Patent Description:
In particular, the present invention is advantageously, but not exclusively, applied to the production of rechargeable batteries, more in particular comprising windings, to which the following description will explicitly refer without thereby losing generality.

In the field of the production of electrical energy storage devices, and in particular of cylindrical batteries or of capacitors, it is known to feed, by means of respective feeding units, the electrode strips and the separator strips along different feeding paths which all converge towards a rotating winding core which is configured to hold and wind (generally around an oblong support) the electrode strips and the separator strips arranged offset relative to each other, so as to form a winding. In particular, it is known to manufacture cylindrical windings around a filiform core (or spine) and with a substantially circular cross-section (forming storage devices of the jelly roll type), or planar windings around a flat core with a non-circular cross-section (both of the spiral wound type, with a continuous electrode and a continuous separator, and with an interrupted electrode and a continuous separator).

Specifically, the known winding methods and apparatuses provide, in the case of non-laminated electrodes, for first feeding the separator strips to the winding core and subsequently, when the separator strips are gripped around the winding core (i.e. only after performing at least one turn around the winding core), for feeding the electrode strips between the separator strips. In this manner, the electrode strips, during the winding, are held and dragged into rotation by the separator strips so as to form a winding. Before the winding is ended, the electrode strips are cut and at least one further closing turn is performed with the separator strips. Once the winding is ended and also the separator strips are cut, the winding is closed by means of, for example, an adhesive tape (in what is known as a taping operation).

Still more specifically, the winding core is typically mounted on a rotating platform arranged and configured so that, at each rotation step of such rotating platform, the winding core is moved between a winding station, where the winding is formed, a closing station, where such already formed winding is closed (taping), and an unloading station, where the closed winding is unloaded.

In recent years, various winding apparatuses have been developed for producing electrical energy storage devices. In these apparatuses, in the final part of the winding step, the electrodes are generally grasped by a gripping assembly which moves linearly in an intermittent manner (parallel to the strip of electrode) and is composed of two clamps which, once they reach the speed of the strip of electrode, close and hold said strip while a cutting assembly cuts the electrode downstream of the gripping assembly. Said clamps are generally used for introducing the flap held thereby, after the cutting, into the next winding.

The linear movement of the gripping assembly (and of the cutting assembly) is currently carried out by means of an electric linear motor, which, however, is subjected to extreme accelerations in the case of high winding speeds. In other words, the linear motor, burdened by the weight of the gripping assembly and of the cutting assembly, accelerates until it reaches the speed of the strip to be cut, grasps it, cuts it and decelerates, keeping gripped the flap upstream of the cut strip. Such flap remains partially hanging from the gripping assembly, which, however, requires a certain deceleration space, making complex the subsequent reinsertion of the strip into the next winding, since the first support for the flap (for example a roller or a pair of rollers), subsequent to the gripping assembly, is necessarily distant from the cutting point since it is necessary to allow the gripping assembly to decelerate.

In order to partially overcome these issues, supports (for example skids or idle rollers) have been added on board the gripping assembly (and thus the aforementioned linear motor), increasing though the mass of the same. As a result, in the high-speed (i.e. at least hundreds of millimetres per second) winding of even very small windings, the linear motor has disproportionately large dimensions with respect to the rest of the automated machine, since it needs the space and the torque necessary to accelerate the entire gripping assembly up to the linear winding speed and subsequently decelerate, after the cutting, until it comes to a stop.

All this thus leads to increasing the bulks and the costs of the automated machine. Moreover, the intermittent movement is a constraint on the increase of the productivity of said automated machine.

The object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for cutting and conveying a strip of material and a relative method for producing electrical energy storage devices, which allow overcoming, at least partially, the drawbacks of the prior art and are, at the same time, easy and cost-effective to embody.

In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus for cutting and conveying a strip of material and a relative method for producing electrical energy storage devices as claimed in the following independent claims and, preferably, in any one of the claims directly or indirectly dependent on the independent claims, are provided.

