Applicator device for applying a fastening element to a multilayer semi-finished product for making an internal assembly for electrochemical cells

Abstract

An applicator device for applying a fastening element to a multilayer semi-finished product for making an internal assembly comprises an applicator drum including an outer shell and configured to rotate about a respective axis of rotation and wind the fastening element onto a portion of the outer shell, transporting it to a respective release position. The applicator device comprises a feeding device configured to supply the fastening element to the applicator drum at a pick-up position. The applicator device comprises an abutment roller, the applicator drum and abutment roller are configured to be moved between a mutual distal position and an abutment position, in which the fastening element, arranged between the abutment roller and the applicator drum is pressed against the outer shell. The applicator device also comprises a cutting element configured to cut the fastening element by abutting the outer shell.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION of the patent application having the title:

[0002] “APPLICATOR DEVICE FOR APPLYING A FASTENING ELEMENT TO A MULTILAYER SEMI-FINISHED PRODUCT FOR MAKING AN INTERNAL ASSEMBLY FOR ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS”

[0003] The present invention relates to an applicator device for applying a fastening element to a multilayer semi-finished product for making an internal assembly, e.g. for use in electrochemical cells.

[0004] The invention also concerns an apparatus for making an internal assembly that includes a coupling device and an applicator device.

[0005] The invention further relates to a method for applying a fastening element to a multilayer semi-finished product as part of an internal assembly.

[0006] The present invention finds preferred, although not exclusive, application in the sector of the production of electrochemical cells, for the manufacture of which a multilayer semi-finished product is used, which are for example in the form of a coil or stacked.

[0007] In particular, in the pertinent technical sector, it is known to combine conductor elements and separator elements into layers in order to form an anode and cathode structure. The article manufactured by overlapping the aforementioned layers can therefore be wound in the form of a coil or coupled into layers in flat or other shape configurations, and used for manufacturing the electrochemical cell itself.

[0008] In this description as well as in the claims appended thereto, certain terms and expressions are deemed to have, unless otherwise expressly indicated, the meaning expressed in the following definitions.

[0009] The term “ribbon-like article” is intended to mean any solid product which, within an industrial production line, is presented in the form of an elongated ribbon or strip, i.e. an element in which the longitudinal extension is significantly higher than its transversal extension. The ribbon-like article can be formed by a single ribbon or strip of material, or by overlapping several ribbons arranged into layers.

[0010] The ribbon-like article also has features such that a certain bending during its advancement along a relative production line is allowed.

[0011] The ribbon-like article can for example be made by overlapping conducting and insulating layers alternated between them and be intended to form a sandwich to be wound for manufacturing a coil intended for producing electrochemical cells.

[0012] A further example can be represented by a ribbon-like article formed by an insulating ribbon that acts as a separator between conductor elements. The insulating ribbon-like article can thus be folded according to a “Z” arrangement, by interposing between one loop and another of the “Z” alternately conductor elements in the form of foils that respectively form the anode and cathode of the electrochemical cell.

[0013] The ribbon-like article can also be pre-cut, forming individual sheets intended to be stacked in a structure with a mainly vertical layout.

[0014] The term “coupling” referring to a ribbon-like article is intended to mean combining the ribbon-like article with a further element, or combining different portions of the ribbon-like article with each other, so as to obtain a structure of a different shape from the ribbon-like article, preferably with a non-ribbon-like shape, such as for example a coil or a package.

[0015] The term “to wind” referring to a ribbon-like article, indicates a preferred way of coupling the ribbon-like article, by which it is coupled into a spiral structure by rotation about an axis, to a flat surface or another structure. By winding, the ribbon-like article will form one or more turns about the axis or structure.

[0016] The term “coil” is intended to mean any spiral structure formed by winding a strip, a ribbon or more generally a ribbon-like article about an axis, a flat surface or another winding structure. Depending on the structure about which the ribbonlike article is wound, the overall shape of the coil may be substantially cylindrical rather than crushed or otherwise shaped.

[0017] As mentioned above, the coil can find application not only in the electrochemical cell sector but also in other sectors, such as for example in the conductor sector, within which coil-shaped structures can likewise be used.

[0018] The term “internal assembly” of an electrochemical cell generally refers to a structure in which conductor and separator elements are combined within an electrochemical cell. Such a structure may be a substantially flat layered structure alternating on top of one another (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 ribbons alternating with one another.

[0019] The term “internal assembly” means any solid product obtained by coupling a plurality of elements or a plurality of different portions of a single element. For example, the internal assembly can be formed by winding a ribbon-like article, for example in the form of a coil, or by coupling a ribbon-like article with other elements, such as for example conductor elements that can be arranged between loops of a ribbon-like article folded into a “Z” shape, and coupled to it in a folded configuration, as previously illustrated.

[0020] Yet another example is represented by stacked solutions, in which individual foils of insulating material and individual foils of conductive material are overlapped into layers, coupling them together in an alternating configuration.

