Multi-groove mold, multi-groove mold coating method, slurry supply system and slurry supply method

Abstract

A multi-slot mold includes: a plurality of molds forming continuous coating portions along a length direction on a continuously traveling electrode substrate in a plurality of rows spaced apart from each other along a width direction intersecting the length direction of the electrode substrate using a supplied active material slurry; a plurality of gap adjustment assemblies provided corresponding to each of the plurality of molds, and independently adjusting a gap provided between each of the plurality of molds and the electrode substrate along a discharge direction of each of the plurality of molds; and a mold position adjusting assembly provided corresponding to the plurality of gap adjusting assemblies and independently adjusting positions of the plurality of molds with respect to the width direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments relate to a multi-groove mold for coating an active material slurry on an electrode substrate of a rechargeable battery, and to a coating method using the multi-groove mold, a slurry supply system, and a slurry supply method using the slurry supply system. Background Art

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, rechargeable batteries are batteries that are repeatedly charged and discharged. Small-capacity rechargeable batteries are used in small portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, notebook computers, and camcorders, while large-capacity rechargeable batteries can be used as a power source to drive motors of hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles.

[0003] For example, a rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly for charging and discharging, a bag containing the electrode assembly, and an electrode terminal electrically connected to the electrode assembly and leading it out of the bag. The electrode assembly includes a winding type in which a negative electrode plate and a positive electrode plate are wound with a separator interposed therebetween, and a stacked type in which a negative electrode plate and a positive electrode plate are stacked with a separator interposed therebetween.

[0004] The electrode plate process for manufacturing the electrode plate includes: a mixing step of mixing active material slurry; a coating step of coating the active material slurry to an electrode substrate in multiple columns to form a coating portion; a pressing step of compressing the coating portion; and a cutting step of cutting the electrode substrate according to the columns of the coating portion.

[0005] The electrode plate process equipment is a slot mold for coating active material slurry, and allows the electrode substrate of Al or Cu to be coated with positive active material slurry or negative active material slurry in a predetermined width and thickness, and dried to maintain a predetermined loading level (mg / cm 2 ).

[0006] The multi-row coating slot die may cause defects in the pressing stage equipment due to an improper load level, and may cause defects in the winding equipment due to a step in the coating width at two coating portions of the electrode substrate.

[0007] During multi-coat coating, it is not possible to independently control each column in a multi-coat coating section in a single slot die. That is, if reference Figure 1 The supply flow rate of the active material slurry was as high as 1.0 m / s at the center and as low as 0.994 m / s at both ends when viewed from the width direction of the slot mold. As a result, the deviation of the load level in the width direction of the slot mold increased to 0.006 m / s, and the steps on both sides of the coating part became larger. Summary of the invention

[0008] Embodiments include a multi-groove mold. The multi-groove mold includes: a plurality of molds that use the supplied active material slurry to form a continuous coating portion along the length direction on a continuously advancing electrode substrate in a plurality of columns spaced apart from each other along a width direction intersecting the length direction of the electrode substrate; a plurality of gap adjustment assemblies that are provided corresponding to each of the plurality of molds and independently adjust the gap provided between each of the plurality of molds and the electrode substrate along the discharge direction of each of the plurality of molds; and a mold position adjustment assembly that is provided corresponding to the plurality of gap adjustment assemblies and independently adjusts the positions of the plurality of molds relative to the width direction.

[0009] Each of the plurality of gap adjustment assemblies may include: a mold support block that supports each of the plurality of molds and moves in the discharge direction; a gap guide that is connected to the mold support block and enables the mold support block to move in the discharge direction to adjust a corresponding one of the gaps; and a first fixed plate that supports the gap guide.

[0010] The mold position adjustment assembly may include: a plurality of plate support blocks supporting the first fixed plate corresponding to each of the plurality of gap adjustment assemblies and moving in the width direction; a position guide connected to the plurality of plate support blocks to adjust the mold position by moving each of the plurality of plate support blocks in the width direction; and a second fixed plate supporting the position guide.

[0011] The multi-slot die further includes a plurality of die control units respectively coupled to the plurality of dies to control the corresponding one of the gaps and the die position of each of the plurality of dies.

