Electrode slit mold coating machine and electrode manufacturing method using same

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an electrode slit mold coater, which may include: n (where n is an integer between 2 and 5) blocks arranged adjacent to each other; a coating gasket located at one or more of the interfaces between the blocks, and having an insulating solution discharge flow path formed therein; and a variable unit for adjusting the degree of opening of the insulating solution discharge flow path. Some embodiments of the present disclosure enable simultaneous application of an electrode slurry and an insulating solution to a current collector, and at the same time allow for simple and accurate control of the thickness of the insulating solution applied to the current collector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0046641, filed on April 5, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This disclosure relates to an electrode slit mold coating machine and an electrode manufacturing method using the electrode slit mold coating machine. Background Technology

[0003] To reduce dependence on fossil fuels and decrease carbon emissions, there is growing interest in rechargeable batteries that can be reused for extended periods. In particular, lithium-ion batteries, which use lithium ions as the primary ion source, exhibit excellent energy density and lifespan, leading to active research and development in this field. As a result, lithium-ion batteries are used in various applications such as portable electronic devices, vehicles, and energy storage systems (ESS).

[0004] One of the major research challenges in lithium-ion batteries is improving stability, and various techniques have been proposed to prevent internal short circuits. For example, a technique has been proposed to apply an insulating solution containing binders, inorganic particles, and solvents to the end of an electrode paste coated on a current collector. Furthermore, a technique has been proposed to simultaneously apply the electrode paste and the insulating solution to the current collector.

[0005] However, even when the insulating solution is applied to the current collector, problems may arise during subsequent processes such as rolling, cutting, and splicing if the thickness of the insulating solution cannot be precisely controlled. Therefore, conventionally, attempts are made to control the thickness of the insulating solution applied to the current collector by adjusting the RPM (revolutions per minute) of the insulating solution supply pump. However, the RPM of the supply pump affects not only the thickness of the insulating solution applied to the current collector but also its width, making it impossible to precisely control the thickness of the insulating solution applied to the current collector using conventional methods. Furthermore, in conventional methods, multiple coating pads with different depths of insulating solution coating flow paths are prepared, and the operator replaces the coating pads; however, this makes it impossible to precisely control the thickness of the insulating solution applied to the current collector and reduces process efficiency. Therefore, a technology is needed that allows for easy and precise control of the thickness of the insulating solution applied to the current collector. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by this disclosure is to provide an electrode slot mold coating machine and an electrode manufacturing method, which can simultaneously apply electrode slurry and insulating solution to a current collector, and at the same time easily and accurately control the thickness of the insulating solution applied to the current collector.

[0008] Technical solution

[0009] Some implementation methods of this disclosure that can solve the technical problems are as follows.

[0010] An electrode slit mold coating machine according to some embodiments may include: n (where n is an integer between 2 and 5) blocks arranged adjacent to each other; coating pads located at one or more interfaces between the blocks and having insulating solution drainage paths formed therein; and a variable unit for adjusting the degree of opening of the insulating solution drainage paths.

[0011] In some embodiments, the variable unit controls the degree of opening of the insulating solution discharge path by one or more of vertical, horizontal and rotational movements.

[0012] In some embodiments, the coated pad may be a structure in which the insulating solution discharge path is formed on one or both sides.

[0013] In some embodiments, the coating pad may include an elongated stepped portion formed in a direction intersecting the insulating solution discharge path and having a width longer than the width of the insulating solution discharge path, wherein the variable unit can adjust the opening degree of the insulating solution discharge path by vertical movement.

[0014] In some embodiments, the width of the elongated orifice step portion may be in the range of 110% to 500% of the width of the insulating solution discharge path, and the depth of the elongated orifice step portion may be in the range of 20% to 100% of the depth of the insulating solution discharge path.

[0015] In some embodiments, the variable unit includes: a head inserted into the elongated stepped portion; and a body portion formed by extending from the head, wherein the width of the head of the variable unit may correspond to the width of the elongated stepped portion.

[0016] In some embodiments, the main body of the variable unit may have a structure connected to a pressure device located outside the electrode slit mold coating machine.

[0017] In some embodiments, the coated pad includes a pad body and a plurality of pad guides formed by unidirectionally projecting from one side of the pad body to define the discharge width of the electrode paste, wherein the insulating solution discharge path may have a structure formed in each of the plurality of pad guides.

[0018] In some embodiments, the electrode slit mold coating machine may have a structure including: an upper block; a lower block; and a coating pad located between the upper block and the lower block.

[0019] In some embodiments, the electrode slit mold coating machine may have a structure including: an upper block; an intermediate block; a lower block; a first coating pad located between the upper block and the intermediate block; and a second coating pad located between the intermediate block and the lower block, wherein at least one of the first coating pad and the second coating pad has an insulating solution discharge path formed therein.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the electrode manufacturing method may use the aforementioned electrode slot die coating machine, wherein electrode slurry and insulating solution may be simultaneously discharged onto a current collector sheet traveling above a coating roller.

[0021] In some embodiments, the steps of discharging the electrode paste onto the current collector sheet and discharging the insulating solution onto the side of the electrode paste, such that it comes into contact with the discharged electrode paste, can be performed simultaneously.

