Tablet forming tool and tablet forming method

Abstract

A tablet forming tool and a tablet forming method are provided that allow the first compression member to be easily removed after tablet forming. [Solution] The tablet forming tool 1 comprises a forming frame 2 having a through hole 21, and a first compression member 3 and a second compression member 4 for sandwiching and compressing powder within the through hole 21, and the first compression member 3 is formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the through hole 21 and comprises a first fitting portion 31 that is fitted into the through hole 21 from one side AD1 of the forming frame 2, and a first male screw portion 32 provided on one side AD1 of the first fitting portion 31.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to tablet forming tools and methods for compressing powders to form tablets. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a tablet molding device that includes a base plate (molding frame) with a cylindrical recess with a screw hole formed in the center, a screw (first compression member) that screws into the screw hole, and a push rod (second compression member) that has a protruding cylinder that fits into the cylindrical recess.

[0003] In the tablet molding device, powder is filled into the cylindrical recess with the screw threaded into the screw hole, and the protruding cylinder is fitted into the cylindrical recess with a pressing force applied to the push rod, thereby compressing the powder and molding a tablet. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 59-217135 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the tablet molding device, there is a gap between the screw and the screw hole, so when the powder is compressed, the powder may get into the gap and the screw may become stuck in the screw hole. If the screw becomes stuck in the screw hole, it becomes difficult to remove the screw (first compression member) from the base plate (molding frame).

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a tablet forming tool and a tablet forming method that allow for easy removal of the first compression member after tablet forming. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The tablet forming tool of the present disclosure comprises a forming frame body having a through hole, and a first compression member and a second compression member for sandwiching and compressing powder within the through hole, wherein the first compression member is formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the through hole and comprises a first fitting portion that is fitted into the through hole from one side of the forming frame body, and a first male screw portion provided on one side of the first fitting portion.

[0008] The tablet molding method of the present disclosure includes a first member installation step of fitting a first compression member having a first fitting portion formed in a shape corresponding to the through hole into the through hole from one side of a molding frame body having the through hole; a powder filling step of filling powder into the through hole from the other side of the molding frame body; a second member installation step of installing a second compression member from the other side of the molding frame body so as to block the through hole; a tablet molding step of pressing the first compression member and / or the second compression member to compress the powder within the through hole to form a tablet; and a first member removal step of removing the first compression member, wherein the first member removal step includes a step of rotating a female screw threaded into a first male screw portion provided on one side of the first fitting portion to move the relative position of the first compression member with respect to the molding frame body to one side. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a tablet forming tool according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the tablet forming tool according to the embodiment during tablet forming. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a spacer provided in the tablet forming tool according to the embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the tablet is removed from the through-hole using a spacer in the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a tablet forming tool according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the tablet forming tool according to the embodiment during tablet forming. [Figure 7] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a tablet forming tool according to a third embodiment during tablet forming. [Figure 8]1 is a cross-sectional view of a tablet forming tool according to another embodiment during tablet forming. [Figure 9A] Cross-sectional view showing the tablet forming method [Figure 9B] Cross-sectional view showing the tablet forming method [Figure 10] Cross-sectional view showing another tablet forming method DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (Tablet forming tool) (First embodiment) A first embodiment of the tablet forming tool of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Note that in each figure (as well as Figures 5 to 10), the dimensional ratios in the drawing do not necessarily match the actual dimensional ratios, and the dimensional ratios between the drawings do not necessarily match either. Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the tablet forming tool 1, and Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the tablet forming tool 1 during tablet forming.

[0011] The tablet forming tool 1 shown in Figure 1 is a tool for compressing powder to form tablets. Examples of tablets include battery tablets containing electrode layers and electrolyte layers used in batteries (e.g., lithium ion batteries), tablets for infrared analysis, and pharmaceutical tablets (drugs). For example, by forming battery tablets using the tablet forming tool 1, the density of the tablets can be increased and the chemical reaction of the materials that make up the tablets can be promoted during sintering.

[0012] 1 and 2, the tablet forming tool 1 includes a forming frame 2 having a through-hole 21, and a first compression member 3 and a second compression member 4 for sandwiching and compressing powder within the through-hole 21. The forming frame 2 is preferably formed from a material that does not easily react chemically with the powder used (for example, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, die steel (SKD, etc.), cemented carbide, etc.), regardless of whether it is insulating or conductive.

[0013] 1 and 2 (as well as other figures), the central axis Ca is the central axis of the through hole 21 and also the central axis of the first compression member 3 and the second compression member 4. The axial direction AD is a direction parallel to the central axis Ca. One axial side AD1 (also simply referred to as one side AD1) is the lower side in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the other axial side AD2 (also simply referred to as the other side AD2) is the opposite side (upper side). Note that one side AD1 may be the upper side and the other side AD2 may be the lower side.

[0014] The molding frame 2 is a cylindrical member for filling and compressing powder inside (through-hole 21). The outer peripheral shape of the molding frame 2 is preferably formed into a polygonal shape in a plan view. With such a configuration, the first compression member 3 and the second compression member 4 can be removed while firmly gripping the molding frame 2 with a gripping tool such as a wrench, making it easy to remove the first compression member 3 and the second compression member 4. In this embodiment, the molding frame 2 is formed into a hexagonal shape in a plan view, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the molding frame 2 may be formed into a triangular, rectangular, circular, elliptical, or other shape in a plan view.

