Slot Die Electrode Coating Device and Method for Controlling the Same

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention provides a slot die electrode coating device comprising: a coating bag roll disposed on a support frame and transporting a substrate and supporting the substrate so that a slurry discharged from a slot die can be applied to the substrate; a coating unit comprising a slot die disposed on the support frame and applying the slurry to the substrate and a driving unit controlling the position of the slot die; a first sensing unit disposed after the coating unit and detecting the thickness and shape of a coating layer formed on the substrate; and a control unit controlling the position of the coating unit based on information detected by the first sensing unit.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrode coating device and a control method thereof. Specifically, the present invention relates to a precision coating technology using a slot die, and more specifically, to a transfer and position control device for a slot die coating device utilizing a linear motor and a servo motor. The technology relates to a mechanism for uniformly coating an active material slurry on the surface of a battery electrode plate and various substrates, and a control device for optimizing the same. Background Technology

[0002] In coating processes requiring high mobility and high precision, coating operations using slot dies are widely utilized. Such coating operations require high precision and reproducibility to uniformly apply an active material slurry onto a substrate. To achieve this, a transfer mechanism capable of precisely controlling the position of the slot die is essential.

[0003] In existing technology, a ball screw was used to align the slot die to a specific position on the substrate in order to ensure coating uniformity. However, this process had limitations in effectively controlling variations caused by the shape of the substrate, slurry viscosity, and environmental factors. Furthermore, the backlash during ball screw movement resulted in uneven repeatability, which not only affected coating precision and product quality but also placed an excessive load on surrounding components if the slot die was tilted using only linear motion, potentially causing serious damage to the durability of the coating device.

[0004] In addition, existing control systems often failed to reflect substrate conditions or slurry viscosity in real time or were limited to processing only restricted data, which was insufficient for process optimization. As a result, there were limitations in preventing coating thickness imbalance issues arising from moving and tilting mechanisms, and there were even cases where component fracture occurred due to excessive load caused by the use of tilting mechanisms.

[0005] Therefore, to ensure the precision and consistency of the coating process, it is required to develop a high-performance transfer device that includes a mechanism to detect the condition of the substrate and the characteristics of the slurry in real time, dynamically correct the operation of linear and servo motors based on this, and suppress vibrations. In particular, there is a need for technology that allows coating thickness, pattern, and angle to be intuitively set via a user interface, provides high precision and repeatability by linking with a precise control system, and does not cause issues with the durability of the coating system. Prior art literature

[0006] Registered Patent Publication No. 10-2513856 (Mar. 21, 2023) The problem to be solved

[0007] The present invention relates to a device for moving and controlling a slot die coating device, and aims to solve problems that may occur in processes requiring precision coating, such as electronic substrates or battery electrode plates. Conventional slot die movement and control technology suffers from mechanical errors, vibrations, and a lack of responsiveness to real-time state changes, which causes problems such as uneven coating thickness, positional errors, and reduced process speed. In particular, when coating highly viscous materials such as active material slurries, there is a disadvantage in that it is difficult to maintain a uniform distribution of the slurry and surface quality. Furthermore, by adjusting the tilting alignment of the slot die solely through linear motion, an excessive load is applied to the drive unit around the die, causing problems such as breakage of the drive unit or coupling parts.

[0008] In addition, conventional forward and tilting devices using ball screws have limitations in that they cannot guarantee uniformity of coating quality or respond immediately to changes in substrate shape and curvature. There were also cases where precision was reduced and optimized coating control was difficult due to insufficient vibration suppression devices or insufficient performance of the feedback control system.

[0009] To solve these technical problems, the present invention aims to precisely control the movement and tilting motion of a slot die based on linear motors and servo motors, suppress vibrations, and minimize the load on the drive unit or coupling parts of the slot die while ensuring uniform coating quality through a multi-axis rotary tilting mechanism and a real-time feedback control system. In particular, it aims to enable immediate response to various substrate shapes and changes in the viscosity of the active material slurry, and to enable high-speed and high-precision repetitive production by linking with a user interface and control system. means of solving the problem

[0010] To achieve the above technical objectives, a slot die electrode coating device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include: a support frame; a coating bag roll disposed on the support frame that transports a substrate and supports the substrate so that a slurry discharged from a slot die can be applied to the substrate; a coating unit disposed on the support frame and including a slot die that applies a slurry to the substrate and a driving unit that controls the position of the slot die; a first sensing unit disposed after the coating unit that detects the thickness and shape of a coating layer formed on the substrate; and a control unit that controls the position of the coating unit based on information detected by the first sensing unit.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the coating portion includes an upper body and a lower body, and the upper body and the lower body are spaced apart from each other to form a slit, and may include a slurry transfer portion to supply a slurry in the direction of the slit.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the slurry transfer unit includes a first transfer line, a distribution unit, and a second transfer line, wherein the distribution unit is formed on the upper surface of the lower body and has a structure extending in the width direction of the slit, and the second transfer line may be configured as a flow path connecting the slit and the distribution unit.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the driving unit may include a first driving unit that controls the position of the slot die in the X-axis direction; a second driving unit that controls the position of the slot die in the Y-axis direction; and a third driving unit that controls the position of the slot die to tilt.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first driving unit includes a linear motor and a first guide, and the linear motor can move the X-axis position of the slot die along the first guide.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the third driving unit includes a servo motor, and the servo motor may be provided to be rotatable along the Z-axis direction with respect to the center of the slot die.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the coating portion is coupled to the support frame and may be provided so as to be detachable from the support frame when necessary.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, a second sensing unit may be further included to detect the position of the substrate to be coated, which is positioned prior to the coating unit.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit can control the position of the slot die in real time based on the information detected by the first sensing unit.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit can adjust the position of the slot die using the driving unit so that the coating layer formed on the substrate is included within a set effective range.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit detects the left-right height difference of the coating layer and can adjust the left-right height difference by rotating the slot die using the third driving unit.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, the thickness deviation of the coating layer is detected, and the position of the slot die in the Y-axis direction can be adjusted using the second driving unit.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, a slurry supply unit disposed on one side of the coating unit is included, and the slurry supply unit is connected to the slot die and can supply the slurry to the slot die.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, a user interface may be included that can adjust the position of the slot die according to a coating thickness or pattern set by the user.

