Die coater system, die coater system operation method, and battery electrode

Abstract

A die coater system configured for coating a foil with an active material has at least one discharge port for dispensing an active material slurry onto the foil, the discharge port defining a discharge direction, and includes a die block assembly extending laterally, the die coater system further including at least one adjustment device coupled to a rear surface of the die block assembly opposite the discharge port, the adjustment device including an actor configured to bias at least a portion of the die block assembly forward or backward in the discharge direction.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a die coater system configured for coating a foil with an active material, a method for operating the die coater system for coating a foil with an active material, and an electrode, particularly a positive electrode and / or a negative electrode, for a battery including a foil coated with an active material. [Background technology]

[0002] Batteries, especially rechargeable / dischargeable secondary batteries, are increasingly being used as power sources not only in mobile devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) such as battery electric vehicles (BEVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (P-HEVs) to address air pollution caused by existing combustion engine vehicles that use fossil fuels. This has led to an increased need for the development of secondary batteries and related manufacturing methods.

[0003] Currently commercially available secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries. Lithium secondary batteries are considered crucial for electric vehicles and have attracted attention due to their beneficial properties. For example, lithium secondary batteries exhibit almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, can be charged and discharged freely, have a very low self-discharge rate, and have a high energy density.

[0004] Depending on the shape of the battery case, secondary batteries can be classified into cylindrical batteries having an electrode assembly mounted in a cylindrical metal can, prismatic batteries having an electrode assembly mounted in a prismatic metal can, and pouch batteries having an electrode assembly in a pouch-shaped case made of laminated aluminum sheets.

[0005] A battery generally includes two electrodes of opposite polarity, a cathode and an anode. The electrodes are placed in a mutual container with a separator. The separator separates the containers to prevent direct contact between the cathode and anode to prevent short circuits. The mutual container is filled with an electrolyte solution, allowing ions to pass from the cathode to the anode, causing a chemical reaction and releasing electrical energy. Each electrode of the battery may include a foil. The foil may include or be composed of an electrically conductive material. In particular, the foil may be composed of or include a metal or metal alloy, such as aluminum or copper. Preferably, at least one electrode of the battery is embodied as a foil coated with an active electrode material (abbreviated as "active material").

[0006] For example, an electrode configured to function as a negative electrode may be provided with an active material layer configured to receive or store ions, preferably releasably. The active material, particularly the active material of a negative electrode, may comprise graphite as a primary component. An electrode configured to function as a positive electrode may be provided with an active material configured to release ions. The active material, particularly in the case of a positive electrode, may comprise or consist of a metal oxide such as lithium oxide. The active material may include, for example, LCO (LiCoO), NCM (Li(NiCoMn)O), NCA (Li(NiCoAl)O), LMO (LiMnO), and / or LFP (LiFePO). In addition to the active component (active material mixture), the active material may further comprise conductive additives, binders, fillers, and other components. The active positive electrode material may be configured to be replenished. The process of releasing ions from the positive electrode active material and receiving ions by the negative electrode active material can be referred to as discharging. The process of releasing ions from the negative electrode active material and replenishing ions in the positive electrode active material is generally called charging or recharging. The active materials used in battery electrodes are considered to be essential factors in determining battery properties such as capacity, voltage, and memory effect.

[0007] The positive electrode active material is a compound such as lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) or lithium nickel oxide (LiNiO2), or Li 1+x Mn 2-x O4 (where x is 0 to 0.33), lithium manganese oxides such as LiMnO3, LiMn2O3 and LiMnO2; lithium copper oxide (Li2CuO2); vanadium oxides such as LiV3O8, LiFe3O4, V2O5, and Cu2V2O7; LiNi 1-x M x Ni-type lithium nickel oxide represented by the formula O2, where M = Co, Mn, Al, Cu, Fe, Mg, B or Ga and x = 0.01 to 0.3; LiMn 2-x M x Lithium manganese composite oxide represented by the formula O2, where M = Co, Ni, Fe, Cr, Zn or Ta, x = 0.01 to 0.1, or Li2Mn3M8, where M = Fe, Co, Ni, Cu or Zn; one or more transition metal-substituted compounds such as LiMn2O4 in which the Li portion of the above formula is substituted with an alkaline earth metal ion.

[0008] The negative electrode active material is, for example, carbon such as graphitizable carbon or graphite-based carbon; Li x Fe2O3 (0 ≦ x ≦ 1), Li x WO2 (0 ≦ x ≦ 1), Sn x Me 1-x Me’ y O z (Me: Mn, Fe, Pb, Ge; Me’: metals such as Al, B, P, Si, Group 1 elements, Group 2 elements and Group 3 elements of the periodic table, composite oxides, halogens, 0 < x ≦ 1; 1 ≦ y ≦ 3; 1 ≦ z ≦ 8); lithium metal; lithium alloy; silicon-based alloy, tin-based alloy; metal oxides such as SnO, SnO2, PbO, PbO2, Pb2O3, Pb3O4, Sb2O3, Sb2O4, Sb2O5, GeO, GeO2, Bi2O3, Bi2O4 and Bi2O5; conductive polymers such as polyacetylene; Li-Co-Ni-based materials, etc. can be used.

[0009] The conductive material may generally be added in an amount of 1 to 30% by weight based on the total weight of the active material mixture including the electrode active material. The conductive material is not particularly limited as long as it is conductive without causing chemical changes in the battery. Examples include graphite, such as natural graphite or artificial graphite; carbon black, such as carbon black, acetylene black, ketjen black, channel black, furnace black, lamp black, and thermal black; conductive fibers, such as carbon fiber and metal fiber; metal powders, such as carbon fluoride, aluminum, and nickel powder; conductive compounds, such as zinc oxide and potassium titanate; conductive metal oxides, such as titanium oxide; or alternatively or additionally, conductive materials such as polyphenylene derivatives.

[0010] The binder is a component that assists in binding the electrode active material to the conductive material and to the current collector, and is generally added in an amount of 1 to 30% by weight based on the total weight of the active material mixture including the electrode active material. Examples of such binders include polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinyl alcohol, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), starch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, regenerated cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, tetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM), sulfonated EPDM, styrene-butylene rubber, fluororubber, and various copolymers.

[0011] The filler is optionally used as a component to suppress expansion of the electrodes, but is not particularly limited as long as it is a fibrous material that does not cause chemical changes in the battery. Examples of fillers that can be used include olefin polymers such as polyethylene and polypropylene; glass fiber, carbon fiber, and other fibrous materials.