[0015] The through hole 21 does not have a female thread portion. The through hole 21 is provided in the center of the forming frame 2. That is, the central axis Ca of the through hole 21 substantially coincides with the central axis of the forming frame 2. However, the through hole 21 is not limited to the above, and may be provided at a position eccentric from the center of the forming frame 2.

[0016] In this embodiment, the through-hole 21 is formed in a circular shape in a plan view, but is not limited thereto. For example, the through-hole 21 may be formed in a polygonal shape such as a triangular shape or a rectangular shape (a square shape or a rectangular shape) in a plan view, or an elliptical shape. The shape of the through-hole 21 is appropriately set depending on the tablet Ta to be molded (see FIG. 2).

[0017] The first compression member 3 is formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the through-hole 21 and includes a first fitting portion 31 that fits into the through-hole 21 from one side AD1 of the molding frame 2, and a first male thread portion 32 that is provided on one side AD1 of the first fitting portion 31. With this configuration, the female thread 9 is threadedly engaged with the first male thread portion 32, and by rotating the female thread 9 to move it to the other side AD2 while the female thread 9 is in contact with the molding frame 2, the relative position of the first compression member 3 with respect to the molding frame 2 can be moved to one side AD1 (see FIG. 9B(i)). As a result, even if the first compression member 3 becomes stuck inside the molding frame 2 due to powder after tablet molding, the first compression member 3 can be easily moved in the direction of removal by rotating the female thread 9, making it easy to remove the first compression member 3 after tablet molding.

[0018] By using the female screw 9, a stable force can be applied to the molding frame 2 and the first compression member 3, and therefore, compared to when the first compression member 3 is removed without using the female screw 9, damage to the tablet Ta due to vibration (impact) transmitted to the tablet Ta can be suppressed, and damage to the through-hole 21 and the first fitting portion 31 can be suppressed. Furthermore, by providing the first fitting portion 31, it becomes difficult for powder to penetrate into the first male screw portion 32. This makes it difficult for powder to penetrate between the first male screw portion 32 and the female screw 9, and it is possible to suppress adhesion between the first male screw portion 32 and the female screw 9.

[0019] The shape corresponding to the shape of the through hole 21 means, for example, a shape that allows fitting with a slight gap in the through hole 21 (loose fit). In this embodiment, the through hole 21 is formed to have a circular shape in a plan view. Therefore, the first fitting portion 31 is formed to have a circular shape in a plan view. The same applies to the second fitting portion 41 described later.

[0020] The gap between the through hole 21 and the first fitting portion 31 is preferably smaller than the size of the powder particles. This makes it difficult for the powder particles to enter the gap. The gap between the through hole 21 and the first fitting portion 31 is preferably, for example, 50 μm or less, and more preferably 10 μm or less. This makes it possible to prevent the molding frame 2 from moving to one side AD1 due to its own weight after the first fitting portion 31 is fitted into the through hole 21. The gap between the through hole 21 and the first fitting portion 31 is set appropriately depending on the size of the powder particles to be compressed. The size of the powder particles depends on the fineness of the powder to be molded, and is, for example, 1 μm to 20 μm. The first fitting portion 31 is not provided with a male thread portion.

[0021] The first fitting portion 31 is provided at the end of the other side AD2 of the first compression member 3. The first fitting portion 31 is formed in a columnar shape (cylindrical in this embodiment) that is shorter than the length of the molding frame 2 in the axial direction AD. The width (outer diameter) of the first fitting portion 31 is smaller than the width (inner diameter) of the through hole 21.

[0022] It is preferable that the first fitting portion 31 is formed integrally with the first male thread portion 32. This prevents the first fitting portion 31 from remaining in the through hole 21 when the first male thread portion 32 is removed from the through hole 21. Note that the first fitting portion 31 is not limited to the above, and may be formed separately from the first male thread portion 32.

[0023] The first male thread portion 32 is disposed between the first fitting portion 31 and a first pressed portion 33 (see FIG. 2 ), which will be described later. The first male thread portion 32 is preferably capable of being fitted into the through hole 21 together with the first fitting portion 31. In this embodiment, the first male thread portion 32 is disposed substantially coaxially with the first fitting portion 31, and the nominal diameter of the first male thread portion 32 is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the first fitting portion 31, but this is not limited to this. For example, the central axis of the first male thread portion 32 may be disposed eccentrically with respect to the central axis of the first fitting portion 31, and the nominal diameter of the first male thread portion 32 may be smaller than the outer diameter of the first fitting portion 31.

[0024] The first male thread portion 32 is, for example, a single-start triangular thread. The first male thread portion 32 may be, for example, a multiple-start thread (e.g., a double-start thread), or may be a square thread or a trapezoidal thread. The length of the first male thread portion 32 in the axial direction AD is preferably longer than the length of the forming frame 2. The length of the first male thread portion 32 is longer than the length of the first fitting portion 31.

[0025] The female screw 9 can be threaded onto the first male screw portion 32, and is formed in a shape having threads corresponding to the threads of the first male screw portion 32. The female screw 9 is, for example, a nut, and is configured in a cylindrical shape having threads on its inner circumferential surface.

[0026] The first compression member 3 preferably includes a first pressed portion 33 that is pressed by a pressing machine (not shown) or the like. Examples of pressing machines include a mechanical press, a hydraulic press, a pneumatic press, a servo press, and a manual press. The first pressed portion 33 is provided at an end of one side AD1 of the first compression member 3.

