Mixing device and electrode mixing method

Abstract

The invention relates to a mixing device and an electrode mixing method. The mixing device includes: a supply module configured to provide an active material, a binder, and / or a conductive material to the mixing module; a mixing module configured to form an electrode slurry including an active material, a binder and / or a conductive material; and a discharge module configured to discharge the electrode slurry. The mixing module includes a first screw and a second screw disposed along a longitudinal direction of the mixing module, and a barrel including a bore configured to receive the first screw and the second screw, the barrel further including at least one of a letterpress pattern and a gravure pattern formed on an inner surface of the bore.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a mixing apparatus and an electrode mixing method. Background Technology

[0002] While primary batteries are not designed to be (re)chargeable, secondary batteries (also known as rechargeable batteries) are designed to be discharged and rechargeable. Low-capacity secondary batteries are widely used in portable small electronic devices such as smartphones, feature phones, laptops, digital cameras, and camcorders; while high-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as power sources for drive motors in hybrid and electric vehicles, and for storing electricity (e.g., household and / or utility-scale power storage). A secondary battery typically includes an electrode assembly comprising positive and negative electrodes, a housing for accommodating the electrode assembly, and electrode terminals connected to the electrode assembly.

[0003] Positive and negative electrodes can be formed by coating a slurry onto a substrate made of metal or the like, in which active materials, conductive materials, and binders are mixed. During the formation of this slurry (i.e., the mixing process), the active materials, conductive materials, and binders are uniformly dispersed to improve battery performance and lifespan. However, due to limited space for the mixing device, and the presence of physical constraints related to the movement of substances such as active materials, conductive materials, and binders, uniform dispersion may not be possible.

[0004] The information disclosed in this background section is intended to enhance understanding of the background of this disclosure. This section may contain information that does not constitute related technology (or prior art). Summary of the Invention

[0005] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a mixing apparatus and an electrode mixing method.

[0006] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a mixing apparatus, comprising: a supply module configured to supply an active material, a binder, and / or a conductive material (e.g., at least one of an active material, a binder, and a conductive material); a mixing module configured to form an electrode slurry by mixing the active material, binder, and / or conductive material supplied from the supply module; and a discharge module configured to discharge the electrode slurry to a coating apparatus. The mixing module includes a pair of screws having threads formed on an outer surface along the longitudinal direction of the mixing module, the pair of screws being configured to rotate; and a barrel having a hole formed in it to receive the pair of screws, and at least one of an embossed pattern and an intaglio pattern being formed on at least a region of the inner surface of the hole.

[0007] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a mixing apparatus, comprising: a supply module configured to supply an active material, a binder, and / or a conductive material (e.g., at least one of the active material, the binder, and the conductive material) to a mixing module; a mixing module configured to form an electrode slurry comprising the active material, the binder, and / or the conductive material; and a discharge module configured to discharge the electrode slurry, wherein the mixing module includes: a first screw disposed along a longitudinal direction of the mixing module; a second screw disposed along the longitudinal direction; and a bucket including a hole configured to receive the first screw and the second screw, wherein the bucket further includes at least one of an embossed pattern and an intaglio pattern formed on the inner surface of the hole.

[0008] According to one or more embodiments, at least one of embossed and gravure patterns can be formed on the entire area of ​​the inner surface of the hole in the barrel.

[0009] In one embodiment, at least one of the embossed pattern and the gravure pattern may be formed over the entire area of ​​the inner surface.

[0010] According to one or more embodiments, the hole in the barrel may include a first region and a second region, at least one of a raised pattern and a recessed pattern may be formed in the first region, and at least one pattern may not be formed in the second region.

[0011] In one embodiment, the hole may include a first region and a second region, the first region including at least one of a raised pattern and a recessed pattern, and the second region having neither a raised pattern nor a recessed pattern.

[0012] According to one or more embodiments, in the holes of the barrel, a first region and a second region may be alternately formed in the longitudinal direction of the barrel.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first region and the second region may be formed alternately along the longitudinal direction.

[0014] According to one or more embodiments, a pair of screws may include a first screw and a second screw, and the hole in the barrel may include a first hole and a second hole. The first screw may be accommodated in the first hole, the second screw may be accommodated in the second hole, and the first hole and the second hole may communicate with each other in the area where the first screw and the second screw engage.

[0015] In one embodiment, the hole may include a first hole configured to receive a first screw and a second hole configured to receive a second screw, wherein the first hole and the second hole overlap at or near the area where the first screw and the second screw are configured to engage each other.

[0016] According to one or more embodiments, the first screw and the second screw may have an elliptical cross-section, and in the elliptical cross-section, the major axis of the first screw and the major axis of the second screw may be arranged perpendicularly and engaged for rotation.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first screw and the second screw may each have a partially elliptical cross section, and in the partially elliptical cross section, the major axes of the first screw and the second screw are arranged perpendicularly to each other and engaged for rotation.

[0018] According to one or more embodiments, the hybrid module may further include: a drive motor connected to the screw to provide rotational driving force to the screw; and a controller that controls the operation of the drive motor based on one of the components and contents of the active substance, binder, and conductive material.

[0019] In one embodiment, the hybrid module may further include: a drive motor rotatably connected to each of the first screw and the second screw; and a controller configured to control the drive motor.

[0020] According to one or more embodiments, at least one of the relief printing pattern and the intaglio printing pattern can be an irregularly formed random pattern.

[0021] In one embodiment, at least one of the relief pattern and the intaglio pattern may include irregularly formed patterns and / or random patterns.

[0022] According to one or more embodiments, at least one of the embossed pattern and the gravure pattern can be continuously formed along the longitudinal direction of the screw.

[0023] In one embodiment, at least one of the relief pattern and the intaglio pattern can be formed continuously along the longitudinal direction.

[0024] According to one or more embodiments, at least one of the embossed pattern and the gravure pattern may be formed to be spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction of the screw.

