 14 preferably has a seat 14A configured to receive the cutting element 51 .

[0594] In this way, when the cutting device 5 approaches the abutment element 14, the main body 50 of the cutting device 5 can abut against the abutment element 14, and the strip-like article N is placed between the main body 50 and the abutment element 14, and the cutting element 51 can be received in the seat 14A, thereby generating sufficient pressure on the strip-like article N to cut the strip-like article N.

[0595] It should be noted that according to an embodiment of the invention, upstream of the cutting operation of the strip-like article N, the travel of the conductive strips N1 , N3 and the conductive strips N1 , N3 is arranged to be interrupted and stopped or slowed down by means of the gripping system 26 shown above.

[0596] This embodiment is particularly advantageous in the case where the displacement direction d is horizontal, since in this case at least a portion of at least one strip N1 , N3 will be restrained by the gripping system 26 oriented horizontally.

[0597] In this way, the cutting performed by the device 5 affects only the separator strips N2 , N4 forming the strip-like article N after the interruption of the conductor strip.

[0598] In particular, one can Figure 7 and Figure 8 Note the action of the gripper 26 on the conductive strip and the movable roller 40 relative to Figure 6 The displacement of the position of causes the strips to be accumulated according to the manner previously shown.

[0599] In some embodiments, the cutting device 5 can also move in a direction substantially parallel to the feeding direction f. Generally, the cutting device can be configured to enable at least one component to move in a manner substantially parallel to the direction. For example, the cutting device 5 can be supported on the movable part 20 or can be moved integrally with the movable part. In this way, the cutting device 5 can be brought close to the abutment element 14 and can be moved in a manner synchronized with the strip-like article N. In other words, the cutting device 5 replicates the movement of the strip-like article N, thereby moving synchronously with the strip-like article N when performing the cutting operation.

[0600] Due to this characteristic, it can be imagined that the feed speed v f The web feed N is always greater than zero and preferably substantially constant, so that cutting can be performed while the web is still moving.

[0601] It should also be noted that the strip forming the strip-shaped article N can also run continuously inside the feeding unit 2. In the embodiment providing the interruption of the conductive strip or other strip forming the strip-shaped article, the continuous running is preferably associated with the possibility of accumulating the strip-shaped article. On the contrary, for a strip-shaped article envisaged to be uninterrupted, it is possible to make it run continuously through the outlet portion 22 in a manner connected to the strip-shaped article N.

[0602] When the strip-like article N is cut, the two flaps remain defined, one flap being associated with the first winding head 10A, which flap forms the terminal portion of the coil wound in the first winding head 10A, and the other flap being associated with the second winding head 10B, which flap forms the initial portion of the coil B to be subsequently wound.

[0603] Preferably, the process for manufacturing the coil B provides a third portion P13 of the operating section P1 , preferably substantially parallel to said first and second portions P11 , P12 , and along which the winding head 10A is displaced after cutting the strip N.

[0604] In a preferred embodiment, the winding head is moved again along said third portion P13 in a direction consistent with said feed direction f.

[0605] Preferably, the moving device 3 is configured such that: when the first winding head 10A moves along the third portion P13, the second winding head 10 advantageously just grasping the strip-shaped article N moves along the first portion P11, thereby sequentially performing the above steps associated with the first winding head 10A.

[0606] On the other hand, along the portion P13, the first winding head completes the winding of the tab of the strip-shaped article N formed after the cutting, thereby finally manufacturing the coil B.

[0607] As previously described, the winding of the strip-like article N to produce the coil B may be performed in each of the three sections P11 , P12 , P13 .

[0608] Preferably, the winding is mainly performed along the second portion P12, ie, the winding is mostly performed along the second portion P12.

[0609] However, winding may also be performed partially in other parts.

[0610] In fact, in a preferred embodiment, the amount of the strip-like member wound along the first portion P11 includes between 5% and 15% of the total length of the strip-like article forming a single coil, preferably, the amount of the strip-like member wound along the first portion P11 includes 10% of the total length of the strip-like article forming a single coil; the amount of the strip-like member wound along the second portion P12 includes between 70% and 90% of the total length of the strip-like article forming a single coil, preferably, the amount of the strip-like member wound along the second portion P12 includes 80% of the total length of the strip-like article forming a single coil; and the amount of the strip-like member wound along the third portion P13 includes between 5% and 15% of the total length of the strip-like article forming a single coil, preferably, the amount of the strip-like member wound along the third portion P13 includes 10% of the total length of the strip-like article forming a single coil.

