Stacking device for alternating stacking of continuous strips of membranes and films and method for stacking continuous

Abstract

A stacking apparatus (1), comprising: a stacking station (26) configured to receive a foil (100, 101); the first conveying device (10) is used for conveying the first foil sheet (100); and a second transport device (11) for transporting a second foil (101), the first transport device and the second transport device being alternately movable between a pick-up position and a release position; a feeding device (27) of the belt-shaped diaphragm (102), the feeding device facing the stacking station (26); a displacement device (29) fed by the feeding device (27) and comprising a follow-up device (30) which can be moved between the first end position (P1) and the second end position (P2) and above the stacking station (26) when the second conveyor device (11) is moved from the release position to the pick-up position, and which can be moved between the first end position (P1) and the second end position (P2) and above the stacking station (26) when the first conveyor device (10) is moved from the release position to the pick-up position. The follow-up device can be moved from the second end position (P2) to the first end position (P1) and over the stacking station (26). A displacement device (29) moves the follower device (30) along a curvilinear path (PC) between the first end position (P1) and the second end position (P2) and between the second end position (P2) and the first end position (P1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a stacking device for alternately stacking continuous strip-shaped separators and foils, and to a method for stacking continuous strip-shaped separators and foils, wherein the foils are stacked on each other by interposing the continuous strip-shaped separators.

[0002] The present invention is preferably directed to a stacking apparatus and method for alternately stacking continuous strip-shaped membranes and foils, wherein the continuous strip-shaped membranes are dielectric membranes and the foils are electrodes.

[0003] The present invention can be used to manufacture electrochemical cells, such as secondary electrochemical cells, which include planar electrodes separated from each other by a continuous dielectric separator. Background Art

[0004] In the industrial field of accumulator production, electrochemical cells are made of a stack of positive and negative electrodes, arranged alternately one above the other with an interposed separator of dielectric material, usually denoted in the technical terminology of the art by the term "separator", which is formed by a single continuous strip folded between the electrodes.

[0005] In the applicant's experience, these electrochemical cells can be manufactured using stacking equipment for stacking one or more continuous strips of separators and foils in order to automate the production process.

[0006] According to the applicant's experience, such a stacking device may include a fixed base frame, on which a first foil receiving station, a second foil receiving station and a stacking station located between the two receiving stations are mounted. A movable frame is positioned above the fixed frame, and the movable frame moves in a linear reciprocating motion parallel to the fixed frame. Four foil clamping devices are mounted on the movable frame, and the foil clamping devices move in a linear reciprocating motion perpendicular to the fixed frame. On the movable frame, a diaphragm guide fixed to the movable frame fed by a continuous diaphragm coil is also mounted. The diaphragm guide includes two idle running rollers, which have rotation axes parallel to each other and are placed on the same plane parallel to the fixed frame, and the two idle running rollers turn the path of the diaphragm. In use, when the movable frame is stationary, the first clamping device picks up the foil from the first stack of foils by translating perpendicularly to the stationary frame, and the second clamping device picks up the foil previously positioned on the first receiving station by translating perpendicularly to the stationary frame. Subsequently, by translating the movable frame, the second clamping device translates so as to position the picked-up foil in the stacking station, and at the same time, the first clamping device positions the thin sheet picked up from the stack on the first receiving station. At the moment when the first clamping device and the second clamping device are picking up the corresponding foil, the third clamping device and the fourth clamping device respectively lay the foil (picked up from the second foil stack) in the second receiving station and lay the foil (picked up from the second receiving station) in the stacking station. At the moment when the first clamping device and the second clamping device are laying the corresponding foil, the third clamping device and the fourth clamping device pick up the foil from the second foil stack and from the second receiving station respectively. When the movable frame translates to move the second or fourth clamping device away from the stacking station (at which the second or fourth clamping device has laid the corresponding foil), the trailing rollers translate integrally with the movable frame above the foil just laid in the stacking station and position the membrane above the just laid foil. The trailing rollers rotate around their rotation axis through the membrane itself. The holding member holds the separator above the foil just laid. The process is actuated cyclically until a battery is formed, consisting of a stack of foils, each separated from the other by a continuous strip of separator which then assumes an "accordion" shape inside the battery. When the battery is finished, the separator is cut and the battery thus obtained is removed from the stacking station, to free the stacking station and allow the whole process to be repeated in order to manufacture further batteries.

[0007] In particular in the industrial field of accumulator production, there is an increasing need for stacking devices for alternately stacking continuous strip-shaped separators and foils which allow a high production rate, ie a high battery production rate. Summary of the invention

[0008] Applicants have noted that, using apparatus of the type generally described above, production speed may be limited by the time required to position the separator over the cell being formed in the stacking station.

[0009] The applicant has in fact noticed that it is necessary to ensure that the retaining member or members retaining the membrane on the respective foil are in fact able to intercept the membrane and bring it against the upper surface of the foil. Thus, in the applicant's experience, it is necessary to raise the retaining member until reaching and overcoming the level at which the membrane, conveyed by the travelling rollers, is placed, the retaining member intercepts the membrane and lowers it to a lower level to bring it into close contact with the foil.

[0010] The Applicant has noted that the stacking device cannot perform any other operations or movements during the displacement of the retaining member in order to precisely ensure that the membrane is correctly positioned and retained on the foil just laid down in the stacking station.

[0011] The applicant has realised that by increasing the speed of movement of the retaining member it would be possible to reduce the time required to correctly position the diaphragm.

[0012] However, the applicant has noticed that this may cause damage or tearing of the membrane. The applicant has in fact verified that an increase in the lowering speed of the retaining member (i.e. the speed in the direction pointing to the upper surface of the foil) may lead to an excessively sudden impact of the retaining member on the membrane, thereby causing damage to the membrane.

[0013] The applicant has realised that if the distance the retaining member has to travel to reach and overcome the level at which the diaphragm rests and brings the diaphragm against the upper surface of the foil is reduced, the time required for correct positioning of the diaphragm will also be reduced at the same movement speed of the retaining member.

[0014] The Applicant has found that by advancing the accompanying device of the continuous strip of separator along a curved trajectory over the cell being formed, it will be possible to position the continuous strip of separator in such a way that at the center of the cell being formed, the continuous strip of separator is at a different level than that reached at the opposite ends of the cell being formed. In this way, by choosing this curved trajectory with a concavity facing the cell being formed or with a concavity facing away from the cell being formed (depending on the position of the holding device relative to the cell being formed), it will be possible to bring the continuous strip of separator close to the holding device, thereby ensuring that the continuous strip of separator does not interfere with the cell being formed as it is transferred over the cell being formed.

[0015] The invention therefore relates in its first aspect to a stacking device for alternately stacking continuous strips of membranes and foils.

[0016] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a stacking station configured to receive the foil.

[0017] Preferably, the apparatus comprises first conveying means for conveying the first foil and second conveying means for transferring the second foil, movable between a pick-up position and a release position, respectively.

[0018] Preferably, the release position of the first conveyor device and the release position of the second conveyor device are placed at the stacking station.

[0019] Preferably, when the first conveying device is in the release position, the second conveying device moves away from the release position, and when the second conveying device is in the release position, the first conveying device moves away from the release position.

[0020] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a feeding device for the continuous strip of membrane, which is configured for feeding the continuous strip of membrane towards the stacking station.

[0021] Preferably, the apparatus comprises displacement means arranged to act on the continuous strip of diaphragm fed by the feeding means.

[0022] Preferably, the displacement device comprises an accompanying device movable between a first end position and a second end position.

[0023] Preferably, the carriage moves between the first end position and the second end position above the stacking station when the second conveying device moves from the release position to the pick-up position.

[0024] Preferably, the carriage moves between the second end position and the first end position and above the stacking station when the first conveying device moves from the release position to the pick-up position.

[0025] Preferably, the displacement means moves the accompanying means along a curved path between the first end position and the second end position and between the second end position and the first end position.

[0026] The applicant has demonstrated that by moving the accompanying device along a curved path between a first end position and a second end position and between the second end position and the first end position, the continuous strip of diaphragm can be intercepted at an end position where it is closer to the holding device, thereby causing the holding device to travel a reduced distance and therefore take a reduced time to correctly position the continuous strip of diaphragm above the foil that has just been laid down.

[0027] A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for alternately stacking continuous strips of diaphragms and foils.

[0028] Preferably, provision is made for conveying the first foil and the second foil to a stacking station.

[0029] Preferably, provision is made for feeding a continuous strip of membrane to the stacking station.

[0030] Preferably, provision is made for laying the membrane in a continuous strip onto the first foil and the second foil which are conveyed to the stacking station.

[0031] Preferably, laying the continuous strip of membrane comprises moving the continuous strip of membrane over the stacking station along a first trajectory between a first end position and a second end position and along a second trajectory between the second end position and the first end position.

[0032] Preferably, the first trajectory and the second trajectory are curved trajectories.

[0033] "Foil" refers to a plate having two dimensions that are much larger than a third dimension. A foil may be a unitary plate or a plate formed by multiple layers joined together, made of the same material or different materials.

[0034] "Continuous ribbon membrane" refers to a ribbon having a dimension much larger than two other dimensions, wherein a first dimension of the other two dimensions is much larger than a second dimension of the other two dimensions. The ribbon may be unitary or formed from multiple layers joined together, made of the same material or different materials.

[0035] When referring to a path or trajectory, a "curve" refers to a trajectory described by a point object moving continuously between a starting point and an end point on a plane, wherein this trajectory can be decomposed into at least two components that are not parallel to each other on the plane. Preferably, a "curve" does not include a straight trajectory portion.

[0036] "Level" relative to a surface (e.g. relative to a stacking surface) refers to the distance of an element from an absolute parallel reference plane passing through the surface (in a direction perpendicular to the surface). A "lower" level of an element relative to the surface places the element below the absolute reference plane. An "upper" level of an element relative to the surface places the element above the absolute reference plane.

[0037] When referring to the position of a receptacle, "at a station" means that the receptacle is exactly in the station, is about to arrive at the station, or has just left the station.

[0038] In one or both aspects thereof, the present invention may have at least one of the preferred features described below. Unless expressly stated otherwise, these features may be present in the apparatus and method of the present invention individually or in combination with one another.

[0039] Preferably, the carriage is configured to lay down a continuous strip of membrane on the stacking station.

[0040] Preferably, the curved path followed by the carriage has a concavity facing the stacking station.

[0041] Preferably, the curved path is an arc of a circle.

[0042] Preferably, the first trajectory of the continuous strip-like membrane coincides with the second trajectory of the continuous strip-like membrane.

[0043] Preferably, the first path of the continuous ribbon-like membrane and the second path of the continuous ribbon-like membrane define a curved path.

[0044] Preferably, the curved path has a concavity facing towards the stacking station.

[0045] Preferably, the curved path is an arc of a circle.

[0046] Preferably, the displacement device comprises a swing arm driven by an actuating shaft and supporting the accompanying device.

[0047] Preferably, the actuating axis is arranged relative to the stacking station on the opposite side of the feed device relative to the continuous strip of diaphragm.

[0048] Preferably, the actuating shaft moves the swing arm in a reciprocating motion having a first motion reversal point at a first end position of the carriage and a second motion reversal point at a second end position of the carriage.

[0049] Preferably, the actuating shaft reverses the displacement direction of the swing arm at a first movement reversal point and at a second movement reversal point.

[0050] Preferably, the companion device is supported at the first end of the swing arm.

[0051] Preferably, the actuation shaft is connected to the swing arm in a distal position relative to the carriage.

[0052] Preferably, the actuation shaft is connected to a second end of the swing arm opposite the first end.

[0053] Preferably, a receptacle is provided which is configured to receive a foil placed in said stacking station.

