Slot die alignment apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a slot die alignment apparatus which is characterized by comprising: at least one position control unit coupled to a slot die to adjust the position of a shim plate and measuring the position of the shim plate, wherein the position control unit comprises: a jig configured to be detachably attached to a front end of the slot die; and a control unit coupled to the jig to be slidable on the jig.

Description

Slot die alignment device

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for accurately adjusting the position of a shim plate included in a slot die.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority from Republic of Korea Patent Application No. 10-2024-0049335, dated April 12, 2024, and all contents of the document in that Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003]

[0004] Secondary batteries that can be recharged are attracting attention as power sources for devices that require high output and large capacity, including electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, which are being proposed as a solution to air pollution caused by existing gasoline and diesel vehicles that use fossil fuels.

[0005] In terms of battery shape, there is a high demand for square secondary batteries and pouch-type secondary batteries that can be applied to products such as mobile phones due to their thin thickness. In terms of materials, there is a high demand for lithium secondary batteries such as lithium-ion batteries and lithium-ion polymer batteries that have advantages such as high energy density, discharge voltage, and output stability.

[0006] Typically, lithium secondary batteries have a structure in which an electrode assembly comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator is impregnated with a lithium electrolyte. The electrode is formed by coating an electrode current collector with an electrode slurry containing an electrode active material. A coating device such as a slot die is used to coat the electrode slurry.

[0007] Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional slot die (D), Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the width direction of the center of the conventional slot die (D), and Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a conventional position adjuster applied to the slot die (D) of Fig. 2.

[0008] The slot die (D) forms a chamber for supplying an active material slurry and includes a first die (D1) and a second die (D2) that set the height of a slot for discharging the active material slurry, and a shim plate (S) arranged between them to set the width of the slot.

[0009] Typically, the active material slurry is introduced into the manifold (20) space between the first die (D1) and the second die (D2) through the inlet (10), and the active material slurry filled in the manifold (20) is discharged through the discharge port (30) located in front by the guide of the shim plate (S). At this time, the position of the shim plate (S) can be an important parameter of the coating process.

[0010] In the past, the position of the above-mentioned shim plate (S) was directly measured and adjusted by a person using an electron microscope, but there was a problem of low precision.

[0011] Recently, in order to solve the above problem, a position controller including a dial gauge (40) for measuring the position of the shim plate (S) and a micrometer (not shown) for adjusting the position of the shim plate (S) as shown in Fig. 3 has been used.

[0012] However, the alignment of the shim plate (S) position in the above manner took a lot of time, and it was also difficult to check the alignment status at various positions of the slot die (D).

[0013] [Prior Art Literature]

[0014] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2023-0078497

[0015]

[0016] Accordingly, the present invention aims to provide a slot die alignment device capable of more precisely controlling the position of a shim plate included in a slot die.

[0017] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a slot die alignment device capable of easily adjusting the position of a shim plate.

[0018] Other objects and advantages of the present invention can be understood through the following description and will be more clearly understood through the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the objects and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims.

[0019] According to the present invention, a slot die alignment device is provided, characterized in that it includes at least one position control unit coupled to a slot die to adjust the position of a shim plate and measure the position of the shim plate, wherein the position control unit comprises: a jig configured to be detachably attached to a front end of the slot die; and a control unit coupled to the jig so as to be slidable on the jig.

[0020] The above control unit may include a measuring unit for measuring the position of a shim plate included in a slot die; and a position adjusting unit configured to pressurize and move the shim plate.

[0021] The above jig includes a guide hole that guides movement of the control unit, and the control unit can move reciprocally in a horizontal direction on the guide hole.

[0022] The above measuring unit and position adjustment unit can move independently on the guide hole.

[0023] The control unit may further include at least one sliding member inserted into the guide hole to fix the measuring unit and the position adjustment unit and to slide along the guide hole.

[0024] The above measuring unit and position adjustment unit can be respectively connected to a pair of sliding members that are inserted into the guide hole and move.

[0025] The above guide hole can be formed to extend to correspond to the entire length of the front end of the slot die.

[0026] The above jig may include: the guide hole; a support member extending to the lower end of the guide hole; and a joining member that joins the support member and the slot die so that the support member is fixed to the slot die.

[0027] The above jig may include at least two support members.

[0028] A plurality of position control units can be combined in the above one slot die.

[0029] According to the present invention, the efficiency of the process can be improved by precisely controlling the position of the shim plate included in the slot die.