[0021] The term “multilayer semi-finished product” in reference to an internal assembly refers to an intermediate product used in the production of the internal assembly. The multilayer semi-finished product includes a plurality of layers that can be represented by the successive windings of a spirally wound ribbon-like article, or by the alternating layers formed by a “Z” -folded ribbon-like article and by the conductor elements in the form of foils, or again by the foils overlapped into layers that form the stacked solutions previously illustrated. The internal assembly is made using the multilayer semi-finished product and carrying out subsequent finishing processes. The finishing operations may comprise the application of at least one ribbon capable of locking a flap or other portion of the multilayer semifinished product in order to keep the structure in the configuration obtained by winding or other type of coupling. The finishing operations of the internal assembly can of course also include other types of operations, such as marking operations, e.g. by laser, or welding and / or gluing operations, or other operations suitable for applying inserts.

[0022] The term “flap” is intended to mean any portion of the ribbon-like article, or more generally of a separator or conductor element, preferably located at an edge or an end thereof, and which defines a terminal part of the semi-finished product once formed. It should also be noted that more than one flap may also be defined on a semi-finished product.

[0023] The term “fastening element” refers to an element capable of clamping the structure of a semi-finished product, particularly a multilayer one, in an at least relatively stable form, during or at the end of a manufacturing process. The fastening element can, for example, be intended to clamp a flap of the semifinished product, or other portion thereof, in a respective configuration assumed during the manufacturing process, so that this configuration can be maintained permanently after machining, or temporarily during subsequent machining steps. The fastening element can be in the form of a flexible element, such as a ribbon, a string, a band, and can be either flat or have a structure that does not have predominant dimensions compared to the others, e.g. when it is sufficient to clamp the flap of the semi-finished product in a limited and clearly confined area in order to guarantee the required configuration stability according to the specific requirement.

[0024] The term “closed path” is intended to mean a path travelled by a winding head or other element in which the initial point and the end point of the path substantially coincide.

[0025] The term “continuously” referring 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 ribbon-like article, a semi-finished product, or another element, the term "continuous motion", or even “continuously” alone, indicates that the ribbon-like article / semi-finished product / element is never stopped during its movement. The movement can in any case be slowed down, as an acceleration and deceleration of the ribbon-like / semi-finished product / element is therefore envisaged without, however, this leading to a complete stop. It will be appreciated that the ribbon-like / semi-finished product / element may be expected to reach an absolute speed equal to zero, in the event that the motion provides for a reversal. In this case, however, the ribbon-like / semi-finished product / element can be subjected to a non-null acceleration at the moment when it reaches zero speed, so as to avoid stopping the movement.

[0026] The term “substantially constant” referring to a measurement or amount, such as for example the displacement speed of an object, is intended to mean that such measurement or amount 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%.

[0027] The term “integral” referring to the movement of two or more elements, is intended to mean that these elements perform substantially the same movement and substantially in a simultaneous manner. In other words, two integral elements move together, as a single body, although they are not necessarily joined or bound to each other. It can in fact be provided that the respective movement systems of the two elements are coordinated so 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] This definition applies likewise 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.

[0030] Preferably, the term "to displace along a path between a first position and a second position, distinct from each other", referring to a coupling device, a structure or more generally a component, is intended to mean a displacement between two distinct spatial positions, during which the centre of mass changes position along said path.

[0031] Thus such displacement excludes rotations of the coupling device / structure / component about a point substantially coincident with its centre of mass.

[0032] For example, in the case of a spiral, rotations about the axis of the spiral, which specifically is considered substantially coincident with the centre of mass thereof, will be excluded, although they may not be perfectly coincident due to the distribution of the material and the relative masses that are not necessarily uniformly distributed about the axis of the spiral.

[0033] Other movements of the spiral will instead be included in the definition of displacement along a path between a first position and a second position, distinct from each other. Therefore, for example, linear displacements, rotational- translational motions and rotations about an axis that do not coincide with the axis of the spiral, i.e. the axis about which the spiral shape is created, are included.

[0034] The Applicant, in the context of the constant need to increase the performance and the efficiency of the production processes for manufacturing internal assemblies, has preliminarily observed how the operations necessary for clamping the layers that form the internal assembly can constitute a significant element of limitation of the production capacity of the line itself.

[0035] Indeed, the Applicant observed that high speed and precision in the process of coupling the semi-finished layered product that is intended for the manufacture of the internal assembly can be frustrated by subsequent operations. In particular, the Applicant observed that the operations required to apply an element capable of locking the layers in their coupled configuration may have a relatively significant impact on the overall time required to manufacture the internal assembly, as well as causing an alteration in the structure of the semi-finished product obtained by the previous processing operations, in particular in terms of precision in the coupling of the layers.

[0036] In this context, the Applicant found that the clamping of the layer structure of the multilayer semi-finished product can be accelerated by using a ribbon that is cut into individual fastening elements to be applied to a respective semi-finished product.

[0037] In the context of the need to increase the application speed of the fastening element, the Applicant therefore perceived that the cutting of the fastening element could have a significant impact on the clamping process of the semifinished product as a whole.