[0025] In one embodiment, at least one of the relief pattern and the intaglio pattern may include two or more relief patterns or intaglio patterns spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction.

[0026] According to one or more embodiments, at least one of the embossed pattern and the gravure pattern can be formed as having a helical structure along the longitudinal direction of the screw.

[0027] In one embodiment, at least one of the relief pattern and the intaglio pattern may have a spiral structure along the longitudinal direction.

[0028] According to one or more embodiments, at least one of the embossed pattern and the gravure pattern can be formed to be bent along the longitudinal direction of the screw.

[0029] In one embodiment, at least one of the relief pattern and the intaglio pattern may have a curved structure along the longitudinal direction.

[0030] According to one or more embodiments, the embossed pattern can be formed having a plurality of protrusions extending from at least one region of the inner surface.

[0031] In one embodiment, the embossed pattern may include a plurality of protrusions extending from the inner surface.

[0032] According to one or more embodiments, the protrusion may have at least one of a conical shape and a polygonal pyramidal shape.

[0033] In one embodiment, the multiple protrusions may have a conical shape or a polygonal pyramidal shape.

[0034] According to one or more embodiments, the heights of the protrusions from the inner surface may be different.

[0035] In one embodiment, the heights of the plurality of protrusions from the inner surface may be different from each other.

[0036] According to one or more embodiments, the intaglio pattern can be formed as having a plurality of grooves in at least one region recessed into the inner surface.

[0037] In one embodiment, the intaglio pattern may include a plurality of grooves recessed into the inner surface.

[0038] According to one or more embodiments, where multiple embossed patterns can be formed on the inner surface of a hole, the length of the outer radius of each of a pair of screws can be shorter than the length obtained by subtracting the height of the embossed pattern protruding from the inner surface from the length of the inner radius of each of the pair of holes.

[0039] In one embodiment, the outer radius of one of the first screw and the second screw may be less than the length obtained by subtracting the height of the embossed pattern protruding from the inner surface from the inner radius of the corresponding one of the first hole and the second hole.

[0040] According to one or more embodiments, where multiple intaglio patterns can be formed on the inner surface of a hole, the length of the outer radius of each of a pair of screws can be shorter than the length of the inner radius of each of a pair of holes.

[0041] In one embodiment, the outer radius of one of the first screw and the second screw may be smaller than the inner radius of the corresponding one of the first hole and the second hole.

[0042] According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, an electrode mixing method includes: supplying an active material, a binder, and / or a conductive material (e.g., at least one of an active material, a binder, and a conductive material) via a supply module; forming an electrode slurry composed of the active material, the binder, and / or the conductive material via a mixing module; and discharging the electrode slurry to a coating apparatus via a discharge module. Forming the electrode slurry includes supplying the active material, the binder, and / or the conductive material to a container housing a pair of screws and including a hole, with at least one of an embossed pattern and a gravure pattern formed in at least one region of the inner surface of the hole; and mixing the active material, the binder, and / or the conductive material by rotating the pair of screws.

[0043] Embodiments of this disclosure provide an electrode mixing method, comprising: supplying an active material, a binder, and / or a conductive material (e.g., at least one of an active material and a binder and a conductive material) to a mixing module via a supply module; forming an electrode slurry by combining the active material, binder, and / or conductive material via the mixing module; and discharging the electrode slurry via a discharge module, wherein the formation comprises: supplying the active material, binder, and / or conductive material to a container including a hole configured to receive a first screw and a second screw of the mixing module, wherein the container includes at least one of an embossed pattern and an intaglio pattern formed on the inner surface of the hole; and combining the active material, binder, and / or conductive material by rotating the first screw and the second screw.

[0044] According to one or more embodiments, at least one of the relief printing pattern and the intaglio printing pattern can be an irregularly formed random pattern.

[0045] In one embodiment, at least one of the relief pattern and the intaglio pattern includes an irregularly formed pattern and / or a random pattern.

[0046] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, space constraints can be reduced by including a twin-screw extruder with a short movement path in the mixing apparatus.

[0047] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, a pattern can be formed in a barrel in which a double screw is configured to uniformly disperse and mix an active material, a conductive agent, and a binder. Attached Figure Description

[0048] The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the detailed description of the present disclosure, further describe aspects and features of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the drawings.

[0049] Figure 1 A mixing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0050] Figure 2A hybrid module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0051] Figure 3 A hybrid module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0052] Figure 4 According to embodiments of this disclosure... Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken from line AA in the diagram.

[0053] Figure 5 The relief and intaglio patterns according to embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0054] Figure 6 The arrangement relationship of a pair of screws according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0055] Figure 7 An embossed pattern is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] Figure 8 An embossed pattern is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] Figure 9 An embossed pattern is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] Figure 10 An embossed pattern is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] Figure 11 An embossed pattern is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] Figure 12 An embossed pattern is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] Figure 13 An embossed pattern is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] Figure 14 An intaglio pattern is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] Figure 15 An intaglio pattern is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] Figure 16 An intaglio pattern is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0065] Figure 17 An intaglio pattern is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] Figure 18 An intaglio pattern is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0067] Figure 19 An intaglio pattern is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] Figure 20 A flowchart illustrating an electrode mixing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0069] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0070] 10: Mixing device

[0071] 20: Coating apparatus

[0072] 30: Slurry

[0073] 100: Supply Module

[0074] 200: Hybrid Module

[0075] 211: First screw

[0076] 212: Second screw

[0077] 220: Bucket

[0078] 230: Kong

[0079] 260: Pattern

[0080] 271: Embossing pattern

[0081] 281: Intaglio pattern

[0082] 300: Emission Module Detailed Implementation

[0083] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their general or dictionary meanings, and based on the principle that the inventor can be his / her own lexicographer to appropriately define terms and concepts for the purpose of best describing his / her invention, they should be interpreted as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical spirit of this disclosure.

