Apparatus and method for creating an internal assembly, preferably for an electrochemical cell intended for producing batteries

Abstract

Apparatus (100) for making an internal assembly (3) preferably for an electrochemical cell intended for producing batteries, comprising a dispensing unit (200) for a strip (80) along a predefined feed path (PA), said strip (80) comprising a plurality of fins (82) projecting from a main body (81) of said strip (80), an alignment device (205; 205') configured to displace said strip (80) so as to align it with said predefined feed path (PA), wherein said alignment device (205; 205') comprises a fin opening (219; 219') integral with said alignment device (205; 205') and configured to pass said plurality of fins (82) inclined with respect to said main body (81).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] "APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CREATING AN INTERNAL ASSEMBLY, PREFERABLY FOR AN ELECTROCHEMICAL CELL INTENDED FOR PRODUCING BATTERIES"

[0003] The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for creating an internal assembly, e.g. obtained as a coil of the type formed by winding a stripshaped article including a strip or a plurality of overlapping strips.

[0004] The invention also directed to a method for making the internal assembly itself.

[0005] The present invention finds a preferred, though not exclusive, application in the field of electrochemical cell production, for the manufacture of which, for example, a winding of a strip-shaped article or a stacking of a heterogeneous multilayer structure can be used.

[0006] In fact, in the relevant technical field, it is known to combine electrically conductor and electrically separator elements in layers in order to form an elaborate and functional structure of anodes and cathodes. The article made by overlapping the above-mentioned layers can thus be advantageously wound in coil form or coupled with layers in flat or other configurations, and thus be efficiently implemented for creating the desired electrochemical cell.

[0007] In the present disclosure, as well as in the accompanying claims, certain terms and expressions are deemed to assume, unless otherwise expressly indicated, the meaning expressed in the following definitions.

[0008] The term "internal assembly" of an electrochemical cell generically refers to the structure in which the conductor elements and the separator elements are combined within the electrochemical cell. Such a structure may be a substantially flat layered structure alternating on top of each other (achieved by means of stacking or Z-folding techniques) or it may be a coil structure formed by the spiral winding of conductor and separator strips alternating with each other.

[0009] The term "separator element" refers to a material that has the ability to isolate two further materials when interposed between them. More preferably, a separator element in this context is an electrically insulating material.

[0010] The term "separator strip" refers to a "separator element" with an substantially strip-shaped form. Thus, in this context, the term "separator strip" generally refers to a strip-shaped element that has the ability to isolate two materials when interposed between them. More preferably, a separator strip in this context is an electrically insulating material.

[0011] Consistently with what has been described above, the term "conductor element" identifies a material that has the ability to conduct a current, e.g. electric current, without dispersing it significantly.

[0012] Similar to the previous arguments, the term "conductor strip" refers to a "conductor element" with an substantially strip-shaped form.

[0013] For a more complete description, it should be noted that in this document, the term "strip" (or "strip-shaped article") refers to any solid product which, within an industrial production line, is in an elongated form, i.e. having a longitudinal extension significantly greater than its transverse extension.

[0014] It is interesting to note that the strip (or "strip-shaped article") can be composed of homogeneous or heterogeneous material and can be formed by a single layer or by the superimposition of several layers.

[0015] The strip also has characteristics that allow a certain flexing during its advancing along a relative production line.

[0016] Again, according to the present context, the strip (or strip-shaped article) can for example be made by overlapping conductor and insulating layers alternated with each other and be intended to form a sandwich to be wound for making a coil intended for the production of electrochemical cells.

[0017] The term "winding" is intended to mean making a spiral structure by rotation of a strip, a ribbon or more generally a strip-shaped article about an axis, a flat surface or another structure. By winding, the strip-shaped article will form one or more turns about the axis or the structure.

[0018] The term "coil" is intended to mean any spiral structure formed by winding a strip, ribbon or more generally a strip-shaped article about an axis, a flat surface or another winding structure. Depending on the structure about which the stripshaped article is wound, the overall shape of the coil may be substantially cylindrical rather than crushed or otherwise shaped.

[0019] As mentioned above, the coil can be applied not only in the electrochemical cell sector but also in other sectors, such as for example in the capacitor sector, within which coil-shaped structures can likewise be used.

[0020] The term "closed path" is intended to mean a path along which a winding head or other element travels in which the starting point and the end point of the path substantially coincide.

[0021] The term "continuous" referred to an expression of motion, is intended to mean an operation that takes place without interruption, without there being a stop or an interruption in the operation in question. In particular, with reference to the movement of a strip or of other element, the term "continuous" indicates that the strip, or a portion thereof, is never stopped during its movement.

[0022] The term "substantially constant" referred to a measure or quantity, such as for example the speed of displacement of an object, is intended to mean that said measure or quantity maintains, over time, a value which preferably varies by a maximum of ±10%, preferably by a maximum of ±5%, preferably by a maximum of ±2%.

[0023] Similar to the above, the terms "substantially parallel" or "substantially perpendicular" are used to identify a configuration between two geometric or physical elements (e.g. two lines, two segments, two planes, etc.) that respectively satisfies the condition of parallelism or perpendicularity with a tolerance of ± 5°. Furthermore, the condition of parallelism or perpendicularity between two geometric or physical elements is also understood to be fulfilled when there is no pure translation of one element with respect to another.

[0024] In this context, the term "predefined feed path" identifies a path that an element (e.g. the strip-shaped separator element) would have to follow if the machining process were to work completely correctly.

[0025] In reality, it is often the case that the actual feed path that the element follows may differ from the predefined feed path for various reasons such as, for example, compositional irregularities or discontinuities in the element that deform in an unpredictable manner, wear zones in the guide devices of the element that change the application of forces and constraints from what was theoretically modelled, etc.

[0026] An "alignment operation" takes place when the actual feed path is substantially overlapped with the predefined feed path. Further, in the present context, the term "reference portion" is used to identify a part of an element (e.g. the edge of the strip acting as a separator element) whose position and orientation is used to define a possible difference in alignment between the predefined feed path and the actual feed path. Similarly, the term "reference" is used when related to the apparatus or a device included in it in order to identify at least one spatially constant point against which the difference in alignment of the aforementioned reference portion can be assessed.

[0027] Said alignment, therefore, is preferably achieved by bringing the reference portion in substantial overlap with the reference of the apparatus.

[0028] The term "intersects" refers to a condition whereby a first element has at least one of its points in common with a second element that intersects it. This condition is particularly evident and understandable when considering projections on the same plane of several intersecting elements.

[0029] The term "integral" referred to the movement of two or more elements, is intended to mean that these elements perform substantially the same movement and substantially simultaneously. In other words, two integral elements move together, as a single body, although they are not necessarily joined or constrained to each other. It can in fact be provided that the respective systems of movement of the two elements are coordinated in such a way as to move, when necessary, the two elements together. Furthermore, it may be provided for the use of a temporary constraint between the two elements which, for example, joins them to each other in some steps, causing them to move together, and separates them again, making them movable independently of each other.

[0030] It should also be specified that the expression "to displace an object between a first position and a second position" is intended to mean both the displacement from the first position to the second position and the displacement from the second position to the first position.

[0031] This definition applies in an analogous way to similar expressions of motion, such as for example to transfer or to move a generic object between two positions or between two zones or even between two different operating configurations.

[0032] In this context, the term "distance" between two elements, e.g. A and B, refers to the minimum distance that can be defined by considering all points of A and all points of B. In this sense, therefore, a distance between two elements is identified between their mutually most proximal points. In this context, the term "kinematically independent" is intended to mean two or more systems that are able to perform movements completely independently and separately. In other words, kinematically independent systems or devices are configured in such a way that they can carry out their intended movements without changing the position of other involved systems. It is also significant to understand that this condition of kinematic independence does not exclude that different systems or devices can cooperate and / or transfer material to each other along common and substantially overlapping segments of space.

[0033] It is further important to note that this condition of kinematic independence does not exclude that parts different and directly independent from each other have a common driving origin. In this sense, kinematically independent systems could be moved, for example, by a same drive shaft by means of different types of drive connections, while still realising their own motions that do not directly influence each other.

[0034] The term "movable" refers to portions or devices provided with the ability to move through space. It is relevant to note that these portions or devices can be movable both because they are provided with their own means of displacement ad because they are constrained to further portions configured with displacement abilities.

[0035] The terms "upstream" and "downstream" indicate operating steps that have their own specific position in the sequencing of a process.

[0036] More specifically, if operation B occurs upstream of operation A, it means that operation B will occur sequentially before said operation A.

[0037] Similarly, if operation B occurs downstream of operation A, it means that operation B will occur sequentially after said operation A.

[0038] These considerations for operating steps also apply to devices and / or portions that are positioned respectively upstream or downstream of others according to the sequential operating flow of the process considered and described.

[0039] The terms "vertical" and "horizontal" have in this context the meaning they generally have in common parlance whereby, for example, the supporting plane is horizontal and the plane perpendicular to it is vertical. In this sense, the terms "upper" and "lower" refer to different vertically spaced-apart positions and serve primarily to distinguish different elements or faces in a practical manner, but do not in any way have a limiting sense of description.

[0040] In this context, the term "in absolute value" referred to, for example, an angle of rotation (e.g. 45°) is understood to mean both an angle of rotation in a first direction (positive, +45°) equal to the indicated value and in a second direction (negative, -45°), opposite to the first, equal to the indicated value.

[0041] For greater clarity, by way of example, a clockwise rotation produced according to said angle of rotation is identified as being produced according to the first positive direction of rotation, and therefore the corresponding angle will be reported with a value greater than zero (e.g. +45°).

[0042] Consistently, a negative value of the angle of rotation indicates a rotation that occurs in a counter-clockwise direction.

[0043] The term "as complimentary" is intended to mean a configuration of a spatial element (e.g. surface) such as to fill the space not occupied by a reference element.

[0044] In particular, if a spatial surface is configured as complimentary with a reference surface, it is shaped in such a way as to substantially follow the profile of the reference surface by occupying a space not occupied by the reference surface at least in one of its surroundings. By way of non-limiting example, a spatial element configured as complimentary with a reference element with a conical extension can be made as a recess with a substantially funnel-shaped section.

[0045] The term "to interact" is intended to mean a condition that allows one to actively intervene by changing certain conditions or configurations in which an element is acting.

[0046] For example, the expression "a folding unit interposed between said dispensing unit and said winding unit and configured to interact with said strip along said feed path" is intended to mean that said folding unit is able to actively modify and define the spatial extension of the strip feed path, in particular by determining a first curved folding tract.

[0047] The term "rod" refers to an element having a solid or hollow three-dimensional body preferably developed along a main axis, which may be slab-shaped, linear, double plate, circular, 'C'-shaped, 'H'-shaped or similar. In this context, the term "rod" can be regarded as similar to "bar". The term "slab-shaped" refers to an object having a slab-like shape, i.e. having a parallelepiped body with a prevailing longitudinal development (i.e. length) and a thickness, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal development, much less than the length. This slab comprises two substantially planar, parallel and opposite surfaces.

[0048] The Applicant, in the context of the constant need to increase the performance and the efficiency of the production processes, has preliminarily observed how, production line for the production of an internal assembly for an electrochemical cell for producing batteries, the feed rate of the strip-shaped article with respect to the unit that carries out the winding thereof can be an important element limiting the production capacity of the line itself.

[0049] Furthermore, this limitation is even more critical if high precision is required in the formation of an internal assembly (for example a coil).

[0050] The Applicant further perceived that in case it is wished to create for example a battery comprising a coil with "tabless" structure, it becomes extremely advantageous to be able to quickly and simultaneously fold the fins of a strip (usually an electrode) in a precise and uniform manner in order to overlap them with each other so as to produce a continuous and uniform final contact surface.

[0051] In particular, the Applicant further noted that in the context of the processing of the coils for batteries, such fins are generally only folded towards the end of the strip processing and in immediate proximity or concomitance with the coil winding process itself.

[0052] This design of the coil manufacturing process stems from the difficulty, according to the teachings of the prior art, of dealing with the delicate fins and in particular not being able to effectively handle any pre-folding.

[0053] The Applicant, through targeted and specific investigations, further noted that this operational limitation also entails the condition of having to apply significant folding of the fins substantially at once, thus risking being too abrupt and / or not stabilised over time.

[0054] The Applicant, in fact, noted that this operating method may entail, on the one hand, a risk of breakage of the fins in the event that the only folding is too abrupt or extended and, on the other hand, the presence of a not well-controlled elastic recovery by the material constituting the fins themselves downstream of the only folding step to such an extent that the actual quality of the final product may be compromised.

[0055] At this point, the Applicant perceived that there was an advantageous possibility to improve the winding process of a battery, preferably tabless, by increasing the control of the position of the strip with respect to the apparatus and at the same time avoiding that the movement of the fins before or after any folding step could lead to the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art.

[0056] The Applicant therefore found that a combination of an alignment device of the strip and an opening integrally constrained to it and configured to ensure a predefined fin fold was capable of improving the efficiency of the process for creating an internal battery assembly by reducing the possible problems associated with unwanted interactions between the fins and the structural parts of the apparatus at different steps of processing.

[0057] In a first aspect thereof, therefore, the present invention relates to an apparatus for making a coil, preferably for an electrochemical cell intended for producing batteries.

