Device and method for mixing materials for battery cells

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for mixing materials for battery cells. According to the invention, the device (1) comprises a mixing device (2) for mixing the materials and a metering device (3) for metering and feeding the materials to the mixing device (2), wherein the metering device (3) is arranged above the mixing device (2). The invention further relates to a method for mixing materials for battery cells.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for mixing materials for battery cells according to the features of the preamble of claim 1 and a method for mixing materials for battery cells.

[0002] A slurry production line for a pole piece of a lithium-ion battery is known from the prior art, as described in CN 106981623 B. The slurry production line includes a raw material storage device, a feeding device, a premixing device, a slurry storage device, a high-speed stirring device, a buffer device, a turning device, a filter device, a finished product storage device, a nitrogen filling and releasing device, a vacuum extraction device, a vacuum maintenance device, and a vacuum bypass circuit.The production line can realize fully automatic continuous production of lithium-ion battery pole piece slurry by only adding the raw materials into the raw material storage device without feeding different batches, so that pollution in slurry preparation can be avoided.

[0003] The invention is based on the object of providing a device and a method for mixing materials for battery cells that are improved compared to the prior art.

[0004] The object is achieved according to the invention by a device for mixing materials for battery cells having the features of claim 1 and a method for mixing materials for battery cells having the features of claim 8.

[0005] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims.

[0006] According to the invention, a device for mixing materials for battery cells comprises a mixing device for mixing the materials and a dosing device for dosing and feeding the materials to the mixing device. The dosing device is arranged above the mixing device. The dosing device can therefore also be referred to, for example, as a dosing head.

[0007] In a method according to the invention for mixing materials for battery cells by means of the device, the materials are dosed by means of the dosing device, fed to the mixing device and mixed in the mixing device.

[0008] The device and method are intended, for example, for mixing materials for battery cells of lithium-ion batteries and / or solid-state batteries, in particular for mixing materials for battery cells of traction batteries for vehicles. Such traction batteries serve, in particular, to supply electrical energy to at least one electric drive motor for driving the vehicle.

[0009] The material mixture, in particular the electrode material mixture, of the mixed materials, in particular electrode materials, is also referred to as a slurry. This material mixture, in particular the electrode material mixture, is intended, for example, for coating electrode foils. It is in the form of a paste, for example.

[0010] The device is designed, for example, to carry out a dry mixing process and / or a wet mixing process for mixing the materials. The process carried out by means of the device in the manner described is thus, for example, a dry mixing process or a wet mixing process.

[0011] In one possible embodiment, the device comprises, for example, a mixing container and a device, for example an agitator, for mixing the materials in the mixing container. The materials are fed to the mixing container of the mixing device, i.e., filled therein, and mixed therein. This embodiment of the device is intended, for example, for carrying out the wet mixing process. Here, for example, a solvent is fed to the mixing device, in particular the mixing container, in addition to the materials and mixed with them. The solvent causes, in particular, a dissolution or partial dissolution of the materials and their mixing in this dissolved or partially dissolved state.

[0012] Thus, in one possible embodiment, the device also comprises a solvent supply unit for supplying the solvent to the mixing device. For example, this solvent supply unit or at least one component of the solvent supply unit is a component of the dosing device. For example, the solvent supply unit additionally comprises a solvent reservoir connected to the dosing device, from which the solvent can be supplied to the dosing device or is supplied in the process. Thus, in the process, in addition to the materials, the solvent is also supplied to the mixing device. In particular, it is dosed by means of the dosing device and then supplied to the mixing device.

[0013] In one possible embodiment, the device comprises, for example, a calender as a mixing device. This embodiment of the device is intended, for example, for carrying out the dry mixing process.