[0084] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are merely some embodiments of this disclosure and do not represent all the technical spirit, aspects, and features of this disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications may exist at the time of filing this application, and the embodiments described herein may be replaced or modified.

[0085] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on" another element or layer, "connected to," or "linked to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, connected to, or linked to the other element or layer, or one or more intermediary elements or layers may be present. When an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on" another element or layer, "directly connected to," or "directly linked to" another element or layer, no intermediary element or layer is present. For example, when a first element is described as being "linked" or "connected" to a second element, the first element may be directly linked to or connected to the second element, or the first element may be indirectly linked to or connected to the second element via one or more intermediary elements.

[0086] The embodiments described herein can be interpreted as exemplary views of this disclosure, referring to cross-sectional views and / or plan views. In the drawings, the thickness of films and regions may be enlarged for effective description of the technical content. Therefore, the regions presented as examples in the drawings have general characteristics, and the shape of the example regions may be used to illustrate specific shapes of device regions. Therefore, this should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. Although terms such as first, second, and third are used to describe various components in the various embodiments, the components should not be limited to these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one component from another. The embodiments described and illustrated herein include complementary embodiments thereof. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements.

[0087] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated enumerated items. Furthermore, the use of “may” in describing embodiments of this disclosure refers to “one or more embodiments of this disclosure.” Expressions such as “at least one of…” and “any one of…” modify the entire list of elements without modifying individual elements in the list when placed before / after the list of elements. When phrases such as “at least one of A, B, and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “at least one selected from the group of A, B, and C,” or “at least one selected from A, B, and C” are used to label a list of elements A, B, and C, the phrase may refer to any and all suitable combinations or subsets of A, B, and C, such as A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. As used herein, the terms “use,” “using,” and “used” may be considered synonymous with the terms “utilize,” “utilizing,” and “utilized,” respectively. As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and similar terms are used as approximations rather than terms of degree and are intended to describe the inherent variations in measured or calculated values ​​that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0088] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, areas, layers, and / or segments, these elements, components, areas, layers, or segments should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, area, layer, or segment from another. Therefore, the first element, component, area, layer, or segment discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, area, layer, or segment without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0089] For ease of description, spatial relative terms, such as “below,” “under,” “down,” “above,” and “above,” are used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures, spatial relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features will be oriented “above” or “above” other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” can cover both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or otherwise), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0090] The terminology used herein is for describing embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the disclosure. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a” and “an” as used herein are intended to also include the plural forms. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, indicate the presence of said features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0091] Furthermore, any numerical range disclosed and / or set forth herein is intended to include all subranges with the same numerical precision contained within the set forth range. For example, the range “1.0 to 10.0” is intended to include all subranges between the stated minimum value of 1.0 and the stated maximum value of 10.0, i.e., a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as, for example, 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit set forth herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits contained herein, and any minimum numerical limit set forth in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limits contained herein. Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification (including the claims) to expressly set forth any subranges contained within the range expressly set forth herein.

[0092] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc., as "identical" can mean that they are "substantially identical." Therefore, the phrase "substantially identical" can include situations in the art where the deviation is considered low, for example, a deviation of 5% or less. Additionally, when a parameter is described as uniform in a given region, this can mean that it is uniform in terms of average value.

[0093] Throughout the manual, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0094] Placing any element "above (or below)" or "above (below)" another element can mean that the arbitrary element can be configured to contact the upper (or lower) surface of the element, and that the other element can be inserted between the element and any element positioned above (or below) the element.

[0095] Additionally, it will be understood that when a component is referred to as “connected,” “linked,” or “attached” to another component, these components can be directly “connected,” “linked,” or “attached” to each other, or another component can be “placed” between the components.

[0096] Throughout the instruction manual, unless otherwise stated, when “A and / or B” is mentioned, it means A, B, or A and B. That is, “and / or” includes any or all combinations of the listed items. Unless otherwise indicated, when “C to D” is mentioned, it means greater than or equal to C and less than or equal to D.

[0097] The terminology used in this specification is for describing embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0098] Figure 1 A mixing device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2 A hybrid module 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 3 A hybrid module 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0099] refer to Figures 1 to 3 The mixing device 10 may include: a supply module 100 for supplying active material, binder and / or conductive material (e.g., supplying active material, binder and / or conductive material to mixing module 200); mixing module 200 for forming electrode slurry 30 including active material, binder and / or conductive material (e.g. forming electrode slurry 30 by mixing or combining active material, binder and / or conductive material supplied from supply module 100); and discharge module 300 for discharging electrode slurry 30 (e.g. discharging electrode slurry 30 to coating device 20).

[0100] According to one embodiment, the supply module 100 can supply active materials, binders, conductive materials, and / or solvents for forming the electrode slurry 30 to the mixing module 200. In one embodiment, the supply module 100 is capable of distinguishing materials for the positive and negative electrodes and supplying the required active materials, binders, and / or conductive materials for each electrode to the mixing module 200 accordingly. In one embodiment, the supply module 100 can supply active materials, binders, and / or conductive materials to the mixing module 200 in various proportions based on various configurations of the secondary battery.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the positive electrode active material may include a compound capable of intercalating and deintercalating lithium (lithiation intercalation compound). In one embodiment, the positive electrode active material may include at least one composite oxide of lithium and a metal selected from cobalt, manganese, nickel, and combinations thereof.

[0102] The composite oxide may include lithium transition metal composite oxides. Non-limiting examples of composite oxides include lithium nickel oxides, lithium cobalt oxides, lithium manganese oxides, lithium iron phosphate compounds, cobalt-free nickel-manganese oxides, or combinations thereof.