[0027] The first pressed portion 33 is preferably formed in a polygonal shape (approximately a square shape in this embodiment) in a plan view. This makes it easier to grip the first pressed portion 33 than if it were formed in a circular shape in a plan view, and makes it easier to remove the first compression member 3 from the molding frame 2. In this embodiment, the first pressed portion 33 is formed in a substantially square shape in a plan view, but is not limited to this.

[0028] The width of the first pressed portion 33 is smaller than the root diameter of the first male thread portion 32. The first pressed portion 33 is provided substantially coaxially with the first male thread portion 32. This allows the female thread 9 to be inserted from the first pressed portion 33 side and to be threadedly engaged with the first male thread portion 32. The length of the first pressed portion 33 in the axial direction AD is, for example, longer than the length of the first fitting portion 31 and shorter than the length of the first male thread portion 32.

[0029] The tablet forming tool 1 preferably includes a support plate 5 that supports the first compression member 3. This makes it easier to make the first compression member 3 self-standing, facilitating the molding of the tablet Ta (compression of the powder). The support plate 5 is, for example, a square plate, and is provided with a fitting hole 51 (see FIG. 2) in the center for fitting the first pressed portion 33. The fitting hole 51 has a shape corresponding to the first pressed portion 33, and in this embodiment, is square in plan view. In this embodiment, the support plate 5 is formed separately from the first pressed portion 33, but this is not limited to this. The support plate 5 may also be formed integrally with the first pressed portion 33.

[0030] It is preferable that the second compression member 4 has substantially the same configuration as the first compression member 3. This allows the second compression member 4 to achieve the same effects as the first compression member 3. Specifically, it is preferable that the second compression member 4 has a second fitting portion 41 formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the through hole 21 and fitted into the through hole 21 from the other side AD2 of the forming frame 2, and a second male thread portion 42 provided on the other side AD2 of the second fitting portion 41. With this configuration, the female thread 10 is threadedly engaged with the second male thread portion 42, and the female thread 10 is rotated to move to the one side AD1 while the female thread 10 is in contact with the forming frame 2, thereby moving the relative position of the second compression member 4 with respect to the forming frame 2 to the other side AD2 (see FIG. 9A(e)). This means that even if the second compression member 4 becomes stuck inside the molding frame 2 due to powder after tablet molding, the second compression member 4 can be easily moved in the direction of being pulled out by rotating the female screw 10, making it easy to remove the second compression member 4 after tablet molding.

[0031] The second compression member 4 preferably has substantially the same shape as the first compression member 3. This allows the first compression member 3 and the second compression member 4 to be used interchangeably, improving the convenience of the tablet forming tool 1. Specifically, the second fitting portion 41 has substantially the same shape as the first fitting portion 31, the second male thread portion 42 has substantially the same shape as the first male thread portion 32, and the second pressed portion 43 of the second compression member 4 has substantially the same shape as the first pressed portion 33.

[0032] The female thread 10 can be threaded onto the second male thread portion 42, and is formed in a shape having threads corresponding to the threads of the second male thread portion 42. The female thread 10 is, for example, a nut, and is configured in an annular shape with threads on its inner circumferential surface. It is preferable that the female thread 10 has substantially the same shape as the female thread 9.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the spacer 6 provided in the tablet forming tool 1, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the tablet Ta has been removed from the through-hole 21 using the spacer 6. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the tablet forming tool 1 preferably includes a spacer 6 having a groove 61 or hole wider than the through-hole 21 of the forming frame 2. With this configuration, after removing the second compression member 4 (see FIG. 2), the spacer 6 is placed on the forming frame 2 so that the groove 61 or hole covers the other side AD2 of the through-hole 21. The tablet Ta can be extruded toward the spacer 6 by rotating the female screw 9 threaded onto the first male thread portion 32 toward the one side AD1 while applying pressure to the spacer 6 toward the one side AD1. This allows the tablet Ta to be easily removed from the tablet forming tool 1. Furthermore, vibrations occurring when the tablet Ta is removed can be suppressed, thereby preventing the tablet Ta from being damaged.

[0034] The spacer 6 preferably has a groove 61 (spacer-side through-hole) extending from its one side AD1 end to the other side AD2 end. This allows the through-hole 21 to be seen through the groove 61 when the spacer 6 is placed on the molding frame 2. As a result, it becomes possible to press the spacer 6 and operate the female screw 9 while checking the position of the tablet Ta, making it easier to remove the tablet Ta from the tablet molding tool 1.

[0035] The length of the spacer 6 in the axial direction AD is preferably longer than the length of the first fitting portion 31 in the axial direction AD. Thus, by placing the spacer 6 between the forming frame 2 and the female screw 9, the first compression member 3 can be removed from the forming frame 2 simply by operating the female screw 9 (see FIG. 10(i')).

[0036] The spacer 6 is formed, for example, in a circular shape in a plan view, and the groove 61 extends to the center in the radial direction of the spacer 6. In this embodiment, the spacer 6 is formed in a horseshoe shape (approximately U-shape) in a plan view, but is not limited to this. For example, the spacer 6 may be formed in a polygonal shape in a plan view, and may have a hole (recess) wider than the through-hole 21 (see FIG. 4) at the bottom.

