Coating apparatus and electrode manufacturing apparatus

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a coating apparatus for manufacturing an electrode for a secondary battery and an electrode manufacturing apparatus, and the problem to be solved is to suppress a bulging phenomenon in an overlapping portion in which a composite slurry layer and an insulating slurry layer overlap, and also to reduce a width dispersion of the overlapping portion. In an embodiment, a coating apparatus configured to coat a first slurry and a second slurry on an electrode sheet conveyed in one direction is provided, the coating apparatus including a first die, a second die disposed to face the first die, and a spacer interposed between the first die and the second die and including a first discharge portion configured to discharge the first slurry and a second discharge portion located at least one side of the first discharge portion in a width direction of the electrode sheet and configured to discharge the second slurry, wherein the first discharge portion has a width greater at a distal end than at a non-distal end.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to coating equipment and electrode manufacturing equipment for manufacturing electrodes for secondary batteries. Background Technology

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, which cannot be recharged, secondary batteries are batteries that can be charged and discharged. Low-capacity secondary batteries are used in small portable electronic devices such as smartphones, feature phones, laptops, digital cameras, and camcorders, while high-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as power sources for motors in hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, and other applications, as well as for energy storage. Such secondary batteries include electrodes containing positive and / or negative electrodes, electrode assemblies including the electrodes, a housing containing the electrode assemblies, and electrode terminals connected to the electrode assemblies.

[0003] With technological advancements, there is a need for high-capacity rechargeable batteries. Therefore, multiple rechargeable batteries can be electrically connected and used. For example, rechargeable batteries can be applied to electronic devices in the form of rechargeable battery modules comprising multiple rechargeable batteries and / or rechargeable battery packs comprising multiple rechargeable battery modules. In some embodiments, rechargeable battery packs can be formed using multiple rechargeable batteries. In this case, the electronic device requires high output and / or high capacity and includes, for example, electric vehicles.

[0004] Secondary batteries typically include stacked electrode assemblies in which positive electrodes, separators, and negative electrodes are alternately stacked. A positive electrode is manufactured by coating a positive electrode composite slurry containing positive electrode active materials onto a positive electrode substrate, followed by drying and rolling. A negative electrode is manufactured by coating a negative electrode composite slurry containing negative electrode active materials onto a negative electrode substrate, followed by drying and rolling.

[0005] The information described herein, disclosed in the background section of this disclosure, is intended only to enhance the understanding of the background of this disclosure and may therefore include information that does not constitute related technology. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure aims to provide coating equipment and electrode manufacturing equipment for manufacturing electrodes for secondary batteries, which can suppress bulging in the overlapping portion of the composite slurry layer and the insulating slurry layer, and reduce the width dispersion of the overlapping portion.

[0007] However, the technical problems to be solved by this disclosure are not limited to those described herein, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other problems not described from the description of this disclosure.

[0008] According to an aspect of this disclosure, a coating apparatus is provided configured to coat a first slurry and a second slurry onto an electrode sheet conveyed in one direction. The coating apparatus includes a first mold, a second mold, and a spacer. The second mold faces the first mold. The spacer is inserted between the first mold and the second mold and includes a first discharge portion and a second discharge portion. The first discharge portion is configured to discharge the first slurry. The second discharge portion is located on at least one side of the first discharge portion in the width direction of the electrode sheet and is configured to discharge the second slurry. The first discharge portion may have a distal width that is larger than the width of the non-distal end.

[0009] According to an embodiment example, the separator may include a spacer portion disposed between the first and second emission portions, and the spacer portion may have a first-sized width at its non-distal end and a second-sized width at its distal end that is smaller than the first-sized width. In this case, the spacer portion may include a chamfered shape in the direction from the first emission portion toward the second emission portion. For example, the first size may range from 1 mm to 3 mm, and the second size may range from 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm.

[0010] According to an embodiment example, the first slurry may include a composite slurry, and the second slurry may include an insulating slurry. In this case, the insulating slurry layer formed by the insulating slurry may overlap the edge of the composite slurry layer formed by the composite slurry by a predetermined width. For example, the composite slurry layer and the insulating slurry layer may overlap in a width range of 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm.

[0011] According to an implementation example of the embodiment, the second emission portion may be located on both sides of the first emission portion in the width direction of the electrode sheet.

[0012] According to an embodiment example, the separator may include a flow path connecting the inlet where the second slurry is introduced to the second discharge portion. The flow path may include an inlet flow path portion, a connecting flow path portion, and a discharge flow path portion. The inlet flow path portion extends from the inlet with a first width, the connecting flow path portion extends from the inlet flow path portion and has a width decreasing from the first width to a second width, and the discharge flow path portion extends from the connecting flow path portion with a second width and communicates with the second discharge portion. In this case, the connecting flow path portion may be inclined at an angle of 40° to 70° relative to the discharge surface of the second discharge portion.

[0013] According to an implementation example of the embodiment, the second mold may include a cavity into which a first slurry is introduced and filled, and a first discharge portion may communicate with the cavity.

[0014] According to an aspect of this disclosure, a coating apparatus is provided, configured to simultaneously coat a composite slurry and an insulating slurry onto an electrode sheet conveyed in one direction. The coating apparatus includes an upper mold, a lower mold, and a spacer, the lower mold being positioned facing the upper mold, the spacer being inserted between the upper and lower molds and including a composite material discharge port and an insulator discharge port. The composite material discharge port is configured to discharge the composite slurry, and the insulator discharge port is disposed on at least one side of the composite material discharge port to discharge the insulating slurry. The composite material discharge port includes a chamfered shape such that the width at the distal end is greater than the width at the non-distal end.

[0015] According to an embodiment example, the separator may include a spacer portion disposed between the composite material outlet and the insulator outlet, and the spacer portion may have a first-sized width at its non-distal end and a second-sized width at its distal end that is smaller than the first-sized width. In this case, a chamfered shape may be formed by chamfering the spacer portion from the composite material outlet toward the insulator outlet. For example, the first size may range from 1 mm to 3 mm, and the second size may range from 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm.

[0016] According to an implementation example, the insulating grout layer formed from the insulating grout can overlap the edge of the composite grout layer formed from the composite grout by a predetermined width. For example, the composite grout layer and the insulating grout layer can overlap within a width range of 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm.

