Apparatus and method for manufacturing internal assemblies

Abstract

Providing manufacturing apparatus and methods for internal assemblies. [Solution] An internal assembly manufacturing apparatus for an electrochemical cell comprises a feeding unit configured to feed a web along a feeding path; a movable frame movable between a proximal position and a distal position, wherein the proximal position is closer to the feeding unit than the distal position; a winding device mounted on the movable frame and configured to wind the web around a winding support to form an internal assembly; a retaining member mounted on the movable frame, which is movable between a retaining configuration configured to hold the internal assembly wound around the winding support and a disengaging configuration configured not to hold the internal assembly wound around the winding support; and a withdrawal mechanism configured to withdraw the winding support from the internal assembly while the retaining member holds the internal assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing an inner assembly and a method therefor for manufacturing an inner assembly.

Background Art

[0002] Within the scope of this specification and the appended claims, “inner assembly” means an object formed by at least one web, or a plurality of webs superimposed on each other, wound around a winding support to form a reel.

[0003] The present invention finds a non-exclusive but preferred application in the field of manufacturing electrochemical cells of, for example, cylindrical or prismatic type, to achieve the manufacture of an inner assembly having a superimposed layer structure and wound in the form of a reel.

[0004] Cylindrical electrochemical cells, and certain types of prismatic electrochemical cells, are formed by two electrode webs (a positive electrode and a negative electrode, respectively) and two separator webs that are alternately superimposed on each other, whereby one of the two separator webs is interposed between the two electrode webs and wound around a winding support to form an inner assembly for an electrolytic cell. Each electrode web is composed of a conductive sheet coated with a positive electrode active material or a negative electrode active material, respectively. Each separator web is instead composed of a layer of a dielectric material.

[0005] The inner assembly may have various shapes depending on the shape of the winding support around which the web is wound. A winding support generally in the shape of a pin leads to the creation of an inner assembly having a substantially circular cross-section, for example, for the creation of a cylindrical electrochemical cell. A winding support in the shape of a plate leads to the creation of an inner assembly having, for example, an elliptical elongated or flattened cross-section, for the creation of a prismatic electrochemical cell.

[0006] To form the inner assembly, multiple webs are supplied from a feeding unit, for example by unwinding them from their respective parent reels, joined together by overlapping them, wound onto a winding support, and then the wound webs are cut to form the inner assembly. The webs may be overlapped upstream of the winding support and supplied to the winding support as a single multilayer web, or they may be supplied to the winding support individually and joined during winding.

[0007] After the inner assembly is formed, any known finishing operations can be performed. For example, each wound web has a free flap that can be secured, for example, by applying an adhesive patch. Subsequently, the winding support is withdrawn, and the inner assembly is released. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The applicant has preliminaryly observed how the web advance speed relative to the winding support can constitute a critical limiting factor in manufacturing capacity in situations where improving the performance and efficiency of the manufacturing process is always necessary. This limitation is even more critical when high precision is required in the formation of the inner assembly. In particular, the applicant has noted that in many applications, such as the manufacture of electrochemical cells, high precision in the geometric shape of the winding must be ensured to guarantee the required performance of the finished product.

[0009] The applicant noted that any interruption and resumption of the advancement of at least one web would result in an undesirable decrease in manufacturing efficiency, as well as increased wear on moving parts that undergo increased acceleration and deceleration in an attempt to compensate for these negative fluctuations in productivity.

[0010] Therefore, the applicant has found that by arranging one or more winding supports on a movable frame, moving toward a feeding unit during web winding, and moving away from the feeding unit when winding is stopped, for example to cut the web, it is possible to supply the web from the feeding unit at a substantially constant rate, and thus improve manufacturing efficiency.

[0011] The applicant observed that, in order to carry out manufacturing cycles of the inner assemblies that follow one another, it is necessary to remove the inner assemblies produced during a manufacturing cycle from the winding support so that the winding support can be used for a new manufacturing cycle.

[0012] The applicant noted that the removal of the inner assembly from the winding support should be performed without impairing the manufacturing efficiency of the device.

[0013] The applicant recognized that if the inner assembly could be removed from the winding support without impairing, or substantially altering, the movement of the movable frame during web winding, the winding support could be made available for a new manufacturing cycle without impairing the manufacturing efficiency of the apparatus.

[0014] The applicant has found that by holding the inner assembly while the movable frame is moving and removing the winding support from the inner assembly while the inner assembly is held, the winding support can be made available for a new manufacturing cycle without impairing the manufacturing efficiency of the apparatus. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] Therefore, in its first embodiment, the present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing an inner assembly for an electrochemical cell, preferably for the manufacture of a battery.

[0016] Preferably, a feeding unit is provided which is configured to feed at least one web along a feeding path.

[0017] Preferably, a movable frame is provided that can move between a proximal position and a distal position.

[0018] Preferably, the proximal position is closer to the feeding unit than the distal position.

[0019] Preferably, at least one winding device is provided that is mounted on the movable frame.

[0020] Preferably, the winding device is configured to wind the at least one web around a winding support to form an inner assembly.

[0021] Preferably, a retaining member is provided that is mounted on the movable frame.

[0022] Preferably, the retaining member is movable between the retaining configuration and the disengagement configuration.

[0023] Preferably, in the holding configuration, the holding member is configured to hold the inner assembly that has been wound onto the winding support.

[0024] Preferably, in the disengagement configuration, the retaining member is configured not to hold the inner assembly that is wound onto the winding support.

[0025] Preferably, a withdrawal mechanism is provided which is configured to withdraw the winding support from the inner assembly while at least partially the retaining member holds the inner assembly.

[0026] In a second aspect of the present invention, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an inner assembly for an electrochemical cell, preferably for the manufacture of a battery.

[0027] Preferably, at least one web is provided to be fed from a feeding unit along a feeding path.

[0028] Preferably, a movable frame is provided to be moved between a distal position and a proximal position.

[0029] Preferably, the proximal position is closer to the feeding unit than the distal position.

[0030] Preferably, the at least one web is wound around a take-up support attached on the movable frame to form an inner assembly.

[0031] Preferably, the moving of the movable frame between the distal position and the proximal position is performed while the at least one web is being wound around the take-up support.

[0032] Preferably, the inner assembly is provided to be held.

[0033] Preferably, the take-up support is provided to be pulled out from the inner assembly.

[0034] Preferably, the pulling out of the take-up support from the inner assembly is performed at least partially while the movable frame is being moved between the proximal position and the distal position.

