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 continuous strip-shaped membrane (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 following device can move between the second end position (P2) and the first end position (P1) and above the stacking station (26). The accompanying device (30) comprises at least one accompanying surface (31) configured to contact the continuous ribbon diaphragm (102). The motorized member (34) acts on the accompanying device (30) to rotate the at least one accompanying surface (31) as the accompanying device (30) moves between the first end position (P1) and the second end position (P2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a stacking device for alternately stacking continuous strip diaphragms and foils, and to a method for stacking continuous strip diaphragms and foils, wherein the foils are stacked on top of each other by being inserted into the continuous strip diaphragms.

[0002] The present invention preferably relates to a stacking device and a method for alternately stacking continuous strip diaphragms and foils, wherein the continuous strip diaphragms are dielectric diaphragms and the foils are electrodes.

[0003] The present invention can be used for manufacturing electrochemical cells, such as secondary electrochemical cells, which include flat electrodes separated from each other by a continuous dielectric diaphragm. Background Art

[0004] In the industrial field of accumulator manufacturing, electrochemical cells are made from stacks of positive and negative electrodes that are alternately arranged one above the other with intervening layers of dielectric material, which are typically denoted in the technical terminology of the field by the term "diaphragm" and which are formed from a single continuous strip that is folded between the electrodes.

[0005] In the applicant's experience, these electrochemical cells can be manufactured using a stacking device for stacking one or more continuous strip diaphragms and foils to automate the production process.

[0006] According to the applicant's experience, such a stacking device may include a fixed base frame, with a first foil receiving station, a second foil receiving station, and a stacking station located between the two receiving stations mounted on the base frame. Above the fixed frame is positioned a movable frame that moves in a rectilinear reciprocating motion parallel to the fixed frame. Four foil clamping devices are mounted on the movable frame, which move in a rectilinear reciprocating motion perpendicular to the fixed frame. Also mounted on the movable frame is a diaphragm guide fixed to the movable frame and fed by a continuous diaphragm coil. The diaphragm guide includes two idler follower rollers, which have rotation axes parallel to each other and are placed in the same plane parallel to the fixed frame, and these two idler follower rollers deflect the path of the diaphragm. In use, with the movable frame stationary, the first clamping device picks up a foil from the first stack of foils by translating perpendicular to the stationary frame, while the second clamping device picks up a foil previously positioned on the first receiving station by translating perpendicular to the stationary frame. Subsequently, by translating the movable frame, the second clamping device translates to position the picked-up foil in the stacking station, and at the same time, the first clamping device positions the 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 respective foils, the third clamping device and the fourth clamping device respectively lay a foil (picked up from the second stack of foils) in the second receiving station and lay a 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 respective foils, the third clamping device and the fourth clamping device respectively pick up foils from the second stack of foils and from the second receiving station. When the movable frame translates to move the second or fourth clamping device away from the stacking station where the second or fourth clamping device has laid the respective foil, the follower rollers translate integrally with the movable frame above the foil just laid in the stacking station and position the diaphragm above the just-laid foil. The follower rollers rotate about their rotation axes by the diaphragm itself. The holding member holds the diaphragm above the just-laid foil. This process is actuated cyclically until a battery is formed, which consists of a stack of foils, where each foil is separated from another foil by a continuous strip diaphragm that then assumes an "accordion" shape within the battery. When the battery is completed, the diaphragm is cut and the resulting battery is removed from the stacking station to free the stacking station and allow the entire process to be repeated to manufacture additional batteries.

[0007] Especially in the industrial field of electrical energy storage device manufacturing, there is an increasing need for stacking devices capable of alternately stacking continuous strip diaphragms and foils, which allow high productivity, that is, allow a high battery production speed. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The Applicant has noted that, by using a device of the type generally described above, the production speed may be limited by the time required to position the separator above the battery being formed in the stacking station.

[0009] The Applicant has in fact noted that the time required to position the separator above the battery being formed is determined by the acceleration undergone by the follower rollers during the initial transient process at the start of the translation of the movable frame and by the translation speed of the follower rollers (and thus of the movable frame).

[0010] The Applicant has realized that by increasing the acceleration of the movable frame and the translation speed of the movable frame during the transient process at the start of the translation, it will be possible thereby to increase the acceleration and the translation speed of the follower rollers and thus to reduce the time required to position the separator above the battery being formed in the stacking station.

[0011] However, the Applicant has noted that this may cause damage or tearing of the separator. In fact, the Applicant has verified that the moment of inertia of the follower rollers prevents (especially during high acceleration and deceleration of the movable frame) the separator from immediately dragging the follower rollers into rotation, with a consequent different relative speed between the separator and the outer surface of the follower rollers and with a consequent occurrence of sliding forces and frictional forces between the separator and the follower rollers, which sliding forces and frictional forces may damage or even tear the separator.

[0012] The Applicant has found that the time required to position the separator above the battery being formed can be reduced by providing follower surfaces for the continuous strip separator that actively follow the continuous strip separator above the battery being formed in such a way as to avoid or in any case reduce the relative sliding between these follower surfaces and the separator itself.

[0013] Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention relates to a stacking device for alternately stacking continuous strip separators and foils.

[0014] Preferably, the device comprises a stacking station configured to receive the foils.

[0015] Preferably, the device comprises a first conveying means for conveying a first foil, movable between a pick-up position and a release position, and a second conveying means for transferring a second foil.

[0016] Preferably, the release position of the first conveying means and the release position of the second conveying means are placed at the stacking station.

[0017] Preferably, when the first conveying means is in the release position, the second conveying means moves away from the release position, and when the second conveying means is in the release position, the first conveying means moves away from the release position.

[0018] Preferably, the apparatus includes a feeding device for a continuous strip diaphragm, the feeding device being configured to feed the continuous strip diaphragm towards a stacking station.

[0019] Preferably, the apparatus includes a displacement device configured to act on the continuous strip diaphragm fed by the feeding device.

[0020] Preferably, the displacement device includes a follower device movable between a first end position and a second end position.

[0021] Preferably, when the second transfer device moves from a release position to a pick-up position, the follower device moves between the first end position and the second end position above the stacking station.

[0022] Preferably, the follower device includes at least one follower surface configured to contact and rotate the continuous strip diaphragm when the follower device moves between the first end position and the second end position.

[0023] Preferably, a motorized member acts on the follower device to rotate at least one follower surface when the follower device moves between the first end position and the second end position.

[0024] The applicant has verified that when the follower device moves between the first end position and the second end position and above the stacking station, the continuous strip diaphragm resting on the follower surface follows towards the second end position.

[0025] The applicant has found that by rotating the follower surface with a motorized member, the follower surface can follow the continuous strip diaphragm between the first end position and the second end position without including undesired tension in the continuous strip diaphragm, or without generating some tension in the continuous strip diaphragm in any case, thus allowing a high laying speed of the continuous strip diaphragm on the battery being formed.

[0026] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a method for alternately stacking a continuous strip diaphragm and foils.

[0027] Preferably, a first foil and a second foil are arranged to be transferred to the stacking station.

[0028] Preferably, the continuous strip diaphragm is arranged to be fed to the stacking station.

[0029] Preferably, the continuous strip diaphragm is arranged to be moved between the first end position and the second end position and between the second end position and the first end position above the stacking station.

[0030] Preferably, moving the continuous strip diaphragm above the stacking station includes engaging the continuous strip diaphragm with at least one follower surface.

[0031] Preferably, moving the continuous strip diaphragm above the stacking station further includes rotating at least one follower surface between a first end position and a second end position by applying a predetermined first relative speed between the at least one follower surface and the continuous strip diaphragm.

[0032] The applicant has confirmed that by applying this first relative speed in a manner that follows the continuous strip diaphragm between the first end position and the second end position, it is possible to actuate the continuous strip diaphragm at a high laying speed on the battery being formed without including undesired tension in the continuous strip diaphragm or, in any case, without generating some tension in the continuous strip diaphragm.

[0033] "Foil" means a plate having two dimensions that are much larger than the third dimension. The foil can be a monolithic plate or a plate formed by multiple layers joined together made of the same material or different materials.

[0034] "Continuous strip diaphragm" means a strip having a dimension that is much larger than the other two dimensions, where the first of these other two dimensions is much larger than the second of these other two dimensions. The strip can be monolithic or formed by multiple layers joined together made of the same material or different materials.

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

[0036] "Horizontal" relative to a surface (e.g., relative to the stacking surface) means the distance of an element from an absolute reference plane that is parallel to 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 receiving seat, "at the station" means that the receiving seat is exactly in the station, or is about to reach the station, or has just left the station.

[0038] In one or both of its aspects, the present invention can have at least one of the preferred features described below. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, these features can be present in the devices and methods of the present invention individually or in combination with each other.

[0039] Preferably, the follower device is configured to lay the continuous strip diaphragm on the stacking station.

[0040] Preferably, the first relative velocity is given by the difference between the first following velocity of the following surface between the first end position and the second end position and the first displacement velocity of the continuous belt-like diaphragm.

[0041] Preferably, the following surface is actively rotated by a driving member.

[0042] Preferably, the driving member directly rotates the following surface.

[0043] Preferably, the driving member is configured to act only on the following device.

[0044] Preferably, the magnitude of the first following velocity is greater than or equal to 80% of the magnitude of the first displacement velocity.

[0045] Preferably, the magnitude of the first following velocity is greater than or equal to 85% of the magnitude of the first displacement velocity.

[0046] Preferably, the magnitude of the first following velocity is greater than or equal to 90% of the magnitude of the first displacement velocity.

[0047] Preferably, the magnitude of the first following velocity is greater than or equal to 95% of the magnitude of the first displacement velocity.

[0048] Preferably, the magnitude of the first following velocity is greater than or equal to 98% of the magnitude of the first displacement velocity.

[0049] Preferably, the magnitude of the first following velocity is less than or equal to 120% of the magnitude of the first displacement velocity.

[0050] Preferably, the magnitude of the first following velocity is less than or equal to 115% of the magnitude of the first displacement velocity.

[0051] Preferably, the magnitude of the first following velocity is less than or equal to 110% of the magnitude of the first displacement velocity.

[0052] Preferably, the magnitude of the first following velocity is less than or equal to 105% of the magnitude of the first displacement velocity.

[0053] Preferably, the magnitude of the first following velocity is less than or equal to 102% of the magnitude of the first displacement velocity.