[0017] According to an implementation example of the embodiment, the insulator discharge port can be located on both sides of the composite material discharge port.

[0018] According to an implementation example of the embodiment, the separator may include a flow path connecting an inlet where insulating slurry is introduced and an insulator discharge port. The flow path may include an inlet flow path portion, a connecting flow path portion, and a discharge flow path portion. The inlet flow path portion extends from the inlet with a first width, the connecting flow path portion extends from the inlet flow path portion and has a width that decreases from the first width to a second width, and the discharge flow path portion extends from the connecting flow path portion with a second width and communicates with the insulator discharge port.

[0019] According to an aspect of this disclosure, an electrode manufacturing apparatus is provided, including a coating apparatus, a drying apparatus, and a rolling apparatus. The coating apparatus is configured to simultaneously coat an electrode sheet with a composite slurry and an insulating slurry to form a first coating. The drying apparatus is configured to dry the first coating on the electrode sheet traveling from the coating apparatus in a first direction to form a second coating. The rolling apparatus is configured to press the electrode sheet on which the second coating is formed and to bond the second coating to the electrode sheet. The coating apparatus may include an upper mold, a lower mold, and a spacer. The lower mold is configured to face the upper mold. The spacer is inserted between the upper mold and the lower mold and includes a composite material discharge port and an insulator discharge port. The composite material discharge port is configured to discharge the composite slurry. The insulator discharge port is disposed on at least one side of the composite material discharge port to discharge the insulating slurry. The composite material discharge port may include a chamfered shape such that the width at the distal end is greater than the width at the non-distal end. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The following accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and further describe aspects and features of the disclosure together with the detailed description thereof. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a cylindrical secondary battery applicable to embodiments of this disclosure;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a prismatic secondary battery that can be applied to embodiments of this disclosure;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a pouch-type secondary battery applicable to embodiments of this disclosure;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a diagram schematically illustrating another example of a pouch-type secondary battery that can be applied to embodiments of this disclosure;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an electrode manufacturing apparatus;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of forming a composite paste layer and an insulating paste layer on an electrode sheet using a coating apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0027] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a coating apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0028] Figure 8 This is a schematic illustration of the view from the roller side. Figure 7 A diagram of the separator in the coating equipment;

[0029] Figure 9A It is shown schematically. Figure 7 A diagram of the upper surface of the separator in the middle;

[0030] Figure 9B yes Figure 9A An enlarged view of the X portion in the image; and

[0031] Figure 9C yes Figure 9A An enlarged view of the Y-section in the image. Detailed Implementation

[0032] In the following, exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, the terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their general or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical spirit of this disclosure, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of the terms in order to best describe his / her disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely some of the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure and do not represent all the technical ideas of this disclosure, and various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of submission.

[0033] Furthermore, when used herein, the terms “comprising” or “including” and / or “including…” or “containing…” specify the presence of the stated shape, number, step, operation, component, element and / or group thereof, and are not intended to exclude the presence or addition of one or more other shapes, numbers, operations, components, elements and / or groups thereof.

[0034] Additionally, to aid in understanding this disclosure, the drawings are not drawn to scale, and the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated. Furthermore, the same reference numerals may be assigned to the same components in different embodiments.

[0035] The statement that two objects used for comparison are “equal” means “substantially identical.” Therefore, substantially identical can include deviations considered low in the art, such as less than 5%. Furthermore, uniformity of parameters over a given region can mean uniformity from an average perspective.

[0036] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise specifically stated, it should be understood that a first component can also be a second component.

[0037] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise specified, each element may be singular or plural.

[0038] When any component is positioned "above (or below)" or "above (or below)" the first component, this can mean not only that the arbitrary component is positioned to contact the top (or bottom) of the first component, but also that the second component can be inserted between the first component and the arbitrary component positioned above (or below) the first component.

[0039] Additionally, when a component is described as “connected to”, “combined to”, or “linked to” another component, these components may be directly connected, combined, or linked to each other. However, it should be understood that another component may be “inserted” between these components, or these components may be “connected,” “combined,” or “linked” through another component.

[0040] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of this disclosure, the use of “may” means “one or more embodiments of this disclosure.” Expressions such as “one or more” and “at least one” preceding the list of components modify the entire list of components, but not individual components within the list.

[0041] Throughout this specification, “A and / or B” means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated to the contrary. That is, “and / or” includes any or all combinations of the listed items. When “C to D” is stated, it means greater than or equal to C and less than or equal to D, unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0042] When a list of elements A, B, and C is specified using phrases such as “at least one of A, B, and C”, “at least one of A, B, or C”, “at least one of the group selected from A, B, and C”, or “at least one of A, B, and C”, these phrases may refer to any and all suitable combinations.

[0043] The term “use” may be considered synonymous with the term “utilize”. As used in this specification, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and other similar terms are used as approximations rather than terms of degree and are intended to take into account the inherent variations in measured or calculated values ​​as recognized by those skilled in the art.

[0044] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another element, component, region, layer, or portion. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer, or portion discussed herein may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or portion without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0045] For ease of description, spatial relation terms such as “below,” “under,” “lower,” “above,” and “upper” are used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another element or feature as shown in the figure. It should be understood that, in addition to the orientation shown in the figure, spatial relation terms are also intended to cover different orientations of the device during use or operation. For example, when an element or feature in the figure is flipped, an element described as “lower” or “under” becomes “upper” or “above.”

[0046] The terminology used in this specification is intended to describe embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0047] Typically, coating equipment known as a slot die is used for composite slurry coating. In a slot die, the composite slurry coating process is performed by dispensing a composite slurry onto a sheet of electrode substrate (hereinafter referred to as an "electrode sheet") that is conveyed in one direction by rollers. Coating methods include strip coating methods in which the composite slurry is continuously dispensed and coated in the longitudinal direction of the electrode sheet, and pattern coating methods in which the composite slurry is intermittently dispensed and coated.

[0048] The edges of the composite slurry layer formed by the strip coating method can be additionally coated with an insulating slurry containing insulating material. The insulating slurry layer can reduce dispersion caused by fluctuations in the coating width during composite slurry coating and can prevent short circuits between the negative electrode composite material and the positive electrode substrate during battery assembly. For this purpose, the insulating slurry can be applied such that a portion of the insulating slurry layer overlaps with the edge of the composite slurry layer. The insulating slurry can be applied to the electrode sheet simultaneously with the composite slurry, or it can be applied sequentially after the composite slurry.