[0022] In some embodiments, the electrode manufacturing method may further include a drying step of drying the electrode slurry and the insulating solution discharged onto the current collector together.

[0023] In some embodiments, the electrode paste may include an electrode active material, a binder, a conductive material, and a solvent, wherein the insulating solution may include inorganic particles, a binder, and a solvent.

[0024] In some embodiments, the binder content in the electrode paste may be in the range of 1 to 5% by weight based on the solid content of the electrode paste, and the binder content in the insulating solution may be in the range of 6 to 60% by weight based on the solid content of the insulating solution.

[0025] Beneficial effects

[0026] Some embodiments of this disclosure allow for the simultaneous application of electrode paste and insulating solution to the current collector, while also enabling simple and precise control of the thickness of the insulating solution applied to the current collector.

[0027] The effects of the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art can clearly derive and understand other effects not mentioned herein from the following description. That is, those skilled in the art to which the embodiments of this disclosure pertain can also clearly derive and understand unexpected effects arising from the implementation of the embodiments of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic exploded view of an electrode slit mold coating machine according to some embodiments.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view of an electrode slot mold coating machine according to some embodiments.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic top view of the coating pad of an electrode slit mold coating machine according to some embodiments.

[0031] Figure 4 It is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken by the cutting line A-A' in the figure.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic front view of an electrode slot mold coating machine according to some embodiments.

[0033] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an electrode coated by an electrode slit mold coating machine according to some embodiments.

[0034] Figure 7 This is a schematic exploded view of an electrode slit mold coating machine according to other embodiments.

[0035] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an electrode coated by an electrode slit mold coating machine according to other embodiments.

[0036] Figure 9 This is a schematic exploded view of an electrode slit mold coating machine according to other embodiments.

[0037] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing an electrode coated by an electrode slit mold coating machine according to other embodiments.

[0038] Figure 11 It is along Figure 10 The cross-sectional view taken by the cutting line B-B' in the diagram.

[0039] Figure 12 This is a schematic exploded view of an electrode slit mold coating machine according to other embodiments.

[0040] Figure 13 Is with Figure 11A cross-sectional view of an electrode coated by an electrode slit mold coating machine according to other embodiments, for comparison. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The terms and words used in this application should not be construed as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings, but rather as technical concepts consistent with the content of this disclosure, in accordance with the principle that the inventor is able to properly define the meaning of the terms and words in order to describe his own invention in the best possible way.

[0042] In this application, terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described herein, and should not be construed as excluding the presence or possibility of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Furthermore, when a portion such as a layer, membrane, region, or plate is described as being “on” another portion, this includes not only the case where the portion is “directly above” the other portion, but also the case where another portion exists between them. Conversely, when a portion such as a layer, membrane, region, or plate is described as being “below” another portion, this includes not only the case where the portion is “directly below” the other portion, but also the case where another portion exists between them.

[0043] The examples and figures are merely illustrative of this disclosure and do not represent all the technical concepts of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0044] In describing this disclosure, detailed descriptions of known configurations or functions that are considered to obscure the nature of this disclosure may be omitted.

[0045] The accompanying drawings are provided to further explain the disclosure to those skilled in the art; therefore, for clarity, the shape, size, and number of components in the drawings may be enlarged, omitted, or shown in a simplified manner. The shape, size, or scale of the components in the drawings does not necessarily reflect the actual shape, size, or scale of the components.

[0046] An aspect of the present invention relates to an electrode slit mold coating machine.

[0047] In some embodiments, the electrode slit mold coating machine may include: n (where n is an integer between 2 and 5) blocks arranged adjacent to each other; coating pads located at one or more interfaces between the blocks and having insulating solution drainage paths formed therein; and a variable unit for adjusting the opening degree of the insulating solution drainage paths. Electrode slurry is discharged from slits located between two adjacent blocks and the coating pads, and insulating solution is discharged from the insulating solution drainage paths of the coating pads. Therefore, the electrode slit mold coating machine is capable of simultaneously applying electrode slurry and insulating solution to the current collector. Furthermore, because the variable unit adjusts the opening degree of the insulating solution drainage paths, the electrode slit mold coating machine can easily and precisely control the thickness of the insulating solution applied to the current collector. In other words, this disclosure, by including the variable unit, enables the linear (in-line) adjustment of the thickness of the insulating solution applied to the current collector.

[0048] In some embodiments, the variable unit can control the opening degree of the insulating solution discharge path through one or more of vertical, horizontal, and rotary movements. The variable unit can enter the insulating solution discharge path by moving vertically, horizontally, and rotaryly, thereby blocking the movement of the insulating solution and reducing the opening degree of the insulating solution discharge path. Conversely, the variable unit can exit the insulating solution discharge path by performing one or more of vertical, horizontal, and rotary movements, thereby not blocking the movement of the insulating solution and increasing the opening degree of the insulating solution discharge path. In this way, by adjusting the opening degree of the insulating solution discharge path via the variable unit, the electrode slit mold coating machine can precisely control the thickness of the insulating solution applied to the current collector.