[0012] The active material mixture may be a slurry-like active material mixture containing electrode active materials and the like in a predetermined solvent such as NMP to suitably coat the current collector (foil). Foil-like current collectors used as positive or negative electrodes are generally made of metal plates with a thickness of 3 μm to 500 μm. For example, negative electrode foils may include or consist of stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, calcined carbon, or aluminum or stainless steel surface-treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, or the like. Positive electrode foils may include or consist of copper, stainless steel, or copper or stainless steel surface-treated with aluminum, nickel, titanium, calcined carbon, carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, or the like. Aluminum-cadmium alloys, etc., may also be used. However, there is no particular limitation as long as they are conductive without causing chemical changes in the battery. The term "foil" is understood as a general term for web-like materials such as films, sheets, foils, nets, sieves, foams, and porous materials such as nonwoven fabrics.

[0013] Die coater systems are commonly used to coat foils with active materials to produce battery electrodes, and some die coater systems are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,629,999; 5,729,999; 5,729,999; 5,729,999; and 5,729,999.

[0014] It is preferable to provide an active material layer on the foil with a consistent thickness, width, density, and height. In some situations, the properties of the active material slurry dispensed onto the film, particularly the flow properties, may not conform to the preferred ranges associated with optimal results. If the active material slurry dispensed onto the foil in the die coater system is not within the optimal parameter ranges, the active material layer produced on the foil may not have the desired thickness, width, uniformity, or density. In such cases, the resulting electrode quality may be reduced, which may result in reduced battery life, capacity, voltage, energy density, power level, etc.

[0015] For example, during the start of the coating process, the temperature of the active material slurry discharged from the die block assembly may be detected to be lower than the optimal temperature range, particularly in the outer section of the side of the discharge port. This reduces the flow rate in that area, resulting in the formation of an active material layer with a locally reduced thickness on the foil. A typical travel speed of the foil during electrode production may be 100 m / min. With a start time of 5 minutes, approximately 500 m of poor-quality electrodes may be produced.

[0016] In some cases, heating and / or cooling may be provided to control the temperature of the slurry according to a desired operating temperature. Controlling the operating temperature can affect the flow characteristics of the slurry to affect the rate at which the slurry exits the discharge port and is coated onto the foil. For example, a die coater assembly has been tested in which an active heating system is included in the die block assembly. However, because the die block is typically a metal block with a significant mass, temperature control has proven to be somewhat slow and difficult to precisely control. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0017] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2022-0027024 [Patent Document 2] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2022-0094459 [Patent Document 3] Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1750599 [Patent Document 4] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2020-037662 [Patent Document 5] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2020-037662 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0018] It is an object of the present disclosure to overcome the problems of the prior art and to provide a die coater system and a method for operating a die coater system as well as an electrode for providing an active material layer of improved quality, in particular with respect to thickness, width, uniformity and / or density. This object is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0019] However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and can be variously expanded within the scope of the technical ideas included in the present disclosure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0020] One or more problems known from the prior art are solved by the inventions claimed in the independent claims. Particular embodiments are given by the features of the dependent claims.

[0021] It should be noted that some features and operation methods of the die coater apparatus and / or die coater system for operating the foil described above may also be used in the claims and may not be repeated below for the sake of brevity.

[0022] Thus, a die coater system configured to coat a foil with an active material is provided. The die coater system includes a die block assembly having at least one discharge port for dispensing an active material slurry onto the foil. The discharge port may have a cross-sectional area configured to face the foil. The discharge port may have a generally rectangular cross-section. It may be preferable for the die block assembly to include at least two, at least three, or at least four or more discharge ports. The number of discharge ports in the die block assembly may be equal to two, three, or four.

[0023] The ejection port has a lateral extension, and the length of the lateral extension of the ejection port is preferably the major dimension of the ejection port.

[0024] The lateral extension of the ejection port refers to the extension in a first direction. The ejection port may also have an extension in a second direction, which may be referred to as a vertical direction for ease of reference, where the second direction is a direction crossing the first direction, particularly perpendicular to the first direction. The lateral extension or first extension of the ejection port is preferably at least 5 times, preferably at least 10 times, more preferably at least 100 times, greater than the extension of the ejection port in the second direction. The ejection port may have a slot-like shape. The rectangular opening defined by the ejection port is significantly wider than its height. The first (lateral) extension or width of the ejection port is preferably at least 10 millimeters, particularly at least 100 millimeters or at least 200 millimeters, preferably at least 400 millimeters, and at most 2000 millimeters, particularly at most 1000 millimeters. The second (vertical) extension or height of the ejection port is preferably less than 1 mm, preferably less than 100 μm, preferably at least 1 μm, preferably at least 10 μm.

[0025] The discharge port defines a discharge direction. The discharge direction may be designated a third direction. The discharge direction corresponds to the direction in which the active material slurry travels through the discharge port as it exits the die block assembly. The discharge direction may correspond to a direction perpendicular to a plane defined by the first and second directions in which a cross-section of the discharge port extends. That is, the discharge direction is preferably perpendicular to the plane in which the cross-section of the discharge port faces.

[0026] The die block assembly may be configured to arrange the foil so that it is positioned in front of the discharge port at a fixed coating distance. The coating distance preferably extends between the discharge port and the foil in the discharge direction or a third direction. The coating distance between the foil and the discharge port may be configured to correspond to the desired thickness of the active material layer. The foil may be arranged laterally parallel to the discharge opening. Arranging the foil laterally parallel to the discharge port may be achieved, for example, by guiding the foil in front of the discharge port over a fixed diameter roll having a rotation axis arranged laterally.

[0027] The die coater system according to the present disclosure further includes at least one adjustment device coupled to the rear surface of the die block opposite the discharge port. That is, the rear surface of the die block assembly is on a side of the die block assembly configured to face away from the foil during operation of the die coater system. In particular, the adjustment device engages with the rear surface of the die block opposite the discharge port. The adjustment device may be disposed behind a portion or the entire rear surface of the die block assembly. In relation to the discharge port, the rear surface of the die block assembly is arranged rearward when viewed from the discharge direction. The discharge port is disposed on the forward side of the rear surface relative to the discharge direction.

