Apparatus for managing manufacturing process of battery

Abstract

According to one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for managing a manufacturing process of a battery comprises: an input unit for receiving each of one or more products selected from a plurality of products and one or more processes selected from a plurality of processes; the display unit is used for outputting a formula corresponding to the selected product and process; and a control unit for controlling the input unit and the display unit, in which each recipe is preset respectively corresponding to each of the plurality of products and each of the plurality of processes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0050137 filed on April 17, 2023, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for managing a manufacturing process of a battery, and more particularly, to an apparatus that allows an operator to more efficiently input recipe settings and manage the manufacturing process of a battery while preventing the operator from erroneously inputting recipe settings into a battery manufacturing device. Background Art

[0004] In modern society, with the increasing use of portable devices such as mobile phones, laptops, camcorders, and digital cameras, as well as energy storage systems (ESS), technologies in these areas are actively developing. Furthermore, demand for the development of rechargeable and dischargeable secondary batteries, which are used as power sources for electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (P-HEVs), is growing as a solution to air pollution caused by existing gasoline vehicles that use fossil fuels.

[0005] The manufacturing process of such a lithium secondary battery is roughly divided into an electrode process, an assembly process, and a molding process, and each process again includes detailed processes.

[0006] The manufacturing process of such a lithium secondary battery goes through several steps, and therefore, when inputting values ​​into equipment used in the secondary battery manufacturing process, a method is needed that prevents the operator from inputting incorrect values ​​and allows the operator to input values ​​more efficiently, thereby managing the battery manufacturing process more accurately and efficiently. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for managing the manufacturing process of batteries more accurately and efficiently.

[0009] However, the objects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above objects and can be expanded in various ways within the scope of the technical concept included in the present disclosure.

[0010] Technical Solution

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus for managing a manufacturing process of a battery, the apparatus including: an input unit that receives input of at least one product selected from a plurality of products and at least one process selected from a plurality of processes; a display unit that outputs a formula corresponding to the selected product and process; and a control unit that controls the input unit and the display unit, wherein formulas are pre-set corresponding to each of the plurality of products and each of the plurality of processes, respectively.

[0012] The management device can execute: a registration mode in which a recipe corresponding to a product and a process is preset; and a process execution mode in which a process execution instruction is transmitted to equipment used for the process according to the recipe corresponding to the product and the process.

[0013] The recipe may include at least one parameter applied to equipment devices for a process according to a product and a process and a target value for each parameter.

[0014] The target value for at least a portion of the at least one parameter is changeable, and an allowable range of variation may include at least one of an upper limit and a lower limit.

[0015] In the process execution mode, the display unit first displays a recipe corresponding to the input product and process, and when the input unit receives an input of a process execution instruction, the process may be executed in the process equipment according to the first displayed recipe.

[0016] In the process execution mode, when the input unit receives an input of a value changed from the preset target value of the displayed recipe, the changed value may be transmitted to the control unit.

[0017] In the process execution mode, the control unit determines whether the changed value falls within the range of the upper limit and the lower limit, and when the value falls within the range of the upper limit and the lower limit, temporarily changes the recipe to the changed value, the display unit then displays the changed value, and when the input unit receives an input of a process execution instruction, the process can be executed in the device for the process according to the recipe then displayed.

[0018] In the process execution mode, the control unit determines whether the changed value falls within the range of the upper limit and the lower limit, and when the value is outside the range of the upper limit and the lower limit, invalidates the changed value and restores it to the preset target value; the display unit then displays the preset target value; and when the input unit receives an input of a process execution instruction, the process can be executed in the equipment used for the process according to the recipe subsequently displayed.

[0019] In the process execution mode, when a value different from the target value is input without setting an upper limit or a lower limit as a parameter of the allowable variation range of the target value, the control unit invalidates the changed value and restores it to the preset target value, the display unit then displays the preset target value, and when the input unit receives an input of a process execution instruction, the process can be executed in the equipment used for the process according to the recipe then displayed.

