Coating machine for electrodes of battery cells

Abstract

The invention relates to a coating device for an electrode of a battery cell. The coating device includes a bottom panel, a top panel pivotable relative to the bottom panel, a lower sheet in contact with the bottom panel and including a first flow path, an upper sheet in contact with the top panel and including a second flow path, and an isolation sheet disposed between the lower sheet and the upper sheet and configured to isolate the first flow path from the second flow path. The coating device is configured to allow the first material and the second material to be simultaneously applied to the electrode assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates generally to battery cell manufacturing apparatus, and more particularly to a battery cell coating apparatus for coating an electrode assembly of a battery cell. Background Art

[0002] Batteries or battery cells are critical in providing power to many electrical devices that we rely on daily. Cylindrical batteries with a wound arrangement are commonly used to power electrical devices. These types of batteries are often referred to as "jellyroll" batteries. In addition, other battery cells (such as pouch cells and / or prismatic cells) are also commonly used to power electrical devices. Typically, a battery cell includes electrode sheets (e.g., an anode sheet and a cathode sheet) having an active material applied to at least a portion of the electrode sheet. A coater is typically used to apply one or more active materials to a portion of the electrode sheet. Summary of the invention

[0003] In one embodiment, a coating device for an electrode of a battery cell is described. The coating device includes: a bottom panel; a top panel, the top panel is detachably coupled relative to the bottom panel; at least one lower sheet, the at least one lower sheet is in contact with the bottom panel and defines a first flow path; at least one upper sheet, the at least one upper sheet is in contact with the top panel and defines a second flow path; and a separator sheet, the separator sheet is disposed between the lower sheet and the upper sheet and is configured to separate the first flow path from the second flow path.

[0004] In one aspect, the first flow path is in fluid communication with a first outlet opening and the second flow path is in fluid communication with a second outlet opening.

[0005] In one aspect, the height of the first outlet opening is equal to or higher than the height of the second outlet opening.

[0006] In one aspect, the height of the first outlet opening is equal to or less than the height of the second outlet opening.

[0007] In one aspect, the at least one lower sheet includes an aperture coupled to the first outlet opening, and the first outlet opening defines a width that is smaller than a width defined by the aperture.

[0008] In one aspect, the first flow path is coupled to a first inlet aperture, wherein the first inlet aperture receives a first material.

[0009] In one aspect, the second flow path is coupled to two second inlet apertures, wherein the two second inlet apertures receive a second material.

[0010] In one aspect, the second flow path includes a second aperture that directs the received second material to a second outlet opening. The second aperture includes a curved wall configured to direct the flow of the second material to the second outlet opening.

[0011] In one aspect, the second hole further comprises an angled wall connecting the second hole to the second outlet opening.

[0012] In one aspect, one or more of the bottom panel and the top panel comprises a slot.

[0013] In one aspect, one or more of the at least one lower sheet and / or the at least one upper sheet comprises at least two sheets to obtain a desired thickness.

[0014] In another embodiment, a coating apparatus for an electrode of a battery cell is described, the coating apparatus comprising: a bottom panel having a first inlet hole and a first outlet opening, the first outlet opening being configured to apply a first material to a substrate material associated with a first electrode of the battery cell; and a top panel having a second inlet hole and a second outlet opening, the second outlet opening being configured to apply a second material to the substrate material associated with the first electrode of the battery cell. The first material is different from the second material.

[0015] In one aspect, the bottom panel defines a first flow path, the top panel defines a second flow path, and the first flow path is isolated from the second flow path.

[0016] In one aspect, the coating device further includes a lower sheet forming the first flow path.

[0017] In one aspect, the coating device further includes a separator sheet disposed between the lower sheet and the upper sheet.

[0018] In one aspect, the first material and the second material are applied to the substrate simultaneously.

[0019] In another embodiment, a method for coating a battery cell using a coating device is described. The method includes: supplying a first material through a first flow path and supplying a second material through a second flow path. The method also includes: moving a substrate of an electrode of the battery cell relative to the coating device; dispensing the first material onto the substrate; and dispensing the second material onto the dispensed first material.