[0028] In the die coater system according to the present disclosure, the adjustment device includes an actor configured to urge at least a portion of the die block assembly forward or backward in the discharge direction. The actor may be configured, for example, to urge an outer lateral section of the die block assembly forward or backward in the discharge direction. Alternatively or additionally, the actor may be configured to urge at least a central section of the die block assembly forward or backward in the discharge direction. It should be clear that a die coater system may include multiple adjustment devices, each having its own actor. A die coater system including multiple adjustment devices may include multiple actors associated with different sections of the die block assembly. For example, in other sections of the die block assembly, the first (left) outer lateral section, the second (right) outer lateral section, and / or the central lateral section may have respective actors associated therewith. The actors are configured to selectively urge the associated die block assembly sections forward and / or backward relative to the discharge direction. Different sections of the die coater assembly may be urged by separate actors in different directions and / or with different magnitudes. For example, a first actor may urge a first section of the die block assembly forward or backward in the discharge direction according to a first magnitude, and a second actor may urge a second section of the die block assembly forward or backward in the discharge direction according to a second magnitude that may be the same as or different from the first magnitude.

[0029] An adjusting device may be provided on the die block assembly to bias the die block assembly forward or backward in the discharge direction to change the coating distance. The adjusting device may be configured to move the die block assembly, particularly its discharge port, at least partially forward or backward in the discharge direction, and thus closer or farther from the foil. The adjusting device may be configured to selectively modify, particularly increase and / or decrease, the discharge distance between the die block assembly and the foil by biasing the die block assembly forward and / or backward in the discharge direction. It is preferable that the die coater system be configured with an adjusting device that can selectively bias at least a portion of the die block assembly forward in the discharge direction to decrease the coating distance. Alternatively or additionally, the die coater system may be configured with an adjusting system that can bias the die block assembly at least partially backward in the discharge direction to increase the coating distance. Increasing or decreasing the discharge distance can set the thickness of the active material layer coated on the foil. Unlike thermal adjustment of the die block assembly, forward or reverse biasing can be performed quickly to quickly adjust the die coater system to compensate for phenomena affecting the coating process, particularly to achieve an improved quality active material layer.

[0030] In some embodiments of the die coater system, the die block assembly is configured to be at least partially deformable, particularly bendable, by an adjustment device to at least partially displace the discharge port relative to its rest position. The rest position of the discharge port may correspond to a flat plane. In the rest position of the die block assembly, the discharge port preferably extends only in the first (lateral) and second (height) directions to present a uniform plane. The die block assembly may be bent to present an arched bending curve, particularly with respect to a bending centerline extending in the second direction corresponding to the foil transport direction and / or the height direction of the discharge opening. It is preferred that the die block assembly be at least partially bendable to present a concave or convex bending curve. A die block assembly presenting a convex bending curve may have at least one central section protruding beyond at least one side section of the die block assembly offset backward relative to the discharge direction. A die block assembly presenting a concave bending curve may have at least one central section recessed behind at least one side section of the die block assembly offset forward relative to the discharge direction. The die block assembly may be deformable to at least partially displace the discharge port relative to its stop position by 1 μm or more, particularly 3 μm or more, particularly 5 μm or more, and / or 50 μm or less, particularly 25 μm or less, particularly 10 μm or less. Surprisingly, it has been shown that by deforming the die block assembly via an adjustment device and partially displacing the discharge port back and forth relative to the discharge direction, it is possible to produce an active material layer with a significantly improved uniform edge and a desired height and / or width. Previously, it was assumed that to obtain a uniform active material layer, the discharge port of the die block assembly must always have a continuous, uniform plane, and deformation of the die block assembly must be avoided. Therefore, adjustment of the discharge port was considered only in relation to the height dimension. However, in embodiments of the present disclosure, it is preferable to maintain a constant height extension of the discharge port in the second direction.That is, it may be desirable for the height extension of the discharge port to remain constant regardless of whether the die block assembly is in a parked position or in a position deformed via the adjustment device.

[0031] Some embodiments of the die coater system include at least one holding bracket attached to the rear surface of the die block assembly and coupled to at least one actor. In particular, the die coater system may include a first holding bracket and a second holding bracket laterally spaced apart from each other. The first holding bracket may be disposed on a first (left) side section of the die block assembly, and the second holding bracket may be disposed on a second (right) side section of the die block assembly. Preferably, the first holding bracket is coupled to a first adjustment device including the first actor, and the second holding bracket is coupled to a second adjustment device including the second actor. The holding bracket may be rigidly attached to one or more die blocks of the die block assembly. For example, the holding bracket may be rigidly attached to the first (upper) and second (lower) die blocks. The holding bracket may be rigidly attached to multiple die blocks, such as three or four die blocks. Alternatively, the holding bracket may be rigidly attached to only one die block of the die block assembly.

[0032] In some embodiments, the die coater system includes at least one fixed bracket securely attached to the rear surface of the die block assembly and a fixed base member to which the fixed bracket and the actuator are securely attached. The fixed base member is preferably formed separately from the die block assembly. It is preferable that the fixed base member be securely coupled to the die block assembly only via the adjustment device and the fixed bracket. The fixed bracket may be configured to act as a fixation and / or a fixed point for the die block assembly in relation to the biasing action of the adjustment system, particularly deformations such as bending applied to the die block assembly by the at least one adjustment device. The fixed bracket may be securely attached to one or more die blocks of the die block assembly. For example, the fixed bracket may be securely attached to the first (upper) and second (lower) die blocks. The fixed bracket may be securely attached to multiple die blocks, such as three or four die blocks. Alternatively, the fixed bracket may be securely attached to only one die block of the die block assembly.

[0033] In an additional example of a die coater system including at least one retaining bracket, the at least one retaining bracket may be laterally disposed between the first and second holding brackets. It may be preferable to provide multiple retaining brackets, with the multiple retaining brackets disposed between the first and second holding brackets. For example, the first retaining bracket may be disposed adjacent to the first holding bracket, and the second retaining bracket may be disposed adjacent to the second holding bracket. An active material slurry supply pipe may be attached to the die block assembly between the retaining brackets. It has been shown to be advantageous to provide one or more retaining brackets between the retaining brackets to strengthen the central section of the die block assembly, particularly in die coater systems where die bracket biasing, particularly deformation, via an adjustment device is required only at the lateral end sections of the die block assembly.

[0034] In particular, at least one fixing bracket may be attached to the rear face of the die block assembly in a side section of the die block assembly located in the outer third, particularly the outer quarter, especially the outer fifth of the side extension of the die block assembly. This has proven advantageous for die coater systems in which the fixing bracket or brackets are offset from the central quarter section or central third section of the die block assembly, particularly when adjustment of the active electrode layer coated on the foil is preferred only in the outermost side region.