[0020] In the process execution mode, the target value cannot be changed without setting an upper limit or a lower limit as a parameter of the allowable variation range of the target value.

[0021] In the process execution mode, a value changed from the preset target value is transmitted to the process equipment, but may not be updated in the recipe previously stored in the database.

[0022] In the registration mode, at least one parameter and a target value of each parameter are preset according to each product and each process, so that the recipe can be stored in the database.

[0023] At least one parameter may be reset in the registration mode, the input unit receives an input of the parameter to be reset, and the recipe may be updated to the reset parameter and stored in the database.

[0024] The target value for the parameter may be reset in the registration mode, the input unit receives an input of the target value to be reset, and the recipe may be updated to the reset target value and stored in the database.

[0025] In the registration mode, at least one of an upper limit and a lower limit of an allowable variation range of the target value of the parameter can be reset, the input unit receives an input of at least one of the upper limit and the lower limit to be reset, and the recipe can be updated to the at least one of the reset upper limit and the lower limit and stored in the database.

[0026] The registration mode and the process execution mode may be selected at the input unit.

[0027] The recipe is stored in a database, and the database may be integrated in the management device or connected to the outside of the management device through a wired communication network or a wireless communication network.

[0028] A history of the process performed using the recipe corresponding to the input product and process may be further stored in the database.

[0029] In the display unit, the plurality of products and the plurality of processes may be provided as a list.

[0030] The management device may be integrated into the process tool or provided separately from the process tool and coupled to the process tool via a wired or wireless communication network.

[0031] Beneficial effects

[0032] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an apparatus for more accurately and efficiently managing a manufacturing process of a battery, thereby maximizing production efficiency in the manufacturing process of the battery and improving the quality of the produced batteries.

[0033] The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described effects, and other additional effects not described above will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the detailed description of the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating an apparatus for managing a manufacturing process of a battery according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0035] Figure 2 An example of a recipe that can be applied to a manufacturing process of a battery according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; and

[0036] Figure 3 and Figure 4 Shown for Figure 1 Flowchart of a method for executing a process execution mode in a management device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily perform the present disclosure. The present disclosure can be modified in various ways and is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0038] In order to clearly describe the present disclosure, parts irrelevant to the description will be omitted, and the same reference numerals denote the same elements throughout the description.

[0039] Furthermore, throughout the specification, when a part is referred to as “including” or “comprising” a certain component, it means that the part may further include other components, but does not exclude other components, unless otherwise explicitly described to the contrary.

[0040] Now, an apparatus for managing a manufacturing process of a battery according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an apparatus 100 for managing a manufacturing process of a battery (hereinafter referred to as a “management apparatus”) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0042] First, the management device 100 can be integrated into the equipment device 200 of the battery manufacturing process, or can be provided separately from the equipment device 200 of the battery manufacturing process and connected to the equipment device 200 via a wired or wireless communication network to control the equipment device 200. In this way, the device can be modified and changed in various ways according to the environment in which the present invention is applied.

[0043] The management apparatus 100 generally includes an input unit 110, a control unit 120, and a display unit 130. The management apparatus 100 further includes a database 140.

[0044] Input unit 110 receives input of at least one battery product selected from a plurality of battery products and at least one process selected from a plurality of processes related to battery manufacturing. When attempting to operate apparatus 200 for a battery manufacturing process, an operator selects at least one of the plurality of products and at least one of the plurality of processes in input unit 110 and inputs these into the input unit.

[0045] The input unit 110 may be implemented as, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, a touch input device, etc. The pointing device may be, for example, a mouse, a stylus pen, a touch pad, a trackball, etc. The touch input device may be, for example, a touch screen, a touch pad, etc.

[0046] The display unit 130 outputs (displays) a recipe corresponding to the selected product and process. The display unit 130 may be, for example, a monitor.