[0058] Preferably, said apparatus comprises a dispensing unit to dispense at least one strip along a predefined feed path.

[0059] Preferably, said strip comprises a plurality of fins projecting from a main body of said strip.

[0060] Preferably, said apparatus comprises an alignment device configured to displace said strip so as to align it with said predefined feed path.

[0061] Preferably, said alignment device comprises a fin opening integral with said alignment device and configured to make said plurality of fins pass inclined with respect to said main body.

[0062] Thanks to this solution, it will then be possible to size the position and extension of the fin opening in such a way as to guarantee safe movement of the alignment device during the desired actions, benefiting from an innovative spectrum of types of interactions between the fins themselves and the aforementioned device.

[0063] In fact, thanks to the present invention, it is possible to determine whether to make the plurality of fins pass through the alignment device without making any contact with the alignment device itself, or by having a slight contact, or by providing a functional contact to ensure a predetermined orientation of the fins.

[0064] It is interesting to note that such a technical solution, therefore, advantageously allows a predetermined folding configuration of the plurality of fins to be maintained or guaranteed (that is, the fins are inclined with respect to the main body) without damaging them even during the alignment step between the strip and the predefined feed path.

[0065] In a second aspect thereof, the present invention is directed to a method for aligning a strip intended for creating an internal assembly of an electrochemical cell for producing batteries.

[0066] Preferably, said strip comprises a plurality of fins projecting from a main body of said strip.

[0067] Preferably said method comprise dispensing by means of a dispensing unit said a strip along a predefined feed path.

[0068] Preferably, said method comprises arranging downstream of said dispensing unit an alignment device configured to displace said strip along a transverse direction with respect to said predefined feed path.

[0069] Preferably, said method comprises identifying a possible alignment difference between said strip and said feed path.

[0070] Preferably, said method comprises, in the case where said difference in alignment is other than zero, actuating said alignment device to align said strip to said predefined feed path by engaging said strip at said main body in such a way as to maintain a safe distance between said plurality of fins inclined with respect to said main body and at said alignment device during the displacement of said alignment device.

[0071] In this way, a folding or pre-folding of the plurality of fins realised at a step upstream of the alignment device can be preserved or guaranteed.

[0072] It is evident that a great advantage of this operating method is that it allows for an effective alignment by providing for an effective configuration of the device that synergistically aligns the main body of the strip and controls the orientation of the fins while avoiding unwanted deformation or damage. For the person skilled in the art, it is clear that the safety distance is measured with respect to the part of the alignment device closest to the plurality of fins.

[0073] The present invention, in at least one of the aforesaid aspects, may have at least one of the further preferred features set forth below.

[0074] Preferably, said fin opening is delimited or defined within said alignment device.

[0075] This ensures that the fin opening moves solidly with the alignment device during all possible alignment steps, thus producing a condition in which ideal and effective alignment can be achieved.

[0076] Preferably, said fin opening has a substantially triangular or rectangular or trapezoidal cross-section or similar polygonal geometric figures.

[0077] Thanks to this technical solution, it is possible to efficiently pass the plurality of fins through the alignment device, minimising the free space required by optimising the simplicity of the opening itself.

[0078] In particular, the substantially triangular and trapezoidal sections provide the possibility of creating, by means of an inclined side of the opening, a step of controlled contact between the plurality of fins and a part of the opening in order to define or guarantee a predetermined orientation of the fins.

[0079] Preferably, said apparatus comprises a supply unit for said strip placed downstream of said dispensing unit.

[0080] Preferably, said supply unit comprises a movable portion configured to reversibly move along a displacement direction between a first configuration distal to said dispensing unit and a second configuration proximal to said dispensing unit.

[0081] Preferably, said movable portion comprises one or more of said alignment devices.

[0082] This makes it possible to obtain a coupling of the strip wherein the alignment is continuously checked and corrected even during the steps in which the movable portion displaces itself to avoid interruption in feeding the strip.

[0083] Thanks to this technical solution, therefore, it is possible to further improve the continuous supply and coupling process of the strip by correcting any misalignment even while the movable portion is in action while ensuring effective control of the orientation of the plurality of fins.

[0084] Preferably, said

[0085] Preferably, said alignment device comprises an aligning roller rotatable about a first longitudinal axis, transverse to said predefined feed path, and in contact with said strip.

[0086] Preferably, said alignment device comprises a rotation member configured to rotate said aligning roller about a rotation axis perpendicular to said first longitudinal axis, so as to be able to align said strip with respect to said predefined feed path.

[0087] In this way, it is advantageously possible to produce a correction of the alignment of the strip (or strip-shaped article) by means of its direct rotation, thus producing the possibility of setting a new feeding the strip direction, which can advantageously result in a large variation in direction depending on the distance travelled by the strip before undergoing further processing or modification.

[0088] Preferably, said aligning roller is configured so that its projection on a reference plane perpendicular to said rotation axis intersects said rotation axis and the projection of said rotation member on said reference plane.

[0089] Thanks to this technical solution, it is possible to create an alignment device with improved structural rigidity and better able to withstand mechanical stresses, e.g. linked to sudden acceleration or deceleration.

[0090] It is immediately obvious to the person skilled in the art that this technical solution finds its advantageous (but not limiting) implementation when mounted on highspeed movable elements.

[0091] Preferably, said fin opening is made flanked to said aligning roller in a lateral position with respect to said predefined feed path.

[0092] In this way, an effective and compact embodiment of the present invention is realised.

[0093] According to an embodiment, said first longitudinal axis and said rotation axis are positioned so that they are at a distance between them comprised between 0.2 mm and 50 mm. In said way, rotation of said aligning roller about said rotation axis can be realised in an improved manner.

[0094] According to a further embodiment, said rotation axis is in proximity to an outer surface of said aligning roller.

[0095] Thanks to this technical solution, it is possible to align the strip while producing a selected and contained disturbance on the strip to be moved.

[0096] Preferably, said rotation axis is substantially tangent to said outer surface of said aligning roller.

[0097] In this context, the rotation axis is in proximity to the outer surface, and in particular to its tangent, when positioned at a distance therefrom equal to ± 10mm, preferably at ± 5mm and even more preferably at a distance equal to 0mm.

[0098] Thanks to said solution, the strip undergoes an alignment correction mainly for a portion placed downstream of said aligning roller, while the portion of the strip placed upstream of the aligning roller will not undergo significant alignment changes and disturbances.

[0099] This further enables more effective control of the desired alignment of the strip while reducing at the same time twisting and / or faults introduced into the strip upstream of the aligning roller.

[0100] Preferably, said rotation member comprises a fixed component preferably integrally constrained to said movable portion and a movable component constrained to said aligning roller and selectively displaceable relative to said fixed component so as to allow the rotation of said aligning roller about said rotation axis.

[0101] In this context, it is clear to the person skilled in the art that the component defined as fixed and integrally constrained to the movable portion will follow the same movements as the fixed portion. In other words, in this case, the fixed component does not produce any relative movement with respect to the movable portion of the apparatus. Conversely, the movable component has the possibility of producing further relative displacements relative to the movable portion other than zero.

[0102] This makes it possible to advantageously design the parts intended for realising the rotations of the aligning roller and those intended for the abutments of the forces acting during use of the alignment device.

[0103] Preferably, said rotation member comprises a pin and a bearing or a joint or a hinge or a curved guide and a slide configured to rotate said aligning roller about said rotation axis.

[0104] Thanks to these technical solutions, the rotation of the aligning roller can be realised in a precise, efficient and industrially advantageous manner.

[0105] The Applicant further noted that the claimed embodiments having the above- mentioned characteristics may have an aligning roller that rotates both about a real rotation axis (i.e. physically coinciding with a part of the rotation member) and about a virtual rotation axis (i.e. not physically coinciding with a part of the rotation member), thereby obtaining further design freedom as desired.

[0106] Preferably, said aligning roller has a cylindrical development.

[0107] In said sense, said cylindrical development is a function of said first longitudinal axis.

[0108] In this way, an advantageous and uniform feed and control of the strip is realised.

[0109] According to further embodiments, said aligning roller has concave or convex development.

[0110] Thanks to this embodiment, the strip tends to move spontaneously towards the zone of maximum concavity or convexity.

[0111] According to embodiments, this zone of maximum concavity or convexity may be defined at a central longitudinal zone equidistant from the longitudinal ends of the first or second roller.

[0112] This make it possible to ensure that the strip is spontaneously moved towards the central longitudinal zone of the first or second roller, keeping it further away from the axial ends.

[0113] In embodiments, this zone of maximum concavity or convexity can be spaced from a central longitudinal zone of the aligning roller.

[0114] Thanks to this asymmetrical configuration, the strip can be guided in an even more specific and particular way. According to further embodiment, the aligning roller has a conical development, i.e. tapered towards one of its longitudinal ends.

[0115] Thanks to this embodiment, the strip can be made to tend to move spontaneously according to the development of the tapering. For example, the strip may move spontaneously towards the zone of the roller that has a smaller diameter.

[0116] Preferably and according to a further embodiment, said alignment device is configured to displace said strip so as to align it with said predefined feed path by translating said strip according to a translation direction transverse to said predefined feed path.

[0117] In this way it is possible to produce an alignment correction by translating the strip and then quickly displacing a predetermined portion of the strip by a desired finite amount.

[0118] Preferably, said alignment device comprises a first frame on which a first roller and a second roller are arranged.

[0119] Preferably, said first and second rollers are respectively rotating about a first and second longitudinal axis.

[0120] Preferably, said first and second rollers are housed so as to placed side by side and spaced apart from each other so as to engage said strip between them along said predefined feed path.

[0121] Preferably, said first frame is translatable with respect to said supply unit according to said translation direction having a component parallel to said first and second longitudinal axis.

[0122] In this way, alignment of the strip is realised efficiently, cost-effectively and quickly.

[0123] Preferably, said translation direction is substantially parallel to said first longitudinal axis.

[0124] Thanks this technical solution it is possible to make the alignment device even more effective and compact.

[0125] According to one embodiment, said first roller and / or said second roller are constrained with an allowed rotation about their respective longitudinal axes to an eccentric shaft.

[0126] This makes it possible to correct any mutual abutment or contact errors on the strip.

[0127] According to one embodiment, said first roller is operatively connected to a first motor element so as to be actuatable in rotation about a second longitudinal axis.

[0128] This facilitates selective feeding the strip in a precise manner.

[0129] Preferably, said second roller is constrained to a bracket.

[0130] Preferably, said bracket is constrained to said first frame with an allowed translation and is configured to reversibly move between a close position, wherein said second roller is at a minimum distance from said first roller and a spacedapart position, wherein said second roller is at a maximum distance from said first roller.

[0131] In this way, it is advantageously possible to displace the second roller to adapt different strip formats while facilitating the passage of the strip, particularly when there is an initial end that may be subject to unwanted flexing or curvature.

[0132] Preferably, said first frame comprises an actuator constrained to said movement bracket and configured to translate said movement bracket eversibly between the close position and spaced-apart position.

[0133] In this way, the variation of the distance between the first and second roller can be made quickly and effectively.

[0134] Preferably, said actuator constrained to said movement bracket is a fourth motor element configured to reversibly displace said movement bracket between the close and spaced-apart position.

[0135] Preferably, said fourth motor element can be an electric stepper motor (or, alternatively, brushless one) or an equivalent pneumatic or electric system

[0136] Preferably, said alignment device comprises a processing unit operatively coupled to said fourth motor element and feed sensors configured to detect and transmit to said processing unit information relating to the advancement of said strip along said predefined feed path.

[0137] According to an embodiment, said processing unit is configured to automatically activate said fourth motor element so as to displace said drive bracket between said close position and said spaced-apart position according to the advancement of said strip along said predefined feed path.

[0138] In this way, automated operation of the alignment device is implemented, which automatically moves the second roller between the close position and the spaced-apart position, advantageously managing the free ends of the strip as they arise.

[0139] According to one embodiment, the first roller or the second roller is connected at its axial ends to a first and a second sensor device, respectively. In other words, for each roller there is provided a pair of sensor devices, both of which are connected to the axial ends of either the first or second roller.

[0140] Preferably, said first and second sensor devices are housed within a support portion of said first frame to which the second roller is constrained with an allowed rotation along its second longitudinal axis.

[0141] According to one embodiment, each sensor device comprises a respective first and second annular load cell surrounding a first part of a connection body, which has a second part internally fixed to a rotoidal joint configured to allow the rotation about the second longitudinal axis.

[0142] Preferably, the rotoidal joint in turn is externally fixed to the second roller.

[0143] Thanks this technical solution it is possible to minimise the radial footprint of the rotoidal joint by limiting its contribution to interaction stresses between the second roller and the strip engaging it.

[0144] For the sake of completeness, it is reported that this embodiment can be similarly implemented on the first roller.

[0145] According to an embodiment, a first and / or a second load cell are housed externally to said support portion and on sides axially opposite to the first or second roller.

[0146] Preferably, said first and second load cells are of the compression type.

[0147] In one embodiment, said support portion comprises a first and a second support bracket at or in proximity to which the two axial ends of the second roller are constrained with an allowed rotation. Preferably, said first and second load cells are respectively interposed between said first and second support bracket and said movement bracket.

