Extruder

Abstract

An extruder includes: a supply module; a mixing module for forming an electrode slurry by mixing the active material, the binder, and the conductive material from the supply module; the discharging module is used for discharging the electrode slurry; and the sensor is used for measuring the characteristic value of the electrode slurry. The mixing module includes: a first screw and a second screw including threads on an outer circumference thereof for rotation while engaging with each other; a cartridge including a first cartridge and a second cartridge accommodating the first screw and the second screw, respectively, and facing each other to form a hole through which the electrode slurry is transmitted; the first gap adjusting module is used for adjusting a gap between the first barrel and the second barrel; and a control module for controlling the first gap adjustment module based on the measured feature value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] An aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure relates to an extruder capable of forming an electrode slurry. Background Technology

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, which are designed not to be (re)charged, secondary (or rechargeable) batteries are designed to be discharged and recharged. Low-capacity secondary batteries are 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 driving motors in hybrid and electric vehicles, as well as for storing electricity (e.g., household and / or utility-scale power storage). A secondary battery typically includes an electrode assembly containing positive and negative electrodes, a housing of the electrode assembly, and electrode terminals connected to the electrode assembly.

[0003] Electrodes for secondary batteries can be formed by coating an electrode slurry, which is a mixture of active material, conductive material, and binder, onto a substrate made of metal or the like. An extruder can be used to manufacture the electrode slurry.

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

[0005] An extruder can be a device that discharges electrode slurry by mixing active materials, conductive materials, binders, and solvents supplied to the interior of a barrel by means of screw rotation. The characteristics of the electrode slurry can be determined by the gap between the screw and the barrel. However, the difference between the characteristic values ​​of the electrode slurry and the desired characteristic values ​​may occur due to the gap between the screw and the barrel, which may reduce the quality of the electrode manufactured using the electrode slurry.

[0006] Embodiments of this disclosure may relate to an extruder capable of forming an electrode slurry by mixing active substances, binders, and conductive materials.

[0007] These and other aspects and features of this disclosure will be described in the following description of embodiments of this disclosure, or will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of this disclosure.

[0008] According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, an extruder includes: a supply module configured to supply 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 conductive material supplied from the supply module; a discharge module configured to discharge the electrode slurry; and a sensor configured to measure characteristic values ​​of the electrode slurry. The mixing module includes: a first screw and a second screw parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction of the mixing module, the first screw and the second screw including threads on their outer circumferences configured to rotate while engaging each other; cylinders including a first cylinder and a second cylinder respectively receiving the first screw and the second screw and facing each other in the height direction of the mixing module to form orifices through which the electrode slurry is transmitted; a first gap adjustment module configured to adjust the gap between the first cylinder and the second cylinder in the height direction of the mixing module; and a control module configured to control the first gap adjustment module based on the measured characteristic values.

[0009] In an embodiment, the cylinder may include: a first region adjacent to the supply module; a third region adjacent to the discharge module; and a second region between the first region and the third region.

[0010] In an embodiment, the sensor may include a first sensor configured to measure a first characteristic value of the electrode slurry transmitted through the orifice of the cylinder, and the first characteristic value may include at least one of a pressure value and a temperature value.

[0011] In an embodiment, the first sensor may include: a 1_1 sensor configured to measure a first characteristic value of electrode paste transported through a hole in a first region; a 1_2 sensor configured to measure a first characteristic value of electrode paste transported through a hole in a second region; and a 1_3 sensor configured to measure a first characteristic value of electrode paste transported through a hole in a third region.

[0012] In an embodiment, the control module is configured to: compare a first feature value measured by the I_I sensor with a reference value; and based on the result of the comparison between the first feature value measured by the I_I sensor and the reference value, transmit a control signal to a first gap adjustment module to change the gap between the first cylinder and the second cylinder in the first region.

[0013] In an embodiment, the control module is configured to: compare a first feature value measured by the 1_2 sensor with a reference value; and based on the result of the comparison between the first feature value measured by the 1_2 sensor and the reference value, transmit a control signal to a first gap adjustment module to change the gap between the first cylinder and the second cylinder in the second region.

[0014] In an embodiment, the control module is configured to: compare a first feature value measured by the 1_3 sensor with a reference value; and based on the result of the comparison between the first feature value measured by the 1_3 sensor and the reference value, transmit a control signal to a first gap adjustment module to change the gap between the first cylinder and the second cylinder in the third region.

[0015] In an embodiment, the sensor may include a second sensor configured to measure a second characteristic value of the electrode slurry discharged from the discharge module, and the second characteristic value may include at least one of particle size, viscosity, density and temperature.

[0016] In an embodiment, the control module is configured to: compare a second feature value measured by the second sensor with a reference value; and based on the result of the comparison between the second feature value measured by the second sensor and the reference value, transmit a control signal to the first gap adjustment module to change the gap between the first cylinder and the second cylinder in the second region.

[0017] In an embodiment, the control module is configured to: compare a second feature value measured by the second sensor with a reference value; and based on the result of the comparison between the second feature value measured by the second sensor and the reference value, transmit a control signal to a first gap adjustment module to change the gap between the first cylinder and the second cylinder in the third region.

[0018] In one embodiment, the extruder may further include a tank configured to contain electrode slurry discharged from the discharge module. The sensor may further include a third sensor configured to measure a third characteristic value of the electrode slurry contained in the tank, and the third characteristic value may include a weight value.

[0019] In an embodiment, the control module is configured to: compare a third feature value measured by a third sensor with a reference value; and based on the result of the comparison between the third feature value measured by the third sensor and the reference value, transmit a control signal to a first gap adjustment module to change the gap between the first cylinder and the second cylinder in the third region.

[0020] In an embodiment, the first cylinder may include cylinders 1_1 and 1_2 facing each other in the width direction of the mixing module, and the second cylinder may include cylinders 2_1 and 2_2 facing each other in the width direction of the mixing module.

[0021] In one embodiment, the extruder may further include a second gap adjustment module configured to adjust the gap between cylinders 1_1 and 1_2 and the gap between cylinders 2_1 and 2_2 in the width direction of the mixing module. The control module may be configured to control the second gap adjustment module based on measured characteristic values.

[0022] In one embodiment, the bore in the cylinder may include: a first bore for receiving a first screw; and a second bore for receiving a second screw. The first bore and the second bore may be connected to each other in the area where the first screw and the second screw engage with each other.

[0023] According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, an extruder includes: a supply module configured to supply 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 conductive material supplied from the supply module; a discharge module configured to discharge the electrode slurry; and a sensor configured to measure characteristic values ​​of the electrode slurry. The mixing module includes: a pair of screws parallel to each other in a longitudinal direction of the mixing module, the pair of screws having threads at their outer circumference configured to rotate while engaging each other; a cylinder receiving the pair of screws and having an orifice through which the electrode slurry is transmitted, the cylinder being configured to adjust the clearance between the pair of screws and the inner circumference of the orifice; and a control module configured to control the cylinder to adjust the clearance based on the measured characteristic values. The cylinder includes: a first region adjacent to the supply module; a third region adjacent to the discharge module; and a second region between the first and third regions. The control module is configured to control the cylinder to adjust the clearance in at least one of the first, second, and third regions based on the measured characteristic values.

[0024] In one embodiment, the sensor may be configured to measure the pressure value of the electrode slurry, and the control module may be configured to control the cylinder to increase the clearance in the first region based on the fact that the pressure value of the second region measured by the sensor is less than a reference pressure value.

[0025] In an embodiment, the sensor can be configured to measure the temperature value of the electrode slurry, and the control module can be configured to control the cylinder to increase the headroom in the second or third region based on the temperature value in the second or third region measured by the sensor being greater than a reference temperature value.

[0026] In one embodiment, the sensor may be configured to measure the viscosity of the electrode slurry, and the control module may be configured to control the cylinder to reduce the headroom in the second or third region based on the viscosity value measured by the sensor being greater than a reference viscosity value.

