Method for non-contact processing of ribbon-like articles, preferably for the production of electrochemical cells - Patents.com

Abstract

The method for performing a non-contact treatment on a ribbon-like article (N) includes the steps of providing at least two operating units (2) configured to perform a non-contact treatment on the non-contact ribbon-like article (N), the operating units (2) being movable along a loop path (3), and the method further includes the steps of providing the operating units (2) with a set of treatment instructions for performing a predetermined non-contact treatment on the ribbon-like article (N), advancing the non-contact ribbon-like article (N) on a conveying device (1), performing a predetermined non-contact treatment on the ribbon-like article (N) by the at least one operating unit (2), providing one of the operating units with a further set of treatment instructions for the ribbon-like article (N) when the operating unit (2) passes along a reset portion (32) of the loop path (3), and performing the further predetermined non-contact treatment on the ribbon-like article (N) by the operating unit (2).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for contactless processing of ribbon-like articles, preferably for the production of electrochemical cells.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a method for performing non-contact processing on a ribbon-like article.

[0003] The invention finds preferred, but not exclusive application in the technical field of electrochemical cell production and, more generally, in the technical field of production of products formed starting from ribbon-like articles. [Background technology]

[0004] In particular, it is known in the relevant art to use ribbons formed from conductive materials that are processed and wound to form the anodes and / or cathodes of electrochemical cells.

[0005] In known production processes, these ribbons are patterned at their edges, then cut and wound to form a sandwich of a pair of conductive materials separated by an insulating layer to form the anode and cathode of an electrochemical cell.

[0006] This can be done by a laser head acting on that portion of the ribbon to obtain the desired pattern.

[0007] In a known embodiment, the ribbon slides relative to a stationary laser head which directs a light beam onto the moving ribbon to achieve the required processing.

[0008] In this specification and the appended claims, certain terms and phrases, unless expressly stated to the contrary, are intended to have the meanings set forth in the following definitions.

[0009] The term "ribbon-like article" is intended to mean any solid product that is presented in an industrial production line in the form of an elongated strip, i.e. in the form of an element whose longitudinal extension is significantly greater than its lateral extension.

[0010] The ribbon-like article also has properties that allow for some bending during progression along the relative production line.

[0011] The ribbon-like article can be made, for example, of a conductive material that is intended to form a sandwich with other layers, possibly after cutting, to create an electrochemical cell.

[0012] The term "loop path" means a path traveled by a ribbon-like article or other element between a starting point and an end point. A loop path is "closed" if the starting point and the end point of the path are coincident, and is "open" if the starting point and the end point are close to each other but are not coincident.

[0013] The term "non-contact processing" refers to any type of processing that is performed without contact between the ribbon-like article and the operational unit that performs the processing. Such processing may be performed by providing energy to the ribbon-like article, for example, via a light beam or ultrasound. Examples of non-contact processing include patterning and etching processes.

[0014] The term "continuous" is an expression of motion and refers to an uninterrupted operation without any halt or interruption in the motion of the object. In particular, with respect to the processing of ribbon-like articles, the term "continuous" refers to a process in which the processing of ribbon-like articles is performed continuously and without interruption.

[0015] Also, note that the phrase "displacing an object between a first position and a second position" refers to both displacement from the first position to the second position and displacement from the second position to the first position.

[0016] This definition applies equally to expressions of similar motion, such as the transmission or movement of a general object between two locations, between two regions, or between two different motion settings. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0017] The applicant has preliminarily observed that, in the context of the constant need to improve the performance and efficiency of production processes, in a non-contact processing line for ribbon-like articles, the feed rate of the ribbon-like articles to the operating units performing said processing can be an important factor limiting the production capacity of the line itself.

[0018] This limitation is even more important when the process requires the realization of relatively small details of the ribbon-like article to be processed, such as in the realization of a pattern.In particular, the applicant has observed that the ribbon-like article needs to be advanced at a sufficiently reduced speed relative to the motion unit to ensure correct execution of the required process.

[0019] This requirement implies a global slowdown in the production line, unless it is envisaged to slow down the ribbon-like article in the operating units.

[0020] However, the applicant has observed that this solution creates tension conditions in the ribbon-like article, the occurrence of which can impair the production quality of the final product obtained through the treated ribbon-like article.

[0021] The applicant has therefore realised that in order to increase the speed at which non-contact processing can be performed on a ribbon-like article, this can be achieved by operating the operating unit in addition to the ribbon-like article.

[0022] Applicant has also noted that by using two or more action units, one of the action units can be performing a process while the other is performing a reset action.

[0023] The applicant has therefore further realised how by appropriate use of time intervals during which the operating unit moves the reset section and does not perform any processing on the ribbon-like article, it is possible to achieve a particularly versatile solution that is adaptable to different types of non-contact processing.

