Battery material manufacturing apparatus, battery material manufacturing system, and battery material manufacturing method

Abstract

To provide, e.g., a battery material production device capable of continuously and efficiently producing a battery material.SOLUTION: A battery material production device 200 according to this disclosure has receiving ports 210, spreading parts 220, a joining part 230, and an output port 240. The receiving ports 210 each continuously receive a plurality of different compositions in a fluid form. The spreading parts 220 guide each of the injected compositions in the output direction while spreading the compositions in a direction orthogonal to the output direction. The joining part 230 joins the plurality of compositions in layers and guides the product in the output direction. The output port 240 is a slit-shaped opening capable of continuously outputting, as an output product, the plurality of compositions that have been integrated by spreading and joining.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery material manufacturing apparatus, a battery material manufacturing system, and a battery material manufacturing method.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, as the demand for batteries has been increasing in various scenarios, the development of next-generation batteries has been progressing. As one of the next-generation batteries, for example, technologies such as replacing a current collector from metal to resin and impregnating an electrolyte with a predetermined polymer have been proposed.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a resin current collector for a lithium-ion battery having a conductive resin layer containing a matrix resin, a conductive filler, and a dispersant for the conductive filler.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a resin current collector for a positive electrode in which a conductive filler is dispersed in a matrix resin containing a predetermined polymer.

[0005] Patent Document 3 discloses a negative electrode for a lithium-ion battery having a current collector and a negative electrode composition layer disposed on the surface of the current collector, and a method for manufacturing the same.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] However, the inventions described in the aforementioned patent documents do not constitute a well-established means for mass-producing lithium-ion batteries or battery materials.

[0008] This disclosure was made to solve these problems and provides a battery material manufacturing apparatus, etc., that can continuously and efficiently manufacture battery materials. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The battery material manufacturing apparatus according to this disclosure has an inlet, a spreading section, a bonding section, and an outlet. The inlet receives a plurality of different fluid compositions in succession. The spreading section spreads the injected compositions in a direction perpendicular to the discharge direction and guides them in the discharge direction. The bonding section bonds the plurality of compositions in layers and guides them in the discharge direction. The outlet is a slit-shaped opening from which the plurality of compositions, which have been spread and bonded together, can be continuously discharged as a discharge product.

[0010] The battery material manufacturing method according to this disclosure involves a battery material manufacturing apparatus that performs the following processes: The battery material manufacturing apparatus receives, in succession, a plurality of different compositions necessary for manufacturing at least a battery material. The battery material manufacturing apparatus guides the injected compositions in the discharge direction while spreading them in a direction perpendicular to the discharge direction. The battery material manufacturing apparatus guides the plurality of compositions in the discharge direction while bonding them in layers. The battery material manufacturing apparatus discharges the plurality of compositions that have been spread and bonded into a single unit in succession. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a battery material manufacturing apparatus, etc., that can continuously and efficiently manufacture battery materials. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the battery according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is an overall configuration diagram of the battery material manufacturing system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] It is a first cross-sectional view of a battery material manufacturing apparatus. [Figure 4] It is a second cross-sectional view of a battery material manufacturing apparatus. [Figure 5] It is a cross-sectional view showing a second example of a battery material manufacturing apparatus. [Figure 6] It is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the deaeration unit 500. [Figure 7] It is an overall configuration diagram of a battery material manufacturing system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 8] It is a configuration diagram of a battery material manufacturing system according to Embodiment 3.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described through embodiments of the invention, but the invention according to the claims is not limited to the following embodiments. Also, not all of the configurations described in the embodiments are essential as means for solving the problems. For clarity of explanation, the following description and drawings have been appropriately omitted and simplified. In each drawing, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations are omitted as necessary.

[0014] <Embodiment 1> Hereinafter, a battery material manufacturing system according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. The battery material manufacturing system according to the present embodiment manufactures materials for manufacturing a predetermined battery. The predetermined battery is, for example, a lithium ion battery similar to a semi-solid battery.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a battery according to Embodiment 1. The battery P100 shown in FIG. 1 has, in order from the top, a current collector P10, a positive electrode layer P20, a separator P30, a negative electrode layer P40, and a current collector P10 layered on top of each other.

[0016] The current collector P10 has, in order from the top, a negative electrode current collector P11, a current collecting base material P12, and a positive electrode current collector P13 layered on top of each other.

[0017] The current collector P11 for the negative electrode mainly comprises a matrix resin and a conductive filler dispersed in the matrix resin. The matrix resin is, for example, PP (polypropylene), PMMA (acrylic resin), or PVC (polyvinyl chloride). The conductive filler is, for example, a granular material having conductivity such as titanium powder, nickel powder, aluminum powder, or carbon black. The conductive filler is not limited to the above, and may be a fibrous material having conductivity such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, or metal nanowires. The current collector P11 for the negative electrode may contain a dispersant. The dispersant is not particularly limited in terms of components and composition as long as it is a resin that can be formed into a film or sheet. The dispersant may be, for example, a copolymer of PP and PE (polyethylene).

