Die coater

Abstract

According to exemplary embodiments, a die coater is provided. The die coater comprises: a first die including a manifold; and a shim coupled to the first die, wherein the shim includes a body extending in a first direction, and a spacer shim extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and dividing the manifold, the spacer shim defining an insulating flow path for discharging insulating slurry, wherein the insulating flow path includes an inlet part, a first insulating flow path connected to the inlet part, a buffer connected to the first insulating flow path, and a second insulating flow path connected to the buffer, the second insulating flow path and the buffer having different widths.

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. 10-2024-0051376, filed April 17, 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 manifold; and a shim coupled to the first die, the shim including a body extending in a first direction and a spacer shim extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and dividing the manifold, the spacer shim defining an insulating passage configured to discharge an insulating slurry, and the insulating passage includes an inlet, a first insulating passage connected to the inlet, a buffer connected to the first insulating passage, and a second insulating passage connected to the buffer, and the second insulating passage and the buffer have different widths.

[0007] The width of the above buffer is greater than the width of the second insulating passage.

[0008] The width of the above buffer is greater than the width of the first insulating passage.

[0009] Each of the first and second insulating passages has a line shape.

[0010] The second insulating passage extends in the first direction, and the first insulating passage extends in the second direction.

[0011] The width of the above inlet is greater than the width of the first insulating passage.

[0012] The width of the above buffer is greater than the width of the above inlet.

[0013] The length of the above second insulating passage is 5 mm or more.

[0014] The spacer core defines the buffer and includes first trench sidewalls and second trench sidewalls that face each other, and each of the first trench sidewall and the second trench sidewall has a round shape, and a radius of curvature of the second trench sidewall is greater than a radius of curvature of the first trench sidewall.

[0015] The radius of curvature of the side wall of the second trench is variable.

[0016] The spacer core defines the buffer and includes a first trench sidewall and a second trench sidewall facing each other, and each of the first trench sidewall and the second trench sidewall has a round shape, and a radius of curvature of the first trench sidewall is the same as a radius of curvature of the second trench sidewall.

[0017] The first insulating passage includes a first portion extending in the second direction, a second portion extending in the first direction, and a corner portion connecting the first and second portions, and the second insulating passage extends in the first direction.

[0018] The first insulating passage extends in the second direction, and the second insulating passage includes a first portion extending in the second direction, a second portion extending in the first direction, and a corner portion connecting the first and second portions.

[0019] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the insulating passage of the spacer core includes a buffer, so that the pressure of the insulating slurry discharged through the insulating passage can be relieved, and thus the reliability of the coating process can be improved.

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

[0021] Figure 1 illustrates a secondary battery manufacturing facility according to exemplary embodiments.

[0022] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a die coater according to exemplary embodiments.

[0023] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a die coater according to exemplary embodiments.

[0024] Figure 4 shows a portion of Figure 3.

[0025] Figure 5 shows a portion of Figure 3.

[0026] Figure 6 shows a portion of Figure 3.

[0027] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a portion of a spacer core according to exemplary embodiments.

[0028] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line 7I-7I' of Figure 7.

[0029] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line 7II-7II' of Figure 7.

[0030] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line 7III-7III' of Fig. 7.

[0031] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line 7IV-7IV' of Fig. 7.

[0032] Fig. 12 is a plan view showing a portion of a spacer core according to exemplary embodiments.

[0033] Fig. 13 is a plan view showing a portion of a spacer core according to exemplary embodiments.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038]

[0039] (Example 1)

[0040] Figure 1 illustrates a secondary battery manufacturing facility (10) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0041] 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 apply a coating material onto a current collector (SB). The coating material may include electrode slurry and insulating slurry. The die coater (100) may be configured to simultaneously provide the electrode slurry and the insulating slurry onto the current collector (SB).

[0042] 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.

