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 comprises an applicator drum configured to rotate about a respective axis of rotation and wind the fastening element and transport the fastening element from a pick-up position to a release position of said fastening element. The applicator device also comprises a feeding device that includes at least one guide roller that defines an outer cylindrical surface configured to receive the fastening element as it is supplied to the applicator drum. The applicator device also comprises a deflecting element that extends away from the cylindrical surface in such a way that the fastening element slides over the deflecting element while it is positioned against the cylindrical surface and / or when it is in a position immediately downstream of the cylindrical surface.

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 element.

[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 a preferred, although not exclusive, application in the sector of the production of electrochemical cells, for the manufacture of which a semi-finished product with a structure with overlapped layers 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. The ribbon-like article also has features such that a certain bending during its advancement along a relative production line is allowed.

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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.

[0012] The ribbon-like article can also be pre-cut, forming individual sheets intended to be stacked in a structure with a mainly vertical layout.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[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 “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. 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%.

[0025] 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 constrained to each other. It can in fact be provided that the respective movement systems 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] Thus such displacement excludes rotations of the coupling device / structure / component about a point substantially coincident with its centre of mass.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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 semifinished product obtained by the previous processing operations, in particular in terms of precision in the coupling of the layers.

[0035] This requirement places a limit on the productivity of the production line, as it is typically necessary to set limits on the speed at which the element used for clamping the layers of the semi-finished product is moved to be applied on the semi-finished product itself.

[0036] In the context of the need to increase the speed of application of the fastening element, the Applicant therefore perceived that a precise and controlled advancement of the fastening element along the path it takes prior to its application on the semi-finished product can allow the use of higher movement speeds. The Applicant also noted that an adequate definition of the path by which the fastening element is supplied to the applicator with which it is attached to the semi-finished product may enable the operation of applying the fastening element as a whole to be made quicker, as well as facilitating the operation of arranging the fastening element on the relevant applicator.

[0037] The Applicant thus further perceived how it is possible to increase the productivity of a device for the application of fastening elements with respect to known solutions, and of the internal assembly production line on which the same is used, if the fastening element is advanced with a precise and regular trajectory, reducing the risk that the movement speed thereof and / or the movement of the device and production line components in general, lead to possible deviations from an optimal advancement trajectory.

[0038] The Applicant finally found that by providing a relevant deflecting element, it is possible to encourage the fastening element to move forward in accordance with an optimal trajectory.

[0039] 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 movement and application precision of the fastening element.

[0040] 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.

[0041] Preferably said applicator device comprises an applicator drum preferably configured to rotate about a respective axis of rotation between a pick-up position of a fastening element and a release position of said fastening element. Preferably at the release position, said fastening element is applied to a respective multilayer semi-finished product forming said internal assembly.

[0042] Preferably, said drum comprises an outer shell.

[0043] Preferably, said fastening element is arranged to be wound onto a portion of said outer shell.

[0044] Preferably said applicator device comprises a feeding device preferably configured to supply said fastening element to said applicator drum preferably at said pick-up position.

[0045] Preferably, said feeding device comprises at least one guide roller, which preferably defines an outer cylindrical surface.

[0046] Preferably, said cylindrical surface is configured to receive the fastening element preferably while it is being supplied to said applicator drum.

[0047] Preferably, said applicator device comprises a deflecting element.

[0048] Preferably, said deflecting element extends away from said cylindrical surface in such a manner that said fastening element slides preferably on said deflecting element, preferably while it is positioned against said cylindrical surface.

[0049] Preferably, said deflecting element extends away from said cylindrical surface in such a manner that said fastening element slides preferably on said deflecting element, preferably while in a position immediately downstream of said cylindrical surface preferably with respect to an advancement direction of said fastening element towards said applicator drum.

[0050] Thanks to these features, the applicator device of the present invention can advance the fastening element through the applicator drum, supplying it to the semi-finished product in a protected and appropriately guided manner, thanks to the presence of the deflecting element.

