Apparatus and method for making coils for electrochemical cells, preferably intended for battery manufacturing - Patent Application 20070122997

Abstract

The apparatus (100) for producing a coil (B) comprises a supply unit (2) configured to supply at least one strip-shaped article (N) and a winding unit (1). The winding unit includes a plurality of winding heads (10) and a winding head (10) movement device (3) configured to displace the winding heads (10) along a working path (P). Each winding head (10) is configured to wind the strip-shaped article (N) to produce the coil (B) and is movable along the working path (P). The supply unit (2) comprises a movable part (20) configured to be displaced along a substantially horizontal displacement direction (d).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for making coils of the type formed by winding a strip-like article, for example comprising a strip or a plurality of overlapping strips.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a method for making such a coil. [Background technology]

[0003] The invention finds application preferably in the field of electrochemical cell manufacturing, the realization of which involves, but is not limited to, the use of rolls of strip-like products.

[0004] In particular, it is known in the relevant art to combine conductor and separator strips in layers to form anode and cathode structures, and the resulting stack of layers is then wound into a coil for use in constructing the electrochemical cell itself.

[0005] WO2010023525A1 describes an apparatus and method for fabricating a battery by winding fabricated conductor and separator strips. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In this specification and the appended claims, certain terms and phrases, unless expressly stated otherwise, shall be deemed to have the meanings set forth in the following definitions.

[0007] The term "strip-like product" means any solid product that is presented in an industrial production line in the form of an elongated strip or ribbon, i.e., an element whose longitudinal extension is significantly greater than its transverse extension. A strip-like product can be formed by a single strip or ribbon of material or by the superposition of several strips arranged in layers.

[0008] The strip-like article also has properties that allow it to undergo some bending as it advances along the opposing production lines.

[0009] Strip-like articles can be made, for example, by stacking alternating conductive and insulating layers, which are intended to form a sandwich that is wound to make a coil for the manufacture of an electrochemical cell.

[0010] The term "winding" means creating a helical structure by the rotation of a strip, ribbon, or more generally a strip-like article around an axis, flat surface, or other structure. By winding, the strip-like article makes one or more turns around the axis or structure.

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

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

[0013] The term "closed path" means a path traveled by a spooling head or other element, the beginning and end of which are substantially coincident.

[0014] The term "continuous" refers to a movement and means that the movement of the object is seamless, without any stops or interruptions. In particular, with respect to the movement of a strip or other element, the term "continuous" indicates that the strip or any part of it never stops during its movement.

[0015] The term "substantially constant" when referring to a measurement or quantity, such as the displacement rate of an object, means that such measurement or quantity maintains a value over time that preferably varies by at most ±10%, preferably at most ±5%, preferably at most ±2%.

[0016] The term "integral" referring to the movement of two or more elements means that these elements perform substantially the same movement substantially simultaneously. In other words, two integrated elements are not necessarily joined or constrained to each other, but move together as a single component. In fact, it may be provided that the respective motion systems of the two elements are adjusted as needed to move the two elements together. Furthermore, a temporary constraint may exist between the two elements. This constraint may, for example, join the two elements together in several steps, move them together, and then separate them again, allowing them to move independently of each other.

[0017] 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.

[0018] This definition applies equally well to similar expressions of motion, such as moving a general object between two positions, between two regions, or between two different motion configurations.

[0019] In this context, the term "kinematically independent" refers to two or more systems that have the potential to perform movements completely autonomously and independently. In other words, kinematically independent systems or devices are configured to perform their intended movements without altering the position of other systems of interest. It is also important to understand that this kinematic independence does not prevent different systems or devices from cooperating and / or transferring matter with each other along common and substantially overlapping sections of space.

[0020] More importantly, this kinematic independence does not exclude different directly independent parts from having a common drive source. Thus, in this sense, kinematically independent systems can be driven by the same drive shaft via different types of drive connections, for example, and achieve independent movements that do not in any way directly influence each other.

[0021] In the following, the term "pin" denotes a mechanical connecting element having an elongated deployed shape or configured to define a respective axis about which it can rotate. In the context of the present invention, this element can have a cross section of any shape, for example semicircular, circular, triangular or the overall shape of the pin is flat.

[0022] The applicant has preliminarily observed that, in the context of the constant need to improve the performance and efficiency of manufacturing processes, in a production line for making coils, the advancement speed of the strip-like article relative to the unit that winds it can become a significant factor limiting the production capacity of the line itself.

[0023] Furthermore, this limitation is even more significant when high precision is required in the formation of the coil. In particular, the applicant has observed that in many applications, such as in the field of electrochemical battery manufacturing, high precision in the shape of the winding body must be ensured in order to ensure the required performance of the finished product.

[0024] Thus, the applicant has further recognized that when a strip-like article is formed by a number of strips combined in a multi-layer structure, for example, it is possible to control the state of the strip-like article by acting on the individual layers.

[0025] Finally, the Applicant has discovered how it is possible to increase the winding speed of a strip-like product with respect to known solutions if the movement of the strip is not interrupted between the different steps of making the coil.

[0026] The applicant has observed in practice that these steps of interrupting and restarting the advancement of the strip-like article result in an undesirable decrease in the production efficiency of the process and in increased wear on the movable parts, which are subjected to greater accelerations and decelerations in an attempt to compensate for these negative fluctuations in productivity.

[0027] The applicant has also observed that movements parallel to the vertical direction, which have vector components, are subject to additional accelerations and decelerations of gravitational origin, which can be complex and disadvantageous in terms of punctual control.

[0028] In this sense, the applicant has also observed that as the weight of the moving part increases, the gravitational forces exerted following such movement become increasingly significant.

[0029] The applicant therefore points out that this embodiment entails further restrictions on the freedom of design of the movable parts and the functionality performed by them.

[0030] Furthermore, the applicant has observed that in the event of an undesired malfunction of the device and / or an unpredictable shortage of supply to the system, there is a risk that some of the above-mentioned parts may become completely uncontrolled and undergo undesired and potentially dangerous displacements according to the action of gravity acting on them.

[0031] The applicant has also observed that an unexpected shutdown of the equipment can be even more fatal if the movable parts remain blocked in a position that is not easily accessible to the operator, for example because they are located too high up. Similar fatal events can also occur during normal maintenance of the equipment.

[0032] Furthermore, Applicant has observed that with respect to these new problems observed, some process steps are more relevant than others and can be advantageously modified without significantly impairing the timing of the process and therefore the yield of the implemented devices.

[0033] In order to maintain a high speed for making coils with strip-like articles that allows for a continuous process and minimizes wear, the applicant has realized that this can be achieved by ensuring continuity of movement according to a preferred direction.

[0034] The applicant has therefore further realised how it is possible to increase the efficiency of the production of electrochemical batteries by winding strips with respect to known solutions if these operations are carried out successively according to the displacement of certain movable parts which are less affected by gravity during their operating steps.

[0035] Applicant has also recognized that providing this preferred orientation may also contribute to improved ergonomics of the device, limiting the need for operators to access hard to reach areas.

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

[0037] The applicant has further found that it is possible to limit the undesirable contribution of gravity acting on the movable portion by imparting a particular direction of displacement to the movable portion.

[0038] These properties allow the strip to advance through the coupling and winding steps, which allows for high process yields, continuous advancement of the process motion, and minimization of wear induced on certain movable parts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0039] Thus, in a first aspect thereof, the present invention relates to an apparatus for making coils for electrochemical cells, preferably intended for the manufacture of batteries.

[0040] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a supply unit configured to supply at least one strip, and preferably a plurality of strips, suitable for producing at least one strip-like product.

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

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

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

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

[0045] Preferably, the movable portion comprises a movable entrance for receiving the strip or strips.

[0046] Preferably, the movable portion comprises a movable outlet portion through which the strip-like article exits.

[0047] Preferably, the movable portion comprises a plurality of strip coupling rollers from which the strip-like articles are made, and is preferably arranged upstream relative to the movable outlet portion.

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

[0049] The term "movable" refers to a part or device that has the ability to be displaced in space. It is important to note that these parts or devices can be movable both because they themselves have a displacement means and because they are constrained to further parts that are configured to have displacement capability.

[0050] The term "substantially horizontal" means that the direction of displacement remains constant over an angular change in the range of ±15° relative to the horizontal, more preferably ±10°, more preferably ±5°, and even more preferably 0°.

[0051] Furthermore, the term "substantially horizontal" means that the direction of displacement includes a horizontal section equal to at least 60% of the total displacement, more preferably a horizontal section equal to 80% of the total displacement, and even more preferably a horizontal section equal to 100% of the total displacement. In other words, the term "substantially horizontal" also includes a law of motion that defines, for example, a first horizontal section, a short second vertical section accompanying a change in altitude, a third horizontal section equal to the first horizontal section and opposite to the first horizontal section, and a fourth vertical section equal to the second vertical section and opposite to the second vertical section so as to return to the initial position before the first horizontal section.

[0052] The terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to operational steps that occupy particular positions in the process continuum.

[0053] More specifically, if an action B occurs upstream of an action A, it means that such action B occurs sequentially before action A.

[0054] Similarly, if an action B occurs downstream of an action A, it means that such action B occurs sequentially after action A.

[0055] These considerations set forth for operational steps also apply to devices and / or parts that are located upstream or downstream of other devices and / or parts, respectively, according to the operational sequence flow of the considered and described process.

[0056] These properties make it possible to produce strip-like articles according to a continuous process, in particular during the realization of coils, minimizing the effects of gravity caused by movement along a predominantly vertical trajectory of accelerating or decelerating motion, reducing the loads and wear experienced by the movable and driving parts.

[0057] This can improve both the productivity of the equipment (number of coils wound per unit time) and the average lifespan (service life) of the equipment.

[0058] Furthermore, a substantially horizontal direction of displacement allows for an overall improvement in the ergonomics of the device: indeed, providing horizontal displacement can reduce the risk of the movable parts stopping in a position that is too high for an operator to easily reach, and generally reduces the need for an operator to reach areas that are too high during maintenance and adjustment phases of the device.

[0059] According to a second aspect thereof, the present invention relates to a method for making a coil for an electrochemical cell, preferably intended for the manufacture of a battery, wherein the coil is made by winding at least one strip-like article.

[0060] Preferably, the method comprises the step of positioning a feeding unit comprising a movable part for feeding at least one strip, preferably a plurality of strips, to a coupling roller at which the strip-like article is produced.

[0061] Preferably, the method includes the step of providing at least one winding head.

[0062] Preferably, the method includes the step of winding the strip of product exiting the coupling roller by at least one winding head.

[0063] Preferably, the method includes the step of moving the movable portion along a substantially horizontal displacement direction.

[0064] Also, based on this aspect, it is possible to achieve the same advantages as those described in relation to the previous aspect.

[0065] Applicant also notes that by using two or more winding heads, it is possible to process two separate coils simultaneously and / or have one winding head perform the reset operation while the other winding head performs the processing.

[0066] The Applicant has therefore further realised how it is possible to increase the winding speed of a strip-like product with respect to known solutions if the movement of the strip is not interrupted during the formation of the coil.

[0067] The applicant has finally discovered that by moving the winding head while the strip-like product is being wound, the winding operation can be accelerated without compromising the dimensional accuracy of the coil and without creating undesirable tension conditions in the strip-like product.

[0068] These properties allow the strip-like product to advance during the winding step, while at the same time allowing the winding speed of the strip to be increased without requiring a stop during this operation.

[0069] Thus, in a third aspect thereof, the present invention is directed to an apparatus for making coils for electrochemical cells, preferably for the manufacture of batteries.

[0070] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a supply unit configured to supply at least one strip-like article, preferably comprising one or more strips including conductor strips and / or separator strips.

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

[0072] Preferably, the winding unit includes a plurality of winding heads.

[0073] Preferably, the winding unit comprises a winding head movement device configured to displace the winding head along the working path.

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

[0075] Preferably, the winding heads are movable along the working path, so that the at least one strip-like article is subjected to a substantially constant tension as a result of the movement of the winding head during winding of the strip-like article by the respective winding head, preferably at least in the section defined between the supply unit and the winding head.

[0076] The term "substantially constant tension" means that the tension remains constant during the operating steps of the device with a variation in the range of ±15%, more preferably ±10%, more preferably ±5%. Furthermore, in the context of the present invention, a constant tension condition can preferably be manifested in a constant speed of the strip-like article during the strip feeding and winding steps.

[0077] These properties make it possible to subject the strip-like article to a substantially constant tension during the realization of the coil, in particular due to the fact that the winding takes place while the winding head is displaced.

[0078] In this way, it is possible to increase the productivity of the machine in terms of the number of coils wound per unit of time more precisely and regularly, and to improve the properties of the wound body.

[0079] According to a fourth aspect thereof, the present invention relates to a method for making a coil for an electrochemical cell, preferably intended for the manufacture of a battery, wherein the coil is made by winding at least one strip-like article.

[0080] Preferably, the method includes the step of providing a plurality of winding heads movable along the working path.

[0081] Preferably, the method provides for winding the strip-like product by one winding head of a plurality of winding heads.

[0082] Preferably, the method includes the step of moving a winding head around which the strip-like product is wound so that the strip-like product is subjected to a substantially constant tension.

