Powder bridge valve weighing device for dry cell electrode manufacturing

Abstract

This provides a powder distributor for distributing dry electrode powder that can uniformly distribute dry electrode powder over the length of a calender roll, thereby producing high-quality energy storage electrode films. [Solution] A powder distributor 120 having an elongated wedge-shaped hopper 125 containing one or more fluidizing plates 140-1 to 140-6 may be positioned above a pair of calendering rolls 110-1, 110-2 to distribute powder such as dry electrode material onto the calendering rolls 110-1, 110-2. Such a fluidized wedge-shaped hopper 125 allows for precise and / or controlled powder distribution rates along the length of the calendering rolls 110-1, 110-2, or substantially over their entire length.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - reference to Related Applications] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 922,138, titled "POWDER BRIDGE VALVE METERING DEVICE FOR DRY BATTERY ELECTRODE MANUFACTURING," filed on October 21, 2024, the technical disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to powder dispensing devices, and more particularly to powder dispensing devices for dispensing dry electrode powder onto a calendar roll.

Background Art

[0003] Electrode films can be created by calendaring dry electrode powder. When the powder is calendared, making the powder distribution uniform improves the uniformity of the film density, so the quality of the electrode film depends on the distribution of the dry electrode powder onto the calendar roll system. Therefore, in order to create a high - quality energy storage electrode film, a uniform distribution of the dry electrode powder is required. To create a uniform distribution of the dry electrode powder, the electrode powder must be uniformly distributed over the length of the calendar roll, and the dispensing rate of the dry electrode powder must be controlled.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a powder dispensing device that can uniformly distribute dry electrode powder over the length of a calendar roll and create a high - quality energy storage electrode film.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] For the purpose of summarizing the advantages achieved beyond the present invention and the prior art, specific purposes and advantages of the present invention are described herein. Not all such purposes or advantages can necessarily be achieved in any particular embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, for example, a person skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention can be embodied or implemented to achieve or optimize one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein, without necessarily achieving other purposes or advantages as taught or suggested herein.

[0006] In some embodiments, a powder dispensing device is described. The powder dispensing device comprises a first planar plate having a fluidizing section, a second planar plate arranged such that the first and second planar plates form at least part of an elongated wedge-shaped hopper, an outlet located at the first end of the elongated wedge-shaped hopper, and an inlet located at the second end of the elongated wedge-shaped hopper, the first and second ends being opposing ends of the elongated wedge-shaped hopper.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first edge of the first planar plate and the first edge of the second planar plate define an outlet. In some embodiments, the fluidizing section comprises a porous section, a pressure chamber, and a manifold. In some embodiments, the porous section is configured to allow compressed dry air to pass through. In some embodiments, the device further comprises a hopper depth sensor. In some embodiments, the device further comprises a distributed depth sensor. In some embodiments, the first planar plate is positioned on a first plane, and the second planar plate is positioned on a second plane, and the first and second planes form a wedge shape with an intersection angle of about 10 to 170 degrees. In some embodiments, the second planar plate comprises a second fluidizing section. In some embodiments, the first and second planar plates are configured to swivel. In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second planar plates is rectangular. In some embodiments, the outlet is configured to open and close. In some embodiments, the outlet is configured to have an open position, a closed position, and a distributed position. In some embodiments, the device further comprises a position controller. In some embodiments, the device further comprises a first pivot positioned along a second edge of a first planar plate and a second pivot positioned along a second edge of a second planar plate. In some embodiments, the device comprises one or more actuators. In some embodiments, one or more actuators are configured to rotate the first planar plate around the first pivot and rotate the second planar plate around the second pivot.

[0008] In some embodiments, a system for forming an electrode film for an energy storage device is described. The system for forming an electrode film for an energy storage device comprises one of the powder dispensing devices described above and a calendering device located below the outlet.

[0009] In some embodiments, a method for powder distribution is described. The method includes loading powder into an elongated wedge-shaped hopper, which has a flat plate with a fluidizing section, in order to form a crosslinked powder; applying gas from the fluidizing section to the crosslinked powder in order to form a fluidized powder; and distributing a straight flow of the fluidized powder from an elongated outlet.

[0010] In some embodiments, the step of applying the gas includes applying the gas intermittently. In some embodiments, the method further includes stopping the application of the gas to form a second crosslinked powder. In some embodiments, the method further includes adjusting the width of the elongated outlet. In some embodiments, the method further includes sensing the level of powder in the elongated wedge-shaped hopper. In some embodiments, the method further includes opening the elongated outlet in the elongated wedge-shaped hopper. In some embodiments, the method further includes closing the elongated outlet in the elongated wedge-shaped hopper. In some embodiments, the method further includes distributing a linear flow of fluidized powder on a pair of rollers in a calender roll device. In some embodiments, the method further includes sensing the level of powder on the pair of rollers. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals refer to similar elements.

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a system comprising a powder dispenser and an adjacent calender roll, according to several embodiments.

[0013] [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the method of powder distribution.

[0014] [Figure 3A] This is a side view of a powder distribution device in a closed configuration according to several embodiments.

[0015] [Figure 3B] A side view of a powder dispensing device in a dispensing arrangement according to some embodiments.

[0016] [Figure 3C] A side view of a powder dispensing device in an open arrangement according to some embodiments.

[0017] [Figure 4] A side view of a powder dispensing device including a sensor according to some embodiments.

[0018] [Figure 5] A side view of a powder dispensing device according to some embodiments.

[0019] [Figure 6A] A perspective view of a plate according to some embodiments.

[0020] [Figure 6B] A perspective view of a manifold according to some embodiments.

[0021] [Figure 7] A perspective view of a plate according to some embodiments.

[0022] [Figure 8] A block diagram showing the electronics of a powder dispensing device.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] The following detailed descriptions of specific embodiments present various descriptions of those specific embodiments. However, the novel ideas described herein may be embodied in many different ways, for example, as defined and covered by the claims. In this description, similar reference numerals and / or terms refer to drawings in which identical or functionally similar elements may be shown. It will be understood that the elements shown in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. It will also be understood that a particular embodiment may include more elements and / or subsets of elements shown in the drawings than those shown. Furthermore, some embodiments may incorporate any suitable combination of features from two or more drawings. Headings are provided for convenience only and do not affect the scope or meaning of the claims.