[0012] Each of the plurality of mold control units may include: a connecting member connected to a connecting hole provided in each of the plurality of molds; a gap adjusting member adjusting the connecting member in a gap adjusting direction; a lifting plate including the connecting member and the gap adjusting member; and a lifting cylinder connected to the lifting plate to be fixed to the side plate.

[0013] The multi-slot mold may further include: a base plate supporting the second fixing plate; and a linear motor provided at a lower side of the base plate, wherein the side plate may be mounted on a moving member of the linear motor.

[0014] Embodiments include a multi-slot die coating method. The method includes: a first step of inputting data on a load level, coating width, double-sided step, and coating position of a coating portion to be coated with an active material slurry to a continuously supplied electrode substrate; a second step of determining an adjustment factor including a total load level center value, a heat load level center value, a double-sided step, a coating width, a coating position, and a width-direction load level; a third step of determining the total amount of the active material slurry to be supplied by controlling a pump supplying the active material slurry and a three-way valve installed between the pump and a manifold during coating according to the total load level center value; a fourth step of controlling a control valve during coating according to the heat load level center value to control a flow rate for each individual die in a plurality of dies, thereby supplying the active material slurry to each of the plurality of dies to form a plurality of columns of coating portions on the electrode substrate; and a fifth step of adjusting the gap and position of the plurality of dies according to the double-sided step, the coating width, the coating position, and the width-direction load level determined in the second step.

[0015] In the fifth step, a position of each of the plurality of molds may be adjusted according to the double-sided step.

[0016] In the fifth step, a gap of each of the plurality of dies may be adjusted according to the coating width, the coating position, and the width direction load level.

[0017] In the first step, the new data on the load level, coating width, coating position and double-sided step obtained in the fifth step may be compared with the previously input existing data on the load level, coating width, coating position and double-sided step.

[0018] In the second step, the adjustment factor may be determined by comparing the new data with the existing data.

[0019] Embodiments include a slurry supply system. The system includes: a manifold that supplies active material slurry to be applied to a continuously supplied electrode substrate to a plurality of molds through a driving pump and a three-way valve; a plurality of control valves connected to the manifold; a plurality of pipes that respectively connect the plurality of control valves to the plurality of molds; and a tank that connects the three-way valve to the pump.

[0020] The control valve may be a proportional control valve.

[0021] The tube may be a flexible tube.

[0022] Embodiments include a slurry supply method. The method includes: a first step of supplying active material slurry to be applied to an electrode substrate, which is continuously supplied by a driving pump and a three-way valve, to a manifold; a second step of controlling the amount of the active material slurry to be supplied to a plurality of tubes by controlling a plurality of control valves coupled to the manifold; and a third step of supplying the controlled amount of the active material slurry to each of a plurality of molds coupled to the plurality of tubes.

[0023] In the second step, the control valve may be proportionally controlled. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Features will become apparent to those skilled in the art by describing in detail exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 A graph illustrating the flow rate distribution of the slurry along the width direction of the slot mold (electrode substrate) according to the prior art;

[0026] Figure 2 A graph illustrating the flow rate distribution of the slurry along the width direction of the multi-groove mold (electrode substrate) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 3A A cross-sectional view illustrating applying an active material slurry to an electrode substrate using a multi-groove mold according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 3B A top plan view illustrating the concept of forming a plurality of columns of coating portions on an electrode substrate by applying an active material slurry to the electrode substrate using a multi-groove mold according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 3C An example of a method according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is as follows: Figure 3B A cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG.

[0030] Figure 4 Example according to one or more embodiments Figure 3B A partially exploded perspective view of a multi-groove die;

[0031] Figure 5 A mold control unit and a mold control unit according to one or more embodiments are illustrated. Figure 3B A partially exploded perspective view of a slot mold in a multi-slot mold;

[0032] Figure 6 Example according to one or more embodiments Figure 5 A partial cross-sectional perspective view of a slot die and a gap adjustment assembly in a coupled state;

[0033] Figure 7 Example according to one or more embodiments Figure 6 A partial cross-sectional perspective view of a connection state of a gap adjustment assembly and a mold control unit;

[0034] Figure 8 Example according to one or more embodiments Figure 7 A perspective view of a mold control unit, a moving member, and a connection state of a linear motor;

