Applicator device and method 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. The applicator drum transports the fastening element from a pick-up position to a release position at which the fastening element is applied to a respective multilayer semi-finished product. The device comprises a feeding device configured to supply the fastening element to the applicator drum. The applicator drum is also configured to perform a first rotation about the axis of rotation in such a manner as to wind the fastening element exiting the feeding device onto the outer shell, and a second rotation about the axis of rotation in such a manner as to release the fastening element and apply it onto the multilayer semi-finished product.

Description

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

[0002] APPLICATOR DEVICE AND METHOD 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 “tape-like article” is intended to mean any solid product which, within an industrial production line, is presented in the form of an elongated tape or strip, i.e. an element in which the longitudinal extension is significantly higher than its transversal extension. The tape-like article can be formed by a single tape or strip of material, or by overlapping several tapes arranged into layers.

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

[0011] The tape-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 tape-like article formed by an insulating tape that acts as a separator between conductor elements. The insulating tape-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 tape-like article can also be pre-cut, forming individual sheets intended to be stacked in a mainly vertical development structure.

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

[0015] The term “to wind” referring to a tape-like article, indicates a preferred way of coupling the tape-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 tapelike 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 tape or more generally a tape-like article about an axis, a flat surface or another winding structure. Depending on the structure about which the tape-like 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 tapes 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 tape-like article, for example in the form of a coil, or by coupling a tape-like article with other elements, such as for example conductor elements that can be arranged between loops of a tape-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 tape-like article, or by the alternating layers formed by a “Z” -folded tape-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 tape 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 tape-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 tape, 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 tape-like article, a semi-finished product, or another element, the term "continuous motion", or even “continuously” alone, indicates that the tapelike 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 tape-like / semi-finished product / element is therefore envisaged without, however, this leading to a complete stop. It will be appreciated that the tape-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 tape-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 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.

[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] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] The Applicant also noted that the operations required to precisely apply an element capable of locking the layers in their coupled configuration may have an impact on the quality and correct manufacture of the semi-finished product itself. Incorrect application of the element capable of effectively and reliably clamping the layers of a multilayer semi-finished product can in fact lead to the occurrence of rejects, as well as their possible deterioration during subsequent operating steps.

[0038] 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.

[0039] In the context of the need to increase the application precision of the fastening element, the Applicant therefore perceived that a rational, coordinated and controlled movement of the fastening element along the path it takes before it is associated with the multilayer semi-finished product can allow for more precise association thereof with the semi-finished product. The Applicant also noted that in the event that the semi-finished product is also subject to movement, either before, during or after the application of the fastening element, the iteration between the members for moving the semi-finished product and those for applying the fastening element may lead to inaccuracies in the application thereof.

[0040] 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 application trajectory.

[0041] The Applicant finally found that by providing a special application element for picking, moving and applying the fastening element to the semi-finished product, it is possible to increase the precision, speed and reliability with which these operations are carried out.

[0042] 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.

[0043] Thanks to these features, the fastening element can be applied by exploiting a single element, thus reducing the number of operations by which the fastening element is transferred compared to the prior art.

[0044] The application of the fastening element can thus be achieved by reducing, and possibly even eliminating, the downtime of the entire clamping process of the multilayer semi-finished product.

[0045] 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.

[0046] Preferably, the applicator device comprises an applicator drum. Preferably the applicator drum comprises an outer shell. Preferably the applicator drum is configured to rotate about a respective axis of rotation. Preferably, the applicator drum is configured to wind the fastening element around a portion of the outer shell. Preferably, the applicator drum is configured to transport the fastening element from a pick-up position to a release position. Preferably at the release position of the applicator drum the fastening element is applied to a respective multilayer semi-finished product.

[0047] Preferably, the applicator device comprises a feeding device preferably configured to supply the fastening element to the applicator drum at the pick-up position.

[0048] Preferably, the applicator drum is configured in such a way that it makes an initial rotation about the axis of rotation so that the fastening element exiting the feeding device is wound around the outer shell. Preferably, the applicator drum is configured in such a way that it performs a second rotation about the axis of rotation in order to release the fastening element and apply it to the multilayer semi-finished product.