[0043] A cathode active material is a material capable of causing an electrochemical reaction. The cathode active material may be a lithium transition metal oxide. Examples of the cathode active material include layered compounds such as lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) and lithium nickel oxide (LiNiO2) substituted with one or more transition metals; lithium manganese oxide substituted with one or more transition metals; chemical formula LiNi 1-y M y Lithium nickel oxide expressed as O2 (wherein, M is any one of Co, Mn, Al, Cu, Fe, Mg, B, Cr, Zn, and Ga, and 0.01≤y≤0.7); Li 1+z Ni 1 / 3 Co 1 / 3 Mn 1 / 3 O2, Li 1+zN i 0.4 Mn 0.4 Co 0.2 Li like O2 1+z Ni b Mn c Co 1-(b+c+d) M d O (2-e) A e(wherein, -0.5≤z≤0.5, 0.1≤b≤0.8, 0.1≤c≤0.8, 0≤d≤0.2, 0≤e≤0.2, b+c+d<1, M is any one of Al, Mg, Cr, Ti, Si, and Y, and A is any one of F, P, and Cl) lithium nickel cobalt manganese composite oxide; and chemical formula Li 1+x M 1-y M' y PO 4-z X z (wherein, M is a transition metal, more specifically, one of Fe, Mn, Co, and Ni, M' is one of Al, Mg, and Ti, X is one of F, S, and N, -0.5≤x≤+0.5, 0≤y≤0.5, and 0≤z≤0.1) and may include one of the olivine-based lithium metal phosphates.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049]

[0050] (Example 2)

[0051] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a die coater (100) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0052] 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.

[0053] Figure 4 shows a portion (POR1) of Figure 3.

[0054] Figure 5 shows a portion (POR2) ​​of Figure 3.

[0055] Figure 6 shows a portion (POR3) of Figure 3.

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 6, the die coater (100) may include a first die (110), a second die (120), a shim (130), shim fixing devices (141), and shim fixing pins (143).

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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).

[0059] 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).

[0060] 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).

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 , 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.

[0067] Each of the spacer cores (133) may include an insulating flow path (133F). The first die (110) may be connected to an insulating slurry supply line, and the insulating slurry flowing through the path within the first die (110) may be introduced into the insulating flow path (133F). The insulating flow path (133F) may provide a path for the flow of the insulating slurry. Here, the insulating slurry may be a material having insulating properties and fluidity.

[0068] An insulating slurry may be provided on a current collector (SB, see FIG. 1) through an insulating conduit (133F), and thus, an insulating slurry may be provided that covers an edge of electrode slurry discharged from portions of a manifold (111) between spacer shims (133) and spacer shims (137). According to exemplary embodiments, since the insulating slurry covers the edge of the electrode slurry, an edge profile of the electrode slurry may be improved, and yield and reliability of a secondary battery manufacturing process may be enhanced. Each of the spacer shims (133) may be matched with one slit for discharging the electrode slurry, and thus, each of the spacer shims (133) may include one insulating conduit (133F).

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, 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 as a second spacer core.

[0070] The spacer core (135) may include first and second insulating passages (135F1, 135F2). The first and second insulating passages (135F1, 135F2) may provide a path for the flow of insulating slurry. The insulating slurry may be provided through the first and second insulating passages (135F1, 135F2) onto the current collector (SB, see FIG. 1), thereby providing insulating slurry that covers the edge of the electrode slurry discharged from portions of the manifold (111) between the spacer core (135) and the spacer cores (137). The spacer core (135) may be matched with two slits for discharging the electrode slurry, thereby including two insulating passages (135F1, 135F2).

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, 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.

[0072] Each of the spacer cores (137) may include first and second insulating passages (137F1, 137F2). Insulating slurry may be introduced into the first and second insulating passages (137F1, 137F2). The first and second insulating passages (137F1, 137F2) may provide a path for the flow of the insulating slurry. The insulating slurry may be provided through the first and second insulating passages (137F1, 137F2) onto the current collector (SB, see FIG. 1), and the insulating slurry may be provided to cover the edge of the electrode slurry discharged from a portion of the manifold (111) between the spacer core (133) and the spacer core (137) and a portion of the manifold (111) between the spacer core (135) and the spacer core (137). Each of the spacer cores (137) can be matched with two slits for discharging electrode slurry, and thus each of the spacer cores (137) can include two insulating channels (137F1, 137F2).

[0073] 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 simultaneously through one coating process.

[0074] 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.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5, the core fixing members (141) and the core fixing pins (143) can be partially inserted into the land portion (113) of the first die (110). The core fixing members (141) and the core fixing pins (143) can be configured to fix the spacer cores (133) to the land portion (113) of the first die (110).

[0076] The core fixing members (141) may be, for example, bolts, but are not limited thereto. 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, 135, 137) may include a fastening hole corresponding to the core fixing members (141) and the core fixing pins (143) (i.e., the core fixing members (141) and the core fixing pins (143) are inserted into, and are penetrated by the core fixing members (141) and the core fixing pins (143).