[0024] A control method for an electrode coating device according to another embodiment of the present invention may include: a substrate supply step of supplying a substrate to a coating part; a coating layer formation step of forming a coating layer on the substrate; a first sensing step of sensing the position of the coating layer formation using a first sensing part; and a coating part control step of controlling the position of the coating part using a driving part when necessary based on the sensing result of the first sensing step.

[0025] In one embodiment of the present invention, prior to the formation of the coating layer, a substrate position detection step of detecting the position of the substrate using a second detection unit may be additionally included.

[0026] In one embodiment of the present invention, if the position of the substrate detected in the substrate position detection step deviates from a set area, the step of adjusting the position of the slot die using the driving unit may be further included. Effects of the invention

[0027] The slot die transfer device according to the present invention enables high-speed and high-precision movement and rotation through integrated control of a linear motor and a servo motor, thereby satisfying the high precision required in the coating operation of a substrate. The linear motor is designed based on a ball screw, allowing for very precise control of the coating position on the substrate along with a fast transfer speed, while the servo motor rotates the slot die around its central axis and can automatically adjust the tilting angle according to changes in the substrate shape and the viscosity of the active material slurry. In addition, the present invention adopts a movement mechanism to maximize the fluidity of the slot die, thereby precisely controlling forward and backward movement and left and right movement to adjust the thickness of the coating layer (20) and correct errors in the coating position. This movement function operates automatically according to user settings, further enhancing the automation and efficiency of the coating operation.

[0028] In particular, the present invention maximizes the movement stability of the slot die by suppressing vibrations generated during movement through a damping device connected to a linear motor, and by including a multi-axis rotary tilting mechanism, it can precisely adjust the inclination angle of the slot die for various substrate shapes, thereby minimizing the load on the slot die and related coupling parts while maintaining the uniformity of the slurry coating thickness. The feedback control system detects the substrate surface condition and the viscosity of the active material slurry in real time and automatically optimizes the operation of the linear motor and servo motor based on the data to prevent non-uniform coating quality. In addition, by providing a user interface, the user can easily set details such as coating thickness, pattern, and tilting angle, and automatically adjust the operation of the slot die according to the set values. Through integration with the control system, mechanical precision and repeatability are guaranteed, and the automation of precise coating operations, such as battery electrode plate coating processes, can be realized.

[0029] The present invention improves operational stability and durability by including a mechanism that structurally and efficiently distributes load to minimize component fatigue that may occur during continuous slot die control operations. The tilting mechanism ensures uniform and precise coating quality by dynamically adjusting the angle according to the direction of movement of the slot die to prevent thickness imbalance that occurs during the coating operation.

[0030] Through all these elements, the present invention provides high precision, high speed, stability, and durability, and offers the advantage of significantly improving the efficiency of coating operations, thereby maximizing applicability in various advanced manufacturing processes.

[0031] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and should be understood to include all effects that can be inferred from the composition of the invention described in the description or claims of the present invention. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0032] Figure 1 shows a conceptual diagram comparing the slot die electrode coating device of the prior art and the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing the coating portion of a slot die electrode coating device according to the present invention. FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a slot die electrode coating device according to the present invention. Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a slot die electrode coating device according to the present invention. FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the driving unit of the slot die electrode coating device according to the present invention. Figure 6 shows a cross-section of the main part of the slot die electrode coating device according to the present invention. Figure 7 shows the operation of the driving unit of the slot die electrode coating device according to the present invention. FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram of the distribution section of a slot die electrode coating device according to the present invention. FIG. 9 shows the process of controlling the coating layer in a slot die electrode coating device according to the present invention. FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a slot die electrode coating device according to an additional embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 illustrates a method for controlling the position of a coating part using an electrode coating device according to an additional embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a process diagram of an electrode coating device control method according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the electrode coating device control method of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a process diagram of an electrode coating device control method according to another embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0033] The present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is therefore not limited to the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, in order to clearly explain the present invention in the drawings, parts unrelated to the explanation have been omitted, and similar parts throughout the specification have been given similar reference numerals.

[0034] Throughout the specification, when it is stated that a part is "connected (connected, in contact, combined)" with another part, this includes not only cases where they are "directly connected," but also cases where they are "indirectly connected" with other members interposed between them. Furthermore, when it is stated that a part "includes" a certain component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but rather allows for the inclusion of additional components.

