Electrode slurry manufacturing apparatus and electrode slurry manufacturing method

Abstract

The technical idea of the present invention provides an electrode slurry manufacturing apparatus comprising: a mixing device configured to mix electrode slurry materials; and a material supply unit configured to supply the electrode slurry materials to the mixing device, wherein the mixing device comprises: a stirring container in which the electrode slurry materials are contained; and a stirring assembly which includes a stirring blade configured to rotate and is configured to mix the materials contained in the stirring container while moving the stirring blade in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction.

Description

Electrode slurry manufacturing device and electrode slurry manufacturing method

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrode slurry manufacturing device and a method for manufacturing an electrode slurry. This application claims the benefit of Korean Application No. 10-2024-0105892, filed August 8, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] With technological advancements and growing demand for mobile devices, the demand for secondary batteries is also rapidly increasing. Among these, lithium secondary batteries are widely used as a power source for various mobile devices and electronic products due to their high energy density, high operating voltage, and excellent storage and lifespan characteristics. Recently, as the application areas for secondary batteries have expanded, the demand for higher-capacity secondary batteries has skyrocketed.

[0003] Secondary batteries are manufactured through electrode processes, assembly processes, and activation processes. Among these, the electrode process is the most critical process in determining the yield and performance of the battery cell. The electrode process may include a mixing process, a coating process, a roll-pressing process, and a slitting process. In the mixing process, an electrode slurry containing an active material, a conductive material, and a binder may be provided. In the coating process, the active material and an insulating material may be applied to the surface of a current collector. In the roll-pressing process, the electrode may be pressed by rolling rolls. The roll-pressing process may determine the density, performance, and surface quality of the electrode. In the slitting process, the electrode may be cut into multiple electrodes depending on the battery cell design.

[0004] The technical idea of ​​the present invention is to provide an electrode slurry manufacturing device and an electrode slurry manufacturing method.

[0005] In order to solve the above-described problem, the technical idea of ​​the present invention provides an electrode slurry manufacturing device including a mixing device configured to mix electrode slurry materials; and a material supply unit configured to supply the electrode slurry materials to the mixing device; wherein the mixing device includes a stirring container containing the electrode slurry materials; and a stirring assembly including a stirring blade configured to rotate, and configured to mix the materials contained in the stirring container while moving the stirring blade in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction.

[0006] In exemplary embodiments, the stirring blade is configured to mix the electrode slurry materials while moving along a first movement path sequentially passing through a first position, a second position, and a third position, and a second movement path opposite to the first movement path, wherein the second position is a position moved in a first horizontal direction and a first vertical direction from the first position, and the third position is a position moved in the first horizontal direction and a second vertical direction from the second position, and the second vertical direction is characterized in that the second vertical direction is opposite to the first vertical direction.

[0007] In exemplary embodiments, the stirring blade is characterized in that it moves in an inclined direction with respect to each of the first horizontal direction and the first vertical direction between the first position and the second position, and moves in an inclined direction with respect to each of the first horizontal direction and the second vertical direction between the second position and the third position.

[0008] In exemplary embodiments, the stirring blade is characterized in that it is configured to mix the electrode slurry materials while reciprocating along a V-shaped movement path.

[0009] In exemplary embodiments, the stirring blade is configured to mix the materials while moving along a first movement path sequentially passing through a first position, a second position, a third position, a fourth position, and a fifth position and a second movement path opposite the first movement path, wherein the second position is a position moved in a first horizontal direction and a first vertical direction from the first position, the third position is a position moved in the first horizontal direction and a second vertical direction from the second position, the fourth position is a position moved in the first horizontal direction and the first vertical direction from the third position, and the fifth position is a position moved in the first horizontal direction and the second vertical direction from the fourth position, wherein the second vertical direction is opposite to the first vertical direction.

[0010] In exemplary embodiments, the stirring blade is characterized in that it is configured to mix the electrode slurry materials while reciprocating along a W-shaped movement path.

