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

Abstract

An apparatus (100) for creating an internal assembly (3), comprising a dispensing unit (200) for dispensing at least one strip (80), a supply unit (2) comprising a movable portion (250) including an alignment device (205') configured to displace said strip (80) having a first roller (211') and a second roller (212'), respectively rotating about a first and a second longitudinal axis (211X' 212X'), said second roller (212') being constrained to a first frame (215') with an allowed translation to reversibly displace itself between a close position (PR), wherein said second roller (212') is at a minimum distance from said first roller (211'), and a spaced-apart position (PD), wherein said second roller (212') is at a maximum distance from said first roller (211').

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 term "as complimentary" (or "complementary alone") 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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".

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] Furthermore, this limitation is even more critical if high precision is required in the formation of the assembly. In particular, the Applicant has noted that in many applications, such as for example in the production of electrochemical cells, high precision in the geometry of the couplings of the different materials used must be ensured in order to ensure the required performance of the finished product. At the same time, the Applicant has noted that the steps of interrupting and resuming feeding the strip (or portion thereof) 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.

[0047] What is more, the Applicant noted that such interruption and resumption of feeding the strip can, in addition to increased wear and thus reduced life expectancy of a device, imply further systematic misalignments between the components of the internal assembly.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] The Applicant perceived that it is possible to increase the overall speed of the process of coupling of the strip compared to known solutions if the movement of the strip is not interrupted during the different steps of the internal assembly.

[0051] Furthermore, the Applicant perceived that in the case it is wished to produce a battery with a high degree of precision, it becomes extremely advantageous to be able to optimise and guarantee this process even while trying to avoid abrupt changes in the feed of the strip and / or strip-shaped article.

[0052] At this point the Applicant perceived that there was an advantageous possibility of improving in an innovative manner the coupling process of the internal assembly for a battery, for example a tabless battery, reducing the steps of interruption and supply of the strip while maintaining a high precision of the strip processing considering specifically the possibility of also having to handle free ends subject to possible flexing.

[0053] The Applicant therefore found that a combination of a movable part capable of carrying out a continuous supply and processing of the strip and a strip alignment device mounted on the movable part itself was able to improve the efficiency of the manufacturing process of a battery by reducing the processing time and the wear of the machines involved while increasing the precision and optimization of the overall processing of the strip intended to be used for the desired battery.

[0054] 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.

[0055] Preferably, said apparatus comprises a dispensing unit to dispense at least one strip along a predefined feed path.

[0056] Preferably, said apparatus comprises a supply unit for said strip placed downstream of said dispensing unit along said predefined feed path.

[0057] Preferably said supply unit comprises a movable portion.

[0058] Preferably, said movable portion is configured to reversibly displace along a displacement direction between a first configuration distal from said dispensing unit and a second configuration proximal to said dispensing unit while said strip is dispensed.

[0059] According to one embodiment, said strip is preferably dispensed continuously.

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

[0061] Preferably, said alignment device comprises a first frame on which a first roller and a second roller are arranged, respectively rotating about a first and a second longitudinal axis.

[0062] Preferably, said first and second rollers are housed in such a way that they are placed side by side and spaced apart from each other so as to engage said strip between them along said predefined feed path.

[0063] Preferably, said second roller is constrained to a movement bracket.

[0064] Preferably, said movement bracket is constrained to said first frame with an allowed translation and is configured to reversibly displace between a close position, wherein said second roller is at a minimum distance from said first roller and a spaced-apart position, wherein said second roller is at a maximum distance from said first roller. 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.

[0065] Furthermore, in this way it is possible to obtain a coupling of the strip in which the alignment is continuously checked and corrected, even during steps in which the movable portion moves to avoid interruption of the strip supply.

[0066] 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, effectively managing even free ends of the strip.

[0067] It is also evident that this correction to the alignment of the strip produced at the movable portion corrects any deviation of the strip from the intended path whether the misalignment is due to displacement of the movable portion itself, or due to other causes in the process.

[0068] In a second aspect thereof, the present invention is directed to a method for aligning a strip intended for creating an internal assembly of an electrochemical cell for producing batteries.

[0069] Preferably, said method comprise dispensing by means of a dispensing unit said a strip along a predefined feed path.

[0070] Preferably, said method comprises arranging a supply unit downstream of said dispensing unit that comprises a movable portion.

[0071] Preferably, said movable portion is configured to reversibly displace along a displacement direction between a first configuration distal from said dispensing unit and a second configuration proximal to said dispensing unit.

[0072] Preferably, said method comprises arranging an alignment device included in said movable portion and configured to displace said strip along a transverse direction with respect to said predefined feed path.

[0073] Preferably, said alignment device comprises a first frame on which a first roller and a second roller are arranged, respectively rotating about a first and a second longitudinal axis. Preferably, said first and second rollers are housed so as to placed side by side and spaced apart from each other so as to engage said strip between them along said predefined feed path.

[0074] Preferably, said second roller is constrained to a movement bracket which is constrained to said first frame with an allowed translation and is configured to reversibly displace itself between a close position, wherein said second roller is at a minimum distance from said first roller, and a spaced-apart position, wherein said second roller is at a maximum distance from said first roller.

[0075] Preferably, said method comprises identifying a possible alignment difference between said strip and said feed path.

[0076] Preferably, said method comprises, in the event said alignment difference is other than zero, actuating said alignment device and displacing said strip so as to align said strip with respect to said predefined feed path while said strip is being dispensed.

[0077] Preferably, said strip is dispensed continuously.

[0078] Here again, thanks to this invention, it is possible to increase the quality of the coupling by implementing a continuous strip feeding process, thus realising a synergetic improvement between the processing times and the precision with which these are carried out, in particular by having the possibility of advantageously managing free ends of the strip.

[0079] The present invention, in at least one of the aforesaid aspects, may have at least one of the further preferred features set forth below.

[0080] Preferably, said first frame comprises an actuator constrained to said movement bracket and configured to translate said movement bracket reversibly between the close position and spaced-apart position.

[0081] In this way, the variation of the distance between the first and second roller can be made quickly and effectively.

[0082] Preferably, said actuator constrained to said movement bracket is a fourth motor element configured to reversibly displace said movement bracket between the close and spaced-apart position.

[0083] Preferably, said fourth motor element can be an electric stepper motor (or, alternatively, brushless one) or an equivalent pneumatic or electric system

[0084] Preferably, said alignment device comprises a processing unit operatively coupled to said fourth motor element and feed sensors configured to detect and transmit to said processing unit information relating to the advancement of said strip along said predefined feed path.

[0085] According to an embodiment, said processing unit is configured to automatically activate said fourth motor element so as to displace said drive bracket between said close position and said spaced-apart position according to the advancement of said strip along said predefined feed path.

[0086] In this way, automated operation of the alignment device is implemented, which automatically moves the second roller between the close position and the spaced-apart position, advantageously managing the free ends of the strip as they arise.

[0087] Preferably, said first and / or second rollers have a cylindrical development.

[0088] In said sense, said cylindrical development is a function of said first and / or second longitudinal axis.

[0089] This provides an advantageous and uniform feed and control of the strip, which is subjected to a controlled and reproducible gripping.

[0090] According to further embodiments, said first and / or second rollers have concave or convex development.

[0091] Thanks to this embodiment, the strip tends to move spontaneously towards the zone of maximum concavity or convexity.

[0092] According to further embodiments, one of said first and second rollers has concave development and the other has complementary convex development.

[0093] This creates an advantageous gripping between these rollers that spontaneously and effectively guides the strip towards the zone of maximum concavity.

[0094] According to embodiments, this zone of maximum concavity or convexity may be defined at a central longitudinal zone equidistant from the longitudinal ends of the first or second roller.

[0095] 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.

[0096] In embodiments, this zone of maximum concavity or convexity can be spaced from a central longitudinal zone of the first or second roller.

[0097] Thanks to this asymmetrical configuration, the strip can be guided in an even more specific and particular way.

[0098] According to further embodiment, one of these first and second rollers has a conical development, i.e. tapered towards one of its longitudinal ends.

[0099] Thanks to this embodiment, the strip can be made to tend to move spontaneously according to the development of the tapering. For example, the strip may move spontaneously towards the zone of the roller that has a smaller diameter.

[0100] Preferably, said alignment device is configured to produce said alignment by bringing a reference portion of said strip substantially in overlap or at a reference of said apparatus.

[0101] In other words, in the event that said difference in alignment between said reference and said reference portion is other than zero, the aforementioned method comprises actuating said alignment device and displacing said strip so as to align said reference portion of said strip with said reference of said apparatus.

[0102] This effectively achieves the desired alignment that brings the actual feed path in overlap with the predetermined feed path.

[0103] Preferably, said dispensing unit and said supply unit are configured to feed a plurality of strips suitable for the production of at least one strip-shaped article.

[0104] Preferably, at least one of said plurality of strips is said at least one strip.

[0105] In this way, an improved process can be realised by simultaneously acting on one or more strips and effectively managing their continuous alignment.

[0106] Preferably, said alignment device comprises an aligning roller that can be rotated about a first longitudinal axis of the transverse aligning roller, with respect to said predefined feed path, and in contact with said strip. It is relevant to note that it is clear to the person skilled in the art that contact is made between the substantially cylindrical outer surface of the roller (so-called side wall) and the strip, and not between the bases of the roller and the strip.

[0107] Preferably, said alignment device comprises a rotation member configured to rotate said aligning roller about a rotation axis perpendicular to said first longitudinal axis of said aligning roller, so as to be able to align said strip with respect to said predefined feed path.

[0108] In this way, it is advantageously possible to produce a correction of the alignment of the strip (or strip-shaped article) by means of its direct rotation, thus producing the possibility of setting a new feeding the strip direction, which can advantageously result in a large variation in direction depending on the distance travelled by the strip before undergoing further processing or modification.

[0109] Preferably, said aligning roller is configured so that its projection on a reference plane perpendicular to said rotation axis intersects said rotation axis and the projection of said rotation member on said reference plane.

[0110] Thanks to this technical solution, it is possible to create an alignment device with improved structural rigidity and better able to withstand mechanical stresses, e.g. linked to sudden acceleration or deceleration.

[0111] It is immediately obvious to the person skilled in the art that this technical solution finds its ideal (but not limiting) implementation when mounted on high-speed movable elements.

[0112] According to an embodiment, said first longitudinal axis of the aligning roller and said rotation axis are positioned so that they are at a distance between them comprised between 0.2 mm and 50 mm.

[0113] In said way, rotation of said aligning roller about said rotation axis can be realised in an improved manner.

[0114] According to a further embodiment, said rotation axis is in proximity to an outer surface of said aligning roller.

[0115] Thanks to this technical solution, it is possible to align the strip while producing a selected and contained disturbance on the strip to be moved.

[0116] Preferably, said rotation axis is substantially tangent to said outer surface of said aligning roller. In this context, the rotation axis is in proximity to the outer surface, and in particular to its tangent, when positioned at a distance therefrom equal to ± 10mm, preferably at ± 5mm and even more preferably at a distance equal to 0mm.

[0117] Thanks to said solution, the strip undergoes an alignment correction mainly for a portion placed downstream of said aligning roller, while the portion of the strip placed upstream of the aligning roller will not undergo significant alignment changes and disturbances.