[0049] 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 precise and appropriately guided manner by means of the first rotation and the second rotation. Picking up and releasing the fastening element by means of a first and second rotation respectively optimises the footprint of the machine, reducing its overall volume.

[0050] Alternating between the first rotation and the second rotation allows the continuous fastening element to be picked from the feeding device and released onto the semi-finished product. In this way, it is certainly possible to operate at higher speeds than known solutions, and also to reduce, even to the point of eliminating, the downtime caused by picking the fastening element from the feeding device and releasing it to the semi-finished product, while at the same time guaranteeing the required quality in the structure of the internal assembly.

[0051] In its second aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus for making an internal assembly, preferably for electrochemical cells.

[0052] 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 preferably configured to make the multilayer semi-finished product by coupling a plurality of individual layers. Preferably said apparatus comprises an applicator device for applying the fastening element to the multilayer semi-finished product.

[0054] Preferably, the applicator device comprises an applicator drum. Preferably the applicator drum comprises an outer shell. Preferably the applicator drum is configured to rotate about a respective axis of rotation. Preferably, the applicator drum is configured to wind the fastening element around a portion of the outer shell.

[0055] Preferably, the applicator drum is configured to transport the fastening element from a pick-up position to a release position. Preferably at the release position of the applicator drum the fastening element is applied to a respective multilayer semi-finished product.

[0056] Preferably, the applicator device comprises a feeding device preferably configured to supply the fastening element to the applicator drum at the pick-up position.

[0057] Preferably, the applicator drum is configured in such a way that it makes an initial rotation about the axis of rotation so that the fastening element exiting the feeding device is wound around the outer shell. Preferably, the applicator drum is configured in such a way that it performs a second rotation about the axis of rotation in order to release the fastening element and apply it to the multilayer semi-finished product.

[0058] Preferably, the applicator device is coupled with the coupling device in such a manner that the fastening element is applied to the multilayer semi-finished product at least at one outer flap of the semi-finished product.

[0059] The apparatus according to this aspect allows the fastening element to be moved via the applicator drum, supplying it to the semi-finished product in a precise and appropriately guided manner, thanks to the applicator drum.

[0060] 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.

[0061] In a third aspect thereof, the present invention relates to a method for applying a fastening element, preferably flexible, to a multilayer semi-finished product.

[0062] Preferably, the method comprises supplying a multilayer semi-finished product made by coupling a plurality of layers.

[0063] The method preferably comprises supplying a fastening element, preferably a flexible one.

[0064] Preferably, the method comprises supplying an applicator drum.

[0065] Preferably, the method comprises winding the fastening element onto the applicator drum through a first rotation of the applicator drum itself.

[0066] Preferably the method comprises releasing the fastening element from the applicator drum by a second rotation of the applicator drum, preferably by applying the fastening element to an outer flap of the semi-finished product.

[0067] This also allows the fastening element to be applied to the multilayer semifinished product in a precise and appropriately guided manner, thanks to the presence of applicator drum.

[0068] The applicator drum alternately picks up and releases the fastening element by means of the first and second rotation, respectively, increasing the operating speed, ensuring continuous productive operation and eliminating device and apparatus downtime.

[0069] 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.

[0070] The present invention, in at least one of the aforementioned aspects, may have at least one of the further preferred features indicated below.

[0071] Preferably, the applicator drum comprises a clamping device configured to retain the flexible element on the outer shell, preferably during at least a portion of the first rotation and preferably during at least a respective portion of the second rotation.

[0072] These features allow the fastening element to be firmly bound to the applicator drum during its transport from the feeding device until it is associated with the semi-finished product. Binding the fastening element to the outer shell of the applicator drum also allows it to be easily picked up and released using only the clamping device.

[0073] Preferably, the clamping device is of the pneumatic type. Preferably, the clamping device comprises a plurality of suction holes formed at the outer shell. These features allow the fastening element to be bound to the shell in a reversible and reliable manner. In particular, the reliability of pneumatic technology is inherent in both the pick-up and release of the fastening element.

[0074] Preferably the first rotation and / or second rotation have an extension of less than 360°. Preferably the first and second rotations have a total extension of less than or equal to 360°. Preferably the first and second rotations have a total extension of essentially 360°. These features make it possible to complete the pick-up and / or release of the fastening element through a complete rotation of the applicator drum. Furthermore, by performing both pick-up and release operations in one complete rotation, it is possible to use a sufficiently small applicator drum, limiting inertia and thus promoting the possibility of fast and precise movement.