[0011] In exemplary embodiments, the invention further comprises a first actuator for moving the stirring blade in the horizontal direction; and a second actuator for moving the stirring blade in the vertical direction.

[0012] In exemplary embodiments, the first actuator includes a horizontal guide rail extending in the horizontal direction and a horizontal movement block moving along the horizontal guide rail, the second actuator includes a vertical guide rail extending in the vertical direction and a vertical movement block moving along the vertical guide rail, the vertical guide rail is coupled to the horizontal movement block, and the vertical movement block is coupled to the stirring assembly.

[0013] In exemplary embodiments, the electrode slurry materials are characterized by including an active material, a binder, a conductive material, and a solvent.

[0014] In order to solve the above-described problem, the technical idea of ​​the present invention is a method for producing an electrode slurry, including the steps of supplying electrode slurry materials to a stirring vessel; and the step of mixing the electrode slurry materials contained in the stirring vessel by rotating a stirring blade; wherein, in the step of mixing the electrode slurry materials, the stirring blade mixes the electrode slurry materials while moving in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction.

[0015] In exemplary embodiments, the step of mixing the electrode slurry materials includes: moving the stirring blade along a first movement path sequentially passing through a first position, a second position, and a third position; and moving the stirring blade along a second movement path opposite the first movement path; wherein the second position is a position moved in a first horizontal direction and a first vertical direction from the first position, the third position is a position moved in the first horizontal direction and a second vertical direction from the second position, and the second vertical direction is characterized in that the second vertical direction is opposite to the first vertical direction.

[0016] In exemplary embodiments, the step of mixing the electrode slurry materials is characterized by including a step of mixing the electrode slurry materials while the stirring blade reciprocates along a V-shaped movement path.

[0017] In exemplary embodiments, the step of mixing the electrode slurry materials includes: moving the stirring blade along a first movement path sequentially passing through a first position, a second position, a third position, a fourth position, and a fifth position; and moving the stirring blade along a second movement path opposite the first movement path; wherein the second position is a position moved in a first horizontal direction and a first vertical direction from the first position, the third position is a position moved in the first horizontal direction and a second vertical direction from the second position, the fourth position is a position moved in the first horizontal direction and the first vertical direction from the third position, and the fifth position is a position moved in the first horizontal direction and the second vertical direction from the fourth position, wherein the second vertical direction is opposite to the first vertical direction.

[0018] In exemplary embodiments, the step of mixing the electrode slurry materials is characterized by including a step of mixing the electrode slurry materials while the stirring blade reciprocates along a W-shaped movement path.

[0019] In exemplary embodiments, the electrode slurry materials are characterized by including an active material, a binder, a conductive material, and a solvent.

[0020] According to exemplary embodiments, during a mixing process for mixing electrode slurry materials, when a stirring blade moves along a movement path involving vertical and horizontal movement to mix the electrode slurry materials, a vortex may be formed within the mixture of electrode slurry materials. The vortex formed within the mixture of electrode slurry materials during the mixing process may improve the dispersibility of the electrode slurry materials even at a relatively low stirring speed of the stirring blade. As the dispersibility of the electrode slurry materials is improved during the mixing process, the quality of the electrode slurry produced through the mixing process may be improved.

[0021] The effects that can be obtained from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure pertain from the following description. In other words, unintended effects resulting from practicing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a mixing device according to exemplary embodiments.

[0023] FIGS. 2A to 2C are drawings showing a method for manufacturing electrode slurry according to exemplary embodiments.

[0024] FIGS. 3A to 3E are drawings showing a method for manufacturing electrode slurry according to exemplary embodiments.

[0025] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a mixing device according to exemplary embodiments.

[0026] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an electrode slurry manufacturing device according to exemplary embodiments.

[0027] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing electrode slurry according to exemplary embodiments.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032]

[0033] (Example 1)

[0034] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a mixing device (100) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, a mixing device (100) can perform a mixing process of mixing electrode slurry materials (500).

