Die head

Abstract

A die head (10) comprises: a first block (20); a second block (30); a third block (40) disposed between the first block (20) and the second block (30); a first shim (51) disposed between the first block (20) and the third block (40) so as to form a first flow path; and a second shim (52) disposed between the second block (30) and the third block (40) so as to form a second flow path having a common outlet with the first flow path. Each of the first to third blocks (20, 30, 40) has side surfaces (21, 31, 41) in the same direction, and at least one first pin (71) is provided on each of the side surfaces (21, 31, 41). The die head (10) further comprises a side plate (60) that is disposed facing the side surfaces (21, 31, 41) of the first to third blocks (20, 30, 40), has at least one first hole (81) into which the first pin (71) is inserted, and fixes the relative positions of the first to third blocks (20, 30, 40).

Description

Die Head

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a die head.

[0002] Conventionally, die heads used for applying a coating liquid have been known (for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a coating die head comprising an upper lip block having a coating liquid injection hole, a shim plate having a groove that serves as a coating liquid supply path from a position opposite the coating liquid injection hole of the upper lip block to the die entrance, and a lower lip block, the coating die head being characterized in that guide holes are machined in the upper and lower lip blocks and shim plate of the die by a numerically controlled processing machine such as a wire electric discharge machine or a laser processing machine, and alignment is performed by a straight pin or a stripper bolt that passes through the holes, and the shim plate is sandwiched between the lip blocks for assembly.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-275810

[0004] The die head of Patent Document 1 is a type having two blocks, but the above-mentioned alignment method is difficult to apply to a die head having three blocks. This is because the central block of the latter type of die head is triangular when viewed from the side, and it is difficult to form alignment holes with high precision on the surface of the central block facing the remaining two blocks. In this situation, one of the objects of the present disclosure is to make it possible to easily align each block.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a die head including a first block, a second block, a third block disposed between the first block and the second block, a first shim disposed to form a first flow path between the first block and the third block, and a second shim disposed to form a second flow path between the second block and the third block, the second block and the third block having a common outlet with the first flow path, wherein the first block, the second block, and the third block each have side surfaces facing the same direction, and at least one first pin is provided on each of the side surfaces, and the die head further includes side plates disposed opposite the side surfaces of the first block, the second block, and the third block, the side plates having at least one first hole into which the first pin is inserted, and fixing the relative positions of the first block, the second block, and the third block.

[0006] According to the present disclosure, each block can be easily aligned.

[0007] 1 is a perspective view showing a die head according to the present disclosure, an exploded perspective view showing a die head in which the upper block is oriented so that its internal structure can be seen, and a conceptual diagram showing a mode for realizing alignment of each block and each shim, with a side view on the left and a rear view on the right.

[0008] The following describes an embodiment of a die head according to the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the following examples. While the following description may use specific numerical values ​​and materials, other numerical values ​​and materials may be used as long as the effects of the present disclosure are achieved.

[0009] The die head according to the present disclosure is an apparatus for applying a coating liquid (e.g., electrode mixture slurry) to a strip-shaped substrate (e.g., a current collector for a battery), and is generally referred to as a die coater. The type of coating liquid is not particularly limited, but if the coating liquid is an electrode mixture slurry, the die head according to the present disclosure can also be referred to as a die head for electrode mixture slurry. The die head according to the present disclosure includes a first block, a second block, a third block, a first shim, a second shim, and a side plate. The die head may be a horizontal die head or a vertical die head.

[0010] The first block may be disposed on one side of a first direction. The first direction may be a vertical direction in a horizontal die head or a horizontal direction in a vertical die head. The first block may have a shape extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first block has a first flat surface for forming a slit-shaped first flow path. The first block may be formed in a generally rectangular prism shape. The first block may have a discharge lip for discharging the coating liquid in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions. The first block may have at least one liquid reservoir for collecting the coating liquid. The first block may be an upper block in a horizontal die head. The first block may be made of a metal material such as stainless steel.