[0035] The terms used herein are merely for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to indicate the presence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0036] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram comparing the slot die electrode coating device of the prior art and the present invention.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 (A) illustrates a method of aligning a slot die (100) relative to a coating back roll (200) in the prior art, wherein the left and right sides of the coating are aligned by moving the slot die (100) in the X-axis direction. Additionally, the thickness and the deviation of the left and right thickness are aligned through independent movement in the Y1 direction, which moves the left end of the slot die (100) toward the direction of the coating back roll (200), and in the Y2 direction, which moves the right end of the slot die (100) toward the direction of the coating back roll (200). In this way, if the tilting of the slot die (100) is performed through independent movement in the Y1 and Y2 directions, an excessive load is placed on the slot die (100) and the surrounding assembly parts, which can cause serious problems with the durability of the coating system, such as the parts breaking.

[0039] In contrast, the slot die control device of the present invention shown in (B) of FIG. 1 controls the slot die (100) through linear motion in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, and controls the tilting through rotational motion independent of the linear motion of the slot die (100) using an independent servo motor. Accordingly, excessive load caused by the tilting of the slot die (100) is not generated.

[0040] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing the coating portion of an electrode coating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] The electrode coating device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a device for manufacturing an electrode, and can form a coating layer (20) on a substrate (10) by uniformly discharging a slurry (20) through a slit (S) formed in a slot die (100) of a coating part (A).

[0042] The electrode coating device according to the embodiment may be a device for manufacturing an anode electrode.

[0043] In this case, the anode substrate (10) may be provided as a thin film having a thickness of about 50 μm or less. The anode substrate (10) may be provided as a metal material. For example, the anode substrate (10) may be provided as any one of copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), gold (Au), and an alloy comprising at least one of these.

[0044] The slurry (20) may be an anode slurry for forming an anode coating layer (20) on a substrate (10). The slurry (20) may include an anode active material, an anode conductive material, and an anode binder.

[0045] The positive electrode active material may be in the form of a lithium transition metal oxide, a lithium metal iron phosphate, or a metal oxide. The positive electrode active material may include layered compounds such as lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) and lithium nickel oxide (LiNiO2), compounds substituted with one or more transition metals, lithium iron oxides such as LiFe3O4, lithium manganese oxides such as LiMnO2 and LiMnO3, lithium copper oxides such as Li2CuO2, vanadium oxides such as LiV3O8, LiV3O4, and Cu2V2O7, lithium metal phosphates such as LiFePO4, LiCoPO4, LiNiPO4, and LiMnPO4, Ni-site type lithium nickel oxide, lithium manganese complex oxide, nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) complex oxide, lithium-nickel-cobalt-manganese-aluminum (NCMA) complex oxide, and LiMnO in which some of the Li ions are substituted with alkaline earth metal ions. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto, and any material used as an anode active material in the relevant technical field may be used.

[0046] The cathode conductive material may include carbon-based materials such as natural or artificial graphite, carbon black, carbon nanotubes, and carbon fibers, and metal-based materials such as silver (Ag), copper (Cu), and aluminum (Al). However, the embodiments are not limited thereto, and any material used in the art to impart conductivity to the cathode may be used.

[0047] The anode binder may include at least one of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyurethane (PU), polyethylene (PE), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), and epoxy resin. However, the examples are not limited thereto, and any material used as an anode binder in the relevant technical field may be used.

[0048] Alternatively, the electrode coating device according to an embodiment of the present invention may be a device for manufacturing a cathode electrode.

[0049] In this case, the cathode substrate (10) may be provided as a thin film having a thickness of about 50 μm or less. The cathode substrate (10) may be provided as a metal material. For example, the cathode substrate (10) may be provided as any one of copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), gold (Au), and an alloy comprising at least one of these.

[0050] The slurry (20) may be a cathode slurry for forming a cathode coating layer (20) on a substrate (10). The slurry (20) may include a cathode active material, a cathode conductive material, and a cathode binder.

[0051] The negative electrode active material may include a compound capable of reversible intercalation and deintercalation of lithium. For example, the negative electrode active material may include at least one of carbon-based materials such as natural or artificial graphite, carbon black, carbon nanotubes, and carbon fibers, metal-based materials capable of alloying with lithium, and silicon (Si)-based materials. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto, and any material used as a negative electrode active material in the relevant technical field may be used.

[0052] The cathode conductive material may include carbon-based materials such as natural or artificial graphite, carbon black, carbon nanotubes, and carbon fibers, and metal-based materials such as silver (Ag), copper (Cu), and aluminum (Al). However, the examples are not limited thereto, and any material used in the art to impart conductivity to the cathode may be used.

[0053] The cathode binder may include at least one of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyurethane (PU), polyethylene (PE), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), and epoxy resin. However, the examples are not limited thereto, and any material used as a cathode binder in the art may be used.

[0054] An electrode coating apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail below using the drawings.

[0055] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a slot die electrode coating device according to the present invention, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a slot die electrode coating device according to the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a driving unit of a slot die electrode coating device according to the present invention. FIG. 6 shows a cross-section of a main part of a slot die electrode coating device according to the present invention, FIG. 7 shows the operation of a driving unit of a slot die electrode coating device according to the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram of a distribution unit of a slot die electrode coating device according to the present invention. In addition, FIG. 9 shows a process of controlling a coating layer in a slot die electrode coating device according to the present invention.

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 9, an electrode coating device according to an embodiment may include a support frame (900), a coating bag roll (200), a coating section (A), a slurry supply section (SP), a first sensing section (600), and a control section (not shown).

