Roll image generation system and roll image generation method

Abstract

According to the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the invention provides a roll picture generation method. The method comprises the following steps: collecting coordinate data and measurement data of the electrode plate; and generating compressed measurement data based on the measurement data, wherein the measurement data is collected by scanning sections of the electrode sheet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a system configured to generate roll patterns and a roll pattern generation method, wherein the roll pattern indicates a batch as a unit of wound electrode sheets. This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0102299, filed August 4, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. Secondary batteries are widely used as a power source for various types of wireless devices, such as handheld devices, laptops, and cordless vacuum cleaners. Recently, the primary use of secondary batteries has expanded from mobile devices to mobility services, as the manufacturing cost per unit capacity of secondary batteries has significantly decreased due to improved energy density and economies of scale, and the driving range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has increased to the same level as fuel cell vehicles.

[0003] Secondary batteries are manufactured through electrode processing, assembly processing, and activation processing. Among these processes, electrode processing is the key process determining the yield and performance of the battery cell. Electrode processing can include coating, rolling, and slitting. In the coating process, active and insulating materials are applied to the surface of the current collector. In the rolling process, the electrodes are pressed by pressing rollers. The density, performance, and surface quality of the electrodes can be determined in the rolling process. In the slitting process, the electrodes are cut into multiple electrodes according to the design of the battery cell. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical issues

[0005] The present invention relates to a system configured to generate roll plots that include information about quality and defects in an electrode manufacturing process.

[0006] Technical solution

[0007] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a roll plot generation method. The roll plot generation method includes: collecting coordinate data of an electrode sheet and measurement data of the electrode sheet; and generating compressed measurement data based on the measurement data, wherein the measurement data is collected by scanning segments of the electrode sheet.

[0008] The measurement data may include data on the amount of coating material loaded on the electrode sheet or data on the thickness of the electrode sheet.

[0009] The compressed measurement data may include the average value of the measurement data in the segment of the electrode sheet.

[0010] The average value can be calculated from a portion of the measurement data.

[0011] The electrode sheet may include a coating portion on which the coating material is applied, and the average value can be calculated based on the portion of the measurement data corresponding to the coating portion.

[0012] The roll plot generation method may further include calibrating the measurement data based on an offset measurement.

[0013] The roll image generation method may further include determining the start and end coordinates of the segment of the electrode sheet.

[0014] The segment of the electrode sheet may include an outer electrode region, which is used to sense a portion of the sensing unit of the measuring device that is spaced apart from the electrode sheet in the horizontal direction, the sensing unit being configured to collect the measurement data.

[0015] The segment of the electrode sheet may include a turning region in which the sensing part of the measuring device reverses its scanning direction.

[0016] An exemplary embodiment provides a roll plot generation method. The roll plot generation method includes: collecting first coordinate data and first measurement data of a first segment of an electrode sheet; and determining, based on the first coordinate data and the first measurement data, a first average value of a portion of the first measurement data, a first start coordinate of the first segment, and a first end coordinate of the first segment, wherein the first measurement data is collected by scanning the first segment.

[0017] The roll plot generation method may further include: collecting second coordinate data and second measurement data of the second segment of the electrode sheet connected to the first segment; and determining a second average value of a portion of the second measurement data, the second start coordinate of the second segment, and the second end coordinate of the second segment based on the second coordinate data and the second measurement data.

[0018] The second measurement data is collected by scanning the second segment.

[0019] The second starting coordinate can be the same as the first ending coordinate.

[0020] An exemplary embodiment provides a roll pattern generation system. The roll pattern generation system includes: a controller configured to collect coordinate data of an electrode sheet based on a winding amount signal of an electrode sheet generated by an encoder, wherein the encoder is configured to sense the length of the electrode sheet wound by a rewinder to generate the winding amount signal, and the coordinate data indicates a position on the electrode sheet; and a measuring device including a sensing unit and a processor, wherein the sensing unit is configured to scan each of a plurality of segments of the electrode sheet to collect measurement data of the electrode sheet, and the processor is configured to collect the measurement data based on a measurement signal generated by the sensing unit. The processor is configured to generate compressed measurement data based on the measurement data, and the compressed measurement data is smaller in size than the measurement data.

[0021] The compressed measurement data may include the average value of a portion of the measurement data from each of the plurality of segments of the electrode sheet.

[0022] The processor can be configured to determine the start and end coordinates of each of the plurality of segments of the electrode sheet.

[0023] Beneficial effects

[0024] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a system for generating roll patterns that enable feedback, feedforward, and tracking of electrode processes.

[0025] The effects achievable according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other effects not described herein will be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. That is, those skilled in the art can derive from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention unintended effects achieved when implementing the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 A roll map generation system according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a roll map generation method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0028] Figure 3 The measurement device is shown measuring the electrode plate.

[0029] Figure 4 The section of the electrode sheet is shown.

[0030] Figure 5 The measurement data generated based on the segments of the electrode sheet is shown.

[0031] Figure 6 A visualization of the rollout is shown.

[0032] Figure 7 The section of the electrode sheet is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before describing embodiments of the invention, the terms or expressions used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their common understanding or definition in common dictionaries, and should be understood based on the principle that the inventors of this application can appropriately define terms or expressions to best interpret the invention according to the meaning and concept corresponding to the invention.

[0034] Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are merely embodiments of the present invention and do not reflect all the technical concepts of the present invention. It should be understood that various equivalent examples and variations of alternative configurations already existed as of the date of filing of this application.

[0035] When it is determined that well-known configurations or functions related to the description of the present invention would obscure the subject matter of the invention due to unnecessary details, these well-known configurations or functions will not be described in detail.

[0036] Because embodiments of the invention are provided to more fully explain the invention to those skilled in the art, the shapes, dimensions, etc. of the components shown in the drawings may be enlarged, omitted, or schematically illustrated for clarity. Therefore, it should not be construed that the dimensions or proportions of the components completely reflect their actual dimensions or proportions.

[0037] (First embodiment: Apparatus; Second embodiment: Method)

[0038] Figure 1 A secondary battery manufacturing system 10 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0039] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a roll map generation method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0040] Figure 3 The measurement device 130 is shown measuring the electrode sheet ES.