[0035] Some embodiments of the die coater system further include at least one transfer rod operably coupling at least one actor to at least one holding bracket, and a support bracket positioned between the holding bracket and the actor, supporting the transfer rod. The support bracket may be rigidly coupled to a fixed base member. The at least one transfer rod (coupling rod) may be a movable rod, such as a lever or shaft, and may be preferably movable in a third direction. Alternatively or additionally, the coupling rod may be rotatable, particularly about a shaft axis oriented in the third direction, preferably about an axis parallel to the third direction.

[0036] In a further development of the die coater system including the transfer rod, the support bracket includes means configured to selectively inhibit forward and / or backward movement of the transfer rod. The means for selectively inhibiting forward and / or backward movement of the transfer rod may be configured to permit movement when the actor is activated. Alternatively or additionally, the means for selectively inhibiting movement of the transfer rod may be configured to inhibit movement when the actor is in an inactive state. In particular, the means may be configured to inhibit movement of the transfer rod due to resilience of the die block to pushback or deformation from active material slurry being discharged from the die block assembly. In particular, the transfer rod and the means configured to selectively inhibit forward and / or backward movement of the transfer rod comprise a thread, in particular a trapezoidal thread.

[0037] According to some embodiments of the die coater system, the actor includes a gear unit. In particular, the gear unit of the actor may be a reduction gear unit, particularly a self-locking reduction gear unit. The gear unit may be configured to have a reduction ratio of at least 1 / 10, particularly at least 1 / 20 or 1 / 50, more particularly at least 1 / 100. The gear unit may include, for example, a worm gear. Alternatively or additionally, the gear unit of the actor is configured to convert the rotational motion of the actor into linear motion. The gear unit of the handle may be configured to transmit motion from the actor to the transfer rod, particularly to move the transfer rod at least partially in a forward or backward linear motion in a third direction. The actor may include an electric drive, preferably an electric motor such as a servo motor or a stepper motor. Alternatively, the actor may include a manual drive, such as a crank handle.

[0038] In some embodiments, the die coater system further includes at least one sensor unit. The die coater system may include multiple sensor units. The at least one sensor unit may be configured to measure the active material layer coated on the foil. In particular, the die coater system includes an irradiation-based sensor unit, such as a beta-ray transmission sensor, configured to measure the active material layer coated on the foil. More specifically, the sensor unit is configured to measure the thickness, density, lateral width, and / or reference weight of the active material layer coated on the foil. Preferably, the measurements are determined relative to a reference area (e.g., a 5 cm x 5 cm reference area). The one or more sensor units may be configured to measure the foil before it is coated, measure the first (front) side of the wet-coated foil, measure the first (front) side of the dry-coated foil, measure the second (rear) side of the wet-coated foil, and / or measure the second (rear) side of the dry-coated foil.

[0039] According to a further development of the die coater system including at least one sensor unit, the die coater system further includes a control unit operably coupled to the sensor unit and the adjusting device, particularly to the actuator, particularly to its drive. The control unit may be configured to adjust the forward and / or rearward bias provided by the adjusting device based on measurements related to the active material layer coated on the foil. For example, the measurements related to the active material layer coated on the foil may be processed by the control unit, for example, by comparing them with a reference value range or reference threshold, and the control unit may be configured to set the adjusting device to optimize, maintain, or correct the current state of the die block assembly. By utilizing at least one sensor unit and a control unit for operating the adjusting device based on measurements from the sensor unit, automatic optimization of the coating may be achieved.

[0040] In some embodiments, the die block assembly includes a first (upper) die block and a second (lower) die block, the first die block and the second die block surrounding a slot, and the discharge port communicating with the slot. The die block assembly may further include at least one manifold formed in the first die block and / or the second die block. The manifold preferably communicates with the slot and provides active material slurry to the discharge port. In particular, the manifold is connected to a supply line through which the active material slurry is delivered to the die block assembly. In particular, at least one holding bracket and / or at least one fixing bracket is firmly attached to one of the at least one first die block and / or the at least one second die block.

[0041] According to some embodiments of the die coater system, the die coater system further includes a coating roll configured to transport the foil in a transport direction prior to at least one discharge port of the die block assembly. Preferably, the coating roll is configured to have an outer peripheral surface of a constant diameter spaced a predefined discharge distance from the discharge port. The coating roll preferably has a rotation axis extending laterally.

[0042] The present disclosure also relates to a method for operating a die coater system for coating a foil with an active material using a die block assembly having at least one discharge port for dispensing an active material slurry onto the foil, where the discharge port extends laterally. The method also includes providing the active material slurry to the foil in a discharge direction through the discharge port of the die block assembly. The die block assembly may use multiple discharge ports to distribute the active material slurry. The discharge direction may coincide with the average direction of the slurry moving through the discharge port of the die block assembly. Preferably, a die block assembly including multiple discharge ports having the same direction may be used. The method also includes moving the foil in a transport direction that is laterally, particularly vertically, preferably vertically upward or vertically downward relative to the lateral direction of the discharge port. It is preferable that the transport direction of the foil at the discharge port corresponds to the height direction or the second direction. The lateral direction of the foil preferably corresponds to the lateral direction of the discharge port. The method also includes coupling at least one adjustment device to a rear face of the die block opposite the discharge port and using the adjustment device to bias at least a portion of the die block assembly including the discharge port forward or rearward in the discharge direction.

[0043] The method may include controlling one or more properties of the active material slurry, such as feed pressure, feed rate, slurry temperature, etc., where such properties are preferably set to a constant or essentially constant value.

[0044] The methods of operating the die coater system described herein may preferably use the die coater system described above. The methods described herein may be configured to function in accordance with particular embodiments of the die coater system described above. In particular, the die coater system described herein may operate in accordance with the methods of operating the die coater system described herein.

[0045] In an embodiment of the method, the adjusting device is used to at least partially displace the discharge port by 1 μm or more, particularly 3 μm or more, particularly 5 μm or more, and / or 50 μm or less, particularly 25 μm or less, particularly 10 μm or less, relative to the stop position of the discharge port, where the stop position of the discharge port preferably corresponds to a uniform plane. For example, when the average coating thickness is 0.5 mm, adjusting devices spaced apart from each other on two sides can be used to bias the side edge portions forward by up to about 10 μm in the discharge direction, thereby discharging the active material slurry to a thickness of 6 mg / cm. 2 In another example, for an average coating thickness of 0.5 mm, two side-spaced adjustment devices can be used to bias the side edge sections backward in the discharge direction by up to about 5 μm, thereby increasing the active material slurry thickness to 8-10 mg / cm. 2 If necessary, the width of the active material coating layer may be modified, for example, by increasing the coating width when the die block assembly projects forward or decreasing the coating width when the die block assembly projects backward.

