Slot die alignment device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a slot die alignment device and includes at least one position control unit coupled to a slot die for adjusting the position of a shim plate and measuring the position of the shim plate, wherein the position control unit includes a jig configured to be attached to and detached from the front end of the slot die, and a control unit coupled to the jig so as to be slidable on the jig.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for accurately adjusting the position of a shim plate included in a slot die.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0049335 filed on April 12, 2024, and all the contents disclosed in the literature of the Korean patent application are included as part of this specification.

Background Art

[0003] Rechargeable secondary batteries are attracting attention as power sources for devices that require high output and large capacity, including electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, etc., which are proposed as solutions to solve air pollution caused by existing gasoline vehicles, diesel vehicles, etc. that use fossil fuels.

[0004] Typically, in terms of the shape of the battery, there is a high demand for prismatic secondary batteries and pouch-type secondary batteries that can be applied to products such as mobile phones with a thin thickness. In terms of materials, there is a high demand for lithium secondary batteries such as lithium-ion batteries and lithium-ion polymer batteries, which have advantages such as high energy density, discharge voltage, and output stability.

[0005] Generally, a lithium secondary battery has a structure in which an electrode assembly composed of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator is impregnated with a lithium electrolyte. The electrode is formed by coating an electrode current collector with an electrode slurry containing an electrode active material, and a coating device such as a slot die is used to coat the electrode slurry.

[0006] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional slot die D, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the center of the conventional slot die D cut along the width direction, and FIG. 3 is a schematic view in which a conventional position adjuster is applied to the slot die D of FIG. 2.

[0007] The slot die D forms a chamber for supplying the active material slurry and includes a first die D1, a second die D2, which set the height of the slots from which the active material slurry is discharged, and a shim plate S positioned between them to set the width of the slots.

[0008] Generally, the active material slurry flows into the space of the manifold 20 between the first die D1 and the second die D2 via the inlet 10, and the active material slurry filled in the manifold 20 is discharged to the outlet 30 located forward via the guide of the shim plate S. In this case, the position of the shim plate S can be an important parameter of the coating process.

[0009] Traditionally, the position of the shim plate S was adjusted by a person directly measuring it using an electron microscope, but this method had the problem of low accuracy.

[0010] Recently, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a position adjuster has been used that includes a dial gauge 40 for measuring the position of the shim plate S and a micrometer (not shown) for adjusting the position of the shim plate S, as shown in Figure 3.

[0011] However, aligning the shim plates S using the method described above was time-consuming, and it was difficult to check the alignment status of the slot dies D at various positions. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0012] [Patent Document 1] Korean Published Patent Publication No. 10-2023-0078497 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0013] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a slot die alignment device that can more precisely control the position of the shim plates included in the slot die.

[0014] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a slot die alignment device that can easily adjust the position of the shim plate.

[0015] Other objects and advantages of the present invention can be understood from the following description and more clearly from embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it can be readily understood that the objects and advantages of the present invention may be realized by the means and combinations thereof as described in the claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] The present invention provides a slot die alignment device that includes at least one position control unit coupled to a slot die for adjusting the position of a shim plate and measuring the position of a shim plate, wherein the position control unit includes a fixture configured to be attached to and detached from the front end of the slot die, and a control unit coupled to the fixture so as to be slidable on the fixture.

[0017] The control unit may include a measuring unit for measuring the position of a shim plate included in a slot die, and a position adjustment unit configured to pressurize and move the shim plate.

[0018] The fixture includes guide holes that guide the movement of the control unit, which can move back and forth horizontally along the guide holes.

[0019] The measurement unit and the position adjustment unit can move independently along the guide hole.

[0020] The control unit secures the measuring unit and the position adjustment unit and may further include at least one sliding member inserted into the guide hole so as to slide along the guide hole.

[0021] The measurement unit and the position adjustment unit may be respectively coupled to a pair of sliding members that are inserted into and move in the guide holes.

[0022] The guide holes may extend to correspond to the entire length of the front end of the slot die.

[0023] The jig may include a guide hole, a support member extending from the lower end of the guide hole, and a coupling member that couples the support member and the slot die so that the support member is fixed to the slot die.

[0024] The jig may include at least two or more support members.

[0025] A plurality of position control units may be coupled to one slot die.

Advantages of the Invention

[0026] According to the present invention, the position of the shim plate included in the slot die can be precisely controlled to improve the efficiency of the process.