[0054] Preferably, the magnitude of the first following velocity is included between 80% and 120% of the magnitude of the first displacement velocity.

[0055] Preferably, the magnitude of the first following velocity is included between 90% and 110% of the magnitude of the first displacement velocity.

[0056] Preferably, the magnitude of the first following velocity is included between 95% and 105% of the magnitude of the first displacement velocity.

[0057] Preferably, the magnitude of the first following speed is included between 98% and 112% of the magnitude of the first displacement speed.

[0058] Preferably, the magnitude of the first following speed is equal to the magnitude of the first displacement speed.

[0059] Preferably, the at least one following surface rolls without slipping relative to the continuous strip diaphragm.

[0060] Preferably, it is arranged to stop the rotation of the following surface when the following surface reaches the second end position.

[0061] Preferably, it is arranged to stop the rotation of the following surface when the following surface is in the first end position.

[0062] Preferably, the following device includes a first following roller having an outer surface that defines the at least one following surface.

[0063] Preferably, it is arranged to rotate and accelerate the first following roller at a first angular acceleration until a first angular velocity when the first following roller starts to move towards the second end position.

[0064] Preferably, the actuating member is configured to rotate and accelerate the first following roller at a first angular acceleration until a first angular velocity when the first following roller starts to move towards the second end position.

[0065] Preferably, it is arranged to stop the rotation of the first following roller when the first following roller is in the first end position.

[0066] Preferably, the actuating member is configured to stop the rotation of the first following roller when the first following roller is in the first end position.

[0067] Preferably, when the first transfer device moves from the release position to the pick-up position, the following device moves between the second end position and the first end position and above the stacking station.

[0068] Preferably, the following device includes an additional following surface.

[0069] Preferably, moving the continuous strip diaphragm above the stacking station further includes engaging the continuous strip diaphragm with the additional following surface.

[0070] Preferably, the additional following surface is configured to contact the continuous strip diaphragm.

[0071] Preferably, moving the continuous strip diaphragm above the stacking station further includes rotating the additional following surface between the second end position and the first end position by applying a second predetermined relative speed between the additional following surface and the continuous strip diaphragm.

[0072] The applicant has verified that the second relative speed can be set such that, when following a continuous strip diaphragm between a second end position and a first end position, even when the continuous strip diaphragm is transferred between the second end position and the first end position, no undesired tension is included in the continuous strip diaphragm, or in any case, no tension is generated in the continuous strip diaphragm.

[0073] Preferably, the second relative speed is given by the difference between the second following speed of an additional following surface between the second end position and the first end position and the second displacement speed of the continuous strip diaphragm.

[0074] Preferably, the magnitude of the second following speed is greater than or equal to 80% of the magnitude of the second displacement speed.

[0075] Preferably, the magnitude of the second following speed is greater than or equal to 85% of the magnitude of the second displacement speed.

[0076] Preferably, the magnitude of the second following speed is greater than or equal to 90% of the magnitude of the second displacement speed.

[0077] Preferably, the magnitude of the second following speed is greater than or equal to 95% of the magnitude of the second displacement speed.

[0078] Preferably, the magnitude of the second following speed is greater than or equal to 98% of the magnitude of the second displacement speed.

[0079] Preferably, the magnitude of the second following speed is less than or equal to 120% of the magnitude of the second displacement speed.

[0080] Preferably, the magnitude of the second following speed is less than or equal to 115% of the magnitude of the second displacement speed.

[0081] Preferably, the magnitude of the second following speed is less than or equal to 110% of the magnitude of the second displacement speed.

[0082] Preferably, the magnitude of the second following speed is less than or equal to 105% of the magnitude of the second displacement speed.

[0083] Preferably, the magnitude of the second following speed is less than or equal to 102% of the magnitude of the second displacement speed.

[0084] Preferably, the modulus of the second following speed is included between 80% and 120% of the modulus of the second displacement speed.

[0085] Preferably, the modulus of the second following speed is included between 90% and 110% of the modulus of the second displacement speed.

[0086] Preferably, the modulus of the second following speed is included between 95% and 105% of the modulus of the second displacement speed.

[0087] Preferably, the magnitude of the second following speed is included between 98% and 112% of the magnitude of the second displacement speed.

[0088] Preferably, the magnitude of the second following speed is equal to the magnitude of the second displacement speed.

[0089] Preferably, the magnitude of the second following speed is equal to the magnitude of the first following speed.

[0090] Preferably, the additional following surface rolls without slipping relative to the continuous strip diaphragm.

[0091] Preferably, the actuating member is configured to rotate the additional following surface when the following device moves between the second end position and the first end position.

[0092] The applicant has found that by providing an additional following surface set to rotate by the actuating member, the additional following surface can follow the continuous strip diaphragm, even when the continuous strip diaphragm is transferred between the second end position and the first end position, without including an undesired tension in the continuous strip diaphragm, or in any case without generating some tension in the continuous strip diaphragm.

[0093] Preferably, it is arranged to stop the rotation of the additional following surface when the additional following surface reaches the first end position.

[0094] Preferably, it is arranged to stop the rotation of the additional following surface when the additional following surface is in the second end position.

[0095] Preferably, the following device includes a second following roller having an outer surface defining the additional following surface.

[0096] Preferably, it is arranged to stop the rotation of the second following roller when the second following roller is in the second end position.

[0097] Preferably, the actuating member is configured to stop the rotation of the second following roller when the second following roller is in the second end position.

[0098] Preferably, it is arranged to rotate-accelerate the second following roller with a second angular acceleration until a second angular velocity when the second following roller starts to move towards the first end position.

[0099] Preferably, the actuating member is configured to rotate-accelerate the second following roller with a second angular acceleration until a second angular velocity when the second following roller starts to move towards the first end position.

[0100] Preferably, the first following roller and the second following roller rotate in opposite directions to each other.

[0101] Preferably, the first angular velocity has a magnitude equal to the magnitude of the second angular velocity and a direction opposite to the direction of the second angular velocity.

[0102] Preferably, the time during which the first follower roller rotates at the first angular velocity is equal to the time during which the second follower roller rotates at the second angular velocity.

[0103] Preferably, the moment at which the first follower roller starts to rotate at the first angular velocity coincides with the moment at which the second follower roller starts to rotate at the second angular velocity.

[0104] Preferably, the first angular acceleration has a magnitude equal to the second angular acceleration.

[0105] Preferably, the time during which the first follower roller rotates at the first angular acceleration is equal to the time during which the second follower roller rotates at the second angular acceleration.

[0106] Preferably, the moment at which the first follower roller starts to rotate at the first angular acceleration coincides with the moment at which the second follower roller starts to rotate at the second angular acceleration.

[0107] Preferably, the first follower roller and the second follower roller each include a rotating shaft.

[0108] Preferably, the rotating shaft of the first follower roller and the rotating shaft of the second follower roller are parallel.

[0109] Preferably, the outer surface of the first follower roller defines a resting surface for the continuous strip diaphragm.

[0110] Preferably, the outer surface of the second follower roller defines a resting surface for the continuous strip diaphragm.

[0111] Preferably, the outer surfaces of the first follower roller and the second follower roller are spaced from their respective rotating shafts by a radius distance.

[0112] Preferably, the first follower speed of the follower surface is equal to the first angular velocity of the first follower roller multiplied by the radius distance of the first follower roller.

[0113] Preferably, the second follower speed of the additional follower surface is equal to the second angular velocity of the second follower roller multiplied by the radius distance of the second follower roller.

[0114] Preferably, the radius distance of the first follower roller is equal to the radius distance of the second follower roller.

[0115] Preferably, the spacing distance between the rotating shaft of the first follower roller and the rotating shaft of the second follower roller is greater than the sum of the radius distance of the first follower roller and the radius distance of the second follower roller.

[0116] Preferably, the spacing distance between the rotating shaft of the first follower roller and the rotating shaft of the second follower roller is equal to or greater than the sum of the radius distance of the first follower roller, the radius distance of the second follower roller, and the thickness of the continuous strip diaphragm.

[0117] Preferably, when transferring between the first end position and the second end position, the rotation axis of the first follower roller moves along a first trajectory.

[0118] Preferably, when transferring between the first end position and the second end position, the rotation axis of the first follower roller moves along the first trajectory at a first displacement speed.

[0119] Preferably, when transferring between the second end position and the first end position, the rotation axis of the first follower roller moves along a second trajectory.

[0120] Preferably, when transferring between the second end position and the first end position, the rotation axis of the first follower roller moves along the second trajectory at a second displacement speed.

[0121] Preferably, when transferring between the first end position and the second end position, the rotation axis of the second follower roller moves along a first trajectory.

[0122] Preferably, when transferring between the first end position and the second end position, the rotation axis of the second follower roller moves along the first trajectory at a first displacement speed.

[0123] Preferably, when transferring between the second end position and the first end position, the rotation axis of the second follower roller moves along a second trajectory.

[0124] Preferably, when transferring between the second end position and the first end position, the rotation axis of the second follower roller moves along the second trajectory at a second displacement speed.

[0125] Preferably, the first trajectory followed by the rotation axis of the first follower roller is at least partially consistent with the first trajectory followed by the rotation axis of the second follower roller.

[0126] Preferably, the second trajectory followed by the rotation axis of the first follower roller is at least partially consistent with the second trajectory followed by the rotation axis of the second follower roller.

[0127] Preferably, the first trajectory followed by the rotation axis of the first follower roller is at least partially consistent with the second trajectory followed by the rotation axis of the first follower roller.

[0128] Preferably, the first trajectory followed by the rotation axis of the second follower roller is at least partially consistent with the second trajectory followed by the rotation axis of the second follower roller.

[0129] Preferably, the magnitude of the first displacement speed of the rotation axis of the first follower roller is equal to the magnitude of the second displacement speed of the rotation axis of the first follower roller.

[0130] Preferably, the magnitude of the first displacement speed of the rotation axis of the second follower roller is equal to the magnitude of the second displacement speed of the rotation axis of the second follower roller.

[0131] Preferably, the magnitude of the first displacement velocity of the rotation axis of the first follower roll is equal to the magnitude of the first displacement velocity of the rotation axis of the second follower roll.

[0132] Preferably, the magnitude of the second displacement velocity of the rotation axis of the first follower roll is equal to the magnitude of the second displacement velocity of the rotation axis of the second follower roll.

[0133] Preferably, the power member includes at least one electric motor connected to the follower device.