[0020] In one aspect, the dispensing of the first material and the second material occurs simultaneously.

[0021] In one aspect, the first flow path is defined by a lower sheet and the second flow path is defined by an upper sheet. A separation sheet is positioned between the lower sheet and the upper sheet such that the first flow path is separated from the second flow path.

[0022] Before explaining any embodiment in detail, it should be understood that the application of the embodiments is not limited to the details of the configuration and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or shown in the accompanying drawings. These embodiments can be practiced or implemented in various ways. In addition, it should be understood that the words and terms used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered as limiting. The use of "including", "comprising" or "having" and their variations is intended to cover the items listed thereafter and their equivalents and additional items. Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "mount", "connect", "support" and "couple" and their variations are used broadly and include direct and indirect mounting, connection, support and coupling.

[0023] In addition, it should be understood that embodiments may include hardware, software, and electronic components or modules, and for discussion purposes, they may be illustrated and described as being mostly implemented in hardware only. However, based on a reading of this detailed description, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that in at least one embodiment, the electronic-based aspects may be implemented by software (e.g., stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium) executable by one or more processing units, such as microprocessors and / or application-specific integrated circuits ("ASICs"). Therefore, it should be noted that these embodiments may be implemented using multiple hardware- and software-based devices and multiple different structural components. For example, the "server", "computing device", "controller", "processor", etc. described in the specification may include one or more processing units, one or more computer-readable media modules, one or more input / output interfaces, and various connections (e.g., a system bus) connecting these components.

[0024] Relative terms, such as "about", "approximately", "substantially", etc., used in conjunction with quantities or conditions, will be understood by ordinary technicians to include the stated values ​​and have the meaning dictated by the context (e.g., the term includes at least the degree of error associated with measurement precision, tolerances associated with specific values ​​(e.g., manufacturing, assembly, use, etc.), etc.). Such terms should also be considered to disclose ranges defined by the absolute values ​​of the two endpoints. For example, the expression "from about 2 to about 4" also discloses a range of "from 2 to 4". Relative terms can refer to positive and negative percentages of the indicated values ​​(e.g., 1%, 5%, 10% or more).

[0025] It should be understood that although some of the drawings illustrate hardware and software located in a particular device, these descriptions are for illustrative purposes only. The functions described herein as being performed by a component may be performed by multiple components in a distributed manner. Similarly, the functions performed by multiple components may be combined and performed by a single component. In some embodiments, the components described may be combined or divided into separate software, firmware, and / or hardware. For example, logic and processing may be distributed in multiple electronic processors, rather than being located in a single electronic processor and performed by a single electronic processor. Regardless of how they are combined or divided, hardware and software components may be located on the same computing device, or may be distributed between different computing devices connected by one or more networks or other suitable communication links. Similarly, components described as performing a specific function may also perform additional functions not described herein. For example, a device or structure "configured" in a certain manner is configured at least in that manner, but may also be configured in a manner that is not explicitly listed.

[0026] Other aspects of the embodiments will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 is an exploded view of an electrode assembly of a battery cell according to some embodiments.

[0028] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a coating apparatus for coating a battery cell according to some embodiments.

[0029] Figure 3 According to some embodiments Figure 2 A rear perspective view of the coating apparatus shown.

[0030] Figure 4 According to some embodiments Figure 2 A side perspective view of the coating apparatus is shown.

[0031] Figure 5 According to some embodiments Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of the coating apparatus is shown showing the sheet providing the flow path.

[0032] Figure 6 According to some embodiments Figure 5 A front view of the lower sheet of the coating apparatus is shown.

[0033] Figure 7 According to some embodiments Figure 5 A front view of the upper sheet of the coating apparatus is shown.

[0034] Figure 8 According to some embodiments Figure 5 A front view of a release sheet showing the coating apparatus.

[0035] Fig. 9 According to some embodiments Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the coating device along line BB is shown, showing the first flow path.

[0036] Fig.10 According to some embodiments Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the coating device along line CC is shown, showing the second flow path.

