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 dispensing at least one strip (80) along a predefined feed path (PA), a supply unit (2) for said strip (80) placed downstream of said dispensing unit (200) along said predefined feed path (PA) and comprising an alignment group (305') configured to displace said strip (80) along a transverse direction with respect to said feed path (PA), wherein said alignment group (305') comprises a first gripping frame (315') rotatable with respect to said supply unit (2) about a rotation axis (315Y'), wherein said second gripping roller (312') is constrained with an allowed rotation to a bracket (318b'), said bracket (318b') being constrained with an allowed translation to said first frame (315') and configured to reversibly displace itself between a close position (PR), wherein said second gripping roller (312') is at a minimum distance from said first gripping roller (311'), and a spaced-apart position (PD), wherein said second gripping roller (312') is at a maximum distance from said first gripping roller (311'),.

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 efficiency of its production processes, has preliminarily observed how, in a production line for an internal assembly of electrochemical cells (whether of the "stacking" or "z-folding" type or of the coil-winding type), the feed speed of the strip (or portions thereof), with respect to the unit that carries out the coupling, can constitute an important element of limitation of the production capacity of the line itself.

[0049] Furthermore, this limitation is even more critical if high precision is required in the formation of the assembly. In particular, the Applicant noted that in many applications, such as, for example, in the winding of a strip in the form of a coil for the production of electrochemical cells, a high degree of precision in the geometry of the couplings of the different materials used must be ensured in order to guarantee the required performance of the finished product.

[0050] At the same time, the Applicant has noted that the steps of interrupting and resuming feeding the strip produce undesirable reductions in the production efficiency of the process together with increased wear of the moving parts which are subjected to increased acceleration and deceleration in order to try to compensate for these negative variations in productivity.

[0051] Even more so, the Applicant noted that such interruption and resumption of feeding the strip can, in addition to increased wear and tear and thus reduced life expectancy of a device, imply misalignments related to these process discontinuities.

[0052] Analysing this aspect in detail and further elaborating on it, the Applicant noted that the alignment devices generally used tend to have strip displacement systems that allow the strip to be moved in translation with respect to a predefined feed path.

[0053] Furthermore, the Applicant noted that this operating condition of the alignment group tends to result in a local variation of the orientation of the strip, but this may be limited to small actual changes in the strip travel path. In fact, it is often the case that a local correction of the alignment of the strip must be produced in order to produce a change in orientation for a longitudinally extended section of the strip.

[0054] This situation can also produce unwanted strip deformations linked to a mainly local alignment correction process.

[0055] The Applicant further noted that particularly when a cut is made and a new end of the strip is created, it is significantly advantageous to increase the security with which to control and convey this free portion to the winding head precisely and effectively.

[0056] In fact, the Applicant has noticed that when subjected to high speeds of movement in different feed directions, these free ends have the possibility of flexing and losing the ideal alignment that they generally follow during other processing steps.

[0057] The Applicant therefore perceived how it was possible to adopt a different approach from the prior art by attempting to extend the alignment variation over a larger section of the strip while ensuring high precision and efficiency of coupling of the strip during the different steps of the process for making the coil, specifically considering the operational condition of also having to handle free ends subject to possible flexing.

[0058] The Applicant therefore found that realising an alignment unit capable of modifying the way the strip was aligned while ensuring a high degree of accuracy and process reproducibility compared to the prior art conferred the possibility of improving the overall efficiency of the process for creating a battery.

[0059] 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.

[0060] Preferably, said apparatus comprises a dispensing unit to dispense at least one strip along a predefined feed path.

[0061] Preferably, said apparatus comprises a supply unit for said strip placed downstream of said dispensing unit along said predefined feed path.

[0062] Preferably, said supply unit comprises an alignment unit configured to displace said strip along a transverse direction with respect to said feed path. Preferably, said alignment unit comprises a first gripping frame on which a first gripping roller and a second gripping roller are arranged.

[0063] Preferably, said first and second gripping rollers are rotating about a first and second longitudinal axis respectively.

[0064] Preferably, said first and second gripping 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] According to one embodiment, said second gripping roller is constrained with an allowed rotation to a bracket.

[0067] Preferably, said bracket is constrained with an allowed translation to said first gripping frame.

[0068] Preferably, said bracket is configured to reversibly displace itself between a close position, wherein said second gripping roller is at a minimum distance from said first gripping roller, and a spaced-apart position, wherein said second gripping roller is at a maximum distance from said first gripping roller.

[0069] In this way, the Applicant noted that 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.

[0070] In addition, thanks to this technical solution it is possible to create an alignment unit capable of producing precise and accurate variations in the alignment of the strip with respect to the predefined feed path.

[0071] More specifically, thanks to this technical solution, the Applicant was able to selectively abut and guide even potentially flexible ends of the strip between the first and second gripping rollers and, by rotating them, to be able to angularly vary the feed direction of the strip. In this way, the Applicant was able to realise an innovative technical solution that does not act locally on the strip, but produces an angular variation of the actual feed path over greater distances than taught by the prior art.

[0072] In a second aspect thereof, the present invention is directed to a method for aligning a strip, the latter intended for creating an internal assembly of an electrochemical cell for producing batteries.

[0073] Preferably, said method comprise dispensing by means of a dispensing unit said a strip along a predefined feed path.

[0074] Preferably, said method comprise arranging downstream of said dispensing unit a supply unit that comprises an alignment group.

[0075] Preferably, said alignment unit comprises a first gripping frame on which a first gripping roller and a second gripping roller are arranged.

[0076] Preferably, said first and second gripping rollers are rotating about a first and second longitudinal axis respectively.

[0077] Preferably, said first and second gripping 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] According to one embodiment, said second gripping roller is constrained with an allowed rotation to a bracket.

[0080] Preferably, said bracket is constrained with an allowed translation to said first gripping frame.

[0081] Preferably, said bracket is configured to reversibly displace itself between a close position, wherein said second gripping roller is at a minimum distance from said first gripping roller, and a spaced-apart position, wherein said second gripping roller is at a maximum distance from said first gripping roller.

[0082] Preferably, said method comprises identifying any alignment difference between said strip and said predefined feed path. Preferably, in the event said difference in alignment is other than zero, displacing said strip by rotation of said first gripping frame so as to align said strip with respect to said predefined feed path.