[0118] This further enables more effective control of the desired alignment of the strip while reducing at the same time twisting and / or faults introduced into the strip upstream of the aligning roller.

[0119] Preferably, said rotation member comprises a fixed component integrally constrained to said movable portion and a movable component constrained to said aligning roller and selectively displaceable relative to said fixed component so as to allow the rotation of said aligning roller about said rotation axis.

[0120] In this context, it is clear to the person skilled in the art that the component defined as fixed and integrally constrained to the movable portion will follow the same movements as the fixed portion. In other words, in this case, the fixed component does not produce any relative movement with respect to the movable portion of the apparatus. Conversely, the movable component has the possibility of producing further relative displacements relative to the movable portion other than zero.

[0121] This makes it possible to advantageously design the parts intended for realising the rotations of the aligning roller and those intended for the abutments of the forces acting during use of the alignment device.

[0122] Preferably, said rotation member comprises a pin and a bearing or a joint or a hinge or a curved guide and a slide configured to rotate said aligning roller about said rotation axis.

[0123] Thanks to these technical solutions, the rotation of the aligning roller can be realised in a precise, efficient and industrially advantageous manner.

[0124] The Applicant further noted that the claimed embodiments having the above- mentioned characteristics may have an aligning roller that rotates both about a real rotation axis (i.e. physically coinciding with a part of the rotation member) and about a virtual rotation axis (i.e. not physically coinciding with a part of the rotation member), thereby obtaining further design freedom as desired.

[0125] Preferably, said aligning roller is constrained to said rotation member with an allowed rotation about said first longitudinal axis by means of a joint or unidirectional joint.

[0126] Thanks to these solutions, it is possible to make a passage and control the strip in a gentle and non-invasive manner for the strip itself. Furthermore, the design with the unidirectional joint (i.e. the so-called 'free wheel') reduces the possibility of the strip slipping backwards (i.e. moving further upstream) as it is rotated to align with the predefined feed path.

[0127] Preferably, said aligning roller is selectively actuatable in rotation by means of a first motor element connected to it.

[0128] This allows for more accurate and efficient alignment by selectively deciding whether and by how much to feed the strip further during the alignment step.

[0129] Preferably, said first frame is translatable with respect to said supply unit according to said translation direction having a component parallel to said first and second longitudinal axis.

[0130] In this way, alignment of the strip is realised efficiently, cost-effectively and quickly.

[0131] Preferably, said translation direction is substantially parallel to said first longitudinal axis of said first roller.

[0132] Thanks this technical solution it is possible to make the alignment device even more effective and compact.

[0133] According to one embodiment, said first roller and / or said second roller are constrained with an allowed rotation about their respective longitudinal axes to an eccentric shaft.

[0134] This makes it possible to correct any mutual abutment or contact errors on the strip.

[0135] According to one embodiment, said first roller is operatively connected to a second motor element so as to be actuatable in rotation about a second longitudinal axis.

[0136] This facilitates selective feeding the strip in a precise manner.

[0137] According to one embodiment, the first roller or the second roller is connected at its axial ends to a first and a second sensor device, respectively. In other words, for each roller there is provided a pair of sensor devices, both of which are connected to the axial ends of either the first or second roller.

[0138] Preferably, said first and second sensor devices are housed within a support portion of said first frame to which the second roller is constrained with an allowed rotation along its second longitudinal axis.

[0139] 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.

[0140] Preferably, the rotoidal joint in turn is externally fixed to the second roller.

[0141] Thanks this technical solution it is possible to minimise the radial footprint of the rotoidal joint by limiting its contribution to interaction stresses between the second roller and the strip engaging it.

[0142] For the sake of completeness, it is reported that this embodiment can be similarly implemented on the first roller.

[0143] According to an embodiment, a first and / or a second load cell are housed externally to said support portion and on sides axially opposite to the first or second roller.

[0144] Preferably, said first and second load cells are of the compression type.

[0145] In one embodiment, said support portion comprises a first and a second support bracket at or in proximity to which the two axial ends of the second roller are constrained with an allowed rotation.

[0146] Preferably, said first and second load cells are respectively interposed between said first and second support bracket and said movement bracket.

[0147] In other words, said first and second support brackets are connected to the movement bracket by means of the first and second load cell.

[0148] Thus, when the second roller is subjected to a force transferred from the strip, it moves consistently in this direction. The two load cells detect this displacement and convert it into a signal that can be correlated to the force on the second roller.

[0149] Thanks to this solution, it is therefore possible to measure and control the evolution of the forces acting on the second roller.

[0150] Clearly, again, it is reported that this embodiment can be similarly implemented on the first roller.

[0151] 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.

[0152] According to one embodiment, the alignment device comprises at least one encoder (or similar transducer) configured to detect the rotations produced by an associated roller.

[0153] According to one embodiment, at least one encoder is mounted on an extension of the second frame or on said support portion preferably on the side axially opposite said first or second roller and at said first or second longitudinal axis.

[0154] 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.

[0155] Thanks to such a device, it is possible to selectively detect the rotations of the first roller that may be induced by the second motor element so as to have a more precise control of the actual feeding the strip.

[0156] Preferably, said encoder is installed on the side axially opposite said second motor element in order to advantageously optimise the various overall dimensions required.

[0157] Preferably, said movable portion comprises a folding unit configured to fold a plurality of fins of said strip about an axis parallel to the direction of longitudinal development of said strip.

[0158] Preferably, said alignment device is placed immediately upstream of said folding unit.

[0159] This allows the alignment of the strip to be checked and managed immediately before folding the fins, so as to produce a precise, consistent and improved fold.

[0160] Preferably, said folding unit comprises a first curved abutment element comprising a convex curved abutment surface and a folding curb projecting from said convex curved abutment surface.

[0161] Preferably, said dispensing unit, said supply unit, said winding unit and said folding unit are configured to guide said strip, at least for a first curved folding tract of said feed path in contact with said convex curved abutment surface by folding said plurality of fins away from said convex curved abutment surface by means of said folding curb so as to increase the relative distance between said plurality of fins measured according to said longitudinal direction.

[0162] It is thus possible to carry out an improved folding of the fins by feeding the strip to the folding device following an alignment of the strip step, so that folding is carried out in an even more precise, controllable and reproducible manner.

[0163] It is thus further possible to correct any incorrect strip orientation that may develop even in long extension tracts and be therefore difficult to detect.

[0164] Preferably, said alignment device comprises a fin opening integral with said alignment device and configured to make said plurality of fins pass.

[0165] 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 device.

[0166] 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 device alternatively without having any contact with the alignment device itself, or by having a slight contact, or by providing for a functional contact to ensure the predetermined orientation of the fins.

[0167] 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.

[0168] Preferably, said alignment device comprises a sensor to detect a misalignment of said strip with respect to said predefined feed path.

[0169] Thanks to this solution, it is possible to precisely, quickly and uniformly quantify the amount of misalignment, if any, to be corrected.

[0170] Preferably, said sensor is an optical or laser sensor.

[0171] In this way, the benefits described above can be produced in a cost-effective and efficient manner.

[0172] Preferably, said apparatus comprises a coupling unit, configured to combine a plurality of conductor elements and at least one separator element in a predefined structure, so as to form said internal assembly of an electrochemical cell.

[0173] Preferably, said strip is at least one of said conductor elements and said at least one separator element.

[0174] Preferably, said coupling unit is placed downstream of said supply unit.

[0175] In this way, the internal assembly can be realised precisely.

[0176] Preferably, said alignment device is positioned immediately upstream of said coupling unit.

[0177] 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.

[0178] Preferably, said strip is a separator strip.

[0179] Preferably, said internal assembly of said electrochemical cell is formed by a structure formed by a stack of conductor foils individually separated by said separator strip,

[0180] Preferably, said one coupling unit is a stacking unit of said conductor foils separated by said separator strip.

[0181] In this way, an internal assembly in the form of a multilayer stacked structure for prismatic batteries can be precisely and efficiently realised.

[0182] 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. Preferably, said internal assembly of said electrochemical cell consists of a coil formed by said conductor strips and said separator strips wound together.

[0183] Preferably, said one coupling unit is a winding unit of said conductor strips and said separator strips.

[0184] In this way, an internal assembly in the form of a multilayer wound coil for cylindrical coils can be precisely and efficiently realised.

[0185] According to one embodiment, said supply unit comprises a respective alignment device for each of said conductor strips and said separator strips.

[0186] In this way, it is possible to precisely control the positioning of all elements of the internal assembly during its creation.

[0187] According to a further embodiment, said movable portion comprises an alignment group comprising a first gripping frame on which a first gripping roller and a second gripping roller are arranged.

[0188] Preferably, said first and second gripping rollers are rotating about a first and second longitudinal axis, respectively, and housed so as to be placed side by side to and spaced apart from each other so as to engage said strip between them along said feed path.

[0189] 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.

[0190] This allows for a further form of alignment in which the strip is precisely and effectively controlled between the first and second gripping rollers while the latter impose alignment correction by rotation.

[0191] According to an embodiment of the present invention, said movable portion comprises an alignment system comprising a first differential feed unit.

[0192] Preferably, said first differential feed unit comprises a first differential feed roller and a second differential feed roller, rotatable, respectively, about a first rotation axis and a second rotation axis between them substantially parallel and substantially perpendicular to said predefined feed path.

[0193] Preferably, said first and second differential feed rollers are configured to make said strip pass in the space defined between them so as to engage said strip on opposite sides at a first interaction portion of said first differential feed roller and at a second interaction portion of said second differential feed roller.

[0194] Preferably, said first and second differential feed rollers are configured so that the projection on the strip, when in use, of at least one of the respective geometric centres of said first and second interaction portions is at a first distance other than zero from a longitudinal median of said strip.

[0195] Preferably, at least one of said first and second differential feed rollers is selectively actuatable in rotation to preferably produce a first local difference of said feed rate of said strip so as to displace said strip along a transverse direction with respect to said predefined feed path so as to align said strip with said predefined feed path.

[0196] Thanks to this technical solution, it is possible to produce an alignment of the strip to the predefined feed path by realising a differential feed of one portion of the strip with respect to another, thus achieving an efficient, compact and locally precise alignment system.

[0197] Preferably, said convex curved abutment surface of said first curved abutment element is configured to cooperate with said dispensing unit and said winding unit so that, on at least a portion thereof, said strip is adhered at an initial portion of said first curved folding tract.

[0198] Preferably, said first curved folding tract is identified immediately downstream of a start-of-contact line when said contact occurs between said convex curved abutment surface and said strip.

[0199] Preferably, said convex curved abutment surface of said first curved abutment element is configured to cooperate with said dispensing unit and said winding unit so that said strip, previously adhered to said convex curved abutment surface, is detached from at least a portion thereof at an end portion of said first curved folding tract.

[0200] Preferably, said first curved folding tract is identified immediately upstream of an end-of-contact line between said convex curved surface and said strip.

[0201] Preferably, said dispensing unit, said dispensing unit, said winding unit and said folding unit are configured to guide said main body of said strip at said start-of- contact line according to a start-of-contact plane which is tangent to said convex curved abutment surface at said start-of-contact line.