[0041] Figure 4 Section S1 of electrode sheet ES is shown.

[0042] Figure 5 The measurement data MD generated based on section S1 is shown.

[0043] refer to Figures 1 to 5The secondary battery manufacturing system 10 may include a dewinder 111, a rewinder 113, a processing device 115, a first rotary encoder 121, a second rotary encoder 123, a measuring device 130, a first controller 141, a second controller 143, a server 210, a server 220, and a user device 300.

[0044] The secondary battery manufacturing system 10 can be configured to generate a roll plot including data about the electrode sheet ES. The roll plot can represent the electrode sheet ES based on coordinates indicating its location. Secondary battery manufacturing processes can be performed on the electrode sheet ES. The roll plot can indicate the history of processes performed on the electrode sheet ES and includes coordinate-related data. Therefore, the roll plot enables feedback, feedforward, and tracking of the secondary battery manufacturing process, as described below.

[0045] The unwinder 111 can be loaded with a first electrode roll ER1 that has undergone a previous process. The unwinder 111 can unwind the electrode sheet ES from the first electrode roll ER1. The rewinder 113 can rewind the electrode sheet ES to form a second electrode roll ER2. Therefore, the electrode sheet ES can move between the unwinder 111 and the rewinder 113. The electrode process is performed on the electrode sheet ES that has been unwound from the first electrode roll ER1 and wound into the second electrode roll ER2, and therefore can be referred to as a roll-to-roll process.

[0046] Roll patterns can be generated in batches. Electrode sheets ES can be wound into a second electrode roll ER2 and cut and separated after reaching a certain winding length. A batch is a production unit of the roll-to-roll process, and the separated second electrode roll ER2 is an embodiment of the batch. Therefore, server 220 can store roll patterns from previous processes. The roll patterns from previous processes can correspond to the first electrode roll ER1. Furthermore, server 220 can generate and store roll patterns for the current process. The roll patterns for the current process can correspond to the second electrode roll ER2.

[0047] In the roll plot, the time-series data constructed over time (i.e., according to the process progress) can be correlated with the coordinate data CD collected based on the amount of movement of the electrode sheet ES (i.e., the amount of winding or unwinding).

[0048] The manufacturing of secondary batteries involves a series of different processes, with each preceding process influencing subsequent processes. In such cases, it is difficult to reflect the time-series data from the preceding processes in subsequent processes when the data does not directly match the actual workpiece, intermediate products, and finished products. In the following text, the correction of subsequent processes based on data generated from the results of the preceding processes will be referred to as feedforward.

[0049] Here, the workpiece is the product provided as a result of each process, for example... Figure 1Electrode sheets subjected to coating, rolling, and slitting processes. Intermediate products can be one of electrodes, separators cut by a grooving process, and their components. Intermediate products can be a structure including a housing and electrode components included within the housing (in some cases, the structure also includes an electrolyte). The product is processed through an activation process to become an article operable as a secondary battery. The above definitions of workpiece, intermediate product, and product are defined in only one aspect and should not be construed as excluding their general definitions.

[0050] The electrode manufacturing process for secondary batteries involves a series of roll-to-roll processes. For feedforward, time-series data should be correlated with the actual workpieces, components, intermediate products, and their positions on the finished product. Roll plots allow time-series data to be correlated with coordinate data, which includes the coordinates of the actual workpieces, components, intermediate products, and their positions on the finished product. Roll plots can provide a match between time-series data and the actual workpieces, components, intermediate products, and finished products based on the coordinate data. Therefore, through roll plots and feedforward generated based on roll plots, various aspects of the process, which depend on operator judgment, can be digitized and objectified to improve the productivity and quality of the secondary battery manufacturing process. Roll plots from previous batches can be used to improve the process in subsequent batches; this operation can be called process feedback. Process feedback using roll plots can include identifying process conditions and parameters that cause problems and defects based on the data included in the roll plots.

[0051] Furthermore, as described below, roll maps can be cumulatively generated for workpieces, intermediate products, and finished products in a unit process to track the manufacturing history of products on the market (e.g., battery cells, battery modules, or battery packs). For example, a battery cell may include a cell identifier (ID) on the electrode assembly or casing. The cell ID may include batch numbers and coordinate information of the electrodes and separators included in the battery cell. In other words, the cell ID can be associated with roll maps of the electrodes and separators included in the battery cell. Therefore, when an event such as a quality problem occurs in a transported battery cell, the historical manufacturing data of the battery cell can be retrieved based on the cell ID to identify the cause of the problem in battery cell manufacturing.

[0052] The electrode sheet ES can be processed by processing equipment 115. For example, processing equipment 115 may include a coater, and the electrode sheet ES may be coated with an electrode paste. As another embodiment, processing equipment 115 may include a pressure roller, and the electrode sheet ES coated with electrode paste may be subjected to a rolling process. As another embodiment, processing equipment 115 may include a splicing die and a waste port, and a portion of the electrode sheet ES may be discarded. As another embodiment, processing equipment 115 may include a slitting blade, and the electrode sheet ES may be divided into multiple electrode sheets.

[0053] The coating process is the process of applying a coating material, such as an electrode paste, onto an electrode sheet (ES). The electrode paste may include electrode active materials, conductive agents, binders, and solvents. The electrode paste can be provided by dissolving the electrode active materials, conductive agents, binders, etc., in a solvent.

[0054] Roll forming is a process in which electrode sheets (ES) coated with electrode paste are passed between facing rollers. By using rollers, the surface of the electrode can be flattened, and the bonding force between the active material and the current collector can be increased.

[0055] Coating and rolling processes are performed on wide-width electrode sheets (ES) to increase the output (e.g., GWh) of each production line in the secondary battery manufacturing equipment. Subsequently, in the slitting process, the wide-width electrode sheets can be cut according to the specifications of the battery cells.

[0056] In P110, coordinate data (CD) and measurement data can be collected. Coordinate data (CD) can be collected by the roll diagram PLC 141.

