Device and method for measuring wrinkles in uncoated portion of electrode plate

Abstract

An apparatus and method for objectively measuring wrinkles in an uncoated portion of an electrode plate after drying of the electrode plate based on a quantitative algorithm for wrinkle measurement is provided. The apparatus includes an electrode plate transfer unit, a wrinkle measurement unit, a memory configured to store a preset preprocessing algorithm and a preset wrinkle level determination algorithm based on pre-coating measurement data of a dried electrode plate, and at least one processor, the at least one processor is configured to execute computer readable instructions included in the memory. The at least one processor is configured to acquire wrinkle measurement data of the dried electrode plate through the wrinkle measurement unit, perform preprocessing based on the preset preprocessing algorithm to remove a coated portion from the acquired wrinkle measurement data, and deriving a grade of the pre-processed wrinkle measurement data based on the preset wrinkle level determination algorithm.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the priority and benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2024 - 0014825, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on January 31, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical field

[0003] An embodiment relates to an apparatus and method for measuring wrinkles in an uncoated portion of an electrode plate after drying the electrode plate based on a quantitative algorithm for wrinkle measurement. Background art

[0004] A secondary battery can be formed by inserting an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator are wound into a case and sealing the case with a lid assembly. The positive electrode plate or the negative electrode plate (hereinafter referred to as "electrode plate") may include an active material - coated portion and an uncoated portion, in the active material - coated portion, an aluminum or copper thin film is coated with a slurry of an active material. A rolling process may be performed on the electrode plate to increase the adhesion between the active material - coated portion and the electrode current collector and to increase the capacity density of the active material. After drying, the rolled electrode plate may pass through a cutter of a certain width so as to be cut into a predetermined size.

[0005] The process of manufacturing a secondary battery may include an electrode process, an assembly process, and a forming process. The electrode process may be a process for manufacturing a positive electrode and a negative electrode, and may be divided into a mixing process, a coating process, a pressing process, and a slitting process. In the coating process, a compound uniformly mixed in the mixing process may be applied to the surface of the substrate of each electrode plate so as to maintain the shape of each compound. The coating process may be performed by moving the substrate (current collector) on a roller, applying the compound to the surface of the substrate, and drying the substrate using hot air.

[0006] In the coating process, after the electrode plate is dried, wrinkles may occur in the uncoated portion of the electrode plate, and it is necessary to accurately determine the level of wrinkles in the uncoated portion and minimize it in order to improve the quality of the final product. The wrinkles in the uncoated portion are usually defined by the subjective criteria of the operator. Therefore, the level of wrinkles can be determined according to subjective criteria, so there may be differences between evaluators and there is a lack of formal criteria.

[0007] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a method for quantitatively measuring and comparing the level of wrinkles for defining wrinkles in an electrode plate after drying the electrode plate.

[0008] The above - disclosed information in this section is for enhancing the understanding of the present disclosure, and thus, it may include information that does not constitute related (or prior) art. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present disclosure includes an apparatus and method for measuring wrinkles in an uncoated portion of an electrode plate after drying the electrode plate and providing a quantitative result, which are based on a quantitative algorithm for real-time wrinkle measurement.

[0010] These and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will be described in the following description of embodiments of the present disclosure or will be apparent from the following description of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] An apparatus for measuring wrinkles in an uncoated portion of an electrode plate according to some embodiments for achieving the above object includes: an electrode plate conveying unit configured to convey a dried electrode plate in a longitudinal direction; a wrinkle measuring unit configured to measure wrinkles in the dried electrode plate in a width direction during conveyance of the dried electrode plate in the longitudinal direction; a memory configured to store a preset preprocessing algorithm and a preset wrinkle level determination algorithm based on pre-coating measurement data of the dried electrode plate; and at least one processor connected to the memory, the at least one processor being configured to execute computer-readable instructions included in the memory, wherein the at least one processor is set to obtain wrinkle measurement data of the dried electrode plate through the wrinkle measuring unit, perform preprocessing based on the preset preprocessing algorithm to remove a coated portion as a coated area from the wrinkle measurement data of the dried electrode plate, and derive a grade of the preprocessed wrinkle measurement data based on the preset wrinkle level determination algorithm.

[0012] The wrinkle measurement data may include position-specific wrinkle height value data of the dried electrode plate and image data converted based on the position-specific wrinkle height value of the dried electrode plate.

[0013] The wrinkle measuring unit may include a first wrinkle measuring unit located above a surface A of the dried electrode plate to measure wrinkles in the surface A, the first wrinkle measuring unit being configured to continuously obtain position-specific wrinkle measurement data within a reference length of the surface A in the longitudinal direction, and a second wrinkle measuring unit located above a surface B of the dried electrode plate to measure wrinkles in the surface B, the second wrinkle measuring unit being configured to continuously obtain position-specific wrinkle measurement data within a reference length of the surface B in the longitudinal direction.

[0014] The wrinkle measuring unit may include a two-dimensional and / or three-dimensional laser displacement sensor.

[0015] The at least one processor may be set to correct the inclination of the dried electrode plate based on the acquired wrinkle measurement data for preprocessing, and remove the coated portion based on the inclination-corrected wrinkle measurement data.