[0037] Fig.11 According to some embodiments Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the coating device along line DD is shown, showing the second flow path.

[0038] Fig.12 is a diagram showing a method for coupling a sheet to a Figure 2 Flow chart of the process of coating the device shown.

[0039] Fig.13 is a diagram showing the use of some embodiments Figure 2 A flow chart of a process in which a coating apparatus coats an electrode assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Figure 1 An exemplary electrode assembly 10 is shown in association with a battery cell (e.g., a lithium-ion battery cell). Although described with respect to a lithium-ion battery cell, it should be understood that Figure 1 The electrode assembly can also be adapted to other battery chemistries, such as lithium iron phosphate, or other battery chemistries required for a given application scenario. Figure 1 The electrode assembly 10 can be used for various battery cell types, such as cylindrical battery cells (e.g., 21700, 18650, etc.), pouch-shaped battery cells, and / or prismatic battery cells. Figure 1 As shown, the electrode assembly 10 includes an anode 46, a cathode 50, and one or more separators 54 located between the anode 46 and the cathode 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the anode 46 includes an anode sheet, the cathode 50 includes a cathode sheet, and the separator 54 includes an insulating sheet or a separator sheet. The anode 46 and / or the cathode 50 can generally be formed on a substrate of a conductive material such as aluminum or copper. For example, the anode 46 is formed on a substrate 56 and the cathode 50 is formed on a substrate 60. Although the substrates 56 and 60 are described as aluminum or copper, it is conceivable that other conductive materials can also be used according to the needs of a given application scenario. In some examples, the anode 46 and the cathode 50 can use substrates 56 and 60 of the same material. However, in other examples, according to the needs of a given application scenario, the anode 46 and the cathode 50 can each have substrates 56 and 60 of different materials.

[0041] The anode 46 and the cathode 50 may have a coating portion 58 and a coating portion 62 formed on the corresponding substrates 56 and 60, respectively. The coating portion 58 and the coating portion 62 may be coated with an active material required for a specific application scenario. The exposed portion of the substrate 56 and 60 of the anode 46 and / or the cathode 50 forms an uncoated portion. As will be described in more detail, a coating device can be used to apply an active material to the anode 46 and / or the cathode 50.

[0042] In some embodiments, electrode assembly 18 can have a nominal voltage between about 1 V and about 5 V, and a nominal capacity between about 1 Ah and about 5 Ah or greater (e.g., up to about 9 Ah). Electrode assembly 18 can have any rechargeable chemistry type, such as lithium ("Li"), lithium ion ("Li-ion"), other lithium-based chemistries, nickel cadmium ("NiCd"), nickel metal hydride ("NiMH"), etc.

[0043] Figures 2 to 4 An electrode coating apparatus 110 of a battery cell according to one embodiment is shown. The coating apparatus 110 is used to apply a coating of one or more active materials to a bare electrode substrate, such as an electrode substrate. In one example, the coating apparatus 110 can coat one or more active materials at a specific thickness required for a given electrode (e.g., anode 46 or cathode 50) or battery type. For example, lithium cobalt oxide ("LCO"), lithium manganese oxide ("LMO"), lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide ("NCA"), lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide ("NMC"), lithium iron phosphate ("LFP"), sublimated sulfur, lithium manganese nickel oxide ("LMNO / spinel"), and / or other applicable active materials may be applied to the cathode 50. For example, silicon, graphite, or other applicable active materials may be applied to the anode 46.

[0044] One or more active materials may be in slurry form (or other liquid form) and then applied by coating device 110, as described in more detail below. In some embodiments, the electrode substrate may include copper. In other embodiments, the substrate may include aluminum. In other embodiments, the substrate may include an alternative material. The active material is used to charge the electrode of the electrode assembly 10 positively or negatively. In some examples, the thickness and weight of the active material coating affect the energy density of the battery. For example, an increase in the coating thickness of the active material may increase the battery capacity while reducing the discharge rate of the battery. A decrease in the coating thickness of the active material may reduce the capacity of the battery while increasing the discharge rate of the battery. In some embodiments, the thickness of the active material may be about 1 μm to 100 μm. However, values ​​less than 1 μm or greater than 100 μm are also expected.