[0035] Preferably, the pulling out of the take-up support from the inner assembly is performed while the inner assembly is being held.

[0036] Moving the movable frame while feeding at least one web enables changing the feeding speed of the at least one web with respect to the take-up support without substantially changing the speed of the web in the feeding unit.

[0037] Holding the inner assembly allows the winding support to be withdrawn without dragging at least one web wound onto the winding support together with the winding support due to friction.

[0038] Holding the inner assembly while the movable frame is moving and removing the winding support avoids having to stop the movable frame in order to release the inner assembly.

[0039] By positioning the retaining member on the movable frame, the retaining member can hold the inner assembly by moving between a proximal and distal position at the same speed as the inner assembly.

[0040] The movable frame is movable between a proximal and distal position. The proximal and distal positions are spaced apart along the longitudinal direction. Terms such as "longitudinal direction" and "in the longitudinal direction" are used in reference to a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction or quantities measured parallel to the longitudinal direction.

[0041] "The first longitudinal direction" refers to the direct longitudinal direction from the proximal position to the distal position.

[0042] The "second longitudinal direction" refers to the longitudinal direction oriented from the distal position to the proximal position.

[0043] To wind at least one web around a winding support, the winding device is configured to rotate the winding support around a winding axis oriented along the transverse direction. The transverse direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0044] Terms such as "transverse direction" or "in the transverse direction" are used in reference to quantities measured in a direction parallel to the transverse direction or parallel to the transverse direction.

[0045] The term "web" means an object having a first thickness dimension, a second width dimension at least one order of magnitude, preferably at least two orders of magnitude, greater than the first dimension, and a third length dimension at least one order of magnitude, preferably at least two orders of magnitude, greater than the second dimension. Such an object is flexible in at least the third length dimension so that it can be wound around a winding support. The web can be made from a single sheet of material or from multiple sheets that have been pre-layered and joined together.

[0046] In one or both embodiments of the present invention, the present invention may have at least one of the preferred features described below. Unless otherwise specified, such features may be present individually or in combination with each other in both the apparatus and the method of the present invention.

[0047] Preferably, the feeding unit is configured to feed multiple webs along each feeding path.

[0048] Preferably, the feeding unit is configured to feed four webs along each feeding path.

[0049] Preferably, feeding at least one web from the feeding unit along a feeding path includes feeding multiple webs, preferably four webs, along each feeding path.

[0050] Preferably, the plurality of webs include a first electrode web, a second electrode web, and two separator webs.

[0051] In an alternative embodiment, the at least one web described above is a multilayer web composed of multiple superimposed layers.

[0052] Preferably, the plurality of layers include a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer, and two separator layers.

[0053] Preferably, the feeding unit is configured to feed the overlapping webs onto the winding support.

[0054] Preferably, feeding the plurality of webs includes feeding the overlapping webs onto the winding support.

[0055] Preferably, the feeding unit is configured to feed the webs onto the winding support in a manner in which two separator webs are alternately arranged with two electrode webs.

[0056] Preferably, feeding the plurality of webs includes feeding the webs onto the winding support with two separator webs arranged alternately with two electrode webs.

[0057] Preferably, a fixed frame is provided.

[0058] Preferably, the feeding unit is fixedly mounted to the fixed frame.

[0059] Preferably, the movable frame is movable between a proximal position and a distal position relative to the fixed frame.

[0060] Preferably, the movable frame is slidable between a proximal position and a distal position relative to the fixed frame.

[0061] Preferably, the movable frame is movable in the longitudinal direction between a proximal position and a distal position.

[0062] Preferably, the movable frame is movable in a first longitudinal direction from a proximal position to a distal position.

[0063] Preferably, moving the movable frame from a distal position to a proximal position includes moving the movable frame in a first longitudinal direction.

[0064] Preferably, the movable frame is capable of moving from a proximal position to a distal position for at least a certain amount of time at a speed substantially equal to the feeding speed of the at least one web.

[0065] Preferably, the movable frame is movable in a second longitudinal direction from a distal position to a proximal position.

[0066] Preferably, the movable frame is provided to be moved from a distal position to a proximal position.

[0067] Preferably, moving the movable frame from a distal position to a proximal position includes moving the movable frame in a second longitudinal direction.

[0068] Preferably, the second longitudinal direction is opposite to the first longitudinal direction.

[0069] Preferably, the at least one web is supplied along the feeding path by moving the web in a direction having a direct component as a first longitudinal direction.

[0070] Preferably, each web is supplied along the feeding path by moving the web in a direction having a direct component as a first longitudinal direction.

[0071] Preferably, the movable frame is movable alternately between a proximal position and a distal position in a first longitudinal direction and a second longitudinal direction.

[0072] Preferably, the movable frame is provided to be moved alternately between a proximal position and a distal position in a first longitudinal direction and a second longitudinal direction.

[0073] Preferably, the direction of movement of the movable frame is reversed at the proximal position.

[0074] Preferably, the movable frame is stopped in the proximal position for a time interval that is substantially zero.

[0075] Preferably, the direction of movement of the movable frame is reversed at the distal position.

[0076] Preferably, the movable frame is stopped at the distal position for a time interval that is substantially zero.

[0077] Preferably, the winding support comprises a first pin extending in the transverse direction.

[0078] Preferably, the winding support comprises a second pin extending in the transverse direction.

[0079] Preferably, one end of the at least one web is provided to be positioned at the interface between the first pin and the second pin.

[0080] Preferably, the winding support is rotated around a winding axis in order to wind up at least one of the webs.

[0081] Preferably, the winding shaft is in the transverse direction.

[0082] Preferably, at least a first pin is moved transversely to pull the winding support out of the inner assembly.

[0083] Preferably, the first pin, followed by the second pin, is moved transversely to pull the winding support out of the inner assembly.

[0084] Preferably, the extraction mechanism is configured to move the first pin and the second pin independently in the transverse direction.

[0085] Preferably, withdrawing the winding support from the inner assembly involves moving the first pin, and then the second pin, in the transverse direction.

[0086] Preferably, the movable frame is configured to move from a distal position to a proximal position while winding the at least one web around a winding support.

[0087] Preferably, the movable frame is provided to be moved from a distal position to a proximal position while winding the at least one web around a winding support.

[0088] Preferably, the withdrawal mechanism is configured to withdraw the winding support from the inner assembly while the movable frame is moving in a first longitudinal direction toward a distal position and / or while the movable frame is substantially in a distal position and / or while the movable frame is moving in a second longitudinal direction toward a proximal position.

