Reference point marking device and roll map generation device

Abstract

Efficiently mark reference points on pattern electrodes. [Solution] The present invention relates to a reference point marking device for a pattern electrode in which coated and uncoated portions are repeatedly arranged along the longitudinal direction, wherein the pattern electrode has a plurality of electrode lane planned portions formed by a plurality of electrode lanes by slitting along the longitudinal direction in a subsequent process, and includes a moving marking machine that moves along the width direction of the pattern electrode and marks a reference point on the uncoated portion of each electrode lane planned portion arranged along the width direction, and a control unit that controls the operation of the moving marking machine. The present invention also provides a roll map generation device using the above reference point marking device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a reference point marking device that can efficiently mark a reference point on a pattern electrode in which a coating part and a non - coating part are repeatedly arranged along the longitudinal direction.

[0002] Further, the present invention relates to a roll map generation device using such a reference point marking device.

[0003] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2022 - 0108292 filed on August 29, 2022, and all the contents disclosed in the literature of the Korean patent application are included as part of this specification.

Background Art

[0004] Due to the technological development and increasing demand for mobile devices, the demand for secondary batteries has also been rapidly increasing. Among them, lithium secondary batteries are widely used as an energy source for various mobile devices as well as a variety of electronic products because of their high energy density, operating voltage, and excellent storage and life characteristics.

[0005] The so - called electrode process for manufacturing the electrodes of lithium secondary batteries includes a coating process of applying an active material and a predetermined insulating material on the surface of a metal electrode plate, which is a current collector, to form a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a roll press process of rolling the coated electrode, and a slitting process of cutting the rolled electrode according to dimensions.

[0006] The electrodes manufactured in the electrode process are formed with electrode tabs through a notching process. After an electrode assembly is formed by interposing a separator between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, the electrode assembly is stacked, folded, or wound, and then packaged in a pouch, can, etc., and filled with an electrolytic solution through an assembly process to form a secondary battery. Thereafter, the assembled secondary battery is charged and discharged, and through an activation process of imparting battery characteristics, it becomes a final finished secondary battery.

[0007] In the electrode manufacturing process described above, if breakage or defects occur in the electrodes, the broken or defective portion may be removed and the electrodes may be joined together with connecting tape. Alternatively, to maintain electrode quality, the start or end portions of the electrodes with uneven quality may be removed. In this case, the operator arbitrarily inputs the length of the electrode cut off after electrode removal and joining (electrode loss amount) into the control unit or other system. However, since the operator manually measures and inputs the electrode loss amount, the actual amount of electrode loss is not accurate. Furthermore, the electrode loss amount entered by each operator differs.

[0008] In this case, while the subsequent process can detect the connecting tape and determine that the electrodes have broken and been reconnected, the amount of electrode loss depends on the operator's input, making it impossible to accurately determine the amount of electrode loss. If the amount of electrode loss that is cut is inaccurate, the position coordinates of the electrodes will change in the subsequent process, making it impossible to accurately perform the subsequent process at the desired position. Furthermore, when comparing and analyzing quality changes between each detailed process of the electrode work, the criteria differ depending on the amount of electrode loss, making it impossible to reliably compare quality based on electrode position.

[0009] In recent years, roll maps have been used, which simulate the roll-to-roll state of electrodes and display quality or defect data on a roll map bar shown on the screen. Since this roll map is created for each detailed electrode process, such as the coating process, roll pressing process, and slitting process, the roll map information is downloaded to check for quality defects and electrode breakage information in the preceding process, and this information is then used in the subsequent process to remove defects or perform necessary follow-up processing. However, if the amount of electrode loss is not accurately determined as described above, the electrode position data displayed on the roll map will change, making it impossible to accurately display quality and defect location data. This poses a risk of performing subsequent processes based on incorrect position coordinates when referring to the roll map in the subsequent process.

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing that when loss occurs in the electrode, distortion occurs in the longitudinal coordinate of the electrode depending on the presence or absence of a reference point.

[0011] The top view in Figure 1 is a roll map (RM) that simulates the movement of electrodes as they move roll-to-roll between the unwinder UW and the rewinder RW. While the actual roll map RM visually displays many detailed data points regarding quality and defects, Figure 1 shows only electrode breakage and connecting tape T for explanatory purposes.

[0012] The roll map RM in the upper diagram of Figure 1 is a replica of an actual electrode, and various types of fractures occur in actual electrodes. When one of the detailed processes of the electrode manufacturing process is being carried out, the roll map RM shows that electrode fractures occurred within that process (the current process), with fractures of 50m and 60m occurring. It also shows that 30m of the electrode start end was removed in the process preceding the current process, and 35m of the electrode end end was removed in the current process.

[0013] In this case, if the broken portion and the electrode removal portions (electrode loss portions) at the start and end of the electrode are removed, only the connecting tape T connecting the broken portions remains, as shown in the intermediate section diagram of Figure 1. In other words, the intermediate section diagram of Figure 1 represents the actual form of the electrode. In this intermediate section diagram, the position of the connecting tape T can be detected, for example, by a seam detection sensor. However, since the broken electrode and the removed electrode do not remain on the actual electrode, the amount of electrode loss, which is the length of the electrode removal portion (loss portion), cannot be determined. As mentioned above, since the electrode removal portion is manually entered by the operator, it is not possible to know the exact amount of electrode loss.

[0014] Furthermore, if the amount of electrode loss cannot be determined, the roll map RM of the electrode process will take on the same form as the intermediate diagram in Figure 1, and distortion will occur in the position coordinates on the roll map. The upper diagram in Figure 1 is shown for convenience, assuming that the electrode breakage / removal length is known, along with the connecting tape; when actual electrode loss occurs, it will take on the form shown in the intermediate diagram in Figure 1.

[0015] The lower part of Figure 1 shows how a reference point was introduced to prevent coordinate distortion in the roll map RM.

[0016] In the roll map RM at the bottom of Figure 1, reference points M1, M2, and M3 are introduced at predetermined intervals to indicate the electrode loss area. The number and spacing of the reference points M1, M2, and M3 can be applied differently depending on the length and specifications of the electrode. In Figure 1, a 1200-meter-long electrode is assumed, and reference points M1, M2, and M3 are displayed at 300, 600, and 900 meters, respectively. If reference points M1, M2, and M3 are marked on the actual electrode as described above, and the reference points are measured when electrode loss occurs, the spacing of the reference points will fluctuate, and the amount of electrode loss can be easily determined based on this fluctuation. In this way, once the amount of electrode loss is determined, the reference points M1, M2, and M3 and the length of the electrode loss can be displayed together, as shown in the roll map RM at the bottom of Figure 1. This allows both the longitudinal dimension of the electrode (absolute coordinates) that reflects the length of the loss and the longitudinal dimension of the electrode that does not reflect the loss (relative coordinates) to be displayed on a single roll map.

[0017] In this way, by introducing reference points to the electrodes, the amount of electrode loss can be determined by comparing the reference point position before the fluctuation (the set reference point position) with the measured reference point position based on the fluctuation in the interval between the reference points, and this can be reflected on the roll map.

[0018] Furthermore, the above reference points, along with the cell ID assigned to each electrode, serve as criteria for identifying and specifying individual batteries in processes such as electrode coating, roll pressing and slitting, assembly processes including notching, electrode winding and transfer, and battery can insertion. Therefore, if a defect or other problem occurs in a particular process, quality control can be easily performed by analyzing or tracing the cause based on the above cell ID and reference points.

[0019] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the display of a reference point on the electrode of a single-electrode lane.