[0047] The control unit 120 controls the input unit 110 and the display unit 130 in conjunction with the database 140. In addition, the control unit 120 also controls the equipment device 200 used in the manufacturing process of the battery.

[0048] The control unit 120 may include at least one processor and memory, i.e., processing circuitry. The memory stores processor-executable instruction words that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform one or more operations described herein. The processor may include a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or the like, or a combination thereof. The memory may include, but is not limited to, electronic, optical, magnetic, or any other storage or transmission device capable of providing program instruction words to the processor. The memory may be a floppy disk, CD-ROM, DVD, magnetic disk, memory chip, ASIC, FPGA, ROM, RAM, electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), flash memory, optical media, or any other suitable memory from which the processor can read instruction words. The instruction words may include code in any suitable computer programming language. The control unit 120 may include one or more computing devices or servers capable of performing various functions.

[0049] By way of example, processors suitable for executing the present invention include general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, as well as any one or more processors of any type of digital computer. Typically, a processor will receive instruction words and data from read-only memory or random access memory, or both. The components of a computer include a processor for performing actions according to instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instruction words and data. Typically, a computer also includes one or more large storage devices for storing data, such as magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks, or can be operably connected to receive data from or send data to them. However, a computer need not have the above devices. In addition, a computer can be incorporated into other devices, such as a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile audio or video player, a game console, a GPS receiver, or a portable storage device (such as a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive). Devices suitable for storing computer program instruction words and data include, for example: semiconductor memory devices (such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices); magnetic disks (such as internal hard disks or removable disks); and all forms of non-volatile memory, media, and storage devices, including CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

[0050] The database 140 may be a database configured to store and / or maintain any information described herein. The database 140 may be stored in a data structure of any suitable type and format (such as an array, a flat file, a description file, or a database file of any other type and format). In one embodiment, the database 140 may pre-store preset recipes, as described below. In some embodiments, one or more memory addresses or index values ​​may be used to access the database. The database 140 may be accessed by a module or network (not shown) of the control unit 120. In some embodiments, the database 140 may be integrated with the management device 100. In some embodiments, the database 140 may exist outside the management device 100 and may be accessed via a network. In some embodiments, the database 140 may be distributed across multiple different computer systems or multiple different process facilities 200 and may be accessed via a network and / or an appropriate computer bus interface. The control unit 120 may store the results of any or all calculations, decisions, selections, identifications, or operations as appropriate values ​​indexed in one or more databases 140.

[0051] The network (not shown) may also include any number of computing devices (e.g., computers, servers, routers, network switches, etc.) configured to receive and / or send data within the network. The network may also include any number of fixed wired and / or wireless connections.

[0052] The recipe may be prepared in advance in various ways to correspond to each of the plurality of products and each of the plurality of processes.

[0053] Multiple products can be variously set as specific detailed model names for each battery type, for example, pouch-type batteries, prismatic batteries, and cylindrical batteries as final products (final production products), or can also be variously set as detailed components or detailed model names of the various components that constitute the battery, such as positive electrodes, negative electrodes, diaphragms, electrode assemblies, casings, etc. In addition, multiple processes may include various processes for manufacturing corresponding components. For example, they may include more detailed processes belonging to related processes in electrode processes, assembly processes, and molding processes. Since the above-mentioned multiple products and multiple processes correspond only to examples, the present disclosure is not limited to the above content, and can be applied in a variety of ways as long as it is related to the battery manufacturing process.

[0054] A recipe refers to data including target values ​​for each parameter of an equipment device 200 and at least one parameter of a process for manufacturing a product. The target value can be changed for at least a portion of at least one parameter. For example, the target value can be adjusted according to changes in the environment at the time (such as the specific location and time at which the process is performed). The allowable range of variation of the target value includes at least one of an upper limit and a lower limit. That is, the target value is adjusted, but the change in the target value is only allowed to be within a preset range. For this allowable range, only the upper limit can be set, only the lower limit can be set, or both the upper limit and the lower limit can be set. On the other hand, in some cases, there are parameters whose values ​​are not allowed to change. In this case, the allowable range of variation is not set, and the target value can be a fixed value. The recipe can also include various information required for the manufacturing process of the battery, such as the target value unit, specification type, decimal places, data type, etc. Figure 2 An example of a recipe is shown.