[0054] Preferably, transferring the first foil and the second foil to the stacking station comprises laying the first foil alternating with and overlapping the second foil on the stacking surface.

[0055] Preferably, the receptacle comprises a substantially flat stacking surface.

[0056] Preferably, the stacking surface lies in a plane parallel to the actuation axis.

[0057] Preferably, when the accompanying device is placed in an intermediate position between the first end position and the second end position, the accompanying device is placed on the opposite side of the stacking surface relative to the direction perpendicular to the stacking surface when the accompanying device is placed in at least one of the first end position and the second end position.

[0058] Preferably, the trolley is positioned at a higher level relative to the stacking surface when the trolley is placed in an intermediate position between the first end position and the second end position.

[0059] Preferably, the carriage is at a lower level than the stacking surface when the carriage is placed in the first end position.

[0060] Preferably, the trolley is located at a lower level than the stacking surface when the trolley is placed in the second end position.

[0061] Preferably, said intermediate position between the first end position and the second end position is substantially equidistantly spaced from the first end position and the second end position.

[0062] Preferably, when the trolley is placed in the first end position or when the trolley is placed in the second end position, the stacking surface is interposed between the feed device and the trolley with respect to a direction perpendicular to the stacking surface.

[0063] Preferably, the stacking surface is interposed between the feed device and the trolley with respect to a direction perpendicular to the stacking surface when the trolley is placed in the first end position and when the trolley is placed in the second end position.

[0064] Preferably, moving the continuous strip of membrane over the stacking station comprises moving the continuous strip of membrane perpendicularly to and away from the second foil conveyed to the stacking station during its displacement from the first end position to an intermediate position (between the first and second end positions).

[0065] Preferably, moving the continuous strip of membrane over the stacking station comprises moving the continuous strip of membrane perpendicularly to and towards the second foil transferred to the stacking station during its displacement from an intermediate position between the first end position and the second end position.

[0066] Preferably, moving the continuous strip of membrane above the stacking station comprises moving the continuous strip of membrane to a first end position and below a level at which there is a first foil transferred to the stacking station.

[0067] Preferably, moving the continuous strip of membrane above the stacking station comprises moving the continuous strip of membrane to the second end position and below a level at which there is a second foil transferred to the stacking station.

[0068] The applicant believes that in this way, the bonding of the continuous strip of membrane to the foil just laid down in the stacking station is facilitated.

[0069] Preferably, in the first end position the carriage is placed at a first distance from the stacking surface.

[0070] Preferably, in the second end position the pallet is placed at a second distance from the stacking surface.

[0071] Preferably, in an intermediate position between the first end position and the second end position, the pallet is placed at a third distance from the stacking surface.

[0072] Preferably, the intermediate position is placed at the apex of a curved path travelled by the companion lock.

[0073] Preferably, the third distance is greater than the first distance and greater than the second distance.

[0074] Preferably, the first distance is substantially equal to the second distance.

[0075] Applicants believe that by providing the first and second distances being less than the third distance, the continuous strip of separator can be easily adhered to the cell being formed, and in particular to the freshly laid foil, without subjecting the continuous strip of separator to forces that could cause it to overstretch.

[0076] Preferably, moving the continuous strip of membrane above the stacking station along the first trajectory between the first and second end positions and along the second trajectory between the second and first end positions comprises partially wrapping the first and second foils conveyed to the stacking station with the continuous strip of membrane.

[0077] Preferably, first retaining means are provided, which are configured to act on the continuous strip-like membrane.

[0078] Preferably, the first retaining device is arranged at a first end position of the companion device.

[0079] Preferably, second retaining means are provided, which are configured to act on the continuous strip of diaphragm.

[0080] Preferably, the second retaining device is arranged at a second end position of the companion device.

[0081] Preferably, the first holding means and the second holding means are configured to hold the continuous strip of membrane on the stack of foils being formed in the stacking station.

[0082] Preferably, the first holding means and the second holding means are placed on opposite sides of a receptacle placed in the stacking station, along a direction contained in a plane perpendicular to the actuation axis.

[0083] Preferably, the first holding device is configured to hold a portion of the continuous strip of membrane laid on the last foil laid in the stacking station by the second conveying device.

[0084] Preferably, the first holding device is configured to hold a portion of the continuous strip of membrane when it is laid on the last foil laid in the stacking station by the first conveying device.

[0085] Preferably, the second holding device is configured to hold a portion of the continuous strip of membrane laid on the last foil laid in the stacking station by the first conveying device.

[0086] Preferably, the second holding device is configured to hold a portion of the continuous strip of membrane when it is laid on the last foil laid in the stacking station by the second conveying device.

[0087] Preferably, the first holding device is movable between a holding state, in which the first holding device intercepts and holds a portion of the continuous strip of diaphragm, and a release state, in which the first holding device moves away from the continuous strip of diaphragm.

[0088] Preferably, when the row device is close to the first end position, the first holding device moves from the holding position to the release position and from the release position to the holding position.

[0089] Preferably, the first holding means are moved from the holding position to the releasing position and from the releasing position to the holding position by performing a movement having a component perpendicular to the stacking surface of the receptacle.

[0090] Preferably, said component of the movement performed by the first holding means, perpendicular to the stacking surface of the receptacle, is greater than said first distance.

[0091] Preferably, said component of the movement performed by the first holding means, perpendicular to the stacking surface of the receptacle, is smaller than said third distance.

[0092] Preferably, the first holding device is in the holding position when the companion device is moved between the first end position and the second end position.

[0093] Preferably, the first retaining device is in the retaining position when the companion device is in the second end position.

[0094] Preferably, the first retaining device is in the retaining position when the companion device is moved between the second end position and the first end position.

[0095] Preferably, the second holding device is movable between a holding state, in which the second holding device intercepts and holds a portion of the continuous strip-like diaphragm, and a release state, in which the second holding device moves away from the continuous strip-like diaphragm.

[0096] Preferably, when the accompanying device is close to the second end position, the second holding device moves from the holding position to the releasing position and from the releasing position to the holding position.

[0097] Preferably, the second holding means are moved from the holding position to the releasing position and from the releasing position to the holding position by performing a movement having a component perpendicular to the stacking surface of the receptacle.

[0098] Preferably, said component of the movement performed by the second holding means, perpendicular to the stacking surface of the receptacle, is greater than said second distance.

[0099] Preferably, said component of the movement performed by the second holding means, which is perpendicular to the stacking surface of the receptacle, is smaller than said third distance.

[0100] Preferably, the second holding device is in the holding position when the companion device is moved between the second end position and the first end position.

[0101] Preferably, the second retaining device is in the retaining position when the companion device is in the first end position.

[0102] Preferably, the second holding device is in the holding position when the companion device is moved between the first end position and the second end position.

[0103] Preferably, during laying down of the foil onto a receptacle placed in the stacking station, the second holding device is in the holding position when the first holding device is in the release position and the first holding device is in the holding position when the second holding device is in the release position.

[0104] Preferably, the stacking surface of the receptacle is movable between a plurality of stacking positions.

[0105] Preferably, in each stacking position, the stacking surface is arranged parallel to the respective reference plane.

[0106] Preferably, all reference planes are parallel to each other.

[0107] Preferably, the reference planes follow each other in a direction perpendicular to the stacking surface.

[0108] Preferably, the reference planes follow one another between a reference plane further from the actuation axis of the swing arm and a reference plane closer to the actuation axis of the swing arm.

[0109] Preferably, a reference plane is spaced apart from an adjacent reference plane by a distance greater than or substantially equal to the thickness of the foil.

[0110] Preferably, the reference plane is spaced apart from an adjacent reference plane by a distance substantially equal to the thickness of the foil plus the thickness of the continuous strip of membrane.

[0111] Preferably, the stacking surface moves from a stacking position further from the actuation axis of the oscillating arm to a stacking position closer to the actuation axis of the oscillating arm when the first or second conveying device lays the respective foil in a receptacle placed in the stacking station.

[0112] Preferably, the stacking surface is held in the reached stacking position by the first holding device or by the second holding device.

[0113] Preferably, a plurality of receptacles are provided.

[0114] Preferably, each receptacle is configured to receive foils that are stacked together.

[0115] Preferably, each receptacle is movable between a stacking station and an unloading station.

[0116] Preferably, when one of the plurality of receptacles is in the stacking station, another of the plurality of receptacles is at the unloading station.

[0117] The Applicant believes that, in this way, it is possible to further increase the production speed of the apparatus object of the present invention.

[0118] The Applicant has in fact noted that removing a formed battery from a stacking station necessarily requires stopping the installation to allow a human operator or a robotic system to reach the formed battery and extract it.

[0119] The applicant has demonstrated that, when one of the plurality of receptacles is in a stacking station and another of the plurality of receptacles, on which a stack of foil separated from one another by a strip-like diaphragm has already been laid, is at an unloading station, the time required to lay the stack of foil separated from one another by a strip-like diaphragm on the receptacle present in the stacking station is sufficient to remove the stack of foil from the receptacle with sufficient care and precision at the unloading station.

[0120] The applicant has demonstrated that the machine downtime between forming a foil stack and the next foil stack is substantially given only by the time required to transfer the receptacles to the stacking station.

[0121] Preferably, when one of the plurality of receptacles is in the stacking station, another of the plurality of receptacles is in the unloading station.

[0122] Preferably, one of the plurality of receptacles reaches the unloading station while another of the plurality of receptacles reaches the stacking station.

[0123] Preferably, the stacking station is placed closer to said feeding device of the continuous strip of membrane than the unloading station.

[0124] Preferably, a plurality of anchoring means are provided, each anchoring means acting on a respective receptacle.

[0125] Preferably, each anchoring device is switchable between a holding position, in which each anchoring device is configured to hold the stack of foils on the receptacle, and a release position, in which each anchoring device does not hold the stack of foils on the receptacle.

[0126] Preferably, an anchoring device acting on the receptacle is in a holding position when the receptacle is moved between the stacking station and the unloading station.

[0127] Preferably, at least when the first conveying device is in the release position, the anchoring device acting on the receptacle placed in the stacking station is in the release position.

[0128] Preferably, at least when the second conveying device is in the release position, the anchoring device acting on the receptacle placed in the stacking station is in the release position.

[0129] Preferably, a common transport path for those receptacles of said plurality of receptacles is defined.

[0130] Preferably, the stacking station and the unloading station are arranged along the transport path.

[0131] Preferably, all receptacles are moved simultaneously along the transport path.

[0132] Preferably, when a receptacle reaches the stacking station, all other receptacles interrupt their movement along the transport path.

[0133] Preferably, the plurality of receptacles comprises two receptacles.

[0134] In this case, preferably, when the first receptacle is in the stacking station, the second receptacle is in the unloading station, and when the first receptacle is in the unloading station, the second receptacle is in the stacking station.

[0135] Alternatively, preferably, the plurality of receptacles comprises more than two receptacles.

[0136] In this case, one or more transfer stations are preferably provided, wherein the number of transfer stations is equal to the number of receiving seats minus two.

[0137] Preferably, the transfer station may be inserted between the stacking station and the unloading station, or between the unloading station and the stacking station, or between the stacking station and the unloading station, and between both the unloading station and the stacking station.

[0138] If a transfer station is present, preferably when a receptacle is in the stacking station and another receptacle is in the unloading station, the remaining receptacles are in the corresponding transfer station.

[0139] In any case, preferably, the receptacles of the plurality of receptacles are equidistantly spaced along the transport path.

[0140] Preferably, all the receptacles are equidistantly spaced along the transport path when they are arranged in their corresponding stacking, unloading and possibly transfer stations and when they are moved between one station and the next.

[0141] Preferably, the transport path follows a closed trajectory.

[0142] Preferably, the closed trajectory is a circular trajectory.