[0018] Among the above-described configurations, in the case of the conductive filler being a granular material, for example, the particle diameter is preferably 10 micrometers or more and 500 micrometers or less, and the mass percentage is preferably 20% or more and 70% or less. The conductive filler may form secondary particles. The secondary particles are agglomerated particles formed by the aggregation (clustering) of primary particles of 1 nanometer or more and less than 10 micrometers. The shape of the secondary particles does not necessarily have to be a spherical shape or a块状 shape close to a spherical shape, and may be a shape connected in a bead-like manner or may have a branched portion in a dendritic shape.

[0019] Also, in the case of the conductive filler being a fibrous material, for example, the fiber diameter is preferably 1 nanometer or more and 500 nanometers or less, the fiber length is preferably 1 micrometer or more and 500 micrometers or less, and the mass percentage is preferably 20% or more and 70% or less.

[0020] The particle size can be suitably measured using a particle size distribution analyzer that utilizes the diffraction and scattering of laser light. In other words, the particle size may be the average of the particle size distribution measured by the particle size distribution analyzer. Furthermore, the fiber diameter and fiber length can also be measured using the above-mentioned particle size distribution analyzer. In this case, since the particle size distribution pattern obtained by the measurement has multiple peaks, the peak on the smaller diameter side may be used as the fiber diameter and the peak on the larger diameter side as the fiber length.

[0021] The current collector substrate P12 is provided between the negative electrode current collector P11 and the positive electrode current collector P13. The current collector substrate P12 includes, for example, PP, a copolymer of PP and PE, carbon black, and graphite.

[0022] The positive electrode current collector P13 mainly consists of a matrix resin and conductive fillers dispersed in the matrix resin. The matrix resin is, for example, PP. The conductive fillers are, for example, carbon powder and carbon fibers. The form of the carbon powder is not limited as long as it is a powder or granular material mainly composed of carbon. That is, the carbon powder may be graphite or carbon black. The form of the carbon fibers is not limited as long as it is a fibrous material mainly composed of carbon. That is, the carbon fibers may be carbon nanotubes or graphene. The positive electrode current collector P13 may also contain a dispersant. The dispersant is, for example, a copolymer of PP and PE.

[0023] In the above-described configuration, the conductive filler, in the case of a powder or granular material, preferably has a particle diameter of 10 micrometers or more and 500 micrometers or less, and a mass percentage of 20 percent or more and 70 percent or less. The conductive filler may form secondary particles. Secondary particles are aggregated particles formed by the aggregation (clustering) of primary particles of 1 nanometer or more and less than 10 micrometers. The shape of the secondary particles does not necessarily have to be spherical or a clump shape close to a sphere; they may be linked together in a bead-like shape, or they may have branched parts in a dendritic shape.

[0024] Furthermore, in the case of a conductive filler, if it is a fibrous material, it is preferable that, for example, the fiber diameter is 1 nanometer or more and 500 nanometers or less, the fiber length is 1 micrometer or more and 500 micrometers or less, and the mass percentage is 20 percent or more and 70 percent or less. The current collector P10 on the positive electrode side has a negative electrode current collector P11 on the opposite side, and the positive electrode current collector P13 is in contact with the positive electrode layer P20.

[0025] The positive electrode layer P20 is provided between the positive electrode current collector P13 and the separator P30. The positive electrode layer P20 includes a gel-like polymer compound, a positive electrode active material, and a conductive filler. The gel-like polymer compound may be a conductive resin.

[0026] The separator P30 is placed between the positive electrode layer P20 and the negative electrode layer P40. The separator P30 is, for example, a microporous membrane made of polyolefin (PO).

[0027] The negative electrode layer P40 is provided between the separator P30 and the negative electrode current collector P11. The negative electrode layer P40 contains a gel-like polymer compound, negative electrode active material particles, and a conductive filler. The gel-like polymer compound may be a conductive resin.

[0028] On the side opposite to where the negative electrode layer P40 is in contact with the separator P30, a current collector P10 is positioned. On the negative electrode side, the negative electrode current collector P11 is in contact with the negative electrode layer P40, and the positive electrode current collector P13 is positioned on the opposite side.

[0029] The configuration of the battery P100 according to this embodiment has been described above, but in addition to the above configuration, the battery P100 may also have structural materials to maintain the shape of the battery P100. Furthermore, the battery P100 may be configured such that multiple batteries P100 are stacked in layers.

[0030] In the battery P100 described above, for example, the current collector P10 can be manufactured as follows. First, the manufacturer molds the current collector base material P12. Next, the manufacturer applies the negative electrode current collector P11 to one side of the molded current collector base material P12 and dries it. Furthermore, the manufacturer applies the positive electrode current collector P13 to the opposite side of the current collector base material P12 and dries it. In this way, the manufacturer of the current collector P10 can process each layer by batch processing. However, since the composition constituting the current collector P10 is highly viscous, the above method does not result in stable quality and is not suitable as a mass production method from the viewpoint of yield. Furthermore, since the coating process involves many manufacturing steps, it is difficult to reduce manufacturing costs from the viewpoint of lead time (process time). Therefore, a more efficient method for mass-producing the current collector P10 is desired.

[0031] On the other hand, when manufacturing polyethylene resin films, for example, the resin material heated and kneaded in an extruder is sometimes stretched and molded using the T-die method. Therefore, if the current collector P10 described above can be manufactured using the T-die method, continuous production becomes possible. However, unlike when resin films are molded using the T-die method, the current collector P10 contains a predetermined proportion of conductive filler. Therefore, when using the T-die method, it is necessary that the composition containing the conductive filler is molded appropriately. Specifically, for example, the current collector P10 is required to have good dispersion of the conductive filler in the matrix resin and to have homogeneity.