[0134] Preferably, the power member includes a single electric motor connected to the first follower roll and the second follower roll.

[0135] Alternatively, the power member includes a first electric motor connected to the first follower roll and a second electric motor connected to the second follower roll.

[0136] Preferably, the power member includes a power pulley, a first pulley integrally rotating with the first follower roll, and a second pulley integrally rotating with the second follower roll.

[0137] Preferably, only one power pulley is provided.

[0138] Preferably, the power member includes a drive belt that engages the power pulley, the first pulley, and the second pulley.

[0139] Preferably, the first follower roll and the second follower roll are simultaneously driven to rotate by the drive belt.

[0140] Preferably, by setting the radius distance of the first follower roll to be equal to the radius distance of the second follower roll, the first follower roll and the second follower roll can be driven to rotate with the same angular velocity and angular acceleration modulus by a single drive belt.

[0141] Preferably, the drive belt includes a first surface and a second surface opposite and parallel to the first surface.

[0142] Preferably, the first surface is the continuous radially inner surface of the drive belt.

[0143] Preferably, the second surface is the radially outer and continuous surface of the drive belt.

[0144] Preferably, the first surface of the drive belt engages the power pulley and the first pulley.

[0145] Preferably, the second surface of the drive belt engages the second pulley.

[0146] In this way, the drive belt causes the first follower roll and the second follower roll to rotate in a manner of rotating in opposite directions to each other.

[0147] Preferably, the power member includes a single power shaft, and the power pulley is keyed to the power shaft.

[0148] Preferably, the drive shaft is parallel to the axes of rotation of the first and second follower rollers.

[0149] Preferably, the displacement device moves the follower 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.

[0150] The applicant believes that in this way it is possible to further increase the production speed of the equipment object of the present invention.

[0151] The applicant has in fact noticed that it is necessary to ensure that the holding member or holding members are able to intercept the continuous strip diaphragm and press it against the upper surface of the foil, the holding member being configured to hold the continuous strip diaphragm on the respective foil laid in the stacking station. Thus, in the applicant's experience, it is necessary to raise the holding member until it reaches and overcomes the level at which the continuous strip diaphragm conveyed by the follower roller is placed, the holding member intercepting the continuous strip diaphragm and lowering it to a lower level to bring it into close contact with the foil.

[0152] The applicant has verified that by moving the follower 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, it is possible to intercept the continuous strip diaphragm at an end position where the continuous strip diaphragm is closer to the holding device, thus causing the holding device to travel a reduced distance and thus spend a reduced time to correctly position the continuous strip diaphragm above the freshly laid foil.

[0153] Preferably, the curved path followed by the follower device has a concavity facing the stacking station.

[0154] Preferably, the curved path is an arc of a circle.

[0155] Preferably, it is arranged to lay a continuous strip diaphragm on a first foil and a second foil conveyed to the stacking station.

[0156] Preferably, laying the continuous strip diaphragm includes moving the continuous strip diaphragm along a first trajectory between a first end position and a second end position above the stacking station and along a second trajectory between the second end position and the first end position.

[0157] Preferably, the first and second trajectories are curved trajectories.

[0158] Preferably, the first trajectory of the continuous strip diaphragm coincides with the second trajectory of the continuous strip diaphragm.

[0159] Preferably, the first path of the continuous strip diaphragm and the second path of the continuous strip diaphragm define a curved path.

[0160] Preferably, the curved path has a concavity facing the stacking station.

[0161] Preferably, the curved path is an arc of a circle.

[0162] Preferably, the displacement device includes a swing arm that is driven by an actuating shaft and supports the follower device.

[0163] Preferably, the actuating shaft is arranged on the opposite side of the feeding device with respect to the continuous strip diaphragm relative to the stacking station.

[0164] Preferably, the actuating shaft moves the swing arm in a reciprocating motion that has a first motion reversal point at the first end position of the follower device and a second motion reversal point at the second end position of the follower device.

[0165] Preferably, the actuating shaft reverses the displacement direction of the swing arm at the first motion reversal point and at the second motion reversal point.

[0166] Preferably, the follower device is supported at the first end of the swing arm.

[0167] Preferably, the actuating shaft is connected to the swing arm at a distal position relative to the follower device.

[0168] Preferably, the actuating shaft is connected to the second end of the swing arm opposite the first end.

[0169] Preferably, a receiving seat is provided that is configured to receive the foil placed in the stacking station.

[0170] Preferably, transporting the first foil and the second foil to the stacking station includes laying the first foil that alternates and overlaps with the second foil on the stacking surface.

[0171] Preferably, the receiving seat includes a substantially flat stacking surface.

[0172] Preferably, the stacking surface is located in a plane parallel to the actuating shaft.

[0173] Preferably, when the follower device is placed in an intermediate position between the first end position and the second end position, the follower device is positioned on the opposite side of the stacking surface with respect to the direction perpendicular to the stacking surface compared to when the follower device is placed in at least one of the first end position and the second end position.

[0174] Preferably, when the follower device is placed in an intermediate position between the first end position and the second end position, the follower device is positioned at a higher level relative to the stacking surface.

[0175] Preferably, when the follower device is placed in the first end position, the follower device is at a lower level than the stacking surface.

[0176] Preferably, when the follower device is placed in the second end position, the follower device is at a level lower than the stacking surface.

[0177] Preferably, the intermediate position between the first end position and the second end position is spaced substantially equidistantly from the first end position and the second end position.

[0178] Preferably, when the follower device is placed in the first end position or when the follower device is placed in the second end position, the stacking surface is inserted between the feeding device and the follower device with respect to the direction perpendicular to the stacking surface.

[0179] Preferably, when the follower device is placed in the first end position and when the follower device is placed in the second end position, the stacking surface is inserted between the feeding device and the follower device with respect to the direction perpendicular to the stacking surface.

[0180] Preferably, moving the continuous strip diaphragm above the stacking station includes: during the displacement of the continuous strip diaphragm from the first end position to the intermediate position (between the first end position and the second end position), moving the continuous strip diaphragm perpendicular to and away from the second foil sheet conveyed to the stacking station.

[0181] Preferably, moving the continuous strip diaphragm above the stacking station includes: during the displacement of the continuous strip diaphragm from the intermediate position between the first end position and the second end position, moving the continuous strip diaphragm perpendicular to and towards the second foil sheet conveyed to the stacking station.

[0182] Preferably, moving the continuous strip diaphragm above the stacking station includes: moving the continuous strip diaphragm to the first end position and below the level of the first foil sheet conveyed to the stacking station.

[0183] Preferably, moving the continuous strip diaphragm above the stacking station includes: moving the continuous strip diaphragm to the second end position and below the level of the second foil sheet conveyed to the stacking station.

[0184] The applicant believes that in this way, it helps the adhesion of the continuous strip diaphragm to the foil sheet just laid on the stacking station.

[0185] Preferably, in the first end position, the follower device is placed at a first distance from the stacking surface.

[0186] Preferably, in the second end position, the follower device is placed at a second distance from the stacking surface.

[0187] Preferably, in the intermediate position between the first end position and the second end position, the follower device is placed at a third distance from the stacking surface.

[0188] Preferably, the intermediate position is placed at the apex of the curved path traveled by the follower device.

[0189] Preferably, the third distance is greater than the first distance and greater than the second distance.

[0190] Preferably, the first distance is substantially equal to the second distance.

[0191] The applicant believes that by providing a first distance and a second distance that are less than the third distance, the continuous strip diaphragm can be easily adhered to the battery being formed, and in particular to the freshly laid foil, without subjecting the continuous strip diaphragm to an action that can cause excessive stretching of the continuous strip diaphragm.

[0192] Preferably, moving the continuous strip diaphragm between a first end position and a second end position along a first trajectory and between the second end position and the first end position along a second trajectory above the stacking station includes: partially wrapping the first foil and the second foil transferred to the stacking station with the continuous strip diaphragm.

[0193] Preferably, a first holding device is provided, which is configured to act on the continuous strip diaphragm.

[0194] Preferably, the first holding device is arranged at the first end position of the follower device.

[0195] Preferably, a second holding device is provided, which is configured to act on the continuous strip diaphragm.

[0196] Preferably, the second holding device is arranged at the second end position of the follower device.

[0197] Preferably, the first holding device and the second holding device are configured to hold the continuous strip diaphragm on the stack of foils being formed in the stacking station.

[0198] Preferably, the receiving seat placed in the stacking station is inserted between the first holding device and the second holding device.

[0199] Preferably, the first holding device is configured to hold a portion of the continuous strip diaphragm laid on the last foil laid in the stacking station by the second conveying device.

[0200] Preferably, the first holding device is configured to hold a portion of the continuous strip diaphragm when the continuous strip diaphragm is laid on the last foil laid in the stacking station by the first conveying device.

[0201] Preferably, the second holding device is configured to hold a portion of the continuous strip diaphragm laid on the last foil laid in the stacking station by the first conveying device.

[0202] Preferably, the second holding device is configured to hold a portion of the continuous strip diaphragm when the continuous strip diaphragm is laid on the last foil laid in the stacking station by the second conveying device.

[0203] Preferably, the first holding device can move between a holding state and a releasing state, in the holding state, the first holding device intercepts and holds a portion of the continuous strip diaphragm, and in the releasing state, the first holding device moves away from the continuous strip diaphragm.

[0204] Preferably, when the follower device approaches the first end position, the first holding device moves from the holding position to the releasing position and from the releasing position to the holding position.

[0205] Preferably, by performing a movement having a component perpendicular to the stacking surface of the receiving seat, the first holding device moves from the holding position to the releasing position and from the releasing position to the holding position.

[0206] Preferably, the component of the movement performed by the first holding device perpendicular to the stacking surface of the receiving seat is greater than the first distance.

[0207] Preferably, the component of the movement performed by the first holding device perpendicular to the stacking surface of the receiving seat is less than the third distance.

[0208] Preferably, when the follower device moves between the first end position and the second end position, the first holding device is in the holding position.

[0209] Preferably, when the follower device is in the second end position, the first holding device is in the holding position.

[0210] Preferably, when the follower device moves between the second end position and the first end position, the first holding device is in the holding position.

[0211] Preferably, the second holding device can move between a holding state and a releasing state, in the holding state, the second holding device intercepts and holds a portion of the continuous strip diaphragm, and in the releasing state, the second holding device moves away from the continuous strip diaphragm.

