Die coating machine

Abstract

Embodiments provide a die coater. The mold coater includes: a first mold having a manifold; and a gasket coupled to the first mold, in which the gasket includes a main body extending in a first direction and a spacer gasket extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and dividing the manifold, the spacer gasket defining an insulating flow path for discharging an insulating slurry, the insulating flow path includes an inlet, a first insulating flow path connected to the inlet, a buffer portion connected to the first insulating flow path, and a second insulating flow path connected to the buffer portion, a width of the second insulating flow path and a width of the buffer portion being different from each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure pertains to mold coating machines.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0051376, filed on April 17, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. They are widely used as a power source for various types of wireless devices, such as mobile phones, laptops, and cordless vacuum cleaners. Recently, as the manufacturing cost per unit capacity of secondary batteries has decreased significantly due to increased energy density and economies of scale, and as the driving range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has increased to levels comparable to gasoline-powered vehicles, the primary use of secondary batteries is shifting from mobility devices to commuting.

[0004] In terms of energy density, the electrodes of a secondary battery are the most important components. Secondary battery electrodes can be formed through coating, rolling, drying, slitting, and grooving processes. Among these processes, the coating process involves applying a coating material, including the active material, to the electrode plate, and can be performed using a die coating machine. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Technical issues

[0006] This disclosure relates to providing a mold coating machine with improved coating performance.

[0007] Technical solution

[0008] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a mold coating machine. The mold coating machine includes: a first mold having a manifold; and a gasket coupled to the first mold, wherein the gasket includes a body extending in a first direction and a spacer extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and dividing the manifold, the spacer defining an insulating flow path for discharging an insulating slurry, the insulating flow path including an inlet, a first insulating flow path connected to the inlet, a buffer portion connected to the first insulating flow path, and a second insulating flow path connected to the buffer portion, the width of the second insulating flow path and the width of the buffer portion being different from each other.

[0009] The width of the buffer section can be greater than the width of the second insulated flow path.

[0010] The width of the buffer section can be greater than the width of the first insulated flow path.

[0011] Each of the first insulating flow path and the second insulating flow path may have a linear shape.

[0012] The first insulating flow path may extend in the first direction, and the second insulating flow path may extend in the second direction.

[0013] The width of the inlet can be greater than the width of the first insulated flow path.

[0014] The width of the buffer section can be greater than the width of the inlet.

[0015] The length of the second insulating flow path can be 5 mm or greater.

[0016] The spacer may include a first groove sidewall and a second groove sidewall that define the buffer portion and face each other, each of the first groove sidewall and the second groove sidewall may have a circular shape, and the radius of curvature of the second groove sidewall may be greater than the radius of curvature of the first groove sidewall.

[0017] The radius of curvature of the second trench sidewall can be variable.

[0018] The spacer may include a first groove sidewall and a second groove sidewall that define the buffer portion and face each other, each of the first groove sidewall and the second groove sidewall may have a circular shape, and the radius of curvature of the first groove sidewall may be equal to the radius of curvature of the second groove sidewall.

[0019] The first insulating flow path may include a first portion extending in the first direction, a second portion extending in the second direction, and a corner portion connecting the first portion and the second portion, wherein the second insulating flow path may extend in the second direction.

[0020] The first insulating flow path may extend in the first direction, and the second insulating flow path may include a first portion extending in the first direction, a second portion extending in the second direction, and a corner portion connecting the first portion and the second portion.

[0021] Beneficial effects

[0022] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the insulating flow path of the spacer includes a buffer section, thereby reducing the pressure of the insulating slurry discharged through the insulating flow path and improving the reliability of the coating process.

[0023] The effects achievable from the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other effects not described herein will be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. In other words, unforeseen effects achieved when implementing the embodiments of this disclosure can be derived by those skilled in the art from the embodiments of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the mold coating machine according to the embodiment.

[0026] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view used to describe a mold coating machine according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 4 Diagram Figure 3 Part of it.

[0028] Figure 5 Diagram Figure 3 Part of it.

[0029] Figure 6 Diagram Figure 3 Part of it.

[0030] Figure 7 This is a plan view of a portion of the spacer according to an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 8 It is along Figure 7 The cross-sectional view taken from line 7I-7I'.

[0032] Figure 9 It is along Figure 7 The cross-sectional view taken from line 7II-7II'.