[0032] Next, the battery material manufacturing system 10 will be described with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is an overall configuration diagram of the battery material manufacturing system 10 according to Embodiment 1. The battery material manufacturing system 10 shown in Figure 2 is schematically shown for ease of understanding of each component. The battery material manufacturing system 10 shown in the figure manufactures the current collector P10 described above. That is, the battery material manufacturing system 10 simultaneously and continuously molds the negative electrode current collector P11, the current collector substrate P12, and the positive electrode current collector P13. The battery material manufacturing system 10 mainly consists of a raw material input block 100, a battery material manufacturing apparatus 200, and a rolling block 300.

[0033] For convenience in explaining the positional relationships of the components, Figure 2 is accompanied by a right-handed Cartesian coordinate system. Furthermore, in Figures 3 and beyond, when a Cartesian coordinate system is provided, the X, Y, and Z axes of Figure 2 coincide with the X, Y, and Z axes of these Cartesian coordinate systems, respectively.

[0034] The raw material input block 100 receives the raw materials for the compositions that form each layer constituting the current collector P10, and after subjecting the received raw materials to predetermined processing, supplies them to the battery material manufacturing apparatus 200. The raw material input block 100 mainly includes a first extruder 101, a second extruder 102, and a third extruder 103.

[0035] The first extruder 101 receives, for example, a predetermined resin and filler as raw materials for the negative electrode current collector P11. The first extruder 101 kneads the received raw materials and supplies the composition for forming the negative electrode current collector P11 to the battery material manufacturing apparatus 200 via the first delivery unit 111. The first extruder 101 is, for example, a twin-screw extruder. The first delivery unit 111 is, for example, a gear pump. With this configuration, the first extruder 101 can suitably knead the raw materials and supply (pressure-feed) the composition for the negative electrode current collector P11 to the battery material manufacturing apparatus 200 at a predetermined pressure.

[0036] The second extruder 102 receives, for example, a predetermined resin and filler as raw materials for the current collector substrate P12. The second extruder 102 kneads the received raw materials and supplies the composition for forming the current collector substrate P12 to the battery material manufacturing apparatus 200 via the second delivery unit 112. The second extruder 102 is, for example, a twin-screw extruder. The second delivery unit 112 is, for example, a gear pump. With this configuration, the second extruder 102 can suitably knead the raw materials and supply the composition for the current collector substrate P12 to the battery material manufacturing apparatus 200 at a predetermined pressure.

[0037] The third extruder 103 receives, for example, a predetermined resin and filler as raw materials for the positive electrode current collector P13. The third extruder 103 kneads the received raw materials and supplies the composition for forming the positive electrode current collector P13 to the battery material manufacturing apparatus 200 via the third delivery unit 113. The third extruder 103 is, for example, a twin-screw extruder. The third delivery unit 113 is, for example, a gear pump. With this configuration, the third extruder 103 can suitably knead the raw materials and supply the composition for the positive electrode current collector P13 to the battery material manufacturing apparatus 200 at a predetermined pressure.

[0038] The battery material manufacturing apparatus 200 receives multiple compositions from the raw material input block 100 and continuously discharges sheet-like molded products in which the received compositions are bonded in layers. The battery material manufacturing apparatus 200 includes a so-called T-die. Details of the battery material manufacturing apparatus 200 will be described later. The battery material manufacturing apparatus 200 discharges a current collector P10 in which a negative electrode current collector P11, a current collector base material P12, and a positive electrode current collector P13 are formed in layers. At this time, the thickness of the current collector P10 discharged from the discharge port 240 is approximately 20 to 150 micrometers. A thinner current collector P10 is preferable.

[0039] The rolling block 300 mainly includes a first rolling mill 301, a second rolling mill 302, and a third rolling mill 303. The rolling block 300 receives the current collector P10 sent out by the battery material manufacturing apparatus 200 and rolls the received current collector P10 with the first rolling mill 301. The first rolling mill 301 sandwiches the front and back of the current collector P10 with rolling rollers and sends out the current collector P10 while compressing it.

[0040] The first rolling mill 301 supplies the rolled current collector P10 to the second rolling mill 302. The second rolling mill 302 further rolls the current collector P10 sent from the first rolling mill 301 and supplies the rolled current collector P10 to the third rolling mill 303. The third rolling mill 303 further rolls the current collector P10 sent from the second rolling mill 302 and sends it to the next process.

[0041] At this time, comparing the feed speed at which the first rolling mill 301 feeds out the current collector P10 (first feed speed) with the feed speed at which the second rolling mill 302, which is the next step after the first rolling mill 301, feeds out the current collector P10 (second feed speed), the second feed speed is faster than the first feed speed. In other words, when the diameter of the rolling roller of the first rolling mill 301 and the diameter of the rolling roller of the second rolling mill 302 are equal, the rotational speed of the second rolling mill 302 is faster than the rotational speed of the first rolling mill 301. Similarly, comparing the feed speed at which the second rolling mill 302 feeds the current collector P10 (second feed speed) with the feed speed at which the third rolling mill 303, which is the next step after the second rolling mill 302, feeds the current collector P10 (third feed speed), the third feed speed is faster than the second feed speed. In other words, when the diameter of the rolling rollers of the second rolling mill 302 and the diameter of the rolling rollers of the third rolling mill 303 are equal, the rotational speed of the third rolling mill 303 is faster than the rotational speed of the second rolling mill 302.