[0011] The second block may be disposed on the other side of the first direction. The second block may have a shape extending in the second direction. The second block has a second flat surface for forming a slit-shaped second flow path. The second block may be formed in a generally rectangular prism shape. The second block may have a discharge lip for discharging the coating liquid in the third direction. The second block may have at least one liquid reservoir for collecting the coating liquid. The second block may be a lower block in a horizontal die head. The second block may be made of a metal material such as stainless steel. The material of the second block may be the same as or different from the material of the first block.

[0012] The third block is disposed between the first block and the second block. The third block has a third flat surface opposite the first flat surface and a fourth flat surface opposite the second flat surface. The third block may have a shape extending in the second direction. The third block may be generally triangular when viewed in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the discharge lip and may be generally formed in the shape of a triangular prism. The third block may be a middle block in a horizontal die head. The third block may be made of a metal material such as stainless steel. The material of the third block may be the same as or different from the material of the first block.

[0013] The first shim is disposed between the first block and the third block to form a first flow path. The first shim may have at least one hollow portion for forming the first flow path. The first shim may be made of a metal material such as stainless steel. The material of the first shim may be the same as or different from the material of each block.

[0014] The second shim is disposed between the second block and the third block to form a second flow path having a common outlet with the first flow path. Here, the term "the outlet of the first flow path and the outlet of the second flow path are common" refers to a relationship in which the coating liquid ejected from both outlets is applied to the same surface of the same object, and does not necessarily mean that the outlets of both flow paths coincide with each other. However, the concept of "the outlets of both flow paths being common" also includes the case in which the outlets of the first flow path and the outlets of the second flow path coincide with each other. The second shim may have at least one hollow portion for forming the second flow path. The second shim may be made of a metal material such as stainless steel. The material of the second shim may be the same as or different from the material of each block.

[0015] The first, second, and third blocks each have a side surface facing the same direction, and at least one first pin is provided on the side surface. In other words, the side surfaces of the first, second, and third blocks are substantially parallel to each other, and at least one first pin is provided on each of them. Here, "substantially parallel" does not only mean being strictly parallel, but also includes cases where there is an angular difference of 5° or less. The side surfaces of each block may be surfaces perpendicular to the second direction. The first pin may be provided on both side surfaces of each block, or on only one side surface. The side surfaces of each block may be substantially flush with each other. Here, "the side surfaces of each block being substantially flush" does not only mean being strictly flush with each other, but also includes cases where the side surfaces of each block are offset from each other by 1 mm or less in the normal direction of the side surfaces. The first pin may be provided integrally with the side surface of each block, or may be provided separately. In the latter case, a hole may be formed in the side surface of each block, and the first pin may be inserted into the hole, for example, by press-fitting. The cross-sectional shape of the first pin may be, but is not limited to, a circular shape, and may be any shape, such as an elliptical shape, a polygonal shape, an oval shape, a star shape, etc. The first pin may be made of a metal material such as stainless steel.

[0016] The side plates are disposed opposite the side surfaces of the first block, the second block, and the third block. The side plates have at least one first hole into which a first pin is inserted, fixing the relative positions of the first block, the second block, and the third block. The shape of the first hole may be the same as or different from the cross-sectional shape of the first pin. When the first pin is provided on both side surfaces of each block, two side plates may be provided corresponding to both side surfaces of each block. When the first pin is provided on only one side surface of each block, one side plate may be provided corresponding to that side surface. The side plates may prohibit relative movement between the blocks in the third direction by inserting the first pin into the first hole. In the third direction, the dimensions of the first hole may be substantially the same as the dimensions of the first pin. "Substantially the same" does not only mean that the two dimensions are strictly equal, but also includes when there is a difference between the two and the smaller dimension is 95% or more of the larger dimension.

[0017] As described above, by inserting the first pin into the first hole in the side plate, the relative positions of the first to third blocks are fixed, and alignment of the first to third blocks can be achieved. Furthermore, since the first pin is provided on the side surface of the first to third blocks, the first pin can be easily provided. That is, since the side surfaces of each block face the same direction, it is easy to precisely machine holes for inserting the first pin into such side surfaces. Therefore, with the die head according to the present disclosure, alignment of the first to third blocks can be easily achieved.

