Slot die coating device

Abstract

A slot die coating device according to an embodiment of the present invention forms a coating layer by discharging slurry onto a current collector, and comprises: a slot die portion comprising a first die block and a second die block positioned on the first die block, and having a flow passage through which the introduced slurry flows between the first die block and the second die block; and a loading amount adjusting portion which is positioned on at least one of the first die block and the second die block and adjusts the width of the flow passage, wherein the loading amount adjusting portion comprises: a shape changing portion facing the flow passage; a pressing portion which changes the shape of the shape changing portion by adjusting a pressure applied to the shape changing portion; and a connection portion connecting the pressing portion and the shape changing portion.

Description

Slot die coating device

[0001] Cross-citation with related application(s)

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0093638, filed July 16, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] The present invention relates to a slot die coating device, and more specifically, to a slot die coating device capable of locally controlling the discharge amount of an active material slurry coated on a substrate.

[0004] As technological developments and demand for mobile devices increase, the demand for secondary batteries as an energy source is rapidly increasing. In particular, secondary batteries are attracting significant attention not only as an energy source for mobile devices such as cell phones, digital cameras, laptops, and wearable devices, but also as a power source for powertrains such as electric bicycles, electric cars, and hybrid electric vehicles.

[0005] A secondary battery includes an electrode assembly having a stacked structure of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and is manufactured by a method of dispersing an active material, a conductive material, and / or a binder in a solvent to prepare a slurry and then directly applying the slurry to a current collector, or a method of applying the slurry to a separate support and laminating a film peeled from the support onto a current collector.

[0006] Meanwhile, in order to make the charge / discharge characteristics of the secondary battery uniform, the positive electrode slurry and negative electrode slurry must be uniformly applied to the current collector, and for this purpose, a coating process using a slot die device is typically performed.

[0007] A slot die coating device is a device for forming a material layer by coating a coating liquid on a substrate with a certain width. Generally, the coating liquid refers to a fluid substance such as a solution or slurry that dissolves a material layer forming composition in a solvent or dispersion medium.

[0008] A slot die coating device is structured to discharge a coating liquid, slurry, through a gap at the end of a slot die, much like ink from a fountain pen's nib. To coat a current collector with slurry using a slot die coating device, either the slot die coating device itself or the current collector, which is the substrate, moves.

[0009] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional slot die coating device, and Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the slot die coating device of Fig. 1 taken along line AA.

[0010] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a general coating process can be performed by applying slurry discharged from one end of a slot die coating device (10) onto a collector (E) moved by a coating roll (R).

[0011] A slot die coating device (10) includes a first die (11) and a second die (12) facing each other, a manifold part (14) formed on the first die (11) or the second die (12) to receive slurry, and a land part (15) through which slurry distributed from the manifold part (14) is discharged. Here, the land part (15) includes a peripheral area of ​​a die lip, and specifically, may mean a slit area formed between two dies (11, 12) facing each other. The slurry is discharged through the land part (15) to form a coating bead between the die lip and a current collector (substrate), and then is applied to the current collector to form a coating layer.

[0012] Meanwhile, in the coating process, the slurry is applied from the die (11, 12) to the current collector (E). At this time, in order to minimize the thickness deviation of the applied slurry, i.e., the coating layer, it is important to form a uniform flow in the width direction (x-axis direction) of the die (11, 12). To this end, the pressure and flow rate formed in the manifold and the die lip must be maintained constant in the width direction. Therefore, the factors affecting the uniformity of the coating include, in addition to the structure that disperses the slurry through the shape of the manifold portion (14) inside the die (11, 12), the moving speed of the slurry or current collector (E) that affects the formation of the coating beads, the gap between the current collector (E) and the slot die coating device, the structure of the die lip and the slit gap between the die lips, the physical properties of the slurry such as viscosity, surface tension and adhesion with the current collector (E), and the surrounding environment (temperature, etc.).

[0013] Since the above-described factors organically affect the thickness of the coating layer, the slot die (11, 12) may need to be redesigned to obtain appropriate coating conditions whenever the coating solution is changed, or the gap between the collector and the slot die coating device (10), the structure of the die lip, and the slit gap between the die lips may need to be adjusted.

[0014] In particular, the structure of the die lip and the slit spacing between the die lips, i.e., the height of the land portion (15), are closely related to the flow rate of the discharged slurry. If the height of the land portion (15) is not properly adjusted, the discharge speed of the slurry in the width direction may become uneven, and thus, a phenomenon of the slurry rising may occur in a certain area.

[0015] In order to optimize the coating process, the height of the land portion (15) must be changed by moving or changing the shape of the first die (11) or the second die (12) to control the flow rate of the slurry. However, this not only takes a lot of time but also requires high manufacturing costs. In the past, a method was devised to partially deform the die (11, 12) or partially deform the die lip of the die (11, 12) to relatively easily control the flow rate of the slurry without moving or deforming the die (11, 12). However, in this process, a physical force was applied to the die (11, 12), which caused plastic deformation of the die (11, 12) or made it difficult to control the local loading amount.