[0103] In one embodiment, a compound represented by any of the following chemical formulas can be used as a lithium transition metal complex oxide: Li a A 1-b X b O 2-c D c (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, and 0≤c≤0.05); Li a Mn 2-b X b O 4-c D c (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, and 0≤c≤0.05); Li a Ni 1-b-c Co b X c O 2-α D α (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.5, and 0<α<2); Li a Ni 1-b-c Mn b X c O 2-α D α (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.5, and 0<α<2); Li a Ni b Co c L 1 d Ge O2 (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.9, 0≤c≤0.5, 0≤d≤0.5, and 0≤e≤0.1); Li a NiG b O2(0.90≤a≤1.8, and 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a CoG b O2(0.90≤a≤1.8, and 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a Mn 1-b G b O2(0.90≤a≤1.8, and 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a Mn2G b O4 (0.90≤a≤1.8, and 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a Mn 1-g G g PO4 (0.90≤a≤1.8, and 0≤g≤0.5); Li (3-f) Fe2(PO4)3 (0≤f≤2); or Li a FePO4 (0.90≤a≤1.8). Wherein, A is Ni, Co, Mn or a combination thereof; X is Al, Ni, Co, Mn, Cr, Fe, Mg, Sr, V, rare earth elements or a combination thereof; D is O, F, S, P or a combination thereof; G is Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Mg, La, Ce, Sr, V or a combination thereof; L 1 It is Mn, Al, or a combination thereof.

[0104] As a non-limiting example, the positive electrode active material can be a high-nickel positive electrode active material, based on 100 mol% of metals other than lithium in a lithium transition metal composite oxide, wherein the nickel content is about 80 mol% or more, about 85 mol% or more, about 90 mol% or more, about 91 mol% or more, or about 94 mol% or more, and not exceeding about 99 mol%. This high-nickel positive electrode active material can achieve high capacity and can be applied to high-capacity, high-density rechargeable lithium batteries.

[0105] In one embodiment, the positive electrode may further include an additive that can be used as a sacrificial positive electrode.

[0106] The amount of positive electrode active material, based on 100 wt% of the positive electrode active material layer, can be approximately 90 wt% to approximately 99.5 wt%. Based on 100 wt% of the positive electrode active material layer, the amounts of binder and conductive material can each be approximately 0.5 wt% to approximately 5 wt%.

[0107] The binder is configured to bond the particles of the positive electrode active material to each other and also bond the positive electrode active material to the current collector. Non-limiting examples of the binder can include polyvinyl alcohol, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, diacetyl cellulose, polyvinyl chloride, carboxylated polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl fluoride, polymers containing ethylene oxide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyethylene, polypropylene, styrene-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylated styrene-butadiene rubber, epoxy resin, (meth)acrylic resin, polyester resin, nylon, etc.

[0108] Conductive materials can be used to ensure the conductivity (e.g., electrical conductivity) of the electrode. Any material that does not contribute to chemical changes (e.g., does not contribute to undesired chemical changes in a rechargeable lithium battery) and can conduct electrons can be used in the battery. Non-limiting examples of the conductive materials can include carbonaceous materials such as natural graphite, artificial graphite, carbon black, acetylene black, Ketjen black, carbon fiber, carbon nanofiber, and carbon nanotube; metallic materials containing copper, nickel, aluminum, silver, etc. in the form of metal powder or metal fiber; conductive polymers such as polyphenylene derivatives; or mixtures thereof.

[0109] The negative electrode active material can include materials capable of reversibly intercalating / deintercalating lithium ions, metallic lithium, lithium metal alloys, materials capable of doping / de-doping lithium, or transition metal oxides.

[0110] Materials capable of reversibly intercalating / deintercalating lithium ions can include carbonaceous negative electrode active materials. As non-limiting examples, carbonaceous negative electrode active materials include crystalline carbon, amorphous carbon, or combinations thereof. Crystalline carbon can include graphite, such as amorphous, flaky, scaly, spherical, or fibrous natural graphite, or artificial graphite. Amorphous carbon can include soft carbon, hard carbon, mesophase pitch carbonized products, calcined coke, etc.

[0111] Lithium metal alloys can include lithium and metals selected from Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Si, Sb, Pb, In, Zn, Ba, Ra, Ge, Al, and Sn.

[0112] Materials capable of doping / de-doping lithium can include Si-based negative electrode active materials or Sn-based negative electrode active materials. Si-based negative electrode active materials can include silicon, silicon-carbon composites, SiO x (0 < x < 2), Si-Q alloys (where Q is selected from alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, Group 13 elements, Group 14 elements (excluding Si), Group 15 elements, Group 16 elements, transition metals, rare earth elements, and combinations thereof), or combinations thereof. Sn-based negative electrode active materials can include Sn, SnO2, Sn-based alloys, or combinations thereof.

[0113] The silicon-carbon composite can be a composite of silicon and amorphous carbon. According to one embodiment, the silicon-carbon composite can be in the form of silicon particles and amorphous carbon coated on the surface of the silicon particles. In one embodiment, the silicon-carbon composite may include secondary particles (cores) in which primary silicon particles are assembled, and an amorphous carbon coating (shell) on the surface of the secondary particles. The amorphous carbon may also be present between the primary silicon particles, and as a non-limiting example, the primary silicon particles may be coated with amorphous carbon. The secondary particles may be dispersed within the amorphous carbon matrix.

[0114] The silicon-carbon composite may further include crystalline carbon. In one embodiment, the silicon-carbon composite may include a core comprising crystalline carbon and silicon particles, and an amorphous carbon coating on the surface of the core.

[0115] Silicon-based or Sn-based negative electrode active materials can be used in combination with carbon-based negative electrode active materials.

[0116] In one embodiment, the negative electrode active material layer may include about 90 wt% to about 99 wt% of negative electrode active material, about 0.5 wt% to about 5 wt% of binder, and about 0 wt% to about 5 wt% of conductive material.

[0117] The binder is configured to bond particles of the negative electrode active material to each other and to bond the negative electrode active material to the current collector. The binder may include non-aqueous binders, aqueous binders, dry binders, or combinations thereof.

