Die coater

Abstract

According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a die coater is provided. The die coater comprises: a first die including a land portion and a manifold having a predetermined depth from the land portion and configured to accommodate an electrode slurry; a body shim which is coupled to the first die and includes a body extending in a first direction and wings protruding, in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, from an end portion of the body in the first direction; a spacer shim coupled to the first die and partially covering the manifold; and a shim fixing pin configured to fix the spacer shim to the land portion of the first die, wherein the spacer shim includes a slot into which the shim fixing pin is inserted, the shim fixing pin includes a cylindrical portion and a flange connected to the cylindrical portion, and the shim fixing pin is configured to rotate about the cylindrical portion with respect to the spacer shim.

Description

Die coater

[0001] The present invention relates to a die coater.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority from Republic of Korea Patent Application No. 10-2024-0047190, filed April 8, 2024, and all contents of the document in that Republic of Korea Patent Application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] 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.

[0004] 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 coating material containing an active material onto a polarizing plate, can be performed using a die coater.

[0005] The technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is to provide a die coater with improved coating performance.

[0006] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, a die coater is provided. The die coater comprises: a first die including a land portion and a manifold configured to receive an electrode slurry having a predetermined depth from the land portion; a body shim coupled to the first die, the body shim including a body extending in a first direction and wings protruding in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction from an end of the body in the first direction; a spacer shim coupled to the first die and partially covering the manifold; and a shim fixing pin configured to fix the spacer shim to the land portion of the first die, the spacer shim including a slot into which the shim fixing pin is inserted, the shim fixing pin including a cylindrical portion and a flange connected to the cylindrical portion, and the shim fixing pin is configured to rotate about the cylindrical portion with respect to the spacer shim.

[0007] The long side of the slot has a first length, and the short side of the slot has a second length shorter than the first length, and the maximum horizontal length of the flange is smaller than the first length and greater than the second length.

[0008] The plane shape of the above flange is elliptical.

[0009] The plane shape of the above flange is circular, and the center of the flange and the center of the cylindrical portion are spaced apart in a direction parallel to the flange.

[0010] The plane shape of the above flange is a polygon.

[0011] The center of gravity of the above flange and the center of the above cylindrical portion are spaced apart in a direction parallel to the above flange.

[0012] The planar shape of the above flange is a closed circular shape with a variable radius.

[0013] The center of gravity of the above flange and the center of the above cylindrical portion are spaced apart in a direction parallel to the above flange.

[0014] The flange includes a first pole and a second pole, and a distance between the first and second poles is a maximum horizontal distance of the flange.

[0015] The rate of change of the radius with respect to the angle at the first and second poles is 0.

[0016] The horizontal distance between the first pole and the center of the cylindrical portion is different from the horizontal distance between the second pole and the center of the cylindrical portion.

[0017] The relative positions of the first die and the spacer core are adjusted by rotation of the core fixing pin.

[0018] According to exemplary embodiments, a die coater is provided. The die coater comprises a first die including a manifold; a spacer shim coupled to the first die and partially covering the manifold; and a shim fixing pin configured to fix the spacer shim to a land portion of the first die, wherein the spacer shim includes a slot into which the shim fixing pin is inserted, the shim fixing pin includes a cylindrical portion and a flange connected to the cylindrical portion, and a center of gravity of the flange and a center of gravity of the cylindrical portion are spaced apart in a direction parallel to the flange.

[0019] The long side of the slot has a first length, and the short side of the slot has a second length shorter than the first length, and the maximum horizontal length of the flange is smaller than the first length and greater than the second length.

[0020] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the relative position of the spacer core with respect to the lower die in the slurry discharge direction can be adjusted by rotating the core fixing pin. Accordingly, leakage of the electrode slurry can be alleviated or prevented, and the reliability and yield of the coating process can be improved.

[0021] 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.

[0022] Figure 1 illustrates a secondary battery manufacturing facility according to exemplary embodiments.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a side view including a cross-sectional side view of a die coater according to exemplary embodiments.