[0202] Preferably, said dispensing unit, said dispensing unit, said winding unit and said folding unit are configured to guide said main body of said strip at said end-of- contact line according to an end-of-contact plane which is tangent to said convex curved abutment surface at said end-of-contact line.

[0203] Preferably, said start-of-contact plane and said end-of-contact plane are not coplanar with each other, preferably incidents.

[0204] It is thus possible to determine a folding condition at said first curved folding tract between an zone where contact between the strip and the convex curved abutment surface starts and an zone where contact between said strip and the convex curved abutment surface ends.

[0205] Thanks to this solution, it is possible to effectively define the conditions and the extent of the mutual distancing between the fins obtained during the fin folding steps.

[0206] Preferably, an angle of rotation from said start-of-contact plane to said end-of- contact plane is, in absolute value, between 1 ° and 359°, preferably between 45° and 190°, more preferably between 80° and 180°, even more preferably substantially equal to 90°.

[0207] In this context, the "angle of rotation" refers to the amount of rotation that is applied to the start-of-contact plane along the first curved folding tract, and thus along the feed path, so that it coincides (unless a possible translation takes place) with the end-of-contact plane.

[0208] More precisely, the end-of-contact plane coincides with a start-of-contact plane to which a rotation and a possible translation are applied.

[0209] The rotation of the start-of-contact plane occurs about a rotation axis (for convenience identified at said start-of-contact line), according to a rotation direction (positive direction with clockwise rotation direction) and a specific amount of rotation (the angle of rotation).

[0210] This aspect will be further described below.

[0211] 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.

[0212] 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°).

[0213] Consistently, a negative value of the angle of rotation indicates a rotation that occurs in a counter-clockwise direction.

[0214] It is thus possible to effectively move the fins away during a folding step thereof.

[0215] Preferably, said convex curved abutment surface is a portion of a cylinder with a circular or elliptical base that is integrally constrained to said folding unit.

[0216] It is thus possible to obtain a distancing of the fins during a step of folding the strip according to a desired, continuous extension without abrupt curvature variations.

[0217] Preferably, said first curved abutment element comprises a first folding roller, preferably idle, rotatable about its own first longitudinal axis.

[0218] Thanks to this solution, it is possible to couple the convex curved abutment surface continuously with the strip as it advances, thus preventing the strip from creeping on the surface.

[0219] The structural characteristics of the strip can thereby be further preserved following interaction with the convex curved abutment surface while optimising the desired folding step.

[0220] Preferably, on said curved folding tract defined between said start-of-contact line and said end-of-contact line there is an angle in the centre having its vertex at the centre of said first bending roller and between 1 ° and 359°, preferably between 45° and 190°, more preferably between 80° and 180°, even more preferably substantially equal to 90°. Said angle at the centre is a geometric equivalent of the angle of rotation. In fact, a rotation produced by the angle of rotation equal to, for example, 45° corresponds to a value of the angle at the centre equal to 45°. In other words, the angle of rotation and the angle at the centre are related to a same rotation of a plane from a first configuration (i.e. the start-of-contact plane) to a second configuration (i.e. the end-of-contact plane) wherein in the first case the rotation is detected by taking the start-of-contact plane as a reference, while in the second case it is detected by taking the centre of the first folding roller as a reference by identifying the rotation of the relative radii perpendicular to the planes tangent to the circumference and passing through the start- and end-of- contact points. It follows, therefore, that the angle of rotation and the angle at the centre are equal in value. Further, in the present discussion, the considerations made for the angle of rotation can be consistently transposed to the angle at the centre.

[0221] For further completeness, a folding angle can be defined between the start-of- contact plane and the end-of-contact plane, having its vertex at the point of intersection between these two planes and defining a half-plane that comprises the centre of the first folding roller, thus being the angle supplementary to the angle of rotation (when the angle of rotation is lower than 180°).

[0222] This folding angle is therefore other than zero when the start-of-contact plane and the end-of-contact plane are not coplanar (i.e. they are not coincident with each other) and therefore when the first bending tract is made to obtain the desired technical effect according to the present invention.

[0223] As previously mentioned, the folding angle is the additional of the angle of rotation (when the angle of rotation is lower than 180°) except when the value of the angle of rotation is equal to 180°, so the start-of-contact plane and the end-of-contact plane are parallel and spaced apart, so that the folding angle cannot be defined.

[0224] Furthermore, the folding angle is equal to 180° minus the value of the angle of rotation when the latter is greater than 180°.

[0225] Preferably, -said folding unit comprises a second curved abutment element facing said first curved abutment element and configured to compress, at least partially, said strip when adhered to said first curved abutment element.

[0226] Preferably, said second curved abutment element comprises a tapered portion configured as complementary to said folding curb so as to allow for the folding of said plurality of side fins of said strip.

[0227] It is thus possible to carry out and guide more effectively the folding of said plurality of side fins.

[0228] Preferably, said first curved abutment element and said second curved abutment element are respectively a first folding roller and a second folding roller, preferably idle, rotatable about said first longitudinal axis and a second longitudinal axis respectively, and wherein said second folding roller comprises a tapered portion configured as complementary to said folding curb.

[0229] It is thus possible to implement the step of folding the fins of the strip by interposing them between the curb and the tapered portion, thus being able to control the deformation thereof even more efficiently.

[0230] Preferably, said second folding roller is configured to move between a first configuration wherein it is in a position proximal to said start-of-contact line and a second configuration wherein it is in a position distal from said start-of-contact line while maintaining in both configurations a substantially equal distance with respect to said first folding roller.

[0231] It is thus possible to have several moments when the second folding roller intervenes by increasing or modifying the folding of the fins produced by the first folding roller.

[0232] In other words, by displacing the second folding roller further upstream or downstream along a circumferential arc, it is possible to change the way it cooperates as complementary with the first roller (and in particular with its curb) in order to achieve an even more complex and effective folding step.

[0233] Preferably, said first configuration is substantially median to said first curved folding tract.

[0234] The second folding roller is placed, thus initiating the synergetic interaction between the first and second folding rollers, at the midpoint of the first curved folding tract, thus making it possible to start the step of folding the plurality of fins with just the first folding roller, subsequently increasing or modifying the folding applied to the plurality of fins.

[0235] Preferably, said folding unit comprises an optical inspection device configured to analyse the free space present between the fins preferably during the step of mutual distancing of the plurality of fins.

[0236] It is thus possible to effectively and automatically verify that the gap comprised between the moving-away portions of the plurality of fins is within tolerable predefined values, and thus that the previous cutting or ablation step has been carried out properly.

[0237] According to other embodiments, the optical inspection device can be replaced by an audible one.

[0238] Preferably, said folding unit comprises a processing unit operatively connected to said optical inspection device and configured to process the data collected by the optical inspection device and to send an alarm message in case an abnormal value outside the above-mentioned tolerable predefined values is detected.

[0239] Preferably, said method comprises arranging said alignment device comprising said first frame comprising an actuator constrained to said movement bracket and configured to translate said movement bracket reversibly between the close position and spaced-apart position.

[0240] In this way, the variation of the distance between the first and second roller can be made quickly and effectively.

[0241] Preferably, said actuator constrained to said movement bracket is a fourth motor element configured to reversibly displace said movement bracket between the close and spaced-apart position.

[0242] Preferably, said fourth motor element can be an electric stepper motor (or, alternatively, brushless one) or an equivalent pneumatic or electric system

[0243] Preferably, said alignment device comprises a processing unit operatively coupled to said fourth motor element and feed sensors configured to detect and transmit to said processing unit information relating to the advancement of said strip along said predefined feed path.

[0244] According to an embodiment, said processing unit is configured to automatically activate said fourth motor element so as to displace said drive bracket between said close position and said spaced-apart position according to the advancement of said strip along said predefined feed path.

[0245] In this way, automated operation of the alignment device is implemented, which automatically moves the second roller between the close position and the spaced-apart position, advantageously managing the free ends of the strip as they arise. Preferably, said method comprises aligning said strip by rotation about a rotation axis that is transverse, and preferably perpendicular, to said predefined feed path.

[0246] In this way it is advantageously possible to produce a correction in the alignment of the strip or strip-shaped article by rotating the strip and then setting a new direction of the strip, which can result in a large variation in direction depending on the distance travelled by the strip or strip-shaped article before undergoing further processing or modification.

[0247] Preferably, said method comprises supplying said strip to said alignment device in a supply direction substantially parallel to said rotation axis.

[0248] This can produce negligible (if any) deformation of the strip upstream of the aligning roller during the alignment steps.

[0249] According to a embodiment of the present invention, said method comprises aligning said strip by translation according to a translation direction transverse to said predefined feed path.

[0250] In this way it is possible to produce an alignment correction by translating the strip and then quickly displacing a predetermined portion of the strip by a desired finite amount.

[0251] According to one embodiment, said method comprises, in the event said difference in alignment is other than zero, actuating said alignment device to align said strip to said predefined feed path in such a way as to maintain a safe distance between said plurality of fins and said alignment device during the displacement of said alignment device.

[0252] For the person skilled in the art, it is clear that the safety distance is measured with respect to the part of the alignment device closest to the plurality of fins.

[0253] 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 device.

[0254] For example, this distance can be between 0 and 7.5 mm, more preferably around 2 mm.

[0255] It is interesting to note that this technical solution makes it possible to maintain or guarantee a predetermined folding configuration of the plurality of fins without damaging them even during the alignment step between the strip and the predefined feed path.

[0256] 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.

[0257] Preferably, said strip is at least one of said conductor elements and said at least one separator element.

[0258] In this way, the internal assembly can be realised precisely.

[0259] According to one embodiment, said method comprise arranging a stacking unit as a coupling unit and dispensing said strip as a separator strip.

[0260] 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,

[0261] Preferably, said method comprises creating thereby said internal assembly of said electrochemical cell for a prismatic battery.

[0262] Thanks to this technical solution, an internal assembly in the form of a multilayer stacked structure for prismatic batteries can be realised precisely and efficiently.

[0263] According to one embodiment, said method comprises arranging a winding unit as a coupling unit and 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 thereof.

[0264] 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.

[0265] Preferably, said method comprises creating thereby said internal assembly in the form of a coil of said electrochemical cell for a cylindrical battery.

[0266] Thanks to this technical solution, an internal assembly in the form of a multilayer wound coil for cylindrical batteries can be precisely and efficiently realised.

[0267] Preferably, said method comprises arranging an alignment group within said movable portion. Preferably, said alignment unit comprises a first gripping frame on which a first gripping roller and a second gripping roller are arranged, respectively rotating about a first and a second longitudinal axis, which are housed so as to be placed side by side to and spaced apart from each other so as to make said strip pass between them along said feed path,

[0268] 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.

[0269] Preferably, said method comprises, 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.

[0270] This allows for an alternative form of alignment in which the strip is precisely and effectively controlled between the first and second gripping rollers while the latter impose alignment correction by rotation.

[0271] According to an embodiment of the present invention, said method comprises arranging an alignment system included in said movable portion.

[0272] Preferably, said alignment system comprises a first differential feed unit.