[0045] The coating device 110 includes a plurality of input ports that allow the coating device 110 to apply two or more layers of active material to the substrate in a single operation. The layers applied to the substrate may be different materials. In some embodiments, the coating device 110 may apply two layers to the substrate. In other embodiments, the coating device 110 may apply more than two layers of active material to the substrate.

[0046] The coating device 110 includes a bottom panel 114 and a top panel 118. The bottom panel 114 includes an arm 122 positioned on a side of the coating device 110. The arm 122 extends upward from the bottom panel 114 and is pivotally coupled to the top panel 118 so that the top panel 118 can pivot relative to the bottom panel 114. In some examples, the arm 122 is pivotally coupled to the top panel via a pivot pin (not shown). The top panel 118 is movable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the top inner surface 130 is inclined relative to the bottom inner surface 134 of the bottom panel 114, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 In other words, the top panel 118 is pivoted away from the bottom panel 114. However, in other embodiments, the top panel 118 and the bottom panel 114 can be separate components connected by one or more fasteners (e.g., bolts, clamps, etc.). Therefore, the top panel 118 and the bottom panel 114 can be removably connected to each other. In the closed position, the top inner surface 130 contacts the bottom inner surface 134, as shown. Figure 2 When the coating device 110 is in the closed position, the coating device 110 is operable to apply the active material.

[0047] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the bottom panel 114 includes a first inlet hole 138. The first inlet hole 138 is positioned on the first end 140 of the coating device 110. A first material 142 can be supplied to the first inlet hole 138 so that a first layer of active material having the first material 142 can be applied to the substrate. In some embodiments, the bottom panel 114 can include only one first inlet hole 138. In other embodiments, the bottom panel 114 can include a plurality of first inlet holes 138. The top panel 118 includes a pair of second inlet holes 146. In some embodiments, the top panel 118 can include only one second inlet hole 146. In other embodiments, the top panel 118 can include more than two second inlet holes 146. The second inlet hole 146 can be positioned at the top of the coating device 110. A second material 150 can be supplied to the second inlet hole 146 so that a second layer of active material having the second material 150 can be applied to the substrate, located on top of the first layer. In other embodiments, the coating device 110 can include additional inlet holes so that additional layers can be applied to the substrate.

[0048] refer to Figure 5 , a sheet is provided between the bottom panel 114 and the top panel 118. The sheet provides a flow path for guiding the first material 142 and the second material 150 through the coating device 110. The coating device 110 includes a lower sheet 154, an upper sheet 158, and a spacer sheet 162. The lower sheet 154 contacts the bottom inner surface 134 to define a first flow path 166. When the top panel 118 is in a closed position, the upper sheet 158 ​​contacts the top inner surface 130 to define a second flow path 170. The spacer sheet 162 is positioned between the upper sheet 158 ​​and the lower sheet 154. The spacer sheet 162 separates the first flow path 166 from the second flow path 170. The spacer sheet 162 prevents the first material 142 from interacting with the second material 150 during the application process. In some embodiments, the sheet is formed of a metal material, such as steel, zinc, aluminum, etc. In other embodiments, the sheets may be formed from alternative materials, such as polymers, composites, plastics, and the like.