[0024] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a die coater according to exemplary embodiments.

[0025] Fig. 4 is a partially exploded perspective view of the die coater, which is an enlarged portion of Fig. 3.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a spacer core according to exemplary embodiments.

[0027] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a core fixing pin according to exemplary embodiments.

[0028] Figure 7 is a plan view of a core fixing pin according to exemplary embodiments.

[0029] Figure 8 is a plan view of a core fixing pin according to exemplary embodiments.

[0030] Figures 9 and 10 are plan views illustrating the effect of a die coater according to exemplary embodiments.

[0031] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a core fixing pin according to exemplary embodiments.

[0032] FIG. 12 is a plan view of a core fixing pin according to exemplary embodiments.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037]

[0038] (Example 1)

[0039] Figure 1 illustrates a secondary battery manufacturing facility (10) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0040] According to exemplary embodiments, the secondary battery manufacturing facility (10) may include a die coater (100) and rolls (200). The die coater (100) may be configured to discharge a coating material. A portion of the die coater (100) from which the coating material is discharged may be referred to as a lip (100L). According to exemplary embodiments, the die coater (100) may be configured to coat a coating material on a current collector (SB). The coating material may include electrode slurry and an insulating material. The die coater (100) may be configured to simultaneously provide the electrode slurry and the insulating material on the current collector (SB).

[0041] 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 material, a binder, and a solvent. The electrode slurry can be manufactured by dissolving the electrode active material, the conductive material, 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 electrode slurry. Parameters determining the amount of the solvent used include the coating thickness of the electrode slurry, the manufacturing yield, and the workability.

[0042] 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 yLithium 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] The conductive material can have conductivity without causing a chemical change in the secondary battery 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 thermal 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] The thickness of the positive electrode current collector may be in the range of about 3 μm to about 500 μm. The positive electrode current collector may not cause chemical changes in the secondary battery to be ultimately manufactured and may have high conductivity. The positive electrode current collector may include, for example, any one of stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, calcined carbon, and aluminum. The positive electrode current collector may also include stainless steel surface-treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, or the like. The surface of the positive electrode current collector may include a micro-roughened structure to increase the adhesion of the active material. The shape of the positive electrode current collector may include any one of a film, a sheet, a foil, a net, a porous material, a foam, and a non-woven fabric.

[0047] The thickness of the negative electrode current collector may be in the range of about 3 μm to about 500 μm. The negative electrode current collector may not cause chemical changes in the secondary battery to be ultimately manufactured and may have high conductivity. The negative electrode current collector may include any one of copper, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, sintered carbon, and an aluminum-cadmium alloy. The negative electrode current collector may also include stainless steel surface-treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, etc. The surface of the negative electrode current collector may include a micro-roughened structure to increase the adhesion of the active material. The shape of the negative electrode current collector may include any one of a film, a sheet, a foil, a net, a porous material, a foam, and a non-woven fabric.

[0048] After the coating process, a roll press process, a drying process, a slitting process, and a notching process may be performed. The roll press process may be performed using a roll press device including pressure rolls. The roll press process can strengthen the bonding between the surface of the electrode and the active material. Accordingly, the movement of lithium ions within the electrode can be promoted, and the output and performance of the ultimately manufactured secondary battery can be improved.

[0049] The drying process of the electrode can be performed by supplying dry air into a drying chamber or supplying thermal energy to the electrode within the chamber, such as through infrared rays or high-temperature air. The drying process can improve the uniformity and reliability of the electrode by removing moisture from the electrode.

[0050] The slitting process separates an electrode into multiple electrodes with smaller widths in the transverse direction. The electrode can then be cut into a shape including tabs by a notching process.

[0051]

[0052] (Example 2)

[0053] FIG. 2 is a side view including a cross-sectional side view of a die coater (100) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0054] Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a die coater (100) according to exemplary embodiments. In Fig. 3, the second die (120) is omitted.

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, and referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the die coater (100) may include a first die (110), a second die (120), and a shim (130).