[0035] Fig. 9 A flow chart illustrating forming a plurality of columns of coating portions on an electrode substrate by applying an active material slurry to the electrode substrate using a multi-slot die coating method according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0036] Fig.10 An example of a method for supplying active material slurry to a Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 4 A perspective view of a slurry supply system for a multi-groove mold;

[0037] Fig.11 Example according to one or more embodiments Fig.10 A block diagram of a slurry supply system; and

[0038] Fig.12 A flow chart illustrating supplying active material slurry to a multi-groove mold using a slurry supply method according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Example embodiments will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, they may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey exemplary implementations to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0040] In the drawings, the dimensions of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity of illustration. It will also be understood that if a layer or element is referred to as being "on" another layer or element, it can be directly on the other layer or element, or there may be intervening layers. In addition, it will be understood that if a layer is referred to as being "below" another layer, it can be directly below the other layer, or there may be one or more intervening layers. In addition, it will be understood that if a layer is referred to as being "between" two layers, it can be the only layer between the two layers, or there may be one or more intervening layers. The same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout.

[0041] Figure 2is a graph showing the flow rate distribution of the slurry along the width direction of the multi-groove mold (electrode substrate) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2 , if viewed from the width direction of the multi-groove mold, the supply flow rate of the active material slurry can be 0.9945 m / s at the center and 0.994 m / s at both ends. Accordingly, the deviation of the slurry flow rate in the width direction of the groove mold can be 0.005 m / s.

[0042] Figure 1 A graph illustrating the flow rate distribution of the slurry along the width direction of the slot mold (electrode substrate) according to the prior art. Figure 1 and Figure 2 , compared with the flow rate at both ends of the slot mold in the width direction in the prior art, the flow rate at both ends of the slot mold in the width direction in this embodiment can be the same as 0.994m / s. In this case, this embodiment can be a single slot mold in a multi-slot mold, while the prior art is a single slot mold.

[0043] At the center of the width direction of the multi-slot die, the flow rate of this embodiment is 0.9945 m / s, which is slightly lower than the flow rate of 1.0 m / s in the prior art. In terms of the deviation of the load level in the width direction of the slot die, the 0.0005 m / s in this embodiment is much smaller than the 0.006 m / s in the prior art.

[0044] Therefore, compared with the prior art, the present embodiment can have higher quality in terms of double-sided step AS, coating width and width load level of the active material coating portion CP formed on both sides of the electrode substrate ES. Hereinafter, an embodiment for achieving this will be described in detail.

[0045] Figure 3A A cross-sectional view illustrating applying an active material slurry to an electrode substrate using a multi-groove mold according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, and Figure 3B A top plan view illustrating the concept of forming a plurality of columns of coating portions on an electrode substrate by applying an active material slurry to the electrode substrate using a multi-groove mold according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0046] refer to Figure 3A and Figure 3B The mold 10 is configured to form a coating portion CP by coating the supplied active material slurry on the electrode substrate ES traveling while being supported by the supporting roll BR via a cavity CB formed between the lower mold 101 and the upper mold 102 .

[0047] Figure 3C An example is provided according to one or more embodiments. Figure 3B The cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. Figure 4Example according to one or more embodiments Figure 3B A partially exploded perspective view of a multi-groove die, and Figure 5 A mold control unit and a mold control unit according to one or more embodiments are illustrated. Figure 3B A partially exploded perspective view of one slot mold in a multi-slot mold.

[0048] refer to Figure 3A to Figure 5 The multi-slot die may include a plurality of dies 10 , a plurality of gap adjustment assemblies 20 and a die position adjustment assembly 30 .

[0049] As an example, the plurality of molds 10 may include a first mold 11, a second mold 12, and a third mold 13. The plurality of molds 10 may be formed in a plurality of rows to form a plurality of active material slurries along a length direction (eg, Figure 4 y direction in the cross-width direction (for example, Figure 4 A plurality of columns spaced apart from each other in the x direction (in the x direction) form a continuous coating portion CP along the length direction on one continuously advancing electrode substrate ES. The first mold 11, the second mold 12, and the third mold 13 may form the coating portion CP in three or more columns. The double-sided coating portion CP of the electrode substrate ES has an alignment double-sided step AS for alignment in the width direction.