[0027] In one embodiment, the sensor may be configured to measure the particle size of the electrode slurry, and the control module may be configured to control the cylinder to increase the headroom in the second or third region based on the particle size in the second or third region measured by the sensor being greater than a reference particle size.

[0028] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, an extruder can be provided for improving the quality of electrode slurries formed by mixing active substances, binders, and conductive materials.

[0029] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, an extruder capable of uniformly distributing the electrode slurry can be provided by setting the shear force applied to the electrode slurry by means of adjusting the clearance corresponding to the gap between the inner circumference of the mixing module barrel and the screw.

[0030] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the physical properties of the final manufactured electrode slurry can be set by using a sensor installed in the extruder to measure the physical property values ​​of the electrode slurry and adjusting the headroom based on the measured physical property values.

[0031] However, the aspects and features of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the detailed description below that other aspects and features not mentioned will be apparent. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure, and together with the detailed description thereof, further describe aspects and features of the disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure should not be construed as limited to the drawings:

[0033] Figure 1 This is a view illustrating an example of an extruder according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a hybrid module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 3 Before the gap between the first and second cylinders increases, along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken from line AA;

[0036] Figure 4 After the gap between the first and second cylinders increases, along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken from line AA;

[0037] Figure 5 This is a view illustrating an example of a first screw and a second screw arranged therein, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 6 This is a view illustrating an example of a control module electrically connected to a first sensor and a first gap adjustment module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 7It is a graph of experimental data on the viscosity of the electrode slurry based on the gap between the first and second cylinders, according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0040] Figure 8 This is a view illustrating an example of an extruder including a second sensor and a third sensor according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 9 This is a view illustrating an example of a control module electrically connected to a second sensor, a third sensor, and a first gap adjustment module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 10 This is a view illustrating an example of an extruder further including a second gap adjustment module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0043] Figure 11 This is a view illustrating an example of an extruder including a multilayer mixing module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0044] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0045] 10: Extruder

[0046] 100: Supply Module

[0047] 200: Hybrid Module

[0048] 211, 212: First screw and second screw

[0049] 220: tube

[0050] 230: Kong

[0051] 240: First gap adjustment module

[0052] 250: Sensor

[0053] 300: Discharge Module

[0054] 400: Can Detailed Implementation

[0055] In the following description, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Based on the principle that the inventor can be his / her own lexicographer to appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best interpret his / her invention, the terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as having meanings and concepts consistent with the technical spirit of the present disclosure.

[0056] The embodiments described in this specification and the constructions shown in the accompanying drawings are merely some of the embodiments of this disclosure and do not represent all the technical ideas, aspects, and features of this disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications can be made to replace or modify the embodiments described herein when this application is filed.

[0057] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other element or layer, or there may be one or more intermediary elements or layers. When an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intermediary elements or layers. For example, when a first element is described as being "coupled to" or "connected to" a second element, the first element may be directly coupled to or connected to the second element, or the first element may be indirectly coupled to or connected to the second element via one or more intermediary elements.

[0058] In the figures, the dimensions of various elements, layers, etc., may be exaggerated for clarity. The same reference numerals designate the same elements. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the items listed. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of this disclosure, the use of “may” relates to “one or more embodiments of this disclosure.” Expressions such as “at least one of” and “any one of”, when following a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements without modifying individual elements in that list. When phrases such as “at least one of A, B, and 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 specify 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 term “use” and its variations may be considered synonymous with the term “utilize” and its variations, respectively. As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “approximately,” and similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than terms of degree and are intended to describe the inherent biases of measurements or calculations that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0059] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used to describe various elements, components, areas, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, areas, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, area, layer, or portion from another element, component, area, layer, or portion. Therefore, the first element, component, area, layer, or portion discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, area, layer, or portion without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0060] In this document, for ease of description, spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “down,” “above,” and “above” are used to describe the relationship between one element or feature illustrated in the figures and another element(s). It will be understood that, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures, the 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, the element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features will be oriented “above” or “above” that other element or feature. Thus, the term “below” can encompass both the orientations of above and below. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or otherwise), and the spatial relative descriptive terms used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0061] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form "a" and its variations are intended to also include the plural form. It will be further understood that, when used in this specification, the terms "comprising," "including," and / or variations thereof specify the presence of stated 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.

[0062] Furthermore, any numerical range disclosed and / or described herein is intended to include all subranges with the same numerical precision that fall within the described range. For example, the range “1.0 to 10.0” is intended to include all subranges between the described minimum value of 1.0 and the described maximum value of 10.0 (inclusive), i.e., subranges such as 2.4 to 7.6 that have a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0. Any maximum numerical limit described herein is intended to include all smaller numerical limits that fall within it, and any minimum numerical limit described herein is intended to include all larger numerical limits that fall within it. Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification (including the claims) to explicitly describe any subranges that fall within the range explicitly described herein. All such ranges are intended to be inherently described in this specification such that any modification used to explicitly describe any such subrange will comply with the applicable requirements.

[0063] The statement that two compared elements, features, etc., are “identical” can mean that they are “substantially identical.” Therefore, the phrase “substantially identical” can include cases with deviations considered low in the art (e.g., deviations below 5%). Additionally, when a parameter is said to be consistent in a given region, this can mean that it is consistent in terms of average values.

[0064] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0065] Placing any element "above (or below)" or "above (or below)" another element can mean that the arbitrary element can contact the upper (or lower) surface of the other element, and that another element can also be located between the other element and the arbitrary element disposed on (or below) the other element.

[0066] Additionally, it will be understood that when a component is referred to as “linked,” “coupled,” or “connected” to another component, these components can be directly “coupled,” “linked,” or “connected” to each other, or another component can be “between” these components.

[0067] Throughout this specification, 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 enumerated items. Unless otherwise stated, when “C to D” is mentioned, it means C above and D below.

[0068] For ease of illustration, the dimensions of the layers and regions shown in the figures may be enlarged. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to the dimensions of the layers and regions shown in the figures. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals in the figures denote the same elements.

[0069] Figure 1 This is a view illustrating an example of an extruder according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0070] refer to Figure 1 The extruder 10 may include a supply module (e.g., a feeder or supply hopper) 100 for supplying active material, binder, and conductive material; a mixing module (e.g., a mixer or mixing device) 200 for forming electrode slurry 30 by mixing the active material, binder, and conductive material supplied from the supply module 100; a discharge module (e.g., a discharger or discharge outlet) 300 for discharging the electrode slurry 30; and a sensor 250_1 (e.g., a reference sensor) for measuring characteristic values ​​of the electrode slurry 30. Figure 2 The extruder 10 may further include a tank 400 for containing electrode slurry 30 discharged from the discharge module 300.

[0071] The supply module 100 can supply active materials, binders, conductive materials, and solvents to the mixing module 200 for forming the electrode slurry 30. For example, the supply module 100 can distinguish between positive and negative electrodes and can supply active materials, binders, and conductive materials for each electrode to the mixing module 200. The active material can be either a positive electrode active material or a negative electrode active material. As another example, the supply module 100 can supply active materials, binders, and conductive materials with different composition ratios to the mixing module 200 based on the capacity of the secondary battery being designed (e.g., the desired capacity).

[0072] The positive electrode active material may include compounds capable of intercalating and deintercalating lithium (lithiation intercalation compounds). Specifically, at least one of lithium and a composite oxide of a metal selected from cobalt, manganese, nickel, and combinations thereof may be used.

[0073] The composite oxide can be a lithium transition metal composite oxide. Specific examples of composite oxides may include lithium nickel oxides, lithium cobalt oxides, lithium manganese oxides, lithium iron phosphate oxides, cobalt-free nickel manganese oxides, or combinations thereof.

[0074] As an example, the following compounds, represented by any of the following chemical formulas, can be used: 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 dG e 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 C o G 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).

[0075] In the above chemical formula, 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; and L 1 It is Mn, Al, or a combination thereof.