[0051] In fact, the guide formed by the deflection element makes it possible to define this optimal advancement trajectory and to avoid, or at least significantly limit, the possibility of said fastening element being positioned incorrectly with respect to the pick-up position, or getting stuck on the guide roller, preventing it from being positioned on the portion of the outer shell of the applicator drum intended to receive the fastening element.

[0052] The deflecting element is also designed as a support element for the fastening element, so that in the presence of relative movements between the applicator drum and the feeding device, the fastening element is kept in the pick-up position through interaction with said deflecting element. This makes it possible to operate at higher speeds than known solutions, while at the same time guaranteeing the required quality in the structure of the internal assembly, thanks to the possibility of increasing the application speed of the fastening element and the guiding and support action provided by the deflecting element.

[0053] In its second aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus for making an internal assembly, preferably for an electrochemical cell.

[0054] Preferably said internal assembly comprises a multilayer semi-finished product and a respective fastening element, preferably flexible.

[0055] Preferably, said apparatus includes a coupling device preferably configured to make the multilayer semi-finished product by coupling a plurality of individual layers.

[0056] Preferably, said apparatus comprises an applicator device for applying the fastening element to the multilayer semi-finished product.

[0057] Preferably, said applicator device comprises an applicator drum preferably configured to rotate about a respective axis of rotation between a pick-up position of a fastening element and a release position of said fastening element. Preferably at the release position, said fastening element is applied to a respective multilayer semi-finished product forming said internal assembly.

[0058] Preferably, said applicator device comprises a feeding device preferably configured to supply said fastening element to said applicator drum at said pickup position.

[0059] Preferably, said feeding device comprises at least one guide roller, which preferably defines an outer cylindrical surface.

[0060] Preferably, said cylindrical surface is configured to receive the fastening element preferably while it is being supplied to said applicator drum.

[0061] Preferably, said applicator device comprises a deflecting element.

[0062] Preferably, said deflecting element extends away from said cylindrical surface in such a manner that said fastening element slides preferably on said deflecting element, preferably while it is positioned against said cylindrical surface.

[0063] Preferably, said deflecting element extends away from said cylindrical surface in such a manner that said fastening element slides preferably on said deflecting element, preferably while in a position immediately downstream of said cylindrical surface preferably with respect to an advancement direction of said fastening element towards said applicator drum.

[0064] 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 multilayer semi-finished product.

[0065] The apparatus according to this aspect allows the fastening element to advance along the advancement trajectory, supplying it to the applicator drum in the pickup position, in a supported and appropriately guided manner, thanks to the presence of the deflecting element.

[0066] As a result, the fastening element can be precisely applied to the flap of the multilayer semi-finished product formed by the coupling device, even when operating at high advancement speeds of the fastening element, and / or when moving the semi-finished product before, after or during the application of the fastening element.

[0067] In a third aspect thereof, the present invention relates to a method for applying a fastening element to a multilayer semi-finished product.

[0068] Preferably, the method comprises supplying a multilayer semi-finished product, preferably made by coupling a plurality of layers.

[0069] Said method preferably comprises supplying a fastening element.

[0070] Preferably, the method involves advancing said fastening element towards an applicator drum, preferably by passing said fastening element over a guide roller.

[0071] Said method preferably comprises supplying a deflecting element extending, preferably, away from a cylindrical surface of the guide roller over which said fastening element is passed. Preferably, the method involves deflecting said fastening element with respect to an advancement trajectory preferably defined by said guide roller, preferably by sliding said fastening element over said deflecting element.

[0072] Preferably, the method comprises applying the fastening element preferably at least at one outer flap of said multilayer semi-finished product.

[0073] This also allows the fastening element to be applied to the multilayer semifinished product in a supported and appropriately guided manner, thanks to the presence of the deflecting element.

[0074] The presence of the deflecting element at the pick-up position allows the fastening element to slide, guiding and supporting it along the advancement trajectory, so that said applicator drum can pick it up from the pick-up position and then release it to the release position by applying it to said multilayer semifinished product. In this way, the deflecting element prevents the fastening element from not following the advancement trajectory and thus not being arranged in the pick-up position before the applicator drum reaches it and then turns to the release position and applies the fastening element to the multilayer semi-finished product.