[0055] Furthermore, the management apparatus 100 first operates in two modes: a registration mode for presetting recipes corresponding to products and processes; and a process execution mode for transmitting process execution instructions to equipment for the process according to the recipes corresponding to the products and processes.

[0056] In the registration mode, engineers who design battery products and processes pre-set a recipe based on product specifications, parameters required for the product's manufacturing process, input values ​​for parameter inputs, etc., and register the recipe in the database 140 .

[0057] In the process execution mode, an operator who actually executes the battery product and process retrieves a preset recipe and operates the equipment device 200 with the corresponding recipe or a modified recipe.

[0058] Input unit 110 receives input of at least one product selected from a plurality of products and at least one process selected from a plurality of processes. For example, the names or codes of the plurality of products and processes may be displayed in a list on display unit 130, and then selected from the list via input unit 110. Alternatively, the names or codes of the plurality of products and processes may be input into input unit 110.

[0059] The display unit 130 downloads a recipe corresponding to the product and process input to the input unit 110 from the database 140 and first displays the recipe.

[0060] If the process can be executed according to the recipe, the operator inputs a command to execute the process via the input unit 110. For example, this may be a method of pressing an operation execution button. When the process execution instruction is input at the input unit 110, the process is executed on the equipment for the process according to the recipe that was first displayed.

[0061] On the other hand, as described above, the target value can be changed before the process is executed, depending on the parameters. For example, the target value can be adjusted based on changes in the prevailing environment (such as the specific location and time of the process), and then the process can be executed. To this end, the input unit 110 receives input of a value changed from the preset target value of the recipe, which is initially displayed on the display unit 130. The changed value is transmitted to the control unit 120.

[0062] The control unit 120 that has received the transmission of the changed value determines whether the changed value falls within the preset range in the recipe. As described above, the preset range can be a range with an upper limit set according to the parameter, or a range with only a lower limit set, or a range with both an upper limit and a lower limit set.

[0063] If the changed value falls within the range preset in the recipe, the control unit 120 temporarily changes the recipe to the changed value. The display unit 130 displays the recipe with the changed value. Next, when the input unit 110 receives an input of a process execution instruction, the process execution instruction is transmitted to the equipment device 200 for the process. This means that the process is executed using the recipe with the changed value, and therefore, the process is executed in the equipment device 200 for the process according to the recipe including the changed value.

[0064] On the other hand, if the changed value does not fall within the range preset in the recipe, the control unit 120 invalidates the changed value and restores the recipe to the preset target value. The display unit 130 displays the recipe with the preset target value. At this time, an alarm message indicating that an error has been found in the changed value may also be displayed on the display unit 130, and an alarm warning sound may be output.

[0065] At this point, the operator can change the input value and re-enter it into the recipe. When the input unit 11 receives an input that the input value has been changed again and the input value falls within the preset range, the recipe including the changed value is displayed on the display unit 130 as described above. When the input unit 110 receives an input of a process execution instruction, the process is executed in the equipment device 200 for the process according to the recipe including the changed value.

[0066] Alternatively, the process may be executed according to the target value preset in the recipe without changing or re-entering the input value. When the input unit 110 receives an input of a process execution instruction without re-changing the input value, the process execution instruction is transmitted to the equipment device 200 for the process, and the process is executed in the equipment device 200 for the process according to the preset recipe.