[0016] At least one processor may be configured to calculate the inclination of the dried electrode plate using a linear regression model based on the average data of the pre-coated data to correct the inclination of the dried electrode plate, derive a minimum point of the uncoated portion based on the calculated inclination of the dried electrode plate, obtain a linear equation based on the minimum point of the uncoated portion and the inclination of the dried electrode plate to generate data for correction, and correct the inclination of the dried electrode plate based on the acquired wrinkle measurement data and the data for correction.

[0017] The at least one processor may be configured to calculate the average data of the inclination-corrected wrinkle measurement data to remove the coated portion and derive a coating boundary based on the average data.

[0018] At least one processor may be configured to set the average data as the coating boundary height to derive the coating boundary, set the initial value of the points equal to or less than the set coating boundary height as the boundary start point, and set the boundary end point based on the value obtained by converting the length of the uncoated portion into the number of points in addition to the boundary start point.

[0019] The preset wrinkle level determination algorithm may be configured to determine the level of the pre-processed wrinkle measurement data based on the absolute value and ratio of the preset height data.

[0020] The at least one processor may be configured to: if more than one level is determined within the set length of the dried electrode plate in the longitudinal direction, determine the lowest level among the more than one level as the derived level.

[0021] A method for measuring wrinkles in the uncoated portion of a measurement electrode plate according to some embodiments for achieving the above object includes: obtaining wrinkle measurement data of a dried electrode plate by a wrinkle measurement unit configured to measure wrinkles in the width direction of the dried electrode plate during the conveyance of the dried electrode plate in the longitudinal direction by an electrode plate conveyance unit, performing pre-processing based on a preset pre-processing algorithm to remove the coated portion as the coating area from the obtained wrinkle measurement data, and deriving the level of the pre-processed wrinkle measurement data based on a preset wrinkle level determination algorithm.

[0022] The wrinkle measurement data may include position-specific wrinkle height value data of the dried electrode plate and image data converted based on the position-specific wrinkle height value of the dried electrode plate.

[0023] The steps of obtaining the wrinkle measurement data of the dried electrode plate may include continuously obtaining position-specific wrinkle measurement data within the reference length of the A surface in the longitudinal direction by a first wrinkle measurement unit located above the A surface of the dried electrode plate to measure the wrinkles in the A surface, and continuously obtaining position-specific wrinkle measurement data within the reference length of the B surface in the longitudinal direction by a second wrinkle measurement unit located above the B surface of the dried electrode plate to measure the wrinkles in the B surface.

[0024] The wrinkle measurement unit may include a two-dimensional and / or three-dimensional laser displacement sensor.

[0025] The steps of performing preprocessing may include correcting the tilt of the dried electrode plate based on the obtained wrinkle measurement data, and removing the coated portion based on the tilt-corrected wrinkle measurement data.

[0026] The step of correcting the tilt of the dried electrode plate may include calculating the tilt of the dried electrode plate using a linear regression model based on the average data of the pre-coated data to correct the tilt of the dried electrode plate, deriving a minimum point of the uncoated portion based on the calculated tilt of the dried electrode plate, obtaining a linear equation based on the minimum point of the uncoated portion and the tilt of the dried electrode plate to generate data for correction, and correcting the tilt of the dried electrode plate based on the obtained wrinkle measurement data and the data for correction.

[0027] The step of removing the coated portion may include calculating the average data of the tilt-corrected wrinkle measurement data and deriving the coating boundary based on the average data.

[0028] The step of deriving the coating boundary may include setting the average data as the coating boundary height, setting the initial value of the points equal to or less than the set coating boundary height as the boundary start point, and setting the boundary end point based on the value obtained by converting the length of the uncoated portion into the number of points in addition to the boundary start point.

[0029] The preset wrinkle level determination algorithm may be set to determine the level of the preprocessed wrinkle measurement data based on the absolute value and ratio of the preset height data.

[0030] The step of deriving the level of the preprocessed wrinkle measurement data may include: if more than one level is determined within the set length of the dried electrode plate in the longitudinal direction, determining the lowest level among the more than one level as the derived level.

[0031] A method of measuring wrinkles in the uncoated portion of an electrode plate as disclosed herein, wherein the method is performed using a device for measuring wrinkles in the uncoated portion of an electrode plate as disclosed herein.

[0032] A method of manufacturing an electrode plate, the method comprising coating a portion of the electrode plate to form a coated electrode plate having a coated portion and an uncoated portion, and measuring wrinkles in the uncoated portion of the electrode plate using any of the methods of measuring wrinkles disclosed herein.

[0033] A method of manufacturing an electrode plate, comprising coating a portion of the electrode plate to form a coated electrode plate having a coated portion and an uncoated portion, determining a quality grade of the coated electrode plate by measuring wrinkles in the uncoated portion of the electrode plate using any of the methods of measuring wrinkles disclosed herein, comparing the quality grade with a quality grade cut-off value, and accepting the electrode plate if the quality grade is higher than the quality grade cut-off value.