[0057] The support frame (900) can support the coating bag roll (200) and the coating section (A). To this end, the support frame (900) can be provided with a rigid and highly reliable material. For example, it can be provided with a metal material, such as an alloy material, capable of supporting the components of the support frame (900).

[0058] The support frame (900) may include a support member (901) and an extension member (902). The support member (901) may have a plate shape. The support member (901) may support a coating member (A) disposed on the support member (901). The extension member (902) may extend from the support member. The extension member (902) may extend upward from both ends of the support member (901). The two support members (902) extending from both ends may be spaced apart from each other and parallel.

[0059] The coating bag roll (200) can be placed on a support frame (900). The coating bag roll (200) can be placed between two support members (901) spaced apart from each other. The support members (901) can support the coating bag roll (200) so that it is placed at a set position.

[0060] The coating bag roll (200) may include a rotation axis extending in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the slit (S). The rotation axis may be connected to a support member (801), and the support frame (900) may rotatably fix and support the rotation axis of the coating bag roll (200) at a set position.

[0061] The coating bag roll (200) can transport the substrate (10) supplied to the coating bag roll (200) by rotational motion. The coating bag roll (200) supports the substrate (10) so that the slurry is uniformly applied in the slot die (100). This configuration helps to solve the problem of uneven coating thickness, strengthens the durability of the equipment, and contributes to maximizing production efficiency through precise position control.

[0062] The coating portion (A) may be placed on the support frame (900). The coating portion (A) may be placed on the support portion (901) of the support frame (900). The coating portion (A) may include a slot die (100) and a driving portion (300, 400, 500).

[0063] First, regarding the slot die (100), the slot die (100) can be placed on a support frame (900). The slot die (100) can be placed on a support member (901).

[0064] The slot die (100) may include a main body. The main body may include an upper main body (101) and a lower main body (102). The upper main body (101) may be located on the upper side of the conveying direction of the substrate (10), and the lower main body (102) may be located on the lower side of the conveying direction of the substrate (10). The upper main body (101) and the lower main body (102) may be spaced apart. For example, one side of the upper main body (101) and the lower main body (102) facing the coating bag roll (200) may be spaced apart from each other. The upper main body (101) and the lower main body (102) may be spaced apart to form a slit (S) for slurry application on the substrate (10). At this time, the height of the slit (S) can be set to control the amount of slurry applied according to the distance between the upper main body (101) and the lower main body (102).

[0065] Either the upper body (101) and the lower body (102) may include a slurry transfer unit. For example, the lower body (102) may include a slurry transfer unit that supplies slurry in the direction of the slit (S).

[0066] The slurry transfer section may include a first transfer line (103), a distribution section (104), and a second transfer line (105).

[0067] The first transfer line (103) may be a flow path through which slurry supplied from the slurry supply unit (SP), which will be described later, is transferred. The first transfer line (103) may have a shape that penetrates the lower body (102). That is, the slurry may be supplied into the slot die (100) through one end of the first transfer line (103).

[0068] The distribution section (104) can be connected to the first transfer line (103). The distribution section (104) can be connected to the other end opposite to one end of the first transfer line (103). The distribution section (104) can be provided in a concave shape. For example, the distribution section (104) can be formed on the upper surface of the lower body (102) facing the upper body (101). Additionally, the distribution section (104) can be provided in a concave shape from the upper surface of the lower body (102) toward the lower surface of the lower body (102). Additionally, the distribution section (104) can be provided in a shape that extends in the width direction (X-axis direction of the drawing) of the slit (S). Accordingly, the distribution section (104) can distribute the slurry supplied through the first transfer line (103) in the width direction of the slit (S).

[0069] The second transfer line (105) can connect the slit (S) and the distribution section (104). The second transfer line (105) can be positioned between the slit (S) and the distribution section (104). The second transfer line (105) may be an area where the upper body (101) and the lower body (102) are spaced apart in the area between the slit (S) and the distribution section (104). The width of the second transfer line (105) may correspond to the width of the slit (S).

[0070] The coating section (A) may include at least one slot die (100). For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the electrode coating device according to the embodiment may include a plurality of slot dies (100). In this case, the plurality of slot dies (100) may be spaced apart from each other in the extension direction of the coating back roll (200). The embodiment may be configured to form a coating layer (20) of various widths on a substrate (10) by including a multi-slot die structure including a plurality of slot dies (100), and to maintain a constant coating thickness by uniformly distributing the slurry.

[0071] Additionally, although not shown in the drawing, one slot die (100) may have one or more slits (S) formed therein. Accordingly, the embodiment may form a coating layer (20) on a substrate (10) with various widths using one slot die (100).

[0072] The driving unit (M) may be placed on the support frame (800). The driving unit (M) may be placed on the support member (901). The driving unit (M) may be placed between the support member (901) and the slot die (100). The driving unit (M) can control the position of the slot die (100).

[0073] The driving unit may include a cover case (800) and a plurality of driving units (300, 400, 500).

[0074] The cover case (800) has an open top shape and may include a receiving space inside. The cover case (800) may accommodate the first driving unit (300), the second driving unit (400), and the third driving unit (500), which will be described later. The cover case (800) may protect the plurality of driving units (300, 400, 500) from the external environment.

[0075] A plurality of driving units may include a first driving unit (300), a second driving unit (400), and a third driving unit (500) that control the position of the slot die (100). As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the first driving unit (300), the second driving unit (400), and the third driving unit (400) may be stacked so that the driving unit has a compact structure.

