Slot die coater for electrode and method for manufacturing electrode using same

Abstract

A slot die coater for an electrode according to some embodiments may comprise: n (n is an integer from 2 to 5) blocks arranged adjacent to each other; a coating core that is positioned at one of the interfaces of the blocks and has an insulating liquid discharge flow path formed therein; and a variable unit for adjusting the degree of opening of the insulating liquid discharge flow path. Some embodiments of the present invention can, while simultaneously applying an electrode slurry and the insulating liquid onto a current collector, conveniently and precisely control the thickness of the insulating liquid being applied on the current collector.

Description

Slot die coater for electrodes and electrode manufacturing method using the same

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0046641, filed April 5, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a slot die coater for electrodes and a method for manufacturing electrodes using the same.

[0003]

[0004] To reduce dependence on fossil fuels and carbon emissions, interest in rechargeable secondary batteries, which offer long-term, reusable operation, is growing. In particular, lithium secondary batteries, which utilize lithium ions as their ions, boast superior energy density and lifespan, leading to active research and development. Consequently, lithium secondary batteries are being used in diverse fields, including portable electronic devices, vehicles, and energy storage systems (ESS).

[0005] One of the key research challenges facing lithium secondary batteries is improving their stability. Technologies have been proposed to prevent internal short circuits in lithium secondary batteries. For example, a technique has been proposed for applying an insulating solution containing a binder, inorganic particles, and a solvent to the ends of electrode slurry applied to a current collector. Furthermore, a technique has been proposed for simultaneously applying electrode slurry and insulating solution to a current collector.

[0006] However, even if the insulating liquid is applied to the current collector, if the thickness of the insulating liquid is not precisely controlled, problems may occur in processes such as rolling, notching, and tab welding performed after the coating process. Therefore, in the past, the thickness of the insulating liquid applied to the current collector was controlled by controlling the RPM (revolutions per minute, rotations per minute) of the insulating liquid supply pump. However, the RPM of the supply pump affects not only the thickness but also the width of the insulating liquid applied to the current collector, making it impossible to precisely control the thickness of the insulating liquid applied to the current collector. Meanwhile, in the past, multiple coating cores with different depths for the insulating liquid coating path were prepared, and workers replaced the coating cores, but this also did not allow for precise control of the thickness of the insulating liquid applied to the current collector, lowering the efficiency of the process. Therefore, a technology that can simply and precisely control the thickness of the insulating liquid applied to the current collector is needed.

[0007]

[0008] The technical idea of ​​the present invention aims to solve a problem by providing a slot die coater for an electrode and a method for manufacturing an electrode, which can simultaneously apply electrode slurry and an insulating solution onto a current collector while easily and precisely controlling the thickness of the insulating solution applied onto the current collector.

[0009]

[0010] Some embodiments of the present invention that can solve the above problem are as follows.

[0011] According to some embodiments, a slot die coater for an electrode may include n blocks (n is an integer between 2 and 5) arranged adjacent to each other; a coating core positioned at one or more interfaces of the blocks, wherein an insulating liquid discharge channel is formed; and a variable unit for controlling the degree of opening of the insulating liquid discharge channel.

[0012] In some embodiments, the variable unit can adjust the degree of opening of the insulating liquid discharge path by one or more of vertical movement, left-right movement, and rotational movement.

[0013] In some embodiments, the coating core may have a structure in which an insulating liquid discharge path is formed on one or both sides.

[0014] In some embodiments, the coating core is formed in a direction crossing the insulating liquid discharge channel, and includes a perforated stepped portion formed with a width longer than the width of the insulating liquid discharge channel, and the variable unit can adjust the degree of opening of the insulating liquid discharge channel by up and down movement.

[0015] In some embodiments, the width of the perforated step portion may be in the range of 110% to 500% of the width of the insulating liquid discharge channel, and the depth of the perforated step portion may be in the range of 20% to 100% of the depth of the insulating liquid discharge channel.

[0016] In some embodiments, the variable unit includes a head portion inserted into the long hole step portion, and a body portion formed by extending from the head portion, and the width of the head portion of the variable unit may be a size corresponding to the width of the long hole step portion.

[0017] In some embodiments, the body of the variable unit may be structured to be connected to a pressurizing device located outside the slot die coater for the electrode.

[0018] In some embodiments, the coating core includes a core body and a plurality of core guides formed to protrude in one direction from one surface of the core body and define a discharge width of the electrode slurry, and the insulating liquid discharge path may be a structure formed in each of the plurality of core guides.

[0019] In some embodiments, the slot die coater for the electrode may have a structure including an upper block, a lower block, and a coating core positioned between the upper block and the lower block.

[0020] In some embodiments, the slot die coater for the electrode includes an upper block, a middle block, a lower block, a first coating core positioned between the upper block and the middle block, and a second coating core positioned between the middle block and the lower block, and at least one of the first and second coating cores may have a structure in which an insulating liquid discharge path is formed.