[0089] Preferably, the withdrawal mechanism is configured to initiate withdrawal of the winding support from the inner assembly at a distance from the distal position that is less than 70%, preferably less than 40%, and more preferably less than 30%, of the distance between the distal and proximal positions when the movable frame moves from the proximal position to the distal position.

[0090] Preferably, the withdrawal mechanism is configured to complete the withdrawal of the winding support from the inner assembly when the movable frame is substantially in the distal position.

[0091] Preferably, the withdrawal mechanism is configured to complete the withdrawal of the winding support from the inner assembly when the movable frame is at a distance from the distal position of less than 30%, preferably less than 20%, and more preferably less than 10% of the distance between the distal and proximal positions.

[0092] Preferably, the winding support is provided to be withdrawn from the inner assembly while the movable frame is moving in a first longitudinal direction and / or while the movable frame is in a distal position and / or while the movable frame is moving from a distal position toward a proximal position.

[0093] Preferably, the withdrawal of the winding support from the inner assembly is initiated when the movable frame moves from the proximal position to the distal position at a distance from the distal position that is less than 70%, preferably less than 40%, and more preferably less than 30% of the distance between the distal and proximal positions.

[0094] Preferably, withdrawing the winding support from the inner assembly includes completing the withdrawal of the winding support from the inner assembly when the movable frame is substantially in the distal position.

[0095] Preferably, the withdrawal of the winding support from the inner assembly is provided when the movable frame is at a distance from the distal position of less than 30%, preferably less than 20%, and more preferably less than 10% of the distance between the distal and proximal positions.

[0096] Preferably, the retaining member is clamp-shaped.

[0097] Preferably, holding the inner assembly includes clamping the inner assembly.

[0098] Preferably, the inner assembly is held in place by the retaining member.

[0099] Preferably, retaining the inner assembly includes moving the retaining member from the disengagement configuration to the retaining configuration.

[0100] Preferably, the holding member comprises a first arm that is hinged to the movable frame and has a gripping portion.

[0101] Preferably, the holding member comprises a second arm that is hinged to the movable frame and has a gripping portion.

[0102] Preferably, at least one of the first arm and the second arm is rotatable to move the retaining member from a disengaged configuration to a retaining configuration by bringing their respective gripping portions closer together.

[0103] Preferably, both the first arm and the second arm are rotatable to move the retaining member from the disengaged configuration to the retaining configuration.

[0104] Preferably, at least one of the first arm and the second arm is rotatable to move the retaining member from a retaining configuration to a disengaged configuration by separating their respective gripping portions from each other.

[0105] Preferably, both the first arm and the second arm are rotatable to move the retaining member from the retaining configuration to the disengagement configuration.

[0106] Preferably, holding the inner assembly involves bringing the gripping portions of the retaining member closer together until they contact the outer surface of the inner assembly.

[0107] Preferably, bringing the respective gripping portions closer together includes rotating a first arm that has one of the gripping portions, and / or rotating a second arm that has the other gripping portion.

[0108] Preferably, rotating the first arm and rotating the second arm includes rotating the first arm and the second arm in opposite directions to each other.

[0109] Preferably, the first arm is rotatable about a first axis of rotation.

[0110] Preferably, the first arm includes a radial portion that extends radially with respect to the first axis of rotation.

[0111] Preferably, the first arm includes a transverse portion that extends in the transverse direction.

[0112] Preferably, the first arm includes an arc-shaped portion that extends circumferentially with respect to the first axis of rotation.

[0113] Preferably, the first arm extends from a first end to a second end.

[0114] Preferably, the first arm is hinged to the movable frame at its first end.

[0115] Preferably, the radial portion extends from the first end.

[0116] Preferably, the gripping portion of the first arm is located at the second end.

[0117] Preferably, the arc-shaped portion extends from the second end.

[0118] Preferably, the transverse portion extends from the radial portion to the arched portion.

[0119] Preferably, the second arm is rotatable about a second axis of rotation.

[0120] Preferably, the second arm includes a radial portion that extends radially with respect to the second axis of rotation.

[0121] Preferably, the second arm includes a transverse portion that extends in the transverse direction.

[0122] Preferably, the second arm includes an arc-shaped portion that extends circumferentially with respect to the second axis of rotation.

[0123] Preferably, the second arm extends from the first end to the second end.

[0124] Preferably, the second arm is hinged to the movable frame at its first end.

[0125] Preferably, the radial portion extends from the first end.

[0126] Preferably, the gripping portion of the second arm is located at the second end.

[0127] Preferably, the arc-shaped portion extends from the second end.

[0128] Preferably, the transverse portion extends from the radial portion to the arched portion.

[0129] Preferably, the gripping portion has a concave surface that is opposite in shape to the outer surface of the inner assembly.

[0130] Preferably, the retention of the inner assembly begins while the movable frame moves from a proximal position to a distal position.

[0131] Preferably, the retention of the inner assembly is initiated while the movable frame moves from a proximal position to a distal position.

[0132] Preferably, the withdrawal of the winding support from the inner assembly is initiated while the movable frame moves from a proximal position to a distal position.

[0133] Preferably, the inner assembly described above is provided to be released.

[0134] Preferably, releasing the inner assembly includes moving the retaining member from the retaining configuration to the disengaged configuration.

[0135] Preferably, the inner assembly is provided to be released from the retaining member.

[0136] Preferably, the internal assembly is provided to be released while the movable frame moves from a distal position to a proximal position.

[0137] In one embodiment, the withdrawal of the winding support from the inner assembly is completed while the movable frame moves from a proximal position to a distal position.

[0138] In one embodiment, the withdrawal of the winding support from the inner assembly is completed while the movable frame moves from a proximal position to a distal position.

[0139] In one embodiment, the withdrawal of the winding support from the inner assembly is completed while the movable frame moves from the distal position to the proximal position.

[0140] Preferably, the release of the inner assembly is performed after the winding support has been completely withdrawn from the inner assembly.

[0141] Preferably, a movable support is provided that is mounted on a movable frame.

[0142] Preferably, at least one of the winding devices is mounted on the movable support.

[0143] Preferably, the movable support is configured to move the at least one winding device between a winding position and an unloading position relative to the movable frame.

[0144] Preferably, at least two winding devices are provided, mounted on the movable support.

[0145] Preferably, at least three winding devices are provided, mounted on the movable support.

[0146] Preferably, when one of the winding devices is in the winding position, another of the winding devices is in the unloading position.

[0147] Preferably, the movable support is configured to move the at least one winding device between a winding position, a finishing position, and an unloading position relative to the movable frame.