[0020] The arrows in the drawing indicate the direction of electrode movement. The electrode 1 described above has a coated portion 1b with uncoated portions 1a formed on both sides. Therefore, it was sufficient for the conventional reference point marking machine 2 to mark the reference point M on the uncoated portion on one side of the electrode or on the uncoated portions 1a on both sides.

[0021] However, such conventional marking devices were not suitable for marking the reference points of so-called pattern electrodes.

[0022] Figure 3 shows an example of a pattern electrode 10.

[0023] The pattern electrode 10 is an electrode in which coated portions 12 and uncoated portions 11' are repeatedly arranged along the longitudinal direction to form a pattern.

[0024] Such a patterned electrode 10 is slit in the width direction with respect to the uncoated portions 11' between the coated portions 12 in a subsequent process. One slit electrode coated portion 12 can be stacked with electrode coated portions of other polarities and a separator film to form a stacked cell type electrode assembly, or it can be wound together with electrode coated portions of other polarities and a separator film to form a jelly roll type electrode assembly.

[0025] In particular, for pattern electrodes used in small batteries, multiple electrode lanes are first formed by slitting along the longitudinal direction of the pattern electrode in a long manner before slitting the uncoated portion 11' in the width direction. Then, the uncoated portions 11' between the coated portions of each electrode lane are cut. In this case, the cut coated portions of each electrode lane can be stacked or wound up to form an electrode assembly.

[0026] When applying the marking device shown in Figure 2 to a pattern electrode as shown in Figure 3, the following problems arose.

[0027] First, in the slitting process after manufacturing the pattern electrode, the non-coated portions (knurled portions; 11) on both side ends in the width direction of the pattern electrode are removed. However, conventionally, as shown in FIG. 2, reference points are marked on the non-coated portions 11 on both sides in the width direction of the pattern electrode, so the reference points are removed after the slitting process. As a result, a gray zone occurs where quality control based on the reference points cannot be performed between the slitting process and the winding process.

[0028] Second, the reference points of the large electrode are marked in units of length (e.g., meter (m)). When the interval between the reference points fluctuates due to defects, coordinates are assigned in units of length to create a roll map or correct the roll map. However, since the size of a small electrode such as a pattern electrode is small, it is managed in units of the number of pattern portions of the coating portion together with such length unit coordinates. That is, coordinates are assigned in units of the number of patterns together with meter information as the longitudinal coordinates of the electrode, and a specific position in the longitudinal direction can also be indicated by the number of patterns. The roll map of the pattern electrode can also be represented in such units of the number of patterns. Therefore, it is necessary to change the reference point marking mechanism of the large electrode so that it is suitable for marking the reference points of the small electrode.

[0029] Third, when the pattern electrode is slit into a plurality of electrode lanes, a plurality of marking machines are required to mark reference points on each electrode lane (planned portion). However, when the number of marking machines increases, the manufacturing cost increases and the installation process becomes complicated. Also, the number of optical components required for the marking machine increases, further increasing the manufacturing cost. Furthermore, there is not enough space to install a plurality of marking machines between the planned portions of the electrode lanes of the pattern electrode with a small size.

[0030] Therefore, it can be said that the development of a technology capable of efficiently marking reference points on the pattern electrode is desired.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0031] [Patent Document 1] Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-601567 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0032] The present invention aims to provide a reference point marking device that can efficiently mark reference points on a pattern electrode in which coated and uncoated portions are repeatedly arranged along the longitudinal direction.

[0033] Another object of the present invention is to provide a roll map generation device that can effectively display reference point information and defect information on a roll map using the above-described reference point marking device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0034] The present invention provides a reference point marking device for solving the above problems, which is a reference point marking device for a pattern electrode in which coated portions and uncoated portions are repeatedly arranged along the longitudinal direction, wherein the pattern electrode has a plurality of electrode lane planned portions that are formed by a plurality of electrode lanes by slitting along the longitudinal direction in a subsequent process, and includes a moving marking machine that moves along the width direction of the pattern electrode and marks a reference point on the uncoated portion of each electrode lane planned portion arranged along the width direction, and a control unit that controls the operation of the moving marking machine.

[0035] The uncoated portion of each electrode lane area described above has a portion that is to be slit in the width direction in a subsequent process, and the reference point can be marked on the uncoated portion that is not the portion that is to be slit in the width direction.

[0036] As the pattern electrode moves along its longitudinal direction, the moving marking machine can mark a reference point.

[0037] In this case, when the mobile marking machine moves along the width direction and marks the uncoated portions of multiple electrode lane locations, the marking path can be formed as a diagonal path that slopes backward in the longitudinal direction due to the longitudinal movement speed of the pattern electrode.

[0038] More specifically, the mobile marking machine can sequentially mark reference points on the uncoated portion of each electrode lane's planned area at a position where each pattern of the coated portion has been pushed longitudinally backward.

[0039] Furthermore, the mobile marking machine can mark reference points on the uncoated portion of each electrode lane at predetermined pattern intervals along the longitudinal direction of the coated portion.

[0040] The pattern electrode described above is a double-sided electrode in which an electrode active material is coated on the upper and lower surfaces, respectively, and the mobile marking machine can be installed on the upper and lower surfaces of the pattern electrode, respectively.

[0041] The above-mentioned reference point marking device further includes a position measuring instrument that, when the pattern electrode moves longitudinally in a roll-to-roll manner between the unwinder and the rewinder, acquires the longitudinal position of the pattern electrode as coordinate data corresponding to the amount of rotation of the unwinder or the rewinder, and can represent the coordinate data in units of the number of patterns of the coated portion. The control unit can control the moving marking machine to mark reference points on the uncoated portion of each electrode lane at intervals of a predetermined number of patterns of the coated portion, based on the number of patterns of data.

[0042] The reference points marked above may include sequential information for the planned locations of each electrode lane, and information on the number of patterns or pattern order for the reference points along the longitudinal direction of the pattern electrode.

[0043] The above reference point marking device may further include a defect marking device that marks defects on uncoated portions provided along the longitudinal direction at one or both ends in the width direction of the pattern electrode, and is positioned alongside the moving marking device along the electrode width direction.

[0044] In this case, a guide axis is arranged along the width direction on the pattern electrode, the mobile marking machine and the defective marking machine are coupled to the guide axis, and the mobile marking machine can be installed to be movable along the guide axis.

[0045] A defect inspection machine is positioned in front of the defect marking machine, which can inspect the pattern electrodes and acquire inspection data regarding defects, and, in conjunction with the position measuring instrument, acquire coordinate data and pattern number unit data of the pattern electrodes relating to the defective locations and / or defective sections for which the inspection data was acquired. The defect marking machine can mark defects on the uncoated portions of one or both ends in the width direction of the pattern electrodes based on the coordinate data and pattern number unit data transmitted from the defect inspection machine.

[0046] The control unit can determine the time when the electrode portion of the defective area and / or defective section arrives at the defective marking machine based on the distance between the defective inspection machine and the defective marking machine and the moving speed of the pattern electrode, and can control the defective marking to mark the defective area and / or defective section at the time of arrival.