[0036] A mixing device (100) can mix electrode slurry materials (500) to produce an electrode slurry for a secondary battery. The electrode slurry can include a positive electrode active material slurry and a negative electrode active material slurry for a secondary battery. The electrode slurry materials (500) can include an active material, a conductive material, a binder, and a solvent.

[0037] The above active material may include a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material. For example, the positive electrode active material may include a lithium transition metal oxide. For example, the negative electrode active material may include at least one of carbon, lithium metal, a lithium alloy, a silicon-based alloy, and a tin-based alloy.

[0038] The conductive material may have conductivity without causing chemical changes in the secondary battery ultimately manufactured. The conductive material may include, for example, graphite such as natural graphite or artificial graphite, carbon black such as acetylene black, Ketjen black, channel black, furnace black, lamp black, and 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, polyphenylene derivatives, and the like.

[0039] The above binder can increase the bonding strength between the active material and the conductive material. 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.

[0040] The solvent may include dimethyl sulfoxide, isopropyl alcohol, N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), acetone, deionized water, or a combination thereof.

[0041] The mixing device (100) may include a stirring vessel (110), a stirring assembly (130), and an actuator (150).

[0042] The stirring vessel (110) may provide a receiving space for receiving electrode slurry materials (500). Hereinafter, the vertical direction may refer to a direction parallel to the depth direction of the stirring vessel (110), and the horizontal direction may refer to a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. The vertical direction may include a first vertical direction (VD1) and a second vertical direction (VD2) which are opposite to each other. For example, the first vertical direction (VD1) may be a downward direction, and the second vertical direction (VD2) may be an upward direction. The horizontal direction may include a first horizontal direction (HD1) and a second horizontal direction (HD2) which are opposite to each other. For example, the first horizontal direction (HD1) may be a rightward direction, and the second horizontal direction (HD2) may be a leftward direction.

[0043] The stirring assembly (130) can mix electrode slurry materials (500) contained in the stirring vessel (110). The stirring assembly (130) can include a stirring blade (131), a stirring motor (133), and a frame (134). The stirring motor (133) can be mounted within the frame (134) and can rotate the stirring blade (131). The rotation axis (132) of the stirring blade (131) can be connected to the stirring motor (133). The rotation axis (132) of the stirring blade (131) can extend parallel to the vertical direction, and the stirring blade (131) can be configured to rotate based on the rotation axis (132). As the stirring blade (131) contained in the electrode slurry materials (500) rotates, the electrode slurry materials (500) can be mixed.

[0044] The actuator (150) can move the stirring assembly (130) or the stirring blade (131) in the horizontal and vertical directions. The stirring blade (131) can be configured to move in parallel in a first vertical direction (VD1), a second vertical direction (VD2), a first horizontal direction (HD1), and a second horizontal direction (HD2) by the actuator (150). The actuator (150) can include a motor, a linear motor, a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, or a combination thereof. For example, the actuator (150) can include one or more actuators responsible for moving the stirring blade (131) in the horizontal direction, and one or more actuators responsible for moving the stirring blade (131) in the vertical direction.

[0045] The mixing process for mixing electrode slurry materials (500) may include mixing the electrode slurry materials (500) while moving a rotating stirring blade (131) in the vertical and horizontal directions. The vertical and horizontal movement of the stirring blade (131) may be controlled by an actuator (150).

[0046] The mixing process of mixing the electrode slurry materials (500) may include mixing the electrode slurry materials (500) while moving the stirring blade (131) in parallel along a movement path that involves vertical movement and horizontal movement of the stirring blade (131). In exemplary embodiments, when viewed from the side or in cross-section, the stirring blade (131) may be configured to mix the electrode slurry materials (500) contained in the stirring vessel (110) while reciprocating along a V-shaped movement path. In exemplary embodiments, when viewed from the side or in cross-section, the stirring blade (131) may be configured to mix the electrode slurry materials (500) contained in the stirring vessel (110) while reciprocating along a W-shaped movement path.

