EP1559152A1 - An apparatus for manufacturing an electrode - Google Patents
An apparatus for manufacturing an electrodeInfo
- Publication number
- EP1559152A1 EP1559152A1 EP03770206A EP03770206A EP1559152A1 EP 1559152 A1 EP1559152 A1 EP 1559152A1 EP 03770206 A EP03770206 A EP 03770206A EP 03770206 A EP03770206 A EP 03770206A EP 1559152 A1 EP1559152 A1 EP 1559152A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- powder
- electrode
- carrier
- metal carrier
- active
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 22
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 45
- 229910052755 nonmetal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 22
- 239000011149 active material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 238000000151 deposition Methods 0.000 claims 1
- PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Nickel Chemical compound [Ni] PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 8
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 7
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 6
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 6
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 6
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229910052759 nickel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 229910005813 NiMH Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000003792 electrolyte Substances 0.000 description 3
- NPURPEXKKDAKIH-UHFFFAOYSA-N iodoimino(oxo)methane Chemical compound IN=C=O NPURPEXKKDAKIH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000002482 conductive additive Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000002209 hydrophobic effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229910052987 metal hydride Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000007774 positive electrode material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000003319 supportive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011230 binding agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000012876 carrier material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910017052 cobalt Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010941 cobalt Substances 0.000 description 1
- GUTLYIVDDKVIGB-UHFFFAOYSA-N cobalt atom Chemical compound [Co] GUTLYIVDDKVIGB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000005056 compaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000004681 metal hydrides Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000007773 negative electrode material Substances 0.000 description 1
- BFDHFSHZJLFAMC-UHFFFAOYSA-L nickel(ii) hydroxide Chemical compound [OH-].[OH-].[Ni+2] BFDHFSHZJLFAMC-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- 239000012811 non-conductive material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 1
- -1 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007493 shaping process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007873 sieving Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003892 spreading Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007480 spreading Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M10/24—Alkaline accumulators
- H01M10/28—Construction or manufacture
- H01M10/281—Large cells or batteries with stacks of plate-like electrodes
- H01M10/282—Large cells or batteries with stacks of plate-like electrodes with bipolar electrodes
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M4/00—Electrodes
- H01M4/02—Electrodes composed of, or comprising, active material
- H01M4/04—Processes of manufacture in general
- H01M4/043—Processes of manufacture in general involving compressing or compaction
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M4/00—Electrodes
- H01M4/02—Electrodes composed of, or comprising, active material
- H01M4/24—Electrodes for alkaline accumulators
- H01M4/26—Processes of manufacture
- H01M4/30—Pressing
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M4/00—Electrodes
- H01M4/02—Electrodes composed of, or comprising, active material
- H01M4/64—Carriers or collectors
- H01M4/66—Selection of materials
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M4/00—Electrodes
- H01M4/02—Electrodes composed of, or comprising, active material
- H01M2004/026—Electrodes composed of, or comprising, active material characterised by the polarity
- H01M2004/029—Bipolar electrodes
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
- Y02P70/00—Climate change mitigation technologies in the production process for final industrial or consumer products
- Y02P70/50—Manufacturing or production processes characterised by the final manufactured product
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode as defined in the preamble of claim 1.
- electrodes to bipolar batteries have been manufactured using some type of conductive carrier, a metal grid or mesh, to increase the conductivity between the electrode and the biplate of the biplate assembly, and to support the electrode during transport and assembly.
- Active material in the form of powder has also been used, which has been compressed to achieve a suitable thickness and density.
- Planar electrodes may have any shape, but has to be formed into the desired shape by cutting the supporting metal structure and the compressed powder. In doing this there is a high risk that the electrode is damaged due to vibrations from cutting the metal carrier. Also sharp conductive edges may be the result of shaping the electrode.
- the object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode, which provides an easy manufacturing process to form the electrode into a desired shape compared to prior art electrodes. This object is achieved by an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode as defined in the characterizing portion of claim 1.
- An advantage with the present invention is that the electrode is easier to manufacture compared to prior art electrodes.
- Another advantage is that the cost for manufacturing the electrode is reduced compared to conventional prior art electrodes having a supportive carrier.