[0016] If the uniformity of the coating layer is not secured, the manufacturing yield of the electrode sheet forming the electrode assembly may be low, and the charge / discharge characteristics of the final product, the battery, may be degraded. Therefore, there is a need to develop a slot die coating device with an improved structure that can solve these problems.

[0017] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a slot die coating device in which the loading deviation in the width direction can be improved by controlling the discharge amount of slurry by increasing or decreasing the gap of the land portion.

[0018] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention pertains from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0019] A slot die coating device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a slot die coating device for forming a coating layer by discharging slurry on a current collector, the slot die device including a first die block and a second die block positioned on the first die block, the slot die portion including a flow path through which slurry introduced between the first die block and the second die block flows; and a loading amount control portion positioned on at least one of the first die block and the second die block and controlling the width of the flow path, wherein the loading amount control portion includes a shape-changing portion facing the flow path, a pressure portion for controlling a pressure applied to the shape-changing portion to change the shape of the shape-changing portion, and a connecting portion connecting the pressure portion and the shape-changing portion.

[0020] The above shape-changing part may be made of a rubber material.

[0021] At least one pressure sensor may be attached to the shape-changing portion.

[0022] The above pressurized portion is a pneumatic control device that provides air pressure to the shape-changing portion, and the shape of the shape-changing portion can be changed into a concave or convex shape depending on the size of the air pressure.

[0023] The above pressurizing unit is a contact control device that provides physical pressure to the shape-changing unit as a rod member connected to an electric motor moves up and down, and the degree of convexity of the shape-changing unit can be changed depending on the magnitude of the physical pressure.

[0024] The loading amount control unit may penetrate at least one of the first die block and the second die block, and the loading amount control unit and the first die block, and the loading amount control unit and the second die block, may be sealed.

[0025] The above loading amount control unit may be formed on one surface of the second die block facing the first die block.

[0026] The loading amount control unit includes a first loading amount control unit and a second loading amount control unit, and the first loading amount control unit and the second loading amount control unit are aligned along the width direction of the collector, and the first loading amount control unit and the second loading amount control unit can operate independently of each other.

[0027] The method further includes a land portion formed between the first die block and the second die block facing each other and discharging the slurry introduced into the flow path in a direction toward the collector, and the loading amount control portion may be formed at a position facing at least one of the upper and lower portions of the land portion.

[0028] The slot die portion may further include a discharge port formed at one end thereof, through which slurry flowing in the land portion is discharged to the outside.

[0029] The device further includes a manifold section formed in at least one of the first die block and the second die block and configured to receive slurry, wherein the manifold section can be positioned before the loading amount control section based on the direction of travel of the slurry.

[0030] The manifold portion is formed on one surface of the second die block facing the first die block, and the manifold portion may be formed concavely in a direction away from the first die block from one surface of the second die block.

[0031] In the above loading amount control unit, the connecting portion further includes at least one groove on the outer surface that contacts the shape-changing portion, the shape-changing portion further includes at least one protrusion on the inner surface that contacts the connecting portion, and the at least one groove and the at least one protrusion can be fitted together.

[0032] In the above loading amount control unit, the outer diameter of one end of the connecting portion may be smaller than the outer diameter of the center and other end of the connecting portion by a size equal to or greater than the thickness of the shape change portion.

[0033] The above connecting portion includes a connecting center, a connecting auxiliary portion coupled to an outer surface of the connecting center, and a connecting bolt portion that couples the connecting center and the connecting auxiliary portion to each other, the connecting auxiliary portion extending along an outer surface of the shape-changing portion arranged at one end of the connecting center, and the connecting bolt portion can bolt-couple the connecting center and the connecting auxiliary portion to each other.

[0034] In a slot die coating device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the gap of the land portion increases or decreases according to a change in the shape of the shape-changing portion facing the flow path of the slurry, so that the discharge amount of the slurry can be easily controlled, thereby improving the loading deviation in the width direction, further enhancing the process capability, and manufacturing an electrode with excellent performance.

[0035] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0036] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional slot die coating device.

[0037] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the slot die coating device of Fig. 1 taken along line AA.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a slot die coating device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a loading amount control unit included in the slot die coating device of Fig. 3.

[0040] FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are cross-sectional views of the slot die coating device of FIG. 3 taken along the a-a' axis, and are drawings showing the loading control method of the loading amount control unit.

[0041] FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are cross-sectional views taken along the same axis as FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 of a slot die coating device according to another embodiment of the present invention, and are drawings showing a loading control method of a loading amount control unit.

[0042] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a slot die coating device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a loading amount control unit included in the slot die coating device of Fig. 9.

[0044] Figures 11 and 12 are cross-sectional views of the slot die coating device of Figure 9 taken along the b-b' axis, and are drawings showing the loading control method of the loading amount control unit.

[0045] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a cross-section of a loading amount control unit included in a slot die coating device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the invention. The present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0047] In order to clearly explain the present invention, parts that are not related to the description are omitted, and the same reference numerals are used for identical or similar components throughout the specification.