[0212] Preferably, when the follower device approaches 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.

[0213] Preferably, by performing a movement having a component perpendicular to the stacking surface of the receiving seat, the second holding device moves from the holding position to the releasing position and from the releasing position to the holding position.

[0214] Preferably, the component of the movement performed by the second holding device perpendicular to the stacking surface of the receiving seat is greater than the second distance.

[0215] Preferably, the component of the movement performed by the second holding device perpendicular to the stacking surface of the receiving seat is less than the third distance.

[0216] Preferably, when the follower device moves between the second end position and the first end position, the second holding device is in the holding position.

[0217] Preferably, when the follower device is in the first end position, the second holding device is in the holding position.

[0218] Preferably, when the follower device moves between the first end position and the second end position, the second holding device is in the holding position.

[0219] Preferably, during the process of laying the foil onto the receiving seat placed at the stacking station, when the first holding device is in the release position, the second holding device is in the holding position and when the second holding device is in the release position, the first holding device is in the holding position.

[0220] Preferably, the stacking surface of the receiving seat can move between multiple stacking positions.

[0221] Preferably, in each stacking position, the stacking surface is arranged parallel to the corresponding reference plane.

[0222] Preferably, all the reference planes are parallel to each other.

[0223] Preferably, the reference planes follow each other in a direction perpendicular to the stacking surface.

[0224] Preferably, the reference planes follow each other between the reference plane farther from the actuation axis of the swing arm and the reference plane closer to the actuation axis of the swing arm.

[0225] Preferably, the reference plane is spaced from an adjacent reference plane by a distance greater than or substantially equal to the thickness of the foil.

[0226] Preferably, the reference plane is spaced from an adjacent reference plane by a distance substantially equal to the sum of the thickness of the foil and the thickness of the continuous strip diaphragm.

[0227] Preferably, when the first transfer device or the second transfer device lays the corresponding foil into the receiving seat placed at the stacking station, the stacking surface moves from a stacking position farther from the actuation axis of the swing arm to a stacking position closer to the actuation axis of the swing arm.

[0228] Preferably, the stacking surface is held in the reached stacking position by the first holding device or by the second holding device.

[0229] Preferably, a plurality of receiving seats are provided.

[0230] Preferably, each receiving seat is configured to receive foils stacked together.

[0231] Preferably, each receiving seat can move between a stacking station and an unloading station.

[0232] Preferably, when one of the plurality of receiving seats is in the stacking station, another one of the plurality of receiving seats is in the unloading station.

[0233] Preferably, when one of the plurality of receiving seats is in the stacking station, another one of the plurality of receiving seats is at the unloading station.

[0234] The applicant believes that in this way, it is possible to further increase the production speed of the equipment target of the present invention.

[0235] The applicant has actually noticed that removing the formed battery from the stacking station necessarily requires stopping the equipment to allow a human operator or a robotic system to reach the formed battery and extract it.

[0236] The applicant has confirmed that when one of the plurality of receiving seats is in the stacking station and another one of the plurality of receiving seats (on which a stack of foils separated from each other by a strip diaphragm has been laid) is at the unloading station, the time required to lay a stack of foils separated from each other by a strip diaphragm on the receiving seat present in the stacking station is sufficient to remove the stack of foils from the receiving seat at the unloading station with sufficient attention and precision.

[0237] The applicant has confirmed that the machine downtime between forming a stack of foils and the next stack of foils is essentially only given by the time required to transfer the receiving seat to the stacking station.

[0238] Preferably, when one of the plurality of receiving seats is in the stacking station, another one of the plurality of receiving seats is in the unloading station.

[0239] Preferably, one of the plurality of receiving seats reaches the unloading station while another one of the plurality of receiving seats reaches the stacking station.

[0240] Preferably, the stacking station is placed closer to the feeding device of the continuous strip diaphragm than the unloading station.

[0241] Preferably, a plurality of anchoring devices are provided, and each anchoring device acts on a corresponding receiving seat.

[0242] Preferably, each anchoring device can be switched between a holding position and a release position, in which holding position each anchoring device is configured to hold the stacked foils on the receiving seat, and in which release position each anchoring device does not hold the stacked foils on the receiving seat.

[0243] Preferably, when the receiving seat moves between the stacking station and the unloading station, the anchoring device acting on the receiving seat is in the holding position.

[0244] Preferably, at least when the first transfer device is in the release position, the anchoring device acting on the receiving seat placed in the stacking station is in the release position.

[0245] Preferably, at least when the second transfer device is in the release position, the anchoring device acting on the receiving seat placed in the stacking station is in the release position.

[0246] Preferably, a common transport path is defined for these receiving seats among the plurality of receiving seats.

[0247] Preferably, the stacking station and the unloading station are arranged along the transport path.

[0248] Preferably, all the receiving seats move simultaneously along the transport path.

[0249] Preferably, when the receiving seat reaches the stacking station, all other receiving seats interrupt their movement along the transport path.

[0250] Preferably, the plurality of receiving seats includes two receiving seats.

[0251] In this case, preferably, when the first receiving seat is in the stacking station, the second receiving seat is in the unloading station, and when the first receiving seat is in the unloading station, the second receiving seat is in the stacking station.

[0252] Alternatively, preferably, the plurality of receiving seats includes more than two receiving seats.

[0253] In this case, preferably one or more transfer stations are provided, where the number of transfer stations is equal to the number of receiving seats minus two.

[0254] Preferably, the transfer station can 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.

[0255] If there is a transfer station, preferably when one receiving seat is in the stacking station and another receiving seat is in the unloading station, the remaining receiving seats are in the corresponding transfer stations.

[0256] Preferably, the receiving seats among the plurality of receiving seats are spaced equidistantly along the transport path.

[0257] Preferably, when the receiving seats are arranged in their corresponding stacking stations, unloading stations and possibly transfer stations, and when the receiving seats are moved between one station and the next, all receiving seats are spaced equidistantly along the conveying path.

[0258] Preferably, the conveying path follows a closed trajectory.

[0259] Preferably, the closed trajectory is a circular trajectory.

[0260] Preferably, the circular trajectory starts and ends at the stacking station.

[0261] Preferably, a conveying drum rotatable about a conveying axis is provided.

[0262] Preferably, a motor rotates the conveying axis.

[0263] Preferably, each receiving seat is mounted on the conveying drum so as to rotate between the stacking station and the unloading station.

[0264] Preferably, in the case where a transfer station is provided, each receiving seat is mounted on the conveying drum so as to rotate between the stacking station, the unloading station and the transfer station.

[0265] Preferably, the conveying axis is arranged on the opposite side of the feeder device with respect to the continuous belt-like diaphragm relative to the stacking station.

[0266] Preferably, the conveying axis of the conveying drum is arranged parallel to the rotation axes of the first follower roller and the second follower roller.

[0267] Alternatively, the conveying axis of the conveying drum is arranged perpendicular to the rotation axes of the first follower roller and the second follower roller.

[0268] Preferably, the actuating axis is parallel to the conveying axis of the conveying drum.

[0269] Preferably, the actuating axis and the conveying axis coincide with each other.

[0270] Alternatively, the conveying axis is preferably inserted between the stacking station and the actuating axis.

[0271] Preferably, each receiving seat includes a corresponding stacking surface.

[0272] Preferably, the stacking surface is substantially flat.

[0273] Preferably, all stacking surfaces are located in corresponding planes parallel to the conveying axis of the conveying drum.

[0274] Preferably, when the receiving seat is in the corresponding station and when the receiving seat moves along the conveying path, all the stacking surfaces are located in corresponding planes parallel to the conveying axis of the conveying rollers.

[0275] Preferably, each anchoring device includes a pair of anchoring fins hinged to the conveying roller.

[0276] Preferably, the hinge axis is included in a corresponding plane perpendicular to the conveying axis.

[0277] Preferably, the hinge axis is included in a corresponding plane perpendicular to the conveying axis.

[0278] Preferably, each anchoring fin includes a lip which is configured to be arranged parallel to the stacking surface of the corresponding receiving seat when the anchoring device is in the holding position.

[0279] Preferably, the pair of anchoring fins of each anchoring device are arranged on opposite sides of the corresponding receiving seat in a direction parallel to the conveying axis of the conveying roller.

[0280] Preferably, the first holding device and the second holding device act only on the receiving seats placed in the stacking station.

[0281] Preferably, the first holding device and the second holding device are placed on opposite sides of the receiving seat placed in the stacking station in a direction included in a plane perpendicular to the actuating axis. Description of the Drawings

[0282] The further features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention provided by way of reference to the drawings and by way of indicative and non - limiting examples, in which:

[0283] - Figures 1 to 4 is a schematic view of a stacking device for alternately stacking continuous strip diaphragms and foils according to the present invention under different operating conditions;

[0284] - Figure 5 is Figure 1 a schematic perspective view of some components of the stacking device for alternately stacking continuous strip diaphragms and foils of

[0285] - Figure 6 is Figure 1 a schematic front view of some components of the stacking device for alternately stacking continuous strip diaphragms and foils of

[0286] - Figure 7 is Figure 1 a schematic perspective view of some components of the stacking device for alternately stacking continuous strip diaphragms and foils of; and

[0287] -Figure 8 is Figure 1 a schematic perspective view of some components of a stacking device for alternately stacking successive strip diaphragms and foils. Detailed Description

[0288] Representations in the drawings need not necessarily be understood to scale and need not necessarily observe the scale between different components.

[0289] Device 1 is preferably used for manufacturing an electrochemical cell, such as a secondary electrochemical cell, the electrochemical cell including flat electrodes separated from each other by a continuous dielectric diaphragm.

[0290] Device 1 includes a support frame 9, and different components of device 1 are mounted on support frame 9.

[0291] Device 1 includes a first conveying device 10 for conveying a first foil 100 and a second conveying device 11 for conveying a second foil 101.

[0292] The first foil 100 and the second foil 101 are configured to form electrodes of an electrochemical cell.

[0293] For example, the first foil 100 may be a foil of a metallic material intended to form the anode of an electrochemical cell. For example, the first foil 100 may be a copper sheet.

[0294] The second foil 101 may be a foil of a metallic material intended to form the cathode of an electrochemical cell. For example, the second foil 101 may be an aluminum sheet.

[0295] Alternatively, the first foil 100 may be a foil of a metallic material intended to form the cathode of an electrochemical cell.

