Die coater

Abstract

According to exemplary embodiments, a die coater is provided. The die coater comprises: a first die comprising a manifold; and a shim coupled to the first die, wherein the shim comprises a body shim extending in a first direction, and a spacer shim which extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and divides the manifold. The spacer shim defines an insulation flow path configured to discharge insulating slurry, and the insulation flow path comprises an inlet portion, a first insulation flow path connected to the inlet portion, and a second insulation flow path connecting a discharge port and the first insulation flow path, and the second insulation flow path can be inclined toward the discharge port.

Description

Die coater

[0001] The present invention relates to a die coater. Specifically, the present invention relates to a die coater including a spacer core.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Application No. 10-2024-0083238, filed June 26, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[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 idea of ​​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 shim 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, the insulating passage including an inlet, a first insulating passage connected to the inlet, and a second insulating passage connecting a discharge port and the first insulating passage, the second insulating passage being inclined toward the discharge port.

[0007] The second insulating passage may include a portion whose depth decreases as it gets closer to the discharge port.

[0008] The depth of the second insulating passage may be continuously reduced as it gets closer to the discharge port.

[0009] The second insulating passage may include a portion having a different depth from the first insulating passage.

[0010] The depth of the first insulating passage may be constant.

[0011] The above second insulating passage can extend in the second direction.

[0012] The width of the second insulating passage in the first direction may be constant.

[0013] The depth of the second insulating passage may decrease as it gets closer to the discharge port along the second direction.

[0014] The ratio of the minimum depth to the maximum depth of the second insulating passage may be 50% or more and less than 100%.

[0015] The ratio of the depth of the second insulating passage at the discharge port to the maximum depth of the second insulating passage may be 60% or more and less than 100%.

[0016] The second insulating passage may include a portion having a constant depth.

[0017] The second insulating passage may include a portion in which the depth discontinuously decreases.

[0018] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the pressure of the insulating slurry discharged through the insulating passage of the spacer core can be increased. As the discharge pressure of the insulating slurry increases, the thickness of the insulating coating layer formed by coating the insulating slurry can be increased. As a result, the thickness of the insulating coating layer can be increased while maintaining the width of the insulating coating layer without decreasing.

[0019] 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.

[0020] Figure 1 illustrates a secondary battery manufacturing facility according to exemplary embodiments.

[0021] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a die coater according to exemplary embodiments.

[0022] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a die coater according to exemplary embodiments.

[0023] Figure 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the EX1 area of ​​Figure 3.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a portion of a spacer core according to exemplary embodiments.

[0025] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Ⅰ-Ⅰ' of Figure 5.

[0026] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Ⅱ-Ⅱ' of Figure 5.

[0027] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Ⅲ-Ⅲ' of Figure 5.

[0028] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Ⅳ-Ⅳ' of Fig. 5.

[0029] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V' of Fig. 5.

[0030] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a spacer core according to exemplary embodiments.

[0031] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of a spacer core according to exemplary embodiments.

[0032] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a spacer core according to exemplary embodiments.

[0033] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view 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 agent, a binder, and a solvent. The electrode slurry can be manufactured by dissolving the electrode active material, the conductive agent, the binder, etc. in a solvent. The solvent can disperse the electrode active material, etc. The solvent can be an aqueous solvent or a non-aqueous solvent. The solvent can include any one of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), isopropyl alcohol, N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), acetone, water, and mixtures thereof. The amount of the solvent used can be determined based on the target viscosity of the 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 be conductive without causing a chemical change in the secondary battery to be ultimately manufactured. The conductive material may include, for example, graphite such as natural graphite or artificial graphite; carbon black such as acetylene black, Ketjen black, channel black, furnace black, lamp black, and summer black; conductive fibers such as carbon fiber or metal fiber; metal powders such as fluorocarbon, aluminum, and nickel powder; conductive whiskey such as zinc oxide or potassium titanate; conductive metal oxides such as titanium oxide; and polyphenylene derivatives.

[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 range from 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 is an enlarged perspective view of the EX1 area of ​​Figure 3.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, 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).

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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).

[0057] 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).

[0058] 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).

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] A plurality of grooves (131G) may correspond to a plurality of spacer shims (133). The plurality of grooves (131G) may expose a portion of the first die (110). The plurality of spacer shims (133) may be partially inserted into a corresponding one of the plurality of grooves (131G). The plurality of spacer shims (133) may be fixed to the portion of the first die (110) exposed by the plurality of grooves (131G) by a method such as bolting.