[0057] The first rotary encoder 121 can be configured to sense the amount of electrode sheet ES unwound from the first electrode roll ER1 by the unwounder 111. Therefore, the first rotary encoder 121 can be configured to generate a unwound amount signal UWAS representing the amount of unwound electrode sheet ES. The first rotary encoder 121 can be configured to transmit the unwound amount signal UWAS to a roll plotting PLC 141. The roll plotting PLC 141 can be configured to collect unwound amount data based on the unwound amount signal UWAS of the electrode sheet ES.

[0058] The second rotary encoder 123 can be configured to sense the amount of electrode sheet ES wound into the second electrode roll ER2 by the rewinder 113. Therefore, the second rotary encoder 123 can be configured to generate a winding amount signal WAS indicating the winding amount of the electrode sheet ES. The second rotary encoder 123 can be configured to transmit the winding amount signal WAS to the roll plotting PLC 141. The roll plotting PLC 141 can be configured to collect winding amount data based on the winding amount signal WAS of the electrode sheet ES.

[0059] In some cases, a portion of the electrode sheet ES may be discarded, so the amount of electrode sheet ES unwound by the unwinder 111 may differ from the amount of electrode sheet ES wound by the rewinder 113. When the electrode sheet ES is stretched due to pressure during the rolling process, the amount of electrode sheet ES unwound by the unwinder 111 may differ from the amount of electrode sheet ES wound by the rewinder 113.

[0060] The roll pattern PLC 141 can be configured to collect coordinate data CD of the electrode sheet ES based on either the winding amount signal WAS or the unwinding amount signal UWAS. For example, the roll pattern PLC 141 can determine the movement distance of the electrode sheet ES in the current processing step based on the winding amount signal WAS of the electrode sheet ES. Therefore, at each time point in the coating process, the coordinates indicating the relative position of the portion on the electrode sheet ES to be wound by the rewinder 113 can be determined. The technical concept of the present invention will be described below with respect to an embodiment in which the roll pattern PLC 141 collects coordinate data CD based on the winding amount signal WAS of the electrode sheet ES.

[0061] The coordinate data CD can include coordinates that match each part of the electrode sheet ES. That is, each of any point on the electrode sheet ES can be matched with coordinates. The coordinates can be, but are not limited to, one-dimensional (1D) quantities in the X-axis direction (i.e., the machine direction of the electrode sheet ES (or the longitudinal direction of the electrode sheet ES)). The coordinates can be two-dimensional (2D) quantities in the X-axis and Y-axis directions (i.e., the lateral direction of the electrode sheet ES (or the width direction of the electrode sheet ES)).

[0062] To describe the movement of the electrode sheet ES and the sensing section of the measuring device 130, the (+) X-axis direction, (-) X-axis direction, (+) Y-axis direction, and (-) Y-axis direction are defined here. The (+) X-axis direction and (-) X-axis direction are opposite to each other, and the (+) Y-axis direction and (-) Y-axis direction are opposite to each other. The (±) X-axis direction can be substantially perpendicular to the (±) Y-axis direction. The (±) X-axis direction can be simply referred to as the X-axis direction, and the (±) Y-axis direction can be simply referred to as the Y-axis direction.

[0063] The measuring device 130 can be configured to measure the electrode sheet ES to collect measurement data of the electrode sheet ES. The measuring device 130 can measure the electrode sheet ES by means of a scanning method. When the measuring device 130 performs a scan, the measuring device 130 can move in the (±) Y-axis direction. When the measuring device 130 performs a scan in the (±) Y-axis direction, the electrode sheet ES can move in the (+) X-axis direction by means of the unwinder 111 and the rewinder 113.

[0064] During a scan, the sensing unit 131 of the measuring device 130 can move from the first side of the electrode plate ES to the second side of the electrode plate ES in the (-) Y-axis direction, or from the first side of the electrode plate ES to the second side of the electrode plate ES in the (+) Y-axis direction. Due to the movement of the electrode plate ES, the sensing unit 131 of the measuring device 130 can move relative to the electrode plate ES in the (-) X-axis direction.

[0065] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4In the diagram, arrows AR1, AR2, and AR3 indicate the movement of the sensing unit 131 of the measuring device 130 relative to the electrode plate ES. Arrow AR1 corresponds to the scanning of the sensing unit 131 in the (-)Y-axis direction, and arrow AR2 corresponds to the scanning of the sensing unit 131 in the (+)Y-axis direction. After each scan is completed, a set time is required to change the movement direction of the sensing unit 131. Arrow AR3 indicates the movement of the sensing unit 131 relative to the electrode plate ES when the movement direction of the sensing unit 131 changes.

[0066] Measurement data may include multiple measured values ​​expressed numerically. For example, measurement data may include dimensional data of the electrode sheet ES (e.g., thickness and width), data on the amount of coating material loaded on the electrode sheet ES, dimensional data (e.g., the width of the insulating material on the coating material and the overlap width between the coating material and the insulating material), mismatch data between the coating strip on the upper surface of the electrode sheet ES and the coating strip on the lower surface of the electrode sheet ES, etc. Here, the amount of coating material loaded is the amount of coating material loaded per unit area of ​​the electrode sheet ES, and may be the areal density of the coating material.

[0067] The presence of defects in the measured portion of the electrode sheet ES can be determined by processing measurement data using a defined method. When the amount of coating material on the electrode sheet ES (e.g., the amount of coating material loaded on the electrode sheet ES or the thickness of the electrode sheet ES) is within a defined range including upper and lower limits, the corresponding portion of the electrode sheet ES can be identified as a good quality portion. When the amount of coating material on the electrode sheet ES (e.g., the amount of coating material loaded on the electrode sheet ES or the thickness of the electrode sheet ES) is less than the lower limit or greater than the upper limit, the corresponding portion of the electrode sheet ES can be identified as defective.