[0021]

[0022] A method for manufacturing an electrode according to some embodiments may use the above-described slot die coater for electrodes, and may simultaneously discharge electrode slurry and insulating liquid onto a current collector sheet traveling on a coating roller.

[0023] In some embodiments, the step of discharging electrode slurry onto the collector; and the step of discharging an insulating liquid onto the side of the electrode slurry so as to come into contact with the discharged electrode slurry may be performed simultaneously.

[0024] In some embodiments, a drying step may be further included for drying the electrode slurry and insulating liquid discharged on the collector together.

[0025] In some embodiments, the electrode slurry may include an electrode active material, a binder, a conductive material, and a solvent, and the insulating liquid may include inorganic particles, a binder, and a solvent.

[0026] In some embodiments, the content of the binder contained in the electrode slurry may be in the range of 1 to 5 wt% based on the solid content of the electrode slurry, and the content of the binder contained in the insulating liquid may be in the range of 6 to 60 wt% based on the solid content of the insulating liquid.

[0027]

[0028] Some embodiments of the present invention can simultaneously apply electrode slurry and insulating liquid onto a current collector while easily and precisely controlling the thickness of the insulating liquid applied onto the current collector.

[0029] The effects of the 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 embodiments of the present invention pertain from the following description. In other words, unintended effects resulting from practicing the embodiments of the present invention can also be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments of the present invention pertain.

[0030]

[0031] FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a slot die coater for electrodes according to some embodiments.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a slot die coater for electrodes according to some embodiments.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of a coating core of a slot die coater for electrodes according to some embodiments.

[0034] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line A-A' of Figure 2.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a schematic front view of a slot die coater for electrodes according to some embodiments.

[0036] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing an electrode coated by a slot die coater for electrodes according to some embodiments.

[0037] Figure 7 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a slot die coater for electrodes according to some other embodiments.

[0038] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing an electrode coated by a slot die coater for electrodes according to some other embodiments.

[0039] Figure 9 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a slot die coater for electrodes according to some other embodiments.

[0040] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing an electrode coated by a slot die coater for electrodes according to some other embodiments.

[0041] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line B-B' of Fig. 10.

[0042] Figure 12 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a slot die coater for electrodes according to some other embodiments.

[0043] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an electrode coated by a slot die coater for electrodes according to some other embodiments, for comparison with FIG. 11.

[0044]

[0045] The terms or words used in this specification should not be interpreted as limited to their usual or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning that conforms to the technical idea of ​​the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the meaning of the terms or words to explain his or her own invention in the best way.

[0046] In this specification, it should be understood that terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof. In addition, when it is said that a part such as a layer, film, region or plate is "on" another part, this includes not only the case where it is "directly above" the other part, but also the case where there is another part in between. Conversely, when it is said that a part such as a layer, film, region or plate is "under" another part, this includes not only the case where it is "directly below" the other part, but also the case where there is another part in between.

[0047] It should be understood that the examples and drawings are merely examples of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention, and that various equivalents and modifications may be substituted for them.

[0048] When describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0049] Since the drawings are provided to more completely explain the present invention to those skilled in the art, the shape, size, and number of components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for clearer explanation. The shape, size, ratio, and number of each component in the drawings do not entirely reflect the actual shape, size, ratio, and number of each component.

[0050]

[0051] One aspect of the present invention relates to a slot die coater for electrodes.

[0052] In some embodiments, a slot die coater for an electrode may include: n blocks (wherein n is an integer between 2 and 5) arranged adjacent to each other; a coating core positioned at at least one interface among the interfaces of the blocks, wherein an insulating liquid discharge channel is formed; and a variable unit for controlling the degree of opening of the insulating liquid discharge channel. Since the electrode slurry is discharged from a slot positioned between two adjacent blocks and the coating core, and the insulating liquid is discharged from the insulating liquid discharge channel of the coating core, the slot die coater for an electrode can simultaneously apply the electrode slurry and the insulating liquid onto a current collector. Meanwhile, since the variable unit controls the degree of opening of the insulating liquid discharge channel, the slot die coater for an electrode can simply and precisely control the thickness of the insulating liquid applied onto the current collector. That is, the present invention can control the thickness of the insulating liquid applied onto the current collector in an in-line manner by including the variable unit.

[0053] In some embodiments, the variable unit can adjust the degree of opening of the insulating liquid discharge channel by one or more of vertical movement, left-right movement, and rotational movement. The variable unit can enter the insulating liquid discharge channel by one or more of vertical movement, left-right movement, and rotational movement to block the movement of the insulating liquid, thereby reducing the degree of opening of the insulating liquid discharge channel. On the other hand, the variable unit can leave the insulating liquid discharge channel by one or more of vertical movement, left-right movement, and rotational movement to not block the movement of the insulating liquid, thereby increasing the degree of opening of the insulating liquid discharge channel. In this way, as the variable unit adjusts the degree of opening of the insulating liquid discharge channel, the slot die coater for the electrode can precisely control the thickness of the insulating liquid applied on the current collector.