[0049] Figures 1 to 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a secondary battery that can be applied to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0050] Secondary battery 100

[0051] Secondary batteries 100 can be classified into cylindrical, prismatic, pouch-shaped, or coin-shaped secondary batteries according to their shape. Figures 1 to 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a secondary battery according to an embodiment, wherein... Figure 1 A cylindrical secondary battery is shown. Figure 2 A prism-shaped secondary battery is shown. Figure 3 and Figure 4 A pouch-type secondary battery is shown. (Reference) Figures 1 to 4The secondary battery 100 may include an electrode assembly 40 and a housing 50. The electrode assembly 40 has a positive electrode 10, a negative electrode 20, and a separator 30 inserted between the positive electrode 10 and the negative electrode 20. The electrode assembly 40 is housed within the housing 50. The positive electrode 10, the negative electrode 20, and the separator 30 may be impregnated with an electrolyte (not shown). The secondary battery 100 may include a sealing member 60 for sealing the housing 50, such as... Figure 1 As shown in the image. Additionally... Figure 2 The secondary battery 100 may include a positive electrode lead connector 11 and a positive electrode terminal 12, as well as a negative electrode lead connector 21 and a negative electrode terminal 22. For example... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the secondary battery 100 may include electrode terminals 70, namely positive electrode terminal 71 and negative electrode terminal 72, which serve as electrical paths for conducting current formed in the electrode assembly 40 to the outside.

[0052] Positive electrode active material

[0053] As the positive electrode active material, compounds capable of reversibly inserting and deintercalating lithium (lithiated intercalation compounds) can be used. Specifically, one or more composite oxides of lithium and metals selected from cobalt, manganese, nickel, and combinations thereof can be used.

[0054] The composite oxide can be a lithium transition metal composite oxide, and specific examples may include lithium nickel-based oxides, lithium cobalt-based oxides, lithium manganese-based oxides, lithium iron phosphate-based compounds, cobalt-free nickel manganese-based oxides, or combinations thereof.

[0055] For example, compounds represented by any of the chemical formulas in this article can be used: Li a A 1-b X b O 2-c D c (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 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, 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, 0<α<2); Li a Ni 1-b- c Mnb X c O 2-α D α (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.5, 0<α<2); Li a Ni b Co c L 1 d G e O2 (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.9, 0≤c≤0.5, 0≤d≤0.5, 0≤e≤0.1); Li a NiG b O2 (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a CoG b O2 (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a Mn 1-b G b O2 (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a Mn2G b O4 (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a Mn 1-g G g PO4 (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤g≤0.5); Li (3-f) Fe2(PO4)3 (0≤f≤2); and Li a FePO4 (0.90≤a≤1.8).

[0056] In the chemical formulas described herein, 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.

[0057] As an example, based on 100 mol% of metals other than lithium in a lithium transition metal composite oxide, the positive electrode active material can be a high-nickel-based positive electrode active material with a nickel content of 80 mol% or more, 85 mol% or more, 90 mol% or more, 91 mol% or more, or 94 mol% or more, and 99 mol% or less. High-nickel-based positive electrode active materials can achieve high capacity and therefore can be applied to high-capacity, high-density lithium secondary batteries.

[0058] Positive electrode 10

[0059] The positive electrode 10 for the secondary battery 100 may include a current collector (substrate) and a positive electrode active material layer (positive electrode composite layer) formed on the current collector. The positive electrode active material layer includes a positive electrode active material and may further include a binder and / or a conductive material. For example, the positive electrode may further include additives that can be used as a sacrificial positive electrode.

[0060] Based on a 100 wt% positive electrode active material layer, the content of the positive electrode active material can be from 90 wt% to 99.5 wt%, and based on a 100 wt% positive electrode active material layer, the content of each of the binder and conductive material can be from 0.5 wt% to 5 wt%.

[0061] The binder is used to ensure good adhesion between the particles constituting the positive electrode active material, and also to ensure good adhesion of the positive electrode active material to the current collector. Representative examples of binders may include, but are not limited to, polyvinyl alcohol, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, diacetyl cellulose, polyvinyl chloride, carboxylated polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl fluoride, polymers containing ethylene oxide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyethylene, polypropylene, styrene-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylated styrene-butadiene rubber, epoxy resin, (meth)acrylate resin, polyester resin, nylon, etc.

[0062] Conductive materials are used to impart conductivity to electrodes, and any material that does not cause chemical changes and is conductive can be used. Examples of conductive materials may include: carbon-based materials, such as natural graphite, artificial graphite, carbon black, acetylene black, Ketjen black, carbon fibers, carbon nanofibers, or carbon nanotubes; metal-based 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.

[0063] Al can be used as a current collector plate, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0064] Negative electrode active material

[0065] The negative electrode active material may include materials capable of reversibly inserting and deintercalating lithium ions, lithium metal, lithium and metal alloys, materials capable of doping and dedoping lithium, or transition metal oxides.

[0066] Materials capable of reversibly inserting / deintercalating lithium ions can be carbon-based negative electrode active materials, such as crystalline carbon, amorphous carbon, or combinations thereof. Examples of crystalline carbon may include graphite such as amorphous, plate-like, sheet-like, spherical, or fibrous natural or artificial graphite, and examples of amorphous carbon may include soft or hard carbon, mesophase pitch carbides, calcined coke, etc.

[0067] An alloy of lithium and a metal selected from Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Si, Sb, Pb, In, Zn, Ba, Ra, Ge, Al, and Sn can be used as an alloy of lithium and the metal.

[0068] A Si-based negative electrode active material or a Sn-based negative electrode active material can be used as a material capable of doping and de-doping lithium. The Si-based negative electrode active material can include silicon, a silicon-carbon composite, SiO x (0 < x < 2), a Si-Q alloy (Q is selected from alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, Group 13 elements, Group 14 elements (excluding Si), Group 15 elements, Group 16 elements, transition metals, rare earth elements, and combinations thereof), or a combination thereof. The Sn-based negative electrode active material can be Sn, SnO2, a Sn-based alloy, or a combination thereof.