[0068] The measuring device 130 may include a sensing unit 131 and a processor 133. The sensing unit 131 may be configured to sense a physical quantity of an electrode plate ES to generate a measurement signal MS. For example, the sensing unit 131 may include a time delay and integration (TDI) camera, a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor, a time-of-flight (TOF) sensor, etc. The sensing unit 131 may include a transmitter and a receiver configured to perform measurements using non-destructive signals such as ultrasound, microwaves, terahertz waves, or infrared light. The sensing unit 131 may include analog and / or digital sensors, such as biosensors, chemical sensors, composition sensors, current and / or power meters, air quality sensors, gas sensors, Hall effect sensors, brightness level sensors, and optical sensors. The measuring device 130 may include pressure sensors, temperature sensors, ultrasonic sensors, proximity sensors, door status sensors, motion tracking sensors, humidity sensors, visible light and infrared sensors, cameras, etc.

[0069] In the following description, as non-limiting embodiments, the technical concept of the invention will be described with respect to embodiments in which the measuring device 130 is a loading meter (e.g., a web gauge from Thermofisher Scientific) configured to measure the amount of coating applied to the sheet SM, and embodiments in which the measuring device 130 is a thickness meter configured to measure the thickness of the sheet SM. Those skilled in the art will be able to deduce embodiments in which the measuring device includes one of the aforementioned sensors and is configured to sense one of the aforementioned measured quantities.

[0070] The secondary battery manufacturing system 10 may also include an inspector configured to inspect electrode sheets ES to collect inspection data. The inspection data may include judgments on the quality of a portion of the electrode sheet ES and process events. For example, the inspection data may include data collected by an image-based inspection device such as a vision machine regarding the appearance of the electrode sheet ES, data regarding breaks and seams on the electrode sheet ES, data regarding sampled and inspected portions of the electrode sheet ES, data regarding discarded portions of the electrode sheet ES, data regarding the presence of defects in the coating and insulating materials on the electrode sheet ES, data regarding reference points indicating the location of the electrode sheet ES, and defect data such as pinhole defects, pit defects, line defects, crack defects, side ring defects, island defects, fold defects, wrinkle defects, pitting defects, and scratch defects. Reference points may be formed at intervals on the electrode sheet ES, and other elements on the electrode sheet ES may be positioned based on these reference points. The inspector may be a color sensor, a connector sensor, a reference point sensor, or a vision machine.

[0071] The measuring device 130 can be configured to collect two or more types of data. For example, the measuring device 130 can be configured to measure the thickness of the electrode sheet ES and the amount of coating material on the electrode sheet ES (e.g., the amount of coating material loaded on the electrode sheet ES or the thickness of the electrode sheet ES). Alternatively, in addition to measuring the mismatch of the electrode sheet ES, the measuring device 130 can be configured to sense a reference point on the electrode sheet ES.

[0072] The aforementioned measurement and inspection data can be time-series data. The measurement and inspection data can be sorted by time. Sorting by time is a key characteristic of time-series data. Sorting by time should be understood as organizing events in the order they occur and arrive for processing. That is, measurement and inspection data can be stored based on the time points at which line measurements and inspections are performed, and can be time-related. Therefore, each measured value of the measurement data can be matched with a time frame, and each inspection value of the inspection data can be matched with a time frame.

[0073] For example, measurement data (e.g., the amount of coating material loaded on the electrode sheet ES or the thickness of the electrode sheet ES) may include a series of measurements (e.g., the amount of coating material loaded on the electrode sheet ES or the thickness of the electrode sheet ES) and time values ​​associated with the series of measurements of the loaded coating material. The values ​​of the loading amount and the time values ​​may be matched in a one-to-one manner, but are not limited thereto. As another embodiment, defect data may include values ​​indicating defects and time values ​​associated with the values ​​indicating defects. Here, the value indicating a defect should be understood to mean that the value includes information about at least one of the presence or type of defect.

[0074] Processor 133 can be configured to collect measurement signals MS sensed by sensing unit 131 to collect measurement data. Processor 133 can be connected to sensing unit 131 via wired or wireless means. Processor 133 can be configured to correct measurement data by adding an offset measurement amount to each measured value of the measurement data. Due to process advancements and equipment aging, the measured values ​​of the measurement data may differ from the actual values. Processor 133 can correct the measured values ​​of the measurement data based on the offset measurement amount to improve the reliability of the secondary battery manufacturing system 100 and the roll pattern generation method. The offset measurement amount can be determined based on information given to the equipment system through methods such as sample testing.

[0075] The roll-up PLC 141 can operatively communicate with the first rotary encoder 121 and the second rotary encoder 123, the measuring device 130, and additional measuring devices and inspectors via a wired or wireless data network. The data network can be unidirectional or bidirectional. The data network can be implemented using physical channels, Wi-Fi, public networks, and / or dedicated networks using Bluetooth or other frequency bands. The first rotary encoder 121 and the second rotary encoder 123, the measuring device 130, and the additional measuring devices and inspectors can be configured to collect data from equipment, workpieces, intermediate products, and finished products in the secondary battery manufacturing system 10, or to generate signals for collecting data therefrom.

[0076] The roll-up PLC 141 can be configured to transmit coordinate data CD1 to the processor 133. The processor 133 can be configured to correlate the coordinate data CD with measurement data to generate coordinate-correlated measurement data. Typically, the measurement data can be processed based on trigger points. Embodiments of measurement data processing may include storing the measurement data, manipulating the measurement data (e.g., generating coordinate-correlated measurement data), and transmitting the measurement data.

[0077] As a non-limiting embodiment, the trigger point for processing measurement data can be the completion of a scan. For example, the sensing unit 131 can scan the electrode sheet ES in the width direction of the electrode sheet ES, and can store, process, manipulate, and transmit measurement data each time a scan is performed. As another embodiment, the trigger point can be the completion of multiple scans or the completion of a partial scan.

[0078] The electrode sheet ES can be divided into multiple segments S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, and S6 based on a scan performed by the sensing unit 131 of the measuring device 130. Each of the multiple segments S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, and S6 can correspond to one of the scans performed by the sensing unit 131. Figure 3 In the diagram, the dashed lines represent the imaginary boundary lines between multiple segments S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, and S6.

[0079] like Figure 4 As shown, the first segment S1 may include the steering region TAR, the outer electrode region EER, and the electrode region ER.

