Slot die coater

Abstract

The slot die coater of the present invention comprises: a lower plate and an upper plate each having a plurality of fastening grooves in the die lip portion; a modular shim interposed between the lower plate and the upper plate to define a slot and an outlet; and a fastening pin for fitting and fixing the modular shim into the fastening grooves.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a slot die coater, and more specifically to a slot die coater comprising an improved shim. Background Technology

[0002] As technology development and demand for mobile devices increase, the demand for secondary batteries as an energy source is rapidly increasing, and such secondary batteries necessarily include an electrode assembly as a power generation element. The electrode assembly has a form in which a positive electrode, a separator, and a negative electrode are stacked at least once, and the positive electrode and the negative electrode are manufactured by coating and drying a positive active material slurry and a negative active material slurry on a current collector made of aluminum foil and copper foil, respectively.

[0003] These secondary batteries generally use lithium-containing manganese oxides such as lithium-containing cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) with a layered crystal structure, LiMnO2 with a layered crystal structure, and LiMn2O4 with a spinel crystal structure, as well as lithium-containing nickel oxide (LiNiO2), as positive electrode active materials. Additionally, carbon-based materials are mainly used as negative electrode active materials, and recently, due to the increasing demand for high-energy lithium secondary batteries, mixed use with silicon-based materials and silicon oxide-based materials, which have an effective capacity more than 10 times that of carbon-based materials, is being considered.

[0004] In order to make the charge and discharge characteristics of a secondary battery uniform, the positive active material slurry and the negative active material slurry must be evenly coated on the current collector, and a slot die coater has been used conventionally.

[0005] FIG. 1 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a conventional slot die coater, and FIG. 2 is a plan view of a conventional core that can be applied to such a slot die coater.

[0006] Referring to FIG. 1, the slot die coater (1) includes two die blocks (5, 10), and a slot (20) is formed between the two die blocks (5, 10) by a shim (15). The active material slurry inside the manifold (25) is discharged through a discharge port connected to the slot (20) and applied to a current collector (not shown).

[0007] The coating width of the active material layer coated on the entire current is determined by the width of the slot (20) of the slot die coater (1), and since the slot (20) is defined by the core (15), the width (W) of the slot (20) is determined by the shape of the core (15). The core (15) shown in FIG. 2 is intended to coat a stripe-shaped pattern, for example, with three lanes.

[0008] The core (15) is a component that directly affects the coating loading, pattern shape, or number. In a coating process using a slot die coater (1), the coating width, coating loading, pattern shape, or number can be changed or adjusted by changing or adjusting the core (15). However, the conventional core (15) is made of a single block as shown in FIG. 2. When the core (15) is replaced to adjust the conditions, the time required for core replacement, loss of active material slurry, and core costs are unavoidable.

[0009] In addition, the shim (15) is fastened inside the die block (5, 10) to the contact surface of the die block (5, 10). Since the shim (15) must be separated and cleaned when changing the mold, the connection between the die blocks (5, 10) must be completely released, and the die block (5, 10) and the shim (15) must be reassembled for the next production run, and condition adjustment is always required. Since the positions of the die block (5, 10) and the shim (15) cannot always be the same each time they are assembled, there is a disadvantage that condition adjustment is absolutely necessary every time they are reassembled, such as after disassembling and cleaning the die. The problem to be solved

[0010] The present invention was conceived in consideration of the aforementioned problems, and aims to provide a slot die coater that can fasten a shim outside the die block without the need for die disassembly.

[0011] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a slot die coater capable of implementing a core that can freely adjust the coating width, pattern shape, or number, without using a single core with a fixed coating width, pattern shape, and number.

[0012] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below. means of solving the problem

[0013] The slot die coater of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problem comprises: a lower plate and an upper plate each having a plurality of fastening grooves in the die lip portion; a modular shim interposed between the lower plate and the upper plate to define a slot and an outlet; and a fastening pin for fitting and fixing the modular shim into the fastening grooves.

[0014] The above fastening groove can penetrate each die lip vertically.

[0015] It is preferable that the fastening groove provided in the die lip of the upper plate and the fastening groove provided in the die lip of the lower plate are aligned in the vertical direction.

[0016] The modular core may include a base core interposed at the rear end and both sides of the lower plate and the upper plate, a left side core and a right side core positioned toward the discharge port at the front end of the base core and having a recess at the front end, one or more longitudinal cores positioned between the side cores at the front end of the base core to define an uncoated portion and having a recess at the front end, and one or more block-type cores fitted into the fastening groove.

[0017] The above-mentioned recess can be aligned with the above-mentioned fastening groove.

[0018] The base core is fastened between the lower plate and the upper plate, and the base core may include a fastening groove.

[0019] The above-mentioned lower plate further includes a manifold containing a coating liquid, and the base shim can seal the area around the manifold excluding the discharge port.

[0020] The side shim may have a step on the surface corresponding to the inside of the discharge opening, or it may be L-shaped or diagonally processed.

[0021] In the vertical core, the surface corresponding to the inside of the discharge opening may have a step that is mirror-symmetric with the side core, or may be L-shaped or diagonally processed.

[0022] The above side seams include various types by size, allowing for selection and application.

[0023] Various types are included according to the vertical depth sizes mentioned above, allowing for selection and application.