[0083] Thanks to this technical solution, it is possible to achieve the same benefits of the invention as described with regard to its first aspect.

[0084] The present invention, in at least one of the aforesaid aspects, may have at least one of the further preferred features set forth below.

[0085] Preferably, said rotation axis is substantially perpendicular to a first plane on which said first and second longitudinal axes lie.

[0086] In this way, a correction of the alignment of the strip can be produced by having the rotation axis of the alignment group parallel to the predefined feed path. Thus, it is possible to produce different inclinations of the strip with respect to its longitudinal development direction.

[0087] According to a further embodiment, said rotation axis is substantially parallel to a first plane on which said first and second longitudinal axes lie.

[0088] This allows a correction of the alignment of the strip to be produced by having the rotation axis of the alignment group perpendicular to the predefined feed path.

[0089] This angular variation in orientation of the strip may persist until an element further changes the actual orientation of the strip.

[0090] Preferably, said first gripping frame is directly constrained to said supply unit by means of a rotation member.

[0091] This makes it possible to realise an effective compact form of the invention according to the present invention.

[0092] Preferably, said first gripping frame 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.

[0093] Preferably, said second gripping frame is constrained to said supply unit with an allowed rotation about said rotation axis by means of a rotation device.

[0094] This makes it possible to create an alignment group capable of producing a roto- translation of the strip with respect to the predefined feed path. Thanks to this condition, it is possible to intervene in a more specific and articulated manner with respect to the required alignment.

[0095] 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 °.

[0096] The Applicant noted that such preferred rotation intervals allow the strip to be displaced effectively without inducing damage or deformation.

[0097] 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.

[0098] This makes it possible to achieve the desired rotation in a compact and robust manner.

[0099] Preferably, said apparatus comprises a coupling unit, placed downstream of said supply 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 said electrochemical cell.

[0100] Preferably, said strip is at least one of said conductor elements and said at least one separator element.

[0101] In this way, the desired internal assembly can be realised precisely.

[0102] 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.

[0103] Preferably, said movable portion comprises one or more of said alignment group.

[0104] 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. Thanks this technical solution, it is therefore possible to further improve the process of continuously feeding and coupling of the strip by correcting any misalignment even while the movable portion is in action.

[0105] Preferably, said alignment unit is positioned immediately upstream of said coupling unit.

[0106] 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.

[0107] Preferably, said strip is a separator strip.

[0108] Preferably, said internal assembly of said electrochemical cell is a structure formed by a stack of conductor foils individually separated by said separator strip.

[0109] Preferably, said coupling unit is a stacking unit of said conductor foils separated by said separator strip.

[0110] In this way, an internal assembly in the form of a multilayer stacked structure for prismatic batteries can be precisely and efficiently realised.

[0111] 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.

[0112] Preferably, said internal assembly of said electrochemical cell consists of a coil formed by said conductor strips and said separator strips wound together.

[0113] Preferably, said one coupling unit is a winding unit of said conductor strips and said separator strips.

[0114] In this way, an internal assembly in the form of a multilayer wound coil for cylindrical coils can be precisely and efficiently realised.

[0115] Preferably, said supply unit comprises a respective alignment group for each strip of said plurality of strips.

[0116] In this way, it is possible to precisely control the positioning of all elements of the internal assembly during its creation.

[0117] Preferably, said alignment group comprises a fin opening integral with said alignment assembly and configured to pass said plurality of fins. In this way, it is possible to retain a fold or pre-fold of the plurality of fins made at an upstream step of the alignment group.

[0118] 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 choose whether to make the plurality of fins pass through the alignment group alternatively without having any contact with the alignment group itself, or by having a slight contact, or by providing for a functional contact to ensure the predetermined orientation of the fins.

[0119] It is interesting to note that this technical solution advantageously allows a predetermined folding configuration of the plurality of fins to be maintained or guaranteed without damaging them even during the alignment step between the strip and the predefined feed path.

[0120] Preferably, said fin opening is constrained or defined within said alignment group.

[0121] This ensures that the fin opening moves solidly with the alignment group during all possible alignment steps, thus producing a condition in which ideal and effective alignment can be achieved.

[0122] Preferably, said fin opening has a substantially triangular or rectangular or trapezoidal cross-section or similar polygonal geometric figures.

[0123] Thanks to this technical solution, it is possible to efficiently pass the plurality of fins through the alignment group, minimising the free space required by optimising the simplicity of the opening itself.

[0124] 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.

[0125] Preferably, said fin opening is made side by side with said first roller and / or said second gripping roller in a lateral position with respect to said predefined feed path.

[0126] 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 frame. According to an embodiment of the present invention, said fin opening is an indentation made in said first and / or second gripping roller.

[0127] 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.

[0128] In this sense, the indentation has the sense of a "hollow" or "outlet" of the designated roller.

[0129] 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.

[0130] Preferably, said folding unit is placed upstream of said alignment group.

[0131] In this way, a predetermined orientation of the plurality of fins can be preserved or effectively guaranteed.

[0132] Preferably, said folding unit is housed on said movable portion.

[0133] In this way, it is possible to perform a further plurality of operations while maintaining continuous strip feeding.

[0134] Preferably, said alignment group comprises a sensor to detect a misalignment of said strip with respect to said predefined feed path.

[0135] Thanks to this solution, it is possible to precisely, quickly and uniformly quantify the amount of misalignment, if any, to be corrected.

[0136] Preferably, said sensor is an optical or laser sensor.

[0137] In this way, the benefits described above can be produced in a cost-effective and efficient manner.

[0138] Preferably, said alignment occurs at least partially by rotation about said rotation axis which is substantially parallel or perpendicular to a first plane on which said first and second longitudinal axes lie.

[0139] As previously discussed, this allows a correction of the alignment of the strip to be produced by having the rotation axis of the alignment group perpendicular to the predefined feed path. According to one embodiment, the first gripping roller or the second gripping 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 gripping roller.

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

[0148] Preferably, said first and second load cells are respectively interposed between said first and second support bracket and said bracket.

[0149] In other words, said first and second support brackets are connected to the bracket by means of the first and second load cell.

[0150] In this way, when the second gripping roller is subjected to a force transferred from the strip, it moves consistently in that direction. The two load cells detect this displacement and convert it into a signal that can be correlated to the force on the second gripping roller.