[0037] The spacer 6 preferably has a fitting portion 62 that can be fitted into the forming frame 2. According to such a configuration, the spacer 6 can be easily positioned by fitting the fitting portion 62 into the forming frame 2. In addition, the spacer 6 can be prevented from falling off the forming frame 2 after being placed on the forming frame 2.

[0038] The fitting portion 62 is, for example, a recess provided on the end surface of one side AD1 and / or the end surface of the other side AD2, and is formed in a shape that allows the molding frame 2 to be fitted therein. In this embodiment, the fitting portion 62 is formed in a substantially U-shape, but is not limited to this. For example, the fitting portion 62 may be formed in a circular ring shape or a polygonal ring shape.

[0039] (Modification of the first embodiment) In the first embodiment, the spacer 6 has the fitting portion 62 that can be fitted into the molding frame 2, but this is not limited to this. For example, the spacer 6 may have a fitting portion that can be fitted into the female threads 9, 10. Furthermore, the spacer 6 may be formed integrally with the female thread 9 or 10.

[0040] In the first embodiment, the fitting portion 62 is a recess, but is not limited to this. For example, the fitting portion 62 may be a protrusion that can be fitted into a recess provided in the molding frame 2.

[0041] (Second embodiment) Next, a tablet forming tool according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. The same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and will not be described again. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the tablet forming tool 1 according to the second embodiment, and Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the tablet forming tool 1 during tablet forming.

[0042] 5 and 6, the second compression member 4 is composed of a second fitting portion 41 (see FIG. 6) and a second pressed portion 43. That is, the second compression member 4 does not have the second male thread portion 42 in the first embodiment. It is preferable that the length of the second fitting portion 41 in the axial direction AD is smaller than the outer diameter (width) of the second fitting portion 41, and that the outer diameter (width) of the second pressed portion 43 is larger than the inner diameter of the through hole 21. This shortens the length of the second fitting portion 41 that is fitted into the through hole 21, making it easier to remove the second fitting portion 41 from the through hole 21.

[0043] In this embodiment, the second pressed portion 43 is formed in a circular shape in a plan view. The length of the second pressed portion 43 in the axial direction AD is longer than the length of the second fitting portion 41. In this embodiment, the molding frame 2 is formed in a polygonal tubular shape, but may be formed in a cylindrical shape or the like.

[0044] (Modification of the second embodiment) In the second embodiment, the second compression member 4 is composed of the second fitting portion 41 and the second pressed portion 43, but is not limited to this. For example, the second compression member 4 may be composed of only the second pressed portion 43. In this example, the second compression member 4 is placed so that the second pressed portion 43 covers the other side AD2 of the through hole 21 when the tablet Ta is molded, and is not fitted into the through hole 21.

[0045] (Third embodiment) Next, a tablet forming tool according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. The same components as those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and will not be described again. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the tablet forming tool 1 according to the third embodiment during tablet forming.

[0046] When the tablet forming tool 1 is used to form tablets for a test battery, the forming frame 2 is preferably formed of an insulating material (e.g., ceramic or zirconia). When forming tablets other than those for a test battery, the forming frame 2 is preferably formed of a material that is not easily chemically reactive with the powder used, regardless of its insulating or conductive properties (e.g., iron, aluminum, stainless steel, die steel (e.g., SKD), cemented carbide, etc.). When forming tablets for a test battery, the first compression member 3 and the second compression member 4 are preferably formed of a conductive material (e.g., iron, aluminum, stainless steel, die steel (e.g., SKD), cemented carbide, etc.). When forming tablets other than those for a battery, the first compression member 3 and the second compression member 4 are preferably formed of a material that is not easily chemically reactive with the powder used, regardless of its insulating or conductive properties. With this configuration, after compressing and forming a battery tablet Ta having a positive electrode layer, an electrolyte layer, and a negative electrode layer, the tablet forming tool 1 can be used as a test battery as is (in the state shown in FIG. 7). Furthermore, this makes it easy to remove and evaluate the tablet Ta after the test is completed.

[0047] The first pressed portion 33 preferably has an insertion hole 331 for inserting a banana terminal. This makes it easier to use the tablet forming tool 1 as a test battery. The insertion hole 331 is preferably provided along the axial direction AD. This makes it possible to prevent the insertion hole 331 from being deformed when the first pressed portion 33 is pressed. The second pressed portion 43 also has an insertion hole 431, similar to the first pressed portion 33.

[0048] (Modification of the third embodiment) In the third embodiment, the second compression member 4 includes the second male thread portion 42, but is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 8, the second compression member 4 may be configured not to include the second male thread portion 42, similar to the second embodiment.

[0049] In this example, the insertion hole 431 is preferably provided on the outer circumferential side of the second pressed portion 43. By separating the insertion hole 431 from the central axis Ca, the load acting on the insertion hole 431 when pressed can be reduced, and deformation of the insertion hole 431 can be suppressed. The insertion hole 431 is provided along the radial direction of the second pressed portion 43.

[0050] In the third embodiment, the insertion hole 331 is provided in the first pressed portion 33, but this is not limiting. For example, the support plate 5 may be provided with an insertion hole for inserting a banana terminal.

[0051] (Tablet forming method) Next, a tablet forming method using the tablet forming tool 1 according to the first embodiment (or the third embodiment) will be described with reference to Figures 9A and 9B. Figures 9A and 9B are cross-sectional views for explaining the tablet forming method.