[0024] Generally speaking, one or more aspects of the present disclosure relate to a powder distributor having an elongated wedge-shaped hopper containing one or more fluidizing plates. The powder distributor may be positioned above a pair of calendering rolls to distribute powder, such as dry electrode material, onto the calendering rolls. Such a fluidized wedge-shaped hopper advantageously allows for precise and / or controlled powder distribution rates over the length of the calendering rolls, or substantially over their entire length. Because the flow rate is controlled and precise over the length of the calendering rolls, the quality of the calendered material (e.g., electrode film) can be improved (e.g., improved uniformity of film density). The electrode film formed by the wedge-shaped hopper can thereby be of advantageously improved quality and can form an energy storage device with improved performance. In addition, the absence or substantial absence of mechanical moving parts during the distribution process can also improve the robustness of the distributor.

[0025] Figure 1 is a perspective view of system 100, which includes a powder dispenser 120 and a pair of calender rolls 110-1 and 110-2. The pair of calender rolls 110-1 and 110-2 together form part of a calender rolling apparatus, which is not shown. The powder dispenser 120 is positioned above the calender rolls 110 and includes an outlet 122 positioned above the calender rolls 110. The powder dispenser 120 can hold dry powder and distribute the powder uniformly on the calender rolls 110. The powder can be distributed linearly along the length of the calender rolls 110. The powder dispenser 120 is positioned above the calender rolls 110 so that the powder can flow onto the calender rolls 110 by gravity from the outlet 122 of the powder dispenser 120. The powder distributed from the powder distributor 120 can be calendered by a pair of calender rolls 110-1 and 110-2 to form an electrode film for an energy storage device. The powder distributor 120 includes a hopper 125. The hopper 125 is elongated and extends over the entire length or substantially over the entire length of the pair of calender rolls 110-1 and 110-2. The hopper 125 has a length L. The outlet 122 has a width A. The hopper 125 is wedge-shaped and includes a plurality of plates 140 positioned along each side of the hopper 125. Each of the plurality of plates 140 includes a plane. As shown in the figure, the hopper 125 includes three plates 140-1, 140-2, and 140-3 located on the first side of the hopper 125, and three plates 140-4, 140-5, and 140-6 located on the second side of the hopper 125. The plates 140-1 to 140-6 can be fluidized, and each of the plates 140-1, 140-2, and 140-3 is attached to fluid lines 150-1, 150-2, and 150-3 connected to an air supply unit 160-1 that can supply gas to the plates 140-1, 140-2, and 140-3. Each of the plates 140-4, 140-5, and 140-6 is attached to fluid lines 150-4, 150-5, and 150-6, which are connected to an air supply unit 160-2 that can supply gas to the plates 140-4, 140-5, and 140-6.Each of plates 140-1, 140-2, 140-3, 140-4, 140-5, and 140-6 includes porous surfaces 142-1, 142-2, 142-3, 142-4, 142-5, and 142-6. Gas can pass through surfaces 142-1 to 142-6 to fluidize the powder placed in hopper 125.

[0026] In some embodiments, the length of the hopper is 200mm, 300mm, 400mm, 500mm, 600mm, 700mm, 800mm, 900mm, 1000mm, 1100mm, 1200mm, 1300mm, 1400mm, 1500mm, 1600mm, 1700mm, 1800mm, 1900mm, 2000mm, 2100mm, 2200mm, 2300mm, 2400mm, 2500mm, 2600mm, 2700mm, 2800mm, 2900mm, 3000mm, or any range of values ​​in between, approximately that length, at least that length, or at least approximately that length. In some embodiments, the outlet extends along the length of the hopper. In some embodiments, the outlet extends over most of the length of the hopper. In some embodiments, the outlet extends over a certain proportion of the length of the hopper. In some embodiments, the outlet extends approximately, at least, or at least approximately to 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 100% of the hopper's length. In some embodiments, the width of the outlet can be, for example, 2 mm to 20 mm. In some embodiments, the hopper includes one plate positioned on each side of the hopper. In some embodiments, the hopper includes two plates positioned on each side of the hopper. In some embodiments, the hopper includes three plates positioned on each side of the hopper. In some embodiments, the hopper includes four plates positioned on each side of the hopper. In some embodiments, the hopper includes five plates positioned on each side of the hopper. In some embodiments, the hopper includes six plates positioned on each side of the hopper. In some embodiments, the hopper includes six or more plates positioned on each side of the hopper. In some embodiments, each plate is the same length. In some embodiments, each plate is of a different length. In some embodiments, the gas that can pass over the surface of each plate to fluidize the plates is compressed dry air.

[0027] In some embodiments, the gas can be temperature-controlled. In some embodiments, the gas can be at or near that temperature, at least that temperature, or have at least near that temperature, or have at least near that temperature, or have at least near that temperature, or have at least near that temperature, or have at least near that temperature, or have at least near that temperature, or have at least near that temperature, or have at least near that temperature, or have at least near that temperature, or have at least near that temperature, or have at least 700K, or any range of values ​​between those ranges, or 20K, 20K, 40K, 60K, 60K, 60K, 60K, 60K, 60K, 60K, 60K, 660K, 680K, or 700K.

[0028] Figure 2 shows a powder distribution method 200. Method 200 may be applied to the systems described herein. Method 200 may include any of the steps described herein in any order, or any of the steps described herein may be omitted. In step 210, Method 200 includes loading powder into an elongated wedge-shaped hopper to form a crosslinked powder. In step 220, Method 200 includes intermittently applying gas from a fluidizing section to the crosslinked powder to form a fluidized powder. In step 230, Method 200 includes stopping the application of gas from the fluidizing section to form a second crosslinked powder. In step 240, Method 200 includes distributing a linear flow of fluidized powder from an elongated outlet. In step 250, Method 200 includes distributing a linear flow of fluidized powder over a pair of rollers in a calender roll device.

[0029] Figures 3A to 3C show side views of a system 300 including a powder dispenser 350 and a pair of calender rolls 310-1 and 310-2 in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the powder dispenser 350 includes a hopper 325 and an inlet 321. Figure 3A shows the dispenser 350 including an outlet 322A. Figure 3B shows the dispenser 350 including an outlet 322B. Figure 3C shows the dispenser 350 including an outlet 322C. The hopper 325 holds the powder 330. The powder 330 is placed inside the hopper 325 through an inlet 321 at the first end of the hopper 325. The inlet 321 is located at the top of the hopper 325. The outlets 322A, 322B, or 322C are located at the second end (i.e., the bottom end) of the hopper 325. Outlets 322A, 322B, or 322C are located at the bottom of the hopper 325. As shown in Figure 3A, outlet 322A is closed, thereby preventing the powder from leaving the hopper 325. As shown in Figure 3B, outlet 322B is in the distribution position, thereby allowing a controlled flow of powder 330 to exit the hopper 325 through outlet 322B. As shown in Figure 3C, outlet 322C is in the open position, thereby allowing a large amount of powder 330 to exit the hopper 325 (e.g., discharge).