[0050] Figure 6 Example according to one or more embodiments Figure 5 A partial cross-sectional perspective view of the connection state of a slot die and a gap adjustment assembly. Figures 4 to 6 , the gap adjustment assembly 20 may correspond to the first mold 11, the second mold 12, and the third mold 13, and may be configured to independently adjust the first gap G1, the second gap G2, and the third gap G3 respectively provided between the electrode substrate ES and the first mold 11, the second mold 12, and the third mold 13 along the discharge direction of the mold (e.g., the y-axis direction). Since the first gap G1, the second gap G2, and the third gap G3 can be adjusted by the gap adjustment assembly 20, the quality of the coating width and the load level of the coating portion CP can be improved.

[0051] Figure 7 Example according to one or more embodiments Figure 6 A partial cross-sectional perspective view of a connection state of a gap adjustment assembly and a mold control unit, and Figure 8 Example according to one or more embodiments Figure 7 A perspective view of the connection state of the mold control unit, the moving member and the linear motor.

[0052] refer to Figures 4 to 8, the mold position adjustment assembly 30 may correspond to the gap adjustment assembly 20, and may be configured to independently adjust the first mold position P1, the second mold position P2, and the third mold position P3 of the first mold 11, the second mold 12, and the third mold 13 in the width direction (e.g., the x-axis direction). Since the first mold position P1, the second mold position P2, and the third mold position P3 can be adjusted by the mold position adjustment assembly 30, the coating portion CP can be aligned on both surfaces of the electrode substrate ES. Accordingly, the mold position adjustment assembly 30 can improve the quality of the double-sided step AS on both surfaces of the coating portion CP.

[0053] Return to reference Figure 3A to Figure 6 , the gap adjustment assemblies 20 respectively support the first mold 11, the second mold 12, and the third mold 13. Each of the gap adjustment assemblies 20 may include a mold support block 21, a gap guide 22, and a first fixing plate 23 to allow the first gap G1, the second gap G2, and the third gap G3 of the first mold 11, the second mold 12, and the third mold 13 to be independently adjusted.

[0054] Taking the third mold 13 as an example, the mold support block 21 may be configured to support the third mold 13 on its upper surface and move in the discharge direction (e.g., y-axis direction). The gap guide 22 may be coupled to the mold support block 21 to move the mold support block 21 in the discharge direction (e.g., y-axis direction) to adjust the third gap G3 provided between the third mold 13 supported by the mold support block 21 and the electrode substrate ES. The first fixing plate 23 supports the gap guide 22.

[0055] Therefore, the third mold 13 is mounted on the first fixing plate 23 by the gap adjustment assembly 20, and the third mold 13 is moved forward and backward in the discharge direction (e.g., y-axis direction) by the gap adjustment assembly 20 to adjust the third gap G3. In this way, since the first mold 11, the second mold 12, and the third mold 13 are provided with the corresponding gap adjustment assemblies 20, the first gap G1, the second gap G2, and the third gap G3 can be adjusted independently.

[0056] refer to Fig.10 The mold position adjustment assembly 30 may correspond to the gap adjustment assembly 20 (e.g., be aligned with the gap adjustment assembly 20) to support a plurality of first fixing plates 23, which respectively support each of the first mold 11, the second mold 12, and the third mold 13. As an example, the mold position adjustment assembly 30 may include a plurality of plate support blocks 31, position guides 32, and second fixing plates 33.

[0057] A plurality of plate support blocks 31 may be configured to support each of the first fixing plates 23 upward and move in a width direction (e.g., an x-axis direction). Position guides 32 may be coupled to the plate support blocks 31 and may extend in a width direction (e.g., an x-axis direction) to allow the plate support blocks 31 to move in the width direction (e.g., an x-axis direction) to adjust the first mold position P1, the second mold position P2, and the third mold position P3. The second fixing plates 33 correspond to all the gap adjustment assemblies 20 and support the position guides 32.