[0038] The Applicant also noted that cutting precision can lead to rejects or slowdowns in production processes for the production of internal assemblies as a whole.

[0039] The Applicant thus further perceived how it is possible to increase the productivity and precision of a fastening element application device compared to known solutions, as well as the internal assembly production line on which it is used, if the required cutting operations do not lead to a significant disturbance in the advancement trajectory of the fastening element.

[0040] The Applicant finally found that by appropriately retaining the fastening element when it is cut, it is possible to increase the precision with which this is done. Thanks to these features, the fastening element can be applied at a higher speed than known solutions, without this resulting in a limitation in the application precision of the fastening element.

[0041] In its first aspect, therefore, the present invention relates to an applicator device for applying a fastening element, preferably flexible, to a multilayer semi-finished product for making an internal assembly, preferably for electrochemical cells.

[0042] Said applicator device preferably comprises an applicator drum that includes an outer shell.

[0043] Preferably, the applicator drum is configured to rotate about a respective axis of rotation and be wound around said fastening element.

[0044] Preferably said fastening element is wound around a portion of said outer shell.

[0045] Preferably said applicator drum is configured to transport said fastening element from a pick-up position to a release position of said fastening element.

[0046] Preferably said applicator device comprises a feeding device configured to supply said fastening element to said applicator drum. Said feeding device is preferably configured to supply said fastening element at said pick-up position.

[0047] Said applicator device preferably comprises an abutment roller. Preferably, said applicator drum and said abutment roller are configured to be moved between a mutual distal position, in which said abutment roller is distanced from said outer shell, and an abutment position. Preferably in said abutment position said abutment roller is in contact with said applicator drum in such a way that said fastening element, placed between said abutment roller and said applicator drum, is urged against said outer shell.

[0048] Preferably said applicator device comprises a cutting element configured to cut said fastening element by abutting said outer shell.

[0049] Thanks to these features, the applicator device of the present invention can perform the cutting of the fastening element while it is held between the abutment element and the outer shell of the applicator drum.

[0050] At the same time, the action of the abutment roller allows the fastening element to be stressed against the applicator drum, on which it is wound to be transported to the application position on the semi-finished product, thus facilitating the winding operation on the outer shell.

[0051] This makes it possible to increase the speed of the winding operation and, consequently, also that of the application of the fastening element as a whole, compared to known solutions. At the same time, the cutting operation can be carried out precisely, thanks to the abutment action of the abutment roller.

[0052] In its second aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus for making an internal assembly, preferably for an electrochemical cell. Preferably said internal assembly comprises a multilayer semi-finished product and a respective fastening element, preferably flexible.

[0053] Preferably, said apparatus includes a coupling device configured to make the multilayer semi-finished product by coupling a plurality of individual layers.

[0054] Preferably said apparatus comprises an applicator device made according to any one of the preceding claims, said applicator device being associated with said coupling device in such a way as to apply said fastening element to said multilayer semi-finished product at least at one outer flap of said semi-finished product.

[0055] Said applicator device preferably comprises an applicator drum that includes an outer shell.

[0056] Preferably, the applicator drum is configured to rotate about a respective axis of rotation and be wound around said fastening element.

[0057] Preferably said fastening element is wound around a portion of said outer shell.

[0058] Preferably said applicator drum is configured to transport said fastening element from a pick-up position to a release position of said fastening element.

[0059] Preferably said applicator device comprises a feeding device configured to supply said fastening element to said applicator drum. Said feeding device is preferably configured to supply said fastening element at said pick-up position.

[0060] Said applicator device preferably comprises an abutment roller. Preferably, said applicator drum and said abutment roller are configured to be moved between a mutual distal position, in which said abutment roller is distanced from said outer shell, and an abutment position. Preferably in said abutment position said abutment roller is in contact with said applicator drum in such a way that said fastening element, placed between said abutment roller and said applicator drum, is urged against said outer shell.

[0061] Preferably said applicator device comprises a cutting element configured to cut said fastening element by abutting said outer shell.

[0062] Preferably said applicator device is coupled with said coupling device in such a manner that said fastening element is applied to said multilayer semi-finished product at least at one outer flap of said semi-finished product.

[0063] The apparatus in this respect allows a fastening element to be supplied, precisely cut and appropriately wrapped around the applicator drum, in such a way that the flap of the semi-finished product is clamped.

[0064] In this way, the fastening element can be applied without the cutting operation having a significant impact on the overall process speed.

[0065] In a third aspect thereof, the present invention relates to a method for applying a fastening element to a multilayer semi-finished product, said fastening element being preferably flexible.

[0066] Preferably said method for applying a fastening element comprises supplying a multilayer semi-finished product made by coupling a plurality of layers.

[0067] Preferably said method comprises supplying a fastening element.

[0068] Preferably said method comprises arranging said fastening element between an abutment roller and an applicator drum.

[0069] The method preferably comprises bringing said abutment roller and said applicator drum closer to each other by moving said abutment roller and / or said applicator drum in such a way that said fastening element is urged against an outer shell of said applicator drum.