[0056] Hereinafter, the technical concept of the present invention will be described based on an embodiment in which the first die (110) and the second die (120) 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 (110) and the second die (120) are integrated to form an integrated die, based on the description herein.

[0057] The first die (110) may include a manifold (111) and an electrode slurry supply path connected to the manifold (111). The electrode slurry may flow into the manifold (111) through the electrode slurry supply path. The manifold (111) may be a hollow space configured to receive the electrode slurry. After the electrode slurry fills the manifold (111), the electrode slurry may be discharged to the outside of the die coater (100). The electrode slurry may be discharged to the outside through slits defined by the shim (130) and the land portion (113) from the manifold (111).

[0058] The manifold (111) may have a well shape having a predetermined depth from the land portion (113). The manifold (111) may include an inclined surface, and thus, the electrode slurry may be stably discharged from the die coater (100).

[0059] The core (130) may be interposed between the first die (110) and the second die (120). The first die (110) may be in contact with the lower surface of the core (130). The second die (120) may be in contact with the upper surface of the core (130). The core (130) may include a body core (131) and spacer cores (133, 135, 137).

[0060] The body core (131) may include a body (131B) and wings (131W). The body (131B) may extend in the Y direction. The body (131B) may be a plate having a width in the X direction that is smaller than a length in the Y direction. Here, the X direction is a direction in which the electrode slurry is discharged, and the Y direction may be substantially perpendicular to the X direction. The body core (131) may be substantially parallel to each of the X direction and the Y direction, and may be substantially perpendicular to the Z direction. The wings (131W) may be connected to an end of the body (131B) in the Y direction. The wings (131W) may protrude from the body (131B) in the X direction.

[0061] The body (131B) may include a plurality of grooves (131G). Each of the plurality of grooves (131G) may be located on a side of the body (131B) parallel to the Y direction, adjacent to the manifold (111) (e.g., overlapping the manifold (111)). Each of the plurality of grooves (131G) may be recessed inward from the sides of the body (131B) parallel to the Y direction.

[0062] A plurality of grooves (131G) may correspond to a plurality of spacer shims (133, 135, 137). The plurality of grooves (131G) may expose a portion of the first die (110). The plurality of spacer shims (133, 135, 137) may be partially inserted into a corresponding one of the plurality of grooves (131G). The plurality of spacer shims (133, 135, 137) may be fixed to the portion of the first die (110) exposed by the plurality of grooves (131G) by a method such as bolting.

[0063] According to exemplary embodiments, the Y-direction width of each of the plurality of grooves (131G) may be different from the Y-direction width of a corresponding one of the spacer shims (133, 135, 137). According to exemplary embodiments, the Y-direction width of each of the plurality of grooves (131G) may be larger than the Y-direction width of a corresponding one of the spacer shims (133, 135, 137). Accordingly, the plurality of grooves (131G) guide the coupling of the spacer shims (133, 135, 137) while providing the spacer shims (133, 135, 137) with a degree of freedom in the Y-direction, so that the positions of the spacer shims (133, 135, 137) can be precisely adjusted in the Y-direction.

[0064] The spacer cores (133, 135, 137) can be interposed between the wings (131W) in the Y direction. The spacer cores (133, 135, 137) can overlap the wings (131W) in the Y direction.

[0065] According to exemplary embodiments, the spacer seams (133) may be adjacent to the Y-direction edges of the seam (130). According to exemplary embodiments, the spacer seams (133) may be adjacent to the wings (131W). According to exemplary embodiments, the spacer seams (133) may be in contact with the wings (131W), but are not limited thereto. Each of the spacer seams (133) may be referred to as an edge spacer seam or a first spacer seam.

[0066] According to exemplary embodiments, the spacer core (135) may be positioned at the center of the core (130) in the Y direction. According to exemplary embodiments, the spacer core (135) may be interposed between the spacer cores (133). The spacer core (135) may be referred to as a center spacer core or a second spacer core.