[0148] In other words, said first and second support brackets are connected to the movement bracket by means of the first and second load cell.

[0149] Thus, when the second roller is subjected to a force transferred from the strip, it moves consistently in this direction. The two load cells detect this displacement and convert it into a signal that can be correlated to the force on the second roller.

[0150] Thanks to this solution, it is therefore possible to measure and control the evolution of the forces acting on the second roller.

[0151] Clearly, it is reported that such embodiments addressed to the presence of load cells relative to the first and / or second roller can be similarly implemented on any roller of the apparatus and in particular on the aligning roller, for example, according to embodiments described in more detail below.

[0152] Furthermore, this technical solution becomes advantageously practical when, for example, one does not have the possibility of inserting load cells inside the roller one wishes to control.

[0153] According to one embodiment, the alignment device comprises at least one encoder (or similar transducer) configured to detect the rotations produced by an associated roller.

[0154] According to one embodiment, at least one encoder is mounted on an extension of the second frame or on said support portion preferably on the side axially opposite said first or second roller and at said first or second longitudinal axis.

[0155] Preferably, said at least one encoder is mounted at said first rotation axis, which being optionally motorised can provide further useful information on the displacement and tension applied to the strip.

[0156] Thanks to such a device, it is possible to selectively detect the rotations of the first roller that may be induced by the first motor element so as to have a more precise control of the actual strip feed.

[0157] Preferably, said encoder is installed on the side axially opposite said first motor element in order to advantageously optimise the various overall dimensions required. Preferably, said fin opening is made side by side with said first roller and / or said second roller in a lateral position with respect to said predefined feed path.

[0158] In this way it is possible, through appropriate dimensioning of the first and / or second rollers, to define the position of the fin opening integral with the first frame.

[0159] According to one embodiment, the fin opening is a indentation made in said first and / or second roller.

[0160] Thanks to this technical solution, it is possible to create the opening for the fins simply and economically by removing material from an existing roller.

[0161] In this sense, the indentation has the sense of a "hollow" or "outlet" of the designated roller.

[0162] According to an embodiment, said indentation made in said first and / or second roller may have a radial development extending from the outer surface of the first and / or second roller to the first and / or second longitudinal axis.

[0163] Preferably, said first and / or second rollers have a cylindrical development.

[0164] In said sense, said cylindrical development is a function of said first and / or second longitudinal axis.

[0165] This provides an advantageous and uniform feed and control of the strip, which is subjected to a controlled and reproducible gripping.

[0166] According to further embodiments, said first and / or second rollers have concave or convex development.

[0167] Thanks to this embodiment, the strip tends to move spontaneously towards the zone of maximum concavity or convexity.

[0168] According to further embodiments, one of said first and second rollers has concave development and the other has complementary convex development.

[0169] This creates an advantageous gripping between these rollers that spontaneously and effectively guides the strip towards the zone of maximum concavity.

[0170] In embodiments, this zone of maximum concavity or convexity can be spaced from a central longitudinal zone of the first or second roller. According to further embodiment, one of these first and second rollers has a conical development, i.e. tapered towards one of its longitudinal ends.

[0171] Thanks to this embodiment, the strip can be made to tend to move spontaneously according to the development of the tapering. For example, the strip may move spontaneously towards the zone of the roller that has a smaller diameter.

[0172] Preferably, said movable portion comprises a folding unit configured to fold said plurality of fins about an axis parallel to said longitudinal extension direction of said at least one strip.

[0173] Preferably, said folding unit is placed upstream of said alignment device.

[0174] In this way, a predetermined orientation of the plurality of fins can be preserved or effectively guaranteed.

[0175] Preferably, said folding unit is housed on said movable portion.

[0176] In this way, it is possible to perform a further plurality of operations while maintaining continuous strip feeding.

[0177] Preferably, said alignment device comprises a sensor to detect a misalignment of said strip with respect to said predefined feed path.

[0178] Thanks to this solution, it is possible to precisely, quickly and uniformly quantify the amount of misalignment, if any, to be corrected.

[0179] Preferably, said sensor is an optical or laser sensor.

[0180] In this way, the benefits described above can be produced in a cost-effective and efficient manner.

[0181] Preferably, said apparatus comprises a coupling unit, configured to combine a plurality of conductor elements and at least one separator element in a predefined structure, so as to form said internal assembly of an electrochemical cell.

[0182] Preferably, said strip is at least one of said conductor elements and said at least one separator element.

[0183] Preferably, said coupling unit is placed downstream of said supply unit.

[0184] In this way, the internal assembly can be realised precisely. Preferably, said alignment device is positioned immediately upstream of said coupling unit.

[0185] In this way, any misalignment can be checked and corrected just before the coupling of the materials so that a more precise internal assembly can be produced.

[0186] Preferably, said strip is a separator strip.

[0187] Preferably, said internal assembly of said electrochemical cell is formed by a structure formed by a stack of conductor foils individually separated by said separator strip,

[0188] Preferably, said one coupling unit is a stacking unit of said conductor foils separated by said separator strip.

[0189] In this way, an internal assembly in the form of a multilayer stacked structure for prismatic batteries can be precisely and efficiently realised.

[0190] According to another embodiment, said strip is at least one of a plurality of strips comprising a pair of conductor strips and a pair of separator strips.

[0191] Preferably, said internal assembly of said electrochemical cell consists of a coil formed by said conductor strips and said separator strips wound together.

[0192] Preferably, said one coupling unit is a winding unit of said conductor strips and said separator strips.

[0193] In this way, an internal assembly in the form of a multilayer wound coil for cylindrical coils can be precisely and efficiently realised.

[0194] According to one embodiment, said supply unit comprises a respective alignment device for each of said conductor strips and said separator strips.

[0195] In this way, it is possible to precisely control the positioning of all elements of the internal assembly during its creation.

[0196] In embodiments, the alignment device comprises a sensor for alignment of the strip placed close to the first roller of the alignment device.

[0197] According to some embodiments, there are provided two sensors, one placed upstream and one downstream of the alignment device. Preferably, both the sensor placed upstream of the alignment device and the sensor placed downstream of the alignment device are positioned at a respective distance from the first longitudinal axis of the first roller comprised between 50 and 15 mm, preferably about equal to 20 mm.

[0198] It is understood that the distance between the sensor placed upstream and the first longitudinal axis may differ from the distance between the sensor placed downstream and the first longitudinal axis, as long as both are within the range described above.

[0199] Preferably, the distance of such sensors with respect to the first longitudinal axis is measured from the most proximal portion of the sensor (or, alternatively, from its sensing element).

[0200] Preferably, the sensor placed downstream of the alignment device is positioned at a distance from the rotation axis of the most proximal winding head (i.e. the winding head brought into the appropriate position to begin winding the strip) of between 100 and 30 mm, preferably about equal to 64 mm.

[0201] According to one embodiment, the first roller is positioned in such a way that its first longitudinal axis is at a distance from the rotation axis of the winding head (i.e. the winding head brought into the appropriate position adapted to begin winding the strip) of between 150 and 50 mm, preferably 94 mm. Similar embodiments can be implemented by considering the aligning roller of the alignment device realised according to the first type.

[0202] Preferably, said safety distance is other than zero.

[0203] This ensures, when desired, that the plurality of fins can pass through the alignment device without running the risk of being deformed by contact with the device itself.

[0204] Preferably, said safety distance is substantially constant during the displacement of said alignment device.

[0205] This ensures a constant safe condition of the fins.

[0206] Preferably, said method comprises arranging said alignment device comprising said first frame comprising an actuator constrained to said movement bracket and configured to translate said movement bracket reversibly between the close position and spaced-apart position. In this way, the variation of the distance between the first and second roller can be made quickly and effectively.

[0207] Preferably, said actuator constrained to said movement bracket is a fourth motor element configured to reversibly displace said movement bracket between the close and spaced-apart position.

[0208] Preferably, said fourth motor element can be an electric stepper motor (or, alternatively, brushless one) or an equivalent pneumatic or electric system

[0209] Preferably, said alignment device comprises a processing unit operatively coupled to said fourth motor element and feed sensors configured to detect and transmit to said processing unit information relating to the advancement of said strip along said predefined feed path.

[0210] According to an embodiment, said processing unit is configured to automatically activate said fourth motor element so as to displace said drive bracket between said close position and said spaced-apart position according to the advancement of said strip along said predefined feed path.

[0211] In this way, automated operation of the alignment device is implemented, which automatically moves the second roller between the close position and the spaced-apart position, advantageously managing the free ends of the strip as they arise.

[0212] Preferably, said method comprises maintaining said safety distance by passing said plurality of fins through a fin opening included in said alignment device.

[0213] This ensures, when desired, that the plurality of fins can pass through the alignment device without running the risk of being deformed by contact with the device itself.

[0214] Preferably, said method comprises arranging a movable portion downstream of said dispensing unit and comprising one or more of said alignment devices.

[0215] Preferably, said method comprises aligning said strip relative to said feed path by reversibly moving said movable portion along a displacement direction d between a first configuration distal to said dispensing unit and a second configuration proximal to said dispensing unit, so as to continuously supply and feed said strip. This makes it possible to obtain a coupling of the strip wherein the alignment is continuously checked and corrected even during the steps in which the movable portion displaces itself to avoid interruption in feeding the strip.

[0216] Preferably, said method comprises aligning said strip by rotation about a rotation axis that is transverse, and preferably perpendicular, to said predefined feed path.

[0217] In this way, it is advantageously possible to produce a correction of the alignment of the strip (or strip-shaped article) by means of its direct and affective rotation, thus producing the possibility of setting a new strip feed direction, which can advantageously result in a large variation in direction depending on the distance travelled by the strip before undergoing further processing or modification.

[0218] Preferably, said method comprises supplying said strip to said alignment device in a supply direction substantially parallel to said rotation axis.

[0219] Thanks to said solution, the strip undergoes an alignment correction mainly for a portion placed downstream of said aligning roller, while the portion of the strip placed upstream of the aligning roller will not undergo significant alignment changes and disturbances.

[0220] According to one embodiment, said method comprises aligning said strip by translation according to a translation direction transverse to said predefined feed path.

[0221] In this way it is possible to produce an alignment correction by translating the strip and then quickly displacing a predetermined portion of the strip by a desired finite amount.

[0222] Preferably, said method comprise folding said plurality of fins by means of a folding unit.

[0223] Preferably, said folding takes place upstream of said alignment of said strip with respect to said feed path.

[0224] In this way, a predetermined orientation of the plurality of fins can be preserved or effectively guaranteed.

[0225] According to a further aspect of the present invention, said apparatus comprises an alignment assembly comprising a first gripping frame on which a first gripping roller and a second gripping roller are arranged. Preferably, said first and second gripping rollers are rotating about a first and second longitudinal axis, respectively, and housed so as to be placed side by side to and spaced apart from each other so as to engage said strip between them along said feed path.

[0226] Preferably, said first gripping frame is rotatable with respect to said supply unit about a rotation axis substantially perpendicular to said first and second longitudinal axes.

[0227] Preferably, said alignment group comprises a fin opening integral with said alignment device and configured to make said plurality of fins pass nclined with respect to said main body.

[0228] This allows for a further form of alignment in which the strip is precisely and effectively controlled between the first and second take-up rollers while the latter impose alignment correction by rotation ensuring the desired predetermined orientation of the plurality of the fins.

[0229] Preferably, said rotation axis for said first gripping frame is substantially perpendicular to a first plane on which said first and second longitudinal axes lie.

[0230] In this way, the desired alignment can be achieved by a further rotary mode that rotates the strip about its longitudinal axis.

[0231] According to a further embodiment, said rotation axis is substantially parallel to a first plane on which said first and second longitudinal axes lie.

[0232] This allows the strip to be rotated while keeping it coplanar and ensuring effective alignment.

[0233] Preferably, said first gripping frame is alternatively either directly constrained to said supply unit by means of a rotation device, or is constrained to a second gripping frame with an allowed translation according to a translation direction having a component parallel to said first longitudinal axis, and said second gripping frame is constrained to said supply unit with an allowed rotation about said rotation axis by means of a rotation device.

[0234] Advantageously, in this way it is possible to choose whether to realise the alignment of the strip by pure rotation of the first frame or by roto-translation, thus benefiting from greater design freedom. Preferably, said rotation device is configured to produce a relative angle of rotation of said first gripping frame relative to said supply unit between, in absolute value, 0° and 10°, more preferably between 0° and 5°, even more preferably between 0° and 1 °.

[0235] In this way, optimised corrections can be produced without producing too abrupt changes in the set-up and / or deformations on the strip itself.

[0236] Preferably, said rotation device comprises a bearing constrained to said supply unit and a pin, coaxially associated with said bearing, connected to said first or second gripping frame so as to rotate said first gripping frame with respect to said supply unit.

[0237] This makes it possible to produce a compact and effective version of the present invention.

[0238] Preferably, said supply unit comprises said movable portion, which in turn comprises at least one of said alignment group.

[0239] Preferably, said fin opening is made side by side with said first gripping roller and / or said second gripping roller in a lateral position with respect to said predefined feed path.

[0240] In this way it is possible, through appropriate dimensioning of the first and / or second gripping roller, to define the position of the fin opening integral with the first gripping frame.