[0296] In this case, the second foil 101 may be a foil of a metallic material intended to form the anode of an electrochemical cell. In this case, the first foil 100 may be, for example, an aluminum sheet, and the second foil 101 may be, for example, a copper sheet.

[0297] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first conveying device 10 includes a conveying plate 12 configured to contact and hold the first foil 100. The conveying plate 12 may, for example, include a suction device or suction cups (not shown) to allow holding of the first foil 100.

[0298] As Figure 1As schematically shown, the first transfer device 10 further includes a linkage mechanism 13 connected to the transfer plate 12 for moving the transfer plate 12. The linkage mechanism 13 includes a control connecting rod 14 having a first end connected to the transfer plate 12 and a second end hinged to the connecting rod 15. The connecting rod 15 is also hinged to the crank 16, and the crank 16 is connected to a motor (not shown). The control connecting rod 14 is also hinged to the rocker 17 at a position included between its two ends, and the rocker 17 is further 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 transfer plate 12 can execute.

[0299] Similarly, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second transfer device 11 includes a transfer plate 18 configured to contact and hold the second foil 101. The transfer plate 18 may include, for example, a suction device or a suction cup (not shown) to allow holding the second foil 101.

[0300] The second transfer device 11 also includes ( Figure 2 ) a linkage mechanism 19 connected to the transfer plate 18 for moving the transfer plate 18. The linkage mechanism 19 includes a control connecting rod 20 having a first end connected to the transfer plate 18 and a second end hinged to the connecting rod 21. The connecting rod 21 is also hinged to the crank 22, and the crank 22 is connected to a motor (not shown). The control connecting rod 20 is also hinged to the rocker 23 at a position included between its two ends, and the rocker 23 is further hinged to the frame 9. The lengths of the control connecting rod 20, the connecting rod 21, the rocker 23, and the crank 22, as well as the hinge points between these components, define the trajectory that the transfer plate 18 can execute.

[0301] The first foil 100 is fed to the first transfer device 10 by the first plate feeder 24 ( Figure 1 ). The first plate feeder 24 may contain the first foils 100 stacked therebetween, or preferably, the first plate feeder 24 may be configured to feed a continuous strip, from which first foils 100 of a certain size are sequentially cut. In particular, only one first foil 100 is cut from the continuous strip at a time, so that the first transfer device 10 can act on the cut first foil 100 before cutting out another first foil 100.

[0302] Similarly, the second foil 101 is fed to the second transfer device 11 by the second plate feeder 25 ( Figure 2)。The second plate feeder 25 may include second foils 101 stacked therebetween, or preferably, the second plate feeder 25 may be configured to feed a continuous strip from which second foils 101 of a certain size are sequentially cut. In particular, only one second foil 101 is cut from the continuous strip at a time such that the second transfer device 11 can act on the cut second foil 101 before another second foil 101 is cut.

[0303] The first transfer device 10 may move between a pick-up position (shown in Figure 1 ) and a release position (shown in Figure 3 ). In the pick-up position, the transfer plate 12 is substantially placed at the first plate feeder 24 and in contact with the first foil 100.

[0304] The second transfer device 11 may move between a pick-up position (shown in Figure 4 ) and a release position (shown in Figure 1 ). In the pick-up position, the transfer plate 18 is substantially placed at the second plate feeder 25 and in contact with the second foil 101.

[0305] The apparatus 1 includes a stacking station 26 placed between the first transfer device 10 and the second transfer device 11.

[0306] When the first transfer device 10 is in the release position, the transfer plate 12 is placed at the stacking station 26 to lay down the first foil 100 transported to the stacking station 26.

[0307] Similarly, when the second transfer device 11 is in the release position, the transfer plate 18 is placed at the stacking station 26 to lay down the second foil 101 transported to the stacking station 26.

[0308] As Figures 1 to 4 schematically shown, the first transfer device 10 and the second transfer device 11 move substantially in opposite directions. In particular, the first transfer device 10 and the second transfer device 11 are not both in their respective release positions. When the first transfer device 10 is in the release position, the second transfer device 11 is in the pick-up position or moving between the pick-up position and the release position (e.g., as Figure 3 schematically shown). When the second transfer device 11 is in the release position, the first transfer device 10 is in the pick-up position (e.g., as Figure 3 schematically shown), or moving between the pick-up position and the release position. It should be noted that since the first transfer device 10 and the second transfer device 11 remain in the release position for the time required to release the respective foils in the stacking station 26, when the transfer devices are in their respective release positions, the other transfer device moves towards the respective pick-up position and reaches the respective pick-up position.

[0309] The continuous movement of the first transfer device 10 and the second transfer device 11 from their respective pick-up positions to their respective release positions (and from their respective release positions to their respective pick-up positions) results in the formation of stacks of first foils 100 and second foils 101 that alternately overlap each other in the stacking station 26.

[0310] As Figures 1 to 4 schematically shown, the device 1 also includes a feeding device 27 for a continuous strip diaphragm 102, which is configured to feed the continuous strip diaphragm 102 towards the stacking station 26.

[0311] The feeding device 27 is placed between the first transfer device 10 and the second transfer device 11 and above the stacking station 26.

[0312] The feeding device 27 includes a rotary support (not shown) for a continuous strip diaphragm coil 102 and a pair of feeding rollers 28, through which the continuous strip diaphragm 102 is unwound towards the stacking station 26. The pair of feeding rollers 28 can be rotated by an electric motor (not shown) and can be configured to move towards and away from each other (e.g., during the operation of inserting the continuous strip diaphragm 102 between the feeding rollers 28). As Figure 1 schematically shown, the pair of feeding rollers 28 are arranged at a predetermined distance from the stacking station 26, preferably above the central area of the stacking station 26.

[0313] The device 1 includes a displacement device 29, which is configured to act on the continuous strip diaphragm 102 fed by the feeding device 27.

[0314] The displacement device 29 acts at the stacking station 26 and is arranged between the first transfer device 10 and the second transfer device 11. The displacement device 29 has the function of positioning the continuous strip diaphragm 102 between the first foil and the second foil laid in the stacking station 26. The displacement device 29 is physically and functionally different from the first transfer device 10 and the second transfer device 11.

[0315] The continuous strip diaphragm 102 has the following functions: keeping the first foil 100 and the second foil 101 physically separated to avoid short circuits between them, and nevertheless allowing ion transport between the first foil 100 and the second foil 101.

[0316] The resulting electrochemical cell is of the "pouch" or "prismatic" type. Different from cylindrical wound batteries, batteries using pouch or prismatic battery cells do not use the "jelly roll" type winding method, but use the "Z-fold" technique, in which the continuous strip diaphragm 102 is uniformly stacked in a Z-shape around the anode (e.g., the first foil 100) and the cathode (e.g., the second foil 101).

[0317] The displacement device 29 includes a follower device 30 which can move in a reciprocating motion between a first end position P1 ( Figure 1 ) and a second end position P2 ( Figure 3 ). The first end position P1 is placed between the stacking station 26 and the first conveyor device 10, and the second end position P2 is placed between the stacking station 26 and the second conveyor device 10. The stacking station 26 then extends between the first end position P1 and the second end position P2 of the follower device 30.

[0318] The follower device 30 includes a follower surface 31 which is configured to contact the continuous strip diaphragm 102 and follow its movement between the first end position P1 and the second end position P2.

[0319] The follower device 30 further includes an additional follower surface 32 which is configured to contact the continuous strip diaphragm 102 and follow its movement between the second end position P2 and the first end position P1.

[0320] The actuating member 34 actuates the follower device 30 in such a way that the first follower surface 31 and the second follower surface 32 are actively moved. In particular, the follower device 30 is actuated in such a way that the first follower surface 31 and the second follower surface 32 are actively rotated. The actuating member 34 is different from and distinct from the first conveyor device 10. The actuating member 34 is different from and distinct from the second conveyor device 11.

[0321] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the follower device 30 includes a first follower roller 30a and a second follower roller 31a.

[0322] The first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a can move in a reciprocating motion between the first end position P1 and the second end position P2.

[0323] As better shown in Figure 5 , the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a include respective rotation axes R1, R2.

[0324] The rotation axis R1 of the first follower roller 30a is parallel to the rotation axis R2 of the second follower roller 31a.

[0325] The first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a include respective outer surfaces 33, 33a. The outer surfaces 33, 33a of the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a preferably do not have surface roughness and are preferably smooth.

[0326] The outer surface 33 of the first follower roller 30a defines the follower surface 31 and the outer surface 33a of the second follower roller 31a defines the additional follower surface 32 of the follower device 30.

[0327] The outer surface 33 of the first follower roller 30a is spaced from the rotation axis R1 of the first follower roller 30a by a radial distance D1.

[0328] The outer surface 33a of the second follower roller 31a is spaced from the rotation axis R2 of the second follower roller 31a by a radial distance D2.

[0329] The radial distance D1 of the first follower roller 30a is equal to the radial distance D2 of the second follower roller 31a.

[0330] The rotation axis R1 of the first follower roller 30a is spaced from the rotation axis R2 of the second follower roller 31a by a distance D3 which is substantially equal to the sum of the radial distance D1 of the first follower roller 30a, the radial distance D2 of the second follower roller 31a, and the thickness of the continuous strip-like diaphragm 102, as schematically shown in Figure 5 (wherein the continuous strip-like diaphragm is shown in dashed lines).

[0331] The continuous strip-like diaphragm 102 is inserted between the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a and preferably contacts both the outer surface 33 of the first follower roller 30a and the outer surface 33a of the second follower roller 31a.

[0332] During the transfer of the first follower roller 30a and the second follower 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, the rotation axes R1 and R2 of the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a always remain at the same mutual distance D3.

[0333] When the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a move between the first end position P1 and the second end position P2, the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a unwind the continuous strip-like diaphragm 102 onto the stacking station 26, and in particular onto the foil that has just been laid by the first conveyor 10 or by the second conveyor 11.

[0334] During the transfer between the first end position P1 and the second end position P2, the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a (and in particular the respective rotation axes R1, R2) move along respective first trajectories T1, where a plurality of the first trajectories T1 are substantially coincident ( Figure 5 ).

[0335] During the transfer between the second end position P2 and the first end position P1, the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a (and in particular the respective rotation axes R1, R2) move along respective second trajectories T2, where a plurality of the second trajectories T2 are substantially coincident ( Figure 5 ).