[0076] The positive electrode active material can be, for example, a high-nickel positive electrode active material based on 100 mol% of metals other than lithium in a lithium transition metal complex oxide, having a nickel content of greater than or equal to about 80 mol%, greater than or equal to about 85 mol%, greater than or equal to about 90 mol%, greater than or equal to about 91 mol%, or greater than or equal to about 94 mol% and less than or equal to about 99 mol%. High-nickel positive electrode active materials can achieve high capacity and can be used in high-capacity, high-density rechargeable lithium batteries.

[0077] The positive electrode of a rechargeable lithium battery may include a current collector and a layer of positive electrode active material on the current collector. The positive electrode active material layer may include a positive electrode active material and may further include a binder and / or a conductive material (e.g., a conductive material).

[0078] For example, the positive electrode may further include additives that can act as a sacrificial positive electrode.

[0079] Based on a 100wt% positive electrode active material layer, the amount of positive electrode active material can be from about 90wt% to about 99.5wt%. Based on a 100wt% positive electrode active material layer, the amount of binder and conductive material can be from about 0.5wt% to about 5wt%.

[0080] The binder is used to securely attach the positive electrode active material particles to each other and also to the current collector. As a non-limiting example, examples of binders may include polyvinyl alcohol, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, diacetyl cellulose, polyvinyl chloride, carboxylated polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl fluoride, polymers including ethylene oxide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyethylene, polypropylene, styrene-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylic styrene-butadiene rubber, epoxy resin, (meth)acrylic resin, polyester resin, and nylon, etc.

[0081] Conductive materials can be used to impart conductivity (e.g., electrical conductivity) to electrodes. Any material that does not cause chemical changes (e.g., does not cause undesirable chemical changes in a rechargeable lithium battery) and conducts electrons can be used in batteries. Examples of conductive materials can include: carbon-based materials such as natural graphite, artificial graphite, carbon black, acetylene black, Ketjen black, carbon fibers, carbon nanofibers, and carbon nanotubes; metallic materials in the form of metal powders or metal fibers containing copper, nickel, aluminum, silver, etc.; conductive polymers such as polyphenylene derivatives; or mixtures thereof.

[0082] The negative electrode active material may include materials that can reversibly insert / deintercalate lithium ions, lithium metal, lithium metal alloys, materials that can be doped or dedoped with lithium, or transition metal oxides.

[0083] Materials that can reversibly insert / deintercalate lithium ions can include carbon-based negative electrode active materials, such as crystalline carbon, amorphous carbon, or combinations thereof. Crystalline carbon can be graphite, such as shapeless, flake-like, spherical, or fibrous natural or artificial graphite. Amorphous carbon can be soft carbon, hard carbon, mesophase pitch carbonization products, and calcined coke, etc.

[0084] Lithium metal alloys include alloys of 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.

[0085] Materials capable of doping / dedoping lithium can be either Si-based or Sn-based negative electrode active materials. Si-based negative electrode active materials can include silicon, silicon-carbon composites, and SiO₂. x(0 < x < 2), Si-Q alloy (where Q is selected from alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, group 13 elements, group 14 elements (except Si), group 15 elements, group 16 elements, transition metals, rare earth elements and combinations thereof). Sn-type negative electrode active materials may include Sn, SnO2, tin alloys or combinations thereof.

[0086] Silicon-carbon composite materials can be composites of silicon and amorphous carbon. According to embodiments, the silicon-carbon composite material can be in the form of silicon particles and amorphous carbon coated on the surface of the silicon particles. For example, the silicon-carbon composite material may include secondary particles (cores) in which primary silicon particles are aggregated, and an amorphous carbon coating (shell) on the surface of the secondary particles. Amorphous carbon may also be present between the primary silicon particles, and for example, the primary silicon particles may be coated with amorphous carbon. The secondary particles may be dispersed within an amorphous carbon matrix.

[0087] Silicon-carbon composites may further include crystalline carbon. For example, a silicon-carbon composite may include a core comprising crystalline carbon and silicon particles, and an amorphous carbon coating on the surface of the core.

[0088] Si-based or Sn-based negative electrode active materials can be used in combination with carbon-based negative electrode active materials.

[0089] The negative electrode of a rechargeable lithium battery may include a current collector and a negative electrode active material layer on the current collector. The negative electrode active material layer may include a negative electrode active material and may further include a binder and / or a conductive material (e.g., a conductive material).

[0090] For example, 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.

[0091] The binder can be used to effectively attach the negative electrode active material particles to each other, and also to the current collector. The binder can include non-aqueous binders, aqueous binders, dry binders, or combinations thereof.

[0092] Non-aqueous adhesives may include polyvinyl chloride, carboxylated polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl fluoride, ethylene-propylene copolymer, polystyrene, polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide-imide, polyimide, or combinations thereof.

[0093] Waterborne adhesives may be selected from styrene-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylic styrene-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylic rubber, butyl rubber, fluororubber, polyethylene oxide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyepoxychloropropane, polyphosphazene, poly(meth)acrylonitrile, ethylene propylene diene copolymer, polyvinylpyridine, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, latex, polyester resin, (meth)acrylic resin, phenolic resin, epoxy resin, polyvinyl alcohol, and combinations thereof.

[0094] When the aqueous binder is used as a negative electrode binder, it may further contain a cellulose compound capable of imparting viscosity. The cellulose compound may include at least one of carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, and an alkali metal salt thereof. The alkali metal may include Na, K, or Li.

[0095] Dry adhesives can be fibrous polymer materials. For example, dry adhesives can be polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymer, polyethylene oxide, or combinations thereof.

[0096] Conductive materials can impart conductivity (e.g., electrical conductivity) to electrodes. Any material that does not cause chemical changes (e.g., does not cause undesirable chemical changes in a rechargeable lithium battery) and conducts electrons can be used in batteries. Examples of conductive materials can include: carbon-based materials such as natural graphite, artificial graphite, carbon black, acetylene black, Ketjen black, carbon fibers, carbon nanofibers, and carbon nanotubes; metallic materials in the form of metal powders or metal fibers containing copper, nickel, aluminum, silver, etc.; conductive polymers such as polyphenylene derivatives; or mixtures thereof.

[0097] The mixing module 200 can form an electrode paste 30 by mixing active materials, binders, and conductive materials supplied from the supply module 100. The mixing module 200 may include a first screw 211, a second screw 212, a cylinder 220, and a first gap adjustment module (e.g., a first gap adjuster) 240 (e.g., reference...). Figure 2 ) and control module (e.g., controller) 500 (e.g., reference) Figure 6 In this case, the hybrid module 200 may further include a drive motor 213 that rotatably drives the first screw 211 and the second screw 212.

[0098] The first screw 211 and the second screw 212 may be arranged parallel or substantially parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) of the mixing module 200, and the threads formed on the outer circumference may rotate while engaging with each other. The first screw 211 and the second screw 212 may be received in a hole 230 formed in the cylinder 220 (e.g., reference). Figure 2 )middle.

[0099] According to some embodiments, the cylinder 220 may include a first cylinder 220_1 and a second cylinder 220_2 that accommodate the first screw 211 and the second screw 212 (see, for example, see...). Figure 3 The first cylinder 220_1 and the second cylinder 220_2 can be coupled together or arranged to face each other in the height (Y) direction of the mixing module 200 to form holes through which electrode slurry 30 is transferred in the longitudinal direction (X) of the mixing module 200. The first gap adjustment module 240 can adjust the gap between the first cylinder 220_1 and the second cylinder 220_2 in the height (Y) direction of the mixing module 200. The control module 500 can be based on the sensor 250 (e.g., see...) Figure 9 The first gap adjustment module 240 is controlled by measuring the characteristic values ​​(e.g., physical property values) of the electrode paste. (Refer to the following...) Figures 2 to 9 This will be described in more detail.

[0100] The drive motor 213 can be connected to the first screw 211 and the second screw 212 to provide rotational driving force to the first screw 211 and the second screw 212. The rotational driving force of the drive motor 213 can be appropriately set according to any of the composition and content of the mixed active material, binder, and conductive material. For example, the torque of the drive motor 213 can be set differently according to the composition ratio of the active material, binder, and conductive material.