[0273] Preferably, said method comprises, in the case where said difference in alignment is other than zero, aligning said strip and said feed path by actuating said first differential feed unit so as to produce a first local difference of said feed rate asymmetrical with respect to the longitudinal median of said strip so as to accelerate or slow down a first local portion of said strip with respect to a second local portion of said strip, identified on the opposite side, with respect to said longitudinal median, of said first local portion of said strip.

[0274] Thanks to this technical solution, it is possible to obtain an alignment of the strip to the predefined feed path by realising a differential feed of one portion of the strip with respect to another, thus achieving an efficient and compact alignment system.

[0275] 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.

[0276] Furthermore, this limitation is even more critical if high precision is required in the formation of the assembly. In particular, the Applicant has noted that in many applications, such as for example in the production of electrochemical cells, high precision in the geometry of the couplings of the different materials used must be ensured in order to ensure the required performance of the finished product.

[0277] The Applicant has noted that during the various processing steps to which the strip is subjected, undesirable systematic misalignments between the components of the inner assembly can occur.

[0278] 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 convey this free portion to the winding head precisely and effectively.

[0279] 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.

[0280] The Applicant perceived that there was an advantageous possibility of improving in an innovative manner the coupling process of the internal assembly for a battery, for example a tabless battery, maintaining a high precision of the strip processing considering specifically the possibility of also having to handle free ends subject to possible flexing.

[0281] The Applicant therefore found that an improved-to-state-of-the-art device for the alignment of the strip could handle such unwanted strip deformations, thereby increasing the efficiency of the process of creating a battery, reducing processing time while increasing the accuracy and optimisation of the overall processing of the strip to be used for the desired battery.

[0282] In one aspect thereof, therefore, the invention is directed to an apparatus for creating an internal assembly.

[0283] According to one embodiment, said apparatus comprises a dispensing unit to dispense at least one strip along a predefined feed path. Preferably, said apparatus comprises a supply unit for said strip placed downstream of said dispensing unit along said predefined feed path comprising an alignment device configured to displace said strip so as to align said strip with said predefined feed path.

[0284] According to one embodiment, said apparatus comprises a winding unit for said strip placed downstream of said alignment device.

[0285] According to one embodiment, said alignment device comprises a first frame on which a first roller and a second roller are arranged, respectively rotating about a first and a second longitudinal axis.

[0286] According to an embodiment, said first and second rollers are housed so as to placed side by side and spaced apart from each other so as to engage said strip between them along said predefined feed path.

[0287] According to an embodiment, said second roller is constrained to a movement bracket which is constrained to said first frame with an allowed translation and is configured to reversibly displace itself between a close position, wherein said second roller is at a minimum distance from said first roller, and a spaced-apart position, wherein said second roller is at a maximum distance from said first roller.

[0288] 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.

[0289] According to a further aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for aligning a strip intended for creating an internal assembly of an electrochemical cell for producing batteries.

[0290] Preferably, said method comprise dispensing by means of a dispensing unit said a strip along a predefined feed path.

[0291] Preferably, said method comprises arranging downstream of said dispensing unit a supply unit comprising an alignment device configured to displace said strip displacing it along a transverse direction with respect to said predefined feed path.

[0292] Preferably, said alignment device comprises a first frame on which a first roller and a second roller are arranged, respectively rotating about a first and a second longitudinal axis.

[0293] Preferably, said first and second rollers are housed so as to placed side by side and spaced apart from each other so as to engage said strip between them along said predefined feed path.

[0294] Preferably, said second roller is constrained to a movement bracket which is constrained to said first frame with an allowed translation and is configured to reversibly displace itself between a close position, wherein said second roller is at a minimum distance from said first roller, and a spaced-apart position, wherein said second roller is at a maximum distance from said first roller.

[0295] Preferably, said method comprises identifying a possible alignment difference between said strip and said feed path.

[0296] Preferably, said method comprises, in the event said alignment difference is other than zero, actuating said alignment device and displacing said strip so as to align said strip with respect to said predefined feed path while said strip is being dispensed.

[0297] Thanks to this technical solution, it is possible to increase the quality of the coupling by implementing a strip feeding process, thus realising a synergetic improvement between the processing times and the precision with which these are carried out, in particular by having the possibility of advantageously managing free ends of the strip.

[0298] Preferably, said first frame comprises an actuator constrained to said movement bracket and configured to translate said movement bracket reversibly between the close position and spaced-apart position.

[0299] In this way, the variation of the distance between the first and second roller can be made quickly and effectively.

[0300] Preferably, said actuator constrained to said movement bracket is a fourth motor element configured to reversibly displace said movement bracket between the close and spaced-apart position.

[0301] Preferably, said fourth motor element can be an electric stepper motor (or, alternatively, brushless one) or an equivalent pneumatic or electric system

[0302] Preferably, said alignment device comprises a processing unit operatively coupled to said fourth motor element and feed sensors configured to detect and transmit to said processing unit information relating to the advancement of said strip along said predefined feed path.

[0303] According to an embodiment, said processing unit is configured to automatically activate said fourth motor element so as to displace said drive bracket between said close position and said spaced-apart position according to the advancement of said strip along said predefined feed path.

[0304] In this way, automated operation of the alignment device is implemented, which automatically moves the second roller between the close position and the spaced-apart position, advantageously managing the free ends of the strip as they arise.

[0305] Preferably, said strip is dispensed continuously.

[0306] In this way, the desired machining process can be advanced continuously and further efficiently.

[0307] All the technical features discussed above are considered to be described in possible combination with all the various aspects of the present invention.

[0308] 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:

[0309] - figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an apparatus described here;

[0310] - 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 in accordance with this technical solution;

[0311] - figure 5 is a side view of the apparatus comprising a movable portion and a plurality of the alignment devices,

[0312] - figures 6 and 7 are perspective views of an alignment device,

[0313] - figure 8 is a top view of the alignment device of figure 7.

[0314] - figure 9 is a perspective view of a section according to plan IX in figure 8,

[0315] - figure 10 is a perspective view of a section according to the plan X of figure 8,

[0316] - figure 11 is a detailed perspective view of an element in figure 6,

[0317] - figure 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention,

[0318] - figures 13 and 14 are detailed perspective views of the technical solution in figure 12,

[0319] - figure 15 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of this technical solution,

[0320] - figure 16 is a perspective view of a section according to plan XVI in figure 15,

[0321] - figure 16a is a perspective view of a further embodiment of this technical solution,

[0322] - figures 16b, c, d are cross-sectional views according to plan XVIb, c, d of figure 16a of different embodiments of this technical solution,

[0323] - figures 16e, f are perspective views of further embodiments in accordance with this technical solution,

[0324] - figure 16g is a perspective view of a section according to plan XVI of figure 15 relating to a further embodiment,

[0325] - figure 16h is a perspective view of a further embodiment of this technical solution,

[0326] - figures 17 and 18 are further perspective views of the embodiment in figure 15,

[0327] - figure 19 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the present invention,

[0328] - figure 20 is a detailed perspective view of part of figure 19,

[0329] - figure 21 is a detailed frontal schematic view of a section according to plan XXI in figure 20,

[0330] - figure 22 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention,

[0331] - figures 23a, 23b, 23c and 23d are schematic figures of further embodiments according to the present invention,

[0332] - figures 24a and 24b are perspective views of embodiments according to schematic figures 23a and 23b,

[0333] - figure 25a is a side view of a further embodiment shown in figure 24a,

[0334] - figure 25b is a frontal view of a section according to plan XXVb in figure 25a,

[0335] - figures 26a and 26b are schematic figures of further embodiments according to the present invention,

[0336] - figures 27 and 28 are perspective views of embodiments according to schematic figures 26a and 26b,

[0337] - figure 29 is a side view of a section according to plan XXIX in figure 28,

[0338] - figure 30 is a frontal view of a section according to plane XXX in figure 29,

[0339] - figure 31 is a detail of the view of figure 30.

[0340] With reference initially to figure 1 , 100 denotes an apparatus for making an internal assembly 3, preferably in the form of a coil B, according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0341] Note that the embodiments relating to the alignment device 205 can be considered as not covered by the claims. However, all features of the alignment device 205 which may be included in, applied to or implemented by the alignment device 205' are described for the present invention.

[0342] 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.

[0343] 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.

[0344] It is understood, however, that what is discussed represents a possible example of creation and that apparatus 100 may be intended for the coupling of stripshaped articles that can also be used in fields other than electrochemical cell production.

[0345] 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.

[0346] 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.

[0347] For illustrative and non-limiting purposes only, in the following embodiments the coupling unit 300 will be identified as the winding unit.

[0348] 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.

[0349] It is clear to the person skilled in the art that the embodiments described below with regard to the use of the strip 80 are also immediately applicable to the aforementioned plurality of the strips N1 , N2, N3, N4. Preferably, the plurality of strips N1 , N2, N3, N4 comprises two conductor strips (N1 and N3, generally metallic) and two separator strips (N2 and N4, generally polymeric).

[0350] 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.

[0351] More comprehensively, the dispensing unit 200 and the winding unit 300 are configured to respectively supply and wind the strip 80, thus identifying a predefined feed path PA of the strip 80 extending from the dispensing unit 200 to the winding unit 300. This clarification aims at clearly defining the feed direction of the strip and the consequent clear possibility of identifying process steps that are upstream or downstream with respect to the feed path PA of the strip 80.

[0352] 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.

[0353] 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. According to further embodiments, such strips can be metal strips having intrinsic (e.g. density, elastic modulus, etc.) and / or extrinsic (e.g. thickness, etc.) characteristics such that they can be used in these processes and be flexed without undergoing critical deformation. Examples of such metals can be aluminium, aluminium alloys, copper, copper alloys, etc.

[0354] Such strips exhibit such yielding and deformability that they can be rolled up on themselves without suffering critical structural damage and / or producing fractures in the material itself.

[0355] 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.

[0356] The strips obtained from the dispensing devices 6 are supplied to a 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.

[0357] As previously mentioned, the strips N1 , N2, N3, N4 can be combined inside the supply unit 2 so as to form the strip-shaped article N to be wound for making the coil B.

[0358] In preferred embodiments, the strip 80 or the plurality of strips N1 , N2, N3, N4 are fed continuously, preferably into the supply unit 2.

[0359] 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.

[0360] 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.

[0361] 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.

[0362] For this and other purposes, an optional 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.

[0363] According to preferred embodiments such as the one shown, for example, in figures 2, 4, 19 and 20, the strip 80 (generic example of characteristics also common to the plurality of strips N1 , N2, N3, N4 as argued above) comprises a main body 81 having main development according to its longitudinal direction L.

[0364] In further embodiments, the strip 80 may comprise a plurality of fins 82 transversely projecting from the main body 81 with respect to the longitudinal direction L. figures 2, 4, 19 and 20 show that these transverse fins 82 (or "side fins") extend projecting from a larger side of the main body 81 of the strip 80.

[0365] It can be noted that when the actual feed path of the strip 80 can be overlapped with the predetermined feed path PA, then the longitudinal direction L substantially coincides with the predetermined feed path PA.

[0366] Preferably, the plurality of fins 82 is realised by cutting or ablation.

[0367] 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.