[0148] Preferably, when one of the winding devices is in the winding position, another of the winding devices is in the finishing position.

[0149] Preferably, the at least one winding device is configured to wind the at least one web around its respective winding support at the winding position.

[0150] Preferably, the withdrawal mechanism is configured to withdraw the winding support from the inner assembly in the unloaded position.

[0151] Preferably, the retaining member is configured to hold the inner assembly in the unloaded position.

[0152] Preferably, the apparatus is configured to perform a finishing operation on the inner assembly at the finishing position.

[0153] Preferably, the apparatus is configured to cut the at least one web at the finishing position.

[0154] Preferably, an unloading member is provided.

[0155] Preferably, the unloading member is mounted on the fixed frame.

[0156] Preferably, the unloading member is directly mounted on the fixed frame.

[0157] Preferably, the unloading member is mounted on the fixed frame independently of the movable frame.

[0158] Preferably, the unloading member is configured to remove the inner assembly from the retaining member.

[0159] Therefore, the unloading device allows the inner assembly to be removed without stopping the movable frame.

[0160] Preferably, the unloading member comprises a gripping device configured to grip the inner assembly.

[0161] Preferably, the gripping device is configured to grip the inner assembly while the inner assembly is at least partially held by the retaining member.

[0162] Preferably, the retaining member is configured to release the inner assembly after the gripping device has gripped the inner assembly.

[0163] Preferably, the retaining member is configured to release the inner assembly after the winding support has been withdrawn from the inner assembly.

[0164] Preferably, the retaining member is configured to release the inner assembly while the movable frame is moving from a distal position to a proximal position.

[0165] Preferably, the retaining member is configured to release the inner assembly when the movable frame is at a distance from the distal position of less than 30%, preferably less than 20%, more preferably less than 10%, and even more preferably less than 5% of the distance between the distal and proximal positions.

[0166] Preferably, the unloading member is configured to move the gripping device in synchronization with the movable frame.

[0167] Preferably, the unloading member is configured to move the gripping device at substantially the same speed and in the same direction as the movable frame while the gripping device is gripping the inner assembly and until the retaining member releases the inner assembly.

[0168] Preferably, the unloading member is configured to move the inner assembly to a predetermined collection area.

[0169] Preferably, the inner assembly described above is provided to be unloaded.

[0170] Preferably, the unloading of the inner assembly is performed by the unloading member.

[0171] Preferably, unloading the inner assembly includes removing the inner assembly from the retaining member.

[0172] Preferably, unloading the inner assembly includes gripping the inner assembly with a gripping device.

[0173] Preferably, gripping the inner assembly is performed while the inner assembly is being held by the retaining member.

[0174] Preferably, the release of the inner assembly is performed after the gripping device has gripped the inner assembly.

[0175] Preferably, the internal assembly is released when the movable frame is at a distance from the distal position of less than 30%, preferably less than 20%, more preferably less than 10%, and even more preferably less than 5% of the distance between the distal and proximal positions.

[0176] Preferably, unloading the inner assembly involves moving the gripping device in synchronization with the movable frame.

[0177] Preferably, unloading the inner assembly involves moving the gripping device at substantially the same speed and in the same direction as the movable frame while the gripping device is gripping the inner assembly and until the retaining member releases the inner assembly.

[0178] Preferably, unloading the inner assembly involves moving the inner assembly to a predetermined collection area separated from the movable frame.

[0179] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, provided as exemplary and non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0180] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for manufacturing an internal assembly according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the apparatus for manufacturing an internal assembly according to the present invention in different operating configurations, with some elements removed to highlight other elements. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the apparatus for manufacturing an internal assembly according to the present invention in different operating configurations, with some elements removed to highlight other elements. [Figure 4]This is a perspective view of the apparatus for manufacturing an internal assembly according to the present invention in different operating configurations, with some elements removed to highlight other elements. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the apparatus for manufacturing an internal assembly according to the present invention in different operating configurations, with some elements removed to highlight other elements. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the apparatus for manufacturing an internal assembly according to the present invention in different operating configurations, with some elements removed to highlight other elements. [Figure 7] This is a detailed diagram of the device in Figure 1 in different operating configurations. [Figure 8] This is a detailed diagram of the device in Figure 1 in different operating configurations. [Figure 9] This is a detailed diagram of the device in Figure 1 in different operating configurations. [Figure 10] This is a detailed diagram of the device in Figure 1 in different operating configurations. [Figure 11] This is a detailed diagram of the device in Figure 1 in different operating configurations. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0181] The representations in the attached drawings do not necessarily need to be understood in terms of scale, nor do they necessarily take into account the proportions between various parts.

[0182] Figure 1 schematically illustrates the apparatus for manufacturing the internal assembly, which is shown as a whole with reference number 100.

[0183] Apparatus 100 is for the manufacture of an inner assembly 1 consisting of at least one wound web. In a preferred example illustrated and described in detail herein, apparatus 100 is for the manufacture of an inner assembly 1 used in the fabrication of an electrochemical cell. However, as discussed above, the present invention may find applications in other types of inner assemblies that are not necessarily for the fabrication of electrochemical cells.

[0184] In a preferred embodiment as illustrated in Figure 1, assembly 1 is made up of a plurality of webs N1, N2, N3, and N4. For example, when the inner assembly 1 is used in a situation to make an electrochemical cell, the webs may be formed by electrode webs N1, N3 and separator webs N2, N4. These webs N1, N2, N3, and N4 are appropriately superimposed to realize a layered structure in which first electrode webs (e.g., precursors for the positive electrode of the electrochemical cell), first separator webs, second electrode webs (e.g., precursors for the negative electrode of the electrochemical cell), and second separator webs alternate with each other. The order between the first electrode webs and second electrode webs is provided for illustrative purposes only, and the reverse order of the order shown above may also be provided.

[0185] The apparatus 100 includes a feeding unit 110, schematically illustrated in Figure 1. The feeding unit 110 is configured to feed webs N1, N2, N3, and N4 along their respective feeding paths P1, P2, P3, and P4. In a preferred embodiment, the feeding unit 110 is fixedly mounted to a fixed frame 101 of the apparatus 100.

[0186] Webs N1, N2, N3, and N4 move along their respective feeding paths P1, P2, P3, and P4, each having a longitudinal component oriented in the same direction.

[0187] In the illustrated example, the feeding unit 110 includes a web distribution device 111 which may be a reel support configured to unwind the webs N1, N2, N3, N4 from large reels B1, B2, B3, B4 and subsequently supply them during the operation of the device 100. The distribution device 111 may further include respective actuators (not shown) adapted to rotate the reels B1, B2, B3, B4 about their respective axes of rotation.