[0083] Also, based on this aspect, it is possible to achieve the same advantages as those described in relation to the previous aspect.

[0084] In a fifth aspect thereof, the present invention relates to an apparatus for making coils for electrochemical cells, preferably for the manufacture of batteries.

[0085] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a supply unit configured to supply at least one strip-shaped article, preferably comprising one or more strips including a conductor strip and / or a separator strip, by displacing the strip-shaped article along a supply direction.

[0086] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a winding unit.

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

[0088] Preferably, the winding unit includes a winding head movement device, which is configured to displace the winding head along the working path.

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

[0090] Preferably, the movement device is further configured to displace each winding head along the working section of the working path in directions opposite to the feeding direction when the winding head is gripping a portion of the strip-like article.

[0091] These properties allow the length of the strip-like article to be shortened or minimized during winding of the strip, thus limiting situations that can cause undesirable tension conditions in the strip and generally allowing for faster winding.

[0092] In a sixth aspect thereof, the present invention relates to a method for making a coil for an electrochemical cell, preferably intended for the manufacture of a battery, wherein the coil is made by winding at least one strip-like article.

[0093] Preferably, the method includes the step of providing a plurality of winding heads movable along the working path.

[0094] Preferably, it is envisaged that the strip-like product is moved in a feeding direction so as to be fed to one winding head.

[0095] Preferably, the method includes the step of gripping a portion of the strip-like product by a gripping device of the winding head.

[0096] Preferably, the method includes the step of displacing the winding head along the working section of the working path in a direction opposite to the feed direction when the winding head is gripping a portion of the strip-like article.

[0097] Also, based on this aspect, it is possible to achieve the same advantages as those described in relation to the previous aspect.

[0098] In its seventh aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus for making coils for electrochemical cells, preferably for the manufacture of batteries.

[0099] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a supply unit configured to supply at least one strip-like article, the at least one strip-like article comprising at least one strip, preferably a plurality of strips including a conductor strip and / or a separator strip.

[0100] Preferably, the apparatus includes a winding unit.

[0101] Preferably, the winding unit comprises a plurality of winding heads, each winding head configured to wind the strip-like article around a respective winding shaft to create a coil.

[0102] Further preferably, the winding unit comprises a movement device for the winding head, the movement device being configured to displace the winding head along the working path.

[0103] Preferably, the winding head is displaced according to a trajectory that includes at least one rotation about a rotation axis of the moving device, where the rotation axis is different from the winding axis, and the winding head also includes a translation and / or rotation about a further axis, preferably different from both the rotation axis and the winding axis.

[0104] These properties make it possible to use special kinematic mechanisms to realize periodic movements of the rotating head obtained by rotation around the rotation axis of the moving device, with further movements of the head being carried out by translational and / or further rotational movements.

[0105] In this way, with a constructionally simple solution, the required trajectory of the winding head can be achieved, allowing it to run at high speeds and allowing the winding of the strip to take place while the head itself is moving, without undesirable tension conditions on the strip or movements that are difficult to control.

[0106] It should be noted that the trajectory traveled by the take-up head may include a rotation and a translation / rotation sequence, or may include a combined rotation / translation motion that includes such rotation / translation.

[0107] In an eighth aspect thereof, the present invention relates to a method for making a coil for an electrochemical cell, preferably intended for the manufacture of a battery, wherein the coil is made by winding at least one strip-like article.

[0108] Preferably, the method includes the step of providing a plurality of winding heads.

[0109] Preferably, it is envisaged that the strip-shaped product is wound around the winding shaft by one of the winding heads.

[0110] Preferably, the method comprises moving the winding head according to a trajectory formed by at least one rotation about a rotation axis of the moving device, wherein the rotation axis is different from the winding axis, and the method also comprises translation and / or rotation about a further axis, preferably different from both the rotation axis and the winding axis.

[0111] Also, based on this aspect, it is possible to achieve the same advantages as those described in relation to the previous aspect.

[0112] In its ninth aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus for making coils for electrochemical cells, preferably for the manufacture of batteries.

[0113] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a supply unit configured to supply at least one strip-like article, the at least one strip-like article preferably comprising one or more strips including a conductor strip and / or a separator strip.

[0114] Preferably, the supply unit comprises a movable portion which includes an outlet through which the strip-like articles exit the supply unit.

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

[0116] Preferably, the winding unit includes a plurality of winding heads.

[0117] Preferably, the winding unit includes a movement device and a winding head.

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

[0119] Preferably, the winding head and the movable portion are both movable.

[0120] Preferably, the moving device is configured to move the winding heads along the working path so as to maintain each winding head with the strip-like article wound on it at a predetermined distance from the movable portion while the winding heads are moving.

[0121] These properties make it possible to control the distance between the supply unit and the winding head during the various steps of creating the coil, providing an appropriate distance for winding, minimizing undesirable tension conditions, and allowing cutting of the strip-like product, if necessary.

[0122] In its tenth aspect, the present invention relates to a method for making a coil for an electrochemical cell, preferably intended for the manufacture of a battery, wherein the coil is made by winding at least one strip-like article.

[0123] Preferably, the method includes the step of providing a plurality of winding heads movable along the working path.

[0124] Preferably, the method provides for feeding the strip of goods to one winding head through an outlet of the feeding unit.

[0125] Preferably, the method includes the step of winding the strip of material by a winding head to which the strip of material is supplied.

[0126] Preferably, it is envisaged that the outlet section and the winding head to which the strip-like product is supplied are moved simultaneously while maintaining a predetermined distance therebetween.

[0127] Also, based on this aspect, it is possible to achieve the same advantages as those described in relation to the previous aspect.

[0128] In its eleventh aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus for making coils for electrochemical cells, preferably for the production of batteries.

[0129] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a supply unit configured to supply at least one strip-like article, preferably comprising one or more strips including conductor strips and / or separator strips.

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

[0131] Preferably, the winding unit comprises a plurality of winding heads, each winding head being preferably configured to wind the strip-like article to create a coil.

[0132] Preferably, the winding unit may comprise a winding head movement device configured to displace the winding head along the working path.

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

[0134] Preferably, the movement device is configured to vary the distance between the first and second winding heads along the working path.

[0135] These properties and in particular the possibility of varying the distance between the two winding heads make it possible to efficiently manage the step of making the coil, in particular by varying the distance between the two heads between the step in which winding takes place and the step in which the strip-like product is cut.

[0136] In its twelfth aspect, the present invention relates to a method for making a coil for an electrochemical cell, preferably intended for the manufacture of a battery, wherein the coil is made by winding at least one strip-like article.

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

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

[0139] Preferably, the method comprises the step of winding the strip-like article by a first winding head and / or a second winding head.

[0140] It is also preferable to envisage varying the distance between the first and second winding heads along the working path.

[0141] Also, based on this aspect, it is possible to achieve the same advantages as those described in relation to the previous aspect.

[0142] In its thirteenth aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus for making coils for electrochemical cells, preferably intended for the manufacture of batteries, preferably comprising a supply unit configured to supply strip-like articles preferably comprising at least one or more strips, preferably comprising conductor strips and / or separator strips.

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

[0144] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a movement device configured to displace the winding head along the working path.

[0145] Preferably, each winding head is configured to wind the strip to create the coil during displacement of the winding head along the working section of the working path by the movement device.

[0146] This feature allows the apparatus for making coils to carry out winding of the strip-like product without interrupting the supply, as the winding head can move while the strip-like product is being wound.

[0147] In this way, on the one hand, the possibility of controlling the tension acting on the strip-like article by acting on the winding speed and the displacement of the winding head allows the strip-like article to operate at higher speeds than known solutions, while at the same time ensuring the required quality in the structure of the coil.

[0148] In its fourteenth aspect, the present invention relates to a method for making a coil for an electrochemical cell, preferably intended for the manufacture of a battery, wherein the coil is made by winding a strip-like article.

[0149] Preferably, the method includes the step of providing a plurality of winding heads movable along the working path.

[0150] Furthermore, preferably, the method includes the step of winding the strip-like article by the winding head during displacement of the winding head along the working section of the working path.

[0151] Furthermore, the method according to this aspect allows the coil to be produced at higher speeds and without interruption of the path of the strip-like article, due to the possibility of carrying out the winding while the winding head itself is moving along the working path, in particular along certain sections thereof: the displacement of the winding head can in fact be adjusted to the supply of the strip-like article to the winding head, without the need to interrupt the advance of the strip-like article or the relative strip that may form it during the process of producing the coil.

[0152] In its fifteenth aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus for making coils for electrochemical cells, preferably for the manufacture of batteries.

[0153] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a supply unit configured to supply at least one strip-like article formed by a plurality of strips, preferably including conductor strips and / or separator strips.

[0154] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a winding unit.

[0155] Preferably, the winding unit includes a plurality of winding heads.

[0156] Preferably, the winding unit includes a winding head movement device configured to displace the winding head along the working path.

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

[0158] Preferably, the at least one strip is continuously supplied to the winding head by a supply unit.

[0159] These properties allow coils to be made without interrupting the supply of strip, thereby avoiding interruptions in strip movement that could create undesirable tension conditions and reduce the productivity of the machine and the quality of the product made.

[0160] In its sixteenth aspect, the present invention relates to a method for making a coil for an electrochemical cell, preferably intended for the manufacture of a battery, wherein the coil is made by winding at least one strip-like article.

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

[0162] Preferably, the at least one strip is supplied continuously.

[0163] Preferably, the method includes the step of providing a plurality of winding heads movable along the working path.

[0164] Preferably, it is envisaged that the winding head will wind a strip of goods.

[0165] Also, based on this aspect, it is possible to achieve the same advantages as those described in relation to the previous aspect.

[0166] In its seventeenth aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus for making coils for electrochemical cells, preferably for the manufacture of batteries.

[0167] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a supply unit configured to supply at least one strip-like article, the at least one strip-like article preferably comprising one or more strips including a conductor strip and / or a separator strip.

[0168] Preferably, the supply unit comprises an outlet section through which the strip-like product is supplied to the winding unit, and preferably an inlet section.

[0169] Preferably, the inlet portion is adapted to receive at least one strip from a respective dispensing device.

[0170] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a winding unit.

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

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

[0173] Preferably, the apparatus comprises an accumulation device between the inlet and outlet sections, which is configured to accumulate a variable amount of at least one strip-like article.

[0174] Preferably, the apparatus comprises an actuation device for the storage device, which actuates the storage device, preferably by displacing the storage device, which varies the amount of stored strips.

[0175] These properties make it possible to envisage a step in which at least one of the strips continues to advance but is not fed to the winding head and in particular not wound up, in which case the cutting step can be best managed and / or in the case of strip-like products formed by several overlapping layers it is possible to provide strips of different lengths.

[0176] It is also possible, for example, to simultaneously accumulate all strips forming the strip-like article as the moving device, and thus the movable part, moves along the operating section, and in this way to quickly wind up the accumulated strips and / or to utilize the amount of accumulated strips to optimally adjust the tension of the strips.

[0177] In its eighteenth aspect, the present invention relates to a method for making a coil for an electrochemical cell, preferably intended for the manufacture of a battery, wherein the coil is made by winding at least a strip-like article.

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

[0179] Preferably, the method provides for winding a strip of product by means of a winding head.

[0180] Preferably, the method comprises the step of accumulating a variable amount of at least one strip-like article at a position upstream relative to the winding head onto which the strip-like article is wound, wherein the accumulated amount is preferably variable during displacement of the winding head.

[0181] Also, based on this aspect, it is possible to achieve the same advantages as those described in relation to the previous aspect.

[0182] In its nineteenth aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus for making coils for electrochemical cells, preferably for the manufacture of batteries.

[0183] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a supply unit configured to supply at least one strip-like article, the at least one strip-like article preferably comprising one or more strips including a conductor strip and / or a separator strip.

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

[0185] Preferably, each winding head carries a gripping device configured to grip a portion of the strip-like product.

[0186] Preferably, the winding unit comprises a winding head movement device configured to displace the winding head along the working path. Preferably, each winding head is configured to wind a strip-like article to create a coil.

[0187] Preferably, each gripping device comprises a pair of pins configured to hold the strip of goods therebetween.

[0188] Preferably, at least one of the pins is movable to engage with the other pin holding the strip-like article therebetween.

[0189] These properties allow the strip of goods to be gripped and blocked for easy winding as part of a continuous, automated process.

[0190] In its twentieth aspect, the present invention relates to a method for making a coil for an electrochemical cell, preferably intended for the manufacture of a battery, wherein the coil is made by winding at least one strip-like article.

[0191] Preferably, the method includes the step of providing a plurality of winding heads movable along the work path.

[0192] Preferably, the method includes the step of gripping a portion of the strip-like product by a winding head.

[0193] Preferably, it is envisaged that the winding head will wind a strip of goods.

[0194] Preferably, the step of gripping a portion of the strip-like article comprises the step of placing the portion between a pair of pins, at least one of the pins being movable to engage with the other pin to hold the strip-like article therebetween.

[0195] Also, based on this aspect, it is possible to achieve the same advantages as those described in relation to the previous aspect.

[0196] According to its twenty-first aspect, the present invention also refers to an apparatus for making coils for electrochemical cells, preferably intended for the manufacture of batteries.

[0197] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a supply unit configured to supply at least one strip-like article formed by a plurality of strips, preferably including conductor strips and / or separator strips.