[0336] When transferring between the first end position P1 and the second end position P2, the rotation axis R1 of the first follower roller 30a moves along the first trajectory T1 at the first displacement speed V1.

[0337] When transferring between the second end position P2 and the first end position P1, the rotation axis R1 of the first follower roller 30a moves along the second trajectory T2 at the second displacement speed V2.

[0338] When transferring between the first end position P1 and the second end position P2, the rotation axis R2 of the second follower roller 31a moves along the first trajectory T1 at the first displacement speed V3.

[0339] When transferring between the second end position P2 and the first end position P1, the rotation axis R2 of the second follower roller 31a moves along the second trajectory T2 at the second displacement speed V4.

[0340] 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.

[0341] The moduli of the first displacement speed V1, the third displacement speed V3, the second displacement speed V2, and the fourth displacement speed V4 are equal to each other.

[0342] These first trajectory T1 and second trajectory T2 are more specifically given by the positions of the points through which the rotation axes R1, R2 of the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a pass respectively during the displacement 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.

[0343] As shown in Figure 5 These first trajectory T1 and second trajectory T2 define a curved path PC followed by the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a. This curved path PC has a concavity facing the stacking station 26.

[0344] During the process of laying the continuous strip 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 diaphragm 102 also follows the first trajectory T1S. During the process of laying the continuous strip 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 diaphragm 102 follows the second trajectory T2S. During the process of laying the continuous strip diaphragm 102 on the stacking station 26, both the first trajectory T1S and the second trajectory T2S followed by the continuous strip diaphragm 102 are curved trajectories. The first trajectory T1S coincides with the second trajectory T2S.

[0345] Thus, during the laying of the continuous strip 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 on top of the last laid foil, the path followed by the continuous strip diaphragm 102 is also a curved path PC1 with concavity facing the stacking station 26.

[0346] From a strictly geometric point of view, the curved path PC1 followed by the continuous strip diaphragm 102 is parallel to the curved path PC followed by the rotation axes R1, R2 of the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a. However, for the purposes of the present invention, these two curved paths can be considered to be substantially identical.

[0347] The first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a are rotated about their respective rotation axes R1, R2 by a motorized member 34 (shown in Figure 7 ). The first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a are rotated about their respective rotation axes R1, R2 in such a way that the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a rotate in opposite directions to each other.

[0348] In Figure 7 a possible embodiment of the motorized member shown, the motorized member 34 includes a motorized pulley 35, a first pulley 36 that rotates integrally with the first follower roller 30a, and a second pulley 37 that rotates integrally with the second follower roller 31a.

[0349] The first pulley 36 is keyed to the rotation axis R1 of the first follower roller 30a, and the second pulley 36 is keyed to the rotation axis R2 of the second follower roller 31a.

[0350] 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 is moved by the motorized pulley 35 and drives both the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a.

[0351] The drive belt 38 has a first surface 39 and a second surface 40 that are closed in a loop and parallel, where the first surface 39 is radially inside the second surface 40.

[0352] The first surface 39 and the second surface 40 of the drive belt 38 can be toothed to engage the corresponding tooth profiles of the motorized pulley 35, the first pulley 36, and the second pulley 37.

[0353] In particular, as Figure 7As 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, opposite rotations of the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a are obtained. In this regard, the motorized pulley 35 is rotated by a motorized shaft 41 (schematically shown in Figure 7 ), which is parallel to the rotation axes R1, R2 of the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a.

[0354] The motorized shaft 41 is controlled to rotate by a motor (schematically denoted by the numeral 42 in Figure 7 ), and the motorized shaft 41 is driven in such a manner that the rotations of the first follower roller and the second follower roller are stopped when the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a are in the first end position P1 and when they are in the second end position P2.

[0355] When the continuous strip diaphragm 102 moves above the stacking station 26, the follower surface 31 moves, while the follower device 30 moves between the first end position P1 and the second end position P2, so that a predetermined first relative speed is applied between the follower surface 31 and the continuous strip diaphragm 102.

[0356] The first relative speed is given by the difference between the first follower speed of the follower surface 31 between the first end position P1 and the second end position P2 and the first displacement speed of the continuous strip diaphragm 102.

[0357] The first relative speed is selected in such a way as to eliminate or minimize, in any case, the relative sliding between the continuous strip diaphragm 102 and the follower surface 31.

[0358] Similarly, when the continuous strip diaphragm 102 moves above the stacking station 26, the additional follower surface 32 moves, while the follower device 30 moves between the second end position P2 and the first end position P1, so that a second predetermined relative speed is applied between the additional follower surface 32 and the continuous strip diaphragm 102.

[0359] The second relative speed is given by the difference between the second follower speed of the additional follower surface 32 between the second end position P2 and the first end position P1 and the second displacement speed of the continuous strip diaphragm 102.

[0360] The second relative speed is selected in such a way as to eliminate or minimize, in any case, the relative sliding between the continuous strip diaphragm 102 and the additional follower surface 32.

[0361] To this end, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the drive motor 42 is driven to rotationally accelerate the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a until a first angular velocity VA1 with a first angular acceleration AC1 when the first follower roller 30a moves from the first end position P1 to the second end position P2. The magnitude of the first angular acceleration AC1 of the first follower roller 30a is equal to the magnitude of the first angular acceleration AC1 of the second follower roller 31a. The first angular velocity VA1 of the first follower roller 30a is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the first angular velocity VA1 of the second follower roller 31a.

[0362] The drive motor 42 is also driven to rotationally accelerate the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a until a second angular velocity VA2 with a second angular acceleration AC2 when the first follower roller 30a moves from the second end position P2 to the first end position P1. The magnitude of the second angular acceleration AC2 of the first follower roller 30a is equal to the magnitude of the second angular acceleration AC2 of the second follower roller 31a. The second angular velocity VA2 of the first follower roller 30a is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the second angular velocity VA2 of the second follower roller 31a.

[0363] The magnitude of the first angular acceleration AC1 of the first follower roller 30a is equal to the magnitude of the second angular acceleration AC2 of the first follower roller 30a. The first angular velocity VA1 of the first follower roller 30a is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the second angular velocity VA2 of the first follower roller 30a.

[0364] The magnitude of the first angular acceleration AC1 of the second follower roller 31a is equal to the magnitude of the second angular acceleration AC2 of the second follower roller 31a. The first angular velocity VA1 of the second follower roller 31a is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the second angular velocity VA2 of the second follower roller 31a.

[0365] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the actuating member 34 may alternatively include a pair of motors, wherein each motor controls the rotation of the rotary shafts R1, R2 of the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a. In this case, the two motors are driven by a control unit in such a way as to obtain the described angular velocities and angular accelerations of the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a.

[0366] The first following speed of the following surface 31 is equal to the first angular velocity VA1 of the first follower roller 30a multiplied by the radius distance D1 of the first follower roller 30a.

[0367] The second following speed of the additional following surface 32 is equal to the second angular velocity VA2 of the second follower roller 31a multiplied by the radius distance D2 of the second follower roller 31a.

[0368] In other words, the first angular velocity VA1 of the first follower roller 30a is set so as to eliminate or minimize in any case the relative sliding between the continuous strip diaphragm 102 and the outer surface 33 of the first follower roller 30a.

[0369] Similarly, the second angular velocity VA2 of the second follower roller 31a is set so as to eliminate or minimize in any case the relative sliding between the continuous strip diaphragm 102 and the outer surface 33a of the second follower roller 31a.

[0370] As Figure 7 and Figure 8 schematically indicated in

[0371] the device 1 includes a plurality of receiving seats 43 which can be positioned one by one in the stacking station 26 for receiving the foils 100, 101 laid by the first conveying device 10 and by the second conveying device 101.

[0372] When the follower device 30 is placed at an intermediate position between the first end position P1 and the second end position P2, the follower device 30 is at a level higher than the stacking surface 44.

[0373] When the follower device 30 is placed in the first end position P1, the follower device 30 is at a level lower than the stacking surface 44.

[0374] When the follower device 30 is placed in the second end position P2, the follower device 30 is at a level lower than the stacking surface 44.

[0375] Figure 6 The front view shows some parts of the device 1 and specifically shows the first follower roller 30a, the second follower roller 31a (shown in the central area of the stacking station 26), the receiving seats 43 placed in the stacking station 26 and additional components which will be described below. The curved path PC followed by the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a is shown as a dashed line.

[0376] As Figure 6 schematically represented in

[0377] the first distance S1 is measured in a direction perpendicular to the stacking surface 44 and between the rotation axis R1 of the first follower roller 30a and the stacking surface 44.

[0378] In Figure 6In [description purpose], the first distance S1 is represented as a positive distance, in the sense that it is the distance measured above the stacking surface 44.

[0379] However, the first distance S1 can be understood as a negative distance, that is, the distance measured below the stacking surface 44.

[0380] The first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a 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.

[0381] The second distance S2 is measured in a direction perpendicular to the stacking surface 44 and between the rotation axis R2 of the second follower roller 31a and the stacking surface 44.

[0382] In Figure 6 In [description purpose], the second distance S2 is represented as a positive distance, in the sense that it is the distance measured above the stacking surface 44.

[0383] However, the second distance S2 can be understood as a negative distance, that is, the distance measured below the stacking surface 44.

[0384] In the intermediate position between the first end position P1 and the second end position P2, the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a are placed at a third distance S3 from the stacking surface 44.

[0385] The 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. This intermediate position is placed at the central position between the first end position P1 and the second end position P2.

[0386] During the process of laying the continuous strip 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 diaphragm 102 from the stacking surface 44.

[0387] As Figure 6 Schematically shown in [reference], the first distance S1 is substantially equal to the second distance S2 and less than the third distance S3.

[0388] To ensure that the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a follow the curved path PC, the displacement device 29 includes an actuator 45, which is connected to the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a to move the first follower roller 30a and the second follower 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.

[0389] The actuator 45 includes a swing arm 46 which is hinged at its first end to an actuating shaft 47 (schematically shown in Figure 5 ). A first follower roller 30a and a second follower roller 31a are hinged to the swing arm 46 at the second end of the swing arm 46.

[0390] The swing arm 46 includes a housing seat 48 in which at least a part of the actuating member 34 is placed. In particular, as Figure 7 shown, the actuating pulley 35, the first pulley 36, the second pulley 37 and the drive belt 38 are arranged in the housing seat.