[0075] In this respect, too, the invention offers the possibility of operating at higher speeds than known solutions, while guaranteeing the required quality in the structure of the internal assembly.

[0076] The present invention, in at least one of the aforementioned aspects, may have at least one of the further preferred features indicated below.

[0077] Preferably, said guide roller is motorised.

[0078] Preferably, said fastening element is to be advanced by rotation of said guide roller.

[0079] Preferably, said applicator device comprises a pair of guide rollers configured in such a way that the fastening element passes between the rollers of said pair.

[0080] More preferably, both rollers of said pair of rollers are motorised. Preferably, said deflecting element has an elongated shape.

[0081] With each of these features, it is possible to slide said fastening element along the advancement trajectory even by changing the sliding speed of the fastening element, depending on the needs of the system. Furthermore, the elongated shape of the deflecting element avoids, or at least significantly limits, the possibility that once the fastening element is downstream of the cylindrical surface, it will not be arranged in the pick-up position, but instead, for example, wind itself around the guide roller, thereby preventing it from winding around a portion of the outer shell of said applicator drum and consequently preventing the fastening element from being supplied to the semi-finished product.

[0082] Preferably, said deflecting element extends, from said cylindrical surface, with respect to said advancement direction towards said applicator drum, according to a longitudinal extension direction which forms an angle comprised between +- 60°, preferably +-45°, preferably +-30°, preferably +-15°, preferably +-5°, with respect to a direction tangent to said cylindrical surface.

[0083] By providing a limit for the angle at which the deflecting element deflects the fastening element in relation to a tangential direction of the roller, it is possible to prevent the fastening element from undergoing excessive deflections that may not be compatible with the required advancement speeds.

[0084] Preferably, said deflecting element is rod-shaped.

[0085] More preferably, said rod comprises a curved portion, configured to substantially match the profile of said cylindrical surface, and a substantially straight portion defining said longitudinal extension direction.

[0086] Preferably, said deflecting element has a circular or ovoid cross-section.

[0087] Each of these features makes it possible to minimise the contact surface between the fastening element and the deflecting element when the former slides on the latter.

[0088] Preferably, said guide roller comprises two coaxial portions configured in such a way that the fastening element is supported on respective cylindrical surfaces of both portions preferably while being supplied to said applicator drum, preferably, said deflecting element is at least partially arranged between said portions.

[0089] Preferably, said fastening element is substantially flat and has an adhesive surface.

[0090] Preferably, said supply device is configured in such a way that said adhesive surface rests on said cylindrical surface while the fastening element is passed onto said guide roller.

[0091] Thus, the fastening element is moved along the advancement trajectory by the motion imparted by the guide roller or its portions, but the deflecting element guides and slightly deflects the fastening element away from the guide roller so that the adhesive portion in contact with the guide roller does not prevent the fastening element from being detached from the guide roller in order to be wound onto said applicator drum.

[0092] Preferably, the applicator device comprises at least one further roller operatively associated with a cutting element arranged to cut said fastening element and preferably arranged immediately upstream of said cutting element.

[0093] Preferably, the device comprises a pair of additional rollers between which the cutting element is interposed.

[0094] Preferably, said fastening element is cut once it is in the pick-up position or has been removed from the applicator drum and placed on a portion of an outer shell of the applicator drum.

[0095] Preferably, said at least one additional roller and said cutting element are arranged to be moved towards and away from said applicator drum, preferably when said applicator drum is in the pick-up position.

[0096] Preferably, said applicator device comprises a further deflecting element extending away from said cylindrical surface of said further roller. Preferably said further roller from which said additional deflecting element extends is interposed between said guide roller and the other roller of the pair of additional rollers.

[0097] In this way, when the additional roller or pair of additional rollers is moved closer to the applicator drum, the additional deflecting element is arranged to be positioned substantially coaxial to the deflecting element, so as to create an extension of the latter.

[0098] Thanks to these features, once the fastening element has been cut, the additional deflecting element facilitates its detachment from the additional pair of rollers and guides it into contact with the applicator drum.