[0033] Figure 10 It is along Figure 7 The cross-sectional view taken from line 7III-7III'.

[0034] Figure 11 It is along Figure 7 The cross-sectional view taken from line 7IV-7IV'.

[0035] Figure 12 This is a plan view of a portion of the spacer according to an embodiment.

[0036] Figure 13 This is a plan view of a portion of the spacer according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0037] In the following, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before describing embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms or expressions used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their common understanding or as defined in a general dictionary, but should be understood according to the meanings and concepts corresponding to the present disclosure, based on the principle that the inventors of this application can appropriately define the terms or expressions in order to best interpret the present disclosure.

[0038] Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the structures illustrated in the accompanying drawings are merely examples of this disclosure and do not reflect all the technical ideas of this disclosure. It should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace this structure may exist as of the filing date of this application.

[0039] Where it is determined that a known construct or function related to the description of this disclosure may obscure the subject matter of this disclosure due to unnecessary detail, it will not be described in detail.

[0040] Because the embodiments of this disclosure are provided to more fully explain the disclosure to those skilled in the art, the shapes, dimensions, etc., of the components illustrated in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted for clarity. Therefore, it should not be construed that the dimensions or proportions of the components fully reflect their actual dimensions or proportions.

[0041] (First Implementation)

[0042] Figure 1 The illustration shows a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 10 may include a die coater 100 and a roller 200. The die coater 100 may be configured to discharge coating material. The portion of the die coater 100 that discharges coating material may be referred to as a lip 100L. According to one embodiment, the die coater 100 may be configured to apply coating material to a current collector SB. The coating material may include an electrode paste and an insulating paste. The die coater 100 may be configured to simultaneously provide both electrode paste and insulating paste to the current collector SB.

[0044] Electrode slurries are used to manufacture electrodes for secondary batteries. Electrode slurries can include electrode active materials, conductive agents, binders, and solvents. Electrode slurries are prepared by dissolving the electrode active materials, conductive agents, binders, etc., in a solvent. The solvent disperses the electrode active materials, etc. The solvent can be an aqueous or non-aqueous solvent. Solvents can include dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), isopropyl alcohol, N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), acetone, water, or mixtures thereof. The amount of solvent used can be determined based on the target viscosity of the electrode slurry. Parameters determining the amount of solvent used include the applied thickness of the electrode slurry, manufacturing yield, and processability.

[0045] Positive electrode active materials are materials that can induce electrochemical reactions. Positive electrode active materials can be lithium transition metal oxides. For example, positive electrode active materials can include: layered compounds substituted with one or more transition metals, such as lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) or lithium nickel oxide (LiNiO2); lithium manganese oxides substituted with one or more transition metals; and compounds with the chemical formula LiNi... 1-y M y O2 represents lithium nickel-based oxides (where M is Co, Mn, Al, Cu, Fe, Mg, B, Cr, Zn, or Ga, and 0.01 ≤ y ≤ 0.7); derived from the chemical formula Li 1+z Ni b Mn c Co 1-(b+c+d) M d O (2-e) A e Lithium-nickel-cobalt-manganese composite oxides, such as Li 1+ z Ni 1 / 3 Co 1 / 3 Mn 1 / 3 O2 or Li 1+z Ni 0.4 Mn 0.4 Co 0.2 O2 (where -0.5≤z≤0.5, 0.1≤b≤0.8, 0.1≤c≤0.8, 0≤d≤0.2, 0≤e≤0.2, b+c+d<1, M is Al, Mg, Cr, Ti, Si or Y, and A is F, P or Cl); or by chemical formula Li 1+x M 1-y M' y PO 4-z X zThe represented olivine-based lithium metal phosphate (where M is a transition metal and more specifically Fe, Mn, Co or Ni; M' is Al, Mg or Ti; X is F, S or N; -0.5 ≤ x ≤ +0.5, 0 ≤ y ≤ 0.5, and 0 ≤ z ≤ 0.1).

