Apparatus for assembling die coater, and method for assembling die coater

Abstract

According to exemplary embodiments, an apparatus for assembling a die coater is provided. The apparatus comprises: a jig having an uppercase gamma shape; a measuring instrument, which is coupled to the jig and measures the relative position of a first die and a shim; an adjuster, which is coupled to the jig and moves the shim; and a fixing assembly for fixing the jig to the first die.

Description

Device for assembling a die coater and method for assembling a die coater

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for assembling a die coater and a method for assembling a die coater. This application claims the benefit of Korean Application No. 10-2024-0019555, filed February 8, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. They are widely used as a power source for various wireless devices, including handsets, laptops, and cordless vacuum cleaners. Recently, improved energy density and economies of scale have dramatically reduced the per-unit manufacturing cost of secondary batteries. Furthermore, as the range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has increased to match that of fuel-powered vehicles, the primary use of secondary batteries is shifting from mobile devices to mobility.

[0003] The electrodes of secondary batteries are the most important components in terms of energy density. Secondary battery electrodes can be formed through coating, roll pressing, drying, slitting, and notching processes. Among these, the coating process, which involves applying a slurry containing an active material onto a plate, can be performed using a die coater.

[0004] The technical idea of ​​the present invention is to provide a device for assembling a die coater with improved reliability and a method for assembling a die coater.

[0005] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, an apparatus for assembling a die coater is provided. The apparatus includes a jig having a Γ shape; a measuring device coupled to the jig and configured to measure a relative position of a first die and a shim; a controller coupled to the jig and configured to move the shim; and a fixing assembly configured to fix the jig to the first die.

[0006] The jig includes a first portion extending in a first direction and a second portion extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0007] The above fixed assembly is coupled to the first part of the jig.

[0008] The above measuring instrument and the above regulator are spaced apart from the above fixed assembly in the second direction.

[0009] The above measuring instrument and the above regulator are coupled to the second part of the jig.

[0010] The measuring instrument is coupled to the first hole of the second part of the jig, and the regulator is coupled to the second hole of the second part of the jig.

[0011] The first and second holes are spaced apart from each other in the second direction.

[0012] The jig includes a first clamping hole connected to the first hole and extending in the first direction, and a second clamping hole connected to the second hole and extending in the first direction.

[0013] The device further includes a first fixture assembled into the first clamping hole and fixing the measuring instrument to the jig; and a second fixture assembled into the second clamping hole and fixing the regulator to the jig.

[0014] According to exemplary embodiments, an apparatus for assembling a die coater is provided. The apparatus includes a jig including a first portion extending in a first direction and a second portion extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a measuring device coupled to the second portion of the jig and configured to measure a relative position of a first die and a shim; a controller coupled to the second portion of the jig and configured to move the shim; and a fixing assembly coupled to the first portion of the jig and configured to fix the jig to the first die.

[0015] The above measuring instrument and the above regulator are spaced apart from the above fixed assembly in the second direction.

[0016] The measuring device is coupled to the first hole of the second part of the jig, the measuring device is coupled to the second hole of the second part of the jig, and the first and second holes are spaced apart from each other in the second direction.

[0017] The jig includes a first clamping hole connected to the first hole and extending in the first direction, and a second clamping hole connected to the second hole and extending in the first direction.

[0018] The device further includes a first fixture assembled into the first clamping hole and fixing the measuring instrument to the jig; and a second fixture assembled into the second clamping hole and fixing the regulator to the jig.

[0019] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a device for assembling a die coater can measure the relative position between a die and a shim without interference with components coupled to the die coater and align the die and the shim. According to exemplary embodiments, when aligning the die and the shim, there is no need to separate the components of the die coater from the die, so the time required for setting up or maintaining the die coater can be reduced, and the accuracy of die coater assembly can be improved. Accordingly, the reliability of secondary battery manufacturing can be improved.

[0020] The effects that can be obtained from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure pertain from the following description. In other words, unintended effects resulting from practicing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a die coater according to exemplary embodiments.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a die coater assembling device according to exemplary embodiments.

[0023] Figure 3 is a plan view showing a jig according to exemplary embodiments.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a die coater assembling device according to exemplary embodiments.

[0025] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of assembling a die coater according to exemplary embodiments.