[0024] The applicant has ultimately discovered that by providing appropriate processing instructions to the operating units as they move along the reset section, it is possible to use multiple operating units for non-contact processing of ribbon-like articles, regardless of how frequently the processing that needs to be performed on the articles themselves is repeated.

[0025] The presence of two or more operating units can increase the productivity of non-contact processing, albeit at the expense of the need for precise processing with a sufficiently reduced relative speed between the operating units and the ribbon-like article to be correctly performed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0026] Thus, in a first aspect thereof, the present invention relates to a method for contactless processing of ribbon-like articles, preferably for the production of electrochemical cells.

[0027] Preferably, the method includes providing at least two operating units configured to perform a non-contact processing of the ribbon-like article. The operating units are preferably movable along a loop path. The loop path preferably comprises a processing section where the operating units face the ribbon-like article and a reset section following the processing section along the loop path. Preferably, the operating units are moved such that one is located at a different position on the loop path from the other.

[0028] Preferably, the method includes the step of providing an operational unit with a set of processing instructions for performing a predetermined non-contact processing on the ribbon-like article.

[0029] Preferably, the method includes the step of advancing the ribbon-like article on a transport device.

[0030] Preferably, the method includes a step of performing, by at least one operating unit, a predetermined non-contact treatment on the ribbon-shaped article, which is provided to the operating unit, while the ribbon-shaped article moves on the conveying device and the at least one operating unit displaces along the treatment section.

[0031] Preferably, the method includes the step of providing one of the operational units with a further set of processing instructions for performing a further predetermined non-contact processing on the ribbon-like article as the operational unit passes along the reset section.

[0032] Preferably, the method includes a step of subjecting the ribbon-like article by the operating unit to a further predetermined non-contact treatment provided to the operating unit while the ribbon-like article moves at the feed speed and the operating unit displaces along the processing section.

[0033] These properties allow the method for contactless processing of ribbon-like articles to allow the operating units to perform cyclic processing of ribbon-like articles, even if the processing speed does not correspond to, and is not a multiple or submultiple of, the time required for the operating units to move along the entire loop path. In fact, the operating units can be reprogrammed during the passage through the reset section by providing them with appropriate processing instructions, thus eliminating any lack of synchronization between the processing speed and the movement of the units.

[0034] In this way, the same device can be used to perform different types of processing, since it is not necessary to assume specific geometrical relationships between the components that respectively cause the movement of the operating units and the ribbon-like article within the device, in other words, the above-mentioned aspects can simplify so-called change-of-form operations.

[0035] In a second aspect thereof, the present invention relates to an apparatus for contactless processing of ribbon-like articles, preferably for the production of electrochemical cells.

[0036] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a conveying device for conveying a ribbon-like article comprising an inlet portion, an outlet portion and a connecting segment extending between the inlet portion and the outlet portion.

[0037] Preferably, the apparatus comprises at least two operating units configured to perform a contactless treatment on the ribbon-like article, the operating units being preferably movable along a loop path, the loop path preferably comprising a treatment section facing a connecting segment along which the operating units can perform a contactless treatment on the ribbon-like article.

[0038] Preferably, the conveying device is configured to advance the ribbon-like article along the connecting segment at a feed speed and the operating unit is configured to displace along the processing section at a first speed.

[0039] Preferably, the speed difference between the first speed and the feed speed is below a predetermined value.

[0040] These properties allow the device for non-contact processing of ribbon-like articles to maintain the speed difference between the ribbon-like article and the operating unit below a certain value, which allows the operating unit to perform the envisaged non-contact processing.

[0041] In this way, ribbon-like articles can be advanced continuously and / or at higher speeds than with known solutions, thereby improving the productivity of the production line in which the device made according to the above-described aspect of the invention is applied.

[0042] In a third aspect thereof, the present invention relates to a method for contactless processing of ribbon-like articles, preferably for the production of electrochemical cells.

[0043] Preferably, the method comprises the step of providing at least two operating units configured for contactless processing of the ribbon-like article, the operating units being preferably movable along a loop path, the loop path preferably comprising a processing section, where the operating units face the ribbon-like article, and a reset section.

[0044] Preferably, the method includes the step of advancing the ribbon-like article on a conveying device at a feed rate.

[0045] Preferably, the method includes a step of performing a predetermined non-contact processing on the ribbon-like article by at least one operating unit while the ribbon-like article moves at a feed speed and the at least one operating unit displaces along the processing area at a first speed.

[0046] Preferably, the speed difference between the first speed and the feed speed is below a predetermined value.

[0047] The method according to this aspect allows contactless treatment of the ribbon-like article while the operating unit performing the treatment is displaced, and at the same time allows the speed difference between the operating unit and the ribbon-like article itself to be controlled, which is always beneficial for the productivity of the device and the production line to which it is applied.