[0151] Thanks to this solution, it is therefore possible to measure and control the evolution of the forces acting on the second gripping roller.

[0152] Clearly, again, it is reported that this embodiment can be similarly implemented on the first gripping roller.

[0153] 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.

[0154] According to one embodiment, the alignment assembly comprises at least one encoder (or similar transducer) configured to detect the rotations produced by an associated roller.

[0155] According to one embodiment, at least one encoder is mounted on an extension of the second gripping frame or on said support portion preferably on the side axially opposite said first or second gripping roller and at said first or second longitudinal axis.

[0156] 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.

[0157] Thanks to this device, it is possible to selectively detect the rotations of the first gripping roller that may be induced by the motor element so that a more precise control of the actual strip feed can be achieved.

[0158] Preferably, said encoder is installed axially opposite the motor element in order to advantageously optimise the various space requirements.

[0159] In embodiments, the alignment group comprises said sensor for the alignment of the strip placed close to the first or second gripping roller of the alignment group.

[0160] According to some embodiments, there are provided two sensors, one placed upstream and one downstream of the alignment group.

[0161] Preferably, both the sensor placed upstream of the alignment unit and the sensor placed downstream of the alignment unit are positioned at a respective distance from the first longitudinal axis of the first gripping roller of between 50 and 15 mm, preferably about equal to 20 mm.

[0162] 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.

[0163] 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).

[0164] Preferably, the sensor placed downstream of the alignment group is positioned at a distance from the rotation axis of the winding head (i.e. the winding head brought into the appropriate position to begin winding the strip) between 100 and 30 mm, preferably about equal to 64 mm.

[0165] According to one embodiment, the first gripping roller is positioned so that its first longitudinal axis is at a distance from the axis of rotation of the winding head (i.e. the winding head brought into the appropriate position to begin winding the strip 80) of between 150 and 50 mm, preferably equal to 94 mm.

[0166] Preferably, said first and / or second gripping rollers have a cylindrical development.

[0167] In said sense, said cylindrical development is a function of said first and / or second longitudinal axis.

[0168] This provides an advantageous and uniform feed and control of the strip, which is subjected to a controlled and reproducible gripping.

[0169] According to further embodiments, said first and / or second gripping rollers have concave or convex development.

[0170] Thanks to this embodiment, the strip tends to move spontaneously towards the zone of maximum concavity or convexity.

[0171] According to further embodiments, one of said first and second gripping rollers has concave development and the other has complementary convex development. This creates an advantageous gripping between these gripping rollers that spontaneously and effectively guides the strip towards the zone of maximum concavity.

[0172] 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 gripping roller.

[0173] 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.

[0174] In embodiments, this zone of maximum concavity or convexity can be spaced from a central longitudinal zone of the first or second gripping roller.

[0175] Thanks to this asymmetrical configuration, the strip can be guided in an even more specific and particular way.

[0176] According to further embodiment, one of these first and second gripping rollers has a conical development, i.e. tapered towards one of its longitudinal ends.

[0177] 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 gripping roller that has a smaller diameter.

[0178] Preferably, said method comprises arranging along said predefined feed path a movable portion comprising at least one of said alignment group and configured to reversibly displace itself along a displacement direction between a first configuration distal to said dispensing unit and a second configuration proximal to said dispensing unit.

[0179] Preferably, said method comprises aligning said strip while said movable portion moves along said displacement direction.

[0180] Preferably, alignment occurs while the strip is being continuously supplied.

[0181] 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. Preferably, said method comprises, in the case where said difference in alignment is other than zero, actuating said alignment group 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 and said alignment group during the displacement of said alignment group.

[0182] In this way, a folding or pre-folding of the plurality of fins realised at a step upstream of the alignment group can be preserved or guaranteed.

[0183] 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.

[0184] For the person skilled in the art, it is clear that the safety distance is measured with respect to the part of the alignment group closest to the plurality of fins.

[0185] Preferably, said method comprises arranging along said feed path a coupling unit, placed downstream of said supply 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 said electrochemical cell.

[0186] Preferably, said strip is at least one of said conductor elements and said at least one separator element.

[0187] In this way, the desired internal assembly can be realised precisely.

[0188] Preferably, said method comprises arranging a stacking unit as a coupling unit.

[0189] Preferably, said method comprise dispensing said strip as a separator strip.

[0190] Preferably, said method comprises stacking said separator strip by means of said stacking unit creating a structure comprising a stack of conductor elements in the form of conductor foils individually separated by said separator strip,

[0191] Preferably, said method comprises creating thereby said internal assembly of said electrochemical cell for a prismatic battery.

[0192] In this way, an internal assembly in the form of a multilayer stacked structure for prismatic batteries can be precisely and efficiently realised.

[0193] Preferably, said method comprise arranging a winding unit as a coupling unit. Preferably, said method comprises dispensing a plurality of strips comprising a pair of conductor strips and a pair of separator strips of which said strip is at least one.

[0194] Preferably, said method comprises winding said plurality of strips by means of said winding unit, isolating each one of said pair of conductor strips with a respective separator strip of said pair of separator strips.

[0195] Preferably, said method comprises creating thereby said internal assembly in the form of a coil of said electrochemical cell for a cylindrical battery.

[0196] In this way, an internal assembly in the form of a multilayer wound coil for cylindrical coils can be precisely and efficiently realised.

[0197] 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:

[0198] - figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus according to the present invention;

[0199] - 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;

[0200] - figure 5 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the present invention,

[0201] - figures 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d are schematic figures of further embodiments according to the present invention,

[0202] - figures 7a and 7b are perspective views of embodiments according to schematic figures 6a and 6b,

[0203] - figure 8a is a side view of a further embodiment of the invention shown schematically in figure 6a,

[0204] - figure 8b is a frontal view of a section according to plan VI I lb of figure 8a.

[0205] - figure 9 is a detailed perspective view of the invention depicted in figure 7a,

[0206] - figure 10 is a perspective view of a section according to the plan X of figure 9,

[0207] - figures 11 and 12 are further detailed perspective views of the embodiment of the invention in figure 7a, - figure 13 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the present invention,

[0208] - figure 14 is a detailed perspective view of part of figure 13,

[0209] - figure 15 is a detailed frontal schematic view of a section according to plan XV in figure 13,

[0210] - figure 16 is a perspective view of a detail of an embodiment of the present invention

[0211] - figure 16b is a frontal perspective view of a detail of an alternative embodiment similar to that shown in figure 9,

[0212] - figure 16c is a sectional view of a further embodiment similar to that shown in figure 15,

[0213] - figures 16d, and are perspective views of further embodiments in accordance with this technical solution,

[0214] - figure 16f is a perspective view of a section detail according to plan XV of figure 13 relating to a further embodiment,

[0215] - figure 16g is a perspective view of a further embodiment according to this technical solution.