[0067] According to exemplary embodiments, spacer cores (137) may be interposed between spacer cores (133) and spacer cores (135). Each of the spacer cores (137) may be referred to as an intermediate spacer core or a third spacer core.

[0068] The spacer shims (133, 135, 137) can partially cover the manifold (111). The spacer shims (133, 135, 137) can overlap the manifold (111) in the Z direction. In FIG. 3, the spacer shims (133, 135, 137) can divide the manifold (111) into four regions, and accordingly, the die coater (100) can be configured to form four maintenance lanes through one coating process.

[0069] One skilled in the art will readily arrive at die coaters configured to form various numbers of retention lanes, such as, for example, 1, 2, 8, 16, and 32, based on the description herein. For example, a die coater configured to form 8 retention lanes may include a shim comprising 2 edge spacer shims, 1 center spacer shim, and 6 middle spacer shims.

[0070] Each of the spacer cores (133, 135, 137) may include one or more insulating passages. More specifically, each of the spacer cores (133) positioned at the edge of the core (130) may include one insulating passage, and each of the spacer cores (135, 137) interposed between the spacer cores (133) may include two insulating passages. Accordingly, an insulating coating covering the electrode slurry may be provided at the edge of each retaining portion.

[0071] Fig. 4 is a partially exploded perspective view of the die coater (100) that enlarges the portion (POR) of Fig. 3.

[0072] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a spacer core (133) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0073] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a core fixing pin (147) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0074] Figure 7 is a plan view of a core fixing pin (147) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 7, the die coater (100) may further include core fixing devices (141, 143, 145) and core fixing pins (147).

[0076] The core fixing members (145) can fix the spacer cores (133) to the portion of the first die (110) exposed by the groove (131G). Each of the spacer cores (133) can include a fastening hole corresponding to the core fixing members (145) (i.e., into which the core fixing members (145) are inserted and through which the core fixing members (145) are penetrated).

[0077] The core fixing members (141) and the core fixing pins (143) may be partially inserted into the land portion (113) of the first die (110). The core fixing members (141) and the core fixing pins (143) may be configured to fix the spacer cores (133) to the land portion (113) of the first die (110). The core fixing members (141) may be, for example, bolts, but are not limited thereto.

[0078] The core fixing pins (143) may be, for example, bidirectional pins. Accordingly, the core fixing pins (143) may be configured to fix the second die (120) to the core (130) in addition to the first die (110). Each of the spacer cores (133) may include a fastening hole corresponding to the core fixators (141) and the core fixing pins (143) (i.e., the core fixators (141) and the core fixing pins (143) are inserted into, and are penetrated by the core fixators (141) and the core fixing pins (143).

[0079] Each of the core fixing pins (147) may include a first cylindrical portion (147S1), a second cylindrical portion (147S2), and a flange (147F). The flange (147F) may be interposed between the first and second cylindrical portions (147S1, 147S2). The width of the flange (147F) may be greater than the width of each of the first and second cylindrical portions (147S1, 147S2). The cross-sectional area (e.g., cross-section perpendicular to the Z direction) of the flange (147F) may be greater than the cross-sectional area (e.g., cross-section perpendicular to the Z direction) of each of the first and second cylindrical portions (147S1, 147S2).

[0080] According to exemplary embodiments, each of the first cylindrical portion (147S1) and the second cylindrical portion (147S2) may be a cylindrical pin having a height parallel to the Z direction. The first cylindrical portion (147S1) may be inserted into the first die (110), and the second cylindrical portion (147S2) may be inserted into the second die (120). The second cylindrical portion (147S2) may be used for adjusting the direction of the core fixing pins (147) before coupling the second die (120) (i.e., rotation of the core fixing pins (147)).