[0042] By individually controlling the speed of each rolling device of the rolling block 300 in this manner, the rolling block 300 can superimpose a force that expands the current collector P10 in the thickness direction and a force that stretches the current collector P10 in the delivery direction. Therefore, the rolling block 300 can be used to quickly process the current collector P10 into a thin material. Thus, the battery material manufacturing system 10 can improve productivity.

[0043] In addition to the above configuration, the rolling block 300 may also have a heating device. Furthermore, the rolling block 300 may have one or more rolling mills. The rolling block 300 rolls the thickness of the current collector P10 received from the battery material manufacturing apparatus 200 from, for example, 500 micrometers to about 50 micrometers.

[0044] The battery material manufacturing system 10 has been described above. The battery material manufacturing system 10 may further include a step of cutting the current collector P10 in a post-processing step after the rolled block 300. Alternatively, the battery material manufacturing system 10 may further include means for winding up the battery material manufacturing system 10 in a post-processing step after the rolled block 300.

[0045] Next, the battery material manufacturing apparatus 200 will be described further with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a first cross-sectional view of the battery material manufacturing apparatus 200. Figure 4 is a second cross-sectional view of the battery material manufacturing apparatus. The cross-sectional view shown in Figure 4 shows section III-III shown in Figure 3. The battery material manufacturing apparatus 200 has as its main components an inlet 210, an extension section 220, a coupling section 230, and an outlet 240.

[0046] The receiving port 210 continuously receives multiple different fluid compositions, each containing a thermoplastic polymer and a conductive filler. The battery material manufacturing apparatus 200 shown in Figure 3 has a first receiving port 210A, a second receiving port 210B, and a third receiving port 210C as receiving ports 210. The first receiving port 210A receives the negative electrode current collector P11. The second receiving port 210B receives the current collector substrate P12. The third receiving port 210C receives the positive electrode current collector P13. The first receiving port 210A, the second receiving port 210B, and the third receiving port 210C each receive compositions containing a conductive filler with a size of 500 micrometers or less and a mass percentage of 20 percent to 70 percent. The size of the conductive filler refers to either the particle diameter or the fiber length of the conductive filler.

[0047] The spreading section 220 guides the composition injected from each receiving port 210 in the delivery direction while spreading it in a direction perpendicular to the delivery direction (i.e., the Y-axis direction) (i.e., the negative Z-axis direction in the figure). The spreading section 220 has a manifold section 222 and a guide section 223.

[0048] The manifold section 222 is a space that extends in two directions perpendicular to the connection sections 221, which are connected to the receiving ports 210 (in the positive and negative Y-axis directions in Figure 4). The guide section 223 is a slit-shaped space formed in the discharge direction from the manifold section 222. The stretching section 220 stretches the composition in the above perpendicular directions by the manifold section 222 and then guides it to the guide section 223 to process the composition into the desired shape.

[0049] The bonding portion 230 bonds multiple compositions, which are guided in the delivery direction from the stretched portion 220, in a layered manner. The bonding portion 230 then guides the layered compositions in the delivery direction.

[0050] The outlet 240 is a slit-shaped opening that allows for the continuous discharge of multiple compositions, which have been integrated by stretching and bonding, as discharge material. As shown in Figure 3, the current collector P10 discharged from the outlet 240 consists of a negative electrode current collector P11, a current collector base material P12, and a positive electrode current collector P13, which are formed in layers and in a sheet-like manner.

[0051] Furthermore, the battery material manufacturing apparatus 200 may also have a temperature control device in addition to the above configuration. This allows the battery material manufacturing apparatus 200 to appropriately adjust the temperature and discharge pressure of the negative electrode current collector P11, the current collector substrate P12, and the positive electrode current collector P13, thereby suppressing inconsistencies in the composition.

[0052] The battery material manufacturing system 10 has been described above, but the battery material manufacturing system 10 is not limited to the above configuration. For example, the extrusion device in the raw material input block 100 may be four or more. In this case, the battery material manufacturing apparatus 200 has receiving ports 210 corresponding to the number of extrusion devices, and each composition is stacked in layers before being discharged from the discharge port 240.

[0053] The rolling mill 300 may have one or more rolling devices, or it may have four or more. The rolling mill 300 may also have a heating device in each rolling device. By rolling the current collector P10 while controlling its temperature, the rolling mill 300 can roll the current collector P10 while maintaining its function as a conductive filler.

[0054] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a second example of a battery material manufacturing apparatus. Figure 5 shows a battery material manufacturing apparatus 400. The battery material manufacturing system 10 may have the battery material manufacturing apparatus 400 instead of the battery material manufacturing apparatus 200.

[0055] The battery material manufacturing apparatus 400 differs from the battery material manufacturing apparatus 200 in the positional relationship between the coupling portion 230 and the spreading portion 220. That is, as shown in Figure 5, the battery material manufacturing apparatus 400 combines multiple compositions injected from each receiving port 210 in layers at the coupling portion 230. The coupling portion 230 then sends the layered compositions to the spreading portion 220. The region including the coupling portion 230 may be called a feed block. The feed block may be configured such that the coupling portion 230 is replaceable.