[0034] A method of manufacturing an electrode plate, comprising coating a portion of the electrode plate to form a coated electrode plate having a coated portion and an uncoated portion, determining a quality grade of the coated electrode plate by measuring wrinkles in the uncoated portion of the electrode plate using any of the methods of measuring wrinkles disclosed herein, comparing the quality grade with a quality grade cut-off value, and rejecting the electrode plate if the quality grade is lower than the quality grade cut-off value. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The drawings attached to this specification illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and further describe aspects and features of the present disclosure together with the detailed description of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the drawings:

[0036] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the A-side measurement unit of a device for measuring wrinkles in the uncoated portion of an electrode plate according to some embodiments;

[0037] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the B-side measurement unit of a device for measuring wrinkles in the uncoated portion of an electrode plate according to some embodiments;

[0038] Figure 3 is a block diagram schematically showing a device for measuring wrinkles in the uncoated portion of an electrode plate according to some embodiments;

[0039] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing a method of measuring wrinkles in the uncoated portion of an electrode plate according to some embodiments;

[0040] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an inclination correction algorithm according to some embodiments;

[0041] Figure 6 is a graph showing the result of an inclination correction algorithm according to some embodiments;

[0042] Figure 7is a flowchart showing a coated portion removal algorithm according to some embodiments;

[0043] Figure 8 is a graph showing the result of a coated portion removal algorithm according to some embodiments;

[0044] Figure 9 is a graph showing the result of a preprocessing algorithm according to some embodiments;

[0045] Figure 10 is a view showing the results with and without applying a preprocessing algorithm according to some embodiments for comparison between them;

[0046] Figure 11 is a graph showing the grading criteria of a wrinkle level determination algorithm according to some embodiments; and

[0047] Figure 12 is a view showing the wrinkle determination result according to some embodiments. Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0048] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in this specification and the claims should not be construed as limited to the ordinary or dictionary meanings, and should be construed as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical concept of the present disclosure based on the concept that the inventor can be his / her own lexicographer to appropriately define the terms in order to best explain the principle of his / her invention.

[0049] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are only some embodiments of the present disclosure, and do not represent all the technical ideas, aspects, and features of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that there can be various equivalents and modifications that can replace or modify the embodiments described herein at the time of filing this application.

[0050] It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on", "connected to", or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, directly connected, or coupled to another element or layer, or there can also be one or more intermediate elements or layers. When an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on", "directly connected to", or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intermediate elements or layers. For example, when a first element is described as being "coupled" or "connected" to a second element, the first element can be directly coupled or connected to the second element, or the first element can be indirectly coupled or connected to the second element via one or more intermediate elements.

[0051] In the accompanying drawings, for clarity of illustration, the dimensions of various elements, layers, etc. may be exaggerated. The same reference numerals denote the same elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Further, when describing embodiments of the present disclosure, the use of "may" refers to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure". Expressions such as "at least one of..." and "any one of..." when preceding a list of elements modify the entire list of elements and not individual elements in the list. When phrases such as "at least one of A, B, and C", "at least one of A, B, or C", "at least one selected from the group consisting of A, B, and C", or "at least one selected from A, B, and C" are used to specify a list of elements A, B, and C, the phrase can refer to any and all suitable combinations or subsets of A, B, and C, such as A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. As used herein, the terms "use", "in use", and "used" may be considered to be synonymous with the terms "utilize", "in utilization", and "utilized", respectively. As used herein, the terms "substantially", "about", and similar terms are used as approximate terms and not terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent variations in measured or calculated values that would be recognized by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0052] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or parts, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or part from another element, component, region, layer, or part. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or part discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or part without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0053] For ease of description, spatial relative terms, such as "beneath", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", etc., may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another or other elements or features as shown in the figures. It should be understood that, in addition to the orientation shown in the figures, the spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as "beneath" or "below" other elements or features will be oriented "above" or "over" the other elements or features. Thus, the term "beneath" can encompass both an orientation above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0054] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a" and "an" are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that when used in this specification, the terms "includes", "including", "comprises" and / or "comprising" specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0055] In addition, any numerical range disclosed and / or recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges of the same numerical precision contained within the recited range. For example, the range "1.0 to 10.0" is intended to include all sub-ranges between the minimum value 1.0 and the maximum value 10.0 (and including the endpoints), i.e., having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limitation recited herein is intended to include all lower numerical limitations contained therein, and any minimum numerical limitation recited in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limitations contained therein. Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification (including the claims) to expressly recite any sub-ranges included within the ranges expressly recited herein. All such ranges are intended to be inherently described in this specification such that the amendment of expressly reciting any such sub-ranges will comply with the requirements.

[0056] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc. as "the same" may mean that they are "substantially the same". Thus, the phrase "substantially the same" may include cases having a deviation considered to be low in the art (e.g., a deviation of 5% or less). Additionally, when a certain parameter is said to be uniform in a given region, it may mean that it is uniform in terms of the average value.

[0057] Throughout the specification, each element may be singular or plural unless otherwise stated.

[0058] When any element is referred to as being disposed (or located or positioned) "above (or below)" or "on (or under)" a component, it may mean that the any element is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the component, and may also mean that another component may be interposed between the component and the any element disposed (or located or positioned) above (or below) the component.

