A lamination lubricant distribution unit for lubricating the work rolls of a rolling mill used to laminate sheets of alkali metals or alkali metal alloys into films.

Abstract

A lamination lubricant dispensing unit is disclosed for lubricating the work rolls of a rolling mill used to laminate sheets of alkali metals or alkali metal alloys into films. The lubricant dispensing unit comprises: a dispensing unit body defining a laterally extending wall; a first sidewall and a second sidewall extending forward from the laterally extending wall; and a protrusion connected to a lower end of the wall. The protrusion extends forward from the laterally extending wall and extends between the sidewalls. The protrusion and the wall define a recess having an open side. The protrusion has a leading edge for abutting against the lamination surface of the work roll. At least a portion of the protrusion is an angled portion extending upward and backward from the leading edge toward the laterally extending wall. The dispensing unit body defines at least one lubricant channel having an outlet defined in the laterally extending wall.

Description

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This application claims the benefits of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 936,806, filed November 18, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 936,809, filed November 18, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 936,814, filed November 18, 2019, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This technology relates to a lamination lubricant distribution unit for lubricating the work rolls of a rolling mill used to laminate sheets of alkali metals or alkali metal alloys into films, and to a rolling mill having such a lamination lubricant distribution unit. Background Technology

[0004] Rechargeable batteries made from laminated materials of solid polymer electrolytes and thin-film anodes and cathodes exhibit many advantages over conventional liquid electrolyte batteries. These advantages include lower overall battery weight, higher specific energy, longer lifespan, and environmental friendliness, as the risk of toxic liquid spills into the environment is eliminated.

[0005] Solid polymer battery components include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and an insulating material that allows ionic conductivity, such as a solid polymer electrolyte sandwiched between the electrodes. The anode or negative electrode is typically made of a lightweight metal film, such as an alkali metal or alkali metal alloy, like lithium metal or lithium-aluminum alloys. The composite cathode or positive electrode is typically formed from a mixture of the following: an active material such as a transition metal oxide, a conductive filler typically made of carbon particles, an ion-conducting polymer electrolyte material, and a current collector typically made of aluminum sheets. The composite cathode film is usually obtained by coating it onto the current collector.

[0006] Producing lithium films with a thickness of less than 100 micrometers, in broadband forms of, for example, 10 centimeters or more, and in lengths of hundreds of meters, using a fast and reliable process presents significant technical challenges. This is due to the metal’s extreme physical and chemical properties, such as chemical reactivity, ductility, low mechanical strength, rapid self-welding through simple contact, and strong adhesion to most solid materials.

[0007] Cold extrusion is used for the continuous production of sheets 100 micrometers or thicker. These thicknesses are generally suitable for producing single lithium-ion battery cells using liquid electrolytes. For smaller thicknesses, the film obtained by extrusion is then laminated between work rolls made of rigid material.

[0008] In large-scale production, there are many difficulties in achieving effective lamination of dense lithium with a thickness varying between 20 micrometers and 100 micrometers for the production of polymer electrolyte battery single cells.

[0009] During lamination, the laminated lithium metal often reacts with and / or deforms the work rolls it comes into contact with, and adheres to them. This problem can be solved by using lubricants described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,837,401, 5,528,920, and 6,019,801, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. The lubricant contains additives that prevent the thin laminated lithium film from reacting with the work rolls or from excessively adhering to the work rolls, and the lubricant does not affect the electrochemistry of the resulting electrochemical cell. However, proper and effective application of the lubricant is desirable during lamination.

[0010] The extreme ductility of lithium or lithium alloys allows only minimal tensile tension to be generated on the lithium film leaving the work roll. Therefore, this tensile tension must be precisely monitored and controlled to prevent the lithium film from breaking or tearing and thus to prevent costly production interruptions.

[0011] When the thickness is between 20 and 100 micrometers, it is difficult to laminate a lithium or lithium alloy film to a constant thickness across the entire width and length of the film. In conventional lamination processes, thickness variations occur across the width of the laminated lithium film, which can promote fracture of the lithium film during lamination operations and make the resulting laminated lithium film less suitable for single-cell electrochemical batteries.

[0012] Work rolls are traditionally made of polyacetal, a rigid plastic material that is compatible with lithium (i.e., polyacetal does not react with lithium). However, for mass production, polyacetal rolls wear out rapidly, requiring frequent replacement and disposal of worn rolls, significantly increasing costs. This makes the lamination manufacturing process economically challenging.

[0013] Therefore, it is desirable to have a rolling mill suitable for laminating sheets of alkali metals or alkali metal alloys into films, which solves at least some of the problems mentioned above. It is also desirable that the alkali metal films produced by such a rolling mill maintain the desired properties in both width and length. Summary of the Invention

[0014] The purpose of this technology is to improve at least some of the inconveniences of the existing technology.

[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, a mill is provided for laminating sheets of alkali metals or alkali metal alloys into a film. The mill includes: a frame; a first work roll rotatably mounted to the frame, the first work roll having a first lamination surface; a second work roll rotatably mounted to the frame, the second work roll being disposed below the first work roll, the second work roll having a second lamination surface, the first and second work rolls being positioned to receive a sheet between the first and second work rolls; and a lamination lubricant dispensing unit for supplying lubricant to the second lamination surface. The lamination lubricant dispensing unit has: a dispensing unit body defining a laterally extending wall; a first sidewall and a second sidewall extending forward from the laterally extending wall; and a protrusion connected to a lower end of the laterally extending wall and extending forward from the laterally extending wall. The protrusion is connected to the lower end of the first sidewall and the lower end of the second sidewall and extends between the first and second sidewalls. A protrusion, a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a laterally extending wall define a recess having an open side. The protrusion has a front edge abutting against a second laminated surface. At least a portion of the protrusion is an angled portion extending upward and backward from the front edge toward the laterally extending wall. A dispensing unit body defines at least one lubricant channel having an outlet defined in the laterally extending wall. The mill also includes: a lubricant reservoir for holding laminated lubricant therein; and a pump fluidly connected between the lubricant reservoir and the at least one lubricant channel for supplying laminated lubricant from the lubricant reservoir to the at least one lubricant channel. The laminated lubricant flows from the outlet of the at least one lubricant channel along the protrusion to the front edge of the protrusion and from the front edge onto the second laminated surface.

[0016] According to some aspects of the present invention, the protrusion has a laterally extending groove defined in the angled portion of the protrusion, the groove being spaced apart from the front edge of the protrusion.

[0017] According to some aspects of this technology, the ends of the trench are spaced apart from the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

[0018] According to some aspects of this technology, the front edge of the protrusion is wider than the second laminated surface.

[0019] According to some aspects of this technology, the at least one lubricant channel is a single lubricant channel.

[0020] According to some aspects of this technology, the outlet of a single lubricant channel is laterally centered in a laterally extending wall.