[0611] Then, the first winding head 10A continues to be displaced until the first winding head 10A reaches the discharge area 7 where the coil B is discharged from the winding unit 1 .

[0612] In some embodiments, the device 100 may comprise a further working unit 60 through which the winding head 10 passes together with the coil B before reaching the discharge zone 7 .

[0613] For example, the further working unit 60 may include a folding device configured to fold the two opposite axial ends of the coil. In practice, the conductor strips may each be arranged to protrude axially, one on one side and the other on the other side, and the conductor strips are folded to form a single conductor portion for connection to the ends of the anode / cathode in the battery when the battery is assembled.

[0614] In some embodiments, it is also possible to provide for the application of a closing element of the coil B, which is configured so as to prevent the coil from unwinding when it is discharged from the winding head 10. Such a closing element can be represented, for example, by a strip-like piece that is applied to the coil in the circumferential direction to close the end flap of the strip-like element.

[0615] After the coil has been discharged, the winding head 10A starts to advance along the resetting section P2 to shift from the discharge position to the gripping position, in which the winding head 10 can grip a portion of the strip-like article N, as previously described.

[0616] Therefore, the above steps may be cyclically repeated for each winding head 10 included in the winding unit 1 .

[0617] As mentioned above, Fig.10 Possible exemplary variants of the device according to the invention are shown.

[0618] In this variant, the movement device 3 is arranged to move integrally with the movable part 20 of the winding unit 2 .

[0619] To this end, the movement device 3 may be supported rotatably about an axis of rotation C on the movable part 20 .

[0620] In an embodiment in which the moving device 3 can be moved as a whole, as in the embodiment shown in which the moving device 3 moves along the displacement direction d, the winding head 10 can be arranged to remain in a substantially fixed position relative to the rotatable body 3, and therefore, the distance between the winding head 10 and the rotatable body 3 remains unchanged.

[0621] In other words, in this case, the moving head 10 can follow the movement of the rotating body of the moving device 3, preferably the linear displacement of the rotating body of the moving device 3, in addition to winding the strip-shaped article N by rotating itself. Fig.10 In the embodiment shown, and more generally in a preferred embodiment not shown, this movement comprises a rotation about an axis C and a translation along a displacement direction d.

[0622] However, it should be understood that, more generally, in this case, the movement of the moving head 10 may be caused by any rotation and any translation or further rotation, in addition to the rotation carried out for winding the strip-like article N.

[0623] However, these movements do not cause the mutual distance between the winding heads 10 to change.

[0624] However, a combination between this embodiment and the previously described embodiment in which the distance of the head is variable may be provided.

[0625] More generally, the Fig.10 All elements described in the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings can be combined with all possible embodiments provided by the present invention and described above.

[0626] It goes without saying that, in order to meet specific and occasional application needs, a person skilled in the art will be able to make further modifications and variations, which remain within the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device (100) for manufacturing a coil (B), preferably an electrochemical cell for battery production, comprising: - a feeding unit (2), the feeding unit (2) being configured to feed a plurality of strip-like elements (N1, N2, N3, N4), the plurality of strip-like elements being suitable for forming at least one strip-like article (N), the plurality of strip-like elements comprising at least one conductive element strip-like element (N1, N3) and / or one separator element strip-like element (N2, N4); - a winding unit (1), the winding unit (1) comprising: o at least one winding head (10); - at least one of the winding heads (10) is configured to wind the strip-like article (N) to produce the coil (B), - The feeding unit (2) includes a movable part (20), which includes: a movable entrance part (21'), from which the multiple strip-like members (N1, N2, N3, N4) enter; a movable outlet part (22'), from which the strip-like items (N) leave; a connecting roller (23) of the multiple strip-like members (N1, N2, N3, N4), the strip-like items (N) are formed with the help of the connecting roller, and the connecting roller is arranged upstream relative to the movable outlet part (22'), - The movable part (20) is configured to shift along a substantially horizontal displacement direction (d).

2. The device according to the preceding claim, wherein The movable part (20) moves in a translational manner by performing alternating rectilinear movements.

3. The device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein The winding unit (1) comprises: a. a moving device (3) of at least one of the winding heads (10), the moving device (3) being configured to displace at least one of the winding heads (10) along the working path (P); b. The winding head (10) is capable of moving along the working path (P) so that: during the winding of the strip-like article (N) by means of the corresponding winding head (10), at least one of the strip-like articles (N) is subjected to a substantially constant tension due to the movement of the winding head (10) at least in the section included between the feeding unit (2) and at least one of the winding heads (10).