- Still another advantage is that the weight of the electrode is reduced, since no conductive support structure is necessary within the electrode.
- Still another advantage is that no conductive sharp edges will occur on a shaped electrode, as may be the case when cutting an electrode having a metal supportive structure.
- Still another advantage is that it is easier to obtain a flat electrode from pressed powder compared with electrodes having a metal carrier, since the metal carrier is deformed during the pressing of the powder.
- Fig. 1 shows a planar view of an electrode on a non-metal carrier being produced by an apparatus according to the invention.
- Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view along A-A in figure 1.
- Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a bipolar battery including a biplate assembly having an electrode being produced by an apparatus according to the invention.
- Fig. 4 shows a view of an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode according to the invention.
- Fig. 5 shows a detailed view of the means for arranging active powder onto a non-conductive carrier.
- Figure 1 shows a non-metal carrier 10 made from a conductive material, such as a woven carbon fibre cloth, or non- conductive material, such as a polymer preferably made from polypropylene, having a predetermined width w and an arbitrary length.
- the carrier 10 is preferably arranged in a roll, see figure 4.
- a compressed powder 11 is arranged on the non-metal carrier 10 and a desired shape of the electrode 13 is outlined by the dashed line 12.
- the compressed powder 11 and the carrier 10 are cut along line 12 to form the electrode 13.
- the positive active material in a NiMH battery manufactured according to the invention is preferably made from spherical nickel hydroxide (supplied by OMG, Finland) ; Nickel 210 fiber (supplied by INCO, USA) ; and Powdered Cobalt (obtainable from various suppliers) .
- the negative material is preferably made with Metal Hydride (supplied by Treibacher, Austria) ; and
- Nickel 255 fiber supplied by INCO, USA. There are numerous suppliers of all these materials, particularly in Japan and China, where the majority of Nickel Metal Hydride cells presently are manufactured.
- the nickel fibers INCO 210 and 255 serve as the conductive additives and make contact with the conductive biplate, conducting current from the active material directly to the conductive biplate.
- Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view along A-A in figure 1, where lines 12 indicate the desired shape of the finished electrode 13.
- the compressed powder 11 is mainly situated on top of the carrier 10. During compression of the active powder, some amount of the active powder may migrate to the other side of the carrier 10 depending on the structure of the carrier 10. If a random structure of polymer is applied, almost nothing will migrate through the carrier 10, but if a grid structure of polymer is used more active material will end up on the other side of the carrier 10, i.e. the carrier 10 could be placed in the center of the electrode 13.
- the reference numeral 13 indicates the electrode after cutting along lines 12.
- FIG. 3 shows a bipolar battery 15, preferably a NiMH battery, having a positive 16 and a negative 17 end terminal.
- a biplate assembly 20 is provided comprising a biplate 21, a positive electrode 27 of positive active material 22 arranged on a non-metal carrier 10, and a negative electrode 28 of negative active material 23 arranged on a non-metal carrier 10.
- the active materials 22, 23 are powder pressed onto the carrier 10.
- the bipolar battery contains in this example only one biplate assembly, but several biplate assemblies may naturally be included in a bipolar battery.
- the positive end terminal 16 has a positive electrode 27 and the negative end terminal 17 has a negative electrode 28.
- a separator 24 containing electrolyte is arranged between adjacent positive 27 and negative 28 electrodes.
- the non-metal carrier 10 of each electrode 27, 28 is preferably arranged towards the separator 24, as indicated in figure 3.
- the surface of the sides 25 and 26, respectively, of the biplate 21 is preferably a bit rough to keep the electrodes in place during manufacture and operations. The surface of the end terminals may naturally also be rough for the same purpose.
- a housing 29 provides a sealing of the battery 15. The details of the construction of the battery provides a bipolar battery 15 with an electrolyte seal, the hydrophobic barrier 18, for each cell and a gas seal, the housing 29, for all cells in the battery.
- the electrodes 27 and 28 including a non-metal carrier 10, preferably a non-conductive carrier, according to the invention may naturally be used in any type of bipolar battery having separately made electrodes.
- Figure 4 shows an apparatus 30 for manufacturing an electrode having a non-metal carrier 10 according to the invention.