[0047] Another aspect of the present invention is a roll map generation apparatus that, when a pattern electrode in which coated and uncoated portions are repeatedly arranged along the longitudinal direction of the electrode moves between an unwinder and a rewinder in a roll-to-roll manner, acquires the longitudinal position of the pattern electrode as coordinate data corresponding to the amount of rotation of the unwinder or rewinder, and can represent the coordinate data in units of the number of patterns of the coated portion; a marking machine that works in conjunction with the position measuring instrument to mark reference points at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the pattern electrode; and a machine that works in conjunction with the position measuring instrument and the marking machine to generate coordinate data related to the longitudinal position of the pattern electrode, data in units of the number of patterns of the coated portion, and data in units of the number of patterns of the reference points. The system includes a roll map generation unit that acquires data and generates a roll map by displaying at least the above number of pattern units data on a roll map that replicates an electrode moving in a roll-to-roll state, wherein the pattern electrode has a plurality of electrode lane planned areas that are formed by slitting along the longitudinal direction of the electrode in a subsequent process, and the marking machine is a moving marking machine that moves along the width direction of the pattern electrode and marks reference points on the uncoated portion of each electrode lane planned area arranged along the width direction, and the roll map generation unit can generate a roll map of the pattern electrode and roll maps of individual electrode lane planned areas based on the number of pattern units data marked by the moving marking machine.

[0048] The roll map generation device further includes a defect marking machine positioned alongside the moving marking machine and along the electrode width direction, which marks defects on uncoated portions provided along the longitudinal direction at one or both ends in the width direction of the pattern electrode, and which is positioned in front of the defect marking machine, which inspects the pattern electrode and acquires inspection data related to defects, and which, in conjunction with the position measuring instrument, acquires coordinate data and pattern number unit data of the pattern electrode relating to the defective location and / or defective section for which the inspection data was acquired, and the defect marking machine marks defects on the uncoated portions at one or both ends in the width direction of the pattern electrode based on the coordinate data and pattern number unit data transmitted from the defect inspection machine, and the roll map generation unit can display both the reference points and defect markings on the roll map based on the coordinate data and pattern number unit data. [Effects of the Invention]

[0049] According to the present invention, a mobile marking machine that moves along the width direction of a pattern electrode can mark reference points corresponding to all of the planned locations of multiple electrode lanes.

[0050] Therefore, the number of marking machines required for marking reference points can be significantly reduced, potentially lowering manufacturing costs considerably.

[0051] Furthermore, according to the present invention, a roll map can be realized that replicates the pattern electrodes and the planned locations of each electrode lane based on the reference point pattern number data obtained by the reference point marking device. In addition to reference point information, information regarding electrode defects can also be displayed on the roll map. Therefore, data regarding quality defects of the pattern electrodes can be easily grasped visually at a glance in relation to the reference points.

[0052] Furthermore, since the roll map displaying the above reference points can be referenced in each detailed step of the electrode process, subsequent processing, defect removal, quality tracking, and control can be easily performed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0053] [Figure 1] This schematic diagram illustrates how, when loss occurs in the electrodes, distortion occurs in the longitudinal coordinates of the electrodes depending on the presence or absence of a reference point. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing how to display a reference point on the electrode of a single-electrode lane. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a patterned electrode. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of a reference point marking device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing the operation process of a mobile marking machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram showing how a reference point is marked according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram showing the battery assembly process after the pattern electrodes have been slit. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram of a reference point marking device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram showing the operation process of the marking machine according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram showing how reference points and defects are marked according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram of a roll map generation device, which represents another aspect of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram of the data visualization device included in the role map generation unit. [Figure 13] This is a schematic diagram showing the roll map of a pattern electrode generated by the roll map generation apparatus of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0054] The detailed configuration of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings and various embodiments. The embodiments described below are illustrative to aid in understanding the present invention, and the attached drawings are not illustrated to actual scale to aid in understanding the invention, and the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated.

[0055] The present invention is subject to various modifications and may take many forms; therefore, specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the text. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to any particular disclosure, but rather should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, or substitutions that fall within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0056] A reference point marking device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a reference point marking device for a pattern electrode in which coated portions and uncoated portions are repeatedly arranged along the longitudinal direction, wherein the pattern electrode has a plurality of electrode lane planned portions that are formed by a plurality of electrode lanes by slitting along the longitudinal direction in a subsequent process, and includes a moving marking machine that moves along the width direction of the pattern electrode and marks a reference point on the uncoated portion of each electrode lane planned portion arranged along the width direction, and a control unit that controls the operation of the moving marking machine.

[0057] Another aspect of the present invention is a roll map generation apparatus that, when a pattern electrode in which coated and uncoated portions are repeatedly arranged along the longitudinal direction of the electrode moves between an unwinder and a rewinder in a roll-to-roll manner, acquires the longitudinal position of the pattern electrode as coordinate data corresponding to the amount of rotation of the unwinder or rewinder, and can represent the coordinate data in units of the number of patterns of the coated portion; a marking machine that works in conjunction with the position measuring instrument to mark reference points at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the pattern electrode; and a machine that works in conjunction with the position measuring instrument and the marking machine to generate coordinate data related to the longitudinal position of the pattern electrode, data in units of the number of patterns of the coated portion, and data in units of the number of patterns of the reference points. The system includes a roll map generation unit that acquires data and generates a roll map by displaying at least the above number of pattern units data on a roll map that replicates an electrode moving in a roll-to-roll state, wherein the pattern electrode has a plurality of electrode lane planned areas that are formed by slitting along the longitudinal direction of the electrode in a subsequent process, and the marking machine is a moving marking machine that moves along the width direction of the pattern electrode and marks reference points on the uncoated portion of each electrode lane planned area arranged along the width direction, and the roll map generation unit can generate a roll map of the pattern electrode and roll maps of individual electrode lane planned areas based on the number of pattern units data marked by the moving marking machine.

[0058] <Reference point marking device> (First Embodiment) Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a reference point marking device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the operation process of a mobile marking machine according to the first embodiment, Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing that reference points are marked according to the first embodiment, and Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the battery assembly process after the pattern electrodes have been slit.

[0059] The reference point marking device 100 of the present invention is a reference point marking device 100 for a pattern electrode 10 in which coated portions 12 and uncoated portions 11' are repeatedly arranged along the longitudinal direction, wherein the pattern electrode 10 has a plurality of electrode lane planned portions that are formed by a plurality of electrode lanes by slitting along the longitudinal direction in a subsequent process, and includes a moving marking machine 20 that moves along the width direction Y of the pattern electrode 10 and marks a reference point on the uncoated portion 11' of each electrode lane planned portion arranged along the width direction, and a control unit 40 that controls the operation of the moving marking machine 20.

[0060] In the present invention, the pattern electrode 10 that is the target of reference point marking refers to an electrode in which coated portions 12 and uncoated portions 11' are repeatedly arranged, as shown in Figure 6. That is, it refers to an electrode in which the coated portions 12 are coated in a predetermined number of patterns along the longitudinal direction X of the electrode. The coated portions 12 are coated with electrode active material. As shown in Figure 4, when the electrode (current collector) moves in a roll-to-roll manner between the unwinder UW and the rewinder RW, electrode active material is intermittently discharged from the coater C onto the current collector, forming a pattern electrode 10 in which coated portions 12 and uncoated portions 11' are repeatedly arranged. The coated electrode is dried as it passes through the electrode oven D. The reference point marking device 100 of the present invention is positioned after the electrode oven D and can mark a predetermined reference point M on the pattern electrode 10.

[0061] Referring to Figure 6, the pattern electrode 10 has multiple electrode lane areas (L1, ..., L20) which are formed by slitting along the longitudinal direction X in a subsequent process (slitting process) and creating multiple electrode lanes. The pattern electrode 10 shown in Figure 6 has a total of 20 electrode lane areas from L1 to L20. That is, a predetermined number (20 in this embodiment) of the electrode lane areas are arranged along the width direction Y of the pattern electrode 10.