[0049] refer to Figure 7 and Fig.10, the lower sheet 154 includes several lower sheet holes 174, which are aligned with corresponding bottom panel holes 178 located on the bottom panel 114. The lower sheet holes 174 provide positioning so that the lower sheet 154 is in the correct position relative to the bottom panel 114. For example, a bolt can pass through the lower sheet hole 174, and one or more corresponding holes on the bottom panel 114 and / or the top panel 118 to allow the bottom panel 114 and the top panel 118 to be connected. In some embodiments, the bottom panel hole 178 does not extend through the bottom panel 114. The lower sheet 154 also includes a first hole 182 disposed above the lower sheet hole 174. In some embodiments, the first hole 182 is generally rectangular. In other embodiments, the first hole 182 can be circular, octagonal, or other shapes required for a given application scenario. The first hole 182 is aligned with the slot 186 disposed in the bottom panel 114 and includes a first outlet opening 194. The slot 186 is in fluid communication with the first inlet hole 138. In other words, the first conduit 190 is provided to facilitate the flow of the first material 142 from the first inlet hole 138 to the groove 186. In one embodiment, the width W1 of the first outlet opening 194 is less than the width W2 of the first hole 182. Since the width W1 of the first outlet opening 194 is less than the width W2 of the first hole 182, the first material 142 is guided from the first hole 182 to the first outlet opening 194. The first outlet opening 194 is positioned on the second end 196 of the coating device 110. The second end 196 of the coating device 110 is opposite to the first end 140. The first outlet opening 194 allows the first material 142 to be applied to the substrate. The first hole 182 and the first outlet opening 194, as well as the first conduit 190 and the first inlet 138, together form the first flow path 166.

[0050] refer to Fig.10 In use, the first inlet hole 138 on the bottom panel 114 is connected to a nozzle (not shown). The nozzle supplies the first material 142 to the coating device 110. The nozzle can supply the first material 142 at a first pressure. The first material 142 passes through the first inlet hole 138, through the first conduit 190, and enters the groove 186. At this time, the volume of the first material 142 is close to the volume of the groove 186. Due to the limited space in the groove 186, the first material 142 is forced to leave the coating device 110 through the first outlet opening 194. Specifically, when the first material 142 continues to be supplied to the first inlet hole 138, the lower sheet 154 guides the first material 142 from the first hole 182 through the first outlet opening 194 and to the substrate.

[0051] refer to Figure 8 and Fig.11, the upper sheet 158 ​​includes several upper sheet holes 198 aligned with the top panel holes 202 on the top panel 118. The upper sheet holes 198 provide positioning so that the upper sheet 158 ​​is in the correct position relative to the top panel 118. For example, bolts can pass through the upper sheet holes 198 and the lower sheet holes 174, as well as one or more corresponding holes on the bottom panel 114 and / or the top panel 118 to allow the bottom panel 114 and the top panel 118 to be connected. The top panel holes 202 extend through the top panel 118. The upper sheet holes 198 also include material holes 206 aligned with the second conduit 210 connected to the second inlet hole 146. The upper sheet 158 ​​includes a second hole 214 connecting the material hole 206 to the second outlet opening 218. If desired, a slot (similar to the slot 186 in the bottom panel) can be provided in the top panel 118. The second outlet opening 218 is positioned on the second end 196 of the coating device 110. The second outlet opening 218 dispenses the second material 150 onto the substrate. The second hole 214 includes a curved wall 222 connecting the material hole 206 along the width of the upper sheet 158. The curved wall 222 can guide the material flow to the second outlet opening 218. The second hole 214 also includes an angled wall 226 connecting the material hole 206 to the second outlet opening 218. The angle of the angled wall 226 is set so that the width of the second hole 214 gradually decreases. For example, the width W3 of the curved wall 222 is less than the width W4 of the second outlet opening 218. This width reduction guides the second material 150 from the material hole 206 to the second outlet opening 218. The second hole 214 and the second outlet opening 218, as well as the second conduit 210 and the second inlet hole 146 together define a second flow path 170.

[0052] refer to Fig.11 and Fig.12 , the second inlet hole 146 of the top panel 118 is connected to the nozzle. The nozzle supplies the second material 150 to the coating device 110. The second material 150 passes through the second inlet hole 146, through the second conduit 210, and reaches the material hole 206 in the upper sheet 158. Due to the limited space in the material hole 206, the second material 150 is forced into the second hole 214. As the second material 150 continues to travel into the second hole 214, the second material 150 is then forced through the second outlet opening 218.

[0053] refer to Fig. 9, the isolation sheet 162 includes isolation holes 230 aligned with the upper sheet holes 198 and the lower sheet holes 174, so that the isolation sheet 162 is aligned with the upper sheet 158 ​​and the lower sheet 154. The rest of the isolation sheet 162 is a solid material 234. In one embodiment, the solid material 234 has a strength sufficient to withstand the pressure of the first material 142 and / or the second material 150 applied. The solid material 234 prevents the first material 142 from interacting with the second material 150. In particular, the solid material 234 covers the first hole 182 of the lower sheet 154. Therefore, the first material 142 held in the groove 186 in the bottom panel 114 is isolated from the second material 150 by the isolation sheet 162.