- a roll 31 with a tensioning device, such as a spring supplies a non-conductive carrier 10 to the apparatus and two rollers 32 and 33 rotate to pull the carrier 10 under tension in to the apparatus.
- a distributor 37 arranges active powder 38 on the carrier 10, and a spreader 39 levels the active powder 38 before the powder is compressed between the rollers 32 and 33.
- the powder 38 may either be arranged continuously on the carrier 10, or in a discrete fashion as shown in figure 4.
- a compressed powder 11 is thus arranged on the carrier 10 and a cutter 34 forms the electrode into the desired shape.
- Scrap material after cutting is ground and recycled, which is possible due to the use of the non-metal carrier.
- An agitator 36 is provided within the powder container and provides powder with a uniform density to the distributor 37, which collects powder in a uniform volume and distributes it to the carrier 10. This process is more described in connection with figure 5 below.
- the powder container is provided with a level sensor 40, and a level control unit 41 opens a valve 42 to add more powder from a powder supply 43 when the level in the powder container is too low.
- a sensor 44 is also provided at the spreader 39 to monitor the amount of powder arranged on the carrier 10 prior to leveling and pressing.
- the sensor 44 sends a signal back to the distributor, via a control unit 45, to alter the rotation speed and thereby change the amount of powder distributed to the non-metal carrier 10.
- Figure 5 shows a detailed view of the mechanism distributing the active powder 50 onto the carrier 10.
- the purpose of the agitator 36 is to provide a uniform density powder to the distributor 37 and prevent "bridges", i.e. voids, that could occur in the powder supply container.
- the distributor 37 is provided with grooves 51 having a uniform volume, which are filled with the powder 50 during rotation, and the active powder is thereafter distributed to the carrier 10 in a suitable amount .
- the preferred method uses the carrier 10 as a film to convey the loose powder into the rolling mill for compaction, and the process is conducted at room ambient conditions.
- the time, or rate of production is most dependent upon the powder spreading mechanism and the roll diameters.
- a acceptable production rate require 4 inch (approx. 10 cm) diameter rolls that have a preferred speed of 1.5 to 3 meters per minute.
- a lower production rate would be feasible, but not economical.
- Maximum speed is dependent on the equipment including material handling to cut the strip to electrode size and convey them to subsequent steps, such as assembling steps.
- the physical dimensions of the finished product depend on the equipment specified. For heat transfer considerations at the final battery level, the equipment is limited to manufacture electrodes 6 inches (approx. 15 cm) wide. The thickness of the electrodes is in the range of 0.002 to 0.050 inches (approx. 0.05 to 1.3 mm), with a preferred range of 0.010 to 0.035 inches (approx. 0.25 to 0.90 mm).
- the final electrodes normally have the shape of a rectangle, but other shapes are naturally possible.
- the electrode thickness depends upon the ratio of power required to energy required. Higher power applications require thinner electrodes.
- the non-conductive carrier must transport the powder into the rolls without the material totally sieving through it.
- the final location of the carrier material can be anywhere within the electrode, but it is preferable to be closest to the side of the electrode that is placed in contact with the separator. The material should allow sufficient particles to penetrate so the compressive forces compact the powder, and do not form the non-conductive carrier into a film.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Electrochemistry (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Materials Engineering (AREA)
- Battery Electrode And Active Subsutance (AREA)
- Cell Electrode Carriers And Collectors (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention relates to an apparatus 30 for manufacturing an electrode 13 comprising an active material made from a compressed powder 11, and a non-metal carrier 10 The non-metal carrier 10 is preferably a non-conductive carrier.
Description
An apparatus for manufacturing an electrode.
Technical field
The present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode as defined in the preamble of claim 1.
Background to the invention
Traditionally, electrodes to bipolar batteries have been manufactured using some type of conductive carrier, a metal grid or mesh, to increase the conductivity between the electrode and the biplate of the biplate assembly, and to support the electrode during transport and assembly. Active material in the form of powder has also been used, which has been compressed to achieve a suitable thickness and density.
Planar electrodes may have any shape, but has to be formed into the desired shape by cutting the supporting metal structure and the compressed powder. In doing this there is a high risk that the electrode is damaged due to vibrations from cutting the metal carrier. Also sharp conductive edges may be the result of shaping the electrode.