[0080] The electrode region ER corresponds to the actual scanned portion of segment S1 of electrode sheet ES. The turning region TAR corresponds to the portion of electrode sheet ES that passes through sensor unit 131 in the (+)X direction during the orientation change of sensor unit 131.

[0081] The travel width SW (the width by which the sensing unit 131 moves during one scan) can be greater than the width EW of the electrode sheet ES. Therefore, whenever the sensing unit 131 scans, it measures the outside of the electrode sheet ES for a certain period of time. The outer electrode region EER corresponds to the portion of the electrode sheet ES that passes through the sensing unit 131 in the (+)X direction when the sensing unit 131 is located outside the electrode sheet ES.

[0082] Here, the positioning of the sensing unit 131 outside the electrode sheet ES should be understood as meaning that the sensing unit 131 is spaced apart from the electrode sheet ES in the horizontal direction (e.g., (±) Y-axis direction), and therefore does not overlap with the electrode sheet ES in the direction perpendicular to the electrode sheet ES.

[0083] Similar to segment S1, segments S2, S3, S4, S5 and S6 can each include the steering region TAR, the outer electrode region EER and the electrode region ER.

[0084] According to an example implementation, the measuring device 130 can be configured to calibrate the coordinate data CD based on the position of the measuring device 130. More specifically, the measuring device 130 can be configured to calibrate the coordinate data CD based on the offset length OD, such that the coordinates of the coordinate data CD can be correlated with the measured values ​​of the measurement data.

[0085] As described above, the measuring device 130 can collect measurement data of the portion corresponding to (e.g., overlapping) the sensing unit 131, and the coordinate data CD is collected by the second rotary encoder 123 spaced apart from the sensing unit 131. Therefore, the portion of the electrode sheet ES corresponding to the coordinate data CD and the portion of the electrode sheet ES corresponding to the measurement data can be different from each other at the same time point.

[0086] In P120, compressed measurement data PMD can be generated. The compressed measurement data PMD can be generated by processor 133.

[0087] According to an exemplary embodiment, processor 133 can calculate a representative value of the measured values ​​of the measurement data to collect compressed measurement data PMD, calibrate coordinate data CD collected simultaneously with the measurement data based on the offset length OD, and associate the calibrated coordinate data CD with the representative value of the measurement data. The measured values ​​of the measurement data can be matched with time, and the representative value (e.g., average value) of the compressed measurement data PMD can be matched with the calibration coordinates (e.g., the calibrated start and end coordinates).

[0088] In another embodiment, the sensing unit 131 can be directly connected to a position measuring device such as a first rotary encoder 121 and a second rotary encoder 123, or configured to sense a reference point on the electrode sheet ES. In this case, the sensing unit 131 can collect coordinate data CD and measurement data. In this case, the processor 133 can be configured to collect coordinate-related measurement data based on the measurement data and coordinate data CD transmitted from the sensing unit 131.

[0089] Multiple guide rollers can be inserted between the sensing unit 131 and the rewinder 113 to define the movement path of the electrode sheet ES. Therefore, the offset length OD can be defined as the length of the electrode sheet ES between the sensing unit 131 and the rewinder 113 according to the movement path of the electrode sheet ES. The offset length OD can be equal to or greater than the straight-line distance between the sensing unit 131 and the rewinder 113.

[0090] The file size of the compressed measurement data PMD can differ from the file size of the measurement data itself. Conversely, the file size of the compressed measurement data PMD can be smaller than the file size of the measurement data. This prevents overloading of server 220.

[0091] The representative value of the compressed measurement data PMD can include at least one of the mean, standard deviation, median, maximum, and minimum values ​​of the measurement data from each of the multiple segments S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, and S6. The mean, standard deviation, median, maximum, and minimum values ​​can be calculated from a portion of the measurement data.

[0092] More specifically, the measurement data may include portions P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5. Portions P1 and P5 may be measurement data generated from the uncoated portion (i.e., the uncoated area) of the electrode sheet ES and excluded when generating the compressed measurement data PMD. Portions P2 and P4 may be measurement data generated at the boundary between the uncoated portion and the coated portion (i.e., the coated area). Therefore, the data from portions P2 and P4 may cause distortion in the compressed measurement data PMD and can therefore be excluded when generating the compressed measurement data PMD. Portions P1 and P5 may be referred to as the first excluded portion, and portions P2 and P4 may be referred to as the second excluded portion.

[0093] Compressed measurement data PMD can be generated based on a portion of the measurement data MD (P3). Therefore, the portion P3 of the measurement data MD can be referred to as the effective region.

[0094] When a number of data points greater than or equal to a threshold value in the measured data MD is consecutively equal to or greater than a set number, the data points following those data points can be classified as coated portions. Similarly, when a number of data points less than a threshold value in the measured data is consecutively equal to or greater than a set number, the data points following those data points can be classified as uncoated portions.

[0095] The compressed measurement data PMD can further include judgment values. Judgment values ​​can be determined by the processor 133. Judgment values ​​can be determined individually for each of the multiple segments S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, and S6. Judgment values ​​for each of the multiple segments S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, and S6 of the electrode sheet ES can be determined based on a comparison between a set range and the measured value (or average value).

[0096] For example, a measured value (or average value) within a first range can be determined as normal, a measured value (or average value) within a second range greater than the first range can be determined as excessive, a measured value (or average value) within a third range greater than the second range can be determined as very excessive, a measured value (or average value) within a fourth range less than the first range can be determined as insufficient, and a measured value (or average value) within a fifth range less than the fourth range can be determined as very insufficient.

[0097] Here, the second range is greater than the first range when the lower limit of the second range is greater than or equal to the upper limit of the first range. Similarly, the fourth range is less than the first range when the upper limit of the fourth range is less than or equal to the lower limit of the first range.

[0098] The compressed measurement data PMD may include start and end coordinates. Multiple segments S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, and S6 of the electrode sheet ES may include start and end coordinates. The processor 133 can be configured to determine the start and end coordinates of each of the multiple segments S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, and S6. The multiple segments S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, and S6 can be arranged sequentially and connected to each other.