[0062] Each planned electrode lane area subject to reference point marking also has a structure in which coated portions 12 and uncoated portions 11' are repeatedly arranged along the longitudinal direction of the electrode. The reference point M is marked in the uncoated portion 11' between the coated portions 12 of each planned electrode lane area. As described above, the reference point serves as reference information for quality control and tracking in the electrode process, assembly process, and subsequent winding process. For this reason, it is necessary that the shape of the reference point of each planned electrode lane area is maintained without being damaged even after subsequent slitting processes. Therefore, the reference point needs to be marked within the range of the upper and lower limits in the width direction of the planned electrode lane area (i.e., the boundary line S1 with adjacent planned electrode lane areas). In other words, it is preferable that the reference point is not marked so as to straddle the boundary line S1 of adjacent electrode lanes.

[0063] Furthermore, the uncoated portion 11' of each electrode lane is slit in the width direction in a subsequent process. Therefore, the uncoated portion 11' has a width-direction slitting area (planned line: S2) that is slit in the width direction. If the reference point straddles the width-direction slitting area, the shape of the reference point M may be damaged by the width-direction slitting. Therefore, the reference point needs to be marked while avoiding the width-direction slitting area. That is, the reference point is marked on a portion of the uncoated portion 11' that is not a width-direction slitting area (see Figure 6).

[0064] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the mobile marking machine 20 of the present invention marks reference points on the uncoated portion 11' of each planned electrode lane area while moving along the width direction of the pattern electrode 10. This makes it possible to mark reference points on the uncoated portion 11' of multiple planned electrode lane areas with a single mobile marking machine 20, without the need to install separate marking machines along each planned electrode lane area. Alternatively, if necessary, multiple planned electrode lane areas can be divided into groups of a predetermined number of electrode lane areas, and one mobile marking machine 20 can be used to mark each group. In this case, the number of mobile marking machines 20 should be equal to the number of groups. In this case as well, since it is not necessary to install a mobile marking machine for each planned electrode lane area, the number of required mobile marking machines can be reduced. The mobile marking machine 20 can mark reference points on the uncoated portion 11' of each planned electrode lane area while moving from one end to the other end in the width direction or from the other end to one end. The above-described mobile marking machine 20, as in the conventional model, does not mark reference points on the uncoated portions 11 at one or both ends in the width direction of the pattern electrode 10. Instead, reference points are marked on the uncoated portions 11' between the coated portions 12 of each planned electrode lane area. Therefore, even if the uncoated portions 11 at one or both ends of the pattern electrode 10 are removed by slitting, the reference points M remain and can be referenced during roll map generation or quality control. Furthermore, even if each planned electrode lane area is slit in the longitudinal direction, the reference points marked between the coated portions 12 of the planned electrode lane area remain and can be referenced when generating a roll map in units of the number of coated patterns. Also, even if the planned electrode lane area is slit along the longitudinal direction to become multiple electrode lanes, and then each electrode lane is slit again in the width direction, the reference points remain, so each battery cell can be managed using the above reference points as a reference during the winding process of each coated portion 12 or when inserting into a battery can (B1, ..., Bn). Therefore, according to the present invention, it is suitable for managing the small pattern electrodes 10 in units of the number of patterns, or for displaying them in units of the number of patterns to create a roll map.

[0065] The mobile marking machine 20 may, but is not limited to, an inkjet marking machine, a laser marking machine, or a punching marking machine. A suitable marking machine can be selected and used, provided that it offers excellent visibility of the reference point M and does not damage the uncoated portion 11'. In the case of laser or punching marking machines, damage may be left on the uncoated portion 11', so care must be taken when marking the reference point M.

[0066] Referring to Figure 5, in one embodiment, the mobile marking machine 20 may be movably coupled to a guide axis R installed along the width direction on the pattern electrode 10. The movement mechanism of the mobile marking machine 20 along the guide axis R may employ a known linear movement mechanism. For example, the mobile marking machine 20 may be equipped with a linear motor capable of linear movement along the guide axis R. The mobile marking machine 20 may also include an LM guide mechanism with bearings in the part that is guided to reduce friction when moving along the guide axis R. Since such linear movement mechanisms are known, a detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

[0067] Furthermore, the mobile marking machine 20 includes a marking unit 23. When the mobile marking machine 20 is an ink marking machine, the marking unit may be a nozzle unit connected to an ink supply unit (not shown).

[0068] The mobile marking machine 20 may be equipped with a vision camera 21 or a recognition sensor so as to be able to distinguish and recognize the coated portion 12 and the uncoated portion 11'. The vision camera 21 identifies the boundary between the coated portion 12 and the uncoated portion 11', so that the marking portion 23 can mark a predetermined marking position on the uncoated portion 11'. As the recognition sensor, a recognition sensor capable of identifying the position of the uncoated portion by comparing the color or contrast of the coated portion and the uncoated portion may be used. For example, a color sensor or an optical sensor capable of identifying contrast may be used. The mobile marking machine 20 may further be equipped with a lighting device 22 so that the vision camera 21 or recognition sensor can easily distinguish between the uncoated portion 11' and the coated portion 12. Such optical components such as vision cameras and lighting devices are expensive. The present invention has the advantage that it can mark reference points M on multiple electrode lane planned locations with one or fewer mobile marking machines 20, thus significantly reducing the number of expensive optical components. The mobile marking machine 20 can determine the marking position using the vision camera or sensor and mark a reference point at the determined marking position using encoder information.

[0069] Since the mobile marking machine 20 moves along the width direction Y, its range of movement needs to be defined. For this purpose, it may be equipped with limit sensors (not shown). The limit sensors and the control unit 40 are linked, and the control unit 40 can restrict the range of movement of the mobile marking machine 20 according to the position sensed by the limit sensors. If necessary, the mobile marking machine 20 may be equipped with stoppers (not shown) to prevent collisions. Of course, other mechanical and / or electronic stopper mechanisms can also be provided on the mobile marking machine 20 or on the guide axis R coupled to the mobile marking machine 20.

[0070] The control unit 40 controls the mobile marking machine 20 to mark reference points M at predetermined positions and intervals along the longitudinal direction of the pattern electrode 10. In particular, as shown in Figure 4, the control unit 40 can control the mobile marking machine 20 to mark reference points when the pattern electrode 10 moves along the longitudinal direction X.

[0071] Since the mobile marking machine 20 moves along the width direction, its movement and speed can also be controlled by the control unit 40. If the control unit 40 is a PLC control unit that controls electrode transfer, it can control the longitudinal movement speed of the pattern electrode 10, and the control unit 40 can also determine the movement speed of the mobile marking machine 20 in conjunction with the pattern electrode 10's movement speed. In other words, the control unit 40 can control the mobile marking machine 20 so that the reference point is marked at a desired marking position, by comprehensively considering the movement speed of the pattern electrode 10, the movement speed of the mobile marking machine, the reference point marking position, the marking interval, etc.

[0072] To enable the determination of the longitudinal position and spacing of the pattern electrodes 10, the reference point marking device 100 of the present invention may include a position measuring instrument 30 capable of acquiring the longitudinal position of the pattern electrodes 10 as coordinate data. The position measuring instrument 30 can acquire the longitudinal position of the pattern electrodes 10 as coordinate data according to the amount of rotation of the unwinder UW or rewinder RW. For example, rotary encoders 30U and 30R that extract the position value of the pattern electrodes 10 from the amount of rotation of the motor driving the unwinder UW or rewinder RW can be used as the position measuring instrument. In Figure 4, for the sake of explanation, the rotary encoder 30U of the unwinder UW and the rotary encoder 30R of the rewinder RW are shown to be located outside the unwinder UW and rewinder RW, respectively, but the encoders 30U and 30R can be built into the unwinder UW and rewinder RW, respectively.