There is a need for an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode, which electrode is easy to shape, and that are safe to handle during assembly of biplates and bipolar batteries.
Summary of the invention
The object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode, which provides an easy manufacturing process to form the electrode into a desired shape compared to prior art electrodes.
This object is achieved by an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode as defined in the characterizing portion of claim 1.
An advantage with the present invention is that the electrode is easier to manufacture compared to prior art electrodes.
Another advantage is that the cost for manufacturing the electrode is reduced compared to conventional prior art electrodes having a supportive carrier.
Still another advantage is that the weight of the electrode is reduced, since no conductive support structure is necessary within the electrode.
Still another advantage is that no conductive sharp edges will occur on a shaped electrode, as may be the case when cutting an electrode having a metal supportive structure.
Still another advantage is that it is easier to obtain a flat electrode from pressed powder compared with electrodes having a metal carrier, since the metal carrier is deformed during the pressing of the powder.
Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the disclosed bipolar electrochemical battery and the biplate assembly.
Brief description of the drawings
The different embodiments shown in the appended drawings are not to scale or proportion, but exaggerated to point out different important features for the sake of clarity.
Fig. 1 shows a planar view of an electrode on a non-metal carrier being produced by an apparatus according to the invention.
Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view along A-A in figure 1.
Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a bipolar battery including a biplate assembly having an electrode being produced by an apparatus according to the invention.
Fig. 4 shows a view of an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode according to the invention.
Fig. 5 shows a detailed view of the means for arranging active powder onto a non-conductive carrier.
Detailed description of preferred embodiments
Figure 1 shows a non-metal carrier 10 made from a conductive material, such as a woven carbon fibre cloth, or non- conductive material, such as a polymer preferably made from polypropylene, having a predetermined width w and an arbitrary length. The carrier 10 is preferably arranged in a roll, see figure 4. A compressed powder 11 is arranged on the non-metal carrier 10 and a desired shape of the electrode 13 is outlined by the dashed line 12. The compressed powder 11 and the carrier 10 are cut along line 12 to form the electrode 13.
The use of pressed powder is disclosed in the PCT application PCT/SE02/01359, with the title "A method for manufacturing a biplate assembly, a biplate assembly and a bipolar battery" by the same applicant. In that application the powder is pressed directly onto the biplate to achieve thin electrodes having less active material. By pressing the active powder onto a non-metal carrier, the manufacturing process is further simplified.
For a NiMH bipolar battery, two different active materials need to be provided for manufacturing the electrodes. The positive active material in a NiMH battery manufactured
according to the invention is preferably made from spherical nickel hydroxide (supplied by OMG, Finland) ; Nickel 210 fiber (supplied by INCO, USA) ; and Powdered Cobalt (obtainable from various suppliers) . The negative material is preferably made with Metal Hydride (supplied by Treibacher, Austria) ; and
Nickel 255 fiber (supplied by INCO, USA) . There are numerous suppliers of all these materials, particularly in Japan and China, where the majority of Nickel Metal Hydride cells presently are manufactured.
No other materials, such as conductive additives, binders, etc. are normally included. The nickel fibers INCO 210 and 255 serve as the conductive additives and make contact with the conductive biplate, conducting current from the active material directly to the conductive biplate.
Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view along A-A in figure 1, where lines 12 indicate the desired shape of the finished electrode 13. The compressed powder 11 is mainly situated on top of the carrier 10. During compression of the active powder, some amount of the active powder may migrate to the other side of the carrier 10 depending on the structure of the carrier 10. If a random structure of polymer is applied, almost nothing will migrate through the carrier 10, but if a grid structure of polymer is used more active material will end up on the other side of the carrier 10, i.e. the carrier 10 could be placed in the center of the electrode 13. The reference numeral 13 indicates the electrode after cutting along lines 12.
Figure 3 shows a bipolar battery 15, preferably a NiMH battery, having a positive 16 and a negative 17 end terminal. A biplate assembly 20 is provided comprising a biplate 21, a positive electrode 27 of positive active material 22 arranged
on a non-metal carrier 10, and a negative electrode 28 of negative active material 23 arranged on a non-metal carrier 10. The active materials 22, 23 are powder pressed onto the carrier 10. The bipolar battery contains in this example only one biplate assembly, but several biplate assemblies may naturally be included in a bipolar battery.