[0047] During the mixing process of mixing electrode slurry materials (500), vertical and horizontal movements of the stirring blade (131) can form a vortex within the mixture of electrode slurry materials (500). The vortex formed within the mixture of electrode slurry materials (500) during the mixing process can increase the dispersibility of the electrode slurry materials (500) even at a relatively low stirring speed of the stirring blade (131). As the dispersibility of the electrode slurry materials (500) is improved during the mixing process, the quality of the electrode slurry manufactured through the mixing process can be improved.

[0048]

[0049] (Example 2)

[0050] FIGS. 2A to 2C are drawings illustrating a method for manufacturing electrode slurry according to exemplary embodiments. Hereinafter, an exemplary method for manufacturing electrode slurry using the mixing device (100) described with reference to FIG. 1 will be described.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 2a, electrode slurry materials (500) are introduced into a stirring vessel (110), and a stirring blade (131) positioned at a first position (P11) is rotated.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 2B, the stirring blade (131) is moved from a first position (P11) to a second position (P12). The second position (P12) may be a position moved from the first position (P11) in the first horizontal direction (HD1) and the first vertical direction (VD1). The actuator (150) may linearly move the stirring blade (131) in an inclined direction with respect to each of the first horizontal direction (HD1) and the first vertical direction (VD1), thereby linearly moving the stirring blade (131) from the first position (P11) to the second position (P12).

[0053] Referring to FIG. 2c, the stirring blade (131) is moved from the second position (P12) to the third position (P13). The third position (P13) may be a position moved from the second position (P12) in the first horizontal direction (HD1) and the second vertical direction (VD2). The actuator (150) may linearly move the stirring blade (131) in an inclined direction with respect to each of the first horizontal direction (HD1) and the second vertical direction (VD2), thereby linearly moving the stirring blade (131) from the second position (P12) to the third position (P13).

[0054] Referring to FIG. 2b, the stirring blade (131) is moved from the third position (P13) to the second position (P12). The actuator (150) can linearly move the stirring blade (131) in an inclined direction with respect to each of the second horizontal direction (HD2) and the first vertical direction (VD1), thereby linearly moving the stirring blade (131) from the third position (P13) to the second position (P12).

[0055] Referring to Fig. 2a, the stirring blade (131) is moved from the second position (P12) to the first position (P11). The actuator (150) can linearly move the stirring blade (131) in an inclined direction with respect to each of the second horizontal direction (HD2) and the second vertical direction (VD2), thereby linearly moving the stirring blade (131) from the second position (P12) to the first position (P11).

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 2A to 2C, during the mixing process, the stirring blade (131) may reciprocate along a V-shaped movement path to mix the electrode slurry materials (500). Specifically, during the mixing process, the stirring blade (131) may repeat a first movement along a first movement path (MP1) that sequentially passes through a first position (P11), a second position (P12), and a third position (P13), and a second movement along a second movement path (MP2) that sequentially passes through a third position (P13), a second position (P12), and the first position (P11). The second movement path (MP2) may be opposite to the first movement path (MP1).

[0057] During the mixing process, when the stirring blade (131) moves along a V-shaped movement path involving vertical movement and horizontal movement to mix the electrode slurry materials (500), a vortex can be formed within the mixture of the electrode slurry materials (500). The vortex formed within the mixture of the electrode slurry materials (500) during the mixing process can improve the dispersibility of the electrode slurry materials (500) even at a relatively low stirring speed of the stirring blade (131). As the dispersibility of the electrode slurry materials (500) is improved during the mixing process, the quality of the electrode slurry manufactured through the mixing process can be improved.