[0077]

[0078] Fig. 7 is a plan view showing a portion of a spacer core (133) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0079] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line 7I-7I' of Figure 7.

[0080] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line 7II-7II' of Figure 7.

[0081] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line 7III-7III' of Fig. 7.

[0082] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line 7IV-7IV' of Fig. 7.

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 11, the spacer seam (133) may define an insulating flow path (133F, see FIG. 4). The spacer seam (133) may include a trench base (133B) and first and second trench sidewalls (133S1, 133S2). The trench base (133B) may be substantially perpendicular to the Z direction. The first and second trench sidewalls (133S1, 133S2) may be, but are not limited to, substantially perpendicular to the trench base (133B). The insulating flow path (133F, see FIG. 4) may be a space surrounded by the trench base (133B) and the first and second trench sidewalls (133S1, 133S2) and the second die (120, see FIG. 2).

[0084] The insulating passage (133F, see FIG. 4) may include an inlet (133I), a first insulating passage (133F1), a buffer (133BF), and a second insulating passage (133F2). The insulating passage (133F, see FIG. 4) may provide a path for discharging the insulating slurry.

[0085] The first insulating flow path (133F1) may have a linear shape. The first insulating flow path (133F1) may extend in the Y direction. The first insulating flow path (133F1) may connect the inlet (133I) and the buffer (133BF).

[0086] The buffer (133BF) can be connected to each of the first insulating passage (133F1) and the second insulating passage (133F2). The buffer (133BF) can be interposed between the first insulating passage (133F1) and the second insulating passage (133F2).

[0087] The second insulating flow path (133F2) may have a line shape. The second insulating flow path (133F2) may extend in the X direction. The second insulating flow path (133F2) may extend to the lip (100L, see FIG. 1) of the die coater (100, see FIG. 1). The insulating slurry may be discharged through the second insulating flow path (133F2).

[0088] The inlet (133I) has a round shape, and the width (W1) of the inlet (133I) may be the maximum distance (e.g., the maximum distance in the X direction) between portions of the first and second trench sidewalls (133S1, 133S2) defining the inlet (133I).

[0089] The width (W2) of the first insulating passage (133F1) may be the distance (e.g., distance in the X direction) between portions of the first and second trench sidewalls (133S1, 133S2) defining the first insulating passage (133F1).

[0090] The width (W4) of the second insulating passage (133F2) may be a distance (e.g., a distance in the Y direction) between portions of the first and second trench sidewalls (133S1, 133S2) defining the second insulating passage (133F2). The length (e.g., a length in the X direction) of the second insulating passage (133F2) may be about 5 mm or more. For example, the length (e.g., a length in the X direction) of the second insulating passage (133F2) may be 50 mm or less. According to an experimental example, it was confirmed that when the second insulating passage (133F2) was 5 mm or more, the insulating slurry was stably supplied despite a change in the flow area between the buffer (133BF) and the second insulating passage (133F2).

[0091] Portions of the first and second trench sidewalls (133S1, 133S2) defining the buffer (133BF) may have a round shape. The width (W3) of the buffer (133BF) may be defined by projecting the normal of the first trench sidewall (133S1) onto the second trench sidewall (133S2). More specifically, when a first point of a portion of the first trench sidewall (133S1) defining the buffer (133BF) is defined, and a position where the normal of the first trench sidewall (133S1) passing through the first point is projected onto the second trench sidewall (133S2) is defined as a second point, the width (W3) of the buffer (133BF) may be the distance between the first and second points.

[0092] The width (W2) of the first insulation passage (133F1) and the width (W4) of the second insulation passage (133F2) may be substantially the same, but are not limited thereto. The width (W2) of the first insulation passage (133F1) and the width (W4) of the second insulation passage (133F2) may be different from each other.

[0093] The width (W1) of the inlet (133I) may be different from the width (W2) of the first insulation passage (133F1) and the width (W4) of the second insulation passage (133F2), respectively. The width (W1) of the inlet (133I) may be greater than the width (W2) of the first insulation passage (133F1) and the width (W4) of the second insulation passage (133F2), respectively.

[0094] The width (W3) of the buffer (133BF) may be different from the width (W2) of the first insulation passage (133F1) and the width (W4) of the second insulation passage (133F2), respectively. The width (W3) of the buffer (133BF) may be greater than the width (W2) of the first insulation passage (133F1) and the width (W4) of the second insulation passage (133F2), respectively. The width (W3) of the buffer (133BF) may be different from the width (W1) of the inlet (133I). The width (W3) of the buffer (133BF) may be greater than the width (W1) of the inlet (133I).