4. The device according to the preceding claim, wherein The movement device (3) and at least one of the winding heads (10) are kinematically independent of the movable part (20).

5. The device according to claim 3, wherein: The movement means (3) of at least one of the winding heads (10) are constrained to the movable part (20) directly downstream of the coupling roller (23).

6. The device according to claim 3, 4 or 5, wherein: The motion device (3) includes a rotatable body (30), which is configured to rotate around a rotation axis (C) of the rotatable body (30), and the motion device (3) includes a plurality of arms (31) constrained to the rotatable body (30), the arms being hinged to the rotatable body (30) at one end of the arms and allowing rotation around a second rotation axis (C1) substantially parallel to the rotation axis (C), and wherein the corresponding winding head (10) is hinged at the opposite end of the arm according to the winding axis (X) of the winding head (10), and the winding axis (X) is substantially parallel to the rotation axis (C).

7. The device according to claim 5, wherein: The motion device (3) comprises a rotatable body (30), the rotatable body (30) being configured to rotate around a rotation axis (C) of the rotatable body (30), and at least one of the winding heads (10) being directly constrained on the rotatable body (30) and being allowed to rotate around a winding axis (X) substantially parallel to the rotation axis (C).

8. The device (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein: The feeding unit (2) is configured to define the following: a. a feed zone (ZA) for each of the plurality of strip-like elements (N1, N2, N3, N4), the feed zone (ZA) being at least partially defined upstream of the movable portion (20), wherein each of the plurality of strip-like elements (N1, N2, N3, N4) moves along accumulation sections (81) that are substantially parallel to one another, and b. A convergence zone (ZC), which is included between the feeding zone (ZA) and the connecting roller (23) and is located inside the movable part (20), in which the multiple strip-like members (N1, N2, N3, N4) converge by reducing the mutual distance between the individual strip-like members until the connecting roller (23), thereby forming the strip-like article (N).

9. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein One strip-like element of the plurality of strip-like elements (N1, N2, N3, N4) is fed in the convergence zone (ZC) according to a direction substantially parallel to the displacement direction (d) of the movable part (20).

10. The device according to the preceding claim, wherein The one strip-like member of the plurality of strip-like members (N1, N2, N3, N4) is also fed at a portion of the feeding zone (ZA) according to a direction substantially parallel to the displacement direction (d).

11. The device according to the preceding claim, wherein Also the strip-like element which is fed according to a direction substantially parallel to the displacement direction (d) at the portion of the feed zone (ZA) is a conductive element.

12. A method (200) for manufacturing a coil (B), preferably for an electrochemical cell for battery production, by winding a strip-shaped article (N), the method (200) comprising: - providing a feeding unit (2) comprising a movable part (20) for feeding a plurality of strip-like elements (N1, N2, N3, N4) to a coupling roller (23), by means of which the strip-like article (N) is formed, - providing at least one winding head (10), - winding the strip-like article (N) leaving the coupling roller (23) by means of at least one winding head (10), - moving the movable part (20) along a substantially horizontal displacement direction (d).

13. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein: At least one of the winding heads (10) is movable along a working path (P), and the method comprises moving at least one of the winding heads (10) such that the strip-like article (N) is subjected to a substantially constant tension.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein: The feeding unit (2) is configured such that the feeding unit (2) is capable of: a. moving each of said plurality of strip-like elements (N1, N2, N3, N4) along respective accumulation sections (81) substantially parallel to one another in a portion of a feed zone (ZA) at least partially defined upstream of said movable portion, and b. In a convergence zone (ZC) included between the feeding zone (ZA) and the connecting roller (23) and located inside the movable part (20), the multiple strip-like members (N1, N2, N3, N4) are converged by reducing the mutual distance between each strip-like member until the connecting roller (23), thereby forming the strip-like article (N).

15. The method according to the preceding claim, comprising: At the convergence zone, one of the plurality of strip-like members (N1, N2, N3, N4) is fed according to a direction substantially parallel to the displacement direction (d) of the movable part (20).

16. The method according to the preceding claim, comprising: Also at a portion of the feed zone (ZA), the one of the plurality of strip-like members (N1, N2, N3, N4) is fed in a direction substantially parallel to the displacement direction (d).

17. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein: Also the strip-like member fed according to the direction substantially parallel to the displacement direction (d) at the portion of the feed zone (ZA) is a conductive member.

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