[0070] The method preferably comprises winding said fastening element onto said applicator drum.

[0071] Preferably, the method comprises moving a cutting element and said applicator drum towards each other in such a manner that said cutting element abuts said outer shell in order to cut said fastening element preferably wound onto said applicator drum. The method preferably comprises applying said cut fastening element to at least one outer flap of said semi-finished product.

[0072] This also allows the fastening element to be applied to the multilayer semifinished product in a protected and appropriately guided manner, thanks to the presence of the shielding element.

[0073] The presence of the shielding element adjacent to the applicator drum while the fastening element is being brought closer to the multilayer semi-finished product makes it possible to prevent it from moving away from the applicator drum before the latter reaches the release position.

[0074] This also allows the cutting operation to be carried out precisely, optimising the winding of the fastening element onto the applicator drum and, consequently, its application on the semi-finished product.

[0075] The present invention, in at least one of the aforementioned aspects, may have at least one of the further preferred features indicated below.

[0076] Preferably said abutment roller is movable between said distal position and said abutment position.

[0077] In this way, the relative movement between the abutment roller and the applicator drum can be carried out by the movement of an element independent of the applicator drum used to apply the fastening element.

[0078] Preferably said applicator device comprises a support structure on which said abutment roller and said cutting element are supported, said support structure being movable towards, and away from, said applicator drum.

[0079] Thanks to this feature, the abutment roller and cutting element can be moved simultaneously and / or in a coordinated manner.

[0080] Preferably said abutment roller is supported in a damped manner on said support structure.

[0081] This provides for contact between the abutment roller and the applicator drum, while at the same time allowing the force with which the abutment roller presses the fastening element against the applicator drum to be properly controlled.

[0082] It should be noted that in the context of the present invention, the term “damped” refers to both elastic and damped behaviour. For example, elastic behaviour can be determined by a compression spring and damped behaviour can be determined by a hydraulic or gas shock absorber.

[0083] Preferably said cutting element is arranged downstream of said abutment roller with respect to an advancement direction of said fastening element.

[0084] Preferably, it is intended to cut said fastening element wound onto said applicator drum downstream of said abutment roller with respect to an advancement direction of said fastening element.

[0085] Preferably, said cutting element is positioned adjacent to said abutment roller.

[0086] Each of these features makes it possible to keep the fastening element in contact with the applicator drum when the cutting operation is performed.

[0087] Preferably said applicator device comprises an additional abutment roller arranged downstream of said cutting element with respect to an advancement direction of said fastening element, said cutting element being interposed between said abutment rollers.

[0088] This makes it possible to retain both flaps that are generated by the cutting operation resting on the applicator drum once separated.

[0089] Preferably said applicator device comprises a movement device configured to move said rotating applicator drum according to an oscillatory movement.

[0090] Preferably said oscillatory movement of said applicator drum comprises a cyclic movement along a trajectory between two distinct positions.

[0091] Thanks to these features, it is possible to exploit the oscillatory movement of the drum to transport the fastening element from the position where it is cut and picked up, to the position where it is released to be applied to the semi-finished product.

[0092] Preferably said applicator drum comprises at least one seat configured to receive said cutting element.

[0093] Thanks to the presence of the seat, it is possible to bring the cutting element beyond the cylindrical surface defined by the outer shell of the applicator drum, facilitating the cutting of the fastening element. Preferably said movement device is configured in such a way that said coupling device and said applicator device are moved away from each other and brought closer together by movement of said coupling device and / or said applicator drum.

[0094] These features make it possible to make the coupling of the layers and the subsequent application of the fastening element more independent.

[0095] Preferably said fastening element is wound onto said applicator drum by rotation of said applicator drum.

[0096] This feature simplifies the operations by which the fastening element is placed on the applicator drum for movement to the release position and / or for its application.

[0097] Preferably said applicator drum is moved according to an oscillatory movement between two distinct positions.

[0098] Preferably said oscillatory movement comprises a rotation about a further axis of rotation distinct from a respective winding axis about which said applicator drum rotates to wind said fastening element.

[0099] Thanks to each of these features, it is possible to move the applicator drum closer to and further away from the release position with a cyclic movement, which is particularly well suited to be associated with any movements of the semi-finished product on which the fastening element is applied, as well as being particularly well suited to co-ordinate with the rotation carried out by the applicator drum.

[0100] Preferably said movement of said abutment roller and said applicator drum towards each other comprises moving both said abutment roller and said applicator drum towards each other.

[0101] In this it is possible to limit the stroke required for the abutment roller, while also utilising the movement of the applicator drum to perform the abutment between drum and roller.

[0102] Preferably said applicator drum is stationary with respect to said oscillatory movement and / or said rotation about said axis when said cutting element is moved closer for cutting said fastening element.

[0103] This feature contributes to precise cutting of the fastening element.

[0104] It is preferably provided to move said multilayer semi-finished product in such a way as to bring it closer to said applicator drum.