[0024] The above-mentioned vertical core may include a first extension portion that is extended in length in the vertical direction to define the above-mentioned uncoated portion, and a second extension portion that is extended laterally toward the side cores.

[0025] In each die lip, at least a portion of the vertical cross-section of the fastening groove may include a T-shaped portion.

[0026] At this time, the block-shaped core may include a T-shaped portion identical to the vertical cross-section of the fastening groove.

[0027] The above block-shaped core may be inserted from top to bottom into the fastening groove to completely seal the fastening groove.

[0028] After being inserted into each fastening groove, the lower end of the block-type core can be aligned with the lower surface of each die lip.

[0029] The above block-shaped core may not protrude from the fastening groove or be embedded into the fastening groove.

[0030] Preferably, the fastening pin can be inserted from top to bottom into the fastening groove provided in the die lip of the top plate.

[0031] After insertion, the lower end of the above-mentioned fastening pin can be aligned with the lower surface of the die lip of the above-mentioned bottom plate.

[0032] The size of the above fastening groove may increase from the front end of the above die lip to the inner rear end.

[0033] The above block-shaped core can be fitted into the fastening groove provided in the die lip of the upper plate and the fastening groove provided in the die lip of the lower plate, respectively.

[0034] A groove for fixing a fastening pin may be further provided at the upper corner of the above fastening groove.

[0035] The above-mentioned fastening pin may have a cross-section that fits snugly into the fastening groove, and may have a projection formed on its upper edge corresponding to the fastening pin fixing groove. Effects of the invention

[0036] According to the present invention, it is possible to fasten and replace some core components of a modular core from the outside of the lower plate and the upper plate without the need to release the combined state of the lower plate and the upper plate. Therefore, there is no need to disassemble and reassemble the die block individually when replacing the core or changing the mold.

[0037] According to the present invention, a slot die coater capable of implementing various shapes of cores is provided, including a modular core that can freely adjust the coating width, pattern shape, or number, without using a single core with fixed coating width, pattern shape, and number.

[0038] According to the present invention, the production cost and replacement time of a conventional single-piece core can be reduced.

[0039] According to the present invention, time and cost can be saved by replacing only some core parts of the modular core when adjusting conditions such as coating width or sliding.

[0040] According to the present invention, a modular core is provided that includes core components capable of responding to various situations, and an optimal coating product can be manufactured by adjusting the overall shape of the core through the replacement and assembly of core components suitable for the situation. For example, when sliding occurs in the coating layer, the sliding can be responded to by replacing it with a side core that allows for sliding control. The side core can also be replaced with one of a different size to enable changes in the pattern coating width, making it easy to change the coating width.

[0041] As such, according to the present invention, by providing a modular core, the core can be shared, and there is no need to design, order, and manufacture the corresponding core according to the design every time.

[0042] According to the present invention, condition adjustment losses during subsequent production can be reduced even when changing molds. According to the present invention, even if slots and discharge ports capable of forming multiple patterns simultaneously are defined, the core defining them is not a single block as in the conventional method, but is of a separable and combined type. Therefore, since only the necessary parts can be individually replaced and assembled during core assembly, allowing for individual adjustment, the degree of freedom is increased. Only individual lanes are affected by the replacement of core parts, and precise adjustment can be made for each individual lane. Even when core parts need to be replaced, there is no need to completely release the connection between the lower plate and the upper plate, and since the fastening of the core parts is performed from the outside of the lower plate and the upper plate, the replacement time is reduced and efficient. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0043] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention provided below; therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings. Figure 1 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a conventional slot die coater. Figure 2 is a plan view of a conventional heart. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a slot die coater according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the slot die coater illustrated in Figure 3. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of AA' of Figure 3. FIG. 6 is a top view of a top plate included in a slot die coater according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a front view of the die lip portion of a slot die coater according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is an enlarged view of section D of Figure 4. FIG. 9 is a top view of a modular core included in a slot die coater according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining the connection between the bottom plate and the modular core in a slot die coater according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of BB' of Figure 3. FIG. 12 illustrates various examples of side shims, which are shim components of a modular shim included in a slot die coater according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is an enlarged view of part E of FIG. 9. FIG. 13 is a top view of a fastening pin included in a slot die coater according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of CC' of Fig. 3. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0044] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention. Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely some of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical spirit of the present invention; therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications capable of replacing them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0045] Identical reference numerals denote identical components. Additionally, in the drawings, the thicknesses, proportions, and dimensions of the components are exaggerated for the effective illustration of the technical content.

[0046] The slot die coater of the present invention is a device equipped with a slot and coating a coating liquid onto a substrate through the slot. The 'substrate' described below is a current collector, and the 'coating liquid' is an active material slurry. However, the scope of the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the substrate may be a porous support constituting a separator, and the coating liquid may be an organic material. That is, if thin film coating is required, the substrate and the coating liquid may be any type.

[0047] The slot die coater according to the present invention comprises a bottom plate, a top plate, a modular core, and a fastening pin. The bottom plate and the top plate of the slot die coater according to the present invention are provided with a plurality of fastening grooves to fasten the modular core. Furthermore, although the following embodiments mainly describe a slot die coater in which a slot is defined between the bottom plate and the top plate, the present invention can also be implemented as a dual slot die coater in which a slot is formed in a double manner by including a top plate, a middle plate, and a bottom plate as a die block. The invention will be examined in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0048] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a slot die coater according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the slot die coater illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view AA' of FIG. 3.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, a slot die coater (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a lower plate (110), an upper plate (120), a modular shim (130), and a fastening pin (140).