[0048] Additionally, throughout the specification, whenever a part is said to “include” a component, this does not mean that it excludes other components, but rather that it may include other components, unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0049] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a slot die coating device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a loading amount control unit included in the slot die coating device of Fig. 3.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, a slot die coating apparatus (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention is a slot die coating apparatus (1000) that discharges slurry onto a current collector (E) to form a coating layer, the slot die coating apparatus including a first die block (1100) and a second die block (1200) positioned on the first die block (1100), and a slot die section (1100, 1200) including a flow path through which slurry introduced between the first die block (1100) and the second die block (1200) flows; and a loading amount control section (1600) positioned on at least one of the first die block (1100) and the second die block (1200) and controlling the width of the flow path.

[0051] The first die block (1100) and the second die block (1200) included in the slot die section (1100, 1200) may be configured to receive slurry and discharge the slurry to the outside. One side of the first die block (1100) and one side of the second die block (1200) are arranged to face each other, and the one sides of the first die block (1100) and the second die block (1200) facing each other may be parallel to the discharge direction (x-axis direction) of the slurry. Here, the first die block (1100) and the second die block (1200) may be referred to as an upper die and a lower die, or a lower die and an upper die, depending on their positions.

[0052] Meanwhile, for the convenience of explanation, the following description will be based on the assumption that the number of die blocks included in the slot die section (1100, 1200) is two. However, this is not limited thereto, and the number of die blocks included in the slot die section (1100, 1200) may be two or more. For example, in the case of three die blocks, two coating layers can be laminated on the current collector by simultaneously supplying slurry between the facing dies.

[0053] In addition, the slot die coating device (1000) according to the present embodiment may further include a land portion (1500) formed between the first die block (1100) and the second die block (1200) facing each other, and discharging the slurry introduced into the flow path in a direction toward the collector (E).

[0054] The land portion (1500) may be a portion that discharges the slurry introduced between the first die block (1100) and the second die block (1200) to the outside of the slot die portion (1100, 1200).

[0055] The land portion (1500) may be a section through which slurry introduced between the first die block (1100) and the second die block (1200) passes to flow out. In other words, the land portion (1500) may provide a passage for the slurry to move. The land portion (1500) may be formed by the combination of the first die block (1100) and the second die block (1200). The land portion (1500) may refer to a space spaced apart between the combined first die block (1100) and the second die block (1200).

[0056] For example, the space of the land portion (1500) may be in the shape of an overall flat rectangle, and its width (+ / - x-axis direction) may be extended long along the width direction of the slot die portion (1100, 1200). Here, the width direction of the slot die portion (1100, 1200) may be the same direction as the width direction of the current collector (E). In addition, the width of the land portion (1500) may be substantially equal to or larger than the width of the coating layer to be manufactured.

[0057] The height (+ / - z-axis direction) of the land portion (1500) may correspond to the separation distance between the two dies (110, 120), and the length (+ / - y-axis direction) of the land portion (1500) may be parallel to the discharge direction of the slurry.

[0058] Here, the height of the land portion (1500) may also be referred to as the gap of the land portion. As described below, the loading amount control unit (1600) can control the discharge amount of slurry by increasing or decreasing the height of the land portion (1500), i.e., the gap of the land portion.

[0059] The slot die coating device (1000) according to the present embodiment may further include a discharge port (1500p) formed at one end of the slot die portion (1100, 1200) and through which slurry flowing in the land portion (1500) is discharged to the outside. Here, the discharge port (1500p) may be formed between a first protrusion (1100p) formed at an end of the first die block (1100) and a second protrusion (1200p) formed at an end of the second die block (1200). In other words, the discharge port (1500p) is formed by the combination of the first protrusion (1100p) and the second protrusion (1200p), and the land portion (1500) may be a lip-shaped portion formed at an end. That is, the slurry introduced into the slot die section (1100, 1200) can be discharged to the external material, the current collector (E), through the discharge port (1500p). Here, the discharge port (1500p) may also be referred to as a 'die lip' or 'lip land'.

[0060] Here, the land portion (1500) may refer to a space from one end of the manifold portion (1400) to the discharge port (1500p) among the spaces spaced between the first die block (1100) and the second die block (1200), which will be described later. That is, the length of the land portion (1500) may correspond to the length from one end of the manifold portion (1400) to the discharge port (1500p).

[0061] In addition, the slot die coating device (1000) according to the present embodiment may further include a manifold section (1400) formed in at least one of the first die block (1100) and the second die block (1200) and configured to receive slurry. Here, the manifold section (1400) is configured to temporarily receive slurry introduced into the slot die section (1100, 1200) and may be referred to as a 'receiving section' or a 'chamber'. As shown in FIG. 3, the manifold section (1400) may be positioned before the loading amount control section (1600) described below based on the direction of movement of the slurry.