The claims describe preferred embodiments of the present invention forming integral part of the present description.

The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate some non-limiting example embodiments thereof, wherein:.

In the appended figures, reference numeral <NUM> indicates, as a whole, an apparatus for cutting and conveying a strip <NUM> of material for producing electrical energy devices.

In particular, the following description will explicitly refer to the, advantageous but not exclusive, use of the apparatus <NUM> for cutting and conveying an electrode (anode or cathode) strip, and even more particularly for producing capacitors or cylindrical or oval rechargeable batteries, for example of the jelly roll type. In this case, advantageously but not limitedly, the cutting and conveying apparatus is used for cutting the electrode strip so as to allow, with a flap, the closure of a winding in winding step, and for conveying the other flap so as to insert it into the next winding.

Advantageously but not necessarily, the strip <NUM> of material is a strip <NUM> of electrode E. In other non-limiting cases, the strip <NUM> is one or more separator strips or a strip of electrode/separator composite material.

The apparatus <NUM> comprises an actuator system <NUM> and a conveying unit <NUM>, which in turn comprises a pair <NUM> of opposing rollers <NUM> between which the strip <NUM> of material transits and of which at least one roller <NUM> is rotatably operable by the actuator system <NUM>, so as to move the strip <NUM> along a conveying path CP. In particular, the pair <NUM> of rollers <NUM> partially compresses the strip <NUM> of material, so as to be able to drag/push it by friction.

In the non-limiting embodiment of <FIG>, the rotatably operable roller <NUM> is the bottom roller.

In other non-limiting embodiments, the rotatably operable roller <NUM> is the top roller <NUM>. In further non-limiting embodiments, both rollers <NUM> of the pair <NUM> are rotatably operable with respective opposite synchronous motions.

In the non-limiting embodiment of <FIG> and <FIG>, the actuator system <NUM> is an electric motor <NUM>, in particular brushless. In other non-limiting embodiments, the actuator system <NUM> is an electric motor of a different type or arranged differently, for example at or inside the motorized (i.e. rotatably operable) roller <NUM>.

Advantageously but not necessarily, the apparatus <NUM> comprises motion transmission means configured to space the roller <NUM> apart from the motor <NUM>. In such manner, the electric motor <NUM> moves in rotation the roller <NUM>, which can be made with a reduced diameter (for example less than <NUM>). According to the non-limiting embodiment of <FIG> and <FIG>, the motion transmission means are toothed belts <NUM>. Obviously, it is possible to use other known means for the transmission of the motion such as flat belts, axle bearings, gearwheels.

Advantageously, the apparatus <NUM> also comprises a conveying unit <NUM>, arranged downstream (along the conveying path CP) of the conveying unit <NUM> and it too comprising a pair <NUM> of opposing rollers <NUM> between which said strip <NUM> of material transits. The conveying unit <NUM> allows providing support to the strip <NUM> of material up to the proximity of a subsequent (for example winding) station so as to facilitate the insertion of the strip of material providing a suitable support.

The apparatus <NUM> further comprises a cutting unit <NUM>, arranged, along the conveying path CP, between the conveying unit <NUM> and the conveying unit <NUM>. In particular, the cutting unit <NUM> comprises (at least) one support element <NUM>, which in turn comprises a portion <NUM> (illustrated in a dark grey colour in the appended figures) movable along a direction PD parallel to the conveying path CP, and a portion <NUM> (illustrated in a light grey colour in the appended figures) movable along a direction TD transverse (preferably perpendicular) to the conveying path.

The cutting unit <NUM> further comprises a blade <NUM>, mounted on board the portion <NUM> of the support element <NUM> and configured to transversely (preferably perpendicularly) cut the strip <NUM> of material during the movement of the portion <NUM> of the support element <NUM>. Advantageously but not necessarily, the blade <NUM> is integral with the portion <NUM> of the support element <NUM>.