[0391] The actuating shaft 47 is arranged parallel to the actuating shaft 41 which rotates the actuating pulley 35. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the actuating shaft 47 and the actuating shaft 41 are coaxial.

[0392] The actuating shaft 47 is placed on the opposite side of the feeding device 27 for the continuous strip diaphragm with respect to the stacking station 26 so as to be able to direct the concavity of the curved path PC towards the stacking station 26 and the stacking surface 44.

[0393] The actuating shaft 47 moves the swing arm 46 with a reciprocating motion which has a first dead point at a first end position P1 and a second dead point at a second end position P2.

[0394] In other words, a motion law is imparted to the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a which is consistent with, i.e., coordinated with, the motion law of the swing arm 46 such that the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a roll without slipping on the continuous strip diaphragm 102.

[0395] When transferring between the first end position P1 and the second end position P2, the rotational speed of the actuating shaft 47 causes a first displacement speed V1 of the rotational axis R1 of the first follower roller 30a. Similarly, when transferring between the second end position P2 and the first end position P1, the rotational speed of the actuating shaft 47 causes a second displacement speed V2 of the rotational axis R1 of the first follower roller 30a.

[0396] In order to hold the continuous strip diaphragm 102 on the foils 100, 101 laid in the stacking station 26, the device 1 includes a first holding device 49 and a second holding device 50.

[0397] As Figures 1 to 4 shown, the first holding device 49 is arranged at the first end position P1 of the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a, and the second holding device 50 is arranged at the second end position P2 of the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a.

[0398] The first holding device 49 and the second holding device 50 are placed on opposite sides of a receiving seat 43 placed in the stacking station 26.

[0399] The first holding device 49 has the function of holding a part of a continuous strip diaphragm 102 laid on the last second foil 101 laid in the stacking station 26 by the second conveying device 11. This situation is shown in Figure 1 shown.

[0400] The first holding device 49 continues to hold this part of the continuous strip diaphragm 102 while the continuous strip diaphragm 102 is laid on the next first foil 100 laid in the stacking station 26 by the first conveying device 10. In Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown schematically the first conveying device 10 while the first conveying device 10 lays the next first foil 100 in the stacking station 26 and while the first holding device 49 is holding the continuous strip diaphragm 102.

[0401] The second holding device 50 has the function of holding a part of the continuous strip diaphragm 102 laid on the last first foil 100 laid in the stacking station 26 by the first conveying device 10. This situation is shown in Figure 3 shown.

[0402] The second holding device 50 continues to hold this part of the continuous strip diaphragm 102 while the continuous strip diaphragm 102 is laid on the next second foil 101 laid in the stacking station 26 by the second conveying device 11. In Figure 4 and Figure 1 shown schematically the second conveying device 11 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 diaphragm 102.

[0403] 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 this part of the continuous strip diaphragm 102 it holds. The first holding device 49 then returns to the holding condition to hold the new part of the continuous strip diaphragm 102 just laid on the next second foil 101.

[0404] 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 continuous strip diaphragm 102 it holds. The second holding device 50 then returns to the holding condition to hold the new part of the continuous strip diaphragm 102 just laid on the next first foil 100.

[0405] When the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a are in the first end position P1, the first holding device 49 transfers from the holding position to the release position and from the release position to the holding position.

[0406] When the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a are in the second end position P2, the second holding device 50 transfers from the holding position to the release position and from the release position to the holding position.

[0407] It should be noted that when the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a reach the first end position P1, the moving directions of the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a are reversed to allow the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a to move towards the second end position P2. When the movements of the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a are reversed, the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a can stop 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.

[0408] Similarly, when the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a reach the second end position P2, the moving directions of the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a are reversed to allow the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a to move towards the first end position P1. When the movements of the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a are reversed, the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a can stop 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.

[0409] To switch the first holding device 49 from the holding position to the release position and from the release position to the holding position, the first holding device 49 performs a movement having a displacement component perpendicular to the stacking surface 44 of the receiving seat 43.

[0410] This displacement component has an extension greater than the first distance S1 between the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a and the stacking surface 44 of the receiving seat 43 (when the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a are in the first end position P1).

[0411] This displacement component has an extension less than the third distance S3 between the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a and the stacking surface 44 of the receiving seat 43 (when the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a are in an intermediate position between the first end position P1 and the second end P2).

[0412] Similarly, to switch the second holding device 50 from the holding position to the release position and from the release position to the holding position, the second holding device 50 performs a movement having a displacement component perpendicular to the stacking surface 44 of the receiving seat 43.

[0413] This displacement component has an extension greater than a second distance S2 of the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a from the stacking surface 44 of the receiving seat 43 (when the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a are in the second end position P2).

[0414] This displacement component has an extension less than a third distance S3 of the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a from the stacking surface 44 of the receiving seat 43 (when the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a are in an intermediate position between the first end position P1 and the second end position P2).

[0415] As Figure 8 better shown in, the first holding device 49 and the second holding device 50 are identical in structure to each other and are mirror images with respect to a plane perpendicular to the stacking surface 44 and containing the actuating shaft 47.

[0416] 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 follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a. Both 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. A further motor 53 is also connected to a return link mechanism 54 which moves the fingers in the pair of holding fingers 51 away from each other in a direction parallel to the rotation axes R1, R2 of the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a.

[0417] 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 and lose contact with the continuous strip diaphragm 102, and are then raised until the above-mentioned respective 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 closer to each other and position themselves above the continuous strip diaphragm 102, and are then lowered to hold the continuous strip diaphragm 102.

[0418] As described above, a plurality of receiving seats 43 are provided.

[0419] Each receiving seat 43 can move between the stacking station 26 and the unloading station 55.

[0420] In the embodiment shown in the drawings, three receiving seats 43 are provided, as Figure 7 and Figure 8 best represented in.

[0421] 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 illustrated example, when there are three receiving seats 43, one transfer station 56 is provided.

[0422] In these cases, each receiving seat 43 can move between the stacking station 26, the unloading station 55, and the transfer station 56.

[0423] The stacking station 26, the unloading station 55, and the transfer station 56 (when present) follow each other cyclically in a predetermined order along the conveying path of the receiving seat 43.

[0424] This predetermined order can be provided such that the unloading station 55 follows the stacking station 26, or one or more transfer stations 56 follow the stacking station 26.

[0425] The stacking station 26, the unloading station 55, and the transfer station 56 (when present) are spaced equidistantly along the conveying path.

[0426] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the unloading station 55 follows the stacking station 26, and the transfer station 56 follows the unloading station 55.

[0427] In the unloading station 55, the electrochemical cells formed in the stacking station 26 are removed from the receiving seat 43. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the receiving seat 43 transported in the transfer station 56 is empty, i.e., the transfer station 56 does not contain foils.

[0428] When the receiving seat 43 is in the stacking station 26, another receiving seat 43 is always in the unloading station 55.

[0429] All receiving seats 43 move simultaneously between the stacking station 26, the unloading station 55, and the transfer station 56 (if present). When the receiving seat 43 moves between the stacking station 26, the unloading station 55, and the transfer station 56 (if present), the laying of the foils 100, 101 is interrupted.

[0430] The conveying path of the receiving seat 43 follows a trajectory that starts and ends at the stacking station 26.

[0431] This trajectory is a self - enclosed trajectory.

[0432] This trajectory is a circular trajectory.

[0433] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention ( Figure 7 and Figure 8 ), the receiving seat 43 is mounted on the outer periphery of the conveying drum 57 in such a way as to be able to follow the above - mentioned closed trajectory.

[0434] The conveying drum 57 can rotate about a conveying axis TR1 parallel to the rotation axes R1, R2 of the first follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a (inFigure 8 shown) rotation.

[0435] 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, i.e., it is on the opposite side of the feeding device 27 with respect to the stacking station 26.

[0436] The transport axis TR1 is parallel and coincident with the axis of the actuating shaft 47 that moves the swing arm 46.

[0437] The transport roller 57 can rotate about the transport axis TR1, thereby performing angular rotation with pauses. These angular rotations have the degree necessary to bring the receiving seat 43 from one station to the next, and the duration of the pause is equal to the time for forming the electrochemical cell in the stacking station 26.

[0438] The stacking station 26, the unloading station 55, and the transfer station 56 (when present) are placed along the outer periphery of the transport roller 57 and are fixed relative to the frame 9.

[0439] In order to allow the electrochemical cell formed in the stacking station 26 not to move relative to the receiving seat 43 in which the electrochemical cell is formed and from which it must be removed during the rotation of the transfer roller 57, anchoring means 58 acting on each receiving seat 43 are provided.

[0440] Each anchoring means 58 can be switched between a holding position and a release position. In the holding position, the anchoring means 58 holds the foils 100, 101 stacked on the receiving seat 43, and in the release position, the anchoring means 58 does not hold the foils 100, 101 stacked on the receiving seat 43.

[0441] When the receiving seat 43 moves between the stacking station 26 and the unloading station 55, the anchoring means 58 acting on the receiving seat 43 is in the holding position.

[0442] The anchoring means 58 acting on the receiving seat 43 placed in the stacking station 26 is in the release position, at least until the first transfer device 10 and the second transfer device 11 lay the first foil 100 and the second foil 101 in the receiving seat 43.

[0443] When the receiving seat moves between the unloading station 55 and the stacking station 26 (possibly with transfer in the transfer station 56), the anchoring means 58 acting on the receiving seat 43 is in the release position.

[0444] The anchoring means 58 of the receiving seat 43 placed in the stacking station 26 acts on two opposite ends of the stacking surface 44, and the first holding means 49 and the second holding means 50 act on the receiving seat 43 at the other two opposite ends of the stacking surface 44.

[0445] Each anchoring device 58 includes a pair of anchoring fins 59( Figure 8 ), which are hinged to the conveying drum 57 along a hinge axis included in a plane perpendicular to the conveying axis TR1.

[0446] Each of the pair of anchoring fins 59 is placed at the 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 follower roller 30a and the second follower roller 31a.

[0447] Each anchoring fin 59 includes a lip 60 which, when the fins are in the anchor holding position, is arranged parallel to the stacking surface 44 of the receiving seat 43. When the fins are in the release position, the lip 60 moves out of the path of the stacking surface 44 of the receiving seat 43.

[0448] 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 overlapping foils, the stacking surface 44 of each receiving seat can be moved between a plurality of stacking positions.