[0056] The spreading section 220 spreads the layered composition supplied from the bonding section 230 in a direction perpendicular to the delivery direction while guiding it in the delivery direction. The spreading section 220 delivers the spread composition to the delivery outlet 240. The spreading section 220 may also have a manifold section 222 and a guide section 223.

[0057] Next, Figure 6 will be explained. The battery material manufactured by the battery material manufacturing system 10 has a predetermined viscosity (for example, about 1,000 millipascal seconds to 100,000 pascal seconds) due to the properties of its composition. The composition is also in a kneaded state by an extruder. Therefore, the composition injected into the battery material manufacturing apparatus 200 or the battery material manufacturing apparatus 400 may contain gases such as air. To address this, the battery material manufacturing apparatus 200 or the battery material manufacturing apparatus 400 includes a degassing section 500 as shown in Figure 6 to remove the gases contained in the composition.

[0058] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the degassing section 500. The degassing section 500 mainly consists of a branch section 510, a branch pipe 520, a storage section 530, and an outlet pipe 540.

[0059] The branch section 510 is a flow path provided in the composition flow path of the battery material manufacturing apparatus 200 or the battery material manufacturing apparatus 400. The purpose of the branch section 510 is to extract gases such as bubbles contained in the composition. Therefore, the branch section 510 may be provided in multiple locations in the battery material manufacturing apparatus 200 or the battery material manufacturing apparatus 400.

[0060] The branch pipe 520 is a pipe for guiding at least the gas contained in the composition from the branch section 510. Therefore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the branch pipe 520 is sufficiently small compared to the flow path of the composition.

[0061] The storage section 530 is connected to the branch pipe 520 and is located above the branch pipe 510. It is a predetermined space having a flow path cross-sectional area larger than the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the branch pipe 520. With this configuration, the degassing section 500 can prevent the composition from flowing back into the branch pipe 520 from the storage section 530, even if the composition itself flows into the branch pipe 520 from the branch pipe 510.

[0062] The outlet pipe 540 guides the gas accumulated in the storage section 530 to the outside of the battery material manufacturing apparatus 200 or the battery material manufacturing apparatus 400. The outlet pipe 540 is connected to a vacuum pump, for example. This allows the degassing section 500 to suck out the gas contained in the composition. The vacuum pump may be connected to multiple outlet pipes 540. The storage section 530 may be connected to multiple branch pipes 520. With this configuration, the battery material manufacturing system 10 can suppress the generation of air bubbles in the battery material.

[0063] The battery material manufacturing system 10 described above can simultaneously and continuously mold two or more different battery materials. Furthermore, the battery material manufacturing system 10 molds two or more battery materials while controlling the pressure during manufacturing. As a result, the battery material manufacturing system 10 can continuously mold homogeneous battery materials. Therefore, according to Embodiment 1, it is possible to provide a battery material manufacturing apparatus that can continuously and efficiently manufacture battery materials.

[0064] <Embodiment 2> Next, Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 is an overall configuration diagram of the battery material manufacturing system according to Embodiment 2. The battery material manufacturing system 20 shown in Figure 7 differs from Embodiment 1 in that it has a stretching device 600.

[0065] The stretching device 600 stretches the current collector P10, which is the material discharged from the battery material manufacturing device 200. The stretching device 600 also supplies the stretched current collector P10 to the rolling block 300.

[0066] When continuously manufacturing battery materials, it is preferable that the current collector P10 supplied by the battery material manufacturing apparatus 200 be thin. However, it is difficult to thin a composition containing fillers using only the T-die, which is a component of the battery material manufacturing apparatus 200. Therefore, the battery material manufacturing system 10 according to Embodiment 1 has a rolling block 300 in the process after the battery material manufacturing apparatus 200. By using the rolling block 300, the battery material manufacturing system 10 can process the current collector P10 to be thin. However, if a thick current collector P10 is supplied to the rolling block 300, there is a risk of causing uneven thickness of the current collector P10 or uneven distribution of fillers dispersed inside the current collector P10. To prevent this, it is necessary to increase the number of rolling devices that make up the rolling block 300. More specifically, in order to thin a current collector P10 with a thickness of 1 mm to a thickness of 0.05 mm, the rolling block 300 requires, for example, four or more rolling devices. Therefore, in this embodiment, a stretching device 600 is provided between the battery material manufacturing apparatus 200 and the rolling block 300. The stretching device 600 mainly consists of a tension sensor 610, a stretching roller 620, a rotation drive unit 621, a displacement drive unit 622, and a drive control unit 630.

[0067] This reduces the number of rolling mills that make up the rolling block 300. More specifically, by using the stretching device 600 to reduce the thickness of the current collector P10 from 1 mm to 0.5 mm, and then using the rolling block 300 to further reduce the thickness of the current collector P10 from 0.5 mm to 0.05 mm, the number of rolling mills that make up the rolling block 300 can be, for example, 3 or less.

[0068] The tension sensor 610 measures the tension exerted on the current collector P10, which is the discharged material. More specifically, the tension sensor 610 is interposed between the discharge port 240 and the stretching roller 620 of the battery material manufacturing apparatus 200, and measures the tensile force applied to the current collector P10 as tension. For example, the tension sensor 610 shown in Figure 7 has a driven roller between the discharge port 240 and the stretching roller 620, and measures the radial force exerted on this driven roller. The tension sensor 610 supplies the measured tension data to the drive control unit 630.