[0052] First, as shown in Figure 9A(a), a first compression member 3 having a first fitting portion 31 formed in a shape corresponding to the through hole 21 is fitted into the through hole 21 from one side AD1 of the molding frame body 2 having the through hole 21 (first member installation process), and then, as shown in (b), powder Pa is filled into the through hole 21 from the other side AD2 of the molding frame body 2 (powder filling process).

[0053] Next, as shown in Figure 9A(c), a second compression member 4 is placed so as to block the through hole 21 from the other side AD2 of the molding frame 2 (second member placement process), and as shown in (d), the first compression member 3 and / or the second compression member 4 is pressed to compress the powder within the through hole 21 and form the tablet Ta (tablet forming process).

[0054] Next, the second compression member 4 is removed as shown in Fig. 9A(f) (second member removing step), and then the first compression member 3 is removed as shown in Fig. 9B(j) (first member removing step). This allows the tablet Ta formed by compression to be removed from the molding frame 2. The first member removing step may be performed before the second member removing step.

[0055] 9B(i), the first member removal step includes a step (female screw rotation step) of rotating, with a tool (e.g., a wrench), the female screw 9 that is threaded onto the first male screw portion 32 provided on one side AD1 of the first fitting portion 31, to move the relative position of the first compression member 3 to the molding frame 2 toward one side AD1. According to this method, even if the first compression member 3 becomes stuck inside the molding frame 2 due to powder after tablet molding, the first compression member 3 can be easily moved in the direction of removal by rotating the female screw 9, making it easy to remove the first compression member 3 after tablet molding.

[0056] 9B(j), the first member removing step may include, after the female screw rotating step, a step of gripping the first pressed portion 33 with a gripping tool (for example, pliers) and pulling out the first fitted portion 31 from the through hole 21. The same applies to the second member removing step.

[0057] 9A(b), in the powder filling step, powder is filled with the opening of the other side AD2 of the through-hole 21 facing upward. As shown in (c), in the second member setting step, it is preferable to fit a second compression member 4 having a second fitting portion 41 formed in a shape corresponding to the through-hole 21 into the through-hole 21 from the other side AD2 of the molding frame 2. As shown in (d), in the tablet forming step, the powder is compressed by pressing the second compression member 4 using a press.

[0058] 9A(e), the second member removal step preferably includes a step (female screw rotation step) of rotating with a tool the female screw 10 that is threaded onto the second male screw portion 42 provided on the other side AD2 of the second fitting portion 41 so as to move it to one side AD1, thereby moving the relative position of the second compression member 4 to the molding frame 2 to the other side AD2. According to this method, even if the second compression member 4 becomes stuck inside the molding frame 2 due to powder after tablet molding, the second compression member 4 can be easily moved in the direction of removal by rotating the female screw 10, making it easy to remove the second compression member 4 after tablet molding.

[0059] The molding frame 2 is preferably formed in a polygonal pillar shape. According to this method, the first compression member 3 and the second compression member 4 can be removed while firmly gripping the molding frame 2 with a wrench or the like, making it easy to remove the first compression member 3 and the second compression member 4 in the first member removing step and the second member removing step.

[0060] 9B(g) and (h), the tablet molding method preferably includes a tablet removal step in which a spacer 6 having a groove 61 or hole wider than the through-hole 21 is brought into contact with the molding frame 2 so that the groove 61 or hole covers the other side AD2 of the through-hole 21, and the spacer 6 is pressed toward the one side AD1 while rotating the female screw 9 engaged with the first male screw portion 32 so as to move toward the one side AD1, thereby removing the tablet Ta. According to this method, the molded tablet Ta can be pushed toward the spacer 6, and the tablet Ta can be easily removed from the tablet molding tool 1. Furthermore, vibrations occurring when the tablet Ta is removed can be suppressed, thereby preventing the tablet Ta from being damaged.

[0061] In the tablet removal step, it is preferable to bring the spacer 6 into contact with the molding frame 2 with the fitting portion 62 provided on the spacer 6 fitted into the molding frame 2. According to this method, fitting the fitting portion 62 into the molding frame 2 makes it easy to align the spacer 6. In addition, it is possible to prevent the spacer 6 from falling after being placed on the molding frame 2.

[0062] The tablet molding method preferably includes a tablet shape adjusting step of adjusting the shape of the molded tablet Ta by cutting it, which makes it possible to change the thickness of the molded tablet Ta and remove unnecessary portions of the tablet Ta.

[0063] The tablet forming method may include a heat treatment step of heat-treating the formed tablet Ta. The heat treatment is, for example, a calcination treatment. This can improve the quality of the electrode layer, electrolyte layer, etc. for the battery.

[0064] (Modification of tablet forming method) 10(a'), the first member installation step may include a step of rotating the female screw 9 that is threaded onto the first male screw portion 32 to adjust the position of the first fitting portion 31 in the through-hole 21. This makes it possible to easily adjust the position of the first fitting portion 31 depending on the thickness of the tablet Ta to be molded.

[0065] In the above method, the second member removing step includes the female screw rotating step, but is not limited to this. For example, when the tablet forming tool 1 according to the second embodiment is used, the second member removing step may include only the step of gripping the second pressed portion 43 with a gripping tool and pulling out the second fitting portion 41 from the through-hole 21, without including the female screw rotating step.

[0066] As shown in Figure 10(i'), the female screw rotating step included in the first member removing step may be performed by placing a spacer 6 between the molding frame 2 and the female screw 9. This makes it easier to remove the first compression member 3 after tablet molding.