[0101] The discharge module 300 can discharge the electrode paste 30, which is manufactured by mixing active materials, binders, and conductive materials in the mixing module 200, into the tank 400. The discharge module 300 can discharge the electrode paste 30, in which the active materials, binders, and conductive materials are uniformly or substantially uniformly distributed, into the tank 400.

[0102] According to some embodiments, sensor 250 may include a first sensor 250_1 (e.g., reference 250_1). Figure 2 ), second sensor 250_2 and third sensor 250_3 (for example, refer to Figure 8 The first sensor 250_1 can measure a first characteristic value of the electrode slurry 30 transmitted through the orifice 230 of the cylinder 220. The second sensor 250_2 can measure a second characteristic value of the electrode slurry 30 discharged from the discharge module 300. The third sensor 250_3 can measure a third characteristic value of the electrode slurry 30 contained in the tank 400. (Refer to the following...) Figure 2 and Figure 8 This will be described in more detail.

[0103] According to some embodiments, the extruder 10 may include a supply module 100 for supplying active material, binder, and conductive material; a mixing module 200 for forming electrode slurry 30 by mixing the active material, binder, and conductive material supplied from the supply module 100; a discharge module 300 for discharging electrode slurry 30; and a sensor 250 for measuring characteristic values ​​of the electrode slurry 30. The mixing module 200 may include: a pair of screws 211 and 212 arranged parallel or substantially parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) of the mixing module 200, wherein threads formed on the outer circumference of the screws 211 and 212 rotate while engaging with each other; a cylinder 220 that houses the screws 211 and 212 and forms an orifice through which the electrode slurry 30 is transmitted, and adjusts the clearance (e.g., gap) between the screws 211 and 212 and the inner circumference of the orifice; and a control module 500 that controls the cylinder 220 to adjust the clearance based on measured characteristic values. The cylinder 220 may include a first region 220a adjacent to the supply module 100, a third region 220c adjacent to the discharge module 300, and a second region 220b between the first region 220a and the third region 220c (e.g., see reference). Figure 2 The control module 500 can control the cylinder 220 to adjust the clearance in at least one of the first region 220a, the second region 220b, and the third region 220c based on measured characteristic values.

[0104] As described above, the extruder can provide a shear force applied to the electrode slurry by adjusting the clearance corresponding to the gap between the inner surface of the mixing module's barrel and the screw. Furthermore, the physical properties of the final manufactured electrode slurry can be set by measuring the physical properties of the electrode slurry using a sensor installed in the extruder and adjusting the clearance based on the measured physical property values.

[0105] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a hybrid module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0106] refer to Figure 2 The mixing module 200 may include a first screw 211, a second screw 212, a cylinder 220, a first gap adjustment module 240, and a control module 500 (e.g., see reference 200). Figure 6 The hybrid module 200 may further include a drive motor 213 that rotatably drives the first screw 211 and the second screw 212.

[0107] According to some embodiments, the first screw 211 and the second screw 212 can be rotatably rotated by a driving force transmitted from the drive motor 213. The first screw 211 and the second screw 212 can rotate to mix the active material, binder, and conductive material supplied to the cylinder 220 and move them to the discharge module 300. For example, the active material, binder, and conductive material can flow into the screw grooves of the first screw 211 and the second screw 212. Through the rotation of the first screw 211 and the second screw 212, the active material, binder, and conductive material flowing into the screw grooves can be mixed and moved in the X-axis direction.

[0108] According to some embodiments, the rotation axes of the first screw 211 and the second screw 212 can be arranged to be parallel or substantially parallel to each other. The threads can be formed in a helical shape in the X-axis direction on the rotation axis of each of the first screw 211 and the second screw 212. The threads of the first screw 211 and the second screw 212 can engage with each other while rotating in the same direction. Reference will be made below. Figure 5 This will be described in more detail.

[0109] Cylinder 220 may include cylinders configured to face each other in the height direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) of mixing module 200 to form a transfer electrode slurry 30 therethrough (e.g., reference slurry). Figure 1 The hole 230 and the first cylinder 220_1 and the second cylinder 220_2 that accommodate the first screw 211 and the second screw 212 (e.g., refer to...) Figure 3 The active material, binder, and conductive material can be mixed in the orifice 230 formed inside the cylinder 220. The gap between the inner circumference of the orifice 230 and the first screw 211 and the second screw 212 can serve as a channel for transferring the active material, binder, and conductive material from the supply module 100 to the discharge module 300.

[0110] According to some embodiments, a fluid mixed with an active substance, binder, conductive material, and solvent can be moved in the X-axis direction by the rotation of the first screw 211 and the second screw 212 in the cylinder 220. The shear force generated by the rotation of the first screw 211 and the second screw 212 can be transmitted to the fluid in the gap between the hole 230 of the cylinder 220 and the first screw 211 and the second screw 212.

[0111] According to some embodiments, the hole 230 of the cylinder 220 may include a first hole 232 for receiving a first screw 211 and a second hole 234 for receiving a second screw 212 (e.g., see reference). Figure 2 Furthermore, the first hole 232 and the second hole 234 can be connected in the area where the first screw 211 and the second screw 212 engage. (See below for reference.) Figure 3 and Figure 4This will be described in more detail.

[0112] According to some embodiments, cylinder 220 may include a supply module (e.g., 100, see...) Figure 1 The system comprises an adjacent first region 220a, a third region 220c adjacent to the discharge module 300, and a second region 220b disposed between the first region 220a and the third region 220c. The first region 220a may be a conveying section in which active materials, binders, and conductive materials are supplied and transported. The second region 220b may be a kneading section in which strong shear forces are applied to the active materials, binders, and conductive materials. The third region 220c may be a mixing section in which active materials, binders, and conductive materials are crushed or dispersed.

[0113] According to some embodiments, the gap between the first cylinder 220_1 and the second cylinder 220_2 can be adjusted independently in each of the first regions 220a to the third region 220c of the cylinder 220. More specifically, the gap between the first cylinder 220_1 and the second cylinder 220_2 in the first region 220a can be adjusted by the first gap adjustment module 240a. The gap between the first cylinder 220_1 and the second cylinder 220_2 in the second region 220b can be adjusted by the first gap adjustment module 240b. The gap between the first cylinder 220_1 and the second cylinder 220_2 in the third region 220c can be adjusted by the first gap adjustment module 240c.

[0114] According to some embodiments, the gap between the first region 220a and the third region 220c can be sealed. For example, a sealing member can be placed to seal between the first region 220a and the second region 220b, and between the second region 220b and the third region 220c.

[0115] According to some embodiments, the first gap adjustment module 240 may include a first gap adjustment module 240a located in a first region 220a, a first gap adjustment module 240b located in a second region 220b, and a first gap adjustment module 240c located in a third region 220c. However, the construction of the first gap adjustment module 240 is not limited thereto, and may include only one or two of the first gap adjustment modules 240a, 240b, and 240c.

[0116] Sensor 250 may include a first sensor 250_1 that measures a first characteristic value of the electrode slurry transmitted through the orifice 230 of cylinder 220. The first characteristic value may include at least one of pressure and temperature.

[0117] According to some embodiments, the first sensor 250_1 may include a 1_1 sensor 250_1a for measuring a first characteristic value of the electrode paste transmitted through the orifice 230 of the first region 220a, a 1_2 sensor 250_1b for measuring the first characteristic value of the electrode paste transmitted through the orifice 230 of the second region 220b, and a 1_3 sensor 250_1c for measuring the first characteristic value of the electrode paste transmitted through the orifice 230 of the third region 220c. However, the construction of the first sensor 250_1 is not limited thereto, and the first sensor 250_1 may include only one or two of the 1_1 sensor 250_1a, 1_2 sensor 250_1b, and 1_3 sensor 250_1c.

