Powder adjustment unit

Abstract

To provide a powder adjustment unit capable of suppressing the variation in weight per unit area by making the powder amount uniform to improve the flowability of the powder.SOLUTION: A powder adjustment unit in an embodiment for adding fluidity to powder by giving the powder some vibration includes: a squeegee that vibrates at frequencies between 2 kHz and 300 kHz; a fitting that is curved at a predetermined angle; and a vibrator. The squeegee and the vibrator are connected via the fitting. The squeegee vibrates in multiple directions at the same time, with multiple different vibration components combined. Multiple vibration components include a component in the axial direction along the longer direction of the squeegee.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a powder adjustment unit.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the dry coating method of directly coating powder has attracted attention as a method capable of forming a powder layer with high performance and low environmental impact compared to the wet coating method of dispersing powder in a solvent and coating. According to the dry coating method, damage to the powder by the solvent can be suppressed, high performance can be maintained, there is no need to dry the solvent, and a powder layer with a significantly reduced energy consumption can be obtained.

[0003] As a dry coating method for powder, conventionally, a technique of coating powder on the surface of a sheet while conveying the sheet such as a metal foil by a conveying device is known.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of coating powder on the surfaces of a positive electrode and a negative electrode. Patent Document 1 discloses that after supplying powder to the surface of the positive electrode or the negative electrode, the supplied powder is flattened by vibrating the powder with a powder amount adjustment unit, thereby uniformly adjusting the thickness of the powder on the surfaces of the positive electrode and the negative electrode.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, in Patent Document 1, variations occur in the basis weight of the applied powder layer. Therefore, when high accuracy of the basis weight is required, there is room for improvement with respect to the variations in the basis weight of the applied powder layer. To improve this, it is conceivable to further improve the fluidity of the powder, but Patent Document 1 has not devised any method for realizing this improvement.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a powder adjustment unit that can equalize the amount of powder and suppress variations in the basis weight by improving the fluidity of the powder.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The powder adjustment unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a squeegee that vibrates the powder by vibrating at a frequency of 2 kHz or more and 300 kHz or less, a joint that curves with a curvature of a predetermined angle, and a vibrator connected to the squeegee via the joint. The squeegee vibrates in a plurality of directions simultaneously by combining a plurality of different vibration components, and the plurality of vibration components indicating the plurality of directions in which the squeegee vibrates include at least a component in the axial direction along the longitudinal direction of the squeegee.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the powder adjustment unit of the present disclosure, by improving the fluidity of the powder, it is possible to equalize the amount of powder and suppress variations in the basis weight.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Note that all of the embodiments described below show comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions of components, connection forms, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. In addition, among the components in the following embodiments, the components not described in the independent claims are described as optional components.

[0012] In addition, each figure is a schematic diagram that has been appropriately emphasized, omitted, or adjusted in ratio to show the present disclosure, and is not necessarily drawn precisely, and may differ from the actual shape, positional relationship, and ratio. In each figure, the same reference numerals are given to substantially the same configurations, and duplicate descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0013] In addition, in the following embodiments, expressions such as the vibration direction or circular shape are used. For example, the vibration direction or circular shape not only means that it is completely in the vibration direction or circular shape, but also means that it is substantially in the vibration direction or circular shape, that is, it includes an error of about several percent. Also, the vibration direction or circular shape means the vibration direction or circular shape within the range in which the effects according to the present disclosure can be achieved. The same applies to other expressions using "direction" and "shape".

[0014] (Overview) Hereinafter, a powder adjustment unit according to the present disclosure will be described.

[0015] A powder adjustment unit according to an aspect of the present disclosure applies vibration to powder, thereby improving the fluidity of the powder, suppressing powder clogging, and enabling uniformization of the amount of powder. The powder adjustment unit includes a vibrator, a joint (horn), and a squeegee. The vibrator and the squeegee are connected via the joint. The vibrator is a mechanism that generates vibration. The joint has a role of transmitting vibration to the squeegee and a function of dispersing the vibration direction. The squeegee transmits vibration to the powder and imparts fluidity to the powder. The structure of the joint is curved with a curvature at a predetermined angle in order to disperse the vibration direction. Further, the squeegee may be provided with a vibration dispersion mechanism.

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0017] (Embodiment) Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a powder adjustment unit 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a vibrator 1, a joint (horn) 2, and a squeegee 3. FIG. 1 shows a state of the powder adjustment unit 10 viewed from above. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the powder adjustment unit 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram including a vibration dispersion mechanism 4. FIG. 2(a) shows a state of the powder adjustment unit 10 viewed from above, and FIGS. 2(b) and 2(c) show cross-sections when the squeegee 3 and the vibration dispersion mechanism 4 are cut along a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the squeegee 3. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing that the amount of powder is made uniform by the squeegee 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing vibration components of the joint and the squeegee when the amplitude from the vibrator is 0.5 μm.

[0019] [Powder amount adjustment unit 10] (Configuration of powder adjustment unit 10) First, with reference to FIG. 1, the configuration of the powder adjustment unit 10 will be described.

[0020] The powder adjustment unit 10 includes a vibrator 1, a joint (horn) 2, and a squeegee 3. The vibrator 1 and the squeegee 3 are connected via the joint 2. Specifically, the vibrator 1 is a Langevin type vibrator. The joint 2 has the role of transmitting the vibration of the vibrator 1 to the squeegee 3. The squeegee 3 has the role of imparting fluidity to the powder 5 supplied onto the sheet 6. The squeegee 3 is vibrating with a plurality of vibration components simultaneously. Vibration with a plurality of vibration components simultaneously means that a plurality of different vibration components are combined and vibrate in a plurality of directions simultaneously. The plurality of vibration components include components of a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system (X direction, Y direction, Z direction) including the axial direction (X direction) along the longitudinal direction of the elongated squeegee 3. The squeegee 3 is vibrating at a frequency of 2 kHz or more and 300 kHz or less. By using a vibrator 1 that vibrates at 2 kHz or more and 300 kHz or less, the squeegee 3 can be vibrated efficiently. This is because when it is assumed to handle the powder 5 having a particle diameter of 0.005 μm or more and 500 μm or less, in order to impart fluidity to the powder 5, high-frequency vibration of 2 kHz or more and 300 kHz or less is required. Also, at a low frequency of less than 2 kHz, the number of vibrations is insufficient, and the fluidity of the powder 5 may deteriorate, and there is a risk that sufficient fluidity cannot be imparted to the powder 5. Further, in the case of vibration at a high frequency greater than 300 kHz, the vibration attenuation when the vibration is transmitted to the powder becomes large, and sufficient fluidity cannot be imparted to the powder.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 3, since the squeegee 3 is in contact with the powder 5, the vibration of the squeegee 3 is transmitted to the powder 5. When the powder 5 vibrates, the frictional resistance between adjacent powders 5 is reduced, so the fluidity of the powder 5 is increased. That is, the powder adjusting unit 10 is a unit that imparts fluidity to the powder 5 and adjusts the amount of powder supplied onto the sheet 6. For example, the powder adjusting unit 10 adjusts the thickness (film thickness of the powder layer) of the supplied powder 5, which is the amount of powder 5 supplied onto the sheet 6. By arranging the squeegee 3 so that a constant gap is formed with respect to the sheet 6 and moving the sheet 6 onto which the powder 5 is supplied in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 3, the amount of powder can be adjusted while aligning the powder 5 by the squeegee 3. Specifically, by adjusting the film thickness and filling rate of the powder 5, variations in the amount of powder are suppressed.