[0081] According to exemplary embodiments, the first cylindrical portion (147S1) and the second cylindrical portion (147S2) may overlap in the Z direction. According to exemplary embodiments, the first cylindrical portion (147S1) and the second cylindrical portion (147S2) may have substantially the same horizontal cross-section (e.g., a cross-section perpendicular to the Z direction). Accordingly, the center of the first cylindrical portion (147S1) on the XY plane may overlap with the center of the second cylindrical portion (147S2) on the XY plane in the Z direction. Here, the XY plane is a plane substantially parallel to each of the X direction and the Y direction, and the XY plane may be substantially perpendicular to the Z direction.

[0082] According to exemplary embodiments, the flange (147F) may be rotationally asymmetrical about the Z-axis. That is, the rotation of the flange (147F) about the Z-axis may be recognized by an external party (e.g., an operator). According to exemplary embodiments, the planar shape of the flange (147F) may not be circular. According to exemplary embodiments, the planar shape of the flange (147F) may have a variable diameter. According to exemplary embodiments, the planar shape of the flange (147F) may have a non-uniform diameter. According to exemplary embodiments, the planar shape of the flange (147F) may be elliptical.

[0083] Each of the spacer shims (133) may include slots (133S) corresponding to the shim fixing pins (147). The first cylindrical portion (147S1) of each of the shim fixing pins (147) may be inserted into the first die (110) through the slots (133S) of the spacer shims (133). The flange (147F) of each of the shim fixing pins (147) may be inserted into a corresponding one of the slots (133S) of the spacer shims (133).

[0084] The slots (133S) may include a long side having a relatively long length and a short side having a relatively short length. According to exemplary embodiments, the long side of the slots (133S) may be parallel to the Y direction, and the short side of the slots (133S) may be parallel to the X direction, but is not limited thereto. The length of the long side of each of the slots (133S) may be greater than the length (147W1) of the long side of the flange (147F), and the length of the short side of each of the slots (133S) may be less than the length (147W1) of the long side of the flange (147F).

[0085] By the above-described dimensions of the slots (133S) and the flanges (147F), the core fixing pin (147) can be configured to rotate about the first cylindrical portion (147S1) and / or the second cylindrical portion (147S2). Accordingly, during assembling the die coater (100), the direction of the flange (147F) (e.g., the direction in which the long side faces) can be adjusted according to the operator's operation, and thus, the relative position in the X direction between the spacer core (133) and the first die (110) can be adjusted.

[0086] The spacer core of a conventional die coater has a degree of freedom in the Y direction during assembly, but does not have a degree of freedom in the X direction. Accordingly, even if there is a manufacturing error in the X-direction length of the spacer core of the die coater, the relative position in the X direction between the spacer core and the lip of the die coater cannot be adjusted.

[0087] According to exemplary embodiments, the relative position in the X direction between the spacer shims (133) and the first die (110) is adjustable so that the spacer shims (133) are aligned with the lip (110L, see FIG. 1) of the die coater in the X direction, so that unwanted electrode slurry leakage in the coating process can be prevented, and the yield and reliability of the coating process can be improved.

[0088] The insulating passage (133F) of the spacer core (133) can provide a path for discharging the insulating liquid. The inlet (133FI) of the insulating passage (133F) can have a wider width than the insulating passage (133F), thereby providing a stable coating of the insulating liquid.

[0089] Furthermore, the spacer cores (135, 137) may also include slots for coupling with the core fixing pins (147), and the coupling relationship between the spacer cores (135, 137) and the core fixing pins (147) is the same as the coupling relationship between the spacer cores (133) and the core fixing pins (147), and therefore, a duplicate description thereof is omitted.

[0090]

[0091] (Example 3)

[0092] Fig. 8 is a plan view illustrating a core fixing pin (147') according to other exemplary embodiments. The core fixing pin (147') can replace the core fixing pin (147) of Figs. 3 to 7.

[0093] FIGS. 9 and 10 are plan views illustrating the effect of a core fixing pin (147') according to other exemplary embodiments.

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, the core fixing pin (147') may include a flange (147F') and a second cylindrical portion (147S2'). The core fixing pin (147') may further include a first cylindrical portion, similar to the core fixing pin (147) of FIG. 6. The first cylindrical portion may be spaced apart from the second cylindrical portion (147S2') with the flange (147F') therebetween.