[0058]

[0059] (Example 3)

[0060] FIGS. 3A to 3E are drawings illustrating a method for manufacturing electrode slurry according to exemplary embodiments. Hereinafter, an exemplary method for manufacturing electrode slurry using the mixing device (100) described with reference to FIG. 1 will be described.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 3a, electrode slurry materials (500) are introduced into a stirring vessel (110), and a stirring blade (131) positioned at a first position (P21) is rotated.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 3b, the stirring blade (131) is moved from a first position (P21) to a second position (P22). The second position (P22) may be a position moved from the first position (P21) in the first horizontal direction (HD1) and the first vertical direction (VD1). The actuator (150) may linearly move the stirring blade (131) in an inclined direction with respect to each of the first horizontal direction (HD1) and the first vertical direction (VD1), thereby linearly moving the stirring blade (131) from the first position (P21) to the second position (P22).

[0063] Referring to FIG. 3c, the stirring blade (131) is moved from the second position (P22) to the third position (P23). The third position (P23) may be a position moved from the second position (P22) in the first horizontal direction (HD1) and the second vertical direction (VD2). The actuator (150) may linearly move the stirring blade (131) in an inclined direction with respect to each of the first horizontal direction (HD1) and the second vertical direction (VD2), thereby linearly moving the stirring blade (131) from the second position (P22) to the third position (P23).

[0064] Referring to FIG. 3D, the stirring blade (131) is moved from the third position (P23) to the fourth position (P24). The fourth position (P24) may be a position moved from the third position (P23) in the first horizontal direction (HD1) and the first vertical direction (VD1). The actuator (150) may linearly move the stirring blade (131) in an inclined direction with respect to each of the first horizontal direction (HD1) and the first vertical direction (VD1), thereby linearly moving the stirring blade (131) from the third position (P23) to the fourth position (P24).

[0065] Referring to FIG. 3e, the stirring blade (131) is moved from the fourth position (P24) to the fifth position (P25). The fifth position (P25) may be a position moved from the fourth position (P24) in the first horizontal direction (HD1) and the second vertical direction (VD2). The actuator (150) may linearly move the stirring blade (131) in an inclined direction with respect to each of the first horizontal direction (HD1) and the second vertical direction (VD2), thereby linearly moving the stirring blade (131) from the fourth position (P24) to the fifth position (P25).

[0066] Referring to FIG. 3d, the stirring blade (131) is moved from the fifth position (P25) to the fourth position (P24). The actuator (150) can linearly move the stirring blade (131) in an inclined direction with respect to each of the second horizontal direction (HD2) and the first vertical direction (VD1), thereby linearly moving the stirring blade (131) from the fifth position (P25) to the fourth position (P24).

[0067] Referring to Fig. 3c, the stirring blade (131) is moved from the fourth position (P24) to the third position (P23). The actuator (150) can linearly move the stirring blade (131) in an inclined direction with respect to each of the second horizontal direction (HD2) and the second vertical direction (VD2), thereby linearly moving the stirring blade (131) from the fourth position (P24) to the third position (P23).

[0068] Referring to Fig. 3b, the stirring blade (131) is moved from the third position (P23) to the second position (P22). The actuator (150) can linearly move the stirring blade (131) in an inclined direction with respect to each of the second horizontal direction (HD2) and the first vertical direction (VD1), thereby linearly moving the stirring blade (131) from the third position (P23) to the second position (P22).

[0069] Referring to Fig. 3a, the stirring blade (131) is moved from the second position (P22) to the first position (P21). The actuator (150) can linearly move the stirring blade (131) in an inclined direction with respect to each of the second horizontal direction (HD2) and the second vertical direction (VD2), thereby linearly moving the stirring blade (131) from the second position (P22) to the first position (P21).

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 3A to 3E, during the mixing process, the stirring blade (131) may reciprocate along a W-shaped movement path to mix the electrode slurry materials (500). Specifically, during the mixing process, the stirring blade (131) may repeat a first movement along a first movement path (MP3) that sequentially passes through a first position (P21), a second position (P22), a third position (P23), a fourth position (P24), and a fifth position (P25), and a second movement along a second movement path (MP4) that sequentially passes through a fifth position (P25), a fourth position (P24), a third position (P23), a second position (P22), and the first position (P21). The second movement path (MP4) may be opposite to the first movement path (MP3).