[0022] When the squeegee 3 is not vibrating, the powder 5 also does not vibrate. Therefore, when the powder 5 passes under the squeegee 3, the powder 5 is blocked between the sheet 6 and the squeegee 3, and the fluidity of the powder 5 is reduced compared to the case where the powder 5 vibrates, making it difficult to adjust the amount of powder.

[0023] However, in the present embodiment, since the squeegee 3 vibrates in a plurality of directions simultaneously, the powder 5 also vibrates in a plurality of directions simultaneously, so the fluidity can be further enhanced. This is because, when focusing on a single particle of the powder 5, a single particle of the powder 5 is in contact with other powders 5 in all directions. Therefore, by imparting vibrations in each direction component to a single particle of the powder 5, the frictional resistance between the single particle of the powder 5 and other powders 5 arranged in each direction can be reduced.

[0024] In addition, since the vibration in the Z direction of squeegee 3 is a vibration direction that approaches and separates from powder 5 with respect to squeegee 3, the collision between powders 5 is repeated in a direction away from squeegee 3. For this reason, vibration is likely to be transmitted from powder 5 that collides with squeegee 3 to powder 5 located farther away. At high frequencies of 2 kHz or more and 300 kHz or less, it is considered that vibration is likely to attenuate and it becomes difficult for the vibration to be transmitted to powder 5 located far away. However, in the case of vertical vibration, vibration can be transmitted even to the far side of powder 5.

[0025] In addition, since the gap between squeegee 3 and sheet 6 can be kept constant, squeegee 3 can impart vibration to powder 5 so as to precisely control the amount of powder. In particular, the vibration in the Y direction by squeegee 3 also has the effect of imparting vibration to the powder accumulation part of powder 5 supplied to sheet 6. By imparting vibration to the powder accumulation part, the powder accumulation part can be decomposed.

[0026] However, in the conventional technology, there was no specific method for imparting vibration components in a plurality of directions to powder at the same time. Therefore, the inventors have found that it is possible to impart vibration components in a plurality of directions to powder 5 at the same time by the following method.

[0027] In order for squeegee 3 to have a plurality of vibration components, joint 2 is curved with a curvature at a predetermined angle. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 1, joint 2 is curved with a right-angle curvature. Thereby, if vibrator 1 vibrates in the axial direction (Y direction) of vibrator 1, the direction component due to the vibration can be dispersed to squeegee 3.

[0028] Note that squeegee 3 and powder 5 only need to move relative to each other. Specifically, as in the present embodiment, squeegee 3 may be fixed and sheet 6 may be moved relative to squeegee 3. As another example, sheet 6 may be fixed and powder adjustment unit 10, that is, squeegee 3 may be moved relative to sheet 6. Further, as another example, both powder adjustment unit 10 and sheet 6 may be moved.

[0029] In this embodiment, the sheet 6 is a current collector including a metal foil. Note that the material of the sheet 6 is not limited to a current collector, and known materials can be used.

[0030] (Vibration transmitted to the squeegee 3) Next, the vibration transmitted to the squeegee 3 will be described.

[0031] Since the joint 2 has a curvature, the vibration component in the Y direction in the vibrator 1 is transmitted along the axial direction of the joint 2 (the broken line indicating the total length W1 of the joint 2), and thus is transmitted to the squeegee 3 as a vibration component in the X direction (axial direction).

[0032] On the other hand, since the joint 2 is bent at 90°, the vibration component in the Y direction of the vibrator 1 is also transmitted as a vibration component in the Y direction (front-rear direction) of the squeegee 3. That is, due to the vibration component in the Y direction in the vibrator 1, the squeegee 3 vibrates at least in the X direction and the Y direction.

[0033] Furthermore, since a downward force acts on the squeegee 3 due to gravity, the vibration component in the Y direction of the vibrator 1 is also transmitted as a vibration component in the Z direction (vertical direction) of the squeegee 3. The vibration component in the Y direction of the squeegee 3 is dispersed by gravity as a vibration component in the Z direction of the squeegee 3.

[0034] In this way, the vibration component in the Y direction of the vibrator 1 is dispersed in the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction, which are the vibration directions of the squeegee 3, through the joint 2.

[0035] (Curvature of the joint 2) Next, the curvature of the joint 2 will be described.

[0036] When the length of the vibrator 1 is taken as the reference length L, for example, in the case of a Langevin type vibrator, the reference length L is the length including the front panel, the piezoelectric element, and the backing plate. The curvature is preferably L / 2. By setting the curvature to this value, while transmitting the vibration of the vibrator 1 in the Y direction to the vibration in the X direction, which is the axial direction of the squeegee 3, a state where the vibrator also vibrates in the Y direction can be created. Similar effects can be obtained when the curvature is between L / 4 and L. When the curvature is less than L / 4, the vibration propagation in the axial direction of the squeegee 3 becomes weak. Also, when the curvature is greater than L, the joint 2 becomes too long, and there may be inconvenience in handling the joint 2.

[0037] If you want to increase the ratio of the vibration component in the X direction in the squeegee 3, increase the curvature of the joint 2, and if you want to increase the ratio of the vibration component in the Y direction in the squeegee 3, decrease the curvature of the joint 2.

[0038] (Total length of joint 2) Next, the total length of the joint 2 will be described.

[0039] When the total length of the joint 2 is taken as W1, the total length W1 is preferably 2L, which is the reference length. By setting the total length W1 to this value, the vibration in the Y direction in the vibrator 1 can be efficiently transmitted to the vibration in the X direction in the squeegee 3. The vibrator 1 has a structure in which the vibration becomes large in a portion corresponding to the reference length L. Therefore, in the vibrator 1, the amplitude becomes large at the period of the reference length L. One vibration component is transmitted along the axial direction of the joint 2 from the curved portion of the joint 2. Thus, by setting the total length W1 of the joint 2 to a multiple of L, which is 2L, the vibration in the X direction becomes large at the end face of the joint 2 connected to the squeegee 3, and this is transmitted to the squeegee 3, so the vibration in the X direction of the squeegee 3 also becomes large. Similar effects can be obtained when the total length W1 is between L and 3L. When the total length W1 is less than L, it becomes difficult to achieve both the distance W2 and the curvature described later. Also, when it is greater than 3L, the joint 2 becomes too long, and there may be inconvenience in handling.

[0040] (Distance W2) Next, the distance W2 will be described.