[0105] In this way, the movement of the multilayer semi-finished product can be utilised for the application of the fastening element.

[0106] Preferably said fastening element is released onto said multilayer semi-finished product by mutual rotation of said applicator drum and said multilayer semifinished product.

[0107] Thanks to this feature, it is possible to optimise the adhesion of the fastening element on the multilayer semi-finished product, particularly if it has axial symmetry.

[0108] Preferably, said fastening element is wound onto said applicator drum, while said multilayer semi-finished product is made by coupling said layers.

[0109] This feature makes it possible to reduce the overall time required for the internal assembly manufacturing process by carrying out two operations simultaneously.

[0110] Preferably, said multilayer semi-finished product is made by winding at least one ribbon-like article.

[0111] Preferably, said multilayer semi-finished product comprises at least one separator ribbon and at least two conductor ribbons.

[0112] Preferably, said multilayer semi-finished product is coupled in coil form.

[0113] Preferably, said fastening element is substantially flat.

[0114] Preferably, said fastening element has an adhesive surface.

[0115] Preferably, said fastening element is in the form of a ribbon.

[0116] Each of these features contributes to making the device, apparatus and method according to the various aspects of the present invention particularly suitable for making electrochemical cells.

[0117] It should be specified that some steps and some characteristics of the methods described above may be independent of the order of execution reported. Furthermore, one or more steps of the methods may be performed repetitively, or may be performed in series or in parallel with other steps of the method. The characteristics and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof, illustrated by way of nonlimiting example, with reference to the appended drawings wherein:

[0118] - Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for making an internal assembly according to the present invention;

[0119] - Figure 2 is a perspective view, in detail, of an applicator device according to the present invention;

[0120] - Figures 3A and 3B are two partial perspective views illustrating the displacement of a cutting element during the cutting operation of the fastening element;

[0121] - Figure 4 is a further perspective view in detail of the cutting element and a respective abutment roller while cutting the fastening element; and

[0122] - Figure 5 is a perspective view of an internal assembly including a fastening element applied by means of the applicator device of the present invention.

[0123] Referring initially to Figure 1 , 1000 denotes an apparatus for making an internal assembly I, the latter illustrated in Figure 5, made in accordance with the present invention.

[0124] In some embodiments, such as the one illustrated in the accompanying figures, the apparatus 1000 is intended for producing coils to be used in the manufacture of electrochemical cells.

[0125] As will be described in any case in further detail below, the present invention can also find application in internal assemblies of other types, not necessarily intended for manufacturing electrochemical cells.

[0126] Preferably, the manufacture of the internal assembly I by means of the apparatus 1000 of the present invention is carried out starting from at least one ribbon-like article which, as will be illustrated in detail below, is processed so as to obtain a semi-finished product with an overlapped-layer structure S to be used for manufacturing the internal assembly itself.

[0127] In preferred embodiments, such as that illustrated in Figure 1 , a plurality of ribbonlike articles are used. For example, in the case where the internal assembly I is used in the context of manufacturing an electrochemical cell, the ribbon-like articles may be formed by alternately arranging conductor ribbons and separator ribbons. These ribbons can then be suitably combined to create an overlappedlayer structure in which the anode, a first separator, the cathode and a second separator alternate. The order between anode and cathode is provided only by way of example and a sequence opposite to the one previously indicated may also be envisaged. More generally, in fact, the internal assembly may comprise an alternating sequence of conductor elements and separator elements.

[0128] In this regard, it may also be provided that a single ribbon-like article is used which, for example, may form the separator element of an electrochemical cell. Said ribbon-like article can therefore be associated with conductor elements, for example in the form of foils, still for the purpose of forming an overlapped-layer structure.

[0129] Still alternatively, the present invention may also find application in the case where both the conductor elements and the separator elements are in the form of single foils, stacked in a succession of alternating layers.

[0130] Preferably, the structure formed by the coupling of the ribbon-like articles is a multilayer structure S, in which each layer is represented by one of the ribbonlike articles.

[0131] As will be explained in more detail below, the ribbon-like articles can be coupled together by winding in spiral form to form a coil structure.

[0132] In other embodiments, not illustrated in the figures, one or more ribbon-like articles can be folded into successive loops, with a substantially “Z” layout and coupled, alternately, to anode elements and cathode elements in the form of foils.

[0133] In further embodiments, also not shown in the figures, the conductor elements and separator elements can be coupled in a stacked configuration.

[0134] In general, there may be at least one coupling device 4, illustrated in a preferred embodiment in Figure 4, which includes at least one coupling head 42 and is configured to couple the ribbon-like article(s), and more generally the conductor elements and separator elements, in the multilayer semi-finished product S.

[0135] For example, the coupling device 4 may be configured so that the ribbon-like articles converge thereon and, preferably, are wound into a spiral shape.

[0136] For this purpose, the coupling heads 42 can be configured to rotate about a relative winding axis W while the coupling of the ribbon-like article(s) is taking place.