[0062] The manifold portion (1400) can be formed by recessing one of the surfaces of the first die block (1100) or the second die block (1200) that face each other. The manifold portion (1400) can be formed in the shape of a groove having a predetermined depth. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the manifold portion (1400) is formed on one surface of the second die block (1200) that faces the first die block (1100), and the manifold portion (1400) can be formed to be concave in a direction away from the first die block (1100) from one surface of the second die block (1200). However, the position of the manifold portion (1400) is not limited to FIG. 3, and a case in which the manifold portion (1400) is positioned on the first die block (1100) as described above can also be included in the present embodiment.

[0063] The manifold section (1400) may be formed in a structure to widely distribute the slurry introduced into the slot die section (1100, 1200) in the width direction (x-axis direction). For example, the manifold section (1400) may be provided in a form that widely spreads along the width direction (x-axis direction) within the first die block (1100) and the second die block (1200).

[0064] Accordingly, in the slot die coating device (1000) according to the present embodiment, the manifold section (1400) forms a stagnant area of ​​slurry inside the slot die section (1100, 1200), thereby allowing the slurry to flow smoothly to the land section (1500).

[0065] In this way, in the slot die coating device (1000) according to the present embodiment, the slurry introduced into the slot die section (1100, 1200) can flow along the manifold section (1400), the land section (1500), and the discharge port (1500p). Here, the flow path along which the slurry introduced between the first die block (1100) and the second die block (1200) flows can mean a path along which the slurry flows in the order of the manifold section (1400), the land section (1500), and the discharge port (1500p).

[0066]

[0067] Referring to FIG. 3, a slot die coating device (1000) according to the present embodiment includes a loading amount adjusting unit (1600) positioned in at least one of a first die block (1100) and a second die block (1200) and configured to adjust the width of the flow path. More specifically, the loading amount adjusting unit (1600) may be formed at a position facing at least one of the upper and lower portions of a land portion (1500).

[0068] More specifically, the loading amount control unit (1600) can penetrate at least one of the first die block (1100) and the second die block (1200), and the loading amount control unit (1600) and the first die block (1100), and the loading amount control unit (1600) and the second die block (1200) can be sealed. In other words, the slurry flowing between the first die block (1100) and the second die block (1200) can be prevented from leaking between the loading amount control unit (1600) and the first die block (1100), and the loading amount control unit (1600) and the second die block (1200).

[0069] For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the loading amount control unit (1600) may be formed on one surface of the second die block (1200) facing the first die block (1100). Here, the loading amount control unit (1600) may be positioned on the second die block (1200) and above the land portion (1500). However, the position of the loading amount control unit (1600) is not limited thereto, and unlike FIG. 3, a case in which it is positioned on the first die block (1100) and below the land portion (1500) may also be included in this embodiment.

[0070] More specifically, the loading amount control unit (1600) includes a shape-changing unit (1610) facing the flow path, a pressure unit (1650) that controls the pressure applied to the shape-changing unit (1610) to change the shape of the shape-changing unit (1610), and a connection unit (1630) that connects the pressure unit (1650) and the shape-changing unit (1610). At this time, the space between the shape-changing unit (1610) and the connection unit (1630) and the space between the pressure unit (1650) and the connection unit (1630) may be a completely sealed structure.

[0071] For example, the shape change portion (1610) may be made of a rubber material. That is, the shape change portion (1610) may have a structure that is connected to one end and the outer surface of the connection portion (1630) in the form of a rubber stopper, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 . However, the material of the shape change portion (1610) is not limited thereto, and any material that has high resilience and chemical resistance but is not breathable may be included in the present embodiment.

[0072] Accordingly, in the slot die coating device (1000) according to the present embodiment, the shape changing portion (1610) has an advantage in that it can change shape as the pressure applied through the pressurizing portion (1650) increases without reacting to the slurry introduced into the slot die portion (1100, 1200), and can be restored to its original state as the pressure decreases.

[0073] Additionally, in order to measure the pressure applied to the shape change portion (1610), at least one pressure sensor may be attached inside the loading amount control portion (1600). More specifically, the pressure sensor may be located inside the connection portion (1630) and sense the pressure applied by the pressurizing portion (1650) to the shape change portion (1610). That is, based on the pressure information sensed from the pressure sensor, the next setting pressure value of the pressurizing portion (1650) for changing the shape of the shape change portion (1610) may be set.

[0074] Accordingly, in the slot die coating device (1000) according to the present embodiment, the pressure applied to the shape change portion (1610) is measured in real time through the pressure sensor, thereby realizing improved precision and automated control of the loading amount control portion (1600).

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the pressurizing unit (1650) is a pneumatic control device located inside the connecting unit (1630) and provides air pressure to the shape-changing unit (1610). Depending on the magnitude of the air pressure, the shape of the shape-changing unit (1610) can be changed into a concave or convex shape. For example, the pressurizing unit (1650) may be a device that performs air injection and discharge, such as an air hose.

[0076] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4(a), the pressurizing unit (1650) can introduce air into the connection unit (1630), relatively increase the pressure inside the connection unit (1630), and change the shape-changing unit (1610) into a convex shape. Conversely, as shown in FIG. 4(b), the pressurizing unit (1650) discharges air inside the connection unit (1630) to the outside, relatively decreases the pressure inside the connection unit (1630), and change the shape-changing unit (1610) into a concave shape. That is, the loading amount control unit (1600) according to the present embodiment includes the pressurizing unit (1650), which is a pneumatic control device, so that the shape-changing unit (1610) can be controlled in a non-contact manner.