[0368] It is interesting to note that these fins 82 are shaped so that, once the coil B is made, they can overlap on each other at least partially so as to make one continuous conductor element.

[0369] In order to be able to fold these fins 82 they are at least partially separated from each other by a through hole (or gap or opening or "port") extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction L of the main body 81 .

[0370] Considering again figure 1 again, it can be noted that the supply unit 2 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.

[0371] 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.

[0372] 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.

[0373] 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.

[0374] In alternative embodiments, the movable portion 250 can move in different directions, e.g. horizontally.

[0375] 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.

[0376] 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.

[0377] 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.

[0378] The movable portion 250 comprises, in the first embodiments described herein, at least one alignment device 205;205' constrained to it and configured to align the strip 80 to the predefined feed path PA.

[0379] 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.

[0380] In preferred embodiments, the winding unit 300 is installed on the movable portion 250.

[0381] Preferably, the winding unit 300 comprises three winding heads 310 that can be moved by rotation with respect to the movable portion 250.

[0382] 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.

[0383] In some embodiments not shown in the figures, the winding unit 300 comprises a rotatable body that ca rotate about its own rotation axis.

[0384] This rotatable body supports a plurality of extending arms, which are preferably hinged at one of their first ends to the rotatable body and which house at their second end, opposite the first, respective winding heads 310 for the continuous creation of the coils B.

[0385] For the sake of completeness, reference is now made to the example in figure 22 to show how the alignment device 205' is configured to displace 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.

[0386] Still with reference to figure 22, it can be noted that reference 81 b is a spatial point identified at a sensor 260'. Depending on the embodiment, the sensor 260' can be an optical sensor, a photo / video camera, or similar technical solution.

[0387] Furthermore, the set reference can be a point, or a spatial segment or other specifically predefined geometric elements.

[0388] 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.

[0389] In embodiments, the sensor 260' is placed close to the first roller of the alignment device 205'. According to some embodiments, two sensors 260' are provided, one placed upstream and one placed downstream of the alignment device 205’.

[0390] Preferably, both the sensor placed upstream of the alignment device 205' and the sensor placed downstream of the alignment device 205' are positioned at a respective distance from the first longitudinal axis 211X' of the first roller 211 ' comprised between 50 and 15 mm, preferably about equal to 20 mm.

[0391] It is understood that the distance between the sensor placed upstream and the first longitudinal axis 211X' may differ from the distance between the sensor placed downstream and the first longitudinal axis 211 X', as long as both are within the range described above.

[0392] Preferably, the distance of such sensors from the first longitudinal axis 211X' is measured from the most proximal portion of the sensor (or, alternatively, from its sensing element).

[0393] Preferably, the sensor placed downstream of the alignment device 205' 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.

[0394] According to an embodiment, the first roller 211 ' is positioned such that its first longitudinal axis 211X' 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.

[0395] These technical solutions are understood to be clearly described and implementable for all types of devices or aligning groups covered in this description and included in the various embodiments.

[0396] Now with reference to figure 5, it can be noted that the movable portion 250 comprises a plurality of the alignment devices 205'.

[0397] Specifically, figure 5 shows four alignment devices 205 placed upstream of the winding unit 300 and each acting on one of the strips N1 , N2, N3, N4.

[0398] Furthermore, the embodiment of figure 5 comprises two other alignment devices 205' placed immediately upstream of the winding unit 300 and each acting on one of the two conductor strips N1 , N3. Further, and with reference to figures 1 , 5, 6 and 15, it can be noted that the movable portion 250 preferably comprises two distinct types of the alignment device: a first type identifiable with reference 205 and a second type identifiable with reference 205'.

[0399] In the embodiment shown in figure 1 , the first type identifiable with the reference 205 is preferably positioned in proximity to the movable input section 251 , while the second type 205' is in proximity to and immediately upstream of the aforementioned winding unit 300.

[0400] Consistently with what has been discussed above, the folding unit 205 interacts with the strip 80 by modifying, in cooperation with the dispensing unit 200 and the winding unit 300, the actual spatial extension of the feed path PA of the strip 80.

[0401] In more detail, each alignment device 205' shown in figure 5 is configured to selectively move the strip 80 so as to align its reference portion 81 a with respect to the reference 81 b of the apparatus 100 by means of a rotation of the reference portion 81 a about a transverse axis, preferably perpendicular, to the longitudinal direction L and the main body 81 of the strip 80.

[0402] With reference to figures 6 and 7, it can be noted that the alignment device 205 comprises a rotation unit 210 including an aligning roller 220 configured to rotate about its first longitudinal axis 220X so as to be in contact with the strip 80. Further, the alignment device 205 comprises a body 230 (shown in detail in figure 11 ) preferably integrally constrained to the movable portion 250 and on which there is housed a rotation member 232 configured to rotate the aligning roller 220 about a transverse rotation axis 220Y, and more preferably, substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis 220X.

[0403] As can be noted from figure 6, the aligning roller 220 is configured so that its projection 220P on a reference plane XZ, perpendicular to the rotation axis 220Y, intersects the rotation axis 220Y itself and the projection 232P of the rotation member 232 on the reference plane XZ. In more detail, it can be seen that the aligning roller 220, having an substantially cylindrical shape, projects an substantially rectangular outline onto the reference plane XZ, while the reference member 232 projects an substantially circular outline onto the reference plane XZ. These elements will be described in more detail below.

[0404] Preferably, the rotation axis 220Y is positioned substantially equidistant from the bases of the aligning roller 220. With reference to figures 9 and 10, it can be noted that the rotation member 232 comprises a fixed component 232a integrally constrained to the body 230 (and thus to the movable portion 250) and a movable component 232b constrained to the aligning roller 220 and selectively displaceable relative to the fixed component 232a so as to allow the rotation of the aligning roller 220 about the rotation axis 220Y.

[0405] More particularly, the rotation member 232 preferably comprises a pin associated with a rotating bearing 232b and a box-like body 232a configured to rotate said aligning roller 220 about said rotation axis 220Y. Specifically, as shown in more detail in figure 9, in this embodiment, the fixed component is represented by the body 230 to which the external wall of the rotating bearing 232a is integrally constrained, while the movable component is represented by the pin 232b integrally constrained to the internal wall of the rotating bearing with free rotation about the rotation axis 220Y thanks to the balls interposed between the internal wall and the external wall of the bearing itself.

[0406] Alternative embodiments to those mentioned above involve a joint or hinge or a curved guide and slide as the respective combinations of fixed 232a and movable 232b components.

[0407] It is interesting to note that the fixed component 232a comprises a first and a second abutment surface 232a1 , 232a2, intended to receive at least in part the forces acting on the movable component 232b during use, and in particular rotation about the rotation axis 220Y, of the aligning roller 220.

[0408] In fact, with reference to figure 9, it can be seen that the outer wall 232a1 of the rotating bearing (integrally constrained to the housing 230) is intended to provide the abutment for the forces applied on the aligning roller 220 and having radial components with respect to the rotation axis 220Y, while the upper wall of the rotating bearing (in contact with the lower wall of the pin 232b) is intended to provide the abutment for the forces applied on the aligning roller 220 and having components parallel to the rotation axis 220Y. In particular, it is noted that the pin 232b is integrally constrained on ends opposite to two respective rods (or arms or plates) 231 so that the bearing (or the plurality of bearings if present) acts as an abutment for both possible directions of actuation of the forces applied on the aligning roller 220 having components parallel to the rotation axis 220Y

[0409] It is noted that the first abutment surface 232a1 , in order to provide such an abutment with respect to the forces applied on the aligning roller 220 and having radial components with respect to the rotation axis 220Y, extends along the direction of said rotation axis 220Y for at least 5mm while the second abutment surface 232a2 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis 220Y.

[0410] Figure 7 shows that the strip 80 is preferably interposed between the aligning roller 220 and the rotation member 232. Further preferably, the strip 80 is partially wound about the aligning roller 220 for at least 90°, more preferably for an angle subtended at the centre of the aligning roller 220 comprised between 150° and 180°.

[0411] With reference to figures 6 and 9, it can be noted that each rod (or arm or plate) of the pair of rods 231 is integrally constrained in proximity to its first end 231a to an upper and lower portion of the movable component, respectively.

[0412] Furthermore, the aligning roller 220 is constrained with an allowed rotation in proximity to a second end 231 b, opposite the first end 231a, of the upper rod 231 . Preferably, the rods 231 are substantially slab-shaped and are integrally constrained to the pin 232b by a plurality of screws or similar clamping devices.

[0413] It can be noted from figure 11 that the body 230 preferably has a substantially parallelepiped shape comprising a seat 236 shaped to receive the pair of rotating bearings 232a and the pin 232b. In this case, it can be noted that the seat 236 has a substantially cylindrical shape and is positioned at one end of the body 230.

[0414] According to an embodiment, the body 230 develops about the seat 236 with a substantially uniform thickness, thus presenting a rounded end close to the seat 236.

[0415] Still with reference to figure 11 , the body 230 comprises a central hole 237 which passes through in a direction parallel to the rotation axis 220Y and has a preferably substantially rectangular cross-section.

[0416] In addition, the body 230 comprises a cavity 239 ending above and below in a pair of oblong openings 238 positioned in proximity to the end opposite to that in which the seat 236 is located and shaped to guide the displacement of the pair of rods 231 during their rotation.

[0417] The cavity 239 appears to be communicating with the outside of the body 230 not only at the pair of oblong openings 238 but also through a further lateral opening.

[0418] Now with reference to figures 9 and 10, it can be noted that the pin 232b housed in the seat 236 is constrained to the pair of rods 231 both above and below at the first end 231 a of each rod.

[0419] In the embodiment shown as an example in figure 9, the upper rod has the two opposing surfaces with greater extension on which the pin as the first rotating element 231 on the lower surface and the aligning roller 220 on the upper surface are respectively constrained.

[0420] With reference to figures 7 and 9, the pair of rods 231 hinged on the pin 231 are substantially identical in shape and extension and are integrally constrained together by means of a spacer 240 (in this example in the form of a ring) placed in contact with the lower face of the upper rod and the upper face of the lower rod, respectively. The constraint between the pair of rods 231 and the ring (or spacer) 240 is preferably made by means of screws as shown in figures 9 and 10.

[0421] This rod-pair (or double-arm) configuration serves to increase the rigidity of the rotating support through which the aligning roller 220 is placed in rotation, thus conferring less deformability on the alignment device 205.

[0422] It is interesting to note, with reference to figure 11 , that the central hole 237 of the body 230 is shaped to accommodate the spacer 240 and to allow it to move freely within it while the pair of rods 231 performs a rotation about the rotation axis 220Y less than or equal to about 10° in absolute value, more preferably less than or equal to about 4° in absolute value.

[0423] Still with reference to figures 9 and 10, it can be noted that the alignment device 205 comprises a first motor element 234 having a drive shaft 235a rotatable about its longitudinal axis.

[0424] Preferably, the first motor element 234 is an electric stepper, brushless or similar technical solution.

[0425] With reference to figures 10 and 11 , it can be noted that the drive shaft 235a is realised as a trapezoidal screw, preferably a recirculating ball screw, and housed within the cavity 239 ending in the pair of oblong openings 238 formed in the body 230. In more detail, it can be noted that the trapezoidal screw 235a, preferably a recirculating ball screw, is inserted into the cavity 239 passing through the aforementioned further side opening.