[0075] Preferably, the applicator device comprises an abutment roller. Preferably, the applicator drum and abutment roller are configured to be moved between a mutual distal position and an abutment position. Preferably according to the distal position the abutment roller is moved away from the outer shell. Preferably according to the abutment position, the abutment roller is in contact with the applicator drum in such a way that the fastening element, placed between the abutment roller and the applicator drum, is urged against the outer shell. Each of these features allows the applicator drum to effectively pick up the fastening element through cooperation with the abutment roller. In particular, the abutment roller ensures that the fastening element reliably adheres to the shell of the applicator drum before it is transported, released and associated with the semifinished product.

[0076] Preferably the abutment roller is movable between the distal position and the abutment position. These features allow the applicator drum and the abutment roller to co-operate when the fastening element needs to be picked up and also to detach from each other when the applicator drum needs to rotate to transport the fastening element to the semi-finished product.

[0077] Preferably the applicator drum is supported on an oscillating arm. Preferably the oscillating arm is movable between two distinct positions according to a rotational movement about an oscillation axis, preferably substantially parallel to the axis of rotation. This feature allows effective transmission of rotary motion to the applicator drum, so that it can provide the first rotation and the second rotation during its oscillation.

[0078] Preferably, it is provided to retain the fastening element on the applicator drum during at least a portion of at least one of the first and second rotations. These features allow effective and efficient transport of the fastening element on the applicator drum from the feeding device to the semi-finished product.

[0079] Preferably, the fastening element is retained by air suction at the outer shell.

[0080] This feature allows the fastening element to be effectively and reliably bound to the drum.

[0081] Preferably the multilayer semi-finished product defines an outer perimeter, the outer flap being defined at the outer perimeter. Preferably the outer perimeter has a lower longitudinal extension than a corresponding outer perimeter of the applicator drum. This feature allows the applicator drum to transport a quantity of fastening element on its shell that is certainly large enough to be wound around the semi-finished product, and in particular its outer perimeter.

[0082] Preferably, the method involves the fastening element being flat and preferably comprising an adhesive and a non-adhesive face. Preferably the fastening element is wound onto the applicator drum at the non-adhesive face. This feature makes it possible to pick up the fastening element by abutting the non-adhesive face on the shell of the applicator drum and, following the first and second rotation, presenting the adhesive face of the fastening element directly to the semi-finished product, thus enabling it to be easily associated, in particular avoiding the need to detach the adhesive face from the shell of the applicator drum.

[0083] Preferably the fastening element is in the form of a tape. This feature allows both easy transport and a smooth and reliable association between the tape itself and the semi-finished product.

[0084] Preferably, the applicator drum is moved according to an oscillatory movement between two distinct positions. Preferably the oscillatory movement comprises a rotation about a further axis of rotation distinct from a respective winding axis about which the applicator drum rotates to wind the fastening element. Each of these features allows the applicator drum to be moved alternately and continuously between two distinct positions, the pick-up position, where the fastening element is picked up, and the release position, where the fastening element is released to the semi-finished product.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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:

[0087] - Figures 1 and 3 are partial perspective views of the applicator device according to the present invention;

[0088] - Figure 2 is a perspective view of a detail of the applicator device in Figure 1 ;

[0089] - Figure 4 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of a detail in Figure 2 during the cutting of a fastening element wound onto an applicator drum;

[0090] - 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; and

[0091] - Figure 6 is a perspective view of an apparatus for making an internal assembly according to the present invention.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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. 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 tape-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.

[0095] In preferred embodiments, such as that illustrated in Figure 6, a plurality of tapelike articles are used. For example, in the case where the internal assembly I is used in the context of manufacturing an electrochemical cell, the tape-like articles may be formed by alternately arranging conductor tapes and separator tapes. These tapes can then be suitably combined to create an overlapped-layer 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.

[0096] In this regard, it may also be provided that a single tape-like article is used which, for example, may form the separator element of an electrochemical cell. Said tape-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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] Preferably, the structure formed by the coupling of the tape-like articles is a multilayer structure S, shown in Figure 5, in which each layer is represented by one of the tape-like articles.