[0077] Accordingly, in the slot die coating device (1000) according to the present embodiment, the loading amount control unit (1600) can control the discharge amount of slurry flowing in the flow path inside the slot die unit (1100, 1200) as the shape of the shape change unit (1610) changes depending on the size of the pressure applied through the pressurizing unit (1650). That is, the height of the land unit (1500) can be made different through the convex or concave shape of the shape change unit (1610), so that the discharge amount of the slurry discharged to the discharge port (1500p) is controlled, and the loading deviation can be effectively improved.

[0078] FIGS. 5 and 6 are cross-sectional views of the slot die coating device of FIG. 3 taken along the a-a' axis, and are drawings showing the loading adjustment method of the loading amount adjustment unit. FIGS. 7 and 8 are cross-sectional views of a slot die coating device according to another embodiment of the present invention taken along the same axis as FIGS. 5 and 6, and are drawings showing the loading adjustment method of the loading amount adjustment unit.

[0079] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, the slot die coating device (1001, 1002) according to the present embodiment can be described mostly in the same way as the slot die coating device (1000) according to FIGS. 3 and 4 described above, and only the parts that are different from the above-described contents in the loading amount control unit (1601, 1602) will be additionally described.

[0080] More specifically, the slot die coating device (1001, 1002) according to the present embodiment may each include a plurality of loading amount control units (1601, 1602). However, the number of loading amount control units (1601, 1602) is not limited to FIGS. 5 to 8, and may be appropriately adjusted depending on the width of the current collector (E) and / or the coating amount. Here, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, some of the second die blocks (1201, 1202) may be inserted into the center of the plurality of loading amount control units (1601, 1602), but the present embodiment is not limited thereto, and a form in which the second die blocks (1201, 1202) are not present in the center of the plurality of loading amount control units (1601, 1602) may also be included in the present embodiment.

[0081] For example, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the loading amount control unit (1601) includes a first loading amount control unit (1601a) and a second loading amount control unit (1601b), and the first loading amount control unit (1601a) and the second loading amount control unit (1601b) may be aligned along the width direction (+ / - x-axis direction) of the current collector (E). Here, the first loading amount control unit (1601a) and the second loading amount control unit (1602b) may be operable individually from each other.

[0082] As shown in Fig. 5, in the slot die coating device (1001) according to the present embodiment, the loading amounts at positions corresponding to the first loading amount control unit (1601a) and the second loading amount control unit (1601b) may correspond to the size of the bar below. Referring to Fig. 5, it can be confirmed that the loading amounts at positions corresponding to the center of the first loading amount control unit (1601a) and the second loading amount control unit (1601b) are relatively large compared to other portions.

[0083] At this time, as shown in FIG. 6, in the slot die coating device (1001) according to the present embodiment, the first loading amount control unit (1601a) and the second loading amount control unit (1601b) may inject air into the first connecting portion (1631a) and the second connecting portion (1631b), respectively, and the first shape changing portion (1611a) and the second shape changing portion (1611b) may have a convex shape. In this case, unlike FIG. 5, it can be confirmed that the loading amounts in the width direction of the slot die portions (1101, 1201) become equal to each other as the loading amounts at positions corresponding to the center of the first loading amount control unit (1601a) and the second loading amount control unit (1601b) are relatively reduced.

[0084] As another example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the loading amount control unit (1602) includes a first loading amount control unit (1602a), a second loading amount control unit (1602b), a third loading amount control unit (1602c), a fourth loading amount control unit (1602d), a fifth loading amount control unit (1602e), and a sixth loading amount control unit (1602f), and the first loading amount control unit (1602a), the second loading amount control unit (1602b), the third loading amount control unit (1602c), the fourth loading amount control unit (1602d), the fifth loading amount control unit (1602e), and the sixth loading amount control unit (1602f) may be aligned along the width direction (+ / - x-axis direction) of the current collector (E). Here, the first loading amount control unit (1602a), the second loading amount control unit (1602b), the third loading amount control unit (1602c), the fourth loading amount control unit (1602d), the fifth loading amount control unit (1602e), and the sixth loading amount control unit (1602f) can operate individually from each other.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 7, in the slot die coating device (1002) according to the present embodiment, the loading amounts at positions corresponding to the first loading amount control unit (1602a), the second loading amount control unit (1602b), the third loading amount control unit (1602c), the fourth loading amount control unit (1602d), the fifth loading amount control unit (1602e), and the sixth loading amount control unit (1602f) may correspond to the size of the bar below. Referring to FIG. 7, it can be confirmed that the loading amounts at positions corresponding to the first loading amount control unit (1602a), the third loading amount control unit (1602c), the fourth loading amount control unit (1602d), and the sixth loading amount control unit (1602f) are relatively small compared to other portions.