[0014] The solution according to the invention eliminates several work steps and transfer containers compared to the prior art, because previously each component for producing the material mixture, in particular the electrode material mixture, in particular the slurry, i.e. each material, in particular electrode material, is weighed individually at a weighing station, in particular manually, and filled into a closed transfer container, in particular in a dry atmosphere. If necessary, the respective material, in particular electrode material, must first be dried before weighing. By means of this respective transfer container, the respective material, in particular electrode material, is transported to the mixing device and the respective transfer container is emptied into the mixing device, i.e. each material, in particular electrode material, is added to the mixing device according to the recipe.This is eliminated with the inventive solution, because the inventive solution, in particular the integration of the dosing device, enables an advantageously automatic dosing directly in the dosing device above the mixing device and the subsequent, advantageously automatic, feeding of the respective material dosed in this way to the mixing device. The inventive solution is thus more efficient, for example, faster, and more cost-effective.

[0015] In one possible embodiment of the device, the dosing device has a separate dosing unit for each material. The respective dosing unit has, in particular, a material storage container for the material and a dosing device for dosing the material from the material storage container. The dosing and, in particular, the supply of the respective material to the mixing device is thus carried out by the respective dosing unit. In the process, the respective material is thus dosed by the respective dosing unit and, in particular, also supplied to the mixing device by the respective dosing unit.

[0016] For example, the device also has its own dosing unit for the solvent, in particular also with a dosing device. This dosing unit is, for example, the solvent supply unit or a component of the solvent supply unit. For example, the solvent supply unit additionally has the solvent storage container, which is then connected to the dosing unit for the solvent. The solvent can then be fed from the solvent storage container to the dosing unit or is fed during the process. In the process, the solvent is thus also dosed by means of the dosing unit provided for this purpose, to which it is fed, for example, from the solvent storage container, and in particular also fed to the mixing device via this dosing unit.

[0017] The dosing units are arranged in particular next to one another, in particular transversely to the mixing device.

[0018] The respective dosing unit is designed, for example, for gravimetric or volumetric dosing, i.e., in particular, for gravimetric or volumetric measuring or weighing. In the method, the respective material or solvent is thus dosed, in particular measured or weighed, gravimetrically or volumetrically, in particular by means of the respective dosing unit.

[0019] In one possible embodiment of the device, the dosing device is movable transversely to the mixing device, in particular linearly, in particular such that an outlet of the dosing unit of the material or solvent intended for supply to the mixing device can be positioned above an inlet of the mixing device. The device thus has, for example, a movement device designed to move the dosing device in the manner described. This movement device has, in particular, a drive unit, for example an electric, pneumatic and / or hydraulic drive unit, for example a linear drive. As a result, this movement of the dosing device can be carried out in an automated and / or precise manner.

[0020] The method then accordingly provides that, in order to supply the respective metered material or solvent to the mixing device, the metering device is moved transversely to the mixing device, in particular linearly, until the outlet of the metering unit of the respective material or solvent intended for supply to the mixing device is / is positioned above the inlet of the mixing device, and then the respective material or solvent intended for supply to the mixing device is / is supplied to the inlet of the mixing device via the outlet of the metering unit. This movement of the metering device takes place in particular by means of the movement device, in particular electrically, pneumatically and / or hydraulically driven, in particular automated.

[0021] This solution enables the respective material or solvent to be fed to the mixing device even if a total width of the dosing units arranged next to one another exceeds a width of the mixing device, in particular a width of its inlet.

[0022] In one possible embodiment, the device has an intermediate unit between the dosing device and the mixing device, which is designed to receive the dosed materials and, if provided, the solvent, and to convey them to the mixing device. The intermediate unit is designed, for example, as a funnel. In particular, it is provided that a width of an inlet opening of the funnel facing the dosing device is at least as large as a total width of the outlets of the dosing units arranged next to one another or greater than this total width, and an outlet opening of the funnel facing the mixing device is at most as large as the inlet of the mixing device or smaller than this inlet.The method then accordingly provides that the metered materials and, if provided, the solvent are fed from the metering device to the intermediate unit, in particular the funnel, and are passed on through this intermediate unit to the mixing device.