[0188] Without loss of generality, further processing and / or movement steps of webs N1, N2, N3, and N4 can be provided between unwinding and feeding along their respective feeding paths P1, P2, P3, and P4.

[0189] This specification and Figure 1 refer to a particular case of a feeding unit 110 configured to unwind and feed four webs N1, N2, N3, and N4 of a type suitable for the manufacture of electrolytic cells, but the feeding unit can be configured to feed a single web along each feeding path, or even more than four webs along each feeding path. In further embodiments, one or more webs may be made of materials different from the electrode webs and separator webs described above, and are not further limited to the manufacture of electrolytic cells.

[0190] Where, in the remainder of this specification, features and components of the apparatus 100 are described with reference to the four webs N1, N2, N3, and N4 of the embodiment in Figure 1, these features or components may be adapted, without loss of generality, to perform the same functions as described when the inner assembly 1 is made from a single web or a number of different webs.

[0191] The device 100 includes a movable frame 120. The movable frame 120 is movable relative to the feeding unit 110. In particular, the movable frame 120 is slidably mounted to the fixed frame 101 of the device 100. The movable frame 120 is movable between a proximal position and a distal position relative to the feeding unit 110. The proximal and distal positions are separated in the longitudinal direction. In the proximal position, the movable frame 120 is closer to the feeding unit 110 than in the distal position.

[0192] In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the movable frame 120 is configured to move linearly between a proximal position and a distal position. The movable frame 120 is configured to move from the proximal position to the distal position, and then alternately from the distal position to the proximal position, preferably without substantially stopping. The movable frame 120 is movable from the proximal position to the distal position in a first longitudinal direction D1 oriented away from the feeding unit 110. The longitudinal components of the feeding direction of the webs N1, N2, N3, N4 along their respective feeding paths P1, P2, P3, P4 are oriented in the first longitudinal direction D1. The speed at which the movable frame moves from the proximal position to the distal position is substantially equal to the feeding speed of the webs N1, N2, N3, N4.

[0193] The movable frame 120 is further movable from a distal to a proximal position in a second longitudinal direction D2 oriented toward the feeding unit 110. The second longitudinal direction D2 is opposite to the respective longitudinal components of the feeding direction of the webs N1, N2, N3, and N4 along their respective feeding paths P1, P2, P3, and P4.

[0194] A sliding guide (not shown) may be provided between the movable frame 120 and the fixed frame 101 to guide the sliding of the movable frame 120 relative to the fixed frame. The device 100 may further provide one or more actuators (not shown) for moving the movable frame 120 between a proximal position and a distal position.

[0195] The movable support 125 is attached to the movable frame 120, and the movable support 125 is shown in Figures 2 to 6, but is omitted from the schematic Figure 1 for simplification. In a preferred embodiment, the movable support 125 includes a wheel 126 rotatably mounted on the movable frame 120. The wheel 126 is rotatable about a rotation axis R. The rotation axis R is oriented in the transverse direction. An actuator (not shown) is provided for rotating the movable support 125 relative to the movable frame 120.

[0196] The apparatus 100 comprises at least one winding device 130 attached to a movable frame 120. Preferably, the apparatus 100 comprises a plurality of winding devices 130. In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 2 to 10, the apparatus 100 comprises three winding devices 130. In embodiments not shown, the apparatus 100 may comprise a single winding device 130 or a plurality of winding devices 130 other than three.

[0197] Preferably, the winding device 130 is attached to a movable support 125. The movable support 125 is configured to move each winding device 130 between a winding position, a finishing position, and an unloading portion relative to a movable frame 120. In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 2 to 10, the winding position, finishing position, and unloading portion are arranged on the movable frame 120 along a circular track, at angles to each other and spaced apart. Preferably, the winding position, finishing position, and unloading portion are equidistant from each other at angles.

[0198] The movable support 125 is configured to sequentially move each winding device 130 from the winding position to the finishing position, from the finishing position to the unloading position, and from the unloading position to the winding position. In the illustrated embodiment, the movable support 125 is configured to keep each winding device 130 fixed or substantially fixed to the movable frame 120 while the movable frame 120 moves from the proximal position to the distal position, and while the movable frame 120 moves from the distal position to the proximal position.

[0199] In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 2 to 10, the movable support 125 is configured to move each winding device 130 between two consecutive positions, a winding position, a finishing position, and an unloading portion, while the movable frame 120 is moving from a proximal position to a distal position. Preferably, the movable support 125 is configured to complete the movement of each winding device 130 between the two consecutive positions before the movable frame 120 reaches the distal position. In a preferred embodiment, the movable support 125 is configured to move each winding device 130 between the two consecutive positions by rotating by a predetermined angle about a rotation axis R. In the illustrated embodiment, the predetermined angle is equal to the angle that moves the two consecutive winding devices 130 away from the rotation axis R, for example, 120°.

[0200] The winding device 130 is movable relative to the fixed frame 101 along a movement path determined by the movement of the movable frame 120 between the distal and proximal positions and the movement of the support frame 125 between the winding position, the finishing position, and the unloading portion.

[0201] Each winding device 130 comprises a winding support 135 and a rotary actuator 136 configured to rotate the winding support 135 around a transverse winding axis A.

[0202] Each winding support 135 is configured to engage with at least one end of the webs N1, N2, N3, and N4, and to rotate around the winding axis A to wind up the webs N1, N2, N3, and N4 to form the inner assembly 1.

[0203] The winding support 135, illustrated in detail in Figure 11, comprises a first pin 137 extending transversely and a second pin 138 extending transversely and aligned with the first pin 137. The winding support 135 is configured to engage with and hold at least one of the webs N1, N2, N3, and N4 at the interface 139 between the first pin 137 and the second pin 138.

[0204] The extraction mechanism 140 is configured to extract the winding support 135 from the inner assembly 1 formed around the winding support 135. The extraction mechanism 140 is configured to move the first pin 137 and the second pin 138 independently in the transverse direction. The extraction mechanism 140 is configured to move the first pin 137 and the second pin 138 from their respective operating positions to their respective non-operating positions. In the operating position, the first pin 137 and the second pin 138 are configured to engage with at least one of the webs N1, N2, N3, and N4 to form the inner assembly 1. In the non-operating position, the first pin 137 and the second pin 138 are configured not to engage with the webs N1, N2, N3, and N4. Preferably, the winding support 135 has a tapered shape to facilitate its extraction. At least one of the first pin 137 and the second pin 138 has a tapered shape. Preferably, the interface 139 extends along a plane inclined with respect to the transverse direction to facilitate the withdrawal of the winding support 135. To facilitate the withdrawal of the winding support 135, the withdrawal mechanism 140 is configured to initiate the withdrawal of the first pin 137, and subsequently, after a predetermined time interval, to initiate the withdrawal of the second pin 138.

