Slot die device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a slot die apparatus for coating an injected slurry by discharge, and includes a die block including a first die with a protruding die lip and a second die coupled to the first die, and a shim assembly interposed between the first die and the second die and including a discharge port from which the slurry is discharged, wherein the shim assembly includes a coupling portion coupled to the second die and a shim portion having an open shape on one side and protruding from one surface of the coupling portion, and the shim assembly is characterized in that a discharge port is formed in the open portion of the shim portion located between the first die and the coupling portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a slot die apparatus, and more specifically, to a slot die apparatus designed to allow easy replacement of a lip.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0041769 filed on March 27, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the document of said Korean patent application are incorporated as a part of the present specification.

Background Art

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

[0004] Typically, in terms of battery shape, there is high demand for prismatic secondary batteries and pouch-type secondary batteries, which are thin and can be applied to products such as mobile phones, and in terms of material, there is 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] A secondary battery has a structure in which an electrode assembly consisting of electrodes and a separator and an electrolyte solution are both housed in a battery case.

[0006] Generally, an electrode is manufactured by applying a slurry containing an active material onto a sheet-shaped current collector, and at this time, a slot die apparatus is most frequently used as the slurry application apparatus.

[0007] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional slot die 10 apparatus, and Fig. 2 simply illustrates the process of coating slurry on a sheet 50 using the slot die 10 apparatus of Fig. 1.

[0008] Generally, as shown in Figure 1, a slot die 10 device forms a slit 40 by interposing a die shim 30 between a pair of slot dies 10, and as shown in Figure 2, the principle is that a die lip 20 protruding from the tip of the slot die 10 guides and discharges the slurry passing through the slit 40 to perform coating.

[0009] However, since the slurry handled in the secondary battery manufacturing process is a highly viscous fluid, wear may occur on the die lip 20 portion due to prolonged use.

[0010] Conventionally, in order to polish the worn die lip 20, it was necessary to separate the slot die 10 itself, which was cumbersome. Of course, in order to eliminate this cumbersomeness, a slot die 10 device with a structure that allows only the die lip 20 portion to be separated separately had been developed, but there was a problem in that complete fastening was difficult due to the straightness machining tolerance between the slot die 10 and the die lip 20. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-2615168 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0012] Therefore, the present invention was created to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide a slot die device with a structure that allows for easy separation and replacement of the die lip portion when it becomes worn.

[0013] Other objects and advantages of the present invention can be understood from the following description and will be more clearly seen from the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the objects and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof as set forth in the claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] The present invention provides a slot die apparatus for discharging and coating an injected slurry.

[0015] The slot die apparatus includes a die block including a first die with a protruding die lip and a second die coupled to the first die, and a shim assembly interposed between the first die and the second die and including a discharge port from which slurry is discharged, wherein the shim assembly includes a coupling portion coupled to the second die and a shim portion having an open shape on one side and protruding from one surface of the coupling portion, and the shim assembly is characterized in that the discharge port is formed in the open portion of the shim portion located between the first die and the coupling portion.

[0016] The die block further includes a manifold in which slurry is stored, and the slurry can be moved through the manifold to the shim assembly and discharged.

[0017] The above-mentioned connecting portion may have a rectangular frame shape with an open center corresponding to the manifold shape.

[0018] The above manifold can be formed on at least one of the first die and the second die.

[0019] The position of the tip of the above-mentioned joint can coincide with the position of the tip of the die lip included in the first die.

[0020] The tip of the above-mentioned joint can protrude more than the tip of the second die.

[0021] The device may be composed of: a support part coupled to the rear end of the coupling part and formed to extend along the longitudinal direction of the coupling part; and a pair of guide parts coupled to both ends of the support part, formed to extend along the width direction of the coupling part and forming the discharge port.

[0022] The width and length of the discharge port may correspond to the separation distance between the guide parts.

[0023] The shim part may further include at least one separation part coupled to the support part so as to be positioned between the pair of guide parts, and formed to extend along the width direction of the coupling part.