[0062] 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). According to exemplary embodiments, the Y-direction width of each of the plurality of grooves (131G) may be greater than the Y-direction width of a corresponding one of the spacer shims (133). Accordingly, the plurality of grooves (131G) guide the coupling of the spacer shims (133) while providing the spacer shims (133) with a degree of freedom in the Y-direction, so that the positions of the spacer shims (133) can be precisely adjusted in the Y-direction.

[0063] The spacer cores (133) can be interposed between the wings (131W) in the Y direction. The spacer cores (133) can overlap the wings (131W) in the Y direction.

[0064] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 , according to exemplary embodiments, spacer seams (133) may be adjacent to Y-direction edges of seams (130). According to exemplary embodiments, spacer seams (133) may be adjacent to wings (131W). According to exemplary embodiments, spacer seams (133) may be in contact with wings (131W), but are not limited thereto. Each of the spacer seams (133) may be referred to as an edge spacer seam.

[0065] 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.

[0066] An insulating slurry may be provided on a current collector (SB, see FIG. 1) through an insulating conduit (133F), thereby providing an insulating slurry that covers an edge of electrode slurry discharged from portions of a manifold (111) between spacer shims (133). 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, thereby allowing each of the spacer shims (133) to include one insulating conduit (133F).

[0067] 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 what is described herein.

[0068] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4, 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).

[0069] 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) 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).

[0070]

[0071] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a portion of a spacer core (133) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0072] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Ⅰ-Ⅰ' of Figure 5.

[0073] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Ⅱ-Ⅱ' of Figure 5.

[0074] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Ⅲ-Ⅲ' of Figure 5.

[0075] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Ⅳ-Ⅳ' of Fig. 5. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Ⅴ-Ⅴ' of Fig. 5.

[0076] Specifically, FIGS. 6 and 7 are cross-sectional views for explaining the first insulation path (133F1) of the spacer core (133). FIGS. 8 to 10 are cross-sectional views for explaining the second insulation path (133F2) of the spacer core (133).

[0077]

[0078] Referring to FIG. 5, the spacer core (133) may define an insulating flow path (133F). The insulating flow path (133F) may include an inlet (133I), a first insulating flow path (133F1), and a second insulating flow path (133F2). The insulating flow path (133F) may provide a path for discharging the insulating slurry.

[0079] The first insulation passage (133F1) may include a straight section. The first insulation passage (133F1) may extend in the Y direction. The first insulation passage (133F1) may connect the inlet (133FI) and the second insulation passage (133F2).

[0080] The second insulating passage (133F2) may include a straight portion. The second insulating passage (133F2) may extend in the X direction. The second insulating passage (133F2) may extend to a lip (100L, see FIG. 1) of a die coater (100, see FIG. 1). The insulating slurry may be discharged through the second insulating passage (133F2). The second insulating passage (133F2) may be connected to a discharge port (133FO) through which the insulating slurry is discharged.

[0081] The insulating filament (133F) may further include a connecting portion connecting the first insulating filament (133F1) and the second insulating filament (133F2). The connecting portion may have a curved shape.

[0082] The insulating slurry can be introduced into the insulating passage (133F) through the inlet (133FI) and then flow through the first insulating passage (133F1) and the second insulating passage (133F2). The insulating slurry that reaches the end of the second insulating passage (133F2) can be discharged outside the die coater (100) through the discharge port (133FO) and coated on the current collector (SB).

[0083] The inlet (133FI) may have a round shape, and the width of the inlet (133FI) may be greater than the widths of the first insulation path (133F1) and the second insulation path (133F2). The shape of the inlet (133FI) is not limited to that illustrated.

[0084] Hereinafter, the first insulation flow path (133F1) and the second insulation flow path (133F2) will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 10 together. The dotted lines in FIGS. 6 and 8 are imaginary lines, intended to visually illustrate the shapes of the first insulation flow path (133F1) and the second insulation flow path (133F2).

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7 together, the first insulation passage (F1) may extend in the Y direction and may have a constant depth in the Z direction along the Y direction. The depth of the first insulation passage (F1) may refer to the depth in the Z direction. The depth of the first insulation passage (F1) in the Z direction may be a first depth (D1). For example, the first insulation passage (F1) may have a constant first depth (D1) along the Y direction.