[0050] The bottom plate (110) and the top plate (120) are die blocks of the slot die coater (100). A modular shim (130) is interposed between the bottom plate (110) and the top plate (120) to define a slot (101) and an outlet (101a).

[0051] In FIGS. 3 to 5, the slot die coater (100) is installed with the direction (X direction) for discharging the electrode active material slurry, which is the coating liquid, nearly horizontal (nearly ± 5 degrees). However, it is not limited to the form given as an example here, and, for example, it may be configured as a vertical die with the direction for discharging the electrode active material slurry upward (Y direction).

[0052] Most of the surfaces of the bottom plate (110) and the top plate (120) may be manufactured to be nearly vertical. In such bottom plate (110) and top plate (120), the edges formed by the surfaces are formed at right angles, so there are right angles in the cross-section, and since the vertical or horizontal plane can be used as a reference surface, the manufacturing and handling are easy and precision is guaranteed. In addition, when combining the bottom plate (110) and the top plate (120), the facing parts can be supported by each other with a high degree of surface contact, so fastening, fixing, and maintenance are excellent. Furthermore, the combined state of the bottom plate (110) and the top plate (120) has an overall shape of a rectangular prism, and only the front part from which the coating liquid (150) is discharged has an oblique shape toward the substrate. The bottom plate (110) and the top plate (120) are, for example, made of SUS material. Easy-to-machine materials such as SUS420J2, SUS630, SUS440C, SUS304, and SUS316L can be used. SUS has the advantages of being easy to machine, inexpensive, highly corrosion-resistant, and capable of being manufactured into desired shapes at a low cost.

[0053] A slot (101) is formed between the lower plate (110) and the upper plate (120) where they face each other. A modular core (130) is interposed therein, and a gap is provided between them, thereby forming a slot (101) that serves as a passage through which the coating liquid (150) can flow. The thickness of the modular core (130) determines the vertical width (Y direction, slot gap) of the slot (101).

[0054] The modular shim (130) may be provided with a plurality of openings (130a) by intermittently cutting a portion of one area, and may be interposed in the remaining portion excluding one side of the edge area of ​​the opposing surfaces of the lower plate (110) and the upper plate (120). In this embodiment, an example is provided in which there are two openings (130a) and two patterns can be coated by lane. An outlet (101a) through which the coating liquid (150) can be discharged to the outside is formed between the die lip (111, 121), which is the respective leading edge of the lower plate (110) and the upper plate (120). The outlet (101a) can be said to be a place formed by the die lip (111, 121) being spaced apart.

[0055] For reference, the modular shim (130) is preferably made of a material that has sealing properties, serving as a gasket to prevent the coating liquid (150) from leaking through the gap between the lower plate (110) and the upper plate (120), except for the area where the discharge port (101a) is formed.

[0056] Either the bottom plate (110) or the top plate (120) is provided with a manifold (112) having a predetermined depth and communicating with the slot (101). In particular, in this embodiment, an example provided on the bottom plate (110) is given. Although not shown in the drawing, this manifold (112) is connected to a coating liquid supply chamber (not shown) installed externally via a supply pipe to receive the coating liquid (150), and the coating liquid is contained within the manifold (112). When the manifold (112) is filled with the coating liquid (150), the coating liquid (150) is induced to flow along the slot (101) and is discharged to the outside through the discharge port (101a).

[0057] According to the slot die coater (100) having such a configuration, as further illustrated in FIG. 5, a coating roll (180) that is rotatably arranged is positioned in front of the slot die coater (100), and while driving the substrate (190) to be coated by rotating the coating roll (180), a coating liquid (150) is discharged and continuously contacted with the surface of the substrate (190) to apply to the substrate (190) to form a coating layer (200). For example, an electrode active material layer can be formed on a current collector. Alternatively, a pattern coating can be formed intermittently on the substrate (190) by alternately supplying and stopping the coating liquid (150).

[0058] FIG. 6 is a top view of an upper plate included in a slot die coater according to an embodiment of the present invention. The top view of a lower plate is similar to FIG. 6, and the description of the upper plate below can be applied in the same way to the lower plate. FIG. 7 is a front view of a die lip portion of a slot die coater according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Referring further to FIGS. 6 and FIGS. 7 in addition to FIGS. 3 to 5, the lower plate (110) and the upper plate (120) each have a plurality of fastening grooves (115, 125) in the die lip (111, 121) portion.

[0060] The fastening grooves (115, 125) can be varied in various ways and are preferably structured to withstand the discharge pressure of the coating liquid (150). In addition, it is even more preferable for them to have a simple structure that minimizes tolerances in order to minimize leakage of the coating liquid (150).

[0061] The fastening grooves (115, 125) can penetrate each die lip (111, 121) vertically. In other words, the fastening groove (115) can penetrate the die lip (111) of the lower plate (110) vertically, and the fastening groove (125) can penetrate the die lip (121) of the upper plate (120) vertically. Furthermore, it is preferable that the fastening groove (125) provided in the die lip (121) of the upper plate (120) and the fastening groove (125) provided in the die lip (111) of the lower plate (110) are aligned in the vertical direction. Then, the upper plate (120) and the lower plate (110) can be connected by fastening a single fastening pin (140) to the aligned fastening grooves (125, 115).