[0069] The silicon-carbon composite can be a composite of silicon and amorphous carbon. According to an embodiment, the silicon-carbon composite can be in the form of silicon particles whose surfaces are coated with amorphous carbon. For example, the silicon-carbon composite can include secondary particles (cores) in which primary silicon particles are aggregated and an amorphous carbon coating (shells) located on the surfaces of the secondary particles. Amorphous carbon can also be located between the primary silicon particles. For example, the primary silicon particles can be coated with amorphous carbon. The secondary particles can be dispersed in an amorphous carbon matrix.

[0070] The silicon-carbon composite can further include crystalline carbon. For example, the silicon-carbon composite can include a core containing crystalline carbon and silicon particles and an amorphous carbon coating located on the surface of the core.

[0071] The Si-based negative electrode active material or the Sn-based negative electrode active material can be used in combination with a carbon-based negative electrode active material.

[0072] negative electrode 20

[0073] The negative electrode 20 for the secondary battery 100 can include a current collector (substrate) and a negative electrode active material layer (negative electrode composite layer) provided on the current collector. The negative electrode active material layer includes a negative electrode active material and can further include a binder and / or a conductive material.

[0074] For example, the negative electrode active material layer can include 90 wt% to 99 wt% of the negative electrode active material, 0.5 wt% to 5 wt% of the binder, and 0 wt% to 5 wt% of the conductive material.

[0075] The binder is used to well adhere the particles constituting the negative electrode active material to each other and also to well adhere the negative electrode active material to the current collector. The binder can include a non-aqueous binder, an aqueous binder, a dry binder, or a combination thereof.

[0076] 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.

[0077] Waterborne adhesives may be selected from styrene-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylated styrene-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylic rubber, butyl rubber, fluoroelastomers, 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.

[0078] When using an aqueous binder as the negative electrode binder, it may further include a cellulose-based compound capable of imparting viscosity. This cellulose-based compound can be used by mixing one or more of carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, or their alkali metal salts. Na, K, or Li can be used as the alkali metal.

[0079] Dry adhesives are polymeric materials that can be fibrous and can be, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymer, polyethylene oxide, or combinations thereof.

[0080] Conductive materials are used to impart conductivity to electrodes, and any material that does not cause chemical changes and is conductive can be used. Specific examples may include carbon-based materials such as natural graphite, synthetic graphite, carbon black, acetylene black, Ketjen black, carbon fibers, carbon nanofibers, or carbon nanotubes; metal-based 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.

[0081] The negative electrode current collector (substrate) can be selected from copper foil, nickel foil, stainless steel foil, titanium foil, nickel foam, copper foam, polymer substrate coated with conductive metal, and combinations thereof.

[0082] Electrolyte (not shown)

[0083] The electrolyte of the secondary battery 100 contains a non-aqueous organic solvent and a lithium salt.

[0084] Non-aqueous organic solvents are used as a medium through which ions participating in the electrochemical reactions of the battery can move.

[0085] Non-aqueous organic solvents can be carbonate solvents, ester solvents, ether solvents, ketone solvents, alcohol solvents, aprotic solvents, or combinations thereof.

[0086] Examples of carbonate solvents may include dimethyl carbonate (DMC), diethyl carbonate (DEC), dipropyl carbonate (DPC), methyl propyl carbonate (MPC), ethyl propyl carbonate (EPC), methyl ethyl carbonate (MEC), ethylene carbonate (EC), propylene carbonate (PC), butyl carbonate (BC), etc.

[0087] Ester solvents can include methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, n-propyl acetate, dimethyl acetate, methyl propionate, ethyl propionate, decanoic acid lactone, mevalonate lactone, valproic acid lactone, caprolactone, etc.

[0088] Examples of ether solvents include dibutyl ether, tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, dimethoxyethane, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, 2,5-dimethyltetrahydrofuran, and tetrahydrofuran. Additionally, cyclohexanone and the like can be used as ketone solvents. As alcohol solvents, ethanol, isopropanol, etc., can be used. As aprotic solvents, nitriles such as R-CN (where R is a straight-chain, branched, or cyclic hydrocarbon group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, and may include double bonds, aromatic rings, or ether groups), amides such as dimethylformamide, dioxolane such as 1,3-dioxolane or 1,4-dioxolane, sulfolane, etc., can be used.

[0089] Non-aqueous organic solvents can be used alone or in mixtures of two or more.

[0090] In addition, when using carbonate solvents, cyclic carbonates and chain carbonates can be mixed and used, and cyclic carbonates and chain carbonates can be mixed in a volume ratio of 1:1 to 1:9.

[0091] Lithium salts are substances that dissolve in organic solvents and serve as a source of lithium ions within batteries, enabling basic operation of secondary batteries and facilitating the movement of lithium ions between the positive and negative electrodes. Representative examples of lithium salts may include those selected from LiPF6, LiBF4, LiSbF6, LiAsF6, LiClO4, LiAlO2, LiAlCl4, LiPO2F2, LiCl, LiI, LiN(SO3C2F5)2, Li(FSO2)2N, lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI), LiC4F9SO3, and LiN(C x F 2x+1 SO2)(C y F 2y+1 One or more of the following: (SO2) (x and y are integers from 1 to 20), lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate, lithium tetrafluoroethanesulfonate, lithium difluorobis(oxalate)phosphate (LiDFOP), and lithium bis(oxalate)borate (LiBOB).

[0092] Diaphragm 30

[0093] Depending on the type of secondary battery 100, a separator 30 may be present between the positive electrode 10 and the negative electrode 20. The separator 30 may be a multilayer membrane made of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, or two or more layers thereof, and may also be a mixed multilayer membrane such as a polyethylene / polypropylene two-layer separator, a polyethylene / polypropylene / polyethylene three-layer separator, or a polypropylene / polypropylene / polypropylene three-layer separator.

[0094] The diaphragm 30 may include a porous substrate and a coating comprising an organic material, an inorganic material, or a combination thereof located on one or both sides of the porous substrate.