[0049] In some embodiments, the coating pad may have a structure in which an insulating solution discharge path is formed on one or both sides. The insulating solution discharge path may be a groove formed on one or both sides of the coating pad, thereby providing a path for the insulating solution to be discharged. The insulating solution is supplied from an insulating solution supply pump located outside the electrode slit mold coating machine to an insulating solution inlet path formed in any one of the blocks, and then applied to the current collector via the insulating solution discharge path.

[0050] In some embodiments, the cover gasket may include an elongated stepped portion formed in a direction intersecting the insulating solution discharge path and having a width longer than the width of the insulating solution discharge path, and the variable unit adjusts the opening degree of the insulating solution discharge path by vertical movement. When the variable unit adjusts the opening degree of the insulating solution discharge path, the elongated stepped portion prevents the insulating solution from flowing back. In some embodiments, the elongated stepped portion may be formed in a direction perpendicular to the insulating solution discharge path.

[0051] In some embodiments, the width of the elongated orifice step can range from 110% to 500% of the width of the insulating solution discharge path. If the width of the elongated orifice step is too small compared to the width of the insulating solution discharge path, backflow of the insulating solution may not be prevented. If the width of the elongated orifice step is too large compared to the width of the insulating solution discharge path, the insulating solution cannot adequately enter the elongated orifice step, making it difficult to precisely control the opening degree of the insulating solution discharge path. In some embodiments, the width of the elongated orifice step can be 150% or greater of the width of the insulating solution discharge path. In some embodiments, the width of the elongated orifice step can be 200% or greater of the width of the insulating fluid discharge path. In some embodiments, the width of the elongated orifice step can be 450% or less of the width of the insulating solution discharge path. In some embodiments, the width of the elongated orifice step can be 400% or less of the width of the insulating solution discharge path. In some embodiments, the width of the elongated orifice step can be 350% or less of the width of the insulating solution discharge path. In some implementations, the width of the elongated orifice step can be 300% or less of the width of the insulating solution discharge path.

[0052] In some embodiments, the depth of the elongated orifice step can range from 20% to 100% of the depth of the insulating solution drainage path. If the depth of the elongated orifice step is too small relative to the depth of the insulating solution drainage path, backflow of the insulating solution cannot be prevented or the opening degree of the insulating solution drainage path cannot be precisely controlled. In some embodiments, the depth of the elongated orifice step can be 30% or more of the depth of the insulating fluid drainage path. In some embodiments, the depth of the elongated orifice step can be 40% or more of the depth of the insulating fluid drainage path. In some embodiments, the depth of the elongated orifice step can be 50% or more of the depth of the insulating fluid drainage path.

[0053] In some embodiments, the variable unit includes a head inserted into the elongated stepped portion and a body portion extending from the head, and the width of the head of the variable unit may correspond to the width of the elongated stepped portion. Because the width of the head of the variable unit corresponds to the width of the elongated stepped portion, the variable unit can more precisely control the opening degree of the insulating solution discharge path.

[0054] In some embodiments, the main body of the variable unit may be connected to a pressurizing device located outside the electrode slit mold coating machine. The pressurizing device provides power to the variable unit to enable it to move up and down. As a non-limiting example, the pressurizing device may be a hydraulic press, an electric motor, or a cylinder. The main body of the variable unit may be connected to the pressurizing device located outside the electrode slit mold coating machine by passing through one of the blocks.

[0055] In some embodiments, the coating pad includes a pad body and a plurality of pad guides, which are formed by protruding unidirectionally from one side of the pad body to define the discharge width of the electrode slurry, and the insulating solution discharge path can be a structure formed in each of the plurality of pad guides. The coating pad, together with two adjacent blocks, defines a slit as a space for the discharge of electrode slurry from the electrode slit mold coating machine. The length of the slit can be approximately the same as the distance between adjacent pad guides. The height of the slit can be approximately the same as the thickness of the coating pad. When the number of pad guides is m (where m is an integer between 3 and 5), m-1 slits can exist between the coating pad and two adjacent blocks. In this case, two pad guides can be formed by protruding in one direction from both ends of one side of the pad body.

[0056] In some embodiments, the electrode slit mold coating machine may have a structure including an upper block, a lower block, and a coating pad located between the upper and lower blocks. In this case, the electrode slit mold coating machine can apply electrode slurry and insulating solution to the current collector in a single layer. In some embodiments, the electrode slit mold coating machine may include an upper block, an intermediate block, a lower block, a first coating pad located between the upper and intermediate blocks, and a second coating pad located between the intermediate and lower blocks, wherein at least one of the first and second coating pads may have an insulating solution discharge path formed therein. In this case, the electrode slit mold coating machine can apply electrode slurry to the current collector in two layers. In this case, the electrode slit mold coating machine can apply electrolyte to the current collector in one or two layers. Thus, the number of electrode slurry layers applied to the current collector can vary depending on the number of blocks arranged adjacent to each other. As in the above embodiments, when the number of blocks is n (where n is an integer between 2 and 5), the number of electrode slurry layers applied to the current collector can be n-1, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. Depending on the arrangement of the blocks, when the number of blocks is n, the number of layers of electrode slurry applied to the current collector can be n, n-2, or n-3.