[0143] Preferably, the circular trajectory starts and ends at a stacking station.

[0144] Preferably, a conveyor roller is provided which is rotatable about a conveyor axis.

[0145] Preferably, the electric motor rotates the conveyor shaft.

[0146] Preferably, each receiving seat is mounted on the transport roller so as to rotate between the stacking station and the unloading station.

[0147] Preferably, in the case where a transfer station is provided, each receiving seat is mounted on the transport roller so as to rotate between the stacking station, the unloading station and the transfer station.

[0148] Preferably, the conveying axis is arranged with respect to the stacking station on the opposite side of the feeder device with respect to the continuous strip of membrane.

[0149] Preferably, the actuation axis is parallel to said conveyor axis of the conveyor roller.

[0150] Alternatively, the transport axis of the transport roller is arranged perpendicular to the rotation axis of the first and second tracking rollers.

[0151] Preferably, the actuation axis and the conveying axis coincide with each other.

[0152] Alternatively, a conveying shaft is inserted between the stacking station and the actuating shaft.

[0153] Preferably, each receptacle comprises a respective stacking surface.

[0154] Preferably, the stacking surface is substantially planar.

[0155] Preferably, all stacking surfaces lie in respective planes which are parallel to the conveying axes of the conveying rollers.

[0156] Preferably, all stacking surfaces lie in respective planes parallel to the transport axes of the transport rollers when the receptacles are in the respective stations and when the receptacles are moved along the transport path.

[0157] Preferably, each anchoring device comprises a pair of anchoring fins hinged to said conveying drum.

[0158] Preferably, the articulation axes are contained in respective planes perpendicular to the conveying axis.

[0159] Preferably, the articulation axes are contained in respective planes perpendicular to the conveying axis.

[0160] Preferably, each anchoring fin comprises a lip configured to be arranged parallel to the stacking surface of the respective receptacle when the anchoring device is in the retaining position.

[0161] Preferably, the pair of anchoring fins of each anchoring device are arranged on opposite sides of the respective receiving seat in a direction parallel to the conveying axis of the conveying drum.

[0162] Preferably, the first holding device and the second holding device are active only on a receptacle placed in the stacking station.

[0163] Preferably, the receptacle placed in the stacking station is inserted between the first holding device and the second holding device.

[0164] Preferably, the carriage comprises at least one carriage surface configured to contact the continuous strip-like membrane.

[0165] Preferably, the motorised member acts on the carriage to move the at least one carriage surface when the carriage moves between the first end position and the second end position.

[0166] The Applicant believes that, in this way, it is possible to further increase the production speed of the apparatus object of the present invention.

[0167] The Applicant has in fact noticed that the time required to position the continuous strip of membrane above the cell being formed is determined by the accelerations to which the travelling surface of the travelling device is subjected and by the translation speed of the travelling surface.

[0168] Applicants have recognized that increasing the acceleration and translational speed of the travelling surface can reduce the time required to position a continuous strip of separator over a cell being formed in a stacking station.

[0169] However, the Applicant has noticed that this may cause damage or tearing of the continuous strip diaphragm. In fact, the Applicant has demonstrated that, in particular during high accelerations and decelerations, the moment of inertia of the trailing surface may prevent the continuous strip diaphragm from immediately dragging the trailing surface into rotation, with consequent different relative speeds between the continuous strip diaphragm and the trailing surface, and consequent sliding and friction forces which may damage or even tear the continuous strip diaphragm.

[0170] The applicant has found that by moving the following surface with a motorized member, the following surface is able to follow the continuous strip of diaphragm between a first end position and a second end position without including undesirable tension in the continuous strip of diaphragm, or in any case without generating some tension in the continuous strip of diaphragm, thereby allowing a high laying speed of the continuous strip of diaphragm on the battery being formed.

[0171] Preferably, provision is made for moving the continuous strip of membrane between a first end position and a second end position and between the second end position and the first end position above the stacking station.

[0172] Preferably, moving the continuous strip of membrane over the stacking station comprises engaging the continuous strip of membrane with at least one travelling surface.

[0173] Preferably, moving the continuous strip of membrane over the stacking station further comprises moving the at least one travelling surface between a first end position and a second end position by applying a predetermined first relative speed between the at least one travelling surface and the continuous strip of membrane.

[0174] Preferably, the first relative speed is given by the difference between a first follow-up speed of the follow-up surface and a first displacement speed of the continuous strip-like diaphragm between the first end position and the second end position.

[0175] Preferably, the magnitude of the first following speed is greater than or equal to 80% of the magnitude of the first displacement speed.

[0176] Preferably, the magnitude of the first following speed is greater than or equal to 85% of the magnitude of the first displacement speed.

[0177] Preferably, the magnitude of the first following speed is greater than or equal to 90% of the magnitude of the first displacement speed.

[0178] Preferably, the magnitude of the first following speed is greater than or equal to 95% of the magnitude of the first displacement speed.

[0179] Preferably, the magnitude of the first following speed is greater than or equal to 98% of the magnitude of the first displacement speed.

[0180] Preferably, the magnitude of the first following speed is less than or equal to 120% of the magnitude of the first displacement speed.

[0181] Preferably, the magnitude of the first following speed is less than or equal to 115% of the magnitude of the first displacement speed.

[0182] Preferably, the magnitude of the first following speed is less than or equal to 110% of the magnitude of the first displacement speed.

[0183] Preferably, the magnitude of the first following speed is less than or equal to 105% of the magnitude of the first displacement speed.

[0184] Preferably, the magnitude of the first following speed is less than or equal to 102% of the magnitude of the first displacement speed.

[0185] Preferably, the magnitude of the first following speed is comprised between 80% and 120% of the magnitude of the first displacement speed.

[0186] Preferably, the magnitude of the first following speed is comprised between 90% and 110% of the magnitude of the first displacement speed.

[0187] Preferably, the magnitude of the first following speed is comprised between 95% and 105% of the magnitude of the first displacement speed.

[0188] Preferably, the magnitude of the first following speed is comprised between 98% and 112% of the magnitude of the first displacement speed.

[0189] Preferably, the magnitude of the first following speed is equal to the magnitude of the first displacement speed.

[0190] Preferably, the at least one running surface rolls without sliding relative to the continuous strip-like membrane.

[0191] Preferably, the at least one carriage surface is configured to rotate when the carriage is moved between the first end position and the second end position.

[0192] Preferably, it is arranged that the rotation of the trailing surface is stopped when the trailing surface reaches the second end position.

[0193] Preferably, it is arranged that the rotation of the trailing surface is stopped when the trailing surface is in the first end position.

[0194] Preferably, the carriage comprises a first carriage roller having an outer surface defining the at least one carriage surface.

[0195] Preferably, it is configured that when the first trailing roller starts to move toward the second end position, the first trailing roller is rotationally accelerated at a first angular acceleration until reaching a first angular velocity.

[0196] Preferably, the motorized member is configured to rotationally accelerate the first trailing roller at a first angular acceleration up to a first angular velocity when the first trailing roller starts to move towards the second end position.

[0197] Preferably, it is configured that when the first accompanying roller is at the first end position, the rotation of the first accompanying roller is stopped.

[0198] Preferably, the motorized member is configured to stop the rotation of the first trailing roller when the first trailing roller is in the first end position.

[0199] Preferably, the carriage moves between the second end position and the first end position and over the stacking station when the first conveying device moves from the release position to the pick-up position.

[0200] Preferably, the trolley comprises a further trolley surface.

[0201] Preferably, moving the continuous strip of membrane over the stacking station further comprises engaging the continuous strip of membrane with a further travelling surface.

[0202] Preferably, the further trailing surface is configured to contact the continuous strip-like membrane.

[0203] Preferably, moving the continuous strip of membrane over the stacking station further comprises moving the further travelling surface between the second end position and the first end position by applying a second predetermined relative speed between the further travelling surface and the continuous strip of membrane.

[0204] The applicant has demonstrated that the second relative speed can be set so that the continuous strip of diaphragm is accompanied between the second end position and the first end position, even when the continuous strip of diaphragm is transferred between the second end position and the first end position, without including unwanted tension in the continuous strip of diaphragm, or in any case without generating some tension in the continuous strip of diaphragm.

[0205] Preferably, the second relative speed is given by the difference between a second follow-up speed of the further follow-up surface and a second displacement speed of the continuous strip-like diaphragm between the second end position and the first end position.

[0206] Preferably, the magnitude of the second following speed is greater than or equal to 80% of the magnitude of the second displacement speed.

[0207] Preferably, the magnitude of the second following speed is greater than or equal to 85% of the magnitude of the second displacement speed.

[0208] Preferably, the magnitude of the second following speed is greater than or equal to 90% of the magnitude of the second displacement speed.

[0209] Preferably, the magnitude of the second following speed is greater than or equal to 95% of the magnitude of the second displacement speed.

[0210] Preferably, the magnitude of the second following speed is greater than or equal to 98% of the magnitude of the second displacement speed.

[0211] Preferably, the magnitude of the second following speed is less than or equal to 120% of the magnitude of the second displacement speed.

[0212] Preferably, the magnitude of the second following speed is less than or equal to 115% of the magnitude of the second displacement speed.

[0213] Preferably, the magnitude of the second following speed is less than or equal to 110% of the magnitude of the second displacement speed.

[0214] Preferably, the magnitude of the second following speed is less than or equal to 105% of the magnitude of the second displacement speed.

[0215] Preferably, the magnitude of the second following speed is less than or equal to 102% of the magnitude of the second displacement speed.

[0216] Preferably, the modulus of the second following speed is comprised between 80% and 120% of the modulus of the second displacement speed.

[0217] Preferably, the modulus of the second follow-up speed is comprised between 90% and 110% of the modulus of the second displacement speed.

[0218] Preferably, the modulus of the second follow-up velocity is comprised between 95% and 105% of the modulus of the second displacement velocity.

[0219] Preferably, the modulus of the second follow-up velocity is comprised between 98% and 112% of the modulus of the second displacement velocity.

[0220] Preferably, the magnitude of the second accompanying speed is equal to the magnitude of the second displacement speed.

[0221] Preferably, the magnitude of the second accompanying speed is equal to the magnitude of the first accompanying speed.

[0222] Preferably, the further running surface rolls non-slip relative to the continuous strip-like membrane.

[0223] Preferably, the motorised member is configured to move the further carriage surface when the carriage is moved between the second end position and the first end position.

[0224] The applicant has found that by providing an additional accompanying surface that is set to move by a motorized member, the additional accompanying surface is able to accompany the continuous strip of diaphragm, even when the continuous strip of diaphragm is transferred between the second end position and the first end position, without including unwanted tension in the continuous strip of diaphragm, or in any case without generating some tension in the continuous strip of diaphragm.

[0225] Preferably, provision is made for the rotation of the further trailing surface to be stopped when the further trailing surface reaches the first end position.

[0226] Preferably, provision is made for stopping the rotation of the further trailing surface when the further trailing surface is in the second end position.

[0227] Preferably, the carriage comprises a second carriage roller having an outer surface defining said further carriage surface.

[0228] Preferably, it is configured to stop the rotation of the second tracking roller when the second tracking roller is in the second end position.

[0229] Preferably, the motorized member is configured to stop the rotation of the second trailing roller when the second trailing roller is in the second end position.

[0230] Preferably, it is configured that when the second trailing roller starts to move toward the first end position, the second trailing roller is rotationally accelerated at the second angular acceleration to the second angular velocity.

[0231] Preferably, the motorized member is configured to accelerate the second trailing roller in rotation at the second angular velocity up to the second angular velocity when the second trailing roller starts to move towards the first end position.

[0232] Preferably, the first trailing roller and the second trailing roller rotate in opposite directions to each other.