[0062] The number of each fastening groove (115, 125) can be appropriately determined to be two or more. As the number of fastening grooves (115, 125) increases, it will be possible to implement a shim that can accommodate various coating widths and freely combines, but as the number of fastening grooves (115, 125) increases, it puts strain on the die lip (111, 121) processing, and an unnecessarily large number can be inconvenient during assembly, so the number should be appropriately determined.

[0063] In each die lip (111, 121), at least some of the vertical cross-sections of the fastening grooves (115, 125) may include a T-shaped portion. In particular, when viewing the fastening grooves (115, 125) from the front of the die lip (111, 121), the vertical cross-section may be T-shaped. The fact that the vertical cross-section is T-shaped means that the upper end of the fastening groove (115, 125) is wider than the lower end of the fastening groove (115, 125). This can be seen as applying a stepped structure to the fastening grooves (115, 125). This has the effect of making the fastening and fixing of the modular shim (130) more secure.

[0064] The fastening groove (115, 125) may increase in size from the front end of the die lip (111, 121) toward the inner rear end. The fastening pin (140) inserted into the fastening groove (115, 125) may also have a corresponding shape. In such a case, the fastening pin (140) may be inserted from the top to the bottom of the fastening groove (115, 125), but cannot be inserted from the front end toward the inside. Once the fastening pin (140) is inserted into the fastening groove (115, 125), it cannot come out toward the front end of the fastening groove (115, 125). The inner side of the fastening groove (115, 125) is blocked by the bottom plate (110) and the top plate (120). Therefore, it can have an effect of preventing the fastening pin (140) from coming out after insertion.

[0065] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of section D of Figure 4.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 8, a groove (125a) for fixing a fastening pin may be further provided at the upper corner of the fastening groove (125) of the top plate (120). Similarly, a groove (115a) for fixing a fastening pin may also be further provided at the upper corner of the fastening groove (115) of the bottom plate (110). Through this, the fastening pin (140) can be more securely fixed after being inserted into the fastening grooves (115, 125).

[0067] FIG. 9 is a top view of a modular core included in a slot die coater according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining the connection between a bottom plate and a modular core in a slot die coater according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a drawing taken from above looking down by cutting between the top plate (120) and the bottom plate (110) parallel to the direction of the discharge port (101a), so only the connecting pin (140) is shown in cross-section. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of BB' of FIG. 3.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 11, the modular core (130) may include a base core (131) interposed at the rear end and both sides of the bottom plate (110) and top plate (120); a left-side core (132) and a right-side core (133) positioned toward the discharge port (101a) at the front end of the base core (131) and having a recessed portion (132a, 133a) at the front end; one or more vertical cores (134) positioned between the side cores (132, 133) at the front end of the base core (131) to define an uncoated portion and having a recessed portion (134a) at the front end; and one or more block-type cores (135) fitted into the fastening grooves (115, 125).

[0069] The base core (131) can be fastened between the lower plate (110) and the upper plate (120) through means such as screws or bolts, and, for example, the base core (131) may include a screw fastening groove (131a). For example, the base core (131) may be fastened to the lower plate (110) via a screw and secured in place, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0070] The base shim (131) can seal the side of the manifold (112) excluding the discharge port (101a). As illustrated, the base shim (131) may be interposed in the remaining portion of the edge area of ​​the opposing surfaces of the lower plate (110) and the upper plate (120), excluding one side. This base shim (131) may include a first portion (131b) that serves as the base and a second portion (131c) extending from the first portion (131b).

[0071] The first part (131b) is a portion that is positioned at the rear of the bottom plate (110) and the top plate (120) in the base core (131). In order to ensure that the base core (131) is interposed in the remaining portion excluding one side of the edge area of ​​the opposing surfaces of the top plate (120) and the bottom plate (110), there are two second parts (131c). The second parts (131c) are interposed at both edges of the first part (131b). The two second parts (131c) are connected to the same side of the first part (131b) and extend in the same direction. The second part (131c) is a portion that extends toward the front of the bottom plate (110) and the top plate (120) in the base core (131).

[0072] The base shim (131) is a part that forms the framework of the modular shim (130). The base shim (131) can be used in common for each process to form a single lane pattern and a multi-lane pattern. By combining various side shims (132, 133) and a vertical shim (134) with this, the shim shape can be realized. Conventionally, the shim was a single block with a fixed coating width, pattern shape, and number. According to the present invention, the modular shim (130) is made possible by separate parts such as the base shim (131), side shims (132, 133), vertical shim (134), and block shim (135), and combinations thereof. Therefore, the coating width, pattern shape, and number can be freely adjusted, and shims of various shapes can be realized.

[0073] The space between the second part (131c) and the vertical core (134) becomes an opening (130a). Accordingly, the vertical core (134) can be provided in correspondence with the number of uncoated parts. For example, in this embodiment, an example was given in which a modular core (130) is connected so that two patterns (two lane patterns) can be coated between the side cores (132, 133) because there is one uncoated part; however, if there are two uncoated parts so that three patterns (three lane patterns) are coated between the side cores (132, 133), then two vertical cores (134) must be connected. In addition, if a one-lane pattern is formed without uncoated parts, the vertical core (134) is not connected, and the guide cores (132, 133) can be connected to the base core (131) for use.