[0198] Preferably, the supply unit comprises a movable part.

[0199] Preferably, a feed path is defined for each strip.

[0200] Preferably, the supply paths each comprise accumulation sections that are substantially parallel to one another.

[0201] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a winding unit including at least one winding head configured to wind the strip-like article to create a coil.

[0202] Preferably, the supply unit is configured to vary the longitudinal extension of each of the accumulation sections through movement of the movable part, the longitudinal extensions of the accumulation sections being varied simultaneously and preferably by the same amount, preferably so as to keep the accumulation sections substantially parallel to one another.

[0203] These features make it possible to use the displacement of the movable part to simultaneously accumulate the same amount of strip for each of the strips forming the strip-like product, thus making it possible to use a continuous supply of strip while providing a step in which the strip-like product is not wound.

[0204] According to a twenty-second aspect, the present invention also relates to a method for making a coil for an electrochemical cell, preferably intended for the manufacture of a battery, wherein the coil is preferably made by winding at least one strip-like article.

[0205] Preferably, the method includes the step of advancing a plurality of strips, preferably including conductor strips and / or separator strips, along respective feed paths.

[0206] Preferably, it is envisaged that the strips are combined in layers at the end of the feed path to form a strip-like article.

[0207] Preferably, the method comprises the steps of providing at least one winding head and preferably winding the strip-like article by the winding head.

[0208] Preferably, each supply path comprises an accumulation section having a variable length, the accumulation sections preferably being substantially parallel to one another.

[0209] Preferably, the method includes varying the length of each of the accumulation sections simultaneously, preferably by the same amount. Preferably, the accumulation sections are maintained substantially parallel to each other while varying their lengths.

[0210] Also, based on this aspect, it is possible to achieve the same advantages as those described in relation to the previous aspect.

[0211] In at least one of the above-mentioned aspects, the present invention may have at least one of the preferred features described below.

[0212] Preferably, the movable portion moves in translation by performing alternating linear motion.

[0213] In this way, the undesirable effects of gravity can be minimized, creating a compact and at the same time effective movement, thereby realizing the technical advantages mentioned above.

[0214] Preferably, the winding unit comprises at least one winding head movement device configured to displace the at least one winding head along the working path.

[0215] Preferably, the winding heads are movable along the working path, so that during winding of the strip-like article by the respective winding head and as a result of the movement of the winding head at least in the section defined between the supply unit and the at least one winding head, the at least one strip-like article is subjected to a substantially constant tension.

[0216] In this way, the tension in the strip-like article can be maintained substantially constant, making the process steps more effective, reducing damage to the strip-like article itself and enabling the coil to be produced with greater precision.

[0217] Preferably, the at least one winding head and the relative movement device configured to displace it are kinematically independent with respect to the movable part, thus allowing for more freedom in positioning the movement device with respect to the movable part, thus reducing synchronization and mutual constraint problems between them during material cooperation and / or exchange steps.

[0218] Preferably, the movement device of the at least one winding head is directly constrained to the movable part downstream of the coupling roller.

[0219] In this way, the apparatus as a whole is more compact and less cumbersome, and although the weight of the movable parts may be heavier than in other embodiments, the horizontal movement solution minimizes the forces associated with acceleration and deceleration due to the vertical component, resulting in less complexity associated with displacement, and this form of cooperation between the movement device and the movable parts is easier to handle, allowing for simple and effective movement.

[0220] Preferably, the movement device of the at least one winding head is mounted directly on the movable part.

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

[0222] In this way, the movement of the at least one winding head is of a particularly efficient and compact type.

[0223] Preferably, the transfer device comprises a rotating body configured to rotate about its axis of rotation.

[0224] Preferably, the transfer device comprises a plurality of arms constrained to the rotating body, the arms being hinged at one end to the rotating body to allow rotation about a second axis of rotation substantially parallel to the axis of rotation, and at their opposite ends each winding head being hinged according to its winding axis substantially parallel to the axis of rotation.

[0225] This solution allows easy definition and modification of working paths that are particularly sophisticated and easily adaptable to various coil forming needs.

[0226] Preferably, the arm is extendable or attached to a cam to provide displacement with a radial component relative to the axis of rotation of the rotor.

[0227] In this way, complex working paths can be realized, including for example radial, tangential or combinations thereof sections.

[0228] Preferably, the transfer device comprises a rotating body configured to rotate about its rotation axis, and the at least one winding head is directly constrained to the rotating body so as to be allowed to rotate about a winding axis substantially parallel to the rotation axis.

[0229] This solution allows for a more compact arrangement, which relatively reduces the overall dimensions and weight of the device employed.

[0230] Preferably, the supply unit is configured to define a supply area for each strip of the plurality of strips.

[0231] Preferably, the feed region is defined at least partially upstream of the movable portion. Preferably, in the feed region, each strip of the plurality of strips moves along accumulation sections that are substantially parallel to one another.

[0232] This solution makes it possible to provide relative strip accumulations that move synchronously and therefore are free of mutual misalignments and / or distortions introduced by different paths.

[0233] Preferably, the feed unit is configured to define a convergence region configured between the feed region and the coupling roller, the convergence region being defined within the movable portion.

[0234] Preferably, the strips converge at a convergence region by reducing the mutual distance between the strips up to a coupling roller which creates a strip-like article.

[0235] In this way, the area and process for forming the final strip-like article can be optimized and designed, thanks to the independence of the strip accumulation / feed steps with respect to the coupling / convergence step.

[0236] Preferably, one strip of the plurality of strips is fed according to a direction substantially parallel to the direction of displacement of the movable portion in the convergence region.

[0237] In this way, stresses on the strips near and during the coupling steps between the strips on the coupling rollers can be further reduced.

[0238] In particular, the Applicant has noted that between the steps of cutting the strip and coupling, some of the free ends may bend under the effect of the displacements that occur. The technical solution described above makes it possible to reduce the deformations induced by these displacements, thus improving the final properties of the product obtained.

[0239] Preferably, one strip of the plurality of strips is fed according to a direction substantially parallel to the displacement direction of the movable part also in part of the feeding area.

[0240] In this way, the aforementioned problems related to potential damage are further reduced even during displacement in the supply area. Preferably, the strip, which is supplied according to a direction substantially parallel to the direction of displacement of the movable part, is also a conductor, e.g., an anode or a cathode, in part of the supply area.

[0241] Preferably, the at least one winding head is movable along the working path, and the correlating method includes the step of moving the at least one winding head so that the strip-like article is subjected to a substantially constant tension.

[0242] In this way, the strip-like product can be effectively processed without maintaining a constant shape and without causing undesirable damage or deformation.

[0243] Preferably, the method envisages using a supply unit configured to be able to move each strip of the plurality of strips along respective accumulation sections that are substantially parallel to each other in a defined portion of the supply area at least partially upstream of the movable portion.

[0244] In this way, multiple strips can be synchronized with each other.

[0245] Preferably, the method envisages using a feeding unit configured to converge the plurality of strips in a convergence region configured between the feeding region and the coupling roller and located within the movable part, thereby reducing the mutual distance between each of the plurality of strips leading to the coupling roller to form the strip-like article.

[0246] In this way, strips of strip-like products can be joined in dedicated areas optimized for this operation.

[0247] Preferably, each winding head supports a gripping device configured to grip a portion of the strip-like product, and more preferably, the gripping device is configured to rotate on itself about the winding axis so as to wind the strip-like product.

[0248] This property allows the strip of material to be easily gripped and wound by rotating the same gripping device, thus allowing easy control of the rotation speed as well as the trajectory and speed of the winding head while winding the strip of material.

[0249] Preferably, the feeding unit defines a feeding direction for the strip-like articles.

[0250] In this way, the supply unit itself defines the direction in which the strip-shaped article is supplied, i.e. the direction in which the article arrives at the winding head and is subsequently gripped and wound.

[0251] If the strip-like product is formed by a plurality of strips, the feeding direction coincides with the feeding direction of the product after the strips have been combined.

[0252] Preferably, the movement device is configured to wind the strip-like article during displacement of the winding heads. Preferably, the displacement of each winding head during winding is in a direction opposite to the feed direction.

[0253] This property allows the length of the strip-like article to be shortened or minimized during winding of the strip, thus limiting the situations that create tension in the strip and generally allowing for faster winding.

[0254] It should be noted that when the term "mismatch" and its antonym "match" refer to two directions, these directions are understood to be moving in the opposite direction for "mismatch" and in the forward direction for "match."

[0255] The directions do not necessarily have to be parallel, in which case two directions are considered to be incongruent when a component of one direction that is substantially parallel to a second direction defines a path along which an object is displaced in an opposite direction relative to the other direction.

[0256] This concept is shown diagrammatically in Figure 11, where two directions are shown as solid lines, designated a and b, respectively, and the component parallel to the second direction is shown as a dotted line, designated c. In the example shown, the two directions are represented as being in disagreement, as can be seen from the arrows on the two lines.

[0257] Preferably, the displacement of each winding head along the operating section is substantially parallel to the feed direction.

[0258] In the context of the present invention, the term "substantially parallel" indicates a deviation of ±10°, preferably ±5° from perfect parallelism.

[0259] This characteristic allows the winding head to follow the forward motion of the strip and / or move in a direction opposite to the forward movement of the strip to wind the strip in such a manner, each of which further contributes to making the winding of the strip, and thus the formation of the coil, faster and more efficient.

[0260] Preferably, the supply unit comprises an outlet section through which the strip-shaped articles leave the supply unit and are supplied to the winding unit, and preferably an inlet section adapted to receive at least one strip from each dispensing device, the supply path for the strip being configured between the inlet section and the outlet section.

[0261] Preferably, the supply unit comprises a movable part in which the outlet portion is preferably formed.

[0262] The presence of a movable part in the supply unit makes it possible to change the position of the part from which the strip of material is fed to the winding head, so that the winding head can more easily grip the strip of material and also adjust the distance between the head and the supply unit, and thus the length of the strip of material between the head and the supply unit on which it is wound.

[0263] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a cutting device configured to cut the strip-like product at a position downstream of the supply unit.

[0264] The term "cut" in reference to a strip or other article means creating an interruption in the continuity of the strip or element to define two distinct, separate, kinematically independent portions.

[0265] The cutting can be performed with any type of device, whether it is a contact cutting device, such as a knife, or a non-contact cutting device, such as laser ablation.

[0266] The presence of the cutting device downstream of the supply unit makes it possible to coordinate the movement of the head and the cutting action performed by the relative movement device without stopping the strip at the moment it is cut.

[0267] Preferably, the supply unit and the moving device are configured such that the respective winding head is positioned at a predetermined distance from the supply unit in preparation for when the cutting device cuts the strip-like product, wherein the predetermined distance is preferably substantially equal to the minimum distance from the supply head.

[0268] The term "substantially equal" refers to the minimum distance between the two components. However, it should be noted that in the context of the present invention, the two components may also be at a slightly smaller distance during different operational steps of the device. Overall, however, this distance can be considered the minimum value that can be obtained, consistent with the kinematic mechanisms that move the two components and their overall dimensions.

[0269] In other words, the spooling head may be at a distance less than that at which it is positioned during the cutting step described above while moving along the working path, provided that in the context of this operation, the distance at which it is positioned is the minimum distance at which it can be positioned that allows access and use of the devices used for cutting and is compatible with the kinematic mechanisms used for movement.

[0270] This characteristic makes it possible to minimize the length of the portion of the strip-like product leaving the supply unit at the moment the cut is made, thus simplifying the management and, in particular, the winding operations for the two lengths of strip-like product that result after cutting.

[0271] Preferably, the supply unit and the moving device are configured such that when the cutting device cuts the strip-like product, each winding head is positioned at a minimum distance from the movable portion.

[0272] This characteristic allows the movement of the movable part to be advantageously used to position the winding head over the shortest possible distance.

[0273] Preferably, the cutting device is movable integrally with the winding head and / or the strip-like article.

[0274] Preferably, the movement device is configured to displace the winding head along the working path according to a trajectory that includes at least: Rotation about the axis of rotation of the moving device, where the axis of rotation is different from the axis of winding. · Translation and / or rotation about a further axis different from the axis of rotation and the axis of winding.

[0275] This feature allows a special kinematic mechanism to perform a periodic movement of the winding head, which can be obtained by rotation about the rotation axis of the moving device, together with a further movement of the head, which can be obtained by a translational movement and / or a further rotational movement.

[0276] In this way, with a constructionally simple solution, the required trajectory of the winding head can be achieved, allowing it to run at high speeds and allowing the winding of the strip to take place while the head itself is moving, without undesirable tension conditions on the strip or movements that are difficult to control.

[0277] Preferably, the winding head and the movable portion are adjustably movable, and the moving device is configured to move the winding head along the operating section so as to maintain each winding head with the strip-like article wound on it at a predetermined distance from the movable portion while the winding head is moving.

[0278] These properties make it possible to control the distance between the supply unit and the winding head during the coil making process, providing an appropriate distance for winding, minimizing tension conditions and cutting the strip-like product if necessary.

[0279] Preferably, the at least one strip-like article is subjected to a substantially constant tension, at least for the section defined between the supply unit and the respective winding head around which the strip-like article is wound.