[0023] This solution also enables the respective material and, if provided, the solvent to be fed to the mixing device, namely via the intermediate unit, which is designed in particular as a funnel, when the total width of the dosing units arranged next to one another exceeds the width of the mixing device, in particular the width of its inlet. This embodiment does not require any movement of the dosing device. This embodiment can therefore be implemented with less effort and lower cost, and is less prone to failure, since the moving device for moving the dosing device, which could be prone to failure, is eliminated. Furthermore, with this solution, the materials and, if provided, also the solvent, for example, can be fed to the intermediate unit simultaneously, thereby reducing the time required for the process.The embodiment without the intermediate unit, for example, has a lower overall height since the intermediate unit, which requires additional installation space, is omitted.

[0024] In the embodiment with the intermediate unit, which is particularly designed as a funnel, the materials and, for example, also the solvent, if provided, are fed to the mixing device via this intermediate unit. The above-described feeding to the mixing device via the metering device can thus be a direct feed from the metering device to the mixing device, for example, by means of the movable metering device, or an indirect feed from the metering device to the mixing device via the intermediate unit, which is particularly designed as a funnel.

[0025] In one possible embodiment of the device, the dosing device is connected to at least one dryer unit for drying at least one of the materials and for feeding the at least one dried material to the dosing device. For example, at least one of the dosing units is connected to such a dryer unit or several or all dosing units, at least the dosing units provided for the materials, are each connected to such a dryer unit. The method then provides that the at least one or respective material in question is first dried in the dryer unit and then, i.e. in particular in this dried state, is fed to the dosing device, in particular to the dosing unit in question, and is then dosed in the manner described above, fed to the mixing device and mixed in the mixing device.This embodiment thus enables a completely online process or inline process, i.e. a closed and in particular automated process sequence from drying to mixing.

[0026] Drying the materials makes weight determination and therefore dosing more accurate, as no moisture is included in the weighing.

[0027] For example, the device has at least one control device, in particular for controlling and / or regulating the dosing device, in particular the dosing and feed and, for example, also the movement of the dosing device, for example a microcontroller or processor. The control device can, for example, also be provided for controlling and / or regulating the dryer unit or the plurality of dryer units. For example, the device can also have a further control device for controlling and / or regulating the dryer unit or the plurality of dryer units. For example, the device can also have a separate control device for controlling and / or regulating each dryer unit. For example, the device can also have a separate control device for controlling and / or regulating each dosing unit.This solution enables, in particular, automation of the device and thus, in particular, automated execution of the process.

[0028] Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

[0029] Showing: Fig. 1 schematically shows an embodiment of an apparatus and a method for mixing materials for battery cells, Fig. 2 schematically shows another embodiment of the device and the method, Fig. 3 schematically shows another embodiment of the device and method, and Fig. 4 schematically shows another embodiment of the device and the method.

[0030] Corresponding parts are provided with the same reference numerals in all figures.

[0031] Based on the Fig. 1 to 4, various embodiments of a device 1 and a method for mixing materials for battery cells are described below. The illustrations in the Fig. 1 to 4 are schematically simplified, as they are intended to illustrate the basic principles of the solution described below.

[0032] The device 1 comprises a mixing device 2 for mixing the materials and a dosing device 3 for dosing and feeding the materials to the mixing device 2. This dosing device 3 is arranged above the mixing device 2.

[0033] In the method for mixing materials using device 1, the materials are metered by means of metering device 3 and fed to mixing device 2, in particular by being metered out of metering device 3 into mixing device 2 or fed thereto. This solution thus enables, advantageously automatic, metering directly in metering device 3 above mixing device 2 and, advantageously automatic, feeding of the respective material metered in this manner to mixing device 2.

[0034] The materials are then mixed in the mixing device 2.