[0030] In addition, according to the present invention, the process time can be shortened by easily controlling the position of the shim plate.

[0031] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional slot die.

[0032] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the width direction of the center of a conventional slot die.

[0033] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a conventional position controller applied to the slot die of Fig. 2.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a slot die and a slot die alignment device according to a first embodiment of the present invention coupled thereto.

[0035] Fig. 5 is an enlarged schematic diagram of the slot die alignment device of Fig. 4.

[0036] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a slot die alignment device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Fig. 7 is a front view of a slot die alignment device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Fig. 8 is a plan view of a slot die alignment device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 9 is a partially exploded perspective view of a slot die alignment device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with the control unit separated.

[0040] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a slot die and a slot die alignment device according to a second embodiment of the present invention coupled thereto.

[0041] Fig. 11 is a front view of the slot die device of Fig. 10.

[0042] Fig. 12 is a front view of a slot die alignment device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a slot die and a slot die alignment device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention coupled thereto.

[0044] Fig. 14 is a front view of the slot die device of Fig. 13.

[0045] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a slot die and a slot die alignment device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention coupled thereto.

[0046] Fig. 16 is a front view of the slot die device of Fig. 15.

[0047] 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 concept of a term to best explain his or her invention, they should be construed as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0048] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention, and it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] In the present invention, “slit” refers to a general term for a through hole having a long axis in one direction and a short axis in a direction perpendicular to the long axis, and includes cases where the shape is rectangular, oval, or bead-shaped.

[0052]

[0053] The present invention relates to a slot die alignment device.

[0054] FIGS. 4 to 9 relate to a slot die alignment device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 10 to 11 relate to a slot die alignment device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 12 relates to a slot die alignment device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 13 to 14 relate to a slot die alignment device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 15 to 16 relate to a slot die alignment device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of a slot die alignment device of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. For reference, the directions of front / back, up / down / left / right, etc. used to designate relative positions in the following description are intended to aid understanding of the invention, and unless otherwise specified, the directions depicted in the drawings are taken as a reference.

[0056] In addition, the longitudinal direction of a configuration is defined as the direction corresponding to the plane having the longest length of the configuration depicted in the drawing based on the horizontal direction, and the width direction of a configuration is defined as the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction based on the horizontal direction.

[0057]

[0058] (First embodiment)

[0059] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a slot die and a slot die alignment device according to a first embodiment of the present invention coupled thereto, FIG. 5 is an enlarged schematic view of the slot die alignment device of FIG. 4, FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the slot die alignment device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a front view of the slot die alignment device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 is a plan view of the slot die alignment device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a partially exploded perspective view of the slot die alignment device according to the first embodiment of the present invention with the control unit (200) separated.

[0060] The slot die alignment device of the present invention is characterized by aligning a slot die including a first die and a second die coupled to the first die, and including a shim plate interposed between the first die and the second die.

[0061] The slot die alignment device of the present invention includes at least one position control unit (1000) coupled to the slot die to adjust the position of the shim plate and measure the position of the shim plate, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0062]

[0063] The above position control unit (1000) includes a jig (100) configured to be attached to and detached from the front end of a slot die, and a control unit (200) coupled with the jig (100) so as to be slidable on the jig (100).

[0064] The above jig (100) includes a guide hole (110) that can guide the movement of the control unit (200).

[0065] The above guide hole (110) is formed to extend in one direction.

[0066] The slot die alignment device of the present invention is coupled to the slot die so that the extension direction of the guide hole (110) is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the slot die, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0067] More specifically, the jig (100) further includes a support member (120) and a connecting member (130) in addition to the guide hole (110).

[0068] A slot die alignment device according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes one jig (100) and one support member (120) and one joining member (130).

[0069] The above-mentioned connecting member (130) is a portion that is directly connected to the slot die, and is connected to either the first die or the second die.

[0070] The above-mentioned joining member (130) is joined with the supporting member (120) and the slot die so that the supporting member (120) is fixed to the slot die.

[0071] When combining the above-mentioned joining member (130) and the slot die, any joining method is acceptable as long as the jig (100) can be fixed so as not to shake.

[0072] In some embodiments, the joining member (130) may be screw-joined with the slot die and bolts, etc.

[0073] According to some other embodiments, the joining member (130) may include a material having magnetism and may be joined to the slot die through the magnetism.

[0074] The above support member (120) is configured to extend from the lower end of the guide hole (110) so that the guide hole (110) and the connecting member (130) can be connected.