[0280] It should be noted that, due to the fact that the winding is carried out while the winding head is displaced, the strip-like article can be subjected to a substantially constant tension, particularly while the coil is being made.

[0281] Preferably, the supply unit is configured to supply the strip-like article at a supply speed, and the winding head is configured to wind the strip-like article at a winding speed and to displace at a displacement speed, the winding speed and the displacement speed being preferably such that the strip-like article is subjected to a substantially constant tension.

[0282] In this way, it is possible to control the tension simply by controlling the speed at which the device is operated, and as a result, the operation steps can be easily controlled.

[0283] Preferably, the feeding speed is substantially equal to the sum of the winding speed and the displacement speed.

[0284] This condition allows a substantially constant tension to be maintained in the strip-like product without stopping it during winding or coiling.

[0285] Preferably, the strip-like product comprises a plurality of layered strips, wherein at least one of the strips is fed continuously.

[0286] Preferably, the feed rate is always greater than zero along the feed path, and preferably is substantially constant.

[0287] These properties allow coils to be produced without interrupting the supply of strip, thereby avoiding interruptions in the movement of the strip, which could create undesirable tension conditions and reduce the productivity of the machine. However, it should be noted that one or more strips can be locally slowed down or stopped between their inlet and outlet from the supply unit without causing an interruption in their movement. This can be achieved, for example, by locally accumulating one or more strips, in other words, by lengthening and / or shortening the path of the strip between the inlet and outlet of the supply unit.

[0288] Preferably, the supply unit comprises a coupling roller, the strips being arranged to converge towards a coupling roller downstream of which the strips are partially wound so as to be grouped to form the strip-like article.

[0289] Preferably, the outlet portion is defined in the coupling roller.

[0290] Preferably, the coupling roller is connected to the movable part.

[0291] These properties make it possible to group the strips in order to obtain a multi-layer strip-like article with a solution that allows the strips to be advanced continuously. Furthermore, the position at which the strips are joined can be advantageously varied during the different operating steps of the device.

[0292] Preferably, the working section comprises at least a first portion and a second portion, which are preferably substantially parallel to each other.

[0293] This property allows the use of kinematic mechanisms that are not overly complex for the movement of two substantially parallel sections, resulting in a highly scalable operating section and allowing the use of a relatively simple structural movement device.

[0294] Preferably, the movement device is configured to displace each winding head in a first direction along the first portion and in an opposite direction to the first direction in the second portion.

[0295] In this way, the overall dimensions of the transfer device, and more generally of the apparatus, can be optimized, since the winding head can move in opposite directions along two substantially parallel sections.

[0296] Preferably, each gripping device is configured to wind the strip of article along the first portion at a different speed relative to the second portion.

[0297] The use of different winding speeds makes it possible to maintain a substantially constant tension in the strip-like product during its winding, especially if it is continuously fed.

[0298] Preferably, the winding head is configured to displace in a direction consistent with the feed direction in the first portion and to displace in a direction opposite to the feed direction in the second portion, preferably such that the strip-like article is wound at a higher speed when each winding head is displaced in a direction opposite to the feed direction.

[0299] These characteristics make it possible to optimally utilize the movement of the winding head in order to wind the strip-like material as quickly as possible, taking into account the fact that the winding head moves during winding and at the same time the strip-like material continues to be supplied.

[0300] Preferably, the operating section comprises a third portion, preferably substantially parallel to the first and / or second portion, along which the winding head is again displaced in a direction coinciding with the feeding direction.

[0301] The presence of the third part makes it possible to further utilize the properties of the displacement device in the context of a cyclic solution, preferably allowing the winding head to be displaced along a closed path.

[0302] Preferably, the strip-like article is wound during displacement of the moving head along the first portion and / or the second portion and / or the third portion.

[0303] Preferably, the moving device is configured to wind the strip-like article by an amount in the range of 5% to 15%, preferably 10%, of the total length of the strip-like article used to form the single coil along the first portion, by an amount in the range of 70% to 90%, preferably 80%, of the total length of the strip-like article used to form the single coil along the second portion, and by an amount in the range of 5% to 15%, preferably 10%, of the total length of the strip-like article used to form the single coil along the third portion.

[0304] In this way, winding takes place mainly during the return of the winding head, i.e. along the second portion, and winding can take place at a higher speed as the winding head moves in a direction opposite to the feed direction.

[0305] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a storage device configured to store an amount of at least one strip of the plurality of strips between the inlet section and the outlet section, and an actuation device for the storage device, preferably for displacing the storage device to vary the amount of stored strip.

[0306] This property makes it possible to provide a step in which at least one of the strips continues to advance but is not fed to a winding head, in particular not wound up, and in this way the cutting step can be optimally managed and / or in the case of strip-like products formed by several overlapping layers it is possible to provide strips of different lengths.

[0307] Preferably, the storage device comprises at least one movable element configured to vary the overall length of the supply path by movement of the movable element.

[0308] Preferably, the movable element is formed by a movable portion.

[0309] Preferably, the movement device is configured to move integrally with the moveable portion and is preferably rotatably supported on the moveable portion.

[0310] In this way, for example, it is possible to simultaneously accumulate all the strips forming the strip-like article when the moving device and thus the movable part moves along the first part of the operating section, and to quickly wind up the strips accumulated in this way when returning to the second part of the operating section.

[0311] Preferably, the movable element comprises at least one movable roller. The at least one strip is wound on the movable roller and on the at least one fixed roller so as to vary its overall length. Preferably, the movable roller and the fixed roller are configured to rotate freely.

[0312] This characteristic allows for the offsetting of the advancement of a single strip or more specific strips relative to the remaining strips when the strip-like article is formed by a plurality of overlapping strips without stopping the advancement of the strips. In this way, by cutting the accumulated strips at predetermined positions, it is possible to obtain a portion of the strip-like article that is free of one or more strips that form the multilayer structure. This is particularly advantageous in the case of coils for electrochemical cells, where the end portions of the coil typically have only a portion of the separator strip present.

[0313] Preferably, the supply unit comprises a holding device for holding at least one of the one or more strips configured to slow down or stop the supply of at least one of the one or more strips through the outlet portion.

[0314] Preferably, the accumulation device is configured to accumulate the strip when the holding device slows or stops feeding the strip.

[0315] In this way, the accumulation device can operate when the strip slows down or stops, thereby avoiding tension in the strip and allowing the strip to be advanced continuously without a single strip being fed from the outlet of the feeding unit.

[0316] Preferably, the operating section includes at least one substantially linear section.

[0317] The presence of a straight section along which winding takes place is particularly advantageous in order to avoid undesirable tension in the strip-like product.

[0318] Preferably, the straight sections are substantially parallel to the feeding direction so that the strip-like article is not under tension during coil formation.

[0319] Preferably, each of the first portion and / or the second portion and / or the third portion forms a respective linear section.

[0320] Preferably, the winding heads are configured to discharge the coil following at least partial winding of at least one strip, wherein the working path includes a reset section in which each of the winding heads transitions from a discharge position to a gripping position in which the winding head grips at least one portion of the strip-like article. Preferably, the working path is closed.

[0321] In this way, the device can operate cyclically, advantageously comprising an operating portion where the winding head winds, generally creating a coil, and a reset portion where the head can return to the appropriate position to restart the cycle.

[0322] This is particularly advantageous when there is a linear path or when it is desired to concentrate the winding action in a particular area, as in this area it is sufficient to control the rotation of the head and its behavior relative to the strip-like article, thereby simplifying the kinematic mechanisms required.

[0323] Preferably, the working section has a length equal to at least 5%, preferably at least 10%, preferably at least 15%, preferably at least 20% of the total length of the working path.

[0324] Preferably, in such a section of operation, the winding of the strip-like product takes place between each displacement of the winding head on which the strip-like product is wound.

[0325] In other words, such a displacement will therefore cover a significant part of the entire working path of the winding head.It should therefore be noted that the movement of the winding head is not limited to correcting diameter differences that occur during winding or to correcting minimal displacements of the strip-like article relative to the feed direction of its movement during winding.

[0326] In this way, it is possible for the head to follow the advance of the strip-like article during its movement and the formation of the coil, which in turn makes it possible to appropriately utilize the operating section over which the winding head moves and winds the strip-like article, and to appropriately coordinate the operation of two or more winding heads, for example by assuming that one head starts winding one coil and another head finishes winding another coil.

[0327] Preferably, the cutting device is configured to cut the strip-like article along the working section of the working path, preferably in an intermediate region of the working path.

[0328] This property allows for the use of various step movements of the winding head both for winding and for cutting, and for the transport of the thus cut coil to a discharge area.

[0329] Preferably, the plurality of winding heads includes at least a first winding head and a second winding head, and the moving device is configured to vary the distance between the first winding head and the second winding head along the working path.

[0330] The ability to vary the distance between the two winding heads makes it possible to efficiently manage the coil production steps, particularly by varying the distance between the two heads between the step where winding takes place and the step where the strip-shaped product is cut.

[0331] Preferably, the movement device is configured to move from the first winding head to the second winding head along the working path as the cutting device performs the cut in the strip-like article.

[0332] In this way, the cut can be made between the two winding heads, minimizing the dimensions of the two flaps of the strip-like product that result after the cut, with one head as close as possible to the other head.

[0333] Preferably, the moving device is configured to move the first winding head away from the supply unit and is further configured to displace the second winding head along the operating section to an intermediate position between the first winding head and the supply unit when the first winding head is moved away.

[0334] This feature allows the second winding head to be positioned to grip the strip while the other winding head is still winding the strip or gripping the strip itself, so that at the moment the second moving head grips the strip, it is still being wound on the first winding head.

[0335] Preferably, the moving device is configured such that when the first winding head moves along the third portion, the second winding head, which precedes the first winding head along the working path, moves along the first portion.

[0336] This characteristic also allows the overall dimensions of the device to be optimized and, at least in part, allows the winding of two coils to be performed simultaneously: after cutting the strip, the first winding head finishes winding the remaining flaps along the third section, while the second winding head starts winding along the first section.

[0337] Preferably, each gripping device comprises a pair of pins configured to hold a strip of goods therebetween, at least one of the pins being movable to engage with the other pin holding the strip of goods therebetween.

[0338] The presence of the pins makes it possible to grip and block the strip of material for winding as part of a simple, continuous and automated process.

[0339] Preferably, the winding axis is aligned with the longitudinal extension of the pin.

[0340] Preferably, at least one pin is movable along a removal direction transverse, preferably perpendicular, to the feed direction of the strip-like articles.

[0341] In this way, a single pin approaches the strip during head movement, and after the other pin reaches the strip, it is brought to the position of the first pin, so that the strip-like article can be positioned between the two pins while the winding head approaches the strip. Once in this position, the pin can begin to rotate around itself and begin winding and gripping the strip.

[0342] Preferably, both pins are movable, and the pins are configured to be movable both independently of each other and in conjunction with each other, and both pins are configured to move along the extraction direction.

[0343] In this way, the same pin can be used advantageously both to grip the strip-like product and start winding it, and to eject the coil once wound.

[0344] Preferably, each of the strips defines a respective feed path, the feed path including a respective accumulation section, the accumulation sections being substantially parallel to one another.

[0345] Preferably, two or more of the groups formed by the at least one accumulation section, the feed direction of the strip-like articles, the displacement direction of the movable portion and the at least one portion of the operating section are substantially parallel to one another.

[0346] Preferably, at least one of the accumulation section, the feed direction of the strip-like article, the displacement direction of the movable portion and the portion of the operating section are all substantially parallel to one another.

[0347] Preferably, the supply unit is configured to vary the longitudinal extension of each of the accumulation sections, preferably in cooperation with the movement of the movable portion along the displacement direction.

[0348] In this way, it is possible to maintain a constant tension even during accumulation of the strip to form the strip-like article, so that movement of the movable part does not create undesirable tension in the strip.

[0349] Preferably, an accumulation section extends between each pair of diverter rollers and is preferably free-wheeling. Preferably, a pair of diverter rollers is supported on the movable portion.

[0350] This property allows the strip to slide during storage, and particularly during movement of the movable portion, without creating the undesirable tensions mentioned above.

[0351] Preferably, the longitudinal extensions of the accumulation sections are varied simultaneously and by the same amount to keep the accumulation sections substantially parallel to one another.

[0352] This feature makes it possible to use the displacement of the movable part to simultaneously accumulate the same amount of strip for each of the strips forming the strip-like product, thus making it possible to use a continuous supply of strip while providing a step in which the strip-like product is not wound.

[0353] Preferably, combining the strips into layers includes converging the strips downstream of the accumulation section towards an outlet section where the strip-like product is fed to a winding head.

[0354] In this way, a space can be defined between one strip and the other, before the exit section, for placing grippers and knives that can be used to cut one or more strips before they are combined to form the strip-like article.

[0355] Preferably, the strip-like product is gripped by a gripping device and the strip-like product is wound by rotating the gripping device about a winding axis.

[0356] This characteristic also allows a strip of material to be easily gripped and then wound by rotating the same device that gripped the material, thus allowing for easy control of the rotational speed, trajectory, and velocity of the winding head while winding the strip of material.

[0357] Preferably, the step of gripping a portion of the strip-like article comprises the step of feeding the strip-like article, wherein the strip-like article is fed by displacement in a feeding direction.