The positive end terminal 16 has a positive electrode 27 and the negative end terminal 17 has a negative electrode 28. A separator 24 containing electrolyte is arranged between adjacent positive 27 and negative 28 electrodes. The non-metal carrier 10 of each electrode 27, 28 is preferably arranged towards the separator 24, as indicated in figure 3. The surface of the sides 25 and 26, respectively, of the biplate 21 is preferably a bit rough to keep the electrodes in place during manufacture and operations. The surface of the end terminals may naturally also be rough for the same purpose.
A hydrophobic barrier 18, as disclosed in the PCT application PCT/SE02/01645, with the title "A bipolar battery, a method for manufacturing a bipolar battery and a biplate assembly" by the same applicant, is provided around the positive 27 and negative 28 electrodes respectively to prevent electrolyte paths between adjacent cells. A housing 29 provides a sealing of the battery 15. The details of the construction of the battery provides a bipolar battery 15 with an electrolyte seal, the hydrophobic barrier 18, for each cell and a gas seal, the housing 29, for all cells in the battery.
The electrodes 27 and 28 including a non-metal carrier 10, preferably a non-conductive carrier, according to the invention may naturally be used in any type of bipolar battery having separately made electrodes.
Figure 4 shows an apparatus 30 for manufacturing an electrode having a non-metal carrier 10 according to the invention. A roll 31 with a tensioning device, such as a spring, supplies a non-conductive carrier 10 to the apparatus and two rollers 32 and 33 rotate to pull the carrier 10 under tension in to the apparatus. A distributor 37 arranges active powder 38 on the carrier 10, and a spreader 39 levels the active powder 38 before the powder is compressed between the rollers 32 and 33. The powder 38 may either be arranged continuously on the carrier 10, or in a discrete fashion as shown in figure 4.
A compressed powder 11 is thus arranged on the carrier 10 and a cutter 34 forms the electrode into the desired shape. Scrap material after cutting is ground and recycled, which is possible due to the use of the non-metal carrier.
An agitator 36 is provided within the powder container and provides powder with a uniform density to the distributor 37, which collects powder in a uniform volume and distributes it to the carrier 10. This process is more described in connection with figure 5 below.
The powder container is provided with a level sensor 40, and a level control unit 41 opens a valve 42 to add more powder from a powder supply 43 when the level in the powder container is too low.
A sensor 44 is also provided at the spreader 39 to monitor the amount of powder arranged on the carrier 10 prior to leveling and pressing. The sensor 44 sends a signal back to the distributor, via a control unit 45, to alter the rotation speed and thereby change the amount of powder distributed to the non-metal carrier 10.
Figure 5 shows a detailed view of the mechanism distributing the active powder 50 onto the carrier 10. The purpose of the agitator 36 is to provide a uniform density powder to the distributor 37 and prevent "bridges", i.e. voids, that could occur in the powder supply container. The distributor 37 is provided with grooves 51 having a uniform volume, which are filled with the powder 50 during rotation, and the active powder is thereafter distributed to the carrier 10 in a suitable amount .
The preferred method uses the carrier 10 as a film to convey the loose powder into the rolling mill for compaction, and the process is conducted at room ambient conditions. The time, or rate of production, is most dependent upon the powder spreading mechanism and the roll diameters. A acceptable production rate require 4 inch (approx. 10 cm) diameter rolls that have a preferred speed of 1.5 to 3 meters per minute. A lower production rate would be feasible, but not economical. Maximum speed is dependent on the equipment including material handling to cut the strip to electrode size and convey them to subsequent steps, such as assembling steps.
The physical dimensions of the finished product (electrode) depend on the equipment specified. For heat transfer considerations at the final battery level, the equipment is limited to manufacture electrodes 6 inches (approx. 15 cm) wide. The thickness of the electrodes is in the range of 0.002 to 0.050 inches (approx. 0.05 to 1.3 mm), with a preferred range of 0.010 to 0.035 inches (approx. 0.25 to 0.90 mm). The final electrodes normally have the shape of a rectangle, but other shapes are naturally possible.