[0205] In embodiments not shown, the winding support 135 may have different shapes known to itself. For example, if the apparatus 100 is configured to produce a prismatic type electrolytic cell, the winding support 135 may have a plate-like shape. In embodiments not shown, the winding support 135 may be monolithic.

[0206] The inner assembly 1 is formed around the winding support 135 in a manner known to itself by rotating the winding support 135 around the winding shaft while at least one of the webs N1, N2, N3, and N4 is held. At least one of the held webs is inserted into the interface 139 between the first pin 137 and the second pin 138.

[0207] Each winding device 130 is configured to receive the webs N1, N2, N3, and N4 at their respective winding positions. A feeding member (not shown) is configured to feed the webs N1, N2, N3, and N4 to the winding device 130 in a manner known by itself, thereby allowing the winding support 135 to receive at least one of the webs N1, N2, N3, and N4 between the first pin 137 and the second pin 138.

[0208] The winding device 130 is configured to wind the webs N1, N2, N3, and N4 around the winding support 135 while the movable frame 120 is moving from a distal position to a proximal position and while the winding device 130 is in the winding position.

[0209] As the webs N1, N2, N3, and N4 are wound around the winding support 135, the inner assemblies 1 are positioned along their respective feeding paths P1, P2, P3, and P4, and are still joined to the portions of the webs N1, N2, N3, and N4 coming from the feeding unit 110, forming around the winding support 135. The support frame 125 is preferably configured to move the winding device 130, together with the inner assemblies 1 formed around each winding support 135, from the winding position to the finishing position while the movable frame 120 moves from the proximal position to the distal position.

[0210] A cutting member (not shown) is configured to cut the webs N1, N2, N3, and N4 in a manner known by itself, thereby separating the inner assembly 1 from the portions of the webs N1, N2, N3, and N4 positioned along their respective feeding paths P1, P2, P3, and P4. In the illustrated embodiment, the cutting of the webs N1, N2, N3, and N4 is performed when the winding device 130, around which the inner assembly 1 is wound, is in the finishing position.

[0211] Further finishing members, known in themselves and not shown, can be provided to perform finishing work on the inner assembly 1 while each winding device 130 is in the finishing position. For example, one end of the web portion constituting the inner assembly 1 may be fixed by attaching an adhesive patch to the outer surface of the inner assembly 1.

[0212] The apparatus 100 is configured to perform cutting and finishing of the inner assembly 1 while the movable frame 120 moves from a proximal position to a distal position and / or thereafter from the distal position to a proximal position.

[0213] The winding device 130, together with the inner assembly 1 formed around each winding support 135, is movable from the finishing position to the unloading position after the finishing operation, preferably while the movable frame 120 is moving from the proximal position to the distal position.

[0214] A retaining member 150 is mounted on the movable frame 120. The retaining member 150 is configured to hold the inner assembly 1 while each winding support 135 is being pulled out by the pull-out mechanism 140. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining member 150 is clamp-shaped.

[0215] The retaining member 150 comprises a first arm 151 hinged to a mounting support 152 fixedly mounted on the movable frame 120. The mounting support 152 is mounted on the movable frame in close proximity to the movable support 125. The first arm 151 is rotatable relative to the movable frame 120 about a first transverse axis of rotation R1. Preferably, the first arm 151 is made as a single block without joints. The first arm 151 extends from a first end 153 to a second end 154. At the first end 153, the first arm 151 is hinged to the mounting support 152. At the second end 154, the first arm 151 comprises a gripping portion 155 configured to contact the inner assembly 1. The gripping portion 155 comprises a concave surface 156. The concave surface 156 is shaped opposite to the cylindrical outer surface portion of the inner assembly 1.

[0216] The first arm 151 includes a radial portion 157 extending radially from a first end 153 with respect to a first axis of rotation R1. The first arm 151 further includes an arc-shaped portion 158 extending substantially circumferentially from a gripping portion 155 with respect to the first axis of rotation R1. The first arm 151 further includes a transverse portion 159 extending substantially transversely between the arc-shaped portion 158 and the radial portion 157 to transversely offset the gripping portion 155 from the radial portion 157.

[0217] The retaining member 150 includes a second arm 161 hinged to a mounting support 152. The second arm 161 is rotatable relative to the movable frame 120 about a second transverse axis of rotation R2. Preferably, the second arm 161 is made as a single block without joints. The second arm 161 extends from a first end 163 to a second end 164. At the first end 163, the second arm 161 is hinged to the mounting support 152, preferably adjacent to the first end 153 of the first arm 151. At the second end 164, the second arm 161 includes a gripping portion 165 configured to contact the inner assembly 1. The gripping portion 165 includes a concave surface 166. The concave surface 166 is shaped opposite to the cylindrical outer surface portion of the inner assembly 1. The concave surface 166 of the gripping portion 165 of the second arm 161 faces the concave surface 156 of the gripping portion 155 of the first arm 151.

[0218] The second arm 161 includes a radial portion 167 extending radially from the first end 163 with respect to the second axis of rotation R2. The second arm 161 further includes an arc-shaped portion 168 extending substantially circumferentially from the gripping portion 165 with respect to the second axis of rotation R2. The second arm 161 further includes a transverse portion 169 extending substantially transversely between the arc-shaped portion 168 and the radial portion 167 to transversely offset the gripping portion 165 from the radial portion 167.

[0219] The retaining member 150 is movable between the retaining configuration and the disengagement configuration. The retaining member 150 is movable between the retaining configuration and the disengagement configuration by the rotation of the first arm 151 around the first rotation axis R1 and the rotation of the second arm 161 in opposite directions around the second rotation axis R2. In the illustrated embodiment, the first arm 151 rotates clockwise from the retaining configuration to the disengagement configuration and counterclockwise from the disengagement configuration to the retaining configuration. The second arm 161 rotates counterclockwise from the retaining configuration to the disengagement configuration and clockwise from the disengagement configuration to the retaining configuration.