[0041] Let the distance from the end face of the vibrator 1 on both sides of the joint 2 to the center line of the squeegee 3 be W2. The distance W2 is preferably the reference length L. By setting this distance W2, the vibration of the vibrator 1 in the Y direction can be efficiently transmitted to the vibration of the squeegee 3 in the Y direction. The vibrator 1 has a structure in which the vibration becomes large at a portion corresponding to the reference length L. Therefore, in the vibrator 1, for those connected to the vibrator 1, the amplitude also becomes large at the period of this reference length L even in the Y direction. Thus, by setting the distance W2 to L, the vibration of the squeegee 3 in the Y direction becomes large. Similar effects can also be obtained when the distance W2 is between 3L / 5 and 7L / 5. When the distance W2 is less than 3L / 5 or greater than 7L / 5, it becomes difficult to sufficiently transmit the vibration of the vibrator 1 to the squeegee 3.

[0042] (Width of joint 2) Next, the width of the joint 2 will be described.

[0043] The width of the joint 2 is preferably 1 / 5 of the reference length L. Also, when the width of the joint 2 is between L / 10 and 2L / 5, the effect that the vibration of the vibrator 1 can be efficiently transmitted to the squeegee 3 can be obtained. When the joint 2 has a cylindrical structure, the width of the joint 2 becomes the diameter. When the width Hw of the joint 2 is less than L / 10, the rigidity of the joint 2 is weak, and the vibration of the vibrator 1 in the Y direction is difficult to be transmitted as the vibration of the squeegee 3 in the Y direction, resulting in a small vibration in the Y direction of the squeegee 3. When the width of the joint 2 is greater than 2L / 5, the vibration of the vibrator 1 in the Y direction is not only converted into the vibration of the joint 2 in the Y direction but also into the component that expands and contracts in the radial direction of the joint 2, resulting in vibration loss.

[0044] (Diameter of squeegee 3) Next, the diameter of the squeegee 3 will be described.

[0045] The squeegee 3 preferably has a circular outer periphery such as a cylindrical shape and a cylindrical shape. This is because if the outer periphery of the squeegee 3 has a circular structure, the angle of contact with the powder layer (layer of powder 5) composed of the powder 5 gradually increases, so it is difficult to form a location where the load on the powder layer from the squeegee 3 locally changes, making it difficult to inhibit the fluidity of the powder 5.

[0046] Also, the diameter of the cross-sectional shape of the squeegee 3, that is, the diameter of the outer periphery of the squeegee 3, is preferably 1 / 4 or more and 1 or less of the width of the joint 2. Note that if the diameter of the outer periphery of the squeegee 3 is less than 1 / 4 of the width of the joint 2, the rigidity of the squeegee 3 becomes weak and the squeegee 3 is likely to deform, making it difficult to maintain uniform vibration between the tip and the root of the squeegee 3. Also, if the diameter of the outer periphery of the squeegee 3 is larger than the width of the joint 2, the squeegee 3 becomes thicker with respect to the joint 2, so the vibration from the joint 2 to the squeegee 3 is attenuated.

[0047] Also, the diameter of the outer periphery of the squeegee 3 is preferably about 1 / 2 of the width of the joint 2. This is because when the width of the joint 2 is larger than the diameter of the squeegee 3, the vibration is amplified when the vibration from the joint 2 is transmitted to the squeegee 3, and the squeegee 3 can also maintain the necessary rigidity.

[0048] The diameter of the outer periphery of the squeegee 3 is preferably 4 mm or more and 40 mm or less. If it is less than 4 mm, the squeegee 3 cannot maintain sufficient rigidity, and if it is larger than 40 mm, the squeegee 3 is difficult to vibrate.

[0049] Note that the squeegee 3 and the joint 2 may have an integral structure. For example, when the joint 2 is cylindrical, the squeegee 3 is also cylindrical, and each has the same diameter, the squeegee 3 and the joint 2 may be a series of structures.

[0050] (Vibration dispersion mechanism 4) Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the vibration dispersion mechanism 4 will be described.

[0051] When the ski squeegee 3 is cut along a plane orthogonal to its longitudinal direction, the cross-sectional shape is circular, that is, the outer periphery of the ski squeegee 3 is circular. Therefore, the vibration dispersion mechanism 4 has a circular space. The space of the vibration dispersion mechanism 4 is arranged so as to surround the outer periphery of the ski squeegee 3. In other words, a circular space (through hole) is formed in the vibration dispersion mechanism 4, and the ski squeegee 3 is inserted into the circular space. Further, as shown in Fig. 2(b), the clearance between the ski squeegee 3 and the vibration dispersion mechanism 4 is preferably 5 μm or more and 100 μm or less. If the clearance is 5 μm or more and 100 μm or less, the vibration dispersion mechanism 4 can amplify the vibration component of the ski squeegee 3 in the Z direction (for example, the vertical direction). The state in which the ski squeegee 3 is installed in the vibration dispersion mechanism 4 is as shown in Fig. 2(c). The vibration dispersion mechanism 4 is fixed, and the ski squeegee 3 may come into contact with the lower surface of the circular space in the vibration dispersion mechanism 4 due to gravity. This is because the vibration component of the ski squeegee 3 in the Y direction is likely to be converted into the vibration component in the Z direction by vibrating along the space of the vibration dispersion mechanism 4. This configuration is effective when it is desired to transmit the vibration component of the ski squeegee 3 in the Y direction to the powder 5. For example, it is effective when it is desired to transmit the vibration of the ski squeegee 3 further to the powder 5.

[0052] When the clearance between the ski squeegee 3 and the vibration dispersion mechanism 4 is less than 5 μm, the ski squeegee 3 may bite into the vibration dispersion mechanism 4, and the vibration of the ski squeegee 3 may be inhibited by the vibration dispersion mechanism 4. Further, when the clearance is greater than 100 μm, the function of converting the vibration component in the Y direction of the ski squeegee 3 into the vibration component in the Z direction may be weakened.

[0053] The vibration dispersion mechanism 4 is preferably disposed at a portion corresponding to the antinode of the standing wave in the vibrating squeegee 3. Since the amplitude of vibration is small at the portion corresponding to the antinode, excessive heat generation due to the contact between the vibration dispersion mechanism 4 and the squeegee 3 can be suppressed. Even if the vibration dispersion mechanism 4 is installed at the portion corresponding to the antinode with a small amplitude, the function of converting the vibration component is maintained. And since the vibration dispersion mechanism 4 has a certain width (thickness), preferably a width of 2 mm or more and 20 mm or less, the amplitude near the portion corresponding to the antinode is transmitted to the vibration dispersion mechanism 4.

[0054] In addition, in FIG. 2, the state where one vibration dispersion mechanism 4 is arranged with respect to the squeegee 3 is illustrated, but a plurality of them may be installed. For example, by installing the vibration dispersion mechanism 4 at two locations, the tip portion and the root portion of the squeegee 3, more stable conversion of the vibration component can be performed with respect to the entire squeegee 3.