[0067] In process execution mode, values ​​changed from the preset target value are transmitted to the relevant process equipment and the process is executed, but are not updated or stored in the recipe previously stored in the database. That is, in registration mode, values ​​can be changed from the preset target value and stored (i.e., the preset target value is updated and stored). This is because in process execution mode, the preset target value can be temporarily changed (adjusted) to take into account special environmental changes that are limited during the process or based on minor environmental changes during the process.

[0068] In order to permanently change the preset target value, ie, to store the recipe with the changed preset target value in the database 140 and then continuously use the changed recipe in the process, the engineer (designer) must change and update the target value in the registration mode.

[0069] On the other hand, when the operator inputs a change value for a parameter that does not allow the target value to be changed, the input unit 110 can be set to not input the change value, or although the input unit 110 receives the input of the change value, the control unit 120 can invalidate the change value and restore it to the preset target value.

[0070] When a process is performed in the equipment 200 for the process, the recipe applied at that date and time may be stored in the database 140. Information on the recipe applied at that time (preset recipe or modified recipe) may be stored in the database 140 together with information on the process date, time, temperature, pressure, and other environmental information when the process is performed, and management information such as the factory, production line, and equipment where the process is performed.

[0071] The registration mode is then re-activated, and the engineer (designer) can re-set parameters. For example, no longer needed parameter items can be deleted, or new parameter items can be added. Preset input values ​​for parameters can also be adjusted and stored. In the registration mode, when the preset target value is changed, the changed value is stored in the database 140. That is, when the recipe is loaded in the subsequent process execution mode, the changed target value (i.e., the updated and stored target value) is displayed on the display unit 130.

[0072] Figure 3 and Figure 4 Shown for Figure 1 Flowchart of a method for executing a process execution mode in the management device 100.

[0073] At the input unit 110 , a step of receiving an input of at least one product selected from a plurality of products and at least one process selected from a plurality of processes is performed ( S110 ).

[0074] Next, a step of downloading a recipe corresponding to the product and process input to the input unit 110 from the database 140 and first displaying the recipe is performed (S120). At this time, a recipe including at least one parameter of the equipment device 200 applied to the process and a target value of each parameter is displayed.

[0075] If the recipe is not changed, for example, if the target value is changed (S130), when the input unit 110 receives an input of a process execution instruction (S140), the process is executed in the equipment device 200 for the process (S150).

[0076] If there is a change in the recipe, for example, if a change in the target value is input (S130), the Figure 4 Step S160.

[0077] The control unit 120 that receives the transmission of the changed value performs a step of determining whether the changed value falls within a range preset in the recipe ( S160 ).

[0078] If the changed value is a value that falls within the range preset in the recipe, step S170 of displaying the changed recipe on the display unit 130 is performed, and then steps S140 and S150 are sequentially performed.

[0079] If the changed value is not a value that falls within the range preset in the recipe, the control unit 120 performs a step of invalidating the changed value and restoring the recipe to the preset target value (S180), and performs step S120 of displaying the recipe on the display unit 130 again, and sequentially performs Figure 3 The steps after step S120 are shown.

[0080] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4 In Figure 1 Other descriptions related to the method of executing the process execution mode in the management device 100 will be omitted. Figure 1 The description of the management device 100 is repeated in part and will be referred to Figure 1 Description.

[0081] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and those skilled in the art may make various modifications and improvements using the basic concepts of the present disclosure defined in the appended claims, which also fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0082] [Explanation of Reference Numerals]

[0083] 100: Management device

[0084] 110: Input unit

[0085] 120: Processing unit

[0086] 130: Display unit

[0087] 140: Database

[0088] 200: Equipment

Claims

1. A device for managing a battery manufacturing process, the device for managing a battery manufacturing process comprising: an input unit that receives input of at least one product selected from a plurality of products and at least one process selected from a plurality of processes; a display unit configured to output a recipe corresponding to the selected product and process; as well as a control unit that controls the input unit and the display unit, Wherein, a recipe is pre-set corresponding to each of the multiple products and each of the multiple processes.