[0086] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7, the first insulating passage (F1) can extend in the Y direction and have a width in the X direction. The width of the first insulating passage (133F1) in the X direction can be constant along the Y direction. For example, the first insulating passage (133F1) can have a constant first width (W1) in the X direction.

[0087] Referring to FIGS. 5, 8, and 10 together, the second insulating flow path (133F2) may extend in the X direction and may have a depth that is not constant in the Z direction along the X direction. The depth of the second insulating flow path (133F2) may refer to the depth in the Z direction. Specifically, the second insulating flow path (133F2) may have a slope as it gets closer to the discharge port (133FO). For example, the second insulating flow path (133F2) may have a slope along the X direction. For example, the second insulating flow path (133F2) may have a slope as it gets closer to the discharge port (133FO) along the X direction from the first point (P1) where the straight portion starts.

[0088] In embodiments, the second insulating flow path (133F2) may include a portion whose depth in the Z direction decreases as it approaches the discharge port (133FO). For example, the second insulating flow path (133F2) may include a portion whose depth in the Z direction continuously decreases as it approaches the discharge port (133FO). For example, the second insulating flow path (133F2) may include a portion whose depth in the Z direction continuously decreases as it approaches the discharge port (133FO) from the first point (P1).

[0089] In embodiments, the second insulating flow path (133F2) may have a depth that decreases in the Z direction along the X direction. For example, the second insulating flow path (133F2) may have a depth that continuously decreases in the Z direction as it gets closer to the discharge port (133FO) along the X direction. For example, the second insulating flow path (133F2) may have a depth that continuously decreases in the Z direction as it gets closer to the discharge port (133FO) along the X direction from the first point (P1).

[0090] The second insulating passage (133F2) can have a second depth (D2) at a first point (P1) spaced apart from the discharge port (133FO), and can have a third depth (D3) at the discharge port (133FO). For example, the depth of the second insulating passage (133F2) in the Z direction can decrease along the X direction, so that the second depth (D2), which is the maximum depth, can be at the first point (P1), and the third depth (D3), which is the minimum depth, can be at the discharge port (133FO). For example, the depth of the second insulating passage (133F2) in the Z direction can continuously decrease along the X direction from the second depth (D2) to the third depth (D3).

[0091] The ratio of the minimum depth to the maximum depth of the second insulation passage (133F2) may be about 50% or more. For example, the second insulation passage (133F2) may have a second depth (D2), which is the maximum depth, at the first point (P1), and a third depth (D3), which is the minimum depth, at the discharge port (133FO), and the ratio of the third depth (D3) to the second depth (D2) may be about 50% or more. Since the third depth (D3) is smaller than the second depth (D2), the ratio of the third depth (D3) to the second depth (D2) is of course less than 100%.

[0092] For example, if the second depth (D2) is 0.5 mm, the third depth (D3) may be 0.3 mm. In this case, the ratio of the minimum depth to the maximum depth of the second insulating path (133F2) may be approximately 60%.

[0093] For example, if the second depth (D2) is 1 mm, the third depth (D3) may be 0.5 mm. In this case, the ratio of the minimum depth to the maximum depth of the second insulating passage (133F2) may be approximately 50%.

[0094] The slope of the second insulation path (133F2) may be less than about 2%. The slope of the second insulation path (133F2) may mean the ratio of the height difference between the start and end points of the straight portion of the second insulation path (133F2) (e.g., the difference between the second depth (D2) and the third depth (D3)) to the length of the straight portion of the second insulation path (133F2) (e.g., the first length (L1)).

[0095] For example, when the first length (L1) is about 26 mm, the second depth (D2) is 0.5 mm, and the third depth (D3) is 0.3 mm, the slope of the second insulating path (133F2) may be about 0.7%.

[0096] As illustrated in FIGS. 5, 8, and 10, the second insulating passage (133F2) may extend in the X direction and have a width in the Y direction. The width of the second insulating passage (133F2) in the Y direction may be constant along the X direction. For example, the second insulating passage (133F2) may have a constant second width (W2) in the Y direction.