[0358] In this way, the supply unit itself defines the direction in which the strip-shaped article is supplied, i.e. the direction in which the article arrives at the winding head and is subsequently gripped and wound.

[0359] Preferably, the strip-like product is wound during displacement of the winding head. Preferably, the winding head is displaced in a direction opposite to the feed direction when winding the strip-like product.

[0360] This property also makes it possible to shorten or at any rate minimize the length of the strip-like product during winding of the strip, thus limiting the situations that create tension in the strip and generally allowing for faster winding.

[0361] In a preferred embodiment, it is envisaged that the strip-like product is fed to the winding head, whereby the strip-like product is preferably fed through a strip-like product outlet.

[0362] Preferably, the outlet portion is movable along a displacement direction, which is preferably substantially parallel to the feed direction.

[0363] Preferably, the outlet portion is movable back and forth along the displacement direction.

[0364] By moving the outlet it is possible to change the position from which the strip of material is fed to the winding head, so that the winding head can more easily grip the strip of material and also to adjust the length of the strip of material between the head and the supply unit where it is wound.

[0365] In a preferred embodiment, it is envisaged that the strip-like product is cut at a position downstream of the supply unit.

[0366] By cutting the strip-shaped product downstream of the supply unit, it is possible to link the movement of the head and the cutting operation via a relative movement device without stopping the strip-shaped product at the moment of cutting.

[0367] Preferably, the winding head is positioned at a minimum distance from the outlet section in preparation for the step of cutting the strip-like product.

[0368] This characteristic also makes it possible to minimize the length of the portion of the strip-like product that leaves the supply unit when cutting is performed, thereby simplifying the management, and in particular the winding operation, of the two lengths of strip-like product that are produced after cutting.

[0369] Preferably, the method includes the steps of providing a cutting device for cutting the strip-like article and displacing the cutting device integrally with the movable part and / or the winding head and / or the strip-like article while the strip-like article is being cut.

[0370] In this way, the cut can be made while the winding head is moving, without stopping the strip, thereby allowing for a continuous process for making the coil.

[0371] In a preferred embodiment, it is envisaged that the winding head is moved according to a trajectory formed at least as follows. Rotation about the axis of rotation of the moving device, where the axis of rotation is different from the axis of winding. · Translation and / or rotation about a further axis different from the axis of rotation and the axis of winding.

[0372] These steps allow the necessary trajectory of the winding head to be achieved with a simple constructional solution, allowing it to run at high speeds and winding the strip while the head itself is moving, without undesirable tension conditions on the strip or movements that are difficult to control.

[0373] In a preferred embodiment, it may be envisaged that the outlet section and the winding head to which the strip-like product is supplied are moved simultaneously while being maintained at a predetermined distance.

[0374] These properties also make it possible to control the distance between the supply unit and the winding head during the various steps of creating the coil, providing an appropriate distance for winding, minimizing tension conditions and allowing cutting of the strip-like product if necessary.

[0375] Preferably, it is possible to envisage moving the outlet section and the winding head simultaneously while the winding head is winding the strip-like material, which is gripped and moved by the winding head, so that the strip-like material is subjected to a substantially constant tension upstream of the winding head.

[0376] In this way, the fact that winding takes place while the winding head is displaced ensures that the strip-like product is subjected to a substantially constant tension, particularly during the production of the coil. It is possible.

[0377] Preferably, the formed strip-like article is fed through the outlet section at a feed speed substantially equal to the sum of the winding speed of the strip-like article and the displacement speed of the winding head around which the strip-like article is wound.

[0378] In this way, the tension can be controlled simply by controlling the speed at which the device is operated, and different operation steps can be easily controlled.

[0379] In a preferred embodiment, it may be envisaged to combine a number of layers to form a strip-like article, where at least one of the strips is fed continuously.

[0380] Preferably, the feed rate is always greater than zero, and more preferably is substantially constant.

[0381] These properties also allow the coils to be made without interrupting the supply of strip, thereby avoiding interruptions in strip movement that can reduce machine productivity without creating undesirable tension conditions.

[0382] Preferably, it is envisaged that the strips are coupled to form a strip-like article by partially winding the strips around a coupling roller.

[0383] Preferably, the outlet portion is defined in the coupling roller.

[0384] These properties also make it possible to group the strips to obtain a multi-layer strip-like article with a solution that allows the strips to be advanced continuously.Furthermore, the position at which the strips are joined can be advantageously varied during the different operating steps of the device.

[0385] In a preferred embodiment, it may be envisaged to move the spooling heads along first and second portions of the operating section that are substantially parallel to one another, with each spooling head displacing in a first direction along the first portion and in a direction opposite to the first direction along the second portion.

[0386] In this way, a wide range of operating sections can be obtained, and a structurally relatively simple movement device can be used, since it is possible to use a kinematic mechanism that is not overly complex for the movement of two substantially parallel sections.

[0387] Furthermore, the ability of the winding head to move in two opposite directions along two parallel or substantially coincident sections makes it possible to optimize the operating steps of the winding head, or more generally of the method according to the invention.

[0388] Preferably, each gripping device is configured to wind the strip of article along the first portion at a different speed relative to the second portion.

[0389] Preferably, the winding head is displaced in a direction consistent with the feed direction in the first portion and in a direction opposite to the feed direction in the second portion.

[0390] Preferably, the strip-like article is wound at a higher speed as each winding head is displaced along the second portion.

[0391] By using different winding speeds, it is possible to maintain a substantially constant tension in the strip of product during winding, especially if it is continuously fed.

[0392] In a preferred embodiment, it is envisaged to move the winding head along a third portion of the operating section, preferably substantially parallel to the first and second portions, wherein the winding head is preferably displaced along the third portion in a direction coinciding with the feeding direction.

[0393] These characteristics make it possible to optimally utilize the movement of the winding head in order to wind the strip-like material as quickly as possible, taking into account the fact that the winding head moves during winding and at the same time the strip-like material continues to be supplied.

[0394] Preferably, at least one of the strips advances at a substantially constant speed along a section defined between the inlet and outlet sections through which the strips are individually fed.

[0395] In a preferred embodiment, it may be provided for accumulating an amount of at least one strip before the at least one strip is gripped by the winding head, wherein preferably the accumulated amount is variable during the displacement of the winding head.

[0396] Preferably, the strips include conductor strips and / or separator strips, and the method includes the step of accumulating at least one of the conductor strips during its advancement between the inlet and outlet sections.

[0397] This characteristic also makes it possible to envisage a step in which at least one of the strips continues to advance but is not fed to the winding head and in particular not wound up, in which case the cutting step can be best managed and / or in the case of strip-like products formed by several overlapping layers it is possible to provide strips of different lengths.

[0398] Preferably, it may be envisaged to slow down or stop the supply of one or more strips, wherein a variable amount of the strip or strips accumulated is accumulated when the supply is slowed down or stopped.

[0399] In this way, accumulation of the strip can take place when the strip is slowed or stopped, thereby preventing tension in the strip, allowing the strip to be advanced continuously without a single strip being fed through the outlet of the feeding unit.

[0400] Preferably, the outlet section is displaced, preferably along a displacement direction, when the strip-like articles are accumulated.

[0401] Preferably, the winding heads move simultaneously while maintaining a substantially constant distance from each other.

[0402] Preferably, the winding head moves integrally with the outlet section.

[0403] In this way, for example, it is possible to simultaneously accumulate all the strips forming the strip-like article when the moving device and thus the movable part moves along the first part of the operating section, and to quickly wind up the strips accumulated in this way when returning to the second part of the operating section.

[0404] Preferably, the step of accumulating the at least one strip comprises the step of varying the distance travelled by the at least one strip between the inlet and outlet sections.

[0405] This characteristic also makes it possible, when a strip-like article is formed by multiple overlapping strips, to offset the advancement of a single strip, or a particular strip, relative to the remaining strips without stopping the advancement of the strips.

[0406] Preferably, the operating section comprises a substantially linear section.

[0407] The presence of a straight section along which winding takes place is particularly advantageous in order to avoid undesirable tension in the strip-like product.

[0408] In a preferred embodiment, it may be envisaged that after at least partial winding of the strip-like product the coil is discharged, wherein the winding head is returned along the working path after discharging the coil to a gripping position in which the winding head grips a portion of the strip-like product.

[0409] These characteristics also advantageously provide an operating portion where the winding head winds and generally creates a coil, and a reset portion where the head can return to a suitable position to restart the cycle, allowing the method of the present invention to be performed cyclically.

[0410] Preferably, the plurality of spooling heads comprises at least a first spooling head and a second spooling head, and the method includes varying a distance between the first spooling head and the second spooling head along the working path.

[0411] By varying the distance between the two winding heads, in particular between the step where winding takes place and the step where the strip-shaped product is cut, it is possible to efficiently manage the steps of making the coil.

[0412] Preferably, it may be envisaged that the first winding head approaches the second winding head along the working path in preparation for the step of cutting the strip-like product.

[0413] In this way, the cutting of the strip-like product is carried out between two winding heads that minimize the size of the two flaps of the strip-like product that result after cutting, with one head being as close as possible to the other head.

[0414] Preferably, while the first winding head is gripping a portion of the strip-like article, the first winding head may be moved away from the outlet section and the second winding head may be positioned at an intermediate position between the first winding head and the outlet section.

[0415] This feature also allows the second winding head to be positioned to grip the strip while the other winding head is still winding the strip or gripping the strip itself, so that the strip is still being wound on the first winding head at the moment the second moving head grips it.

[0416] Preferably, when the first winding head moves along the third portion, the second winding head preceding the first winding head moves along the first portion.

[0417] This characteristic also allows for the optimization of the overall dimensions of the device. Furthermore, it is preferably envisaged that the winding of the two coils is at least partially simultaneous, such that after cutting the strip, the first winding head finishes winding the remaining flaps along the third section, while the second winding head starts winding along the first section.

[0418] Preferably, the step of gripping the portion of the strip-like article comprises the step of placing the portion of the strip-like article between a pair of pins, wherein at least one of the pins is movable to couple the other pin holding the strip-like article therebetween.

[0419] In this way, strip-like goods can be gripped and blocked for winding as part of a simple, continuous and automated process.

[0420] Preferably, the pins are movable along an extraction direction transverse to, and preferably perpendicular to, the feed direction of the strip-like products.

[0421] This characteristic causes a single pin to approach the strip during head movement, and only when this pin reaches the strip do other pins approach the first pin.

[0422] Preferably, both pins are movable, and the method includes the steps of moving the pins independently of one another to grip portions of the strip-like article, and moving the pins in conjunction with one another to wind the strip-like article into a coil, and then ejecting the coil from the winding head.

[0423] In this way, the same pin can be used advantageously both to grip the strip-like product and start winding it, and to eject the coil once wound.

[0424] It should be noted that some steps of the above-described methods may be performed out of the order in which they are described. Furthermore, some steps are optional. Furthermore, some steps of the methods may be performed iteratively or in series or parallel with other steps of the methods. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0425] The features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting exemplary embodiments, given with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic front view of an apparatus according to the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of a device made in accordance with the present invention; [Figure 3] 1A-1C are schematic front views of the device according to the invention in operational steps; [Figure 4] 4A to 4C are schematic front views of the device according to the invention at different operational steps from those in FIG. 3; [Figure 5] 5A and 5B are schematic front views of the device according to the invention at different operational steps from those of FIGS. 3 and 4; [Figure 6] 6 is a schematic front view of the device according to the present invention at a different operation step from that shown in FIGS. 3 to 5. FIG. [Figure 7] 7 is a schematic front view of the device according to the present invention at a different operation step from those in FIGS. 3 to 6. FIG. [Figure 8] 8 is a schematic front view of the device according to the present invention at a different operation step from that shown in FIGS. 3 to 7. FIG. [Figure 9] 2 is a further perspective view of the device according to the present invention, with some components removed for clarity of illustration; FIG. [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention; [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing two mismatch directions according to the definition of the present invention. [Figure 12]10 shows an alternative embodiment of the movable part of the supply unit of the device according to the invention, where the movable part is moved to accumulate the strips; [Figure 13] 1A-1D are schematic front views illustrating different operating steps of the device according to the invention; [Figure 14] 1A-1D are schematic front views illustrating different operating steps of the device according to the invention; [Figure 15] 1A-1D are schematic diagrams of the device according to the invention in different operating steps; [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a movable part of the device according to the invention; [Figure 17] FIG. 17 shows a detail of the perspective view of the present invention of FIG. 16. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0426] 1 and 2, reference numeral 100 generally designates an apparatus for fabricating a coil B formed in accordance with the present invention.

[0427] In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus 100 is intended to carry out the winding of strip-like articles N intended for the manufacture of electrochemical cells.

[0428] However, it should be noted that this is only one example of a possible embodiment, and that the device 100 according to the invention may also be in fields other than those related to the manufacture of electrochemical cells, or for winding strip-like articles intended for different applications.

[0429] For example, in the field of energy storage, the invention can be applied to the production of rolled parts for batteries and supercapacitors.

[0430] 1, the apparatus 100 may be used in a manufacturing line for coils for electrochemical batteries, in which a strip-shaped article N is made by assembling a plurality of strips N1, N2, N3, N4, preferably layered one on top of the other.