[0059] In addition, it should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "coupled", "linked", or "connected" to another element, the elements can be directly "coupled", "linked", or "connected" to each other, or there can be an intermediate element therebetween through which the elements can be "coupled", "linked", or "connected" to another element. In addition, when a component is referred to as being "electrically coupled" to another component, the component can be directly connected to the other component, or there can be an intermediate component therebetween such that the component and the other component are indirectly connected to each other.

[0060] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specified, when stating "A and / or B", it means A, B, or A and B. That is, "and / or" includes any or all combinations of the listed multiple items. When stating "C to D", unless otherwise specified, it means C or greater and D or less.

[0061] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the A-side measurement unit of a device for measuring wrinkles in the uncoated portion of an electrode plate according to some embodiments. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the B-side measurement unit of a device for measuring wrinkles in the uncoated portion of an electrode plate according to some embodiments.

[0062] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 and, devices 100 and 200 for measuring wrinkles in the uncoated portion of an electrode plate can include electrode plate transfer units 110 and 210, wrinkle measurement units 120 and 220, and a processor 130. The electrode plate transfer units 110 and 210 and the wrinkle measurement units 120 and 220 can include a first electrode plate transfer unit 110 and a first wrinkle measurement unit 120. The first electrode plate transfer unit 110 is configured to transfer electrode plate 1 with the A side of electrode plate 1 facing upward, and the first wrinkle measurement unit 120 is configured to measure the wrinkles in the A side of electrode plate 1 (see Figure 1 ). The electrode plate transfer units 110 and 210 and the wrinkle measurement units 120 and 220 can include a second electrode plate transfer unit 210 and a second wrinkle measurement unit 220. The second electrode plate transfer unit 210 is configured to transfer electrode plate 1 with the B side of electrode plate 1 facing upward, and the second wrinkle measurement unit 220 is configured to measure the wrinkles in the B side of electrode plate 1 (see Figure 2 ).

[0063] In this specification, for ease of description, the devices 100 and 200 for measuring wrinkles in the uncoated portion of the electrode plate, the first electrode plate transfer unit 110 and the second electrode plate transfer unit 210, and the first wrinkle measurement unit 120 and the second wrinkle measurement unit 220 are denoted by different reference numerals. However, the first electrode plate transfer unit 110 and the second electrode plate transfer unit 210 are slightly different in structure but similar in operation, and the first wrinkle measurement unit 120 and the second wrinkle measurement unit 220 are slightly different in structure but similar in operation, and they will hereinafter be referred to as the electrode plate transfer unit 110 and the wrinkle measurement unit 120.

[0064] The electrode plate transfer unit 110 may include a plurality of rollers (not shown). Each roller may be formed in the shape of a cylinder and may rotate in the longitudinal direction. The roller may have a central axis fixed to an external fixing member (not shown) such that its outer peripheral surface may be a reference plane, and the electrode plate 1 may stably move on one side of the outer peripheral surface in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the roller. The roller may be made of a metal material configured not to be deformed by the electrode plate 1 moving in real time, but in some embodiments, the material for the roller is not limited thereto. The electrode plate transfer unit 110 may move the electrode plate 1 in the longitudinal direction (perpendicular to the direction of the roller) of the electrode plate 1 using a plurality of rollers.

[0065] The electrode plate 1 may be wound around the roller and move in the rotational direction of the roller. The electrode plate 1 may move in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the roller. The electrode plate 1 may move in a direction toward the roller through an external electrode plate supply member (not shown). The electrode plate 1 may be a positive electrode plate or a negative electrode plate formed by applying an active material to the surface of a current collector of a secondary battery; however, the present disclosure does not limit the use and type of the electrode plate 1.

[0066] The wrinkle measurement unit 120 may measure wrinkles in the electrode plate 1 in the width direction during the transfer of the electrode plate 1 in the longitudinal direction. For example, the wrinkle measurement unit 120 may measure the wrinkles while reciprocating in the width direction of the electrode plate 1. In some examples, the measurement position of the wrinkle measurement unit 120 may be fixed, and the number of the devices may be increased as needed to allow multiple consecutive measurements.

[0067] The wrinkle measurement unit 120 may detect the amount of light on the target outer surface of the electrode plate 1. The target outer surface of the electrode plate 1 may refer to the area where the amount of light will be detected by the wrinkle measurement unit 120, which is a part of the entire outer surface of the electrode plate 1 moving in real time.

[0068] The wrinkle measurement unit 120 can irradiate the target outer surface of the electrode plate 1 with light and can detect the amount of light on the target outer surface of the electrode plate 1 based on the change in the distribution of the amount of light reflected from the target outer surface of the electrode plate 1. The wrinkle measurement unit 120 can detect the amount of light and can send a light amount detection signal to the processor 130 in the form of a voltage output. The wrinkle measurement unit 120 can include a sensing part 121 configured to sense the amount of light for wrinkle measurement. The sensing part 121 can be an optical displacement sensor, such as a two-dimensional and / or three-dimensional laser displacement sensor using an optical cutting method. The light can be a visible, near-infrared, or infrared laser, but the present disclosure is not limited to the type of light. The laser displacement sensor can measure the profile (cross-sectional shape), such as height, step, and width, in a non-contact manner by irradiating a linear laser onto the surface of the target object and collecting the change in the reflected light using a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS). The continuously acquired profile data can be imaged to obtain the two-dimensional and / or three-dimensional shape of the target object, thereby enabling high-precision measurement and inspection. In some embodiments, the type of sensor applied to the sensing part 121 is not limited to this. Any of various light amount sensors corresponding to the light source can be applied to the sensing part 121.