[0074] Side seams (132, 133) can be placed on the bottom plate (110) aligned with the second part (131c) of the base seam (131). A vertical seam (134) can be placed on the bottom plate (110) between the side seams (132, 133). The vertical seam (134) must be long enough to reach the first part (131b) of the base seam (131). The vertical seam (134) includes a first extension (134b) that is extended in the vertical direction to define an uncoated portion, and a second extension (134c) that is extended laterally toward the side seams (132, 133).

[0075] The block-shaped core (135) can be fitted into the fastening groove (125) provided in the die lip (121) of the top plate (120) and the fastening groove (115) provided in the die lip (111) of the bottom plate (110), respectively. The block-shaped core (135) may be inserted from top to bottom into the fastening grooves (115, 125) to completely seal the fastening grooves (115, 125). The block-shaped core (135) is fitted into each fastening groove (115, 125) that is not fastened to the side cores (132, 133) and the vertical core (134) to prevent a step from forming on the inner wall of the discharge port (101a) between the die lips (111, 121). By ensuring that no step difference is created on the inner wall of the discharge port (101a), there is no difference in coating loading at any position of the discharge port (101a).

[0076] The recessed portions (132a, 133a, 134a) can be aligned with the fastening grooves (115, 125). Alignment includes alignment in the up-down direction, left-right direction, and front-back direction.

[0077] After being inserted into each fastening groove (115, 125), the bottom of the block-shaped core (135) can be aligned with the bottom surface of each die lip (111, 121) as shown in FIG. 7. When the bottom of the block-shaped core (135) inserted into the fastening groove (125) is aligned with the bottom surface of the die lip (121), no step difference is created on the inner wall of the discharge port (101a) between the die lip (111, 121). When the bottom of the block-shaped core (135) inserted into the fastening groove (115) is aligned with the bottom surface of the die lip (111), the thickness of the die lip (111) can be uniform along the width direction (Z-axis direction) of the discharge port (101a), allowing for a more even coating process.

[0078] Additionally, the block-shaped core (135) may not protrude from the fastening groove (115, 125) or be embedded into the fastening groove (115, 125). This prevents a step from forming on the inner wall of the discharge port (101a) between the die ribs (111, 121).

[0079] Furthermore, if the vertical cross-section of at least some of the fastening grooves (115, 125) in each die lip (111, 121) includes a T-shaped portion, the block-shaped shim (135) may include a T-shaped portion identical to the vertical cross-section of the fastening grooves (115, 125). Including a T-shaped portion means that it can be inserted from top to bottom but cannot be inserted beyond a certain depth. Therefore, including a T-shaped portion has the advantage of ensuring a fixed position upon insertion and a consistent time for insertion completion. In other words, it prevents it from going in too far or too far.

[0080] The base core (131), side cores (132, 133), longitudinal core (134), and block core (135) may be made of plastic or metal, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The base core (131), side cores (132, 133), longitudinal core (134), and block core (135) may be, for example, resin sheets such as Teflon or polyester, or metal sheets such as copper or aluminum.

[0081] FIG. 12 illustrates various examples of side shims, which are shim components of a modular shim included in a slot die coater according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is an enlarged view of part E of FIG. 9.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 12, the surface corresponding to the inside of the discharge port (101a) in the side shims (132, 133) may be finished as a flat plane perpendicular to the discharge port (101a) as shown in FIG. 9, but may have a step (SD) as shown in FIG. 12 (a), be L-shaped as shown in (b), or be angled as shown in (c). When a step (SD) is provided as shown in FIG. 12 (a), it has the effect of controlling the coating loading on the side. When it is L-shaped as shown in FIG. 12 (b), it has the effect of providing an offset to the side, and as the coating liquid is discharged, it spreads out, thereby controlling the sliding. When angled as shown in FIG. 12 (c), it also has the effect of controlling the sliding by causing a change in the flow rate and velocity when the coating liquid is discharged on the side. In this way, side seams (132, 133) with various shapes for various purposes are provided, and seams can be implemented by replacing them with side seams (132, 133) of an appropriate shape as needed.

[0083] Additionally, the side seams (132, 133) include various types of sizes, allowing for selection and application. For example, the side seams (132, 133) can be manufactured in modules with varying horizontal lengths (d), and side seams (132, 133) with an appropriate horizontal length (d) can be selected and replaced as needed. Referring to FIG. 9, the horizontal length (d) of the side seams (132, 133) determines the coating width (W'). If a side seam (132, 133) with a longer horizontal length (d) is used, the coating width (W') becomes narrower. If a side seam (132, 133) with a shorter horizontal length (d) is used, the coating width (W') can become wider.