[0118] According to some embodiments, the control module 500 can control the first gap adjustment module 240 based on measured feature values. More specifically, the control module 500 can compare the first feature value measured by the first sensor 250_1 with a reference value, and can transmit a control signal for changing the gap between the first cylinder 220_1 and the second cylinder 220_2 to the first gap adjustment module 240 based on the comparison result between the first feature value measured by the first sensor 250_1 and the reference value. Reference will be made below. Figure 6 This will be described in more detail.

[0119] Figure 3 Before the gap between the first and second cylinders increases, along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken from line AA. Figure 4 After the gap between the first and second cylinders increases, along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken from line AA.

[0120] For ease of illustration, Figure 3 and Figure 4 Concentrated on Figure 2 On the first region 220a shown, but Figure 2 The second region 220b and the third region 220c can be the same as or substantially the same as (or similar to) the first region 220a, and therefore, their redundant descriptions can be avoided.

[0121] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The cylinder 220 may include a first cylinder 220_1 and a second cylinder 220_2 arranged to face each other in the height direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) of the mixing module 200 to form a hole 230, a first screw 211 and a second screw 212 being received in the hole 230 and electrode slurry 30 being transferred through the hole 230 (e.g., reference). Figure 1The hole 230 of the cylinder 220 may include a first hole 232 for receiving a first screw 211 and a second hole 234 for receiving a second screw 212. The first hole 232 and the second hole 234 may be connected to each other in the region 230b where the first screw 211 and the second screw 212 engage with each other.

[0122] According to some embodiments, the rotation axis 211a of the first screw 211 and the rotation axis 212a of the second screw 212 can be placed parallel to or substantially parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) of the mixing module 200. The threads 211b of the first screw 211 and the threads 212b of the second screw 212 can rotate in the same direction as each other while engaging with each other.

[0123] According to some embodiments, the gap between the inner circumference 230a of the hole 230 and the first screw 211 and the second screw 212 can be equal to or substantially equal to the length L2 of the inner diameter of each of the first hole 232 and the second hole 234 minus the length L1 of the outer diameter (e.g., the outer diameter of the screw) of each of the first screw 211 and the second screw 212. The gap can be formed between the outer diameter of the first screw 211 and the second screw 212 and the inner circumference 230a of the hole 230, allowing the first screw 211 and the second screw 212 to rotate and allowing the fluid mixed with the active material, conductive material, and binder to flow. The gap between the inner circumference 230a of the hole 230 and the first screw 211 and the second screw 212 can be referred to as the "clearance".

[0124] According to some embodiments, the headroom can be controlled by a first gap adjustment module 240a disposed between the first cylinder 220_1 and the second cylinder 220_2. The first gap adjustment module 240a can be a pneumatic control device. The first gap adjustment module 240a can include a tube and an extruder. The volume of the tube can be controlled by the extruder, thereby controlling the headroom caused by changes in the tube volume. However, the pneumatic control device is not limited to this and can be formed by various suitable configurations.

[0125] Clearance can be one of the important factors determining the shear force applied to the electrode slurry. When the clearance is small, the shear force applied to the electrode slurry can be large, and when the clearance is large, the shear force applied to the electrode slurry can be small.

[0126] The physical properties of an electrode slurry can be determined by the shear force applied to it. When the shear force applied to the electrode slurry is small, the internal pressure of the slurry can be small, which prevents or essentially prevents the slurry from being properly dispersed. When the shear force applied to the electrode slurry is large, the internal pressure of the slurry can be large, which may cause the slurry to be over-dispersed.

[0127] Therefore, the headroom can vary depending on the physical properties of the target electrode slurry (e.g., the desired physical properties). Figure 3 As shown, the clearance C can be reduced by the first gap adjustment module 240a according to the physical properties of the electrode slurry. Similarly, as Figure 4 As shown, the headroom C' can be increased by the first gap adjustment module 240a according to the physical properties of the electrode slurry. For example, the headroom can be adjusted within the range of 0.05 mm to 5 mm. Therefore, when measuring from the extruder 10 (e.g., reference...) Figure 1 After measuring the physical properties of the moving electrode slurry, the headroom can be adjusted based on the measured physical properties, thereby optimizing or improving the physical properties of the final manufactured electrode slurry.

[0128] Figure 5 This is a view illustrating an example of a first screw and a second screw arranged therein, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0129] refer to Figure 5 The rotation axis 211a of the first screw 211 and the rotation axis 212a of the second screw 212 can be parallel to each other or substantially parallel to each other. The thread 211b of the first screw 211 and the thread 212b of the second screw 212 can rotate in the same direction as each other while engaging with each other.

[0130] According to some embodiments, the first screw 211 and the second screw 212 may have an elliptical cross section, and the major axis of the first screw 211 and the major axis of the second screw 212 may be arranged perpendicularly and joined to rotate in the elliptical cross section.

[0131] For example, the first screw 211 can rotate such that its major axis can have angles of 0 degrees, 45 degrees, and 90 degrees with the horizontal. The second screw 212 can rotate while engaging the first screw 211 such that its major axis can have angles of 90 degrees, 45 degrees, and 0 degrees with the horizontal.

[0132] Figure 6 This is a view illustrating an example of a control module electrically connected to a first sensor and a first gap adjustment module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0133] refer to Figure 6 The control module 500 can be electrically connected to the first sensor 250_1 and the first gap adjustment module 240. The first sensor 250_1 may include sensor 250_1a, sensor 250_1b, and sensor 250_1c.

[0134] According to some embodiments, sensor 250_1a can measure the aperture 230 passing through the first region 220a (e.g., reference 1). Figure 2 The first characteristic value of the electrode paste transmitted. Sensor 250_1b can measure the value of the electrode paste transmitted through the hole 230 in the second region 220b (e.g., reference). Figure 2 The first characteristic value of the electrode paste transmitted. Sensor 250_1c can measure the value of the electrode paste transmitted through the hole 230 in the third region 220c (e.g., reference). Figure 2 The first characteristic value of the electrode slurry being transported. The first characteristic value may include at least one of pressure and temperature. However, the first characteristic value is not limited to this and may include various suitable characteristic values.

[0135] According to some embodiments, the control module 500 can compare a first feature value measured by the first sensor 250_1 with a reference value, and can, based on the comparison result between the first feature value measured by the first sensor 250_1 and the reference value, adjust the first cylinder 220_1 and the second cylinder 220_2 (e.g., reference) in each of the first regions 220a to the third regions 220c for changing the first cylinder 220_1 and the second cylinder 220_2 (e.g., reference) in each region 220a to the third region 220c. Figure 3 The control signal for the gap between the two gaps is transmitted to the first gap adjustment module 240.

[0136] The reference value can be set to a variety of suitable numerical ranges depending on the target physical properties of the electrode paste.

[0137] According to some embodiments, the control module 500 can compare a first feature value measured by the I_1 sensor 250_1a with a reference value, and can, based on the comparison result between the first feature value measured by the I_1 sensor 250_1a and the reference value, adjust the settings for changing the first cylinder 220_1 and the second cylinder 220_2 (e.g., reference value) in the first region 220a. Figure 3 The control signal for the gap between the two gaps is transmitted to the first gap adjustment module 240.

[0138] According to some embodiments, the control module 500 can compare a first feature value measured by the 1_2 sensor 250_1b with a reference value, and based on the comparison result between the first feature value measured by the 1_2 sensor 250_1b and the reference value, can transmit a control signal for changing the gap between the first cylinder 220_1 and the second cylinder 220_2 in the first region 220a or the second region 220b to the first gap adjustment module 240.

[0139] According to some embodiments, the control module 500 can compare the pressure value measured by the I_2 sensor 250_1b with a reference value, and based on the result that the pressure value measured by the I_2 sensor 250_1b is less than the reference value, can transmit a control signal for increasing the gap between the first cylinder 220_1 and the second cylinder 220_2 in the first region 220a to the first gap adjustment module 240. As a result, the amount of electrode slurry transmitted from the first region 220a can be increased, thereby increasing the shear force of the electrode slurry applied to the second region 220b.