[0069] The wrinkle measurement unit 120 can further include a transfer frame 122 configured to move the sensing part 121 of the wrinkle measurement unit 120 to the target outer surface of the electrode plate 1. The transfer frame 122 can include a pole 122a on which the sensing part 121 is mounted and a main body 122b connected to the pole 122a. The main body 122b can be connected to the pole 122a to fixedly support the pole 122a. The transfer frame 122 can move relative to the target outer surface of the electrode plate 1 in the longitudinal direction of the roller (the width direction of the electrode plate).

[0070] The rotation and movement of the rollers of the electrode plate transfer unit 110, the movement of the electrode plate 1, and the operation of the wrinkle measurement unit 120 can be controlled by the processor 130. The electrode plate transfer unit 110 and the wrinkle measurement unit 120 can receive instructions from the processor 130 to rotate or move the rollers, move the electrode plate 1, or operate the wrinkle measurement unit 120.

[0071] Figure 3 is a block diagram schematically showing a device for measuring wrinkles in the uncoated portion of an electrode plate according to some embodiments.

[0072] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing a device 100 for measuring wrinkles in the uncoated portion of an electrode plate according to a process such as calculation for wrinkle measurement. Refer to Figure 3, the processor 130 can obtain the wrinkle measurement data of the dry electrode plate 1 through the wrinkle measurement unit 120, and can perform preprocessing based on a preset preprocessing algorithm to remove the coating area from the obtained wrinkle measurement data. The processor 130 can derive the level of the preprocessed wrinkle measurement data based on a preset wrinkle level determination algorithm.

[0073] To implement the process described above, the processor 130 may further include a communication unit 140, a memory 150, and an input / output unit 160.

[0074] The communication unit 140 can provide a communication interface to provide, as packet data, signals sent to and received from external devices (including servers) in combination with a network. The communication unit 140 can also be a device including hardware and software for sending and receiving signals (such as control signals or data signals) through a wired or wireless connection with another network device.

[0075] The memory 150 can store various information for operating the device 100 for measuring wrinkles in the uncoated portion of the electrode plate and control software configured to operate the device 100 for measuring wrinkles in the uncoated portion of the electrode plate, and can include a volatile or non-volatile recording medium. The memory 150 can be connected to at least one processor 130 and can store code that, if executed by the processor 130, causes the processor 130 to control the device 100 for measuring wrinkles in the uncoated portion of the electrode plate.

[0076] The memory 150 can include a magnetic storage medium or a flash storage medium, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The memory 150 can store algorithms for performing training according to the present disclosure and data associated with the algorithms. Information stored in the memory 150 can be received from a server or an external device, or can be input by a user.

[0077] In some embodiments, the memory 150 can store first contour data and second contour data obtained by measuring wrinkles in the uncoated portion of the electrode plate. The first contour data can be data generated from a light amount detection signal for the uncoated portion of the electrode plate, and the second contour data can be corrected data obtained by applying a preset preprocessing algorithm to the first contour data. The memory 150 can store coordinate value data of the sensing part 121 fixed to the transfer frame 122, as well as the first contour data and the second contour data. Accordingly, the processor 130 can obtain position-specific wrinkle data of the electrode plate 1.

[0078] The processor 130 may continuously manage the first profile data and the second profile data. Thus, the processor 130 may update the first profile data and the second profile data if the wrinkles in the uncoated portion of the electrode plate 1 are outside the reference value, or update the first profile data and the second profile data at a predetermined interval.

[0079] The input / output unit 160 may receive data to be input for measuring the wrinkles in the uncoated portion of the electrode plate. The data may be data input by the user via a user interface or the like, or data input from a server or the like. The input / output unit 160 may output the measurement result of the wrinkles in the uncoated portion of the electrode plate 1 calculated by the processor 130. The input / output unit 160 may display the measurement result of the wrinkles in the uncoated portion of the electrode plate 1 moving in real time in the form of a graph or the like, so that the operator can easily check the measurement result of the wrinkles in the uncoated portion of the electrode plate 1.

[0080] If the measurement result of the wrinkles in the uncoated portion of the electrode plate 1 calculated by the processor 130 deviates from the reference value, the input / output unit 160 may generate an alarm signal or the like. The processor 130 may compare the measurement result of the wrinkles in the uncoated portion of the electrode plate 1 calculated in real time with a standard for determining whether the uncoated portion of the electrode plate 1 is defective. If the wrinkles in the uncoated portion of the electrode plate 1 deviate from the reference value, the processor 130 may generate an alarm signal in the form of text or voice through the input / output unit 160 so that the operator can easily check the state of the wrinkles in the uncoated portion of the electrode plate 1.

[0081] The processor 130 may control the operation of the components of the device 100 for measuring the wrinkles in the uncoated portion of the electrode plate. The processor 130 may be connected to a power supply (not shown), and may control the power supply to the components of the device 100 for measuring the wrinkles in the uncoated portion of the electrode plate via the power supply.