[0046] The present disclosure also relates to an electrode for a battery, in particular a positive or negative electrode, or a set of positive and / or negative electrodes, comprising a foil coated with an active material using the method described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0047] According to embodiments, a significantly improved quality active material coating can be coated onto a foil to form an electrode, and the foil can be provided with an active material coating of significantly improved uniformity and / or little or no variation in thickness.

[0048] The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects described above, and additional effects not described above can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the appended claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0049] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a die coater system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a die coater system having an open die block assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the die coater system according to FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view of an adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the adjusting device according to FIG. [Figure 6A] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a die coater assembly in a parked position. [Figure 6B] 6B is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional profile (web gauge profile) of an active material layer coated on a foil using the die coater assembly of FIG. 6A. [Figure 7A] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a convexly bent die block assembly. [Figure 7B] 7B is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional profile of an active material layer coated on a foil using the die coater assembly of FIG. 7A. [Figure 8A] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a concavely bent die block assembly. [Figure 8B] 8B is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional profile of an active material layer coated on a foil using the die coater assembly of FIG. 8A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0050] A die coater system configured to coat a foil with an active material is provided. The die coater system includes a die block assembly having at least one discharge port for dispensing an active material slurry onto the foil. The discharge port may have a cross-sectional area configured to face the foil. The discharge port may have a generally rectangular cross-section. It is preferred that the die block assembly include at least two, at least three, or at least four or more discharge ports. The number of discharge ports in the die block assembly may be two, three, or four.

[0051] The present disclosure also relates to a method for operating a die coater system for coating a foil with an active material using a die block assembly having at least one discharge port for distributing an active material slurry onto the foil, wherein the discharge port extends laterally. The method also includes providing the active material slurry to the foil in a discharge direction through the discharge port of the die block assembly. The die block assembly may use multiple discharge ports to distribute the active material slurry. The discharge direction may coincide with the average direction of the slurry moving through the discharge port of the die block assembly. Preferably, a die block assembly including multiple discharge ports having the same direction may be used. The method also includes moving the foil in a transport direction that is laterally, particularly vertically, preferably vertically upward or vertically downward relative to the lateral direction of the discharge port. It is preferable that the transport direction of the foil at the discharge port corresponds to the height direction or the second direction. The lateral direction of the foil preferably corresponds to the lateral direction of the discharge port. The method also includes coupling at least one adjustment device to a rear face of the die block opposite the discharge port and using the adjustment device to bias at least a portion of the die block assembly including the discharge port forward or rearward in the discharge direction.

[0052] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the embodiments. The present disclosure can be modified in various different ways and is not limited to the embodiments presented in this application.

[0053] Portions irrelevant to the description may be omitted to clearly illustrate the present disclosure, and like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the description.

[0054] Additionally, in the drawings, the size and thickness of each element are arbitrarily shown for convenience of explanation, and the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to those shown in the drawings. In the drawings, the thicknesses of layers, regions, etc. are exaggerated for clarity. In the drawings, the thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated for convenience of explanation.

[0055] Additionally, when an element such as a layer, film, region, or plate is referred to as being "on" or "above" another element, it can be understood that it can be directly above other elements or intervening elements that may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly above" another element, it means that no other intervening elements are present. Additionally, the terms "on" or "above" refer to being disposed above or below a referenced part, and do not necessarily mean being disposed on the top end of the referenced part in the opposite direction of gravity. On the other hand, similar to being described as being "on" or "above" another part, being described as being "below" or "below" another part can also be understood with reference to the above content.

[0056] Additionally, throughout the description, when a part is referred to as "comprising" or "comprising" certain components, this does not exclude other components, unless expressly stated otherwise, and means that the part may further include other components.

[0057] Additionally, throughout the description, when reference is made to a "planar" it means when the target portion is viewed from the top side, and when reference is made to a "cross section" it means when the target portion is viewed perpendicularly from the side of the cross section cut.

[0058] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a die coater system 100. A foil 2 is guided by a roll 102 in front of a die block assembly 1, which has a discharge port 13 toward the foil 2. The rotation axis of the roll 102 is aligned with the discharge port 13 of the die block assembly 1. The active electrode material is coated onto the foil 2 by providing an active material slurry through the die block assembly 1 to form an active material layer 200 on one side of the foil. The active material slurry may differ from the active material, particularly in that the slurry contains at least one additional component, such as a solvent. The die block assembly 1 may include two or more die blocks 11, 21 that are firmly connected to each other. A channel may be formed as a slot 12 between the two die blocks 11, 21. At least one of the die blocks 21 of the assembly 1 may be provided with a manifold 15 to supply the active material slurry. On one side, for example, the side toward the rear surface 19 of the die block assembly 1, the manifold 15 is connected to a supply pipe. On the other side, which may be referred to as the front side, the manifold 15 is coupled to the discharge port 13 or a channel that extends to the discharge port. The die coater system 100 of the present disclosure includes at least one adjustment device 3 coupled to the rear face 19 of the die block assembly 1.

[0059] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a die coater system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which the first die block 11 is removed from the second die block 21 with the die block assembly 1 open. The first die block 11 tilts from the second die block 21 with the aid of a tilting mechanism 112. The tilting mechanism 112 may be attached to the die blocks 11, 21 at the rear surface 19 of the die block assembly 1. Alternatively, the tilting mechanism may be attached to the side of the die blocks 11, 21 (not shown in detail). The open or maintenance state of the die block assembly shown in FIG. 2 may be selected, for example, to clean active material slurry from the slot or manifold 15 between the die blocks 11, 21.

[0060] FIG. 3 shows the die coater system 100 in a closed or operating state. In the operating state of the die coater system 100, the die blocks 11 and 21 of the die block assembly 1 engage with each other to define a front discharge port 13. In the operating state, the die blocks 11 and 21 are securely fastened to each other, causing the blocks to operate essentially as an integral unit. In the operating state, active material slurry can be conveyed to the die block assembly 1 via a supply line 115. The supply line 115 can be located in the lateral central section 10C of the die block assembly 1. Within the die block assembly 1, the active material slurry is temporarily stored in a manifold 15. The manifold 15 can serve as a buffer storage to supply active material slurry of uniform characteristics (e.g., pressure, temperature, particle size) to at least one discharge port 13.