[0048] In a fourth aspect thereof, the present invention relates to an apparatus for contactless processing of ribbon-like articles, preferably for the production of electrochemical cells.

[0049] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a conveying device for conveying a ribbon-like article comprising an inlet portion, an outlet portion and a connecting segment extending between the inlet portion and the outlet portion.

[0050] Preferably, the apparatus comprises at least two operating units configured to perform a contactless treatment on the ribbon-like article, the operating units being preferably movable along a loop path, the loop path preferably comprising a treatment section facing a connecting segment along which the operating units can perform a contactless treatment on the ribbon-like article.

[0051] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a variation device for varying the displacement speed of the motion unit.

[0052] Preferably, the variation device is configured to vary the speed of the operational units individually depending on the position of the operational unit along the loop path.

[0053] These properties allow the device for non-contact processing of ribbon-like articles to vary the speed of each of the operating units to move at different speeds along the loop path along which it is displaced.

[0054] In this way, the speed of the operating unit can be appropriately adjusted so that the correct relative speed between the ribbon-like article and the operating unit itself is assumed when performing non-contact processing, while the speed can be varied when it is not necessary to control it.

[0055] These properties allow the advancement of ribbon-like articles more continuously and / or at higher speeds than known solutions, so as to increase the productivity of production lines in which devices made according to the above-described aspects of the invention are applied.

[0056] In a fifth aspect thereof, the present invention relates to a method for contactless processing of ribbon-like articles, preferably for the production of electrochemical cells.

[0057] Preferably, the method comprises the step of providing at least two operating units configured for contactless processing of the ribbon-like article, the operating units being preferably movable along a loop path including a processing portion where the operating units face the ribbon-like article.

[0058] Preferably, the method includes the step of advancing the ribbon-like article on a conveying device at a feed rate.

[0059] Preferably, the method includes a step of performing a predetermined non-contact processing on the ribbon-like article by at least one operating unit while the ribbon-like article moves at a feed speed and the at least one operating unit displaces along the processing area at a first speed.

[0060] Preferably, the method includes a step of increasing the speed of at least one operating unit at a reset portion of the loop path to a second speed faster than the first speed when the non-contact processing of the ribbon-like article is completed.

[0061] The method according to this aspect of the invention allows the operational unit to be provided with two different speeds, a first speed used to perform non-contact processing on the ribbon-like article and a second speed used when the operational unit is not performing processing, in this way allowing the optimal speed to be adopted during processing of the operational unit without affecting the productivity of the apparatus.

[0062] The present invention, in at least one of the above-mentioned aspects, may have at least one of the further preferred features described below.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, the motion unit is configured to displace along the reset portion of the loop path at a second speed that is faster than the first speed.

[0064] This characteristic allows the speed of the operating unit to be increased when not processing ribbon-like articles, thus compensating for the deceleration of the operating unit while processing ribbon-like articles by accelerating it in the reset section.

[0065] Preferably, the first speed is slower than the feed speed of the ribbon-like article in the processing section and acts in the same direction, thus making it possible to obtain a configuration in which the operating unit follows the ribbon-like article, i.e. a maximum feed speed of the ribbon-like article that is compatible with the processing capacity of the operating unit.

[0066] In some embodiments, the connecting segment extends as an arc of a circle and defines a center of curvature, and the operational unit is rotatable about an axis of rotation that passes through the center of curvature.

[0067] The above-mentioned characteristics allow for a compact solution for the construction of the apparatus, using wheels for moving the ribbon-like article in the area where the processing takes place and employing a rotary motion unit having an axis of rotation concentric with the arc of the circle defined by the ribbon-like article during its movement.

[0068] Preferably, the loop path is closed. In some embodiments, the loop path is formed by a circumference. All the above mentioned characteristics contribute to the continuous movement of the operating unit during operation of the device, possibly forming a complete rotation.

[0069] Preferably, the processing portion and the reset portion are each part of the circumferential portion.

[0070] In this way, a simple and clear separation can be achieved between steps in which the operational unit performs processing and moves at a constant speed, and steps in which the operational unit does not perform processing and moves at a different speed.

[0071] Preferably, the operating units are supported on respective arms extending radially from the rotor.

[0072] In this way it is possible to simply support the operating units and position them in a position suitable for the required processing, limiting the inertial mass present in the device.

[0073] In some embodiments, the arms are supported on respective rings that extend circumferentially relative to the rotor and are rotatably constrained thereto.

[0074] This characteristic allows the arm to be accurately supported on the rotating bodies, and relative movement between the ring body and the rotating bodies allows the rotational speed of one of the rotating bodies to be increased or decreased simultaneously.

[0075] Preferably, the rotor is hollow and configured to allow the passage of the light beams transmitted to each arm through respective slots formed in the rotor.