[0449] As Figure 5 schematically shown, 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, where each degree of insertion corresponds to a respective stacking position of the stacking surface 44.

[0450] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the stacking positions are 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-shaped support 102.

[0451] The stacking surface 44 can be held, for example, in the reached stacking position by the first holding device 49 or the second holding device 50.

[0452] It should be noted that the stacking positions of the stacking surface 44 also allow 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 swing arm 46.

[0453] In use, in order to alternately stack the continuous strip-shaped diaphragms 102 and the foils 100, 101, the first foil 100 and the second foil 101 are conveyed to the stacking station 26 in an alternating manner (i.e., one by one), and the alternation between the first foil 100 and the second foil 101 is continuously provided.

[0454] The continuous strip-shaped diaphragm 102 is fed to the stacking station 26. The continuous strip-shaped diaphragm 102 is engaged by the follower device 30.

[0455] Starting from the situation where the second foil 101 has just been laid, the continuous strip diaphragm 102 is engaged by the following surface 31 so that the continuous strip diaphragm 102 moves between a first end position P1 and a second end position P2 above the stacking station 26.

[0456] This action is performed by moving the rotation axis R1 of the first following roller 30a of the following device 30 between the first end position P1 and the second end position P2.

[0457] The following surface 31 moves, and in particular rotates (according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention), so as to apply a first predetermined relative speed between the following surface 31 and the continuous strip diaphragm 102.

[0458] 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 diaphragm 102 between the first end position P1 and the second end position P2.

[0459] 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 includes between 80% and 120% of the magnitude of the first displacement speed, preferably includes between 90% and 110% of the magnitude of the first displacement speed, and more preferably includes between 95% and 105% of the magnitude of the first displacement speed.

[0460] This action is performed by providing the first following roller 30a of the following device 30 with an outer surface 33 that defines the following surface 31 and by rotating the first following roller 30a about the rotation axis R1 at a first angular velocity VA1.

[0461] The continuous strip diaphragm 102 is then placed on the second foil 101 that is conveyed to the stacking station 26 following a first curved trajectory T1S between the first end position P1 and the second end position P2.

[0462] Due to the first curved trajectory T1S, during the movement of the continuous strip diaphragm 102 between the first end position P1 and an intermediate position (between the first end position P1 and the second end position P2), the continuous strip diaphragm 102 moves perpendicular to and away from the second foil 101 conveyed to the stacking station 26.

[0463] When the continuous strip diaphragm 102 reaches the second end position P2, the continuous strip diaphragm 102 is positioned below the level where the second foil 101 conveyed to the stacking station 26 exists.

[0464] The second foil 101 conveyed to the stacking station is then partially wrapped by the continuous strip diaphragm 102.

[0465] Subsequently, the second holding device 50 holds a part of the continuous strip-shaped diaphragm 102 laid on the second foil 101.

[0466] Subsequently or simultaneously, the first foil 100 is laid in the stacking station 26. The first sheet is laid above a part of the continuous strip-shaped diaphragm 102 just placed on the second foil 101.

[0467] Subsequently, the follower device 30 moves in the reverse direction to move between the second end position P2 and the first end position P1.

[0468] The continuous strip-shaped diaphragm 102 is engaged by another follower surface 32 so that the continuous strip-shaped diaphragm 102 moves between the second end position P2 and the first end position P1 above the stacking station 26.

[0469] This action is performed by moving the rotation axis R2 of the second follower roller 31a of the follower device 30 between the second end position P2 and the first end position P1.

[0470] The other follower surface 32 moves, and in particular rotates (according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention), so as to apply a second predetermined relative speed between the other follower surface 32 and the continuous strip-shaped diaphragm 102.

[0471] The second relative speed is given by the difference between the second follower speed of the follower surface 32 and the second displacement speed of the continuous strip-shaped diaphragm 102 between the second end position P2 and the first end position P1.

[0472] In order to eliminate or in any case reduce the relative sliding between the other follower surface 32 and the continuous strip-shaped diaphragm 102, the magnitude of the second follower 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.

[0473] This action is performed by providing the second follower roller 31a of the follower device 30 with an outer surface 33a that defines the other follower surface 32 and by rotating the second follower roller 31a around the rotation axis R2 at a second angular velocity VA2.

[0474] The continuous strip-shaped diaphragm 102 is then placed on the first foil 100 that is conveyed to the stacking station 26 following a second curved trajectory T2S between the second end position P2 and the first end position P1.

[0475] Due to the second curved trajectory T2S, during the movement of the continuous strip-shaped diaphragm 102 between the second end position P2 and the intermediate position (between the second end position P2 and the first end position P1), the continuous strip-shaped diaphragm 102 moves perpendicular to and away from the first foil 100 conveyed to the stacking station 26.

[0476] When the continuous belt-like diaphragm 102 reaches the first end position P1, the continuous belt-like diaphragm 102 is positioned below the level of the first foil 101 that is conveyed to the stacking station 26.

[0477] The first foil 100 conveyed to the stacking station 26 is then partially wrapped by the continuous belt-like diaphragm 102.

[0478] Subsequently, the first holding device 49 holds a part of the continuous belt-like diaphragm 102 laid on the first foil 100.

[0479] The described process is repeated to lay another second foil 101.

Claims

1. A stacking device (1) for alternately stacking continuous strip diaphragms and foils, comprising: a stacking station (26) configured to receive foils (100, 101); a first conveying device (10) and a second conveying device (11), the first conveying device (10) being for conveying a first foil (100), the second conveying device (11) being for conveying a second foil (101), the first conveying device (10) and the second conveying device (11) each being 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 disposed 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 a continuous strip diaphragm (102), the feeding device (27) being configured to feed the continuous strip diaphragm (102) towards the stacking station (26); a displacement device (29) configured to act on the continuous strip diaphragm (102) fed by the feeding device (27), and the displacement device (29) comprising a follower device (30) which is movable 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 which is movable between the second end position (P2) and 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; wherein the follower device (30) comprises at least one follower surface (31) configured to contact and rotate the continuous strip diaphragm (102) as the follower device (30) moves between the first end position (P1) and the second end position (P2), and wherein a drive member (34) acts on the follower device (30) to rotate the at least one follower surface (31) as the follower device (30) moves between the first end position (P1) and the second end position (P2).

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, the follower device (30) comprises a first follower roller (30a) having an outer surface (33) defining the at least one follower surface (31).

3. The device (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The mobile member (34) is configured to stop the rotation of the first follower roller (30a) when the first follower roller (30a) is in the first end position (P1), and to rotationally accelerate the first follower roller (30a) to a first angular velocity with a first angular acceleration when the first follower roller (30a) starts to move towards the second end position (P2).

4. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the follower device (30) includes an additional follower surface (32) configured to contact the continuous strip diaphragm (102), and wherein the mobile member (34) is configured to move the additional follower surface (32) when the follower device (30) moves between the second end position (P2) and the first end position (P1).

5. The apparatus (1) according to claim 4, wherein, the follower device (30) includes a second follower roller (31a), and the second follower roller (31a) has an outer surface (33a) that defines the additional follower surface (32).

6. The apparatus (1) according to claims 2 and 5, wherein, the first follower roller (30a) and the second follower roller (31a) rotate in opposite directions to each other.

7. The apparatus (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, the mobile member (34) is configured to stop the rotation of the second follower roller (31a) when the second follower roller (31a) is in the second end position (P2), and to rotationally accelerate the second follower roller (31a) to a second angular velocity with a second angular acceleration when the second follower roller (31a) starts to move towards the first end position (P1).

8. The apparatus (1) according to claims 3 and 7, wherein, the first angular velocity has a magnitude equal to the magnitude of the second angular velocity and a direction opposite to the direction of the second angular velocity.

9. The apparatus (1) according to claims 2 and 5, wherein, the first follower roller (30a) and the second follower roller (31a) include respective rotation axes (R1, R2); the mobile member (34) includes a single drive shaft (41), and the single drive shaft (41) drives the two rotation axes (R1, R2) of the first follower roller (30a) and the second follower roller (31a).

10. A method for alternately stacking a continuous strip diaphragm and foils, comprising: transferring a first foil (100) and a second foil (101) to a stacking station (26); feeding a continuous strip diaphragm (102) to the stacking station (26); moving the continuous strip diaphragm (102) above the stacking station (26) between a first end position (P1) and a second end position (P2) and between the second end position (P2) and the first end position (P1); wherein moving the continuous strip diaphragm (102) above the stacking station (26) includes: engaging the continuous strip diaphragm (102) with at least one follower surface (31); By applying a predetermined first relative speed between the at least one follower surface (31) and the continuous belt-like diaphragm (102), the at least one follower surface (31) is rotated between the first end position (P1) and the second end position (P2).

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, Moving the continuous belt-like diaphragm (102) above the stacking station (26) further includes: engaging the continuous belt-like diaphragm (102) with another follower surface (32), and moving the another follower surface (32) between the second end position (P2) and the first end position (P1) by applying a second predetermined relative speed between the another follower surface (32) and the continuous belt-like diaphragm (102).

12. The method according to claims 10 and 11, wherein, The magnitude of the first relative speed is equal to the magnitude of the second relative speed.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The first relative speed is given by the difference between a first follower speed of the follower surface (31) between the first end position (P1) and the second end position (P2) and a first displacement speed of the continuous belt-like diaphragm (102), wherein the magnitude of the first follower speed is included between 80% and 120% of the magnitude of the first displacement speed.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein, The second relative speed is given by the difference between a second follower speed of the another follower surface (32) between the second end position (P2) and the first end position (P1) and a second displacement speed of the continuous belt-like diaphragm (102), wherein the magnitude of the second follower speed is included between 80% and 120% of the magnitude of the second displacement speed.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein, Engaging the continuous belt-like diaphragm (102) with at least one follower surface (31) includes: providing a first follower roller (30a) having an outer surface (33) defining the follower surface (31); moving the rotation axis (R1) of the first follower roller (30a) between the first end position (P1) and the second end position (P2) when the first follower roller (30a) rotates about the rotation axis (R1).

16. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein, Engaging the continuous belt-like diaphragm (102) with another follower surface (32) includes: providing a second follower roller (31a) having an outer surface (33a) defining the another follower surface (32), and moving the rotation axis (R2) of the second follower roller (31a) between the second end position (P2) and the first end position (P1) when the second follower roller (31a) rotates about the rotation axis (R2).

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