[0140] According to some embodiments, the 1_2 sensor 250_1b can measure the pressure value of the electrode slurry, and when the pressure value of the second region 220b measured by the 1_2 sensor 250_1b is less than the reference pressure value, the control module 500 can control the cylinder 220 to allow the headroom to increase in the first region 220a.

[0141] According to some embodiments, the control module 500 can compare the pressure value measured by the I_2 sensor 250_1b with a reference value, and based on the result that the pressure value measured by the I_2 sensor 250_1b is less than the reference value, can transmit a control signal for reducing the gap between the first cylinder 220_1 and the second cylinder 220_2 in the second region 220b to the first gap adjustment module 240. As a result, the shear force applied to the electrode slurry can be increased, allowing the electrode slurry to be distributed uniformly or substantially uniformly.

[0142] According to some embodiments, the control module 500 can compare the pressure value measured by the I_2 sensor 250_1b with a reference value, and based on the result that the pressure value measured by the I_2 sensor 250_1b is greater than the reference value, can transmit a control signal for increasing the gap between the first cylinder 220_1 and the second cylinder 220_2 in the second region 220b to the first gap adjustment module 240. As a result, the shear force applied to the electrode slurry can be reduced, allowing the electrode slurry to be distributed uniformly or substantially uniformly. Furthermore, extruder overload and damage can be prevented or substantially prevented.

[0143] According to some embodiments, the control module 500 can compare the temperature value measured by the I_2 sensor 250_1b with a reference value, and based on the result that the temperature value measured by the I_2 sensor 250_1b is greater than the reference value, can transmit a control signal for increasing the gap between the first cylinder 220_1 and the second cylinder 220_2 in the second region 220b to the first gap adjustment module 240. As a result, the load on the second region 220b can be reduced, thereby lowering the temperature of the electrode slurry.

[0144] According to some embodiments, the control module 500 can compare a first feature value measured by the 1_3 sensor 250_1c with a reference value, and based on the comparison result between the first feature value measured by the 1_3 sensor 250_1c and the reference value, can transmit a control signal for changing the gap between the first cylinder 220_1 and the second cylinder 220_2 in the third region 220c to the first gap adjustment module 240.

[0145] According to some embodiments, the control module 500 can compare the temperature value measured by the I_3 sensor 250_1c with a reference value, and based on the result that the temperature value measured by the I_3 sensor 250_1c is greater than the reference value, can transmit a control signal for increasing the gap between the first cylinder 220_1 and the second cylinder 220_2 in the third region 220c to the first gap adjustment module 240. As a result, the load on the third region 220c can be reduced, thereby lowering the temperature of the electrode slurry.

[0146] According to some embodiments, sensor 250 can measure the temperature value of electrode slurry, and when the temperature value of the second region 220b or the third region 220c measured by sensor 250 is greater than a reference temperature value, control module 500 can control cylinder 220 to allow the headroom to increase in the second region 220b or the third region 220c.

[0147] Figure 7 It is a graph of experimental data on the viscosity of the electrode slurry based on the gap between the first and second cylinders, according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0148] Figure 7 The diagram illustrates experimental data on the viscosity of the electrode slurry measured based on the extruder's clearance. For example, the extruder could be used to measure the viscosity of the electrode slurry by means of a reference. Figures 1 to 6 The device described above uses the rotation of a pair of screws to supply active materials, conductive materials, binders, and solvents into an orifice within the internal space of a cylinder for mixing, in order to discharge the electrode slurry. The gap between the inner circumference of the orifice and the pair of screws can be referred to as the clearance. The horizontal axis of the experimental data can represent the shear rate of the electrode slurry, and the vertical axis can represent the viscosity of the electrode slurry.

[0149] like Figure 7 As shown, when the clearance is 0.3 mm, the viscosity of the electrode paste can be greater than that when the clearance is 0.2 mm. Furthermore, when the clearance is 0.5 mm, the viscosity of the electrode paste can be greater than that when the clearance is 0.3 mm. The viscosity of the electrode paste can be lowest when the clearance is 0.2 mm, and highest when the clearance is 0.5 mm.

[0150] As the extruder headroom decreases, the viscosity of the electrode slurry can be reduced. This is because the shear force applied to the electrode slurry increases as the extruder headroom decreases. Therefore, the viscosity of the electrode slurry can be appropriately set or determined by adjusting the headroom in the extruder.

[0151] Figure 8 This is a view illustrating an example of an extruder including a second sensor and a third sensor according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 9 This is a view illustrating an example of a control module electrically connected to a second sensor, a third sensor, and a first gap adjustment module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In the following text, references to the above will not be repeated. Figures 1 to 6 The described structures and components are the same or substantially the same. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The structure and components within.

[0152] refer to Figure 8 The extruder 20 may include a supply module (e.g., a feeder or supply hopper) 100, a mixing module (e.g., a mixer or mixing device) 200, and a discharge module (e.g., a discharger or discharge outlet) 300. The extruder 20 may further include a sensor 250 and a tank 400 for containing electrode slurry 30 discharged from the discharge module 300. The sensor 250 may further include a second sensor 250_2 for measuring a second characteristic value of the electrode slurry 30 discharged from the discharge module 300 and a third sensor 250_3 for measuring a third characteristic value of the electrode slurry 30 contained in the tank 400.

[0153] According to some embodiments, the second characteristic value may include at least one of particle size, viscosity, density, and temperature. The third characteristic value may include weight. However, the second and third characteristic values ​​are not limited thereto and may include a variety of suitable characteristic values.

[0154] According to some embodiments, the control module (e.g., controller) 600 can compare a second feature value measured by the second sensor 250_2 with a reference value, and can change the second region 220b (e.g., reference region) based on the result of comparing the second feature value measured by the second sensor 250_2 with the reference value. Figure 2 The first tube 220_1 and the second tube 220_2 in (for example, refer to) Figure 3The control signal for the gap between the two electrodes is transmitted to the first gap adjustment module 240. The reference value can be set within a suitable numerical range based on the physical properties of the target electrode slurry (e.g., desired physical properties). For example, the viscosity and particle size of the electrode slurry can be set to a range from 80% to 120% of the preset values. However, the reference value is not limited to this and can be set in various suitable ways depending on the type of viscosity sensor and particle sensor.

[0155] According to some embodiments, the control module 600 can compare the viscosity value and / or particle size measured by the second sensor 250_2 with a reference value, and based on the result that the viscosity value and / or particle size measured by the second sensor 250_2 is greater than the reference value, can transmit a control signal to the first gap adjustment module 240 to reduce the gap between the first cylinder 220_1 and the second cylinder 220_2 in the second region 220b. As a result, the shear force applied to the electrode slurry will increase, and the viscosity value and / or particle size of the electrode slurry will decrease, thereby ensuring a suitable viscosity value and / or particle size of the electrode slurry.

[0156] Sensor 250 can measure the viscosity of the electrode slurry, and when the viscosity measured by the sensor in the second region 220b or the third region 220c is greater than a reference viscosity, control module 600 can control cylinder 220 to reduce the headroom in the second region 220b or the third region 220c.

[0157] According to some embodiments, the control module 600 can compare the viscosity value and / or particle size value measured by the second sensor 250_2 with a reference value, and based on the result that the viscosity value and / or particle size value measured by the second sensor 250_2 is less than the reference value, the control module 600 can transmit a control signal for increasing the gap between the first cylinder 220_1 and the second cylinder 220_2 in the second region 220b to the first gap adjustment module 240. The reference value for particle size can be based on d10, d50, and d90. For example, d10, d50, and d90 can represent size values ​​corresponding to 10%, 50%, and 90% of the maximum value in the cumulative distribution of particle size, respectively, and can reflect the uniformity of the electrode slurry. Therefore, the shear force applied to the electrode slurry can be reduced, and the viscosity value and / or particle size of the electrode slurry can be increased, thereby ensuring a suitable viscosity value and / or particle size of the electrode slurry.