The electrode thickness depends upon the ratio of power required to energy required. Higher power applications require
thinner electrodes. The non-conductive carrier must transport the powder into the rolls without the material totally sieving through it. The final location of the carrier material can be anywhere within the electrode, but it is preferable to be closest to the side of the electrode that is placed in contact with the separator. The material should allow sufficient particles to penetrate so the compressive forces compact the powder, and do not form the non-conductive carrier into a film.
Claims
1. An apparatus (30) for manufacturing an electrode (13) characterized in that the apparatus comprises :
a means (31) to provide a non-metal carrier (10) onto which an active material of powder (38) is arranged m a suitable amount, and
a means (32, 33) for compressing said powder to said non- metal carrier (10) .
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the non-metal carrier (10) is supplied from a roll (31) and is kept under tension by a tensioning device when said active material (38) is arranged on said non-metal carrier (10) and compressed.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the apparatus further comprises a cutter (34) which is used to form the electrode.
4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the cutter only cuts the length of the electrode when the width of the electrode is selected to be the width of the non-metal carrier
(10) .
5. The apparatus according to any of claims 1-4, wherein the apparatus further comprises a spreader (39) , which levels the powder arranged on the non-metal carrier (10) prior to being compressed.
6. The apparatus according to any of claims 1-5, wherein the apparatus further comprises a distributing means (36, 37) to arrange the suitable amount of powder (38) onto said non-metal carrier (10) .
7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the distributing means comprises a rotating distributor (37) .
8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the depositing means further comprises an agitator (36) , which provides uniformly distributed active powder (50) to said rotating distributor (37) .
9. The apparatus according to claim 7 or 8 , wherein the rotating distributor (37) is provided with grooves (51) , which are filled by active powder (50) during rotation of the distributor (37) , said active powder thereafter being arranged in a suitable amount (38) on said non-metal carrier (10) .
10. The apparatus according to any of claims 1-9, wherein the non-metal carrier (10) is a non-conductive carrier.
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE0203307A SE525367C2 (en) | 2002-11-08 | 2002-11-08 | An electrode and a method for manufacturing an electrode |
| SE0203307 | 2002-11-08 | ||
| US10/434,167 US20040091784A1 (en) | 2002-11-08 | 2003-05-09 | Electrode, a method for manufacturing an electrode and an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode |
| US434167 | 2003-05-09 | ||
| PCT/SE2003/001723 WO2004042847A1 (en) | 2002-11-08 | 2003-11-07 | An apparatus for manufacturing an electrode |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| EP1559152A1 true EP1559152A1 (en) | 2005-08-03 |
Family
ID=32314178
Family Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP03810729.8A Expired - Lifetime EP1559153B1 (en) | 2002-11-08 | 2003-11-07 | An electrode, a method for manufacturing an electrode and a bipolar battery |
| EP03770206A Withdrawn EP1559152A1 (en) | 2002-11-08 | 2003-11-07 | An apparatus for manufacturing an electrode |
Family Applications Before (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP03810729.8A Expired - Lifetime EP1559153B1 (en) | 2002-11-08 | 2003-11-07 | An electrode, a method for manufacturing an electrode and a bipolar battery |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (2) | EP1559153B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP4555222B2 (en) |
| AU (2) | AU2003278672A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2500124A1 (en) |
| MX (1) | MXPA05003727A (en) |