[0095] The porous substrate can be a polymer film formed from any of the following polymers: polyolefins (such as polyethylene and polypropylene), polyesters (such as polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate), polyacetal, polyamide, polyimide, polycarbonate, polyetherketone, polyaryletherketone, polyetherimide, polyamideimide, polybenzimidazole, polyethersulfone, polyphenylene ether, cyclic olefin copolymers, polyphenylene sulfide, polyethylene naphthalate, glass fiber, Teflon and polytetrafluoroethylene, or copolymers or mixtures of two or more thereof.

[0096] Organic materials may include polyvinylidene fluoride polymers or (meth)acrylamide polymers.

[0097] Inorganic materials may include, but are not limited to, inorganic particles selected from Al2O3, SiO2, TiO2, SnO2, CeO2, MgO, NiO, CaO, GaO, ZnO, ZrO2, Y2O3, SrTiO3, BaTiO3, Mg(OH)2, boehmite and combinations thereof.

[0098] Organic and inorganic materials can exist as a mixture in a single coating, or they can exist in the form of a coating comprising organic materials and a coating comprising inorganic materials stacked together.

[0099] Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an electrode manufacturing apparatus. Figure 5 The electrode manufacturing equipment can be, for example, equipment that forms a first coating comprising a composite slurry layer and an insulating slurry layer by simultaneously applying a composite slurry and an insulating slurry to an electrode sheet serving as a substrate (electrode current collector); forms a second coating by applying heat energy to the first coating on the electrode sheet to dry the composite slurry and the insulating slurry; and continuously presses the electrode sheet on which the second coating has been formed to attach the second coating to the electrode sheet. (Reference) Figure 5 The electrode manufacturing equipment includes coating equipment 200, electrode drying equipment A, and rolling equipment B.

[0100] The coating apparatus 200 is used to form a first coating by simultaneously applying a composite slurry and an insulating slurry to an electrode sheet. The composite slurry can be a positive electrode composite slurry or a negative electrode composite slurry. The composite slurry can be manufactured by mixing a powder mixture, including conductive materials and / or binders in addition to the electrode active material, into a predetermined solvent. Similarly, the insulating slurry can be manufactured by mixing a powder mixture including an insulating material (insulator) into a predetermined solvent. The insulator can be an inorganic oxide such as aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), silicon oxide (SiO₂), magnesium oxide (MgO), zirconium oxide (ZrO₂), etc.

[0101] The coating apparatus 200 may include, but is not limited to, a mold coating machine for simultaneously coating composite slurry and insulating slurry onto electrode sheets. A specific configuration of the coating apparatus 200 according to this embodiment will be described herein.

[0102] Electrode drying equipment A is used to dry a first coating applied to an electrode sheet to form a second coating. Therefore, electrode drying equipment A may include a dryer for forming the second coating by applying heat energy Q to the composite slurry layer and the insulating slurry layer constituting the first coating to evaporate the solvent. There are no particular limitations on the type of electrode drying equipment A, and its type, shape, configuration, etc., can be implemented in various ways.

[0103] Roll forming equipment B can be an apparatus for completely bonding a second coating (i.e., a dried composite slurry layer and an insulating slurry layer) formed on an electrode sheet to the electrode sheet. For example, roll forming equipment B can apply a predetermined pressure in the thickness direction of the electrode sheet, so that the second coating is completely adhered to the electrode sheet. Roll forming equipment B can be, for example, a roll forming roller, but is not limited thereto, and its type, shape, configuration, etc., can be implemented in various ways.

[0104] Figure 6 This diagram schematically illustrates the process of forming a composite paste layer and an insulating paste layer on an electrode sheet using a coating apparatus 200 according to an embodiment. Figure 7 It is shown Figure 6 An exploded perspective view of an example coating device. Figure 8 This is a schematic illustration of the view from the roller side. Figure 7 A diagram of the separator 230 in the coating equipment.

[0105] refer to Figures 6 to 8 The coating equipment 200 can be a mold coating machine. More specifically, the coating equipment 200 may include an upper mold 210 (first mold), a lower mold 220 (second mold), and a spacer 230 inserted between the upper mold 210 and the lower mold 220. However, although the roller R is in Figure 6The roller R is shown as a component independent of the coating equipment 200, but it can also be considered a component of the coating equipment 200.

[0106] exist Figure 6 The diagram shows a composite slurry and an insulating slurry being continuously coated onto an electrode sheet ES, which is conveyed in one direction D via a roller R, to simultaneously form a strip-shaped composite slurry layer S1 and an insulating slurry layer S2. Furthermore, in Figure 6 The diagram illustrates three composite paste layers S1 formed side-by-side simultaneously along the width of an electrode sheet ES, with an insulating paste layer S2 formed on both edges of each composite paste layer S1. However, this is merely an example. For instance, one or more composite paste layers S1 can be formed simultaneously on the electrode sheet ES. Furthermore, the insulating paste layer S2 can be formed only on one edge of each composite paste layer S1.

[0107] In addition, such as Figure 6 As shown, the composite slurry supply pipe L1 for supplying the composite slurry and the insulating slurry supply pipe L2 for supplying the insulating slurry can be externally connected to the coating equipment 200. However, Figure 6 The number and connection positions of the composite slurry supply pipe L1 and the insulating slurry supply pipe L2 shown are exemplary.

[0108] For example, in Figure 6 In this diagram, although the composite grout supply pipe L1 and the insulating grout supply pipe L2 are each shown connected to the lower mold 220, one or more supply pipes may be connected to the upper mold 210. Alternatively, multiple composite grout supply pipes L1 (e.g., three) instead of a single pipe may be connected to the lower mold 220. Or, the number of insulating grout supply pipes L2 connected to the lower mold 220 may be three or one, instead of six. Furthermore, the insulating grout supply pipes L2 may be connected to the separator 230.

[0109] The upper mold 210 is configured such that its bottom surface contacts the upper surface of the separator 230. Furthermore, the upper ends of the composite slurry discharged through its composite material discharge port 232 (first discharge port) and the upper ends of the insulating slurry discharged through its insulator discharge port 234 (second discharge port) can be defined by the bottom surface of the upper mold 210. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the upper ends of the composite material discharge port 232 and the insulator discharge port 234 can be defined by another upper end member constituting the separator 230. The bottom surface of the upper mold 210 can have a generally flat planar shape.