[0055] In addition, the vibration dispersion mechanism 4 may be disposed at a portion corresponding to the node of the standing wave in the vibrating squeegee 3 when the squeegee 3 is vibrated. The thickness of the squeegee 3 is such that it contacts the squeegee 3 and may be adjusted so as not to strongly collide with the squeegee 3. For example, it may be thinner than between two adjacent antinodes of the standing wave in the squeegee 3. In this case, since the vibrating squeegee 3 may come into contact with the vibration dispersion mechanism 4, it can be expected that the vibration component of the squeegee 3 in the Z direction is increased by the contact. Also, by reducing the contact between the squeegee 3 and the vibration dispersion mechanism 4, excessive heat generation of the squeegee 3 and the vibration dispersion mechanism 4 due to the contact can be suppressed.

[0056] Also, the vibration dispersion mechanism 4 may be disposed at a portion corresponding to the antinode of the standing wave in the vibrating squeegee 3 when the squeegee 3 is vibrated. In this case, since the vibrating squeegee 3 may come into contact with the vibration dispersion mechanism 4, it can be expected that the vibration component in the Z direction is further increased by the contact between the squeegee 3 and the vibration dispersion mechanism 4.

[0057] (Amplitude amount of each component) Next, the amplitude amounts of each component will be described.

[0058] When the squeegee 3 vibrates, the amplitude amount is preferably 0.01 μm or more. In this case, since the frictional resistance between the powders 5 can be sufficiently reduced, the fluidity of the powders 5 can be further enhanced. Also, when the squeegee 3 vibrates, the amplitude amount may be, for example, 10 μm or less. In this case, it is possible to suppress the powders 5 from vibrating too much and becoming dust and scattering to contaminate the surroundings.

[0059] First, the amplitude when the joint 2 vibrates will be described. For example, by vibrating the joint 2, the squeegee 3 can be vibrated. As shown in FIG. 4, when the amplitude of the end face on the joint 2 side of the vibrator 1 is 0.5 μm, the amplitude of the joint 2 is dispersed in three axial directions of 0.9 μm in the X direction, 0.4 μm in the Y direction, and 0.6 μm in the Z direction.

[0060] Subsequently, the amplitude when the squeegee 3 vibrates in the case where there is no vibration dispersion mechanism 4 will be described. By vibrating the squeegee 3 in a plurality of directions simultaneously, the fluidity of the powders 5 can be promoted. For example, when the shape of the squeegee 3 is a cylinder with a length of 275 mm and a diameter of 8 mm and it is vibrating at 33 kHz, and as shown in FIG. 4, when the amplitude of the end face on the joint 2 side of the vibrator 1 is 0.5 μm, the amplitude of the squeegee 3 is dispersed in three axial directions of 0.8 μm in the X direction, 3 μm in the Y direction, and 0.8 μm in the Z direction.

[0061] Also, when the vibration dispersion mechanism 4 is installed at two positions, one at a position 20 mm from the tip of the squeegee 3 and the other at a position 20 mm from the base, the amplitude of the squeegee 3 is dispersed in three axial directions of 1 μm in the X direction, 0.8 μm in the Y direction, and 1.2 μm in the Z direction as shown in FIG. 4. Thus, it was found that by installing the vibration dispersion mechanism 4 at a plurality of locations with respect to the squeegee 3, the amplitude in the Z direction increases. Note that the clearance between the squeegee 3 and the vibration dispersion mechanism 4 at this time was 20 μm.

[0062] (Particle diameter of the powders 5) Next, the particle size of the powder 5 will be described.

[0063] The particle size (D50) of the powder 5 is preferably, for example, 0.005 μm or more and 500 μm or less. In this case, the smaller the particle size (D50) of the powder 5, the more likely the fluidity of the powder 5 is to decrease, but the fluidity of the powder 5 is promoted by the vibration of the squeegee 3. Therefore, the powder 5 is suppressed from staying and aggregating, and is aligned and arranged on the sheet 6, so that a high-quality state with little variation in basis weight is obtained.

[0064] Here, the particle size (D50) is the volume-based median diameter calculated from the measured values of the particle size distribution by the laser diffraction / scattering method or the like. This particle size (D50) can be measured using a commercially available laser analysis / scattering type particle size distribution measuring device.

[0065] Here, the basis weight is a value indicating the amount of powder per unit area in terms of weight, and the unit of the basis weight is, for example, g / cm 2 as shown.

[0066] Also, the powder 5 may contain only one type of powder, or may contain two or more types of powders.

[0067] Also, the powder 5 may be granulated powder obtained by consolidating a predetermined amount of powder to make it larger.

[0068] The powder 5 may be any powdery substance. That is, the raw material of the powder 5, the composition of the powder 5, and the particle shape of the powder 5 are not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, the powder 5 is a group of particles containing a solid electrolyte.

[0069] (Material and Shape of Squeegee 3) Next, the material and shape of the squeegee 3 will be described.

[0070] The squeegee 3 is formed of, for example, a metal material. By using a metal material for the squeegee 3, high-frequency waves propagate through the squeegee 3 with little attenuation. High-frequency waves with a short wavelength tend to attenuate, but since waves easily propagate through metal materials, the squeegee 3 made of a metal material can suppress high-frequency attenuation. For this reason, throughout the squeegee 3, the vibration state becomes uniform, and thus variations in the basis weight in the width direction of the powder 5 are suppressed.

[0071] As the metal material, for example, stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, copper, iron, nickel, etc. are used. In particular, as the metal material, stainless steel or titanium is preferable from the viewpoint of high corrosion resistance and difficulty in rusting. Further, titanium is lightweight and easily vibrates with ultrasonic waves, and thus is more preferable when used as a metal material.

[0072] Note that the squeegee 3 may be formed of a material other than a metal material. For example, the squeegee 3 may be formed of a resin material or a ceramic material, or may be formed of a composite member selectively using two or more materials among a metal material, a resin material, and a ceramic material.

[0073] The squeegee 3 is, for example, a long cylindrical shape extending along a predetermined direction.

[0074] (Vibrator 1) Next, the vibrator 1 will be described.

[0075] The vibrator 1 has a plurality of piezoelectric bodies and electrodes provided on end faces of each of the plurality of piezoelectric bodies. In the vibrator 1, each of the plurality of piezoelectric bodies is sandwiched between electrodes. That is, the vibrator 1 has a sandwich structure of a piezoelectric body and an electrode. For example, the number of piezoelectric bodies is an even number such as 2, 4, 6, etc. The electrode is, for example, a thin metal plate made of copper, phosphor bronze, etc.

[0076] As the piezoelectric body, for example, piezoelectric ceramics such as lead zirconate titanate (PbTiO3 - PbZrO3 system, commonly known as PZT), and barium titanate (BaTiO3) may be used. Further, as the piezoelectric body, for example, piezoelectric single crystals such as quartz, and LiNbO3 may be used.

[0077] When the piezoelectric body is piezoelectric ceramics (for example, PZT), the piezoelectric body has a thickness of approximately 2 mm or more and 5 mm or less per sheet.

[0078] Further, the vibrator 1 has a sandwich structure in which the piezoelectric body is sandwiched between a metal front panel and a metal back plate, and a Langevin type vibrator having the overall length as the length of a half wavelength has high output and high reliability, which is preferable.