[0021] According to some aspects of this technology, the bottom of the outlet of the at least one lubricant channel is vertically aligned with the adjacent portion of the protrusion.

[0022] According to some aspects of this technology, the corner between the angled portion of the protrusion and the front edge of the protrusion is arc-shaped.

[0023] According to some aspects of this technology, the protrusion has a generally horizontal portion extending between the angled portion of the protrusion and the laterally extending wall.

[0024] According to some aspects of this technology, the angled portion forms an angle between 5 degrees and 25 degrees relative to the horizontal plane.

[0025] According to some aspects of the present technology, the first working roll and the second working roll have chromium coatings on the first lamination surface and the second lamination surface.

[0026] According to some aspects of this technology, the surface roughness of the first laminated surface and the second laminated surface is in the range of 0.025 micrometers Ra to 0.5 micrometers Ra.

[0027] According to some aspects of this technology, the range is between 0.05 micrometer Ra and 0.30 micrometer Ra.

[0028] According to some aspects of this technology, a first support roller is rotatably mounted to a frame. The first support roller contacts a first work roller to apply pressure to the first work roller. A second support roller is rotatably mounted to the frame. The second support roller contacts a second work roller to apply pressure to the second work roller.

[0029] According to some aspects of this technology, the laminated lubricant distribution unit is a second lubricant distribution unit. The rolling mill also has a first laminated lubricant distribution unit for supplying lubricant to the first laminated surface.

[0030] According to some aspects of the present technology, the first laminated lubricant dispensing unit includes a plurality of nozzles for spraying laminated lubricant onto the first laminated surface.

[0031] According to some aspects of this technology, the front edge of the protrusion abuts against the second laminating surface at a position vertically below the central axis of the second work roller.

[0032] According to another aspect of the present invention, a lamination lubricant dispensing unit is provided for lubricating the work rolls of a rolling mill used for laminating sheets of alkali metals or alkali metal alloys into films. The lubricant dispensing unit comprises: a dispensing unit body defining a laterally extending wall; a first sidewall and a second sidewall extending forward from the laterally extending wall; and a protrusion connected to a lower end of the laterally extending wall and extending forward from the laterally extending wall. The protrusion is connected to the lower end of the first sidewall and the lower end of the second sidewall and extends between the first and second sidewalls. The protrusion, the first sidewall, the second sidewall, and the laterally extending wall define a recess having an open side. The protrusion has a leading edge for abutting against the lamination surface of the work roll. At least a portion of the protrusion is an angled portion extending upward and backward from the leading edge toward the laterally extending wall. The dispensing unit body defines at least one lubricant channel having an outlet defined in the laterally extending wall.

[0033] According to some aspects of the present invention, the protrusion has a laterally extending groove defined in the angled portion of the protrusion, the groove being spaced apart from the front edge of the protrusion.

[0034] According to some aspects of this technology, the ends of the trench are spaced apart from the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

[0035] According to some aspects of this technology, the at least one lubricant channel is a single lubricant channel.

[0036] According to some aspects of this technology, the outlet of a single lubricant channel is laterally centered in a laterally extending wall.

[0037] According to some aspects of this technology, the bottom of the outlet of the at least one lubricant channel is vertically aligned with the adjacent portion of the protrusion.

[0038] According to some aspects of this technology, the corner between the angled portion of the protrusion and the front edge of the protrusion is arc-shaped.

[0039] According to some aspects of this technology, the protrusion has a generally horizontal portion extending between the angled portion of the protrusion and the laterally extending wall.

[0040] According to some aspects of this technology, the angled portion forms an angle between 5 degrees and 25 degrees relative to the horizontal plane.

[0041] For the purposes of this application, surface roughness is provided as average roughness (Ra) expressed in metric units, specifically in micrometers, and angles are expressed in degrees (i.e., a full rotation of 360 degrees). For the purposes of this application, hardness represents the resistance of a material (e.g., sheets and films) to localized deformation caused by mechanical indentation or abrasion. For the purposes of this application, tensile strength (TS) refers to the ability of a material (e.g., sheets and films) to elongate under load. Tensile strength is measured as the maximum stress a material can withstand when stretched or pulled before fracture.

[0042] Whether the term “about” is used explicitly herein or not, each quantity given herein is intended to refer to an actual given value, and each quantity is also intended to refer to an approximation based on reasonable deduction by one of ordinary skill in the art, including equivalent and approximate values ​​for such given values ​​due to experimental and / or measurement conditions. For example, the term “about” in the context of a given value or range refers to a value or range within 20%, preferably within 15%, more preferably within 10%, more preferably within 9%, more preferably within 8%, more preferably within 7%, more preferably within 6%, and more preferably within 5% of a given value or range.

[0043] The embodiments of this technology each have at least one of the objectives and / or aspects mentioned above, but not necessarily all of them. It should be understood that some aspects of this technology obtained in an attempt to achieve the objectives mentioned above may not satisfy those objectives and / or may satisfy other objectives not specifically described herein.

[0044] Additional and / or alternative features, aspects, and advantages of embodiments of this technology will become apparent from the following description, drawings, and appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0045] To better understand the present technology, as well as other aspects and additional features thereof, reference is made to the following description used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0046] Figure 1 A schematic side cross-sectional view of a rolling mill and associated components used to laminate lithium or lithium alloy sheets into thin films;

[0047] Figure 2 For illustration Figure 1 A schematic side view of the main components of the rolling mill, which enable control over the thickness and shape of the lithium or lithium alloy film being laminated.

[0048] Figure 3 for Figure 2A schematic front view of the main components of the rolling mill;

[0049] Figures 4A to 4C are... Figure 2 The support rolls and work rolls of the rolling mill are shown as schematic front views in different adjustments. For illustrative purposes, the angle of the truncated conical portion of the work roll and the curvature of the work roll are magnified.

[0050] Figure 5 for Figure 2 A front view of a work roll of a rolling mill;

[0051] Figure 6A According to Figure 5 One embodiment of the roller Figure 5 Enlarged view of section 6;

[0052] Figure 6B According to Figure 5 Another embodiment of the roller Figure 5 Enlarged view of section 6;

[0053] Figure 7 To be supplied to Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional profile of lithium or lithium alloy sheets from a rolling mill;

[0054] Figure 8 For use in Figure 1 A perspective view of the laminated lubricant distribution unit that lubricates the upper work rolls of the rolling mill;

[0055] Figure 9 For use in Figure 1 A perspective view of the laminated lubricant distribution unit that lubricates the lower work rolls of the rolling mill;

[0056] Figure 10 for Figure 9 A top view of the laminated lubricant distribution unit;

[0057] Figure 11 for Figure 9 A front view of the laminated lubricant distribution unit;

[0058] Figure 12 for Figure 9 The laminated lubricant distribution unit along Figure 10 A cross-sectional view taken from line 12-12; and

[0059] Figure 13 for Figure 12 A magnified view of part 13. Detailed Implementation

[0060] Figure 1A rolling mill 10 and associated components are schematically illustrated, which are adapted to produce lithium or lithium alloy films 12 less than 100 micrometers thick from pre-extruded lithium or lithium alloy sheets 14 with a thickness of about 100 to 500 micrometers. Although embodiments of the present technology will be described with respect to the production of lithium or lithium alloy films 12 from lithium or lithium alloy sheets 14, it is contemplated that at least some aspects of the present technology can be used to produce other alkali metal or alkali metal alloy films from other alkali metal or alkali metal alloy sheets.