2. The management device according to claim 1, wherein: The management device performs: A registration mode, wherein the registration mode pre-sets a recipe corresponding to the product and process; A process execution mode transmits a process execution instruction according to the recipe corresponding to the product and the process to a device used for the process.

3. The management device according to claim 2, wherein: The recipe includes at least one parameter applied to equipment devices used for the process according to the product and the process and a target value for each parameter.

4. The management device according to claim 3, wherein: The target value of at least a portion of the at least one parameter is changeable, and an allowed range of variation includes at least one of an upper limit and a lower limit.

5. The management device according to claim 4, wherein: In the process execution mode, The display unit first displays the recipe corresponding to the input product and process, and When the input unit receives an input of a process execution instruction, the process is executed in the process equipment according to the recipe displayed first.

6. The management device according to claim 5, wherein: In the process execution mode, When the input unit receives an input of a value changed from a preset target value of the displayed recipe, the changed value is transmitted to the control unit.

7. The management device according to claim 6, wherein: In the process execution mode, the control unit determines whether the changed value falls within the range of the upper limit and the lower limit, and temporarily changes the recipe to the changed value when the value falls within the range of the upper limit and the lower limit, The display unit then displays the changed value, and When the input unit receives an input of a process execution instruction, the process is executed in the equipment for the process according to the recipe that is subsequently displayed.

8. The management device according to claim 6, wherein: In the process execution mode, the control unit determines whether the changed value falls within the range of the upper limit and the lower limit, and when the value is outside the range of the upper limit and the lower limit, invalidates the changed value and restores it to the preset target value, The display unit then displays the preset target value, and When the input unit receives an input of a process execution instruction, the process is executed in the equipment for the process according to the recipe that is subsequently displayed.

9. The management device according to claim 6, wherein: In the process execution mode, In the case where no upper limit or lower limit is set as a parameter of the allowable variation range of the target value, When a value different from the target value is input, the control unit invalidates the changed value and restores it to the preset target value, The display unit then displays the preset target value, and When the input unit receives an input of a process execution instruction, the process is executed in the equipment for the process according to the recipe that is subsequently displayed.

10. The management device according to claim 6, wherein: In the process execution mode, the target value cannot be changed without setting an upper limit or a lower limit as a parameter of the allowable variation range of the target value.

11. The management device according to claim 6, wherein: In the process execution mode, the value changed from the preset target value is transmitted to the process equipment but is not updated in the recipe previously stored in the database.

12. The management device according to claim 2, wherein: In the registration mode, at least one parameter and a target value for each parameter are preset according to each product and each process, thereby storing the recipe in a database.

13. The management device according to claim 12, wherein: capable of resetting at least one parameter in said registration mode, The input unit receives an input of a parameter to be reset, and The recipe is updated to the reset parameters and stored in the database.

14. The management device according to claim 12, wherein: It is possible to reset the target value for the parameter in the registration mode, The input unit receives an input of a target value to be reset, and The recipe is updated to the reset target value and stored in the database.

15. The management device according to claim 12, wherein: In the registration mode, at least one of an upper limit and a lower limit of an allowable variation range of the target value of the parameter can be reset, The input unit receives an input of at least one of the upper limit and the lower limit to be reset, and The recipe is updated to at least one of the reset upper and lower limits and stored in the database.

16. The management device according to claim 2, wherein: The registration mode and the process execution mode can be selected at the input unit.

17. The management device according to claim 1, wherein: The recipe is stored in a database, and the database is integrated in the management device or connected to the outside of the management device through a wired communication network or a wireless communication network.

18. The management device according to claim 1, wherein: A history of the process performed using the recipe corresponding to the input product and process is further stored in a database.

19. The management device according to claim 1, wherein: In the display unit, the plurality of products and the plurality of processes are provided as a list.

20. The management device according to claim 1, wherein: The management device is integrated into the process equipment or provided separately from the process equipment and is coupled to the process equipment via a wired communication network or a wireless communication network.

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