[0095] The flange (147F') may be any round closed shape. The flange (147F') may have a variable radius. The flange (147F') may have an uneven radius. Here, the radius of the flange (147F') may be defined as the horizontal distance between any point on the surface from the center (147SC') of the second cylindrical portion (147S2') to the edge of the flange (147F'). Here, the horizontal distance between two points may be the distance between two points that are orthogonally projected on the same XY plane.

[0096] According to exemplary embodiments, the radius of the flange (147F') may vary continuously depending on the position angle with respect to the X direction. In the example of FIG. 8, except for a finite number of poles (147E1', 147E2') of the flange (147F'), the rate of change of the radius of the flange (147F') with respect to the angle may not be 0. At the poles (147E1', 147E2') of the flange (147F'), the rate of change of the radius of the flange (147F') with respect to the angle may be substantially 0.

[0097] Here, the distance between the poles (147E1', 147E2') of the flange (147F') may be the maximum horizontal length (147W1') of the flange (147F'). The center (147SC') of the second cylindrical portion (147S2') may be on a straight line connecting the poles (147E1', 147E2').

[0098] The maximum horizontal length (147W1') of the flange (147F') may be substantially equal to the sum of a first radius (147W11), which is a horizontal distance between the pole (147E1') and the center (147SC') of the cylindrical portion (147S2'), and a second radius (147W12), which is a horizontal distance between the pole (147E2') and the center (147SC') of the cylindrical portion (147S2'). The first radius (147W11) may be different from the second radius (147W12). The first radius (147W11) may be larger than the second radius (147W12). Accordingly, the center of gravity of the flange (147F') on the XY plane may be spaced apart from the center (147SC') of the cylindrical portion (147S2') on the XY plane.

[0099] The length (133SW1) of the long side of the slot (133S) may be greater than the maximum horizontal length (147W1') of the flange (147F'), and the length (133SW2) of the short side of the slot (133S) may be less than the maximum horizontal length (147W1') of the flange (147F'). By the above-described dimensions of the slot (133S) and the flange (147F'), the core fixing pin (147') may be configured to rotate about the first cylindrical portion and / or the second cylindrical portion (147S2').

[0100] As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, since the flange (147F') has an irregular shape, the relative position in the X direction of the slot (133S) with respect to the center of the flange (147F') can move depending on the direction (i.e., the rotational direction) of the flange (147F'), and the relative position in the X direction of the spacer shim (133) with respect to the first die (110, see FIG. 3) can be adjusted.

[0101]

[0102] (Example 4)

[0103] FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating a core fixing pin (147") according to other exemplary embodiments. The core fixing pin (147") can replace the core fixing pin (147) of FIGS. 3 to 7.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 11, the core fixing pin (147") may include a flange (147F") and a second cylindrical portion (147S2"). The core fixing pin (147") may further include a first cylindrical portion, similar to the core fixing pin (147) of FIG. 6. The first cylindrical portion may be spaced apart from the second cylindrical portion (147S2") with the flange (147F") therebetween.

[0105] According to exemplary embodiments, the flange (147F") may be polygonal. The flange (147F") illustrated in FIG. 11 is rectangular, but this is for illustrative purposes only and does not limit the technical spirit of the present invention in any sense. The flange (147F") may be triangular or any polygonal shape having five or more interior angles.

[0106] According to exemplary embodiments, the center of gravity (147FC") of the flange (147F") may be horizontally spaced from the center (147SC") of the second cylindrical portion (147S2"). Accordingly, the relative position in the X direction of the center (147SC") of the second cylindrical portion (147S2") and the spacer shim (133, see FIG. 5) may be adjusted depending on the direction of the shim fixing pin (147") (i.e., the orientation of the flange (147F") according to the rotation of the shim fixing pin (147").