[0075] The above support member (120) is coupled to the connecting member (130) so that the guide hole (110) has a height corresponding to the shim plate.

[0076] In some embodiments, the extent to which the support member (120) extends may vary depending on the thickness and type of the slot die. That is, when the thickness of the second die to which the joining member (130) is joined is large, the length of the support member (120) may increase accordingly. Conversely, when the thickness of the second die is thinner, the length of the support member (120) may decrease accordingly.

[0077] Accordingly, the guide hole (110) can be completely fixed to the slot die by the joining member (130) and the support member (120) joined to the joining member (130).

[0078]

[0079] The above control unit (200) can be guided and moved in the above guide hole (110).

[0080] That is, the control unit (200) is provided so as to be able to move back and forth horizontally on the guide hole (110).

[0081] The above control unit (200) includes a measuring unit (210) and a position adjustment unit (220).

[0082] The measuring unit (210) and position adjustment unit (220) included in the slot die alignment device of the present invention contact the shim plate end of the slot die to move the shim plate, and measure the displacement of the moved shim plate in real time.

[0083]

[0084] The above measurement unit (210) measures the end position of the shim plate interposed between the first die and the second die as shown in FIG. 5.

[0085] Specifically, the above measurement unit (210) measures the position of the end of the shim plate that exists on the same surface based on the front outer side of the first die and the second die.

[0086] The above measuring unit (210) can be applied without particular limitation as long as it can measure the end position of the shim plate. For example, the measuring unit (210) can be a dial gauge as shown in FIGS. 4 to 9. Alternatively, the measuring unit (210) can be any one of a full-flow displacement sensor, an optical displacement sensor, a linear proximity sensor, and a magnetoresistive displacement sensor.

[0087]

[0088] The above position adjustment unit (220) adjusts the end position of the shim plate interposed between the first die and the second die as shown in FIG. 5.

[0089] Specifically, the position adjustment unit (220) is provided at a position adjacent to the measurement unit (210) and moves the shim plate toward the rear of the slot die. At this time, the displacement of the shim plate, which changes due to the adjustment of the position adjustment unit (220), can be measured in real time by the measurement unit (210).

[0090] The above position adjustment unit (220) can be applied without particular limitations as long as it can precisely change the displacement of the shim plate. For example, the above position adjustment unit (220) may be a micrometer as illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 9.

[0091]

[0092] The control unit (200) may include at least one sliding member (230) inserted into the guide hole (110) to fix the measuring unit (210) and the position adjustment unit (220) and to slide along the guide hole (110).

[0093] The above sliding member (230) may include a first insertion hole (231) and a second insertion hole (232) into which the measuring unit (210) and the position adjustment unit (220) can be inserted, respectively, as illustrated in FIG. 9.

[0094] The measuring unit (210) and the position adjustment unit (220) inserted into the first insertion port (231) and the second insertion port (232), respectively, are firmly fixed to the sliding member (230) without shaking.

[0095] Although not shown, the jig (100) may further include a fixing unit that restricts movement of the sliding member (230) so that the sliding member (230) can be fixed to a specific position of the guide hole (110). For example, the fixing unit may be in the form of a pair of tongs used to restrict movement of general objects or to fix them to a specific position. Alternatively, the fixing unit may be in the form of a screw that is fastened so as to penetrate the guide hole (110) and pressurizes the periphery of the sliding member.

[0096] The above sliding member (230) can move freely within the area in which the guide hole (110) extends. Therefore, the measuring unit (210) and the position adjustment unit (220) can adjust and measure the position of the shim plate at all positions within the area in which the sliding member (230) can move.

[0097]

[0098] (Second embodiment)

[0099] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a slot die and a slot die alignment device according to a second embodiment of the present invention coupled thereto, and FIG. 11 is a front view of the slot die device of FIG. 10.

[0100] The slot die alignment device according to the second embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the guide hole (110) is formed to extend to correspond to the entire front end length of the slot die, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0101] That is, by fixing one jig (100) to the slot die, the control unit (200) can be moved to correspond to the entire shear of the shim plate included in the slot die.

[0102]

[0103] (Embodiment 3)

[0104] Fig. 12 is a front view of a slot die alignment device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0105] A slot die alignment device according to a third embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that a plurality of position control units (1000) are combined in one slot die.

[0106] Each of the above position control units (1000) may be positioned so that the guide holes (110) are adjacent to each other, as shown in Fig. 12. When the position control units (1000) are positioned as described above, position adjustment and displacement measurement of the entire shear of the shim plate can be stably performed.