[0058] Accordingly, a plurality of slot dies 10 may be mounted on the second fixing plate 33 by the plate support block 31, the position guide 32, and the gap adjustment assembly 20. When the first die 11, the second die 12, and the third die 13 are moved in the width direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) by the die position adjustment assembly 30 and the gap adjustment assembly 20, the first die position P1, the second die position P2, and the third die position P3 may be adjusted and set in the width direction (e.g., the x-axis direction), and when the first die 11, the second die 12, and the third die 13 are moved in the discharge direction (e.g., the y-axis direction), the first gap G1, the second gap G2, and the third gap G3 may be adjusted and set in the discharge direction (e.g., the y-axis direction).

[0059] Return to reference Figures 4 to 8 The multi-slot mold according to one or more embodiments may further include a mold control unit 40. The mold control unit 40 may be provided corresponding to (e.g., aligned with) the first mold 11, the second mold 12, and the third mold 13, respectively, and may be connected to the first mold 11, the second mold 12, and the third mold 13, respectively.

[0060] Correspondingly, the mold control unit 40, namely the first mold control unit 401, the second mold control unit 402 and the third mold control unit 403 can respectively control the first gap G1, the second gap G2 and the third gap G3 as well as the first mold position P1, the second mold position P2 and the third mold position P3 of the first mold 11, the second mold 12 and the third mold 13.

[0061] For example, refer to Figure 5 , the third mold control unit 403 may include a coupling member 41, a gap adjusting member 42, a lifting plate 43, and a lifting cylinder 44, and may be coupled to the third mold 13. However, this is only an example.

[0062] The coupling member 41 may protrude upward from the third mold control unit 403 and may be coupled to the coupling hole 24 provided in the third mold 13. The gap adjustment member 42 may be configured to adjust the coupling member 41 in a gap adjustment direction (e.g., y-axis direction). As an example, the gap adjustment member 42 may finely adjust the third gap G3 in units of 0.001 mm pitch.

[0063] The lifting plate 43 may include a coupling member 41 and a gap adjusting member 42. A lifting cylinder 44 may be coupled to the lifting plate 43 and may be fixed to the side plate 45. The lifting cylinder 44 moves up and down while providing a reaction force to the side plate 45 to insert or extract the coupling member 41 provided on the lifting plate 43 into or from the coupling hole 24.

[0064] When the gap adjusting member 42 is adjusted while the coupling member 41 is inserted into the coupling hole 24, the coupling member 41 may move the third mold 13 on the gap adjusting assembly 20 through the coupling hole 24. Accordingly, the third gap G3 may be adjusted and set.

[0065] In one or more embodiments, the multi-slot mold may further include a base plate 51 and a linear motor 52. The base plate 51 supports the second fixing plate 33 mounted on its upper surface. The linear motor 52 may be provided on the lower side of the base plate 51. The side plate 45 may be mounted on the moving member 53 of the linear motor 52.

[0066] When the linear motor 52 is driven, the moving member 53 can move in the width direction (e.g., the x-axis direction). Accordingly, when the third mold control unit 403 mounted on the moving member 53 using the side plate 45 moves in the width direction (e.g., the x-axis direction), the third mold position P3 can be adjusted and set.

[0067] Fig. 9 A flow chart illustrating forming a plurality of columns of coating portions on an electrode substrate by applying an active material slurry to the electrode substrate using a multi-slot die coating method according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 9 The multi-slot die coating method of this embodiment includes a first step (ST1), a second step (ST2), a third step (ST3), a fourth step (ST4) and a fifth step (ST5).

[0068] In the first step (ST1), data on the load level, coating width, and double-sided step AS of the coating portion CP to which the active material slurry is to be applied to the continuously supplied electrode substrate ES may be input. The input data may include density data and visual data. The density data may be the load level, and the visual data may be the coating width, double-sided step AS, and coating position.

[0069] In the second step (ST2), the adjustment factors may be determined. The adjustment factors may include the total load level center value of the coating portion CP, the heat load level center value, the double-side step AS, the coating width, the coating position, and the width direction load level.

[0070] In the third step (ST3), the total flow rate of the slurry to be supplied during coating may be determined. That is, in the third step (ST3), the total flow rate of the active material slurry supplied from the pump P to the mold 10 may be determined by controlling the pump P to supply the active material slurry according to the center value of the total load level. To this end, the three-way valve 3WV installed between the pump P and the manifold 61 may be controlled to return the excess flow to the tank T.