[0054] In some embodiments, the coating core may have a structure in which an insulating liquid discharge channel is formed on one or both sides. The insulating liquid discharge channel may provide a path for discharging the insulating liquid through a groove formed on one or both sides of the coating core. The insulating liquid may be supplied from an insulating liquid supply pump located outside the electrode slot die coater to an insulating liquid inlet channel formed in one of the blocks, and then applied onto the current collector through the insulating liquid discharge channel.

[0055] In some embodiments, the coating core may include a perforated stepped portion formed in a direction crossing the insulating liquid discharge channel but having a width longer than the width of the insulating liquid discharge channel, and the variable unit may adjust the degree of opening of the insulating liquid discharge channel by vertical movement. The perforated stepped portion may prevent the insulating liquid from flowing backward when the variable unit adjusts the degree of opening of the insulating liquid discharge channel. In some embodiments, the perforated stepped portion may be formed in a direction perpendicular to the insulating liquid discharge channel.

[0056] In some embodiments, the width of the perforated step portion may be in the range of 110% to 500% of the width of the insulating liquid discharge channel. If the width of the perforated step portion is too small compared to the width of the insulating liquid discharge channel, the insulating liquid may not be prevented from flowing back. If the width of the perforated step portion is too large compared to the width of the insulating liquid discharge channel, the insulating liquid may not sufficiently move into the perforated step portion, making it impossible to precisely control the degree of opening of the insulating liquid discharge channel. In some embodiments, the width of the perforated step portion may be 150% or more of the width of the insulating liquid discharge channel. In some embodiments, the width of the perforated step portion may be 200% or more of the width of the insulating liquid discharge channel. In some embodiments, the width of the perforated step portion may be 450% or less of the width of the insulating liquid discharge channel. In some embodiments, the width of the perforated step portion may be 400% or less of the width of the insulating liquid discharge channel. In some embodiments, the width of the perforated step portion may be no greater than 350% of the width of the insulating liquid discharge channel. In some embodiments, the width of the perforated step portion may be no greater than 300% of the width of the insulating liquid discharge channel.

[0057] In some embodiments, the depth of the perforated step portion may range from 20% to 100% of the depth of the insulating liquid discharge channel. If the depth of the perforated step portion is too small compared to the depth of the insulating liquid discharge channel, it may not be possible to prevent backflow of the insulating liquid or to precisely control the degree of opening of the insulating liquid discharge channel. In some embodiments, the depth of the perforated step portion may be 30% or more of the depth of the insulating liquid discharge channel. In some embodiments, the depth of the perforated step portion may be 40% or more of the depth of the insulating liquid discharge channel. In some embodiments, the depth of the perforated step portion may be 50% or more of the depth of the insulating liquid discharge channel.

[0058] In some embodiments, the variable unit includes a head portion inserted into a perforated step portion and a body portion formed by extending from the head portion, and the width of the head portion of the variable unit may correspond to the width of the perforated step portion. Since the width of the head portion of the variable unit corresponds to the width of the perforated step portion, the variable unit can more precisely control the degree of opening of the insulating liquid discharge path.

[0059] In some embodiments, the body of the variable unit may be connected to a pressurizing device located outside the slot die coater for electrodes. The pressurizing device may provide power to the variable unit to enable the variable unit to move up and down. As a non-limiting example, the pressurizing device may be a hydraulic press, a motor, a cylinder, or the like. The body of the variable unit may be connected to the pressurizing device located outside the slot die coater for electrodes by penetrating one of the blocks.

[0060] In some embodiments, the coating shim may include a shim body and a plurality of shim guides formed to protrude in one direction from one surface of the shim body and define a discharge width of the electrode slurry, and the insulating liquid discharge path may be a structure formed in each of the plurality of shim guides. The coating shim may define a slot, which is a space through which the electrode slurry is discharged from the slot die coater for the electrode, together with two adjacent blocks. The length of the slot may be substantially the same as the distance between adjacent shim guides. The height of the slot may be substantially the same as the thickness of the coating shim. When the number of shim guides is m (m is an integer from 3 to 5), there may be m-1 slots between the coating shim and two adjacent blocks. In this case, the two shim guides may be formed to protrude in one direction from both ends of one surface of the shim body.

[0061] In some embodiments, the slot die coater for electrodes may have a structure including an upper block, a lower block, and a coating core positioned between the upper block and the lower block. At this time, the slot die coater for electrodes may apply electrode slurry and an insulating solution in one layer on the current collector. In some embodiments, the slot die coater for electrodes may have a structure including an upper block, a middle block, a lower block, a first coating core positioned between the upper block and the middle block, and a second coating core positioned between the middle block and the lower block, and an insulating solution discharge path formed in at least one of the first and second coating cores. At this time, the slot die coater for electrodes may apply electrode slurry in two layers on the current collector. At this time, the slot die coater for electrodes may apply electrolyte in one layer or two layers on the current collector. In this way, the number of layers of electrode slurry applied on the current collector may vary depending on the number of blocks arranged adjacent to each other. As in the above examples, when the number of blocks is n (n is an integer between 2 and 5), the number of layers of electrode slurry applied on the current collector may be n-1, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Depending on the arrangement of the blocks, when the number of blocks is n, the number of layers of electrode slurry applied on the current collector may be n, n-2, or n-3.