[0110] The lower mold 220 is configured such that its upper surface contacts the bottom surface of the separator 230. The lower end of the composite material discharge port 232 may be defined by the upper surface of the lower mold 220. The lower end of the insulator discharge port 234 may be defined by a separate component constituting the separator 230. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the lower end of the composite material discharge port 232 may be defined by another component of the separator 230, and / or the lower end of the insulator discharge port 234 may be defined by the upper surface of the lower mold 220. The upper surface of the lower mold 220 may have a generally flat planar shape.

[0111] One or more cavities 222 having a predetermined shape and size can be formed in the lower mold 220. As an example, one cavity 222 can be formed in the upper surface of the lower mold 220. Figure 7 Although only one cavity 222 is shown, multiple cavities 222 can be formed. For example, the number of cavities 222 can be configured to correspond to the number of composite material discharge ports 232.

[0112] Cavity 222 can be configured to communicate with composite material discharge port 232 of separator 230. As shown, when there is only one cavity 222, cavity 222 can be configured to communicate with all composite material discharge ports 232. On the other hand, when the number of cavities 222 corresponds to the number of composite material discharge ports 232, each cavity 222 and each composite material discharge port 232 can be connected in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0113] Cavity 222 can be an empty space, filled with composite slurry introduced through composite slurry supply pipe L1. Furthermore, the composite slurry flowing into and filling cavity 222 can be discharged to the outside through composite material discharge port 232 under pressure from the continuously introduced composite slurry via composite slurry supply pipe L1. Therefore, a composite slurry layer can be continuously formed on the electrode sheet ES.

[0114] Although not shown in the figure, the lower mold 220 may additionally include a cavity (not shown) into which insulating slurry introduced through the insulating slurry supply pipe L2 is filled. In this case, the cavity for the insulating slurry may communicate with the flow path 238 of the separator 230. Alternatively, the flow path 238 may communicate directly with the insulating slurry supply pipe L2 via a nozzle provided at a portion therein connected to the insulating slurry supply pipe L2.

[0115] A spacer 230 is disposed between the upper mold 210 and the lower mold 220. More specifically, the upper surface of the spacer 230 is configured to contact the bottom surface of the upper mold 210, and the lower surface of the spacer 230 is configured to contact the upper surface of the lower mold 220. Furthermore, the stacked lower mold 220, spacer 230, and upper mold 210 can be integrally joined together by a predetermined joining device (not shown) (see [link to documentation]). Figure 6 ).

[0116] The separator 230 includes a composite material discharge port 232 for discharging composite slurry and an insulator discharge port 234 for discharging insulating slurry. For example... Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, the composite material discharge port 232 and the insulator discharge port 234 can be located at one end of the separator 230 facing the roller R, so that the composite slurry and the insulating slurry can be discharged onto the electrode sheet ES conveyed by the roller R. According to this embodiment, the composite material discharge port 232 and the insulator discharge port 234 can be arranged side by side at one end of the separator 230, so that the composite slurry and the insulating slurry can be discharged onto the electrode sheet ES simultaneously.

[0117] like Figure 8 As shown, when viewed from the roller R side, the composite material discharge port 232 and the insulator discharge port 234 can each be considered as openings with predetermined sizes and shapes. Furthermore, the composite slurry filling the cavity 222 can be discharged through the opening (i.e., the composite material discharge port 232). Additionally, the insulating slurry supplied through the flow path 238 can be discharged through the opening (i.e., the insulator discharge port 234).

[0118] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the height of the composite material discharge port 232 can be substantially equal to the thickness of the separator 230. That is, the upper and lower ends of the composite material discharge port 232 can be substantially parallel to the lower surface of the upper mold 210 and the upper surface of the lower mold 220, respectively. Considering the drying and rolling processes performed after the coating process in the coating apparatus 200, the height of the composite material discharge port 232 can be slightly greater than the thickness of the composite layer finally formed on the electrode sheet ES. For example, the height of the composite material discharge port 232 can range from 0.7 mm to 1.3 mm, but is not limited thereto. The width of the composite material discharge port 232 can be substantially equal to the width of the composite layer finally formed on the electrode sheet ES, or, considering the overlap with the insulating layer, the width of the composite material discharge port 232 can be slightly larger (e.g., approximately 0.1 mm).

[0119] The height of the insulator discharge port 234 can be smaller than the height of the composite material discharge port 232. Therefore, the insulating coating formed on the electrode sheet ES can have a smaller thickness than the composite coating. For example, when the height of the composite material discharge port 232 is approximately 1.0 mm, the height of the insulator discharge port 234 can range from 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm. There is no particular limitation on the width of the insulator discharge port 234; however, considering the function of preventing the diffusion of the composite slurry and the delamination of the composite layer, the width of the insulator discharge port 234 can be a dimension that allows the insulating layer formed on the electrode sheet ES to have a predetermined width (e.g., 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm).

[0120] An insulator discharge port 234, having a height smaller than that of the composite material discharge port 232, can be positioned towards the upper end of the separator 230. More specifically, the upper end of the insulator discharge port 234 can be substantially parallel to the lower surface of the upper mold 210. Additionally, the lower end of the insulator discharge port 234 can be positioned above the upper surface of the lower mold 220. Therefore, the insulating slurry discharged through the insulator discharge port 234 can diffuse over the composite slurry discharged through the composite material discharge port 232, and a portion of it can overlap with the composite slurry.

[0121] Figure 9A It is shown schematically. Figure 7 A diagram of the upper surface of the separator 230. Figure 9B yes Figure 9A A magnified view of the X portion in the image. Figure 9C yes Figure 9A An enlarged view of the Y-section in the image.

[0122] refer to Figures 9A to 9C Three composite material discharge ports 232 are spaced apart from each other on the upper surface of the separator 230. Furthermore, insulator discharge ports 234 are provided on both sides of each composite material discharge port 232 at a predetermined interval. The composite material discharge ports 232 can be empty rectangular spaces with a predetermined height and length when viewed from above, so as to communicate with the cavity 222 of the lower mold 220. On the other hand, the insulator discharge ports 234 can be located at the end of the flow path 238 so as to communicate with the flow path 238, and can be equivalent to openings having a shape such as a square when viewed from the discharge direction (see...). Figure 8 ).