[0137] As previously mentioned, in preferred embodiments, the coupling device 4 comprises more than one coupling head 42.

[0138] The coupling heads 42 can be supported on a movable assembly 41 , e.g. wheelshaped, which rotates about a respective axis of rotation, preferably parallel to the winding axis W, to alternate the operating position of the coupling heads 42.

[0139] This makes it possible to position each of the coupling heads 42 cyclically at a plurality of different workstations.

[0140] For example, in one of these stations the coupling of the ribbons can take place and in a further station the application of a fastening element T can take place, in a manner that will be described in more detail below.

[0141] A further station can, for example, be represented by an unloading station at which the internal assembly I is unloaded once it has been made.

[0142] Note that, in general, the execution of the coupling operation and the application of the fastening element can also take place while the gripping device(s) is / are rotating about the axis of rotation X’.

[0143] In addition to this movement, it can also be provided that the coupling device and the semi-finished product S can also move along a translation direction R, shown schematically in Figure 4.

[0144] For this purpose, the apparatus 1000 may comprise a respective movement device 7, for example in the form of a movable carriage, configured in such a way as to move the coupling device 6 according to a respective oscillatory movement along the translation direction R or more generally according to a cyclic movement along a respective straight and / or curved trajectory between two respective distinct positions.

[0145] In more detail, the movement along this path can be defined by any combination of one or more rotations and of one or more translations, or by a single movement, whether of rotation or translation, provided that it is configured to make the coupling head(s) 42 and the multilayer semi-finished product S assume two distinct spatial positions remote from each other. In other words, the movement must not be such that the coupling head(s) 42 the multilayer semi-finished product S only rotate about their axis.

[0146] Advantageously, movement along the translation direction of the winding head(s) 42, has the effect of varying the length of parallel stretches of the ribbon-like article(s).

[0147] This can allow an accumulation effect to be obtained and, by coordinating the movement in the translation direction with the winding or other type coupling operation, it is possible to form the semi-finished product in association with the movement of the winding device along the direction R. This can entail a series of advantages, in particular the possibility of increasing the manufacture speed of the semi-finished product and of avoiding or containing the onset of tension states on the ribbon-like articles during processing.

[0148] Referring now again to Figure 2, the apparatus 100 according to the present invention further comprises an applicator device 100 for applying the fastening element T to the semi-finished product S in such a way as to obtain the internal assembly B.

[0149] For example, in some embodiments, an end flap of the ribbon-like article is clamped after it has been spirally wound or otherwise coupled, thus preventing it from losing the structure obtained through the coupling operation.

[0150] The clamping preferably takes place by applying, by means of said applicator device 100, a fastening element T to the flap L. For example, the fastening element T can be formed by a ribbon.

[0151] The fastening element can be provided by one or more dispensing coils 9, illustrated in Figure 1 , in which a quantity of ribbon is wound up, which is suitably sectioned before or during application to the semi-finished product.

[0152] In preferred embodiments, the application of the fastening element T on the semifinished product takes place via an applicator drum 2 to which the fastening element T is supplied via a feeding device 3 at a pick-up position.

[0153] Preferably, the applicator drum 2 comprises an outer shell 21 and rotates about a respective axis of rotation X in such a way that said fastening element T can be wound onto a portion of the outer shell 21 .

[0154] The applicator drum 2 also makes it possible to transport the fastening element T, while wound onto the outer shell 21 , from the aforesaid pick-up position to a release position of said fastening element T, at which the fastening element is applied to the semi-finished product S.

[0155] The fastening element T is advantageously supplied to the applicator drum 2 in the form of individual portions obtained by cutting from a continuous ribbon dispensed by the coils 9.

[0156] For this purpose, the applicator device 100 comprises a cutting element 6 arranged for cutting the fastening element T.

[0157] As can be seen from the example embodiment of Figures 3A and 3B, the cutting element 6 cuts the fastening element T by moving towards the applicator drum 2, until it abuts the outer shell 21 and preferably, by penetrating into a relevant seat 22 made on the shell 21 .

[0158] It is noted that in the embodiment depicted in the figures, each semi-finished product S is provided with two fastening elements T, arranged around the spiral structure forming the semi-finished product S spaced axially, as can be seen in Figure 5.

[0159] Consequently, in some embodiments, there may be a plurality of seats 22, one for each fastening element T.

[0160] Referring now also to Figure 4, the applicator device 100 further comprises an abutment roller 5 associated with the cutting element 6 and configured to abut the fastening element T during the clamping operation.

[0161] As can be seen from the figures, the abutment roller 5 is supported in a movable manner, so that it can move towards the applicator drum 2 when cutting is performed and, if necessary, at a time before and / or after such an operation.

[0162] The approach movement is preferably mutual, i.e. the approach between the applicator drum 2 and the abutment roller 5 can take place by movement of one, the other or both.

[0163] More generally, it is noted that the applicator drum 2 and the abutment roller 5 are configured to be displaced between a mutual distal position, in which the abutment roller 5 is moved away from the outer shell 21 , and an abutment position, in which the abutment roller 5 is in contact with the applicator drum 2.