[0061] The rolling mill 10 has a main frame 16, a pair of work rolls 18a and 18b, a support roll 20a adjacent to and in contact with work roll 18a, a support roll 20b adjacent to and in contact with work roll 18b, a laminated lubricant distribution unit 22 for distributing lubricant to work roll 18a, and a laminated lubricant distribution unit 200 for distributing lubricant to work roll 18a. It can be seen that work roll 18a is positioned below work roll 18b. Work rolls 18a, 18b and laminated lubricant distribution units 22 and 200 will be described in more detail below. Work rolls 18a, 18b and support rolls 20a, 20b are rotatably mounted on support frame 50 and support frame 52. Figure 2 This will be described in more detail below.

[0062] A roll 24 of extruded lithium or lithium alloy sheet 14 is placed on a feed roller 26, which includes a drive motor control unit (not shown) adapted to control the tension of the lithium sheet 14 before it reaches work rollers 18a and 18b. The sheet 14 meanders through a series of free rollers 28, to an encoder roller 41 that measures the exact speed of the traveling sheet 14, and to a tension roller 43 equipped with a load unit adapted to accurately measure the tension on the sheet 14 entering the laminating apparatus 10. The load unit of the tension roller 43 can be electrically connected to the control unit of the drive motor of the roll 24 to automatically adjust the tension applied to the sheet 14. The sheet 14 is then fed into a straightener 30, which rapidly winds the sheet 14 through a series of tightly packed rollers 32. These rollers 32 eliminate lateral displacement of the sheet 14 and prevent zigzag motion, ensuring that the sheet 14 is fed straight into the central portion of the work rollers 18a and 18b without any lateral wobbling motion detrimental to the lamination process. Thus, the sheet 14 is fed into the work rollers 18a and 18b at a fixed position between them.

[0063] At the inlet of mill 10, lubricant distribution units 22 and 200 discharge an appropriate amount of lithium-compatible laminating lubricant onto the working surfaces of the respective work rolls 18a and 18b upstream of the lamination region, such that the sheet 14 is laminated by the properly lubricated work rolls 18a and 18b, thereby preventing the laminate 12 from undesirably adhering to either of the work rolls 18a and 18b. A suitable lubricant is described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,837,401 and 6,019,801, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In one embodiment, the lubricant is based on toluene, hexane, and polyoxyethylene distearate and is applied in sufficient quantity to each work roll 18a and 18b to prevent excessive adhesion of the laminate 12 to either of the work rolls 18a and 18b.

[0064] The sheet 14 advances between two work rollers 18a and 18b, during which the thickness of the sheet 14 decreases from approximately 100 to 500 micrometers to approximately 20 to 100 micrometers, depending on the desired final thickness of the film 12. Pressure is applied to the work rollers 18a and 18b by support rollers 20a and 20b, which in turn apply pressure to the sheet 14, sufficient to reduce the thickness of the sheet 14 and transform it into the film 12. Lamination pressure is applied via the support rollers 20a and 20b, rather than directly to the work rollers 18a and 18b, to help avoid any undesirable bending of the work rollers 18a and 18b that would be reflected in the shape and thickness of the film 12. As will be described below, the surface roughness of the work rollers 18a and 18b should be minimized to produce a high-quality film 12. The pressure applied to the work rolls 18a and 18b by the support rollers 20a and 20b is evenly distributed on the surface of each roller 18a and 18b, thus ensuring that the shape of the work rolls 18a and 18b remains undisturbed. However, if the work rolls 18a and 18b are sufficiently rigid, the necessary pressure required to reduce the thickness of the sheet 14 and transform it into the film 12 can be applied directly by the work rolls 18a and 18b without the use of any support rollers. It is also conceivable that multiple support rollers can be used to apply uniform pressure to each of the work rolls 18a and 18b. For example, two pairs of support rollers can be positioned on two sides of each of the work rolls 18a and 18b.

[0065] The laminate 12 is drawn through an optical refractory system 36, which measures the uniformity of the surface of the film 12 and also detects any porosity on the film 12 and cracks along its edges. An optical system can also be used to measure the thickness of the film 12. Controlled tension is applied to the film 12 via a driven winding roller 38 to ensure proper winding. Before reaching the winding roller 38, the laminate 12 meanders through a series of rollers under controlled tension. The first of these rollers is a tension roller 45 equipped with a load unit suitable for accurately measuring the tension on the laminate 12 leaving the mill 10. The load unit of the tension roller 45 can be electrically connected to a control unit of the drive motor of the winding roller 38 to automatically adjust the tension applied to the sheet 12. The film 12 then passes through an encoder roller 47 that measures the exact speed of the traveling film 12. Then the membrane 12 passes through a series of free rollers 34 to the winding roller 38.

[0066] A thin insulating film 90, such as a polypropylene film, is also wound around the winding roller 38 to separate the layers of film 12, preventing them from adhering to each other. The insulating film 90 is pulled from roll 92 by the winding roller 38. From roll 92, the insulating film 90 passes through a tension roller 94 before reaching roller 38. The tension roller 94 is equipped with a load unit suitable for accurately measuring the tension on the insulating film 90. This tension measurement is used to control the tension applied to the film 12 by the winding roller 38, as the tension applied by the winding roller 38 is distributed between the film 12 and the insulating film 90.

[0067] Encoding rollers 41 and 47 measure the speed of the sheet 14 entering the mill 10 and the speed of the laminate 12 leaving the mill 10, respectively. The relationship between the entry speed of the sheet 14 and the exit speed of the laminate 12 is proportional to the reduction in thickness of the film 12 from the initial sheet 14. Therefore, when the thickness of the initial sheet 14 is known, the thickness of the laminate 12 can be mathematically determined. Thus, the thickness of the laminate 12 is controlled and checked by the speed difference between the speeds measured by encoder rollers 41 and 47. It is conceivable that the thickness of the laminate 12 can be controlled and checked in different ways.

[0068] In one embodiment, the lamination process is carried out in an anhydride atmosphere containing less than 1% relative humidity to prevent any undesirable chemical reaction between the lithium film 12 and water particles, which would render the lithium film 12 unsuitable for use in electrochemical cells.

[0069] Now turn to Figure 2 and Figure 3The main components of the mill 10, which are capable of controlling the thickness and shape of the laminated film 12, will be described. It should be understood that the illustrated mill 10 is an exemplary embodiment suitable for controlling the shape and thickness of the laminated film 12, and other embodiments are conceivable. For example, the support members and frame can have different configurations and can be configured using various hydraulic systems.