[0054] In other embodiments, coating device 110 may include additional sheets to provide additional flow paths. Each additional flow path created by the sheets includes a spacer sheet 162. In other words, spacer sheet 162 is disposed between adjacent sheets that create flow paths.

[0055] refer to Figure 6 and Fig.13, in order to place the lower sheet 154, the upper sheet 158 ​​and the isolation sheet 162 into the coating device 110, the top panel 118 is moved from the closed position to the open position (step 310). Once the top panel 118 is in the open position, the lower sheet 154 is placed on the bottom inner surface 134 so that the lower sheet holes 174 are aligned with the bottom panel holes 178 (step 314). The isolation sheet 162 is then placed on the lower sheet 154 so that the lower sheet holes 174 are aligned with the isolation holes 230 (step 318). The upper sheet 158 ​​is then placed on the isolation sheet 162 so that the isolation holes 230 are aligned with the upper sheet holes 198 (step 322). Fasteners can be inserted through the upper sheet holes 198, the isolation holes 230, the lower sheet holes 174 and the bottom panel holes 178 to secure the sheets to the bottom panel 114 (step 326). In other embodiments, the upper sheet 158, the lower sheet 154 and the isolation sheet 162 can be fixed to the coating device 110 only by the clamping force provided between the top panel 118 and the bottom panel 114. In other embodiments, the sheets can be fixed to the coating device 110 by alternative means. Once the upper sheet 158, the isolation sheet 162 and the lower sheet 154 are arranged on the bottom panel 114, the top panel 118 can be pivoted to the closed position (step 330). Once in the closed position, the user can start the coating process (step 334). Steps 314 and 318 can be repeated until the desired number of flow paths are included in the coating device 110. For example, a second isolation sheet can be placed on the upper sheet 158, and a third sheet can be placed on the second isolation sheet so that the third sheet produces additional flow paths.

[0056] refer to Fig.13 , during the coating process, as described above, the first inlet hole 138 on the bottom panel 114 is connected to the nozzle, and the second inlet hole 146 on the top panel 118 is connected to the nozzle (step 410). These nozzles supply the first material 142 and the second material 150 to the first inlet hole 138 and the second inlet hole 146, respectively (step 414). Additional inlets may be included in the coating device 110, so that additional nozzles are connected to the additional inlets. In some embodiments, the first inlet hole 138 and the second inlet hole 146 may be connected to the nozzle at the same time to allow the first material and the second material to be supplied simultaneously. In other embodiments, the first inlet hole 138 and the second inlet hole 146 may be connected to the nozzle at different times.

[0057] The first material 142 is pushed through the first flow path 166 (step 418). Once the first material 142 reaches the first outlet opening 194, the first material 142 is dispensed onto the substrate (steps 422 and 426). Similarly, the second material 150 is pushed through the second flow path 170 (step 418). Once the second material 150 reaches the second outlet opening 218, the second material 150 is dispensed onto the substrate (steps 422 and 426). In some embodiments, the first material 142 and the second material 150 are dispensed onto the substrate simultaneously. By dispensing the first material and the second material simultaneously, the time required to manufacture the electrode assembly is reduced due to the reduced number of operations required to apply the active coating to the electrode assembly.

[0058] The outlet pressure, or the force that forces the first material 142 and the second material 150 to exit the first outlet opening 194 and the second outlet opening 218, respectively, is determined based on the rate at which the first material 142 and the second material 150 are supplied from the nozzle. In some embodiments, the first material 142 and the second material 150 may be supplied from the nozzle at the same rate. In other embodiments, the first material 142 and the second material 150 may be supplied from the nozzle at different rates. The outlet pressure may also be determined by the material composition of the first material 142 and the second material 150. In some embodiments, the amount of the first material 142 applied to the substrate may be the same as the amount of the second material 150 applied to the substrate. In other embodiments, the amount of the first material 142 applied to the substrate may be different from the amount of the second material 150 applied to the substrate.