[0046] The negative electrode active material may include, for example, carbon, such as non-graphite-based carbon or graphite-based carbon. The negative electrode active material may include, for example, metal composite oxides, such as Li x Fe2O3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1), LixWO2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) or Sn x Me 1-x Me' y O z (where Me is Mn, Fe, Pb or Ge, Me' is Al, B, P, Si, an element of Group 1, Group 2 or Group 3 in the periodic table or a halogen, 0 < x ≤ 1, 1 ≤ y ≤ 3, and 1 ≤ z ≤ 8). The negative electrode active material may include, for example, lithium metal, a lithium alloy, a silicon-based alloy or a tin-based alloy. The negative electrode active material may include, for example, metal oxides, such as SnO, SnO2, PbO, PbO2, Pb2O3, Pb3O4, Sb2O3, Sb2O4, Sb2O5, GeO, GeO2, Bi2O3, Bi2O4 or Bi2O5. For example, the negative electrode active material may include, for example, a conductive polymer, such as polyacetylene, a Li-Co-Ni-based material, etc.

[0047] The conductive agent may have conductivity without causing a chemical change in the finally manufactured secondary battery. For example, the conductive agent may include: graphite, such as natural graphite or artificial graphite; carbon black, such as acetylene black, Ketjen black, channel black, furnace black, lamp black or thermal black; conductive fibers, such as carbon fibers or metal fibers; metal powders, such as carbon fluoride, aluminum powder or nickel powder; conductive whiskers, such as zinc oxide or potassium titanate; conductive metal oxides, such as titanium oxide; polyphenylene derivatives, etc.

[0048] The binder can enhance the binding force between the active material and the conductive agent and the binding force relative to the electrode plate. The binder may include, for example, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinyl alcohol, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), starch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, regenerated cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, tetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), sulfonated EPDM, styrene-butene rubber, fluororubber, various copolymers, etc.

[0049] The thickness of the positive electrode current collector can range from approximately 3 μm to approximately 500 μm. The positive electrode current collector can have high conductivity without causing chemical changes in the final manufactured secondary battery. The positive electrode current collector can include, for example, stainless steel, nickel, titanium, calcined carbon, or aluminum. It can also include stainless steel surface-treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, etc. The surface of the positive electrode current collector can include a finely textured surface to increase the adhesion of the active material. The positive electrode current collector can be in the form of a film, sheet, foil, mesh, porous body, foam, or nonwoven fabric.

[0050] The thickness of the negative electrode current collector can range from approximately 3 μm to approximately 500 μm. The negative electrode current collector can have high conductivity without causing chemical changes in the final manufactured secondary battery. The negative electrode current collector can include copper, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, calcined carbon, or aluminum-cadmium alloys. It can also include stainless steel surface-treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, etc. The surface of the negative electrode current collector can include a finely textured surface to increase the adhesion of the active material. The negative electrode current collector can be in the form of a film, sheet, foil, mesh, porous body, foam, or nonwoven fabric.

[0051] (Second Implementation)

[0052] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the mold coating machine 100 according to the embodiment.

[0053] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view used to describe the mold coating machine 100 according to an embodiment. Figure 3 The second mold 120 is omitted in the text.

[0054] Figure 4 Diagram Figure 3 Part of POR1.

[0055] Figure 5 Diagram Figure 3 A portion of POR2.

[0056] Figure 6 Diagram Figure 3 A portion of POR3.

[0057] Reference Figures 2 to 6 The mold coating machine 100 may include a first mold 110, a second mold 120, a shim 130, a shim fixing device 141, and a shim fixing pin 143.

[0058] In the following description, the technical concept of this disclosure will be described with respect to embodiments in which the first mold 110 and the second mold 120 are separate elements as described above. Based on the description herein, those skilled in the art will be able to readily deduce embodiments in which the first mold 110 and the second mold 120 are integrated to form an integral mold.

[0059] The first mold 110 may include a manifold 111 and an electrode slurry supply path connected to the manifold 111. Electrode slurry can flow into the manifold 111 through the electrode slurry supply path. The manifold 111 may be an empty space configured to receive the electrode slurry. After the manifold 111 is filled with electrode slurry, the electrode slurry can be discharged to the outside of the mold coating machine 100. The electrode slurry can be discharged from the manifold 111 to the outside through a slit defined by the gasket 130 and the platform portion 113.

[0060] Manifold 111 may have a well shape at a certain depth from platform portion 113. Manifold 111 may include an inclined surface so that electrode slurry can be stably discharged from mold coating machine 100.

[0061] The gasket 130 can be inserted between the first mold 110 and the second mold 120. The first mold 110 can contact the lower surface of the gasket 130. The second mold 120 can contact the upper surface of the gasket 130. The gasket 130 may include a main gasket 131 and spacers 133, 135 and 137.