[0076] This property allows the processing to be carried out using a laser, simply bringing the relative light beam to the processing area defined by the operating unit.

[0077] Preferably, the rotor comprises a further slot arranged radially opposite the above slot, through which a support connected to each ring projects towards the inside of the rotor and supports a reflecting element arranged to intercept the light beam at the axis of rotation, the reflecting element being adapted to deflect the light beam towards the respective arm.

[0078] In this way, a single light beam can be sent to each operating unit, simplifying the implementation of the device.

[0079] Preferably, the operational units are configured to be arranged at different positions along the loop path such that at least one operational unit is arranged at a processing portion of the loop path to perform a non-contact processing on the ribbon-like article. Preferably, the apparatus comprises at least three operational units, at least two of which are arranged at a processing portion of the loop path to perform a non-contact processing on the ribbon-like article. Preferably, the apparatus comprises at least six operational units, at least five of which are arranged at a processing portion of the loop path to perform a non-contact processing on the ribbon-like article.

[0080] These characteristics ensure continuous processing of ribbon-like articles since the operating units are always in a suitable position to perform the required processing, and provide the speed control required by the above-mentioned aspects of the invention.

[0081] Preferably, the operational units are movable along the loop path independently of each other, in this way the speed of each operational unit can be controlled independently of the other operational units depending on the needs of a particular operation.

[0082] In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a variation device for varying the speed of displacement of the operational units. The variation device is configured to vary the speed of each of the operational units individually depending on the position along the loop path. The variation device is preferably configured to vary the speed of the operational units from a first speed to a second speed and vice versa.

[0083] This feature allows the speed of the motion units to be varied depending on their position within the loop path, to accommodate the specific motion needs associated with each portion of the path.

[0084] Preferably, the variation device is configured to individually displace each arm along the circumferential direction of the rotor.

[0085] In this way, velocity changes can be achieved through mechanical motion mechanisms, reducing the need for electronic components and position sensors.

[0086] Preferably, the variation device comprises a first rod rotatably connected to the rotating body and a second rod rotatably connected at its first end to the arm and at its second end to the first rod, whereby rotation of the first rod causes a displacement in the corresponding arm. Preferably, the variation device is configured to displace the respective arm relative to the rotating body when the arm is in the reset section. Preferably, the operating unit is configured to perform a non-contact treatment on the ribbon-like article during advancement of the ribbon-like article along the connecting segment.

[0087] These properties allow speed regulation by rotation of the rod, which is a particularly simple, effective and generally reliable solution from a constructional point of view, and also allows changes to be realised in the reset region after the treatment has been completed.

[0088] In some embodiments, the transport device comprises a main wheel having a connecting segment defined therealong. Preferably, the main wheel comprises a circumferential wall configured such that the ribbon-like article is supported on the circumferential wall outboard of the main wheel, and further configured such that an edge of the ribbon-like article protrudes axially from the circumferential wall.

[0089] In this way, the ribbon-like article can be appropriately positioned to perform specific treatments at its edges, making the device particularly suitable for the realization of electrochemical cells.

[0090] Preferably, the operating unit is disposed inwardly relative to the outer peripheral wall so as to face the ribbon-like article.

[0091] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a suction device arranged externally relative to the main wheel along at least a part of its circumference.

[0092] In this way, a particularly compact solution for the operating unit can be adopted, leaving space available for the installation of a suction device which can be used to remove the processing residues.

[0093] In some embodiments, the operating units are positioned inward and outward relative to the perimeter wall to perform processing on both sides of the ribbon-like article.

[0094] In this way, two different treatments can be carried out simultaneously on both sides of a ribbon-like article, greatly increasing productivity.

[0095] Preferably, the main wheel is rotatable about its axis of rotation at a constant rotational speed, in this way it is possible to ensure that the feed rate of the ribbon-like article is constant.

[0096] In some embodiments, the inlet portion includes a first wheel and the outlet portion includes a second wheel.

[0097] This characteristic makes it possible to realize a compact structure which can ensure high productivity.

[0098] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a protection element arranged along the loop path at the reset section, the protection element being configured to prevent the operating units from performing operations on the ribbon-like articles along the reset section.

[0099] This characteristic makes it possible to prevent an operating unit capable of performing processing without contact from accidentally performing processing on a ribbon-like object outside the operating section.

[0100] Preferably, the operating unit comprises a galvanometer. Preferably, the operating unit comprises a movable processing element configured to perform non-contact processing on the ribbon-like article. The movable processing element is preferably configured to have a response time on the order of a few milliseconds. In some embodiments, the movable processing element comprises a movable mirror.