[0220] In the holding configuration, the gripping portion 155 of the first arm 151 and the gripping portion 165 of the second arm 161 are in contact with the inner assembly 1, which is wound onto the winding support 135 of the winding device 130, on both sides of the inner assembly 1 in the unloaded position. The holding member 150 is configured to press the gripping portions 155 and 165 against the inner assembly 1 with sufficient force to hold the inner assembly 1 in a fixed position relative to the movable support 120 while the winding support 135 is being pulled out from the inner assembly 1.

[0221] In the disengagement configuration, the gripping portion 155 of the first arm 151 and the gripping portion 165 of the second arm 161 are spaced further apart from each other than in the holding configuration, and are configured not to engage with the inner assembly 1 wound on the winding support 135 of the winding device 130 in the unload position, or are movable from the finishing position to the unload position without holding the inner assembly.

[0222] The retaining member 150 is configured to move in a retaining configuration while the movable frame 120 moves from a proximal position to a distal position, gripping the inner assembly 1, which is wound around the winding support 135 of the winding device 130, in the unloaded position. The withdrawal mechanism 140 is configured to withdraw the winding support 135 from the inner assembly 1 while the inner assembly 1 is held by the retaining member 150. This can occur before the movable frame 120 reaches the distal position, while the movable frame 120 is in the distal position, or while the movable frame 120 is moving from the distal position to the proximal position. Withdrawal of the winding support 135 can begin while the movable frame 120 is moving from a proximal position to a distal position and can end while the movable frame 120 is still moving from a proximal position to a distal position, while the movable frame is substantially in the distal position, or while the movable frame 120 has already moved from the distal position to a proximal position.

[0223] The device 100 includes an unloading member 170. The unloading member 170 is mounted on a fixed frame 101. The unloading member 170 is mounted on the movable frame 120 on the side opposite to the feeding unit 110. The movable frame 120 approaches the unloading member 170 by moving from a proximal position to a distal position, and moves away from the unloading member 170 by moving from a distal position to a proximal position.

[0224] The unloading member 170 comprises an articulated robot arm 171. The articulated arm 171 extends from a first end 172 to a second end 173, where the articulated arm 171 is fixedly mounted to the fixed frame 101. At the second end 173, the unloading member 170 comprises a gripping device 175. The gripping device 175 is longitudinally movable by the articulation of the articulated arm 171. The unloading member 170 is configured to grip the inner assembly 1 by the gripping device 175 while the inner assembly 1 is held by the retaining member 150. The retaining member 150 is configured to move from a retaining configuration to a disengaging configuration, for example, after the unloading member 170 has gripped the inner assembly 1 when the movable frame is substantially distal, or while the movable frame 120 is moving from a distal position to a proximal position.

[0225] The gripping device 175 is configured to grip the inner assembly 1 while the inner assembly 1 is held by the retaining member 150. The gripping device 175 is configured to engage with portions of the outer surface of the inner assembly that are not engaged by the gripping portions 155, 165 of the retaining member 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the gripping device 175 is configured to engage with each peripheral band on the outer surface of the inner assembly 1. The gripping portions 155, 165 of the retaining member 150 are configured to engage with the central band on the outer surface of the inner assembly 1, which is positioned between the peripheral bands.

[0226] While the gripping device 175 grips the inner assembly 1, before the holding device 150 releases the inner assembly 1, the unloading member 170 is configured to move the gripping device 175 so that it remains in the inner assembly 1 and moves at substantially the same speed and in the same direction as the inner assembly 1 (and thus at substantially the same speed and in the same direction as the movable frame 120). In the illustrated embodiment, this movement is achieved by the articulation of the articulated arm 171.

[0227] After releasing the inner assembly 1 from the holding member 150, the unloading member 170 is configured to move the inner assembly 1 toward a predetermined unloading area and release the inner assembly 1 in the unloading area.

[0228] To manufacture the internal assembly 1 of the type described above, the apparatus 100 moves the movable frame 120 from a distal position to a proximal position, performing a first stroke of the movable frame 120. While the movable frame 120 is moving from the distal position to the proximal position, at least one web, preferably a plurality of webs N1, N2, N3, N4, are supplied to the winding support 135. While the movable frame 120 is moving from the distal position to the proximal position, the plurality of webs N1, N2, N3, N4 are wound around the winding support 135, causing the winding support 135 to rotate around the winding axis A. When winding is complete, the rotation of the winding support 135 is stopped.

[0229] Next, the movable frame 120 is moved from the proximal position to the distal position, performing a second stroke of the movable frame 120. Preferably, the stopping time of the movable frame 120 in the proximal position is substantially zero.

[0230] During the second stroke, the webs N1, N2, N3, and N4 are separated from the web portions wound around the winding support 135 and cut along the feeding paths P1, P2, P3, and P4 to form the inner assembly 1 from the web portions.

[0231] Next, the movable frame 120 is moved from the distal position to the proximal position, and a third stroke of the movable frame 120 is performed, similar to the first stroke. Preferably, the stopping time of the movable frame 120 in the distal position is substantially zero.

[0232] While the movable frame 120 moves from the proximal position to the distal position, the winding device 130, in which the webs N1, N2, N3, and N4 have been wound around the winding support 135 during the first stroke, moves from the winding position to the finishing position. This movement preferably ends before the movable frame 120 reaches the distal position.

[0233] During the third stroke of the movable frame 120, the webs N1, N2, N3, and N4 are wound onto an additional winding support 135 to begin manufacturing an additional inner assembly (not shown), which is manufactured in a manner similar to that described for inner assembly 1. The manufacturing of the additional inner assembly is partially concurrent with the manufacturing described for inner assembly 1, with a time offset by the amount of time required for the movable frame 120 to perform strokes from the proximal to the distal position and from the distal to the proximal position.

[0234] During the second and / or third stroke of the movable frame 120, a finishing operation is performed on the inner assembly 1 that is wound around the winding support 135 of the winding device 130, which is in the finishing position.

[0235] Next, the movable frame 120 is moved from the proximal position to the distal position, performing a fourth stroke of the movable frame 120, as illustrated in Figures 2 to 4. During the fourth stroke, the assembly 1 is gripped and held by the retaining member 150. To hold the inner assembly 1, the retaining member 150 moves from a disengaged configuration to a retained configuration, as shown in Figures 3, 7, and 8.

[0236] While the movable frame 120 moves from the proximal position to the distal position, the winding device 130, in which the webs N1, N2, N3, and N4 have been wound around the winding support 135 during the first stroke, is moved from the finished position to the unloaded position, as shown in Figures 2, 7, and 8. This movement is preferably completed before the movable frame 120 reaches the distal position and is carried out in a manner similar to the method described above for moving from the winding position to the finished position.