[0095] Referring again to FIGS. 3 to 6, each of the spacer shims (133) is disposed at an edge portion of the die coater (100) and includes one insulating passage (133F), while the spacer shims (135, 137) may include two insulating passages (135F1, 135F2, 137F1, 137F2). According to exemplary embodiments, the width (W3) of the buffer (133BF) is greater than the width (W1) of the inlet (133I), the width (W2) of the first insulating passage (133F1), and the width (W4) of the second insulating passage (133F2), respectively, so that the pressure of the insulating slurry discharged through the insulating passage (133F) can be relieved. Accordingly, the uniformity and reliability of the coating process can be improved.

[0096] Referring again to FIGS. 7 to 11, the radius of curvature of the portion defining the buffer (133BF) of the first trench sidewall (133S1) may be different from the radius of curvature of the portion defining the buffer (133BF) of the second trench sidewall (133S2). According to exemplary embodiments, the radius of curvature of the portion defining the buffer (133BF) of the second trench sidewall (133S2) may be greater than the radius of curvature of the portion defining the buffer (133BF) of the first trench sidewall (133S1). The radius of curvature of the second trench sidewall (133S2) may be variable.

[0097] According to exemplary embodiments, the buffer (133BF) may be biased toward the second trench sidewall (133S2) rather than the first trench sidewall (133S1). That is, in the present example, the buffer (133BF) may be an extended corner portion connecting the first insulating passage (133F1) and the second insulating passage (133F2). The portion defining the buffer (133BF) of the first trench sidewall (133S1) may have a round shape that smoothly connects the first insulating passage (133F1) and the second insulating passage (133F2). An example of a smoothly connecting round shape is a portion of a circle (i.e., an arc).

[0098] A portion defining a buffer (133BF) of the second trench sidewall (133S2) may be spaced further apart from the first trench sidewall (133S1) based on a round-shaped virtual sidewall (VSW) that smoothly connects the first insulating passage (133F1) and the second insulating passage (133F2). Accordingly, the insulating slurry flowing along the first insulating passage (133F1) can efficiently fill the buffer (133BF), and the pressure of the insulating slurry can be relieved.

[0099]

[0100] (Example 3)

[0101] Fig. 12 is a plan view showing a portion of a spacer core (133') according to exemplary embodiments.

[0102] According to exemplary embodiments, the spacer seam (133') may define an insulating flow path (133F'). The spacer seam (133') may include a trench base (133B') and first and second trench sidewalls (133S1', 133S2'). The trench base (133B') may be substantially perpendicular to the Z direction. The first and second trench sidewalls (133S1', 133S2') may be, but are not limited to, substantially perpendicular to the trench base (133B'). The insulating flow path (133F') may be a space surrounded by the trench base (133B') and the first and second trench sidewalls (133S1', 133S2') and the second die (120, see FIG. 2).

[0103] The insulating passage (133F') may include an inlet (133I'), a first insulating passage (133F1'), a buffer (133BF'), and a second insulating passage (133F2'). The insulating passage (133F') may provide a path for discharging the insulating slurry. The inlet (133I') may be identical to the inlet (133I) of FIG. 7.

[0104] The first insulating flow path (133F1') may have a linear shape. The first insulating flow path (133F1') may extend in the Y direction. The first insulating flow path (133F1') may connect the inlet (133I') and the buffer (133BF').

[0105] The buffer (133BF') can be connected to each of the first insulating passage (133F1') and the second insulating passage (133F2'). The buffer (133BF') can be interposed between the first insulating passage (133F1') and the second insulating passage (133F2').

[0106] In this example, portions of the first and second trench sidewalls (133S1', 133S2') defining the buffer (133BF') may be symmetrical. Accordingly, the radius of curvature of the portion of the first trench sidewall (133S1') defining the buffer (133BF') may be substantially equal to the radius of curvature of the portion of the second trench sidewall (133S2') defining the buffer (133BF').

[0107] The second insulating passage (133F2') may include a first portion extending in the Y direction, a second portion extending in the X direction, and a corner portion interposed between the first and second portions. The second insulating passage (133F2') may extend to a lip (100L, see FIG. 1) of the die coater (100, see FIG. 1). The insulating slurry may be discharged through the second insulating passage (133F2').

[0108]

[0109] (Example 4)

[0110] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a portion of a spacer core (133") according to exemplary embodiments.