[0070] Support rollers 20a and 20b are rotatably mounted on bearings of support frames 50 and 52, respectively. Support frame 52 is slidably mounted to the vertical members of main frame 16 via any suitable means, such as sliding paths or bearings. Support frame 50 is fixedly mounted to the vertical members of main frame 16. Therefore, support frame 52 can move vertically. Work rollers 18a and 18b are each driven by an electric motor or hydraulic motor (not shown). Work rollers 18a and 18b drive support rollers 20a and 20b by friction. A pair of hydraulic linear actuators 66 are mounted to the upper horizontal member of main frame 16. The hydraulic actuators are connected to support frame 52. The hydraulic linear actuators 66 control the upward and downward movement of support frame 52, as well as the pressure applied to work rollers 18a and 18b. Work rollers 18a and 18b are rotatably mounted on support members 54 and 56, respectively. Support members 54 and 56 are operatively connected to support frames 50 and 52, respectively. End portions 58 and 59 of support member 54 are operatively connected to support frame 50 via a pair of hydraulic linear actuators 60 and 61, and end portions 62 and 63 of support member 56 are operatively connected to support frame 52 via a pair of hydraulic linear actuators 64 and 65.

[0071] During operation, the lamination speed is set by the speeds of the work rollers 18a and 18b. The pressure P required to reduce the thickness of the film 12 to the desired thickness is regulated by controlling the hydraulic valve of the hydraulic linear actuator 66. The support roller 20b transmits the pressure P to the work roller 18b. Once the desired pressure P is set, the final shape of the laminated film 12 is fine-tuned by adjusting the fluid pressure of each of the hydraulic linear actuators 60, 61, 64, and 65, thereby adjusting the force applied to the support members 54 and 56 by each of the hydraulic linear actuators 60, 61, 64, and 65, which will be explained in more detail below. The hydraulic linear actuators 60, 61, 64, 65, and 66 can be replaced by other types of actuators capable of generating sufficient force, such as electric actuators. In an alternative embodiment, an additional hydraulic linear actuator is connected between the support members 54 and 56. In such an embodiment, hydraulic linear actuators 60, 61, 64, 65 and 66 are used to push support members 54, 56 toward each other, and additional hydraulic linear actuators are used to push support members 54, 56 toward each other.

[0072] During the lamination process, heat accumulates in the work rolls 18a and 18b due to friction generated at the lamination surfaces, causing them to expand slightly. The expansion of the work rolls 18a and 18b by several micrometers in the lamination zone is sufficient to produce a film 12 of uneven thickness, which is unsuitable for a single cell in a thin-film electrochemical battery. To mitigate this problem and help ensure a uniform thickness of the film 12, the central portion 100 (FIG. 4A) of the expanded work rolls 18a and 18b is adjusted by bending them to straighten the central portion 100 and produce a lithium film 12 of uniform thickness. This control process will be described below with reference to FIG. 4A through 4C. It should be noted that, for clarity, the shapes of the work rolls 18a and 18b illustrated in Figures 4A to 4C are greatly exaggerated. However, it should be understood that the tapered and curved profiles of the end portions of the work rolls 18a and 18b are actually not visible to the naked eye, as the tapered and curved profiles represent deviations of only a few micrometers from a perfect linear profile.

[0073] Figure 4A illustrates the work rolls 18a and 18b in a neutral position. Support rolls 20a and 20b apply pressure P to the work rolls 18a and 18b, sufficient to reduce the thickness of the sheet 14 to the desired thickness of the film 12, while no lateral force is applied to the support members 54 and 56 of the work rolls 18a and 18b.

[0074] In Figure 4B, support rollers 20a and 20b still apply pressure P to work rollers 18a and 18b, sufficient to reduce the thickness of sheet 14 to the desired thickness of film 12. However, due to thermal expansion, the central portions of work rollers 18a and 18b have expanded by heat buildup generated from friction between the central portion 100 and sheet 14. To compensate for the thermal expansion that has deformed work rollers 18a and 18b, an inwardly oriented lateral force Fx is applied to support members 54 and 56. The lateral force Fx causes work rollers 18a and 18b to bend slightly outward, thereby flattening the central portion 100, as depicted in Figure 4B. The outer edges of work rollers 18a and 18b bend inward to straighten the central portion 100. Thus, the resulting laminated film 12 will be flat and have a uniform thickness. The thermal expansion of work rollers 18a and 18b is also partially offset by the application of laminating lubricant to work rollers 18a and 18b. It is also conceivable that additional devices for cooling the work rolls 18a and 18b could be used to help counteract the thermal expansion of the work rolls 18a and 18b.

[0075] When the edges of the laminated sheet 14 are thicker than the central portion of the sheet 14, in order to laminate the film 12 with a uniform thickness across its entire width, greater pressure is applied to the outer edges of the sheet 14, and thus to the outer edges of the central portion 100, via the work rollers 18a and 18b. For this purpose, the same lateral force Fx is applied to the support members 54 and 56, causing the outer edges of the work rollers 18a and 18b to bend slightly inward, and applying greater pressure to the edges of the sheet 14 than to the central portion. Therefore, the laminated film 12 has a uniform thickness across its entire width. As heat accumulates in the work rollers 18a and 18b due to friction against the sheet 14 through the central portion 100, the central portions of the work rollers 18a and 18b slightly expand. To compensate for this thermal expansion that slightly increases the diameter of the central portions of the work rolls 18a and 18b, the lateral force Fx is reduced proportionally to keep the central portion 100 straight, so that the resulting laminate 12 has a uniform thickness across its entire width.

[0076] Sometimes, the central portion of the laminated sheet 14 may be thicker than the edges of the sheet. To laminate the film 12 with a uniform thickness across its entire width, greater pressure must be applied to the central portion of the sheet 14, and thus to the central portion of the central portion 100, via the work rollers 18a and 18b. For this purpose, as shown in FIG4C, an outwardly oriented lateral force Fy is applied to the support members 54 and 56. The lateral force Fy causes the central portions of the work rollers 18a and 18b to bend slightly inward, thereby pressing the central portion of the central portion 100 inward, thus applying greater pressure to the central portion of the sheet 14 and laminating the film 12 with a uniform thickness across its entire width.

[0077] In some cases, the heat generated by the friction between the central portion 100 and the sheet 14 will accumulate in the outer portions of the contact surfaces of the work rollers 18a and 18b, causing these outer portions to expand and thus open a small gap in the central portion of the central portion 100. To compensate for this thermal expansion, an outwardly oriented lateral force Fy is applied to the support members 54 and 56 of the work rollers 18a and 18b. The lateral force Fy causes the central portion of the central portion 100 to bend slightly inward and straighten the central portion 100. The profile of the central portion 100 of the work rollers 18a and 18b is bent back into a straight line, so that the resulting laminate 12 will be flat and have a uniform thickness across its entire width.