[0027] Also, according to the present invention, the process time can be shortened by easily controlling the position of the shim plate.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] <0000;103> [Figure 1] A perspective view of a conventional slot die disassembled. [Figure 2] A cross-sectional view of the center of a conventional slot die cut along the width direction. [Figure 3] A schematic view of applying a conventional position adjuster to the slot die of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] A perspective view of a slot die and a slot die alignment device according to a first embodiment of the present invention coupled thereto. [Figure 5] A schematic view showing an enlarged view of the slot die alignment device of FIG. 4. [Figure 6]This is a perspective view of a slot die alignment device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a front view of a slot die alignment device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a plan view of a slot die alignment device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a partially exploded perspective view showing the control unit separated from the slot die alignment device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view of a slot die and a slot die alignment device according to a second embodiment of the present invention coupled thereto. [Figure 11] Figure 10 is a front view of the slot die device. [Figure 12] This is a front view of a slot die alignment device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view of a slot die and a slot die alignment device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention coupled thereto. [Figure 14] Figure 13 is a front view of the slot die device. [Figure 15] This is a perspective view of a slot die and a slot die alignment device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention coupled thereto. [Figure 16] Figure 15 is a front view of the slot die assembly. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. As a premise, terms and words used herein and in the claims should not be interpreted in a manner limited to their general or dictionary meanings, but rather in a manner consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention, based on the principle that inventors may appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe their own invention.

[0030] Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the drawings represent only one of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the present invention; there may be a variety of equivalents and modifications that can substitute for them at the time of filing.

[0031] Furthermore, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a specific description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0032] Since embodiments of the present invention are provided to give a more complete explanation to an ordinary person, the shapes and sizes of the components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or shown schematically for the sake of clarity. Accordingly, the sizes and proportions of each component do not fully reflect the actual sizes and proportions.

[0033] In the present invention, "slit" refers collectively to a through-hole having a long axis with a length in one direction and a short axis with a length perpendicular to the long axis, and includes cases where the shape is rectangular, elliptical, or bead-shaped.

[0034] This invention relates to a slot die alignment device.

[0035] Figures 4 to 9 relate to a slot die alignment device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Figures 10 to 11 relate to a slot die alignment device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, Figure 12 relates to a slot die alignment device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, Figures 13 to 14 relate to a slot die alignment device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and Figures 15 to 16 relate to a slot die alignment device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Specific embodiments of the slot die alignment device of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. For reference, the forward / backward and up / down / left / right directions used in the following description to specify relative positions are for the purpose of aiding understanding the invention, and unless otherwise specified, the directions shown in the drawings shall be used as the reference.

[0037] Furthermore, the longitudinal direction of a configuration is defined as the direction corresponding to the longest plane of the configuration shown in the drawing, with the horizontal direction as the reference, and the width direction of a configuration is defined as the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, with the horizontal direction as the reference.

[0038] (First Embodiment) Figure 4 is a perspective view of a slot die and a slot die alignment device according to the first embodiment of the present invention coupled thereto; Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an enlarged view of the slot die alignment device of Figure 4; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the slot die alignment device according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is a front view of the slot die alignment device according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is a plan view of the slot die alignment device according to the first embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 9 is a partially exploded perspective view showing the control unit 200 separated from the slot die alignment device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] The slot die alignment apparatus of the present invention is characterized by aligning slot dies that include a first die and a second die coupled to the first die, and a shim plate interposed between the first die and the second die.

[0040] As shown in Figure 4, the slot die alignment device of the present invention includes at least one position control unit 1000 coupled to the slot die, which adjusts the position of the shim plate and measures the position of the shim plate.

[0041] The position control unit 1000 includes a jig 100 configured to be attached to and detached from the front end of the slot die, and a control unit 200 that is coupled to the jig 100 so as to be slidable on the jig 100.

[0042] The jig 100 includes guide holes 110 that can guide the movement of the control unit 200.

[0043] The guide hole 110 is formed to extend in one direction.

[0044] As shown in Figure 4, the slot die alignment device of the present invention is coupled to a slot die such that the extending direction of the guide hole 110 is horizontal to the longitudinal direction of the slot die.

[0045] More specifically, the jig 100 further includes a support member 120 and a connecting member 130, along with the guide hole 110.

[0046] A slot die alignment device according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a jig 100, a support member 120, and a connecting member 130.

[0047] The coupling member 130 is a part that is directly coupled to the slot die and is coupled to either the first die or the second die.

[0048] The connecting member 130 is connected to the support member 120 and the slot die so that the support member 120 is fixed to the slot die.

[0049] Any method of joining the connecting member 130 and the slot die is acceptable, as long as the jig 100 can be fixed in place so that it does not shake.