[0057] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing an electrode.

[0058] In some embodiments, the aforementioned electrode slit mold coating machine can be used to perform the electrode manufacturing method, which can simultaneously discharge electrode slurry and insulating solution onto a current collector sheet traveling above a coating roller. Therefore, compared with methods that use separate coating machines to perform electrode slurry coating and insulating solution coating, the electrode manufacturing method according to this disclosure exhibits superior electrode manufacturing efficiency.

[0059] In some embodiments, the electrode manufacturing method may simultaneously perform: the step of discharging an electrode paste onto a current collector; and the step of discharging an insulating solution onto the side surface of the electrode paste to contact the discharged electrode paste. Accordingly, the electrode manufacturing method according to the present disclosure can prevent a sliding phenomenon that may occur on the side surface of the electrode paste, thereby improving the coating quality of the electrode.

[0060] In some embodiments, the electrode manufacturing method may further include: a drying step of drying the electrode paste and the insulating solution discharged onto the current collector together. In this case, the drying method may be any method capable of completely drying the solvents contained in the electrode paste and the insulating solution. As a non-limiting example, the drying method may include one or more of a hot air drying method, a direct heating method, and an induction heating method.

[0061] In some embodiments, the electrode paste may include an electrode active material, a binder, a conductive material, and a solvent, and the insulating solution may include inorganic particles, a binder, and a solvent. In some embodiments, the electrode paste may be a positive electrode paste, and the electrode active material may be a positive electrode active material.

[0062] As a non-limiting example, the positive electrode active material may include one or more of the following: lithium iron oxide (e.g., LiFePO4, etc.); lithium manganese oxide (e.g., LiMnO2, LiMn2O4, etc.); lithium cobalt oxide (e.g., LiCoO2, etc.); lithium nickel oxide (e.g., LiNiO2, etc.); lithium nickel manganese oxide (e.g., LiNi 1-y1 Mn y1 O2 (where 0 < y1 < 1) and LiMn 2-z1 Ni z1 O4 (where 0 < z1 < 2), etc.); lithium nickel cobalt oxide (e.g., LiNi 1-y2 Co y2 O2 (where 0 < y2 < 1), etc.); lithium manganese cobalt oxide (e.g., LiCo 1-y3 Mn y3 O2 (where 0 < y3 < 1) and LiMn 2-z2 Co z2 O4 (where 0 < z2 < 2), etc.); lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (e.g., Li(Ni p1 Co q1 Mn r1 )O2 (where 0 < p1 < 1, 0 < q1 < 1, 0 < r1 < 1, p1 + q1 + r1 = 1), Li(Ni p2 Co q2 Mn r2)O4 (where 0 < p2 < 2, 0 < q2 < 2, 0 < r2 < 2, p2 + q2 + r2 = 2, etc.); lithium nickel cobalt metal (M) oxide (e.g., Li(Ni p3 Co q3 Mn r3 M s1 )O2 (where M is selected from the group consisting of Al, Cu, Fe, V, Cr, Ti, Zr, Zn, Ta, Nb, Mg, B, W, and Mo, and p3, q3, r3, and s1 are atomic fractions of independent elements, where 0 < p3 < 1, 0 < q3 < 1, 0 < r3 < 1, 0 < s1 < 1, and p3 + q3 + r3 + s1 = 1), etc.); and mixtures thereof.

[0063] As non-limiting examples, the binder may include one or more of the following: polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinyl alcohol, carboxymethyl cellulose, starch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, regenerated cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, tetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene - propylene - diene terpolymer, sulfonated ethylene - propylene - diene terpolymer, styrene - butadiene rubber, styrene - butadiene rubber - carboxymethyl cellulose fluorinated rubber, and mixtures thereof. As non-limiting examples, the conductive material may include: carbon-based materials such as carbon nanotubes, graphite, carbon black, acetylene black, Ketjen black, channel black, furnace black, lamp black, thermal black; conductive fibers such as carbon fibers or metal fibers; metal powders such as carbon fluoride powder, aluminum powder, and nickel powder; conductive whiskers such as zinc oxide and potassium titanate; conductive metal oxides such as titanium oxide; polyphenylene; and one or more mixtures thereof. As non-limiting examples, the solvent may include: N-methylpyrrolidone, dimethylformamide, acetone, dimethylacetamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, and one or more mixtures thereof. As non-limiting examples, the inorganic particles may include one or more of the following: Al2O3, BaTiO3, CaO, CeO2, NiO, MgO, SiO2, SnO2, SrTiO3, TiO2, Y2O3, ZnO, ZrO2, Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 (PZT), (Pb,La)(Zr,Ti)O3 (PLZT), PB(Mg3Nb 2 / 3 )O3 - PbTiO3 (PMN - PT), hafnium (HfO2), and mixtures of one or more of these.

[0064] In some embodiments, the binder content in the electrode paste is in the range of 1 to 5 wt% based on the solid content of the electrode paste, and the binder content in the insulating solution is in the range of 6 to 60 wt% based on the solid content of the insulating solution.