[0082] The processor 130 may control the overall operation of the device 100 for measuring the wrinkles in the uncoated portion of the electrode plate. The processor 130 may be connected to the components (including the memory 150) of the device 100 for measuring the wrinkles in the uncoated portion of the electrode plate, and may execute at least one instruction stored in the memory 150 to control the overall operation of the device 100 for measuring the wrinkles in the uncoated portion of the electrode plate.

[0083] The processor 130 (which may be a central processing unit) may drive the control software stored in the memory 150 to control the overall operation of the device 100 for measuring wrinkles in the uncoated portion of the electrode plate. The processor 130 may include any type of device capable of processing data. As used herein, a "processor" may refer to a data processing device embedded in hardware, e.g., having circuitry physically configured to execute functions represented by code or instructions included in a program.

[0084] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing a method of measuring wrinkles in the uncoated portion of an electrode plate according to some embodiments. Hereinafter, reference will be made to Figure 4 Describe the process by which the processor 130 measures wrinkles in the uncoated portion of the electrode plate.

[0085] The processor 130 may obtain wrinkle measurement data of the dry electrode plate 1 through the wrinkle measurement unit 120 (S100).

[0086] The wrinkle measurement data may include position-specific wrinkle height value data of the dry electrode plate 1 and image data converted based on the position-specific wrinkle height value of the dry electrode plate 1 (see the left figures in each of (a) to (d) of Figure 10 . In some examples, data may be obtained from the wrinkle measurement unit 120 and the data may be processed to generate an image based on the data. For example, height change data of the surface may be obtained. The data may be obtained in XYZ coordinates. Additionally, the obtained data may be mapped based on the wrinkle height value. For example, different colors may be assigned according to the height to convert it into a 2D color map. In some examples, 3D data may be converted into a 2D image, typically through color mapping or grayscale conversion. In some examples, an image may be generated by differently assigning colors based on the wrinkle height value. For example, a lower height may be represented by a darker color and a higher height may be represented by a brighter color.

[0087] The processor 130 may measure the state of wrinkles in the A surface of the electrode plate 1 through the first wrinkle measurement unit 120, and may measure the state of wrinkles in the B surface of the electrode plate 1 through the second wrinkle measurement unit 220. The processor 130 may continuously obtain position-specific wrinkle measurement data in the width direction of the electrode plate 1 within a reference length (e.g., 10 m or 150 m) in the longitudinal direction.

[0088] The processor 130 may perform preprocessing based on a preprocessing algorithm to remove the coated area from the obtained wrinkle measurement data (S200).

[0089] The processor 130 may be set to determine the grade of the preprocessed wrinkle measurement data based on a preset absolute value and ratio of height data.

[0090] The preset preprocessing algorithm may include a tilt correction algorithm and a coating portion removal algorithm. The tilt correction algorithm may be configured to correct the tilt based on the acquired wrinkle measurement data using a linear regression model. The coating portion removal algorithm may be configured to remove the coating portion by deriving a coating boundary based on the average data of the tilt-corrected wrinkle measurement data.

[0091] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing a tilt correction algorithm according to some embodiments. Figure 6 is a graph showing the result of a tilt correction algorithm according to some embodiments.

[0092] In some embodiments, the position (height) of the uncoated portion of the electrode plate 1 may vary according to the drying conditions, and thus it may not be possible to level it precisely with a measurement sensor (including the leveling problem of the measurement sensor according to the environment). The processor 130 may apply a tilt correction algorithm to remove the error caused by the tilt of the uncoated portion of the electrode plate 1.

[0093] Hereinafter, reference will be made to Figure 5 and Figure 6 to describe the process in which the processor 130 applies the tilt correction algorithm.

[0094] Referring to Figure 6 's left figure, the processor 130 may calculate the tilt using a linear regression model based on the average data of the pre-coated data in order to correct the tilt (S210). The processor 130 may derive at least one point (x1, y1) of the uncoated portion based on the calculated tilt. The processor 130 may simultaneously acquire the pre-coated data of the electrode plate during the measurement of the wrinkles in the uncoated portion of the electrode plate. The tilt of the electrode plate may be obtained from the pre-coated data using a linear regression model.

[0095] Referring to Figure 6 's middle figure, the processor 130 may obtain a linear equation based on a point and the tilt to generate data for correction (S211). Referring to Figure 6 's right figure, the processor 130 may correct the tilt based on the acquired wrinkle measurement data and the data for correction (S212). The processor 130 may obtain a linear equation using the measurement data and the tilt to generate data for correction, and may automatically correct the tilt according to the existing measurement data and the data for correction.

[0096] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing a coating portion removal algorithm according to some embodiments. Figure 8 is a graph showing the result of a coating portion removal algorithm according to some embodiments.

[0097] The coated portion (coating region) of the electrode plate 1 may have a relatively large height value due to the active material applied thereto. Therefore, if such information is included to determine the wrinkle level, the determined wrinkle level may be different from the actual wrinkle level. Accordingly, the processor 130 may apply a coated portion removal algorithm to remove the influence of the coated portion of the electrode plate 1 measured together with the uncoated portion.

[0098] Hereinafter, reference will be made to Figure 7 and Figure 8 to describe the process in which the processor 130 applies the coated portion removal algorithm.