[0123] The insulator discharge port 234 and the composite material discharge port 232 are spaced apart from each other to account for the outward diffusion of the discharged slurry before it is dried in the drying equipment A. Therefore, the spacing between the composite material discharge port 232 and the insulator discharge port 234 can be determined by considering the degree of diffusion of the discharged composite slurry and insulating slurry. The spacing between the composite material discharge port 232 and the insulator discharge port 234 can be appropriately set such that an overlap of a predetermined width can be formed at the edge portion before it is introduced into the drying equipment A, and there are no particular limitations on the size of the overlap portion.

[0124] According to this embodiment, the composite material discharge port 232 may have a shape in which the width W1 at the distal end is greater than the width W2 at the other part (non-distal end). Therefore, since the composite slurry passes through the relatively wide distal end of the composite material discharge port 232 just before being discharged, the edge portion of the composite slurry can diffuse more outward than other portions based on the width direction of the electrode sheet ES. As a result, the composite slurry layer formed on the electrode sheet ES can have a slightly smaller thickness at the edge portion compared to other portions.

[0125] According to the configuration of this embodiment, the insulating slurry discharged from the insulator discharge port 234 is applied to the locally thinned portion of the composite slurry layer, thereby forming an overlapping portion. Furthermore, compared to the case where the thickness of the edge portion of the composite coating is substantially equal to the thickness of the middle portion, the total thickness of the overlapping portion (i.e., the combined height of the composite slurry layer and the insulating slurry layer at the overlapping portion) is relatively reduced. Therefore, bulging at the overlapping portion of the composite coating and the insulating coating after the coating process is completed can be suppressed. Thus, defects caused by such bulging in the electrode bundle wound on the recycling roller after the rolling process can be prevented.

[0126] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a spacer portion 236 may be disposed between the composite material discharge port 232 and the insulator discharge port 234, such that the composite material discharge port 232 and the insulator discharge port 234 are spaced apart from each other. More specifically, the spacer portion 236 may be disposed between the rectangular composite material discharge port 232, the insulator discharge port 234, and the flow path 238. Due to the spacer portion 236, the composite material discharge port 232 and the insulator discharge port 234 are spaced apart from each other, and the composite material discharge port 232 and the flow path 238 can also be spaced apart from each other.

[0127] The spacer portion 236, which is part of the separator 230, can be a separate component physically distinct from the other portions. Alternatively, as shown, the spacer portion 236 is not physically distinct from the other portions, but can be logically distinct. In this case, the spacer portion 236 can simply be equivalent to the portion of the separator 230 disposed between the composite material outlet 232, the insulator outlet 234, and the flow path 238.

[0128] According to this embodiment, the spacer portion 236 may have a width W3 at its distal end 236a that is smaller than the width W4 at the non-distal end 230b, such that the composite material discharge port 232 may have a shape where the width W1 at the distal end is greater than the width W2 at other portions. More specifically, the spacer portion 236 may have a chamfered shape, including a portion of the apex of the distal end of the composite material discharge port 232 being chamfered from the overall rectangular shape. Due to the chamfered shape, the spacer portion 236 may have a chamfered edge 236c.

[0129] The dimensions and chamfer angle of the chamfered edge 236c can be appropriately determined taking into account the difference between the width W1 at the distal end and the width W2 at the non-distal end of the composite material discharge port 232, the width of the overlapping portion of the composite coating and the insulating coating, etc. For example, to ensure that the width of the overlapping portion is about 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm, when the width W4 at the non-distal end 230b ranges from 1 mm to 3 mm, the width W3 at the distal end 236a can be set to 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm. In this case, the composite material discharge port 232 can have a chamfered shape with an angle of about 30° to 60° (e.g., about 45°). When the width of the overlapping portion is approximately 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm, bulging in the overlapping portion can be suppressed, and diffusion or delamination of the composite coating under the insulating coating can be effectively prevented.

[0130] The separator 230 may be provided with a flow path 238. The flow path 238 is used to guide the insulating slurry supplied through the insulating slurry supply pipe L2 to the insulator discharge port 234. As shown, the flow path 238 may be formed on the upper surface of the separator 230 with a predetermined width and depth, but is not limited thereto.

[0131] The flow path 238 can have a uniform width throughout. Or, as... Figure 9C As shown, the flow path 238 can have a relatively smaller width at the distal end than at the non-distal end. Therefore, since the flow path 238 narrows just before the insulator discharge port 234 it communicates with, the flow velocity of the insulating slurry discharged through the insulator discharge port 234 can be increased, thereby improving the straightness of the flow. Thus, the width of the insulating coating formed on the electrode sheet ES can be made as constant as possible, thereby preventing an increase in width dispersion.

[0132] According to an embodiment, the flow path 238 may include an inlet flow path portion 238a, a connecting flow path portion 238b, and a discharge flow path portion 238c. The inlet flow path portion 238a extends from an inlet where the insulating slurry is introduced with a predetermined width (first width W5). The connecting flow path portion 238b extends from the inlet flow path portion 238a and has a gradually decreasing width. The discharge flow path portion 238c extends from the connecting flow path portion 238b with a predetermined width (second width W6) and extends to the insulator discharge port 234. In the connecting flow path portion 238b, the width can decrease from the first width W5 to the second width W6. However, this configuration is merely exemplary, and the flow path 238 may have different shapes, as long as the insulator initially flows through the upstream portion of the flow path 238 at a predetermined speed, and then flows at a higher speed and is discharged through the insulator discharge port 234 in the downstream portion of the flow path 238 adjacent to the insulator discharge port 234.

[0133] As described above, the cross-sectional area of ​​the discharge flow path portion 238c is smaller than that of the inlet flow path portion 238a. Furthermore, because the flow rates of the inlet flow path portion 238a and the discharge flow path portion 238c are the same, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the discharge flow path portion 238c is smaller compared to that of the inlet flow path portion 238a, the insulating slurry can be discharged through the insulator discharge port 234 at a relatively high velocity. As a result, the discharged insulating slurry exhibits a stronger tendency to advance linearly in the longitudinal direction of the electrode sheet ES, rather than diffusing laterally. Therefore, the insulating coating can maintain a relatively narrow width, the width of the overlapping portion can be formed to a desired size (e.g., approximately 0.1 mm), and the width dispersion can be minimized. Taking these effects into account, the connecting flow path portion 238b can be tilted at an angle of approximately 40° to 70° relative to the discharge surface of the insulating slurry.