[0241] According to an embodiment of the present invention, said fin opening is an indentation made in said first and / or second gripping roller.

[0242] Thanks to this technical solution, it is possible to create the opening for the fins simply and economically by removing material from an existing roller.

[0243] Preferably, said apparatus comprises a processing unit operatively connected to said sensor and configured to process data collected by said sensor and to identify a correction of any misalignment between an actual feed path of said strip 80 and said predefined feed path. Furthermore, said processing unit is operatively connected to different types of the alignment devices or groups according to the present invention and configured to send instructions to the latter to realise a desired alignment correction movement. This makes it possible to produce the necessary alignment in an automated, fast and efficient manner.

[0244] The characteristics and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof, shown by way of nonlimiting example, with reference to the appended drawings wherein:

[0245] - figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus according to the present invention;

[0246] - figures 2, 3 and 4 are respectively a perspective view, a side view and a schematic view of a folding unit included in an embodiment according to the present invention;

[0247] - figure 5 is a side view of the apparatus comprising a movable portion and a plurality of the alignment devices according to the present invention,

[0248] - figures 6 and 7 are perspective views of an alignment device according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0249] - figure 8 is a top view of the alignment device of figure 7.

[0250] - figure 9 is a perspective view of a section according to plan IX in figure 8,

[0251] - figures 9b, c, d are perspective views of a section according to plan IXb, c, d of figure 8,

[0252] - figure 10 is a perspective view of a section according to the plan X of figure 8,

[0253] - figure 11 is a detailed perspective view of an element in figure 6,

[0254] - figure 12 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the present invention,

[0255] - figures 13 and 14 are detailed perspective views of the invention in figure 12,

[0256] - figure 15 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the present invention,

[0257] - figure 16 is a perspective view of a section according to plan XVI in figure 15,

[0258] - figure 16a is a perspective view of a further embodiment of this technical solution,

[0259] - figures 16b, c, d are cross-sectional views according to plan XVIb, c, d of figure 16a of different embodiments of this technical solution,

[0260] - figures 16e, f are perspective views of further embodiments in accordance with this technical solution,

[0261] - figure 16g is a perspective view of a section according to plan XVI of figure 15 relating to a further embodiment,

[0262] - figure 16h is a further perspective view of an embodiment according to this technical solution,

[0263] - figures 17 and 18 are further perspective views of the embodiment of the invention in figure 15,

[0264] - figure 19 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the present invention,

[0265] - figure 20 is a detailed perspective view of part of figure 19,

[0266] - figure 21 is a detailed frontal schematic view of a section according to plan XXI in figure 20,

[0267] - figure 22 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention,

[0268] - figures 23a, 23b, 23c and 23d are schematic figures of further embodiments according to the present invention,

[0269] - figures 24a and 24b are perspective views of embodiments according to schematic figures 23a and 23b,

[0270] - figure 25a is a side view of a further embodiment of the invention shown in figure 24a,

[0271] - figure 25b is a frontal view of a section according to plan XXVb in figure 25a.

[0272] With reference initially to figure 1 , 100 denotes an apparatus for creating an internal assembly 3, preferably in the form of a coil B, realised in accordance with the present invention.

[0273] In embodiments of the present invention not shown in the accompanying figures, the internal assembly 3 may comprise a structure consisting of a stack of conductor foils individually separated or, alternatively, a multilayer structure of alternating separator foils and conductor foils.

[0274] In preferred embodiments, the apparatus 100 is intended to perform the coupling of a strip 80 or a strip-shaped article N, made from a plurality of strips, intended for the production of electrochemical cells.

[0275] It is however understood that this represents a possible embodiment example and that the apparatus 100 according to the present invention may be intended for coupling strip-shaped articles also intended for different uses, even in fields other than those relating to the production of electrochemical cells.

[0276] For example, still in the field of energy storage, the present invention can find application in the production of other wound components intended for batteries or supercapacitors.

[0277] In general and still with reference to figure 1 , the apparatus 100 is configured to supply at least one strip 80, by means of a dispensing unit 200, and couple it, by a coupling unit 300, thus creating the internal assembly 3.

[0278] For illustrative and non-limiting purposes only, in the following embodiments the coupling unit 300 will be described as the winding unit.

[0279] For example, the apparatus 100 may also be used in the context of a production line for electrochemical cell coils B, in which the strip-shaped article N is made by a combination of several strips 80, in detail a plurality of four strips N1 , N2, N3, N4 that are overlapped between them forming the strip-shaped article N wound in the coil B.

[0280] It is clear to the person skilled in the art that the embodiments described below regarding the use of the strip 80 are also immediately implementable in the aforementioned plurality of the strips N1 , N2, N3, N4.

[0281] Preferably, the plurality of strips N1 , N2, N3, N4 comprises two conductor strips (N1 and N3, generally metallic) and two separator strips (N2 and N4, generally polymeric).

[0282] Still with reference to figure 1 , it can be noted the presence of a supply unit 2 interposed between dispensing unit 200 and the winding unit 300.

[0283] More comprehensively, the dispensing unit 200 and the winding unit 300 are configured to respectively dispense and wind strip 80 along a feed path PA. This clarification aims at clearly defining the feed direction of the strip 80 and the consequent clear possibility of identifying process steps that are upstream or downstream with respect to the feed path PA.

[0284] Still with reference to the embodiments shown in figures 1 , the strip 80 or strips N1 , N2, N3, N4 are supplied by special dispensing devices 6 comprised in the dispensing unit 200.

[0285] This strip 80 or plurality of strips N1 , N2, N3, N4 may be strips made of polymeric material, more preferably polyolefins and even more preferably polyethylene, polypropylene or their co-polymers.

[0286] According to further embodiments, such strips can be metal strips having intrinsic (e.g. density, elastic modulus, etc.) and / or extrinsic (e.g. thickness, etc.) characteristics such that they can be used in these processes and be flexed without undergoing critical deformation. Examples of such metals can be aluminium, aluminium alloys, copper, copper alloys, etc.

[0287] These strips have such a yielding nature that they can be rolled up on themselves without suffering critical structural damage and / or producing fractures in the material itself.

[0288] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the dispensing devices 6 of the strip (e.g. separators or conductors), which may be large coils wherein a strip is collected so as to be unwound and then supplied during the operation of the apparatus 100.

[0289] The strips obtained from the dispensing devices 6 are supplied to the supply unit 2 (placed downstream of the dispensing unit 6) which, in preferred embodiments, is responsible for combining the plurality of strips N1 , N2, N3, N4 with each other so as to form the strip-shaped article N before it is wound by the winding unit 300. It will be appreciated that the strip 80 or the plurality of strips N1 , N2, N3, N4, before being supplied to supply unit 2 may further pass through further units e.g. for preliminary processing on the strips.

[0290] In preferred embodiments, the strip 80 or the plurality of strips N1 , N2, N3, N4 are fed continuously, preferably into the supply unit 2.

[0291] In other words, each strip, or possibly one or more of the aforementioned strips, is fed by the dispensing devices 6 and introduced into the supply unit 2 without ever stopping, proceeding at a speed greater than zero and preferably substantially constant.

[0292] However, there may be the need to provide for interruptions of one or more of the strips dispensed or to slow down feeding one or more of the strips for other operating needs related to the specific processing being carried out.

[0293] For example, while producing coils intended for creating electrochemical cells, it can be provided that the strips that form anode and cathode respectively are not present in the terminal portion of the strip-shaped article that is wound to form the coil. In other words, it can be provided that the coil has a terminal and / or initial fin wherein only the two overlapped separator strips are present. For this and other purposes, an accumulation device (not shown in the figures) configured to accumulate an amount of at least one of said plurality of strips N1 , N2, N3, N4 or the generic strip 80 may be provided.

[0294] According to preferred embodiments such as the one shown, for example, in figures 2, 4, 19 and 20, the strip 80 (generic example of characteristics also common to the plurality of strips N1 , N2, N3, N4 as argued above) comprises a main body 81 having main development according to its longitudinal direction L.

[0295] In further embodiments, the strip 80 comprises a plurality of fins 82 transversely projecting from the main body 81 with respect to the longitudinal direction L. figures 2, 4, 19 and 20 show that these transverse fins 82 (or "side fins") extend projecting from a larger side of the main body 81 of the strip 80.

[0296] It can be noted that when the actual feed path of the strip 80 can be overlapped with the predefined feed path PA, then the longitudinal direction L substantially coincides with the predefined feed path PA.

[0297] Preferably, the plurality of fins 82 is realised by cutting or etching or ablation of the strip 80.

[0298] The plurality fins 82 can have various shapes and can be represented, when projected onto a reference plane, as, for example, trapezoidal, square, rectangular, triangular, rounded or similarly shaped two-dimensional structures.

[0299] It is interesting to note that it can be noted that the fins 82 are shaped so that, once the coil B is made, they can overlap on each other at least partially so as to create one continuous conductor element.

[0300] In order to be able to fold these fins 82 they are at least partially separated from each other by a through hole (or empty space or opening or "gap") extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction L of the main body 81 .

[0301] It is therefore clear that during any processes implemented by the apparatus 100 the plurality of fins 82 can change their spatial orientation according to a predetermined pattern.

[0302] This is shown, for example, in figure 20 in which the plurality of fins is inclined with respect to the central body 81 by a fin inclination angle 5 of, for example, between 30° and 60° in absolute value, more preferably substantially equal to 45° in absolute value. With reference to figures 7 and 19, two types of the alignment device are depicted, respectively identified as 205 and 205'.

[0303] Consistently with the present invention, the first type of the alignment device 205, shown for example in figures 6 and 7, is configured to achieve alignment between the strip 80 and the predefined feed path PA by rotation of the strip 80 itself, and comprises a fin opening 219 configured to allow it to pass without undergoing undesirable damage or deformation along the feed path PA.

[0304] Consistently with the present invention, the second type of the alignment device 205', shown for example in figures 15 and 19, is configured to achieve the alignment between the strip 80 and the predefined feed path PA by translation of the strip 80 itself and comprises a fin opening 219' configured to allow it to pass ensuring a predefined orientation of the plurality of fins.

[0305] These two types of alignment devices 205;205' will be described in detail below.

[0306] It is relevant to note that the technical features relating to the presence of the fin opening 219; 219' can be freely combined with the various technical elements described in the various embodiments presented in this document.

[0307] Considering figure 1 , it can be noted that the supply unit 2 preferably comprises a movable portion 250 configured to move in reciprocating motion along its own displacement direction d preferably substantially parallel to a portion of the feed path PA. In other words, the movable portion 250 is configured to be able to displace with respect to the advancement of the strip 80 (or the plurality of the strips N1 , N2, N3, N4) thus causing a relative feed acceleration or slowdown.

[0308] It is interesting to note that in the event that the movable portion 250 advances by exactly the same amount as the plurality of strip 80 (or of the strips N1 , N2, N3, N4), a condition of relative speed equal to zero is created, i.e. a "moving stop" condition in which the movable portion 250 and the strip 80 (or the plurality of strips N1 , N2, N3, N4) are between them “stationary” although in motion with respect to an external reference system. This configuration makes it possible to perform specific tasks that would normally require stopping feeding the strip (e.g. selective retention and movement by grippers of a portion of the strip, cutting a strip into two parts, etc.) continuously without ever blocking the advancement of the strip.

[0309] In other words, when the movable portion 250 moves from an initial position and advances along the feed path PA according to substantially the direction d with a speed equal to that of the strip 80, it is able to realise a kind of buffer condition of the strip which can then be advantageously recovered as required simply by returning the movable portion 250 to its initial position by means of a displacement in the opposite direction to the advancement of the strip 80.

[0310] In the preferred embodiment shown in figure 1 , the movable portion 250 moves by pure translation in an alternating manner in the direction d, which is inclined at 45° with respect to the vertical.

[0311] In alternative embodiments, the movable portion 250 can move in different directions, e.g. horizontally.

[0312] In further embodiments pertaining to the present invention, such an alternating translation movement of the movable portion is replaceable by a more complex law of motion comprising a first forward tract (e.g. horizontal), a second displacement tract (e.g. vertical) a third backward displacement tract (e.g., horizontal, equal in modulus to the first horizontal feed tract but opposite in direction), and a fourth displacement tract (e.g., vertical, equal in modulus to the second vertical displacement tract but opposite in direction) enabling the movable portion 250 to return to its initial starting point once the intended law of motion has been completed, thereby realising a closed path.

[0313] In some embodiments such as the one shown in figure 1 , the strip N1 is a conductor strip oriented along the supply unit 2 substantially parallel to the displacement direction d of the movable portion 250. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention not shown in the figure, the displacement direction d of the movable portion 250 is horizontal and corresponds to the orientation of the conductor strip N3 along the supply unit 2.

[0314] The movement of the movable portion 250 is carried out by motorised displacement devices not shown in the figures, which preferably comprise rails or slides, moved by means of strips or racks.

[0315] The movable portion 250 comprises, in the first embodiments described herein, at least one alignment device 205;205' constrained to it and configured to align the strip 80 to the predefined feed path PA.

[0316] In more detail and still with reference to figure 1 , the movable portion 250 comprises a movable input section 251 from which the strip 80 or the plurality of strips N1 , N2, N3, N4, which will then be wound to form the coil B by the winding unit 300, enter.