[0086] At this time, as shown in FIG. 8, in the slot die coating device (1001) according to the present embodiment, the first loading amount control unit (1602a), the third loading amount control unit (1602c), the fourth loading amount control unit (1602d), and the sixth loading amount control unit (1602f) can discharge air inside each connecting portion to the outside, and the shape changing portions of the first loading amount control unit (1602a), the third loading amount control unit (1602c), the fourth loading amount control unit (1602d), and the sixth loading amount control unit (1602f) can each have a concave shape. In this case, unlike in FIG. 7, as the loading amounts at positions corresponding to the first loading amount control unit (1602a), the third loading amount control unit (1602c), the fourth loading amount control unit (1602d), and the sixth loading amount control unit (1602f) increase relatively, it can be confirmed that the loading amounts in the width direction of the slot die units (1102, 1202) become equal to each other.

[0087] Accordingly, in the slot die coating device (1001, 1002) according to the present embodiment, the number of loading amount control parts (1601, 1602) can be appropriately adjusted as needed. In particular, as in the slot die coating device (1001, 1002) according to the present embodiment, the greater the number of loading amount control parts (1601, 1602), the more locally the loading amount can be controlled in the width direction of the slot die parts (1101, 1102, 1201, 1202), and there is an advantage in that the loading deviation can be improved more effectively.

[0088] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a slot die coating device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a loading amount control unit included in the slot die coating device of Fig. 9.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the slot die coating device (2000) according to the present embodiment can be described mostly in the same manner as in FIGS. 3 to 8 described above, but only the parts that are different from the above-described contents in the loading amount control unit (2600) will be additionally described.

[0090] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the pressurizing member (2650) may be a contact-type control device positioned inside the connecting member (2630) and providing physical pressure to the shape-changing member (2610). For example, the pressurizing member (2650) may be a rod member connected to a driving means such as an electric motor. That is, the pressurizing member (2650) may be a rod member that moves in an up-and-down direction with power transmitted through a driving means such as an electric motor. Here, the up-and-down direction may mean a direction facing upward or downward based on the bottom surface of the shape-changing member (2610).

[0091] Here, the magnitude of the contact pressure applied to the shape-changing portion (2610) can be determined depending on the degree to which the pressing portion (2650) moves in the up-and-down direction. That is, the greater the degree to which the pressing portion (2650) moves downward, the greater the magnitude of the contact pressure applied to the shape-changing portion (2610), and the greater the degree of convexity of the shape-changing portion (2610). In contrast, the greater the degree to which the pressing portion (2650) moves upward, the less the magnitude of the physical pressure applied to the shape-changing portion (2610), and the less the degree of convexity of the shape-changing portion (2610).

[0092] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 10(a), when the pressing portion (2650) hardly moves downward, the shape of the shape-changing portion (2610) may hardly change. Conversely, as shown in FIG. 4(b), as the pressing portion (2650) moves downward, the shape-changing portion (2610) may be changed into a concave shape. That is, the loading amount control portion (2600) according to the present embodiment includes the pressing portion (1650), which is a physical control device, so that the shape-changing portion (1610) can be controlled in a contact manner.

[0093] Accordingly, in the slot die coating device (2000) according to the present embodiment, the loading amount control unit (2600) can control the discharge amount of slurry flowing in the flow path inside the slot die unit (2100, 2200) by changing the shape of the shape change unit (1610) according to the size of the contact pressure applied through the pressurizing unit (2650). That is, the height of the land unit (2500) can be made different through the convex or concave shape of the shape change unit (2610), so that the discharge amount of slurry discharged through the discharge port (2500p) can be effectively controlled.

[0094] Figures 11 and 12 are cross-sectional views of the slot die coating device of Figure 9 taken along the b-b' axis, and are drawings showing the loading control method of the loading amount control unit.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the loading amount control unit (2600) includes a first loading amount control unit (2600a), a second loading amount control unit (2600b), a third loading amount control unit (2600c), a fourth loading amount control unit (2600d), a fifth loading amount control unit (2600e), a sixth loading amount control unit (2600f), a seventh loading amount control unit (2600g), an eighth loading amount control unit (2600f), and a ninth loading amount control unit (2600i), and the first loading amount control unit (2600a), the second loading amount control unit (2600b), the third loading amount control unit (2600c), the fourth loading amount control unit (2600d), the fifth loading amount control unit (2600e), the sixth loading amount control unit (2600f), the seventh loading amount control unit (2600g), the eighth loading amount The control unit (2600f) and the ninth loading amount control unit (2600i) may be aligned along the width direction (+ / - x-axis direction) of the collector (E).

[0096] Here, the first loading amount control unit (2600a), the second loading amount control unit (2600b), the third loading amount control unit (2600c), the fourth loading amount control unit (2600d), the fifth loading amount control unit (2600e), the sixth loading amount control unit (2600f), the seventh loading amount control unit (2600g), the eighth loading amount control unit (2600f), and the ninth loading amount control unit (2600i) can be operated individually from each other.

[0097] However, it is not limited to this, and unlike FIGS. 11 and 12, a structure in which a loading amount control unit (2600) arranges multiple pressurizing units (2650) in one shape change unit (2610) may also be included in this embodiment.