[0071] In the fourth step (ST4), the flow rate of the active material slurry can be controlled during coating and the active material slurry is supplied to each individual mold. That is, in the fourth step (ST4), the control valve (62; 621, 622, 623) can be controlled proportionally according to the heat load level center value so that the active material slurry can be supplied to each mold 10, and the coating portions CP can be formed on the electrode substrate ES in multiple columns, respectively.

[0072] In the fifth step (ST5), the first gap G1, the second gap G2, and the third gap G3 and the first mold position P1, the second mold position P2, and the third mold position P3 of the mold 10 (i.e., the first mold 11, the second mold 12, and the third mold 13) can be adjusted. In the fifth step (ST5), the coating width can be controlled by adjusting the gap adjustment member 42 in the mold control unit 40, and the coating position and the double-sided step AS can be controlled by adjusting the linear motor 52.

[0073] Furthermore, in the fifth step ST5, the first mold position P1, the second mold position P2, and the third mold position P3 of the first mold 11, the second mold 12, and the third mold 13 can be adjusted according to the double-sided step AS. In addition, in the fifth step (ST5), the first gap G1, the second gap G2, and the third gap G3 of the first mold 11, the second mold 12, and the third mold 13 can be adjusted according to the coating width, the coating position, and the width direction load level.

[0074] In addition, in the first step (ST1), the new data about the load level, coating width, coating position and double-sided step AS obtained in the fifth step (ST5) can be compared with the existing data about the input load level, coating width, coating position and double-sided step AS.

[0075] In the second step (ST2), the new data and the existing data may be compared to determine the adjustment factor. According to the determination result, the first gap G1, the second gap G2, and the third gap G3 and the first mold position P1, the second mold position P2, and the third mold position P3 may be continuously adjusted in the next fifth step ST5. Accordingly, if the coating portion CP is coated in multiple columns with the active material slurry on the electrode substrate ES, the quality of the multiple columns of the coating portion CP may be improved.

[0076] Fig.10 An example of a method for supplying active material slurry to a Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 4 A perspective view of the slurry supply system of the multi-groove mold, and Fig.11 Example according to one or more embodiments Fig.10 Block diagram of the slurry supply system.

[0077] refer to Fig.10 and Fig.11 , the slurry supply system can be configured to supply the active material slurry to the multi-groove mold.

[0078] As an example, the slurry supply system may include a manifold 61, a plurality of control valves 62 (i.e., a first control valve 621, a second control valve 622, and a third control valve 623), a plurality of pipes 63 (i.e., a first pipe 631, a second pipe 632, and a third pipe 633), and a plurality of return pipes (not shown). The manifold 61 may supply the active material slurry continuously supplied through the driving pump P and the three-way valve 3WV to the plurality of molds 10. The slurry may be applied to both surfaces of the electrode substrate ES to form a coating portion CP.

[0079] The control valve 62 may be coupled to the pipe 63 and divided into three from the manifold 61 to independently supply the slurry from the manifold 61 to the first mold 11 , the second mold 12 , and the third mold 13 .

[0080] The first, second and third tubes 631, 632 and 633 independently couple the first, second and third control valves 621, 622 and 623 to the first, second and third molds 11, 12 and 13. The first, second and third control valves 621, 632 and 623 may be formed as proportional control valves.

[0081] The slurry supply system returns the remaining or uncoated slurry to the tank T through the three-way valve 3WV installed between the pump P and the manifold 61. That is, the slurry supply system can determine the total flow rate supplied to the manifold 61 and the first control valve 621, the second control valve 622, and the third control valve 623 by controlling the pump P and the three-way valve 3WV, and control the amount of slurry flowing into the first mold 11, the second mold 12, and the third mold 13 by the opening amount of the first control valve 621, the second control valve 622, and the third control valve 623.

[0082] In some embodiments, the first tube 631, the second tube 632 and the third tube 633 can be formed as flexible tubes, the first gap G1, the second gap G2 and the third gap G3 of the first mold 11, the second mold 12 and the third mold 13 can be adjusted by the gap adjustment assembly 20, and if the first mold position P1, the second mold position P2 and the third mold position P3 are adjusted, the gap adjustment operation is not disturbed.