[0062]

[0063] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an electrode.

[0064] In some embodiments, the electrode manufacturing method can be performed using the aforementioned slot die coater for electrodes, and the electrode slurry and insulating solution can be simultaneously discharged onto a current collector sheet traveling on a coating roller. Accordingly, the electrode manufacturing method according to the present invention has superior electrode manufacturing efficiency compared to a method in which electrode slurry coating and insulating solution coating are performed using separate coaters.

[0065] In some embodiments, the electrode manufacturing method may simultaneously perform the steps of dispensing electrode slurry onto a current collector; and dispensing an insulating liquid onto the side of the electrode slurry so as to come into contact with the discharged electrode slurry. Accordingly, the electrode manufacturing method according to the present invention can prevent a sliding phenomenon that may occur on the side of the electrode slurry, thereby improving the coating quality of the electrode.

[0066] In some embodiments, the electrode manufacturing method may further include a drying step of drying the electrode slurry and insulating solution discharged onto the current collector together. The drying method may be any method capable of completely drying the solvent contained in the electrode slurry and insulating solution. As a non-limiting example, the drying method may include one or more of a hot air method, a direct heating method, and an induction heating method.

[0067] In some embodiments, the electrode slurry may include an electrode active material, a binder, a conductive material, and a solvent, and the insulating liquid may include inorganic particles, a binder, and a solvent. In some embodiments, the electrode slurry may be a cathode slurry, and the electrode active material may be a cathode active material.

[0068] As non-limiting examples, the positive electrode active material may be a lithium-iron oxide (e.g., LiFePO4), a lithium-manganese oxide (e.g., LiMnO2, LiMn2O4), a lithium-cobalt oxide (e.g., LiCoO2), a lithium-nickel oxide (e.g., LiNiO2), a lithium-nickel-manganese oxide (e.g., LiNi 1-y1 Mn y1 O2 (here, 0 <y1<1) 및 LiMn 2-z1 Ni z1 O4 (where 0<z1<2), etc.), lithium-nickel-cobalt oxides (e.g., LiNi 1-y2 Co y2 O2 (here, 0 <y2<1) 등), 리튬-망간-코발트계 산화물(예를 들면, LiCo 1-y3 Mn y3O2 (here, 0 <y3<1) 및 LiMn 2-z2 Co z2 O4 (where 0<z2<2) etc.), lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt oxides (e.g., Li(Ni p1 Co q1 Mn r1 )O2(where, 0<p1<1, 0<q1<1, 0<r1<1, p1+q1+r1=1), Li(Ni p2 Co q2 Mn r2 )O4 (wherein, 0<p2<2, 0<q2<2, 0<r2<2, p2+q2+r2=2), etc.), lithium-nickel-cobalt-metal (M) oxide (e.g., Li(Ni p3 Co q3 Mn r3 M s1 )O2 (wherein, M is selected from the group consisting of Al, Cu, Fe, V, Cr, Ti, Zr, Zn, Ta, Nb, Mg, B, W and Mo, and p3, q3, r3 and s1 are atomic fractions of independent elements, such that 0<p3<1, 0<q3<1, 0<r3<1, 0<s1<1, p3+q3+r3+s1=1), etc.) and mixtures thereof.

[0069] As non-limiting examples, the binder may include one or more of polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinyl alcohol, carboxymethylcellulose, starch, hydroxypropylcellulose, regenerated cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, tetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer, sulfonated ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer, styrene-butadiene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber-carboxymethylcellulose fluoroelastomer, and mixtures thereof. As non-limiting examples, the conductive material may include one or more of carbon nanotubes, graphite; carbon-based materials such as carbon black, acetylene black, Ketjen black, channel black, furnace black, lamp black, and thermal black; conductive fibers such as carbon fibers or metal fibers; metal powders such as fluorocarbon, aluminum, and nickel powders; conductive whiskeys such as zinc oxide and potassium titanate; conductive metal oxides such as titanium oxide; polyphenylene; and mixtures thereof. As non-limiting examples, the solvent may include one or more of N-methyl pyrrolidone, dimethyl formamide, acetone, dimethyl acetamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, and mixtures thereof. As non-limiting examples, the inorganic particles may include Al2O3, BaTiO3, CaO, CeO2, NiO, MgO, SiO2, SnO2, SrTiO3, TiO2, Y2O3, ZnO, ZrO2, Pb(Zr,Ti)O3(PZT), (Pb,La)(Zr,Ti)O3(PLZT), PB(Mg3Nb 2 / 3 )O3-PbTiO3(PMN-PT), hafnia (HfO2), and mixtures thereof.

[0070] In some embodiments, the content of the binder contained in the electrode slurry may be in the range of 1 to 5 wt% based on the solid content of the electrode slurry, and the content of the binder contained in the insulating liquid may be in the range of 6 to 60 wt% based on the solid content of the insulating liquid.