[0024] The shim part may further include an extension part coupled to an end of the guide part and formed to extend along the longitudinal direction of the coupling part.

[0025] The width and length of the discharge port may correspond to the separation distance between the extension parts.

[0026] The shim assembly may be configured to be detachable from the die block. Effects of the Invention

[0027] According to the slot die apparatus of the present invention, when a die lip is worn, the worn die lip can be separated efficiently. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of a conventional slot die apparatus. [Figure 2] It is a schematic diagram briefly showing the process of coating slurry with the slot die apparatus of Fig. 1. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view of a slot die apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is an exploded perspective view of the slot die apparatus of Fig. 3. [Figure 5]Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a modified example of the slot die apparatus. [Figure 6] Figure 3 shows perspective, plan, and front views of the shim assembly included in the slot die device. [Figure 7] Figure 6 shows a modified example of the shim assembly, including a perspective view, a plan view, and a front view. [Figure 8] These are perspective views, plan views, and front views of a shim assembly included in a slot die device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] Figure 8 shows a modified version of the shim assembly, including perspective views, plan views, and front views. [Figure 10] These are perspective views, plan views, and front views of a shim assembly included in a slot die device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] Figure 10 shows a modified example of the shim assembly, including perspective views, plan views, and front views. [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] The present invention relates to a slot die device, and more specifically, to a slot die device designed for easy replacement of the lip.

[0034] Figures 3 to 6 relate to a slot die apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Figures 7 to 9 relate to a slot die apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and Figures 10 to 11 relate to a slot die apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Specific embodiments of the slot die apparatus 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 the understanding of the invention, and unless otherwise defined, the directions shown in the drawings shall be used as the reference.

[0036] Here, the longitudinal direction of a configuration is defined as the direction corresponding to the longest plane of the configuration shown in the drawing, relative to the horizontal direction, and the width direction of a configuration is defined as the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, relative to the horizontal direction.

[0037] (First Embodiment) Figure 3 is a perspective view of a slot die apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the slot die apparatus of Figure 3.

[0038] The slot die apparatus of the present invention includes a die block containing a pair of dies and a shim assembly 200, as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0039] The die block described above specifically includes a first die 110 and a second die 120 coupled to the first die 110.

[0040] The first die 110 described above has a shape in which a die lip 111 protrudes from its tip.

[0041] The die lip 111 is formed at the tip of the first die 110, extending along the longitudinal direction of the first die 110.

[0042] The die block of the present invention may further include a manifold M in which slurry is stored.

[0043] According to some embodiments, the manifold M can be formed on the second die 120, as shown in Figure 4.

[0044] The slurry supplied from the outside flows into the die block, and preferably the inlet (not shown) into which the slurry flows is formed at a position communicating with the manifold M. Therefore, the slurry flows into the second die 120 and is temporarily stored in the manifold M.

[0045] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a modified version of the slot die apparatus shown in Figure 3.

[0046] According to some other embodiments, the manifold M may be formed in the first die 110, as shown in Figure 5. In this case as well, the inlet for the slurry is formed in a position that communicates with the manifold M. Thus, the slurry flows into the first die 110 and is temporarily stored in the manifold M.

[0047] The shim assembly 200 described above is interposed between the first die 110 and the second die 120.

[0048] The shim assembly 200 includes a discharge port Ou from which the slurry transferred from the die block is discharged.

[0049] Figure 6 shows perspective, plan, and front views of the shim assembly 200 included in the slot die device of Figure 3, and Figure 7 shows perspective, plan, and front views of a modified example of the shim assembly 200 of Figure 6.

[0050] The shim assembly 200 includes a connecting portion 210 and a shim portion 220 protruding from one surface of the connecting portion 210.

[0051] The above-mentioned joint portion 210 is a part that is directly connected to the second die 120 and serves as a substitute for the die lip 111.

[0052] The above-mentioned joint portion 210 has a shape that corresponds to the inner surface of the second die 120, which does not have a die lip 111 formed on it, among the die block.