[0069] The stretching roller 620 is a roller that pulls and feeds out the sheet-like material that is fed out from the outlet at a first speed V1. The rotation of the stretching roller 620 is driven by the rotation drive unit 621. The position of the stretching roller 620 is set by the displacement drive unit 622.

[0070] The rotary drive unit 621 drives the stretch roller 620 to send the current collector P10, which is the material to be sent, in the sending direction at a second speed V2 that is faster than the first speed V1. The rotary drive unit 621 includes a motor and a reduction gear, etc., which are driven by receiving a control signal from the drive control unit 630.

[0071] The displacement drive unit 622 displaces the stretch roller 620. More specifically, the displacement drive unit 622 includes, for example, a linear rail, a bearing that engages with the linear rail and supports the stretch roller 620, and a motor that drives the bearing along the linear rail. The displacement drive unit 622 receives a control signal from the drive control unit 630 and displaces the stretch roller 620.

[0072] The drive control unit 630 includes a drive circuit that drives the rotation drive unit 621 and the displacement drive unit 622, respectively, and a calculation circuit that drives the rotation drive unit 621 and the displacement drive unit 622, respectively, according to tension data received from the tension sensor 610. The drive control unit 630 adjusts the rotation speed of the stretching roller 620 according to the tension. The drive control unit 630 also displaces the stretching roller using the displacement drive unit 622 according to the tension. As a result, the stretching device 600 stretches the current collector P10 while suppressing excessive tension on the current collector P10.

[0073] Embodiment 2 has been described above. Preferably, the rolling block 300 and the stretching device 600 have a temperature control unit so that the current collector P10 can be heated. This softens the current collector P10 containing the filler and allows it to be suitably thinned. The battery material manufacturing system 20 described above can suppress bias in the characteristics of the current collector P10 while gradually reducing the thickness when two or more different battery materials are molded simultaneously and continuously. Therefore, Embodiment 2 provides a battery material manufacturing apparatus that can continuously and efficiently manufacture battery materials.

[0074] <Embodiment 3> Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a configuration diagram of the battery material manufacturing system 30 according to Embodiment 3. The battery material manufacturing system 30 differs from the embodiment described above in that it has a cast block 700. The battery material manufacturing system 30 may also have a rolling block 300 and a stretching device 600 in the process after the cast block 700, but a detailed description is omitted here.

[0075] The cast block 700 is located below the battery material manufacturing apparatus 200 and extends the current collector P10 that is fed out from the battery material manufacturing apparatus 200. The cast block 700 mainly consists of a cast roller 710, a rotary drive unit 720, a displacement drive unit 730, and a drive control unit 740.

[0076] The cast roller 710 is a roller that rotates due to the rotation drive unit 720. As the cast roller 710 rotates, it receives the current collector P10 on its surface and sends it to the next process. At this time, the surface of the cast roller 710 is moving at a speed V2. Here, the speed V2 is set to be faster than the sending speed V1 of the current collector P10 sent from the battery material manufacturing apparatus 200. This allows the cast roller 710 to stretch the current collector P10. The cast roller 710 also cools the current collector P10 by contacting it.

[0077] The rotary drive unit 720 rotates the cast roller 710 in accordance with the instructions of the drive control unit 740. The rotary drive unit 720 includes a motor for rotating the cast roller 710 and sensors for measuring the rotational speed of the cast roller 710.

[0078] The displacement drive unit 730 displaces the cast roller 710 in the Z-axis direction (i.e., vertical direction) and the X-axis direction (i.e., horizontal direction, or the thickness direction of the current collector P10 that is fed out in a sheet-like manner) as shown in the figure. More specifically, the displacement drive unit 730 includes, for example, a linear rail that is movable along the Z-axis direction and the X-axis direction, a bearing that engages with the linear rail and supports the cast roller 710, and a motor that drives the bearing along the linear rail. The displacement drive unit 730 receives a control signal from the drive control unit 740 and displaces the cast roller 710.

[0079] The drive control unit 740 includes a drive circuit that drives the rotary drive unit 720 and the displacement drive unit 730, respectively, and a calculation circuit that drives the rotary drive unit 720 and the displacement drive unit 730, respectively, according to data received from the rotary drive unit 720 and the displacement drive unit 730 regarding the rotational speed and position of the cast roller 710.

[0080] With the above configuration, the cast block 700 cools and stretches the current collector P10, which is in a high-temperature and fluid state, as it is delivered from the battery material manufacturing apparatus 200. Generally, when forming and stretching a resin into a film, the resin is stretched in a solidified state. However, when stretching a sheet-like current collector P10 containing fillers in a solidified state, especially if the sheet is thick, for example, 1 mm thick, as is the case with a sheet immediately after it is delivered from the stretching section 220, there is a risk that the sheet may break or that uneven thickness may occur during stretching by the stretching device 600. To prevent this, the stretching device 600 needs to stretch at a relatively slow speed. Therefore, by performing a small amount of stretching in a molten state with the above configuration, the battery material manufacturing system 30 can quickly and uniformly thin the sheet-like current collector P10 containing fillers to a wide width.