[0071]

[0072] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0073] (First embodiment)

[0074] FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a slot die coater for electrodes according to some embodiments. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a slot die coater for electrodes according to some embodiments. FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of a coating core of a slot die coater for electrodes according to some embodiments. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a schematic front view of a slot die coater for electrodes according to some embodiments.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a slot die coater (1000) for an electrode includes an upper block (1110), a lower block (1120), a coating core (1200), a first variable unit (1300A), and a second variable unit (1300B). The first variable unit (1300A) is connected to a first pressurizing device (1400A), and the second variable unit (1300B) is connected to a second pressurizing device (1400B).

[0076] A manifold (1121) for storing electrode slurry is formed in the lower block (1120). The position of the manifold (1121) is not limited, and the manifold (1121) may be located in the upper block (1110). The electrode slurry stored in the manifold (1121) is supplied from the outside of the electrode slot die coater (1000) through an electrode slurry supply path (not shown). The position of the electrode slurry supply path (not shown) is not limited, and may be located in the upper block (1110) or the lower block (1120). The electrode slurry stored in the manifold (1121) is discharged through a slot (S1).

[0077] The coating core (1200) is positioned between the upper block (1110) and the lower block (1120). The coating core (1200) includes a core body (1230), a first core guide (1240A) protruding in the +X direction from one end of one surface of the core body (1230), and a second core guide (1240B) protruding in the +X direction from the other end of one surface of the core body (1230). A first insulating liquid discharge path (1210A) and a first perforated step portion (1220A) crossing the first insulating liquid discharge path (1210A) are formed on the upper surface of the first core guide (1240A). A second insulating liquid discharge path (1210B) and a second stepped portion (1220B) crossing the second insulating liquid discharge path (1210B) are formed on the upper surface of the second core guide (1240B). A first insulating liquid supply path (1111A) and a second insulating liquid supply path (1111B) are formed on the upper block (1110). The first insulating liquid supply path (1111A) supplies insulating liquid to the first insulating liquid discharge path (1210A), and the second insulating liquid supply path (1111B) supplies insulating liquid to the second insulating liquid discharge path (1210B). However, the positions of the first insulating liquid supply path (1111A) and the second insulating liquid supply path (1111B) are not limited, and the first insulating liquid supply path (1111A) and the second insulating liquid supply path (1111B) may be located in the lower block (1120). The insulating liquid moves along the first insulating liquid discharge path (1210A) and the second insulating liquid discharge path (1210B) and is discharged through the first discharge port (I1) and the second discharge port (I2).

[0078] The first variable unit (1300A) includes a first head portion (1310A) and a first body portion (1320A), and the second variable unit (1300B) includes a second head portion (1310B) and a second body portion (1320B). The length of the first head portion (1310A) in the Y direction corresponds to the length of the first long step portion (1220A) in the Y direction, and the length of the first head portion (1310A) in the X direction corresponds to the length of the first long step portion (1220A) in the X direction. The length of the second head portion (1310B) in the Y direction corresponds to the length of the second long step portion (1220B) in the Y direction, and the length of the second head portion (1310B) in the X direction corresponds to the length of the second long step portion (1220B) in the X direction.

[0079] The upper block (1110) is formed with a first variable unit hole (1112A) and a second variable unit hole (1112B). The first variable unit (1300A) moves in a direction parallel to the Z direction inside the first variable unit hole (1112A) by power provided from the first pressurizing device (1400A) and adjusts the degree of opening of the first insulating liquid discharge passage (1210A). The second variable unit (1300B) moves in a direction parallel to the Z direction inside the second variable unit hole (1112B) by power provided from the second pressurizing device (1400B) and adjusts the degree of opening of the second insulating liquid discharge passage (1210B).

[0080] When the first variable unit (1300A) moves in the -Z direction, the first head portion (1310A) can enter the first insulating liquid discharge path (1210A) as it is inserted into the first long hole step portion (1220A). When the first head portion (1310A) enters the first insulating liquid discharge path (1210A), the amount of insulating liquid that can pass through the first insulating liquid discharge path (1210A) is reduced. When the first variable unit (1300A) moves in the +Z direction, the first head portion (1310A) can escape from the first insulating liquid discharge path (1210A) as it is removed from the first long hole step portion (1220A). When the first head unit (1310A) is removed from the first insulating liquid discharge path (1210A), the amount of insulating liquid that can pass through the first insulating liquid discharge path (1210A) increases. That is, by adjusting the degree of opening of the first insulating liquid discharge path while moving the first variable unit (1300A) in a direction parallel to the Z direction, the thickness of the insulating liquid applied onto the current collector from the first discharge port (I1) can be precisely controlled. The description of the second variable unit (1300B) is the same as that of the first variable unit (1300A), so a duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

[0081] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing an electrode coated by a slot die coater for electrodes according to some embodiments. Referring to FIG. 6, the slot die coater for electrodes (1000) can simultaneously discharge electrode slurry and insulating liquid onto a current collector, but discharge the insulating liquid onto the side of the electrode slurry so that it comes into contact with the electrode slurry.