[0099] Preferably, said additional deflecting element has a longitudinal extension smaller than that of said deflecting element. Preferably, said further deflecting element does not extend beyond a geometric plane interposed between said additional pair of rollers.

[0100] Preferably, said additional roller or each roller of said additional pair of rollers comprises two coaxial portions configured in such a manner that said fastening element rests on respective cylindrical surfaces of both of said portions, preferably when in the pick-up position. Preferably, said additional deflecting element is at least partially arranged between said portions.

[0101] This makes it possible to facilitate the sliding and subsequent release of the fastening element when it reaches the pick-up position.

[0102] Preferably, the movement device comprised in the apparatus of the second aspect 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.

[0103] Preferably, said fastening element is wound onto said applicator drum, preferably by rotation of said applicator drum.

[0104] These features make it possible to make the coupling of the layers and the subsequent application of the fastening element more independent.

[0105] Preferably said coupling device comprises a movable assembly supporting a plurality of coupling heads and is configured to position each of said coupling heads cyclically at a plurality of different workstations including at least one coupling station and one application station of said fastening element.

[0106] Preferably, said movable assembly is rotatable about a respective axis of rotation. These characteristics also allow and are particularly advantageous in combination with the ability to move the shielding element towards and moving away from the release position.

[0107] Preferably, said coupling heads are rotatable about a winding axis and are configured in such a way as to produce said multilayer semi-finished products by winding at least one strip around said winding axis.

[0108] Preferably, said multilayer semi-finished product comprises at least one separator ribbon and at least two conductor ribbons.

[0109] Preferably, said multilayer semi-finished product is coupled in coil form.

[0110] Preferably, said applicator drum is displaced according to an oscillatory movement between two distinct positions.

[0111] 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.

[0112] Thanks to each of these features, it is possible to move the applicator drum closer to and further away from the pick-up and release position with a cyclic movement, which is particularly well suited to be associated with any movements of the semifinished 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.

[0113] Thanks to this feature, two limit positions can be provided for the movement of the applicator drum, allowing the optimisation of the machine's dimensions and possible coordination with other moving machine components.

[0114] The characteristics and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the detailed description of a preferred embodiment example thereof, illustrated by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the appended drawings wherein:

[0115] Figure 1 is a partial perspective view of the applicator device according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the applicator device according to the invention;

[0116] - Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the applicator device according to the invention which includes a fastening element;

[0117] - Figure 4 is a perspective view of the applicator device in Figure 1 which includes an applicator drum;

[0118] - Figure 5 is a perspective view of an internal assembly including the fastening element applied via the applicator device of the present invention; and

[0119] - Figure 6 is a perspective view of an apparatus for making an internal assembly according to the present invention.

[0120] Referring initially to Figure 6, 1000 denotes an apparatus for making an internal assembly I, the latter illustrated in Figure 5, made in accordance with the present invention.

[0121] In some embodiments, such as the one illustrated in the attached figures, the apparatus 1000 is intended for producing coils to be used in the manufacture of electrochemical cells.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] In preferred embodiments, such as that illustrated in Figure 6, 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.

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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.

[0127] 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.

[0128] 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.

[0129] 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.

[0130] In further embodiments, also not shown in the figures, the conductor elements and separator elements can be coupled in a stacked configuration.

[0131] In general, there may be at least one coupling device 6, illustrated in a preferred embodiment in Figure 6, which includes at least one coupling head 62 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.

[0132] For example, the coupling device 6 may be configured so that the ribbon-like articles converge thereon and, preferably, are wound into a spiral shape. For this purpose, the coupling heads 62 can be configured to rotate about a relative winding axis W while the coupling of the ribbon-like article(s) is taking place.

[0133] As previously mentioned, in preferred embodiments, the coupling device 6 comprises more than one coupling head 62.

[0134] The coupling heads 62 can be supported on a movable assembly 61 , e.g. wheelshaped, which rotates about a respective axis of rotation X’, preferably parallel to the winding axis A, to alternate the operating position of the coupling heads 62.

[0135] This makes it possible to position each of the coupling heads 62 cyclically at a plurality of different workstations.

[0136] 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.