[0084] In addition, the step, L-shape, and diagonal treatment of the surface corresponding to the inside of the discharge port (101a) in the side seams (132, 133) can be applied in the same way to the vertical seam (134). For example, the surface corresponding to the inside of the discharge port (101a) in the vertical seam (134), that is, the surface facing the side seams (132, 133), may be provided with a step so as to be mirror-symmetric with the side seams (132, 133), or may be L-shaped or diagonally treated. When 1 lane coating, sliding is formed according to the inner corresponding surface of the side seams (132, 133), but in the case of multi lanes, the sliding shape also changes according to the seam shape of the coating area in the vertical seam (134) in the middle part. Accordingly, if surface treatment as described above is applied to the vertical core (134) as well, the coating liquid (150) is discharged between the side cores (132, 133) and the vertical core (134), thereby allowing the sliding of both edges of the pattern formed to be controlled.

[0085] In addition, there are various types of vertical cores (134) available in different sizes, which can be selected and applied. For example, the horizontal length (d') of the second extension part (134c) in the vertical core (134) can be varied and manufactured as modules, and a vertical core (134) with an appropriate horizontal length (d') can be selected and replaced as needed. Along with the horizontal length (d) of the side cores (132, 133), the horizontal length (d') of the vertical core (134) also determines the coating width (W').

[0086] As such, according to the present invention, the manufacturing cost and replacement time can be reduced compared to using a conventional single-piece core through the modular core (130). According to the present invention, when adjusting conditions such as coating width or sliding, time and cost can be saved by changing the number of some core parts of the modular core (130), for example, the vertical core (134), or by replacing the side cores (132, 133) with appropriate ones.

[0087] According to the present invention, a modular core (130) is provided to include core components capable of responding to various situations, and an optimal coating product can be manufactured by adjusting the overall shape of the core by replacing and assembling core components suitable for the situation. For example, if it is confirmed that sliding occurs in the pattern due to a change in the coating liquid or a change in the coating process while using side cores (132, 133) as shown in FIG. 9, the sliding can be addressed by replacing them with side cores capable of sliding adjustment, such as the side cores (132, 133) shown in FIG. 12 (b) or (c). The sliding can also be addressed by replacing them with another vertical core (134) that has a surface treatment that is mirror-symmetric to the side cores (132, 133) being replaced. The coating width can be easily changed by replacing them with side cores of different sizes, that is, side cores (132, 133) with different horizontal lengths (d), so that the pattern coating width can be changed. It can also be replaced with a vertical core (134) with a different horizontal length (d').

[0088] In addition, the base core (131) can be left as is, and side cores (132, 133) and vertical cores (134) can be additionally custom-made as needed to accommodate the process. Since only additional parts are custom-made based on the base core (131), the cost-saving effect is superior compared to custom-making a new core that is a single piece. Thus, according to the present invention, by providing a modular core (130), the core can be shared, and there is no need to design, order, and manufacture the corresponding core according to the design every time.

[0089] FIG. 13 is a top view of a fastening pin included in a slot die coater according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the CC' of FIG. 3.

[0090] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the fastening pin (140) is for fitting and fixing the modular shim (130) into the fastening groove (115, 125). Preferably, the fastening pin (140) is inserted from top to bottom into the fastening groove (125) provided in the die lip (121) of the top plate (120).

[0091] After insertion, the lower end of the fastening pin (140) can be aligned with the lower surface of the die lip (111) of the lower plate (110). The fastening pin (140) is inserted through the fastening groove (125) and the fastening groove (115) that are aligned in the vertical direction. The effect of fixing the modular shim (130) between the lower plate (110) and the upper plate (120) by the fastening pin (140) is excellent. When the lower end of the fastening pin (140) inserted into the fastening groove (115, 125) is aligned with the lower surface of the die lip (111), the thickness of the die lip (111) can be uniform along the width direction (Z-axis direction) of the discharge port (101a), thereby enabling a more even coating process.

[0092] As previously explained with reference to FIG. 8, when a fastening pin fixing groove (115a, 125a) is further provided at the upper corner of the fastening groove (115, 125), the fastening pin (140) may have a cross-section that fits snugly into the fastening groove (115, 125) and may have a projection (140a) formed at the upper corner corresponding to the fastening pin fixing groove (115a, 125a).

[0093] In order to minimize leakage of the coating liquid (150), it is also possible to attach an additional clamp, and it is desirable to operate under conditions that minimize the fastening tolerance range as much as possible.

[0094] When initially setting up the slot die coater (100), a modular shim (130) is placed on the bottom plate (110), and the top plate (120) is aligned on top of it. Then, the bottom plate (110) and the top plate (120) are assembled by fastening them with bolts, and the assembly is completed by inserting the fastening pin (140) into the fastening groove (115, 125). If mold replacement is required, the bolt between the bottom plate (110) and the top plate (120) is slightly loosened. At this time, it is not necessary to completely separate them. After removing the fastening pin (140), the side shims (132, 133) and / or the vertical shim (134) are replaced, and the block shim (135) is removed or added as needed. Next, the fastening pin (140) is inserted into the fastening groove (115, 125), and the bolt is fully tightened to complete the assembly. When replacing some core parts of the modular core (130), the bolt connecting the bottom plate (110) and the top plate (120) is not completely loosened and removed, but is loosened slightly to create a gap between the top plate (120) and the bottom plate (110), and only the core parts on the die lip (111, 121) side are replaced, so the core parts can be replaced while maintaining the alignment of the bottom plate (110) and the top plate (120).

[0095] As such, according to the present invention, it is possible to fasten and replace some core parts of the modular core (130) from the outside of the lower plate (110) and the upper plate (120) without the need to release the combined state of the lower plate (110) and the upper plate (120). Therefore, there is no need to disassemble and reassemble the die block one by one.