Advantageously, the portion <NUM> of the support element and the portion <NUM> of the support element are configured to move at least partially synchronously along the direction D parallel to the conveying path CP. In particular, in such manner, the portion <NUM> of the support element and the portion <NUM> of the support element are configured to move for at least a section of their motion, more precisely during the cutting, at the same linear speed as the strip <NUM> of material along the direction PD.

Preferably, the cutting and conveying apparatus <NUM> further comprises an actuator system <NUM> configured to cause, by means of a rotary motion, an intermittent motion of at least the portion <NUM> of the support element <NUM>. In particular, the actuator system <NUM> comprises an electric motor M, preferably of the brushless type.

Advantageously but not necessarily, the portion <NUM> of the support element <NUM> is supported by the portion <NUM> of the support element <NUM>, in particular wherein the portion <NUM> of the support element is slidingly coupled to the portion <NUM> of the support element.

In the non-limiting embodiment of <FIG> and <FIG>, the portion <NUM> and the portion <NUM> are slidingly coupled so as to be able to move relatively (i.e. with respect to each other) along the direction TD. Preferably, the portion <NUM> and the portion <NUM> are slidingly coupled by means of linear guides <NUM> (for example, complementary or with intermediate sliding elements). Sliding along the linear guides <NUM>, the portion <NUM> moves transversely to the strip <NUM> of electrode E so as to cut it along the conveying path CP, into a flap <NUM> upstream of the blade <NUM> and a flap <NUM>' downstream of the blade <NUM>.

In particular, the linear guides <NUM> are coupled to each other and arranged along a direction parallel to the direction TD, preferably they are perpendicular to the conveying path CP.

Advantageously but not necessarily, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the support element <NUM> comprises a base body <NUM> (in particular on which the actuator system <NUM> is mounted, for example a machine plate or any element that is substantially fixed to/integral with a machine frame). In particular, the portion <NUM> of the support element <NUM> is supported by the base body <NUM>. More specifically, the portion <NUM> of the support element <NUM> is slidingly coupled to the base body <NUM>.

In the non-limiting embodiment of <FIG> and <FIG>, the portion <NUM> and the body <NUM> are slidingly coupled so as to be able to move relatively (i.e. with respect to each other) along the direction PD. Preferably, the portion <NUM> and the body <NUM> are slidingly coupled by means of linear guides <NUM> (for example, complementary or with intermediate sliding elements). Sliding along the linear guides <NUM>, the portion <NUM> moves parallel to the strip <NUM> of electrode E so as to support it along the conveying path CP, before and after the cutting. In particular, the portion <NUM> is configured to support at least the flap <NUM> upstream of the blade <NUM>, preferably also the flap <NUM>' downstream of the blade <NUM>.

According to the non-limiting embodiments of the appended figures, the cutting unit <NUM> comprises a counter-blade <NUM> mounted on board the support element <NUM>, in particular on board the portion <NUM>, and is configured to assist the blade <NUM> in cutting the strip (<NUM>) of material, more in particular by providing a contrast. Obviously, it is understood that the blade and counter-blade can be exchanged with each other without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the present application.

In particular, the counter-blade <NUM> is arranged transversely to the strip of material and at an average distance of less than <NUM> (preferably less than <NUM>) from the same.

Advantageously but not necessarily, the apparatus <NUM> is configured so that the distance between the counter-blade <NUM> and the conveying path CP of the strip <NUM> is substantially constant.

Advantageously but not necessarily, the counter-blade <NUM> is integral with the portion <NUM> of the support element <NUM>.

According to some advantageous non-limiting embodiments, like those illustrated in the appended figures, the apparatus <NUM> comprises at least one support element <NUM> configured to support and accompany, upstream or downstream (of the blade <NUM> or) of the counter-blade <NUM>, the flap <NUM>, <NUM>' of the strip <NUM> of material once the same has been cut. In such manner, it is possible to support the flaps <NUM>, <NUM>' after the cutting and for the next insertion. Specifically, the flaps <NUM>, <NUM>', in the absence of a support, tend to bend slightly in the cutting direction TD (when the blade is lowered), which makes the subsequent insertion of the flap <NUM> for the production of the next winding difficult.