[0018] The third block may have two or more first pins. In this configuration, when the third block is used as a reference for alignment, the two or more first pins can prevent the side plate from unintentionally rotating when first attaching the side plate to the third block. Note that in this configuration, the side plate may have two or more first holes corresponding to the first pins, or may have only one first hole into which two or more first pins can be inserted. Alternatively, the third block may have only one first pin. In this case, in order to prevent the unintentional rotation, it is preferable that the cross-sectional shape of the first pin and the shape of the corresponding first hole be non-circular.

[0019] The first pin may be inserted into a second hole formed in a side surface of each of the first block, the second block, and the third block. In this configuration, the first pin is formed separately from each block, so that bulk material for manufacturing each block can be saved. The first pin may be press-fit into the second hole.

[0020] The third block may have at least one third hole on a surface facing each of the first shim and the second shim. Each of the first shim and the second shim may have at least one through hole overlapping the third hole. The die head may further include a plurality of second pins inserted into the through hole and the third hole. In this configuration, the first shim and the second shim can be aligned with the third block by inserting the second pin into the through hole and the third hole. The second pin may be press-fitted into the third hole. Note that the first block and the second block may have a fourth hole into which the second pin fits with a gap.

[0021] The first holes corresponding to the first and second blocks may be elongated holes extending in the direction in which the first, second, and third blocks are aligned. In this case, the first and second blocks can be moved relative to the third block by moving the first pin of the first block and the first pin of the second block along the elongated first holes. This movement occurs in the direction in which the first, second, and third blocks are aligned, and therefore the dimensions of the gaps in which the first and second shims are disposed change accordingly. Therefore, this configuration allows for easy adaptation to changes in the thickness of the shims when using a die head. The longitudinal dimension of the elongated hole may be 4.1 mm or more and 8.0 mm or less. The longitudinal dimension of the elongated hole may be 1.025 times or more and 2 times or less the width dimension of the elongated hole (or the diameter of the first pin).

[0022] As described above, according to the present disclosure, the alignment of each block can be easily achieved by inserting the first pin provided on the side surface of each block into the first hole in the side plate.

[0023] An example of a die head according to the present disclosure will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. The components described above can be applied to the components of the die head of the example described below. The components of the die head of the example described below can be modified based on the above description. Furthermore, the matters described below may be applied to the above embodiment. Among the components of the die head of the example described below, components that are not essential to the die head according to the present disclosure may be omitted. Note that the diagrams shown below are schematic and do not accurately reflect the shapes and numbers of actual components.

[0024] 1 to 3, the die head 10 of this embodiment is configured as a horizontal die head, but is not limited to this. The die head 10 includes an upper block 20, a lower block 30, a middle block 40, a first shim 51, a second shim 52, and a plurality of (two in this example) side plates 60.

[0025] The upper block 20 is disposed on one side (the upper side in each drawing) in the vertical direction (the Z direction in each drawing). The upper block 20 is formed in a generally rectangular prism shape extending in a first horizontal direction (the X direction in each drawing). The upper block 20 has a first flat surface 24 for forming a slit-shaped first flow path (not shown). The upper block 20 has a discharge lip 22 for discharging the coating liquid (not shown) in a second horizontal direction (the Y direction in each drawing). The upper block 20 has one liquid reservoir 23 for storing the coating liquid. The coating liquid is supplied to the liquid reservoir 23 from a supply means (not shown) via a supply path (not shown). The upper block 20 is made of a metal material. The upper block 20 is an example of a first block.

[0026] At least one first pin 71 (one in this example) is provided on each side surface 21 of the upper block 20. Specifically, one circular second hole 82 is formed in each side surface 21 of the upper block 20, and a thin, cylindrical first pin 71 is inserted (or press-fitted) into each second hole 82 and fixed therein. The first pin 71 is provided perpendicular to each side surface 21 of the upper block 20.

[0027] The lower block 30 is disposed on the other side in the vertical direction (the lower side in each figure). The lower block 30 is formed in a generally rectangular prism shape extending in the first horizontal direction. The lower block 30 has a second flat surface 34 for forming a slit-shaped second flow path (not shown). The lower block 30 has a discharge lip 32 for discharging the coating liquid in the second horizontal direction. The lower block 30 has one liquid reservoir 33 for storing the coating liquid. The coating liquid is supplied to the liquid reservoir 33 from a supply means (not shown) via a supply path (not shown). The lower block 30 is made of a metal material. The lower block 30 is an example of a second block.