[0059] The thickness of the first material 142 and the second material 150 on the substrate can be determined by the thickness of the lower sheet 154 and the upper sheet 158 ​​and / or the movement speed of the coating device. For example, when the lower sheet 154 and the upper sheet 158 ​​define the thickness, the thickness is respectively related to the thickness of the first flow path 166 and the second flow path 170. In some embodiments, the lower sheet 154 and the upper sheet 158 ​​have a thickness of 0.3 mm. However, other thickness values ​​greater than 0.3 mm or less than 0.3 mm may also be considered according to the needs of a given application scenario. In addition, the present technology can easily change the thickness of the first flow path 166 and the second flow path 170 by changing the thickness of the lower sheet 154 and the upper sheet 158. For example, if the thickness of the sheet is 0.3 mm, the user can achieve a thickness of 0.6 mm by using two sheets together. Two or more lower sheets 154 and / or upper sheets 158 can be used together to achieve different thicknesses. In this way, the user can easily and accurately adjust the height of the outlet opening, thereby changing the thickness of the active material applied to the relevant substrate. In addition, different numbers of lower sheets 154 and / or upper sheets 158 may have different thicknesses, so that the combination of a subset of lower sheets / upper sheets can allow the outlet opening to have a desired height, and therefore allow the active material of the desired thickness to be applied to the desired substrate. In some embodiments, the thickness of the lower sheet 154 can be the same as the thickness of the upper sheet 158. In other embodiments, the thickness of the lower sheet 154 can be different from the thickness of the upper sheet 158. In addition, the thickness of the first material 142 and the second material 150 can be determined by the thickness of the first outlet opening 194 and the second outlet opening 218. In some embodiments, the thickness of the first outlet opening 194 can be the same as the thickness of the second outlet opening 218. In other embodiments, the thickness of the first outlet opening 194 can be different from the thickness of the second outlet opening 218. Similarly, the width of the first material 142 and the second material 150 on the substrate may be determined by the width of the lower sheet 154 and the upper sheet 158. In some embodiments, the width of the lower sheet 154 may be the same as the width of the upper sheet 158. In other embodiments, the width of the lower sheet 154 may be different from the width of the upper sheet 158. In addition, the width of the first material 142 and the second material 150 on the substrate may be determined by the width of the first outlet opening 194 and the second outlet opening 218. In some embodiments, the width of the first outlet opening 194 may be the same as the width of the second outlet opening 218. In other embodiments, the width of the first outlet opening 194 may be different from the width of the second outlet opening 218. Therefore, the thickness and width of the first material 142 and the second material 150 on the substrate may be the same or different.

[0060] The coating device 110 described in the present application can be used to coat electrode substrates with different material layers. For example, the inner layer close to the substrate may be more viscous, so that the active material can be firmly adhered to the substrate. The outer layer may include a higher concentration of active materials to provide a higher energy density, and it is easier to adhere to the inner layer. In some embodiments, the first material 142 is a material with a higher concentration of adhesive, and the second material 150 is a material with a higher concentration of active materials. In some embodiments, the first outlet opening 194 may be positioned upstream of the second outlet opening 218. Therefore, the first material 142 can be applied to the substrate, and the second material 150 can be applied to the first material 142. In this way, electrodes with different layers of different materials can be formed. In some embodiments, the first material and the second material can have different compositions as needed.

[0061] In some embodiments, the layer of the first material 142 and the layer of the second material 150 may be applied so that the layers of the first material 142 and the layers of the second material 150 have different heights. For example, the layer of the first material 142 may be thinner than the layer of the second material 150. In this case, the height of the first outlet opening 194 may have a height H1 that is less than the height H2 of the second outlet opening 218. In other embodiments, the layer of the first material 142 may be thicker than the layer of the second material 150, and the layer of the second material 150 may be thinner. In this case, the height H1 of the first outlet opening is greater than the height H2 of the second outlet opening 218. In some embodiments, the height of the first outlet opening 194 is the same as the height H2 of the second outlet opening 218. The height H1 and the height H2 are equal to the thickness of the lower sheet 154 and the upper sheet 158, respectively.