[0099] Referring to Figure 8 's left figure, in order to remove the coated portion of the electrode plate 1, the processor 130 may calculate the average data of the tilt-corrected wrinkle measurement data and may derive a coating boundary based on the average data (S250).

[0100] In some embodiments, the processor 130 may set the average data as the coating boundary height to derive the coating boundary. For example, the coating boundary height may be set to 0.05 mm or less, but this may change if the coating height changes. The processor 130 may select a point at or below the average data height 5000 (0.05 mm) of the tilt-corrected wrinkle measurement data.

[0101] Referring to Figure 8 's middle figure, the processor 130 may set an initial value of a point below the set coating boundary height as a boundary start point (see star mark) (S251). For example, the processor 130 may set an initial value of a point having a height of 0.05 mm or less as the boundary start point.

[0102] Referring to Figure 8 's right figure, in addition to the boundary start point, the processor 130 may also set a boundary end point based on a value obtained by converting the length of the uncoated portion into the number of points (S252). The processor 130 may obtain the length of the uncoated portion from the design value of the electrode plate 1 and may convert it into the number of data points using information on the distance (width) between the measurement data.

[0103] Figure 9 is a graph showing the result of a preprocessing algorithm according to some embodiments. Figure 10 is a view showing the results with and without applying a preprocessing algorithm according to some embodiments for comparison between them.

[0104] Referring to Figure 9 and 10 , it can be seen from the results measured after coating the electrode plate 1 that if the tilt is corrected and the coating region is removed, the clearest graph of the wrinkle position is obtained.

[0105] Referring to Figure 10 , (a) shows a case where neither the coating portion removal algorithm nor the tilt correction algorithm is applied, (b) shows a case where only the coating portion removal algorithm is applied, (c) shows a case where only the tilt correction algorithm is applied, and (d) shows a case where both the coating portion removal algorithm and the tilt correction algorithm are applied. Similar to Figure 9 , it can be seen that if both the coating portion removal algorithm and the tilt correction algorithm are applied, the clearest result of the wrinkle position is obtained. Therefore, the preprocessing algorithm according to some embodiments must include both the coating portion removal algorithm and the tilt correction algorithm.

[0106] After executing the preprocessing algorithm, the processor 130 may derive the level of the preprocessed wrinkle measurement data based on a preset wrinkle level determination algorithm (S300).

[0107] Figure 11 is a graph showing the level criteria of the wrinkle level determination algorithm according to some embodiments. Figure 12 is a view showing the wrinkle determination result according to some embodiments.

[0108] In some embodiments, the preset wrinkle level determination algorithm may be set to determine the level of the preprocessed wrinkle measurement data based on the absolute value and ratio of the preset height data. Referring to Figure 11 , the processor 130 may derive the level of the wrinkle level of the preprocessed and corrected electrode plate 1 at a given position by comparing the position-specific (horizontal axis of the graph) wrinkle height (vertical axis of the graph) of each position of the preprocessed and corrected electrode plate 1 with the standard set based on the absolute value and ratio of the preset height data. Referring to Figure 12 , the processor 130 may schematically display the position-specific level result of the electrode plate 1.

[0109] For example, the wrinkle level may be set to grade A, grade B, and grade C. For example, if the percentage of data with a height exceeding 0.4 mm is 1% or more, the wrinkle level may be set to grade C. If the percentage of data with a height not exceeding 0.1 mm is 99% or more and if the maximum height is 0.2 mm or less, the wrinkle level may be set to grade A. If the wrinkle level is neither grade A nor grade C, the wrinkle level may be set to grade B. However, the grade and the criteria for the grade are not limited thereto and may be changed according to the setting.

[0110] If several other grades are determined within the set length of the dried electrode plate 1 in the longitudinal direction, the processor 130 may be set to finally determine the lowest grade of a given area. For example, if grades A and B are derived for a specific area, that area may be determined as grade B.

[0111] It is obvious from the above description that the apparatus and method for measuring wrinkles in the uncoated portion of an electrode plate according to an embodiment can measure the wrinkles in the uncoated portion of the electrode plate after drying based on a quantitative algorithm for real-time wrinkle measurement and provide a quantitative determination result, whereby the level of wrinkles can be determined based on an objective standard. Therefore, the accuracy of wrinkle determination can be improved, and thus the completion level of the product can be improved.