[0035] As materials, for example, electrode materials, in particular cathode materials and / or anode materials, for battery cells and / or electrolyte materials for battery cells and / or separator materials for battery cells can be metered and mixed in the manner described by means of the device 1. In the method, for example, electrode materials, in particular cathode materials and / or anode materials, for battery cells and / or electrolyte materials for battery cells and / or separator materials for battery cells are metered and mixed in the manner described, in particular depending on what is to be produced.

[0036] After completion of the process, a finished mixture of materials, i.e., a finished material mixture, is then present in a mixture container 4. In particular, if the material mixture is an electrode material mixture, the mixture container 4 can then be transported, for example, to a coating system in which, for example, electrode foils are coated with the electrode material mixture. Alternatively, the electrode material mixture can be transported to the coating system, for example, via a pipeline, i.e., via a conduit. If the material mixture is an electrolyte material mixture or a separator material mixture, it can, for example, also be transported for further use via the mixture container 4 or via a pipeline.

[0037] The device 1 is designed, for example, to carry out a dry mixing process and / or a wet mixing process for mixing the materials. The process carried out by means of the device 1 in the manner described is thus, for example, a dry mixing process or a wet mixing process.

[0038] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the device 1 comprises, for example, a mixing container and a device, such as an agitator, for mixing the materials in the mixing container as a mixing device 2. The materials are fed into the mixing container of the mixing device 2, i.e., filled into it, and mixed therein.

[0039] In the embodiment according to Fig. 1, a solvent is supplied to the mixing device 2, in particular the mixing container, in addition to the materials and mixed with them.

[0040] The device 1 thus has in the embodiment according to Fig. 1 also has a solvent supply unit 5 for supplying the solvent to the mixing device 2. For example, this solvent supply unit 5 or at least one component of the solvent supply unit 5 is a component of the metering device 3. In the embodiment according to Fig. 1, the solvent supply unit 5 additionally has a solvent reservoir 6 connected to the dosing device 3, from which the solvent can be supplied to the dosing device 3 or is supplied during the process. Thus, in addition to the materials, the solvent is also supplied to the mixing device 2 during the process. It is dosed, in particular, by means of the dosing device 3 and then supplied to the mixing device 2.

[0041] In the embodiment according to Fig. 2, the device 1 has, for example, a calender as mixing device 2.

[0042] In further possible embodiments, other mixing devices 2 may also be provided, for example an extruder.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiments of the device 1, the dosing device 3 has a separate dosing unit 7 for each material. The respective dosing unit 7 has, in particular, a material storage container for the material and a dosing device for dosing the material from the material storage container. The dosing and, in particular, also the supply of the respective material to the mixing device 2 is thus carried out by the respective dosing unit 7. In the process, the respective material is thus dosed by the respective dosing unit 7 and, in particular, also supplied to the mixing device 2 by the respective dosing unit 7.

[0044] In the embodiment according to Fig. 1, the device 1, in particular its dosing device 3, also has its own dosing unit 7 for the solvent, in particular also with a dosing device. This dosing unit 7 is, for example, the solvent supply unit 5 or a component of the solvent supply unit 5.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment according to Fig. 1, the solvent supply unit 5 additionally comprises the solvent reservoir 6, which is then connected to the dosing unit 7 for the solvent. The solvent can then be supplied from the solvent reservoir 6 to the dosing unit 7 or is supplied during the process. During the process, the solvent is thus also dosed by means of the designated dosing unit 7, to which it is supplied, for example, from the solvent reservoir 6, and in particular also supplied to the mixing device 2 via this dosing unit 7.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment according to Fig. 1, the solvent reservoir 6 is connected to the dosing unit 7 for the solvent via a solvent line 8, via which the solvent can be fed from the solvent reservoir 6 to the dosing unit 7 for the solvent. In this embodiment, the dosing unit 7 for the solvent, as a component of the solvent supply unit 5, is also a component of the dosing device 3. The solvent reservoir 6, as a further component of the solvent supply unit 5, is, for example, also a component of the dosing device 3 or a separate element. In other embodiments, this solvent reservoir 6 is, for example, a component of the dosing unit 7, i.e., the dosing unit 7 then comprises the solvent reservoir 6 and the dosing device. The solvent supply unit 5 is then identical to the dosing unit 7 for the solvent and thus, overall, a component of the dosing device 3.