[0101] Each of these characteristics contributes to making the device particularly suitable for processing with a laser intended to realize patterns on ribbon-like articles: the relative speed of the ribbon-like article with respect to the motion unit can be significantly reduced, so that the accuracy of the processing obtained through the movable element is practically independent of the absolute speed of the ribbon-like article.

[0102] Preferably, the operational unit is configured to move along the reset portion of the loop path at a second speed that is faster than the first speed.

[0103] This characteristic allows the speed of the operational unit to be increased when the ribbon-like article is not being processed, thus compensating for the slowdown in the operational unit while the ribbon-like article is being processed by the increased speed in the reset section.

[0104] Preferably, the first speed is lower than and corresponds to a linear feed speed of the ribbon-like article.

[0105] In this way, a configuration can be obtained in which the operating unit follows the ribbon-like article, thereby obtaining a maximum feed rate of the ribbon-like article that is compatible with the processing capacity of the operating unit.

[0106] In some embodiments, the operating unit rotates about a rotation axis, in this way the movement of the operating unit can be performed simply, easily and controllably.

[0107] Preferably, each of the operating units moves at a different position along the loop path such that at least one operating unit is disposed in the processing unit and performs a non-contact processing on the ribbon-like article when the other operating unit is disposed in the reset unit. Preferably, it is envisaged to provide at least three operating units, at least two of which are disposed in the processing unit and perform a non-contact processing on the ribbon-like article simultaneously when the remaining operating units are disposed in the reset unit. Preferably, it is envisaged to provide at least six operating units, at least five of which are disposed in the processing unit and perform a non-contact processing on the ribbon-like article simultaneously when the remaining operating units are disposed in the reset unit.

[0108] These characteristics ensure continuous processing of ribbon-like articles since the operating units are always in a suitable position to perform the required processing, and provide the speed control required by the above-mentioned aspects of the invention.

[0109] Preferably, the speed of the operational units is varied individually depending on the position along the loop path. This feature allows the speed of the operational units to be varied depending on the position in the loop path, to accommodate the specific operational needs associated with each portion of the path.

[0110] In some embodiments, the operating units are supported on arms constrained to the rotor. The speed of each of the operating units is changed by displacement of the respective arms relative to the rotor while the rotor moves. The arms are displaceable independently of each other. Preferably, the speed of each of the operating units is increased by displacing each arm in one direction relative to the rotor and is decreased by displacing each arm in the opposite direction.

[0111] These properties allow velocity changes to be achieved through mechanical motion mechanisms, reducing the need for electronic components and position sensors.

[0112] Preferably, the ribbon-like article is wound on a main wheel of the transport device. Preferably, the ribbon-like article advances on the transport device with a constant speed and tension.

[0113] These properties allow for consistent movement of the ribbon-like article while ensuring consistent tension during its movement.

[0114] In some embodiments, the ribbon-like article protrudes axially relative to the outer peripheral wall of the main wheel, such that the ribbon-like article can be appropriately positioned to undergo specific processing at its edges, facilitating processing of the ribbon-like article for the production of electrochemical cells.

[0115] In some embodiments, to perform non-contact processing, it is envisaged to move the movable processing elements of the operating units at a speed faster than the feed speed of the ribbon-like article, with a response time of the movable processing elements on the order of a few milliseconds, and each of these properties contributes to making the device particularly suitable for processing with lasers intended to realize patterns on ribbon-like articles.

[0116] Preferably, the reset section follows the treatment section along the loop path, in this way the speed of the motion units can be changed within the reset section of the loop path as the ribbon-like article is subjected to treatment.

[0117] Preferably, the non-contact treatment is carried out by supplying energy to the ribbon-like article.

[0118] Preferably, energy is delivered to the ribbon-like article via a light beam or ultrasound.

[0119] Preferably, the non-contact treatment is a non-contact laser treatment and is thus carried out using a laser.

[0120] Preferably, the operating unit is a laser head.

[0121] Preferably, the non-contact process comprises a patterning or etching process.

[0122] It should be noted that some steps of the above-described methods may be performed in an order independent of the order in which they are described. Furthermore, some steps may be optional. Furthermore, some steps of the methods may be performed iteratively, or in series or parallel with other steps of the methods. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0123] The features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof, given as non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus made in accordance with the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the device according to the invention; [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a partial side view of the device according to the invention. [Figure 4] 2 is a further perspective view of the device according to the invention, with protective elements removed for clarity of illustration; [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of an alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0124] Referring initially to FIG. 1, an apparatus for performing non-contact processing on a ribbon-like article N made in accordance with the present invention is generally designated by the reference numeral 100.

[0125] In a preferred embodiment, the ribbon-like article N on which the apparatus 100 performs non-contact processing is intended for the production of electrochemical cells.