In the non-limiting embodiment of <FIG>, the support element <NUM> comprises at least a (fixed or movable) rest element <NUM> upstream of the counter-blade <NUM> and preferably integral with the portion <NUM>. In such manner, after the cutting, the element <NUM> acts both as a rest in order to prevent a bending of the flap <NUM>, and as a guide element in order to convey the flap <NUM> towards the next winding, i.e. towards the conveying unit <NUM>. Preferably, the rest element <NUM> is arranged at (i.e. at a distance less than <NUM>, preferably less than <NUM> from) the counter-blade <NUM>. Specifically, the closer the element <NUM> is to the counter-blade <NUM>, the better the support provided to the flap <NUM>. In particular, the element <NUM> has a bevelled oblong shape and is arranged transversely (perpendicularly) to the conveying path CP.

Advantageously but not necessarily, the support element <NUM> comprises at least one (fixed or movable) rest element <NUM>' upstream of the counter-blade <NUM> and preferably integral with the conveying unit <NUM>. In such manner, the element <NUM>' acts both as a rest (especially in the case of vertical conveying paths, as illustrated in the following) in order to prevent a bending of the flap <NUM>, and as a guide element in order to convey the flap <NUM> towards the next winding, i.e. towards the conveying unit <NUM>.

Preferably, the rest element <NUM>' is arranged at (i.e. at a distance less than <NUM>, preferably less than <NUM> from) the rollers <NUM>. Specifically, the closer the element <NUM>' is to the rollers <NUM>, the better the guidance provided to the strip <NUM> of material. In particular, the element <NUM>' has a bevelled oblong shape and is arranged transversely (perpendicularly) to the conveying path CP, preferably on the same side as the blade <NUM>, i.e. on the side opposite the element <NUM>.

Alternatively or additionally, and as illustrated in the non-limiting embodiment of <FIG>, the support element <NUM> further comprises a comb clamp <NUM>.

Preferably, the clamp <NUM> is arranged downstream of the counter-blade <NUM> and is integral with the portion <NUM>. In particular, the comb clamp <NUM> has its teeth facing a comb clamp <NUM>' complementary to the comb clamp <NUM> and integral with the conveying unit <NUM>.

The comb clamps <NUM>, <NUM>' allow both supporting the flap <NUM>' after the cutting of the strip <NUM> of electrode, and facilitating the insertion of the flap <NUM> towards the conveying unit <NUM>, between the rollers <NUM>, i.e. towards the next winding.

Advantageously but not necessarily, in the pair <NUM> of rollers <NUM>, at least one roller <NUM> is rotatably operable, in particular synchronously with the operated roller <NUM>, so as to move said strip <NUM> along the conveying path CP. In such manner, it is possible to move close, to the winding in which the strip <NUM> is to be inserted, the dragging point of the strip <NUM> from the conveying unit <NUM> towards the conveying unit <NUM>.

In some preferred non-limiting cases, the pair <NUM> of rollers <NUM> and/or the pair <NUM> of rollers <NUM> are configured to be opened (independently of each other), in particular following the cutting so as to accommodate the cut flap <NUM> of the strip of material advanced by means of the conveying unit <NUM>. In such manner, for example, the comb clamps <NUM>, <NUM>', cooperating, support the flap <NUM> until transiting between the open rollers <NUM>, allowing, following the closure of the pair <NUM> of rollers <NUM>, dragging the strip <NUM> inserting the flap <NUM> into the next winding.

Alternatively or additionally, the pair <NUM> of rollers <NUM> and/or the pair <NUM> of rollers <NUM> are configured to be opened (independently of each other) during a winding step of the strip <NUM>. In such manner, it is possible to reduce the stress on the strip <NUM> of material currently in winding step.