[0062] The main body gasket 131 may include a main body 131B and a wing 131W. The main body 131B may extend in the Y-axis direction. The main body 131B may be a plate whose width in the X-axis direction is less than its length in the Y-axis direction. Here, the X-axis direction may be the direction in which the electrode slurry is discharged, and the Y-axis direction may be substantially perpendicular to the X-axis direction. The main body gasket 131 may be substantially parallel to each of the X-axis and Y-axis directions, and substantially perpendicular to the Z-axis direction. The wing 131W may be connected to the end of the main body 131B in the Y-axis direction. The wing 131W may protrude from the main body 131B in the X-axis direction.

[0063] The body 131B may include a plurality of recesses 131G. Each of the plurality of recesses 131G may be located in the side of the body 131B adjacent to the manifold 111 (e.g., the side of the body 131B that overlaps with the manifold 111) on the side parallel to the Y-axis of the body 131B. Each of the plurality of recesses 131G may be recessed inward from the side of the body 131B parallel to the Y-axis.

[0064] Multiple recesses 131G may correspond to spacers 133, 135, and 137. Multiple recesses 131G may expose a portion of the first mold 110. Each of the spacers 133, 135, and 137 may be partially inserted into a corresponding recess 131G. Multiple spacers 133, 135, and 137 may be secured to the portion of the first mold 110 exposed via the multiple recesses 131G by means such as bolts.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the width of each of the plurality of grooves 131G in the Y-axis direction may differ from the width of a corresponding spacer 133, 135, and 137 in the Y-axis direction. Alternatively, the width of each of the plurality of grooves 131G in the Y-axis direction may be greater than the width of a corresponding spacer 133, 135, and 137 in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the plurality of grooves 131G not only guides the connection of spacers 133, 135, and 137, but also provides a degree of freedom for spacers 133, 135, and 137 in the Y-axis direction, allowing for precise adjustment of the positions of spacers 133, 135, and 137 in the Y-axis direction.

[0066] Spacers 133, 135, and 137 can be inserted between wings 131W in the Y-axis direction. Spacers 133, 135, and 137 can overlap with wings 131W in the Y-axis direction.

[0067] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 According to one embodiment, spacer 133 may be adjacent to the edge of spacer 130 in the Y-axis direction. According to one embodiment, spacer 133 may be adjacent to wing 131W. According to one embodiment, spacer 133 may contact wing 131W, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. Each of the spacers 133 may be referred to as an edge spacer or a first spacer.

[0068] Each of the spacers 133 may include an insulating flow path 133F. The first mold 110 may be connected to an insulating slurry supply line, and insulating slurry flowing through a path in the first mold 110 may be introduced into the insulating flow path 133F. The insulating flow path 133F provides a path for the flow of the insulating slurry. Here, the insulating slurry may be a material having both insulating properties and flowability.

[0069] Insulating grout can be supplied to current collector SB via insulating flow path 133F (see) Figure 1The electrode paste can be provided on the manifold 111, and thus can provide an insulating paste to cover the edges of the electrode paste discharged from the portion between spacer 133 and spacer 137. According to an embodiment, the insulating paste can cover the edges of the electrode paste, thereby improving the edge profile of the electrode paste and the yield and reliability of the secondary battery manufacturing process. Each of the spacer 133 can be matched with a slit for discharging the electrode paste, and thus can include an insulating flow path 133F.

[0070] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 4 According to one embodiment, spacer 135 may be located at the center portion of spacer 130 in the Y-axis direction. According to one embodiment, spacer 135 may be inserted between spacer 133. Spacer 135 may be referred to as center spacer or second spacer.

[0071] The spacer 135 may include a first insulating flow path 135F1 and a second insulating flow path 135F2. The first insulating flow path 135F1 and the second insulating flow path 135F2 can provide paths for the flow of insulating slurry. Insulating slurry can be supplied to the current collector SB (see [link to previous section]) via the first insulating flow path 135F1 and the second insulating flow path 135F2. Figure 1 The spacer 135 can be fitted with two slits for discharging the electrode paste, and thus can provide insulating slurry to cover the edges of the electrode paste discharged from the portion of the manifold 111 between spacer 135 and spacer 137. Spacer 135 can be fitted with two slits for discharging the electrode paste, and thus can include two insulating flow paths 135F1 and 135F2.