[0053] The shim assembly 200 is configured to be detachable from the die block. That is, if wear occurs to the joint 210 which acts as the die lip 111, the shim assembly 200 can be separated from the die block and polished.

[0054] According to some embodiments, when the second die 120 includes a manifold M as shown in Figure 4, the coupling portion 210 has a rectangular frame shape with an open center 220, corresponding to the shape of the manifold M. Therefore, the slurry flowing in through the manifold M of the second die 120 passes through the opening Op of the coupling portion 210, and its flow direction is controlled by the shim portion 220 and the inner surface of the first die 110.

[0055] In another embodiment, if the second die 120 does not include the manifold M as shown in Figure 5, the coupling portion 210 has a flat plate shape corresponding to the shape of the flat inner surface of the second die 120 as shown in Figure 7. Therefore, the flow direction of the slurry flowing in through the manifold M of the first die 110 is controlled by the structure of the flat plate coupling portion 210 and the shim portion 220.

[0056] Since the coupling portion 210 can replace the die lip 111 that has been removed from the second die 120, the position of the tip of the coupling portion 210 coincides with the position of the tip of the die lip 111 included in the first die 110. That is, the tip of the coupling portion 210 is coupled to the second die 120 so as to extend beyond the tip of the second die 120, and thus functions as the die lip 111.

[0057] As shown in Figure 6, the shim portion 220 is formed to protrude from one side of the connecting portion 210, with one side being open.

[0058] The shim assembly 200 forms a discharge port Ou at the open portion of the shim portion 220 located between the first die 110 and the coupling portion 210. That is, the slurry moves through the manifold M of the die block to the shim assembly 200 and is discharged through the discharge port Ou.

[0059] The shim portion 220 included in the slot die device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is composed of a support portion 221 and a pair of guide portions 222. Specifically, the shim portion 220 is composed of a support portion 221 which is connected to the lower end of the coupling portion 210 and extends along the longitudinal direction of the coupling portion 210, and a pair of guide portions 222 which are connected to both ends of the support portion 221 and extend along the width direction of the coupling portion 210 to form an outlet Ou.

[0060] The support portion 221 prevents the slurry transferred from the die block from leaking to the rear end of the slot die device, and the guide portions 222 connected to both ends of the support portion 221 guide the slurry to prevent it from leaking to the side ends of the slot die device as it moves towards the discharge port Ou.

[0061] The amount of slurry transferred to the discharge port Ou and the width of the coating can be adjusted by the separation distance of the guide portion 222. In other words, the width and length of the discharge port Ou are determined in accordance with the separation distance of the guide portion 222.

[0062] (Second Embodiment) Figure 8 shows a perspective view, a plan view, and a front view of a shim assembly 200 included in a slot die device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 9 shows a perspective view, a plan view, and a front view of a modified example of the shim assembly 200 of Figure 8.

[0063] A slot die apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention may further include an extension 224, as shown in Figure 8.

[0064] Specifically, the shim portion 220 further includes an extension portion 224 that is coupled to the end of the guide portion 222.

[0065] The extension 224 is connected to the end of the guide portion 222 and extends along the longitudinal direction of the connecting portion 210. The extension 224 substantially reduces the width of the discharge port Ou and serves to limit the coating position and amount of the discharged slurry. For example, the longer the extension 224, the smaller the width of the discharge port Ou becomes, and conversely, the shorter the extension 224, the closer the width of the discharge port Ou becomes to the distance between the pair of guide portions 222.

[0066] In other words, the width and length of the discharge port Ou of the slot die device according to the second embodiment of the present invention corresponds to the separation distance of the extension portion 224, not the guide portion 222.

[0067] According to some embodiments, the shim assembly 200 may include an opening Op in the coupling portion 210, corresponding to the shape of the manifold M, as shown in Figure 8.

[0068] According to some other embodiments, the shim assembly 200 may include a flat joint 210 without an opening Op, as shown in Figure 9.