[0431] Preferably, such a strip comprises at least two conductor strips N1, N3 and two separator layers N2, N4, which are arranged alternately to form a strip-like article N.

[0432] In this manner, the separator strips N2, N4 are able to maintain electrical isolation from each other the two conductor strips N1, N3 which are spirally wound to form the coil used in the electrochemical cell.

[0433] In a preferred embodiment, the strips N1, N2, N3, N4 are supplied by a special dispensing device 6. For example, Figure 1 shows an example of an embodiment of a separator strip dispensing device 6. This dispensing device 6 can be formed by a large coil onto which the strips are collected as they unwind and are then supplied during operation of the apparatus.

[0434] The strips supplied by the dispensing device 6 are then fed to a supply unit 2, which in a preferred embodiment joins the strip-like articles together to form a strip-like article N before it is wound up by a relative winding unit 1, the characteristics of which will be described below.

[0435] Preferably, the supply unit 2 comprises an inlet section 21, preferably adapted to receive the strip from the respective dispensing device 6, and an outlet section 22 through which the strip-shaped article N leaves the supply unit 2 and is supplied to the winding unit 1.

[0436] In this way, a strip feed path 8 is defined between the inlet section 21 and the outlet section 22 .

[0437] It should be noted that the strip may pass through further units, for example for pre-treating the strip, before being fed to the supply unit 2. For example, the conductor strip may be subjected to a preliminary ablation treatment to form a relative outer edge in order to favour connection with further conductor portions in the electrochemical cell.

[0438] As mentioned above, the strips N1, N2, N3, N4 can be combined inside the supply unit 2 to form a strip-like article N that is wound to make a coil.

[0439] For this purpose, it may be provided that the strips N1, N2, N3, N4 advance along different directions so as to converge towards the coupling roller 23 shown in Figures 9 and 17, on which all strips are partially wound so that downstream of the coupling roller 23 there is a single multi-layer structure forming the strip-like article N.

[0440] In a preferred embodiment, the strips N1, N2, N3, N4 are fed successively in the feed unit 2.

[0441] In other words, each strip, or possibly one or more of the aforementioned strips, is introduced into the supply unit 2 without stopping once and travels at a speed greater than zero, preferably substantially constant.

[0442] However, there may be a need to provide an interruption to one or more strips forming the strip-like article N, or to slow the advancement of one or more strips due to other operational needs related to the particular process being performed.

[0443] For example, when preparing a coil intended for the manufacture of an electrochemical battery, it is possible to provide that the end portions of the strip-like article wound to form the coil are free of the strips forming the anode and cathode, respectively, i.e., the coil has end and / or initial flaps where only two separator strips are present in overlapping relation.

[0444] For this purpose and others, the presence of a storage device 4 can be provided, as shown for example in Figures 1, 3, 13 and 14. The storage device 4 is configured to store at least one of a plurality of strips N1, N2, N3, N4 between the inlet section 21 and the outlet section 22 of the device.

[0445] 13, 14 and 16, a supply area ZA and a convergence area ZC configured within the operating space of the power unit 2 are respectively identified.

[0446] More specifically, for each of the plurality of strips N1, N2, N3, N4, a supply area ZA is defined at least partially upstream of the movable portion 20, within which each of the plurality of strips N1, N2, N3, N4 moves along accumulation sections 81 that are substantially parallel to one another.

[0447] 16, the converging region ZC is configured between the supply region ZA and the coupling roller 23 and within the movable portion 20. Here, the plurality of strips N1, N2, N3, N4 converge by reducing the mutual distance between each strip up to the coupling roller 23 to form the strip-shaped article N.

[0448] As shown in the example embodiment of Figure 3, in a preferred embodiment, the storage device 4 comprises at least one movable element 4A configured to vary the overall length of the supply path by movement of the movable element 4A.

[0449] The amount of accumulated strip can be variable, in the sense that it is envisaged that the amount of accumulated strip will vary in length during different steps of the process to meet specific needs as described above.

[0450] For this purpose, a device can be provided for actuating the storage device 4, which activates, and preferably displaces, the storage device 4, thereby varying the amount of accumulated strips.

[0451] As shown in the example of Figure 3, the movable element 4A may comprise at least one movable roller 40. Onto the movable roller 40 is wound a certain amount of strip to be accumulated.

[0452] The strip is then wound around a movable roller 40 and at least one fixed roller, so that by varying the distance between the two rollers, the length of the path that the strip travels between the inlet section 21 and the outlet section 22 can be varied, effectively accumulating the desired amount.

[0453] In this way, considering for example the example of Figure 3, the length of the strip N1 can be increased by lowering the movable roller 40. Also, considering a constant or substantially constant forward speed at the inlet to the supply unit 2, the part of the strip at the outlet can be slowed down or stopped relative to the other strips.

[0454] It should be noted that in a preferred embodiment, the operation of the movable roller 40, and more generally the storage device 4, can be associated with a strip holding device 26A configured to slow down or stop the supply of one or more strips.

[0455] In other words, the operation of the storage device 4 can be coordinated with the operation of the holding device 26A shown in Figures 16 and 17, for example, so that the storage device 2 can store the strip N when the holding device 26A slows down or stops feeding the strip.

[0456] For example, in some embodiments, the presence of a gripper 26, as shown in FIG. 2, or other similar holding element, may be provided to act on the strip when it is desired to stop or slow down the movement of such portion of the strip.

[0457] The gripper 26 may advantageously be movable relative to the movable portion so as to control its movement and thereby regulate the relative strip advancement speed.

[0458] The gripper 26 may also be associated with a further cutting device 27 for cutting a strip, if necessary, so as to cause an interruption in the continuity of the strip within the overall strip-like product N.

[0459] In a preferred embodiment, the further cutting device 27 can be performed by a knife or another device such as a laser ablation system.

[0460] 13 to 17, it should be noted that the movable part 20 is preferably oriented horizontally, and that its displacement direction d and the feeding direction f of the plurality of strips N1, N2, N3, N4 are also oriented horizontally. In this case, the holding device 26A acting on the convergence zone ZC operates by holding at least one horizontally oriented strip.

[0461] More specifically, this horizontal strip is designated with the reference N1 in Figure 13 and with the reference N3 in Figure 15. It generally corresponds to a conductor, for example an anode or a cathode.

[0462] According to further embodiments, fewer or more strips than those described above may be provided, with different combinations of the types of materials used, relative strip thicknesses, etc.

[0463] 1 and 2, a winding unit 1 is arranged immediately downstream of the supply unit 2 and is adapted to receive the strip-like product N formed thereby.

[0464] Preferably, the strip-like product N is fed by being displaced along a feeding direction f, which in a preferred embodiment corresponds to the direction in which the strip-like product N moves after it has been formed by combining the individual strips N1, N2, N3, N4, and possibly corresponds to the direction assumed between the roller 23 and the winding unit 1.

[0465] In general, however, it is possible to define an overall direction of advancement of the strip-like articles N as a function of the characteristics of the supply unit 2 and the way in which the strips are combined therein.

[0466] Preferably, with reference to Figures 13 and 14, the feed direction f includes a horizontal section. Still with reference to Figures 13 and 14, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the horizontal section of the feed direction f corresponds to an accumulation section 81 arranged upstream of the movable part 20. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0467] 2 and 3, in a preferred embodiment, the winding unit 1 includes a plurality of winding heads 10, each of which is capable of winding a strip-like article N, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0468] 3-8 and 13-14, the movement device 3 and the movable part 20 are kinematically independent. Indeed, as shown in the figures, a displacement of the movable part 20 does not directly induce a specific movement of the movement device 3, and vice versa. The winding head 10 is preferably movable within a closed working path P, as shown schematically in FIG.

[0469] The movement of the winding heads 10 is effected by respective movement devices 3 which enable each head to move along a working path P.

[0470] 3-8 and 13-14, it can be seen that working path P has common characteristics between the allowed movements of movement device 3 and movable portion 20. It should be noted that in this common section, movement device 3 and movable portion 20 are configured to cooperate synergistically to keep coil B kinematically independent at all times.

[0471] More particularly, with reference to Figures 13 and 14, it should be noted that according to some embodiments of the present invention, the common section of the working path P is horizontal and therefore continuous with the displacement direction d.

[0472] In some embodiments, such as those shown in FIGS. 2 and 13, the transfer device 3 comprises a rotor 30 rotatable about its axis of rotation C.

[0473] The rotor 30 supports a plurality of extendable arms 31 which are preferably hinged at one end to the rotor 30 and carry respective winding heads 10 at their opposite ends.

[0474] Advantageously, the combination of the rotating body 30 and the extendable arm 31 allows the necessary displacement of the winding head along the working path P.

[0475] As a result, in a preferred embodiment, the winding head 10 moves according to a trajectory that includes at least one rotation around the rotation axis C of the moving device 3 and translation and / or rotation around a further axis different from the rotation axis C.

[0476] Thus, in the embodiment shown, it can be observed how rotation about a further axis is achieved by swinging arm 31 about axis C1 through the end connected to rotor 30.

[0477] However, it will be apparent that various combinations of such actions are possible, either simultaneously or one after the other.

[0478] 10, 15 and 16 show a variant of the embodiment of the invention in which the winding head 10 is fixed directly to the rotor 30 and therefore does not use an extendable arm.

[0479] Continuing to refer to Figures 10, 15 and 16, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the rotating body 30 of the moving device 3 is rotatably mounted directly on the movable part 20 in a region located downstream of the winding roller 23.

[0480] As can be clearly inferred from Figures 10, 15 and 16, in these embodiments the rotating body 30 is not kinematically independent from the movable part 20, since a component of, for example, translation of the movable part 20 results in an equal component of translation of the rotating body 30, which may further be supplemented by its own relative displacement.

[0481] In general, according to some embodiments, the rotating body 30 may advantageously be movable not only around its rotation axis C but also along a displacement direction d, i.e. along the direction in which the rotating body 30 and in general the moving device 3 are displaceable.

[0482] Referring again to FIG. 2, in some embodiments, each winding head 10 supports a gripping device 11 configured to grip a portion of the strip-like article N.

[0483] The strip-like product N can be wound by rotating the gripping device 11 about its winding axis X. It is indeed possible to wind the strip-like product N by gripping one end or, more generally, part of it and rotating this end or part, thereby obtaining a spiral configuration forming a coil.

[0484] 9, each gripping device 11 preferably comprises a pair of pins 12, 13 between which the strip-like article N is held. In some embodiments as shown in the figure, the pins 12, 13 have a semicircular cross-section. It should be noted, however, that other shapes may also be provided, for example any polygonal cross-section, cylindrical cross-section or the overall shape of a flat pin.

[0485] At least one of the two pins is movable so that it can be coupled with the other pin holding the strip-like article N.

[0486] The pins 12, 13 are arranged substantially parallel to the winding axis X of the strip-like product and can be rotated to effect winding of the turns.

[0487] It may be provided that at least one of the two pins is movable along the extraction direction e to enable the pin to grip the strip-like article N. In this way, the first pin 12 of the pair of pins can approach the strip-like article N while the relative heads 10 move along the path P.

[0488] Instead, the movable second pin 13 is intended to be located at a downstream position along the path P relative to the fixed pin 12. In this way, a strip-like article can be arranged between the two pins 12, 13.

[0489] For this purpose, the movement of the movable pin 13 in the extraction direction e is not substantially parallel, or more generally perpendicular, to the axis X, but perpendicular, or more generally transverse, to the feed direction f of the strip-like article N.

[0490] In this way, the second pin 13 can be positioned so as not to hinder the first pin 12 from approaching the strip-shaped article N. When the first pin 12 is positioned in this manner, the second pin 13 can be displaced to a position where it will hold the article N.

[0491] Also advantageously, the first pin 12 may be configured to move along the extraction direction e simultaneously with the second pin 13 in order to eject the coil, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0492] 3-8 illustrate the movement of the winding head 10 in the preferred embodiment and the operation of the present invention in general.

[0493] Two winding heads 10 will be described below with reference to these figures, although it will be apparent that the same concepts can be applied to any number of heads.

[0494] Thus, in FIG. 3, a first winding head 10A and a second winding head 10B are identified, the latter being located at an upstream position along the working path P relative to the first head 10A.

[0495] In the state of FIG. 3, the first winding head 10A is positioned adjacent the outlet 22 of the supply unit and is ready to receive the strip of material N therefrom.

[0496] In contrast, the second winding head 10B is arranged along a reset section P2 of the working path P. This reset section P2 makes it possible to close the path P and in particular is the section in which the winding head returns to the start of the working section P1 after the strip-like product has been wound to form a coil and the latter has been discharged in the discharge area 7. This is shown diagrammatically in Figures 1 and 2. It should be noted that the coil B in this discharge area 7 is discharged by the winding unit 1 and transported to another unit intended for the production of batteries.

[0497] Preferably, the ejection is performed by moving two pins 12, 13 which are displaced along the extraction direction so as to release the coil B from the relative winding head.

[0498] After being gripped by the winding head 10A, the strip-shaped article N continues to move along the working path in the first part P11 of the working section P1.

[0499] Preferably, the first portion P11 is linear and moves in line with the feeding direction f of the strip-like article N.

[0500] In some embodiments, the supply unit 2 comprises a movable part 20 that is displaceable along the displacement direction d. The movable part 20 is formed with an outlet section 22, on which a coupling roller 23 is preferably fixed.