[0082]

[0083] (Second embodiment)

[0084] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the structure of the coating core, and accordingly, the number of variable units differs. For the second embodiment, only the differences from the first embodiment will be described, and the description of the parts that are substantially the same as the first embodiment will be omitted or briefly described.

[0085] Figure 7 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a slot die coater for electrodes according to some other embodiments. Referring to Figure 7, the slot die coater for electrodes (2000) includes an upper block (2110), a lower block (2120), a coating shim (2200), a first variable unit (2300A), a second variable unit (2300B), a third variable unit (2300C), and a fourth variable unit (2300D). The first variable unit (2300A) is connected to the first pressurizing device (2400A), the second variable unit (2300B) is connected to the second pressurizing device (2400B), the third variable unit (2300C) is connected to the third pressurizing device (2400C), and the fourth variable unit (2300D) is connected to the fourth pressurizing device (2400D).

[0086] A manifold (2121) for storing electrode slurry is formed in the lower block (2120). The coating core (2200) includes a core body (2230), a first core guide (2240A) protruding in the +X direction from one end of one surface of the core body (2230), a second core guide (2240B) protruding in the +X direction from multiple stages of one surface of the core body (2230), and a third core guide (2240C) protruding in the +X direction from the center of one surface of the core body (2230). The third core guide (2240C) is located between the first core guide (2240A) and the second core guide (2240B). A first insulating liquid discharge path (2210A) and a first stepped portion (2220A) are formed on an upper surface of the first core guide (2240A). A second insulating liquid discharge path (2210B) and a second stepped portion (2220B) are formed on the upper surface of the second core guide (2240B). A third insulating liquid discharge path (2210C), a third stepped portion (2220C), and a fourth stepped portion (2220D) are formed on the upper surface of the third core guide (2240C). A first insulating liquid supply path (2111A), a second insulating liquid supply path (2111B), and a third insulating liquid supply path (2111C) are formed on the upper block (2110).

[0087] The first variable unit (2300A) includes a first head portion (2310A) and a first body portion (2320A), the second variable unit (2300B) includes a second head portion (2310B) and a second body portion (2320B), the third variable unit (2300C) includes a third head portion (2310C) and a third body portion (2320C), and the fourth variable unit (2300D) includes a fourth head portion (2310D) and a fourth body portion (2320D). The upper block (2110) is formed with a first variable unit hole (2112A), a second variable unit hole (2112B), a third variable unit hole (2112C), and a second variable unit hole (2112D).

[0088] In the slot die coater for electrodes (2000), the electrode slurry is discharged by being divided into two lanes by the third core guide (2240C). In addition, the insulating liquid moves along the first insulating liquid discharge path (2210A), the second insulating liquid discharge path (2210B), and the third insulating liquid discharge path (2210C).

[0089] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing an electrode coated by a slot die coater for electrodes according to some other embodiments. Referring to FIG. 8, the slot die coater for electrodes (2000) can discharge electrode slurry and insulating liquid simultaneously, but can discharge the insulating liquid on the side of the electrode slurry so that it comes into contact with the electrode slurry. In addition, the slot die coater for electrodes (2000) can discharge the electrode slurry in two lanes.

[0090]

[0091] (Embodiment 3)

[0092] The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the number of blocks. For the third embodiment, only the differences from the first embodiment will be described, and the description of the parts that are substantially the same as the first embodiment will be omitted or briefly described.

[0093] Fig. 9 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a slot die coater for electrodes according to some other embodiments. Referring to Fig. 9, the slot die coater for electrodes (3000) includes an upper block (3110), a middle block (3120), a lower block (3130), an upper coating core (3200), a lower coating core (3500), a first variable unit (3400A), and a second variable unit (3400B). The first variable unit (3300A) is connected to the first pressurizing device (3400A), and the second variable unit (3300B) is connected to the second pressurizing device (3400B).

[0094] A manifold (3121) for storing electrode slurry is formed in the middle block (3120), and a manifold (3131) for storing electrode slurry is also formed in the lower block (3130). The upper coating shim (3200) is located between the upper block (3110) and the middle block (3120). The upper coating shim (3200) includes a shim body (3230), a first shim guide (3240A), and a second shim guide (3240B). A first insulating liquid discharge channel (3210A) and a first perforated stepped portion (3220A) are formed on an upper surface of the first shim guide (3240A). A second insulating liquid discharge channel (3210B) and a second perforated stepped portion (3220B) are formed on an upper surface of the second shim guide (3240B). The upper block (3110) has a first insulating liquid supply path (3111A) and a second insulating liquid supply path (3111B) formed therein.

[0095] The first variable unit (3300A) includes a first head portion (3310A) and a first body portion (3320A), and the second variable unit (3300B) includes a second head portion (3310B) and a second body portion (3320B). A first variable unit hole (3112A) and a second variable unit hole (3112B) are formed in the upper block (3110).