[0426] According to one embodiment, a flanged nut 235b is housed on the trapezoidal screw 235a, preferably with recirculating balls. Said flanged nut 235b further comprises an upper and a lower tooth projecting vertically and from opposite sides from its outer surface.

[0427] From figures 10 and 11 , it can be noted that each oblong opening 238 of the body 230 is configured to have the largest dimension aligned with the longitudinal axis of the trapezoidal screw 235a so that the upper and lower teeth of the flange nut 235b can move freely within them while the flange nut 235b slides on the trapezoidal screw 235a.

[0428] Further and again with reference to figures 9 and 10, it can be noted that the pair of rods 231 comprises in proximity to each second end 231 b a respective pair of seats 235c each configured to receive and engage by coupling with a respective tooth of the flanged nut 235b. Preferably, a respective bearing is interposed between each tooth and the respective seat 235c engaging by interference fit.

[0429] In this way it is possible, by driving the first motor element 234 and consequent rotation of the trapezoidal screw 235a, to selectively rotate the pair of rods 231 about the rotation axis 220Y.

[0430] As shown in figure 10 the electric motor 234 can be mounted in a preferred orientation, for example perpendicular with respect to the rotation axis 220Y, or, according to embodiments not shown in the figures, vertically by aligning the motor shaft 235a with the rotating member 232 (i.e. in the example considered the combination of the pair of bearings and the coaxial pin) thus arranging the motor shaft 235a vertically.

[0431] As can be noted from figures 7, 8, 9 and 10, the aligning roller 220 is constrained to the upper rod at its second end 231 b by means of a rigid support preferably in the form of a square.

[0432] Depending on the preferred embodiment, the aligning roller 220 is constrained to the rigid support with an allowed rotation about the longitudinal axis 220X by means of a joint, an unidirectional joint or selectively actuatable in rotation by means of a motor element (not shown in the figures). The aligning roller 220 comprises an outer surface that is intended for contact with the strip 80. With particular reference to figure 8, it can be noted that the rotation axis 220Y is preferably tangent to the outer surface of the aligning roller 220. Even more preferably, the rotation axis 220Y is tangent to the outer surface of the aligning roller 220 and equidistant from the bases of the roller.

[0433] In preferred embodiments, the aligning roller 220 is made of polymer or metal.

[0434] Preferably, the pair of rods 231 and the body 230 of the alignment device 205 are made of steel.

[0435] Further, figure 6 shows a possible reference 81 b of the aligning roller 220 positioned in proximity to an end thereof.

[0436] Now with reference to figure 7, it can be noted that the alignment device 205 is preferably interposed between two further rollers guiding the strip 80 along the predefined feed path PA, these two further rollers being substantially aligned with each other, preferably horizontally, and offset from the aligning roller 220 so that the predefined feed path PA of the strip 80 imposed by these three rollers defines a trajectory similar to an inverted "U" or "Q".

[0437] In this operating condition, the strip 80 is in contact with the outer surface of the aligning roller 220 for a distance subtended by an angle at the centre of the aligning roller 220 equal to about 180°. In alternative embodiments not shown in the figures, this angle at the centre can be comprised between 90° and 270°.

[0438] Still with reference to figure 7, it can be noted that the strip 80 preferably initiates the contact with the aligning roller 220 in a direction that is parallel to the rotation axis 220Y.

[0439] In other words, the strip 80 is fed to the alignment device 205 in a feed direction DA substantially parallel to the rotation axis 220Y.

[0440] Still with reference to figure 7, the further roller positioned immediately downstream of the aligning roller 220 is, preferably, a first folding roller 13 of a folding unit 1 described in more detail below and depicted in figures 2, 3 and 4. In other embodiments not shown in the figures, the feed direction DA can be transverse to the rotation axis 220Y.

[0441] The characteristics of the alignment device 205 can then be further enhanced by positioning the folding unit 1 also included in the movable portion 250 immediately downstream of it.

[0442] Still with reference to figure 1 , it can be noted that the folding unit 1 is also preferably housed in proximity to the movable input section 251 of the movable portion 250, even more preferably immediately downstream of the alignment device 205.

[0443] According to the embodiment, the folding unit 1 is placed immediately downstream of the first type of the alignment device 205.

[0444] 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 .

[0445] 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.

[0446] For further clarity and completeness, a comparison between a concave and a convex surface will be discussed below.

[0447] 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.

[0448] 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.

[0449] 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.

[0450] 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. 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.

[0451] 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.

[0452] 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.

[0453] 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.

[0454] 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.

[0455] 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.

[0456] 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 .

[0457] 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.

[0458] 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.

[0459] 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.

[0460] 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 .

[0461] 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.

[0462] 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.

[0463] 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.

[0464] 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.

[0465] 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. There is thus an ideal collaboration between the two rollers.

[0466] In more detail, the second folding roller 17 comprises a tapered portion 16 configured as complementary to the folding curb 12.

[0467] 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.

[0468] 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.

[0469] 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.

[0470] 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.

[0471] 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).

[0472] In other words, the second folding roller 17 can move reversibly along an arc of circumference highlighted in figure 3 for greater clarity.

[0473] 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 .

[0474] 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.

[0475] With reference to again to figures 1 and 5, it can be noted that the movable portion 250 comprises four alignment devices 205, positioned in proximity to the movable input section 251 , each operating on a different strip of the plurality of strips N1 , N2, N3, N4. Consistently with the foregoing, this configuration is effectively combined with the insertion of four further folding units 1 each positioned immediately downstream of a respective alignment device 205 in the movable portion 250. Similar considerations apply to the alignment device 205' described below.

[0476] It is clear to the person skilled in the art that an apparatus 100 comprising a movable portion 250 housing an alignment device 205 will be able to carry out all processes for working the strip 80 positioned downstream of the alignment device more accurately and efficiently, particularly in the case of a step of folding the fins 82 prodromal to the creation of a coil B.

[0477] Now with reference to figure 12, the movable portion 250 is shown, comprising four alignment devices 205’ made according to the second type previously introduced.

[0478] In this case, the alignment device 205' shown in figure 12 is configured to displace the strip 80 so as to align it with the predefined feed path PA by translation of the strip 80 according to a translation direction DT transversal to the predefined feed path PA.

[0479] Similarly to what has been described above, the desired alignment is performed by displacing the reference portion 81 a of the strip 80 to the desired position relative to the reference 81 b.

[0480] More specifically, the alignment device 205’ comprises a translation unit 210’ comprising in turn a first frame 215' and a second frame 216'.

[0481] As can be noted from figures 13 and 14, a first roller 211 ' and a second roller 212' are arranged in the first frame 215', respectively rotating about a first and second longitudinal axis 211X', 212X', which are housed so as to be placed side by side and spaced apart from each other so as to engage the strip 80 between them along the predefined feed path PA.

[0482] The first and second rollers 21 T, 212' are preferably made of polymeric or metallic material. figure 16a shows a further possible embodiment in which the first and second rollers 21 T, 212' have concave and convex development.

[0483] In more detail, it can be noted that the two rollers 21 T, 212' are shaped in such a way that they are substantially complementary and effectively engage the strip 80 between them.

[0484] This specific spatial development is even better shown by figure 16b below, which depicts a section along the plane XVIb of the alignment device 205'.

[0485] According to the embodiments shown, the first roller 21 T has a substantially convex development along its longitudinal axis 211 X' while the second roller 212' preferably has a concave development.

[0486] In a further embodiment shown for illustrative and non-limiting purposes in figure 16d, the first roller 21 T (or, similarly, the second roller 212') can have a conical development with respect to its longitudinal axis. As can be noted, the first roller 21 T has a tapered development from one axial end towards the other.

[0487] It is also possible to realise a combination of the first and second rollers 21 T, 212' having a conical development and configured as complementary between them, i.e. with tapering oriented from opposite directions with reference to the respective longitudinal axes.

[0488] It can be noted that the first frame 215' is translatable with respect to the supply unit 2 according to the translation direction DT having a component parallel to the first and second longitudinal axis 211X', 212X'.

[0489] With reference to figure 14, it can be seen how in this preferred embodiment, the translation direction DT is substantially parallel to the first and second longitudinal axes 211X', 212X'.

[0490] As can be noted in figure 13, the second frame 216' is integrally constrained to the movable portion 250 (e.g. by means of screws). In particular, as shown in figure 14, the second frame 216' comprises a base 216a' provided with through holes adapted to allow the fixing by screws to the movable portion 250 and a main plate 216b' projecting perpendicularly from the base 216a'.

[0491] With reference to figures 17 and 18, it can be noted that on the main plate 216b' of the second frame 216', a rail 216c' with linear form is integrally constrained.

[0492] Such a rail preferably has an hourglass or "H" cross-section and is configured so that a slide 215c' can slide on it in a reversible manner.

[0493] Considering now figure 18, it can be seen that the rail 216c' and the slide 215c' cause the first frame 215' to be able to move relative to the second frame 216' according to a pure translation motion along the translation direction DT.

[0494] In some embodiments, the slide 215c' is moved along the rail 216c' by means of a third motor element 216d' or a pneumatic actuator or an electric actuator (not shown in the figures).

[0495] With reference to figures 13, 14, 15 and 16, the first roller 211 ' is operatively connected to a second motor element 214a' so as to be actuatable in rotation about the first longitudinal axis 211 X'.

[0496] Preferably, the second motor element 214a' is a stepper or brushless electric motor and the first roller 211 ' is directly coaxially connected to its drive shaft.

[0497] In this way it is possible to selectively actuate the first roller 211 ' in rotation in order to decide how fast to feed the strip 80 when present.

[0498] Now with reference to figure 13, it can be noted that the second roller 212' is constrained to the first frame 215' by means of an idle joint or unidirectional joint 217' with an allowed idle rotation or rotation in one direction only about the second longitudinal axis 212X'.

[0499] In the embodiment shown in figures 13 and 16, the second roller 212' is constrained with an allowed rotation to a movement bracket 218b'. This movement bracket 218b' is in turn constrained with an allowed translation to the first frame 215' and is configured to reversibly displace itself between a close position PR (depicted in figure 13), wherein the second roller 212' is at a minimum distance from the first roller 21 T, and a spaced-apart position PD (depicted in figure 15), in which the second roller 212' is at a maximum distance from the first roller 211 '. With reference to figures 15 and 16, it can be noted that the first and second rollers 211 ', 212' are spaced apart from each other, resulting in an interposed first opening 218a' that can vary depending on the position of the second roller 212'.

[0500] Preferably, this first opening 218a' is not equal to zero and is determined according to the thickness of the strip 80 to be treated.

[0501] As shown in figures 16 and 17, the movement bracket 218b' is moved so that the second roller reversibly translates between the close position and the spacedapart position by means of an actuator 215b' constrained to it and driven in displacement by means of a fourth motor element 214b' which in the case depicted is an electric stepper motor (or, alternatively, brushless).