[0067] Example 1 Next, Example 1 will be described in which lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) tablets were molded (synthesized) using the above-mentioned tablet molding method.

[0068] First, 1.61 g of tricobalt tetroxide (Co3O4) and 0.74 g of lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) were mixed in a mortar to prepare powder. Then, as shown in Figures 9A and 9B, the powder was filled into the through-holes 21 (inner diameter 18 mm) of the molding frame 2 (powder filling step), and the powder Pa was adjusted to 1.2 tf / cm 2 The mixture is pressed for 5 minutes at a pressure of 1000 kJ / g (tablet forming step).

[0069] Next, in the second member removing step, the second compression member 4 is removed, and a pressure of 0.4 tf / cm is applied to the spacer 6 installed on the other side AD2 of the molding frame 2. 2 While applying the following pressure, the female screw 9 is rotated to move to one side AD1, and the molded tablet Ta is taken out (tablet taking-out step).

[0070] The removed tablet Ta is heat treated at 800°C for 10 hours (heat treatment step), and lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) as a positive electrode active material for a battery having a thickness of 2 mm can be obtained.

[0071] Example 2 Next, LiCo was added by the above tablet forming method. 0.9 Ni 0.1 Example 3 in which O2 tablets were molded (synthesized) will be described.

[0072] First, 1.49 g of tricobalt tetroxide (Co3O4), 0.60 g of nickel nitrate (Ni(NO3)2·6H20), and 0.76 g of lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) were mixed in a mortar to prepare a powder. Then, the powder was filled into the through-holes 21 (inner diameter 18 mm) of the molding frame 2 (powder filling step), and the powder Pa was adjusted to 1.2 tf / cm 2 The mixture is pressed for 5 minutes at a pressure of 1000 kJ / g (tablet forming step).

[0073] Next, in the second member removing step, the second compression member 4 is removed, and a pressure of 0.4 tf / cm is applied to the spacer 6 installed on the other side AD2 of the molding frame 2. 2 While applying the following pressure, the female screw 9 is rotated to move to one side AD1, and the molded tablet Ta is taken out (tablet taking-out step).

[0074] The removed tablet Ta was heat-treated at 400°C for 72 hours (heat treatment step), and a 2mm thick LiCo 0.9 Ni 0.1 O2 can be obtained.

[0075] Example 3 Next, Example 2 will be described in which lithium iron phosphate (LiFeO4) tablets were molded (synthesized) using the above-mentioned tablet molding method.

[0076] First, 0.33 g of lithium carbonate (Li2CO3), 1.04 g of ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (NH4H2PO4), and 1.62 g of iron oxalate dihydrate (FeC2O4 2H2O) were mixed in a mortar to prepare a powder. Then, the powder was filled into the through-holes 21 (inner diameter 18 mm) of the molding frame 2 (powder filling step), and the powder Pa was adjusted to 1.2 tf / cm 2 The mixture is pressed for 5 minutes at a pressure of 1000 kJ / g (tablet forming step).

[0077] Next, in the second member removing step, the second compression member 4 is removed, and a pressure of 0.4 tf / cm is applied to the spacer 6 installed on the other side AD2 of the molding frame 2. 2 While applying the following pressure, the female screw 9 is rotated to move to one side AD1, and the molded tablet Ta is taken out (tablet taking-out step).

[0078] The removed tablet Ta is heat-treated in an argon gas atmosphere at 720°C for 6 hours (heat treatment step), and lithium iron phosphate (LiFeO4) as a positive electrode active material for a battery having a thickness of 4 mm can be obtained.

[0079] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the above-described embodiments and examples are examples of the following aspects.

[0080] [1] The tablet molding tool 1 of the present disclosure comprises a molding frame 2 having a through hole 21, and a first compression member 3 and a second compression member 4 for sandwiching and compressing powder within the through hole 21, and the first compression member 3 is formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the through hole 21 and comprises a first fitting portion 31 that is fitted into the through hole 21 from one side AD1 of the molding frame 2, and a first male screw portion 32 provided on one side AD1 of the first fitting portion 31.

[0081] According to this configuration, the relative position of the first compression member 3 with respect to the molding frame 2 can be moved to one side AD1 by screwing the female screw 9 into the first male screw portion 32 and rotating the female screw 9 to move it to the other side AD2 while the female screw 9 (or spacer 6) is in contact with the molding frame 2. As a result, even if the first compression member 3 becomes stuck inside the molding frame 2 due to powder after tablet molding, the first compression member 3 can be easily moved in the direction of removal by rotating the female screw 9, making it easy to remove the first compression member 3 after tablet molding.

[0082] [2] In the tablet forming tool 1 described in [1] above, it is preferable that the second compression member 4 is configured to have a second fitting portion 41 formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the through hole 21 and fitted into the through hole 21 from the other side AD2 of the forming frame 2, and a second male screw portion 42 provided on the other side AD2 of the second fitting portion 41.

[0083] According to this configuration, the female screw 10 is threaded onto the second male screw portion 42, and by rotating the female screw 10 to move it to one side AD1 while the female screw 10 (or spacer 6) is in contact with the molding frame 2, the relative position of the second compression member 4 with respect to the molding frame 2 can be moved to the other side AD2. As a result, even if the second compression member 4 becomes stuck inside the molding frame 2 due to powder after tablet molding, the second compression member 4 can be easily moved in the direction of removal by rotating the female screw 10, making it easy to remove the second compression member 4 after tablet molding.