[0097] As described above, the depth of the first insulation passage (133F1) in the Z direction may be constant as the first depth (D1), while the depth of the second insulation passage (133F2) in the Z direction may not be constant. The depth of the second insulation passage (133F2) in the Z direction may be different from the depth of the first insulation passage (133F1) in the Z direction. The depth of the second insulation passage (133F2) in the Z direction may include at least a portion that is different from the depth of the first insulation passage (133F1) in the Z direction. In some embodiments, the maximum depth (e.g., the second depth (D2)) of the second insulation passage (133F2) may be equal to the first depth (D1) of the first insulation passage (133F1). In some other embodiments, the maximum depth (e.g., the second depth (D2)) of the second insulation passage (133F2) may be different from the first depth (D1) of the first insulation passage (133F1).

[0098] In some embodiments, the first width (W1) of the first insulation passage (133F1) and the second width (W2) of the second insulation passage (133F2) may be different. In some other embodiments, the first width (W1) and the second width (W2) may be the same.

[0099] According to embodiments of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, the die coater (100) may include a spacer shim (133), and the spacer shim (133) may include a second flow path (133F2) whose depth in the Z direction decreases as it faces the discharge port (133FO). When the depth of the second flow path (133F2) connected to the discharge port (133FO) decreases, the discharge pressure of the insulating slurry discharged through the discharge port (133FO) may increase. When the discharge pressure of the insulating slurry increases, the thickness (e.g., the Z direction thickness) of the insulating coating layer formed by coating the insulating slurry may increase. In particular, the width (e.g., width in the Y direction) of the second flow path (133F2) of the spacer core (133) according to embodiments of the present invention can be kept constant while the depth in the Z direction can be decreased, thereby increasing the thickness of the insulating coating layer coated on the current collector (SB, FIG. 1) while maintaining the width of the insulating coating layer not reduced.

[0100]

[0101] (Example 3)

[0102] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a spacer core (133A) according to exemplary embodiments. Specifically, Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to a cross-section taken along line III-III' of Fig. 5. Hereinafter, the differences between the spacer core (133) described with reference to Figs. 5 to 10 will be primarily described.

[0103] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 11 together, the spacer core (133A) may define an insulating passage (133F). The insulating passage (133F) may include an inlet portion (133I), a first insulating passage (133F1), and a second insulating passage (133F2A). The inlet portion (133I) and the first insulating passage (133F1) of the spacer core (133A) may be substantially identical to the inlet portion (133I) and the first insulating passage (133F1) of the spacer core (133).

[0104] The second insulating passage (133F2A) may include a straight section. The second insulating passage (133F2) may extend in the X direction. The second insulating passage (133F2A) may be connected to a discharge port (133FO) through which insulating slurry is discharged.

[0105] The second insulating passage (133F2A) can extend in the X direction and have a depth that is not constant in the Z direction along the X direction. Specifically, the second insulating passage (133F2A) can include a portion that has an incline as it gets closer to the discharge port (133FO). For example, the second insulating passage (133F2A) can include a portion that has an incline along the X direction. For example, the second insulating passage (133F2A) can include a portion that has an incline as it gets closer to the discharge port (133FO) along the X direction from the first point (P1).

[0106] The second insulating passage (133F2A) may include a portion whose depth in the Z direction decreases as it approaches the discharge port (133FO). For example, the second insulating passage (133F2A) may include a portion whose depth in the Z direction continuously decreases as it approaches the discharge port (133FO). For example, the second insulating passage (133F2A) may include a portion whose depth in the Z direction continuously decreases as it approaches the discharge port (133FO) from the first point (P1) to the second point (P2A).

[0107] In embodiments, the second insulating passage (133F2A) may have a depth that decreases in the Z direction along the X direction and then have a constant depth in the Z direction. For example, the second insulating passage (133F2A) may have a second depth (D2A) at a first point (P1) spaced apart from the discharge port (133FO), and may have a third depth (D3A) at the discharge port (133FO). At this time, the depth of the second insulating passage (133F2A) may decrease from the second depth (D2A) to the third depth (D3A) from the first point (P1) to the second point (P2A), and then be maintained constant at the third depth (D3A) from the second point (P2A) to the discharge port (133FO).

[0108] The second insulating passage (133F2A) may have a second depth (D2A), which is a maximum depth from the first point (P1), and may have a third depth (D3A), which is a minimum depth from the second point (P2A) to the discharge port (133FO). For example, the second insulating passage (133F2A) may include a portion in which the depth in the Z direction continuously decreases from the second depth (D2A) to the third depth (D3A) along the X direction from the first point (P1) to the second point (P2A).