[0071] During the mixing process, when the stirring blade (131) moves along a W-shaped movement path involving vertical movement and horizontal movement to mix the electrode slurry materials (500), a vortex can be formed within the mixture of the electrode slurry materials (500). The vortex formed within the mixture of the electrode slurry materials (500) during the mixing process can improve the dispersibility of the electrode slurry materials (500) even at a relatively low stirring speed of the stirring blade (131). As the dispersibility of the electrode slurry materials (500) is improved during the mixing process, the quality of the electrode slurry manufactured through the mixing process can be improved.

[0072]

[0073] (Example 4)

[0074] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a mixing device (100A) according to exemplary embodiments. Hereinafter, the mixing device (100A) illustrated in Fig. 4 will be described, focusing on differences from the mixing device (100) described with reference to Fig. 1.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 4, in the mixing device (100A), the actuator (150A) may include a first actuator (151) responsible for movement of the stirring blade (131) in the horizontal direction and a second actuator (155) responsible for movement of the stirring blade (131) in the vertical direction.

[0076] The first actuator (151) can move the stirring blade (131) or the stirring assembly (130) in a first horizontal direction (HD1) and a second horizontal direction (HD2). The first actuator (151) may be, for example, a linear actuator, such as an electromechanical linear actuator, a hydraulic linear actuator, or a pneumatic linear actuator. The first actuator (151) may include a horizontal guide rail (153) extending in a horizontal direction, and a horizontal movement block (152) movably mounted on the horizontal guide rail (153). The horizontal movement block (152) may be connected to a frame (134) of the stirring assembly (130). As the horizontal movement block (152) moves in the horizontal direction, the stirring assembly (130) or the stirring blade (131) may move in the horizontal direction.

[0077] The second actuator (155) can move the stirring blade (131) or the stirring assembly (130) in a first vertical direction (VD1) and a second vertical direction (VD2). The second actuator (155) may be, for example, a linear actuator, such as an electromechanical linear actuator, a hydraulic linear actuator, or a pneumatic linear actuator. The second actuator (155) may include a vertical guide rail (156) extending in a vertical direction, and a vertical movement block (157) movably mounted on the vertical guide rail (156). The vertical movement block (157) may be connected to the frame (134) of the stirring assembly (130). As the vertical movement block (157) moves in the vertical direction, the stirring assembly (130) or the stirring blade (131) may move in the vertical direction.

[0078] In exemplary embodiments, the vertical movement block (157) may be coupled to the frame (134) of the stirring assembly (130), and the vertical guide rail (156) may be coupled to the horizontal movement block (152). The horizontal movement of the stirring blade (131) may be realized by the first actuator (151). When the first actuator (151) moves the horizontal movement block (152) in the horizontal direction, the stirring assembly (130) coupled to the horizontal movement block (152) through the vertical guide rail (156) and the vertical movement block (157) may be moved in the horizontal direction. The vertical movement of the stirring blade (131) may be realized by the second actuator (155). When the second actuator (155) moves the vertical movement block (157) in the vertical direction, the stirring assembly (130) coupled to the vertical movement block (157) can move in the horizontal direction. The movement of the stirring blade (131) in the horizontal direction and the inclined direction inclined to the vertical direction can be realized by the first actuator (151) and the second actuator (155). When the horizontal movement of the horizontal movement block (152) by the first actuator (151) and the vertical movement of the vertical movement block (157) by the second actuator (155) are performed together, the stirring assembly (130) coupled to the vertical movement block (157) can move in the inclined direction.