[0158] Sensor 250 can measure the particle size of the electrode slurry, and when the particle size measured by sensor 250 in the second region 220b or the third region 220c is smaller than the reference particle size, control module 600 can control cylinder 220 to increase the headroom in the second region 220b or the third region 220c.

[0159] The control module 600 can compare the second feature value measured by the second sensor 250_2 with a reference value, and can change the third region 220c (e.g., the reference region) based on the result of the comparison between the second feature value measured by the second sensor 250_2 and the reference value. Figure 2 The control signal for the gap between the first cylinder 220_1 and the second cylinder 220_2 in the first gap adjustment module 240 is transmitted to the first gap adjustment module 240.

[0160] The control module 600 can compare the viscosity value and / or particle size measured by the second sensor 250_2 with a reference value, and can reduce the third region 220c (e.g., reference region 220c) based on the determination that the viscosity value and / or particle size measured by the second sensor 250_2 is greater than the reference value. Figure 2 The control signal for the gap between the first cylinder 220_1 and the second cylinder 220_2 in the electrode slurry is transmitted to the first gap adjustment module 240. This can increase the shear force applied to the electrode slurry and reduce the viscosity and / or particle size of the electrode slurry, thereby ensuring a suitable viscosity and / or particle size for the electrode slurry.

[0161] The control module 600 can compare the viscosity value and / or particle size measured by the second sensor 250_2 with a reference value, and can increase the third region 220c (e.g., the reference region) based on the determination that the viscosity value and / or particle size measured by the second sensor 250_2 is less than the reference value. Figure 2 The control signal for the gap between the first cylinder 220_1 and the second cylinder 220_2 in the electrode slurry is transmitted to the first gap adjustment module 240. This can reduce the shear force applied to the electrode slurry and increase the viscosity and / or particle size of the electrode slurry, thereby ensuring a suitable viscosity and / or particle size of the electrode slurry.

[0162] The control module 600 can compare the third feature value measured by the third sensor 250_3 with a reference value, and can change the third region 220c (e.g., the reference region) based on the result of the comparison between the third feature value measured by the third sensor 250_3 and the reference value. Figure 2 The control signal for the gap between the first cylinder 220_1 and the second cylinder 220_2 in the first gap adjustment module 240 is transmitted to the first gap adjustment module 240.

[0163] The control module 600 can compare the weight value measured by the third sensor 250_3 with a reference value, and can reduce the third region 220c (e.g., the reference region 220c) based on the determination that the weight value measured by the third sensor 250_3 is greater than the reference value. Figure 2The control signal for the gap between the first cylinder 220_1 and the second cylinder 220_2 in the electrode slurry is transmitted to the first gap adjustment module 240. Therefore, the discharge of electrode slurry can be reduced to ensure an appropriate production volume.

[0164] The control module 600 can compare the weight value measured by the third sensor 250_3 with a reference value, and can increase the third region 220c (e.g., the reference region) based on the determination that the weight value measured by the third sensor 250_3 is less than the reference value. Figure 2 The control signal for the gap between the first cylinder 220_1 and the second cylinder 220_2 in the electrode slurry is transmitted to the first gap adjustment module 240. Therefore, the discharge rate of the electrode slurry can be increased to ensure an appropriate production volume.

[0165] According to some embodiments, the control module 600 can compare feature values ​​with reference values ​​by assigning priority to feature values ​​measured by the second sensor 250_2 and the third sensor 250_3. The priority can be set depending on the purpose. For example, when the production volume of electrode slurry produced by the extruder is given priority, the measured feature values ​​can be compared with the reference values ​​in the order of weight, viscosity, pressure, temperature, and particle size. As another example, when maintaining the durability of the extruder is given priority, the measured feature values ​​can be compared with the reference values ​​in the order of pressure, viscosity, particle size, temperature, and weight.

[0166] Figure 10 This is a view illustrating an example of an extruder further including a second gap adjustment module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In the following text, references to the above will not be repeated. Figure 2 The described components and structures are the same or substantially the same. Figure 10 The components and structures within.

[0167] According to some embodiments, the first cylinder 920_1 may include being arranged in the mixing module 200 (e.g., reference 1). Figure 2 The first cylinder 920_1a and the second cylinder 920_2 may include the first cylinder 920_2a and the second cylinder 920_2b, which are arranged to face each other in the width direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction) of the mixing module 200, and the second cylinder 920_2 may include the second cylinder 920_2a and the second cylinder 920_2b, which are arranged to face each other in the width direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction) of the mixing module 200.

[0168] According to some embodiments, the extruder 20 (e.g., reference) Figure 8The system further includes a second gap adjustment module 940 for adjusting the gap between cylinders 1_1 920_1a and 1_2 920_1b and the gap between cylinders 2_1 920_2a and 2_2 920_2b in the width direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction) of the mixing module 200, and a control module 500 (e.g., reference...) Figure 6 The second gap adjustment module 940 can be controlled based on measured characteristic values. Accordingly, the control module 500 of the extruder 20 can improve the shear force applied to the electrode slurry by adjusting the gap in the width direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction) of the mixing module 200.

[0169] Figure 11 This is a view illustrating an example extruder including a multilayer mixing module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In the following text, references to the above will not be repeated. Figure 1 The described components and structures are the same or substantially the same. Figure 11 The components and structures within.

[0170] refer to Figure 11 The extruder 40 may include a first mixing module (e.g., a first mixer or a first mixing device) 200 and a second mixing module (e.g., a second mixer or a second mixing device) 1000 connected to the first mixing module 200. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the extruder 40 may include a mixing module with three (3) or more layers.

[0171] According to some embodiments, the first hybrid module 200 and the second hybrid module 1000 each include components referenced above. Figures 1 to 11 The described mixing module 200 has the same or similar construction. The discharge module of the first mixing module 200 can be connected to the supply module of the second mixing module 1000, and the discharge module of the second mixing module 1000 can be connected to the tank 400 containing the electrode slurry 30. A pair of screws 1011 and 1012 housed in the cylinder of the second mixing module 1000 can be rotatably rotated by a drive motor 1013.

[0172] The first mixing module 200 and the second mixing module 1000 may each further include one or more sensors for measuring characteristic values ​​of the electrode slurry 30. The first mixing module 200 may include: a pair of screws 211 and 212, parallel or substantially parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) of the first mixing module 200, having threads formed on the outer circumference that rotate while engaging with each other; a cylinder 220 for receiving the pair of screws 211 and 212; an orifice through which the electrode slurry 30 is transmitted, and having an adjustable clearance between the pair of screws 211 and 212 and the inner circumference of the orifice; and a control module (e.g., a controller) for controlling the cylinder 220 to adjust the clearance. The cylinder 220 may include a first region adjacent to the supply module 100, a third region adjacent to the discharge module, and a second region disposed between the first and third regions. The control module may control the cylinder 220 to adjust the clearance in at least one of the first to third regions based on the measured characteristic values.

[0173] Similarly, the second mixing module 1000 may include: a pair of screws 1011 and 1012, placed parallel or substantially parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) of the second mixing module 1000, having threads formed on their outer circumference that rotate while engaging with each other; a cylinder 1020 for receiving the pair of screws 1011 and 1012; a bore through which electrode slurry 30 is transmitted, and having an adjustable clearance between the pair of screws 1011 and 1012 and the inner circumference of the bore; and a control module (e.g., a controller) for controlling the cylinder 1020 to adjust the clearance based on measured characteristic values. The cylinder 1020 may include a first region adjacent to the discharge module of the first mixing module 200, a third region adjacent to the discharge module of the second mixing module 1000, and a second region between the first and third regions. The control module may control the cylinder 1020 to adjust the clearance in at least one of the first to third regions based on measured characteristic values.

[0174] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, an extruder can be provided that allows for the uniform or substantially uniform distribution of the electrode slurry by setting (e.g., changing) the shear force applied to the electrode slurry through adjusting the headroom corresponding to the gap between the inner circumferences of the screw and the barrels of each of the multiple layers of the mixing module. Furthermore, the physical properties of the final generated electrode slurry can be set or determined by measuring the physical properties of the electrode slurry using sensors mounted in the extruder and adjusting the headroom based on the measured physical property values.