[0501] More specifically, with reference to Figures 13, 16 and 17, the movable portion 20 comprises a movable input section 21' through which a plurality of strips N1, N2, N3, N4 enter, a movable output section 22' through which the strip-like article N exits, and coupling rollers 23 for the plurality of strips N1, N2, N3, N4, which are arranged upstream of the movable output section 22' and by which the strip-like article N is produced.

[0502] 16 and 17, it should be noted that the movable output section 22' is relative to the final stage of displacement of the strip-like article N before it is wound into a coil by the winding head 10.

[0503] It is clear that in an embodiment according to the invention in which the winding head 10 is mounted inside the movable part 20, as shown for example in Figure 16, the movable output part 22' of the strip is also inside the movable part 20. In an embodiment according to the invention, as shown for example in Figures 13 and 14, the displacement direction d of the movable part 20 is substantially horizontal.

[0504] Movement of the movable portion 20 is preferably effected by a motorized displacement device comprising a track or slide moved by a belt or rack.

[0505] 13, 14 and 15 show the movable part 20 in pure horizontal translational motion followed by alternating linear motion.

[0506] In a further embodiment related to the present invention, this alternating linear forward and backward movement on the same section can be replaced by a slightly more complex law of motion, including a first horizontal forward section, a second vertical displacement section, a third horizontal backward section (with a modulus equal to that of the first horizontal forward section but in the opposite direction), and a fourth vertical displacement section (with a modulus equal to that of the second vertical displacement section but in the opposite direction), which allows the movable portion 20 to return to its initial starting point once the expected law of motion has been achieved.

[0507] In an alternative embodiment, the displacement direction d forms an angle with the horizontal in the range 30° to 60°, preferably equal to 45°.

[0508] 4, 13 and 16, preferably the supply paths 8 of the strips N1, N2, N3, N4 include respective accumulation sections 81 of variable length that preferably extend between respective pairs of idle diverter rollers 24, 25.

[0509] Preferably, the accumulation sections 81 extend substantially parallel to one another and the direction of the strips N1, N2, N3, N4 is diverted by the diverter rollers 25 so that each strip flows to the coupling rollers 23.

[0510] As previously mentioned, the region where the strips N1, N2, N3, and N4 downstream of the accumulation section 81 deviate from the relatively parallel state and converge at the coupling roller 23 is defined as the convergence region ZC.

[0511] In some embodiments, such as those shown in Figures 1 to 10, 13, 14, 16, 3, 17, and particularly in Figure 4, the strip N1 is substantially parallel to the displacement direction d of the movable part 20 and is aligned with the coupling roller 23, so that the presence of the roller 25 is not necessary.

[0512] 15 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention, in which the strip N3 is substantially parallel to the displacement direction d of the movable part 20 and is substantially aligned with the coupling roller 23.

[0513] Advantageously, the distance between the substantially parallel accumulation sections 81 is such that it is possible to accommodate the above-mentioned grippers 26 and knives 27 between two adjacent strips in the section formed between the diverter roller 25 and the coupling roller 23 or in the above-mentioned convergence region.

[0514] In some embodiments, one roller of the pair of diverter rollers 24, 25 is supported on the movable portion 20 so as to move integrally therewith.

[0515] In this way, the length of the storage section 81 of each strip can be varied simultaneously by movement of the movable part 20 .

[0516] Thus, while the movable part 20 is advancing, the supply unit 2 can accumulate strip-like articles N between the inlet part 21 and the outlet part 22 .

[0517] In fact, as can be observed from a comparison of Figures 3, 4, 13 and 14, the length of the accumulation section 81, and more generally the length of the path travelled by the strips N1, N2, N3, N4 between the inlet section 21 and the outlet section 22, can be increased by adjusting the advancement of the strips according to the displacement of the movable part 20, effectively accumulating the respective strips between these sections.

[0518] Preferably, the displacement of the movable part 20 is correlated with the advancement of the strip so as not to create undesirable tension in the strip. While the movable part 20 is displacing, the strip can actually slide over the diverter rollers, thus increasing the length of the strip between rollers 24 and 25 without inducing undesirable fluctuations in tension. Preferably, the displacement speed of the movable part 20, when coincident with the advancement movement of the strip, is lower than its feed speed.

[0519] In this way, pulling on the strip during movement of the movable part 20 can be avoided and this displacement can be neutralized relative to the movement of the strip.

[0520] In a preferred embodiment, the accumulation sections 81 extend substantially parallel to one another and remain substantially parallel during and after displacement of the movable portion 20, resulting in a change in length.

[0521] 13 and 14, by configuring the movable portion 20 to be displaced along a displacement direction d that is substantially parallel to the accumulation section 81. In this way, as the movable portion is displaced along direction d, the accumulation section 81 increases or decreases its length by the same amount.

[0522] More generally, the displacement direction d is preferably substantially parallel to the feed direction f, and both may be substantially horizontal. As mentioned above, the feed direction f may be very complex and therefore may consist of several sections of different orientations between them, at least some of which are horizontal.

[0523] Comparing Figures 13 and 15, it is interesting to note that it is always possible for the movable part 20 to have a particular orientation along a substantially equivalent displacement direction d, ie the horizontal direction.

[0524] In fact, it should be noted that, according to a preferred embodiment, the direction of movement d corresponds to a pure rigid body translation that does not change the relative orientation of the movable parts 20 .

[0525] 13, it is noted that the movable part 20 preferably has a substantially irregular pentagonal shape 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e with a larger base 20a arranged as a horizontal upper side. In this embodiment, the coupling rollers 23 are arranged near this larger base 20a, and the strip N1 is substantially parallel to the displacement direction d of the movable part 20 and aligned with the coupling rollers 23.

[0526] 15, it can be seen that the movable portion 20 preferably has a substantially irregular pentagonal shape 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e, with a larger base 20a arranged as an upper side inclined at approximately 45° to the horizontal and a substantially horizontal lower base 20d. However, again, the purely translational displacement direction d results along the horizontal direction, and therefore all parts of the movable portion 20 move in unison.

[0527] In this embodiment, the coupling roller 23 is arranged near the lower base 20d, and the strip N3 is substantially parallel to the displacement direction d of the movable part 20 and aligned with the coupling roller 23.

[0528] Alternatively, the same result can be achieved by appropriately positioning the rollers 24, 25 between which the accumulation section 81 extends.

[0529] In particular, in certain embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 12, both rollers 24 and rollers 25 may be aligned with each other and with the displacement direction d of movable part 20, unlike the embodiments shown in the other figures.

[0530] It can therefore be seen that the movement of the movable part 20 is in this case also associated with a change in the length of each storage section 81 .

[0531] In some embodiments, the supply unit 2 comprises one or more alignment devices configured to guide the strip N along the supply path 8 to avoid, or in any case limit, lateral deviation of the strip N during its advancement. For example, the alignment device 82 may comprise a swinging carriage that urges the strip back into a straight state if the strip deviates laterally relative to its advancement direction.

[0532] Referring again now to FIG. 4, in some embodiments, movement of the winding head along portion P11 may be accompanied by a corresponding movement of movable portion 20 along displacement direction d.

[0533] It should also be noted that the spooling head 10 and the movable portion 20 can be moved in a coordinated manner. In other words, the movements of the spooling head 10 and the movable portion 20 are synchronized. As mentioned above, such a configuration does not necessarily deviate from the requirement of kinematic independence between the spooling head 10 and the movable portion 20.

[0534] In this way, the distance between the winding head 10 on which the strip is wound, or more generally holding the strip, and the movable part 20 of the winding unit 2 can be controlled, so that advantageously the length of the strip N formed between the winding unit 2 and the winding head holding the strip N can be minimized or equal to a predetermined distance.

[0535] For example, it can be seen from FIG. 4 that in this operating position the first head 10A is also located adjacent the outlet 22 of the supply unit 2.

[0536] To this end, in a preferred embodiment, the displacement direction d may be substantially parallel to the first part P11 of the working section P1.

[0537] As mentioned above, it should be noted that in the context of the present invention, the term "substantially" when referring to parallelism with respect to the operating section P1 in which winding takes place means that the two directions are parallel, excluding deviations related to the winding of the strip-like article N. In fact, during the winding of the strip-like article N, the position of the same contact point on the formed coil varies and does not follow a perfectly straight line unless compensated for by the movement of the extendable arm 31, and therefore may deviate from perfect parallelism.

[0538] Thus, as stated above, the term "substantially parallel" indicates a deviation of ±10°, preferably ±5° from perfect parallelism.

[0539] Along the section P11, the winding head 10 can also start winding the strip-like product N.

[0540] This means in particular that the supply speed v at which the strip-like articles are supplied by the supply unit 2 f and the displacement velocity v of the winding head moving along the portion P11. sp Note that this is related to the ratio between

[0541] In fact, the supply rate v f is the displacement velocity v sp , this section assumes that the strip-like product N is wound at a winding speed that compensates for the difference between the two speeds.

[0542] In this way, the supplied strip-like product N is wound or accumulated as described above, so that by appropriately influencing the speed of movement of the head while winding and / or holding the strip-like product N, the strip-like product N can be maintained at a substantially constant tension.

[0543] feeding speed v f It should be noted that is preferably determined by the speed at which the dispensing coil forming the dispensing device 6 rotates to unwind the strip, pushing it out in the supply unit 1 and then feeding it in the winding unit 3. More generally, this speed may be determined by the operating mode of the dispensing device 6.

[0544] At the same time, the strip-like article N is wound through the winding head 10 at a feeding speed v with a pulling action of each strip. f If the coil or other dispensing device 6 is not motorized and is therefore free-wheeling, the strip can only be advanced by the winding action.

[0545] The tension in the strip is also regulated by a balance between the action of the dispensing device 6 and the winding of the strip-like product, in a manner conceptually similar to that shown in relation to speed.

[0546] Referring now to FIG. 5, similar to FIG. 14, when the limit position of displacement is reached in a direction coinciding with the feeding direction f, the winding head 10A is displaced in the opposite direction along a second portion P12 of the operating section P1.

[0547] Such movement of movable portion 20 is consistent with the previous description of alternating linear motion.

[0548] The explanation given in relation to FIG. 5 etc. where the displacement direction d is equal to about 45° also applies to the case where the displacement direction d is parallel to the horizontal line, as is the preferred case of the present invention.

[0549] The movement of the head 10A can advantageously be associated with a corresponding displacement of the movable part 20 of the supply unit 2.

[0550] During the movement of the winding head 10A in the section P12, the strip-like product N is wound onto the head itself, preferably at a winding speed greater than the winding speed in the section P11.

[0551] It should be noted that the displacement of the winding head 10 during such winding is performed in a direction opposite to the feed direction f.

[0552] Also, the relative portion P12 is preferably substantially parallel to the feed direction f and, optionally, to the displacement direction d.

[0553] Again, the same considerations apply as those discussed above with respect to the term "substantially parallel."

[0554] Thus, the strip accumulated in the previous step can be wound up while the winding head 10A moves along the portion P12.

[0555] Also, in this step, the same considerations apply regarding the feed and displacement speed of the head as are made with reference to portion P11.

[0556] Preferably, the feed rate v f , winding speed v avv , and the displacement velocity v sp is in fact such as to provide a substantially constant tension to the strip-like article N.

[0557] As mentioned above, in a preferred embodiment, the feed rate v f the winding speed v avv and the displacement velocity v sp This can be achieved precisely by making it substantially equal to the sum of

[0558] It should also be noted that, advantageously, the rotor 30 of the moving device 3 continues its rotational movement, while the arm 31 is rotated in the opposite direction, thereby performing a movement opposite to the movement performed during the movement along portion P11.

[0559] In other words, along the portions P11 and P12, the arm 31 swings back and forth so that the winding head can perform the above-mentioned movement and winding of the strip-like product.

[0560] At the limit position along the section P12 shown in FIG. 6, the first winding head 10A can move away from the outlet portion 22.

[0561] This movement can be achieved by movement of the head itself and / or by displacement of the movable part 20 .

[0562] Therefore, as shown in Figure 7, sufficient space can be provided so that a second winding head 10B, which is positioned upstream of the first head 10A along the path P, can be interposed between the first winding head 10A and the outlet section 22.

[0563] Indeed, it should be noted that in a preferred embodiment, the distance between the first winding head 10A and the second winding head 10B can be variable along the working path P as a function of the operating step of the device 100.

[0564] This characteristic makes it possible to obtain the configurations illustrated in Figures 7 to 9 and 17, in which the two heads 10A and 10B are at a minimum distance that allows the positioning of the cutting element 51 of the cutting device 5 between them, and the second head 10B is at a predetermined distance, preferably substantially equal to the minimum distance, from the movable part 20 and more generally from the supply unit 2.

[0565] More preferably, the two heads are aligned in the operating section in which the cutting takes place along the feed direction f of the strip-like product N. It should be noted that perfect alignment along the feed direction f does not necessarily have to be provided in any case, it being sufficient that they are arranged at a short distance from each other and one upstream of the other with respect to the strip outlet 22.

[0566] In this way, it is possible to grip relative portions of the strip-like product N by the gripping device 11 of the second winding head 10B, as shown in Figures 9 and 17 and in accordance with the explanation given above.