[0099] As will be explained in more detail below, the tape-like articles can be coupled together by winding in spiral form to form a coil structure.

[0100] In other embodiments, not illustrated in the figures, one or more tape-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.

[0101] In further embodiments, also not shown in the figures, the conductor elements and separator elements can be coupled in a stacked configuration. In general, there may be at least one coupling device 7, illustrated in a preferred embodiment in Figure 6, which includes at least one coupling head 72 and is configured to couple the tape-like article(s), and more generally the conductor elements and separator elements, in the multilayer semi-finished product S.

[0102] For example, the coupling device 7 may be configured so that the tape-like articles converge thereon and, preferably, are wound into a spiral shape.

[0103] For this purpose, the coupling heads 72 can be configured to rotate about a relative winding axis A while the coupling of the tape-like article(s) is taking place.

[0104] As previously mentioned, in preferred embodiments, the coupling device 7 comprises more than one coupling head 72.

[0105] The coupling heads 72 can be supported on a movable assembly 71 , 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 72.

[0106] This makes it possible to position each of the coupling heads 72 cyclically at a plurality of different workstations.

[0107] For example, in one of these stations the coupling of the tapes 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] Note that, in general, the execution of the coupling operation and the application of the fastening element T can also take place while the winding head(s) is / are rotating about the axis of rotation X’.

[0110] In addition to this movement, it can also be provided that the coupling device 7 and the semi-finished product S can also move along a translation direction V, shown schematically in Figure 6.

[0111] For this purpose, the apparatus 1000 may comprise a respective first movement device 8, for example in the form of a movable carriage, configured in such a way as to move the coupling device 7 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.

[0112] 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) 72 and the multilayer semi-finished product S assume two distinct spatial positions remote from each other.

[0113] Advantageously, movement along the translation direction V of the winding head(s) 72, has the effect of varying the length of parallel stretches of the tapelike article(s).

[0114] This can allow an accumulation effect to be obtained and, by coordinating the movement in the translation direction V 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 tape-like articles during processing.

[0115] Referring now again to Figures 1 to 4, the apparatus 1000 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.

[0116] 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 L of the tape-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.

[0117] 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 tape.

[0118] The fastening element can be provided by one or more dispensing coils 9 in which a quantity of tape is wound up, which is suitably sectioned before or during application to the semi-finished product S.

[0119] Referring now to Figure 1 , the applicator device 100 comprises an applicator drum 2 rotating about a respective axis of rotation X, and a feeding device 3 configured to supply the fastening element T to the drum 2 itself. The applicator drum 2 comprises an outer shell 21 configured to receive in one portion thereof the fastening element T at a pick-up position and to hold it thereon until the same fastening element T is transported to a release position, other than the pick-up position.

[0120] For this purpose, the receiving and holding of the fastening element T can also be provided by means of a pneumatic clamping device 4, illustrated in Figure 2. The clamping device 4 comprises a plurality of suction holes 40 drilled at the outer shell 21 of the applicator drum 21 . In particular, the clamping device 4 draws air through the holes 40 when the outer shell 21 receives the fastening element T, allowing it to be bound to a portion of the applicator drum 2.

[0121] By rotating about the axis X, it is therefore possible to define two distinct operating positions of the applicator drum 2: a pick-up position of the fastening element T and a release position thereof. At the release position, the fastening element T is applied to the respective multilayer semi-finished product S.

[0122] In addition to rotation about the axis X, the applicator drum 2 can also be configured to perform further movements.

[0123] For this purpose, the applicator device 100 comprises a second movement device 60 which allows, in certain embodiments, the applicator drum 2 to oscillate with respect to an oscillation axis Y parallel to the axis X. In particular, the second movement device 60 comprises an oscillating arm 6 which supports, at one end thereof, the applicator drum 2 and allows it to oscillate about the axis of rotation Y. In this way, the applicator drum 2 can oscillate between the pick-up position and the release position of the fastening element T.

[0124] This movement can therefore generally allow the coupling device 7 and the applicator drum 2 and the feeding device and the applicator drum 2 to move away from and towards each other.