In the non-limiting embodiment shown in the appended figures, the portion <NUM> of the support element <NUM> is configured to perform a substantially circular movement (in particular a translation). In particular, the portion <NUM> of the support element <NUM> is simultaneously configured to perform a substantially intermittent linear movement parallel to the direction PD. More in particular, the portion <NUM> of the element <NUM> and the portion <NUM> of the element <NUM> are configured to move at the same linear speed along the direction PD, more precisely, during the entire cutting step, the portion <NUM> of the element <NUM> and the portion <NUM> of the element <NUM> are configured to move at the same linear speed as the strip <NUM> of material along the conveying path CP.

Advantageously but not necessarily, and as illustrated in the non-limiting embodiments of the appended figures, the portion <NUM> and the portion <NUM> of the support element <NUM> are both moved by the actuator system <NUM>.

In the non-limiting embodiment of <FIG> and <FIG>, the actuator system <NUM> is directly connected only to the portion <NUM> of the element <NUM>.

In particular, as illustrated in the non-limiting embodiment of <FIG>, the apparatus <NUM> comprises an eccentric element <NUM>, which connects, by means of a rotating element such as a bearing <NUM>, the actuator system <NUM> (i.e. the motor M) to the portion <NUM> of the element <NUM>. In such manner, the circular (eccentric) movement of the portion <NUM>, thus of the blade <NUM>, corresponds to the rotation of the motor M (taking into account potential reductions). More in particular, the eccentric element <NUM> is a crank element.

According to the non-limiting embodiment of <FIG>, the portion <NUM> of the element <NUM> comprises a through-slot <NUM>, passed through by the eccentric element <NUM>, which, during the rotation of the actuator system <NUM> moves inside the slot <NUM>. In particular, the slot <NUM> has an elongated shape along the direction TD.

In use, the rotation of the motor M determines, by means of the eccentric element <NUM>, a circular movement (translation) of the blade <NUM>. Such circular movement is possible thanks to the sliding coupling generated by the linear guides <NUM> and <NUM> (which determine the two degrees of freedom necessary for the portion <NUM> to move in a circular manner).

At the same time, still due to the sliding coupling generated by the linear guides <NUM> and <NUM>, the portion <NUM> is interposed between the base body <NUM> and the portion <NUM> (operated directly by the actuator system <NUM>). In such manner, the portion <NUM> has a single degree of freedom thanks to the linear guides <NUM>. Therefore, the portion <NUM>, upon the circular movement of the portion <NUM>, will move with a linear movement along the direction PD and parallel to the conveying path CP.

Therefore, in use, the strip <NUM> is conveyed at a substantially constant speed (by the unit <NUM> and/or dragged by the rotation of the winding in which it is engaged). At the moment of the closing of the winding, the strip <NUM>, for example of electrode E, must be cut with relative precision, so as to meet the requirements of the client. Once the predefined length has been reached, the actuator system <NUM> starts working, operating the motor M and bringing the portion <NUM> (and therefore pushing also the portion <NUM>) to a speed such to have a component parallel to the direction PD equal to the speed of the strip <NUM>. As the movement of the motor M continues, the cutting unit <NUM> divides the strip <NUM> into two flaps <NUM> and <NUM>', which respectively lay down at the element <NUM> and at the comb clamps <NUM>. In some embodiments, the conveying unit <NUM> immediately slows the flap <NUM> down letting it rest on the element <NUM>, in other non-limiting embodiments, the conveying unit <NUM> gently pushes the flap <NUM>, as soon as the cutting is completed, up to engaging at least the comb clamps <NUM> (so as to have support in order to subsequently engage the clamps <NUM>' and the pair <NUM> of rollers <NUM>). In the meantime, the flap <NUM>' is returned by the winding being formed. Subsequently, the flap <NUM> is pushed by the conveying unit <NUM> and/or by the conveying unit <NUM> into the next winding. As soon as the flap <NUM> has been grasped by the strips of separator S of the next winding, the cutting unit returns to a waiting position that allows reaching again, at the moment of the next cutting, the linear speed of the strip <NUM> of material to be cut.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a machine <NUM> (at least partially illustrated in <FIG>) for producing electrical energy storage devices comprising at least one apparatus <NUM> according to the foregoing description is provided. Preferably, the machine <NUM> comprises two apparatuses <NUM>, respectively for the cathode E' and the anode E".