[0072] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 5 According to an embodiment, spacer 137 can be inserted between spacer 133 and spacer 135. Each of spacer 137 can be referred to as an intermediate spacer or a third spacer.

[0073] Each of the spacers 137 may include a first insulating flow path 137F1 and a second insulating flow path 137F2. Insulating slurry can be introduced into the first insulating flow path 137F1 and the second insulating flow path 137F2. The first insulating flow path 137F1 and the second insulating flow path 137F2 provide paths for the flow of the insulating slurry. The insulating slurry can be supplied to the current collector SB (see [link to previous section]) via the first insulating flow path 137F1 and the second insulating flow path 137F2. Figure 1The manifold 111 may be provided with an insulating slurry to cover the edges of the electrode slurry draining from the portion of the manifold 111 between spacer 133 and spacer 137, and from the portion of the manifold 111 between spacer 135 and spacer 137. Each of the spacer 137 may be matched with two slits for draining the electrode slurry, and thus may include two insulating flow paths 137F1 and 137F2.

[0074] Spacers 133, 135, and 137 may partially cover manifold 111. Spacers 133, 135, and 137 may overlap manifold 111 in the Z-axis direction. Figure 3 In the middle, spacers 133, 135 and 137 can divide manifold 111 into four regions, so the mold coating machine 100 can be configured to simultaneously form four coating passes by performing a coating process.

[0075] Based on the description herein, those skilled in the art will be able to readily derive mold coating machines configured to form various numbers of coating lanes (e.g., one, two, eight, sixteen, or thirty-two coating lanes). For example, a mold coating machine configured to form eight coating lanes may include spacers comprising two edge spacers, one center spacer, and six intermediate spacers.

[0076] Reference Figures 2 to 5 The gasket fixing device 141 and the gasket fixing pin 143 can be partially inserted into the platform portion 113 of the first mold 110. The gasket fixing device 141 and the gasket fixing pin 143 can be configured to fix the spacer 133 to the platform portion 113 of the first mold 110.

[0077] The gasket retaining device 141 may be, for example, a bolt, but is not limited thereto. The gasket retaining pin 143 may be, for example, a double-ended pin. Thus, in addition to the first mold 110, the gasket retaining pin 143 may also be configured to secure the second mold 120 to the gasket 130. Each of the spacer gaskets 133, 135, and 137 may include a fastening hole corresponding to the gasket retaining device 141 and the gasket retaining pin 143 (i.e., a fastening hole in which the gasket retaining device 141 and the gasket retaining pin 143 are inserted and penetrated).

[0078] Figure 7 This is a plan view of a portion of the spacer 133 according to the embodiment.

[0079] Figure 8 It is along Figure 7 The cross-sectional view taken from line 7I-7I'.

[0080] Figure 9 It is along Figure 7The cross-sectional view taken from line 7II-7II'.

[0081] Figure 10 It is along Figure 7 The cross-sectional view taken from line 7III-7III'.

[0082] Figure 11 It is along Figure 7 The cross-sectional view taken from line 7IV-7IV'.

[0083] Reference Figures 7 to 11 Spacer 133 can define an insulating flow path 133F (see Figure 4 The spacer 133 may include a trench base 133B and a first trench sidewall 133S1 and a second trench sidewall 133S2. The trench base 133B may be substantially perpendicular to the Z-axis direction. The first trench sidewall 133S1 and the second trench sidewall 133S2 may be substantially perpendicular to the trench base 133B, but the implementation is not limited thereto. Insulating flow path 133F (see...) Figure 4 It can consist of a trench base 133B, a first trench sidewall 133S1, a second trench sidewall 133S2, and a second mold 120 (see...). Figure 2 The space surrounding it.

[0084] Insulated flow path 133F (see) Figure 4 It may include an inlet 133I, a first insulated flow path 133F1, a buffer section 133BF, and a second insulated flow path 133F2. Insulated flow path 133F (see...) Figure 4 It can provide a path for discharging insulating slurry.

[0085] The first insulating flow path 133F1 may be linear. The first insulating flow path 133F1 may extend in the Y-axis direction. The first insulating flow path 133F1 may connect the inlet 133I and the buffer section 133BF.