[0076] The first driving unit (300) may be placed inside a cover case (800). The first driving unit (300) may control the position of the slot die (100) in a first direction (X-axis direction). For example, the first driving unit (300) may include a first driving member and a first guide. The first driving member may include a linear motor. The first driving unit may control the position of the slot die (100) placed on a first guide extending in the first direction. The first driving unit (300) may control the position of the slot die (100) in the first direction by driving a ball screw, etc., thereby controlling the position of the coating layer (20) on the substrate (10).

[0077] The number of first driving members may correspond to the number of slot dies (100). For example, the first driving members may be provided in the same number as the slot dies (100) to control the first directional position of the slot dies (100) each connected to the first driving unit (300). Additionally, the number of first guides may be fewer than or correspond to the number of slot dies (100). For example, as shown in FIG. 5, one first guide may be provided on the support member (901) of the support frame (900), so that multiple slot dies (100) can share it. Also, although not shown in the drawings, multiple first guides may be provided on the support member (901), for example, in the same number as the slot dies (100), and the first directional position of the slot dies (100) each connected to the first driving unit (300) can be controlled.

[0078] The second drive unit (400) may be placed inside a cover case (800). The second drive unit (400) may be placed on the first drive unit (300). The second drive unit (400) can control the position of the slot die (100) in a second direction (Y-axis direction). For example, the second drive unit (400) may include a second drive member and a second guide. The second drive member may include a linear motor. The second drive unit (400) can control the position of the slot die (100) placed on a first guide extending in a first direction. The second drive unit (400) can control the position of the slot die (100) in the second direction by driving a ball screw, etc., thereby controlling the position of the coating layer (20) on the substrate (10).

[0079] The number of second driving members may correspond to the number of slot dies (100). For example, the second driving members may be provided in the same number as the slot dies (100) to control the second directional position of the slot dies (100) each connected to the second driving unit (400). Additionally, the second guide may correspond to the number of slot dies (100). For example, the second guides may be provided in the same number as the slot dies (100) to control the second directional position of the slot dies (100) each connected to the second driving unit (400). That is, the second driving unit (400) can adjust the gap between the slit (S) of the slot die (100) and the substrate (10).

[0080] The third drive unit (500) may be placed inside the cover case (800). A portion of the third drive unit (500) may be exposed to the outside through an open area on the top of the cover case (800). The third drive unit (500) may be placed on the second drive unit (400). The third drive unit (500) can control the position of the slot die (100). The third drive unit (500) can control the position of the slot die (100) in a direction different from that of the first drive unit (300) and the second drive unit (400).

[0081] The third drive unit (500) may include a third drive member. The third drive member may include a servo motor. The third drive unit (500) may be provided to allow the slot die (100) to rotate with the center of the slot die (100) as the axis of rotation. At this time, the axis of rotation may be a third direction (Z-axis direction) perpendicular to the first and second directions. The third drive unit (500) may rotate in a horizontal direction. The third drive unit (500) may be provided to be rotatable or tiltable around the third direction center axis of the slot die (500) on a plane (XY plane) formed by the first and second directions, so that the tilting angle of the slot die (100) can be adjusted according to the shape of the substrate (10) or the viscosity of the slurry by adjusting the relative angle between the slot die (100) and the coating back roll (200). Additionally, the third driving unit (500) can adjust the gap between the slot die (100) and the substrate (10). For example, by driving the third driving unit (500), the gap between the substrate (10) and one end of the slit (S) with respect to the center of the slit (S), and the gap between the substrate (10) and the other end of the slit can change in inverse proportion.

[0082] The driving unit (M) can control the position of at least one slot die (100). For example, if the electrode coating device according to the embodiment includes a plurality of slot dies (100), the driving unit (M) can individually control the positions of the plurality of slot dies (100). For example, the driving unit (M) can individually control the position of each of the plurality of slot dies (100) based on information detected by the sensing unit to be described later.

[0083] Additionally, the coating portion (A) can be combined with the support portion (900). For example, the coating portion (A) can be placed on the support portion (900) by means of a fastening member and maintained in a physically fixed state. Additionally, the coating portion (A) can be provided so that it can be separated from the support portion (900) by separating the fastening member. Accordingly, in the embodiment, when maintenance is required on the coating portion (A), the coating portion (A) can be easily separated from the support frame (900), and a new coating portion (A) can be quickly reinstalled. Therefore, the embodiment can significantly reduce the maintenance time of the coating portion (A).

[0084] The electrode coating device according to the embodiment may include a slurry supply unit (SP). The slurry supply unit (SP) may be disposed on one side of the coating unit (A). The slurry supply unit (SP) may be connected to the coating unit (A). The slurry supply unit (SP) is connected to the slot die (100) and may supply the mixed slurry to the slot die (100). For example, the slurry supply unit (SP) may include a third transfer line (106). The third transfer line (106) may be connected to the main body of the slot die (100). More specifically, the third transfer line (106) may be connected to one end of the first transfer line (103).

[0085] The third transfer line (106) may be provided in whole or in part to be flexible. For example, the third transfer line (106) may be provided in a material or shape that can be deformed in response to changes in the position of the slot die (100). For example, all or part of the third transfer line (106) may include a material that can be deformed to be flexible. For example, all or part of the third transfer line (106) may be provided in a bellows shape. That is, when the position of the slot die (100) connected to one end of the third transfer line (106) changes, it may change in compression or tension, and the third transfer line (106) and the slot die (100) may be rigidly connected. Accordingly, even if the position of the coating part (A) on the support frame (900) changes, the coating part (A) can be stably connected to the slurry supply part (SP) to supply slurry to the coating part (A).