[0317] In preferred embodiments, the winding unit 300 is installed on the movable portion 250.

[0318] Preferably, the winding unit 300 comprises three winding heads 310 that can be moved by rotation with respect to the movable portion 250.

[0319] In preferred embodiments, each of the winding heads 310 allows for efficient and continuous winding of the strip 80 or the strip-shaped article N to form the desired coil B. It is interesting to note that the plurality of winding heads 310 allows for the continuous winding of coils B without having to stop the feeding of the strip 80.

[0320] In some embodiments not shown in the figures, the winding unit 300 comprises a rotatable body that ca rotate about its own rotation axis.

[0321] This rotatable body supports a plurality of extending arms, which are preferably hinged at one of their first ends to the rotatable body and which house at their second end, opposite the first, respective winding heads 310 for the continuous creation of the coils B.

[0322] For the sake of completeness, reference is now made to the example in figure 22 to show how the alignment device 205;205’ is configured to move the strip 80 so as to align a portion of reference 81 a of the strip 80 with respect to a reference 81 b of the apparatus 100. According to preferred embodiments, the reference portion 81 a is, for example, advantageously a lateral edge of the main body 81 or a creasing edge from which the plurality of fins 82 project.

[0323] Considering figure 6, it can be noted that reference 81 b is a spatial point identified at an element of the alignment device 205.

[0324] According to another embodiment shown in figure 22, it can be noted that reference 81 b is a spatial point identified at a sensor 260'. Preferably, the sensor 260' can be an optical sensor, a photo / video camera, or similar technical solution.

[0325] Furthermore, the set reference can be a point, or a spatial segment or other specifically predefined geometric elements.

[0326] The sensor 260' is configured to detect any difference in alignment AAII between the strip 80 and the predefined feed path PA. In particular, in line with what has been argued above, it is advantageous to determine this difference in alignment by noting any variation in distance between the portion of reference 81 a and reference 81 b.

[0327] In embodiments, the sensor 260' is placed close to the first roller of the alignment device 205'.

[0328] According to some embodiments, two sensors 260' are provided, one placed upstream and one placed downstream of the alignment device 205’.

[0329] Preferably, both the sensor placed upstream of the alignment device 205' and the sensor placed downstream of the alignment device 205' are positioned at a respective distance from the first longitudinal axis 211X' of the first roller 211 ' comprised between 50 and 15 mm, preferably about equal to 20 mm.

[0330] It is understood that the distance between the sensor placed upstream and the first longitudinal axis 211X' may differ from the distance between the sensor placed downstream and the first longitudinal axis 211 X', as long as both are within the range described above.

[0331] Preferably, the distance of such sensors from the first longitudinal axis 211X' is measured from the most proximal portion of the sensor (or, alternatively, from its sensing element).

[0332] Preferably, the sensor placed downstream of the alignment device 205' is positioned at a distance from the rotation axis of the most proximal winding head 310 (i.e. the winding head brought into the appropriate position to begin winding the strip 80) of between 100 and 30 mm, preferably about equal to 64 mm.

[0333] According to an embodiment, the first roller 211 ' is positioned such that its first longitudinal axis 211 X' is at a distance from the rotation axis of the most proximal winding head 310 (i.e. the winding head brought into the suitable position to start winding the strip 80) of between 150 to 50 mm, preferably equal to 94m nr Now with reference to figure 5, it can be noted that, preferably, a plurality of the alignment devices 205;205', each comprising a respective fin opening 219;219', is installed in the movable portion 250.

[0334] Specifically, figure 5 shows four alignment devices 205 placed upstream of the winding unit 300 and each acting on one of the strips N1 , N2, N3, N4. Furthermore, the embodiment of figure 5 comprises two other alignment devices 205' placed immediately upstream of the winding unit 300 and each acting on one of the two conductor strips N1 , N3.

[0335] Further, and with reference to figures 1 , 5, 6 and 15, it can be noted that the movable portion 250 preferably comprises the two distinct types of the alignment device 205; 205' at its different portions.

[0336] In the embodiment shown in figure 1 , the first type identifiable with the reference 205 is preferably positioned in proximity to the movable input section 251 , while the second type 205' is in proximity to and immediately upstream of the aforementioned winding unit 300.

[0337] In more detail, each alignment device 205' shown in figure 5 is configured to selectively move the strip 80 so as to align its reference portion 81 a with respect to the reference 81 b of the apparatus 100 by means of a rotation of the reference portion 81 a about a transverse axis, preferably perpendicular, to the longitudinal direction L and the main body 81 of the strip 80.

[0338] With reference to figures 6 and 7, it can be noted that the alignment device 205 comprises a rotation unit 210 including an aligning roller 220 configured to rotate about its first longitudinal axis 220X so as to be in contact with the strip 80. Further, the alignment device 205 comprises a body 230 (shown in detail in figure 11 ) preferably integrally constrained to the movable portion 250 and on which there is housed a rotation member 232 configured to rotate the aligning roller 220 about a rotation axis 220Y substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis 220X.

[0339] As can be noted from figure 6, the aligning roller 220 is configured so that its projection 220P on a reference plane XZ, perpendicular to the rotation axis 220Y, intersects the rotation axis 220Y itself and the projection 232P of the rotation member 232 on the reference plane XZ. In more detail, it can be seen that the aligning roller 220, having an substantially cylindrical shape, projects an substantially rectangular outline onto the reference plane XZ, while the reference member 232 projects an substantially circular outline onto the reference plane XZ. These elements will be described more fully below.

[0340] Preferably, the rotation axis 220Y is positioned substantially equidistant from the bases of the aligning roller 220. With reference to figures 9 and 10, it can be noted that the rotation member 232 comprises a fixed component 232a integrally constrained to the body 230 (and thus to the movable portion 250) and a movable component 232b constrained to the aligning roller 220 and selectively displaceable relative to the fixed component 232a so as to allow the rotation of the aligning roller 220 about the rotation axis 220Y.

[0341] More particularly, the rotation member 232 preferably comprises a pin associated with a rotating bearing 232b and a box-like body 232a configured to rotate said aligning roller 220 about said rotation axis 220Y. Specifically, as shown in more detail in figure 9, in this embodiment, the fixed component is represented by the body 230 to which the external wall of the rotating bearing 232a is integrally constrained, while the movable component is represented by the pin 232b integrally constrained to the internal wall of the rotating bearing with free rotation about the rotation axis 220Y thanks to the balls interposed between the internal wall and the external wall of the bearing itself.

[0342] Alternative embodiments to those mentioned above involve a joint or hinge or a curved guide and slide as the respective combinations of fixed 232a and movable 232b components.

[0343] It is interesting to note that the fixed component 232a comprises a first and a second abutment surface 232a1 , 232a2, intended to receive at least in part the forces acting on the movable component 232b during use, and in particular rotation about the rotation axis 220Y, of the aligning roller 220.

[0344] In fact, with reference to figure 9, it can be seen that the outer wall 232a1 of the rotating bearing (integrally constrained to the housing 230) is intended to provide the abutment for the forces applied on the aligning roller 220 and having radial components with respect to the rotation axis 220Y, while the upper wall of the rotating bearing (in contact with the lower wall of the pin 232b) is intended to provide the abutment for the forces applied on the aligning roller 220 and having components parallel to the rotation axis 220Y. In particular, it is noted that the pin 232b is integrally constrained on ends opposite to two respective rods (or arms or plates) 231 so that the bearing (or the plurality of bearings if present) acts as an abutment for both possible directions of actuation of the forces applied on the aligning roller 220 having components parallel to the rotation axis 220Y

[0345] It is noted that the first abutment surface 232a1 , in order to provide such an abutment with respect to the forces applied on the aligning roller 220 and having radial components with respect to the rotation axis 220Y, extends along the direction of said rotation axis 220Y for at least 5mm while the second abutment surface 232a2 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis 220Y.

[0346] Figure 7 shows that the strip 80 is preferably interposed between the aligning roller 220 and the rotation member 232.

[0347] Still with reference to figure 7, it can be noted that the space in which the strip 80 is made to pass comprises the fin opening 219 which moves integrally with the aligning roller 220.

[0348] Further preferably, the strip 80 is partially wound about the aligning roller 220 for at least 90°, more preferably for an angle subtended at the centre of the aligning roller 220 comprised between 150° and 180°. In these configurations, it is possible to pass the fins 82 even if bent according to the fin angle 5 between 30° and 60° in absolute value without producing harmful contact with the alignment device 205.

[0349] With reference to figures 6 and 9, it can be noted that each rod (or arm or plate) of the pair of rods 231 is integrally constrained in proximity to its first end 231a to an upper and lower portion of the movable component, respectively.

[0350] Furthermore, the aligning roller 220 is constrained with an allowed rotation in proximity to a second end 231 b, opposite the first end 231a, of the upper rod 231 . Preferably, the rods 231 are substantially slab-shaped and are integrally constrained to the pin 232b by a plurality of screws or similar clamping devices.

[0351] With reference to the embodiment shown in figure 9, it can be noted that the aligning roller 220 can have cylindrical development with respect to the first longitudinal axis 220X. figure 9b shows another embodiment in which the aligning roller 220 has convex development, while figure 9c shows a further embodiment in which the aligning roller 220 has concave development. In both cases described here, these convexities and concavities are to be understood with respect to the first longitudinal axis 220X.

[0352] Again, the embodiment examples shown in figures 9b and 9c exhibit the maximum convexity and concavity substantially at a longitudinally central zone (or axially central zone) of the aligning roller 220. In embodiments not shown in the figures, such convexity and concavity maxima can be defined in portions of the aligning roller 220 other than the longitudinally central zone.

[0353] It is interesting to note that in figure 9d a further embodiment is shown, the aligning roller has a conical development, i.e. tapered towards one of its longitudinal ends. In the example case, the direction of tapering is preferably towards the second end 231 b of the rod 231 .

[0354] It can be noted from figure 11 that the body 230 preferably has a substantially parallelepiped shape comprising a seat 236 shaped to receive the pair of rotating bearings 232a and the pin 232b. In this case, it can be noted that the seat 236 has a substantially cylindrical shape and is positioned at one end of the body 230.

[0355] According to a preferred embodiment, the body 230 develops about the seat 236 with substantially uniform thickness, thus presenting a rounded end close to the seat 236.

[0356] Still with reference to figure 11 , the body 230 comprises a central hole 237 which passes through in a direction parallel to the rotation axis 220Y and has a preferably substantially rectangular cross-section.

[0357] In addition, the body 230 comprises a cavity 239 ending above and below in a pair of oblong openings 238 positioned in proximity to the end opposite to that in which the seat 236 is located and shaped to guide the displacement of the pair of rods 231 during their rotation.

[0358] The cavity 239 appears to be communicating with the outside of the body 230 not only at the pair of oblong openings 238 but also through a further lateral opening.

[0359] Now with reference to figures 9 and 10, it can be noted that the pin 232b housed in the seat 236 is constrained to the pair of rods 231 both above and below at the first end 231 a of each rod.

[0360] In the embodiment shown as an example in figure 9, the upper rod has the two opposing surfaces with greater extension on which the pin as the first rotating element 231 on the lower surface and the aligning roller 220 on the upper surface are respectively constrained.

[0361] With reference to figures 7 and 9, the pair of rods 231 hinged on the pin 231 are substantially identical in shape and extension and are integrally constrained together by means of a spacer 240 (in this example in the form of a ring) placed in contact with the lower face of the upper rod and the upper face of the lower rod, respectively. The constraint between the pair of rods 231 and the ring (or spacer) 240 is preferably made by means of screws as shown in figures 9 and 10.

[0362] This rod-pair (or double-arm) configuration serves to increase the rigidity of the rotating support through which the aligning roller 220 is placed in rotation, thus conferring less deformability on the alignment device 205.

[0363] It is interesting to note, with reference to figure 11 , that the central hole 237 of the body 230 is shaped to accommodate the spacer 240 and to allow it to move freely within it while the pair of rods 231 performs a rotation about the rotation axis 220Y less than or equal to about 10° in absolute value, more preferably less than or equal to about 4° in absolute value.

[0364] Still with reference to figures 9 and 10, it can be noted that the alignment device 205 comprises a second motor element 234 with a drive shaft 235a rotatable about its longitudinal axis.

[0365] Preferably, the second motor element 234 is an electric stepper motor, brushless or similar technical solution.

[0366] With reference to figures 10 and 11 , it can be noted that the drive shaft 235a is realised as a trapezoidal screw, preferably a recirculating ball screw, and housed within the cavity 239 ending in the pair of oblong openings 238 formed in the body 230. In more detail, it can be noted that the trapezoidal screw 235a, preferably a recirculating ball screw, is inserted into the cavity 239 passing through the aforementioned further side opening.

[0367] According to one embodiment, a flanged nut 235b is housed on the trapezoidal screw 235a, preferably with recirculating balls. Said flanged nut 235b further comprises an upper and a lower tooth projecting vertically and from opposite sides from its outer surface.

[0368] From figures 10 and 11 , it can be noted that each oblong opening 238 of the body 230 is configured to have the largest dimension aligned with the longitudinal axis of the trapezoidal screw 235a so that the upper and lower teeth of the flange nut 235b can move freely within them while the flange nut 235b slides on the trapezoidal screw 235a.