[0078] Although only symmetrical adjustments of work rolls 18a and 18b are shown in Figures 4B and 4C, other adjustments are possible because the support members 54 and 56 are independent of each other. For example, if work rolls 18a and 18b expand more on one side than on the other, the force Fx or Fy of the left or right support member 54 or 56 can exceed the force Fx or Fy of the support members 54 and 56 on the opposite side, allowing for multiple fine-tuning adjustments.

[0079] The adjustment of the shape of the central portion 100, combined with the precise measurement of appropriate measuring devices, such as the optical refractory system 36, enables the mill 10 to produce high-quality laminates 12 with a thickness ranging from 20 micrometers to 100 micrometers, which have a nearly constant thickness throughout their length and width.

[0080] The adjustment of the profile and thickness of the laminate 12 can be performed by a field operator who fine-tunes the pressure applied by the support rollers 20a and 20b and the pressure applied to the support members 54 and 56, or this task can be performed electronically by connecting the measuring readings and actuators that control the various pressures and forces on the support rollers 20a, 20b and the work rollers 18a, 18b to a computer that provides real-time adjustment of these parameters.

[0081] Now turn to Figures 5 to 6B The work roll 18a will be described in more detail below. In this embodiment, the work roll 18b is the same as the work roll 18a, so it will not be described separately here. It is conceivable that the work roll 18b may differ in some respects from the work roll 18a.

[0082] As previously mentioned, the work roll 18a has a central portion 100. The central portion 100 is a cylindrical central portion 100. The outer surface 102 of the central portion 100 defines a laminating surface that rolls on the sheet 14 during the laminating process. Thus, the width W1 of the central portion 100 is slightly wider than the width W2 of the sheet 14 to be laminated( Figure 7 ). The central portion 100 defines a central axis 104 of the work roll 18a.

[0083] The frustoconical portions 106 extend from the ends of the central portion 100. The frustoconical portions 106 are mirror images of each other. In Figure 5 , the outer surface 110 of the frustoconical portion 106 does not exhibit a taper. This is because the taper angle is very small and not visible to the naked eye. The angle has been magnified in Figure 6A and Figure 6B illustrating two different embodiments of the work roll 18a, and the angle will be described below. Each frustoconical portion 106 has a width W3. The width W1 of the central portion 100 is greater than the width W3 of each frustoconical portion 106. The width W1 of the central portion 100 is less than the sum of the widths W3 of the two frustoconical portions 106 (i.e., W1 < W3 + W3). In some embodiments, the width W1 is between 125 mm and 210 mm, and the width W3 is between 65 mm and 110 mm.

[0084] In Figure 6A one embodiment illustrated, the frustoconical portion 106 tapers as it extends away from the central portion 100. This embodiment is the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C, where the taper has been magnified. In this embodiment, between the central portion 100 and each frustoconical portion 106 (in Figure 6AA shoulder 108 is defined between the truncated conical portions (shown in FIG. 4A). In some embodiments, the height H1 of the shoulder 108 is less than 0.05 mm. In some embodiments, the height H1 is less than 0.02 mm. Conversely, the shoulder 108 may be omitted. When the central axis 104 is straight (i.e., when the work roller 18a is in the neutral position as shown in FIG. 4A), the angle A between the outer surface 102 of the central portion 100 and the outer surface 110 of the truncated conical portion 106 is less than 0.05 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle A is less than 0.03 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle A is less than 0.02 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle A is less than 0.02 degrees but greater than 0.01 degrees. In some embodiments, the diameter D1 of the central portion 100 is between 70 mm and 90 mm. In some embodiments, the difference between the minimum diameter D2 and the maximum diameter D3 of each truncated conical portion 106 is between 0.03 mm and 0.17 mm. The profiles of the work rolls 18a and 18b according to this embodiment facilitate bending of the work rolls 18a and 18b by providing a free zone 84 (FIG. 4A) between the truncated tapered portions 106 and a free zone 85 (FIG. 4A) between the truncated tapered portions 106 and the support rolls 20a and 20b, such that the ends of the work rolls 18a and 18b can be moved to bend the central portion 100 as needed. The free zone 84 also allows excess laminating lubricant to be discharged laterally during the lamination process. Although Figure 6A The work roll 18a of the embodiment shown can be used for sheets 14 with many different profiles (as described above with respect to Figures 4A to 4C) due to the adjustments that can be made in the mill 10, but this embodiment of the work roll 18a is particularly suitable for laminating sheets 14 that have been extruded to have a central portion 112 having a height H2 ( Figure 7 The height H2 is less than the height H3 of the side portion 114 of the sheet 14. Figure 7 In addition, in Figure 7 In this context, heights H2 and H3 appear to be identical because the difference is not visible to the naked eye. In some implementations, height H2 is less than 15 micrometers smaller than height H3.

[0085] exist Figure 6BIn another embodiment illustrated, each truncated conical portion 106 tapers as it extends from its outer end toward the central portion 100 (i.e., D2 is greater than D3). When the central axis 104 is straight (i.e., when the work roller 18a is in the neutral position), the angle B between the outer surface 102 of the central portion 100 and the outer surface 110 of the truncated conical portion 106 is less than 0.05 degrees. In some embodiments, angle B is less than 0.03 degrees. In some embodiments, angle B is less than 0.02 degrees. In some embodiments, angle B is less than 0.02 degrees but greater than 0.01 degrees. In some embodiments, the diameter D1 of the central portion 100 is between 70 mm and 90 mm. In some embodiments, the difference between the maximum diameter D2 and the minimum diameter D3 of each truncated conical portion 106 is between 0.03 mm and 0.17 mm. Although Figure 6B The work roll 18a of the embodiment shown can be used for sheets 14 with many different profiles (as described above with respect to Figures 4A to 4C) due to the adjustments that can be made in the mill 10. This embodiment of the work roll 18a is particularly suitable for laminating sheets 14 that have been extruded to have a central portion 112 having a height H2. Figure 7 The height H2 is greater than the height H3 of the side portion 114 of the sheet 14. Figure 7 In some implementations, height H2 is less than 15 micrometers larger than height H3.

[0086] Return to Figure 5 The work roll 18a has support shafts 116, 118 extending from the end of the truncated tapered portion 106. The support shafts 116, 118 are received in bearings (not shown) for rotatably mounting the work roll 18a to a support member 54 (or to a support member 56 for the work roll 18b). The support shaft 118 has an extension 120 adapted for connection to a motor driving the work roll 18b. The portions 100, 106 and the support shafts 116, 118 are integrally formed.