[0086] The electrode coating device according to the embodiment may include a first sensing unit (600).

[0087] The first sensing unit (600) may be positioned in an area adjacent to the coating unit (A) and the coating bag roll (200). For example, the first sensing unit (600) may be located in an area after the coating unit (A) based on the transport direction of the substrate (10).

[0088] The first detection unit (600) can detect the position, thickness, etc. of the coating layer (20) coated on the substrate (10) in real time. For example, the first detection unit (600) can detect the position, thickness by region, left-right deviation, center-edge deviation, etc. of the coating layer (20) coated on the substrate (10). The first detection unit (600) may include at least one capable of measuring the thickness of the coating layer (20), such as a vision camera, a Time of Flight (TOF) camera, a structured light camera, an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, a LIDAR sensor, a radar sensor, etc.

[0089] The electrode coating device according to the embodiment can control the position of the coating section (A) based on the information detected. Specifically, the control unit can control the position of the slot die (100) based on the detection information of the first detection unit (600) so that the coating layer (20) formed on the substrate (10) is formed within a set first effective range without any positional height deviation by region. Additionally, if the coating layer (20) is not formed within the set first effective range, the control unit can control the position of the slot die (100) using the driving unit (M).

[0090] For example, as shown in FIG. 9(A), the coating layer (20) detected by the first detection unit (600) may be located to the left of the first effective range indicated by the dotted line. In this case, the control unit can control the position of the slot die (100) corresponding to the coating layer (20). Specifically, the control unit can control the position of the slot die (100) to move to the right (X-axis direction) using the first driving unit (300) so that the coating layer (20) is included in the first effective range.

[0091] As another example, as shown in FIG. 9(B), the coating layer (20) detected by the first detection unit (600) may be thicker than the first effective range. In this case, the control unit can control the position of the slot die (100) corresponding to the coating layer (20). Specifically, the control unit can use the second driving unit (400) to move the position of the slot die (100) backward (in the Y-axis direction) from the coating back roll (200) so that the coating layer (20) is included within the first effective range.

[0092] As another example, as shown in FIG. 9(C), the coating layer (20) detected by the first detection unit (600) may have a width greater than the first effective range. In this case, the control unit may control the position of the slot die (100) corresponding to the coating layer (20) as shown in FIG. 8(B), or control the amount of slurry discharged through the slot die (100) so that the coating layer (20) is included within the first effective range.

[0093] As another example, as shown in FIG. 9(D), the coating layer (20) detected by the first detection unit (600) may have a left-right height difference and may be thicker than the first effective range. Specifically, the thickness of the coating layer (20) may gradually increase from one side (left) to the other side (right) as shown in the drawing. In this case, the control unit can control the position of the slot die (100) corresponding to the coating layer (20). Specifically, the control unit can control the left-right height difference by rotating the slot die (100) using the third driving unit (500) so that the coating layer (20) is included within the first effective range. Additionally, the position of the slot die (100) can be controlled using the second driving unit (400) so that the thickness of the coating layer (20) is included within the first effective range.

[0094] Additionally, although not shown in the drawing, the control unit can control the position of the slot die (100) using the driving unit (M) even if the coating layer (20) detected by the first sensing unit (600) is positioned within the first effective range and satisfies the condition. For example, during the process of forming the coating layer (20) on the substrate (10), even if the coating layer (20) satisfies the first effective range, if the coating layer (20) tends to shift to one side or if thickness deviation occurs, the position of the slot die (100) can be controlled using the driving unit (M).

[0095] That is, the control unit can perform primary control to satisfy the set range (first effective range) of the coating layer (20). In addition, the control unit can perform primary control and then optionally perform secondary control to adjust the thickness deviation of the left and right sides of the coating layer (20).

[0096] Accordingly, the electrode coating device according to the embodiment can form a uniform coating layer (20) on a substrate (10) and minimize losses caused by the coating layer (20) outside the first effective range.

[0097] Additionally, the slot die (100) can move and tilt in the X-axis and Y-axis directions according to the operation of the drive unit (M), and accordingly, the gap with the coating bag roll (200) can be aligned. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the movement and rotation of the slot die (100) are adjusted in real time in conjunction with a feedback control system, thereby maximizing coating quality and improving the durability of the equipment.

[0098] In addition, the electrode coating device of the present invention may be configured to change the position of the slot die (100) according to the user's setting value by including a user interface that allows the user to arbitrarily set and change the thickness or pattern of the coating or the position or tilting angle of the slot die (100).

[0099] Hereinafter, an electrode coating device according to an additional embodiment (second embodiment) of the present invention will be described. The electrode coating device according to this embodiment may be configured to differ from the electrode coating device according to the above-described embodiment (first embodiment) only in some configurations. Accordingly, in describing the electrode coating device according to this embodiment, only the configurations different from the electrode coating device according to the first embodiment will be described, and the description of the electrode coating device according to the first embodiment may be applied as is to the remaining configurations. FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a slot die electrode coating device according to an additional embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 10, the electrode coating device according to the present embodiment may further include a second sensing unit (700). The second sensing unit (700) may be positioned in an area adjacent to the coating unit (A) and the coating bag roll (200). For example, the second sensing unit (700) may be located in an area prior to the coating unit (A) based on the transport direction of the substrate (10).