[0233] Preferably, the first angular velocity has a magnitude equal to that of the second angular velocity and a direction opposite to that of the second angular velocity.

[0234] Preferably, the time during which the first trailing roller rotates at the first angular velocity is equal to the time during which the second trailing roller rotates at the second angular velocity.

[0235] Preferably, the time when the first accompanying roller starts to rotate at the first angular velocity coincides with the time when the second accompanying roller starts to rotate at the second angular velocity.

[0236] Preferably, the first angular acceleration has a magnitude equal to the second angular acceleration.

[0237] Preferably, the time during which the first trailing roller rotates at the first angular acceleration is equal to the time during which the second trailing roller rotates at the second angular acceleration.

[0238] Preferably, the time when the first tracking roller starts to rotate at the first angular acceleration coincides with the time when the second tracking roller starts to rotate at the second angular acceleration.

[0239] Preferably, the first trailing roller and the second trailing roller respectively include a rotation shaft.

[0240] Preferably, the rotation axis of the first trailing roller is parallel to the rotation axis of the second trailing roller.

[0241] Preferably, the transport axis of the transport roller is arranged parallel to the rotation axis of the first and second tracking rollers.

[0242] Alternatively, the transport axis of the transport roller is arranged perpendicular to the rotation axis of the first and second tracking rollers.

[0243] Preferably, the outer surface of the first trailing roller defines a resting surface for the continuous strip of membrane.

[0244] Preferably, the outer surface of the second trailing roller defines a resting surface for the continuous strip of membrane.

[0245] Preferably, outer surfaces of the first and second tracking rollers are spaced apart by a radial distance from the respective rotation axes.

[0246] Preferably, the first travelling speed of the travelling surface is equal to the first angular speed of the first travelling roller multiplied by the radial distance of the first travelling roller.

[0247] Preferably, said second travelling speed of the further travelling surface is equal to the second angular speed of the second travelling roller multiplied by the radial distance of the second travelling roller.

[0248] Preferably, the radius distance of the first trailing roller is equal to the radius distance of the second trailing roller.

[0249] Preferably, the spacing distance between the rotation axis of the first trailing roller and the rotation axis of the second trailing roller is greater than the sum of the radius distance of the first trailing roller and the radius distance of the second trailing roller.

[0250] Preferably, the spacing distance between the rotation axis of the first trailing roller and the rotation axis of the second trailing roller is equal to or greater than the sum of the radius distance of the first trailing roller, the radius distance of the second trailing roller and the thickness of the continuous strip-shaped membrane.

[0251] Preferably, when transferring between the first end position and the second end position, the rotation axis of the first trailing roller moves along the first trajectory.

[0252] Preferably, when transferring between the first end position and the second end position, the rotation axis of the first trailing roller moves along the first trajectory at a first displacement speed.

[0253] Preferably, when transferring between the second end position and the first end position, the rotation axis of the first trailing roller moves along the second trajectory.

[0254] Preferably, when transferring between the second end position and the first end position, the rotation axis of the first trailing roller moves along the second trajectory at a second displacement speed.

[0255] Preferably, when transferring between the first end position and the second end position, the rotation axis of the second trailing roller moves along the first trajectory.

[0256] Preferably, when transferring between the first end position and the second end position, the rotation axis of the second trailing roller moves along the first trajectory at a first displacement speed.

[0257] Preferably, when transferring between the second end position and the first end position, the rotation axis of the second trailing roller moves along the second trajectory.

[0258] Preferably, when transferring between the second end position and the first end position, the rotation axis of the second trailing roller moves along the second trajectory at a second displacement speed.

[0259] Preferably, the first trajectory followed by the rotation axis of the first trailing roller is at least partially identical to the first trajectory followed by the rotation axis of the second trailing roller.

[0260] Preferably, the second trajectory followed by the rotation axis of the first trailing roller at least partially coincides with the second trajectory followed by the rotation axis of the second trailing roller.

[0261] Preferably, a first trajectory followed by the rotation axis of the first trailing roller and a second trajectory followed by the rotation axis of the first trailing roller at least partially coincide with each other.

[0262] Preferably, the first trajectory followed by the rotation axis of the second trailing roller and the second trajectory followed by the rotation axis of the second trailing roller at least partially coincide with each other.

[0263] Preferably, the magnitude of the first displacement speed of the rotation axis of the first tracking roller is equal to the magnitude of the second displacement speed of the rotation axis of the first tracking roller.

[0264] Preferably, the magnitude of the first displacement speed of the rotation axis of the second tracking roller is equal to the magnitude of the second displacement speed of the rotation axis of the second tracking roller.

[0265] Preferably, the magnitude of the first displacement speed of the rotation axis of the first trailing roller is equal to the magnitude of the first displacement speed of the rotation axis of the second trailing roller.

[0266] Preferably, the magnitude of the second displacement speed of the rotation axis of the first tracking roller is equal to the magnitude of the second displacement speed of the rotation axis of the second tracking roller.

[0267] Preferably, the motorised means comprises at least one electric motor connected to the accompanying device.

[0268] Preferably, the motorised member comprises a single motor connected to the first and second trailing rollers.

[0269] Alternatively, the motorized member comprises a first motor connected to the first trailing roller and a second motor connected to the second trailing roller.

[0270] Preferably, the motorized member comprises a motorized pulley, a first pulley rotating integrally with the first trailing roller, and a second pulley rotating integrally with the second trailing roller.

[0271] Preferably only one motorised pulley is provided.

[0272] Preferably, the motorised member comprises a drive belt engaging the motorised pulley, the first pulley and the second pulley.

[0273] Preferably, the first tracking roller and the second tracking roller are driven to rotate simultaneously by the driving belt.

[0274] Preferably, by setting the radial distance of the first trailing roller equal to the radial distance of the second trailing roller, the first trailing roller and the second trailing roller can be driven to rotate at the same angular velocity and angular acceleration modulus by a single drive belt.

[0275] Preferably, the drive belt comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite to and parallel to the first surface.

[0276] Preferably, the first surface is a continuous radially inner surface of the drive belt.

[0277] Preferably, the second surface is a radially outer and continuous surface of the drive belt.

[0278] Preferably, the first surface of the drive belt engages the motorized pulley and the first pulley.

[0279] Preferably, the second surface of the drive belt engages the second pulley.

[0280] In this manner, the drive belt rotates the first and second tracking rollers in counter-rotational directions to each other.

[0281] Preferably, the motorised member comprises a single motorised shaft to which the motorised pulley is keyed.

[0282] Preferably, the motorized axis is parallel to the rotation axes of the first and second trailing rollers. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0283] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention provided by way of indicative and non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0284] - Figures 1 to 4 is a schematic diagram of a stacking apparatus for alternately stacking continuous strip-shaped diaphragms and foils under different operating conditions according to the present invention;

[0285] - Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of some components of a stacking device for alternately stacking continuous strip-shaped diaphragms and foils;

[0286] - Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A schematic front view of some components of a stacking device for alternately stacking continuous strip-shaped membranes and foils;

[0287] - Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of some components of a stacking device for alternately stacking continuous strip-shaped membranes and foils; and

[0288] - Figure 8 yes Figure 1 Schematic perspective view of some components of a stacking device for alternately stacking continuous strip-shaped membranes and foils. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0289] The representations in the figures do not necessarily have to be understood to scale and the proportions between the different components do not necessarily adhere to.

[0290] The apparatus 1 is preferably used for manufacturing an electrochemical cell, such as a secondary electrochemical cell, comprising planar electrodes separated from each other by a continuous dielectric separator.

[0291] The device 1 comprises a supporting frame 9 on which the different components of the device 1 are mounted.

[0292] The apparatus 1 comprises a first conveying device 10 for conveying a first foil 100 and a second conveying device 11 for conveying a second foil 101 .

[0293] The first foil 100 and the second foil 101 are configured to make electrodes of an electrochemical cell.

[0294] For example, the first foil 100 may be a foil of a metallic material intended to make an anode of an electrochemical cell. For example, the first foil 100 may be a copper foil.

[0295] The second foil 101 may be a foil of a metallic material intended to make a cathode of an electrochemical cell. For example, the second foil 101 may be an aluminum foil.

[0296] Alternatively, the first foil 100 may be a foil of a metallic material intended to make a cathode of an electrochemical cell.

[0297] In this case, the second foil 101 may be a foil of a metallic material intended to make an anode of an electrochemical cell. In this case, the first foil 100 may be, for example, an aluminum foil, and the second foil 101 may be, for example, a copper foil.

[0298] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first transfer device 10 comprises a transfer plate 12 configured to contact and hold the first foil 100. The transfer plate 12 may, for example, comprise suction means or suction cups (not shown) to allow the first foil 100 to be held.

[0299] like Figure 1 As schematically shown in FIG. 1 , the first conveyor device 10 further comprises a linkage mechanism 13 connected to the conveyor plate 12 for moving the conveyor plate 12. The linkage mechanism 13 comprises a control connecting rod 14 having a first end connected to the conveyor plate 12 and a second end hinged to a connecting rod 15. The connecting rod 15 is also hinged to a crank 16, which is connected to an electric motor (not shown). The control connecting rod 14 is also hinged to a rocker 17 in a position included between its two ends, which in turn is hinged to the frame 9. The lengths of the control connecting rod 14, the connecting rod 15, the rocker 17 and the crank 16, as well as the hinge points between these components define the trajectory that the conveyor plate 12 can perform.

[0300] Similarly, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second transfer device 11 comprises a transfer plate 18 configured to contact and hold the second foil 101. The transfer plate 18 may for example comprise suction means or suction cups (not shown) to allow the second foil 101 to be held.

[0301] The second transmission device 11 also includes ( Figure 2 ) is connected to a linkage mechanism 19 of the conveyor plate 18 for moving the conveyor plate 18. The linkage mechanism 19 comprises a control connecting rod 20 having a first end connected to the conveyor plate 18 and a second end hinged to a connecting rod 21. The connecting rod 21 is also hinged to a crank 22, which is connected to an electric motor (not shown). The control connecting rod 20 is also hinged to a rocker 23 in a position included between its two ends, which in turn is hinged to the frame 9. The lengths of the control connecting rod 20, the connecting rod 21, the rocker 23 and the crank 22 and the hinge points between these components define the trajectory that the conveyor plate 18 can perform.

[0302] By the first sheet feeder 24 ( Figure 1 ) feeds the first foil 100 to the first conveyor 10. The first sheet feeder 24 may contain the first foils 100 stacked therebetween, or preferably, the first sheet feeder 24 may be configured to feed a continuous tape from which first foils 100 of a certain size are sequentially cut. In particular, only one first foil 100 is cut from the continuous tape at a time, so that the first conveyor 10 can act on the cut first foil 100 before another first sheet 100 is cut.

[0303] Similarly, the second foil 101 is fed to the second conveying device 11 ( Figure 2 ). The second sheet feeder 25 may contain the second foil sheets 101 stacked between them, or preferably, the second sheet feeder 25 may be configured to feed a continuous tape from which second foil sheets 101 of a certain size are sequentially cut. In particular, only one second foil sheet 101 is cut from the continuous tape at a time, so that the second conveying device 11 can act on the cut second foil sheet 101 before cutting another second sheet 101.

[0304] The first conveyor 10 can be in the pick-up position (at Figure 1 ) and the release position (shown in Figure 3 In the pick-up position, the transfer plate 12 is substantially placed at the first sheet feeder 24 and in contact with the first foil 100.

[0305] The second conveyor 11 can be at the pick-up position (at Figure 4 ) and the release position (shown in Figure 1 In the pick-up position, the transfer plate 18 is substantially placed at the second sheet feeder 25 and in contact with the second foil 101.

[0306] The apparatus 1 comprises a stacking station 26 placed between the first conveyor device 10 and the second conveyor device 11 .