[0216] 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.

[0217] 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.

[0218] 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.

[0219] 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.

[0220] 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. 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.

[0221] For illustrative and non-limiting purposes only, in the following embodiments the coupling unit 300 will be described as the winding unit.

[0222] 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.

[0223] 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.

[0224] Preferably, the plurality of strips N1 , N2, N3, N4 comprises two conductor strips (N1 and N3) and two separator strips (N2 and N4).

[0225] 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.

[0226] 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.

[0227] 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.

[0228] 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.

[0229] 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. 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.

[0230] 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.

[0231] In preferred embodiments, the strip 80 or the plurality of strips N1 , N2, N3, N4 are fed continuously, preferably into the supply unit 2.

[0232] 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.

[0233] 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.

[0234] 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.

[0235] 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.

[0236] According to preferred embodiments such as the one shown, for example, in figures 2 and 4, 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. 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 and 4 show that these transverse fins 82 (or "side fins") extend projecting from a larger side of the main body 81 of the strip 80.

[0237] 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.

[0238] Preferably, the plurality of fins 82 is realised by cutting or etching or ablation of the strip 80.

[0239] 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.

[0240] 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.

[0241] 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 .

[0242] 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.

[0243] This is shown, for example, in figure 14 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.

[0244] Consistently with the present invention, the alignment group 305' shown for example in figures 13 and 14, 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 319' configured to allow it to pass ensuring a predefined orientation of the plurality of fins. It is relevant to note that the technical features relating to the presence of the fin opening 319 can be freely combined with the various technical elements described in the various embodiments presented in this document.

[0245] 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.

[0246] 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.

[0247] 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.

[0248] 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.

[0249] In alternative embodiments, the movable portion 250 can move in different directions, e.g. horizontally.

[0250] 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.

[0251] 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.

[0252] 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.

[0253] The movable portion 250 comprises, in the first embodiment versions described herein, at least one alignment group 305 constrained to it and configured to align the strip 80 to the predefined feed path PA.

[0254] 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.

[0255] Preferably, the winding unit 300 comprises three winding heads 310 that can be moved by rotation with respect to the movable portion 250.

[0256] 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.

[0257] In some embodiments not shown in the figures, the winding unit 300 comprises a rotatable body that ca rotate about its own rotation axis.

[0258] 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 respective winding heads 310 for the continuous creation of the coils B.

[0259] For the sake of completeness, reference is now made to the example in figure 16 to show how the alignment group 305 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.

[0260] 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.

[0261] Furthermore, the set reference can be a point, or a spatial segment or other specifically predefined geometric elements.

[0262] 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.

[0263] According to some embodiments, two sensors are provided, one upstream and one downstream of the alignment group 305'.

[0264] Preferably, both the sensor placed upstream of the alignment unit 305' and the sensor placed downstream of the alignment unit 305' are positioned at a respective distance from the first longitudinal axis 311 X' of the first gripping roller 311 'of between 50 and 15 mm, preferably about equal to 20 mm.

[0265] It is understood that the distance between the sensor placed upstream and the first longitudinal axis 311X' may differ from the distance between the sensor placed downstream and the first longitudinal axis 311 X', as long as both are within the interval described above.

[0266] Preferably, the distance of such sensors from the first longitudinal axis 311X' is measured from the most proximal portion of the sensor (or, alternatively, from its sensing element).

[0267] Preferably, the sensor placed downstream of the alignment group 305' is positioned at a distance from the rotation axis of the winding head 310 (i.e. the winding head brought into the appropriate position to start winding the strip 80) between 100 and 30 mm, preferably about equal to 64 mm.

[0268] According to an embodiment, the first gripping roller 311 ' is positioned such that its first longitudinal axis 311X' is at a distance from the axis of rotation of the winding head 310 (i.e. the winding head brought into the appropriate position to begin winding the strip 80) of between 150 to 50 mm, preferably 94 mm. figure 16b shows a further possible embodiment in which the first and second gripping rollers 311 ', 312' have concave and convex development.

[0269] In more detail, it can be noted that the two gripping rollers 311 ', 312' are shaped in such a way that they are substantially complementary and effectively engage the strip 80 between them.

[0270] According to the embodiments shown, the first gripping roller 311 ' has a substantially convex development along its longitudinal axis 311X' while the second gripping roller 312' preferably has a concave development.

[0271] In a further embodiment shown for illustrative and non-limiting purposes in figure 16c, the first gripping roller 311 ' (or, similarly, the second gripping roller 312') can have a conical development with respect to its longitudinal axis. As can be noted, the first gripping roller 31 T has a tapered development from one axial end towards the other.

[0272] It is also possible to realise a combination of the first and second gripping rollers 311 ', 312' having a conical development and configured in a complementary manner, i.e. with tapering oriented from opposite directions with reference to the respective longitudinal axes.

[0273] Now with reference to figure 5, it can be noted that, preferably, a plurality of alignment groups 305', each comprising a respective fin opening 319', is installed in the movable portion 250.

[0274] Specifically, figure 5 shows four alignment devices 305’ placed upstream of the winding unit 300 and each acting on one of the strips N1 , N2, N3, N4.

[0275] Furthermore, the embodiment of figure 5 comprises two further alignment devices or alignment groups 305' preferably placed immediately upstream of the winding unit 300 and each acting on one of the two conductor strips N1 , N3. Furthermore, the movable portion 250 may comprise different types of alignment groups 305' (or, in general, alignment devices) at its different portions.

[0276] In the embodiment shown in figure 5, the alignment group 305' is preferably positioned in proximity to the movable input section 251 , while a further type is positioned in proximity to and immediately upstream of the aforementioned winding unit 300.

[0277] In more detail, each alignment group 305' 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.

[0278] Now with reference to figures 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d, 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 311' and a second gripping roller 312' are arranged.