[0099] According to an exemplary embodiment, the start and end coordinates of each of the plurality of segments S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, and S6 can be determined based on the scan performed by the sensing unit. More specifically, the end coordinate of each of the plurality of segments S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, and S6 can be the position of the sensing unit 131 relative to the electrode sheet ES at the time point at which the scan performed by the sensing unit 131 ends. The end coordinate of the preceding segment among the plurality of segments S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, and S6 can be the start coordinate of the segment following the preceding segment.

[0100] For example, X1 can be the starting coordinate of segment S1. X2 can be the ending coordinate of segment S1 and the starting coordinate of segment S2. X3 can be the ending coordinate of segment S2 and the starting coordinate of segment S3. X4 can be the ending coordinate of segment S3 and the starting coordinate of segment S4. X5 can be the ending coordinate of segment S4 and the starting coordinate of segment S5. X6 can be the ending coordinate of segment S5 and the starting coordinate of segment S6. X7 can be the ending coordinate of segment S6 and the starting coordinate of segment S7.

[0101] Although it has been described above that each of the multiple segments S1, S2, S3, S4, S5 and S6 of the electrode sheet ES corresponds to a scan performed by the sensing unit 131, each of the multiple segments S1, S2, S3, S4, S5 and S6 of the electrode sheet ES may correspond to multiple scans performed by the sensing unit 131 or a portion of a scan performed by the sensing unit 131.

[0102] In P130, a send command SCD can be generated. The send command SCD can be generated by a processor. Processor 133 can be configured to generate the send command SCD and transmit the send command SCD to the volume diagram PLC 141. Processor 133 can be configured to transmit compressed measurement data PMD to the volume diagram PLC 141.

[0103] The volume diagram PLC 141 that receives and sends the command SCD can be configured to transmit compressed measurement data PMD to the second controller 143.

[0104] The compressed measurement data PMD transmitted to the second controller 143 can be transmitted to the server 220 via the second controller 143 and the server 210. The second controller 143 and the server 210 can relay the communication of the compressed measurement data PMD between the server 220 and the scroll PLC 141. However, the implementation is not limited to this, and the scroll PLC 141 can transmit the compressed measurement data PMD directly to the server 220.

[0105] The second controller 143 can be configured to control the operation of the unwinder 111, the rewinder 113, and the processing device 115. The second controller 143 can be configured to generate signals for operating or stopping the unwinder 111, the rewinder 113, and the processing device 115. These signals can be generated based on a body including details such as the product ID and manufacturing recipe.

[0106] To control the process, a communication line can be installed between the second controller 143 and the server 220, connecting the second controller 143 and the server 220 via the server 210. Therefore, compared to the cases where the first rotary encoder 121, the second rotary encoder 123, and the measuring device 130 directly transmit the unwinding amount signal UWAS, the winding amount signal WAS, and the measurement signal MS to the server 220, and the cases where the roll pattern PLC 141 directly transmits the compression measurement data PMD to the server 220, data transmission via the second controller 143 reduces the resources required for installing a communication line and ensures effective data processing and management.

[0107] As a non-limiting embodiment, the roll-up PLC 141 and the second controller 143 may be a programmable logic controller (PLC). A PLC is a special type of microprocessor-based controller that uses programmable memory to store instructions and implements functions such as logic, sequencing, timing, counting, and arithmetic operations to control machines and processes. PLCs are easy to operate and program.

[0108] The first controller 141 and the second controller 143 may include a power supply, a CPU, an input interface, an output interface, a communication interface, and a storage device. The power supply may be configured to supply power to other components of the first controller 141 and the second controller 143, such as the CPU, input interface, output interface, communication interface, and storage device of the first controller 141 and the second controller 143. The storage device may include a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM). The ROM is configured to store system programs (such as an operating system), and the RAM is configured to store data (such as user programs, status information of input and output devices, and values ​​of timers, counters, and other internal devices). The CPU may be configured to control communication between modules that implement logic and convert input signals into output operation signals. The CPU may operate based on system programs and user programs stored in the storage device. The CPU may be configured to write inspection data and measurement data to or read inspection data and measurement data from the data area of ​​the storage device based on the system program and user program. Conditions or data of industrial equipment and production processes may be transmitted to the CPU via an input module. The results of processing by the CPU may be transmitted to the actuator via an output module. The communication interface can be configured to transmit and receive data between the first controller 141 and the second controller 143 or between the second controller 143 and the server 210.

[0109] However, the implementation is not limited to this, and the first controller 141 and the second controller 143 may each include one of a simple controller, a complex processor such as a microprocessor, a CPU or GPU, or a processor configured by software / dedicated hardware and firmware. The first controller 141 and the second controller 143 may be implemented, for example, by a general-purpose computer or dedicated hardware such as a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0110] Compressed measurement data (PMD) can be transmitted from server 210 to server 220. Server 210 can be a communication server. Server 210 can be, for example, a server for communication based on log data, but is not limited thereto. Server 210 can be a program for communication between the second controller 143 of the manufacturing equipment and server 220 for manufacturing management. Server 210 can be implemented by hardware as described below. The language and protocol of server 220 can be different from the language and protocol of controller 143. For example, the language of server 220 can be SQL, and the language of controller 143 can be ladder logic.

[0111] Server 210 can be configured to convert the electrode specification data (ESD) transmitted from server 220 into the language of controller 143. Additionally, server 210 can be configured to convert compressed measurement data (PMD) into the language of server 220 and record the compressed measurement data (PMD) in server 220's database.

[0112] Electrode specification data (ESD) can include model information and formulations of electrode sheets (ES) for processing the electrode sheets. ESD can include all matters related to the processing of the electrode sheets (ES), such as the number of batches to be processed in the current process, the number of coating lines to be formed on the electrode sheets (ES), process conditions (such as temperature, humidity, and pressure), and process parameters (such as the movement speed of the electrode sheets (ES), the discharge rate of the coating die, and the pressure of the pressure rollers).