[0118] Non-aqueous adhesives may include polyvinyl chloride, carboxylated polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl fluoride, ethylene-propylene copolymer, polystyrene, polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyimide amide, polyimide, or combinations thereof.

[0119] Waterborne adhesives may include styrene-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylated styrene-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylic rubber, butyl rubber, fluororubber, polyethylene oxide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyepoxychloropropane, polyphosphine hydrazone, poly(meth)acrylonitrile, ethylene-propylene-diene copolymer, polyvinylpyridine, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, latex, polyester resin, (meth)acrylic resin, phenolic resin, epoxy resin, polyvinyl alcohol, or combinations thereof.

[0120] When the aqueous binder is used as a negative electrode binder, it may further include a cellulose compound capable of enhancing viscosity. This cellulose compound may include carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, or an alkali metal salt thereof. The alkali metal may include Na, K, or Li.

[0121] Dry adhesives may include polymeric materials capable of being fibrous. In one embodiment, a dry adhesive may include polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymer, polyethylene oxide, or combinations thereof.

[0122] Conductive materials can be used to ensure the conductivity (e.g., electrical conductivity) of electrodes. Any material that does not contribute to chemical changes (e.g., undesirable chemical changes in a rechargeable lithium battery) and is capable of conducting electrons can be used in the battery. Non-limiting examples of conductive materials include carbon-based materials such as natural graphite, synthetic graphite, carbon black, acetylene black, Ketjen black, carbon fibers, carbon nanofibers, and carbon nanotubes; metallic materials, including copper, nickel, aluminum, and silver in the form of metal powders or metal fibers; conductive polymers, such as polyphenylene derivatives; or mixtures thereof.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the mixing module 200 can form an electrode paste 30 by mixing active materials, binders, and / or conductive materials supplied from the supply module 100. The mixing module 200 may include a pair of screws 211 and 212, a barrel 220, a drive motor 213, and a controller 214.

[0124] According to one embodiment, a pair of screws 211 and 212 have threads formed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the screws 211 and 212 in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) of the mixing module 200, and each is rotatable. The pair of screws 211 and 212 can be received in holes 230 formed in a barrel 220. The pair of screws 211 and 212 can be rotated by a driving force transmitted from a drive motor 213. The pair of screws 211 and 212 can rotate to mix the active material, binder, and / or conductive material supplied to the barrel 220, and to convey the active material, binder, and / or conductive material to the discharge module 300. In one embodiment, the active material, binder, and / or conductive material can be introduced into screw grooves of the pair of screws 211 and 212. The active material, binder, and / or conductive material introduced into the screw grooves can be moved in the X-axis direction by the rotational movement of the screws 211 and 212.

[0125] According to one embodiment, a pair of screws 211 and 212 may include a first screw 211 and a second screw 212 respectively disposed along the longitudinal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) of the hybrid module 200. The rotation axes of the first screw 211 and the second screw 212 may be parallel to each other. The thread of each of the first screw 211 and the second screw 212 may be formed in a helical shape in the X-axis direction. The first screw 211 and the second screw 212 may rotate in the same direction while the two threads engage with each other.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the barrel 220 may include a hole 230 configured to receive a pair of screws 211 and 212. Active substances, binders, and / or conductive materials can be mixed in the hole 230 formed in the barrel 220. The space defined by the inner surface of the hole 230 and the outer surfaces of the pair of screws 211 and 212 may correspond to a movement path from the supply module 100 to the discharge module 300 for the active substances, binders, and / or conductive materials.

[0127] According to one embodiment, at least one pattern 260 may be formed on the inner surface of the hole 230 (see...). Figure 4 In at least one region of 230a), at least one pattern 260 includes a raised pattern (see 230a). Figure 4 271) and / or intaglio patterns (see 271) and / or intaglio patterns (see Figure 4 Therefore, the barrel 220 may further include at least one of a raised pattern and a recessed pattern (or at least one pattern 260) formed on the inner surface of the hole 230. The at least one pattern 260 formed on the inner surface of the hole 230 may be an irregularly formed pattern and / or a random pattern.

[0128] According to one embodiment, a fluid comprising active material, binder, conductive material, and / or solvent bonded within a barrel 220 can flow in the X-axis direction via the rotational movement of a pair of screws 211 and 212. Within the space defined by the inner surface of the hole 230 and the outer surfaces of the screws 211 and 212, the shear force generated by the rotational movement of the screws 211 and 212 can be adequately transmitted to the fluid via patterns 260 211 and 212 formed on the inner surface of the hole 230. As a comparative example, when no pattern is formed on the inner surface of the hole 230, slippage may occur due to insufficient shear force received by the fluid. On the other hand, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the active material, binder, and / or conductive material can be uniformly dispersed and mixed via the pattern 260 formed on the inner surface of the hole 230, and simultaneously, the shear force generated by the rotational movement of the screws can be effectively transmitted.

[0129] As an example, such as Figure 2 As shown, at least one pattern 260 may be formed on the inner surface of the hole 230 of the barrel 220 (see Figure 260). Figure 4 The entire area of ​​230a).

[0130] As an example, such as Figure 3As shown, at least one pattern 260, either embossed or gravure, can be formed in a portion of the inner surface of the aperture 230 of the barrel 220. The aperture 230 of the barrel 220 may include a first region 231 in which the pattern 260 is formed and a second region 232 in which the pattern 260 is not formed. The first region 231 and the second region 232 of the aperture 230 may be formed alternately in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) of the barrel 220. The first region 231 may include a kneaded section in which active substances, binders, and / or conductive materials are mixed. The second region 232 may include a section in which active substances, binders, and / or conductive materials are supplied and delivered.