[0107] In some embodiments, each position control unit (1000) may be positioned so that the guide holes (110) are spaced apart at a predetermined interval. That is, each position control unit (1000) may be coupled to a portion where the position of the shim plate is habitually misaligned or requires correction.

[0108]

[0109] (Embodiment 4)

[0110] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a slot die and a slot die alignment device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention coupled thereto, and FIG. 14 is a front view of the slot die device of FIG. 13.

[0111] A slot die alignment device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that one jig (100) includes at least two support members (120).

[0112] In some embodiments, each support member (120) may be coupled to one coupling member (130).

[0113] In some other embodiments, a separate joining member (130) may be joined to each supporting member (120) as illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14.

[0114] As the length of the guide hole (110) of the above jig (100) increases, the guide hole (110) may bend, which may result in a decrease in accuracy in the alignment process of the measuring unit (210) and the position adjustment unit (220). In addition, the bending of the guide hole (110) may cause problems in the movement of the sliding member (230) moving within the guide hole (110).

[0115] Accordingly, the support member (120) may be provided in multiple numbers for the purpose of dispersing the various forces received by the guide hole (110).

[0116]

[0117] (Embodiment 5)

[0118] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a slot die and a slot die alignment device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention coupled thereto, and FIG. 16 is a front view of the slot die device of FIG. 15.

[0119] The slot die alignment device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the measuring unit (210) and the position adjustment unit (220) move independently on the guide hole (110).

[0120] Specifically, a pair of sliding members (230) that are separated from each other can be coupled to the above-mentioned one guide hole (110), and only one of the measuring unit (210) and the position adjusting unit (220) is coupled to each of the sliding members (230). In this case, one of the sliding members (230) includes only the first insertion hole (231), and the other of the sliding members (230) includes only the second insertion hole (232).

[0121] Accordingly, each measuring unit (210) and position adjustment unit (220) can be positioned spaced apart from each other on one guide hole (110) by the pair of sliding members (230).

[0122] A slot die alignment device having such a structure can check the displacement of a position of another section of the shim plate while moving the position of one section of the shim plate.

[0123]

[0124] 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.

[0125] [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] D: (Prior art) Slot die

[0127] D1: (Prior art) First die

[0128] D2: (Prior art) Second die

[0129] S: (Prior art) Shim plate

[0130] 10: (Prior art) Inlet

[0131] 20: (Prior art) Manifold

[0132] 30: (Prior art) Discharge port

[0133] 40: (Prior art) Dial gauge

[0134] 1000: Position Control Unit

[0135] 100: Jig

[0136] 110: Guide Hall

[0137] 120: Absence of support

[0138] 130: Joint member

[0139] 200: Control unit

[0140] 210: Measuring unit

[0141] 220: Positioning unit

[0142] 230: Sliding member

[0143] 231: First insertion hole

[0144] 232: Second insertion hole

Claims

1. At least one position control unit coupled to the slot die to adjust the position of the shim plate and measure the position of the shim plate, The above position control unit, A jig configured to be attached to the front end of a slot die; and A slot die alignment device characterized by comprising a control unit coupled to the jig so as to be slidable on the jig.

2. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, A measuring unit for measuring the position of a shim plate included in a slot die; and A slot die alignment device comprising a position adjustment unit configured to pressurize and move the above-mentioned shim plate.

3. In paragraph 2, The above jig includes a guide hole that guides the movement of the control unit, The above control unit is a slot die alignment device that moves horizontally reciprocally on the above guide hole.

4. In paragraph 3, The above measuring unit and position adjustment unit are slot die alignment devices that move independently on the guide hole.

5. In paragraph 3, A slot die alignment device, wherein the control unit further comprises at least one sliding member inserted into the guide hole to fix the measuring unit and the position adjustment unit and to slide along the guide hole.

6. In paragraph 5, A slot die alignment device in which the above measuring unit and position adjustment unit are each connected to a pair of sliding members that are inserted and moved into the above guide hole.

7. In paragraph 3, The above guide hole is a slot die alignment device formed to extend to correspond to the entire front end length of the slot die.

8. In paragraph 3, The above jig, The above guide hole; A support member extending to the bottom of the above guide hole; and A slot die alignment device comprising a joining member that joins the support member and the slot die so that the support member is fixed to the slot die.

9. In paragraph 8, The above jig is a slot die alignment device including at least two support members.

10. In paragraph 1, A slot die alignment device in which a plurality of position control units are combined with the above one slot die.

Images