[0083] Fig.12 is a flow chart of supplying active material slurry to a multi-groove mold using a slurry supply method according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig.12 , the method of supplying slurry according to the embodiment includes a first step (ST10), a second step (ST20), and a third step (ST30).

[0084] In the first step (ST10), the active material slurry to be applied to the electrode substrate ES, which is continuously supplied by driving the pump P, may be supplied to the manifold 61. In the second step (ST20), the amount of the slurry to be supplied to the plurality of tubes 63 may be controlled by controlling the plurality of control valves 62 coupled to the manifold 61. In the third step (ST30), the controlled amount of slurry may be supplied to each of the molds 10 coupled to the tubes 63.

[0085] In the second step (ST20), the control valve 62 may be proportionally controlled. That is, the control valve 62 may control the amount of the supplied slurry by controlling the ratio (%) of the opening amount to the fully opening amount (100%).

[0086] The active material slurry passed in the second and third steps (ST20, ST30) may be applied to the electrode substrate ES through the mold 10 to form the coating portion CP. In this case, the control valve 62 may control the mass of the load level as density data of the coating portion CP.

[0087] The present disclosure provides a multi-groove mold that coats an electrode substrate of a rechargeable battery with an active material slurry in multiple columns, and independently controls the quality of the multiple column coating portions. The present disclosure also provides a coating method that uses a multi-groove mold to coat an active material slurry on an electrode substrate in multiple columns, and can independently control the quality of the multiple column coating portions.

[0088] The present disclosure also provides a slurry supply system that supplies active material slurry in multiple columns to an electrode substrate of a rechargeable battery. The present disclosure further provides a slurry supply method that supplies active material slurry in multiple columns to an electrode substrate using the slurry supply system.

[0089] As described above, the multi-groove mold and the multi-groove mold coating method of the embodiment include multiple molds, gap adjustment components and mold position adjustment components to independently control the gap and independently control the mold position, thereby improving the quality of the multi-column coating part if the electrode substrate is coated with active material slurry in multiple columns.

[0090] In addition, the slurry supply system and the slurry supply method according to one or more embodiments may determine the total amount of slurry to be supplied through the pump and the three-way valve, and may supply the slurry by proportionally controlling the control valve, thereby improving the quality of the load level.

[0091] While the present disclosure has been described in connection with what are presently considered to be practical embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0092] Exemplary embodiments have been disclosed herein, and although specific terms are employed, they are used and interpreted in a general and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. In some cases, as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon filing this application, features, characteristics, and / or elements described in conjunction with a particular embodiment may be used alone or in combination with features, characteristics, and / or elements described in conjunction with other embodiments, unless otherwise specifically stated. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

[0093] <Description of Reference Numerals>

[0094] 10: Mold 11, 12, 13: First mold, second mold, third mold

[0095] 20: Gap adjustment assembly 21: Mold support block

[0096] 22: Gap guide 23: First fixing plate

[0097] 24: Connecting hole 30: Mold position adjustment component

[0098] 31: Board support block 32: Position guide

[0099] 33: Second fixed plate 40: Mold control unit

[0100] 41: Connecting member 42: Gap adjustment member

[0101] 43: Lifting plate 44: Lifting cylinder

[0102] 45: side panel 51: base panel

[0103] 52: Linear motor 53: Moving component

[0104] 61: Manifold 62: Control valve

[0105] 63: Tube

[0106] 101: Lower mold 102: Upper mold

[0107] 401, 402, 403: first mold control unit, second mold control unit, third mold control unit

[0108] 621, 622, 623: first control valve, second control valve, third control valve

[0109] 631, 632, 633: First tube, second tube, third tube

[0110] CP: coating part G1, G2, G3: first gap, second gap, third gap

[0111] ES: Electrode substrate P: Pump

[0112] BR: Support Roller CB: Chamber

[0113] P1, P2, P3: first mold position, second mold position, third mold position

Claims

1. A multi-groove die, comprising: a plurality of molds for forming a continuous coating portion along the length direction on the continuously advancing electrode substrate using the supplied active material slurry in a plurality of columns spaced apart from each other along a width direction intersecting the length direction of the electrode substrate; a plurality of gap adjustment assemblies provided corresponding to each of the plurality of dies and independently adjusting a gap provided between each of the plurality of dies and the electrode substrate along a discharge direction of each of the plurality of dies; as well as A die position adjustment assembly is provided corresponding to the plurality of gap adjustment assemblies and independently adjusts positions of the plurality of dies with respect to the width direction.