[0131] refer to Figures 1 to 3 According to one embodiment, a drive motor 213 may be connected to a pair of screws 211 and 212 to provide rotational driving force to the screws 211 and 212. A controller 214 is configured to control the operation of the drive motor 213 based on the composition and / or content of the active material, binder, and / or conductive material. In one embodiment, the controller 214 is configured to control the torque of the drive motor 213 according to the composition ratio of the active material, binder, and / or conductive material.

[0132] According to one embodiment, the discharge module 300 can discharge electrode paste 30 to the coating apparatus 20. The discharge module 300 can discharge electrode paste 30, in which active substances, binders, and / or conductive materials are uniformly dispersed, to the coating apparatus. The coating apparatus 20 is configured to form an electrode by applying the electrode paste 30 to an electrode substrate.

[0133] Figure 4 The following is illustrated according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken from line AA in the diagram. Figure 5 An embossed pattern 271 and an intaglio pattern 281 are shown according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0134] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 A hole 230 capable of accommodating a pair of screws 211 and 212 can be formed in the barrel 220. The hole 230 in the barrel 220 may include a first hole 240 capable of accommodating the first screw 211 and a second hole 250 capable of accommodating the second screw 212. The first hole 240 and the second hole 250 may overlap at or near the region 230b in which the first screw 211 and the second screw 212 are configured to engage with each other.

[0135] According to one embodiment, at least one pattern 260 may be formed in at least one region of the inner surface 230a of the hole 230. The at least one pattern 260 may include an embossed pattern 271 and / or an intaglio pattern 281. The at least one pattern 260 including the embossed pattern 271 and / or the intaglio pattern 281 may be an irregularly formed pattern and / or a random pattern. In one embodiment, a random pattern may include randomly formed scratches. In one embodiment, such as... Figure 5 As illustrated, at least one of the relief pattern 271 and the intaglio pattern 281 can be continuously formed on the inner surface 230a of the hole along the longitudinal direction of the barrel 220 or the mixing module 200.

[0136] According to one embodiment, a first hole 240 accommodates a first screw 211, and a second hole 250 accommodates a second screw 212. The rotation axis 211a of the first screw 211 and the rotation axis 212a of the second screw 212 can be arranged parallel to each other. The threads 211b of the first screw 211 and the threads 212b of the second screw 212 can rotate in the same direction and engage with each other.

[0137] According to one embodiment, a plurality of embossed patterns 271 may be formed on the inner surface 230a of the hole 230. The outer radius L1 (i.e., the outer radius of the screw) of one of the first screw 211 and the second screw 212 may be less than the length obtained by subtracting the height L3 of the embossed pattern 271 protruding from the inner surface 230a from the inner radius L2 of the corresponding one of the first hole 240 and the second hole 250. In one embodiment, a space may be formed between the outer diameters of the screws 211 and 212 and the embossed pattern 271, the space allowing the screws 211 and 212 to rotate and allowing the flow of a fluid comprising a mixture of active material, conductive material and / or adhesive.

[0138] Figure 6 The arrangement relationship of a pair of screws 211 and 212 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0139] According to one embodiment, the rotation axis 211a of the first screw 211 and the rotation axis 212a of the second screw 212 can be arranged parallel to each other. The threads 211b of the first screw 211 and the threads 212b of the second screw 212 can rotate in the same direction and engage with each other.

[0140] In one embodiment, the first screw 211 and the second screw 212 may each have a cross section that is partially substantially elliptical, and in the partially substantially elliptical cross section, the major axis of the first screw 211 and the major axis of the second screw 212 may be arranged perpendicularly and the first screw 211 and the second screw 212 may be engaged for rotation.

[0141] In one embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, the first screw 211 rotates such that its major axis can have angles of 0°, 45°, and 90° relative to the horizontal axis. The second screw 212 engages and rotates with the first screw 211 such that its major axis can have angles of 90°, 45°, and 0° relative to the horizontal axis.

[0142] Figures 7 to 13 Each of the following embossed patterns 271, 272, 273, 274 and 275 is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0143] In one embodiment, various embossed patterns 271, 272, 273, 274 and 275 may be formed on at least one region of the inner surface 230a of the hole in the barrel 220.

[0144] In one embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown, the embossed pattern 271 can be continuously formed along the longitudinal direction of the screw. The embossed pattern 271 can protrude from the inner surface 230a of the hole in the barrel 220 and can be continuously formed in the longitudinal direction of the screw. Multiple embossed patterns 271 can be formed on the inner surface 230a of the hole and spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0145] In one embodiment, such as Figure 8 As shown, the embossed pattern 272 can be formed in the longitudinal direction of the screw and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the screw. The embossed pattern 272 can protrude from the inner surface 230a of the hole of the barrel 220 and be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the screw. A plurality of embossed patterns 272 can be formed on the inner surface 230a of the hole as being spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0146] In one embodiment, such as Figure 9 As shown, the embossed pattern 273 can be formed with a helical structure along the longitudinal direction of the screw. The embossed pattern 273 can protrude from the inner surface 230a of the hole in the barrel 220 and can be formed with a helical structure along the longitudinal direction. A plurality of embossed patterns 273 can be formed on the inner surface 230a of the hole and spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0147] In one embodiment, such as Figure 10 As shown, the embossed pattern 274 can be formed to be bent along the longitudinal direction of the screw. The embossed pattern 274 can protrude from the inner surface 230a of the hole in the barrel 220 and can be formed to be bent along the longitudinal direction of the screw. A plurality of embossed patterns 274 can be formed on the inner surface 230a of the hole to be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0148] In one embodiment, such as Figure 11As shown, the embossed pattern 275 can be formed having a plurality of protrusions projecting from at least one region of each of the inner surfaces 230a of the holes 240 and 250. The embossed pattern 275 can be formed having a plurality of protrusions projecting from the entire region of each of the inner surfaces 230a of the holes 240 and 250, or it can be formed having a plurality of protrusions projecting from a portion of each of the inner surfaces 230a of the holes 240 and 250. The height at which the protrusions project from the inner surfaces 230a of the holes 240 and 250 of the embossed pattern 275 can be different. In one embodiment, as... Figure 12 As shown, the embossed pattern 275a can have conical protrusions. In one embodiment, as... Figure 13 As shown, the embossed pattern 275b can have protrusions in the shape of polygonal pyramids.