[0502] In alternative embodiments (not shown in full in the figures), all movements realised with motor systems can alternatively be implemented with pneumatic or electric systems (and vice versa), e.g. in figure 16b the third motor element 216d' can be replaced by a pneumatic compressed air or oil system. Similarly, pneumatic or electric actuators can also be used to displace the movement bracket 218b', and thus the second roller 212' constrained to it, between the close position PR and the spaced-apart position PD.

[0503] It is interesting to note that when the second roller 212' is in a position PD spaced apart from the first roller 211 ', it is easier to insert an initial end or head of the strip 80 between them. Such a condition, for example, may arise after a coil B has been completed and a new end of the strip 80 made by upstream cut of the alignment device 205' must be brought accurately and quickly to the winding head 310.

[0504] Once the initial end of the strip 80 has passed downstream of the first and second rollers 21 T, 212' while they were arranged according to the spaced-apart position PD, it is possible to translate the second roller 212' to the close position PR bringing both rollers 211 ', 212' into contact on the strip 80.

[0505] At this point, the strip 80 is effectively engaged between the two rollers 21 T, 212' and a translation of them in the translation direction DT immediately results in a consistent translation of the portion of strip 80 engaged therein.

[0506] Even more, once the strip 80 is engaged between the first and second roller 211 ', 212' it will be possible to effectively advance it selectively by rotating the electric stepper or brushless motor 214a' connected to the first roller 211 '. With reference to figure 16b, it can be noted that the alignment device 205' comprises a linear transducer 228c' configured to detect the linear displacements and speed of the first frame 215' along the translation direction DT.

[0507] In more detail, the linear transducer 228c' comprises a sensing element (sensor) 228c1 ' configured to detect a physical displacement and a measuring slider 228c2' configured to follow the movement of the measured object and transmit the change to the sensing element.

[0508] In the embodiment shown in figure 16b, the sensor 228c1 ' is mounted on the second fixed frame 216', while the slider 228c2' is mounted on the first movable frame 215'.

[0509] Now with reference to figures 16e and 16f, it can be noted that a first and a second load cell 218c', 218d' can be mounted on the movement bracket 218b'. These first and second load cells 218c', 218d' are of the compression type and housed on axial ends opposite with respect to the second longitudinal axis 212X' of the second roller 212'.

[0510] In addition, the first and second load cells 218c', 218d' are respectively interposed between a first and second support bracket, on which the second roller 212' with an allowed rotation is housed, and the movement bracket 218b'. As will be seen below as a function of further embodiments, these support brackets are included in a support portion 215d' for the second roller 212'.

[0511] In this way, when the second roller 212' is subjected to a force transferred by the strip 80 it moves consistently in that direction and the two load cells 218c', 218d' detect this displacement and convert it into a signal that can be correlated to the force applied.

[0512] Furthermore, these load cells are configured in such a way as to be able to detect, in addition to tension variations induced by the strip 80, useful information so that an operatively connected processing unit can modify the position of the movement bracket 218b' so as to bring the second roller 212' closer to or further away from the first roller 21 T, thereby optimising the clamping force exerted on the strip 80 by the two rollers 21 T, 212'. figure 16g shows a detailed axial section of an embodiment in which the second roller 212' is connected at its axial ends respectively to a first and a second sensor device 1001 , 1002 which are preferably housed within a support portion 215d' to which the second roller 21 T is constrained with an allowed rotation about its own second longitudinal axis 212X'.

[0513] This support portion 215d' preferably comprises the first and second support brackets described above and which are configured to accommodate the respective ends of the second roller 212'.

[0514] Returning to what is shown in figure 16g, each sensor device 1001 , 1002 comprises in turn a respective first and second annular load cell 1001a, 1002a surrounding a first part 601 of a connection body 600, which has a second part 602 internally fixed to a rotoidal joint 610 configured to allow the rotation about the second longitudinal axis 212X'.

[0515] This rotary joint 610 in turn is externally fixed to the second roller 212'. In particular, this configuration advantageously minimises the radial footprint of the rotoidal joint 610 by limiting its contribution to interaction stresses between the second roller 212' and the strip 80 engaging it.

[0516] The embodiments shown for the first and / or second roller 21 T, 212' can advantageously be applied to any roller included in the apparatus described herein.

[0517] As shown in figure 16g, in some embodiments the alignment device 205' includes at least one encoder 211 a' (or similar transducer) configured to detect the rotations produced by a roller associated therewith.

[0518] According to an embodiment, the encoder 21 1 a' is mounted on an extension of the second frame 216' or on the support portion 215d' preferably on the side axially opposite said first or second roller 21 T, 212' at the first or second longitudinal axis 211X', 212X'.

[0519] According to an embodiment shown for example in figure 16h, at least one encoder 211 a' is mounted at the first rotation axis 21 1 X' which, being optionally motorised, can provide further useful information on the displacement and tension applied to the strip 80.

[0520] Thanks to such a device, it is possible to selectively detect the rotations of the first roller 21 T that are induced by the second motor element 214a' so as to have a more precise control of the actual feeding the strip 80. In particular, the measurement of the rotations of the first roller 21 T about its first longitudinal axis 211X' by means of the encoder 211 a' is significantly advantageous immediately after a new end of the strip 80 has been interposed between the first roller 211 ' and the second roller 212' and the first roller 211 ' has been brought closer to the second roller 212' bringing them to the close position PR. At this point, it is possible to feed by rotation of the second motor element 214a' the free end of the strip 80 (not yet engaged in the winding head 310) in contact with the first roller 211 ' knowing, thanks to the information provided by the encoder 211 a', by how much and with what speed the end of the strip 80 is displacing itself.

[0521] It can be noted from figure 16h that the encoder 211 a' is installed on the side axially opposite the second motor element 214a' in order to advantageously optimise the various overall dimensions required. In embodiments, a portion integral with the roller (e.g. its shaft) extends longitudinally beyond the first roller 211 ' so that its rotations can be measured by the encoder 211a'.

[0522] Now with reference to figures 19, 20 and 21 , it can be noted that the alignment device 205' comprises a fin opening 219' defined between the first roller 211 ' and the second roller 212' or flanked to the first roller 211 ' and / or the second roller 212' and configured to make the plurality of fins 82 pass, avoiding contact therewith even if they are bent with respect to the central body 81 .

[0523] As can be noted, for example, from figure 19, the fin opening 219' is defined within the first frame 215’ and moves integrally with it.

[0524] In other words, this fin opening 219' is configured to be able to follow all the movements of the first frame 215' and thus be integral with the strip 80 during all its alignment steps.

[0525] In the embodiment shown in figures 19 and 20, the fin opening 219' is realised by making the first roller 211 ' shorter than the second roller 212'.

[0526] In an alternative embodiment shown in figure 21 , the fin opening 219' is realised as a recess or outlet of the second roller 212'.

[0527] In this context, "outlet" refers to a recess or slot or cavity obtained preferably by removal of material.

[0528] Furthermore, now with reference to figure 20, it can be noted that the fin opening 219' is configured to define a passage for the plurality of fins 82 having a substantially triangular, rectangular or trapezoidal cross-section in which the fins 82 are inclined with respect to the central body 81 by a fin inclination angle 5 comprised between 30° and 60° in absolute value, more preferably substantially equal to 45°.

[0529] In forms of embodiment shown, by way of non-limiting example, in figure 7, the fin opening 219' also applies to the alignment device 205 as depicted in the first type, i.e. , having a rotation unit configured to realise the alignment by rotation. In such a case, the fin opening 219 made in the first type of the alignment device 205 is defined between the flat arm 231 (or an extension thereof) and the outer surface of the aligning roller 220.

[0530] In all such cases, the fin opening 219' is configured to allow to the plurality of fins a non-contact passage between them and the first alignment device 205; 205' or by making contact aimed at ensuring a predefined spatial orientation of the plurality of fins 82.

[0531] Now with reference to figures 23a, 23b, 23c and 23d, further embodiments according to the present invention are shown in which 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.

[0532] As shown in figure 24a, the first and second gripping rollers 311 ', 312' are rotating about a first and second longitudinal axis 311X', 312X' respectively, and housed so as to be placed side by side to and spaced apart from each other so as to engage the strip 80 between them along the predefined feed path PA.

[0533] Preferably, the first gripping frame 315' is rotatable with respect to the supply unit 2 about a rotation axis 315Y' with gripping substantially perpendicular to the first and second longitudinal axes 311 X', 312X'.

[0534] This allows for an alternative form of alignment in which the strip is precisely and effectively controlled between the first and second gripping rollers while the latter impose alignment correction by rotation. figures 23b, 24a and 25b show embodiments for which the rotation axis 315Y' with gripping is parallel to the plane XY on which the first and second longitudinal axes 311X', 312X' lie. In the alternative embodiment shown in figures 23c and 23d, the rotation axis 315Y' with gripping is perpendicular to the plane XY on which the first and second longitudinal axes 311 X', 312X' lie. With reference to figure 24a, it can be noted that the alignment group 305' comprises a rotation and gripping unit 310' in turn comprising the first gripping frame 315', a second gripping frame 316' and a third gripping frame 317'. The third gripping frame 317' comprises a base integrally constrained with the movable portion 250 and a projecting portion perpendicular to the base itself.

[0535] On the third gripping frame 317' a rotation device 320' is mounted, which can be rotated about the rotation axis 315Y' with gripping by means of a linkage system connected to a selectively operable electric motor.

[0536] Still with reference to figure 24b, it can be noted that the rotation device 320' is configured to rotate the second gripping frame 316' on which the first gripping frame 315' is constrained with an allowed translation. Also in this embodiment, similar to the embodiment of the second type of the alignment device 205', the first gripping frame 315' slides by means of a slide on a rail of the second gripping frame 316' thereby realising a further translation movement.

[0537] Thanks this technical solution, it is therefore possible to produce alignment corrections between the strip 80 and the predefined feed path by roto-translation.

[0538] Again, the slide can be moved by means of a fifth motor element (not shown in the figures) made in a similar manner to the fourth motor element 216d'.

[0539] Now, with reference to figures 25a and 25b, it can be noted that the technical solution described is similar to that of figures 24a and 24b except for the presence of the second gripping frame 316'. In fact, in this embodiment, the first gripping frame 315' on which there are housed the first and second gripping rollers 31 T, 312', rotating about the first and second longitudinal axes 311X', 312X' respectively and housed so as to be placed side by side and spaced apart from each other so as to engage the strip 80 between them along the predefined feed path PA, is directly connected by means of the rotation device 320' to the third frame 317' which is integral with the movable portion 250.

[0540] 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.

[0541] Again, the first gripping roller 31 T is connected to a fifth motor element (not visible in the figures but similar to the second motor element 214a') so that it can be selectively rotated. According to a further embodiment of the present invention shown schematically in figures 26a and 26b, the movable portion 250 comprises an alignment system 405' comprising a first differential feed unit 410a'.

[0542] Preferably, the first differential feed unit 410a' comprises a first differential feed roller 411 a' and a second differential feed roller 412a', rotatable, respectively, about a first differential rotation axis 411aX' and a second differential rotation axis 412aX' substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the predefined feed path PA. Now referring, for example, to figure 31 , the first and second differential feed rollers 411 a', 412a' are configured to make the strip 80 pass through the space defined between them so as to engage it on opposite sides at a first interaction portion 411 alnt' of the first differential feed roller 411 a' and at a second interaction portion 412alnt' of said second differential feed roller 412a'.