2. The multi-slot die of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of gap adjustment assemblies comprises: a mold support block that supports each of the plurality of molds and moves in the discharge direction; a gap guide coupled to the mold support block and moving the mold support block in the discharge direction to adjust a corresponding one of the gaps; as well as A first fixing plate supports the gap guide.

3. The multi-slot die according to claim 2, wherein the die position adjustment assembly comprises: a plurality of plate support blocks supporting the first fixing plate corresponding to each of the plurality of gap adjustment assemblies and moving in the width direction; a position guide coupled to the plurality of plate support blocks to adjust a mold position by moving each of the plurality of plate support blocks in the width direction; as well as The second fixing plate supports the position guide.

4. The multi-slot die of claim 3, further comprising a plurality of die control units, the plurality of die control units being respectively coupled to the plurality of dies to control the corresponding one of the gaps and the die position of each of the plurality of dies.

5. The multi-slot die of claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of die control units comprises: a coupling member coupled to a coupling hole provided in each of the plurality of dies; a gap adjustment member for adjusting the coupling member in a gap adjustment direction; A lifting plate, comprising the coupling member and the gap adjusting member; as well as A lifting cylinder is coupled to the lifting plate to be fixed to the side plate.

6. The multi-groove die according to claim 5, further comprising: a base plate supporting the second fixing plate, and a linear motor provided on the underside of the base plate, The side plate is mounted on a moving member of the linear motor.

7. A multi-slot die coating method comprising: The first step is to input data on a load level, a coating width, a double-sided step, and a coating position of a coating portion where an active material slurry is to be applied to a continuously supplied electrode substrate; The second step is to determine the adjustment factors including the center value of the total load level, the center value of the heat load level, the double-sided step, the coating width, the coating position and the width direction load level; A third step of determining a total amount of the active material slurry to be supplied during coating by controlling a pump supplying the active material slurry and a three-way valve installed between the pump and a manifold according to the total load level center value; A fourth step of controlling a control valve to control a flow rate for each individual mold of a plurality of molds according to the heat load level center value during coating, thereby supplying the active material slurry to each of the plurality of molds to form a plurality of columns of coating portions on the electrode substrate; as well as A fifth step is to adjust the gaps and positions of the plurality of dies according to the double-sided step, the coating width, the coating position, and the width direction load level determined in the second step. 8 . The multi-slot die coating method according to claim 7 , wherein in the fifth step, a position of each of the plurality of dies is adjusted according to the double-sided step. 9 . The multi-slot die coating method according to claim 7 , wherein in the fifth step, a gap of each of the plurality of dies is adjusted according to the coating width, the coating position, and the width direction load level.

10. The multi-slot die coating method according to claim 7, wherein in the first step, the new data on the load level, coating width, coating position and double-sided step obtained in the fifth step are compared with the existing data on the load level, coating width, coating position and double-sided step previously input.

11. The multi-slot die coating method of claim 10, wherein in the second step, the adjustment factor is determined by comparing the new data with the existing data.

12. A slurry supply system, comprising: a manifold for supplying the active material slurry to be coated on the electrode substrate, which is continuously supplied through the driving pump and the three-way valve, to the plurality of molds; a plurality of control valves coupled to the manifold; a plurality of pipes respectively connecting the plurality of control valves to the plurality of molds; as well as tank, connecting the three-way valve to the pump.

13. The slurry supply system of claim 12, wherein the control valve is a proportional control valve.

14. The slurry supply system of claim 12, wherein the pipe is a flexible pipe.

15. A slurry supply method, comprising: In a first step, an active material slurry to be applied to an electrode substrate is continuously supplied to a manifold through a driving pump and a three-way valve; a second step of controlling the amount of the active material slurry to be supplied to a plurality of tubes by controlling a plurality of control valves coupled to the manifold; as well as A third step is to supply a controlled amount of the active material slurry to each of a plurality of molds coupled to the plurality of tubes.

16. The slurry supply method according to claim 15, wherein In the second step, the control valve is proportionally controlled.

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