[0061] It is preferable that the die block assembly 1 has multiple discharge ports 13, for example, two or four discharge ports. When the die block assembly 1 includes multiple discharge ports 13, it is preferable that the multiple discharge ports 13 of the die block assembly 1 have the same dimensions. Preferably, in a die block assembly 1 having multiple discharge ports 13, the multiple discharge ports 13 have the same shape, a first extension (width) in the first direction Y, and / or a second extension (height) in the second direction Z. The multiple discharge ports 13 may be formed with cross sections of matching rectangular shapes. Rectangular discharge ports may have a first extension (width) between 200 mm and 1000 mm, particularly between 400 mm and 800 mm, preferably about 640 mm. Rectangular discharge ports may have a second extension (height) that is substantially smaller than the first extension. The second extension of the rectangular exit port may be between 1 μm and 10 μm, in particular between 10 μm and 1 μm, preferably between 100 μm and 500 μm.

[0062] 2 and 3, the die coater system 100 may be configured as a horizontal die coater system 100 in which the transport direction T of the foil in front of the horizontally aligned discharge ports 13 corresponds to a vertical direction Z aligned with the direction of gravity relative to the bottom of the manufacturing site. Alternatively, the die block assembly may be arranged (not shown) in which the discharge ports 13 are oriented vertically toward the foil and the transport direction in front of the discharge ports 13 corresponds to a horizontal direction, particularly parallel or not substantially parallel to the bottom of the manufacturing site.

[0063] The die block assembly 1 is mounted on a fixed base plate 101. One or more carriers or columns 105 are disposed between the die block assembly 1 and the fixed base plate 101 in the vertical direction Z and can support the weight of the die blocks 11, 21. The die blocks 11, 21 are preferably placed on top of at least one carrier 105 in a slidable manner. Additionally or alternatively, a linear bearing, such as a linear sliding bearing or a linear roller bearing, may be provided between the carrier 105 and the die block assembly 1. The die block assembly 1 is preferably placed on top of the carrier 105 in a manner that does not interfere with adjustment of the die block assembly 1 via the adjustment devices 3, 4.

[0064] Optionally, a fixing bracket 103 is provided to fix the die block assembly 1 to the base plate 101. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, the fixing bracket 103 may be provided to rigidly connect the die block assembly 1 and the fixed base plate 101 in the horizontally aligned first direction Y. In other embodiments, at least one, multiple, or all of the fixing brackets 103 may be replaced by respective adjustment devices (not shown in detail). The fixing brackets 103 may be provided to define the position of a section of the die block assembly 1 associated with said fixing bracket relative to the fixed base plate 101. Thus, when the adjustment devices 3, 4 partially bias the die block assembly 1 away from its rest position, one or more fixing brackets 103 may partially maintain the die block assembly in its rest position. The fixing brackets 103 may be rigidly attached to one, multiple, or all of the die blocks 11, 21 of the die block assembly 1. The fixing brackets 103 are preferably rigidly coupled to the rear face 19 of the die block assembly 1. Alternatively or additionally, the fixed connection between the fixed bracket 103 and the die block assembly 1 may be provided on the upper surface 17 and / or the lower surface 18 thereof.

[0065] As shown in Fig. 1, the die coater system 100 of the present disclosure includes at least one adjustment device 3, 4. The adjustment device 3, 4 is coupled to the rear surface 19 of the die block assembly 1. The adjustment device 3, 4 includes actors 30, 40 configured to urge at least a portion of the die block assembly forward or backward in the discharge direction X. As shown in Fig. 3, the die coater system 100 may include multiple adjustment devices 3, 4 spaced laterally from one another. If a fixing bracket 103 is provided, it may be disposed between the multiple adjustment devices 3, 4 in the lateral direction Y.

[0066] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 3, the first adjustment device 3 is disposed in a first lateral outer section 10A, and the second adjustment device 4 is disposed in a second lateral outer section 10B. The first section 10A is located on the left side of the die block assembly 1, and the second section 10B is located on the right side of the die block assembly 1 when viewed from the rear in Figure 3. The lateral outer section may be defined by a third, fourth, or fifth portion of the uppermost end of the die block assembly in the lateral direction Y.

[0067] At least one fixing bracket 103 is disposed in a central section 10C in the lateral direction Y between the first section 10A and the second section 10B. In other embodiments, the lateral central section 10C may be devoid of any adjustment devices or fixing brackets, etc., and any fixing brackets and adjustment devices may be disposed only in the lateral outer sections 10A and / or 10B (not shown).

[0068] In the first (lateral) direction Y and / or the second (vertical) direction Z, the die coater assembly 1 is preferably maintained fixedly relative to the fixed base plate 101, in particular by at least one adjustment device 3, a fixed bracket 103, and / or a carrier 105.

[0069] When the adjusting device 3 urges the die block assembly 1 forward in the discharge direction X, the section of the die block assembly 1 to which the adjusting device 3 is coupled moves, in particular is bent (in this example, by the roll 102), closer to the foil 2 guided forward of the discharge port 13, thereby narrowing the distance d between the discharge port 13 and the foil 2. By urging the die block assembly forward, the distance d between the discharge port 13 and the foil 2 decreases compared to the rest position. The reduced distance d increases the flow resistance to the active material slurry, allowing less active material slurry to exit the discharge port 13 and be coated onto the foil 2. As a result, the thickness t of the active material layer 200 in the area associated with the respective adjusting device 3 or 4 can decrease.

[0070] When the adjusting device 3 urges the die block assembly 1 backward in the discharge direction X, the section of the die block assembly 1 to which the adjusting device 3 is coupled moves, in particular bends, away from the foil 2 guided forward of the discharge port 13, thereby increasing the distance d between the discharge port 13 and the foil 2. By urging the die block assembly backward, the distance d between the discharge port 13 and the foil 2 increases compared to the stop position. The increased distance d reduces the flow resistance of the active material slurry, allowing more active material slurry to exit the discharge port 13 and be coated onto the foil 2. As a result, the thickness t of the active material layer 200 in the area associated with the respective adjusting device 3 or 4 can increase.

[0071] 4 and 5 are detailed drawings of an adjustment device 3 configured for use in a die coater system 100 according to the present invention. In the exemplary embodiment shown, a crank handle 31 provides an actuator 30 for manually driving the adjustment device 3. Alternatively, an electric drive such as a servo motor or stepper motor can be used (not shown).

[0072] The adjustment device 3 includes a holding bracket 35 mountable to the rear face 19 of the die block assembly 1. As shown in Fig. 3, the holding bracket 35, 45 may be arranged to be strongly coupled with the rear face 19 of the die block assembly 1 and is preferably mounted thereon for transmitting actions and / or forces from each actor 30, 40, which may be directed forward or rearward in the discharge direction X. The holding bracket 35, 45 may be rigidly mounted, for example, to the first die block 11 or the second die block 21, or to multiple or all of the die blocks.