[0543] As can be noted from figure 26b, the first and second differential feed rollers 411 a', 412a' are configured in such a way that the projection on the strip 80, when in use, of at least one of the respective geometric centres 411 aC, 412aC (the latter not shown in the figures) of the first and second interaction portions 411 alnt', 412alnt' is at a first distance other than zero Di1 from a longitudinal median mL of the strip 80. As can be noted from figure 26b, the median mL identifies a first longitudinal half of the strip 85 and a second longitudinal half of the strip 86.

[0544] In the preferred embodiment shown in figures 26b to 30, the first differential feed unit 410a' acts at the first longitudinal half of the strip 85.

[0545] According to this invention and with specific reference now to figure 26b, at least one of the first and second differential feed rollers 411 a', 412a' is selectively actuatable in rotation by means of a sixth motor element 414a' to produce a first local difference AVA1 of the feed rate VA of the strip 80 so as to move it along a transverse direction with respect to the predefined feed path PA so as to align the strip 80 with the predefined feed path PA.

[0546] Still with reference to figure 26b, it can be noted that in a preferred embodiment, the alignment system 405' also comprises a second differential feed unit 410b' in turn comprising a third and fourth differential feed rollers 411 b', 412b' rotatable, respectively, about a third and fourth rotation axis 411 bX', 412bX' parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the predefined feed path PA.

[0547] According to one embodiment, at least one of the third and fourth differential feed rollers 411 b', 412b' is selectively actuatable in rotation by means of a seventh motor element 414b'.

[0548] According to the embodiments shown in figure 26b, the sixth and seventh motor elements act on the first and third differential feed rollers 411 a', 411 b' respectively.

[0549] The third and fourth differential feed rollers 411 b', 412b' are positioned on the side opposite the longitudinal median mL to the first and second differential feed rollers 411 a', 412a' thus acting at the second longitudinal half of the strip 86.

[0550] Also the third and fourth differential feed rollers 411 b', 412b' are configured to make the strip 80 pass in the space defined between them so as to engage on opposite sides at a third interaction portion 411 bint' of the third differential feed roller 411 b' and at a fourth interaction portion 412blnt’ of the fourth differential feed roller 412b'.

[0551] Furthermore, the third and fourth differential feed rollers 411 b', 412b' are configured in such a way that the projection on the strip 80, when in use, of at least one of the respective geometric centres 411 bC, 412bC of the third and fourth interaction portions 411 bint', 412blnt' is at a second distance Di2 from said longitudinal median mL other than zero. Moreover, at least one of said third and fourth differential feed rollers 411 b', 412b' is selectively actuatable in rotation to produce a second local difference AVA2 of the feed rate(VA of the strip (80).

[0552] According to an embodiment, such first and second distances Di1 , Di2 have, respectively, an extension substantially equal to , more preferably about 1 / 3, of the distance between said first edge and / or said second edge and said longitudinal median mL.

[0553] Again, preferred embodiments of motor elements 414a' are stepper or brushless electric motors.

[0554] Further details are reported in figures 27 to 30 for the sake of completeness.

[0555] 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 as previously described being intended for creating the internal assembly 3 of an electrochemical cell for producing batteries, comprising:

[0556] -Dispensing via the dispensing unit 200 the strip 80, preferably from dispensing device 6, along the predefined feed path PA,

[0557] Arrange downstream of the dispensing unit 200 the supply unit 2 comprising the movable portion 250, the latter configured to reversibly displace itself along the displacement direction d between the first configuration distal to the dispensing unit 200 and the second configuration proximal to the dispensing unit 200.

[0558] Arranging the alignment device 205; 205' included in the movable portion 250 and configured to displace the strip 80 by displacing it along one of the possible transverse directions relative to the predefined feed path PA,

[0559] Identifying, preferably with special devices such as the sensor 260', any difference in alignment AAII between the strip (80) and the predefined feed path PA,

[0560] In the event that said alignment difference AAII is different from zero, actuating the alignment device 205; 205' and displacing the strip 80 so as to align the strip 80 relative to the predefined feed path PA while the strip 80 is being continuously dispensed.

[0561] For the person skilled in the art, it is clear that the previously described configurations are implemented in preferred steps of the previous method.

[0562] For example, the actuator 215b' constrained to the movement bracket 218b' of the first frame 215' is actuated to bring the second roller 212' closer to or further away from the first roller 211 ' as required.

[0563] The Applicant has found, for example, that it is advantageous to move the second roller 212' away from the first roller 21 T bringing it to the spaced-apart position PD thus increasing the extension of the first opening 218a' thereby facilitating the passage of a new end of the strip 80, while the first opening 218a' is reduced by bringing the second roller 212' to the close position PR and thus "pinching" (i.e. , abutting or retaining) with the first roller 21 T the strip 80 so as to guide it accurately and reliably.

[0564] The method also provides that as soon as the strip 80 has been constrained between the two rollers 21 T, 212' in the close position PR, the first roller 21 T can be actuated into rotation by the electric stepper or brushless motor 214' which facilitates its controlled advancement and possible insertion into further processing units such as, preferably, the winding unit 300.

[0565] Furthermore, the steps of the method related to the present invention are sufficiently described above, in particular together with the structural features included in the apparatus 100 of the present invention and together with what provided for by the accompanying claims.

[0566] The further embodiments described above and relating to the alignment unit 305' and the alignment system 405' can be freely mounted on the movable portion 250 in addition to or in replacement of the alignment device 205, 205'. Consistently, the relevant method steps implemented by them can also be implemented by the present invention.

[0567] 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) comprising a movable portion (250), configured to reversibly displace itself along a displacement direction (d) between a first configuration distal to said dispensing unit (200) and a second configuration proximal to said dispensing unit (200) while said strip (80) is being dispensed, wherein said movable portion (250) comprises an alignment device (205') configured to displace said strip (80) so as to align said strip (80) with said predefined feed path (PA) and a winding unit (300) for said strip (80) placed downstream of said alignment device (205'), wherein said alignment device (205') comprises a first frame (215') on which a first roller (21 T) and a second roller (212') are arranged, respectively rotating about a first and a second longitudinal axis (211X', 212X'), which are housed so as to be placed side by side and spaced apart from each other so as to engage said strip (80) between them along said predefined feed path (PA), said second roller (212') being constrained to a movement bracket (218b1) which is constrained to said first frame (215') with an allowed translation and is configured to reversibly displace itself between a close position (PR), wherein said second roller (212') is at a minimum distance from said first roller (21 T), and a spaced-apart position (PD), wherein said second roller (212') is at a maximum distance from said first roller (21 T).

2. Apparatus (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said first frame (215') comprises an actuator constrained to said movement bracket (218b1) and configured to translate said movement bracket (218b1) reversibly between said close position (PR) and said spaced-apart position (PD).

3. Apparatus (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said actuator constrained to said movement bracket (218b1) is a fourth motor element (214b) configured to reversibly displace said movement bracket (218b1) between said close position (PR) and said spaced-apart position (PD).

4. Apparatus (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said alignment device (205') comprises a processing unit operatively connected to said fourth motor element (214b) and to feed sensors configured to detect and transmit to said processing unit information relating to feeding said strip along said predefined feed path.

5. Apparatus (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein: said dispensing unit (200) and said supply unit (2) are configured to supply a plurality of strips (N1 , N2, N3, N4) adapted to make at least one strip-shaped article (N), at least one of said plurality of strips (N 1 , N2, N3, N4) is said at least one strip (80).

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

7. Apparatus (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said first frame (215') is translatable with respect to said supply unit (2) according to said translation direction (DT) having a component parallel to said first and second longitudinal axis (211X', 212X').

8. Apparatus (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said translation direction (DT) is substantially parallel to said first longitudinal axis (211X').

9. Apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: said movable portion (250) comprises a folding unit (1) configured to fold a plurality of fins (82) about an axis parallel to said longitudinal development direction (L) of said at least one strip (80), wherein said alignment device (205') is placed immediately upstream of said folding unit (1).

10. 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) which 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),Arranging a winding unit (300) configured to wind said strip (80) included in said movable portion (250),Arranging an alignment device (205') included in said movable portion (250) and configured to displace said strip (80) by displacing it along a transverse direction with respect to said predefined feed path (PA), said alignment device (205') comprising a first frame (215') on which a first roller (21 T) and a second roller (212') are arranged,respectively rotating about a first and a second longitudinal axis (211X', 212X'), which are housed so as to be placed side by side and spaced apart from each other so as to engage between them said strip (80) along said predefined feed path (PA), said second roller (212') being constrained to a movement bracket (218b1) which is constrained to said first frame (215') with an allowed translation and is configured to reversibly displace itself between a close position (PR) wherein said second roller (212') is at a minimum distance from said first roller (21 T), and a spaced-apart position (PD), wherein said second roller (212') is at a maximum distance from said first roller (21 T)Identifying a possible alignment difference (AAII) between said strip (80) and said feed path (PA),In the event that said alignment difference (AAII) is different from zero, actuating said alignment device (205') and displacing said strip (80) so as to align said strip (80) relative to said predefined feed path (PA) while said strip (80) is being continuously dispensed.

11. Method according to preceding claim, comprising aligning said strip (80) by translating it according to a translation direction (DT) transverse to said predefined feed path (PA).

12. 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), an alignment device (205') configured to displace said strip (80) so as to align said strip (80) with said predefined feed path (PA) and a winding unit (300) for said strip (80) placed downstream of said alignment device (205'), wherein said alignment device (205') comprises a first frame (215') on which a first roller (21 T) and a second roller (212') are arranged, respectively rotating about a first and a second longitudinal axis (211X', 212X'), which are housed so as to be placed side by side and spaced apart from each other so as to engage said strip (80) between them along said predefined feed path (PA), said second roller (212') being constrained to a movement bracket (218b1) which is constrained to said first frame (215') with an allowed translation and is configured to reversibly displace itself between a close position (PR), wherein said second roller (212') is at a minimum distance from said first roller (21 T), and a spaced-apart position (PD), wherein said second roller (212') is at a maximum distance from said first roller (21 T).

13. 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 device (205') configured to displace said strip (80) by displacing it along a transverse direction with respect to said predefined feed path (PA), said alignment device (205') comprising a first frame (215') on which a first roller (21 T) and a second roller (212') are arranged, respectively rotating about a first and a second longitudinal axis (211X', 212X'), which are housed so as to be placed side by side and spaced apart from each other so as to engage between them said strip (80) along said predefined feed path (PA), said second roller (212') being constrained to a movement bracket (218b1) which is constrained to said first frame (215') with an allowed translation and is configured to reversibly displace itself between a close position (PR) wherein said second roller (212') is at a minimum distance from said first roller (21 T), and a spaced-apart position (PD), wherein said second roller (212') is at a maximum distance from said first roller (21 T)Identifying a possible alignment difference (AAII) between said strip (80) and said feed path (PA),In the event that said alignment difference (AAII) is different from zero, actuating said alignment device (205') and displacing said strip (80) so as to align said strip (80) relative to said predefined feed path (PA).

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