[0279] Preferably, and with reference to figures 13, 14 and 15, a fin opening 319' is defined side by side with said first gripping roller 311 ' and / or to said second gripping roller 312' in a lateral position with respect to said predefined feed path, or as an indentation made in said first and / or second gripping roller 311 ', 312'.

[0280] In this sense, the indentation has the sense of a "hollow" or "outlet" of the designated roller.

[0281] The first and second gripping rollers 31 T, 312' are preferably made of polymeric or metallic material.

[0282] Still preferably, the first and second gripping rollers 31 T, 312' are rotating on an eccentric in order to be able to ensure constant and effective contact on the strip 80.

[0283] As shown in figure 7a, the first and second gripping rollers 31 T, 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. Preferably, the first gripping frame 315' is rotatable with respect to the supply unit 2 about a rotation axis 315Y' substantially perpendicular to the first and second longitudinal axes 311 X', 312X'.

[0284] This allows for an effective form of alignment in which the strip is precisely controlled between the first and second take-up rollers while the latter impose alignment correction by rotation. figures 6b, 7a and 8b show embodiments for which the rotation axis 315Y' is parallel to the plane XY on which the first and second longitudinal axes 311X', 312X' lie. In the alternative embodiment shown in figures 6c and 6d, the rotation axis 315Y' is perpendicular to the plane XY on which the first and second longitudinal axes 311X', 312X' lie.

[0285] In this case, the configuration of the alignment group is similar to that described with reference to figure 7a in which the relative orientations between the rotation axis 315Y' and the first and second longitudinal axes 311X', 312X' are modified

[0286] With reference to figure 7a, 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.

[0287] On the third gripping frame 317' a rotation device 320' is mounted (see figure 7b), which is actuatable in rotation about the rotation axis 315Y' with gripping by means of a linkage system connected to a selectively operable electric motor 314c’. It is possible to replace the electric motor 314c' with similar pneumatic or mechanical technical solutions.

[0288] For the person skilled in the art, it is clear that in alternative embodiments of the present invention, the electric motor can be directly connected to the rotation device 320', preferably by means of a shaft thereof that directly imposes the desired rotation of the first gripping frame 315'.

[0289] The electric motor 314c' is preferably of the stepper or brush-less type.

[0290] As shown in figure 7b, the shaft of the electric motor 314c' is connected with a rotating arm in turn engaged by means of a joint on a rod in turn engaged by means of a joint on the rotation device 320' so as to give the desired rotation of the first gripping frame 315'.

[0291] In more detail and with reference to figures 7a, 7b, 11 and 12, 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 granted translation.

[0292] The first gripping frame 215' is translatable with respect to the second gripping frame 316' according to the translation direction DT having a component parallel to the first and second longitudinal axis 311 'X, 312'X.

[0293] With reference to figure 7a, it can be seen how in this preferred embodiment, the translation direction DT is substantially parallel to the first and second longitudinal axes 311'X, 312'X.

[0294] As can be noted in figure 7a, the third gripping frame 317' is integrally constrained to the movable portion 250 (e.g. by screws).

[0295] Specifically, as shown in figures 7a, 11 and 12, the second gripping frame 316' comprises a base 316a' and a main plate 316b' projecting perpendicularly from the base 316a'.

[0296] With reference to figures 11 and 12, it can be noted that on the main plate 316b' of the second gripping frame 316', a rail 316c' with linear form is integrally constrained.

[0297] Such a rail preferably has an hourglass or "H" cross-section and is configured so that a slide 315c' can slide on it in a reversible manner.

[0298] Considering now figure 12, it can be seen that the track 316c' and the slide 315c' cause the first gripping frame 315' to be able to move relative to the second frame 316' according to a pure translation motion along the translation direction DT.

[0299] With reference to figures 9 and 10, the first gripping roller 31 T is operatively connected to a motor element 314a' so as to be actuatable in rotation about the first longitudinal axis 211'X.

[0300] Preferably, the motor element 314a' is a stepper or brushless electric motor and the first gripping roller 31 T is directly coaxially connected to its drive shaft. Alternatively, the motor element 314a’ can be a similar technical solution of the electrical or pneumatic type. In this way it is possible to selectively drive the first gripping roller 31 T in rotation in order to decide how fast to feed the strip 80 when present.

[0301] Now, with reference to figure 10, it can be noted that the second gripping roller 312' is housed in the first gripping frame 315' by means of an idle joint or unidirectional joint with an allowed idle or unidirectional rotation about the second longitudinal axis 312X'.

[0302] In the embodiment shown in figure 10, the second gripping roller 312' is constrained with an allowed rotation to a bracket 318b'. This bracket 318b' is in turn constrained with an allowed translation to the first frame 315' and is configured to reversibly displace itself between a close position PR (depicted in figure 10), in which the second gripping roller 312' is at a minimum distance from the first gripping roller 31 T, and a spaced-apart position PD (depicted in figure 9), in which the second gripping roller 312' is at a maximum distance from the first gripping roller 31 T.

[0303] With reference to figures 9 and 10, it can be noted that the first and second gripping rollers 31 T, 312' are spaced apart from each other, resulting in an interposed first opening 318a' that can vary depending on the position of the second gripping roller 312'.

[0304] Preferably, this first opening 318a' is not equal to zero and is determined according to the thickness of the strip 80 to be treated.

[0305] As shown in figure 10, the bracket 318b' is moved so that the second gripping roller reversibly translates between the close position and the spaced-apart position by means of an actuator 315b' constrained to it and driven in displacement by means of a further motor element 314b' which in the case depicted is an electric stepper motor (or, alternatively, brushless, or similar technical solution of an electric or pneumatic type).

[0306] It is interesting to note that when the second gripping roller 312' is in a position PD spaced apart from the first gripping roller 31 T, it is easier to insert an initial end or head or appendage of the 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.

[0307] Once the initial end of the strip 80 has passed downstream of the first and second gripping rollers 31 T, 312', it is possible to move the second gripping roller 312' to the close position PR by bringing both gripping rollers 311 ', 312' into contact on the strip 80.

[0308] At this point, the strip 80 is effectively engaged between the two gripping rollers 311 ', 312' and a translation of them in the translation direction DT immediately results in a consistent translation of the portion of strip 80 engaged there.