[0126] For this purpose, the processing can be represented by the realization of a pattern on the longitudinal edge B of a ribbon-like article N. Indeed, in the field of production of electrochemical cells, the anodes and cathodes are obtained by winding up sheets of appropriately treated conductive material. Such processing typically involves the realization of a particular pattern on the edge of a sheet of conductive material. The sheets thus treated are advantageously realised starting from a ribbon-like article in which the pattern is repeated periodically and which is then cut into individual sheets.

[0127] However, it should be noted that this process represents a possible embodiment, and that the device 100 according to the invention can be intended for other processes, even of different types, for any ribbon-like article.

[0128] As shown in Figure 1, the apparatus comprises a conveying device 1 for advancing a ribbon-like article N during processing. The conveying device 1 may be part of a production line for electrochemical cells or, more generally, for other finished or semi-finished products.

[0129] Although only the inlet portion 11 and the outlet portion 12 of the ribbon-like article N are shown in the figure, other components of the production line may be provided upstream and downstream of these portions, the description of which is not essential for understanding the present invention.

[0130] Preferably, the advancement of the ribbon-like article N is obtained by a wheel system. In a preferred embodiment, the conveying device 1 comprises a first wheel 11A, on which an inlet section 11 is defined, a second wheel 12A, on which an outlet section 12 is defined, and a main wheel 13A. Via the main wheel 13A, the ribbon-like article N is conveyed from the inlet section 11 to the outlet section 12. Also, on the main wheel 13A, a contactless processing takes place, preferably according to a method described in more detail below. The segment between the inlet section 11 and the outlet section 12 is generally called the connecting segment 13.

[0131] The main wheel 13A is rotatable about a rotation axis X by advancing the ribbon-like article N at a preferably constant feed speed.

[0132] As best seen in Figure 3, the main wheel 13A includes a peripheral wall 14 on the outside of which the ribbon-like article N is supported during movement.

[0133] Advantageously, the peripheral wall 14 is configured such that the edge B of the ribbon-like article N projects axially from the peripheral wall 14, ie along the axis of rotation X.

[0134] In this way, edge B of the ribbon-like article N can be subjected to a non-contact treatment by the operating unit 2 facing edge B. For example, operating unit 2 can be a laser head operating non-contact on edge B of the ribbon-like article to create a pattern.

[0135] For this purpose, in a preferred embodiment, the operating unit 2 may comprise a galvanometer 2A. Advantageously, the use of the galvanometer 2A makes it possible to provide the presence of a movable processing element 23, which preferably comprises a mirror 23A that is rapidly displaced, for example with a response time of the order of a few milliseconds, to direct a light beam so as to carry out a specific processing on the ribbon-like article N, in particular on the edge B.

[0136] In some embodiments, the operating units 2 are supported on respective arms 21 extending radially from a rotor 22 that allows their movement according to a method described in more detail below.

[0137] As better shown in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the arms 21 may be supported on respective ring bodies 24 that extend circumferentially relative to the rotor 22 and are rotatably constrained thereto.

[0138] Preferably, the rotor 22 is hollow and configured to allow the passage of the light beam L so that non-contact processing can be performed on the ribbon-like article N. A slot 41 can be formed in the rotor 22 in each arm 21 to transmit the light beam L to the operating unit 2.

[0139] In some embodiments, the rotor 22 may be formed with a further slot 42 arranged radially opposite the slot 41. Via this further slot 42 a support 40 connected to one of the ring bodies 24 and supporting a reflective element 43 protrudes into the rotor 22.

[0140] Advantageously, the reflecting elements 43 are arranged to intercept the light beam L, preferably at the axis of rotation X, and to deflect the beam towards the respective arm 21. The reflecting elements 43 may also be configured to pass a part of the beam L along the axis X to a subsequent reflecting element 43. In this way, the same beam can be used for all operating units 2 in the apparatus 100.

[0141] 1 and 2, in a preferred embodiment, the operational unit 2 moves along the loop path 3 to follow the ribbon-like article N as it advances through the main wheel 13A, or more generally along the connection segment 13. In other words, the operational unit 2 can move in the same direction as the feed speed va of the ribbon-like article N, but at a slower speed.

[0142] In a preferred embodiment, the loop path 3 is formed by a circumference, preferably coaxial with the arc of a circle defining the connecting segment 13 on the wheel 13A. It is noted, however, that more generally, the loop path 3 can be closed and can have a shape different from the circumference, as shown, for example, in the embodiment of FIG.

[0143] Referring again to FIG. 2, the loop path 3 can be made so that the operating unit 2 is positioned inwardly relative to the connecting segment 13, preferably inwardly relative to the outer peripheral wall 14, facing the ribbon-like article N.

[0144] This arrangement advantageously offers the possibility of arranging a suction device 6 arranged externally with respect to the main wheel 13A in order to remove processing residues such as may occur in the case of non-contact laser processing.