[0047] In the embodiments shown, the dosing units 7 are arranged next to one another, in particular transversely to the mixing device 2.

[0048] The respective dosing unit 7 is designed, for example, for gravimetric or volumetric dosing, i.e., in particular, for gravimetric or volumetric measuring or weighing. In the method, the respective material or solvent, if provided, is thus gravimetrically or volumetrically dosed, in particular measured or weighed, in particular by means of the respective dosing unit 7.

[0049] As in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, it can be problematic to position all dosing units 7 simultaneously over an inlet of the mixing device 2. Therefore, in a Fig. 3 schematically illustrated further embodiment, it is provided that the dosing device 3 is movable transversely to the mixing device 2, in particular is movable linearly, in particular such that an outlet of the dosing unit 7 of the material intended for supply to the mixing device 2 or of the solvent, if the solvent is provided, can be positioned above an inlet of the mixing device 2. The movement of the dosing device 3 is in Fig. 3 is schematically represented by a movement arrow P. The dosing device 3 can, for example, be moved at least along a horizontal plane in a first direction or a second direction, wherein the second direction can be a direction opposite to the first direction. The device 1 thus has, for example, a movement device designed to move the dosing device 3 in the manner described. This movement device has, in particular, a drive unit, for example, a linear drive. As a result, this movement of the dosing device 3 can be carried out in an automated manner.

[0050] The method then accordingly provides that, in order to feed the respective metered material or solvent to the mixing device 2, the metering device 3 is moved transversely to the mixing device 2, in particular linearly, until the outlet of the metering unit 7 of the material or solvent intended for supply to the mixing device 2 is / is positioned above the inlet of the mixing device 2, and then the material or solvent intended for supply to the mixing device 2 is / is supplied to the inlet of the mixing device 2 via the outlet of the metering unit 7. Of course, this only applies to the solvent if the supply of solvent is provided. This movement of the metering device 3 takes place in particular by means of the movement device, in particular in an automated manner. Thus, a high degree of automation in the manufacturing process can be achieved.

[0051] This solution enables the respective material or solvent to be fed to the mixing device 2 even if a total width of the dosing units 7 arranged next to one another exceeds a width of the mixing device 2, in particular a width of its inlet.

[0052] Fig. 4 shows a further embodiment for solving this problem. In this embodiment, the device 1 has an intermediate unit 9 between the dosing device 3 and the mixing device 2, which is designed to receive the dosed materials and, if provided, the solvent, and to forward them to the mixing device 2. The intermediate unit 9 is designed, for example, as a funnel. In particular, it is provided that a width of an inlet opening of the intermediate unit 9 facing the dosing device 3 is at least as large as a total width of the outlets of the adjacently arranged dosing units 7, and an outlet opening of the intermediate unit 9 facing the mixing device 2 is at most as large as the inlet of the mixing device 2.In the method, it is then correspondingly provided that the metered materials and, if provided, the solvent are fed from the metering device 3 to the intermediate unit 9, which is designed in particular as a funnel, and are passed on through this intermediate unit 9 to the mixing device 2.

[0053] This solution also makes it possible, if the total width of the dosing units 7 arranged next to one another exceeds the width of the mixing device 2, in particular the width of its inlet, to feed the respective material and, if provided, the solvent to the mixing device 2, namely via the intermediate unit 9, which is designed in particular as a funnel.

[0054] As in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the dosing device 3 can be coupled or connected to at least one dryer unit 10 for drying at least one of the materials and for supplying the at least one dried material to the dosing device 3. In the embodiments according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, all dosing units 7 provided for the materials are each coupled or connected to such a dryer unit 10.