[0087] As previously mentioned, the lamination lubricant applied to work rolls 18a and 18b helps prevent the lithium film 12 from adhering to them, allowing the film 12 to leave the work rolls 18a and 18b in a straight line. The use of the lubricant enables the lamination of lithium and lithium alloys using work rolls 18a and 18b made of materials that are typically unsuitable due to their adhesion to lithium. The lubricant eliminates this limitation. Therefore, for mass production, work rolls 18a and 18b are preferably made of durable, hard materials, such as steel or stainless steel, or even ceramic. In some embodiments, the steel or stainless steel rolls 18a and 18b have a thin chromium coating to increase hardness. The chromium coating is applied at least to the central portion 100 and the truncated conical portion 106 of the work rolls 18a and 18b. In some embodiments, the chromium coating is a hard chromium coating. To provide the desired surface finish to the film 12 and allow some of the laminated lubricant to adhere to the work rollers 18a, 18b, in some embodiments, the surface roughness of the outer surface 102 of the central portion 100 and the outer surface 110 of the truncated conical portion 106 is in the range of 0.025 μm Ra to 0.5 μm Ra. In other embodiments, the surface roughness is in the range of 0.05 μm Ra to 0.30 μm Ra.

[0088] Now turn to Figure 8 The laminated lubricant dispensing unit 22 will be described in more detail below. The laminated lubricant dispensing unit 22 includes four nozzles 150 mounted to the track 152. It is conceivable that the laminated lubricant dispensing unit 22 may have more than four nozzles 150 or fewer than four nozzles 150. The laminated lubricant is supplied via an inlet connector 154 to a channel (not shown) inside the track 152. The inlet connector 154 is fluidly connected to a pump (not shown) that supplies lubricant from a lubricant reservoir (not shown) in which the laminated lubricant is held to the inlet connector 154. The four nozzles 150 are in fluid communication with the channel inside the track 152. Figure 1 As can be seen, the laminating lubricant distribution unit 22 is located upstream of the laminating area and spaced apart from the work roller 18b. The laminating lubricant distribution unit 22 is positioned above the central axis 104 of the work roller 18b and at an angle, such that the nozzle 150 continuously sprays the laminating lubricant onto the laminating surface of the work roller 18b. The spray from the nozzle 150 covers an area slightly wider than the laminating surface.

[0089] Each nozzle 150 has a nozzle body 156, a filter, a nozzle head 158, and a nut 160. The nozzle body 156 is screwed into a track 152. The filter is disposed inside the nozzle body 156. The nozzle head 158 defines an injection orifice 162 and is disposed at the end of the nozzle body 156. The nut 160 is disposed on the nozzle body 156 and screwed onto the nozzle body 156 to hold the nozzle head 158 and the filter in place.

[0090] Now turn to Figures 9 to 13 The laminated lubricant dispensing unit 200 will be described below. In this embodiment, the laminated lubricant dispensing unit 200 is made of a single piece of electrostatic dissipative acetal copolymer. It is conceivable that other types of materials can be used, such as polyamide, polypropylene, polyethylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, thermoplastic polyurethane, polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, brass, and aluminum. Other materials are also conceivable. It is also conceivable that the laminated lubricant dispensing unit 200 can be made of multiple components bonded together or otherwise connected to each other.

[0091] The laminated lubricant dispensing unit 200 has a dispensing unit body 202. Each rear corner portion of the dispensing unit body 202 defines two holes 206. Fasteners (not shown) are received in the holes 206 to secure the dispensing unit body 202 to the frame 16 of the mill 10 at a location between the work roll 18a and the straightener 30. The dispensing unit body 202 defines a laterally extending wall 208. Figure 12 As best seen, a single lubricant channel 210 is defined in the dispensing unit body 202. The lubricant channel 210 has an inlet (not shown) defined in the rear wall 214 of the dispensing unit body 202 and an outlet 216 defined in the laterally extending wall 208. It can be seen that the outlet 216 is laterally centered in the laterally extending wall 208 and is located at the bottom of the laterally extending wall 208. It is conceivable that multiple lubricant channels 210 may be defined in the dispensing unit body 202, wherein the outlets of these channels are located at different positions along the laterally extending wall 208. It is also conceivable that at least some of these multiple lubricant channels 210 may have a common inlet.

[0092] Two sidewalls 218 extend forward from the laterally extending wall 208. (Example) Figure 10 As can be seen, the sidewalls 218 are parallel to each other. Figure 12 As can be seen, the front end 220 of the sidewall 218 is angled relative to the vertical direction so as not to interfere with the work roller 18a.

[0093] The laminated lubricant dispensing unit 200 also has a protrusion 222. The protrusion 222 is connected to and extends forward from the lower end of the laterally extending wall 208. The protrusion 222 is also connected to and extends between the lower ends of the sidewall 218. The protrusion 222, the sidewall 218, and the laterally extending wall 208 together define a recess 224, which has an open side at the front of the laminated lubricant dispensing unit 200. Figure 12 As can be seen, the protrusion 222 has a front edge 226, which abuts against the laminating surface of the work roller 18a at a position vertically below the central axis 104 of the work roller 18a. The width W4 of the front edge 226 is... Figure 10 The width W1 of the lamination surface of the work roll 18a is greater than that of the work roll 18a, in order to help ensure that the lamination lubricant is applied across the entire width of the lamination surface.

[0094] Reference Figure 13 The protrusion 222 has an angled portion 228 that extends upward and rearward from the front edge 226 toward the laterally extending wall 208. The corner 230 between the angled portion 228 and the front edge 226 is arcuate. In some embodiments, the angled portion 228 extends at an angle C between 5 and 25 degrees relative to the horizontal plane. In some embodiments, the angle C is between 10 and 20 degrees relative to the horizontal plane. The protrusion 222 also has a generally horizontal portion 232 extending between the angled portion 228 and the laterally extending wall 208. When viewed from the side (i.e., as...), Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown in the diagram, part 232 is horizontal. However, according to the front view of part 232 (i.e., as shown in the diagram), Figure 11 As shown in the diagram, portion 232 slopes slightly downward on both sides of its lateral center, thus the lateral center of portion 232 corresponds to the apex of portion 232. In some embodiments, the angle D between the surfaces on both sides of the lateral center of portion 232 is... Figure 11 The angle D is greater than 180 degrees but less than 185 degrees, and in some embodiments, the angle D is less than 182 degrees. It is also conceivable that when viewed from the front view of part 232 (i.e., as...) Figure 11 As shown), part 232 can also be flat (i.e., angle D is 180 degrees). From Figure 11 and Figure 12 As can be seen, the outlet 216 of the lubricant channel 210 is laterally aligned with the apex of the portion 232, and the bottom of the outlet 216 is vertically aligned with the top of the portion 232 of the protrusion 222 adjacent to the bottom of the outlet 216. It is conceivable that the portion 232 can be omitted, and the angled portion 228 can extend from the front edge 226 to the laterally extending wall 208.