[0081] For example, with the above configuration, the cast block 700 stretches the current collector P10, which has a thickness of 1 mm, to a thickness of 0.85 mm. In other words, the thickness to which the cast block 700 stretches the current collector P10 is 0.15 mm. There are no particular restrictions on the thickness to which the cast block 700 stretches the current collector, but it is desirable that it be smaller than the thickness to which the stretching device 600 stretches it. That is, while the thickness to which the stretching device 600 stretches the current collector P10 is, for example, 0.35 mm, the thickness to which the cast block 700 stretches the current collector P10 is 0.15 mm. The cast block 700 stretches the current collector P10 at a temperature relatively lower than the temperature of the current collector P10 discharged from the outlet 240. The cast block 700 may have a temperature control unit for adjusting the temperature of the current collector P10.

[0082] Furthermore, the cast block 700 can adjust the conditions for suitably stretching the current collector P10 by displacing the cast roller 710. Specifically, the cast block 700 adjusts the temperature of the current collector P10 in contact with the cast roller 710 by adjusting the vertical position (Z-axis direction) of the cast roller 710. This allows the cast block 700 to adjust the degree of solidification of the current collector P10. The cast block 700 also adjusts the position of the cast roller 710 in contact with the current collector P10 by adjusting the horizontal position (X-axis direction) of the cast roller 710. This allows the cast block 700 to adjust the degree of stretching of the current collector P10. Note that the position of the cast roller 710 may be changed depending on the composition of the current collector P10.

[0083] Embodiment 3 has been described above. The cast block 700 of the battery material manufacturing system 30 has a cast roller 710 that receives and winds up the sheet-like material, which is the current collector P10, that is discharged from the discharge port at a first speed V1, and then feeds it out. The cast block 700 also has a rotary drive unit 720 that rotates the cast roller 710 to feed the material in the discharge direction at a second speed V2 which is faster than the first speed V1.

[0084] The cast block 700 also includes a displacement drive unit 730 that displaces the cast roller 710 in the vertical and horizontal directions. Furthermore, the drive control unit 740 of the cast block 700 displaces the cast roller 710 for the purpose of adjusting the degree of solidification and stretching of the discharged material.

[0085] Furthermore, the current collector P10 stretched in the cast block 700 may be heated again in the stretching device 600 or the rolling block 300 in a subsequent process after the cast block 700. This allows the stretching device 600 or the rolling block 300 to efficiently stretch the current collector P10. The temperature control unit described above may also have a function to control the temperature of the current collector P10 according to its thickness. That is, the battery material manufacturing system 30 has a function to measure the thickness of the current collector P10, and the temperature control unit, which is linked to a predetermined rolling function, may set the temperature according to the thickness. With this configuration, the battery material manufacturing system 30 can process the current collector P10 to a desired thickness.

[0086] As described above, Embodiment 3 provides a battery material manufacturing apparatus and the like that can continuously and efficiently manufacture battery materials including fillers while suitably adjusting the manufacturing conditions.

[0087] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto. Various modifications to the structure and details of the present invention can be made that are understandable to those skilled in the art within the scope of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0088] 10. Battery material manufacturing system 20 Battery Material Manufacturing System 30 Battery Material Manufacturing System 100 Raw material input block 101 First extruder 102 Second Extruder 103 Third extruder 111 1st sending section 112 2nd sending section 113 Third sending section 200 Battery material manufacturing equipment 210 Inlet 220 Extension Department 221 Connection part 222 Manifold section 223 Information Department 230 Joint 240 outlet 300 Rolling Blocks 301 First Rolling Mill 302 Second Rolling Mill 303 Third Rolling Mill 400 Battery material manufacturing equipment 500 Degassing section 510 Branch section 520 Branch pipe 530 Storage section 540 Outlet pipe 600 Stretching equipment 610 Tension Sensor 620 Stretching Roller 621 Rotary drive unit 622 Displacement drive unit 630 Drive control unit 700 Cast Block 710 Cast Roller 720 Rotary drive unit 730 Displacement drive unit 740 Drive Control Unit P10 Current collector P11 Positive electrode current collector P12 Current collector base material P13 Negative electrode current collector P20 positive electrode layer P30 Separator P40 negative electrode layer P100 battery

Claims

1. Multiple inlets, each independently and in succession, that receive fluid compositions having at least the same composition, A spreading section that spreads the injected composition in a direction perpendicular to the dispensing direction and guides it in the dispensing direction, A bonding portion that bonds multiple compositions in layers and guides them in the discharge direction, It comprises a discharge port, which is a slit-shaped opening from which a plurality of the compositions, which have been formed by stretching and bonding into a single unit, can be continuously discharged as a discharged material, The degassing unit further comprises: a branch section provided in the flow path of the composition; a branch pipe for guiding at least the gas contained in the composition from the branch section; a storage section which is a predetermined space connected to the branch pipe and provided above the branch section, having a flow path cross-sectional area larger than the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the branch pipe; and an outlet pipe for guiding the gas accumulated in the storage section to the outside. Battery material manufacturing equipment.

2. The receiving port receives the composition comprising a conductive filler. The apparatus for manufacturing battery materials according to claim 1.