[0175] Electronic or electrical devices and / or any other associated devices or components (e.g., control modules, etc.) according to embodiments of the present disclosure described herein can be implemented using any suitable hardware, firmware (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits), software, or a combination of software, firmware, and hardware. For example, various components of these devices may be formed on an integrated circuit (IC) chip or on a discrete IC chip. Alternatively, various components of these devices may be implemented on a flexible printed circuit film, tape-on-a-carrier package (TCP), printed circuit board (PCB), or formed on a substrate. Furthermore, various components of these devices may be processes or threads that run on one or more processors in one or more computing devices, execute computer program instructions, and interact with other system components to perform the various functions described herein. The computer program instructions are stored in memory that can be implemented in the computing device using standard memory devices such as random access memory (RAM). The computer program instructions may be further stored in other non-transitory computer-readable media such as CD-ROMs or flash drives. Moreover, those skilled in the art will recognize that the functions of various computing devices can be combined or integrated into a single computing device, or the functions of a particular computing device can be distributed across one or more other computing devices without departing from the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0176] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to embodiments thereof, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art will be able to make various modifications and variations thereto within the spirit and equivalent scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An extruder, comprising: The supply module is configured to supply active substances, binders, and conductive materials; A mixing module is configured to form an electrode slurry by mixing the active material, the binder, and the conductive material supplied from the supply module; A discharge module is configured to discharge the electrode slurry; as well as The sensor is configured to measure characteristic values ​​of the electrode slurry. The hybrid module includes: The first screw and the second screw are parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction of the mixing module, and the first screw and the second screw include threads on their outer circumferences configured to rotate while engaging each other; The cylinder includes a first cylinder and a second cylinder that respectively house the first screw and the second screw and face each other in the height direction of the mixing module to form a hole through which the electrode slurry is transmitted; A first gap adjustment module is configured to adjust the gap between the first cylinder and the second cylinder in the height direction of the mixing module; and The control module is configured to control the first gap adjustment module based on the measured characteristic value.

2. The extruder of claim 1, wherein, The cylinder includes: The first area is adjacent to the supply module; The third region is adjacent to the discharge module; and The second region is located between the first region and the third region.

3. The extruder of claim 2, wherein, The sensor includes a first sensor configured to measure a first characteristic value of the electrode slurry transmitted through the orifice of the cylinder, and The first feature value includes at least one of pressure value and temperature value.

4. The extruder of claim 3, wherein, The first sensor includes: A 1_1 sensor is configured to measure the first characteristic value of the electrode slurry transmitted through the orifice in the first region; Sensors 1 and 2 are configured to measure the first characteristic value of the electrode slurry transmitted through the orifice in the second region; and A 1_3 sensor is configured to measure the first characteristic value of the electrode slurry transmitted through the orifice in the third region.

5. The extruder of claim 4, wherein, The control module is configured as follows: The first feature value measured by the 1_1 sensor is compared with a reference value; and Based on the comparison between the first feature value measured by the 1_1 sensor and the reference value, a control signal is transmitted to the first gap adjustment module to change the gap between the first cylinder and the second cylinder in the first region.

6. The extruder of claim 4, wherein, The control module is configured as follows: The first feature value measured by the 1_2 sensors is compared with a reference value; and Based on the comparison between the first feature value measured by the 1_2 sensors and the reference value, a control signal is transmitted to the first gap adjustment module to change the gap between the first cylinder and the second cylinder in the second region.

7. The extruder of claim 4, wherein, The control module is configured as follows: The first feature value measured by the 1_3 sensors is compared with a reference value; and Based on the comparison between the first feature value measured by the 1_3 sensors and the reference value, a control signal is transmitted to the first gap adjustment module to change the gap between the first cylinder and the second cylinder in the third region.

8. The extruder according to claim 2, wherein, The sensor includes a second sensor configured to measure a second characteristic value of the electrode slurry discharged from the discharge module, and The second characteristic value includes at least one of particle size, viscosity, density and temperature.

9. The extruder according to claim 8, wherein, The control module is configured as follows: The second feature value measured by the second sensor is compared with a reference value; and Based on the comparison between the second feature value measured by the second sensor and the reference value, a control signal is transmitted to the first gap adjustment module to change the gap between the first cylinder and the second cylinder in the second region.

10. The extruder according to claim 8, wherein, The control module is configured as follows: The second feature value measured by the second sensor is compared with a reference value; and Based on the comparison between the second feature value measured by the second sensor and the reference value, a control signal is transmitted to the first gap adjustment module to change the gap between the first cylinder and the second cylinder in the third region.

11. The extruder of claim 8, further comprising a tank configured to contain the electrode slurry discharged from the discharge module. in, The sensor further includes a third sensor configured to measure a third characteristic value of the electrode slurry contained in the tank, and The third characteristic value includes the weight value.

12. The extruder according to claim 11, wherein, The control module is configured as follows: The third feature value measured by the third sensor is compared with a reference value; and Based on the comparison between the third feature value measured by the third sensor and the reference value, a control signal is transmitted to the first gap adjustment module to change the gap between the first cylinder and the second cylinder in the third region.

13. The extruder according to claim 1, wherein, The first cylinder includes cylinders 1_1 and 1_2 facing each other in the width direction of the mixing module, and The second cylinder includes cylinders 2_1 and 2_2 facing each other in the width direction of the mixing module.

14. The extruder of claim 13, further comprising: The second gap adjustment module is configured to adjust the gap between cylinder 1_1 and cylinder 1_2 and the gap between cylinder 2_1 and cylinder 2_2 in the width direction of the mixing module. The control module is configured to control the second gap adjustment module based on the measured feature value.

15. The extruder according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein, The hole in the cylinder includes: The first hole accommodates the first screw; and The second hole accommodates the second screw, and The first hole and the second hole are connected to each other in the area where the first screw and the second screw engage with each other.

16. An extruder, comprising: The supply module is configured to supply active substances, binders, and conductive materials; A mixing module is configured to form an electrode slurry by mixing the active material, the binder, and the conductive material supplied from the supply module; A discharge module is configured to discharge the electrode slurry; as well as The sensor is configured to measure characteristic values ​​of the electrode slurry. The hybrid module includes: A pair of screws, parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction of the mixing module, the pair of screws having threads configured to rotate at their outer circumference while engaging each other; A cylinder, housing the pair of screws and having an orifice through which the electrode paste is transferred, the cylinder being configured to adjust the clearance between the pair of screws and the inner circumference of the orifice; and A control module is configured to control the cylinder to adjust the headroom based on the measured characteristic values, wherein the cylinder includes: The first area is adjacent to the supply module; The third region is adjacent to the discharge module; and The second region is located between the first region and the third region, and The control module is configured to control the cylinder to adjust the headroom in at least one of the first, second, and third regions based on the measured characteristic values.

17. The extruder according to claim 16, wherein, The sensor is configured to measure the pressure value of the electrode slurry, and The control module is configured to control the cylinder to increase the headroom in the first region based on the fact that the pressure value in the second region measured by the sensor is less than a reference pressure value.

18. The extruder according to claim 16, wherein, The sensor is configured to measure the temperature of the electrode slurry, and The control module is configured to control the cylinder to increase the headroom in the second or third region based on the temperature value measured by the sensor being greater than a reference temperature value.

19. The extruder according to claim 16, wherein, The sensor is configured to measure the viscosity of the electrode slurry, and The control module is configured to control the cylinder to reduce the headroom in the second or third region based on the viscosity value measured by the sensor being greater than a reference viscosity value.

20. The extruder according to claim 16, wherein, The sensor is configured to measure the particle size of the electrode slurry, and The control module is configured to control the cylinder to increase the headroom in the second or third region based on the particle size measured by the sensor being greater than a reference particle size.

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