[0065] Mode of Carrying Out the Invention

[0066] Embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0067] (First Implementation)

[0068] Figure 1 This is a schematic exploded view of an electrode slit mold coating machine according to some embodiments. Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view of an electrode slot mold coating machine according to some embodiments. Figure 3 This is a schematic top view of the coating pad of an electrode slit mold coating machine according to some embodiments. Figure 4 It is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken by the cutting line A-A' in the figure. Figure 5 This is a schematic front view of an electrode slot mold coating machine according to some embodiments.

[0069] Reference Figures 1 to 5 The electrode slit mold coating machine 1000 includes: an upper block 1110, a lower block 1120, a coating pad 1200, a first variable unit 1300A, and a second variable unit 1300B. The first variable unit 1300A is connected to a first pressurizing device 1400A, and the second variable unit 1300B is connected to a second pressurizing device 1400B.

[0070] The lower block 1120 includes a manifold 1121 for storing electrode paste. The location of the manifold 1121 is not limited, and it may be located on the upper block 1110. The electrode paste stored in the manifold 1121 is supplied from outside the electrode slit mold coating machine 1000 via an electrode paste supply flow path (not shown). The location of the electrode paste supply flow path (not shown) is not limited and may be located in either the upper block 1110 or the lower block 1120. The electrode paste stored in the manifold 1121 is discharged through the slit S1.

[0071] A coating gasket 1200 is positioned between an upper block 1110 and a lower block 1120. The coating gasket 1200 includes a gasket body 1230, a first gasket guide 1240A protruding from one end of the gasket body 1230 in the +X direction, and a second gasket guide 1240B protruding from the other end of the gasket body 1230 in the +X direction. The upper surface of the first gasket guide 1240A includes a first insulating solution discharge path 1210A and a first elongated hole step 1220A intersecting the first insulating solution discharge path 1210A. The upper surface of the second gasket guide 1240B includes a second insulating solution discharge path 1210B and a second elongated hole step 1220B intersecting the second insulating solution discharge path 1210B. The upper block 1110 includes a first insulating solution supply path 1111A and a second insulating solution supply path 1111B. The first insulating solution supply flow path 1111A supplies insulating solution to the first insulating solution discharge flow path 1210A, and the second insulating solution supply flow path 1111B supplies insulating solution to the second insulating solution discharge flow path 1210B. However, the positions of the first insulating solution supply flow path 1111A and the second insulating solution supply flow path 1111B are not restricted, and the first insulating solution supply flow path 1111A and the second insulating solution supply flow path 1111B can be located in the lower block 1120. The insulating solution moves through the first insulating solution discharge flow path 1210A and the second insulating solution discharge flow path 1210B, and is discharged through the first discharge port I1 and the second discharge port I2.

[0072] The first variable unit 1300A includes a first head 1310A and a first main body 1320A, and the second variable unit 1300B includes a second head 1310B and a second main body 1320B. The length of the first head 1310A in the Y direction corresponds to the length of the first elongated hole step portion 1220A in the Y direction, and the length of the first head 1310A in the X direction corresponds to the length of the first elongated hole step portion 1220A in the X direction. The length of the second head 1310B in the Y direction corresponds to the length of the second elongated hole step portion 1220B in the Y direction, and the length of the second head 1310B in the X direction corresponds to the length of the second elongated hole step portion 1220B in the X direction.

[0073] The upper block 1110 includes a first variable unit orifice 1112A and a second variable unit orifice 1112B. The first variable unit 1300A moves within the first variable unit orifice 1112A in a direction parallel to the Z-direction, thereby adjusting the opening degree of the first insulating solution discharge path 1210A. The second variable unit 1300B moves within the second variable unit orifice 1112B in a direction parallel to the Z-direction, thereby adjusting the opening degree of the second insulating solution discharge path 1210B, by means of power supplied from the second pressurizing device 1400B.

[0074] When the first variable unit 1300A moves in the -Z direction, the first head 1310A inserts into the first elongated hole step portion 1220A, allowing it to enter the first insulating solution discharge path 1210A. When the first head 1310A enters the first insulating solution discharge path 1210A, the amount of insulating solution that can pass through the first insulating solution discharge path 1210A decreases. When the first variable unit 1300A moves in the +Z direction, the first head 1310A disengages from the first elongated hole step portion 1220A, separating it from the first insulating solution discharge path 1210A. When the first head 1310A moves away from the first insulating solution discharge path 1210A, the amount of insulating solution that can pass through the first insulating solution discharge path 1210A increases. In other words, by moving the first variable unit 1300A in a direction parallel to the Z direction to adjust the opening degree of the first insulating solution discharge path, the thickness of the insulating solution applied to the current collector from the first discharge port I1 can be controlled with high precision. The description of the second variable unit 1300B is the same as that of the first variable unit 1300A, so redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0075] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an electrode coated using an electrode slot mold coating machine according to some embodiments. (Refer to...) Figure 6 The electrode slit mold coating machine 1000 can simultaneously discharge electrode slurry and insulating solution onto the current collector, and discharge the insulating solution onto the side of the electrode slurry so that it comes into contact with the electrode slurry.