[0084] [3] In the tablet forming tool 1 described in the above [1] or [2], the outer peripheral shape of the forming frame 2 is preferably formed into a polygonal shape in a plan view.

[0085] According to this configuration, the first compression member 3 and the second compression member 4 can be removed while firmly gripping the molding frame 2 using a gripping tool such as a wrench, making it easy to remove the first compression member 3 and the second compression member 4.

[0086] [4] It is preferable that the tablet molding tool 1 described in any one of [1] to [3] above is provided with a spacer 6 having a groove 61 or hole wider than the through-hole 21, and that the first male screw portion 32 can be fitted into the through-hole 21 together with the first fitting portion 31.

[0087] According to this configuration, after removing the second compression member 4, the spacer 6 is placed on (contacts) the molding frame 2 so as to cover the other side AD2 of the through-hole 21 with the groove 61 or hole, and while applying pressure to the spacer 6 toward one side AD1, the female screw 9 threaded into the first male screw portion 32 is rotated to move toward one side AD1, thereby pushing out the tablet Ta toward the spacer 6. This makes it possible to easily remove the tablet Ta from the tablet forming tool 1. Furthermore, vibrations that occur when the tablet Ta is removed can be suppressed, thereby preventing the tablet Ta from being damaged.

[0088] [5] In the tablet forming tool 1 described in the above [4], the spacer 6 is preferably configured to have a fitting portion 62 that can be fitted into the forming frame 2.

[0089] According to this configuration, it is easy to align the spacer 6 by fitting the fitting portion 62 into the forming frame body 2. In addition, it is possible to prevent the spacer 6 from falling off the forming frame body 2 after the spacer 6 is placed on the forming frame body 2.

[0090] [6] In the tablet molding tool 1 described in any one of [1] to [5] above, it is preferable that the molding frame 2 is formed from an insulating material, and the first compression member 3 and the second compression member 4 are each formed from a conductive material.

[0091] According to this configuration, after a battery tablet having a positive electrode layer, an electrolyte layer, and a negative electrode layer is compressed and molded, the tablet forming tool 1 can be used as a test battery as is. Furthermore, since the tablet forming tool 1 is used, it is easy to remove and analyze the tablet Ta after the test is completed.

[0092] [7] The tablet molding method of the present disclosure includes a first member installation step of fitting a first compression member 3 having a first fitting portion 31 formed in a shape corresponding to the through hole 21 into the through hole 21 from one side AD1 of the molding frame 2 having the through hole 21; a powder filling step of filling powder into the through hole 21 from the other side AD2 of the molding frame 2; a second member installation step of installing a second compression member 4 from the other side AD2 of the molding frame 2 so as to block the through hole 21; a tablet molding step of pressing the first compression member 3 and / or the second compression member 4 to compress the powder in the through hole 21 to form a tablet Ta; and a first member removal step of removing the first compression member 3, wherein the first member removal step includes a step of rotating a female screw 9 threaded into a first male screw portion 32 provided on one side AD1 of the first fitting portion 31 to move the relative position of the first compression member 3 with respect to the molding frame 2 to one side AD1.

[0093] According to this method, even if the first compression member 3 becomes stuck inside the molding frame 2 due to powder after tablet molding, the first compression member 3 can be easily moved in the direction of being pulled out by rotating the female screw 9, making it easy to remove the first compression member 3 after tablet molding.

[0094] [8] The tablet molding method described in [7] above preferably includes a second member removal step of removing the second compression member 4, and in the second member installation step, the second compression member 4 having a second fitting portion 41 formed in a shape corresponding to the through hole 21 is fitted into the through hole 21 from the other side AD2 of the molding frame 2, and in the second member removal step, the female screw 10 threaded into the second male screw portion 42 provided on the other side AD2 of the second fitting portion 41 is rotated to move to one side AD1, thereby moving the relative position of the second compression member 4 with respect to the molding frame 2 to the other side AD2.

[0095] According to this method, even if the second compression member 4 becomes stuck inside the molding frame 2 due to powder after tablet molding, the second compression member 4 can be easily moved in the direction of being pulled out by rotating the female screw 10, making it easy to remove the second compression member 4 after tablet molding.

[0096] [9] In the tablet molding method described in the above [7] or [8], the molding frame 2 is preferably formed in a polygonal pillar shape.

[0097] According to this method, the first compression member 3 and the second compression member 4 can be removed while firmly gripping the molding frame 2 using a gripping tool such as a wrench, making it easy to remove the first compression member 3 and the second compression member 4 in the first member removal process and the second member removal process.

[0098]

[10] The tablet molding method described in any one of [7] to [9] above preferably includes a second member removal step of removing the second compression member 4, and a tablet removal step of, after the second member removal step and before the first member removal step, bringing a spacer 6 having a groove 61 or hole wider than the through hole 21 into contact with the molding frame 2 so that the groove 61 or hole covers the other side AD2 of the through hole 21, and rotating the spacer 6 to move the female screw 9 to the one side AD1 while pressing it toward the one side AD1, thereby removing the tablet Ta.

[0099] According to this method, the formed tablet Ta can be pushed toward the spacer 6, and the tablet Ta can be easily removed from the tablet forming tool 1. Furthermore, vibrations that occur when the tablet Ta is removed can be suppressed, and damage to the tablet Ta can be suppressed.