[0030] The hopper 325 is wedge-shaped and includes a first plate 340A, a second plate 340B, a first side wall 326A, and a second side wall 326B. The first plate 340A is flat, and the second plate 340B is flat. The first plate 340A and the second plate 340B form the wedge shape of the hopper 325. The first side wall 326A extends from the first plate 340A, and the second side wall 326B extends from the second plate 340B. The first side wall 326A and the second side wall 326B increase the volume of the hopper 325, allowing more powder 330 to be stored in the hopper 325. The first edge 344A of the first plate 340A is positioned near the first edge 344B of the second plate 340B to form outlet 322A-C. As shown in Figure 3A, the first edge 344A of the first plate 340A contacts the first edge 344B of the second plate 340B to close outlet 322A and prevent the powder 330 from leaving outlet 322A. As shown in Figure 3B, the first edge 344A of the first plate 340A is spaced a short distance from the first edge 344B of the second plate 340B. The distance between the first edge 344A of the first plate 340A and the first edge 344B of the second plate 340B positions outlet 322B at a distribution point that allows a controlled flow of powder 330 to exit hopper 325. As shown in Figure 3C, the first edge 344A of the first plate 340A is spaced at a greater distance than the first edge 344B of the second plate 340B. The distance between the first edge 344A of the first plate 340A and the first edge 344B of the second plate 340B positions the outlet 322C in an open position, allowing a large amount of powder 330 to come out of the hopper 325 (e.g., be discharged).

[0031] The first plate 340A and the second plate 340B are fluidized to reduce friction between plates 340A, 340B and the powder 330. Friction between plates 340A, 340B and the powder 330 can cause the powder 330 to bridge over outlet 322B, blocking the flow of powder 330 through outlet 322B while outlet 322B is in the distribution position shown in Figure 3B. Advantageously, the design of plates 340A and 340B allows for controlled fluidization of the plates, as will be discussed further herein. Controlled fluidization allows for precise control of the flow rate of powder 330 through outlet 322B. Fluidization can be turned on to allow powder 330 to flow through outlet 322B, and fluidization can be turned off to cause bridging of powder 330, blocking the flow of powder 330 from outlet 322B. By intermittently switching the fluidization on and off, the rate at which the powder 330 flows through outlet 322B while outlet 322B is in the distribution position can be controlled and adjusted. Advantageously, since the flow rate of powder 330 through outlet 322B can be precisely controlled by the fluidization of plates 340A and 340B, the hopper does not require mechanical adjustment during use. When outlet 322B is in the distribution position, the powder flow rate can be adjusted by fluidization (e.g., fluidization pressure and / or fluidization time can be adjusted to change the flow rate).

[0032] In some embodiments, the first plate is fluidized. In some embodiments, the second plate is fluidized. In some embodiments, both the first and second plates are fluidized. In some embodiments, the fluidization of the first and second plates may occur simultaneously. In some embodiments, the fluidization of the first and second plates may occur alternately.

[0033] Figure 4 shows a side view of a system 400 in several embodiments, including a powder dispenser 450, a pair of calender rolls 410-1 and 410-2, powder 430, a hopper sensor 470, and a roller sensor 460. The hopper sensor 470 detects the characteristics of the powder 430 in the powder dispenser 450. The roller sensor 460 detects the characteristics of the powder 430 distributed on the calender roll 410.

[0034] In some embodiments, the hopper sensor can detect the depth or height of the powder in the powder dispenser. In some embodiments, the hopper sensor can detect the temperature of the powder. In some embodiments, the hopper sensor can be a non-contact sensor (for example, the sensor does not come into contact with the powder).

[0035] In some embodiments, the roller sensor can detect the depth or height of the powder on the calender roll. The roller sensor can detect the depth of the powder along the length of the calender roll, or it can detect the depth of the powder at one or more points within the length of the calender roll. In some embodiments, the roller sensor can detect the temperature of the powder. In some embodiments, the roller sensor can be a non-contact sensor (e.g., the sensor does not come into contact with the powder).

[0036] Figure 5 shows a side view of the powder dispensing device 500. The powder dispensing device 500 includes an inlet 521, an outlet 522, and a hopper 525. The hopper 525 includes a first plate 540A and a second plate 540B that form a wedge shape, and a first side wall 526A and a second side wall 526B that extend upward from the first plate 540A and the second plate 540B. The first plate 540A includes a surface 542A, and the second plate 540B includes a surface 542B. Surface 542A of the first plate 540A is flat. Surface 542B of the second plate 540B is flat. A first pivot 546A connects the first plate 540A to the first side wall 526A, and a second pivot 546B connects the second plate 540B to the second side wall 526B. The first pivot 546A is spaced a width B from the second pivot 546B. A linear actuator 580 is mounted on the hopper 525. The outlet 522 is positioned along the first edge 544A of the first plate 540A and the first edge 544B of the second plate 540B on the opposite side of pivots 546A and 546B. The outlet 522 has a width A. The linear actuator 580 adjusts the width B and / or width A. The first plate 540A forms an angle α with respect to the horizontal plane. The second plate 540B forms an angle β with respect to the horizontal plane. The first plate 540A forms an angle θ with the second plate 540B (for example, the angle θ defines the intersection angle between a first plane defined by the surface of the first plate 540A and a second plane defined by the surface of the second plate 540B). The first plate 540A can rotate around the pivot 546A to increase or decrease the width A of the outlet 522 and increase or decrease the angle α. The second plate 540B can rotate around the pivot 546B to increase or decrease the width A of the outlet 522 and increase or decrease the angle β.

[0037] In some embodiments, the first pivot 546A and the second pivot 546B may be moved by a rotary actuator. In some embodiments, the first pivot 546A and the second pivot 546B may each include a precision locator that can be adjusted to define a distribution position. In some embodiments, the linear actuator and / or rotary actuator are position controllers.

[0038] In some embodiments, the outlet 522 of the powder distributor 500 transitions from a closed position to a dispensing position and then to an open position by rotating the first plate 540A around a first pivot 546A and the second plate 540B around a second pivot 546B. As a result, when the outlet 522 is opened, the inclination of the first plate 540A (e.g., angle α) and the inclination of the second plate 540B (e.g., angle β) may increase. In some embodiments, the first plate 540A rotates synchronously with the second plate 540B so that angles α and β coincide. In some embodiments, the first plate 540A and the second plate 540B rotate independently so that angle α may differ from angle β. In some embodiments, the angle θ can be between 0 and 180 degrees. In some embodiments, the outlet 522 of the powder distributor 500 moves from a closed position to a dispensing position and then to an open position by operating a linear actuator 580. This keeps the inclination of the first plate 540A (e.g., angle α) and the inclination of the second plate 400B (e.g., angle β) constant.