[0137] 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.

[0138] 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’.

[0139] 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 V, shown schematically in Figure 6.

[0140] 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 V or more generally according to a cyclic movement along a respective straight and / or curved trajectory between two respective distinct positions.

[0141] 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) 62 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) 62 the multilayer semi-finished product S only rotate about their axis.

[0142] Advantageously, movement along the translation direction V of the winding head(s) 62, has the effect of varying the length of parallel sections of the ribbonlike article(s).

[0143] 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 V. 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.

[0144] Referring now to Figure 4, 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 I.

[0145] In preferred embodiments, the fastening element T is positioned at a flap L of the semi-finished article S. In some embodiments, it is, for example, intended to clamp a final flap of the ribbon-like article after it has been spirally wound or otherwise coupled, thus preventing it from being able to lose the structure obtained by the coupling operation.

[0146] Clamping is preferably performed by applying a fastening element T to the flap L by means of said applicator device 100.

[0147] For example, the fastening element T can be formed by a ribbon.

[0148] The fastening element can be provided by one or more dispensing coils 50 in which a quantity of ribbon is wound up, which is suitably sectioned before or during application to the semi-finished product.

[0149] Referring now to Figure 4, the applicator device 100 comprises an applicator drum 2 rotating about a respective axis of rotation X.

[0150] By means of the above-mentioned rotation, two distinct positions can be defined for the applicator drum 2: a pick-up position of the fastening element T and a release position thereof, at which the fastening element T is applied to the respective multilayer semi-finished product T.

[0151] In addition to rotation about the axis X, the applicator drum 2 can also be configured to perform further movements.

[0152] For this purpose, the applicator device 100 comprises a movement device 8 that allows, in some embodiments, the applicator drum to oscillate with respect to an oscillation axis Y parallel to the axis X, shown in Figure 6.

[0153] 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.

[0154] Such a movement can generally allow the coupling device 6 and the applicator drum 2 to move away from and towards each other.

[0155] 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 V 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.

[0156] Referring now to Figure 1 , the applicator device 100 comprises a feeding device 3 configured to supply the fastening element T to the applicator drum 2 at the pick-up position. The feeding device 3 comprises a guide roller 31 which defines an outer cylindrical surface 30 that is configured to receive the fastening element T as it is supplied to the applicator drum 2.

[0157] In some embodiments, the fastening element T is arranged to be partially wound onto a guide roller 50 and slides along a respective trajectory according to an advancement direction A, passing through at least one guide element 51 to the guide roller 31 as illustrated in Figure 4.

[0158] Figure 1 shows two ribbon-type fastening elements T, each sliding in a respective guide element 51 before resting on respective guide rollers 31 .

[0159] In particular, Figure 1 shows a pair of guide rollers 31 , 32 configured so that the fastening element T passes between the rollers of said pair.

[0160] According to some preferred embodiments, only one guide roller 31 is motorised.

[0161] The applicator device 100 also comprises a deflecting element 4 which extends away from the cylindrical surface 30 in such a way that the fastening element T slides over the deflecting element 4 while it is positioned against the cylindrical surface 30 and in a position immediately downstream of the cylindrical surface 30.

[0162] Substantially, the fastening element T, when in contact with the cylindrical surface 30, may comprise a portion thereof in contact with the guide roller 31 and a further portion thereof in contact with the deflecting element 4. Preferably, the additional portion in contact with the deflecting element has a smaller surface area than the portion in contact with the guide roller 31 .

[0163] In alternative embodiments, not illustrated in the figure, the deflecting element 4 can also be configured in such a way that the fastening element T only slides on it while it is resting on the cylindrical surface 30 or only in the position immediately downstream of it.

[0164] With reference to Figures 2 and 3, the deflecting element 4 has an elongated shape that extends longitudinally and is rod-shaped, with a circular and / or ovoid cross-section.

[0165] In Figure 2, it is clearly visible how the deflecting element 4 comprises a substantially straight portion 42, which can develop in partial overlap with the guide element 51 , a curved portion 40, configured in such a way as to substantially match the profile of the cylindrical surface 30, and a further substantially straight portion 41 which defines the longitudinal extension direction.