[0096] Conventionally, replacing the core requires completely separating the die block, cleaning it, and then replacing the core, which results in a time-consuming process. In contrast, according to the present invention, since there is no need to completely separate the lower plate and the upper plate, the loss of condition adjustment during subsequent production can be reduced even when changing molds. According to the present invention, even if slots and discharge ports capable of forming multiple patterns simultaneously are defined, the core defining them is not a single block as in the conventional method, but rather a separable and combined type. Therefore, the degree of freedom is increased because only the necessary parts can be individually replaced and assembled during core assembly, allowing for individual adjustment. Only individual lanes are affected by the replacement of core parts, enabling precise adjustment for each individual lane. Even when core parts need to be replaced, there is no need to completely release the connection between the lower plate and the upper plate, and since the core parts are fastened from the outside of the lower plate and the upper plate, replacement time is reduced and overall process management is efficient.

[0097] The slot die coater (100) of the present invention can be used as a coater for manufacturing electrodes. For example, the slot die coater (100) of the present invention can be applied to the manufacture of a positive electrode for a secondary battery by coating a positive electrode active material slurry using the slot die coater (100) of the present invention. The positive electrode comprises a current collector and a positive electrode active material layer formed on the surface of the current collector. The current collector may be one that exhibits electrical conductivity, such as Al, Cu, etc., and may be appropriate according to the polarity of the current collector electrode known in the field of secondary batteries. The positive electrode active material layer may further include one or more of a plurality of positive electrode active material particles, a conductive material, and a binder. In addition, the positive electrode may further include various additives for the purpose of supplementing or improving electrochemical properties.

[0098] The active material is not limited to specific components as long as it can be used as a positive electrode active material for a lithium-ion secondary battery. Non-limiting examples include layered compounds such as lithium manganese complex oxides (LiMn2O4, LiMnO2, etc.), lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2), and lithium nickel oxide (LiNiO2), or compounds substituted with one or more transition metals; chemical formula Li 1+x Mn 2-x Lithium manganese oxides such as O4 (where x is 0 to 0.33), LiMnO3, LiMn2O3, LiMnO2, etc.; lithium copper oxide (Li2CuO2); vanadium oxides such as LiV3O8, LiV3O4, V2O5, Cu2V2O7, etc.; chemical formula LiNi 1-x M x Ni-site type lithium nickel oxide represented by O2 (where M = Co, Mn, Al, Cu, Fe, Mg, B, or Ga, and x = 0.01 ~ 0.3); chemical formula LiMn 2-x M x It may include a lithium manganese composite oxide represented by O2 (where M = Co, Ni, Fe, Cr, Zn or Ta and x = 0.01 to 0.1) or Li2Mn3MO8 (where M = Fe, Co, Ni, Cu or Zn); LiMn2O4 in which a portion of the Li in the chemical formula is substituted with alkaline earth metal ions; a disulfide compound; and a mixture of two or more of Fe2(MoO4)3. In the present invention, the anode may include one or more of a polymer-based solid electrolyte, an oxide-based solid electrolyte, and a sulfide-based solid electrolyte as a solid electrolyte material.

[0099] The conductive material may typically be added in an amount of 1 wt% to 20 wt% based on the total weight of the mixture containing the active material. Such conductive material is not particularly limited as long as it is conductive without causing chemical changes in the battery, and may include, for example, graphite such as natural graphite or artificial graphite; carbon black such as carbon black, acetylene black, Ketjen black, channel black, furnace black, lamp black, or thermal black; conductive fibers such as carbon fiber or metal fiber; metal powders such as carbon fluoride, aluminum, or nickel powder; conductive whiskers such as zinc oxide or potassium titanate; conductive metal oxides such as titanium oxide; or one or more mixtures selected from conductive materials such as polyphenylene derivatives.

[0100] The above binder is not particularly limited as long as it is a component that assists in the bonding of the active material and the conductive material, and the bonding to the current collector, and examples include polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinyl alcohol, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), starch, hydroxypropylcellulose, regenerated cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, tetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM), sulfonated EPDM, styrene butadiene rubber, fluororubber, and various copolymers. The above binder may typically be included in a range of 1 wt% to 30 wt% or 1 wt% to 10 wt% relative to 100 wt% of the electrode layer.

[0101] The present invention may be applied to the manufacture of a negative electrode of a secondary battery by coating a negative electrode active material slurry using a slot die coater (100) of the present invention. The negative electrode comprises a current collector and a negative electrode active material layer formed on the surface of the current collector. The negative electrode active material layer may further include one or more of a plurality of negative electrode active material particles, a conductive material, and a binder. In addition, the negative electrode may further include various additives for the purpose of supplementing or improving electrochemical properties.

[0102] The above-mentioned negative electrode active material is a carbon material such as graphite, amorphous carbon, diamond-like carbon, fullerene, carbon nanotubes, carbon nanohorns, etc., a lithium metal material, an alloy-based material such as silicon or tin, Nb2O5, Li5Ti4O. 12 Oxide-based materials such as TiO2, or composites thereof, may be used. For the cathode, the conductive material, binder, and current collector may be described in the section on the anode.