[0107]

[0108] (Example 5)

[0109] FIG. 12 is a plan view illustrating a core fixing pin (147"') according to other exemplary embodiments. The core fixing pin (147"') can replace the core fixing pin (147) of FIGS. 3 to 7.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 12, the core fixing pin (147"') may include a flange (147F"') and a second cylindrical portion (147S2"'). The core fixing pin (147"') may further include a first cylindrical portion, similar to the core fixing pin (147) of FIG. 6. The first cylindrical portion may be spaced apart from the second cylindrical portion (147S2"') with the flange (147F"') therebetween.

[0111] According to exemplary embodiments, the flange (147F"') may be circular. According to exemplary embodiments, the center (147FC"') of the flange (147F"') may be horizontally spaced from the center (147SC"') of the second cylindrical portion (147S2"'). Accordingly, the relative position in the X direction of the center (147SC"') of the second cylindrical portion (147S2"') and the spacer shim (133, see FIG. 5) may be adjusted depending on the direction of the shim fixing pin (147") (i.e., the orientation of the straight line connecting the center (147FC") and the center (147SC"') of the second cylindrical portion (147S2"') according to the rotation of the shim fixing pin (147").

[0112] 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. A first die including a land portion and a manifold configured to receive electrode slurry at a predetermined depth from the land portion; A body core coupled to the first die, wherein the body core includes a body extending in a first direction and wings protruding in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction from an end of the body in the first direction; a spacer core coupled to the first die and partially covering the manifold; and Including a core fixing pin configured to fix the spacer core to the land portion of the first die, The above spacer core includes a slot into which the core fixing pin is inserted, The above-mentioned core fixing pin includes a cylindrical portion and a flange connected to the cylindrical portion, and A die coater characterized in that the above core fixing pin is configured to rotate about the spacer core with the cylindrical portion as an axis.

2. In paragraph 1, The long side of the slot has a first length, and the short side of the slot has a second length shorter than the first length, and A die coater, characterized in that the maximum horizontal length of the flange is smaller than the first length and larger than the second length.

3. In paragraph 1, A die coater characterized in that the plane shape of the above flange is oval.

4. In paragraph 1, The plane shape of the above flange is circular, and A die coater, characterized in that the center of the flange and the center of the cylindrical portion are spaced apart in a direction parallel to the flange.

5. In paragraph 1, A die coater characterized in that the plane shape of the above flange is a polygon.

6. In paragraph 5, A die coater characterized in that the center of gravity of the flange and the center of the cylindrical portion are spaced apart in a direction parallel to the flange.

7. In paragraph 1, A die coater characterized in that the plane shape of the above flange is a closed circular shape with a variable radius.

8. In paragraph 7, A die coater characterized in that the center of gravity of the flange and the center of the cylindrical portion are spaced apart in a direction parallel to the flange.

9. In paragraph 7, The flange includes a first pole and a second pole, and A die coater, characterized in that the distance between the first and second poles is the maximum horizontal distance of the flange.

10. In paragraph 9, A die coater, characterized in that the rate of change of the radius according to the angle at the first pole and the second pole is 0.

11. In paragraph 9, A die coater, characterized in that the horizontal distance between the first pole and the center of the cylindrical portion is different from the horizontal distance between the second pole and the center of the cylindrical portion.

12. In paragraph 1, A die coater characterized in that the relative positions of the first die and the spacer core are adjusted by rotation of the core fixing pin.

13. A first die including a manifold; a spacer core coupled to the first die and partially covering the manifold; and Including a core fixing pin configured to fix the spacer core to the land portion of the first die, The above spacer core includes a slot into which the core fixing pin is inserted, The above-mentioned core fixing pin includes a cylindrical portion and a flange connected to the cylindrical portion, and A die coater characterized in that the center of gravity of the flange and the center of the cylindrical portion are spaced apart in a direction parallel to the flange.

14. In paragraph 13, The long side of the slot has a first length, and the short side of the slot has a second length shorter than the first length, and A die coater, characterized in that the maximum horizontal length of the flange is smaller than the first length and larger than the second length.

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