[0307] When the first conveyor device 10 is in the release position, the conveyor plate 12 is placed at the stacking station 26 to lay down the first foil 100 which is transported into the stacking station 26 .

[0308] Similarly, when the second conveyor device 11 is in the release position, the conveyor plate 18 is placed at the stacking station 26 to lay down the second foil 101 transported into the stacking station 26 .

[0309] like Figures 1 to 4 As schematically shown in FIG. 1 , the first conveyor 10 and the second conveyor 11 move substantially in opposite directions. In particular, the first conveyor 10 and the second conveyor 11 are not both in the respective release positions. When the first conveyor 10 is in the release position, the second conveyor 11 is in the pick-up position, or moves between the pick-up position and the release position (e.g., Figure 3 When the second conveyor 11 is in the release position, the first conveyor 10 is in the pick-up position (e.g., Figure 3 It should be noted that since the first conveyor device 10 and the second conveyor device 11 remain in the release position for the time required to release the corresponding foil in the stacking station 26, when the conveyor device is in the corresponding release position, the other conveyor device moves towards the corresponding pick-up position and reaches the corresponding pick-up position.

[0310] The continuous movement of the first and second conveying devices 10 , 11 from respective pick-up positions to respective release positions (and vice versa) results in the formation of stacks of first and second foils 100 , 101 which alternately overlap one another in the stacking station 26 .

[0311] like Figures 1 to 4 As schematically shown in the figure, the device 1 also has parallel rotation axes and is reversed, and these electrochemical cells include a continuous feeding device 27 including a continuous strip of separator 102, which is configured to feed the continuous strip of separator 102 toward the stacking station 26.

[0312] The feed device 27 is placed between the first conveyor device 10 and the second conveyor device 11 and above the stacking station 26 .

[0313] The feeding device 27 includes a rotating support (not shown) for the continuous strip of diaphragm coil 102 and a pair of feeding rollers 28, through which the continuous strip of diaphragm 102 is unwound toward the stacking station 26. The pair of feeding rollers 28 can be rotated by a motor (not shown) and can be configured to move toward and away from each other (e.g., during an operation of inserting the continuous strip of diaphragm 102 between the feeding rollers 28). Figure 1 As schematically shown in FIG. 2 , a pair of feed rollers 28 are arranged at a predetermined distance from the stacking station 26 , preferably above a central area of ​​the stacking station 26 .

[0314] The device 1 comprises displacement means 29 configured to act on the continuous strip of membrane 102 fed by the feeding means 27 .

[0315] The displacement device 29 acts at the stacking station 26 and is arranged between the first conveyor device 10 and the second conveyor device 11. The displacement device 29 has the function of positioning the continuous strip of membrane 102 between the first and second foils laid in the stacking station 26. The displacement device 29 is physically and functionally different from the first and second conveyor devices 10, 11.

[0316] The continuous strip-shaped membrane 102 has the function of keeping the first foil 100 and the second foil 101 physically separated to avoid a short circuit between them, but nevertheless allowing ion transport between the first foil 100 and the second foil 101 .

[0317] The resulting electrochemical cell is of the "pouch" or "prismatic" type. Unlike cylindrical wound cells, batteries using pouch or prismatic cells do not use a "jelly roll" type winding method, but rather use a "Z-fold" technique, in which a continuous strip separator 102 is uniformly stacked in a zigzag shape around the anode (e.g., first foil 100) and cathode (e.g., second foil 101).

[0318] The displacement device 29 includes a follower 30, which can be in a first end position P1 ( Figure 1 ) and the second end position P2( Figure 3 ) between the stacking station 26 and the first conveying device 10. The first end position P1 is placed between the stacking station 26 and the first conveying device 10, and the second end position P2 is placed between the stacking station 26 and the second conveying device 10. The stacking station 26 then extends between the first end position P1 and the second end position P2 of the accompanying device 30.

[0319] The follower device 30 includes a follower surface 31 configured to contact the continuous strip-shaped diaphragm 102 and follow the movement thereof between the first end position P1 and the second end position P2.

[0320] The follower device 30 further comprises a further follower surface 32 which is configured for contacting the continuous strip-like diaphragm 102 and following its movement between the second end position P2 and the first end position P1 .

[0321] The motorized member 34 motorizes the trolley 30 in such a way that the first trolley surface 31 and the second trolley surface 32 are actively moved. In particular, the trolley 30 is motorized in such a way that the first trolley surface 31 and the second trolley surface 32 are actively rotated. The motorized member 34 is independent of and distinct from the first conveying device 10. The motorized member 34 is independent of and distinct from the second conveying device 11.

[0322] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the accompanying device 30 includes a first accompanying roller 30a and a second accompanying roller 31a.

[0323] The first and second accompanying rollers 30 a and 31 a are movable in a reciprocating motion between a first end position P1 and a second end position P2 .

[0324] As in Figure 5 As better shown in FIG. 1 , the first and second trailing rollers 30 a , 31 a comprise respective rotation axes R1 , R2 .

[0325] The rotation axis R1 of the first tracking roller 30 a is parallel to the rotation axis R2 of the second tracking roller 31 a .

[0326] The first and second trailing rollers 30a, 31a comprise respective outer surfaces 33, 33a. The outer surfaces 33, 33a of the first and second trailing rollers 30a, 31a preferably have no surface roughness and are preferably smooth.

[0327] The outer surface 33 of the first tracking roller 30 a defines the tracking surface 31 and the outer surface 33 a of the second tracking roller 31 a defines the further tracking surface 32 of the tracking device 30 .

[0328] The outer surface 33 of the first trailing roller 30 a is spaced apart from the rotation axis R1 of the first trailing roller 30 a by a radial distance D1 .

[0329] The outer surface 33a of the second trailing roller 31a is spaced apart from the rotation axis R2 of the second trailing roller 31a by a radial distance D2.

[0330] The radial distance D1 of the first trailing roller 30 a is equal to the radial distance D2 of the second trailing roller 31 a .

[0331] The rotation axis R1 of the first trailing roller 30a is spaced apart from the rotation axis R2 of the second trailing roller 31a by a distance D3 that is substantially equal to the sum of the radius distance D1 of the first trailing roller 30a, the radius distance D2 of the second trailing roller 31a, and the thickness of the continuous strip-shaped diaphragm 102, as shown in Figure 5 As schematically shown in FIG. 1 (where the continuous strip-like diaphragm is shown by a dotted line).

[0332] The continuous belt-like membrane 102 is inserted between the first and second trailing rollers 30a and 31a and preferably contacts both the outer surface 33 of the first and second trailing rollers 30a and 31a.

[0333] During the transfer of the first and second accompanying rollers 30a and 31a between the first end position P1 and the second end position P2 and between the second end position P2 and the first end position P1, the rotation axis R1 and the rotation axis R2 of the first and second accompanying rollers 30a and 31a are always maintained at the same mutual distance D3.

[0334] When the first and second tracking rollers 30a and 31a move between the first and second end positions P1 and P2, the first and second tracking rollers 30a and 31a unwind the continuous strip of membrane 102 on the stacking station 26, and in particular on the foil just laid down by the first conveyor 10 or by the second conveyor 11.

[0335] When transferring between the first end position P1 and the second end position P2, the first and second accompanying rollers 30a, 31a (and in particular the corresponding rotation axes R1, R2) move along corresponding first trajectories T1, wherein the plurality of first trajectories T1 are substantially coincident ( Figure 5 ).

[0336] When transferring between the second end position P2 and the first end position P1, the first and second accompanying rollers 30a and 31a (and in particular the corresponding rotation axes R1 and R2) move along corresponding second trajectories T2, wherein the plurality of second trajectories T2 are substantially overlapped ( Figure 5 ).

[0337] When transferring between the first end position P1 and the second end position P2 , the rotation axis R1 of the first tracking roller 30 a moves along the first trajectory T1 at the first displacement speed V1 .

[0338] When transferring between the second end position P2 and the first end position P1 , the rotation axis R1 of the first tracking roller 30 a moves along the second trajectory T2 at the second displacement speed V2 .

[0339] When transferring between the first end position P1 and the second end position P2 , the rotation axis R2 of the second tracking roller 31 a moves along the first trajectory T1 at the first displacement speed V3 .

[0340] When transferring between the second end position P2 and the first end position P1 , the rotation axis R2 of the second tracking roller 31 a moves along the second trajectory T2 at the second displacement speed V4 .

[0341] The first displacement speed V1 is equal to the third displacement speed V3 and the second displacement speed V2 is equal to the fourth displacement speed V4.

[0342] The moduli of the first displacement velocity V1 , the third displacement velocity V3 , the second displacement velocity V2 , and the fourth displacement velocity V4 are equal to one another.

[0343] Such first and second trajectories T1 and T2 are more specifically given by the positions of the points through which the rotation axes R1, R2 of the first and second accompanying rollers 30a, 31a pass in the displacement between the first and second end positions P1, P2 and between the second and first end positions P2, respectively.

[0344] As in Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 2 , these first and second trajectories T1 and T2 define a curvilinear path PC followed by the first and second traveling rollers 30 a and 31 a . The curvilinear path PC has a concavity facing the stacking station 26 .

[0345] During the process of laying the continuous strip of diaphragm 102 on the stacking station 26 between the first end position P1 and the second end position P2, the path followed by the continuous strip of diaphragm 102 also follows the first trajectory T1S. During the process of laying the continuous strip of diaphragm 102 on the stacking station 26 between the second end position P2 and the first end position P1, the path followed by the continuous strip of diaphragm 102 follows the second trajectory T2S. During the process of laying the continuous strip of diaphragm 102 on the stacking station 26, both the first trajectory T1S and the second trajectory T2S followed by the continuous strip of diaphragm 102 are curved trajectories. The first trajectory T1S is consistent with the second trajectory T2S.

[0346] Therefore, during the process of laying the continuous strip of diaphragm 102 on the stacking station 26 between the first end position P1 and the second end position P2 and between the second end position P2 and the first end position P1, and laying it above the last foil laid, the path followed by the continuous strip of diaphragm 102 is also a curved path PC1 with a concavity facing the stacking station 26.

[0347] From a strictly geometrical point of view, the curvilinear path PC1 followed by the continuous strip of membrane 102 is parallel to the curvilinear path PC followed by the rotation axes R1 , R2 of the first and second trailing rollers 30a , 31a , however, for the purposes of the present invention, these two curvilinear paths may be considered to be substantially identical.

[0348] The first trailing roller 30a and the second trailing roller 31a are connected by a motorized member 34 (at Figure 7 The first and second follow-up rollers 30a and 31a rotate about the respective rotation axes R1 and R2 in such a manner that the first and second follow-up rollers 30a and 31a rotate in opposite directions to each other.

[0349] exist Figure 7 In the possible embodiment of the motorized member shown, the motorized member 34 comprises a motorized pulley 35, a first pulley 36 rotating integrally with the first trailing roller 30a and a second pulley 37 rotating integrally with the second trailing roller 31a.

[0350] The first pulley 36 is coupled to the rotation axis R1 of the first tracking roller 30 a , and the second pulley 36 is coupled to the rotation axis R2 of the second tracking roller 31 a .

[0351] The motorized member 34 further includes a drive belt 38 that engages the motorized pulley 35, the first pulley 36, and the second pulley 37. The drive belt 38 moves through the motorized pulley 35 and drives both the first and second trailing rollers 30a, 31a.

[0352] The drive belt 38 has a first surface 39 and a second surface 40 which are closed in a loop and are parallel to each other, wherein the first surface 39 is radially inside the second surface 40 .

[0353] The first surface 39 and the second surface 40 of the drive belt 38 may be toothed to engage corresponding tooth profiles of the motorized pulley 35 , the first pulley 36 , and the second pulley 37 .