3. Each of the multiple receiving ports receives the composition for forming the positive electrode current collector, the current collector substrate, and the negative electrode current collector. The aforementioned outlet discharges a positive electrode current collector, a current collector substrate, and a negative electrode current collector, which are formed in layers. The apparatus for manufacturing battery materials according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned outlet discharges the discharged material, including the current collector for the battery, in a sheet-like form. The apparatus for manufacturing battery materials according to claim 3.

5. The extension portion comprises a manifold portion, which is a space extending in two directions perpendicular to the connection portion connected to the receiving port, and a guide portion, which is a slit-shaped space formed in the discharge direction from the manifold portion. A battery material manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. Multiple inlets, each independently and in succession, that receive fluid compositions having at least the same composition, A spreading section that spreads the injected composition in a direction perpendicular to the dispensing direction and guides it in the dispensing direction, A bonding portion that bonds multiple compositions in layers and guides them in the discharge direction, A battery material manufacturing apparatus comprising: an outlet which is a slit-shaped opening capable of continuously discharging a plurality of the compositions, which have been formed by stretching and bonding to become an integrated whole, as a discharge material; An extruder that controls the discharge pressure for each of the aforementioned receiving ports to pump the composition, Equipped with, A rolling mill that rolls the sheet-like material discharged from the discharge port by sandwiching its front and back sides. Furthermore, Battery material manufacturing system.

7. The rolling apparatus includes a first rolling apparatus that rolls the material being fed out at a first feeding speed, and a second rolling apparatus that rolls the material being fed out from the first rolling apparatus at a second feeding speed faster than the first feeding speed. A battery material manufacturing system according to claim 6.

8. Multiple inlets, each independently and in succession, that receive fluid compositions having at least the same composition, A spreading section that spreads the injected composition in a direction perpendicular to the dispensing direction and guides it in the dispensing direction, A bonding portion that bonds multiple compositions in layers and guides them in the discharge direction, A battery material manufacturing apparatus comprising: an outlet which is a slit-shaped opening capable of continuously discharging a plurality of the compositions, which have been formed by stretching and bonding to become an integrated whole, as a discharge material; An extruder that controls the discharge pressure for each of the aforementioned receiving ports to pump the composition, Equipped with, A stretching device comprising: a stretching roller that pulls and feeds out the sheet-like material fed out from the outlet at a first speed; and a rotational drive unit that rotates the stretching roller to feed the material in the feeding direction at a second speed faster than the first speed. Furthermore, Battery material manufacturing system.

9. The stretching device further comprises a tension sensor for measuring the tension applied to the material being fed, and a drive control unit for adjusting the rotational speed of the stretching roller according to the tension. A battery material manufacturing system according to claim 8.

10. The stretching device further includes a displacement drive unit for displacing the stretching roller, and the drive control unit adjusts the rotational speed of the stretching roller or displaces the stretching roller according to the tension. A battery material manufacturing system according to claim 9.

11. Multiple inlets, each independently and in succession, that receive fluid compositions having at least the same composition, A spreading section that spreads the injected composition in a direction perpendicular to the dispensing direction and guides it in the dispensing direction, A bonding portion that bonds multiple compositions in layers and guides them in the discharge direction, A battery material manufacturing apparatus comprising: an outlet which is a slit-shaped opening capable of continuously discharging a plurality of the compositions, which have been formed by stretching and bonding to become an integrated whole, as a discharge material; An extruder that controls the discharge pressure for each of the aforementioned receiving ports to pump the composition, Equipped with, A cast block comprising: a cast roller that receives and winds up the sheet-like material being discharged from the discharge port at a first speed, and a rotational drive unit that rotates the cast roller to discharge the material in the discharge direction at a second speed faster than the first speed. Furthermore, Battery material manufacturing system.

12. The cast block includes a displacement drive unit that displaces the cast roller in the vertical and horizontal directions, The system further includes a drive control unit that displaces the cast roller for the purpose of adjusting the degree of solidification and stretching of the discharged material, A battery material manufacturing system according to claim 11.

13. Multiple fluid compositions, each containing at least the same composition of a thermoplastic polymer and a conductive filler, are received separately and in succession. The injected compositions are guided in the direction of discharge while being spread in a direction perpendicular to the discharge direction. Multiple compositions are bonded in layers and guided in the discharge direction, Multiple compositions, which have been integrated by stretching and bonding, are continuously fed out. The system guides at least the gas contained in the composition from a branching section provided in the flow path of the composition, and guides the gas accumulated above the branching section to the outside. Method for producing battery materials.

14. Multiple fluid compositions, each containing at least the same composition of a thermoplastic polymer and a conductive filler, are received separately and in succession. The injected compositions are guided in the direction of discharge while being spread in a direction perpendicular to the discharge direction. Multiple compositions are bonded in layers and guided in the discharge direction, Multiple compositions, which have been integrated by stretching and bonding, are continuously discharged as a discharged product. A method for manufacturing materials for batteries, A process of rolling the sheet-like material that has been sent out, sandwiching both sides of the material between them. or A stretching step in which a sheet-like material is pulled and fed out at a first speed, and the material is fed out in the feeding direction at a second speed faster than the first speed, or A casting process in which the sheet-like material being fed out at a third speed is received, wound up, and fed out, and the material being fed out in the feeding direction at a fourth speed faster than the third speed, It comprises one of the following processes: Method for producing battery materials.

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