[0086] The buffer section 133BF can be connected to each of the first insulating flow path 133F1 and the second insulating flow path 133F2. The buffer section 133BF can be inserted between the first insulating flow path 133F1 and the second insulating flow path 133F2.

[0087] The second insulating flow path 133F2 may be linear. The second insulating flow path 133F2 may extend in the X-axis direction. The second insulating flow path 133F2 may extend to the mold coating machine 100 (see...). Figure 1 ) lip margin 100L (see Figure 1 The insulating grout can be discharged through the second insulating flow path 133F2.

[0088] The inlet 133I has a circular shape, so the width W1 of the inlet 133I can be the maximum distance (e.g., the maximum distance in the X-axis direction) between the portions of the inlet 133I defined by the first trench sidewall 133S1 and the second trench sidewall 133S2.

[0089] The width W2 of the first insulating flow path 133F1 can be the distance (e.g., the distance in the X-axis direction) between the portions of the first trench sidewall 133S1 and the second trench sidewall 133S2 that define the first insulating flow path 133F1.

[0090] The width W4 of the second insulating flow path 133F2 can be the distance (e.g., the distance in the Y-axis direction) between the portions of the first trench sidewall 133S1 and the second trench sidewall 133S2 defining the second insulating flow path 133F2. The length of the second insulating flow path 133F2 (e.g., the length of the second insulating flow path 133F2 in the X-axis direction) can be approximately 5 mm or greater. For example, the length of the second insulating flow path 133F2 (e.g., the length of the second insulating flow path 133F2 in the X-axis direction) can be 50 mm or less. Experimental examples show that when the length of the second insulating flow path 133F2 is 5 mm or greater, the insulating slurry is stably supplied regardless of changes in the flow area between the buffer portion 133BF and the second insulating flow path 133F2.

[0091] The portion of the buffer section 133BF defined by the first trench sidewall 133S1 and the second trench sidewall 133S2 can have a circular shape. The width W3 of the buffer section 133BF can be defined by the orthogonal projection of the normal of the first trench sidewall 133S1 onto the second trench sidewall 133S2. More specifically, when a point on the portion of the buffer section 133BF defined by the first trench sidewall 133S1 is defined as a first point and the point orthogonally projected by the normal of the first trench sidewall 133S1 onto the second trench sidewall 133S2 is defined as a second point, the width W3 of the buffer section 133BF can be the distance between the first point and the second point.

[0092] The width W2 of the first insulating flow path 133F1 and the width W4 of the second insulating flow path 133F2 can be substantially the same, but the implementation is not limited to this. The width W2 of the first insulating flow path 133F1 and the width W4 of the second insulating flow path 133F2 can be different from each other.

[0093] The width W1 of inlet 133I may be different from the width W2 of the first insulated flow path 133F1 and the width W4 of the second insulated flow path 133F2. The width W1 of inlet 133I may be greater than the width W2 of the first insulated flow path 133F1 and the width W4 of the second insulated flow path 133F2.

[0094] The width W3 of the buffer section 133BF may differ from the width W2 of the first insulated flow path 133F1 and the width W4 of the second insulated flow path 133F2. The width W3 of the buffer section 133BF may be greater than the width W2 of the first insulated flow path 133F1 and the width W4 of the second insulated flow path 133F2. The width W3 of the buffer section 133BF may differ from the width W1 of the inlet 133I. The width W3 of the buffer section 133BF may be greater than the width W1 of the inlet 133I.

[0095] Return to reference Figures 3 to 6 Each of the spacers 133 is located on the edge portion of the die coater 100 and thus includes an insulating flow path 133F, while spacers 135 may include two insulating flow paths 135F1 and 135F2, and spacers 137 may include two insulating flow paths 137F1 and 137F2. According to an embodiment, the width W3 of the buffer portion 133BF is greater than the width W1 of the inlet 133I, the width W2 of the first insulating flow path 133F1, and the width W4 of the second insulating flow path 133F2, thus reducing the pressure of the insulating slurry discharged through the insulating flow path 133F. Therefore, the uniformity and reliability of the coating process can be improved.

[0096] Return to reference Figures 7 to 11 The radius of curvature of the portion defining the buffer portion 133BF of the first trench sidewall 133S1 may differ from the radius of curvature of the portion defining the buffer portion 133BF of the second trench sidewall 133S2. According to an embodiment, the radius of curvature of the portion defining the buffer portion 133BF of the second trench sidewall 133S2 may be greater than the radius of curvature of the portion defining the buffer portion 133BF of the first trench sidewall 133S1. The radius of curvature of the second trench sidewall 133S2 may be variable.