[0101] The second detection unit (700) can detect the position of the substrate (10). The second detection unit (700) can detect the position of the substrate (10) being transported by the coating bag roll (200). The second detection unit (700) can detect whether the position of the substrate (10) is within the first effective area. For example, the second detection unit (700) may include any one of the detection means capable of determining the position of the substrate (10), such as a vision camera or a light sensor.

[0102] In the additional embodiment (second embodiment) of the present invention, the configuration other than the second sensing unit (700) is the same as the electrode coating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 4 and is as previously described.

[0103] FIG. 11 illustrates a method for controlling the position of a coating section using an electrode coating device according to an additional embodiment of the present invention. The control unit can control the position of the coating section (A) based on information detected by the second sensing unit (700). Specifically, the control unit can control the position of the slot die (100) based on the detection information of the second sensing unit (700) to form a coating layer (20) in a set area of ​​the substrate (10).

[0104] For example, as shown in FIG. 11(A), the substrate (10) detected by the second detection unit (700) may be located within the first effective area indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 11. Here, the first effective area refers to the range of the area where the coating unit (A) can form a coating layer (20), and the position of the first effective area may change according to the first direction position of the coating unit (A). In addition, in order to form a coating layer (20) in the set area of ​​the substrate (10), it is preferable that the center of the first effective area corresponds to the center of the position where the coating layer (20) is formed on the substrate (10). That is, in the case as in FIG. 11(A), the control unit determines that the substrate (10) is located within the first effective area and can maintain the position of the coating unit (A).

[0105] As another example, as shown in FIG. 11(B) and FIG. 11(C), the position of the substrate (10) detected by the second detection unit (700) may deviate to the left or right of the first effective area. In this case, the control unit can determine that the substrate (20) has deviated from the first effective area and control the position of the coating unit (A).

[0106] For example, in the case of FIG. 11(B), the control unit can control the position of the slot die (100) in the positive X-axis direction (right) by applying driving force to the driving unit (M), and in the case of FIG. 11(C), the control unit can control the position of the slot die (100) in the negative X-axis direction (left) by applying driving force. That is, the control unit can move the position of the first effective area so that the center of the first effective area corresponds to the center of the position where the coating layer (20) is formed on the substrate (10). Accordingly, the electrode coating device according to the embodiment can control the position of the coating unit (A) and form a coating layer (20) on the set area of ​​the substrate (10) even if the substrate (10) supplied to the coating unit (A) through the coating bag roll (200) deviates from the set position.

[0107] Additionally, although not shown in the drawing, the control unit can control the position of the slot die (100) using the driving unit (M) even if the coating layer (20) detected by the second sensing unit (700) is positioned within the first effective area. For example, even if the substrate (10) is positioned within the first effective area during the process of supplying the substrate (10) to the coating unit (A) through the coating bag roll (200), if a tendency for the substrate (10) to shift to one side occurs, the position of the slot die (100) can be controlled using the driving unit (M). Accordingly, the electrode coating device according to the embodiment can form a uniform coating layer (20) on the substrate (10) and minimize losses caused by the coating layer (20) formed outside the first effective area.

[0108] FIGS. 12 to 14 illustrate a method for controlling an electrode coating device in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0109] FIG. 12 is a process diagram of an electrode coating device control method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 12, a method for controlling an electrode coating device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a substrate supply step (S1) of supplying a substrate to a coating part through a coating roll part, a coating layer formation step (S2) of forming a coating layer (20) on a substrate, a first detection step (S3) of detecting the formation position of the coating layer (20) using a first detection part (600), and a coating part control step (S4) of controlling the position of a coating part (A) using a driving part (M) when necessary according to the detection result of the first detection step (S3). The method relates to a method for controlling the position of a slot die (100) in the aforementioned electrode coating device, and a detailed description thereof has already been described above.

[0111] FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the electrode coating device control method of the present invention.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 13, in the electrode coating device control method of the present invention, after the starting step (S11) for starting control, a substrate (10) is first supplied to the coating unit (A) in step S12, and a coating layer (20) is formed on the supplied substrate (10) in step S13. In step S14, the position of the coating layer (20) formed on the substrate is detected using the first detection unit (600) and the second detection unit (700). In step S15, the detected position of the coating layer (20) is compared with whether it satisfies the first effective range. If the position of the coating layer (20) is outside the first effective range in step S15, the position of the slot die (100) is controlled so that the position of the coating layer (20) comes within the first effective range in step S16, and then the process returns to step S14 to detect the position of the coating layer on the substrate again. If it is determined in step S15 that the position of the coating layer (20) exists within the first effective range, the position of the slot die (100) is maintained in step S17. The above method relates to a method for controlling the position of the slot die (100) in the aforementioned electrode coating device, and a detailed explanation regarding this is as already described above.

[0113] FIG. 14 is a process diagram of an electrode coating device control method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 14, a method for controlling an electrode coating device according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a substrate supply step (S21) for supplying a substrate to a coating part through a coating roll part, a second detection step (S22) for detecting the position of a coating part (A) through a second detection part (700), a second control step (S23) for controlling the position of a coating part according to the detection result of the second detection step, a coating layer formation step (S24) for forming a coating layer (20) on a substrate, a first detection step (S25) for detecting the formation position of a coating layer (20) using a first detection part (600), and a first control step (S26) for controlling the position of a coating part (A) using a driving part (M) when necessary according to the detection result of the first detection step (S25). The method relates to a method for controlling the position of a slot die (100) in the aforementioned electrode coating device, and a detailed description thereof has already been described above.