[0149] Various embossed patterns 271, 272, 273, 274, and 275 are individually printed on... Figures 7 to 13 As shown, however, any combination of various embossed patterns 271, 272, 273, 274 and 275 may be formed on the inner surface 230a of the hole 230.

[0150] Figure 14 An intaglio pattern 281 is shown forming an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0151] In one embodiment, the barrel 220 includes holes 240 and 250 capable of receiving a pair of screws 211 and 212. The first hole 240 receives the first screw 211, and the second hole 250 receives the second screw 212. The first hole 240 and the second hole 250 may overlap at or near the region 230b in which the first screw 211 and the second screw 212 are configured to engage with each other.

[0152] According to one embodiment, an intaglio pattern 281 may be formed on at least one region of the inner surface 230a of the hole. The intaglio pattern 281 formed on the inner surface 230a of the hole may include irregularly formed patterns and / or random patterns (e.g., scratches).

[0153] According to one embodiment, a first hole 240 accommodates a first screw 211, and a second hole 250 accommodates a second screw 212. The rotation axis 211a of the first screw 211 and the rotation axis 212a of the second screw 212 can be arranged parallel to each other. The threads 211b of the first screw 211 and the threads 212b of the second screw 212 can rotate in the same direction and engage with each other.

[0154] According to one embodiment, a plurality of intaglio patterns 281 may be formed on the inner surface 230a of the holes. The outer radius L4 (i.e., the outer radius of the screw) of one of the first screw 211 and the second screw 212 may be smaller than the inner radius L5 of the corresponding one of the first holes 240 and the second hole 250. In one embodiment, a space may be formed between the outer diameters of the screws 211 and 212 and the inner diameters of the holes 240 and 250, allowing the screws 211 and 212 to rotate and a fluid comprising a mixture of active material, conductive material and / or adhesive to flow.

[0155] Figures 15 to 19 Gravure patterns 281, 282, 283, 284 and 285 are shown respectively according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0156] In one embodiment, various intaglio patterns 281, 282, 283, 284 and 285 may be formed in at least one region of the inner surface 230a of the hole in the barrel 220.

[0157] In one embodiment, such as Figure 15 As shown, the intaglio pattern 281 can be continuously formed along the longitudinal direction of the screw. The intaglio pattern 281 can be recessed into the inner circumferential surface 230a of the hole in the barrel 220 to be continuously formed along the longitudinal direction of the screw. A plurality of intaglio patterns 281 can be formed on the inner surface 230a of the hole and spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0158] In one embodiment, such as Figure 16 As shown, the intaglio pattern 282 can be formed in the longitudinal direction of the screw and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the screw. The intaglio pattern 282 can be recessed into the inner surface 230a of the hole of the barrel 220 and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the screw. A plurality of intaglio patterns 282 can be formed on the inner surface 230a of the hole in a circumferentially spaced apart from each other.

[0159] In one embodiment, such as Figure 17 As shown, the intaglio pattern 283 can be formed with a helical structure along the longitudinal direction of the screw. The intaglio pattern 283 can be recessed into the inner surface 230a of the hole in the barrel 220 and can be formed with a helical structure along the longitudinal direction. A plurality of intaglio patterns 283 can be formed on the inner surface 230a of the hole and spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0160] In one embodiment, such as Figure 18As shown, the intaglio pattern 284 can be formed to be bent along the longitudinal direction of the screw. The intaglio pattern 284 can be recessed into the inner surface 230a of the hole in the barrel 220 and can be formed to be bent along the longitudinal direction of the screw. A plurality of intaglio patterns 284 can be formed on the inner surface 230a of the hole to be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0161] In one embodiment, such as Figure 19 As shown, the intaglio pattern 285 can be formed as a plurality of grooves recessed into at least one region of the inner surfaces 230a of each of the holes 240 and 250. The intaglio pattern 285 can be formed as a plurality of grooves recessed into the entire region of the inner surfaces 230a of each of the holes 240 and 250, or it can be formed as a plurality of grooves recessed into a partial region of the inner surfaces 230a of each of the holes 240 and 250. The depth of the grooves recessed from the inner surfaces 230a of the holes 240 and 250 of the intaglio pattern 285 can be different. In one embodiment, the intaglio pattern 285 can have a conical recess. In another embodiment, the intaglio pattern 285 can have a polygonal pyramidal recess.

[0162] Various intaglio patterns 281, 282, 283, 284, and 285 are shown independently. Figures 15 to 19 However, any combination of various intaglio patterns 281, 282, 283, 284 and 285 can be formed on the inner surface 230a of the hole 230.

[0163] Furthermore, although embossed patterns and intaglio patterns are shown and described separately, Figures 7 to 13 The various embossed patterns 271, 272, 273, 274, and 275 shown in the figure are... Figures 15 to 19 Any combination of the various intaglio patterns 281, 282, 283, 284 and 285 shown can be formed on the inner surface 230a of a hole 230.

[0164] Figure 20 A flowchart illustrating an electrode mixing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0165] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 20The electrode mixing method may include: supplying active material, binder, and / or conductive material via supply module 100 (S100); forming an electrode slurry by mixing the active material, binder, and / or conductive material via mixing module 200 (S200); and discharging the electrode slurry 30 to coating apparatus 20 via discharge module 300 (S300). Step S200 may include: supplying active material, binder, and / or conductive material into a container 220, which accommodates a pair of screws 211 and 212 and includes a hole 230, at least one pattern 260 of embossed pattern and / or gravure pattern formed in at least one region of the inner surface of the hole 230; and mixing the active material, binder, and / or conductive material by rotating the pair of screws 211 and 212.