[0039] In some embodiments, pivots 546A and 546B, and linear actuator 580, allow the powder distributor 500 to be positioned such that it has a defined outlet width A and defined plate angles α and β while in the distribution position. The outlet width A and plate angles α and β can be optimized according to the characteristics of the powder 530 distributed from the powder distributor 500 and / or the desired flow rate from the powder distributor 500.

[0040] Advantageously, once angles α and β, and outlet width A are defined for a particular powder distribution position, the powder distributor 500 may have no moving parts or a minimal number of moving parts during operation. It is not necessary to adjust the variables (e.g., angles α and β and outlet width A) during operation to adjust the powder flow rate. Instead, as discussed herein, the fluidization of plates 540A and 540B may be controlled to optimize, adjust, and / or control the powder flow from outlet 522 while in the distribution position.

[0041] For example, while in the distribution position, the outlet width A can be 10 mm, the angle α can be 60 degrees, and the angle β can be 60 degrees. In another example, while in the distribution position, the outlet width A can be 15 mm, the angle α can be 30 degrees, and the angle β can be 30 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle α can vary from 30 degrees to 80 degrees in the distribution position. For example, angle α is an angle of 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, or 80 degrees, or approximately that angle, at least that angle, or at least approximately that angle. In some embodiments, angle α can vary from 0 to 45 degrees in the closed position. For example, angle α is or approximately that angle, at least that angle, or at least approximately that angle. In some embodiments, angle α can vary from 45 to 90 degrees in the open position.For example, angle α is 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, or 90 degrees, or approximately that angle, at least that angle, or at least approximately that angle. In some embodiments, angle β can vary from 30 to 80 degrees at the distribution position. For example, angle β is an angle of 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, or 80 degrees, or approximately that angle, at least that angle, or at least approximately that angle. In some embodiments, the angle β can vary from 0 to 45 degrees in the closed position. For example, the angle β is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, or 45 degrees, or approximately that angle, at least that angle, or at least approximately that angle. In some embodiments, the angle β can vary from 45 to 90 degrees in the open position.For example, angle β is an angle of 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, or 90 degrees, or approximately that angle, at least that angle, or at least approximately that angle. In some embodiments, width A can vary from 3 mm to 25 mm at the distribution position. For example, width A is 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 11mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 15mm, 16mm, 17mm, 18mm, 19mm, 20mm, 21mm, 22mm, 23mm, 24mm, or 25mm in width at the distribution position, or is approximately that width, at least that width, or at least approximately that width. In some embodiments, width A can vary from 10mm to 80mm in the open position. For example, width A is 10mm, 11mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 15mm, 16mm, 17mm, 18mm, 19mm, 20mm, 21mm, 22mm, 23mm, 24mm, 25mm, 26mm, 27mm, 28mm, 29mm, 30mm, 31mm, 32mm, 33mm, 34mm, 35mm, 36mm, 37mm, 38mm, 39mm, 40mm, 41mm, 42mm, 43mm, 44mm, 45mm, 46mm, 47mm, 48mm in the open position. The width is 49mm, 50mm, 51mm, 52mm, 53mm, 54mm, 55mm, 56mm, 57mm, 58mm, 59mm, 60mm, 61mm, 62mm, 63mm, 64mm, 65mm, 66mm, 67mm, 68mm, 69mm, 70mm, 71mm, 72mm, 73mm, 74mm, 75mm, 76mm, 77mm, 78mm, 79mm, or 80mm, or is approximately that width, at least that width, or at least approximately that width. In some embodiments, width A is less than 2mm in the closed position.For example, width A is 0 mm, 0.5 mm, 1 mm, or 2 mm, or is approximately that width, at least that width, or at least approximately that width.

[0042] Figure 6A shows a perspective view of plate 600. In some embodiments, plate 600 includes a surface 620, a manifold 640, and an inlet 642. Surface 620 is planar and rectangular. Surface 620 is porous and includes a number of pores (e.g., microscopic holes or pinholes) spaced apart across surface 620 (e.g., uniformly spaced across surface 620 or randomly spaced across surface 620). The inlet 642 is configured to be attached to a fluid line supplying gas to manifold 640. Manifold 640 supports surface 620 and distributes gas flowing through the porous surface.

[0043] Figure 6B shows a perspective view of the manifold 640. In some embodiments, the manifold 640 includes an inlet 642 that allows gas to enter the manifold 640. The inlet 642 is fluidly connected to a flow path 648 that fluidly connects to a plurality of pressure chambers 644-1 to 644-10. As shown, the manifold 640 includes two rows of pressure chambers (e.g., 644-1, 644-2, 644-3, 644-4, 644-5, and 644-6, 644-7, 644-8, 644-9, 644-10) and five rows of pressure chambers (e.g., 644-1, 644-6, and 644-2, 644-7, and 644-3, 644-8, and 644-4, 644-9, and 644-5, 644-10). The manifold 640 also includes a frame 646 that defines the edge of the pressure chamber 644.

[0044] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of plate 700. The surface 720 shown in Figure 7 is mounted on frame 746. In some embodiments, surface 720 includes five separate panels, 720-1, 720-2, 720-3, 720-4, and 720-5.

[0045] In some embodiments, a portion of the surface is porous, and a portion of the surface is fluidized. In some embodiments, most of the surface is porous, and most of the surface is fluidized. In some embodiments, a portion of the surface contains holes, and a portion of the surface is fluidized. In some embodiments, the frequency of multiple holes increases in a portion of the surface. In some embodiments, the surface is made of stainless steel. In some embodiments, the surface is made of aluminum.

[0046] In some embodiments, a valve bank fluid-connected to a manifold can regulate the flow of gas through a surface, thereby regulating the fluidization of the surface. The valve bank can regulate the pressure in a pressure chamber and regulate the flow rate of gas from the manifold through the pressure chamber. The valve bank can also generate individual puffs of gas that can pass through the surface. The valve bank can intermittently turn the fluidization of the surface on / off to allow small puffs of gas to pass through the pores of the surface. The valve bank can control the timing of the puffs, i.e., both their frequency and duration. The valve bank can control the force of the puffs. The valve bank can adjust any of the variables discussed herein between pressure chambers. For example, the valve bank can ensure that the flow rate is constant across the entire surface (i.e., the flow rate is the same in each pressure chamber). In another example, the valve bank can generate a flow gradient across the surface so that each row of the pressure chamber produces a different flow rate. In some embodiments, the manifold is positioned beneath a portion of the surface to fluidize that portion of the surface.