[0073] The position measuring instrument 30 can measure and identify the longitudinal position coordinates of the pattern electrode 10 in meters (m). In this invention, in order to be suitable for the pattern electrode 10 of a small battery, the position coordinates are identified in meters, and at the same time, the number of patterns in the coating area is also obtained. For example, if there are 1200 coating area patterns in the total length of the pattern electrode 10, the pattern electrode 10 can be defined as an electrode with a length that has a total of 1200 patterns. In this case, the length of one coating area can be defined as one unit (coordinate). If reference points are marked at 25%, 50%, and 75% of the length of the pattern electrode 10, when converted to the number of patterns, the reference points will be marked on the uncoated areas at the points where the number of coating area patterns is 300, 600, and 900. In this case, the interval between the reference points will be 300 patterns. The length and width of the coating area patterns may vary depending on the type of pattern electrode 10. However, even if the length of the coating pattern changes, the length of each individual coating pattern remains the same. Therefore, the length of one pattern can be treated as a single coordinate unit to determine the longitudinal position of the pattern electrode 10. Furthermore, a roll map can be created based on this pattern unit, as will be described later.

[0074] The above-mentioned position measuring instrument (rotary encoder) can count once for each motor rotation amount when the unwinder UW or rewinder RW rotates for a length corresponding to one pattern number, and can express the longitudinal position of the pattern electrode 10 in unit coordinates of the pattern number.

[0075] As shown in Figure 4, the control unit 40 is connected to the position measuring instrument 30. When the pattern electrode 10 moves along the longitudinal direction in a roll-to-roll manner, the control unit 40 provides a marking signal to the moving marking machine 20 when the pattern electrode 10 arrives at a predetermined number of positions based on the pattern number unit data. The marking signal is repeatedly emitted at intervals of a predetermined number of patterns, and the moving marking machine 20 is controlled to mark reference points on the uncoated portion 11' of each electrode lane at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the pattern electrode 10.

[0076] Figure 6 shows an example in which, as the pattern electrode 10 moves along the longitudinal direction, the moving marking machine 20 moves along the width direction, marking the uncoated portions 11' of multiple planned electrode lane locations. As the moving marking machine 20 moves, the pattern electrode 10 also moves along the longitudinal direction, so the marking path created by the moving marking machine 20 traces a diagonal path that slopes backward in the longitudinal direction due to the longitudinal movement speed of the pattern electrode 10.

[0077] Assuming that the pattern electrodes 10 are arranged in the width direction from the planned location L1 of the first electrode lane to the planned location L20 of the 20th electrode lane, in the example shown in Figure 6, reference points are sequentially marked on the uncoated portion 11' of each planned electrode lane location at a position pushed one pattern of the coated portion backward in the longitudinal direction from the second electrode lane. The distance pushed backward (number of patterns) is not limited to one pattern at a time. That is, the distance pushed backward (number of patterns) can vary depending on the total number of patterns of the pattern electrodes 10, the length of each pattern, the moving speed of the pattern electrodes 10, the moving speed of the moving marking machine 20, etc. However, the interval between reference points marked on each planned electrode lane location (interval between patterns) is the same.

[0078] As the pattern electrode 10 moves relatively backward in the longitudinal direction one pattern at a time from the planned location L1 of the first electrode lane to the planned location L20 of the 20th electrode lane, the moving marking machine 20 marks the first reference points (M1, M1', M1''...) in order for each planned location of the electrode lane. After that, the moving marking machine 20 moves back to the uncoated portion 11' of the planned location of the first electrode lane along the upward width direction. When the pattern electrode 10 moves in the travel direction X and reaches a predetermined number of patterns (for example, 300 patterns) from the first reference point M1 of the planned location of the first electrode lane, the moving marking machine 20 moves again in the downward width direction, drawing diagonal marking paths for each planned location of the electrode lane. That is, the moving marking machine 20 marks the second reference points (M2, M2', M2''...) for each planned location of the electrode lane while moving along the width direction. Subsequently, the mobile marking machine 20 returns to its original position in the upward width direction and repeats the marking operation described above when marking the third reference points (M3, M3', M3''...) (see Figure 13).

[0079] The pattern electrode 10 in Figure 4 is a double-sided electrode with electrode active material coated on its upper and lower surfaces, respectively. Therefore, the mobile marking machines 20 and 20' can be installed on the upper and lower surfaces of the pattern electrode 10, respectively. When the electrode is a double-sided electrode, the guide axes R and R' that serve as the movement axes of the mobile marking machines 20 and 20' can also be installed on the upper and lower surfaces of the electrode, respectively.

[0080] However, it goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to cross-sectional electrodes in which the active material is coated on only one surface of the pattern electrode 10. In this case, the mobile marking machine 20 is installed on the aforementioned surface.

[0081] In Figure 4, for the sake of explanation, the reference point marking device 100 is shown to simultaneously mark reference points M on the upper and lower surfaces of the pattern electrode. However, in reality, depending on the layout of the factory equipment, the reference point marking on the upper and lower surfaces of the electrode may proceed sequentially. For example, after the active material is first coated and dried on the upper surface of the pattern electrode 10, the reference point marking device 100 may mark reference points M on the upper surface. Then, the pattern electrode 10 may change its travel path and continue traveling, and after the active material is coated and dried on the lower surface of the pattern electrode 10, the reference point marking device 100 may mark reference points M on the lower surface. In this case, depending on the electrode travel path, the reference point marking device 100 may be positioned on the upper and lower surfaces of the electrode, respectively, to mark the reference points. Alternatively, a single reference point marking device 100 can mark reference points M on both the upper and lower surfaces of the electrode.

[0082] The marked reference point M may include sequential information for each planned electrode lane location and information on the number of patterns or pattern order of the reference points along the longitudinal direction of the pattern electrode 10. That is, the reference point may include and display which planned electrode lane location in the width direction the marked reference point is. In addition, the reference point may display which pattern number position of the uncoated portion 11' the reference point is coated on, the number of patterns may be displayed directly, or the order of the patterns may be included and displayed.

[0083] Such information may be displayed in barcode form, or in a form that combines numbers, Korean characters, English letters, etc.

[0084] For example, at reference point M labeled "A0001", "A" represents the sequential information of the planned electrode lane location. Following alphabetical order, A indicates the first planned electrode lane location.

[0085] The numbers following the letters represent pattern information. The pattern information above includes the number of patterns or pattern order information for the reference points along the longitudinal direction of the pattern electrode. Since the number following the letter is 0001, it indicates that it is the first pattern. If the reference point is displayed as "G1372", G indicates the planned location of the 7th electrode lane, and 1372 indicates that it is the 1372nd pattern in the longitudinal direction of the pattern electrode.

[0086] Furthermore, by using letters, it is possible to understand that when the reference point M is recognized inverted, the start and end ends of the pattern electrode 10 are reversed. That is, in a series of electrode processes including the coating process, the roll pressing process, and the slitting process, the start and end ends of the electrodes are recognized in reverse depending on the winding and unwinding direction, such as the end of the electrode roll from the previous process becoming the start of the electrode roll from the subsequent process. In this case, when the reference point M is displayed using letters, it is possible to understand which process it is when the letters are recognized in reverse, and to reflect this on the roll map and display the reference point M accordingly, or to display the reference point M with appropriate correction.