[0109] The ratio of the minimum depth to the maximum depth of the second insulation path (133F2A) may be about 50% or more. For example, the second insulation path (133F2A) may have a second depth (D2A), which is the maximum depth, at the first point (P1), and a third depth (D3A), which is the minimum depth, at the discharge port (133FO), and the ratio of the third depth (D3A) to the second depth (D2A) may be about 50% or more. Since the third depth (D3A) is smaller than the second depth (D2A), the ratio of the third depth (D3A) to the second depth (D2A) is of course less than 100%.

[0110]

[0111] (Example 4)

[0112] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a spacer core (133B) according to exemplary embodiments. Specifically, Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to a cross-section taken along line III-III' of Fig. 5. Hereinafter, the differences between the spacer core (133) described with reference to Figs. 5 to 10 will be primarily described.

[0113] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 12 together, the spacer core (133B) may define an insulating passage (133F). The insulating passage (133F) may include an inlet portion (133I), a first insulating passage (133F1), and a second insulating passage (133F2B). The inlet portion (133I) and the first insulating passage (133F1) of the spacer core (133B) may be substantially identical to the inlet portion (133I) and the first insulating passage (133F1) of the spacer core (133).

[0114] The second insulating flow path (133F2B) may include a straight section. The second insulating flow path (133F2) may extend in the X direction. The second insulating flow path (133F2B) may be connected to a discharge port (133FO) through which insulating slurry is discharged.

[0115] The second insulating passage (133F2B) may extend in the X direction and may have a depth that is not constant in the Z direction along the X direction. Specifically, the second insulating passage (133F2B) may include a portion that has an incline as it approaches the discharge port (133FO). For example, the second insulating passage (133F2B) may include a portion that has an incline along the X direction. For example, the second insulating passage (133F2B) may include a portion that has an incline as it approaches the discharge port (133FO) along the X direction.

[0116] The second insulating passage (133F2B) may include a portion whose depth in the Z direction decreases as it approaches the discharge port (133FO). For example, the second insulating passage (133F2B) may include a portion whose depth in the Z direction continuously decreases as it approaches the discharge port (133FO). For example, the second insulating passage (133F2B) may include a portion whose depth in the Z direction continuously decreases as it approaches the discharge port (133FO) from the first point (P1) to the second point (P2B).

[0117] In embodiments, the second insulating flow path (133F2B) may have a constant depth in the Z direction along the X direction, and then the depth in the Z direction may decrease. For example, the second insulating flow path (133F2B) may have a second depth (D2B) at a first point (P1) spaced apart from the discharge port (133FO), and may have a third depth (D3B) at the discharge port (133FO). At this time, the depth of the second insulating flow path (133F2B) may be maintained at a constant second depth (D2B) from the first point (P1) to the second point (P2B), and then may decrease from the second depth (D2B) to the third depth (D3B) from the second point (P2B) to the discharge port (133FO).

[0118] For example, the second insulation path (133F2B) may have a second depth (D2B), which is a maximum depth from the first point (P1) to the second point (P2B), and may have a third depth (D3B), which is a minimum depth, at the discharge port (133FO). For example, the second insulation path (133F2B) may include a portion in which the depth in the Z direction continuously decreases from the second depth (D2B) to the third depth (D3B) along the X direction from the second point (P2B) to the discharge port (133FO).

[0119] The ratio of the minimum depth to the maximum depth of the second insulation path (133F2B) may be about 50% or more. For example, the second insulation path (133F2B) may have a second depth (D2B), which is the maximum depth, at the first point (P1), and a third depth (D3B), which is the minimum depth, at the discharge port (133FO), and the ratio of the third depth (D3B) to the second depth (D2B) may be about 50% or more. Since the third depth (D3B) is smaller than the second depth (D2B), the ratio of the third depth (D3B) to the second depth (D2B) is of course less than 100%.

[0120]

[0121] (Example 5)

[0122] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a spacer core (133C) according to exemplary embodiments. Specifically, Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to a cross-section taken along line III-III' of Fig. 5. Hereinafter, the differences between the spacer core (133) described with reference to Figs. 5 to 10 will be primarily described.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 13 together, the spacer core (133C) may define an insulating passage (133F). The insulating passage (133F) may include an inlet portion (133I), a first insulating passage (133F1), and a second insulating passage (133F2C). The inlet portion (133I) and the first insulating passage (133F1) of the spacer core (133C) may be substantially identical to the inlet portion (133I) and the first insulating passage (133F1) of the spacer core (133).