[0079] Specifically, the Langevin type vibrator has a structure in which a metal front panel and a metal back plate arranged on both sides of a piezoelectric body such as PZT are fastened with bolts. The metal front panel and the metal back plate are made of duralumin. The bolts are made of steel or titanium alloy, etc. A screw hole for connecting to the joint 2 is formed at the center of the metal front panel, and the joint 2 is inserted into and tightened in the screw hole, so that the vibrator 1 and the joint 2 are firmly adhered and connected. Thereby, the vibration generated from the vibrator 1 can be transmitted to the squeegee 3 via the joint 2.

[0080] The vibrator 1 is a vibrator that excites waves, and positive-pole charges and negative-pole charges are applied to the thin metal plates provided on both end faces of the piezoelectric body, respectively. Thereby, electrical energy is converted into mechanical energy. When the electrical signal is converted into mechanical vibration, the vibrator 1 vibrates at a high frequency. This vibration propagates to the squeegee 3.

[0081] When the vibrator 1 is long, the polarization direction of the piezoelectric body such as PZT preferably coincides with the longitudinal direction of the vibrator 1 so that the vibrator 1 has a structure that expands and contracts in the longitudinal direction. Also in this case, since the vibration direction of the vibrator 1 is in the longitudinal direction of the vibrator 1, it becomes easy to control the vibration direction of the generated vibration.

[0082] (Frequency at which squeegee 3 vibrates) Next, the frequency at which squeegee 3 vibrates will be described.

[0083] Squeegee 3 vibrates at a natural frequency of 2 kHz or more and 300 kHz or less by, for example, vibrator 1. That is, squeegee 3 vibrates at a high frequency near the ultrasonic band. Specifically, when the powder 5 supplied onto sheet 6 passes through the gap between squeegee 3 and sheet 6, the vibration of squeegee 3 is transmitted to powder 5, thereby increasing the fluidity of powder 5. For this reason, powder clogging when powder 5 passes through the gap between squeegee 3 and sheet 6 is suppressed.

[0084] This is because when squeegee 3 vibrates at a high frequency, the powder 5 in contact with squeegee 3 is less likely to receive frictional resistance due to powder pressure. Thereby, as the fluidity of the powder 5 in contact with squeegee 3 increases, retention and aggregation of powder 5 are suppressed.

[0085] Also, with respect to the powder 5 located near squeegee 3, the vibration of squeegee 3 reduces the frictional force between adjacent powders 5 and increases the fluidity, thereby suppressing the aggregation of powder 5.

[0086] The fluidity of powder 5 tends to increase as the frequency of vibration of squeegee 3 increases. Therefore, if squeegee 3 is vibrated at a frequency of 2 kHz or more, which is a high-frequency region near the ultrasonic band, the fluidity of powder 5 can be sufficiently increased. However, since vibration tends to attenuate as the frequency increases, it becomes difficult for the vibration of squeegee 3 to be transmitted through powder 5. However, if the frequency is 300 kHz or less, the fluidity of powder 5 can be sufficiently increased.

[0087] Thus, even when using a low-fluidity powder 5 with a particle size of 500 μm or less, the vibrating squeegee 3 enables the powder 5 to pass through the gap between the squeegee 3 and the sheet 6 without staying or aggregating. As a result, the film thickness and filling rate of the powder 5 can be adjusted. Therefore, a powder layer with little variation in basis weight can be formed on the sheet 6.

[0088] [Manufacturing method] Next, a method for manufacturing a powder layer with little variation in basis weight will be described by using the powder adjustment unit 10.

[0089] The method for manufacturing a powder layer includes supplying the powder 5 onto the surface of the sheet 6 while moving the sheet 6 such as a current collector in a predetermined direction (powder supply step), and adjusting the thickness and basis weight of the powder 5 supplied onto the surface of the sheet 6 by using the squeegee 3 (powder alignment step).

[0090] First, the powder 5 is produced. The raw material of the powder 5 is not particularly limited. For example, a particle group containing at least one of an active material and a solid electrolyte may be used. When using a particle group containing an active material, an appropriate additive (such as a binder, a conductive material, and a solid electrolyte, etc.) is added to the active material and mixed to produce the powder 5. As a mixing method, for example, there is a method of mixing with a mortar, a ball mill, a mixer, or the like. In particular, a method of mixing the powder 5 without using a solvent or the like is preferable because there is no material deterioration.

[0091] Next, in the powder supply step, while moving the sheet 6 in a predetermined direction, the powder 5 is supplied onto the surface of the sheet 6 by using a powder supply unit such as a hopper. The sheet 6 onto which the powder 5 is supplied may be a member other than a sheet shape, for example, a member such as a plate or a block shape. In this case, it may be in a form of intermittently conveying a member such as a plate or a block shape.

[0092] In the powder alignment process, the squeegee 3 is used to align the powder 5 on the sheet 6. That is, in the powder alignment process, the thickness and basis weight of the powder layer formed by the powder 5 supplied to the surface of the sheet 6 are adjusted using the squeegee 3. Thereby, a powder layer with an adjusted basis weight is formed on the sheet 6.

[0093] At this time, the squeegee 3 vibrates at a frequency of 2 kHz or more and 300 kHz or less.

[0094] The squeegee 3 is in a sinusoidal steady state and resonates (has natural vibration). The squeegee 3 has amplitudes in a plurality of directions (X direction, Y direction, Z direction) and vibrates in a plurality of directions simultaneously. By having vibration components in a plurality of directions, the fluidity can be further enhanced. This is because when focusing on a single particle of the powder 5, although a single particle of the powder 5 is in contact with other powders 5 in all directions, by applying vibrations in each direction component to a single particle of the powder 5, the frictional resistance between a single particle of the powder 5 and other powders 5 arranged in each direction can be reduced.

[0095] In order for the squeegee 3 to have a plurality of vibration components, the joint 2 is curved with a curvature at a predetermined angle. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 1, the joint 2 is curved with a right-angle curvature. Thereby, when the vibrator 1 vibrates in the axial direction (Y direction) of the vibrator 1, the direction components due to the vibration can be dispersed to the squeegee 3.

[0096] Also, the method for manufacturing a powder layer may further include a powder sheet forming process. The powder sheet forming process compresses the powder layer formed by the powder 5 aligned on the sheet 6 through a roll pressing process using a press machine such as a roll press. Thereby, a compressed powder layer obtained by compressing the powder layer on the sheet 6 is formed.

[0097] As described above, in the method for manufacturing a powder layer, by performing the powder supply step and the powder alignment step in this order, a powder layer composed of the powder 5 is formed on the sheet 6. Such a laminate of the sheet 6 and the powder layer can be used for an energy device. For example, when a current collector is used as the sheet 6 and a group of particles containing an active material is used as the powder 5, an electrode for an energy device can be manufactured.