[0098] As shown in Fig. 11, in the slot die coating device (2000) according to the present embodiment, the loading amounts at positions corresponding to the first loading amount control unit (2600a), the second loading amount control unit (2600b), the third loading amount control unit (2600c), the fourth loading amount control unit (2600d), the fifth loading amount control unit (2600e), the sixth loading amount control unit (2600f), the seventh loading amount control unit (2600g), the eighth loading amount control unit (2600f), and the ninth loading amount control unit (2600i) may correspond to the size of the bar below. Referring to FIG. 11, it can be seen that the loading amount gradually increases in the order of the fifth loading amount control unit (2600e), the sixth loading amount control unit (2600f), the seventh loading amount control unit (2600g), the eighth loading amount control unit (2600f), and the ninth loading amount control unit (2600i) relative to other positions.

[0099] At this time, as shown in FIG. 12, in the slot die coating device (2000) according to the present embodiment, the fifth loading amount control unit (2600e), the sixth loading amount control unit (2600f), the seventh loading amount control unit (2600g), the eighth loading amount control unit (2600f), and the ninth loading amount control unit (2600i) can have their respective pressurizing portions (2650) move downward, and the shape changing portions (2610) of the fifth loading amount control unit (2600e), the sixth loading amount control unit (2600f), the seventh loading amount control unit (2600g), the eighth loading amount control unit (2600f), and the ninth loading amount control unit (2600i) can change into a convex shape. Here, as the fifth loading amount control unit (2600e), the sixth loading amount control unit (2600f), the seventh loading amount control unit (2600g), the eighth loading amount control unit (2600f), and the ninth loading amount control unit (2600i) are sequentially selected, the magnitude of the contact pressure applied downward by the pressing unit (2650) may gradually increase, and the degree of convexity of the shape change unit (2610) may also gradually increase.

[0100] In this case, unlike in FIG. 11, it can be confirmed that the loading amounts in the width direction of the slot die portions (2100, 2200) become equal to each other as the loading amounts at the positions corresponding to the fifth loading amount control portion (2600e), the sixth loading amount control portion (2600f), the seventh loading amount control portion (2600g), the eighth loading amount control portion (2600f), and the ninth loading amount control portion (2600i) are relatively reduced.

[0101] Accordingly, in the slot die coating device (2000) according to the present embodiment, the number of loading amount control units (2600) can be appropriately adjusted as needed. In particular, as in the slot die coating device (2000) according to the present embodiment, the greater the number of loading amount control units (2600), the more locally the loading amount can be controlled in the width direction of the slot die portions (2100, 2200), and there is an advantage in that the loading deviation can be improved more effectively.

[0102] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a cross-section of a loading amount control unit included in a slot die coating device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 13, the loading amount control unit (3600, 4600) according to the present embodiment can be applied to the slot die coating device (1000, 2000) according to FIGS. 1 to 12 described above, and only the parts that are different from the above-described contents of the loading amount control unit (1600, 2600) of FIGS. 1 to 12 will be additionally described.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 13, the loading amount control unit (3600, 4600) according to the present embodiment includes, like the loading amount control unit (1600, 2600) described above in FIGS. 1 to 12, a shape change unit (3610, 4610), a pressure unit (3650, 4650), and a connecting unit (3630, 4630) connecting the pressure unit (3650, 4650) and the shape change unit (3610, 4610).

[0105] Referring to FIG. 13(a), in the loading amount control unit (3600), the connecting unit (3630) may include at least one groove (3630d) on the outer surface that contacts the shape-changing unit (3610). In addition, the shape-changing unit (3610) may include at least one protrusion (3610p) on the inner surface that contacts the connecting unit (3630). Here, at least one groove (3630d) and at least one protrusion (3610p) can be fitted into each other. Accordingly, the loading amount control unit (3600) according to FIG. 13(a) can further strengthen the adhesion and bonding force between the shape-changing unit (3610) and the connecting unit (3630), thereby preventing the bond between the shape-changing unit (3610) and the connecting unit (3630) from being released due to the pressure applied by the pressing unit (3650) to the shape-changing unit (3610).

[0106] Referring to Fig. 13(b), even in the case of the loading amount control unit (4600), the connecting unit (4630) may include at least one groove (4631d) on the outer surface that contacts the shape-changing unit (4610). In addition, the shape-changing unit (4610) may include at least one protrusion (4610p) on the inner surface that contacts the connecting unit (4630). Here, at least one groove (4631d) and at least one protrusion (4610p) may be fitted to each other.

[0107] In addition, in the loading amount control unit (4600), the outer diameter of one end of the connecting portion (4630) may be relatively smaller than the outer diameter of the center and / or the other end of the connecting portion (4630). For example, as shown in FIG. 13(b), the outer diameter of one end of the connecting portion (4630) may be relatively smaller than the outer diameter of the center and / or the other end of the connecting portion (4630) by a size equal to or greater than the thickness (d) of the shape-changing portion (4610).