[0069] The shape of the coupling portion 210 can be determined by whether or not a manifold M is formed on the second die 120 which is coupled to the coupling portion 210.

[0070] (Third embodiment) Figure 10 is a perspective view, a plan view, and a front view of a shim assembly 200 included in a slot die device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 11 is a perspective view, a plan view, and a front view showing a modified example of the shim assembly 200 of Figure 10.

[0071] A slot die apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention may further include a separation unit 223, as shown in Figure 10.

[0072] Specifically, the shim portion 220 is coupled to the support portion 221 so as to be located between the pair of guide portions 222, and further includes at least one separation portion 223 formed extending along the width direction of the coupling portion 210.

[0073] The separation section 223 serves to partition the discharge port Ou with respect to the longitudinal direction of the shim assembly 200. Therefore, the slot die device including the separation section 223 discharges slurry into the discharge port Ou partitioned by the separation section 223. For example, if one separation section 223 is located between the guide sections 222, two independent coating layers can be formed, and if N separation sections 223 are located, N+1 independent coating layers can be formed.

[0074] According to some embodiments, the shim assembly 200 may include an opening Op in the coupling portion 210, corresponding to the shape of the manifold M, as shown in Figure 10. In this case, the separation portion 223 can be partitioned across the opening Op.

[0075] According to some other embodiments, the shim assembly 200 may include a flat joint 210 without an opening Op, as shown in Figure 11. In this case, the slurry stored in the manifold M flows independently into the spaces partitioned by the separation section 223.

[0076] The shape of the coupling portion 210 can be determined by whether or not a manifold M is formed on the second die 120 which is coupled to the coupling portion 210.

[0077] 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]

[0078] 10: (Conventional technology) Die 20: (Conventional technology) Die lip 30: (Conventional technology) Daishim 40: (Conventional technology) Slit 50: (Conventional Technology) Sheet 110: First Die 111: Diaper 120: Second Die 200: Sim assembly 210:Joining part 220: Sim section 221: Support part 222: Guide Section 223: Separation part 224: Extension Ou: Outlet Op: Opening M: Manifold

Claims

1. A slot die device that discharges and coats injected slurry, A die block including a first die with a protruding die lip and a second die coupled to the first die, A shim assembly interposed between the first die and the second die, including a discharge port from which slurry is discharged, Includes, The aforementioned shim assembly is A coupling portion that is coupled to the second die, The shape is open on one side, and a shim portion protrudes from one surface of the joint, Includes, The shim assembly is a slot die device in which a discharge port is formed in the open portion of the shim located between the first die and the coupling portion.

2. The die block further includes a manifold in which slurry is stored. The slot die apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the slurry moves through the manifold to the shim assembly and is discharged.

3. The slot die apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the coupling portion has a rectangular frame shape with an open center corresponding to the shape of the manifold.

4. The slot die apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the manifold is formed on at least one of the first die and the second die.

5. The slot die apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the position of the tip of the coupling portion coincides with the position of the tip of the die lip included in the first die.

6. The slot die apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tip of the coupling portion protrudes more than the tip of the second die.

7. The shim portion is, A support portion is connected to the rear end of the joint portion and is formed extending along the longitudinal direction of the joint portion, A pair of guide portions are connected to both ends of the support portion and are formed extending along the width direction of the connection portion to form a discharge port, A slot die apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising the above.

8. The slot die device according to claim 7, wherein the width and length of the discharge port correspond to the separation distance of the guide portion.

9. The slot die apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the shim portion is coupled to the support portion so as to be located between the pair of guide portions and further includes at least one separation portion formed extending along the width direction of the coupling portion.

10. The slot die apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the shim portion further includes an extension portion that is coupled to the end of the guide portion and extends along the longitudinal direction of the coupling portion.

11. The slot die apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the width and length of the discharge port correspond to the separation distance of the extension.

12. The slot die apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the shim assembly is configured to be detachably attached to the die block.

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