[0112] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments and the drawings showing aspects of the present disclosure, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains can make various modifications and variations within the scope of the technical spirit of the present disclosure and the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A device for measuring wrinkles in an uncoated portion of an electrode plate, the device comprising: An electrode plate conveying unit configured to convey a dried electrode plate in a longitudinal direction; A wrinkle measuring unit configured to measure wrinkles in the dried electrode plate in a width direction during conveyance of the dried electrode plate in the longitudinal direction; A memory configured to store a preset preprocessing algorithm and a preset wrinkle level determination algorithm; And At least one processor connected to the memory, the at least one processor being configured to execute computer-readable instructions included in the memory, Wherein the at least one processor is set to: Obtain wrinkle measurement data of the dried electrode plate through the wrinkle measuring unit; Perform preprocessing based on the preset preprocessing algorithm to remove a coated portion, which is a coated area, from the obtained wrinkle measurement data; and Derive a grade of the preprocessed wrinkle measurement data based on the preset wrinkle level determination algorithm.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein The wrinkle measurement data includes position-specific wrinkle height value data of the dried electrode plate and image data converted based on the position-specific wrinkle height value of the dried electrode plate.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The wrinkle measuring unit includes: A first wrinkle measuring unit located above a surface A of the dried electrode plate to measure wrinkles in the surface A, the first wrinkle measuring unit being configured to continuously obtain position-specific wrinkle measurement data within a reference length of the surface A in the longitudinal direction; and A second wrinkle measuring unit located above a surface B of the dried electrode plate to measure wrinkles in the surface B, the second wrinkle measuring unit being configured to continuously obtain position-specific wrinkle measurement data within a reference length of the surface B in the longitudinal direction.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The wrinkle measuring unit includes a two-dimensional and / or three-dimensional laser displacement sensor.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The at least one processor is set to: Correct the inclination of the dried electrode plate based on the obtained wrinkle measurement data so as to perform the preprocessing; And Remove the coated portion based on the inclination-corrected wrinkle measurement data.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein, The at least one processor is set to: Calculate the inclination of the dried electrode plate using a linear regression model based on average data of precoating data so as to correct the inclination of the dried electrode plate; Derive a minimum point of the uncoated portion based on the calculated inclination of the dried electrode plate; Obtain a linear equation based on the minimum point of the uncoated portion and the inclination of the dried electrode plate to generate data for correction; And Correct the inclination of the dried electrode plate based on the obtained wrinkle measurement data and the data for correction.

7. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The at least one processor is set to: Calculate average data of the inclination-corrected wrinkle measurement data to remove the coated portion; And Derive a coating boundary based on the average data.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein The at least one processor is set to: Set the average data as a coating boundary height so as to derive the coating boundary; Set an initial value of points equal to or less than the set coating boundary height as a boundary starting point; and In addition to the boundary starting point, a boundary end point is set based on a value obtained by converting the length of the uncoated portion into the number of points.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The preset wrinkle level determination algorithm is set to determine the level of the preprocessed wrinkle measurement data based on the absolute value and ratio of the preset height data.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one processor is set to: if more than one level is determined within the set length of the dried electrode plate in the longitudinal direction, determine the lowest level among the more than one levels as the derived level.

11. A method for measuring wrinkles in an uncoated portion of an electrode plate, at least a part of each step being executed by a processor, the method comprising: Obtaining wrinkle measurement data of a dried electrode plate by a wrinkle measurement unit configured to measure wrinkles of the dried electrode plate in the width direction during conveyance of the dried electrode plate in the longitudinal direction by an electrode plate conveyance unit; Performing preprocessing based on a preset preprocessing algorithm to remove a coated portion that is a coated area from the obtained wrinkle measurement data; And Deriving a level of the preprocessed wrinkle measurement data based on a preset wrinkle level determination algorithm.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The wrinkle measurement data includes position-specific wrinkle height value data of the dried electrode plate and image data converted based on the position-specific wrinkle height value of the dried electrode plate.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The step of obtaining wrinkle measurement data of the dried electrode plate includes: Continuously obtaining position-specific wrinkle measurement data within a reference length of the A surface in the longitudinal direction by a first wrinkle measurement unit located above the A surface of the dried electrode plate to measure wrinkles in the A surface; and Continuously obtaining position-specific wrinkle measurement data within a reference length of the B surface in the longitudinal direction by a second wrinkle measurement unit located above the B surface of the dried electrode plate to measure wrinkles in the B surface.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The wrinkle measurement unit includes a two-dimensional and / or three-dimensional laser displacement sensor.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The step of performing the preprocessing includes: Correcting the inclination of the dried electrode plate based on the obtained wrinkle measurement data; and Removing the coated portion based on the inclination-corrected wrinkle measurement data.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the step of correcting the inclination of the dried electrode plate includes: Calculating the inclination of the dried electrode plate using a linear regression model based on average data of precoating data to correct the inclination of the dried electrode plate; Deriving a minimum point of the uncoated portion based on the calculated inclination of the dried electrode plate; Obtaining a linear equation based on the minimum point of the uncoated portion and the inclination of the dried electrode plate to generate data for correction; And Correcting the inclination of the dried electrode plate based on the obtained wrinkle measurement data and the data for correction.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein The step of removing the coated portion includes: Calculating average data of the inclination-corrected wrinkle measurement data; and Deriving a coating boundary based on the average data.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The step of deriving the coating boundary includes: Setting the average data as the coating boundary height; Set the initial value of the points equal to or less than the set coating boundary height as the boundary starting point; and In addition to the boundary starting point, set the boundary ending point based on the value obtained by converting the length of the uncoated portion into the number of points.

19. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The preset wrinkle level determination algorithm is set to determine the level of the preprocessed wrinkle measurement data based on the absolute value and ratio of the preset height data.

20. The method according to claim 11, wherein The step of deriving the level of the preprocessed wrinkle measurement data includes: if more than one level is determined within the set length of the dried electrode plate in the longitudinal direction, determine the lowest level among the more than one level as the derived level.

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