[0124] The second insulating flow path (133F2C) may include a straight section. The second insulating flow path (133F2) may extend in the X direction. The second insulating flow path (133F2C) may be connected to a discharge port (133FO) through which insulating slurry is discharged.

[0125] The second insulating passage (133F2C) may extend in the X direction and may have a depth that is not constant in the Z direction along the X direction. Specifically, the second insulating passage (133F2C) may include a portion that has an incline as it gets closer to the discharge port (133FO). For example, the second insulating passage (133F2C) may include a portion that has an incline along the X direction. For example, the second insulating passage (133F2C) may include a portion that has an incline as it gets closer to the discharge port (133FO) along the X direction from the first point (P1).

[0126] The second insulating flow path (133F2C) may include a portion whose depth in the Z direction decreases as it approaches the discharge port (133FO). For example, the second insulating flow path (133F2C) may include a portion whose depth in the Z direction continuously decreases as it approaches the discharge port (133FO). For example, the second insulating flow path (133F2C) may include a portion whose depth in the Z direction continuously decreases as it approaches the discharge port (133FO) from the first point (P1) to the second point (P2C), and from the second point (P2C) to the discharge port (133FO). For example, the second insulating filament (133F2C) may be continuously reduced in depth from the second depth (D2C) to the fourth depth (D4C) in the Z direction from the first point (P1) to the second point (P2C), and then may be continuously reduced from the fourth depth (D4C) to the third depth (D3C) from the second point (P2C) to the outlet (133FO).

[0127] In embodiments, the second insulating passage (133F2C) may include a portion where the depth in the Z direction discontinuously decreases along the X direction. For example, the second insulating passage (133F2C) may include a portion where the depth in the Z direction discontinuously decreases at the second point (P2C).

[0128] At this time, the depth of the second insulation passage (133F2C) may decrease from the second depth (D2C) to the fourth depth (D4C), and then decrease from the fourth depth (D4C) to the third depth (D3C). At this time, the degree of decrease from the second depth (D2C) to the fourth depth (D4C) may be different from the degree of decrease from the fourth depth (D4C) to the third depth (D3C). In other words, the second insulation passage (133F2C) may not have a uniform decrease in depth in the Z direction throughout the entire section, but may include a section in which the depth decreases non-uniformly from the second point (P2C). For example, the degree of decrease in depth in the Z direction from the first point (P1) to the second point (P2C) may be less than the degree of decrease from the second point (P2C) to the outlet (133FO). In other words, the degree of depth reduction in the Z direction relative to the X-direction distance from the first point (P1) to the second point (P2C) may be different from the degree of depth reduction in the Z direction relative to the X-direction distance from the second point (P2C) to the outlet (133FO). For example, the degree of depth reduction in the Z direction relative to the X-direction distance from the first point (P1) to the second point (P2C) may be smaller than the degree of depth reduction in the Z direction relative to the X-direction distance from the second point (P2C) to the outlet (133FO).

[0129] The second insulation path (133F2C) may have a second depth (D2C) which is the maximum depth at the first point (P1) and a third depth (D3C) which is the minimum depth at the discharge port (133FO).

[0130]

[0131] (Example 6)

[0132] Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a spacer core (133D) according to exemplary embodiments. Specifically, Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to a cross-section taken along line III-III' of Fig. 5. Hereinafter, the differences between the spacer core (133) described with reference to Figs. 5 to 10 will be primarily described.

[0133] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 14 together, the spacer core (133D) may define an insulating passage (133F). The insulating passage (133F) may include an inlet portion (133I), a first insulating passage (133F1), and a second insulating passage (133F2D). The inlet portion (133I) and the first insulating passage (133F1) of the spacer core (133D) may be substantially identical to the inlet portion (133I) and the first insulating passage (133F1) of the spacer core (133).

[0134] The second insulating flow path (133F2D) may include a straight section. The second insulating flow path (133F2) may extend in the X direction. The second insulating flow path (133F2D) may be connected to a discharge port (133FO) through which insulating slurry is discharged.