[0095] A laterally extending groove 234 is defined in the angled portion 228 of the protrusion 222. For example... Figure 10 As can be seen, the end of the groove 234 is spaced apart from the sidewall 218. The groove 234 is spaced apart from the front edge 226 of the protrusion 222. Figure 13 As can be seen, the groove 234 is closer to the front edge 226 of the protrusion 222 than to the portion 232 of the protrusion 222.

[0096] Reference Figure 12 The inlet of lubricant channel 210 is fluidly connected to pump 236, which is itself fluidly connected to lubricant reservoir 238. Lubricant reservoir 238 holds the laminated lubricant therein. It is conceivable that lubricant reservoir 238 could also be used to supply laminated lubricant to the laminated lubricant distribution unit 22 described above. Pump 236 pumps the laminated fluid from lubricant reservoir 238 into lubricant channel 210. From outlet 216 of lubricant channel 210, lubricant flows forward and laterally (due to angle D) along portion 232 of the protrusion. The lubricant then flows downward along angled portion 228. Some of the lubricant flows into groove 234, which helps ensure a uniform distribution of lubricant across the width of protrusion 222. The lubricant then flows to leading edge 226, where it contacts the laminated surface of work roller 18a. The upwardly moving laminating surface of the work roller 18a acquires lubricant, which effectively coats the laminating surface that will come into contact with the sheet 14.

[0097] In some embodiments, the alkali metal or alkali metal alloy film of this technology is a laminated lithium film or laminated lithium alloy film obtained using a rolling mill and work rolls as defined herein.

[0098] Lithium alloys that can be used to prepare the membranes of this technology include, but are not limited to: lithium-silicon, lithium-aluminum, lithium-magnesium, lithium-strontium, lithium-barium, etc.

[0099] The lithium or lithium alloy film of this technology contains a certain amount of metallic elements. Adding metallic elements to the lithium or lithium alloy film allows for a reduction in the overall thickness of the film and an increase in its overall mechanical strength. In some cases, the metallic elements are present in the lithium or lithium alloy film in an amount that enhances the mechanical strength across the entire width, thickness, and length of the film.

[0100] The metallic element used to prepare the lithium or lithium alloy film of this technology is preferably conductive. It should be understood that the presence of the metallic element should not impair the conductivity of the lithium or lithium alloy film. For example, aluminum is a metallic element that can be used in lithium or lithium alloy films. In some cases, the amount of aluminum present in the film ranges from about 3000 ppm to about 10000 ppm, or from about 3000 ppm to about 9000 ppm, or from about 3000 ppm to about 8000 ppm, or from about 3000 ppm to about 7000 ppm, or from about 3000 ppm to about 6000 ppm, or from about 3000 ppm to about 5000 ppm. In some cases, the amount of aluminum present in the film is equal to or greater than 3000 ppm.

[0101] In some cases, the lithium or lithium alloy film of this technology has a hardness measured by a Shore hardness tester (Shore Grade A), which ranges between about 50 and about 85, or about 60 and about 80, or about 60 and about 75, or about 50 and about 70, or about 60 and about 75, or about 65 and about 75, or about 66 and 70, or about 66 and 69. In some cases, the hardness is at least 65. In some other cases, the hardness is at least about 66. In some cases, the hardness is uniform throughout the lithium or lithium alloy film.

[0102] The width of the lithium film obtained by the technique defined herein (corresponding to the distance from one edge of the film to the other) ranges between approximately 140 mm and approximately 200 mm, or approximately 150 mm and approximately 200 mm, or approximately 160 mm and approximately 180 mm, or approximately 160 mm and approximately 175 mm, or approximately 160 mm and approximately 170 mm, or approximately 160 mm and approximately 165 mm, and the thickness of the lithium film ranges between approximately 20 micrometers and approximately 100 micrometers, or approximately 20 micrometers and approximately 90 micrometers, or approximately 20 micrometers and approximately 75 micrometers, or approximately 20 micrometers and approximately 50 micrometers, or approximately 20 micrometers and approximately 30 micrometers. The thickness of the lithium or lithium alloy film is uniform across the entire width of the film. This uniform thickness across the entire width of the film includes a thickness variation of approximately + / - 2 micrometers.

[0103] In some embodiments, the thickness-to-width (t / w) ratio of the lithium or lithium alloy film obtained by the techniques defined herein is approximately 1 × 10⁻⁶. -4 With approximately 7×10 -4 Between. In some cases, this t / w ratio remains constant over the entire length of the membrane.

[0104] In particular, this technology allows the width, thickness, and hardness of the lithium or lithium alloy film to remain constant, even over extended film lengths. For example, the lithium or lithium alloy film of this technology maintains its width, thickness, and hardness constant over lengths of at least about 15,000 meters, at least about 10,000 meters, at least about 9,000 meters, at least 8,000 meters, at least 7,000 meters, at least 6,000 meters, at least 5,000 meters, at least 4,000 meters, at least 3,000 meters, at least 2,000 meters, or at least 1,000 meters.

[0105] Example

[0106] The following examples illustrate the practice of various implementations of this technology. They are not intended to limit or restrict the entire scope of this technology. It should be understood that this technology is not limited to the specific implementations described and illustrated herein, but includes all modifications and variations falling within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the appended embodiments.

[0107] Example 1 – Production of laminated lithium alloy film (3000ppm)

[0108] Laminated lithium films were prepared using a rolling mill including the work rolls defined herein. The resulting lithium films had a width of 170 mm, a thickness of 60 μm, and an aluminum content of 3000 ppm. The hardness of the films was evaluated using a Shore hardness tester (PTC 320 type-A). The results are shown in Table 1.

[0109] Table 1: Hardness of laminated lithium aluminum film (3000 ppm aluminum)

[0110] Sample Hardness (Shore A) 1 66 2 66 3 66 4 66 5 66

[0111] Example 2 – Production of laminated lithium alloy film (5000ppm)

[0112] Laminated lithium films were prepared using a rolling mill including the work rolls defined herein. The resulting lithium films had a width of 170 mm, a thickness of 60 μm, and an aluminum content of 5000 ppm. The hardness of the films was evaluated using a Shore hardness tester (PTC 320 type-A). The results are shown in Table 2.

[0113] Table 2: Hardness of lithium aluminum film (5000ppm aluminum)

[0114] Sample Hardness (Shore A) 1 68 2 69 3 68 4 68 5 67

[0115] Example 3 - Evaluating the tensile strength of a laminated lithium alloy film (3000 ppm)

[0116] The laminated lithium-aluminum film was prepared using a rolling mill including the work rolls defined herein. The lithium film had a width of 170 mm, a thickness of 60 μm, and an aluminum content of 3000 ppm. The tensile strength of the lithium film was evaluated using a testometric M500 25 kN. The results are shown in Table 3.