[0354] In particular, if Figure 7 As shown, the first surface 39 of the drive belt 38 engages the motorized pulley 35 and the first pulley 36, while the second surface 40 of the drive belt 38 engages the second pulley 37, so that when the drive belt 38 moves, the first and second accompanying rollers 30a, 31a are rotated in opposite directions. To this end, the motorized pulley 35 is parallel to the rotation axes R1 and R2 of the first and second accompanying rollers 30a, 31a. Figure 7 ) rotation.

[0355] The motor shaft 41 is driven by the electric motor (at Figure 7 The motor shaft 41 is driven in such a way as to stop the rotation of the first and second accompanying rollers 30a, 31a when they are in the first end position P1 and when they are in the second end position P2.

[0356] When the continuous strip of membrane 102 moves over the stacking station 26 , the travelling surface 31 moves and the travelling device 30 moves between the first end position P1 and the second end position P2 , thereby applying a predetermined first relative speed between the travelling surface 31 and the continuous strip of membrane 102 .

[0357] The first relative speed is given by the difference between the first following speed of the following surface 31 and the first displacement speed of the continuous strip-like diaphragm 102 between the first end position P1 and the second end position P2.

[0358] The first relative speed is selected in such a way that relative slip between the continuous strip-like diaphragm 102 and the trailing surface 31 is eliminated or in any case minimized.

[0359] Similarly, when the continuous strip of diaphragm 102 moves over the stacking station 26 , the further travelling surface 32 moves and the travelling device 30 moves between the second end position P2 and the first end position P1 , thereby applying a second predetermined relative speed between the further travelling surface 32 and the continuous strip of diaphragm 102 .

[0360] The second relative speed is given by the difference between the second follow-up speed of the further follow-up surface 32 and the second displacement speed of the continuous strip-like diaphragm 102 between the second end position P2 and the first end position P1 .

[0361] The second relative speed is selected in such a way that relative sliding between the continuous strip-like diaphragm 102 and the further running surface 32 is eliminated or in any case minimized.

[0362] In this regard, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the motor 42 is driven to rotate and accelerate the first and second trailing rollers 30a, 31a at a first angular acceleration AC1 until a first angular velocity VA1 when the first trailing roller 30a starts to move from the first end position P1 to the second end position P2. The magnitude of the first angular acceleration AC1 of the first trailing roller 30a is equal to the magnitude of the first angular acceleration AC1 of the second trailing roller 31a. The first angular velocity VA1 of the first trailing roller 30a is equal in magnitude to the first angular velocity VA1 of the second trailing roller 31a and opposite in direction.

[0363] The motor 42 is also driven to rotate and accelerate the first and second trailing rollers 30a, 31a to a second angular velocity VA2 at a second angular acceleration AC2 when the first trailing roller 30a starts to move from the second end position P2 to the first end position P1. The magnitude of the second angular acceleration AC2 of the first trailing roller 30a is equal to the second angular acceleration AC2 of the second trailing roller 31a. The second angular velocity VA2 of the first trailing roller 30a is equal in magnitude to the second angular velocity VA2 of the second trailing roller 31a and opposite in direction.

[0364] The magnitude of the first angular acceleration AC1 of the first trailing roller 30a is equal to the magnitude of the second angular acceleration AC2 of the first trailing roller 30a. The first angular velocity VA1 of the first trailing roller 30a is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the second angular velocity VA2 of the first trailing roller 30a.

[0365] The magnitude of the first angular acceleration AC1 of the second trailing roller 31a is equal to the magnitude of the second angular acceleration AC2 of the second trailing roller 31a. The first angular velocity VA1 of the second trailing roller 31a is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the second angular velocity VA2 of the second trailing roller 31a.

[0366] In an alternative embodiment not shown, the motorized member 34 may alternatively include a pair of motors, wherein each motor controls the rotation of the rotation axes R1, R2 of the first and second trailing rollers 30a, 31a. In this case, the driving of the two motors is driven by the control unit in such a way that the described angular velocity and angular acceleration of the first and second trailing rollers 30a, 31a are obtained.

[0367] The first following speed of the following surface 31 is equal to the first angular speed VA1 of the first following roller 30 a multiplied by the radius distance D1 of the first following roller 30 a .

[0368] The second follow-up speed of the further follow-up surface 32 is equal to the second angular speed VA2 of the second follow-up roller 31 a multiplied by the radial distance D2 of the second follow-up roller 31 a.

[0369] In other words, the first angular velocity VA1 of the first trailing roller 30 a is set so as to eliminate or in any case minimize the relative slip between the continuous belt-like membrane 102 and the outer surface 33 of the first trailing roller 30 a .

[0370] Similarly, the second angular velocity VA2 of the second trailing roller 31 a is set so as to eliminate or in any case minimize the relative slip between the continuous belt-like membrane 102 and the outer surface 33 a of the second trailing roller 31 a .

[0371] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As schematically indicated in , the apparatus 1 comprises a plurality of receptacles 43 which can be positioned one at a time in the stacking station 26 for receiving foils 100 , 101 laid down by the first conveying device 10 and by the second conveying device 101 .

[0372] Each receptacle 43 comprises a substantially flat stacking surface 44 .

[0373] When the pallet 30 is placed in an intermediate position between the first end position P1 and the second end position P2 , the pallet 30 is at a higher level than the stacking surface 44 .

[0374] When the pallet 30 is placed in the first end position P1 , the pallet 30 is at a lower level than the stacking surface 44 .

[0375] When the pallet 30 is placed in the second end position P2 , the pallet 30 is at a lower level than the stacking surface 44 .

[0376] Figure 6 Some parts of the device 1 are shown in a front view and in particular the first accompanying roller 30a, the second accompanying roller 31a (shown in the central area of ​​the stacking station 26), the receiving seat 43 placed in the stacking station 26 and further components to be described below. The curved path PC followed by the first accompanying roller 30a and the second accompanying roller 31a is shown in dotted lines.

[0377] like Figure 6 As schematically indicated in FIG. 2 , the first and second traveling rollers 30 a and 31 a are placed at a first distance S1 from a stacking surface 44 of a receiving seat 43 placed in the stacking station 26 when they are in the first end position P1 .

[0378] The first distance S1 is measured in a direction perpendicular to the stacking surface 44 and between the rotation axis R1 of the first trailing roller 30 a and the stacking surface 44 .

[0379] exist Figure 6 , for illustrative purposes, the first distance S1 is represented as a positive distance, in the sense that it is a distance measured above the stacking surface 44 .

[0380] However, the first distance S1 may be understood as a negative distance, ie, a distance measured below the stacking surface 44 .

[0381] The first and second travelling rollers 30 a , 31 a are placed at a second distance S2 from the stacking surface 44 of the receiving seat 43 placed in the stacking station 26 when they are in the second end position P2 .

[0382] The second distance S2 is measured in a direction perpendicular to the stacking surface 44 and between the rotation axis R2 of the second trailing roller 31 a and the stacking surface 44 .

[0383] exist Figure 6 , for illustrative purposes, the second distance S2 is represented as a positive distance, in the sense that it is a distance measured above the stacking surface 44 .

[0384] However, the second distance S2 may be understood as a negative distance, ie, a distance measured below the stacking surface 44 .

[0385] In the intermediate position between the first end position P1 and the second end position P2 , the first and second tracking rollers 30 a and 31 a are placed at a third distance S3 from the stacking surface 44 .

[0386] Said third distance S3 is measured in a direction perpendicular to the stacking surface 44 and between the vertex of the curved path PC and the stacking surface 44. The intermediate position is placed in a central position between the first end position P1 and the second end position P2.

[0387] During the laying of the continuous strip of diaphragm 102 in the stacking station 26 , the first distance S1 , the second distance S2 , and the third distance S3 are proportional to the distance of the continuous strip of diaphragm 102 from the stacking surface 44 .

[0388] like Figure 6 As schematically shown in FIG. 1 , the first distance S1 is substantially equal to the second distance S2 and is smaller than the third distance S3.

[0389] In order to ensure that the first following roller 30a and the second following roller 31a follow the curved path PC, the displacement device 29 includes an actuator 45, which is connected to the first following roller 30a and the second following roller 31a for moving the first following roller 30a and the second following roller 31a between the first end position P1 and the second end position P2 and between the second end position P2 and the first end position P1.

[0390] The actuator 45 comprises a swing arm 46 which is hinged at its first end to an actuating shaft 47 (at Figure 5 The first trailing roller 30a and the second trailing roller 31a are hinged to the swing arm 46 at the second end of the swing arm 46.

[0391] The swing arm 46 includes a housing seat 48, and at least a portion of the motorized member 34 is placed in the housing seat 38. In particular, as Figure 7 As shown, the motorized pulley 35 and the first pulley 36, the second pulley 37 and the drive belt 38 are arranged in the housing seat.

[0392] The actuating shaft 47 is arranged parallel to the motorized shaft 41 which rotates the motorized pulley 35. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the actuating shaft 47 and the motorized shaft 41 are coaxial.

[0393] The actuating shaft 47 is placed relative to the stacking station 26 on the opposite side of the feed device 27 relative to the continuous strip of diaphragm so as to be able to direct the concavity of the curved path PC towards the stacking station 26 and the stacking surface 44 .

[0394] The actuating shaft 47 moves the swing arm 46 with a reciprocating motion having a first dead center at a first end position P1 and a second dead center at a second end position P2 .

[0395] In other words, the first and second accompanying rollers 30a and 31a are given a motion law that is consistent with, i.e. coordinated with, the motion law of the swing arm 46 so that the first and second accompanying rollers 30a and 31a roll on the continuous belt-like diaphragm 102 without slipping.

[0396] When transferring between the first end position P1 and the second end position P2, the rotation speed of the actuating shaft 47 causes a first displacement speed V1 of the rotation axis R1 of the first trailing roller 30a. Similarly, when transferring between the second end position P2 and the first end position P1, the rotation speed of the actuating shaft 47 causes a second displacement speed V2 of the rotation axis R1 of the first trailing roller 30a.

[0397] In order to hold the continuous strip-shaped membrane 102 on the foils 100 , 101 laid down in the stacking station 26 , the apparatus 1 comprises a first holding device 49 and a second holding device 50 .

[0398] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the first holding device 49 is arranged at the first end position P1 of the first and second tracking rollers 30a and 31a, and the second holding device 50 is arranged at the second end position P2 of the first and second tracking rollers 30a and 31a.

[0399] The first holding device 49 and the second holding device 50 are placed on opposite sides of the receptacle 43 placed in the stacking station 26 .

[0400] The first holding device 49 has the function of holding a portion of the continuous strip of membrane 102 laid on the last second foil 101 laid in the stacking station 26 by the second conveying device 11. Figure 1 Shown in.

[0401] The first holding device 49 continues to hold the portion of the continuous strip of membrane 102 while the continuous strip of membrane 102 is laid on the next first foil 100 laid in the stacking station 26 by the first conveying device 10. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In FIG. 2 , the first conveying device 10 is schematically shown while the first conveying device 10 lays down the next first foil 100 in the stacking station 26 and while the first holding device 49 is holding the continuous strip-shaped membrane 102 .

[0402] The second holding device 50 has the function of holding a portion of the continuous strip of membrane 102 laid on the last first foil 100 laid in the stacking station 26 by the first conveying device 10. Figure 3 Shown in.

[0403] The second holding device 50 continues to hold the portion of the continuous strip of membrane 102 while the continuous strip of membrane 102 is laid on the next second foil 101 laid in the stacking station 26 by the second conveying device 11. Figure 4 and Figure 1 In FIG. 1 , the second conveying device 11 is schematically shown while the second conveying device lays the next second sheet 101 in the stacking station 26 and while the second holding device 50 is holding the continuous strip-shaped membrane 102 .