[0369] Further and again with reference to figures 9 and 10, it can be noted that the pair of rods 231 comprises in proximity to each second end 231 b a respective pair of seats 235c each configured to receive and engage by shape interference with a respective tooth of the flanged nut 235b. Preferably, a respective bearing is interposed between each tooth and the respective seat 235c engaging by interference fit.

[0370] In this way it is possible, by driving the second motor element 234 and consequent rotation of the trapezoidal screw 235a, to selectively rotate the pair of rods 231 about the rotation axis 220Y.

[0371] As shown in figure 10 the electric motor 234 can be mounted in a preferred orientation, for example perpendicular with respect to the rotation axis 220Y, or, according to embodiments not shown in the figures, vertically by aligning the motor shaft 235a with the rotating member 232 (i.e. in the example considered the combination of the pair of bearings and the coaxial pin) thus arranging the motor shaft 235a vertically.

[0372] As can be noted from figures 7, 8, 9 and 10, the aligning roller 220 is constrained to the upper rod at its second end 231 b by means of a rigid support preferably in the form of a square. Preferably, the bracket is designed in such a way as to determine a sufficient opening width for fins 219.

[0373] Depending on the preferred embodiment, the aligning roller 220 is constrained to the rigid support with an allowed rotation about the longitudinal axis 220X by means of a joint, an unidirectional joint or selectively actuatable in rotation by means of a motor element (not shown in the figures).

[0374] The aligning roller 220 comprises an outer surface that is intended for contact with the strip 80. With particular reference to figure 8, it can be noted that the rotation axis 220Y is preferably tangent to the outer surface of the aligning roller 220. Even more preferably, the rotation axis 220Y is tangent to the outer surface of the aligning roller 220 and equidistant from the bases of the roller.

[0375] In preferred embodiments, the aligning roller 220 is made of polymer or metal.

[0376] Preferably, the pair of rods 231 and the body 230 of the alignment device 205 are made of steel. Further, figure 6 shows a possible reference 81 b of the aligning roller 220 positioned in proximity to an end thereof.

[0377] Now with reference to figure 7, it can be noted that the alignment device 205 is preferably interposed between two further rollers guiding the strip 80 along the predefined feed path PA, these two further rollers being substantially aligned with each other, preferably horizontally, and offset from the aligning roller 220 so that the predefined feed path PA of the strip 80 imposed by these three rollers defines a trajectory similar to an inverted "U" or "Q".

[0378] In this operating condition, the strip 80 is in contact with the outer surface of the aligning roller 220 for a distance subtended by an angle at the centre of the aligning roller 220 equal to about 180°. In alternative embodiments not shown in the figures, this angle at the centre can be comprised between 90° and 270°.

[0379] Still with reference to figure 7, it can be noted that the strip 80 preferably initiates the contact with the aligning roller 220 in a direction that is parallel to the rotation axis 220Y.

[0380] In other words, the strip 80 is fed to the alignment device 205 in a feed direction DA substantially parallel to the rotation axis 220Y.

[0381] Still with reference to figure 7, the further roller positioned immediately downstream of the aligning roller 220 is, preferably, a first folding roller 13 of a folding unit 1 described in more detail below and depicted in figures 2, 3 and 4. In other embodiments not shown in the figures, the feed direction DA can be transverse to the rotation axis 220Y.

[0382] The characteristics of the alignment device 205 can then be further enhanced by positioning the folding unit 1 also included in the movable portion 250 immediately downstream of it.

[0383] Still with reference to figure 1 , it can be noted that the folding unit 1 is also preferably housed in proximity to the movable input section 251 of the movable portion 250, even more preferably immediately downstream of the alignment device 205.

[0384] According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the folding unit 1 is placed immediately downstream of the first type of the alignment device 205. With reference to figures 2 and 3, it can be noted that the previously described folding unit 1 may comprise a first curved abutment 10. This first curved abutment element 10 comprises in turn a convex curved abutment surface 11 and a folding curb 12 projecting from said convex curved abutment surface 11 .

[0385] In such a case, the term "convex" with reference to the convex curved abutment surface 11 as represented, for example, in figure 2 or 3, identifies a surface having a concavity oriented towards the opposite side of the surface that is in contact with the strip 80 when in use.

[0386] For further clarity and completeness, a comparison between a concave and a convex surface will be discussed below.

[0387] As known, a geometric figure (e.g. plane surface or solid in space) is said to be concave if there is at least one segment joining two of its points that does not belong entirely to the figure.

[0388] Consistently, therefore, with what has been discussed above, in the case of the convex curved abutment surface 11 shown in figure 2, all the segments joining two of its points belong entirely to the figure itself.

[0389] In this context, it is noted that the convex curved abutment surface 11 is a surface portion of the curved element 10 that is intended to be in contact with the main body 81 of the strip 80. It is clear that the curved element 10 can be made either as a substantially solid element or as a profiled element of a predetermined thickness that substantially follows the extension of the convex curved abutment surface 11 itself.

[0390] In all such cases, the portion of the surface to be considered convex is the one configured to interact with the main body 81 of the strip 80.

[0391] Observing figure 2 and 4, it can be noted how, when the main body 81 of the strip 80 engages in abutment on the curved element 10, the plurality of fins 82 bent by the folding curb 12 increase their relative distance according to the longitudinal direction L, thus increasing the gap ("port") between them.

[0392] With reference to figures 2 and 3, it can be noted that the first curved abutment element 10 is preferably a first folding roller 13 with a circular cross-section.

[0393] This first idle folding roller 13 can be rotated about its first longitudinal axis X (see, for example, figure 2). figure 4 is a lateral schematic representation of the spatial arrangement of the main body 81 of the strip 80 and the fins 82 as they are folded on the first folding roller 13.

[0394] In more detail, it can be noted that the plurality of fins 82 of the strip 80 comprises a portion 82a radially proximal to the first folding roller 13 (and to the rotation centre 13a of the first folding roller 13) which is constrained directly to the main body 81 of the strip 80 and a radially distal portion 82b from the first folding roller 13 identified in proximity to the free end opposite to the radially proximal portion 82a.

[0395] In figure 4, the arrow identifying the radial direction of the first folding roller 13 originating from the rotation centre 13a is identified as DR.

[0396] For the sake of clarity, the zone wherein the radially proximal portion 82a is constrained to the central body 81 of the strip 80 has been represented with a circle in figure 4. It is evident that at this zone the plurality of fins 82 has no possibility of increasing their mutual distance.

[0397] It can be noted, therefore, that the mutual distancing D between the plurality of fins 82 according to the longitudinal direction L of the strip 80 and the feed path PA is all the greater and more evident the more distant the radially distal portion 82b is from the main body 81 .

[0398] It is evident that for some applications, such as, for example, the analysis of the extension of the port between the plurality of fins 82, it will be advantageous to exploit this maximum distance obtained in proximity to the radially distal portion 82b.

[0399] For a more immediate understanding and still with reference to figure 3, it is described that the dispensing unit 200, the winding unit 300 and the folding unit 1 are configured to guide the strip 80, at least for a first curved folding tract of the feed path PA, in contact with the convex curved abutment surface 11 by folding the plurality of fins 82 away from the convex curved abutment surface 11 by means of the folding curb 12 so as to increase the relative distance between the plurality of fins 82 measured according to the longitudinal direction L.

[0400] In other words, the convex curved abutment surface 11 of the first curved abutment element 10 is configured to cooperate with the dispensing unit 200 and the winding unit 300 so as make the strip 80 adhere on at least a portion thereof at an initial portion of the first curved folding tract.

[0401] As described above, considering that the first curved abutment element 10 is preferably a first idle folding roller 13 with a substantially circular cross-section, the curved folding tract is an arc of circumference defined by the strip 80 that advances in contact on the convex curved abutment surface 11 .

[0402] With reference again now to figure 3, it can be seen that the first curved folding tract is identified immediately downstream of a start-of-contact line 11 a, which corresponds to the zone where said contact occurs between the convex curved abutment surface 11 and the central body 81 of the strip 80. The start-of-contact line 11 a is shown in figure 3 as a line perpendicular to the plane containing the first curved folding tract.

[0403] As it can still be seen from figure 3, the central body 81 of the strip 80 begins to interact with the first folding roller 13 from the start-of-contact line 11 a, and at the same time the folding curb 12 folds the fins 82 away from each other.

[0404] Considering figure 2 ad 3 in more detail now, it can be noted that the folding unit 1 can comprise a second abutment element 15 in some preferred embodiments.

[0405] In the preferred example shown, the first curved abutment element 10 and the second curved abutment element 15 are respectively the first folding roller 13 and a second folding roller 17.

[0406] These two rollers 13, 17 are idle and freely rotatable respectively about the first longitudinal axis X and a second longitudinal axis X'. For a more detailed representation, consider the example in figure 2, wherein we can further see that the first longitudinal axis X and the second longitudinal axis X' are parallel to each other.

[0407] There is thus an ideal collaboration between the two rollers.

[0408] In more detail, the second folding roller 17 comprises a tapered portion 16 configured as complementary to the folding curb 12.

[0409] The second folding roller 17 is thus able to perform a synergetic function in the step of folding the fins 82 further improving the desired result. It is interesting to note that the second folding roller 17 can be less extended, according to its axial direction, than the first folding roller 13 since its most functional part is placed in proximity to the fins 82 of the strip 80 when engaged on the folding unit and therefore in proximity to and cooperating with the folding curb 12.

[0410] With reference to figures 2, the folding curb 12 has a substantially ring-shaped extension with a substantially triangular cross-section that widens as it moves away from the median zone (with respect to its first longitudinal axis X) of the first folding roller 13.

[0411] Consistently with what has been described above, the tapered portion 16 is advantageously made in a conical or truncated-cone shape spatially complementary to the extension of the folding curb 12.

[0412] As shown in detail in figure 3, the second folding roller 17 is preferably movable and configured to move between a first configuration C1 , wherein it is in a position proximal to the start-of-contact line 11 a and a second configuration C2 wherein it is in a position distal from the start-of-contact line 11 a while maintaining in both configurations a substantially equal distance between the respective first and second longitudinal axes X, X' (i.e., the second folding roller 17 remains at an equal distance from the first folding roller 13 in both configurations C1 , C2).

[0413] In other words, the second folding roller 17 can move reversibly along an arc of circumference highlighted in figure 3 for greater clarity.

[0414] Still with reference to figure 3, it can be noted that the first configuration C1 is substantially median to the first curved folding tract TP1 .

[0415] In this case, therefore, the second folding roller 17 does not intervene exactly at the start-of-contact line 11 a, but rather a little further downstream so that a first folding level is achieved by the first folding roller 13 alone and a second folding level is subsequently obtained which, by constraining the strip 80 between the two rollers 13, 17, makes the desired folding level of the fins 82 even more effective. Moving the second folding roller 17 to the second configuration C2 causes the second folding roller 17 to operate further downstream than in the first configuration C1 , thus making it possible to adapt the desired folding increase at a later time.

[0416] With reference to again to figures 1 and 5, it can be noted that the movable portion 250 comprises four alignment devices 205, positioned in proximity to the movable input section 251 , each operating on a different strip of the plurality of strips N1 , N2, N3, N4. Consistently with the foregoing, this configuration is effectively combined with the insertion of four further folding units 1 each positioned immediately downstream of a respective alignment device 205 in the movable portion 250.

[0417] It is clear to the person skilled in the art that an apparatus 100 comprising a movable portion 250 housing an alignment device 205 according to the present invention will be able to carry out all processes for working the strip 80 positioned downstream of the alignment device more accurately and efficiently, particularly in the case of a step of folding the fins 82 prodromal to the creation of a coil B.

[0418] Now with reference to figure 12, the movable portion 250 is shown, comprising four alignment devices 205’ made according to the second type previously introduced.

[0419] In this case, the alignment device 205' shown in figure 12 is configured to displace the strip 80 so as to align it with the predefined feed path PA by translation of the strip 80 according to a translation direction DT transverse to the predefined feed path PA.

[0420] Similarly to what has been described above, the desired alignment is performed by displacing the reference portion 81 a of the strip 80 to the desired position relative to the reference 81 b.

[0421] More specifically, the alignment device 205’ comprises a translation unit 210’ comprising in turn a first frame 215' and a second frame 216'.

[0422] As can be noted from figures 13 and 14, a first roller 211 ' and a second roller 212' are arranged in the first frame 215', respectively rotating about a first and second longitudinal axis 211'X, 212'X, which are housed so as to be placed side by side and spaced apart from each other so as to engage the strip 80 between them along the predefined feed path PA.

[0423] The first and second rollers 21 T, 212' are preferably made of polymeric or metallic material. figure 16a shows a further possible embodiment in which the first and second rollers 21 T, 212' have concave and convex development. In more detail, it can be noted that the two rollers 211 ', 212' are shaped in such a way that they are substantially complementary and effectively engage the strip 80 between them.

[0424] This specific spatial development is even better shown by figure 16b below, which depicts a section along the plane XVIb of the alignment device 205'.

[0425] According to the embodiments shown, the first roller 21 T has a substantially convex development along its longitudinal axis 211 'X, while the second roller 212' preferably has a concave development.