[0117] Table 3: Tensile strength of lithium aluminum film (3000ppm aluminum) at 10mm / min

[0118] Sample <![CDATA[UTS kgf / cm 2 ]]> UTS mpa 1 20.23 1.98 2 19.56 1.91 3 19.57 1.91 4 21.08 2.06 5 19.98 1.96

[0119] Example 4 - Evaluating the tensile strength of laminated lithium alloy films (5000ppm)

[0120] The laminated lithium-aluminum film was prepared using a rolling mill including work rolls as defined herein. The lithium film had a width of 170 mm, a thickness of 60 μm, and an aluminum content of 5000 ppm. The tensile strength of the lithium film was evaluated using a testometric M500 25 kN machine. The results are shown in Table 4.

[0121] Table 4: Tensile strength of lithium aluminum film (5000ppm aluminum) at 10mm / min

[0122] Sample <![CDATA[UTS kgf / cm 2 ]]> UTS mpa 1 23.41 2.30 2 22.52 2.20 3 22.63 2.21 4 23.47 2.30 5 23.28 2.28

[0123] Modifications and improvements to the above-described embodiments of the present technology will become apparent to those skilled in the art. The foregoing description is intended to be exemplary and not restrictive. Therefore, the scope of the present technology is intended to be defined only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A rolling mill for laminating sheets of alkali metals or alkali metal alloys into a film, the rolling mill comprising: frame; A first work roll, rotatably mounted to the frame, the first work roll having a first laminated surface; A second work roll is rotatably mounted to the frame and disposed below the first work roll. The second work roll has a second lamination surface. The first and second work rolls are positioned to receive the sheet between the first and second work rolls. A laminated lubricant dispensing unit, the laminated lubricant dispensing unit being used to supply lubricant to the second laminated surface, the laminated lubricant dispensing unit comprising: A distribution unit body, the distribution unit body defining a laterally extending wall; The first and second sidewalls extending forward from the laterally extending wall; and A protrusion, the protrusion being connected to the lower end of the laterally extending wall and extending forward from the laterally extending wall. The protrusion connects to the lower end of the first sidewall and the lower end of the second sidewall and extends between the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The protrusion, the first sidewall, the second sidewall, and the laterally extending wall define a recess having an open side. The protrusion has a front edge that abuts against the second laminated surface. At least a portion of the protrusion is an angled portion extending upward and backward from the front edge toward the laterally extending wall. The dispensing unit body defines at least one lubricant channel, the at least one lubricant channel having an outlet defined in the laterally extending wall; Lubricant reservoir, the lubricant reservoir being used to retain laminated lubricant within the lubricant reservoir; and A pump, fluidly connected between the lubricant reservoir and the at least one lubricant channel, is provided for supplying laminated lubricant from the lubricant reservoir to the at least one lubricant channel. The laminated lubricant flows from the outlet of the at least one lubricant channel along the protrusion to the front edge of the protrusion and from the front edge to the second laminated surface; The protrusion has a laterally extending groove defined in the angled portion of the protrusion, the groove being spaced apart from the front edge of the protrusion.

2. The rolling mill according to claim 1, wherein, The end of the groove is spaced apart from the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

3. The rolling mill according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, The front edge of the protrusion is wider than the second laminated surface.

4. The rolling mill according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The at least one lubricant channel is a single lubricant channel.

5. The rolling mill according to claim 4, wherein, The outlet of the single lubricant channel is laterally centered in the laterally extending wall.

6. The rolling mill according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The bottom of the outlet of the at least one lubricant channel is vertically aligned with the adjacent portion of the protrusion.

7. The rolling mill according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The angled portion of the protrusion and the corner between the front edge of the protrusion are arc-shaped.

8. The rolling mill according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The protrusion has a generally horizontal portion extending between the angled portion of the protrusion and the laterally extending wall.

9. The rolling mill according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The angled portion forms an angle between 5 and 25 degrees relative to the horizontal plane.

10. The rolling mill according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The first work roll and the second work roll have chromium coatings on the first lamination surface and the second lamination surface, respectively.

11. The rolling mill according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The surface roughness of the first laminated surface and the second laminated surface is in the range of 0.025 micrometers Ra to 0.5 micrometers Ra.

12. The rolling mill according to claim 11, wherein, The range is between 0.05 micrometers Ra and 0.30 micrometers Ra.

13. The rolling mill according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the rolling mill further comprises: A first support roller is rotatably mounted to the frame and contacts the first work roller to apply pressure to the first work roller. as well as A second support roller is rotatably mounted to the frame and contacts the second work roller to apply pressure to the second work roller.

14. The rolling mill according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, The laminated lubricant distribution unit is a second lubricant distribution unit; and The mill also includes a first laminated lubricant distribution unit for supplying lubricant to the first laminated surface.

15. The rolling mill according to claim 14, wherein, The first laminated lubricant dispensing unit includes a plurality of nozzles for spraying laminated lubricant onto the first laminated surface.

16. The rolling mill according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein, The front edge of the protrusion abuts against the second laminating surface at a position vertically below the central axis of the second working roller.

17. A lamination lubricant dispensing unit for lubricating the work rolls of a rolling mill used to laminate sheets of alkali metals or alkali metal alloys into films, the lubricant dispensing unit comprising: A distribution unit body, the distribution unit body defining a laterally extending wall; The first and second sidewalls extend forward from the laterally extending wall; as well as A protrusion, the protrusion being connected to the lower end of the laterally extending wall and extending forward from the laterally extending wall. The protrusion connects to the lower end of the first sidewall and the lower end of the second sidewall and extends between the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The protrusion, the first sidewall, the second sidewall, and the laterally extending wall define a recess having an open side. The protrusion has a front edge for abutting against the laminating surface of the work roller. At least a portion of the protrusion is an angled portion extending upward and backward from the front edge toward the laterally extending wall. The dispensing unit body defines at least one lubricant channel, the at least one lubricant channel having an outlet defined in the laterally extending wall; The protrusion has a laterally extending groove defined in the angled portion of the protrusion, the groove being spaced apart from the front edge of the protrusion.

18. The laminated lubricant dispensing unit according to claim 17, wherein, The end of the groove is spaced apart from the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

19. The laminated lubricant dispensing unit according to any one of claims 17 to 18, wherein, The at least one lubricant channel is a single lubricant channel.

20. The laminated lubricant dispensing unit according to claim 19, wherein, The outlet of the single lubricant channel is laterally centered in the laterally extending wall.

21. The laminated lubricant dispensing unit according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein, The bottom of the outlet of the at least one lubricant channel is vertically aligned with the adjacent portion of the protrusion.

22. The laminated lubricant dispensing unit according to any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein, The angled portion of the protrusion and the corner between the front edge of the protrusion are arc-shaped.

23. The laminated lubricant dispensing unit according to any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein, The protrusion has a generally horizontal portion extending between the angled portion of the protrusion and the laterally extending wall.

24. The laminated lubricant dispensing unit according to any one of claims 17 to 23, wherein, The angled portion forms an angle between 5 and 25 degrees relative to the horizontal plane.

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