[0113] To control the process, a communication line can be installed between the second controller 143 and the server 220, allowing connection between the second controller 143 and the server 220 via the server 210. Therefore, compared to the cases where the first rotary encoder 121, the second rotary encoder 123, and the measuring device 130 directly transmit the unwinding amount signal UWAS, the winding amount signal WAS, and the measurement signal MS to the server 220, and where the first controller 141 directly transmits the compressed measurement data PMD to the server 220, data transmission via the second controller 143 reduces the resources required for installing the communication line and ensures effective data processing and management.

[0114] Server 220 can be configured to generate roll diagrams. Roll diagrams can be generated in batches. Roll diagrams can include data about the batch specifications. Batch specifications can include, for example, batch number, length of the wound electrode sheet ES, width of the electrode sheet ES, and the material and composition used to process the electrode sheet ES.

[0115] According to an exemplary embodiment, server 220 may be a data processing system that supports all activities required for the manufacturing of secondary batteries, such as job scheduling management, work instructions, quality control, and job performance aggregation. Server 220 may be, for example, a manufacturing execution system (MES). Server 220 may be configured to input, process, output, and communicate data required for electrode manufacturing processes, including coating processes, rolling processes, and manufacturing processes.

[0116] As another embodiment, server 220 may be a static process controller (SPC). Server 220 may be configured to store and process inspection data of electrode sheets ES. Server 220 can manage the quality of processed electrode sheets ES by continuously monitoring the processing of electrode sheets ES based on inspection data. Server 220 can collect and analyze manufacturing data in near real-time to identify problematic conditions in a timely manner and notify operators before potential problems occur.

[0117] When server 220 is an MES or SPC, it may not be suitable for storing compressed measurement data (PMD) for extended periods. Server 220 could be, for example, a data warehouse, and store compressed measurement data (PMD) for extended periods based on product quality assurance cycles, etc.

[0118] According to other exemplary implementations, server 220 may perform all the functions of MES, SPC and data warehouse, or may be provided separately from MES, SPC and data warehouse to create volume diagrams.

[0119] Figure 6 A visualization of the volume chart VRM is shown.

[0120] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 6 Server 220 can be configured to transmit volume graph data to user device 300. User device 300 may include a display device for displaying a visualization of the volume graph VRM based on the volume graph data D1.

[0121] The visualized roll plot VRM may include multiple segments S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, and S6 of the electrode sheet ES (see [link to VRM]). Figure 3 This corresponds to multiple visualization segments VS1, VS2, VS3, VS4, VS5, and VS6. Each of these visualization segments can include start coordinates, end coordinates, and color.

[0122] The starting coordinate of visualization segment VS1 can be X1 and its ending coordinate can be X2. The starting coordinate of visualization segment VS2 can be X2 and its ending coordinate can be X3. The starting coordinate of visualization segment VS3 can be X3 and its ending coordinate can be X4. The starting coordinate of visualization segment VS4 can be X4 and its ending coordinate can be X5. The starting coordinate of visualization segment VS5 can be X5 and its ending coordinate can be X6. The starting coordinate of visualization segment VS6 can be X6 and its ending coordinate can be X7.

[0123] The judgment values ​​of the visualization segments VS1, VS2, VS4 and VS6 can be displayed as color C1, the judgment value of the visualization segment VS3 can be displayed as color C2, and the judgment value of the visualization segment VS5 can be displayed as color C3.

[0124] Color C1 indicates that the judgment values ​​of visual display segments VS1, VS2, VS4, and VS6 are normal; color C2 indicates that the judgment value of visual display segment VS3 is too high; color C3 indicates that the judgment value of visual display segment VS3 is too high; color C4 indicates that the judgment value is insufficient; and color C5 indicates that the judgment value is very insufficient.

[0125] Here, for ease of description, a visualization roll plot (VRM) displaying the compressive measurement data (PMD) is shown, but it is merely an example, and therefore the technical concept of the invention should not be construed as being limited thereto. The visualization roll plot (VRM) can also display supplementary data, such as inspection data generated by the inspector, equipment data, and process parameter data. Supplementary data can be correlated with coordinates, and the way the supplementary data is correlated with coordinates can differ from the way the compressive measurement data (PMD) is correlated. For example, clamping hole defect data as a piece of inspection data can be matched with a single coordinate representing the location of the clamping hole, rather than start and end coordinates.

[0126] Processor 133 can be configured to transmit measurement data to second server 220. According to one embodiment, the measurement data can be transmitted to second server 180 via server 210. Server 210 can be a device for communication between processor 133 and server 220.

[0127] Processor 133 and servers 210 and 220 may be implemented by hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, processor 133 and servers 210 and 220 may include computing devices such as workstation computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, and tablet computers. Processor 133 and servers 210 and 220 may include simple controllers, complex processors such as microprocessors, CPUs, or GPUs, or processors configured by software / dedicated hardware and firmware. Processor 133 and servers 210 and 220 may be implemented, for example, by general-purpose computers or dedicated hardware such as digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).

[0128] Servers 210 and 220 may include physical servers or cloud servers. Servers 210 and 220 can provide data and analysis results to operators using various frameworks. These frameworks may include protocols supporting data transmission to provide updated visualizations as user device 300 visualizes data via a user interface and as servers 210 and 220 compute new data. Protocols supporting data transmission may include HTML, JavaScript, and / or JSON.

[0129] Servers 210 and 220 may include various application programming interfaces (APIs) and other data management tools for storing data in a database. The APIs can also be used to retrieve data from databases in various data management systems. Data management systems can provide access to databases, extract or retrieve data from them, and generate metrics. Here, metrics are tools for visualizing data. Metrics may include measured values ​​generated in a time-series manner and can be used to monitor applications and generate status alerts.

[0130] The secondary battery manufacturing system 10 can implement a plug-in architecture with APIs to acquire data and provide plug-and-play connectivity between the measuring device 130 and additional measuring devices and inspectors. Therefore, resources in specific process steps and at specific sites can be easily transferred to different processes, and different sites or new resources can be easily introduced into each process step and each site.