[0309] Even more, once the strip 80 is engaged between the first and second gripping rollers 311 ', 312' it will be possible to effectively advance it selectively by rotating the electric stepper or brushless motor 314a' connected to the first gripping roller 311 '.

[0310] In alternative embodiments (not shown in full in the figures), all movements implemented with motorised systems can alternatively be implemented with pneumatic or electric systems (and vice versa).

[0311] It is interesting to note that when the second gripping roller 312' is in a position PD spaced apart from the first gripping roller 311 ', 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 B coil has been completed and a new end of strip 80 made by upstream cut of the alignment group 305' must be brought accurately and quickly to the winding head 310.

[0312] Once the initial end of the strip 80 has passed downstream of the first and second gripping rollers 311 ', 312' while they were arranged according to the spaced-apart position PD, it is possible to move the second gripping roller 312' to the close position PR by bringing both gripping rollers 311 ', 312' into contact on the strip 80.

[0313] At this point, the strip 80 is effectively engaged between the two gripping rollers 31 T, 312' and their translation, according to the translation direction DT, or their rotation immediately results in a consistent displacement of the portion of strip 80 engaged there.

[0314] Even more, once the strip 80 is engaged between the first and second gripping rollers 31 T, 312' it will be possible to effectively advance it selectively by rotating the electric stepper or brushless motor 314a' connected to the first gripping roller 311 '.

[0315] With reference to figure 16g, it can be noted that the alignment assembly 305' comprises a linear transducer 328c' configured to detect the linear displacements and speed of the first frame 315' along the translation direction DT.

[0316] More specifically, the linear transducer 328c' comprises a sensing element (sensor) 328c1 ' configured to detect a physical displacement and a measuring slider 328c2' configured to follow the movement of the measured object and transmit the change to the sensing element.

[0317] In the embodiment shown in figure 16g, the sensor 328c1 ' is mounted on the second fixed frame 316', while the slider 328c2' is mounted on the first movable frame 315'.

[0318] Now with reference to figures 16d and 16e, it can be seen that a first and a second load cell 318c', 318d' can be mounted on the bracket 318b'. These first and second load cells 318c', 318d' are of the compression type and are housed on axial ends opposite to the second longitudinal axis 312X' of the second gripping roller 312'.

[0319] In addition, the first and second load cells 318c', 318d' are respectively interposed between a first and second support bracket, on which the second gripping roller 312' with an allowed rotation, and the movement bracket 318b' is housed. As will be seen later in further embodiments, these support brackets are included in a support portion 315d' for the second gripping roller 312'.

[0320] In this way, when the second gripping roller 312' is subjected to a force transferred by the strip 80, it moves consistently in that direction and the two load cells 318c', 318d' detect this displacement and convert it into a signal that can be correlated to the force applied.

[0321] 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 bracket 318b' so as to bring the second gripping roller 312' closer to or further away from the first gripping roller 31 T, thereby optimising the clamping force exerted on the strip 80 by the two rollers 31 T, 312'. figure 16f shows a detailed axial section of an embodiment form in which the second gripping roller 312' 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 315d' to which the second gripping roller 312' is constrained with an allowed rotation about its own second longitudinal axis 312X'.

[0322] This support portion 315d' comprises, preferably, the first and second support brackets described above and which are configured to accommodate the respective ends of the second pick-up roller 312'.

[0323] Returning to what is shown in figure 16f, 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 312X'.

[0324] This rotary joint 610 in turn is externally fixed to the second gripping roller 312'. In particular, this configuration advantageously minimises the radial footprint of the rotoidal joint 610 by limiting its contribution to interaction stresses between the second gripping roller 312' and the strip 80 engaging it.

[0325] The embodiments shown for the first and / or second gripping roller 31 T, 312' can advantageously be applied to any roller included in the apparatus described herein.

[0326] As shown in figure 16g, in some embodiments the alignment group 305' includes at least one encoder 311 a' (or similar transducer) configured to detect the rotations produced by a roller associated therewith.

[0327] According to an embodiment, the encoder 31 1 a' is mounted on an extension of the second gripping frame 316' or on the support portion 315d' preferably on the side axially opposite said first or second roller 31 T, 312' at the first or second longitudinal axis 311X', 312X'.

[0328] According to an embodiment shown for example in figure 16g, at least one encoder 311 a' is mounted at the first rotation axis 31 1 X' which, being optionally motorised, can provide further useful information on the displacement and tension applied to the strip 80.

[0329] Thanks to such a device, it is possible to selectively detect the rotations of the first gripping roller 31 T that are induced by the motor element 314a' so as to have a more precise control of the actual feed of the strip 80. In particular, the measurement of the rotations of the first gripping roller 31 T about its first longitudinal axis 311 X' carried out by means of the encoder 311 a' is significantly advantageous immediately after a new end of the strip 80 has been interposed between the first gripping roller 311 ' and the second gripping roller 312' and the first gripping roller 311 ' has been brought closer to the second gripping roller 312' bringing them to the close position PR. At this point, it is possible to feed by rotation of the motor element 314a' the free end of the strip 80 (not yet engaged in the winding head 310) in contact with the first gripping roller 311 ' knowing, thanks to the information provided by the encoder 311a', by how much and at what speed the end of the strip 80 is displacing itself.

[0330] It can be noted from figure 16g that the encoder 311 a' is installed on the side axially opposite to the motor element 314a', so that the various overall dimensions required can be optimised advantageously. In embodiments, a portion integral with the gripping roller (e.g. its shaft) extends longitudinally beyond the first gripping roller 311 ' so that its rotations can be measured by the encoder 311 a'._

[0331] Now with reference to figures 13, 14 and 15, it can be noted that the alignment group 305' comprises a fin opening 319' defined between the first gripping roller 311 ' and the second gripping roller 312' or flanked to the first gripping roller 311 ' and / or the second gripping roller 312' and configured to make the plurality of fins 82 pass, avoiding contacting them even if they are bent with respect to the central body 81.

[0332] As can be noted, for example, from figure 13, the fin opening 319' is defined within the first gripping frame 315’ and moves solidly with it.

[0333] In other words, this fin opening 319' is configured to be able to follow all the movements of the first gripping frame 315' and thus be integral with the strip 80’ during all its alignment steps.

[0334] In the embodiment shown in figures 13 and 14, the fin opening 319' is realised by making the first gripping roller 31 T shorter than the second gripping roller 312'.