[0404] When the next second foil 101 is laid in the stacking station 26, the first holding device 49 enters a release state, in which the first holding device temporarily releases the portion of the continuous strip-shaped membrane 102 held. The first holding device 49 then returns to the holding state to hold the new portion of the continuous strip-shaped membrane 102 just laid on the next second foil 101.

[0405] Similarly, when the next first foil 100 is laid in the stacking station 26, the second holding device 50 enters a release state, in which the second holding device temporarily releases the held continuous strip-shaped membrane 102. The second holding device 50 then returns to the holding state to hold a new portion of the continuous strip-shaped membrane 102 just laid on the next first foil 100.

[0406] When the first and second trailing rollers 30 a and 31 a are in the first end position P1 , a transfer of the first holding device 49 from the holding position to the releasing position and from the releasing position to the holding position takes place.

[0407] When the first and second trailing rollers 30 a and 31 a are in the second end position P2 , a transfer of the second holding device 50 from the holding position to the releasing position and from the releasing position to the holding position occurs.

[0408] It should be noted that when the first and second tracking rollers 30a and 31a reach the first end position P1, the moving directions of the first and second tracking rollers 30a and 31a are reversed to allow the first and second tracking rollers 30a and 31a to move toward the second end position P2. When the movement of the first and second tracking rollers 30a and 31a is reversed, the first and second tracking rollers 30a and 31a can be stopped to allow the first holding device 49 to move from the holding position to the release position and from the release position to the holding position.

[0409] Similarly, when the first and second tracking rollers 30a and 31a reach the second end position P2, the moving directions of the first and second tracking rollers 30a and 31a are reversed to allow the first and second tracking rollers 30a and 31a to move toward the first end position P1. When the movement of the first and second tracking rollers 30a and 31a is reversed, the first and second tracking rollers 30a and 31a can be stopped to allow the second holding device 50 to move from the holding position to the release position and from the release position to the holding position.

[0410] In order to switch the first holding device 49 from the holding position into the release position and vice versa, the first holding device 49 performs a movement having a displacement component perpendicular to the stacking surface 44 of the receptacle 43 .

[0411] This displacement component has an extension greater than a first distance S1 of the first and second tracking rollers 30a, 31a from the stacking surface 44 of the receiving seat 43 (when the first and second tracking rollers 30a, 31a are in the first end position P1).

[0412] This displacement component has an extension that is smaller than the third distance S3 of the first and second tracking rollers 30a, 31a from the stacking surface 44 of the receiving seat 43 (when the first and second tracking rollers 30a, 31a are in an intermediate position between the first end position P1 and the second end position P2).

[0413] Similarly, in order to switch the second holding device 50 from the holding position to the releasing position and vice versa, the second holding device 50 performs a movement having a displacement component perpendicular to the stacking surface 44 of the receptacle 43 .

[0414] This displacement component has an extension greater than a second distance S2 of the first and second tracking rollers 30a, 31a from the stacking surface 44 of the receiving seat 43 (when the first and second tracking rollers 30a, 31a are in the second end position P2).

[0415] This displacement component has an extension that is smaller than the third distance S3 of the first and second tracking rollers 30a, 31a from the stacking surface 44 of the receiving seat 43 (when the first and second tracking rollers 30a, 31a are in an intermediate position between the first end position P1 and the second end position P2).

[0416] like Figure 8 As better shown in FIG. 4 , the first retaining means 49 and the second retaining means 50 are structurally identical to one another and are mirror images relative to a plane perpendicular to the stacking surface 44 and containing the actuation axis 47 .

[0417] Both the first holding device 49 and the second holding device 50 include a pair of holding fingers 51, wherein one holding finger faces the other holding finger in a direction parallel to the rotation axes R1, R2 of the first and second traveling rollers 30a, 31a. The first holding device 49 and the second holding device 50 are driven by a motor 52. The motor 52 is configured to raise and lower the pair of holding fingers 51 in a direction perpendicular to the stacking surface 44. The further motor 53 is also connected to a return linkage 54, which moves the fingers of the pair of holding fingers 51 away from each other in a direction parallel to the rotation axes R1, R2 of the first and second traveling rollers 30a, 31a.

[0418] When the first holding device 49 and the second holding device 50 move from the holding position to the release position, the fingers in the pair of holding fingers 51 move away from each other to lose contact with the continuous strip-like diaphragm 102, and then are raised until the above-mentioned corresponding first distance S1 and second distance S2 are overcome. When the first holding device 49 and the second holding device 50 move from the release position to the holding position, the fingers in the pair of holding fingers 51 move close to each other to position themselves above the continuous strip-like diaphragm 102, and then are lowered to hold the continuous strip-like diaphragm 102.

[0419] As mentioned above, a plurality of receptacles 43 are provided.

[0420] Each receptacle 43 is movable between the stacking station 26 and the unloading station 55 .

[0421] In the embodiment shown in the drawings, three receiving seats 43 are provided, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 The best representation in .

[0422] When more than two receiving seats 43 are provided, the number of transfer stations 56 is equal to the number of receiving seats 43 minus two. In the example shown, in the case where there are three receiving seats 43, one transfer station 56 is provided.

[0423] In these cases, each receiving seat 43 can be moved between the stacking station 26 , the unloading station 55 and the transfer station 56 .

[0424] The stacking station 26 , the unloading station 55 and the transfer station 56 cyclically follow one another in a predetermined sequence along the transport path of the receiving seat 43 .

[0425] This predetermined sequence can be provided such that the stacking station 26 is followed by the unloading station 55 , or the stacking station 26 is followed by one or more transfer stations 56 .

[0426] The stacking station 26, the unloading station 55, and the transfer station 56 (when present) are equally spaced along the transport path.

[0427] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the stacking station 26 is followed by an unloading station 55 , which is followed by a transfer station 56 .

[0428] In the unloading station 55, the electrochemical cells formed in the stacking station 26 are removed from the receptacles 43. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the receptacles 43 transported in the transfer station 56 are empty, ie the transfer station 56 contains no foil.

[0429] When a receptacle 43 is in the stacking station 26 , another receptacle 43 is always in the unloading station 55 .

[0430] All receptacles 43 move simultaneously between the stacking station 26, the unloading station 55 and, if present, the transfer station 56. When the receptacles 43 move between the stacking station 26, the unloading station 55 and, if present, the transfer station 56, the laying down of the foils 100, 101 is interrupted.

[0431] The transport path of the receptacle 43 follows a trajectory which starts and ends at the stacking station 26 .

[0432] This trajectory is a self-closed trajectory.

[0433] This trajectory is a circular trajectory.

[0434] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention ( Figure 7 and Figure 8 ), these receiving seats 43 are mounted on the outer circumference of the transport roller 57 in such a way that they can follow the above-mentioned closed trajectory.

[0435] The conveying roller 57 can rotate about a conveying axis TR1 (in the middle) parallel to the rotation axes R1 and R2 of the first and second accompanying rollers 30a and 31a. Figure 8 ) rotation.

[0436] The transport roller 57 is mounted on the frame 9 in such a way that the transport axis TR1 is below the stacking station 26 , ie on the opposite side of the feed device 27 relative to the stacking station 26 .

[0437] The conveyance axis TR1 is parallel to and coincides with the axis of the actuator axis 47 that moves the swing arm 46 .

[0438] The transport roller 57 can rotate about the transport axis TR1 , making angular rotations with intervening stops of the extent necessary to bring the receptacles 43 from one station to the next and of a duration equal to the time of forming the electrochemical cell in the stacking station 26 .

[0439] The stacking station 26 , the unloading station 55 and the transfer station 56 (when present) are placed along the periphery of the transport roller 57 and are fixed relative to the frame 9 .

[0440] In order to allow that during the rotation of the transport rollers 57 the electrochemical cells formed in the stacking station 26 do not move relative to the receptacles 43 in which they were formed and from which they must be removed, anchoring means 58 acting on each receptacle 43 are provided.

[0441] Each anchoring device 58 is switchable between a holding position, in which the anchoring device 58 holds the foils 100 , 101 stacked on the receptacle 43 , and a release position, in which the anchoring device 58 does not hold the foils 100 , 101 stacked on the receptacle 43 .

[0442] When the receptacle 43 is moved between the stacking station 26 and the unloading station 55 , the anchoring device 58 acting on the receptacle 43 is in a holding position.

[0443] The anchoring device 58 acting on the receptacle 43 placed in the stacking station 26 is in the released position at least until the first and second conveying devices 10 , 11 lay down the first and second foils 100 , 101 in the receptacle 43 .

[0444] The anchoring device 58 acting on the receptacle 43 is in the release position when the receptacle is moved between the unloading station 55 and the stacking station 26 , possibly for transfer in the transfer station 56 .

[0445] The anchoring means 58 of the receptacle 43 placed in the stacking station 26 act on two opposite ends of the stacking surface 44 , and the first retaining means 49 and the second retaining means 50 act on said receptacle 43 on two other opposite ends of the stacking surface 44 .

[0446] Each anchoring device 58 includes a pair of anchoring fins 59 ( Figure 8 ), the pair of anchor fins are hinged to the transport roller 57 along a hinge axis contained in a plane perpendicular to the transport axis TR1.

[0447] Each of the pair of anchor fins 59 is placed at an end of the stacking surface 44 , wherein the opposite ends of the stacking surface 44 are spaced apart in a direction parallel to the rotation axes R1 , R2 of the first and second traveling rollers 30 a , 31 a .

[0448] Each anchoring fin 59 comprises a lip 60 which, when these fins are in the anchoring position, is arranged parallel to the stacking surface 44 of the receptacle 43. The lip 60 is out of the way of the stacking surface 44 of the receptacle 43 when the fins are in the release position.

[0449] In order to allow the anchoring fins 59 to properly hold the foils 100 , 101 laid on the stacking surface 44 , regardless of the number of foils overlapping each other, the stacking surface 44 of each receptacle is movable between a plurality of stacking positions.

[0450] like Figure 5 , the stacking surface 44 is connected to the receiving seat 43 by one or more supports 61, which can slide in the receiving seat 43 in a direction perpendicular to the stacking surface 44. These supports 66 can have different degrees of insertion into the receiving seat 43, wherein each insertion degree corresponds to a respective stacking position of the stacking surface 44.

[0451] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a stacking position is spaced apart from an adjacent (or next) stacking position by a distance substantially corresponding to the thickness of the foils 100 , 101 and the thickness of the strip-like support 102 .

[0452] The stacking surface 44 can be held in the reached stacking position, for example, by a first holding device 49 or a second holding device 50 .

[0453] It should be noted that the stacking position of the stacking surface 44 also allows ensuring that each foil 100 , 101 placed on the stacking surface 44 is always at the same distance from the actuation axis 47 of the oscillating arm 46 .

[0454] In use, for alternately stacking continuous strips of membrane 102 and foils 100 , 101 , first and second foils 100 , 101 are delivered to the stacking station 26 in an alternating manner, ie one at a time, and the alternation between first and second foils 100 , 101 is continuously provided.

[0455] The continuous strip of diaphragm 102 is fed to the stacking station 26. The continuous strip of diaphragm 102 is joined by the trolley 30.

[0456] Starting from the situation where the second foil 101 has just been laid down, the continuous strip of membrane 102 is engaged by the running surface 31 so that the continuous strip of membrane 102 is moved over the stacking station 26 between the first end position P1 and the second end position P2 .

[0457] This action is performed by moving the rotation axis R1 of the first tracking roller 30a of the tracking device 30 between the first end position P1 and the second end position P2.

[0458] The travelling surface 31 moves, and in particular rotates (according to a preferred embodiment of the invention), so that a first predetermined relative speed is imposed between the travelling surface 31 and the continuous strip-like membrane 102 .