[0125] Such movement towards and away from each other can also be associated with the movement of the winding heads 72, and in general of the coupling device 7, along the direction V described above. The second movement device 60 can therefore be made to bring the at least one coupling head 72 closer to the applicator device 100 and, preferably, to the applicator drum 2. The applicator drum 2 can also be configured to perform a first rotation and a second rotation about the axis of rotation X. More specifically, during such first rotation, the applicator drum is in the pick-up position and the fastening element T is picked up by the feeding device 3 by winding it around the outer shell 21 , also by means of the clamping device 4, i.e. by drawing air from the holes 40.

[0126] When the fastening element T is wound onto a portion of the shell 21 , the drum is moved to the release position, thus transporting the fastening element T from the side near the feeding device 4 to the side near the semi-finished product S.

[0127] It is therefore possible to hold the fastening element T on the shell 21 during the entire transport step of the shell from when it is picked up by the feeding device 4 until it is released to be associated with the semi-finished product S, i.e. from when the applicator drum 2 assumes the pick-up position until it assumes the release position.

[0128] The first rotation of the applicator drum 2 allows the fastening element T to be wound around the shell 21 and has an extension of less than 360°. The second rotation of the applicator drum 2 allows the release of the transported fastening element T and has an extension less than 360°. Preferably, however, the first and second rotations have a total extension of essentially 360°. This makes it possible to perform the picking and application of the fastening element in one rotation of the drum, avoiding, on the one hand, an excessively long rotation of the fastening element T, and on the other hand, the need to use large drums to allow sufficient length of fastening element comprised within a limited rotation. This also avoids unintentional detachment of the fastening element T, which is in any case bound to the shell 21 by the clamping device 4 by means of air suction from the plurality of holes 40.

[0129] Furthermore, the applicator device 100 according to the invention may comprise at least one abutment roller 5 which alternately assumes a distal position and an abutment position with respect to the applicator drum 2 itself. More precisely, according to the distal position, the abutment roller 5 is arranged detached from the applicator drum 2, and in particular from the shell 21 , in such a way that it does not interfere with the oscillatory or rotational motion of the applicator drum 2. Also, according to the abutment position, the abutment roller 5 is in contact with the applicator drum 2, and in particular with the shell 21 in order to clamp the contact element T on it by means of the feeding device 3. The abutment roller 5 therefore stresses the fastening element T against the shell 21 in order to ensure its correct housing in a portion of the shell 21 itself. The cooperation between the abutment roller 5 and the clamping device 4 therefore helps to ensure correct positioning of the fastening element T around the shell 21 of the applicator drum 21 , in accordance with the wound configuration described above.

[0130] The operation of the applicator device 100 described above will be explained in more detail below.

[0131] As illustrated above, the coupling device provides a multilayer semi-finished product S and, advantageously at the same time, but possibly also at earlier or later times, the feeding device 3 supplies a fastening element T preferably of the flexible tape type.

[0132] Next, the applicator drum 2 is set up, which, as illustrated, is configured to receive, transport and release the fastening element T in the pick-up position by the action of the oscillating arm 6.

[0133] In particular, the fastening element T is wound around the shell 21 of the applicator drum 2 during the first rotation thereof. During this operation, the clamping device 4 is actuated in such a way that the holes 40, sucking in air, cause the fastening element T to adhere to the shell 21 and bind it there. In order to ensure effective and reliable adhesion of the fastening element T to the shell 21 , the abutment roller 5, which previously assumed the distal position, is moved to assume the abutment position so that it stresses the same fastening element T to make contact and, by means of the first rotation, to wind itself around the shell 21 of the applicator drum 2.

[0134] Subsequently, the abutment roller 5 again assumes the distal position so as to avoid interfering with the oscillatory motion of the applicator drum 2 about the axis Y or the rotary motion about the axis X, which, by means of the oscillating arm 6, moves from the pick-up position to the release position, i.e. it is moved closer to the position of the semi-finished product S.

[0135] During the transport of the fastening element T, the clamping device 4 keeps it in place on the shell 21 , thus preventing any unwanted detachment thereof on the path between the pick-up position and the release position.