[0145] In some embodiments, multiple groups (not shown) of operating units 2 located both inside and outside the circumferential wall 14 of the wheel 13A may be provided.

[0146] In this way, non-contact processing operations, possibly of different types, can be carried out simultaneously on both sides of the ribbon-like article N.

[0147] In this case too, a suction device 6 may be provided, which may possibly be arranged further outwards with respect to the group of operating units 2 arranged outwards with respect to the circumferential wall 14.

[0148] As shown in the figure, in a preferred embodiment the apparatus 100 comprises at least three operating units 2 arranged at different positions along the loop path 3. In a further preferred embodiment the apparatus comprises at least six operating units 2.

[0149] It should be noted, however, that the present application is also applicable to a different number of operational units 2. In particular, the device 100 may comprise two or more operational units 2.

[0150] As shown in FIG. 2, the loop path 3 includes a processing unit 31 and a reset unit 32, and the path 3 is preferably ideally divided.

[0151] In this regard, it is noted that in the preferred embodiment, the processing unit 31 and the reset unit 32 form respective angular sectors that together preferably subtend an angle of 360°.

[0152] Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the operating unit 2 may be arranged alternately in the processing section 31 and in the reset section 32 during its movement about the axis X.

[0153] As described above and as shown in Fig. 3, the operating unit 2 can face the edge B of the ribbon-like article N along the processing section 31 and perform a predetermined non-contact processing. Preferably, a protection element 15 can be provided along the reset section 32, arranged in a position such that it faces the operating unit 2 when the operating unit 2 is in the reset section 32 and is interposed between the operating unit 2 and the ribbon-like article N. In this way, it is possible to prevent the light beam generated by the operating unit 2 or another emitting energy source from reaching the ribbon-like article N that is in a different position relative to the processing section 31.

[0154] Preferably, the operational units 2 are configured such that at each moment of operation of the apparatus 100, at least one of the operational units is arranged in a treatment section 31 of the loop path 3 to perform a contactless treatment on the ribbon-like article N. With reference to further possible embodiments, in the case of three operational units 2 as shown in the figure, at least two of them are preferably arranged in the treatment section, and in the case of six operational units 2, at least three of them are preferably arranged in the treatment section.

[0155] Operation of the device 100 allows the operating units 2 to move in different ways, in particular at different speeds, in the processing part 31 and the reset part 32 of the loop path.

[0156] Advantageously, the speed of the operational unit 2 along the processing section 31 may be selected to have a relative movement between the operational unit 2 and the ribbon-like article N suitable for performing the intended processing. Thus, the speed difference Δv between the first speed v1 of the operational unit 2, which represents its speed along the processing section 31, and the feed speed va of the ribbon-like article N may be less than a predetermined value.

[0157] This value may be determined based on the type of processing envisaged and the technical characteristics of the operational unit 2.

[0158] Within the reset section 32, the operational unit 2 may have a second speed v2 that is different from the first speed v1.

[0159] In a preferred embodiment, this speed difference allows the operating unit 2 to advance at a first speed v1 that is slower than the feed speed va of the ribbon-like article N, and to recover this speed difference at the reset section 32 where the operating unit 2 is accelerated. In other words, the second speed v2 is faster than the first speed v1.

[0160] The speed change of the operating units 2 is preferably realized by a variation device 4 for varying the displacement speed of the operating units 2. This is configured to vary the speed of each of the operating units 2 individually depending on the position along the loop path 3.

[0161] Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the variation device 4 may be configured to change the speed of the operating unit 2 from a first speed v1 to a second speed v2 when moving from the processing unit 31 to the reset unit 32, and to change it from the second speed v2 to the first speed v1 when moving from the reset unit 32 to the processing unit 31.

[0162] Preferably, the variation device 4 acts on each of the arms 21 and is able to displace each of them individually along the rotating body 22. As shown in Figure 3, the arms 21 can be rotated relative to the body 22 by rotation of the ring body 24 about the axis X. In other words, the body 24 can slide on the outer circumferential surface of the rotating body 22, thereby displacing the arms 21 that it supports.

[0163] As the embodiment of FIG. 4 shows, movement of the body 24, or more generally of the arm 21, can be achieved by providing a first rod 51 rotatably connected to the rotor 22 and a second rod 52 rotatably connected at its first end to the arm 21 and at its second end to the first rod 51.

[0164] In this way, rotation of the first rod 51 results in a corresponding movement of the second rod 52 and thus the relative movement of the arms 21. The rotation of the rods 51 can be interrupted at a particular position of the motion unit 2 along the loop path 3. Also, the rods 51 of each arm 21 can be rotated independently of the other rods, which allows each arm 21 to be moved independently of the other arms.