[0028] At least one first pin 71 (one in this example) is provided on each side surface 31 of the lower block 30. Specifically, one circular second hole 82 is formed in each side surface 31 of the lower block 30, and an elongated cylindrical first pin 71 is inserted (or press-fitted) into each second hole 82 and fixed therein. The first pin 71 is provided perpendicular to each side surface 31 of the lower block 30.

[0029] The middle block 40 is disposed between the upper block 20 and the lower block 30. The middle block 40 is formed in a generally triangular prism shape extending in the first horizontal direction. The middle block 40 has a third flat surface 42 facing the first flat surface 24 and a fourth flat surface 43 facing the second flat surface 34. The middle block 40 is made of a metal material. The middle block 40 is an example of a third block.

[0030] At least one first pin 71 (two in this example) is provided on each side surface 41 of the middle block 40. Specifically, two circular second holes 82 are formed on each side surface 41 of the middle block 40, and a thin, cylindrical first pin 71 is inserted (or press-fitted) into each second hole 82 and fixed. The first pin 71 is provided perpendicular to each side surface 41 of the middle block 40. The two first pins 71 provided on each side surface 41 of the middle block 40 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction.

[0031] The first shim 51 is disposed between the upper block 20 and the middle block 40. The first shim 51 is formed in a thin plate shape. The first shim 51 has one hollow portion 51a that communicates with the liquid reservoir 23 of the upper block 20 and forms a first flow path through which the coating liquid supplied to the liquid reservoir 23 flows. The first shim 51 is made of a metal material.

[0032] The second shim 52 is disposed between the lower block 30 and the middle block 40. The second shim 52 is formed in a thin plate shape. The second shim 52 has one hollow portion 52a that communicates with the liquid reservoir 33 of the lower block 30 and forms a second flow path (i.e., a second flow path having a common outlet with the outlet of the first flow path) through which the coating liquid supplied to the liquid reservoir 33 flows. The second shim 52 is made of a metal material.

[0033] The multiple side plates 60 include a first side plate 60A and a second side plate 60B. The first side plate 60A is disposed opposite one of the side surfaces 21, 31, and 41 (the side surfaces 21, 31, and 41 on the right front side in FIG. 1 ) of the upper block 20, the lower block 30, and the middle block 40. The first side plate 60A has at least one (four in this example) first hole 81 into which a first pin 71 is inserted to fix the relative positions of the first to third blocks 20, 30, and 40. The cross-sectional shape of the first hole 81 corresponding to the middle block 40 is circular, while the cross-sectional shapes of the first holes 81 corresponding to the upper block 20 and the lower block 30 are oval shapes extending vertically. In other words, the latter first hole 81 is an elongated hole extending in the direction in which the upper block 20, the lower block 30, and the middle block 40 are aligned. The second side plate 60B is disposed opposite the other side surfaces 21, 31, and 41 (the side surfaces 21, 31, and 41 on the far left side in FIG. 1 ) of the upper block 20, the lower block 30, and the middle block 40. The second side plate 60B has at least one first hole 81 (four in this example) into which the first pin 71 is inserted. The cross-sectional shape of the first hole 81 corresponding to the middle block 40 is circular, while the cross-sectional shapes of the first holes 81 corresponding to the upper block 20 and the lower block 30 are oval shapes extending vertically. In other words, the latter first hole 81 is an elongated hole extending in the direction in which the upper block 20, the lower block 30, and the middle block 40 are aligned. The first side plate 60A and the second side plate 60B are fixed to the middle block 40 by bolts (not shown).

[0034] A first pin 71 is inserted into each of the first holes 81 in the first side plate 60A and the second side plate 60B. In the second horizontal direction, the dimensions of each of the first holes 81 and each of the first pins 71 are substantially the same. Therefore, when each of the first pins 71 is inserted into each of the first holes 81, relative movement in the second horizontal direction among the upper block 20, the lower block 30, and the middle block 40 is restricted. Each of the first pins 71 may protrude outward beyond the first side plate 60A and the second side plate 60B.