[0073] The adjustment device 3 includes a transfer rod 33 for operatively connecting the actor 30 to its holding bracket 35. The transfer rod 33 can move forward and / or backward in the discharge direction X and is movable to transmit a biasing force and / or a motion from the actor 30 to the die block assembly 1. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5, the transfer rod 33 is embodied as a rotatable transfer shaft. The rotatable transfer shaft is received by a rotation bearing 38 connected to the holding bracket 35 so that the die block assembly 1 is not subjected to the rotational movement of the rod 33. The rotation shaft includes a trapezoidal thread 36 received in a corresponding thread of the support bracket 37.

[0074] The support bracket 37 is fixedly connected to the fixed base plate 101 of the die coater system 100. The support bracket 37 may be provided to support some or all of the retention force applied in the third direction X by the die block assembly 1. By providing the support bracket 37 between the actor 30 and the holding bracket 35, the actor 30 may be cushioned from repulsive forces due to deformation of the die block assembly 1 and / or repulsive forces due to active material slurry escaping from the die block assembly 1 through the discharge port 13. Additionally or alternatively, the trapezoidal screw 36 may provide a self-locking function that prevents linear forces, particularly linear forces due to repulsive forces generated in the die block assembly 1, from moving the transfer rod 33. That is, the trapezoidal screw 36 functions as a means for selectively inhibiting the forward and / or backward movement of the transfer rod 33 and the holding bracket 35 connected thereto, unless rotational movement is provided to the transfer rod 33 by the actor 30. The transfer rod 33 may advance and / or retreat in the discharge direction X only when the actor 30 is activated. The currently set state and / or position of the die block assembly 1 is maintained by the adjustment device 3 as long as the actor 30 is not activated, in particular causing a rotational movement of the transfer rod 33 .

[0075] The actor 30 of the adjustment device 3 may be provided with a gear unit 32. The gear unit 32 may have a self-locking function to protect the actor 30, particularly from repulsive forces generated by the die block assembly 1. Additionally or alternatively, the gear unit 32 may have a reduction ratio. The gear unit 32 may be configured to convert a first motion into a second motion. For example, the gear unit 32 may be configured to transmit a first rotational motion into a second rotational motion in a second direction. For example, the gear unit 32 may include a worm gear. Additionally or alternatively, the gear unit 32 may be configured to transmit rotational motion into linear motion. For example, the gear unit 32 may include a coupling to a threaded shaft that converts the rotational motion of the gear into linear motion of a shaft, preferably acting as the transfer rod 33.

[0076] The actor 30 may be attached to a gear unit 32. The actor 30 and / or the gear unit 32 may be attached to a fixed base plate 101 using a socket 107.

[0077] In the exemplary embodiment of the die coater system 100 shown in Figures 2 and 3, two identically configured adjustment devices 3 and 4 are provided. The first adjustment device 3 and the second adjustment device 4 may be configured as described above in connection with Figures 4 and 5. In the die coater system 100 according to the present disclosure, the multiple adjustment devices 3, 4 may be operated independently of one another to individually bias forward or backward the respective sections of the die block assembly 1 associated with each of the multiple adjustment devices 3, 4. Optionally, the die coater system 100 may be configured to correspondingly operate the multiple adjustment devices 3, 4 to similarly bias forward or backward the respective sections of the die block assembly 1 associated with each adjustment device 3, 4, particularly in a synchronized operating mode.

[0078] When the actors 30, 40 or the adjusting devices 3, 4 are activated, the respective holding brackets 35, 45 guide the associated part of the die block assembly 1 forward or backward in the discharge direction X.

[0079] 6A, 7A, and 8A show different schematic views of a die coater system 100 that may be configured as described above. The die coater system 100 includes two side separation adjustment devices 3, 4 coupled to a rear face 19 of a die block assembly 1 having four side separation discharge ports 13 of substantially equal dimensions.

[0080] In FIG. 6A, the die block assembly 1 is in a stationary state. When the die block assembly 1 is in a stationary state, the discharge ports 13 are positioned in a flat plane extending in the first (lateral) direction Y and the second (vertical) direction Z. FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional profile (web gauge profile) of an active material layer coated on a foil using the die coater assembly of FIG. 6A. When the active material slurry has uniform material properties (especially pressure, temperature, and density) that are substantially invariant when the active material slurry is discharged through one of the multiple discharge ports 13, the active material layer 200 coated on the foil 2 as shown in FIG. 6B exhibits substantially uniform and consistent properties. The active material layer 200 is coated on the foil 2 in four distinct lines corresponding to the four discharge ports 13. The four lines have substantially the same width, density, and height. The thickness t of the active material layer 200 is also substantially consistent in the lateral direction Y.

[0081] 7A, the die block assembly is biased in a first deformation state, i.e., a convexly bent state in the vertical direction Z as viewed from above, in which the adjusting devices 3, 4 are actuated to bias the associated lateral outer sections 10A, 10B of the die block assembly 1 backward in the discharge direction X. The bias of the adjusting devices 3, 4 causes the die block assembly to deviate from its linear rest state and assume a convexly bent shape in the vertical direction Z as viewed from above, with the outer sections 10A, 10B being removed further away from the foil 2 than the lateral central section 10C of the die block assembly. The discharge port 13 of the die block assembly 1 is bent in a corresponding manner. Thus, the further outward the discharge port 13 is positioned in the lateral direction Y, the further away it is from the foil 2. As can be seen from FIG. 7B, when the die block assembly 1 is biased in the first state, the cross section of the active material layer 200 coated on the foil 2 exhibits a relatively larger thickness t at the outer lateral lines and areas compared to the central lines and areas.

[0082] In FIG. 8A , the die block assembly is biased to a second deformation state, i.e., a state in which it is bent concavely in the vertical direction when viewed from above. In the second deformation state, the adjustment devices 3 and 4 are actuated to bias the outer sections 10A and 10B of the associated side of the die block assembly 1 forward in the discharge direction X. The biasing of the adjustment devices 3 and 4 causes the die block assembly to deviate from its linear rest state and assume a concavely bent shape when viewed from above in the vertical direction Z, with the outer sections 10A and 10B moving closer to the foil 2 than the central section 10C of the side of the die block assembly. The discharge ports 13 of the die block assembly 1 are also bent in a corresponding manner. Thus, the more outwardly the discharge ports 13 are positioned in the lateral direction Y, the closer they are to the foil 2. As can be seen in FIG. 8B , when the die block assembly 1 is biased in the second state, the cross-section of the active material layer 200 coated on the foil 2 exhibits a relatively smaller thickness t at the outer lateral lines and regions than at the center line and regions.