[0050] According to some embodiments, the connecting member 130 may be screw-connected to the slot die by bolts or the like.

[0051] According to some other embodiments, the coupling member 130 may include a magnetic material and may be coupled to the slot die by magnetism.

[0052] The support member 120 is formed to extend from the lower end of the guide hole 110 so that the guide hole 110 and the connecting member 130 can be connected.

[0053] The support member 120 is connected to the connecting member 130 such that the guide hole 110 is at a height corresponding to the shim plate.

[0054] According to some embodiments, the extent to which the support member 120 extends may vary depending on the thickness and type of the slot die. That is, if the thickness of the second die to which the connecting member 130 is connected is thick, the length of the support member 120 may increase accordingly. Conversely, if the thickness of the second die is thin, the length of the support member 120 may decrease accordingly.

[0055] Therefore, the guide hole 110 may be completely fixed to the slot die by the connecting member 130 and the support member 120 coupled to the connecting member 130.

[0056] The control unit 200 can be moved by being guided by the guide hole 110.

[0057] In other words, the control unit 200 is provided so as to be able to reciprocate horizontally on the guide hole 110.

[0058] The control unit 200 includes a measurement unit 210 and a position adjustment unit 220.

[0059] The measuring unit 210 and position adjustment unit 220 included in the slot die alignment device of the present invention contact the ends of the shim plates of the slot die to move the shim plates and measure the displacement of the moved shim plates in real time.

[0060] As shown in Figure 5, the measurement unit 210 measures the end position of the shim plate interposed between the first die and the second die.

[0061] Specifically, the measurement unit 210 measures the position of the shim plate ends that lie on the same plane with reference to the front outer edges of the first die and the second die.

[0062] The measurement unit 210 is not particularly limited and can be applied as long as it is capable of measuring the end position of the shim plate. For example, the measurement unit 210 may be a dial gauge, as shown in Figures 4 to 9. Alternatively, the measurement unit 210 may be one of the following: an eddy current displacement sensor, an optical displacement sensor, a linear proximity sensor, and a magnetoresistive displacement sensor.

[0063] The position adjustment unit 220 adjusts the end position of the shim plate interposed between the first die and the second die, as shown in Figure 5.

[0064] Specifically, the position adjustment unit 220 is located adjacent to the measurement unit 210 and moves the shim plate to the rear of the slot die. At this time, the measurement unit 210 can measure the displacement of the shim plate, which changes as a result of the adjustment by the position adjustment unit 220, in real time.

[0065] The position adjustment unit 220 is not particularly limited and can be applied as long as it can precisely change the displacement of the shim plate. For example, the position adjustment unit 220 may be a micrometer, as shown in Figures 4 to 9.

[0066] The control unit 200 may include at least one sliding member 230 that is inserted into the guide hole 110 to fix the measuring unit 210 and the position adjustment unit 220 and to slide along the guide hole 110.

[0067] As shown in Figure 9, the sliding member 230 may include a first insertion opening 231 into which the measuring unit 210 and the position adjustment unit 220 can be inserted, and a second insertion opening 232.

[0068] The measuring unit 210 and the position adjustment unit 220, which are inserted into the first insertion port 231 and the second insertion port 232 respectively, are securely fixed to the sliding member 230 to prevent them from shaking.

[0069] Although not shown, the jig 100 may further include a fixing unit that restricts the movement of the sliding member 230 so that the sliding member 230 can be fixed in a specific position in the guide hole 110. For example, the fixing unit may be in the form of a clamp used to restrict the movement of a general object or to fix it in a specific position. Alternatively, the fixing unit may be in the form of a screw that is fastened through the guide hole 110 and pressurizes around the sliding member.

[0070] The sliding member 230 is freely movable within the area where the guide hole 110 extends. Therefore, the measuring unit 210 and the position adjustment unit 220 can adjust and measure the shim plate position at all locations within the area in which the sliding member 230 is movable.

[0071] (Second Embodiment) Figure 10 is a perspective view of a slot die and a slot die alignment device according to a second embodiment of the present invention coupled thereto, and Figure 11 is a front view of the slot die device of Figure 10.

[0072] The slot die alignment device according to the second embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the guide hole 110 is formed to extend to correspond to the entire length of the front end of the slot die, as shown in Figures 10 and 11.

[0073] In other words, by fixing one jig 100 to the slot die, the control unit 200 can be moved to correspond to the entire front end of the shim plate included in the slot die.

[0074] (Third embodiment) Figure 12 is a front view of a slot die alignment device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] A slot die alignment device according to a third embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that a plurality of position control units 1000 are coupled to a single slot die.