[0098] The manufactured energy device can have a powder layer with little variation in basis weight, which is directly coated by imparting fluidity to the powder 5. Therefore, according to the method for manufacturing a powder layer, since the step of directly coating the powder 5 is used instead of the step of dispersing the powder 5 in a solvent or the like, coating it, and then drying it, deterioration of the material due to the solvent can be suppressed, and an increase in the capacity of the energy device can be realized. In addition, an increase in cost due to using a solvent and drying the solvent can be suppressed. Furthermore, a large amount of energy consumption in the drying process can be suppressed, and it becomes a manufacturing method friendly to the environment. On the other hand, when the uniformity of the basis weight of the powder layer is high, the quality as an electrode in the energy device can be improved, and a high-capacity energy device with good quality can be manufactured at low cost.

[0099] (Powder layer) Next, the powder layer formed using the powder adjustment unit 10 will be described.

[0100] The powder layer according to the present embodiment is used, for example, for an energy device. The film thickness of the powder layer formed on the current collector which is the sheet 6 is 30 μm or more. Further, the powder layer contains the powder 5 composed of at least one kind of particle material. Also, the concentration of the solvent contained in the powder layer is 50 ppm or less. Also, the variation in the basis weight in the powder layer is small.

[0101] As a result, a powder layer with small variation in basis weight and suppressed deterioration by the solvent can be formed. Also, since drying of the solvent is not required, the energy consumption for drying the solvent can be reduced, thereby suppressing the environmental impact and suppressing the increase in manufacturing cost. Therefore, by using such a powder layer in an energy device, the capacity and quality of the energy device can be enhanced, and a small environmental impact and cost reduction can be achieved.

[0102] The powder layer of this embodiment can be used, for example, in an all-solid-state battery.

[0103] Hereinafter, details of the case where the powder layer is used in an all-solid-state battery will be described.

[0104] The powder layer is formed, for example, on a current collector 6 which is a sheet, and is used for an electrode (positive electrode or negative electrode) of an all-solid-state battery. Such an electrode has a current collector and a powder layer.

[0105] Note that the electrode may further include another layer located between the current collector and the powder layer. The other layer is, for example, a connection layer made of a conductive carbon material or the like.

[0106] The film thickness of the powder layer is 30 μm or more. Also, the upper limit value of the film thickness of the powder layer is not particularly limited, but the film thickness of the powder layer is, for example, 2000 μm or less.

[0107] Also, the powder layer contains powder 5 composed of at least one kind of particle material.

[0108] The concentration of the solvent contained in the powder layer is 50 ppm or less. That is, the powder layer substantially does not contain a solvent. Here, substantially not containing means the case of not containing at all and the case of being unavoidably contained at 50 ppm or less as impurities or the like. The concentration of the solvent is a concentration based on weight.

[0109] The size of the powder layer in plan view is, for example, 30 mm × 30 mm or more. The upper limit of the size of the powder layer in plan view is not particularly limited, but the size of the powder layer in plan view is, for example, 300 mm × 600 mm or less.

[0110] In any 30 mm × 30 mm region on the surface of the powder layer, the variation in the basis weight of the powder layer is, for example, 8% or less.

[0111] The basis weight is measured, for example, by the following method.

[0112] First, the powder layer and the current collector are pressed from above and below to compact them, and then the powder layer and the current collector are punched out into a circle with a diameter of 5 mm or more and 9 mm or less. The total weight of the punched-out powder layer and the current collector is measured. Then, the weight of the current collector of the same lot that has been punched out with a diameter of 5 mm or more and 9 mm or less, which has been measured in advance, is subtracted from the above total weight to obtain the weight of the powder layer. The basis weight can be obtained by dividing this weight by the area of the circle with a diameter of 5 mm or more and 9 mm or less that has been punched out.

[0113] The measurement of the variation in the basis weight is performed, for example, by the following method.

[0114] First, an arbitrary 30 mm × 30 mm region on the surface of the powder layer in plan view is selected. This region may be the central region on the surface of the powder layer or a region including the end of the powder layer. Then, within the range of this region, for example, it is punched out at five or more locations in a circular shape with a diameter of 5 mm or more and 9 mm or less, and the basis weight is measured using the above method. From the viewpoint of improving the accuracy of the measurement of the variation, it may be punched out at nine or more locations. The variation in the basis weight is calculated by dividing the difference (specifically, the absolute value of the difference) between the average of the basis weights at all the punched-out locations and the basis weight at the location with the largest difference from the average among the basis weights at each punched-out location by the average. That is, the fact that the variation in the basis weight is 8% or less means that, at any of the punched-out locations, the difference between the basis weight and the average is 8% or less of the average.

[0115] The powder layer is formed, for example, by applying high-frequency vibration to the powder 5 supplied to the surface of the sheet 6, thereby imparting fluidity to the powder 5 and aligning the powder 5 in the powder layer. Since the vibration of the squeegee 3 reduces the variation in basis weight in the width direction, a powder layer with a size of 30 mm × 30 mm or more and a thickness of 30 μm or more can be produced with high quality. Therefore, the powder layer can be used in large-sized high-capacity energy devices.

[0116] In addition, the powder layer is produced, for example, through a coating process that substantially does not contain a solvent. Therefore, a powder layer that substantially does not contain a solvent can be formed. As a result, the powder layer is not damaged by the solvent. Therefore, deterioration of the powder layer is suppressed, and since the variation in basis weight of the powder 5 in the powder layer is small, a powder layer for a large-sized high-capacity energy device with high capacity and excellent quality can be formed.

[0117] In addition, the powder layer can be used, for example, for the positive electrode, negative electrode, or solid electrolyte layer of an energy device such as an all-solid-state battery.

[0118] When the powder layer is used for the positive electrode, for example, the sheet 6 is a positive electrode current collector, and the powder layer containing the powder 5 is a positive electrode mixture layer. That is, the positive electrode mixture layer is formed on the positive electrode current collector. The powder 5 in the positive electrode mixture layer contains, as at least one type of particle material, a positive electrode active material and a solid electrolyte having ion conductivity.

[0119] When the powder layer is used for the negative electrode, for example, the sheet 6 is a negative electrode current collector, and the powder layer containing the powder 5 is a negative electrode mixture layer. That is, the negative electrode mixture layer is formed on the negative electrode current collector. The powder 5 in the negative electrode mixture layer contains, as at least one type of particle material, a negative electrode active material and a solid electrolyte having ion conductivity.

[0120] When the powder layer is used as the solid electrolyte layer, for example, the powder layer containing the powder 5 is the solid electrolyte layer. The solid electrolyte layer is formed on the surface of the positive electrode mixture layer formed on the positive electrode current collector or on the surface of the negative electrode mixture layer formed on the negative electrode current collector. The powder 5 in the solid electrolyte layer contains a solid electrolyte having ion conductivity as at least one type of particle material.

[0121] The concentration of the solvent contained in the positive electrode mixture layer, the negative electrode mixture layer, and the solid electrolyte layer is 50 ppm or less. That is, the positive electrode mixture layer, the negative electrode mixture layer, and the solid electrolyte layer are substantially free of the solvent. Here, being substantially free of the solvent means the case where these layers contain no solvent at all and the case where these layers unavoidably contain 50 ppm or less of the solvent as impurities or the like.