[0026] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, it should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings. Based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best explain his or her invention, they should be interpreted in a way that aligns with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0027] Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0028] In addition, when describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description is omitted.

[0029] Since the embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the present invention to those skilled in the art, the shapes and sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for clearer explanation. Accordingly, the sizes and proportions of each component do not fully reflect the actual sizes or proportions.

[0030]

[0031] (Example 1)

[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a die coater (200) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the die coater (200) may include a first die (210), a second die (220), and a shim (230). According to exemplary embodiments, the die coater (200) may be configured to discharge electrode slurry. According to exemplary embodiments, the die coater (200) may be configured to coat electrode slurry on an electrode plate.

[0034] An electrode slurry can be used in the manufacture of an electrode of a secondary battery. The electrode slurry can include an electrode active material, a conductive agent, a binder, and a solvent. The electrode slurry can be manufactured by dissolving the electrode active material, the conductive agent, the binder, etc. in a solvent. The solvent can disperse the electrode active material, etc. The solvent can be an aqueous solvent or a non-aqueous solvent. The solvent can include any one of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), isopropyl alcohol, N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), acetone, water, and mixtures thereof. The amount of the solvent used can be determined based on the target viscosity of the slurry. Parameters determining the amount of the solvent used include the coating thickness of the slurry, the manufacturing yield, and the workability.

[0035] A cathode active material is a material capable of causing an electrochemical reaction. The cathode active material may be a lithium transition metal oxide. Examples of the cathode active material include layered compounds such as lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) and lithium nickel oxide (LiNiO2) substituted with one or more transition metals; lithium manganese oxide substituted with one or more transition metals; chemical formula LiNi 1-y M y Lithium nickel oxide expressed as O2 (wherein, M is any one of Co, Mn, Al, Cu, Fe, Mg, B, Cr, Zn, and Ga, and 0.01≤y≤0.7); Li 1+z Ni 1 / 3 Co 1 / 3 Mn 1 / 3 O2, Li 1+zN i 0.4 Mn 0.4 Co 0.2 Li like O2 1+z Ni b Mn c Co 1-(b+c+d) M d O (2-e) A e(wherein, -0.5≤z≤0.5, 0.1≤b≤0.8, 0.1≤c≤0.8, 0≤d≤0.2, 0≤e≤0.2, b+c+d<1, M is any one of Al, Mg, Cr, Ti, Si, and Y, and A is any one of F, P, and Cl) lithium nickel cobalt manganese composite oxide; and chemical formula Li 1+x M 1-y M' y PO 4-z X z (wherein, M is a transition metal, more specifically, one of Fe, Mn, Co, and Ni, M' is one of Al, Mg, and Ti, X is one of F, S, and N, -0.5≤x≤+0.5, 0≤y≤0.5, and 0≤z≤0.1) and may include one of the olivine-based lithium metal phosphates.

[0036] The negative active material may include carbon, such as non-graphitizable carbon, graphitic carbon, etc. The negative active material may include, for example, Li x Fe2O3(0≤x≤1), LixWO2(0≤x≤1), Sn x Me 1-x Me' y O z(wherein Me is any one of Mn, Fe, Pb and Ge, and Me' is any one of Al, B, P, Si, elements of group 1, 2 and 3 of the periodic table and halogens; 0 <x≤1 이고; 1≤y≤3 이며; 1≤z≤8) 등의 금속 복합 산화물을 포함할 수 있다. 음극 활물질은, 예컨대, 리튬 금속; 리튬 합금; 규소계 합금; 및 주석계 합금 중 어느 하나를 포함할 수 있다. 음극 활물질은, 예컨대, SnO, SnO2, PbO, PbO2, Pb2O3, Pb3O4, Sb2O3, Sb2O4, Sb2O5, GeO, GeO2, Bi2O3, Bi2O4및 Bi2O5등의 금속 산화물을 포함할 수 있다. 음극 활물질은, 예컨대, 폴리아세틸렌 등의 도전성 고분자; Li-Co-Ni 계 재료 등을 포함할 수도 있다.