[0164] In particular, in the abutment position, the fastening element T is arranged between the abutment roller and the applicator drum 2, and in this way the fastening element can be stressed against the outer shell 21 .

[0165] In some embodiments, the abutment roller 5 and the cutting element 6 are both supported on the same support structure 7 which moves towards, and away from, said applicator drum 2.

[0166] The abutment roller 5 can be supported in a damped manner on the support structure 7, preferably an elastic connection formed e.g. by a helical spring, and make contact with the applicator drum 2 before the cutting element 6. In this way the abutment roller 5 can stress the fastening element T against the shell 21 before the cutting element 6 performs the cutting operation.

[0167] Furthermore, the abutment force acting on the fastening element T via the abutment roller 5 can be variable and, advantageously, increased as the cutting element 6 moves towards the applicator drum 2.

[0168] Referring now to Figure 2, it should be noted that in some embodiments there may be an additional abutment roller 5’, with the cutting element 6 interposed between the two abutment rollers.

[0169] In other words, the abutment roller 5 is arranged immediately upstream of the cutting element 6, while the additional abutment roller 5’ is arranged immediately downstream of the cutting element 6.

[0170] The additional abutment roller 5’ can also be supported on the support structure 7 in a damped manner and come into contact with the applicator drum together with the abutment roller 5 or in any case prior to the cutting action by the cutting element 6.

[0171] In some embodiments, the abutment roller(s) are arranged laterally to the applicator drum 2 with respect to a horizontal direction. The fastening element T follows a substantially vertical trajectory when moving towards the abutment roller 5.

[0172] Note that in some embodiments, the fastening element T advantageously has an adhesive face T1 which is intended to come into contact with the semi-finished product S.

[0173] Therefore, the fastening element T is placed on the outer shell 21 at the opposite face, which is advantageously non-adhesive. However, this configuration requires the abutment rollers to contact the adhesive face T1 of the fastening element T.

[0174] The clamping rollers can be advantageously rotatable, preferably idly, about their respective axes of rotation parallel to the axis X, thus facilitating the detachment of the cutting element T after they have come into contact with it for the cutting operation.

[0175] Again with reference to Figure 2, the relative movement between abutment roller and applicator drum 2 can also be achieved by oscillating the applicator drum with respect to an oscillation axis Y parallel to the axis X.

[0176] For this purpose, the applicator device 100 may comprise a movement device 8 that allows the applicator drum to be oscillated with respect to said oscillation axis Y.

[0177] It should be noted that, more generally, the applicator drum 2 will be able to perform an additional movement with respect to rotation about the axis X.

[0178] This movement can also generally allow the coupling device 4 and the applicator drum 2 to move away from and towards each other.

[0179] Such movement towards and away from each other can also be associated with the movement of the winding heads 62, and in general of the coupling device 6, along the direction R described above. The movement device 7 of the coupling device 6 can therefore be made to bring the at least one coupling head 62 closer to the applicator device 100 and, preferably, to the applicator drum 2.

[0180] The applicator device 100 further comprises a shielding element 23 which extends adjacent to the applicator drum 2 in such a way as to define a passageway through which the fastening element T passes as it is pulled by the rotation of the drum 2 itself.

[0181] The shielding element 23 prevents the fastening element T from detaching from the shell 21 , particularly when the fastening element T is moved towards the release position and is resting on the applicator drum in a downward position.

[0182] In preferred embodiments, the shielding element 23 has a predominantly flat layout and is substantially shaped like a shovel.

[0183] As previously mentioned, the fastening element T is wound onto the shell 21 of the applicator drum 2 and cut by the cutting element 6.

[0184] After cutting, the applicator drum can rotate about the axis X and transport the fastening element T to the release position by rotation.

[0185] Once the release position is reached, the applicator drum 2 releases the fastening element T onto the semi-finished product S, stressing the fastening element against the flap L of the semi-finished product S.

[0186] Note also that the adhesive face T1 of the fastening element T is arranged in such a way that it contacts the semi-finished product S as the applicator drum 2 pushes the fastening element against the semi-finished product S.

[0187] In preferred embodiments, the application of the fastening element T takes place by mutual rotation of the applicator drum 2 and the semi-finished product S in such a way that the fastening element T is wound, at least partially, around the semi-finished product S, resulting in the configuration illustrated in Figure 3, in which two separate parallel fastening elements are used.

[0188] When the application of the fastening element T is finished, the drum can be moved back to the pick-up position to pick up another fastening element T to be cut by the cutting element 6 and repeat the previously described operations in a cyclic manner.