[0122] Note that the solvent is, for example, an organic solvent. Also, the measurement method of the solvent is not particularly limited, and it can be measured using, for example, gas chromatography, the mass change method, etc. Examples of the organic solvent include nonpolar organic solvents such as heptane, xylene, and toluene, polar organic solvents such as tertiary amine-based solvents, ether-based solvents, thiol-based solvents, and ester-based solvents, and combinations thereof. Examples of the tertiary amine-based solvent include triethylamine, tributylamine, and triamylamine. Examples of the ether-based solvent include tetrahydrofuran and cyclopentyl methyl ether. Examples of the thiol-based solvent include ethanethiol. Examples of the ester-based solvent include butyl butyrate, ethyl acetate, and butyl acetate.

[0123] Next, the details of the materials used for the positive electrode mixture layer, the negative electrode mixture layer, and the solid electrolyte layer will be described.

[0124] The positive electrode active material is a substance in which metal ions such as lithium (Li) are inserted into or removed from the crystal structure at a potential higher than that of the negative electrode, and oxidation or reduction occurs with the insertion or removal of metal ions such as lithium. The type of the positive electrode active material is appropriately selected according to the type of the all-solid-state battery, and examples thereof include oxide active materials and sulfide active materials.

[0125] In this embodiment, an oxide active material (lithium-containing transition metal oxide), for example, is used as the positive electrode active material. Examples of the oxide active material include LiCoO 2 , LiNiO 2 , LiMn 2 O 4 , LiCoPO 4 , LiNiPO 4 , LiFePO 4 , LiMnPO 4 and compounds obtained by substituting the transition metal of these compounds with one or two different elements, etc. Examples of the compounds obtained by substituting the transition metal of the above compounds with one or two different elements include LiNi 1 / 3 Co 1 / 3 Mn 1 / 3 O 2 , LiNi 0.8 Co 0.15 Al 0.05 O 2 , LiNi 0.5 Mn 1.5 O 2 etc., and known materials are used. The positive electrode active material may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

[0126] Examples of the shape of the positive electrode active material include particulate form. When the positive electrode active material is particulate, the particle diameter of the positive electrode active material is, for example, in the range of 0.05 μm or more and 30 μm or less, and may be in the range of 1 μm or more and 15 μm or less. If the particle diameter of the positive electrode active material is 0.05 μm or more, the handleability is likely to be improved. On the other hand, if the particle diameter is 30 μm or less, by using a small particle diameter active material, the surface area becomes large and a high-capacity positive electrode is easily obtained. Note that the particle diameter of the material contained in the positive electrode binder layer or the negative electrode binder layer in this specification is, for example, the above-described D50.

[0127] The ratio of the positive electrode active material to the solid electrolyte contained in the positive electrode mixture layer may be within a range of 1 or more and 99 or less, or may be within a range of 2.3 or more and 19 or less, when the positive electrode active material / solid electrolyte = weight ratio in terms of weight conversion. By being within this weight ratio range, it is easy to ensure both the lithium ion conduction path and the electron conduction path in the positive electrode mixture layer.

[0128] The negative electrode active material is a substance in which metal ions such as lithium are inserted or removed into or from the crystal structure at a potential lower than that of the positive electrode, and oxidation or reduction occurs with the insertion or removal of metal ions such as lithium.

[0129] Examples of the negative electrode active material in the present embodiment include easily alloyable metals with lithium such as lithium, indium, tin, and silicon, carbon materials such as hard carbon and graphite, and Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 、SiO X etc., known materials such as oxide active materials are used. Further, as the negative electrode active material, a composite in which the above-described negative electrode active materials are appropriately mixed may also be used.

[0130] The particle size of the negative electrode active material is, for example, 30 μm or less. By using an active material with a small particle size, the surface area becomes large and a high capacity can be achieved.

[0131] The ratio of the negative electrode active material to the solid electrolyte contained in the negative electrode mixture layer, when the negative electrode active material / solid electrolyte = weight ratio in terms of weight conversion, is, for example, within a range of 0.6 or more and 19 or less, and may also be within a range of 1 or more and 9 or less. By being within this weight ratio range, it is easy to ensure both the lithium ion conduction path and the electron conduction path in the negative electrode mixture layer.

[0132] The solid electrolyte may be appropriately selected according to the conduction ion species (for example, lithium ions). Examples of the solid electrolyte include sulfide-based solid electrolytes, oxide-based solid electrolytes, and halide-based solid electrolytes.

[0133] The type of sulfide-based solid electrolyte in this embodiment is not particularly limited. Examples of the sulfide-based solid electrolyte include, for example, Li 2 S-SiS 2 、LiI-Li 2 S-SiS 2 、LiI-Li 2 S-P 2 S 5 、LiI-Li 2 S-P 2 O 5 、LiI-Li 3 PO 4 -P 2 S 5 and Li 2 S-P 2 S 5 etc. In particular, from the viewpoint of excellent lithium ion conductivity, the sulfide-based solid electrolyte may contain Li, P, and S. The sulfide-based solid electrolyte may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Also, the sulfide-based solid electrolyte may be crystalline, amorphous, or glass ceramics. Note that the description of "Li 2 S-P 2 S 5 " means a sulfide-based solid electrolyte formed using a raw material composition containing Li 2 S and P 2 S 5 , and the same applies to other descriptions.

[0134] In this embodiment, one form of the sulfide-based solid electrolyte is sulfide glass ceramics containing Li 2 S and P 2 S 5 . When the ratio of Li 2 S and P 2 S 5 is expressed as a molar ratio of Li 2 S / P 2 S 5 , for example, it is in the range of 2.3 or more and 4 or less, and may also be in the range of 3 or more and 4 or less. By being within this molar ratio range, a crystal structure with high ionic conductivity can be obtained while maintaining the lithium concentration that affects battery characteristics.

[0135] Examples of the shape of the sulfide-based solid electrolyte in the present embodiment include particle shapes such as a true spherical shape and an elliptical spherical shape. When the sulfide-based solid electrolyte material has a particle shape, the particle diameter of the sulfide-based solid electrolyte is not particularly limited, but may be 30 μm or less, may be 20 μm or less, or may be 10 μm or less in order to easily improve the filling rate in the positive electrode or the negative electrode. On the other hand, the particle diameter of the sulfide-based solid electrolyte may be 0.001 μm or more, or may be 0.01 μm or more.

[0136] Next, the oxide-based solid electrolyte in the present embodiment will be described. The type of the oxide-based solid electrolyte is not particularly limited, but LiPON, Li 3 PO 4 、Li 2 SiO 2 、Li 2 SiO 4 、Li 0.5 La 0.5 TiO 3 、Li 1.3 Al 0.3 Ti 0.7 (PO 4 ) 3 、La 0.51 Li 0.34 TiO 0.74 、Li 1.5 Al 0.5 Ge 1.5 (PO 4 ) 3 and the like. The oxide-based solid electrolyte may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0137] Next, the details of the positive electrode current collector and the negative electrode current collector will be described.