[0087] In this way, by using reference points M that are a combination of letters and numbers, the number of reference point patterns or pattern order information and the order information of the planned electrode lane locations can be grasped at a glance. This relationship between order and number of patterns can be input to the control unit 40 or the roll map generation unit described later.

[0088] Furthermore, the information regarding the reference point marking positions input to the control unit 40 is input to the roll map generation unit, as will be described later. The roll map generation unit can then generate roll maps of the pattern electrodes 10 and each individual electrode lane planned area based on these reference point positions. As shown in Figure 6, even if the reference point coordinates, which are displayed as the number of patterns, vary slightly depending on each electrode lane planned area, the position and marking interval of the marked patterns are input, so there is no problem in creating a roll map by referring to these reference points or in performing subsequent processes by referring to it.

[0089] In short, according to the present invention, one or more mobile marking machines 20 can efficiently mark reference points on a pattern electrode 10 having multiple electrode lane locations in units of the number of patterns, thereby enabling automated and efficient quality control of the electrode process and each process.

[0090] Referring to Figure 7, it is shown that in the subsequent slitting process, the pattern electrode 10 is slit longitudinally to form 20 electrode lanes, and these electrode lanes are slit widthwise to form one electrode portion per pattern of the coated area. Each of these electrode portions is wound together with electrode portions of other polarities and a separator film to form a jelly roll type electrode assembly. These electrode assemblies (J / R1, J / R2, J / R3, ..., J / Rn) are each placed in a battery can, filled with electrolyte, and sealed to form small cylindrical batteries (B1, B2, B3, ..., Bn).

[0091] The reference points marked by the reference point marking device 100 of the present invention are marked for each electrode lane (planned area) and for each pattern of coated area, one uncoated area 11' is marked, and are used as reference points from the coating process to the winding process. Furthermore, since reference points may remain on the electrode area even for some of the subsequent processes in the series described above as shown in Figure 7, they can be used as reference information when proceeding with or managing those processes.

[0092] (Second Embodiment) Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a reference point marking device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the operation process of the marking device according to the second embodiment, and Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing that reference points and defects are marked according to the second embodiment.

[0093] In this embodiment, the reference point marking device 200 not only marks reference points at the planned locations of each electrode lane in the width direction using a moving marking machine 20, but can also simultaneously mark defects on the pattern electrodes 10.

[0094] For this purpose, the reference point marking device 200 further includes a moving marking machine 20 and a defect marking machine 50 arranged side by side along the electrode width direction. Uncoated portions 11 are provided along the longitudinal direction at one or both ends in the width direction of the pattern electrode 10. That is, the electrode active material is coated only up to a certain range in the width direction of the pattern electrode 10 to form coated portions 12, and the remaining portion in the width direction becomes an uncoated portion 11. Therefore, the pattern electrode 10 has uncoated portions 11' arranged between coated portions 12 in the longitudinal direction of the electrode, and uncoated portions 11 arranged on both sides in the width direction. Reference points can be marked on the former uncoated portions 11' as described above, and defect marking can be performed on the latter uncoated portions 11.

[0095] When marking the uncoated portion 11 at one end in the width direction, one defect marking machine is sufficient. However, when marking the uncoated portion 11 at one end in the width direction, a defect marking machine is required for both the one end and the other end of the electrode.

[0096] In the example shown in Figure 8, a reference point marking device 200 is provided for marking defects on the uncoated portions 11 at both ends in the width direction of the pattern electrode 10.

[0097] Referring to Figure 9, a single guide axis R is positioned along the width direction on the pattern electrode 10, and a total of three marking machines, including the mobile marking machine 20 and the defective marking machines (one-side end marking machine 50A and the other-side end marking machine 50B), are coupled to the guide axis R. The mobile marking machine 20 is installed to be movable along the guide axis.

[0098] The one-side marking machine 50A and the other-side marking machine 50B may also be equipped with a marking unit 53, a vision camera 51 (or recognition sensor), and a lighting device 52, together with the mobile marking machine 20.

[0099] Referring to Figure 10, it is shown that a defective marking G occurred on the uncoated portion 11 at one end in the width direction of the pattern electrode 10 due to the marking portion of the defective marking machine.

[0100] The marking device 200 of this embodiment not only displays reference points on the pattern electrode 10 in units of the number of patterns, but also marks the defective location or section on the pattern electrode 10 when a defect is detected. As a result, the reference point M and the defective area are displayed simultaneously on the pattern electrode 10, and based on this, the reference point M and the defect can also be visually indicated on the roll map.

[0101] Referring to Figure 8, predetermined defect inspection machines 60 and 70 may be positioned in front of the defect marking machine 50 to recognize defects. The defect inspection machines 60 and 70 inspect the pattern electrodes 10 moving in a roll-to-roll manner to acquire inspection data related to defects, and in conjunction with the position measuring instrument 30, can acquire coordinate data and pattern number unit data of the pattern electrodes related to the defective location and / or defective section for which the inspection data was acquired. At least one of the defect inspection machines 60 and 70 is positioned in front of the defect marking machine 50.

[0102] The defect marking machine 50 can mark defective locations and / or defective sections G on the uncoated portions 11 at one or both ends in the width direction of the pattern electrode 10, based on the coordinate data and pattern number unit data transmitted from the defect inspection machines 60 and 70. That is, if a defective portion is found by the defect inspection machine in the portion of the pattern electrode 10 corresponding to the 450th pattern number, the defect marking machine will mark the uncoated portions 11 at one or both ends of the electrode corresponding to that pattern number. Furthermore, if a defect occurs only in a portion along the length of the coated portion of that pattern number, the defect marking machine can mark the position or section corresponding to the coordinates of that portion based on the coordinate data.

[0103] Examples of the above-mentioned defect inspection machines 60 and 70 include an electrode slurry loading amount measuring device, a dimension and width measuring device, and a visual inspection machine, all of which are installed on the transfer line of the pattern electrode 10.

[0104] Electrode slurry loading amount measuring instruments may employ non-contact thickness measuring sensors such as ultrasonic sensors, displacement sensors, laser sensors, and confocal thickness sensors. Since the thickness of the electrode foil is known, for example, in the case of a confocal thickness sensor, the slurry loading amount can be measured by analyzing the wavelength of the reflected light emitted from the sensor and calculating the distance (thickness) between the sensor and the electrode.

[0105] Dimensional and width measuring instruments may employ vision measuring instruments that can photograph or scan the appearance of the electrode to be coated to measure the electrode width, the width between the coated and uncoated areas, etc. Once the width between the coated and uncoated areas is determined, it is also possible to determine whether there is a mismatch between the coated and uncoated areas.

[0106] Visual inspection machines can capture images of the electrode's appearance to acquire an external image. This allows for the acquisition of data on external defects such as pinholes, lines, and crater shapes, as well as data on insulation appearance and insulation defects. Visual inspection machines may also include those equipped with sensors capable of discriminating the electrode's color, such as color sensors. Color sensors can detect areas with a different color from the electrode, such as connecting tape or PET film.

[0107] In addition to the measuring instruments or inspection machines mentioned above, fault inspection machines for detecting other types of defects may also be applied.