[0079]

[0080] (Example 5)

[0081] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an electrode slurry manufacturing device (200) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 5, the electrode slurry manufacturing device (200) may include a plurality of material supply units (210) configured to supply electrode slurry materials (500) and a mixing device (220) configured to mix the electrode slurry materials (500). The mixing device (220) may correspond to the mixing device (100) described with reference to FIG. 1 or the mixing device (100A) described with reference to FIG. 4. The plurality of material supply units (210) may be configured to supply different electrode slurry materials (500) to the mixing device (220). Each of the plurality of material supply units (210) may include a supply hopper. For example, the plurality of material supply units (210) may supply any one of an active material, a binder, a conductive material, and a solvent to the mixing device (220). At this time, the active material, binder, and conductive material may be provided to the mixing device (220) in powder form. In FIG. 5, the electrode slurry manufacturing device (200) is exemplified as including four material supply units (210), but is not limited thereto, and the electrode slurry manufacturing device (200) may include two or more material supply units (210).

[0083]

[0084] (Example 6)

[0085] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing electrode slurry according to exemplary embodiments. Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing electrode slurry according to exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0086] First, electrode slurry materials (500) are supplied to the mixing device (220) (S110). A plurality of material supply units (210) can supply the electrode slurry materials (500) to the stirring vessel (110) of the mixing device (220).

[0087] Next, the mixing device (220) mixes the electrode slurry materials (500) contained in the stirring vessel (110) (S120). Step S120 may include a step (S121) of rotating the stirring blade (131) and a step (S123) of moving the stirring blade (131) along a movement path. Step S123 may be performed while the stirring blade (131) rotates. In step S123, the movement path of the stirring blade (131) may involve movement along a horizontal direction and movement along a vertical direction of the stirring blade (131).

[0088] In exemplary embodiments, step S123 may include mixing the electrode slurry materials (500) while reciprocating the stirring blade (131) along a V-shaped movement path, as described with reference to FIGS. 2A to 2C. Step S123 may include moving the stirring blade (131) along a first movement path (MP1) that sequentially passes through a first position (P11), a second position (P12), and a third position (P13), and moving the stirring blade (131) along a second movement path (MP2) opposite to the first movement path (MP1).

[0089] In exemplary embodiments, step S123 may include mixing the electrode slurry materials (500) while reciprocating the stirring blade (131) along a W-shaped movement path, as described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3E. Step S123 may include moving the stirring blade (131) along a first movement path (MP3) that sequentially passes through a first position (P21), a second position (P22), a third position (P23), a fourth position (P24), and a fifth position (P25), and moving the stirring blade (131) along a second movement path (MP4) opposite to the first movement path (MP3).

[0090] According to exemplary embodiments, during a mixing process of mixing electrode slurry materials (500), when the stirring blade (131) moves along a movement path involving vertical movement and horizontal movement while mixing the electrode slurry materials (500), a vortex may be formed within the mixture of electrode slurry materials (500). The vortex formed within the mixture of electrode slurry materials (500) during the mixing process may increase the dispersibility of the electrode slurry materials (500) even at a relatively low stirring speed of the stirring blade (131). As the dispersibility of the electrode slurry materials (500) is improved during the mixing process, the quality of the electrode slurry manufactured through the mixing process may be improved.

[0091] 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 mixing device configured to mix electrode slurry materials; and A material supply unit configured to supply the above electrode slurry materials to the above mixing device; Including, The above mixing device, A stirring vessel containing the above electrode slurry materials; and A stirring assembly comprising a stirring blade configured to rotate, the stirring assembly configured to mix the materials contained in the stirring vessel while moving the stirring blade in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction; An electrode slurry manufacturing device comprising:

2. In paragraph 1, The stirring blade is configured to mix the electrode slurry materials while moving along a first movement path sequentially passing through a first position, a second position, and a third position, and a second movement path opposite to the first movement path, The second position is a position moved in the first horizontal direction and the first vertical direction from the first position, The third position is a position moved in the first horizontal direction and the second vertical direction from the second position, An electrode slurry manufacturing device, characterized in that the second vertical direction is opposite to the first vertical direction.

3. In paragraph 2, An electrode slurry manufacturing device, characterized in that the stirring blade moves in an inclined direction with respect to each of the first horizontal direction and the first vertical direction between the first position and the second position, and moves in an inclined direction with respect to each of the first horizontal direction and the second vertical direction between the second position and the third position.