[0135] The second insulating flow path (133F2D) may extend in the X direction and may have a depth that is not constant in the Z direction along the X direction. Specifically, the second insulating flow path (133F2D) may include a portion that has an incline as it gets closer to the discharge port (133FO). For example, the second insulating flow path (133F2D) may include a portion that has an incline along the X direction. For example, the second insulating flow path (133F2D) may include a portion that has an incline as it gets closer to the discharge port (133FO) along the X direction from the first point (P1).

[0136] The second insulating flow path (133F2D) may include a portion whose depth in the Z direction decreases as it approaches the discharge port (133FO). For example, the second insulating flow path (133F2D) may include a portion whose depth in the Z direction continuously decreases as it approaches the discharge port (133FO). For example, the second insulating flow path (133F2D) may include a portion whose depth in the Z direction continuously decreases as it approaches the discharge port (133FO) from the first point (P1) to the second point (P2D), and from the second point (P2D) to the discharge port (133FO). For example, the second insulating filament (133F2D) may be continuously reduced in depth from the second depth (D2D) to the fourth depth (D4D) in the Z direction from the first point (P1) to the second point (P2D) in the X direction, and then may be continuously reduced from the fourth depth (D4D) to the third depth (D3D) from the second point (P2D) to the outlet (133FO).

[0137] In embodiments, the second insulating passage (133F2D) may include a portion in which the depth in the Z direction discontinuously decreases along the X direction. For example, the second insulating passage (133F2D) may include a portion in which the depth in the Z direction discontinuously decreases at the second point (P2D).

[0138] At this time, the depth of the second insulation passage (133F2D) may decrease from the second depth (D2D) to the fourth depth (D4D), and then decrease from the fourth depth (D4D) to the third depth (D3D). At this time, the degree of decrease from the second depth (D2D) to the fourth depth (D4D) may be different from the degree of decrease from the fourth depth (D4D) to the third depth (D3D). In other words, the second insulation passage (133F2D) may not have a uniform decrease in depth in the Z direction throughout the entire section, but may include a section in which the depth decreases non-uniformly from the second point (P2D). For example, the degree of decrease in depth in the Z direction from the first point (P1) to the second point (P2D) may be greater than the degree of decrease from the second point (P2D) to the outlet (133FO). In other words, the degree of depth reduction in the Z direction relative to the X-direction distance from the first point (P1) to the second point (P2D) may be different from the degree of depth reduction in the Z direction relative to the X-direction distance from the second point (P2D) to the outlet (133FO). For example, the degree of depth reduction in the Z direction relative to the X-direction distance from the first point (P1) to the second point (P2D) may be greater than the degree of depth reduction in the Z direction relative to the X-direction distance from the second point (P2D) to the outlet (133FO).

[0139] The second insulating filament (133F2D) may have a second depth (D2D) which is the maximum depth at the first point (P1) and a third depth (D3D) which is the minimum depth at the discharge port (133FO).

[0140]

[0141] 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 core 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, The above insulation path includes an inlet, a first insulation path connected to the inlet, and a second insulation path connecting the outlet and the first insulation path, A die coater, characterized in that the second insulating passage has a slope toward the discharge port.

2. In paragraph 1, A die coater characterized in that the second insulating passage includes a portion whose depth decreases as it gets closer to the discharge port.

3. In paragraph 2, A die coater characterized in that the depth of the second insulating passage continuously decreases as it gets closer to the discharge port.

4. In paragraph 1, A die coater, characterized in that the second insulating passage includes a portion having a different depth from the first insulating passage.

5. In paragraph 4, A die coater characterized in that the depth of the first insulating passage is constant.

6. In paragraph 1, A die coater, characterized in that the second insulating passage extends in the second direction.

7. In paragraph 6, A die coater, characterized in that the width of the second insulating layer in the first direction is constant.

8. In paragraph 6, A die coater characterized in that the second insulating path has a depth that decreases as it approaches the discharge port along the second direction.

9. In paragraph 1, A die coater characterized in that the ratio of the minimum depth to the maximum depth of the second insulating passage is 50% or more and less than 100%.

10. In paragraph 9, A die coater, characterized in that the ratio of the depth of the second insulating passage at the discharge port to the maximum depth of the second insulating passage is 60% or more and less than 100%.

11. In paragraph 1, A die coater characterized in that the second insulating passage includes a portion having a constant depth.

12. In paragraph 1, A die coater, characterized in that the second insulating passage includes a portion in which the depth discontinuously decreases.

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