[0076] Each position control unit 1000 may be provided such that the guide holes 110 are adjacent to each other, as shown in Figure 12. When the position control units 1000 are arranged as described above, the overall position adjustment and displacement measurement of the front end of the shim plate can be performed stably.

[0077] According to some embodiments, each position control unit 1000 may be positioned such that the guide holes 110 are spaced apart at predetermined intervals. That is, each position control unit 1000 can be coupled to a portion where the position of the shim plate is habitually distorted or requires correction.

[0078] (Fourth Embodiment) Figure 13 is a perspective view of a slot die and a slot die alignment device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention coupled thereto, and Figure 14 is a front view of the slot die device of Figure 13.

[0079] A slot die alignment device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that one jig 100 includes at least two or more support members 120.

[0080] According to some embodiments, each support member 120 may be connected to a single connecting member 130.

[0081] According to some other embodiments, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, a separate connecting member 130 may be connected to each support member 120.

[0082] As the length of the guide hole 110 of the jig 100 increases, the guide hole 110 may flex, which can reduce the accuracy of the alignment process of the measuring unit 210 and the position adjustment unit 220. Furthermore, the flexing of the guide hole 110 may cause problems in the movement of the sliding member 230 that moves within the guide hole 110.

[0083] Therefore, multiple support members 120 may be provided for the purpose of distributing the multiple forces acting on the guide hole 110.

[0084] (Fifth embodiment) Figure 15 is a perspective view of a slot die and a slot die alignment device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention coupled thereto, and Figure 16 is a front view of the slot die device of Figure 15.

[0085] A slot die alignment device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the measuring unit 210 and the position adjustment unit 220 move independently on the guide hole 110.

[0086] Specifically, a pair of separate sliding members 230 may be connected to one guide hole 110, and each sliding member 230 may be connected to only one of either a measuring unit 210 or a position adjustment unit 220. In this case, one of the sliding members 230 includes only a first insertion opening 231, and the other sliding member 230 includes only a second insertion opening 232.

[0087] Therefore, the pair of sliding members 230 allow each measuring unit 210 and position adjustment unit 220 on a single guide hole 110 to be positioned at a distance from each other.

[0088] A slot die alignment device with this structure allows for the positional displacement of other areas of the shim plate to be monitored while the position of one area of ​​the shim plate is moved.

[0089] The present invention has been described in more detail above with reference to the drawings and embodiments. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments described herein are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the present invention. Therefore, there may be a variety of equivalents and modifications that can be substituted for them at the time of filing. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0090] D: (Conventional technology) Slot die D1: (Conventional Technology) First Die D2: (Conventional technology) Second die S: (Conventional technology) Shim plate 10: (Conventional technology) Inlet 20: (Conventional Technology) Manifold 30: (Conventional technology) Discharge port 40: (Conventional Technology) Dial Gauge 1000: Position control unit 100: Jig 110: Guide Hall 120: Support member 130: Connecting member 200: Control Unit 210: Measurement Unit 220: Position adjustment unit 230: Sliding component 231: First insertion port 232: Second insertion port

Claims

1. It includes at least one position control unit coupled to a slot die, which adjusts the position of the shim plate and measures the position of the shim plate, The position control unit is A jig configured to be attached to and detached from the front end of the slot die, A slot die alignment device comprising a control unit coupled to the jig so as to be slidable on the jig.

2. The control unit is A measuring unit for measuring the position of the shim plate included in the slot die, The slot die alignment device according to claim 1, further comprising a position adjustment unit configured to pressurize and move the shim plate.

3. The jig includes guide holes for guiding the movement of the control unit, The slot die alignment device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit moves back and forth horizontally on the guide hole.

4. The slot die alignment device according to claim 3, wherein the measuring unit and the position adjustment unit move independently on the guide hole.

5. The control unit is The slot die alignment apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising at least one sliding member that fixes the measuring unit and the position adjustment unit and is inserted into the guide hole so as to slide along the guide hole.

6. The slot die alignment device according to claim 5, wherein the measuring unit and the position adjustment unit are respectively coupled to a pair of sliding members that are inserted into and move in the guide holes.

7. The slot die alignment device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the guide hole extends to correspond to the entire length of the front end of the slot die.

8. The aforementioned jig is The aforementioned guide hole, A support member extending from the lower end of the guide hole, A slot die alignment apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, comprising a connecting member that connects to the support member and the slot die, such that the support member is fixed to the slot die.

9. The slot die alignment device according to claim 8, wherein the jig includes at least two or more support members.

10. A slot die alignment device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of position control units are coupled to a single slot die.

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