[0076] (Second Implementation)

[0077] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the structure of the coated gasket, resulting in a different number of variable units. For the second embodiment, only the parts that differ from the first embodiment are described in detail, while the parts that are substantially the same as the first embodiment are omitted or briefly described.

[0078] Figure 7 This is a schematic exploded view of an electrode slit mold coating machine according to other embodiments. (Refer to...) Figure 7The electrode slit mold coating machine 2000 includes: an upper block 2110, a lower block 2120, a coating pad 2200, a first variable unit 2300A, a second variable unit 2300B, a third variable unit 2300C, and a fourth variable unit 2300D. The first variable unit 2300A is connected to a first pressurizing device 2400A, the second variable unit 2300B is connected to a second pressurizing device 2400B, the third variable unit 2300C is connected to a third pressurizing device 2400C, and the fourth variable unit 2300D is connected to a fourth pressurizing device 2400D.

[0079] The lower block 2120 has a manifold 2121 formed therein for storing electrode paste. The coating pad 2200 includes: a pad body 2230, a first pad guide 2240A protruding from one end of the pad body 2230 in the +X direction, a second pad guide 2240B protruding from the other end of the pad body 2230 in the +X direction, and a third pad guide 2240C protruding from the center of one side of the pad body 2230 in the +X direction. The third pad guide 2240C is positioned between the first pad guide 2240A and the second pad guide 2240B. The upper surface of the first pad guide 2240A includes a first insulating solution drainage path 2210A and a first elongated hole step 2220A. The upper surface of the second pad guide 2240B includes a second insulating solution drainage path 2210B and a second elongated hole step 2220B. The upper surface of the third gasket guide portion 2240C includes a third insulating solution discharge path 2210C, a third elongated hole step portion 2220C, and a fourth elongated hole step portion 2220D. The upper block 2110 includes a first insulating solution supply path 2111A, a second insulating solution supply path 2111B, and a third insulating solution supply path 2111C.

[0080] The first variable unit 2300A includes a first head 2310A and a first body portion 2320A, the second variable unit 2300B includes a second head 2310B and a second body portion 2320B, the third variable unit 2300C includes a third head 2310C and a third body portion 2320C, and the fourth variable unit 2300D includes a fourth head 2310D and a fourth body portion 2320D. The upper block 2110 has a first variable unit hole 2112A, a second variable unit hole 2112B, a third variable unit hole 2112C, and a fourth variable unit hole 2112D formed therein.

[0081] In the electrode slot mold coating machine 2000, the electrode slurry is divided into two streams and discharged by the third gasket guide 2240C. In addition, the insulating solution moves not only along the first insulating solution discharge path 2210A and the second insulating solution discharge path 2210B, but also along the third insulating solution discharge path 2210C.

[0082] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an electrode coated by an electrode slit mold coating machine according to other embodiments. (Refer to...) Figure 8 The electrode slit mold coating machine 2000 can simultaneously discharge electrode slurry and insulating solution, and simultaneously discharge the insulating solution onto the side of the electrode slurry, so that the insulating solution comes into contact with the electrode slurry. In addition, the electrode slit mold coating machine 2000 can discharge electrode slurry into two channels.

[0083] (Third Implementation)

[0084] The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the number of blocks. For the third embodiment, only the parts that differ from the first embodiment are described in detail, while the parts that are substantially the same as the first embodiment are omitted or briefly described.

[0085] Figure 9 This is a schematic exploded view of an electrode slit mold coating machine according to other embodiments. (Refer to...) Figure 9 The electrode slit mold coating machine 3000 includes: an upper block 3110, an intermediate block 3120, a lower block 3130, an upper coating pad 3200 and a lower coating pad 3500, a first variable unit 3400A and a second variable unit 3400B. The first variable unit 3300A is connected to the first pressurizing device 3400A, and the second variable unit 3300B is connected to the second pressurizing device 3400B.

[0086] The intermediate block 3120 includes a manifold 3121 for storing electrode slurry, and the lower block 3130 also includes a manifold 3131 for storing electrode slurry. An upper coating gasket 3200 is positioned between the upper block 3110 and the intermediate block 3120. The upper coating gasket 3200 includes a gasket body 3230 and a first gasket guide portion 3240A and a second gasket guide portion 3240B. A first insulating solution discharge path 3210A and a first elongated hole step portion 3220A are formed on the upper surface of the first gasket guide portion 3240A. A second insulating solution discharge path 3210B and a second elongated hole step portion 3220B are formed on the upper surface of the second gasket guide portion 3240B. The upper block 3110 includes a first insulating solution supply path 3111A and a second insulating solution supply path 3111B.

[0087] The first variable unit 3300A includes a first head 3310A and a first body portion 3320A, and the second variable unit 3300B includes a second head 3310B and a second body portion 3320B. The upper block 3110 has a first variable unit hole 3112A and a second variable unit hole 3112B formed therein.