[0111] According to exemplary embodiments, the spacer shim (133") may define an insulating flow path (133F"). The spacer shim (133") may include a trench base (133B") and first and second trench sidewalls (133S1"), 133S2"). The trench base (133B") may be substantially perpendicular to the Z-direction. The first and second trench sidewalls (133S1"), 133S2") may be, but are not limited to, substantially perpendicular to the trench base (133B"). The insulating flow path (133F") may be a space surrounded by the trench base (133B") and the first and second trench sidewalls (133S1"), 133S2") and the second die (120, see FIG. 2).

[0112] The insulating passage (133F") may include an inlet (133I"), a first insulating passage (133F1"), a buffer (133BF"), and a second insulating passage (133F2"). The insulating passage (133F") may provide a path for discharging the insulating slurry. The inlet (133I") may be the same as the inlet (133I) of FIG. 7.

[0113] The first insulating passage (133F1") may include a first portion extending in the Y direction, a second portion extending in the X direction, and a corner portion interposed between the first and second portions. The first insulating passage (133F1") may connect the inlet portion (133I") and the buffer (133BF").

[0114] The buffer (133BF") can be connected to each of the first insulating passage (133F1") and the second insulating passage (133F2"). The buffer (133BF") can be interposed between the first insulating passage (133F1") and the second insulating passage (133F2").

[0115] In this example, portions of the first and second trench sidewalls (133S1", 133S2") defining the buffer (133BF") may be symmetrical. Accordingly, the radius of curvature of the portion of the first trench sidewall (133S1") defining the buffer (133BF") may be substantially equal to the radius of curvature of the portion of the second trench sidewall (133S2") defining the buffer (133BF").

[0116] The second insulating passage (133F2") may have a line shape. The second insulating passage (133F2") may extend in the Y direction. The second insulating passage (133F2") may extend to a lip (100L, see FIG. 1) of the die coater (100, see FIG. 1). The insulating slurry may be discharged through the second insulating passage (133F2"). In this example, the length (e.g., length in the X direction) of the second insulating passage (133F2") may be about 5 mm or more.

[0117] 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 manifold; and Including a core coupled to the above first die, The above core includes a body extending in a first direction and a spacer core extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and dividing the manifold, The above spacer core defines an insulating path configured to discharge insulating slurry, and The above insulation path includes an inlet, a first insulation path connected to the inlet, a buffer connected to the first insulation path, and a second insulation path connected to the buffer, and A die coater characterized in that the widths of the second insulating passage and the buffer are different from each other.

2. In paragraph 1, A die coater, characterized in that the width of the buffer is greater than the width of the second insulating passage.

3. In paragraph 1, A die coater, characterized in that the width of the buffer is greater than the width of the first insulating filament.

4. In paragraph 1, A die coater, characterized in that each of the first and second insulating filaments has a line shape.

5. In paragraph 1, The second insulating passage extends in the first direction, and A die coater, characterized in that the first insulating path extends in the second direction.

6. In paragraph 1, A die coater, characterized in that the width of the inlet portion is greater than the width of the first insulating passage.

7. In paragraph 6, A die coater, characterized in that the width of the buffer is greater than the width of the inlet.

8. In paragraph 1, A die coater, characterized in that the length of the second insulating filament is 5 mm or more.

9. In paragraph 1, The above spacer core defines the buffer and includes first trench sidewalls and second trench sidewalls that are opposite to each other, and Each of the first trench sidewall and the second trench sidewall has a round shape, and A die coater, characterized in that the radius of curvature of the side wall of the second trench is greater than the radius of curvature of the side wall of the first trench.

10. In paragraph 9, A die coater characterized in that the radius of curvature of the side wall of the second trench is variable.

11. In paragraph 1, The above spacer core defines the buffer and includes first trench sidewalls and second trench sidewalls that are opposite to each other, and Each of the first trench sidewall and the second trench sidewall has a round shape, and A die coater, characterized in that the radius of curvature of the side wall of the first trench is the same as the radius of curvature of the side wall of the second trench.

12. In paragraph 1, The first insulating passage includes a first portion extending in the second direction, a second portion extending in the first direction, and a corner portion connecting the first and second portions, and A die coater, characterized in that the second insulating passage extends in the first direction.

13. In paragraph 1, The first insulating passage extends in the second direction, and A die coater, characterized in that the second insulating passage includes a first portion extending in the second direction, a second portion extending in the first direction, and a corner portion connecting the first and second portions.

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