[0335] In an alternative embodiment shown in figure 15, the fin opening 319' is realised as a recess or outlet of the second gripping roller 312'.

[0336] In this context, "outlet" refers to a recess or slot or cavity obtained preferably by removal of material.

[0337] Furthermore, now with reference to figure 14, it can be noted that the fin opening 319' 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°.

[0338] In all such cases, the fin opening 319' is configured to allow the plurality of fins a non-contact passage between them and the first alignment group 305' or by making contact aimed at ensuring a predefined spatial orientation of the plurality of fins 82.

[0339] Now, with reference to figures 8a and 8b, it can be noted that the technical solution described is similar to that of figures 7a and 7b 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 311 ', 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.

[0340] 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.

[0341] Still with reference to figure 1 , it can be noted that the folding unit 1 is preferably housed in proximity to the movable input section 251 of the movable portion 250.

[0342] According to embodiments not shown, the folding unit is positioned immediately downstream of the alignment group 305'.

[0343] 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 .

[0344] 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. For further clarity and completeness, a comparison between a concave and a convex surface will be discussed below.

[0345] 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.

[0346] 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.

[0347] 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.

[0348] 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.

[0349] 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.

[0350] 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.

[0351] 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.

[0352] 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.

[0353] 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.

[0354] 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.

[0355] 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 .

[0356] 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.

[0357] 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.

[0358] 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.

[0359] 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 . 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.

[0360] 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.

[0361] 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.

[0362] 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.

[0363] 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.

[0364] There is thus an ideal collaboration between the two rollers.

[0365] In more detail, the second folding roller 17 comprises a tapered portion 16 configured as complementary to the folding curb 12.

[0366] 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.

[0367] 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.

[0368] 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.

[0369] 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.

[0370] 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).

[0371] In other words, the second folding roller 17 can move reversibly along an arc of circumference highlighted in figure 3 for greater clarity.

[0372] 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 .

[0373] 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.

[0374] With reference to again to figure 5, it can be noted that the movable portion 250 comprises four alignment devices 305, 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 group 305 in the movable portion 250.

[0375] It is clear to the person skilled in the art that an apparatus 100 comprising a movable portion 250 housing an alignment group 305 according to the present invention will be able to carry out all processes for working the strip 80 positioned downstream of the alignment group more accurately and efficiently, particularly in the case of a step of folding the fins 82 prodromal to the creation of a coil B.

[0376] 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.

[0377] As previously described, said method comprise dispensing by means of the dispensing unit 200 the strip 80 along a predefined feed path PA.

[0378] As already disclosed, this step could, for example, be realised by means of dispensing devices 6 in the form of strip or coil windings.

[0379] The method comprises arranging, downstream of the dispensing group, the alignment system 305', which is configured to displace the strip 80 by displacing it along a transverse direction with respect to the predefined feed path PA.

[0380] Then, the method comprises identifying a possible alignment difference AAII between the strip 80 and the predefined feed path PA.

[0381] 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.

[0382] At this point, in the event that the alignment difference AAII is other than zero, it is provided for actuating the alignment group 305' according to the actuating methods described above, to align the strip 80 with the predefined feed path PA by engaging the strip 80 at the main body 81 .

[0383] Preferably, this alignment is carried out in such a way as to maintain the desired safety distance Ds between the plurality of fins 82 and the alignment group 305'.

[0384] 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).

[0385] 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.

[0386] This sampling can be carried out either continuously or discontinuously with a predefined acquisition frequency.

[0387] According to further embodiments of this method, the safety distance Ds is substantially constant when moving the alignment group 305’; 305’. For example, this distance can be between 0 and 7.5 mm, more preferably around 2 mm.

[0388] 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; 319' included in the alignment group 305' avoiding any contact therewith.

[0389] It is interesting to note that in preferred embodiments of the present method, the opening is kept integral with the alignment group 305' both during its inactive steps and when it is actuated to correct detected alignment difference AAII.

[0390] Advantageously, the method further provides for arranging the movable portion 250 downstream of the dispensing unit 200 which comprises one or more alignment groups 305'.

[0391] Such a plurality of devices can be arranged both by acting on several strips, as for example shown in figure 5, and by implementing an alignment correction process along several points of the predefined PA path for the same strip 80.

[0392] 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.

[0393] Again, according to embodiments, the present method comprises aligning the strip 80 by rotation about the rotation axis 320Y perpendicular to the predefined feed path PA.

[0394] It is interesting to note that, as shown in figures 7a and 7b, one embodiment of said method comprise aligning the strip 80 by translation (additional or independent to the aforementioned rotation) according to the translation direction DT transverse to the predefined feed path PA. Further, the method preferably 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.

[0395] For the person skilled in the art, it is clear that the previously described configurations can be implemented in preferred steps of the method.

[0396] For example, the actuator 315b' constrained to the bracket 318b' of the first gripping frame 315' is actuated to bring the second gripping roller 312' closer to or further away from the first gripping roller 31 T as required.

[0397] The Applicant has found, for example, that it is advantageous to move the second gripping roller 312' away from the first gripping roller 311 ' bringing it to the spacedapart position PD thus increasing the extension of the first opening 318a' thereby facilitating the passage of a new end of the strip 80, while the first opening 318a' is reduced by bringing the second roller 312' to the close position PR and thus "pinching" (i.e. , abutting or retaining) with the first roller 31 T the strip 80 so as to guide it accurately and reliably.

[0398] The method also provides that as soon as the strip 80 has been constrained between the two gripping rollers 31 T, 312' in the close position PR, the first gripping roller 31 T can be actuated into rotation by the electric stepper or brushless motor 314a' which facilitates its controlled advancement and possible insertion into further processing units such as, preferably, the winding unit 300.

[0399] 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),- a supply unit (2) for said strip (80) placed downstream of said dispensing unit (200) along said predefined feed path (PA) and comprising an alignment unit (305') configured to displace said strip (80) along a direction transverse to said feed path (PA), wherein said alignment unit (305') comprises a first gripping frame (315') on which a first gripping roller (31 T) and a second gripping roller (312') are arranged, respectively rotating about a first and a second longitudinal axis (311X', 312X'), 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 feed path (PA), wherein said first gripping frame (315') is rotatable relative to said supply unit (2) about a rotation axis (315Y') substantially perpendicular to said first and second longitudinal axis (311X', 312X'), wherein said second gripping roller (312') is constrained with an allowed rotation to a bracket (318b1), said bracket (318b1) being constrained with an allowed translation to said first frame (315') and configured to reversibly displace itself between a close position (PR), wherein said second gripping roller (312') is at a minimum distance from said first gripping roller (311 '), and a spaced-apart position (PD), wherein said second gripping roller (312') is at a maximum distance from said first gripping roller (311').