[0047] In some embodiments, each surface of the plate may be welded and / or brazed onto a manifold or frame. In some embodiments, a portion of the surface is porous, and a portion of the surface is fluidized. In some embodiments, the majority of the surface is porous, and a majority of the surface is fluidized. In some embodiments, a portion of the surface contains holes, and a portion of the surface is fluidized. In some embodiments, the frequency of multiple holes increases in a portion of the surface. In some embodiments, the surface is made of stainless steel. In some embodiments, the surface is made of aluminum.

[0048] As shown in Figure 8, in some embodiments, the hopper sensor 870 and the roller sensor 860 communicate data with the processor 850. The processor 850 communicates with the air supply unit 820, one or more manifolds 840, one or more valve banks 845, one or more linear actuators 880, one or more pivots 846, and one or more powder sources 830.

[0049] The processor 850 may comprise one or more integrated circuits. The processor 850 may comprise and / or access memory 852. The processor 850 may comprise and / or embody one or more chips, controllers such as microcontrollers (MCUs), and / or microprocessors (MPUs). The processor 850 may comprise a central processing unit (CPU). In some implementations, the processor 850 may embody a system-on-a-chip (SoC). The processor 850 may be configured to implement an operating system that allows multiple processes to run simultaneously. The processor 850 may be configured to execute program instructions for controlling the amount of powder distributed from the powder source 830 based on data from the hopper sensor 870. The processor 850 can control the flow rate of powder from the hopper by adjusting the air supply unit 820 based on data from the roller sensor 860 and the hopper sensor 870. The processor 850 can control the flow rate of powder from the hopper by adjusting one or more valve banks 845 based on data from the roller sensor 860 and the hopper sensor 870. The processor 850 can control the flow rate of powder from the hopper by adjusting the linear actuator 880 based on data from the roller sensor 860 and the hopper sensor 870. The processor 850 can control the flow rate of powder from the hopper by adjusting the pivot 846 based on data from the roller sensor 860 and the hopper sensor 870. The processor 850 can control the flow rate of powder from the hopper by adjusting the powder source 830 based on data from the roller sensor 860 and the hopper sensor 870.

[0050] In some embodiments, the powder used in the systems and methods described may be a dry electrode material / mixture. In some embodiments, the dry electrode material is used to form an electrode film, such as a cathode electrode film or an anode electrode film. In some embodiments, the electrode is formed from an electrode film and a current collector. In some embodiments, the electrode film contains an active material. In some embodiments, the electrode film further comprises at least one binder. In some embodiments, the electrode film comprises an amount of active material that is 70% by weight, 75% by weight, 80% by weight, 81% by weight, 82% by weight, 83% by weight, 84% by weight, 85% by weight, 86% by weight, 87% by weight, 88% by weight, 89% by weight, 90% by weight, 91% by weight, 92% by weight, 93% by weight, 94% by weight, 95% by weight, 96% by weight, 97% by weight, 98% by weight, 99% by weight, or 100% by weight, or any range of those values, or approximately that amount of active material, or at least that amount of active material, or at least approximately that amount of active material. Electrode films can be used to form energy storage devices.

[0051] In some embodiments, the electrode film material and / or electrode film comprises a cathode active material. The cathode active material can form a dry electrode material (e.g., powder) as discussed herein. In some embodiments, the cathode active material may comprise, for example, a metal oxide, a metal sulfide, or a lithium metal oxide. Lithium metal oxides may include, for example, lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), lithium manganese oxide (LMO), lithium iron phosphate (LFP), lithium cobalt oxide (LCO), lithium titanate (LTO), and / or lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA). In some embodiments, the cathode active material may include, for example, layered transition metal oxides (e.g., LiCoO2 (LCO), Li(NiMnCo)O2 (NMC), and / or LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 (NCA)), spinel-type manganese oxides (e.g., LiMn2O4 (LMO) and / or LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4 (LMNO)), olivine (e.g., LiFePO4), silicon, silicon oxide (SiOx), aluminum, tin, tin oxide (SnOx), manganese oxide (MnOx), molybdenum oxide (MoO2), molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), nickel oxide (NiOx), or copper oxide (CuOx). The cathode active material may also include sulfur, or materials containing sulfur such as lithium sulfide (Li2S), other sulfur-based materials, or mixtures thereof.

[0052] In some embodiments, the electrode film material and / or anode electrode film comprises an anode active material. The anode active material can form a dry electrode material (e.g., powder) as discussed herein. In some embodiments, the anode active material may include, for example, an insertion material (such as carbon, graphite, and / or graphene), an alloying / dealloying material (e.g., silicon, silicon oxide, tin, and / or tin oxide), a metal alloy or compound (e.g., Si-Al and / or Si-Sn), and / or a conversion material (e.g., manganese oxide, molybdenum oxide, nickel oxide, and / or copper oxide). Anode active materials can be used alone or mixed with each other to form multiphase materials (such as Si-C, Sn-C, SiOx-C, SnOx-C, Si-Sn, Si-SiOx, Sn-SnOx, Si-SiOx-C, Sn-SnOx-C, Si-Sn-C, SiOx-SnOx-C, Si-SiOx-Sn, Sn-SiOx-SnOx, etc.). Anode active materials include common natural graphite, synthetic or artificial graphite, surface-modified graphite, spherical graphite, flake graphite, and blends or combinations of these types of graphite, metallic elements and their compounds, as well as metal-carbon composite materials for anodes.

[0053] In some embodiments, the electrode film material and / or electrode film comprises a carbon material configured to reversibly intercalate lithium ions. The carbon material can form part of the dry electrode material (e.g., powder) discussed herein. In some embodiments, the electrode film comprises a total amount of carbon material of 20% by weight, 15% by weight, 10% by weight, 9% by weight, 8% by weight, 7% by weight, 6% by weight, 5% by weight, 4% by weight, 3% by weight, 2% by weight, 1% by weight, or any range of these values, or approximately that total amount of carbon material, or at most that total amount of carbon material, or at most approximately that total amount of carbon material. In some embodiments, the lithium-intercalated carbon is selected from graphitic carbon, graphite, hard carbon, soft carbon, and combinations thereof. For example, the electrode film of an electrode may include a binder material, one or more of graphitic carbon, graphite, graphene-containing carbon, hard carbon, and soft carbon, and a conductivity-enhancing material. In some embodiments, the electrode is mixed with lithium metal and / or lithium ions.