[0037] The conductive material can be conductive without causing a chemical change in the secondary battery to be ultimately manufactured. The conductive material may include, for example, graphite such as natural graphite or artificial graphite; carbon black such as acetylene black, Ketjen black, channel black, furnace black, lamp black, and summer black; conductive fibers such as carbon fiber or metal fiber; metal powders such as fluorocarbon, aluminum, and nickel powder; conductive whiskey such as zinc oxide or potassium titanate; conductive metal oxides such as titanium oxide; and polyphenylene derivatives.

[0038] The binder can enhance the bonding between the active material and the conductive material and the bonding strength to the electrode plate. The binder can include, for example, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinyl alcohol, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), starch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, regenerated cellulose, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, tetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM), sulfonated EPDM, styrene butylene rubber, fluoroelastomer, various copolymers, etc.

[0039] A sheet-shaped electrode can be formed by applying an electrode slurry containing an electrode active material onto a plate, drying, and rolling to form an electrode mixture layer. The electrode slurry can be applied onto the plate using a coating die. The coating die can be, for example, a slot die. The plate can be a positive electrode plate or a negative electrode plate, and the electrode active material can be a positive electrode active material or a negative electrode active material.

[0040] The thickness of the positive electrode plate may range from about 3 ㎛ to about 500 ㎛. The positive electrode plate may not cause a chemical change in the secondary battery to be ultimately manufactured and may have high conductivity. The positive electrode plate may include, for example, any one of stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, sintered carbon, and aluminum. The positive electrode plate may also include stainless steel surface-treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, or the like. The surface of the positive electrode plate may include a micro-roughened structure to increase the adhesion of the active material. The shape of the positive electrode plate may include any one of a film, a sheet, a foil, a net, a porous material, a foam, and a non-woven fabric.

[0041] The thickness of the negative electrode plate may be in the range of about 3 ㎛ to about 500 ㎛. The negative electrode plate may not cause a chemical change in the secondary battery to be ultimately manufactured and may have high conductivity. The negative electrode plate may include any one of copper, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, sintered carbon, and an aluminum-cadmium alloy. The negative electrode plate may also include stainless steel surface-treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, etc. The surface of the negative electrode plate may include a micro-roughened structure to increase the adhesion of the active material. The shape of the negative electrode plate may include any one of a film, a sheet, a foil, a net, a porous material, a foam, and a non-woven fabric.

[0042] The core (230) may be interposed between the first die (210) and the second die (220). The first die (210) may be in contact with the lower surface of the core (230). The second die (220) may be in contact with the upper surface of the core (230).

[0043] Hereinafter, the technical concept of the present invention will be described based on an embodiment in which the first die (210) and the second die (220) are separate elements, as described above. Those skilled in the art will readily be able to arrive at an embodiment in which the first die (210) and the second die (220) are integrated to form an integrated die, based on the description herein.

[0044] According to exemplary embodiments, the first die (210) and the second die (220) may have shapes that are symmetrical to each other. According to exemplary embodiments, each of the first die (210) and the second die (220) may have an approximately square pyramidal shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0045] The first die (210) may include a manifold and a slurry supply hole connected to the manifold. Electrode slurry may flow into the manifold through the slurry supply hole. After the electrode slurry fills the manifold, the electrode slurry may be discharged outside the die coater (200).

[0046] The core (230) may include a plurality of guides (231) and a base (232). The electrode slurry may be discharged from the manifold to the outside through the slits of the core (230). The slits may be spaces between the plurality of guides (231). The core (230) may be configured to control the discharge amount of the electrode slurry and the manner of discharge (e.g., the number of maintenance lanes formed in the coating of the slurry).

[0047] The manifold may have a well shape having a predetermined depth from the upper surface of the first die (210). The manifold may include a first side and a second side that are substantially parallel to each other. The first side may be in the direction in which the electrode slurry is discharged. The second side may be opposite the first side. The manifold may include an inclined surface connected to the first side, thereby allowing the electrode slurry to be stably discharged from the die coater (200).

[0048]

[0049] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a die coater assembling device (100) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0050] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a jig (110) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0051] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the operation of a die coater assembling device (100) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a die coater assembly device (100) may be configured to assemble a die coater (200). The die coater assembly device (100) may be configured to measure the relative positions of a first die (210) and a shim (230) and to align the first die (210) and the shim (230). Accurate alignment between the first die (210) and the shim (230) may improve the precision and reliability of the coating process. The die coater assembly device (100) may include a jig (110), a fixing assembly (120), a measuring device (130), and a controller (140).