[0189] Obviously, a person skilled in the art may, in order to meet specific and contingent application requirements, make further modifications and variants, all falling within the scope of protection as defined by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . Applicator device (100) for applying a fastening element (T) to a multilayer semi-finished product (S) for making an internal assembly (I), preferably for electrochemical cells, said fastening element (T) being flexible, said applicator device (100) comprising:• an applicator drum (2) including an outer shell (21 ) and configured to rotate about a respective axis of rotation (X) and wind said fastening element (T) onto a portion of said outer shell (21 ), said applicator drum being further configured to transport said fastening element (T) from a pick-up position to a release position of said fastening element (T);• a feeding device (3) configured to supply said fastening element (T) to said applicator drum (2) at said pick-up position;• an abutment roller (5), said applicator drum (2) and said abutment roller (5) being configured to be moved between a mutual distal position, in which said abutment roller (5) is distanced from said outer shell (21 ), and an abutment position, in which said abutment roller (5) is in contact with said applicator drum (2) in such a manner that said fastening element (T), arranged between said abutment roller and said applicator drum (2), is urged against said outer shell (21 );• a cutting element (6) configured to cut said fastening element (T) by abutting said outer shell (21 ), wherein said cutting element (6) is arranged downstream of said abutment roller (5) with respect to an advancement direction (A) of said fastening element (T).

2. Applicator device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said abutment roller (5) is movable between said distal position and said abutment position.

3. Applicator device (100) according to the preceding claim, comprising a support structure (7) on which said abutment roller (5) and said cutting element (6) are supported, said support structure (7) being movable towards, and away from, said applicator drum (2).

4. Applicator device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said abutment roller (5) is supported in a damped manner on said support structure (7).

5. Applicator device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a movement device (8) configured to move said rotating applicator drum (2) according to an oscillatory movement.

6. Applicator device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said oscillating movement of said applicator drum (2) comprises a cyclic movement along a trajectory between two distinct positions.

7. Applicator device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said applicator drum (2) comprises at least one seat (22) configured to receive said cutting element (6).

8. Applicator device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said cutting element (6) is arranged in a position adjacent to said abutment roller (5).

9. Apparatus (1000) for making an internal assembly (I), preferably for an electrochemical cell, said internal assembly (I) comprising a multilayer semi-finished product (S) and a respective fastening element (T), said apparatus (1000) including a coupling device (4) configured to make the multilayer semi-finished product (S) by coupling a plurality of individual layers, and an applicator device (100) made according to any one of the preceding claims, said applicator device (100) being associated with said coupling device (4) in such a way as to apply said fastening element (T) to said multilayer semi-finished product (S) at at least one outer flap (L) of said semi-finished product (S).

10. Apparatus (1000) for making an internal assembly (I) according to the preceding claim, wherein said applicator device (100) is made in accordance with claim 5, and wherein said movement device (8) is configured in such a manner that said coupling device (4) and said applicator device (100) are reciprocally moved away and towards each other via the movement of said coupling device (4) and / or of said applicator drum (2).11 . Method for applying a fastening element (T) to a multilayer semi-finishedproduct (S), said fastening element (T) being flexible, said method comprising:• Supplying a multilayer semi-finished product (S) made by coupling a plurality of layers;• Supplying a fastening element (T);• Arranging said fastening element (T) between an abutment roller (5) and an applicator drum (2);• Bringing said abutment roller (5) and said applicator drum (2) closer to each other by moving said abutment roller (5) and / or said applicator drum (2) in such a way that said fastening element (T) is urged against an outer shell (21 ) of said applicator drum (2);• Winding said fastening element (T) onto said applicator drum (2);• Moving a cutting element (6) and said applicator drum (2) towards each other in such a manner that said cutting element (6) abuts said outer shell (21 ) in order to cut said fastening element (T) wound onto said applicator drum (2) downstream of said abutment roller (5) with respect to an advancement direction (A) of said fastening element (T);• Applying the cut fastening element (T) at at least one outer flap (L) of said semi-finished product (S).

12. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein said fastening element (T) is wound onto said applicator drum (2) by rotation of said applicator drum (2).

13. Method according to claim 12 or 13, comprising moving said applicator drum (2) according to an oscillating movement between two distinct positions.

14. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein said oscillating movement comprises a rotation about a further axis of rotation (Y) distinct from a respective axis of rotation (X) about which said applicator drum (2) rotates to wind said fastening element (T).

15. Method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein said moving said abutment roller (5) and said applicator drum (2) towards each other comprises moving both said abutment roller (5) and said applicator drum (2) towards each other.

16. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein said applicator drum (2) is stationary with respect to said oscillating movement and / or said rotation about said axis (X) when said cutting element (6) is moved closer for cutting said fastening element (T).

17. Method according to any one of claims 11 to 16, comprising moving said multilayer semi-finished product (S) in such a manner that the said multilayer semi-finished product (S) moves closer to said applicator drum (2).

18. Method according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein said multilayer semi-finished product (S) is made by winding at least one ribbon-like article (N).

19. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein said fastening element (T) is released onto said multilayer semi-finished product (S) by mutual rotation of said applicator drum (2) and said multilayer semi-finished product (S).

20. Method according to any one of claims 11 to 19, comprising winding said fastening element (T) onto said applicator drum (2) while said multilayer semi-finished product (S) is made by coupling said layers.

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