[0567] The portions of the strip-like article N can be gripped as described above, in particular by using a pair of pins 12, 13.

[0568] In this state, the strip-shaped product N is wound by the first winding head 10A to form a coil B, and is simultaneously gripped by the second winding head 10B.

[0569] In other words, the strip-like article N is gripped simultaneously on both the first winding head 10A and the second winding head 10B.

[0570] Also, in this position, it is possible to cut the strip-shaped material N at an intermediate position between the first winding head 10A and the second winding head 10B.

[0571] For this purpose, a cutting device 5 can be provided. The cutting device 5 is configured to cut the strip-like article N at a position downstream of the supply unit 2, advantageously at the position mentioned above.

[0572] In fact, as can be observed from the example embodiment shown in the figures, the cutting device 5 advantageously cuts the strip-shaped product N when each winding head 10 is positioned at a predetermined distance from the supply unit 2, advantageously at a distance substantially equal to the minimum distance compatible with the kinematic mechanism causing the movement of the winding head 10.

[0573] As mentioned above, simultaneously with the cutting, the second winding head 10B approaches the first winding head 10A and is advantageously positioned at the minimum reciprocating distance along the working path P when the strip-shaped article N is cut.

[0574] A preferred embodiment of the cutting device 5 is shown in Figures 9 and 17.

[0575] Preferably, the cutting device 5 comprises a body 50 supporting a cutting element 51 .

[0576] In some embodiments, the winding head 10 comprises an abutment element 14. The abutment element 14 is arranged in a position such that the strip-like article N is interposed between the abutment element 14 and the cutting device 5.

[0577] Preferably, the abutment element 14 has a seat 14 A configured to receive the cutting element 51 .

[0578] In this way, when the cutting device 5 is brought close to the abutment element 14, the body 50 of the cutting device 5 may abut against the abutment element 14 with the strip-shaped article N interposed therebetween. The cutting element 51 may also be received in the seat 14A, which allows a pressure to be generated on the strip-shaped article N sufficient to obtain its cut.

[0579] It should be noted that, according to an embodiment of the present invention, upstream of the cutting operation of the strip-shaped article N, the conductor strips N1, N3 are interrupted and their advancement is stopped or slowed down by the gripper system 26 described above.

[0580] Such an embodiment is particularly advantageous if the displacement direction d is horizontal, since at least a portion of at least one strip N1, N3 is restrained by the horizontally oriented gripper system 26.

[0581] In this way, the cuts made by the device 5 can only affect the separator strips N2, N4 which form the strip-like article N following the interruption of the conductor strip.

[0582] In particular, in Figures 7 and 8, it should be noted that, by way of non-limiting example, the action of gripper 26 on the conductor strip and the displacement of movable roller 40 relative to the position of Figure 6 are performed to accumulate the strip in accordance with the description above.

[0583] Also, in some embodiments, the cutting device 5 is movable in a direction substantially parallel to the feeding direction f. Generally, the cutting device may be movable together with at least one component substantially parallel to this direction. For example, the cutting device 5 is supported on the movable part 20 or is movable integrally therewith. In this way, it is possible to both bring the cutting device 5 closer to the abutment element 14 and to displace it synchronously with respect to the strip-shaped article N. In other words, the cutting device 5 copies the movement of the strip-shaped article N and moves synchronously therewith when performing the cutting operation.

[0584] These characteristics also allow for a supply rate of v f It is possible to envisage the strip-like article N being fed with σ always being greater than zero and preferably substantially constant, and cutting can be performed while the strip-like article is moving.

[0585] It should be noted that the strips forming the strip-like article N can also be advanced continuously within the supply unit 2. In embodiments in which interruptions of the conductor strips or other strips forming the strip-like article are provided, the continuous advance is preferably associated with the possibility of accumulating the strips. Alternatively, one or more strips not intended to be interrupted can be advanced continuously through the outlet 22 so as to be continuous with the strip-like article N.

[0586] When the strip-like article N is cut, two flaps remain defined: one associated with the first winding head 10A, which forms the terminal portion of the coil to be wound thereon, and the other associated with the second winding head 10B, which forms the initial portion of the coil B to be subsequently wound.

[0587] Preferably, the process for producing the coil B provides a third portion P13 of the operating section P1 substantially parallel to the first portion P11 and the second portion P12, along which the winding head 10A is displaced after cutting the strip-shaped article N.

[0588] In a preferred embodiment, the winding head moves again along the third portion P13 in a direction that coincides with the feed direction f.

[0589] Preferably, the moving device 3 is configured so that when the first winding head 10A moves along the third portion P13, the second winding head 10, which has just grasped the strip-shaped item N, moves along the first portion P11 while sequentially performing the steps described above in relation to the first winding head 10A.

[0590] Meanwhile, along the portion P13, the first winding head completes winding the flap of the strip-like article N created after cutting and finishes to form the coil B.

[0591] As mentioned above, the winding of the strip-like article N to produce the coil B can be carried out in each of the three parts P11, P12, P13.

[0592] Preferably, the winding takes place mainly, ie to a greater extent, along the second portion P12.

[0593] However, winding may also be performed partially in other areas.

[0594] Indeed, in a preferred embodiment, the winding of the strip is carried out along the first portion P11 for an amount in the range of 5% to 15%, preferably 10%, of the total length of the strip-like article forming a single coil, along the second portion P12 for an amount in the range of 70% to 90%, preferably 80%, and along the third portion P13 for an amount in the range of 5% to 15%, preferably 10%.

[0595] The displacement of the first winding head 10A then continues until it reaches the discharge area 7 where the coil B is discharged from the winding unit 1.

[0596] In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may comprise a further operating unit 60 through which the winding head 10 passes with the coil B before reaching the discharge area 7 .

[0597] For example, the further operating unit 60 may comprise a folding device configured to fold the two opposite axial ends of the coil, in effect folding the conductor strips so that they respectively project axially to one side and the other, forming a single conductor portion intended to be connected to the anode / cathode terminals in the battery once the battery is assembled.

[0598] In some embodiments, application of a closure element to coil B may also be provided, the closure element being configured to prevent coil B from unwinding once it has been discharged from the winding head 10. Such a closure element may be represented, for example, by a strip-like element that is applied circumferentially to the coil to close the end flaps of the strip-like element.

[0599] After discharging the coil, the winding head 10A begins to pass along the reset section P2 to transition from the discharge position to the gripping position where the winding head 10 can grip a portion of the strip-shaped product N, as described above.

[0600] Thus, the steps described above can be repeated cyclically for each winding head 10 of the winding unit 1 .

[0601] As mentioned above, FIG. 10 shows a possible exemplary variant of the device according to the invention.

[0602] In this variant, the moving device 3 moves integrally with the movable part 20 of the winding unit 2 .

[0603] Thus, the movement device 3 can be supported on the movable part 20 so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation C.

[0604] Thus, in embodiments in which the moving device 3 can move as a whole, such as the example shown in the figure in which the moving device 3 moves along the displacement direction d, the winding head 10 remains in a substantially fixed position relative to the rotating body 3, so that their mutual distance does not change.

[0605] In other words, in this case, the moving head 10 rotates by itself to wind up the strip-like product N, and may also be displaced following the movement, preferably linear displacement, of the rotating body of the moving device 3. In the embodiment shown in Figure 10, such movement includes both a rotation about the axis C and a translation along the displacement direction d, as in other more general embodiments of the preferred embodiment not shown.

[0606] However, in this case, it should be noted that more generally, the movement of the moving head 10 can always be caused by any rotation and any translation or further rotation in addition to the rotation performed to wind up the strip-shaped article N.

[0607] However, such a movement does not change the mutual distance between the winding heads 10.

[0608] However, it is also possible to provide a combination of this embodiment with the previously described embodiment in which the head distance is variable.

[0609] More generally, all elements previously described in connection with the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 are provided by the present invention and can be combined with all possible embodiments described above.

[0610] Of course, those skilled in the art can make further modifications and variations to meet the needs of specific and fortuitous applications, while remaining within the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus (100) for making coils (B) for electrochemical cells, preferably intended for the manufacture of batteries, comprising: a supply unit (2) configured to supply a plurality of strips (N1, N2, N3, N4) suitable for producing at least one strip-shaped article (N), said plurality of strips including at least one conductor strip (N1, N3) and / or one separator strip (N2, N4); a winding unit (1) comprising at least one winding head (10); Equipped with at least one said winding head (10) is configured to wind said strip-like article (N) to create said coil (B); the supply unit (2) comprises a movable part (20) including a movable inlet section (21') through which the plurality of strips (N1, N2, N3, N4) enter, a movable outlet section (22') through which the strip-like article (N) leaves, and coupling rollers (23) for the plurality of strips (N1, N2, N3, N4) from which the strip-like article (N) is made, the coupling rollers (23) being arranged upstream of the movable outlet section (22'); The movable part (20) is configured to be displaced along a substantially horizontal displacement direction (d). Device.

2. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the movable part (20) moves in translation by performing alternating linear motions.

3. (a) the winding unit (1) comprises a movement device (3) for at least one winding head (10) configured to displace the at least one winding head (10) along a working path (P), (b) the winding heads (10) are movable along the working path (P), so that during the winding of the strip-like product (N) by each of the winding heads (10), and as a result of the movement of the winding heads (10) at least in the section defined between the supply unit (2) and at least one of the winding heads (10), at least one of the strip-like products (N) is subjected to a substantially constant tension; 3. The device according to claim 1 or 2.

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

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

6. 6. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the moving device (3) comprises a rotating body (30) configured to rotate about its axis of rotation (C), the moving device (3) comprising a plurality of arms (31) constrained to the rotating body (30), the plurality of arms (31) being hinged at one end to the rotating body (30) to allow rotation about a second axis of rotation (C1) substantially parallel to the axis of rotation (C), and at an opposite end thereof each of the winding heads (10) being hinged according to its winding axis (X) substantially parallel to the axis of rotation (C).

7. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the moving device (3) comprises a rotating body (30) configured to rotate about its axis of rotation (C), and the at least one winding head (10) is directly constrained to the rotating body (30) so as to be allowed to rotate about a winding axis (X) substantially parallel to the axis of rotation (C).

8. (a) the supply unit (2) is configured to define a supply area (ZA) for each of the plurality of strips (N1, N2, N3, N4), the supply area (ZA) being defined at least partially upstream of the movable portion (20), and each of the plurality of strips (N1, N2, N3, N4) moving along accumulation sections (81) that are substantially parallel to one another; (b) the supply unit (2) is configured to define a convergence region (ZC) between the supply region (ZA) and the coupling roller (23), the convergence region (ZC) being defined inside the movable part (20), and the plurality of strips (N1, N2, N3, N4) converge in the convergence region (ZC) by reducing a mutual distance between the strips up to the coupling roller (23) to create the strip-like article (N).

9. 9. The device according to claim 8, wherein one strip of the plurality of strips (N1, N2, N3, N4) is fed according to a direction substantially parallel to a displacement direction (d) of the movable part (20) in the convergence region (ZC).

10. 10. The device according to claim 9, wherein said one strip of said plurality of strips (N1, N2, N3, N4) is fed according to a direction substantially parallel to said displacement direction (d) also in part of said feeding area (ZA).

11. 11. The device according to claim 10, wherein the strip fed according to a direction substantially parallel to the displacement direction (d) and the strip in a portion of the feeding area (ZA) is a conductor.

12. A method (200) for making a coil (B) for an electrochemical cell, preferably intended for the manufacture of a battery, said coil (B) being made by winding a strip-like item (N), - arranging a feeding unit (2) with a movable part (20) to feed a plurality of strips (N1, N2, N3, N4) to a coupling roller (23) on which said strip-like product (N) is produced; Providing at least one winding head (10); winding said strip-like product (N) emerging from said coupling roller (23) by at least one said winding head (10); moving said movable part (20) along a substantially horizontal displacement direction (d); A method comprising:

13. 13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the at least one winding head (10) is movable along a working path (P), and the method comprises the step of moving the at least one winding head (10) so that the strip-like article (N) is subjected to a substantially constant tension.

14. The supply unit (2) (a) moving said plurality of strips (N1, N2, N3, N4) along respective accumulation sections (81) substantially parallel to one another in a defined portion of a supply area (ZA) at least partially upstream of said movable portion (20); and (b) a convergence zone (ZC) between the supply zone (ZA) and the coupling roller (23) and located inside the movable part (20) is configured to converge the plurality of strips (N1, N2, N3, N4) in the convergence zone (ZC) by reducing the mutual distance between the strips of the plurality of strips (N1, N2, N3, N4) up to the coupling roller (23) that creates the strip-shaped article (N); 14. The method of claim 12 or 13.

15. 15. The method according to claim 14, comprising the step of feeding one strip of the plurality of strips (N1, N2, N3, N4) in the convergence region according to a direction substantially parallel to the displacement direction (d) of the movable part (20).

16. 16. The method according to claim 15, comprising the step of feeding the one strip of the plurality of strips (N1, N2, N3, N4) also in a part of the feeding area (ZA) according to a direction substantially parallel to the displacement direction (d).

17. 17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the strip fed according to a direction substantially parallel to the displacement direction (d) and the strip in a portion of the feeding area (ZA) is a conductor.

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