4. In paragraph 1, An electrode slurry manufacturing device characterized in that the stirring blade is configured to mix the electrode slurry materials while reciprocating along a V-shaped movement path.

5. In paragraph 1, The stirring blade is configured to mix the materials while moving along a first movement path sequentially passing through a first position, a second position, a third position, a fourth position, and a fifth position and a second movement path opposite to the first movement path, The second position is a position moved in the first horizontal direction and the first vertical direction from the first position, The third position is a position moved in the first horizontal direction and the second vertical direction from the second position, The fourth position is a position moved in the first horizontal direction and the first vertical direction from the third position, The fifth position is a position moved in the first horizontal direction and the second vertical direction from the fourth position, An electrode slurry manufacturing device, characterized in that the second vertical direction is opposite to the first vertical direction.

6. In paragraph 1, An electrode slurry manufacturing device characterized in that the stirring blade is configured to mix the electrode slurry materials while reciprocating along a W-shaped movement path.

7. In paragraph 1, a first actuator for moving the stirring blade in the horizontal direction; and A second actuator for moving the stirring blade in the vertical direction; An electrode slurry manufacturing device characterized by further including:

8. In paragraph 7, The first actuator includes a horizontal guide rail extending in the horizontal direction and a horizontal movement block moving along the horizontal guide rail, The second actuator includes a vertical guide rail extending in the vertical direction and a vertical moving block moving along the vertical guide rail, An electrode slurry manufacturing device characterized in that the vertical guide rail is coupled to the horizontal movement block, and the vertical movement block is coupled to the stirring assembly.

9. In paragraph 1, An electrode slurry manufacturing device characterized in that the above electrode slurry materials include an active material, a binder, a conductive material, and a solvent.

10. A step of supplying electrode slurry materials to a stirring vessel; and A step of mixing the electrode slurry materials contained in the stirring container by rotating the stirring blade; Including, A method for producing an electrode slurry, wherein, in the step of mixing the electrode slurry materials, the stirring blade moves in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction to mix the electrode slurry materials.

11. In paragraph 10, The step of mixing the above electrode slurry materials is: A step of moving the stirring blade along a first movement path sequentially passing through a first position, a second position, and a third position; and A step of moving the stirring blade along a second movement path opposite to the first movement path; Including, The second position is a position moved in the first horizontal direction and the first vertical direction from the first position, The third position is a position moved in the first horizontal direction and the second vertical direction from the second position, A method for manufacturing an electrode slurry, characterized in that the second vertical direction is opposite to the first vertical direction.

12. In paragraph 10, A method for manufacturing an electrode slurry, characterized in that, in the step of mixing the electrode slurry materials, the stirring blade reciprocates along a V-shaped movement path while mixing the electrode slurry materials.

13. In paragraph 10, The step of mixing the above electrode slurry materials is: A step of moving the stirring blade along a first movement path sequentially passing through a first position, a second position, a third position, a fourth position, and a fifth position; and A step of moving the stirring blade along a second movement path opposite to the first movement path; Including, The second position is a position moved in the first horizontal direction and the first vertical direction from the first position, The third position is a position moved in the first horizontal direction and the second vertical direction from the second position, The fourth position is a position moved in the first horizontal direction and the first vertical direction from the third position, The fifth position is a position moved in the first horizontal direction and the second vertical direction from the fourth position, A method for manufacturing an electrode slurry, characterized in that the second vertical direction is opposite to the first vertical direction.

14. In paragraph 10, A method for manufacturing an electrode slurry, characterized in that, in the step of mixing the electrode slurry materials, the stirring blade reciprocates along a W-shaped movement path while mixing the electrode slurry materials.

15. In paragraph 10, A method for manufacturing an electrode slurry, characterized in that the electrode slurry materials include an active material, a binder, a conductive material, and a solvent.

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