In particular, the machine <NUM> comprises a feeding system <NUM> (for each strip <NUM>, i.e. for each electrode E', E"), configured to feed, in particular at a constant speed, the strip <NUM> of material to be wound along the conveying path CP.

Preferably, the machine <NUM> also comprises a winding apparatus <NUM> comprising a core <NUM> on which to wind the strip <NUM> of material forming a winding <NUM>. In particular, the winding <NUM> is formed by winding around the core <NUM> the two electrodes E', E" , interspersed with two strips of separator material S. In particular, the machine <NUM> further comprises a gripping unit <NUM> and a cutting unit <NUM>, respectively configured to grasp and cut the strips of separator S.

Advantageously but not necessarily, the cathode E' is inserted between the two separators S, while the anode E" is inserted in an independent manner as the innermost layer of the four (i.e. the two electrodes and the two separators). In such manner, thanks to the independence in the management of the electrodes E' and E", it is possible to close the winding <NUM> with one or more turns of outer anode E'' (anyway inside a closure of separator S, but without having the cathode E' facing it).

In the non-limiting embodiment of <FIG>, the cathode E' is inserted into the winding <NUM> from a direction substantially perpendicular to the one from which the anode E" is inserted.

According to a further non-limiting embodiment not illustrated, the machine <NUM> comprises a further pair of rollers (idle or motorized) arranged downstream of the conveying unit <NUM>, before the winding <NUM>.

In particular, this further pair of rollers is arranged at a distance of no more than <NUM>, preferably no more than <NUM>, from the rollers <NUM> of the conveying unit <NUM>. Preferably, the further pair of rollers is provided along the feeding path of the anode.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a method for producing electrical energy storage devices using a cutting and conveying apparatus <NUM> according to the foregoing description and/or a machine <NUM> according to the foregoing description is provided.

In particular, the method comprising the steps of:.

Advantageously, the portion <NUM> of the support element <NUM> and the portion <NUM> of the support element <NUM> are moved (at least partially) synchronously along the direction PD parallel to the conveying path CP.

In particular, during the cutting step, the actuator system <NUM> is rotatably controlled so as to cause, by means of a rotary motion, an intermittent motion of at least the portion <NUM> of the support element <NUM>.

Advantageously but not necessarily, the method comprises the further step of winding the strip <NUM> of electrode E around the winding core <NUM> to form the winding <NUM>.

In some preferred non-limiting cases, the method comprises the step of controlling the actuator system <NUM> so as to move (translate) the portions <NUM> and <NUM> along a respectively alternate linear and circular path. In particular, the actuator system <NUM> is controlled to move the portion <NUM> only, whereas the portion <NUM> is consequently dragged by means of the linear guides <NUM> and <NUM>.

Specifically, the linear guides <NUM> constrain the portion <NUM> to move along the linear guides <NUM>.

Advantageously but not necessarily, the actuator system <NUM> is moved with a motion profile comprising at least two sub-steps: a cutting step and a recovery step. In particular, during the cutting step, the system <NUM> is controlled so as to move the portion <NUM> and/or the portion <NUM> with a speed having a component along the direction PD that is substantially constant, specifically equal to the winding speed of the strip <NUM>. More in particular, during the recovery step, the system <NUM> is controlled so as to move the portion <NUM> and/or the portion <NUM> with a speed having a component along the direction PD that is variable and different from the speed of the strip <NUM>.