[0083] Several experiments were conducted to measure the effect of using the die coater system 1 according to the present disclosure under various operating conditions. In the experiments described below, the temperature of the active material slurry and other properties related to the active material slurry were controlled to be constant. The ambient conditions were preferably set to standard conditions (25°C, 1013.25 hectopascals). The experiments were conducted using a beta ray transmission sensor (not shown) to measure the load profile (g / cm) of the active material layer 200 coated on the foil 2. 2), particularly in terms of basis weight. In other experiments, the adjustment device was set to different offset values ​​to guide the relevant portion of the die block assembly forward in the discharge direction (indicated by -) or backward in the discharge direction (indicated by +) in the manner described above in relation to FIG. 7A or FIG. 8A, respectively. The characteristics of the active material coating layer at four lateral intervals were considered for each sample. For each pair of left and right lines (DS and OS), the average value (AVG) of the maximum value (MAX) for the load profile was determined. Additionally, the widths A and B of the two center lines, the center distance C between the two center lines, and the lateral distances D and E between the adjacent outer lines were determined. The experimental results can be inferred from Table 1 below.

[0084] [Table 1]

[0085] Although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims also fall within the scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1: Die block assembly 2: Foil 3, 4: Adjustment device 10A: First side outer section 10B: Second outer side section 10C: Lateral central section 11: First die block 12: Slot 13: Discharge port 15: Manifold 16:Front 17: Top surface 18: Bottom surface 19: Rear 21: Second die block 30, 40: Actor 31, 41: Crank handle 32, 42: Gear unit 33, 43: Transfer rod 34, 44: Worm gear 35, 45: Holding bracket 36: Trapezoidal screw 37, 47: Support bracket 100: Die coater system 101: Fixed base plate 102: Roll 103, 104: Fixed bracket 105: Career 107: Socket 112: Tilting mechanism 115: Supply pipe 200: Active material layer T: Transfer direction X: 3rd direction, discharge direction Y: 1st direction, side direction Z: 2nd direction

Claims

1. 1. A die coater system configured for coating a foil with an active material, comprising: at least one discharge port for dispensing active material slurry onto the foil, said discharge port including a die block assembly defining a discharge direction and extending laterally of said discharge port; The die coater system further includes at least one adjustment device coupled to a rear surface of the die block assembly opposite the discharge port, the adjustment device including an actor configured to urge at least a portion of the die block assembly forward or backward in a discharge direction.

2. 2. The die coater system of claim 1, wherein the die block assembly is configured to be at least partially deformed, in particular bendable, by the adjustment device and configured to at least partially displace the discharge port by 1 μm or more, in particular 3 μm or more, more particularly 5 μm or more and / or 50 μm or less, in particular 25 μm or less, more particularly 10 μm or less, relative to a stop position of the discharge port, preferably wherein the stop position of the discharge port corresponds to a flat surface.

3. 3. The die coater system of claim 1, further comprising at least one holding bracket, particularly a first holding bracket and a second holding bracket spaced apart laterally, attached to a rear surface of the die block assembly and coupled to the actor.

4. at least one stationary bracket attached to a rear surface of the die block assembly; and The die coater system of claim 1 , further comprising a fixed base member to which the fixed bracket and the actor are firmly attached.

5. The die coater system of claim 3 or 4, wherein the at least one fixed bracket is laterally disposed between the first holding bracket and the second holding bracket.

6. 6. The die coater system of claim 5, wherein the at least one fixing bracket is attached to a rear surface of the die block assembly at a side section of the die block assembly located in an outer third, particularly an outer quarter, more particularly an outer fifth of a side extension of the die block assembly.

7. 7. The die coater system of claim 3, further comprising: at least one transfer rod operably coupling the actor to the at least one holding bracket; and a support bracket disposed between the holding bracket and the actor to support the transfer rod.

8. The die coater system of claim 7 , wherein the support bracket includes means configured to selectively inhibit forward and / or reverse movement of the transfer rod.

9. 9. The die coater system according to claim 8, wherein the transport rod and the means configured to selectively inhibit the forward and / or backward movement of the transport rod are in a threaded connection, in particular comprising a trapezoidal thread.

10. 10. The die coater system according to claim 1, wherein the actor comprises a gear unit, in particular a reduction gear unit, more particularly a self-locking reduction gear unit and / or a gear unit configured in particular to convert a rotational movement of the actor into a linear movement.

11. 11. The die coater system of claim 1, further comprising at least one sensor unit, in particular an irradiation-based sensor unit such as a beta-ray transmission sensor configured to measure the active material layer coated on the foil.

12. 12. The die coater system of claim 1, further comprising a control unit operably coupled to the sensor unit and the adjusting device and configured to adjust the forward and / or rearward biasing based on measurements relating to the active material layer coated on the foil.

13. the die block assembly includes a first die block and a second die block; the first die block and the second die block surround a slot; the exhaust port communicates with the slot and at least one manifold formed in the first die block and / or the second die block; 13. The die coater system of claim 1, wherein in particular at least one holding bracket and / or at least one fixing bracket is rigidly attached to at least one of the first die block and the second die block.

14. 14. The die coater system of claim 1, further comprising a coating roll configured to transport the foil in a transport direction in front of the at least one discharge port, the coating roll being positioned in front of the at least one discharge port and having an axis of rotation extending laterally of the coating roll.

15. 1. A method of operating a die coater system for coating a foil with an active material, comprising: using a die block assembly having at least one laterally extending discharge port for dispensing the active material slurry onto the foil; providing an active material slurry onto the foil in a discharge direction through a discharge port of the die block assembly; moving the foil in a transport direction transverse to a lateral direction of the discharge port; coupling at least one adjustment device to a rear surface of the die block opposite the discharge port; and using the adjustment device to bias at least a portion of the die block assembly including the discharge port forward or rearward in the discharge direction.

16. 16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the adjustment device is used to at least partially displace the ejection port by 1 μm or more, in particular 3 μm or more, more particularly 5 μm or more, and / or 50 μm or less, in particular 25 μm or less, more particularly 10 μm or less relative to a stop position of the ejection port, preferably wherein the stop position of the ejection port corresponds to a flat surface.

17. 17. An electrode for a battery comprising a foil coated with an active material by the method of claim 15 or 16.

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