[0096] The lower coating core (3500) is located between the middle block (3120) and the lower block (3130). An insulating liquid supply path is not formed in the lower coating core (3500).

[0097] The slot die coater (3000) for electrodes not only discharges electrode slurry through slots defined by the upper block (3110), the middle block (3120), and the upper coating shim (3200), but also discharges electrode slurry through slots defined by the middle block (3120), the lower block (3130), and the lower coating shim (3500). That is, the slot die coater (3000) for electrodes can apply electrode slurry in two layers on a current collector.

[0098] Fig. 10 is a drawing showing an electrode coated by a slot die coater for electrodes according to some other embodiments. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B' of Fig. 10. Referring to Fig. 10, it can be seen that the electrode slurry and the insulating liquid are discharged simultaneously, and that the insulating liquid is discharged on the side of the electrode slurry so that it comes into contact with the electrode slurry. Referring to Fig. 11, it can be seen that the electrode slurry is applied in two layers on the current collector.

[0099]

[0100] (Embodiment 4)

[0101] Unlike the third embodiment, the fourth embodiment has a coating core formed between the middle block and the lower block, with an insulating coating path. The fourth embodiment will be described with emphasis on only the differences from the third embodiment, and any description of the parts that are substantially the same as those of the third embodiment will be omitted or briefly described.

[0102] Fig. 12 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a slot die coater for electrodes according to some other embodiments. Referring to Fig. 12, the coating die (4000) for electrode slots includes an upper block (4110), a middle block (4120), a lower block (4130), an upper coating shim (4200), a lower coating shim (4500), a first upper variable unit (4300A1), a second upper variable unit (4300B1), a first lower variable unit (4300A2), and a second lower variable unit (4300B2). The first upper variable unit (4300A1) is connected to the first upper pressurizing device (4400A1), the second upper variable unit (4300B1) is connected to the second upper pressurizing device (4400B1), the first lower variable unit (4300A2) is connected to the first lower pressurizing device (4400A2), and the second lower variable unit (4300B2) is connected to the second lower pressurizing device (4400B2).

[0103] A manifold (4121) for storing electrode slurry is formed in the middle block (4120), and a manifold (4131) for storing electrode slurry is also formed in the lower block (4130).

[0104] The upper coating core (4200) includes an upper core body (4230) and a first upper core guide (4240A) and a second upper core guide (4240B). A first upper insulating liquid discharge channel (4210A) and a first upper perforated stepped portion (4220A) are formed on an upper surface of the first upper core guide (4240A). A second upper insulating liquid discharge channel (4210B) and a second upper perforated stepped portion (4220B) are formed on an upper surface of the second upper core guide (4240B). A first upper insulating liquid supply channel (4111A) and a second upper insulating liquid supply channel (4111B) are formed on the upper block (4110).

[0105] The lower coating core (4500) includes a lower core body (4250) and a first lower core guide (4250A) and a second lower core guide (4250B). A first lower insulating liquid discharge channel (4510A) and a first lower perforated stepped portion (4520A) are formed on the lower surface of the first lower core guide (4250A). A second lower insulating liquid discharge channel (4510B) and a second lower perforated stepped portion (4520B) are formed on the lower surface of the second lower core guide (4540B). A first lower insulating liquid supply channel (4131A) and a second lower insulating liquid supply channel (4131B) are formed on the lower block (4130).

[0106] The first upper variable unit (4300A1) includes a first upper head portion (4310A1) and a first upper body portion (4320A1), the second upper variable unit (4300B1) includes a second upper head portion (4310B1) and a second upper body portion (4320B1), the first lower variable unit (4300A2) includes a first lower head portion (4310A2) and a first lower body portion (4320A2), and the second lower variable unit (4300B2) includes a second lower head portion (4310B2) and a second lower body portion (4320AB21). The upper block (4110) is formed with a first upper variable unit hole (4112A) and a second upper variable unit hole (4112B). The lower block (4130) is formed with a first lower variable unit hole (4132A) and a second lower variable unit hole (4132B).

[0107] The slot die coater for electrodes (4000) can apply not only electrode slurry but also insulating liquid in two layers.

[0108] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an electrode coated by a slot die coater for electrodes according to some other embodiments, for comparison with Fig. 11. Referring to Fig. 13, it can be seen that not only the electrode slurry but also the insulating liquid is applied in two layers on the current collector.

[0109]

[0110] The above description is intended solely to illustrate the present invention. The scope of the present invention should be interpreted in accordance with the claims, and all technical ideas within the scope equivalent or equivalent thereto should be construed as being included within the scope of the present invention.