[0426] In a further embodiment shown for illustrative and non-limiting purposes in figure 16d, the first roller 21 T (or, similarly, the second roller 212') can have a conical development with respect to its longitudinal axis. As can be noted, the first roller 21 T has a tapered development from one axial end towards the other.

[0427] It is also possible to realise a combination of the first and second rollers 21 T, 212' having a conical development and configured as complementary between them, i.e. with tapering oriented from opposite directions with reference to the respective longitudinal axes.

[0428] It can be noted that the first frame 215' is translatable with respect to the supply unit 2 according to the translation direction DT having a component parallel to the first and second longitudinal axis 211 'X, 212'X.

[0429] With reference to figure 14, it can be seen how in this preferred embodiment, the translation direction DT is substantially parallel to the first and second longitudinal axes 211 'X, 212'X.

[0430] As can be noted in figure 13, the second frame 216' is integrally constrained to the movable portion 250 (e.g. by means of screws). In particular, as shown in figure 14, the second frame 216' comprises a base 216a' provided with through holes adapted to allow the fixing by screws to the movable portion 250 and a main plate 216b' projecting perpendicularly from the base 216a'.

[0431] With reference to figures 17 and 18, it can be noted that on the main plate 216b' of the second frame 216', a rail 216c' with linear form is integrally constrained.

[0432] Such a rail preferably has an hourglass or "H" cross-section and is configured so that a slide 215c' can slide on it in a reversible manner. Considering now figure 18, it can be seen that the rail 216c' and the slide 215c' cause the first frame 215' to be able to move relative to the second frame 216' according to a pure translation motion along the translation direction DT.

[0433] In some embodiments, the slide 215c' is moved along the rail 216c' by means of a third motor element 216d' or a pneumatic actuator or an electric actuator (not shown in the figures).

[0434] With reference to figures 13, 14, 15 and 16, the first roller 211 ' is operatively connected to a first motor element 214a' so as to be actuatable in rotation about the first longitudinal axis 211'X.

[0435] Preferably, the first motor element 214a' is a stepper or brushless electric motor and the first roller 211 ' is directly coaxially connected to its drive shaft.

[0436] In this way it is possible to selectively actuate the first roller 211 ' in rotation in order to decide how fast to feed the strip 80 when present.

[0437] Now with reference to figure 13, it can be noted that the second roller 212' is constrained to the first frame 215' by means of an idle joint or unidirectional joint 217' with an allowed idle rotation or rotation in one direction only about the second longitudinal axis 212X'.

[0438] In the embodiment shown in figures 13 and 16, the second roller 212' is constrained with an allowed rotation to a bracket 218b'. This bracket 218b' is in turn constrained with an allowed translation to the first frame 215' and is configured to reversibly displace itself between a close position PR (depicted in figure 13), wherein the second roller 212' is at a minimum distance from the first roller 21 T, and a spaced-apart position PD (depicted in figure 15), in which the second roller 212' is at a maximum distance from the first roller 21 T.

[0439] With reference to figures 15 and 16, it can be noted that the first and second rollers 21 T, 212' are spaced apart from each other, resulting in an interposed first opening 218a' that can vary depending on the position of the second roller 212'.

[0440] Preferably, this first opening 218a' is not equal to zero and is determined according to the thickness of the strip 80 to be treated.

[0441] As shown in figures 16 and 17, the bracket 218b' is moved so that the second roller reversibly translates between the close position and the spaced-apart position by means of an actuator 215b' constrained to it and driven in displacement by means of a fourth motor element 214b' which in the case depicted is an electric stepper motor (or, alternatively, brushless).

[0442] It is interesting to note that when the second roller 212' is in a position PD spaced apart from the first roller 211 ', it is easier to insert initial end or head or appendage of strip 80 between them. Such a condition may arise, for example, after a coil B has been completed and a new end of the strip 80 has to be brought efficiently and easily to the winding head 310.

[0443] Once the initial end of the strip 80 has passed downstream of the first and second rollers 211 ', 212', it is possible to move the second roller 212' to the close PR position, bringing both rollers 211 ', 212' into contact on the strip 80.

[0444] At this point, the strip 80 is effectively engaged between the two rollers 21 T, 212' and a translation of them in the translation direction DT immediately results in a consistent translation of the portion of strip 80 engaged therein.

[0445] Even more, once the strip 80 is engaged between the first and second roller 211 ', 212' it will be possible to effectively advance it selectively by rotating the electric stepper or brushless motor 214' connected to the first roller 211 '.

[0446] In alternative embodiments (not shown in full in the figures), all movements realised with motor systems can alternatively be implemented with pneumatic or electric systems (and vice versa), e.g. in figure 16b the third motor element 216d' can be replaced by a pneumatic compressed air or oil system. Similarly, pneumatic or electric actuators can also be used to displace the movement bracket 218b', and thus the second roller 212' constrained to it, between the close position PR and the spaced-apart position PD.

[0447] It is interesting to note that when the second roller 212' is in a position PD spaced apart from the first roller 211 ', it is easier to insert an initial end or head of the strip 80 between them. Such a condition, for example, may arise after a coil B has been completed and a new end of the strip 80 made by upstream cut of the alignment device 205' must be brought accurately and quickly to the winding head 310.

[0448] Once the initial end of the strip 80 has passed downstream of the first and second rollers 21 T, 212' while they were arranged according to the spaced-apart position PD, it is possible to translate the second roller 212' to the close position PR bringing both rollers 211 ', 212' into contact on the strip 80. At this point, the strip 80 is effectively engaged between the two rollers 21 T, 212' and a translation of them in the translation direction DT immediately results in a consistent translation of the portion of strip 80 engaged therein.

[0449] Even more, once the strip 80 is engaged between the first and second roller 211 ', 212' it will be possible to effectively advance it selectively by rotating the electric stepper or brushless motor 214a' connected to the first roller 211 '.

[0450] With reference to figure 16b, it can be noted that the alignment device 205' comprises a linear transducer 228c' configured to detect the linear displacements and speed of the first frame 215' along the translation direction DT.

[0451] In more detail, the linear transducer 228c' comprises a sensing element (sensor) 228c1 ' configured to detect a physical displacement and a measuring slider 228c2' configured to follow the movement of the measured object and transmit the change to the sensing element.

[0452] In the embodiment shown in figure 16b, the sensor 228c1 ' is mounted on the second fixed frame 216', while the slider 228c2' is mounted on the first movable frame 215'.

[0453] Now with reference to figures 16e and 16f, it can be noted that a first and a second load cell 218c', 218d' can be mounted on the movement bracket 218b'. These first and second load cells 218c', 218d' are of the compression type and housed on axial ends opposite with respect to the second longitudinal axis 212'X of the second roller 212'.

[0454] In addition, the first and second load cells 218c', 218d' are respectively interposed between a first and second support bracket, on which the second roller 212' with an allowed rotation is housed, and the movement bracket 218b'. As will be seen below as a function of further embodiments, these support brackets are included in a support portion 215d' for the second roller 212'.

[0455] In this way, when the second roller 212' is subjected to a force transferred by the strip 80 it moves consistently in that direction and the two load cells 218c', 218d' detect this displacement and convert it into a signal that can be correlated to the force applied.

[0456] Furthermore, these load cells are configured in such a way as to be able to detect, in addition to tension variations induced by the strip 80, useful information so that an operatively connected processing unit can modify the position of the movement bracket 218b' so as to bring the second roller 212' closer to or further away from the first roller 211 ', thereby optimising the clamping force exerted on the strip 80 by the two rollers 211 ', 212'. figure 16g shows a detailed axial section of an embodiment in which the second roller 212' is connected at its axial ends respectively to a first and a second sensor device 1001 , 1002 which are preferably housed within a support portion 215d' to which the second roller 21 T is constrained with an allowed rotation about its own second longitudinal axis 212'X.

[0457] This support portion 215d' preferably comprises the first and second support brackets described above and which are configured to accommodate the respective ends of the second roller 212'.

[0458] Returning to what is shown in figure 16g, each sensor device 1001 , 1002 comprises in turn a respective first and second annular load cell 1001a, 1002a surrounding a first part 601 of a connection body 600, which has a second part 602 internally fixed to a rotoidal joint 610 configured to allow the rotation about the second longitudinal axis 212'X.

[0459] This rotary joint 610 in turn is externally fixed to the second roller 212'. In particular, this configuration advantageously minimises the radial footprint of the rotoidal joint 610 by limiting its contribution to interaction stresses between the second roller 212' and the strip 80 engaging it.

[0460] The embodiments shown for the first and / or second roller 21 T, 212' can advantageously be applied to any roller included in the apparatus described herein.

[0461] As shown in figure 16g, in some embodiments the alignment device 205' includes at least one encoder 211 a' (or similar transducer) configured to detect the rotations produced by a roller associated therewith.

[0462] According to an embodiment, the encoder 21 1 a' is mounted on an extension of the second frame 216' or on the support portion 215d' preferably on the side axially opposite said first or second roller 21 T, 212' at the first or second longitudinal axis 211 'X, 212'X.

[0463] According to an embodiment shown for example in figure 16h, at least one encoder 211 a' is mounted at the first rotation axis 21 1 'X which, being optionally motorised, can provide further useful information on the displacement and tension applied to the strip 80.

[0464] Thanks to such a device, it is possible to selectively detect the rotations of the first roller 21 T that are induced by the first motor element 214a' so as to have a more precise control of the actual strip feed 80. In particular, the measurement of the rotations of the first roller 21 T about its first longitudinal axis 211'X by means of the encoder 211 a' is significantly advantageous immediately after a new end of the strip 80 has been interposed between the first roller 21 T and the second roller 212' and the first roller 21 T has been brought closer to the second roller 212' bringing them to the close position PR. At this point, it is possible to feed by rotation of the first motor element 214a' the free end of the strip 80 (not yet engaged in the winding head 310) in contact with the first roller 21 T knowing, thanks to the information provided by the encoder 211 a', by how much and with what speed the end of the strip 80 is moving.

[0465] It can be noted from figure 16h that the encoder 211 a' is installed on the side axially opposite the first motor element 214a' in order to advantageously optimise the various overall dimensions required. In embodiments, a portion integral with the roller (e.g. its shaft) extends longitudinally beyond the first roller 21 T so that its rotations can be measured by the encoder 211 a'.

[0466] As described above, the technical solutions described for the first and / or second rollers 21 T, 212' can be implemented for all rollers discussed in this description, in particular for the aligning roller 220 included in the alignment device 205.

[0467] In such a case, for example, the embodiment shown in figures 16e and 16f can also be implemented for the alignment device 205 realised according to the first type described above in which the aligning roller 220 is constrained with an allowed rotation to the support portion and connected to the rod 231 by means of a first and second compression load cell similar to 218c', 218d'.

[0468] This makes it possible to monitor forces transferred from the strip 80 to the aligning roller 220 during the various operations even when using the alignment device 205 according to the first type.

[0469] Similarly, the technical solution shown in figure 16g for the second roller 212' can be implemented for the aligning roller 220 housed with an allowed rotation on its support portion. Now with reference to figures 19, 20 and 21 , it can be noted that the alignment device 205' comprises a fin opening 219' defined between the first roller 211 ' and the second roller 212' or flanked to the first roller 211 ' and / or the second roller 212' and configured to make the plurality of fins 82 pass, avoiding contact therewith even if they are bent or inclined with respect to the central body 81 .

[0470] As can be noted, for example, from figure 19, the fin opening 219' is defined within the first frame 215’ and moves integrally with it.

[0471] In other words, this fin opening 219' is configured to be able to follow all the movements of the first frame 215' and thus be integral with the strip 80 during all its alignment steps.

[0472] In the embodiment shown in figures 19 and 20, the fin opening 219' is realised by making the first roller 211 ' shorter than the second roller 212'.

[0473] In an alternative embodiment shown in figure 21 , the fin opening 219' is realised as a recess or outlet of the second roller 212'.

[0474] In this context, "outlet" refers to a recess or slot or cavity obtained preferably by removal of material.

[0475] Furthermore, now with reference to figure 20, it can be noted that the fin opening 219' is configured to define a passage for the plurality of fins 82 having a substantially triangular, rectangular or trapezoidal cross-section in which the fins 82 are inclined with respect to the central body 81 by a fin inclination angle 5 comprised between 30° and 60° in absolute value, more preferably substantially equal to 45°.

[0476] Preferably, the fin opening 219' can also be applied in all its embodiments as described so far to the alignment device 205 as shown in figure 7.

[0477] In all such cases, the fin opening 219; 219' is configured to allow to the plurality of fins a non-contact passage between them and the first alignment device 205; 205' or by making contact aimed at ensuring a predefined spatial orientation of the plurality of fins 82.

[0478] Now with reference to figures 23a, 23b, 23c and 23d, further embodiments according to the present invention are shown in which the apparatus 100, and more preferably the movable portion 250 comprises an alignment assembly 305' comprising a first gripping frame 315' on which a first gripping roller 31 T and a second gripping roller 312' are arranged.

[0479] Preferably, similarly to what is described for the second type of alignment device 205', an fin opening can be made either side by side with said first gripping roller 311 ' and / or said second gripping roller 312' in a lateral position with respect to said predefined feed path, or as a indentation made in said first and / or second gripping roller 311 ', 312'.