[0103] Active material slurries containing such positive or negative active materials have very high viscosity. For example, the viscosity may be 1000 cps or higher. The viscosity of an active material slurry intended for forming a secondary battery electrode may be 2000 cps to 30000 cps. For example, a negative active material slurry may have a viscosity of 2000 cps to 4000 cps. A positive active material slurry may have a viscosity of 8000 cps to 30000 cps. Since it must be possible to coat a coating liquid with a viscosity of 1100 cps or higher, the slot die coater (100) of the present invention differs from the device structure for applying ordinary resin liquids with lower viscosity than this, such as photographic emulsions, magnetic liquids, liquids that impart anti-reflection or anti-glare properties, liquids that impart a viewing angle expansion effect, pigment liquids for color filters, etc., and is not a device that can be achieved by modifying it. The slot die coater (100) of the present invention is intended to apply an active material slurry that may include, for example, an active material having an average particle size of about 10 μm, and is therefore different from the structure of a device that applies other coating liquids that do not include particles of this size, and is not a device that can be achieved by changing it.

[0104] Although the present invention has been described above by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims described below by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. Explanation of the symbols

[0105] 100: Slot Die Coater 101: Slot 110: Bottom plate 111, 121: Die rib 112: Manifold 115, 125: Fastening grooves 115a, 125a: Groove for fixing fastening pins 120: Top plate 130: Modular SIM 131: Base SIM 132: Left side seam 133: Right side seam 134: Vertical seam 132a, 133a, 134a: Depression 135: Block-type shim 140: Fastening pin 150: Coating solution

Claims

Claim 1 A lower plate and an upper plate each having a plurality of fastening grooves in the die lip portion; a modular shim interposed between the lower plate and the upper plate to define a slot and a discharge port; A slot die coater comprising a fastening pin for inserting and fixing the modular core into the fastening groove, wherein the modular core comprises a base core interposed between the rear end and both side portions of the lower plate and the upper plate, a left side core and a right side core positioned toward the discharge port at the front end of the base core and having a recess at the front end, one or more longitudinal cores positioned between the left side core and the right side core at the front end of the base core to define an uncoated portion and having a recess at the front end, and one or more block-type cores inserted into the fastening groove, wherein the fastening groove penetrates each die lip vertically, and the fastening groove provided in the die lip of the upper plate and the fastening groove provided in the die lip of the lower plate are aligned vertically, and the fastening pin is inserted into the fastening groove aligned with the recess, and the block-type core is inserted into another fastening groove not aligned with the recess. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete Claim 4 delete Claim 5 delete Claim 6 A slot die coater according to claim 1, wherein the base core is fastened between the lower plate and the upper plate and the base core includes a screw fastening groove. Claim 7 A slot die coater according to claim 1, further comprising a manifold containing a coating liquid on the lower plate, wherein the base shim seals the side of the periphery of the manifold excluding the discharge port. Claim 8 A slot die coater according to claim 1, characterized in that the side shim has a step, an L-shape, or a diagonal line on the surface corresponding to the inside of the discharge port. Claim 9 A slot die coater according to claim 8, characterized in that the surface corresponding to the inside of the discharge opening in the vertical direction core is provided with a step in mirror symmetry with the side core, or is L-shaped or diagonally processed. Claim 10 A slot die coater according to claim 1, characterized in that the side seams include various types according to size for selective application. Claim 11 A slot die coater according to claim 1, characterized in that the vertical core includes various types according to size for selective application. Claim 12 A slot die coater according to claim 1, characterized in that the vertical core comprises a first extension portion that is extended in the vertical direction to define the uncoated portion, and a second extension portion that is extended laterally toward the side cores. Claim 13 A slot die coater according to claim 1, characterized in that at least a portion of the vertical cross-section of the fastening groove in each die lip includes a T-shaped portion. Claim 14 A slot die coater characterized in that, in Clause 13, the block-shaped core includes a T-shaped portion identical to the vertical cross-section of the fastening groove. Claim 15 A slot die coater according to claim 1, characterized in that the block-shaped core is inserted from top to bottom into the fastening groove to completely seal the fastening groove. Claim 16 A slot die coater according to claim 1, characterized in that, after being inserted into each fastening groove, the lower end of the block-shaped core is aligned with the lower surface of each die lip. Claim 17 A slot die coater according to claim 1, characterized in that the block-shaped core does not protrude from the fastening groove or is not embedded into the fastening groove. Claim 18 A slot die coater according to claim 1, characterized in that the fastening pin is inserted from top to bottom into a fastening groove provided in the die lip of the top plate. Claim 19 A slot die coater according to claim 18, characterized in that, after insertion, the lower end of the fastening pin is aligned with the lower surface of the die lip of the lower plate. Claim 20 A slot die coater according to claim 1, characterized in that the size of the fastening groove increases from the front end of the die lip to the inner rear end. Claim 21 A slot die coater according to claim 1, characterized in that the block-shaped core is fitted into a fastening groove provided in the die lip of the upper plate and a fastening groove provided in the die lip of the lower plate, respectively. Claim 22 A slot die coater according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper corner of the fastening groove is further provided with a groove for fixing a fastening pin. Claim 23 A slot die coater according to claim 22, characterized in that the fastening pin has a cross-section that fits snugly into the fastening groove and has a projection formed on the upper edge corresponding to the fastening pin fixing groove.

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