[0054] In some embodiments, the electrode film material and / or the electrode film includes a conductive additive. The conductive additive material can form part of the dry electrode material (e.g., powder) discussed herein. In some embodiments, the conductive additive may comprise a conductive carbon additive. In some embodiments, the conductive carbon additive comprises carbon nanotubes such as carbon black, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). In some embodiments, the electrode film comprises a total amount of the conductive additive in the range of 10% by weight, 9% by weight, 8% by weight, 7% by weight, 6% by weight, 5% by weight, 4% by weight, 3% by weight, 2% by weight, 1% by weight, 0.5% by weight, 0.25% by weight, 0.1% by weight, or any range of these values, or approximately that total amount of the conductive additive, or at most that total amount of the conductive additive, or at most approximately that total amount of the conductive additive. In some embodiments, each of the conductive additives is in an amount of 10% by weight, 9% by weight, 8% by weight, 7% by weight, 6% by weight, 5% by weight, 4% by weight, 3% by weight, 2% by weight, 1% by weight, 0.5% by weight, 0.25% by weight, 0.1% by weight, or any range of these values, or approximately that amount, at most that amount, or at most approximately that amount. In some embodiments, the conductive additive is carbon black.

[0055] In some embodiments, the electrode film material and / or electrode film includes a binder. The binder can form part of the dry electrode material (e.g., powder) discussed herein. In some embodiments, the binder may include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyolefins, polyalkylenes, polyethers, styrene-butadiene, polysiloxane copolymers and polysiloxanes, branched polyethers, polyvinyl ethers, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), copolymers thereof, and / or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the polyolefin may include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), copolymers thereof, and / or combinations thereof. For example, the binder may include polyvinylidene chloride, poly(phenylene oxide) (PPO), polyethylene-block-poly(ethylene glycol), poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), poly(phenylene oxide) (PPO), polyethylene-block-poly(ethylene glycol), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polydimethylsiloxane-coalkylmethylsiloxane, copolymers thereof, and / or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the binder may include a thermoplastic material. In some embodiments, the binder comprises a fibrillable and / or fibrillated polymer. In certain embodiments, the binder comprises, is essentially composed of, or is composed of, a single fibrillable and / or fibrillated binder such as PTFE. In some embodiments, the binder comprises, is essentially composed of, or is composed of PVDF.In some embodiments, the electrode film comprises a binder in an amount of 20% by weight, 19% by weight, 18% by weight, 17% by weight, 16% by weight, 15% by weight, 14% by weight, 13% by weight, 12% by weight, 11% by weight, 10% by weight, 9% by weight, 8% by weight, 7% by weight, 6% by weight, 5% by weight, 4% by weight, 3% by weight, 2% by weight, 1% by weight, 0.5% by weight, 0.25% by weight, 0.1% by weight, or any range of these values, or approximately that amount of binder, or at most that amount of binder, or at most approximately that amount of binder.

[0056] As provided herein, a “solvent-free” electrode film is an electrode film that does not contain any detectable processing solvent, processing solvent residue, or processing solvent impurities. Dry electrode films, such as cathode or anode electrode films, manufactured using only dry components, can be solvent-free.

[0057] A “wet” electrode, a “wet process” electrode, or a slurry electrode includes an electrode or electrode film prepared by at least one step comprising a slurry of an active material (one or more), a binder (one or more), and optionally an additive (one or more), even if a subsequent dry step removes moisture from the electrode or electrode film. Thus, a wet electrode or wet electrode film will contain at least one processing solvent, processing solvent residue, and / or processing solvent impurities.

[0058] In some embodiments, the electrode film may be a wet-processed electrode film. In some embodiments, the electrode film is prepared by a wet or slurry-based electrode manufacturing process. In some embodiments, the electrode film is prepared by a dry electrode manufacturing process. As used herein, a dry electrode manufacturing process may refer to a process that forms a dry electrode film without the use of solvents, or substantially without them. For example, components of the active layer or electrode film, including carbon materials and binders, are essentially present in, composed of, or can be essentially composed of dry particles. Dry particles for forming the active layer or electrode film may be combined to provide a dry particle active layer mixture. In some embodiments, the active layer or electrode film may be formed from a dry particle active layer mixture such that the weight percentage of the components of the active layer or electrode film is substantially the same as the weight percentage of the components of the dry particle active layer mixture. In some embodiments, the active layer or electrode film formed from a dry particle active layer mixture using a dry manufacturing process may not contain, or substantially contain, any processing additives such as solvents and the resulting solvent residues. In some embodiments, the resulting active layer or electrode film is a self-supporting film formed using a dry process from a mixture of dry particles. In some embodiments, the resulting active layer or electrode film is a self-supporting film formed using a dry process from a mixture of dry particles. The process for forming the active layer or electrode film may include fibrillating one or more fibrillable binder components such that the film comprises a fibrillated binder. In further embodiments, a self-supporting active layer or electrode film may be formed in the absence of a current collector. In even further embodiments, the active layer or electrode film may comprise a fibrillated polymer matrix such that the film is self-supporting. It is conceivable that a matrix, grid, or web of fibrils may be formed to provide a mechanical structure to the electrode film.

[0059] In some embodiments, the electrode film mixture can be calendered in a calendering apparatus to form a self-supporting fibrillated electrode film. In some embodiments, the calendered mixture forms a self-supporting dry particle film that is free from or substantially free from any liquids, solvents, and resulting residues. In some embodiments, the electrode film is an anode electrode film. In some embodiments, the electrode film is a cathode electrode film. In some embodiments, the process for producing the electrode film is a dry process, no liquids or solvents are used, the listed raw materials are dry (e.g., one or more are dry powders), and the resulting electrode film is free from or substantially free from any liquids, solvents, and resulting residues.

[0060] In some embodiments, the electrode film is placed on a current collector to form an electrode. In some embodiments, the current collector may be a metallic material such as aluminum, nickel, copper, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the current collector may be pure metal. In some embodiments, the current collector may be a metallized polymer film or a metal-coated polymer film. In some embodiments, the polymer may be polyethylene terephthalate (PET), biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the metal coating may be aluminum. In some embodiments, coating the final electrode film mixture may involve forming a uniform electrode film mixture coating. In some embodiments, the current collector may have a thickness of 200 μm, 100 μm, 50 μm, 40 μm, 30 μm, 20 μm, 15 μm, 10 μm, 5 μm, or any range of these values, approximately that thickness, at most that thickness, or at most approximately that thickness.