[0480] As shown in figure 24a, the first and second gripping rollers 311 ', 312' are rotating about a first and second longitudinal axis 311X', 312X' respectively, and housed so as to be placed side by side to and spaced apart from each other so as to engage the strip 80 between them along the predefined feed path PA.

[0481] Preferably, the first gripping frame 315' is rotatable with respect to the supply unit 2 about a rotation axis 315Y' with gripping substantially perpendicular to the first and second longitudinal axes 311 X', 312X'.

[0482] This allows for an alternative form of alignment in which the strip is precisely and effectively controlled between the first and second gripping rollers while the latter impose alignment correction by rotation. figures 23b, 24a and 25b show embodiments for which the rotation axis 315Y' with gripping is parallel to the plane XY on which the first and second longitudinal axes 311X', 312X' lie. In the alternative embodiment shown in figures 23c and 23d, the rotation axis 315Y' with gripping is perpendicular to the plane XY on which the first and second longitudinal axes 311 X', 312X' lie.

[0483] With reference to figure 24a, it can be noted that the alignment group 305' comprises a rotation and gripping unit 310' in turn comprising the first gripping frame 315', a second gripping frame 316' and a third gripping frame 317'. The third gripping frame 317' comprises a base integrally constrained with the movable portion 250 and a projecting portion perpendicular to the base itself.

[0484] On the third gripping frame 317' a rotation device 320' is mounted, which can be rotated about the rotation axis 315Y' with gripping by means of a linkage system connected to a selectively operable electric motor.

[0485] Still with reference to figure 24b, it can be noted that the rotation device 320' is configured to rotate the second gripping frame 316' on which the first gripping frame 315' is constrained with an allowed translation. Also in this preferred embodiment, similar to the embodiment of the second type of the alignment device 205', the first gripping frame 315' slides by means of a slide on a rail of the second gripping frame 316' thereby realising a further translation movement.

[0486] Thanks this technical solution, it is therefore possible to produce alignment corrections between strip 80 and the predefined feed path PA by roto-translation.

[0487] Now, with reference to figures 25a and 25b, it can be noted that the technical solution described is similar to that of figures 24a and 24b except for the presence of the second gripping frame 316'. In fact, in this embodiment, the first gripping frame 315' on which there are housed the first and second gripping rollers 31 T, 312', rotating about the first and second longitudinal axes 311X', 312X' respectively and housed so as to be placed side by side and spaced apart from each other so as to engage the strip 80 between them along the predefined feed path PA, is directly connected by means of the rotation device 320' to the third frame 317' which is integral with the movable portion 250.

[0488] In this case, the correction of the alignment of the strip 80 occurs by pure rotation of the strip 80 about the rotation axis 315Y' with gripping.

[0489] Preferably, the apparatus 100 is configured to be able to carry out the following operating steps of a method for the alignment of the strip 80, the latter comprising the plurality of fins 82 projecting from the main body 81 , intended for creating the internal assembly 3 of an electrochemical cell for producing batteries.

[0490] As previously described, said method comprise dispensing by means of the dispensing unit 200 the strip 80 along a predefined feed path PA.

[0491] As already disclosed, this step could, for example, be realised by means of dispensing devices 6 in the form of strip or coil windings.

[0492] The method comprises arranging, downstream of the dispensing unit, the alignment device 205; 205', which is configured to move the strip 80 by moving it along a transverse direction with respect to the predefined feed path PA.

[0493] As described above, among the various identifiable transverse directions there will be a few preferred ones described in detail in this document.

[0494] Then, the method comprises identifying a possible alignment difference AAII between the strip 80 and the predefined feed path PA. According to preferred embodiments already described, this action can be advantageously realised with the aid of a sensor 260', which can preferably be an optical sensor, a photo / video camera, or similar technical solution.

[0495] At this point, in the event that the alignment difference AAII is other than zero, it is provided for actuating the alignment device 205; 205' to align the strip 80 to the predefined feed path PA by engaging the strip 80 at the main body 81 in such a way as to maintain a safety distance Ds between the plurality of fins 82 and the alignment device 205; 205'.

[0496] Preferably, therefore, the sensor 260' is configured to detect the position of the reference portion 81 a of the strip (e.g. a side edge thereof) with respect to the reference 81 b (e.g. a specific point on the sensor 260' itself).

[0497] Advantageously, the sensor 260' is configured to acquire information with a certain sampling frequency of the desired signal depending, for example, also on the feed speed of the strip 80 itself.

[0498] This sampling can be carried out either continuously or discontinuously with a predefined acquisition frequency.

[0499] According to further embodiments of the present method, the safety distance Ds is substantially constant during the displacement of said alignment device 205; 205'. For example, this distance can be between 0 and 7.5 mm, more preferably around 2 mm.

[0500] In a specific embodiment of the present method, this safety distance Ds is selectively set so as to be other than zero by making the plurality of fins 82 pass through the fin opening 219; 219' included in the alignment device 205; 205'.

[0501] It is interesting to note that in preferred embodiments of the present method, the opening is kept integral with the alignment device 205; 205’ both during its inactive steps and when it is actuated to correct detected alignment difference AAII.

[0502] Advantageously, the method further provides for arranging the movable portion 250 downstream of the dispensing unit 200 comprising one or more alignment devices 205; 205' or even the alignment group 305'.

[0503] Such a plurality of devices can be arranged both by acting on several strips, as for example shown in figures 5 and 12, and by implementing an alignment correction process along several points of the predefined PA path for the same strip 80.

[0504] At said point it is provided to align the strip 80 with respect to the feed path PA by displacing the movable portion 250 along the displacement direction d reversibly between the first configuration distal to the dispensing unit 200 and the second configuration proximal to the dispensing unit 200, so as to continuously supply and feed said strip 80.

[0505] Again, according to preferred embodiments, the present method comprises aligning the strip 80 by rotation about the rotation axis 220Y perpendicular to the predefined feed path PA.

[0506] As previously described and with reference to figure 7, the method comprises supplying strip 80 to the alignment device 205 in the direction of feeding DA oriented substantially parallel to the rotation axis 220Y.

[0507] In other embodiments, the strip 80 can be supplied to the alignment device 205 in a direction inclined by approximately 45° with respect to the rotation axis 220Y. Again according to embodiments not shown in the figures, the strip 80 can cease its contact with the aligning roller 220 when it has reached an orientation equal to an angle symmetrical with respect to (i.e. -45°) the supply one to the alignment device 205.

[0508] According to a further embodiment, the method comprises aligning the strip 80 by translation according to the DT translation transverse direction with respect to the predefined feed path PA.

[0509] As described above, this embodiment is depicted, for example, in figures 13 and 14.

[0510] Further, the method comprises folding the plurality of fins 82, by means of the folding unit 1 preferably upstream of the alignment of the strip 80 with respect to the feed path PA.

[0511] Furthermore, it is clear to the person skilled in the art that the previously described configurations can be implemented in preferred steps of the method.

[0512] For example, the actuator 215b' constrained to the bracket 218b' of the first frame 215' is actuated to bring the second roller 212' closer to or further away from the first roller 211 ' as required. The Applicant has found, for example, that it is advantageous to move the second roller 212' away from the first roller 21 T bringing it to the spaced-apart position PD thus increasing the extension of the first opening 218a' thereby facilitating the passage of a new end of the strip 80, while the first opening 218a' is reduced by bringing the second roller 212' to the close position PR and thus "pinching" (i.e., abutting or retaining) with the first roller 21 T the strip 80 so as to guide it accurately and reliably.

[0513] The method also provides that as soon as the strip 80 has been constrained between the two rollers 21 T, 212' in the close position PR, the first roller 21 T can be actuated into rotation by the electric stepper or brushless motor 214' which facilitates its controlled advancement and possible insertion into further processing units such as, preferably, the winding unit 300.

[0514] Furthermore, the steps of the method related to the present invention are sufficiently described above, in particular together with the structural features included in the apparatus 100 of the present invention and together with what provided for by the accompanying claims.

[0515] The further embodiments described above and relating to the alignment unit 305' and the alignment system 405' can be freely mounted on the movable portion 250 in addition to or in replacement of the alignment device 205, 205'. Consistently, the relevant method steps implemented by them can also be implemented by the present invention.

[0516] Obviously, a person skilled in the art may, in order to meet specific and contingent application requirements, make further modifications and variants to the abovedescribed invention, all falling within the scope of protection as defined by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . Apparatus (100) for creating an internal assembly (3), comprising:- a dispensing unit (200) for dispensing at least one strip (80) along a predefined feed path (PA), said strip (80) comprising a plurality of fins (82) projecting from a main body (81 ) of said strip (80),- an alignment device (205; 205') configured to displace said strip (80) so as to align it with said predefined feed path (PA), wherein said alignment device (205; 205') comprises a fin opening (219; 219') integral with said alignment device (205; 205') and configured to pass said plurality of fins (82) inclined with respect to said main body (81 ).

2. Apparatus (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said fin opening (219; 219') is delimited within said alignment device (205; 205').

3. Apparatus (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said fin opening (219; 219') has a substantially triangular or rectangular or trapezoidal crosssection.

4. Apparatus (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein:- said apparatus (100) comprises a supply unit (2) for said strip (80) positioned downstream of said dispensing unit (200) and comprising a movable portion (250) configured to reversibly displace itself along a displacement direction (d) between a first configuration distal to said dispensing unit (200) and a second configuration proximal to said dispensing unit (200),- said movable portion (250) comprises one or more of said alignment device (205; 205').

5. Apparatus (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein:- said alignment device (205) comprises an aligning roller (220) rotatable about a first longitudinal axis (220X), transverse to said predefined feed path (PA), and in contact with said strip (80),- said alignment device (205) comprises a rotation member (232) configured to rotate said aligning roller (220) about a rotation axis(220Y) perpendicular to said first longitudinal axis (220X), so as to align said strip (80) relative to said predefined feed path (PA).

6. Apparatus (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said aligning roller (220) is configured such that its projection on a reference plane (XZ) perpendicular to said rotation axis (220Y) intersects said rotation axis (220Y) and the projection of said rotation member (232) on said reference plane (XZ).

7. Apparatus (100) according to one of the preceding claims wherein said fin opening (219) is made placed side by side with said aligning roller (220) in a lateral position relative to said predefined feed path (PA).

8. Apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said alignment device (205') is configured to displace said strip (80) so as to align it with said predefined feed path (PA) by translating of said strip (80) according to a translation direction (DT) transverse to said predefined feed path (PA).

9. Apparatus (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein:- said alignment device (205') comprises a first frame (215') on which a first roller (21 T) and a second roller (212') are arranged, respectively rotating about a first and a second longitudinal axis (211 'X, 212'X), which are housed so as to be placed side by side to and spaced apart from each other so as to engage said strip (80) between them along said predefined feed path (PA),- said first frame (215') is translatable relative to said dispensing unit (200) according to said translation direction (DT) having a component parallel to said first and second longitudinal axis (211 'X, 212'X).

10. Apparatus (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said fin opening (219') is made side by side with said first roller (211 ') and / or said second roller (212') in a lateral position relative to said predefined feed path (PA).

11. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said fin opening (219') is an indentation made in said first and / or second roller (21 T, 212').

12. Method for aligning a strip (80), the latter comprising a plurality of fins (82) projecting from a main body (81 ) of said strip (80), intended for creating aninternal assembly (3) of an electrochemical cell for producing batteries, comprising:- dispensing via a dispensing unit (200) said strip (80) along a predefined feed path (PA),- arranging downstream of said dispensing unit (200) an alignment device (205; 205') configured to displace said strip (80) by moving it along a transverse direction with respect to said predefined feed path (PA),- identifying a possible alignment difference (AAII) between said strip (80) and said feed path (PA),- in the event that said difference in alignment (AAII) is different from zero, actuating said alignment device (205; 205') to align said strip (80) with said predefined feed path (PA) by engaging said strip (80) at said main body (81 ) so as to maintain a safety distance (Ds) between said plurality of fins (82) inclined with respect to said main body (81 ) and said alignment device (205; 205') during the displacement of said alignment device (205; 205').

13. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein said safety distance (Ds) is substantially constant during the displacement of said alignment device (205; 205').

14. Method according to claim 12 or 13, comprising maintaining said safety distance (Ds) different from zero by passing said plurality of fins (82) through a fin opening (219; 219') included in said alignment device (205; 205').

15. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein said fin opening (219; 219') is integral with said alignment device (205; 205').

16. Method according to one of claims 12 to 15, comprising:- arranging a movable portion (250) downstream of said dispensing unit (200) and comprising one or more of said alignment devices (205; 205'),- -aligning said strip (80) relative to said feed path (PA) by reversibly moving said movable portion (250) along a displacement direction (d) between a first configuration distal to said dispensing unit (200) and asecond configuration proximal to said dispensing unit (200), so as to continuously supply and feed said strip (80).

17. Method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, comprising aligning said strip (80) by rotation about a rotation axis (220Y) that is transverse and preferably perpendicular, to said predefined feed path (PA).

18. Method according to one of claims 12 to 16, comprising aligning said strip (80) by translation according to a translation direction (DT) transverse to said predefined feed path (PA).

19. Method according to any one of claims 12 to 18, comprising folding said plurality of fins (82), by means of a folding unit (1 ), upstream of said alignment of said strip (80) relative to said feed path (PA).

Images