[0237] While the movable frame 120 moves from the proximal position to the distal position, and while the assembly 1 is held by the retaining member 150, the winding support 135 is pulled out from the inner assembly 1, as shown in Figures 4 and 9.

[0238] Next, the movable frame 120 is moved from the distal position to the proximal position and performs a fifth stroke of the movable frame 120, similar to the first and third strokes, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. Preferably, the stopping time of the movable frame 120 at the distal position is substantially zero. The withdrawal of the winding support 135 from the inner assembly 1 may be completed before the end of the fourth stroke, substantially at or near the distal position, or at the start of the fifth stroke.

[0239] While the inner assembly 1 is held by the retaining member 150, the inner assembly 1 is gripped by the unloading member 170, as shown in Figures 5 and 9. This may be done before the end of the fourth stroke. The inner assembly 1 is then gripped by the gripping device 175. To grip the inner assembly 1, the gripping device 175 is brought to the inner assembly 1 and held in the inner assembly 1 for the time required for gripping. To hold the gripping device 175 in the inner assembly 1, the gripping device is moved by the articulated arm 171 at substantially the same speed and in the same direction as the inner assembly 1 (and thus the movable frame 120).

[0240] After the winding support 135 is withdrawn from the inner assembly 1 and the gripping device 175 grips the inner assembly 1, the inner assembly 1 is released from the retaining member 150, as shown in Figures 6 and 10. To release the inner assembly 1 from the retaining member 150, the retaining member 150 is moved from a retaining configuration to a disengaged configuration, preferably during a fifth stroke of the movable frame 120.

[0241] After the inner assembly 1 is released from the holding member 150, the inner assembly 1, held by the gripping device 175, is moved to the unloading area by the unloading member 170, and the inner assembly 1 is released by the gripping device 175.

Claims

1. Preferably, an apparatus (100) for manufacturing an inner assembly for an electrochemical cell for the manufacture of a battery, A feeding unit (110) configured to feed at least one web (N1; N2; N3; N4) along a feeding path (P1; P2; P3; P4), A movable frame (120) that can move between a proximal position and a distal position, wherein the proximal position is closer to the feeding unit (110) than the distal position, Mounted on the movable frame (120), at least one winding device (130) is configured to wind the at least one web (N1; N2; N3; N4) around a winding support (135) to form an inner assembly (1), A retaining member (150) mounted on the movable frame (120) is movable between a retaining configuration in which the retaining member (150) is configured to hold the inner assembly (1) wound onto the winding support (135), and a disengagement configuration in which the retaining member (150) is configured not to hold the inner assembly (1) wound onto the winding support (135), A withdrawal mechanism (140) is configured to withdraw the winding support (135) from the inner assembly (1) while at least partially the holding member (150) holds the inner assembly (1), A device (100) comprising:

2. The holding member (150) comprises a first arm (151) hinged to the movable frame (120) and having a gripping portion (155), and a second arm (161) hinged to the movable frame (120) and having a gripping portion (165), At least one of the first arm (151) and the second arm (161) is rotatable such that it moves the holding member (150) from the disengagement configuration to the holding configuration by bringing the respective gripping portions (155, 165) closer together. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first arm (151) and the second arm (161) is rotatable such as to move the holding member (150) from the holding configuration to the disengagement configuration by separating the respective gripping portions (155, 165) from each other.

3. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an unloading member (170) mounted on a fixed frame (101), wherein the movable frame (120) is movable between a proximal position and a distal position relative to the fixed frame (101), and the unloading member (170) is configured to pick up the inner assembly (1) from the holding member (150).

4. The unloading member (170) includes a gripping device (175) configured to grip the inner assembly (1) while the inner assembly (1) is at least partially held by the holding member (150), The apparatus (100) according to claim 3, wherein the retaining member (150) is configured to release the inner assembly (1) after the gripping device (175) has gripped the inner assembly (1).

5. The apparatus (100) according to claim 4, wherein the unloading member (170) is configured to move the gripping device (175) at substantially the same speed and in the same direction as the movable frame (120) while the gripping device (175) is gripping the inner assembly (1) and until the holding member (150) releases the inner assembly (1).

6. The apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the winding support (135) comprises at least one first pin (137) extending in a transverse direction (A), and the pulling mechanism (140) is configured to move the at least one first pin (137) in a transverse direction.

7. The apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the withdrawal mechanism (140) is configured to initiate withdrawal of the winding support (135) from the inner assembly (1) at a distance from the distal position that is less than 70%, preferably less than 40%, more preferably less than 30% of the distance between the distal position and the proximal position when the movable frame (120) moves from the proximal position to the distal position.

8. The movable frame (120) is equipped with a movable support (125) mounted on it, and the at least one winding device (130) is mounted on the movable support (125), The movable support (125) is configured to move the at least one winding device (130) between a winding position and an unloading position relative to the movable frame (120), The at least one winding device (130) is configured to wind the at least one web (N1; N2; N3; N4) around each of the winding supports (135) at the winding position of each of the winding devices (130), The withdrawal mechanism (140) is configured to withdraw the winding support (135) from the inner assembly (1) at the unload position of each of the winding devices (130), The apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding device (150) is configured to hold the inner assembly (1) in the unload position of each of the winding devices (130).

9. Preferably a method for manufacturing an inner assembly for an electrochemical cell for the manufacture of a battery, Feeding at least one web (N1; N2; N3; N4) from the feeding unit (110) along the feeding path (P1; P2; P3; P4), The movable frame (120) is moved between a distal position and a proximal position while the at least one web (N1; N2; N3; N4) is wound around a winding support (135) mounted on the movable frame (120) to form an inner assembly (1), wherein the proximal position is closer to the feeding unit (110) than the distal position. To hold the inner assembly (1), The withdrawal of the winding support (135) from the inner assembly (1) is performed at least partially while the movable frame (120) is moving between the proximal and distal positions and while the inner assembly (1) is being held. Methods that include...

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein holding the inner assembly (1) and withdrawing the winding support (135) from the inner assembly (1) are performed at least partially while the movable frame (120) moves from the proximal position toward the distal position.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the inner assembly (1) is held by a retaining member (150) mounted on the movable frame (120).

12. The method according to claim 11, comprising unloading the inner assembly (1), wherein unloading the inner assembly (1) comprises gripping the inner assembly (1) with a gripping device (175) and subsequently releasing the inner assembly (1) from the retaining member (150).

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the release of the inner assembly from the retaining member (150) is performed while the movable frame (120) moves from the distal position toward the proximal position.

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