[0166] In one embodiment, in step S100, the supply module 100 may supply active materials, binders, conductive materials, and / or solvents for forming the electrode slurry 30 in the mixing module 200. In one embodiment, the supply module 100 is capable of distinguishing materials for the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and accordingly supplying active materials, binders, and / or conductive materials for each electrode to the mixing module 200. In one embodiment, the supply module 100 may supply active materials, binders, and / or conductive materials to the mixing module 200 in various proportions based on various configurations of the secondary battery.

[0167] In step S200, the mixing module 200 can form an electrode slurry by mixing active materials, binders, and / or conductive materials. The mixing module 200 may include a barrel 220 having a pair of screws 211 and 212, which are threaded on their outer surfaces in a longitudinal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) and are rotatable. A hole 230 can accommodate the pair of screws 211 and 212. At least one pattern 260 may be formed on the inner surface of the hole 230 (see...). Figure 4 In at least one region of 230a), at least one pattern 260 includes a raised pattern (see 230a). Figure 4 271) and / or intaglio patterns (see 271) and / or intaglio patterns (see Figure 5(281 in the text). At least one of the raised and recessed patterns 260 formed on the inner surface 230a of the hole 230 can be an irregularly formed pattern and / or a random pattern. The fluid containing active material, binder, conductive material and / or solvent mixed in the barrel 220 can flow in the longitudinal direction by the rotational movement of a pair of screws 211 and 212. In the space defined by the inner surface of the hole 230 and the outer surfaces of the screws 211 and 212, the shear force generated by the rotational movement of the screws 211 and 212 can be sufficiently transmitted to the fluid via the pattern 260 formed on the inner surface of the hole 230. In addition, the active material, binder and / or conductive material can be uniformly dispersed and mixed by the pattern 260 formed on the inner surface of the hole 230.

[0168] In step S300, the discharge module 300 may discharge the electrode slurry 30 to the coating apparatus 20. The discharge module 300 may discharge the electrode slurry 30, in which active substances, binders and / or conductive materials are substantially uniformly dispersed, to the coating apparatus. The coating apparatus 20 is configured to form an electrode by applying the electrode slurry 30 onto an electrode substrate.

[0169] Although this disclosure has described above with respect to its embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Various modifications and variations can be made to it by those skilled in the art within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A mixing device, comprising: A supply module is configured to supply active substances, binders, and / or conductive materials to a mixing module; The mixing module is configured to form an electrode slurry comprising the active material, the binder, and / or the conductive material; as well as A discharge module is configured to discharge the electrode slurry. The hybrid module includes: The first screw is positioned along the longitudinal direction of the hybrid module; The second screw is positioned along the longitudinal direction; and The bucket includes holes configured to receive the first screw and the second screw. The barrel further includes at least one of a raised pattern and a recessed pattern formed on the inner surface of the hole.

2. The mixing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the embossed pattern and the intaglio pattern is formed over the entire area of ​​the inner surface.

3. The mixing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hole comprises a first region and a second region, the first region comprising at least one of the embossed pattern and the intaglio pattern, and the second region not comprising the embossed pattern and the intaglio pattern.

4. The mixing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first region and the second region are alternately formed along the longitudinal direction.

5. The mixing device of claim 1, wherein the hole includes a first hole configured to receive the first screw and a second hole configured to receive the second screw, and wherein the first hole and the second hole overlap in or near the area where the first screw and the second screw are configured to engage each other.

6. The mixing device according to claim 5, wherein the first screw and the second screw each have a partially elliptical cross section, and in the partially elliptical cross section, the major axes of the first screw and the second screw are arranged perpendicularly to each other and engaged for rotation.

7. The mixing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mixing module further comprises: A drive motor is rotatably connected to each of the first screw and the second screw; as well as A controller is configured to control the drive motor.

8. The mixing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the embossed pattern and the intaglio pattern comprises an irregularly formed pattern and / or a random pattern.

9. The mixing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the embossed pattern and the intaglio pattern is formed continuously along the longitudinal direction.

10. The mixing apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the embossed pattern and the intaglio pattern comprises two or more embossed patterns or intaglio patterns spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction.

11. The mixing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the embossed pattern and the intaglio pattern has a helical structure along the longitudinal direction.

12. The mixing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the embossed pattern and the intaglio pattern has a curved structure along the longitudinal direction.

13. The mixing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the embossed pattern comprises a plurality of protrusions extending from the inner surface.

14. The mixing device according to claim 13, wherein the plurality of protrusions have a conical shape or a polygonal pyramidal shape.

15. The mixing device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the respective heights of the plurality of protrusions from the inner surface are different from each other.

16. The mixing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the intaglio pattern comprises a plurality of grooves recessed into the inner surface.

17. The mixing device of claim 5, wherein the outer radius of one of the first screw and the second screw is less than the length obtained by subtracting the height of the embossed pattern protruding from the inner surface from the inner radius of the corresponding one of the first hole and the second hole.

18. The mixing device according to claim 5, wherein the outer radius of one of the first screw and the second screw is smaller than the inner radius of the corresponding one of the first hole and the second hole.

19. An electrode mixing method, comprising: Active substances, binders, and / or conductive materials are supplied to the mixing module via the supply module; An electrode slurry is formed by combining the active material, the binder, and / or the conductive material via the mixing module. and The electrode slurry is discharged via the discharge module. The formation includes: The active material, the binder, and / or the conductive material are provided to a barrel, the barrel including holes configured to receive a first screw and a second screw of the mixing module, wherein the barrel further includes at least one of an embossed pattern and an intaglio pattern formed on the inner surface of the holes; and The active material, the adhesive, and / or the conductive material are combined by rotating the first screw and the second screw.

20. The electrode mixing method according to claim 19, wherein at least one of the embossed pattern and the intaglio pattern comprises an irregularly formed pattern and / or a random pattern.

Images