Advantageously but not necessarily, as soon as the strip <NUM> of material is cut, the conveying unit <NUM> is opened (see <FIG>). In particular, preferably, the flap <NUM> continues to be pushed by the conveying unit <NUM> until it engages (reaches and stops at) the rollers <NUM> or in any case the comb clamp <NUM>, <NUM>'.

Preferably, after the cutting, the flap <NUM>, upon reaching the conveying unit <NUM> awaits the arrival of a new core <NUM>. After the arrival of the new core <NUM>, the unit <NUM> and/or the unit <NUM> is controlled for inserting the strip <NUM> into the new winding <NUM> around the new core <NUM>.

In use, the material <NUM> is fed to the apparatus <NUM> in the form of a strip. In particular, the strip <NUM> is both conveyed by the conveying unit <NUM> and/or <NUM>, and dragged by the core <NUM> which rotates for forming the winding <NUM> recalling the strip <NUM>. When it is time to cut the strip <NUM> in order to complete the winding <NUM>, the actuator system <NUM> is activated (see <FIG>), which, by rotating around the axis AX, moves the portion <NUM> and thus the blade <NUM>. At the same time, the actuator system <NUM> moves the portion <NUM> and thus the counter-blade <NUM> and the support element <NUM>.

Advantageously but not necessarily, the moment when the strip <NUM> is cut is when the blade <NUM> is located at the lowest position in its circular path, engaging the counter-blade <NUM>. As mentioned above, the flap <NUM>' is returned by the rotation of the core <NUM>, whereas the flap <NUM> is stopped while it waits for a new core.

Although the invention described above makes particular reference to a very specific example embodiment, it is not to be considered limited to such example embodiment, falling within its scope all the variations, modifications or simplifications covered by the appended claims, such as, for example, a different geometry or composition of the machine, a different type of actuator systems, a different type of cutting, etc..

The apparatuses, the machine and the method described above entail numerous advantages.

First of all, they allow cutting a strip that is wound at very high speed (hundreds of mm per second), since the limits imposed by the alternating motion of the linear motors currently in use are overcome as the motor M is controlled with a one-directional rotary motion.

Additionally, the bulks can be considerably reduced, since it will no longer be necessary to ensure a certain distance for the braking of the system according to the prior art, as the gripping elements (i.e. the rollers <NUM> and <NUM>) are fixed and the blade, by continuing its circular motion, leaves the conveying path without requiring further bulk.

Moreover, contrary to the known rotary cutting with blade and counter-blade mounted on two respective drums, the present invention allows constantly supporting the strip, so as to greatly reduce the risk that the electrode can be ruined or that it can fail the insertion at the next core.

Claim 1:
Apparatus (<NUM>) for cutting and conveying a strip (<NUM>) of material for producing electrical energy storage devices; the apparatus (<NUM>) comprises:
- a first conveying unit (<NUM>) configured to convey said strip (<NUM>) along a conveying path (CP);
- a cutting unit (<NUM>), arranged downstream of the first conveying unit (<NUM>) and characterised by comprising a support element (<NUM>), which comprises in turn a first portion (<NUM>) movable along a first direction (PD) parallel to the conveying path (CP), and a second portion (<NUM>) movable at least along a second direction (TD) transverse to the conveying path (CP); the cutting unit (<NUM>) further comprising a blade (<NUM>), mounted on board the second portion (<NUM>) of the support element (<NUM>) and configured to transversely cut the strip (<NUM>) of material during the movement of the second portion (<NUM>) of the support element (<NUM>);
wherein the first portion (<NUM>) of the support element (<NUM>) and the second portion (<NUM>) of the support element (<NUM>) are configured to move at least partially synchronously along the direction (PD) parallel to the conveying path (CP);
the cutting and conveying apparatus (<NUM>) further comprising a first actuator system (<NUM>) configured to cause, by means of a rotary motion, an intermittent motion of at least the first portion (<NUM>) of the support element (<NUM>).