[0165] Preferably, the variation device 4 is configured to displace the arm 21 relative to the rotor 22 in a direction that coincides with its direction of rotation, such that the arm 21 is in fact accelerated when it is in the reset section 32. Advantageously, the arm 21 is displaced in the opposite direction, such that the arm is decelerated when it is in the treatment section 31.

[0166] In this way, deviations accumulated in the ribbon-like article N during processing along the processing section 31 can be restored in the subsequent reset section 32.

[0167] It should also be noted that the passage of the operational unit 2 through the reset section 32 can be advantageously used to provide instructions useful for carrying out a particular process on the ribbon-like article N.

[0168] In this regard, it has to be observed that even when realising a repeating pattern, the repetition speed of the pattern does not necessarily coincide with the speed of the operational unit 2, i.e. the time required to move along the loop path 3 or, in case of more than one operational unit, the time required for a further operational unit to reach the processing unit 31 again. Thus, the set of processing instructions initially provided to the operational unit 2 may no longer be correct taking into account such circumstances.

[0169] The passage of an operational unit 2 along the reset portion 32 may also be advantageously used to modify the processing instructions provided to the operational unit to perform a particular processing operation.

[0170] In other words, a second set of processing instructions can be provided along with the reset section 2 in which the different speeds mentioned above are taken into account, effectively changing the processing performed by the operational unit 2 on return to the processing section 31.

[0171] This second set of processing instructions can therefore take into account different velocities between the ribbon-like article N and the motion unit 2, for example by restarting the processing of the pattern at an appropriate position.

[0172] It goes without saying that those skilled in the art can make further modifications and variations to meet the needs of specific and fortuitous applications, while still falling within the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for contactless processing of ribbon-like articles (N), preferably for the production of electrochemical cells, comprising: providing at least two operational units (2) configured to perform non-contact processing on the ribbon-like article (N), the operational units (2) being movable along a loop path (3), the loop path (3) comprising a processing section (31) where the operational units face the ribbon-like article (N) and a reset section (32) following the processing section (31) along the loop path (3), the operational units (2) being moved such that one is positioned at a different position from the other on the loop path (3); providing said operational unit (2) with a set of processing instructions for performing a predetermined non-contact processing on said ribbon-like article (N); advancing said ribbon-like article (N) on a conveying device (1); subjecting the ribbon-like article (N) by at least one of the operating units (2) to a further predetermined non-contact treatment provided to said operating unit during the movement of the ribbon-like article on the transport device (1) and the displacement of said at least one operating unit (2) along the processing section (31); providing one of said operational units with a further set of processing instructions for performing a further predetermined non-contact processing on said ribbon-like article (N) as said operational unit (2) passes along said reset section (32); subjecting the ribbon-like article (N) by the operating unit (2) to a further predetermined non-contact treatment provided to the operating unit (2) while the ribbon-like article (N) is moving at a feed speed (va) and the operating unit (2) is displacing along the treatment section (31); A method comprising:

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the operating unit (2) moves along the processing portion (31) at a first speed (v2) and along the reset portion (32) at a second speed (v2), the second speed (v2) being preferably faster than the first speed (v1).

3. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the ribbon-like article (N) advances at a feed speed (va), the speed difference (Dv) between the first speed (v1) and the feed speed (va) being below a predetermined value, the first speed (v1) being preferably slower than the linear feed speed (va) of the ribbon-like article (N) and acting in the same direction.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the operating unit (2) rotates about an axis of rotation (X).

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when at least one of the operating units (2) is arranged in the processing section (31) and another of the operating units (2) is arranged in the reset section (32), at least one of the operating units (2) performs non-contact processing on the ribbon-like article (N).

6. The method according to claim 7, further comprising the step of providing at least three operating units (2), wherein at least two of the operating units (2) are arranged in the processing section (31) and the remaining operating units (2) are arranged in the reset section (32) to simultaneously perform non-contact processing on the ribbon-like article (N).

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the speeds of the motion units (2) are varied individually depending on their position along the loop path (3).

8. 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the operating units (2) are supported on arms (21) constrained to a rotating body (22), the speed of each of the operating units (2) being varied by the displacement of the respective arm (21) relative to the rotating body (22), the arms being displaceable independently of each other.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ribbon-like product (N) is wound on a main wheel (13A) of the conveying device (1).

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ribbon-like article (N) advances on the conveying device (1) with a constant speed and tension.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the step of performing the non-contact processing comprises moving a movable processing element (23) of the operating unit (2) at a speed faster than a feed speed (va) of the ribbon-like article (N), preferably with a response time of the movable processing element (23) of the order of a few milliseconds.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of performing a predetermined treatment by at least one of the operating units (2) comprises the step of supplying energy to the ribbon-like article.

13. The method of any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising the step of supplying energy to the ribbon-like article via a light beam or ultrasound.

14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the non-contact processing is performed via a laser.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the non-contact process comprises a patterning or etching process.

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