[0035] The middle block 40 has at least one (two, in this example) third hole 83 on the surface facing each of the first shim 51 and the second shim 52. Each of the first shim 51 and the second shim 52 has at least one (two, in this example) through hole 51b that overlaps with the third hole 83 when the die head 10 is assembled (the through hole of the second shim 52 is not shown). A plurality (four, in this example) of second pins 72 are inserted (or press-fit) into the third holes 83 via the respective through holes 51b. This achieves alignment between the middle block 40 and the first shim 51 and the second shim 52. The upper block 20 and the lower block 30 each have a fourth hole 84 that overlaps with the through hole 51b when the die head 10 is assembled. The second pin 72 is configured to fit into the fourth hole 84 with a gap.

[0036] <<Additional Notes>> The above embodiments disclose the following technologies. (Technology 1) A die head comprising: a first block; a second block; a third block disposed between the first block and the second block; a first shim disposed to form a first flow path between the first block and the third block; and a second shim disposed to form a second flow path between the second block and the third block, the second block and the third block having a common outlet with the first flow path, wherein each of the first block, the second block, and the third block has a side surface facing the same direction, and at least one first pin is provided on each of the side surfaces, and the die head further comprises side plates disposed opposite the side surfaces of the first block, the second block, and the third block, the side plates having at least one first hole into which the first pin is inserted, and fixing the relative positions of the first block, the second block, and the third block. (Technology 2) The die head according to Technology 1, wherein the third block has two or more first pins. (Technology 3) The die head according to Technology 1 or 2, wherein the first pin is inserted into a second hole formed in the side surface of each of the first block, the second block, and the third block. (Technology 4) The die head according to any one of Technology 1 to 3, wherein the third block has at least one third hole on a surface facing each of the first shim and the second shim, and each of the first shim and the second shim has at least one through hole overlapping the third hole, and further comprising a plurality of second pins inserted into the through holes and the third hole. (Technology 5) The die head according to any one of Technology 1 to 4, wherein the first holes corresponding to the first block and the second block are elongated holes extending in a direction in which the first block, the second block, and the third block are arranged.

[0037] The present invention can be embodied in various other forms without departing from its spirit or main features. Therefore, the above-described embodiments are merely illustrative in all respects and should not be interpreted as limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and is not limited to the text of the specification. Furthermore, all modifications and variations within the equivalent range of the claims are within the scope of the present invention.

[0038] This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-222120, filed on December 28, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In addition, all references cited herein are specifically incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0039] The present disclosure can be used in die heads.

[0040] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10: Die head 20: Upper block (first block) 21: Side surface 22: Discharge lip 23: Liquid reservoir 24: First flat surface 30: Lower block (second block) 31: Side surface 32: Discharge lip 33: Liquid reservoir 34: Second flat surface 40: Middle block (third block) 41: Side surface 42: Third flat surface 43: Fourth flat surface 51: First shim 51a: Hollow portion 51b: Through hole 52: Second shim 52a: Hollow portion 60: Side plate 60A: First side plate 60B: Second side plate 71: First pin 72: Second pin 81: First hole 82: Second hole 83: Third hole 84: Fourth hole

Claims

1. A die head comprising: a first block; a second block; a third block disposed between the first block and the second block; a first shim disposed to form a first flow path between the first block and the third block; and a second shim disposed to form a second flow path between the second block and the third block, the second block and the third block having a common outlet with the first flow path; each of the first block, the second block and the third block having a side surface facing the same direction, at least one first pin being provided on each of the side surfaces; and further comprising side plates disposed opposite the side surfaces of the first block, the second block and the third block, the side plates having at least one first hole into which the first pin is inserted, and fixing the relative positions of the first block, the second block and the third block.

2. The die head of claim 1, wherein said third block has two or more of said first pins.

3. A die head as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first pin is inserted into a second hole formed in the side of each of the first block, the second block, and the third block.

4. A die head as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the third block has at least one third hole on a surface facing each of the first shim and the second shim, each of the first shim and the second shim has at least one through hole overlapping with the third hole, and further comprising a plurality of second pins inserted into the through holes and the third holes.

5. A die head as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first holes corresponding to the first block and the second block are elongated holes extending in the direction in which the first block, the second block, and the third block are arranged.

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