[0166] As can be seen from Figure 2, according to some preferred embodiments of the invention, the applicator device 100 comprises a support element 52 arranged at the further straight portion 41 such that the deflecting element 4 is interposed between the fastening element T and the support element 52. The support element 52 is configured to guide and further support the fastening element T when the latter is positioned in the pick-up position.

[0167] In some embodiments, such as the one illustrated in the figures, the deflecting element 4 extends from the cylindrical surface 30 according to a direction substantially parallel to a direction tangential to the cylindrical surface 30 itself, and preferably corresponding to said tangential direction.

[0168] However, it will be appreciated that a certain deflection from this direction can be envisaged, possibly also in order to adapt the solution to possible embodiments that adopt a different positioning of further components.

[0169] In general, therefore, the deflecting element 4 can extend from the cylindrical surface 30, with respect to the advancement direction A towards the applicator drum 2, according to a longitudinal extension direction that can form an angle comprised between +-60° with respect to the aforementioned tangential direction. In some embodiments, the angle may be less and may preferably be comprised between +-45°, preferably +-30°, preferably +-15°, preferably +-5° from the direction tangent to said cylindrical surface 30.

[0170] With reference to Figures 1 , 2 and 3, the guide roller 31 preferably comprises two coaxial portions 31 A, 31 B configured in such a way that, as mentioned above, the fastening element T rests on the respective cylindrical surfaces of both portions while being supplied to said applicator drum 2.

[0171] The deflecting element 4 is at least partially arranged between said portions 31 A, 31 B.

[0172] Due to the presence of the deflecting element 4, the fastening element T, once in contact with a first portion of the cylindrical surface 30, continues to slide along the further substantially straight portion 41 of the deflecting element so as not to be wound around the guide roller 31 .

[0173] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, in some embodiments the applicator device 100 may comprise a further pair of rollers 33, 34 between which a cutting element 53 is preferably interposed arranged to cut the fastening element T once it has been picked from the applicator drum 2 and arranged on a portion of its outer shell.

[0174] Alternatively, there could be a single additional roller 33.

[0175] The additional pair of rollers 33, 34 and the cutting element 53 are arranged to be moved towards and away from the applicator drum 2, when the latter is in the pick-up position.

[0176] According to some embodiments of the invention, an additional deflecting element 4’ extends away from the cylindrical surface 30 of the roller 33 of the additional pair of rollers 33, 34, interposed between the guide roller 31 and the other roller 34 of the additional pair of rollers 33, 34.

[0177] In this way, when the pair of rollers 33, 34 is moved towards the applicator drum 2, the further deflecting element 4’ is arranged to be positioned substantially coaxial to the deflecting element 4, so as to create an extension of the latter, which once the fastening element T is cut, facilitates it to detach itself from the further pair of rollers 33, 34 and guides it to come into contact with the applicator drum 2.

[0178] Preferably, the further deflecting element 4’ has a smaller longitudinal extension than that of the deflecting element 4, in particular it does not extend beyond a geometric plane interposed between said additional pair of rollers 33, 34.

[0179] Note that the fastening element T advantageously has an adhesive face T 1 which 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.

[0180] The feeding device 3 is configured in such a way that the adhesive surface rests on the cylindrical surface 30 while the fastening element T is passed onto the guide roller 31.

[0181] In preferred embodiments, the applicator drum 2 picks up the fastening element T when it is arranged in the pick-up position, winding it around the outer shell portion 21 of the applicator drum 2. 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.

[0182] When the application of the fastening element T is finished, the applicator drum 2 can be moved back to the pick-up position to pick up another fastening element T and repeat the previously described operations in a cyclic manner.