[0053] The jig (110) may have a Γ shape. The jig (110) may include a first portion (110X) extending in the X direction and a second portion (110Y) extending in the Y direction. The X direction and the Y direction may be substantially perpendicular to each other. The second portion (110Y) may be connected to the first portion (110X). The second portion (110Y) may protrude from the first portion (110X).

[0054] The width in the Y direction of the first part (110X) may be different from the width in the X direction of the second part (110Y). The width in the Y direction of the first part (110X) may be greater than the width in the X direction of the second part (110Y), but is not limited thereto.

[0055] The first part (110X) may include a plurality of coupling holes (111). The plurality of coupling holes (111) may be used to couple the fixed assembly (120) and the jig (110). The fixed assembly (120) and the jig (110) may be fixed by bolting using the plurality of coupling holes (111), but is not limited thereto.

[0056] The second portion (110Y) may include first and second holes (112, 113). The first hole (112) may be used for coupling the measuring instrument (130) and the jig (110). The second hole (120) may be used for coupling the regulator (140) and the jig (110). The first and second holes (112, 113) may be spaced apart in the Y direction.

[0057] The second portion (110Y) may include a first clamping hole (114) connected to the first hole (112) and a second clamping hole (115) connected to the second hole (113). The first and second clamping holes (114, 115) may extend in the X direction. The first and second clamping holes (114, 115) may be used for coupling with the fixtures (151, 153).

[0058] The jig (110) may include a first surface (110S1) and a second surface (110S2). The first and second surfaces (110S1, 110S2) may be substantially parallel to each other. The first and second surfaces (110S1, 110S2) may be parallel to the X direction and the Y direction, respectively. A plurality of coupling holes (111), a first hole (112), and a second hole (113) may extend from the first surface (110S1) to the second surface (110S2).

[0059] The fixed assembly (120) can be placed on the second surface (110S2) of the jig (110). The fixed assembly (120) can include a magnet (121), a first regulator (123), and a second regulator (125). The magnet (121) can include an electromagnet. The magnet (121) can fix the fixed assembly (120) to the first die (110). The first regulator (123) can be configured to adjust the Y-direction position between the magnet (121) and the jig (110). The second regulator (125) can be configured to adjust the X-direction position between the magnet (121) and the jig (110). Through the manipulation of the first and second regulators (123, 125), the die coater assembling device (100) can be calibrated.

[0060] The measuring device (130) can pass through the first hole (112). The measuring device (130) can be inserted into the jig (110) from the first surface (110S1). A fixture (151) inserted through the first clamping hole (114) can fix the measuring device (130). The measuring device (130) can be either a contact type or a non-contact type. The contact type measuring device (130) can include a probe configured to contact the core (230). The non-contact type measuring device (130) can be optically sensitive and can include a fiber optic system.

[0061] The regulator (140) can pass through the second hole (113). The regulator (140) can be inserted into the jig (110) from the first surface (110S1). The fixing member (153) inserted through the second clamping hole (115) can fix the regulator (140). The regulator (140) can be configured to move the shim (230) based on the relative positions of the first die (210) and the shim (230) measured by the measuring device (130).

[0062] According to exemplary embodiments, the regulator (140) may include a scale indicating the degree of movement of the adjusting screw and the shim (230), thereby allowing the first die (210) and the shim (230) to be accurately aligned. In addition, the regulator (140) may include a torque limiting device. By means of the torque limiting device, when a torque exceeding a threshold value is applied to the regulator (140), the screw of the regulator (140) may be prevented from skidding, thereby preventing excessive force from being applied to the shim (230), and damage to the shim (230) may be prevented.

[0063] The die coater (200) may include a plurality of components connected to the first die (210). The plurality of components may include, for example, material supply lines for providing electrode slurry. According to exemplary embodiments, the measuring device (130) and the controller (140) coupled to the Γ-shaped jig (110) may be spaced apart in the Y direction from the fixing assembly (120) coupled to the jig (110). Accordingly, interference between the die coater assembling device (110) and the plurality of components coupled to the first die (210) may be prevented, and the shim (230) may be aligned to the first die (210) without separation of the plurality of components.