[0108] The above-mentioned defect inspection machines 60 and 70 are connected to and linked with the position measuring instrument 30 or the control unit 40 connected to the position measuring instrument, and can acquire longitudinal position data (coordinate and pattern number unit data) relating to the defective section in which a defective location or defective part is detected. Therefore, the above-mentioned defect inspection machines 60 and 70 can acquire not only inspection data relating to the type, size, form, and characteristics of the defect, but also coordinate data and pattern number unit data of the electrode position in which the inspection data was acquired. This inspection data, coordinate data, and pattern number unit data are transmitted to the control unit 40. Based on this data, the control unit 40 instructs the defect marking machine 50 to mark the defective location and / or defective section. Based on the coordinate data and pattern number unit data, the defect marking machine 50 performs marking G of the defective location and / or defective section.

[0109] In other words, the defect inspection machines 60 and 70 recognize defects at specific positions (coordinates) in the longitudinal direction of the pattern electrode 10, and the control unit 40 controls the defect marking machine 50 to display the defect at those positions (coordinates).

[0110] Specifically, the control unit 40 can calculate the time when the electrode portion of the defective area and / or defective section arrives at the defective marking machine 50, based on the distance between the defective inspection machines 60 and 70 and the defective marking machine 50, and the moving speed of the pattern electrode 10. At the time of arrival, the defective marking machine 50 marks the defective area and / or defective section G according to the marking instructions of the control unit 40. In this embodiment, the location (coordinates) of the defective area and / or defective section can be identified based on the coordinate data and pattern number unit data transmitted from the defective inspection machine. Furthermore, the control unit 40 controls the defective marking machine 50 so that it marks the defect at a specific time based on the identified location (coordinates).

[0111] When a predetermined defect inspection machine is installed for defect marking, the control unit can acquire coordinate data of the defective location or section in conjunction with the defect inspection machine and the position measuring instrument, and based on this, can issue an instruction to the defect marking machine to mark the defect.

[0112] <Role map generator> Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a roll map generation device, which is another aspect of the present invention; Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a data visualization device included in the roll map generation unit; and Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing the roll map of the pattern electrode 10 and the planned locations of individual electrode lanes generated by the roll map generation device of the present invention.

[0113] The roll map generation apparatus 300 of the present invention includes: a position measuring instrument 30 that, when a pattern electrode 10 having a coated portion 12 and an uncoated portion 11' repeatedly arranged along the longitudinal direction of the electrode moves between an unwinder UW and a rewinder RW in a roll-to-roll manner, acquires the longitudinal position of the pattern electrode 10 as coordinate data corresponding to the amount of rotation of the unwinder or rewinder, and can represent the coordinate data in units of the number of patterns of the coated portion; a moving marking machine 20 that works in conjunction with the position measuring instrument to mark reference points M at predetermined intervals on the pattern electrode 10 along the longitudinal direction of the pattern electrode; and a roll map generation unit 80 that works in conjunction with the position measuring instrument and the marking machine to acquire coordinate data relating to the longitudinal position of the pattern electrode 10, units of the number of patterns of the coated portion, and units of the number of patterns of reference points M, and generates a roll map by displaying at least the above-mentioned units of patterns on a roll map that replicates the electrode moving in a roll-to-roll manner.

[0114] The pattern electrode 10 has multiple electrode lane areas which are formed by slitting along the longitudinal direction of the electrode in a subsequent process, thereby creating multiple electrode lanes. The marking machine is a moving marking machine 20 which moves along the width direction of the pattern electrode 10 and marks reference points on the uncoated portion 11' of each electrode lane area which is arranged along the width direction.

[0115] Since the pattern electrode 10 moves due to the rotation of the unwinder UW and the rewinder RW, the longitudinal position coordinates of the pattern electrode 10 can be determined according to the amount of rotation of the unwinder UW or the rewinder RW. As described above, the position measuring instrument 30 can represent the longitudinal position coordinates of such an electrode 10 in terms of pattern number unit data of the coated portion. For example, if the pattern number unit acquired by the position measuring instrument 30 is 0, it indicates the starting end of the pattern electrode 10, and if the pattern number coordinates of the 1200th pattern are acquired for a pattern electrode 10 with 1200 patterns, it means that the end of the electrode 10 has been measured by the position measuring instrument.

[0116] As described above, the pattern count data in the longitudinal direction of the pattern electrode 10 can be detected by rotary encoders 30U and 30R installed on the unwinder UW or rewinder RW.

[0117] As the marking machine described above, the mobile marking machine 20 used in the reference point marking devices 100 and 200 described above can be applied. In addition to the mobile marking machine 20, a defect marking machine 50 may be further included to mark defects on the uncoated portion 11 at one or the other end in the width direction of the pattern electrode. As shown in Figure 11, the defect marking machine 50 may be arranged alongside the mobile marking machine 20 along the electrode width direction.

[0118] The mobile marking machine 20 and the defect marking machine 50 can be linked to the position measuring instrument 30 directly or via the control unit 40, so that they can mark reference points M at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the pattern electrode and also mark defects on the uncoated portion 11.

[0119] The present invention includes a roll map generation unit 80 that works in conjunction with the position measuring instrument 30, the mobile marking machine 20, and the defective marking machine 50 to acquire coordinate data relating to the longitudinal position of the pattern electrode and pattern number unit data relating to the reference point M, and generates a roll map by displaying the coordinate data and pattern number unit data on a roll map.

[0120] The roll map generation unit 80, in conjunction with the position measuring instrument, acquires pattern number unit data along the longitudinal direction of the pattern electrode 10, and can also represent the position and interval of the reference point M in pattern number unit data in conjunction with the mobile marking machine 20. The pattern number unit data of the reference point M can be transmitted from the mobile marking machine 20 directly or via the control unit 40 to the roll map generation unit 80.

[0121] The roll map generation unit 80 can generate a roll map of the pattern electrode 10 and a roll map of each individual planned electrode lane that constitutes the pattern electrode 10, based on the pattern number unit data of the reference point M marked by the mobile marking machine 20.

[0122] Furthermore, the roll map generation unit 80 can generate a roll map that displays not only reference point M information but also information about defects. For this purpose, at least one defect inspection machine 60 or 70 can be placed in front of the defect marking machine 50. This machine can inspect the pattern electrode 10 to acquire inspection data about defects and, in conjunction with the position measuring instrument, acquire coordinate data and pattern number unit data for the defective location and / or defective section from which the inspection data was acquired. The types of defect inspection machines 60 and 70 have been described above, so no further explanation is provided.

[0123] As described above, the defect marking machine 50 can mark defects on the uncoated portion 11 at one or both ends in the width direction of the pattern electrode 10 based on the coordinate data and pattern number unit data transmitted from the defect inspection machines 60 and 70. The roll map generation unit 80 can display the coordinate data and pattern number unit data of the defect marking G, as well as the pattern number unit data of the reference point M, on the roll map.

[0124] The roll map generation unit 80 may store data acquired from the defect inspection machines 60 and 70, the mobile marking machine 20, the defect marking machine 50, and the position measuring instrument 30, or it may have a database 81 in which data such as the quality and dimensions of normal electrodes are stored. The roll map generation unit 80 may also have a central processing unit 82 that processes the acquired data and instructs the visualization device 83 provided in the roll map generation unit 80 to visualize it.

[0125] The roll map generation unit 80 includes a visualization device 83 that defines a visualization area for forming a roll map that replicates the electrode 10 and displays pattern number unit data on the defined area. The visualization device 83 is connected to the central processing unit 82 and can visualize and display inspection data and pattern number unit data according to instructions from the central processing unit 82.

[0126] Referring to Figure 12, the visualization device 83 comprises an acquired data input unit 83a, a coordinate (number of patterns) recognition unit 83b on the roll map, and an image generation unit 83c.