[0131] The data network between components of the secondary battery manufacturing system 10 may include various types of communication channels, including one-way and two-way wired and wireless communications. For example, the data network may include industrial protocol networks such as OPC, Modbus, or ProfiNet. Communication channels may be dedicated pipe communications such as Universal Serial Bus (USB), IEEE 802 (Ethernet), IEEE 1394 (FireWire), or other high-speed data communication standards.

[0132] In some embodiments, the secondary battery manufacturing system 10 may also include a manual input system that allows operators to input manufacturing data. The secondary battery manufacturing system 10 may allow operators to input data using input tools as well as computer-based input of manufacturing data (such as Excel file capture).

[0133] According to some implementations, the operation of processor 133, first controller 141, second controller 143, server 210, and server 220 can be implemented by instructions stored on a machine-readable medium that can be read and executed by one or more processors. Here, the machine-readable medium can include any mechanism for storing and / or transmitting information in a machine-readable (e.g., computing device) form. Embodiments of the machine-readable medium can include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory, electrical, optical, acoustic, or other types of radio signals (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.) and other signals.

[0134] Processor 133 and servers 210 and 220 can be configured by firmware, software, routines, and instructions for performing the operations described above or the procedures described below. For example, processor 133 and servers 210 and 220 can be instantiated in memory.

[0135] However, the operation of processor 133 and servers 210 and 220 can also be generated by computing devices, distributed computing devices, processors, firmware, software, routines, and other means of executing routines and instructions.

[0136] The architecture configured to generate volume diagrams and intermediate volume diagrams can be implemented by simply adding the first controller 141 as a basic element to a modern process management system. That is, the system according to the exemplary embodiment can utilize the resources of an existing manufacturing facility and reduce additional capital expenditure. Furthermore, applying the same architecture as existing manufacturing equipment to newly constructed manufacturing equipment enables improved manufacturing reliability of secondary batteries, detection / improvement of problematic processes, and efficient introduction of new processes.

[0137] Based on the above description, those skilled in the art will be able to readily derive a system that includes an integrated PLC that performs the functions of each of the first controller 141 and the second controller 143.

[0138] (Third Implementation)

[0139] Figure 7 The section S1' of the electrode sheet ES is shown.

[0140] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 7 , can be with Figure 4The segment S1' of the electrode sheet Es is defined differently from segment S1'. More specifically, the starting coordinate of segment S1' can be the position where the scanning of the sensing unit 131 begins in the X-axis direction. The ending coordinate of segment S1' can be the same as the starting coordinate of the subsequent segment. In this case, the transmission of compressed measurement data PMD, evaluation data ED, starting coordinate, and ending coordinate in segment S1' can be triggered as the start of scanning of the subsequent segment.

[0141] The present invention has been described in more detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. However, the configurations shown in the drawings or the embodiments described in this specification are merely embodiments of the present invention and do not reflect all the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalent examples and variations of alternative configurations will be made as of the date of filing of this application.

Claims

1. A method for generating a rollout image, the method comprising: Collect the coordinate data of the electrode sheet and the measurement data of the electrode sheet; as well as Compressed measurement data is generated based on the measurement data. The measurement data is collected by scanning sections of the electrode sheet.

2. The roll image generation method according to claim 1, wherein, The measurement data includes data on the amount of coating material loaded on the electrode sheet or data on the thickness of the electrode sheet.

3. The roll image generation method according to claim 1, wherein, The compression measurement data includes the average value of the measurement data in the segment of the electrode sheet.

4. The roll image generation method according to claim 3, wherein, The average value is calculated based on a portion of the measurement data.

5. The roll image generation method according to claim 3, wherein, The electrode sheet includes a coating portion to which a coating material is applied, and The average value is calculated based on the portion of the measurement data corresponding to the coated portion.

6. The roll plot generation method according to claim 1, further comprising calibrating the measurement data based on an offset measurement.

7. The roll image generation method according to claim 1, the roll image generation method further includes determining the start coordinates and end coordinates of the segment of the electrode sheet.

8. The roll image generation method according to claim 1, wherein, The segment of the electrode sheet includes an outer electrode region, which is used to sense a portion of the sensing unit of the measuring device that is spaced apart from the electrode sheet in the horizontal direction. The sensing unit is configured to collect the measurement data.

9. The roll image generation method according to claim 8, wherein, The section of the electrode sheet includes a turning region in which the sensing part of the measuring device reverses its scanning direction.

10. A method for generating a rollout image, the method comprising: Collect the first coordinate data and first measurement data of the first segment of the electrode sheet; as well as Based on the first coordinate data and the first measurement data, a first average value of a portion of the first measurement data, a first start coordinate of the first segment, and a first end coordinate of the first segment are determined. The first measurement data is collected by scanning the first segment.

11. The rollout image generation method according to claim 10, further comprising: Collect the second coordinate data and second measurement data of the second segment of the electrode sheet that is connected to the first segment; as well as Based on the second coordinate data and the second measurement data, determine a second average value of a portion of the second measurement data, a second start coordinate of the second segment, and a second end coordinate of the second segment. The second measurement data is collected by scanning the second segment.

12. The roll image generation method according to claim 11, wherein, The second starting coordinate is the same as the first ending coordinate.

13. A rollup image generation system, the rollup image generation system comprising: A controller configured to collect coordinate data of an electrode sheet based on a winding amount signal generated by an encoder, wherein the encoder is configured to sense the length of the electrode sheet wound by a rewinder to generate the winding amount signal, and the coordinate data indicates the position on the electrode sheet; and A measuring device includes a sensing unit and a processor, wherein the sensing unit is configured to scan each of a plurality of segments of the electrode sheet to collect measurement data of the electrode sheet, and the processor is configured to collect the measurement data based on a measurement signal generated by the sensing unit. The processor is configured to generate compressed measurement data based on the measurement data, and The compressed measurement data is smaller in size than the measurement data.

14. The roll image generation system according to claim 13, wherein, The compression measurement data includes the average value of a portion of the measurement data for each of the plurality of segments of the electrode sheet.

15. The roll image generation system according to claim 13, wherein, The processor is configured to determine the start and end coordinates of each of the plurality of segments of the electrode sheet.

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