[0138] The positive electrode in the present embodiment includes, for example, a positive electrode current collector made of a metal foil or the like. As the positive electrode current collector, for example, a foil-shaped body, a plate-shaped body, a mesh-shaped body, etc. made of aluminum, gold, platinum, zinc, copper, stainless steel (SUS), nickel, tin, titanium, or an alloy of two or more of these are used.

[0139] In addition, regarding the thickness, shape, etc. of the positive electrode current collector, they may be appropriately selected according to the use of the positive electrode.

[0140] The negative electrode in the present embodiment includes, for example, a negative electrode current collector made of a metal foil or the like. As the negative electrode current collector, for example, a foil-shaped body, a plate-shaped body, a mesh-shaped body, etc. made of stainless steel, gold, platinum, zinc, copper, nickel, titanium, tin, or an alloy of two or more of these are used.

[0141] In addition, regarding the thickness, shape, etc. of the negative electrode current collector, they may be appropriately selected according to the use of the negative electrode.

[0142] (Other embodiments) As described above, the powder adjustment unit according to the present disclosure has been described based on the embodiments. However, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. Without departing from the gist of the present disclosure, various modifications conceived by those skilled in the art applied to the embodiments, and other forms constructed by combining some components in the embodiments are also included in the scope of the present disclosure.

Industrial applicability

[0143] The powder adjustment unit of the present disclosure can be applied to uses such as a compound layer of a high-quality all-solid-state battery by forming a uniform powder layer without using a solvent.

[0144] (Supplementary note) The characteristics of the powder adjustment unit described based on the above embodiments are shown below.

[0145] <Technology 1> A squeegee that vibrates the powder by vibrating at a frequency of 2 kHz or more and 300 kHz or less, A joint curved with a curvature of a predetermined angle, A vibrator connected to the squeegee via the joint, and The squeegee vibrates in a plurality of directions simultaneously by combining a plurality of different vibration components, The plurality of vibration components indicating the plurality of directions in which the squeegee vibrates includes at least an axial component along the longitudinal direction of the squeegee. Powder adjustment unit.

[0146] <Technology 2> The squeegee vibrates in a plurality of directions simultaneously when three or more different vibration components are combined. The powder adjustment unit according to Technology 1.

[0147] <Technology 3> The plurality of vibration components further includes a vibration component in a direction orthogonal to the axial component in the squeegee. The powder adjustment unit according to Technology 1 or 2.

[0148] <Technology 4> The plurality of vibration components includes a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system component including the axial component in the squeegee. The powder adjustment unit according to Technology 2.

[0149] <Technology 5> When the length of the vibrator is L, The joint curves with a right-angle curvature, L / 4 < curvature < L satisfies, The powder adjustment unit according to any one of Technologies 1 to 4.

[0150] <Technology 6> When the length of the vibrator is L, The distance between the center line of the squeegee and the end face of the vibrator is 3L / 5 < distance < 7L / 5 satisfies, The powder adjustment unit according to any one of Technologies 1 to 5.

[0151] <Technology 7> When the length of the vibrator is L, The total length of the joint is L < total length < 3L satisfies, The powder adjusting unit according to any one of Technologies 1 to 6.

[0152] <Technology 8> When the length of the vibrator is L, the width of the joint is L / 10 < width < 2L / 5 satisfying The powder adjusting unit according to any one of Technologies 1 to 7.

[0153] <Technology 9> The cross-sectional shape when cut in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the squeegee is circular, and the diameter of the cross-sectional shape of the squeegee is 1 / 4 or more and 1 or less of the width of the joint, The powder adjusting unit according to any one of Technologies 1 to 8.

[0154] <Technology 10> The squeegee is provided with a vibration dispersion mechanism The cross-sectional shape when cut in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the squeegee is circular, a circular space is formed in the vibration dispersion mechanism, and the space of the vibration dispersion mechanism surrounds at least a part of the squeegee, The powder adjusting unit according to any one of Technologies 1 to 9.

[0155] <Technology 11> The clearance between the outer periphery of the squeegee and the space of the vibration dispersion mechanism is 5 μm or more and 100 μm or less, The powder adjusting unit according to Technology 10.

[0156] <Technology 12> The vibration dispersion mechanism is arranged at a portion corresponding to the antinode of the standing wave in the vibrating squeegee, The powder adjusting unit according to Technology 10 or 11.

Description of Signs

[0157] 1 Vibrator 2 Joint (Horn) 3 Squeegee 4 Vibration dispersion mechanism 5 Powder 6 Member (Sheet) 10 Powder adjustment unit W1 Overall length W2 Distance (both end faces of the vibrator on the center line of the squeegee)

Claims

1. A squeegee that vibrates at a frequency of 2 kHz or more and 300 kHz or less to impart vibration to powder, A joint that is curved with a curvature of a predetermined angle, A vibrator connected to the squeegee via the joint, comprising: The squeegee vibrates in a plurality of directions simultaneously by combining a plurality of different vibration components, The plurality of vibration components indicating the plurality of directions in which the squeegee vibrates include at least an axial component along the longitudinal direction of the squeegee, A powder adjustment unit.

2. The squeegee vibrates in a plurality of directions simultaneously by combining three or more different vibration components, The powder adjustment unit according to Claim 1.

3. The plurality of vibration components further include vibration components in a direction orthogonal to the axial component in the squeegee, The powder adjustment unit according to Claim 1 or 2.

4. The plurality of vibration components include three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system components including the axial component in the squeegee, The powder adjustment unit according to Claim 2.

5. When the length of the vibrator is L, The joint is curved with a right-angle curvature, Satisfying L / 4 < curvature < L The powder adjustment unit according to Claim 1 or 2.

6. When the length of the vibrator is L, The distance between the center line of the squeegee and the end face of the vibrator is Satisfying 3L / 5 < distance < 7L / 5 The powder adjustment unit according to Claim 1 or 2.

7. When the length of the vibrator is L, The total length of the joint is Satisfying L ≤ total length ≤ 3L The powder adjustment unit according to Claim 1 or 2.

8. When the length of the vibrator is L, The width of the joint is Satisfying L / 10 ≤ width ≤ 2L / 5 The powder adjustment unit according to Claim 1 or 2.

9. When cut in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the squeegee, the cross-sectional shape is circular, The diameter of the cross-sectional shape in the squeegee is 1 / 4 or more and 1 or less of the width of the joint, The powder adjustment unit according to Claim 1 or 2.

10. The squeegee is provided with a vibration dispersion mechanism When cut in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the squeegee, the cross-sectional shape is circular, A circular space is formed in the vibration dispersion mechanism, The space of the vibration dispersion mechanism surrounds at least a part of the squeegee, The powder adjustment unit according to Claim 1 or 2.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15. The clearance between the outer periphery of the squeegee and the space of the vibration dispersion mechanism is 5 μm or more and 100 μm or less. The powder adjustment unit according to claim 10.

12. The vibration dispersion mechanism is arranged at a portion corresponding to an antinode of the standing wave in the vibrating squeegee. The powder adjustment unit according to claim 10.

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