[0183] It goes without saying that, in order to meet specific and contingent application needs, a person skilled in the art will be able to make further modifications and variants that are nevertheless 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) configured to rotate about a respective axis of rotation (X) and wind said fastening element (T) onto a portion of the outer shell (21 ) comprised in said applicator drum (2), transporting 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, said feeding device (3) comprising at least one guide roller (31 ) defining an outer cylindrical surface (30), said cylindrical surface (30) being configured to receive said fastening element (T) in support as it is supplied to said applicator drum (2); and• a deflecting element (4) extending away from said cylindrical surface (30) in such a manner that said fastening element (T) slides on said deflecting element (4) while it is positioned against said cylindrical surface (30) and / or it is in a position immediately downstream of said cylindrical surface (30) with respect to an advancement direction (A) of said fastening element (T) towards said applicator drum (2).

2. Applicator device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said guide roller (31 ) is motorised.

3. Applicator device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a pair of guide rollers (31 , 32) configured so that the fastening element (T) passes between the rollers of said pair.

4. Applicator device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein both rollers of said pair are motorised.

5. Applicator device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said deflecting element (4) has an elongated shape.

6. Applicator device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said deflecting element (4) extends, from said cylindrical surface (30), with respect to said advancement direction (A) towards saidapplicator drum (2), according to a longitudinal extension direction forming an angle comprised between +-60°, preferably +-45°, preferably +-30°, preferably +-15°, preferably +-5°, with respect to a direction tangent to said cylindrical surface (30).

7. Applicator device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said deflecting element (4) is rod-shaped.

8. Applicator device (100) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein said rod comprises a curved portion (40) configured to substantially match the profile of said cylindrical surface (30), and a substantially rectilinear portion (41 ) defining said longitudinal extension direction.

9. Applicator device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, when dependent on claim 5, wherein said deflecting element (4) has a circular or oval cross-section.

10. Applicator device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said guide roller (31 ) comprises two coaxial portions (31 A, 31 B) configured in such a manner that the fastening element (T) is supported on respective cylindrical surfaces of both portions while being supplied to said applicator drum (2), said deflecting element (4) being at least partially arranged between said portions (31 A, 31 B).11 .Applicator device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said fastening element (T) is substantially flat and has an adhesive surface, said feeding device (3) being configured in such a manner that said adhesive surface is supported on said cylindrical surface (30) while said fastening element (T) is passed over said guide roller (31 ).

12. 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 (6) 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 (6) 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 multilayer semi-finished product (S).

13. Apparatus (1000) for making an internal assembly (I) according to the preceding claim, wherein said movement device (3) is configured in such a manner that said coupling device (6) and said applicator device (100) are reciprocally moved away and towards each other via the movement of said coupling device (6) and / or said applicator device (2).

14. Method for applying a fastening element (T) to a multilayer semi-finished product (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);• Advancing said fastening element (T) towards an applicator drum (2) by passing said fastening element (T) over a guide roller (31 );• Supplying a deflecting element (4) that extends away from a cylindrical surface (30) of the guide roller (31 ) over which said fastening element (T) is passed;• Deflecting said fastening element (T) from an advancement trajectory defined by said guide roller (31 ) by sliding said fastening element (T) over said deflecting element (4);• Applying the fastening element (T) to at least one outer flap (L) of said multilayer semi-finished product (S).

15. Method according to the preceding claim, comprising advancing said fastening element (T) by rotation of said guide roller (31 ).

16. Method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein said deflecting element (4) is arranged between two coaxial portions (31 A, 31 B) of said guide roller (31 ).

17. Method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein said fastening element (T) is wound onto said applicator drum (2), preferably by rotation of said applicator drum (2).

18. Method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, comprising moving said applicator drum (2) according to an oscillating movement between two distinct positions.

19. Method according to claims 17 and 18, wherein said oscillating movement comprises a rotation about a further axis of rotation (Y) distinct from arespective axis of rotation (X) about which said applicator drum (2) rotates to wind said fastening element (T).

20. Method according to any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein said fastening element (T) is substantially flat and has an adhesive surface, said adhesive surface being supported on said cylindrical surface (30) while the fastening element (T) is passed over said guide roller (31 ).

21. Method according to any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein said fastening element (T) is deflected towards a longitudinal direction forming an angle comprised between +-60°, preferably +-45°, preferably +-30°, preferably +-15°, preferably +-5°, with respect to a direction tangent to said cylindrical surface (30).

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