[0061] In some embodiments, the electrode is a double-sided electrode. In some embodiments, the double-sided electrode includes two electrode films. In some embodiments, the double-sided electrode may include a current collector, an upper electrode film, and a lower electrode film. In some embodiments, each of the two electrode films may have any suitable shape, size, and thickness.

[0062] In some embodiments, the energy storage device comprises a separator, an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, an electrolyte, and a housing, wherein the electrolyte, separator, anode electrode, and cathode electrode are arranged within the housing, and the separator is positioned between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode. In some embodiments, the energy storage device is formed by arranging the electrolyte, separator, anode electrode, and cathode electrode described herein within a housing, and the separator is positioned between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode.

[0063] The electrode assembly includes a cathode, an anode, and a separator positioned between the anode and the cathode. In some embodiments, the electrode assembly is a wound electrode (i.e., a rolled electrode) assembly (e.g., a jelly roll). In some embodiments, the energy storage device is selected from the group consisting of cylindrical energy storage devices, laminated prism-type energy storage devices, and helical-wound prism energy storage devices.

[0064] The electrodes disclosed herein may be used in energy storage devices. In some embodiments, the energy storage device comprises a separator, an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, an electrolyte, and a housing, wherein the electrolyte, separator, anode electrode, and cathode electrode are arranged within the housing, and the separator is positioned between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode. In some embodiments, the energy storage device is formed by arranging the electrolyte, separator, anode electrode, and cathode electrode described herein within the housing, with the separator positioned between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode. In some embodiments, the energy storage device comprises an anode electrode positioned between two cathode electrodes. In some embodiments, the anode electrode and / or cathode electrode comprises a molded electrode film. In some embodiments, the energy storage device is a lithium-ion battery. In some embodiments, the energy storage device may be a battery, a capacitor, a capacitor-battery hybrid, a fuel cell, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the energy storage system or energy storage device may be used in electromobility. In some embodiments, energy storage devices may be used in vehicles including hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and / or electric vehicles (EVs). In some embodiments, energy storage devices used in vehicles including hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and / or electric vehicles (EVs) reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

[0065] In some embodiments, the energy storage device is charged with a suitable lithium-containing electrolyte. For example, the energy storage device may contain a lithium salt and a solvent such as a non-aqueous solvent or an organic solvent. Generally, the lithium salt contains an anion that is stable in terms of oxidation and reduction. In some embodiments, the anion may be monovalent. In some embodiments, the lithium salt may be selected from lithium hexafluoride phosphate (LiPF6), lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiFSI), lithium tetrafluoroborate (LiBF4), lithium perchlorate (LiClO4), lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiN(SO2CF3)2), lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate (LiSO3CF3), lithium bis(oxalato)borate (LiB(C2O4)2), lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiN(SO2F)2), lithium difluoro(oxalato)borate (LiC2BF2O4), and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the electrolyte may contain a quaternary ammonium cation and an anion selected from the group consisting of hexafluorophosphate, tetrafluoroborate, and iodide. In some embodiments, the salt concentration may be about 0.1 mol / L(M) to about 5 M, about 0.2 M to about 3 M, or about 0.3 M to about 2 M. In further embodiments, the salt concentration of the electrolyte may be about 0.7 M to about 2 M. In certain embodiments, the salt concentration of the electrolyte may be about 0.2 M, about 0.3 M, about 0.4 M, about 0.5 M, about 0.6 M, about 0.7 M, about 0.8 M, about 0.9 M, about 1 M, about 1.1 M, about 1.2 M, 1.3 M, 1.4 M, 1.5 M, or values ​​in between.

[0066] In some embodiments, the energy storage device may include a liquid solvent. The solvent does not need to dissolve all components of the electrolyte, nor does it need to completely dissolve any component of the electrolyte. In further embodiments, the solvent may be an organic solvent. In some embodiments, the solvent may include one or more functional groups selected from dioxathiolanes (e.g., 1,3,2-dioxathiolane-2,2-dioxide (i.e., DTD")), carbonates, ethers, and / or esters. In some embodiments, the solvent may comprise a carbonate. In further embodiments, the carbonate may be selected from cyclic carbonates, such as ethylene carbonate (EC), propylene carbonate (PC), vinyl ethylene carbonate (VEC), vinylene carbonate (VC), fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC), and combinations thereof, or from acyclic carbonates, such as dimethyl carbonate (DMC), diethyl carbonate (DEC), ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC), 1,3-propene sultone (PRS), and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the solvent may comprise an ester. In some embodiments, the ester may be selected from methyl acetate (MA), methyl propionate (MP), ethyl acetate (EA), methyl butyrate (MB), and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the solvent may include EC, PC, VEC, VC, FEC, DMC, DEC, EMC, MA, MP, EA, MB, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the solvent may include EC, DMC, DEC, EMC, MA, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the solvent may include EC, DMC, EMC, and combinations thereof.In some embodiments, the solvent may include an EC:DMC:EMC ratio of 10-30:0-90:0-70.

[0067] In some embodiments, one or more solvents may be used at concentrations of 30% by weight, 35% by weight, 40% by weight, 45% by weight, 50% by weight, 55% by weight, 60% by weight, 65% by weight, 70% by weight, 75% by weight, 80% by weight, 85% by weight, or 90% by weight, or any range of those values, or at approximately those concentrations, at least those concentrations, or at least approximately those concentrations. In some embodiments, the solvent is used as an additive in the electrolyte system at concentrations of 0.1% by weight, 0.2% by weight, 0.3% by weight, 0.4% by weight, 0.5% by weight, 0.6% by weight, 0.7% by weight, 0.8% by weight, 0.9% by weight, 1% by weight, 1.1% by weight, 1.2% by weight, 1.3% by weight, 1.4% by weight, 1.5% by weight, 1.6% by weight, 1.7% by weight, 1.8% by weight, 1.9% by weight, and 2% by weight. , 2.1% by weight, 2.2% by weight, 2.3% by weight, 2.4% by weight, 2.5% by weight, 2.6% by weight, 2.7% by weight, 2.8% by weight, 2.9% by weight, 3% by weight, 4% by weight, 5% by weight, 6% by weight, 7% by weight, 8% by weight, 9% by weight, or 10% by weight, or any range of those values, or approximately that concentration, or up to that concentration, or up to approximately that concentration. For example, in some embodiments, the amount of additive in the electrolyte is one of the ranges of 0.1 to 10% by weight, 1 to 6% by weight, 2 to 5% by weight, 0.1 to 6% by weight, 2 to 8% by weight, 2 to 3% by weight, or 1 to 4% by weight, or approximately one of those ranges.