[0108] Additionally, the connecting portion (4630) may include a connecting center portion (4631), a connecting auxiliary portion (4635) coupled to the outer surface of the connecting center portion (4631), and a connecting bolt portion (4639) that couples the connecting center portion (4631) and the connecting auxiliary portion (4635) to each other. For example, the connecting bolt portion (4639) may bolt the connecting center portion (4631) and the connecting auxiliary portion (4635) to each other.

[0109] Here, the connection auxiliary part (4635) and the connection bolt part (4639) may be located at one end of the connection center part (4631). More specifically, the connection auxiliary part (4635) may extend along the outer surface of the shape-changing part (4610) located at one end of the connection center part (4631).

[0110] Accordingly, the loading amount control unit (4600) according to Fig. 13(b) can further strengthen the adhesion and bonding force between the shape-changing unit (3610) and the connecting unit (3630) due to the frictional force between the connecting auxiliary unit (4635) and the shape-changing unit (4610) along with the fitting connection between the shape-changing unit (4610) and the connecting unit (4630), and can more effectively prevent the release of the connection between the shape-changing unit (3610) and the connecting unit (3630).

[0111] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention defined in the following claims also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0112] [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 1000, 2000: Slot die coating device

[0114] 1100, 2100: First die block

[0115] 1200, 2200: Second die block

[0116] 1400, 2400: Manifold section

[0117] 1500, 2500: Land

[0118] 1600, 2600, 3600, 4600: Loading amount control

Claims

1. In a slot die coating device that forms a coating layer by discharging slurry on a collector, A slot die section comprising a first die block and a second die block positioned on the first die block, the slot die section including a flow path through which slurry introduced between the first die block and the second die block flows; and A loading amount control unit is located in at least one of the first die block and the second die block and controls the width of the flow path, The above loading amount control unit, A shape-changing portion facing the above flow path, A pressurizing part that changes the shape of the shape-changing part by controlling the pressure applied to the shape-changing part, and A slot die coating device including a connecting portion connecting the pressurizing portion and the shape changing portion.

2. In paragraph 1, The above shape-changing part is a slot die coating device made of rubber material.

3. In paragraph 2, A slot die coating device having at least one pressure sensor attached to the shape changing portion.

4. In paragraph 2, The above pressurizing unit is a pneumatic control device that provides air pressure to the shape changing unit, A slot die coating device in which the shape of the shape-changing portion changes into a concave or convex shape depending on the size of the air pressure.

5. In paragraph 2, The above pressurizing unit is a contact control device that provides physical pressure to the shape-changing unit as a bar member connected to an electric motor moves up and down. A slot die coating device in which the convexity of the shape-changing portion changes depending on the magnitude of the physical pressure.

6. In paragraph 1, The loading amount control unit penetrates at least one of the first die block and the second die block, A slot die coating device in which the loading amount control unit and the first die block, and the loading amount control unit and the second die block are sealed.

7. In paragraph 6, A slot die coating device in which the loading amount control unit is formed on one surface of the second die block facing the first die block.

8. In paragraph 1, The above loading amount control unit includes a first loading amount control unit and a second loading amount control unit, The first loading amount control unit and the second loading amount control unit are aligned along the width direction of the entire collector, A slot die coating device in which the first loading amount control unit and the second loading amount control unit can operate independently of each other.

9. In paragraph 1, It further includes a land portion formed between the first die block and the second die block facing each other, and discharging the slurry introduced into the flow path in a direction toward the collector, A slot die coating device in which the loading amount control unit is formed at a position facing at least one of the upper and lower portions of the land portion.

10. In paragraph 9, A slot die coating device further comprising a discharge port formed at one end of the slot die portion and through which slurry flowing in the land portion is discharged to the outside.

11. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a manifold section formed in at least one of the first die block and the second die block and receiving slurry; A slot die coating device in which the manifold section is positioned before the loading amount control section based on the direction of progression of the slurry.

12. In paragraph 11, The above manifold portion is formed on one surface of the second die block facing the first die block, A slot die coating device in which the manifold portion is formed concavely in a direction away from the first die block from one surface of the second die block.

13. In paragraph 1, In the above loading amount control unit, The above connecting portion further includes at least one groove on the outer surface that contacts the shape-changing portion, The above shape-changing portion further includes at least one protrusion on the inner surface that is in contact with the connecting portion, A slot die coating device in which at least one groove and at least one protrusion are fitted to each other.

14. In paragraph 1, A slot die coating device in which, in the above loading amount control section, the outer diameter of one end of the connecting section is smaller by a size equal to or greater than the thickness of the shape-changing section compared to the outer diameters of the center and other ends of the connecting section.

15. In paragraph 14, The above connecting part includes a connecting center, a connecting auxiliary part coupled to the outer surface of the connecting center, and a connecting bolt part that couples the connecting center and the connecting auxiliary part to each other. The above connecting auxiliary part extends along the outer surface of the shape-changing part arranged at one end of the connecting center, The above connecting bolt part is a slot die coating device that bolts together the connecting center part and the connecting auxiliary part.

Images