[0097] According to the embodiment, the buffer portion 133BF may be biased toward the second trench sidewall 133S2 instead of the first trench sidewall 133S1. That is, in this example, the buffer portion 133BF may be an extended corner portion connecting the first insulating flow path 133F1 and the second insulating flow path 133F2. The portion of the first trench sidewall 133S1 defining the buffer portion 133BF may have a circular shape that smoothly connects the first insulating flow path 133F1 and the second insulating flow path 133F2. An example of a circular shape that smoothly connects the first insulating flow path 133F1 and the second insulating flow path 133F2 is a portion of a circle (i.e., an arc).

[0098] The portion of the defined buffer section 133BF of the second trench sidewall 133S2 can be further spaced apart from the first trench sidewall 133S1 relative to the circular virtual sidewall VSW that smoothly connects the first insulating flow path 133F1 and the second insulating flow path 133F2. Therefore, the buffer section 133BF can be effectively filled with insulating slurry flowing along the first insulating flow path 133F1, and the pressure of the insulating slurry can be reduced.

[0099] (Third Implementation)

[0100] Figure 12 This is a plan view of a portion of the spacer 133' according to the embodiment.

[0101] According to an embodiment, the spacer 133' may define an insulating flow path 133F'. The spacer 133' may include a trench base 133B' and a first trench sidewall 133S1' and a second trench sidewall 133S2'. The trench base 133B' may be substantially perpendicular to the Z-axis direction. The first trench sidewall 133S1' and the second trench sidewall 133S2' may be substantially perpendicular to the trench base 133B', but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The insulating flow path 133F' may be composed of the trench base 133B', the first trench sidewall 133S1' and the second trench sidewall 133S2', and the second mold 120 (see...). Figure 2 The space surrounding it.

[0102] The insulating flow path 133F' may include an inlet 133I', a first insulating flow path 133F1', a buffer section 133BF', and a second insulating flow path 133F2'. The insulating flow path 133F' provides a path for discharging the insulating slurry. The inlet 133I' may be connected to... Figure 7 The entry point is the same as 133I.

[0103] The first insulating flow path 133F1' may have a linear shape. The first insulating flow path 133F1' may extend in the Y-axis direction. The first insulating flow path 133F1' may connect the inlet 133I' and the buffer section 133BF'.

[0104] The buffer section 133BF' can be connected to each of the first insulated flow path 133F1' and the second insulated flow path 133F2'. The buffer section 133BF' can be inserted between the first insulated flow path 133F1' and the second insulated flow path 133F2'.

[0105] In this example, the portions defining the buffer portion 133BF' of the first trench sidewall 133S1' and the second trench sidewall 133S2' can be symmetrical. Therefore, the radius of curvature of the portion defining the buffer portion 133BF' of the first trench sidewall 133S1' can be substantially the same as the radius of curvature of the portion defining the buffer portion 133BF' of the second trench sidewall 133S2'.

[0106] The second insulating flow path 133F2' may include a first portion extending in the Y-axis direction, a second portion extending in the X-axis direction, and a corner portion between the first portion and the second portion. The second insulating flow path 133F2' may extend to the mold coating machine 100 (see...). Figure 1 ) lip margin 100L (see Figure 1 The insulating grout can be discharged through the second insulating flow path 133F2'.

[0107] (Fourth Implementation)

[0108] Figure 13 This is a plan view of a portion of the spacer 133'' according to the embodiment.

[0109] According to an embodiment, the spacer 133'' may define an insulating flow path 133F''. The spacer 133'' may include a trench base 133B'' and a first trench sidewall 133S1'' and a second trench sidewall 133S2''. The trench base 133B'' may be substantially perpendicular to the Z-axis direction. The first trench sidewall 133S1'' and the second trench sidewall 133S2'' may be substantially perpendicular to the trench base 133B'', but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The insulating flow path 133F'' may be composed of the trench base 133B'', the first trench sidewall 133S1'' and the second trench sidewall 133S2'', and the second mold 120 (see Figure 2 The space surrounding it.