[0100]

[11] In the tablet forming tool 1 described in

[10] above, in the tablet removal process, it is preferable to bring the spacer 6 into contact with the forming frame 2 while the fitting portion 62 provided on the spacer 6 is fitted into the forming frame 2.

[0101] According to this method, the spacer 6 can be easily positioned by fitting the fitting portion 62 into the forming frame 2. In addition, the spacer 6 can be prevented from falling off after being placed on the forming frame 2.

[0102] Although the embodiments of the tablet forming tool and tablet forming method according to the present disclosure have been described with reference to the drawings, the specific configurations should not be considered to be limited to these embodiments. The scope of the present disclosure is indicated not only by the description of the above embodiments but also by the claims, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0103] The tablet forming tool and tablet forming method according to the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and are not limited to the above-described effects. The tablet forming tool and tablet forming method according to the present disclosure can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the invention. In addition, the configurations employed in the above-described embodiments can be combined in any desired manner. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1...tablet forming tool, 2...forming frame, 21...through hole, 3...first compression member, 31...first fitting portion, 32...first male thread portion, 33...first pressed portion, 331...insertion hole, 4...second compression member, 41...second fitting portion, 42...second male thread portion, 43...second pressed portion, 431...insertion hole, 5...support plate, 51...fitting hole, 6...spacer, 61...groove, 62...fitting portion, 9...female screw, 10...female screw, Pa...powder, Ta...tablet

Claims

1. a molding frame having a through hole; a first compressing member and a second compressing member for sandwiching and compressing the powder in the through hole, the first compression member is formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the through hole and includes a first fitting portion that is fitted into the through hole from one side of the molding frame, a first male thread portion that is provided on one side of the first fitting portion, and a female thread that is threadedly engaged with the first male thread portion and is rotatable relative to the molding frame, The through hole does not have a female thread portion, the first fitting portion has a columnar shape that is shorter than the length of the forming frame; A tablet forming tool in which the relative position of the first compression member with respect to the forming frame can be moved to one side by rotating the female screw.

2. The tablet forming tool described in claim 1, wherein the second compression member is formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the through hole and is provided with a second fitting portion that is fitted into the through hole from the other side of the forming frame body, and a second male thread portion that is provided on the other side of the second fitting portion.

3. The tablet forming tool according to claim 1 , wherein the outer peripheral shape of the forming frame is polygonal in plan view.

4. a spacer having a groove or a hole wider than the through hole; The tablet forming tool according to claim 1 , wherein the first male screw portion can be fitted into the through hole together with the first fitting portion.

5. The tablet forming tool according to claim 4 , wherein the spacer has a fitting portion that can be fitted into the molding frame.

6. the molding frame is made of an insulating material, The tablet forming tool according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first compression member and the second compression member are each formed of a conductive material.

7. a first member installation step of fitting a first compression member having a first fitting portion formed in a shape corresponding to the through hole into the through hole from one side of a molding frame having the through hole; a powder filling step of filling powder into the through-holes from the other side of the molding frame; a second member installation step of installing a second compression member from the other side of the molding frame so as to close the through hole; a tablet forming step of pressing the first compression member and / or the second compression member to compress the powder in the through-holes to form tablets; a first member removing step of removing the first compression member, the first member removing step includes a step of rotating a female screw that is threadedly engaged with a first male screw portion that is provided on one side of the first fitting portion, thereby moving a relative position of the first compression member with respect to the molding frame to one side, The through hole does not have a female thread portion, A tablet molding method, wherein the first fitting portion has a columnar shape that is shorter than the length of the molding frame.

8. a second member removing step of removing the second compression member; In the second member installation step, the second compression member having a second fitting portion formed in a shape corresponding to the through hole is fitted into the through hole from the other side of the molding frame, The tablet molding method described in claim 7, wherein the second member removal process includes a process of rotating a female screw threaded into a second male screw portion provided on the other side of the second fitting portion so as to move it to one side, thereby moving the relative position of the second compression member with respect to the molding frame body to the other side.

9. The tablet molding method according to claim 7, wherein the molding frame is formed in a polygonal prism shape.

10. a first member installation step of fitting a first compression member having a first fitting portion formed in a shape corresponding to the through hole into the through hole from one side of a molding frame having the through hole; a powder filling step of filling powder into the through-holes from the other side of the molding frame; a second member installation step of installing a second compression member from the other side of the molding frame so as to close the through hole; a tablet forming step of pressing the first compression member and / or the second compression member to compress the powder in the through-holes to form tablets; a first member removing step of removing the first compression member, the first member removing step includes a step of rotating a female screw that is threadedly engaged with a first male screw portion that is provided on one side of the first fitting portion, thereby moving a relative position of the first compression member with respect to the molding frame to one side, a second member removing step of removing the second compression member; A tablet molding method including a tablet removal step in which, after the second member removal step and before the first member removal step, a spacer having a groove or hole wider than the through hole is brought into contact with the molding frame so that the groove or hole covers the other side of the through hole, and the tablet is removed by rotating the spacer to move the female screw to one side while pressing it toward one side.

11. The tablet forming method according to claim 10, wherein in the tablet removal step, the spacer is brought into contact with the forming frame in a state where a fitting portion provided on the spacer is fitted into the forming frame.

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