[0062] In some examples, the substrate moves relative to the coating device 110 during the active material application process. In other examples, the coating device 110 can move relative to the substrate. Using the present invention, layers of different materials can be applied to the substrate at the same time. Different materials can mix at the interface between the two layers, which will enhance the adhesion between the layers. Peeling of the layers can be prevented.

[0063] Thus, the embodiments described herein provide a coating apparatus 110 for an electrode assembly 10 of a battery cell. Various features and advantages are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A coating device for an electrode of a battery cell, the coating device comprising: a bottom panel; a top panel detachably coupled to the bottom panel; at least one lower sheet in contact with the bottom panel and defining a first flow path; at least one upper sheet in contact with the top panel and defining a second flow path; a separator sheet disposed between the lower sheet and the upper sheet and configured to isolate the first flow path from the second flow path.

2. The coating device according to claim 1, wherein, the first flow path is in fluid communication with a first outlet opening, and the second flow path is in fluid communication with a second outlet opening.

3. The coating device according to claim 2, wherein, the height of the first outlet opening is equal to or higher than the height of the second outlet opening.

4. The coating device according to claim 2, wherein, the height of the first outlet opening is equal to or less than the height of the second outlet opening.

5. The coating device according to claim 1, wherein, the at least one lower sheet includes a hole coupled to the first outlet opening, and wherein the width defined by the first outlet opening is less than the width defined by the hole.

6. The coating device according to claim 1, wherein, the first flow path is coupled to a first inlet hole, and wherein the first inlet hole receives a first material.

7. The coating device according to claim 1, wherein, the second flow path is coupled to two second inlet holes, and wherein the two second inlet holes receive a second material.

8. The coating device according to claim 7, wherein, the second flow path includes a second hole that guides the received second material to the second outlet opening, wherein the second hole includes a curved wall configured to guide the flow of the second material to the second outlet opening.

9. The coating device according to claim 8, wherein, the second hole further includes an angled wall that connects the second hole to the second outlet opening.

10. The coating device according to claim 1, wherein, one or more of the bottom panel and the top panel include a groove.

11. The coating device according to claim 1, wherein, one or more of the at least one lower sheet and / or the at least one upper sheet include at least two sheets to obtain a desired thickness.

12. A coating device for an electrode of a battery cell, the coating device comprising: a bottom panel having a first inlet hole and a first outlet opening configured to apply a first material to a substrate material associated with a first electrode of the battery cell; and a top panel having a second inlet hole and a second outlet opening configured to apply a second material to the substrate material associated with the first electrode of the battery cell; wherein the first material is different from the second material.

13. The coating device according to claim 12, wherein, the bottom panel defines a first flow path, the top panel defines a second flow path, and the first flow path is isolated from the second flow path.

14. The coating device according to claim 13, wherein the coating device further comprises a lower sheet forming the first flow path.

15. The coating device according to claim 14, wherein the coating device further comprises an upper sheet forming the second flow path.

16. The coating device according to claim 15, wherein the coating device further comprises a separator sheet disposed between the lower sheet and the upper sheet.

17. The coating device according to claim 12, wherein, the first material and the second material are applied to the substrate material simultaneously.

18. A method for coating a substrate of an electrode of a battery cell, the method comprising: providing a coating device having at least a first flow path and a second flow path; supplying a first material through the first flow path; supplying a second material through the second flow path; moving the substrate of the electrode of the battery cell relative to the coating device; dispensing the first material onto the substrate of the electrode; and dispensing the second material onto the dispensed first material.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, dispensing the first material and dispensing the second material are performed simultaneously.

20. The method according to claim 18, wherein, the first flow path is defined by a lower sheet, the second flow path is defined by an upper sheet, and wherein a separator sheet is positioned between the lower sheet and the upper sheet such that the first flow path is isolated from the second flow path.

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