[0115] The foregoing description of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will understand that other specific forms can be easily modified without altering the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. For example, each component described as a single unit may be implemented in a distributed manner, and components described as distributed may likewise be implemented in a combined form.

[0116] The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims set forth below, and all modifications or variations derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and equivalent concepts thereof should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0117] 100: Slot Die 200: Coating bag roll 300: 1st drive unit 400: Second drive unit 500: 3rd drive unit 600: First detection unit 700: Second detection unit

Claims

Claim 1 A support frame; a coating bag roll disposed on the support frame that transports the substrate and supports the substrate so that a slurry discharged from a slot die can be applied to the substrate; a coating unit disposed on the support frame and including the slot die that applies the slurry to the substrate and a driving unit that controls the position of the slot die; a first sensing unit disposed after the coating unit that detects the thickness and shape of the coating layer formed on the substrate; and a second sensing unit disposed before the coating unit that detects the position of the substrate on which the coating layer is to be formed. The control unit includes a control unit that controls the position of the coating part so that the coating layer satisfies a set first effective range based on information detected by the first sensing unit, and further precisely controls the position of the coating part using the driving unit even when the coating layer detected by the first sensing unit satisfies the first effective range, and controls the position of the coating part so that the substrate is located within a set first effective area based on information detected by the second sensing unit, and further precisely controls the position of the coating part using the driving unit even when the substrate detected by the second sensing unit is located within the first effective area, wherein the driving unit comprises: a first driving unit that controls the position of the slot die in the X-axis direction; and a second driving unit that controls the position of the slot die in the Y-axis direction. A slot die electrode coating device comprising a third drive unit that controls the position of the slot die to tilt around a Z-axis perpendicular to the X-axis and Y-axis, wherein the first drive unit, the second drive unit, and the third drive unit are formed by stacking, and the third drive unit includes a servo motor, wherein the servo motor is provided to be rotatable along the Z-axis direction with respect to the center of the slot die, and the control unit controls the position of the slot die in real time based on information detected by the first detection unit, detects the left-right height deviation of the coating layer, and adjusts the left-right height deviation by rotating the slot die using the third drive unit. Claim 2 A slot die electrode coating device according to claim 1, wherein the coating portion comprises an upper body and a lower body, the upper body and the lower body are spaced apart from each other to form a slit, and the slurry transfer portion supplies the slurry in the direction of the slit. Claim 3 A slot die electrode coating device according to claim 2, wherein the slurry transfer unit comprises a first transfer line, a distribution unit, and a second transfer line, the distribution unit is formed on the upper surface of the lower body and has a structure extending in the width direction of the slit, and the second transfer line is composed of a flow path connecting the slit and the distribution unit. Claim 4 A slot die electrode coating device according to claim 1, wherein the first driving unit comprises: a first guide extending in the X-axis direction; and a first driving member controlling the position of the slot die disposed on the first guide, wherein the number of the first guides is provided to be less than the number of the slot dies, and the number of the first driving members is provided to be equal to the number of the slot dies, and each first driving member controls the position in the X-axis direction of the corresponding slot die. Claim 5 A slot die electrode coating device according to claim 1, wherein the first driving unit includes a linear motor and a first guide, and the linear motor moves the X-axis position of the slot die along the first guide. Claim 6 A slot die electrode coating device according to claim 1, wherein the second driving unit comprises: a second guide that guides the slot die in the Y-axis direction; and a second driving member that controls the position of the slot die, wherein the second guide and the second driving member are provided in a number equal to the number of slot dies, and each second driving member controls the Y-axis position of the corresponding slot die. Claim 7 A slot die electrode coating device according to claim 1, wherein the coating portion is coupled to the support frame and provided to be detachable from the support frame when necessary. Claim 8 delete Claim 9 delete Claim 10 delete Claim 11 delete Claim 12 A slot die electrode coating device according to claim 1, which detects a thickness deviation of the coating layer and adjusts the position of the slot die in the Y-axis direction using the second driving unit. Claim 13 A slot die electrode coating device according to claim 1, comprising a slurry supply unit disposed on one side of the coating unit, wherein the slurry supply unit is connected to the slot die and supplies the slurry to the slot die. Claim 14 A slot die electrode coating device according to claim 1, comprising a user interface capable of adjusting the position of the slot die according to a coating thickness or pattern set by the user. Claim 15 A control method for a slot die electrode coating device according to claim 1, comprising: a substrate supply step of supplying a substrate to a coating part; a coating layer formation step of forming a coating layer on the substrate; a first sensing step of sensing the position of the formation of the coating layer using a first sensing part; and a coating part control step of controlling the position of the coating part using a driving part when necessary based on the sensing result of the first sensing step. Claim 16 A method for controlling a slot die electrode coating device according to claim 15, further comprising a substrate position detection step of detecting the position of the substrate using a second detection unit prior to forming the coating layer. Claim 17 A method for controlling a slot die electrode coating device according to claim 16, further comprising the step of adjusting the position of the slot die using the driving unit when the position of the substrate detected in the above-mentioned position detection step deviates from a set area.

Images