[0134] According to one embodiment of this invention, in the connecting flow path portion 238b, the side 238b1 adjacent to the composite material discharge port 232 can be parallel to one side of the composite material discharge port 232, while the opposite side 238b2 located further away from the composite material discharge port 232 can have a structure inclined towards the composite material discharge port 232. That is, the side 238b1 adjacent to the composite material discharge port 232 is orthogonal to the discharge surface of the insulator discharge port 234, but the opposite side 238b2 located further away from the composite material discharge port 232 can be inclined relative to the discharge surface. Therefore, the insulating slurry layer with a predetermined width can have a relatively smooth straight profile without any protrusions at the portion overlapping with the composite slurry layer.

[0135] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the width of the overlapping portion of the composite slurry layer and the insulating slurry layer is made as small and uniform as possible. Therefore, bulging caused by a large overlap portion and defects and performance degradation in the electrode caused by uneven width can be suppressed.

[0136] However, the effects that can be obtained through this disclosure are not limited to those described herein, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the description of this disclosure that is not described herein, other technical effects.

[0137] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to embodiments shown in the figures, these embodiments are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications and equivalents are possible.

[0138] Therefore, the scope of technical protection of this disclosure should be determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A coating apparatus configured to coat a first slurry and a second slurry onto an electrode sheet conveyed in one direction, the coating apparatus comprising: First mold; The second mold is configured to face the first mold; as well as A separator, inserted between the first mold and the second mold, includes a first discharge portion and a second discharge portion. The first discharge portion is configured to discharge the first slurry, and the second discharge portion is located on at least one side of the first discharge portion in the width direction of the electrode sheet and is configured to discharge the second slurry. The first discharge portion has a wider width at the far end than at the non-far end.

2. The coating equipment according to claim 1, wherein: The separator includes a spacer portion disposed between the first emission section and the second emission section; as well as The interval portion has a width of a first dimension at the non-far end and a width of a second dimension smaller than the first dimension at the far end.

3. The coating apparatus of claim 2, wherein the interval portion includes a chamfered shape in the direction from the first discharge portion toward the second discharge portion.

4. The coating apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first dimension ranges from 1 mm to 3 mm, and the second dimension ranges from 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm.

5. The coating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first slurry comprises a composite slurry, and the second slurry comprises an insulating slurry.

6. The coating apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the edge of the insulating slurry layer formed by the insulating slurry overlaps with the edge of the composite slurry layer formed by the composite slurry by a predetermined width.

7. The coating apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the composite slurry layer and the insulating slurry layer overlap in a width range of 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm.

8. The coating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second discharge portion is located on both sides of the first discharge portion in the width direction of the electrode sheet.

9. The coating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The separator includes a flow path connecting the inlet where the second slurry is introduced to the second discharge section; and The flow path includes an inlet flow path portion, a connecting flow path portion, and an outlet flow path portion. The inlet flow path portion extends from the inlet with a first width. The connecting flow path portion extends from the inlet flow path portion and has a width that decreases from the first width to a second width. The outlet flow path portion extends from the connecting flow path portion with the second width and communicates with the second outlet portion.

10. The coating apparatus of claim 9, wherein the connecting flow path portion is inclined at an angle of 40° to 70° relative to the discharge surface of the second discharge portion.

11. The coating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The second mold includes a cavity into which the first slurry is introduced and filled; and The first discharge section is in communication with the cavity.

12. A coating apparatus configured to simultaneously coat a composite paste and an insulating paste onto an electrode sheet conveyed in one direction, the coating apparatus comprising: Upper mold; The lower mold is configured to face the upper mold; as well as A separator, inserted between the upper mold and the lower mold, includes a composite material discharge port and an insulator discharge port. The composite material discharge port is configured to discharge the composite slurry, and the insulator discharge port is located on at least one side of the composite material discharge port to discharge the insulating slurry. The composite material outlet includes a chamfered shape such that the width at the distal end is greater than the width at the non-distal end.

13. The coating apparatus according to claim 12, wherein: The separator includes a spacer portion disposed between the composite material outlet and the insulator outlet; as well as The interval portion has a width of a first dimension at the non-far end and a width of a second dimension smaller than the first dimension at the far end.

14. The coating apparatus of claim 13, wherein the chamfer shape is formed by chamfering the spacer portion from the composite material outlet toward the insulator outlet.

15. The coating apparatus of claim 13, wherein the first dimension ranges from 1 mm to 3 mm, and the second dimension ranges from 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm.

16. The coating apparatus of claim 15, wherein the edge of the insulating slurry layer formed by the insulating slurry overlaps with the edge of the composite slurry layer formed by the composite slurry by a predetermined width.

17. The coating apparatus of claim 16, wherein the composite slurry layer and the insulating slurry layer overlap in a width range of 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm.

18. The coating apparatus of claim 12, wherein the insulator discharge port is located on both sides of the composite material discharge port.

19. The coating apparatus according to claim 12, wherein: The separator includes a flow path connecting the inlet where the insulating slurry is introduced to the outlet of the insulator; and The flow path includes an inlet flow path portion, a connecting flow path portion, and an outlet flow path portion. The inlet flow path portion extends from the inlet with a first width. The connecting flow path portion extends from the inlet flow path portion and has a width that decreases from the first width to a second width. The outlet flow path portion extends from the connecting flow path portion with the second width and communicates with the insulator outlet.

20. An electrode manufacturing apparatus comprising a coating apparatus, a drying apparatus, and a rolling apparatus, wherein the coating apparatus is configured to simultaneously coat an electrode sheet with a composite slurry and an insulating slurry to form a first coating, the drying apparatus is configured to dry the first coating on the electrode sheet traveling from the coating apparatus in a first direction to form a second coating, and the rolling apparatus is configured to press the electrode sheet on which the second coating has been formed to bond the second coating to the electrode sheet. The coating equipment mentioned above includes: Upper mold; The lower mold is configured to face the upper mold; as well as A separator, inserted between the upper mold and the lower mold, includes a composite material discharge port and an insulator discharge port, the composite material discharge port being configured to discharge the composite slurry, and the insulator discharge port being disposed on at least one side of the composite material discharge port to discharge the insulating slurry. The composite material discharge port includes a chamfered shape, such that the width at the distal end is greater than the width at the non-distal end.

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