[0064] According to exemplary embodiments, since there is no need to separate the parts of the die coater (200) from the first die (210) when aligning the first die (210) and the core (230), the time required for maintaining the die coater (200) can be reduced, and the accuracy of assembly of the die coater (200) can be improved.

[0065]

[0066] (Example 2)

[0067] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of assembling a die coater according to exemplary embodiments.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, at P110, the device (100) for assembling a die coater can be attached to the first die (210). After aligning the device (100) for assembling a die coater with the first die (210), the device (100) for assembling a die coater can be attached to the first die (210) by turning on the magnet (121). After the device (100) for assembling a die coater is attached to the first die (210), calibration can be further performed through manipulation of the first and second regulators (123, 125).

[0069] Next, at P120, the relative positions of the first die (210) and the shim (230) can be measured. The relative positions of the first die (210) and the shim (230) can be measured by the measuring device (130).

[0070] In this case, at P130, the first die (210) and the shim (230) can be aligned. The alignment of the first die (210) and the shim (230) can be based on the relative positions of the first die (210) and the shim (230) measured at P120. The first die (210) and the shim (230) can be aligned by the regulator (140).

[0071] For the alignment of the first die (210) and the core (220), the processes of P110 to P130 can be performed repeatedly, and the device (110) for assembling the die coater can be coupled to different positions in the transverse direction of the die coater (210) for each iteration.

[0072]

[0073] The present invention has been described in more detail through drawings and examples. However, the configurations described in the drawings or examples described in this specification are merely embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modified examples may exist as of the time of this application.

Claims

1. Jig having a Γ shape; A measuring device coupled to the jig and configured to measure the relative position of the first die and the shim; a regulator coupled to the jig and configured to move the core; and A device for assembling a die coater including a fixing assembly configured to fix the jig to the first die.

2. In paragraph 1, A device for assembling a die coater, characterized in that the jig includes a first portion extending in a first direction and a second portion extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

3. In paragraph 2, A device for assembling a die coater, characterized in that the above fixed assembly is coupled to the first part of the jig.

4. In paragraph 2, A device for assembling a die coater, wherein the measuring instrument and the controller are spaced apart from the fixed assembly in the second direction.

5. In paragraph 2, A device for assembling a die coater, characterized in that the measuring instrument and the controller are coupled to the second part of the jig.

6. In paragraph 2, The above measuring instrument is coupled to the first hole of the second part of the jig, and A device for assembling a die coater, characterized in that the above regulator is coupled to the second hole of the second part of the above jig.

7. In paragraph 6, A device for assembling a die coater, characterized in that the first and second holes are spaced apart from each other in the second direction.

8. In paragraph 6, A device for assembling a die coater, characterized in that the jig includes a first clamping hole connected to the first hole and extending in the first direction, and a second clamping hole connected to the second hole and extending in the first direction.

9. In paragraph 8, A first fixture assembled into the first clamping hole and fixing the measuring instrument to the jig; and A device for assembling a die coater, further comprising a second fixing member assembled into the second clamping hole and fixing the regulator to the jig.

10. A jig comprising a first portion extending in a first direction and a second portion extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; A measuring device coupled to the second part of the jig and configured to measure the relative position of the first die and the shim; a regulator coupled to the second part of the jig and configured to move the core; and A device for assembling a die coater, the device comprising a fixing assembly coupled to the first part of the jig and configured to fix the jig to the first die.

11. In paragraph 10, A device for assembling a die coater, wherein the measuring instrument and the controller are spaced apart from the fixed assembly in the second direction.

12. In paragraph 10, The above measuring instrument is coupled to the first hole of the second part of the above jig, The above measuring instrument is coupled to the second hole of the second part of the above jig, and A device for assembling a die coater, characterized in that the first and second holes are spaced apart from each other in the second direction.

13. In paragraph 12, A device for assembling a die coater, characterized in that the jig includes a first clamping hole connected to the first hole and extending in the first direction, and a second clamping hole connected to the second hole and extending in the first direction.

14. In paragraph 13, A first fixture assembled into the first clamping hole and fixing the measuring instrument to the jig; and A device for assembling a die coater, further comprising a second fixing member assembled into the second clamping hole and fixing the regulator to the jig.

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