[0459] The first relative speed is given by the difference between the first following speed of the following surface 31 and the first displacement speed of the continuous strip-like diaphragm 102 between the first end position P1 and the second end position P2.

[0460] In order to eliminate or in any case reduce the relative sliding between the following surface 31 and the continuous strip diaphragm 102, the magnitude of the first following speed is included between 80% and 120% of the magnitude of the first displacement speed, preferably included between 90% and 110% of the magnitude of the first displacement speed, and more preferably included between 95% and 105% of the magnitude of the first displacement speed.

[0461] This action is performed by providing the first tracking roller 30a of the tracking device 30 with an outer surface 33 defining a tracking surface 31 and by rotating the first tracking roller 30a around the rotation axis R1 at a first angular velocity VA1.

[0462] The continuous strip of membrane 102 is then placed on a second foil 101 which is transported to the stacking station 26 following a first curvilinear trajectory T1S between the first end position P1 and the second end position P2.

[0463] Due to the first curved trajectory T1S, the continuous strip of membrane 102 moves perpendicularly to and away from the second foil 101 transferred to the stacking station 26 during its movement between the first end position P1 and an intermediate position (between the first end position P1 and the second end position P2 ).

[0464] When the continuous strip of membrane 102 reaches the second end position P2 , the continuous strip of membrane 102 is positioned below the level at which there is the second foil 101 transferred to the stacking station 26 .

[0465] The second foil 101 conveyed to the stacking station is then partially wrapped by the continuous strip-shaped membrane 102 .

[0466] Subsequently, the second holding device 50 holds a portion of the continuous strip-shaped membrane 102 laid on the second foil 101 .

[0467] Subsequently or simultaneously, a first foil 100 is laid down in the stacking station 26. The first foil is laid down over a portion of the continuous strip of membrane 102 just placed on the second foil 101.

[0468] Subsequently, the companion device 30 moves in the reverse direction to move between the second end position P2 and the first end position P1.

[0469] The continuous strip of membrane 102 is engaged by the further trailing surface 32 to move the continuous strip of membrane 102 between the second end position P2 and the first end position P1 over the stacking station 26 .

[0470] This action is performed by moving the rotation axis R2 of the second tracking roller 31 a of the tracking device 30 between the second end position P2 and the first end position P1.

[0471] The further running surface 32 moves, and in particular rotates (according to a preferred embodiment of the invention), so that a second predetermined relative speed is imposed between the further running surface 32 and the continuous strip-like diaphragm 102 .

[0472] The second relative speed is given by the difference between the second following speed of the following surface 32 and the second displacement speed of the continuous strip-like diaphragm 102 between the second end position P2 and the first end position P1 .

[0473] In order to eliminate or in any case reduce the relative sliding between the further accompanying surface 32 and the continuous strip diaphragm 102, the magnitude of the second accompanying speed is included between 80% and 120% of the magnitude of the second displacement speed, preferably included between 90% and 110% of the magnitude of the second displacement speed, and more preferably included between 95% and 105% of the magnitude of the second displacement speed.

[0474] This action is performed by providing the second tracking roller 31a of the tracking device 30 with an outer surface 33a defining the further tracking surface 32 and by rotating the second tracking roller 31a around the rotation axis R2 at a second angular velocity VA2.

[0475] The continuous strip of membrane 102 is then placed on the first foil 100 which is transported to the stacking station 26 following a second curvilinear trajectory T2S between the second end position P2 and the first end position P1 .

[0476] Due to the second curved trajectory T2S, the continuous strip of membrane 102 moves perpendicularly to and away from the first foil 100 transferred to the stacking station 26 during its movement between the second end position P2 and an intermediate position (between the second end position P2 and the first end position P1 ).

[0477] When the continuous strip of membrane 102 reaches the first end position P1 , the continuous strip of membrane 102 is positioned below the level at which there is the first foil 101 transferred to the stacking station 26 .

[0478] The first foil 100 conveyed to the stacking station 26 is then partially wrapped by the continuous strip-shaped membrane 102 .

[0479] Subsequently, the first holding device 49 holds a portion of the continuous strip-shaped membrane 102 laid on the first foil 100 .

[0480] The described process is repeated to lay down further second foils 101 .

Claims

1. A stacking device (1) for alternately stacking continuous strip-shaped membranes and foils, comprising: a stacking station (26) configured to receive the foils (100, 101); a first conveying device (10) and a second conveying device (11), the first conveying device (10) being used to convey a first foil (100), the second conveying device (11) being used to convey a second foil (101), the first conveying device (10) and the second conveying device (11) being each movable between a pick-up position and a release position, wherein the release position of the first conveying device (10) and the release position of the second conveying device (11) are arranged at the stacking station (26), and wherein when the first conveying device (10) is in the release position, the second conveying device (11) moves away from the release position, and wherein when the second conveying device (11) is in the release position, the first conveying device (10) moves away from the release position; a feeding device (27) for the continuous strip of diaphragm (102), the feeding device (27) being configured to feed the continuous strip of diaphragm (102) toward the stacking station (26); a displacement device (29) configured to act on the continuous strip of diaphragm (102) fed by the feeding device (27), and comprising a follower (30) capable of moving between a first end position (P1) and a second end position (P2) and above the stacking station (26) when the second conveying device (11) moves from the release position to the pick-up position, and capable of moving from the second end position (P2) to the first end position (P1) and above the stacking station (26) when the first conveying device (10) moves from the release position to the pick-up position; The displacement device (29) enables the accompanying device (30) to move along a curved path (PC) between the first end position (P1) and the second end position (P2) and between the second end position (P2) and the first end position (P1).

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The curvilinear path (PC) has a concavity facing the stacking station (26).

3. The device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The displacement device (29) comprises a swing arm (46) driven by an actuating shaft (47) and supporting the accompanying device; the actuating shaft (47) is arranged on the opposite side of the feed device (27) relative to the strip diaphragm (102) relative to the stacking station (26).

4. The device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a receptacle (43) configured to receive a foil (100, 101), the receptacle (43) being placed in the stacking station (26) and comprising a substantially flat stacking surface (44).

5. The device (1) according to claim 4, wherein: When the accompanying device (30) is placed in an intermediate position between the first end position (P1) and the second end position (P2), the accompanying device (30) is positioned on the opposite side of the stacking surface (44) relative to the direction perpendicular to the stacking surface (44) when the accompanying device (30) is placed in at least one of the first end position (P1) and the second end position (P2).

6. The device (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: When the accompanying device (30) is placed in the first end position (P1), alternatively or in combination, when the accompanying device (30) is placed in the second end position (P2), the stacking surface (44) is inserted between the feeding device (27) and the accompanying device (30) relative to a direction perpendicular to the stacking surface (44).

7. The device (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein: In the first end position (P1), the accompanying device (30) is placed at a first distance (S1) from the stacking surface (44), in the second end position (P2), the accompanying device (30) is placed at a second distance (S2) from the stacking surface (44), and in an intermediate position between the first end position (P1) and the second end position (P2), the accompanying device (30) is placed at a third distance (S3) from the stacking surface (44); the third distance (S3) is greater than the first distance (S1) and greater than the second distance (S2).

8. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprises a first retaining device (49) and a second retaining device (50), wherein the first retaining device is configured to act on the strip diaphragm (102) and is arranged at the first end position (P1) of the accompanying device, and the second retaining device is configured to act on the strip diaphragm (102) and is arranged at the second end position (P2) of the accompanying device.

9. The device (1) according to claim 8, wherein: The first retaining device (49) is capable of moving between a retaining state and a release state, in which the first retaining device intercepts and retains a portion of the strip diaphragm (102), and in which the first retaining device moves away from the strip diaphragm (102), and when the accompanying device is in the first end position (P1), the first retaining device (49) moves from the retaining position to the release position and from the release position to the retaining position.

10. The device (1) according to claim 9, wherein: The first retaining device (49) is in the retaining position when the accompanying device moves from the first end position (P1) to the second end position (P2), when the accompanying device is in the second end position (P2), and when the accompanying device moves from the second end position (P2) to the first end position (P1).

11. The device (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein: The second retaining device (50) is capable of moving between a retaining state and a release state, in which the second retaining device intercepts and retains a portion of the strip diaphragm (102), and in which the second retaining device moves away from the strip diaphragm (102), and when the accompanying device is in the second end position (P2), the second retaining device (50) moves from the retaining position to the release position and from the release position to the retaining position.

12. The device (1) according to claim 11, wherein The second retaining device (50) is in the retaining position when the accompanying device moves from the second end position (P2) to the first end position (P1), when the accompanying device is in the first end position (P1) and when the accompanying device moves from the first end position (P1) to the second end position (P2).

13. The device (1) according to claim 4, wherein: The stacking surface (44) is movable between a plurality of stacking positions, wherein, in each stacking position, the stacking surface (44) is arranged parallel to a respective reference plane, wherein all of the reference planes are parallel to each other, and wherein a reference plane is spaced apart from an adjacent reference plane by a distance greater than or substantially equal to the thickness of the foil (100, 101).

14. A method for alternately stacking continuous strip-shaped membranes and foils, comprising: transferring the first foil (100) and the second foil (101) to a stacking station (26); feeding a continuous strip of diaphragm (102) to the stacking station (26); The continuous strip of diaphragm (102) is laid on the first foil (100) and the second foil (101) conveyed to the stacking station (26), wherein placing the continuous strip of diaphragm (102) comprises: moving the continuous strip of diaphragm (102) above the stacking station (26) along a first trajectory (T1S) between a first end position (P1) and a second end position (P2) and moving along a second trajectory (T2S) between the second end position (P2) and the first end position (P1), wherein the first trajectory (T1S) and the second trajectory (T2S) are curved trajectories.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein: Moving the continuous strip of diaphragm (102) above the stacking station (26) comprises moving the continuous strip of diaphragm (102) perpendicularly to and away from the second foil (101) conveyed to the stacking station (26) during the displacement of the continuous strip of diaphragm (102) from the first end position (P1) to an intermediate position between the first end position (P1) and the second end position (P2).

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein: Moving the continuous strip of diaphragm (102) above the stacking station (26) comprises: during the displacement of the continuous strip of diaphragm (102) from an intermediate position between the first end position (P1) and the second end position (P2) to the second end position (P2), moving the continuous strip of diaphragm (102) perpendicularly to and toward the second foil (101) conveyed to the stacking station (26).

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein: Moving the continuous strip of membrane (102) over the stacking station (26) comprises moving the continuous strip of membrane (102) to the first end position (P1) below the level at which there is a first foil (100) transferred to the stacking station (26).

18. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein: Moving the continuous strip of membrane (102) over the stacking station (26) comprises moving the continuous strip of membrane (102) to the second end position (P2) below the level at which there is a second foil (101) transferred to the stacking station (26).

19. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein: The first trajectory (T1S) of the continuous strip-shaped diaphragm (102) coincides with the second trajectory (T2S) of the continuous strip-shaped diaphragm (102).

20. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein: The first track (T1S) and the second track (T2S) of the continuous strip-shaped membrane (102) have a concavity facing the stacking station.

21. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein: Moving the continuous strip of diaphragm (102) above the stacking station (26) along a first trajectory (T1S) between a first end position (P1) and a second end position (P2) and along a second trajectory (T2S) between the second end position (P2) and the first end position (P1) comprises partially wrapping the first foil (100) and the second foil (101) conveyed to the stacking station (26) with the continuous strip of diaphragm (102).

22. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 21, wherein: Transferring the first foil (100) and the second foil (101) to the stacking station (26) comprises laying the first foil (100) alternating with and overlapping the second foil (101) on the stacking surface (44).

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