[0088] The lower coated gasket 3500 is positioned between the intermediate block 3120 and the lower block 3130. The lower coated gasket 3500 does not have an insulating solution supply path formed therein.

[0089] The electrode slit mold coating machine 3000 discharges electrode slurry not only through the slit defined by the upper block 3110, the intermediate block 3120, and the upper coating pad 3200, but also through the slit defined by the intermediate block 3120, the lower block 3130, and the lower coating pad 3500. In other words, the electrode slit mold coating machine 3000 can apply electrode slurry in two layers to the current collector.

[0090] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing an electrode coated by an electrode slit mold coating machine according to other embodiments. Figure 11 It is along Figure 10 The cross-sectional view taken by the cutting line B-B' in the diagram. (Refer to...) Figure 10 As can be seen, electrode paste and insulating solution are discharged simultaneously, with the insulating solution being discharged onto the side of the electrode paste, allowing it to contact the electrode paste. (Refer to...) Figure 11 It can be seen that the electrode paste is applied to the current collector in two layers.

[0091] (Fourth Implementation)

[0092] The fourth embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that the coating pad is positioned to form an insulating solution coating flow path between the intermediate block and the lower block. In the fourth embodiment, only the parts that differ from the third embodiment are described in detail, while the descriptions of the parts that are substantially the same as those in the third embodiment are omitted or briefly described.

[0093] Figure 12 This is a schematic exploded view of an electrode slit mold coating machine according to other embodiments. (Refer to...) Figure 12The electrode slit mold coating machine 4000 includes: an upper block 4110, a middle block 4120, a lower block 4130, an upper coating pad 4200, a lower coating pad 4500, a first upper variable unit 4300A1, a second upper variable unit 4300B1, a first lower variable unit 4300A2, and a second lower variable unit 4300B2. The first upper variable unit 4300A1 is connected to a first upper pressurizing device 4400A1, and the second upper variable unit 4300B1 is connected to a second upper pressurizing device 4400B1. The first lower variable unit 4300A2 is connected to a first lower pressurizing device 4400A2, and the second lower variable unit 4300B2 is connected to a second lower pressurizing device 4400B2.

[0094] The intermediate block 4120 has a manifold 4121 for storing electrode slurry, and the lower block 4130 also has a manifold 4133 for storing electrode slurry.

[0095] The upper coated gasket 4200 includes an upper gasket body 4230 and a first upper gasket guide portion 4240A and a second upper gasket guide portion 4240B. The upper surface of the first upper gasket guide portion 4240A includes a first upper insulating solution discharge path 4210A and a first upper elongated hole step portion 4220A. The upper surface of the second upper gasket guide portion 4240B includes a second upper insulating solution discharge path 4210B and a second upper elongated hole step portion 4220B. The upper block 4110 includes a first upper insulating solution supply path 4111A and a second upper insulating solution supply path 4111B.

[0096] The lower coated gasket 4500 includes a lower gasket body 4250, a first lower gasket guide portion 4250A, and a second lower gasket guide portion 4250B. The lower surface of the first lower gasket guide portion 4250A has a first lower insulating solution discharge path 4510A and a first lower elongated hole step portion 4520A formed therein. The lower surface of the second lower gasket guide portion 4540B includes a second lower insulating solution discharge path 4510B and a second lower elongated hole step portion 4520B. The lower block 4130 includes a first lower insulating solution supply path 4131A and a second lower insulating solution supply path 4131B.

[0097] The first upper variable unit 4300A1 includes a first upper head 4310A1 and a first upper body portion 4320A1, and the second upper variable unit 4300B1 includes a second upper head 4310B1 and a second upper body portion 4320B1. The first lower variable unit 4300A2 includes a first lower head 4310A2 and a first lower body portion 4320A2, and the second lower variable unit 4300B2 includes a second lower head 4310B2 and a second lower body portion 4320B2. The upper block 4110 has a first upper variable unit hole 4112A and a second upper variable unit hole 4112B formed therein. The lower block 4130 has a first lower variable unit hole 4132A and a second lower variable unit hole 4132B formed therein.

[0098] The 4000 electrode slot mold coating machine can apply not only electrode paste but also insulating solution in two layers.

[0099] Figure 13 Is with Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of an electrode coated by an electrode slot mold coating machine according to other embodiments, for comparison. (Refer to...) Figure 13 As can be seen, not only the electrode paste but also the insulating solution are applied to the current collector in two layers.

[0100] The above description is merely illustrative of this disclosure. The scope of this disclosure should be interpreted according to the claims, and all technical concepts within the scope of the claims, including those equivalent or consistent with the claims, should be construed as falling within the scope of this disclosure.