| WO (2) | WO2004042846A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US9894955B2 (en) | 2002-07-31 | 2018-02-20 | Dynasty Footwear, Ltd. | Shoe having individual particles bonded to its bottom surface |
| SE530190C2 (en) | 2006-01-17 | 2008-03-25 | Nilar Int Ab | A battery stack arrangement |
| US7846493B1 (en) | 2006-10-02 | 2010-12-07 | Dynasty Foorwear, Ltd. | Spraying of fibers from a container that includes an agitator |
| US11284676B2 (en) | 2012-06-13 | 2022-03-29 | John C. S. Koo | Shoe having a partially coated upper |
| US10143267B1 (en) | 2013-12-31 | 2018-12-04 | Dynasty Footwear, Ltd. | Shoe bottom surface having attached particles |
Family Cites Families (16)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE1496355A1 (en) * | 1962-05-18 | 1969-05-14 | Yardney International Corp | Separator for electric batteries |
| DE1812875A1 (en) * | 1967-12-08 | 1969-07-10 | Sony Corp | electrode |
| DE2710907C3 (en) * | 1977-03-12 | 1979-11-08 | Rheinisch-Westfaelisches Elektrizitaetswerk Ag, 4300 Essen | Metal / plastic carrier for electrodes of accumulators |
| DE3117660C2 (en) * | 1981-05-05 | 1984-08-02 | Dieter H. Dr. 3400 Göttingen Buss | Rechargeable electrochemical cell |
| DE3609646A1 (en) * | 1986-03-21 | 1987-09-24 | Hoechst Ag | FLEXIBLE, ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE COMPOSITES, METHOD FOR THEIR PRODUCTION AND THEIR USE |
| KR910005014B1 (en) * | 1987-03-13 | 1991-07-20 | 피피지 인더스트리즈, 인코포레이티드 | Gas recombination separator |
| JP2851681B2 (en) * | 1990-04-11 | 1999-01-27 | エナージー・コンバーシヨン・デバイセス・インコーポレーテツド | Continuous production method of negative electrode made of finely ground hydrogen storage alloy material |
| JPH06325756A (en) * | 1993-05-14 | 1994-11-25 | Aisin Seiki Co Ltd | Method for manufacturing lead battery electrode |
| US5393617A (en) * | 1993-10-08 | 1995-02-28 | Electro Energy, Inc. | Bipolar electrochmeical battery of stacked wafer cells |
| WO1996012313A1 (en) * | 1994-10-12 | 1996-04-25 | Bipolar Technologies Corporation | Bipolar battery cells, batteries, and methods |
| US5993494A (en) | 1997-07-25 | 1999-11-30 | Gnb Technologies, Inc. | Method of manufacturing modular components for a bipolar battery and the resulting bipolar battery |
| JP3457858B2 (en) * | 1997-09-26 | 2003-10-20 | 東芝電池株式会社 | Equipment for manufacturing electrode elements for lithium polymer batteries |
| JP3526812B2 (en) * | 2000-05-26 | 2004-05-17 | Fdk株式会社 | Electrode slitter device |
| JP2001351616A (en) * | 2000-06-05 | 2001-12-21 | Toyota Motor Corp | Electrode manufacturing method |
| JP2002093407A (en) * | 2000-09-12 | 2002-03-29 | Toshiba Battery Co Ltd | Manufacturing method and device for battery electrode sheet |
| JP2002110146A (en) * | 2000-10-03 | 2002-04-12 | Mekatekku Kk | Method for manufacturing electrode member using rotary blade and method for manufacturing battery |
-
2003
- 2003-11-07 AU AU2003278672A patent/AU2003278672A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2003-11-07 CA CA002500124A patent/CA2500124A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2003-11-07 MX MXPA05003727A patent/MXPA05003727A/en active IP Right Grant
- 2003-11-07 WO PCT/SE2003/001722 patent/WO2004042846A1/en not_active Ceased
- 2003-11-07 WO PCT/SE2003/001723 patent/WO2004042847A1/en not_active Ceased
- 2003-11-07 EP EP03810729.8A patent/EP1559153B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-11-07 AU AU2003276795A patent/AU2003276795A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2003-11-07 JP JP2005502167A patent/JP4555222B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-11-07 EP EP03770206A patent/EP1559152A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Non-Patent Citations (1)
| Title |
|---|
| See references of WO2004042847A1 * |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU2003276795A1 (en) | 2004-06-07 |
| MXPA05003727A (en) | 2005-09-30 |
| AU2003278672A1 (en) | 2004-06-07 |
| JP4555222B2 (en) | 2010-09-29 |
| WO2004042847A1 (en) | 2004-05-21 |
| EP1559153B1 (en) | 2014-06-04 |
| WO2004042846A1 (en) | 2004-05-21 |
| EP1559153A1 (en) | 2005-08-03 |
| CA2500124A1 (en) | 2004-05-21 |
| JP2006505917A (en) | 2006-02-16 |
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