2. Apparatus (100) according to claim 1 , wherein said rotation axis (315Y') is substantially perpendicular to a first plane (XY) on which said first and second longitudinal axes (311X', 312X') lie.

3. Apparatus (100) according to claim 1 , wherein said rotation axis (315Y') is substantially parallel to a first plane (XY) on which said first and second longitudinal axes (311X', 312X') lie.

4. Apparatus (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said first gripping frame (315') is directly constrained to said supply unit (2) by means of a rotation device (320').

5. Apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said first gripping frame (315') is constrained to a second gripping frame (316') with an allowed translation according to a translation direction (DT) having a component parallel to said first longitudinal axis (311X') and said second gripping frame (316') is constrained to said supply unit (2) with an allowed rotation about said rotation axis (315Y') by means of a rotation device (320').

6. Apparatus (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a coupling unit (300), placed downstream of said supply unit (2), configured to combine a plurality of conductor elements (7, 8) and at least one separator element (9), in a predefined structure so as to form said internal assembly (3) of said electrochemical cell, wherein said strip (80) is at least one of said conductor elements (7, 8) and said at least one separator element (9).

7. Apparatus (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said supply unit (2) comprises a movable portion (250) configured to reversibly displace 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), wherein said movable portion (250) comprises one or more of said alignment unit (305').

8. Apparatus (100) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein said alignment unit (305') is positioned immediately upstream of said coupling unit (300).

9. Apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein:- said strip (80) is a separator strip,- said internal assembly (3) of said electrochemical cell is a structure formed by a stack of conductor foils individually separated by said separator strip,- said coupling unit (300) is a stacking unit of said conductor foils separated by said separator strip.

10. Apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein:- said strip (80) is at least one of a plurality of strips (N1 , N2, N3, N4) comprising a pair of conductor strips and a pair of separator strips,- said internal assembly (3) of said electrochemical cell is a coil (B) consisting of said conductor strips and said separator strips,said coupling unit (300) is a winding unit of said pair of conductor strips and said pair of separator strips.

11. Apparatus (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said supply unit (2) comprises a respective alignment unit (305') for each strip of said plurality of strips (N1 , N2, N3, N4).

12. Method for aligning a strip (80), the latter intended for creating an internal 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) a supply unit (2) comprising an alignment unit (305') comprising o a first gripping frame (315') on which a first gripping roller (311 ') and a second gripping roller (312') are arranged, rotating about respectively a first and a second longitudinal axis (311 X', 312X'), which are housed so as to be placed side by side and spaced apart from each other so as to engage said strip (80) along said feed path (PA), wherein said second gripping roller (312') is constrained with an allowed rotation to a bracket (318b1), said bracket (318b1) being constrained with an allowed translation to said first frame (315') and configured to reversibly displace itself between a close position (PR), wherein said second gripping roller (312') is at a minimum distance from said first gripping roller (31 T), and a spaced-apart position (PD), wherein said second gripping roller (312') is at a maximum distance from said first gripping roller (311 '), o wherein said first gripping frame (315') is rotatable relative to said supply unit (2) about a rotation axis (315Y') substantially perpendicular to said first and second longitudinal axis (311X', 312X'),- Identifying a possible alignment difference (AAII) between said strip (80) and said predefined feed path (PA),- In the event that said alignment difference (AAII) is other than zero, displacing said strip (80) by rotation of said first gripping frame (315') so as to align said strip (80) relative to said predefined feed path (PA).

13. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein said alignment occurs at least partially by rotation about said rotation axis (315Y') which is substantially parallel or perpendicular to a first plane (XY) on which said first and second longitudinal axes (311X', 312X') lie.

14. Method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein said first gripping frame (315') is directly constrained to said supply unit (2) by means of a rotation device (320').

15. Method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein:- said first gripping frame (315') is constrained to a second gripping frame (316') with an allowed translation according to a translation direction (DT) having a component parallel to said first longitudinal axis (311X') and said second gripping frame (316') is constrained to said supply unit (2) with an allowed rotation about said rotation axis (315Y') by means of a rotation device (320'),- said alignment of said strip (80) relative to said feed path (PA) occurs by combining a rotation of said first gripping frame (315') relative to said supply unit (2) with a translation of said first gripping frame (315') relative to said second gripping frame (316').

16. Method according to one of claims 12 to 15, comprising:- Arranging along said predefined feed path (PA) a movable portion (250) comprising at least one of said alignment unit (305') and configured to reversibly displace 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),- Aligning said strip (80) while said movable portion (250) moves along said displacement direction (d).

17. Method according to one of claims 12 to 16, comprising:- Arranging along said feed path (PA) a coupling unit (300), placed downstream of said supply unit (2), configured to combine a plurality of conductor elements (7, 8) and at least one separator element (9), in a predefined structure so as to form said internal assembly (3) of said electrochemical cell, wherein said strip (80) is at least one of said conductor elements (7, 8) and said at least one separator element (9).

18. Method according to the preceding claim, comprising:- Arranging a stacking unit as a coupling unit (300), Dispensing said strip (80) as a separator strip, Stacking said separator strip by means of said stacking unit creating a structure comprising a stack of conductor elements (7,8) in the form of conductor foils individually separated by said separator strip,Creating thereby said internal assembly (3) of said electrochemical cell for a prismatic battery.

19. Method according to claim 17, comprising:Arranging a winding unit as a coupling unit (300), Dispensing a plurality of strips (N1 , N2, N3, N4) comprising a pair of conductor strips and a pair of separator strips of which said strip (80) is at least one thereof, - Winding said plurality of strips (N1 , N2, N3, N4) by means of said winding unit, isolating each one of said pair of conductor strips with a respective separator strip of said pair of separator strips, Creating thereby said internal assembly (3) in the form of a coil (B) of said electrochemical cell for a cylindrical battery.

Images