[0101] [Label Explanation]

[0102] Electrode slit mold coating machine: 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000

[0103] Blocks: 1110, 1120, 2110, 2120, 3110, 3120, 3130, 4110, 4120, 4130

[0104] Manifolds: 1121, 2121, 3121, 3131, 4121, 4133

[0105] Insulating solution supply flow paths: 1111A, 1111B, 2111A, 2111B, 2111C, 3111A, 3111B, 4111A, 4111B, 4131A, 4131B

[0106] Variable unit apertures: 1112A, 1112B, 2112A, 2112B, 2112C, 2112D, 3112A, 3112B, 4112A, 4112B, 4132A, 4132B

[0107] Coated gaskets: 1200, 2200, 3200, 3500, 4200, 4500

[0108] Insulating solution drainage paths: 1210A, 1210B, 2210A, 2210B, 2210C, 3210A, 3210B, 4210A, 4210B, 4510A, 4510B

[0109] Elongated stepped sections: 1220A, 1220B, 2220A, 2220B, 2220C, 2220D, 3220A, 3220B, 4220A, 4220B, 4520A, 4520B

[0110] Gasket body: 1230, 2230, 3230, 4230, 4530

[0111] Gasket guide section: 1240A, 1240B, 2240A, 2240B, 2240C, 3240A, 3240B, 4240A, 4240B, 4540A, 4540B

[0112] Variable units: 1300A, 1300B, 2300A, 2300B, 2300C, 2300D, 3300A, 3300B, 4300A1, 4300B1, 4300A2, 4300B2

[0113] Head: 1310A, 1310B, 2310A, 2310B, 2310C, 2310D, 3310A, 3310B, 4310A1, 4310B1, 4310A2, 4310B2

[0114] Main body: 1320A, 1320B, 2320A, 2320B, 2320C, 2320D, 3320A, 3320B, 4300A1, 4300B1, 4320A2, 4320B2

[0115] Pressurization devices: 1400A, 1400B, 2400A, 2400B, 2400C, 2400D, 3400A, 3400B, 4400A1, 4400B1, 4400A2, 4400B2.

Claims

1. An electrode slit mold coating machine, comprising: n (where n is an integer between 2 and 5) blocks arranged adjacent to each other; A coated gasket is located at one or more interfaces between the blocks and has an insulating solution drainage path formed therein; as well as A variable unit is used to adjust the degree of opening of the insulating solution discharge path.

2. The electrode slit mold coating machine according to claim 1, wherein... The variable unit controls the degree of opening of the insulating solution discharge path by one or more of vertical, horizontal and rotational movements.

3. The electrode slit mold coating machine according to claim 1, wherein... The coated pad is a structure in which the insulating solution discharge path is formed on one or both sides.

4. The electrode slit mold coating machine according to claim 1, wherein... The coated pad includes an elongated stepped portion formed in a direction intersecting the insulating solution discharge path, and having a width longer than the width of the insulating solution discharge path. The variable unit adjusts the degree of opening of the insulating solution discharge path by moving vertically.

5. The electrode slit mold coating machine according to claim 4, wherein... The width of the elongated stepped portion is in the range of 110% to 500% of the width of the insulating solution discharge path. The depth of the elongated stepped portion is in the range of 20% to 100% of the depth of the insulating solution discharge path.

6. The electrode slit mold coating machine according to claim 4, wherein... The variable unit includes: The head is inserted into the elongated stepped portion; and The main body portion formed by extending from the head, wherein The width of the head of the variable unit corresponds to the width of the elongated stepped portion.

7. The electrode slit mold coating machine according to claim 6, wherein... The main body of the variable unit has a structure that connects to a pressure device located outside the electrode slit mold coating machine.

8. The electrode slit mold coating machine according to claim 1, wherein... The coated pad includes a pad body and a plurality of pad guides, the plurality of pad guides being formed by protruding unidirectionally from one side of the pad body to define the discharge width of the electrode paste, wherein... The insulating solution discharge path has a structure formed in each of the plurality of gasket guides.

9. The electrode slit mold coating machine according to claim 1, wherein... The electrode slit mold coating machine has a structure including the following: Up; Next block; and A coated pad located between the upper block and the lower block.

10. The electrode slit mold coating machine according to claim 1, wherein... The electrode slit mold coating machine has a structure including the following: Up; Middle block; Next block; A first coated pad located between the upper block and the middle block; and The second coated gasket is located between the middle block and the lower block, wherein At least one of the first coated pad and the second coated pad has an insulating solution discharge path formed therein.

11. A method for manufacturing an electrode using the electrode slit mold coating machine according to claim 1, wherein... Electrode paste and insulating solution are simultaneously discharged onto a current collector sheet that travels above a coating roller.

12. The electrode manufacturing method according to claim 11, wherein the following is performed simultaneously: The step of discharging the electrode slurry onto the current collector; and The step of discharging the insulating solution onto the side of the electrode paste, so that it comes into contact with the discharged electrode paste.

13. The electrode manufacturing method according to claim 11, further comprising: The drying step involves drying the electrode slurry and the insulating solution together, which are discharged onto the current collector.

14. The electrode manufacturing method according to claim 11, wherein... The electrode paste comprises electrode active material, binder, conductive material, and solvent, wherein... The insulating solution comprises inorganic particles, adhesives, and solvents.

15. The electrode manufacturing method according to claim 14, wherein... The binder content in the electrode slurry is in the range of 1 to 5% by weight based on the solids content of the electrode slurry, wherein The adhesive content in the insulating solution is in the range of 6 to 60% by weight based on the solid content of the insulating solution.

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