[0068] In some embodiments, the energy storage device is fabricated such that one electrode (e.g., the anode) is larger than and overhangs the other electrode (e.g., the cathode). One electrode may overhang the other in the winding direction and / or non-winding direction of the electrode assembly. Such electrode overhangs can avoid yield losses. In some embodiments, where the separator and the molded electrode film (e.g., the cathode electrode film) do not overlap, or substantially do not overlap, and / or do not mix, the boundary of the molded electrode film is easier to identify, and therefore the ability to form a counter electrode (e.g., the anode electrode) with an overhang is improved.

[0069] For descriptive purposes, the term “horizontal” as used herein is defined as a plane parallel to the floor or surface of the area in which the device described is used or the method described is performed, regardless of its orientation. The term “floor” may be replaced with the term “ground.” The term “vertical” refers to a direction perpendicular to the precisely defined horizontal. Terms such as “above,” “below,” “bottom,” “top,” “side,” “front,” “rear,” “lateral,” “higher,” “lower,” “upper,” “over,” and “under” are defined relative to the horizontal plane when used.

[0070] Terms such as "comprising," "including," and "having" are synonyms and are used comprehensively and openly, without excluding additional components, features, actions, or behaviors. Similarly, the term "or" is used in a comprehensive sense (rather than an exclusive one), and when used to connect a list of elements, for example, "or" can mean one, some, or all of the elements in the list.

[0071] While specific embodiments and examples have been described herein, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that many aspects of the delivery systems shown and described herein can be combined and / or modified in different ways to form yet another embodiment or acceptable example. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure. A wide variety of designs and approaches are possible. The features, structures, or steps disclosed herein are neither essential nor indispensable.

[0072] For the purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein. It should be understood that not all advantages or advantages are necessarily achieved according to any particular embodiment described herein. Therefore, for example, a person skilled in the art will recognize that this disclosure may be embodied or implemented to achieve one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein, without necessarily achieving other advantages that may be taught or suggested herein.

[0073] While exemplary embodiments have been described herein, the scope of all embodiments includes equivalent elements, modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., combinations of aspects across various embodiments), adaptations, and / or changes, as can be understood by those skilled in the art based on this disclosure. The limitations of the claims should be interpreted broadly based on the language used in the claims and not limited to the examples described herein or during examination of the application, and such examples should be interpreted as non-exclusive. Furthermore, the actions of the disclosed processes and methods may be modified in any way, including rearranging the actions and / or inserting additional actions and / or deleting actions. Thus, this specification and the examples should be considered illustrative only, and the true scope and spirit are intended to be shown by the entire scope of the claims and their equivalents.

[0074] Unless otherwise noted or understood in the context in which they are used, the conditional language used herein, among many others, such as “can,” “might,” “may,” and “e.g.,” is generally intended to suggest that some embodiments include certain features, elements, blocks, and / or states, while others do not. Therefore, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, blocks, and / or states are required in any way in one or more embodiments, nor is it intended to imply that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for determining whether these features, elements, and / or states should be included in or performed in any particular embodiment, with or without author input or input requests.

[0075] The scope disclosed herein also includes any overlaps, subscopes, and combinations thereof. Language such as “up to,” “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” and “between” includes the numbers listed.

Claims

1. A first flat plate equipped with a fluidizing section, A second planar plate, wherein the first and second planar plates are arranged to form at least a part of an elongated wedge-shaped hopper, An outlet located at the first end of the elongated wedge-shaped hopper, An inlet located at the second end of the elongated wedge-shaped hopper, wherein the first and second ends are opposing ends of the elongated wedge-shaped hopper, A powder dispensing device equipped with the following features.

2. The powder dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first edge of the first planar plate and the first edge of the second planar plate define the outlet.

3. The powder distribution apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fluidization section comprises a porous section, a pressure chamber, and a manifold.

4. The powder distribution apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the porous portion is configured to allow compressed dry air to pass through it.

5. The powder dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a hopper depth sensor.

6. The powder dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a distributed depth sensor.

7. The first planar plate is positioned on the first plane, The second planar plate is positioned on the second plane, The first and second planes form a wedge shape with an intersection angle of approximately 10 to 170 degrees. The powder distribution apparatus according to claim 1.

8. The powder dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second planar plate comprises a second fluidizing section.

9. The powder dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first flat plate and the second flat plate are configured to rotate.

10. The powder dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second planar plates is rectangular in shape.

11. The powder dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the outlet is configured to be openable and closable.

12. The powder dispensing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the outlet is configured to have an open position, a closed position, and a dispensing position.

13. The powder dispensing apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a position controller.

14. The powder dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a first pivot positioned along the second edge of the first planar plate and a second pivot positioned along the second edge of the second planar plate.

15. The powder dispensing apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising one or more actuators.

16. The powder dispensing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein one or more actuators are configured to rotate the first planar plate around the first pivot and rotate the second planar plate around the second pivot.

17. A system for forming electrode films for energy storage devices, The powder distribution apparatus according to claim 1, A calendering device positioned below the aforementioned outlet, A system that includes these features.

18. A method for powder distribution, A step of loading powder into an elongated wedge-shaped hopper to form a crosslinked powder, wherein the elongated wedge-shaped hopper comprises a flat plate with a fluidizing section, To form a fluidized powder, the steps include applying the gas from the fluidizing section to the crosslinked powder, The steps include distributing the linear flow of the fluidized powder from an elongated outlet, Methods that include...

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the step of applying the gas includes applying the gas intermittently.

20. The method according to claim 18, further comprising the step of stopping the application of the gas in order to form a second crosslinked powder.

21. The method according to claim 18, further comprising the step of adjusting the width of the elongated outlet.

22. The method according to claim 18, further comprising the step of detecting the level of the powder in the elongated wedge-shaped hopper.

23. The method according to claim 18, further comprising the step of opening the elongated outlet in the elongated wedge-shaped hopper.

24. The method according to claim 18, further comprising the step of closing the elongated outlet in the elongated wedge-shaped hopper.

25. The method according to claim 18, further comprising the step of distributing the linear flow of the fluidized powder onto a pair of rollers of a calender roll device.

26. The method according to claim 25, further comprising the step of detecting the level of the powder on the pair of rollers.

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