[0110] The insulating flow path 133F'' may include an inlet 133I'', a first insulating flow path 133F1'', a buffer section 133BF'', and a second insulating flow path 133F2''. The insulating flow path 133F'' provides a path for discharging the insulating slurry. The inlet 133I'' can be connected to... Figure 7 The entry point is the same as 133I.

[0111] The first insulated flow path 133F1'' may include a first portion extending in the Y-axis direction, a second portion extending in the X-axis direction, and a corner portion between the first portion and the second portion. The first insulated flow path 133F1'' may connect the inlet 133I'' and the buffer section 133BF''.

[0112] The buffer section 133BF'' can be connected to each of the first insulated flow path 133F1'' and the second insulated flow path 133F2''. The buffer section 133BF'' can be inserted between the first insulated flow path 133F1'' and the second insulated flow path 133F2''.

[0113] In this example, the portions defining the buffer portion 133BF'' of the first trench sidewall 133S1'' and the second trench sidewall 133S2'' can be symmetrical. Therefore, the radius of curvature of the portion defining the buffer portion 133BF'' of the first trench sidewall 133S1'' can be substantially the same as the radius of curvature of the portion defining the buffer portion 133BF'' of the second trench sidewall 133S2''.

[0114] The second insulating flow path 133F2'' can be linear. The second insulating flow path 133F2'' can extend in the Y-axis direction. The second insulating flow path 133F2'' can extend to the mold coating machine 100 (see...). Figure 1 ) lip margin 100L (see Figure 1 The insulating grout can be discharged through the second insulating flow path 133F2''. In this embodiment, the length of the second insulating flow path 133F2'' (e.g., the length of the second insulating flow path 133F2'' in the X-axis direction) can be approximately 5 mm or greater.

[0115] The present disclosure has been described in more detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. However, the structures illustrated in the drawings or the embodiments described in this specification are merely examples of the present disclosure and do not reflect all the technical ideas of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace the structures may exist as of the filing date of this application.

Claims

1. A mold coating machine, comprising: The first mold with a manifold; as well as The gasket connected to the first mold, The gasket includes a body extending in a first direction and a spacer gasket extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and dividing the manifold. The spacer defines an insulating flow path for discharging the insulating slurry. The insulating flow path includes an inlet, a first insulating flow path connected to the inlet, a buffer section connected to the first insulating flow path, and a second insulating flow path connected to the buffer section. The width of the second insulating flow path and the width of the buffer section are different from each other.

2. The mold coating machine according to claim 1, wherein, The width of the buffer section is greater than the width of the second insulated flow path.

3. The mold coating machine according to claim 1, wherein, The width of the buffer section is greater than the width of the first insulated flow path.

4. The mold coating machine according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the first insulating flow path and the second insulating flow path has a linear shape.

5. The mold coating machine according to claim 1, wherein, The first insulating flow path extends in the first direction. The second insulating flow path extends in the second direction.

6. The mold coating machine according to claim 1, wherein, The width of the inlet is greater than the width of the first insulated flow path.

7. The mold coating machine according to claim 6, wherein, The width of the buffer section is greater than the width of the inlet.

8. The mold coating machine according to claim 1, wherein, The length of the second insulating flow path is 5 mm or greater.

9. The mold coating machine according to claim 1, wherein, The spacer includes a first groove sidewall and a second groove sidewall that define the buffer portion and face each other. Each of the first trench sidewall and the second trench sidewall has a circular shape. The radius of curvature of the second trench sidewall is greater than that of the first trench sidewall.

10. The mold coating machine according to claim 9, wherein, The radius of curvature of the second trench sidewall is variable.

11. The mold coating machine according to claim 1, wherein, The spacer includes a first groove sidewall and a second groove sidewall that define the buffer portion and face each other. Each of the first trench sidewall and the second trench sidewall has a circular shape. The radius of curvature of the first trench sidewall is equal to the radius of curvature of the second trench sidewall.

12. The mold coating machine according to claim 1, wherein, The first insulating flow path includes a first portion extending in the first direction, a second portion extending in the second direction, and a corner portion connecting the first portion and the second portion. The second insulating flow path extends in the second direction.

13. The mold coating machine according to claim 1, wherein, The first insulating flow path extends in the first direction. The second insulating flow path includes a first portion extending in the first direction, a second portion extending in the second direction, and a corner portion connecting the first portion and the second portion.

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