[0111]

[0112] [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] Slot die coater for electrodes: 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000

[0114] Blocks: 1110, 1120, 2110, 2120, 3110, 3120, 3130, 4110, 4120, 4130

[0115] Manifolds: 1121, 2121, 3121, 3131, 4121, 4133

[0116] Insulating fluid supply lines: 1111A, 1111B, 2111A, 2111B, 2111C, 3111A, 3111B, 4111A, 4111B, 4131A, 413B

[0117] Variable Unit Hall: 1112A, 1112B, 2112A, 2112B, 2112C, 2112D, 3112A, 3112B, 4112A, 4112B, 4132A, 413B

[0118] Coating core: 1200, 2200, 3200, 3500, 4200, 4500

[0119] Insulating fluid discharge path: 1210A, 1210B, 2210A, 2210B, 2210C, 3210A, 3210B, 4210A, 4210B, 4510A, 4510B

[0120] Long hole step section: 1220A, 1220B, 2220A, 2220B, 2220C, 2220D, 3220A, 3220B, 4220A, 4220B, 4520A, 4520B

[0121] Sim body: 1230, 2230, 3230, 4230, 4530

[0122] SIM Guide: 1240A, 1240B, 2240A, 2240B, 2240C, 3240A, 3240B, 4240A, 4240B, 4540A, 4540B

[0123] Variable Units: 1300A, 1300B, 2300A, 2300B, 2300C, 2300D, 3300A, 3300B, 4300A1, 4300B1, 4300A2, 4300B2

[0124] Head: 1310A, 1310B, 2310A, 2310B, 2310C, 2310D, 3310A, 3310B, 4310A1, 4310B1, 4310A2, 4310B2

[0125] Body: 1320A, 1320B, 2320A, 2320B, 2320C, 2320D, 3320A, 3320B, 4300A1, 4300B1, 4320A2, 4320B2

[0126] Pressurized devices: 1400A, 1400B, 2400A, 2400B, 2400C, 2400D, 3400A, 3400B, 4400A1, 4400B1, 4400A2, 4400B2

Claims

1. n blocks (n is an integer between 2 and 5) arranged adjacent to each other; A coating core positioned at one or more of the interfaces of the above blocks, wherein an insulating liquid discharge path is formed; and A slot die coater for an electrode including a variable unit for controlling the degree of opening of the insulating liquid discharge path.

2. In paragraph 1, The above variable unit is a slot die coater for electrodes that controls the degree of opening of an insulating liquid discharge path by at least one of vertical movement, left-right movement, and rotational movement.

3. In paragraph 1, A slot die coater for an electrode having a structure in which an insulating liquid discharge path is formed on one or both sides of the coating core.

4. In paragraph 1, The above coating core is formed in a direction crossing the insulating liquid discharge path, and includes a perforated stepped portion formed with a width longer than the width of the insulating liquid discharge path. The above variable unit is a slot die coater for electrodes that controls the degree of opening of the insulating liquid discharge path by up and down movement.

5. In paragraph 4, The width of the above-mentioned long-hole step portion is in the range of 110% to 500% of the width of the insulating liquid discharge path, A slot die coater for electrodes, wherein the depth of the above-mentioned long hole step portion is in the range of 20% to 100% of the depth of the insulating liquid discharge path.

6. In paragraph 4, Variable units are, A head portion inserted into a long hole step portion, and It includes a body portion formed by extending from the above head portion, A slot die coater for electrodes, the width of the head of the variable unit being a size corresponding to the width of the long hole step portion.

7. In paragraph 6, The body of the variable unit is a slot die coater for electrodes, which is a structure connected to a pressurizing device located outside the slot die coater for electrodes.

8. In paragraph 1, The above coating core includes a core body and a plurality of core guides formed to protrude in one direction from one surface of the core body and to define the discharge width of the electrode slurry. An electrode slot die coater in which the insulating liquid discharge path is formed in each of the plurality of core guides.

9. In paragraph 1, The slot die coater for the above electrodes is upper block, lower block, and A slot die coater for an electrode, the structure including a coating core positioned between the upper block and the lower block.

10. In paragraph 1, The slot die coater for the above electrodes is upper block, middle block, lower block, A first coating core located between the upper block and the middle block, and A second coating core is included, positioned between the middle block and the lower block; A slot die coater for an electrode having a structure in which an insulating liquid discharge path is formed in at least one of the first and second coating cores.

11. In a method for manufacturing an electrode using a slot die coater for an electrode according to Article 1, An electrode manufacturing method characterized by simultaneously discharging electrode slurry and insulating liquid onto a current collector sheet running on a coating roller.

12. In paragraph 11, A step of discharging electrode slurry onto a collector; and A method for manufacturing an electrode, characterized in that the step of discharging an insulating liquid on the side of the electrode slurry so as to come into contact with the discharged electrode slurry is simultaneously performed.

13. In paragraph 11, An electrode manufacturing method further comprising a drying step of drying the electrode slurry and insulating liquid discharged on the current collector together.

14. In paragraph 11, The above electrode slurry includes an electrode active material, a binder, a conductive material, and a solvent, The above insulating liquid is an electrode manufacturing method including inorganic particles, a binder and a solvent.

15. In paragraph 14, The content of the binder contained in the electrode slurry is in the range of 1 to 5 wt% based on the solid content in the electrode slurry, A method for manufacturing an electrode, wherein the content of binder contained in the insulating liquid is in the range of 6 to 60 wt% based on the solid content of the insulating liquid.

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