[0055] The method then provides that the at least one or respective material in question is first dried in the drying unit 10 and then, ie in particular in this dried state, is fed to the dosing device 3, in particular to the dosing unit 7 in question, and is then dosed in the manner described above, fed to the mixing device 2 and mixed in the mixing device 2.

[0056] This embodiment thus enables a completely online or inline process, i.e. a closed and particularly automated process sequence from drying to mixing. Since this drying is only necessary if the material in question is not already dry and is therefore only an optional possibility, the dryer units 10 are Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are framed to indicate that they are an optional component of device 1.

[0057] In the embodiments according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the respective dryer unit 10 is connected via a material line 11 to the dosing unit 7 assigned to it, via which the material dried in the dryer unit 10 is fed to the dosing unit 7.

[0058] The device 1 has, for example, at least one control device, in particular for controlling and / or regulating the dosing device 3, in particular the dosing and feed and, for example, also the movement of the dosing device 3. The control unit can, for example, also be provided for controlling and / or regulating the dryer unit 10 or the plurality of dryer units 10. For example, the device 1 can also have a further control device for controlling and / or regulating the dryer unit 10 or the plurality of dryer units 10. For example, the device 1 can also have a separate control device for each dryer unit 10 for controlling and / or regulating it. For example, the device 1 can also have a separate control device for each dosing unit 7 for controlling and / or regulating it.This solution enables, in particular, automation of the device 1 and thus, in particular, automated execution of the method.

[0059] The features and advantages mentioned herein with respect to the device for mixing materials for battery cells may also relate to the method mentioned herein for mixing materials for battery cells and vice versa. List of reference symbols 1 device 2 mixing device 3 Dosing device 4 mixture tanks 5 Solvent supply unit 6 solvent storage tanks 7 Dosing unit 8 Solvent line 9 Intermediate unit 10 Dryer unit 11 Material line P Movement arrow QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] CN 106981623 B

[0002]

Claims

[1] Device (1) for mixing materials for battery cells, characterized by a mixing device (2) for mixing the materials and a dosing device (3) for dosing and feeding the materials to the mixing device (2), wherein the dosing device (3) is arranged above the mixing device (2). [2] Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the dosing device (3) has a separate dosing unit (7) for each material. [3] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the respective dosing unit (7) is designed for gravimetric or volumetric dosing. [4] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that - the dosing device (3) is movable transversely to the mixing device (2), or - an intermediate unit (9) is provided between the dosing device (3) and the mixing device (2), which is designed to receive the dosed materials and to forward them to the mixing device (2). [5] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that as materials - Electrode materials, in particular cathode materials and / or anode materials, for battery cells and / or - Electrolyte materials for battery cells and / or - Separator materials for battery cells are dosable and mixable. [6] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, designed to carry out a dry mixing process and / or a wet mixing process for mixing the materials. [7] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the dosing device (3) is connected to at least one dryer unit (10) for drying at least one of the materials and for feeding the at least one dried material to the dosing device (3). [8] Method for mixing materials for battery cells by means of a device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the materials are dosed by means of the dosing device (3), fed to the mixing device (2) and mixed in the mixing device (2). [9] Method according to claim 8, characterized by that the respective material is dosed gravimetrically or volumetrically. [10] Method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by , that - to feed the respective metered material to the mixing device (2), the metering device (3) is moved transversely to the mixing device (2) until an outlet of the metering unit (7) of the material intended for feeding to the mixing device (2) is positioned above an inlet of the mixing device (2), and then the material intended for feeding to the mixing device (2) is fed to the inlet of the mixing device (2) via the outlet of the metering unit (7), or - the dosed materials are fed from the dosing device (3) to the intermediate unit (9) and are passed on to the mixing device (2) by the intermediate unit (9).

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