[0136] Then, by means of the second rotation, the applicator drum 2 releases the fastening element T applying it to an outer flap L of the semi-finished product S, as previously described. Once the release step of the fastening element T has been completed, the applicator drum 2 can return from the release position to the pick-up position and restart the described operating cycle, again picking up a further portion of the fastening element T from the feeding device 4.

[0137] It should be noted that the outer flap L is defined at the outer perimeter of the semi-finished product S and the outer perimeter has a longitudinal extension that is smaller than the extension of a corresponding outer perimeter of the applicator drum 2 so that the extension of the portion of shell 21 can transport a sufficiently extended portion of the fastening element T to be wound around the outer flap L of the semi-finished product S.

[0138] Also, the fastening element T has an adhesive face and a non-adhesive face, the operation of the applicator device 100 requires it to be carried by the applicator drum 2 making the non-adhesive face adhere to the shell 21 , thus leaving the adhesive face facing away from the drum 2, and therefore immediately accessible. The fastening element T is therefore transported by the drum 2, making the adhesive face immediately available so that it can be associated with, and therefore wound around, the semi-finished product S, thus avoiding further displacement of the fastening element T and in particular winding it around itself.

[0139] 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

1. 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 (2) being further configured to transport said fastening element (T) from a pick-up position to a release position at which said fastening element (T) is applied to a respective multilayer semi-finished product (S);• a feeding device (3) configured to supply said fastening element (T) to said applicator drum (2) at said pick-up position;• said applicator drum (2) being configured in such a manner as to perform a first rotation about said axis of rotation (X) in such a manner as to wind onto said outer shell (21 ) said fastening element (T) exiting said feeding device (3), and a second rotation about said axis of rotation (X) in such a manner as to release said fastening element (T) and apply it on said multilayer semi-finished product (S).

2. Applicator device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said applicator drum (2) comprises a clamping device (4) configured to retain said fastening element (T) on said outer shell (21 ) during at least a portion of said first rotation and release said fastening element (T) during at least a respective portion of said second rotation.

3. Applicator device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said clamping device (4) is of the pneumatic type.

4. Applicator device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said clamping device (4) comprises a plurality of suction holes (40) formed at said outer shell (21 ).

5. Applicator device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first rotation and / or said second rotation have an extension less than 360°.

6. Applicator device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said first rotation and said second rotation have a total extension less than or equal to 360°.

7. Applicator device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising 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 (5) and said applicator drum (2), is urged against said outer shell (21 ).

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

9. Applicator device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said applicator drum (2) is supported on an oscillating arm (6), said oscillating arm (6) being movable between two distinct positions according to a rotational movement about an oscillation axis (Y) substantially parallel to said axis of rotation (X).

10. Apparatus (1000) for making an internal assembly (I) comprising a multilayer semi-finished product (S) and a respective fastening element (T), said apparatus (1000) including a coupling device (7) 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 (7) 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).11 . Method for applying a flexible fastening element (T) to a multilayer semifinished product (S) comprising:- providing a multilayer semi-finished product (S) made by coupling a plurality of layers;- supplying a fastening element (T), said fastening element (T) being flexible;- supplying an applicator drum (2);- winding said fastening element (T) onto said applicator drum (2) by a first rotation of said applicator drum (2);- releasing said fastening element (T) from said applicator drum (2) by applying it to at least one outer flap (L) of said semi-finished product (S) by a second rotation of said applicator drum (2).

12. Method according to the preceding claim, comprising retaining said fastening element (T) on said applicator drum (2) during at least a portion of at least one of said first and second rotation.

13. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein said fastening element (T) is retained by means of air suction at an outer shell (21 ) of said applicator drum (2).

14. Method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein said multilayer semi-finished product (S) defines an outer perimeter, said outer flap (L) being defined at said outer perimeter, and wherein said outer perimeter has a longitudinal extension that is smaller than a respective extension of a corresponding outer perimeter of said applicator drum (2).

15. Method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein said fastening element (T) is flat and comprises an adhesive face and a non-adhesive face, said fastening element (T) being wound onto said applicator drum (2) at said non-adhesive face.

16. Method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein said fastening element (T) is in the form of a tape.

17. Method according to any one of claims 11 to 16, comprising moving said applicator drum (2) according to an oscillating movement between two distinct positions.

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

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