[0127] The acquired data input unit 83a receives and inputs data from the central processing unit 82.

[0128] The roll map coordinate recognition unit 83b defines a visualization area that forms the roll map and can define pixel coordinate values ​​within the visualization area for each data element of the acquired raw data. At this time, when data regarding the specifications of the electrode roll, such as the lot number, length, and width, is input to the control unit 40 or server through registration of electrode roll information, the roll map coordinate recognition unit 83b can calculate and determine the visualization area of ​​the roll map from such data regarding the size of the electrode 10 according to a predetermined scale conversion scale. Alternatively, it is also possible to calculate and determine the visualization area of ​​the roll map from the longitudinal and widthwise position data of the electrode 10 according to a predetermined scale conversion scale.

[0129] The coordinate recognition unit 83b can map the acquired quality or defect data with the position data (width and longitudinal direction) of the electrode 10, and assign the mapped data onto the visualization area (roll map) based on pixel coordinates.

[0130] The image generation unit 83c can represent the mapped data elements assigned to each pixel coordinate within the visualization area using at least one legend. A legend refers to various shapes such as circles, squares, and triangles displayed in the visualization area, or the above shapes with assigned colors. Therefore, the image generation unit 83c can generate the roll map of the present invention by visually displaying various data related to quality or defects at the pixel coordinates corresponding to the actual position data of each electrode 10 in a display unit with a pattern, shape, and color specified for each data, thereby embodying it on the roll map in the visualization area called the roll map.

[0131] Furthermore, based on the data stored in the storage unit such as the database 81, the system can read data corresponding to a specific range in the roll map from the storage unit and display it on the screen (image generation). At this time, the central processing unit 82 can issue a command to the visualization device 83 to distinguish and visualize inspection data that has been found to be abnormal by comparing it with normal data stored in the database 81, and display it separately from other data.

[0132] Setting the size of the visualization area and generating an image by understanding the coordinates of the visualization area can be done using various conventional user interfaces and various programs and processing tools related to data allocation, processing, analysis, and visualization. Therefore, the role map generation unit 80 described above is merely one example and is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0133] The roll map generation unit 80 described above may be, for example, a data processing system such as a manufacturing process management system (MES). The electrode 10 manufacturing process is equipped with an electrode MES that manages a series of electrode manufacturing processes such as coating, pressing, and slitting. Therefore, when the coordinate data, inspection data, etc., described above are sent to the electrode MES, the electrode MES can generate the roll map described above.

[0134] The roll map generation apparatus 300 of the present invention displays the generated roll map on the display unit 90, allowing users to easily grasp reference points M and defect-related data at a glance.

[0135] The roll map generation apparatus 300 of the present invention may include a control unit (PLC control unit) that controls the movement of electrodes between the unwinder UW and the rewinder RW. In this case, the control unit is connected to the position measuring instrument 30 and the defect inspection machines 60 and 70, and can transmit the electrode position and inspection data in units of pattern count to the roll map generation unit 80. In this case, the control unit 40 can process the inspection data and the data in units of pattern count in a form that is easy for the roll map generation unit 80 to process. Since the PLC control unit is connected to the defect inspection machines 60 and 70 and encoders, etc., and controls the roll-to-roll transfer of electrodes, transmitting data via the control unit 40 is more efficient in terms of data processing and management than transmitting data directly from the defect inspection machines, encoders, etc., to a data processing system such as an electrode MES.

[0136] Figure 13 shows the roll map of the pattern electrode 10 generated by the roll map generation apparatus of the present invention.

[0137] Figure 13 shows the roll maps for the planned locations of the first, second, and 20th electrode lanes. The roll maps for the planned locations of the third through 19th electrode lanes have been omitted for illustrative purposes.

[0138] The roll map shows that the position of reference point M is shifted backward in the longitudinal direction as you move towards the planned electrode lane area at the bottom in the width direction.

[0139] Furthermore, the roll map also displays the defective locations or defective sections G as determined by the defect inspection machine. As described above, the defect inspection machine, which is linked to the position measuring instrument, transmits inspection data and pattern number data of the locations where the inspection data was acquired to the roll map generation unit 80. Based on this, the roll map generation unit visualizes and displays the defective locations and / or defective sections on the roll map at the corresponding pattern number locations.

[0140] As shown in Figure 13, the roll map generation unit 80 of the present invention can display both the reference point M and the pattern number data of the defective location and / or defective section on the roll map. If necessary, the roll map generation unit 80 can also display coordinate data (meter (m) information) corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the pattern electrode on the roll map in addition to the pattern number data. In other words, according to the present invention, since not only coordinate information but also pattern information can be used and displayed together when generating the roll map, it is suitable for use in the pattern electrode process for small batteries.

[0141] Therefore, in the electrode process, data regarding the reference point M, electrode loss, quality, and defects can be easily grasped visually at a glance.

[0142] As described above, according to the present invention, reference points can be marked on the pattern electrode with a simple configuration, significantly reducing the marking process and cost. Since reference points are marked on the uncoated portion 11' of the planned electrode lane area based on pattern number unit data, it has the advantage of being more suitable for a management mechanism for small pattern electrodes that manage electrodes in units of pattern number. In addition, since defect marking can be performed simultaneously with reference point marking, electrode defects can be easily detected.

[0143] Furthermore, since a roll map can be generated using the above-mentioned reference point marking device, it is extremely convenient to automate electrode quality control. In addition, since the quality history can be managed based on the above-mentioned roll map, quality tracking becomes easier when a product abnormality occurs.

[0144] The present invention has been described in more detail above with reference to the drawings and embodiments. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments described herein are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the present invention. It should be understood that there are various equivalents and modifications that can be substituted for these at the time of filing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0145] 10: Pattern electrode 11, 11': Uncoated area 12: Coating section X: Longest direction Y: width direction M:Reference point M1, M1', M1'', M1''': 1st reference point M2, M2', M2'': 2nd reference point M3, M3', M3'': 3rd reference point 20, 20': Mobile marking machine 30: Position measuring device R, R': Guide axis 40: Control Unit C: Quarter D: Electrode oven 50: Defective marking machine 50A: Single-end marking machine 50B: Other end marking machine 60, 70: Defect inspection machine G: Defective markings 100, 200: Reference point marking device 80: Role map generation unit 81: Database 82: Central Processing Unit 83: Visualization device 90: Display section 300: Roll map generation device

Claims

1. A reference point marking device for a pattern electrode in which coated and uncoated portions are repeatedly arranged along the longitudinal direction, wherein the pattern electrode has multiple electrode lane planned portions which are formed by slitting along the longitudinal direction in a subsequent process, and A moving marking machine that moves along the width direction of the pattern electrode and marks reference points on the uncoated portion of each electrode lane planned to be arranged along the width direction, A reference point marking device, including a control unit for controlling the mobile marking machine.

2. The uncoated portion of each electrode lane area has a portion that is to be slit in the width direction in a subsequent process. The reference point marking device according to claim 1, wherein the reference point is marked on a non-coated portion that is not a portion to be slit in the width direction.

3. The reference point marking device according to claim 1, wherein the moving marking machine marks a reference point when the pattern electrode moves along the longitudinal direction.

4. The reference point marking device according to claim 3, wherein when the moving marking machine moves along the width direction and marks the uncoated portions of multiple electrode lane locations, the marking path is formed as a diagonal path that is inclined to the rear in the longitudinal direction due to the longitudinal movement speed of the pattern electrode.

5. The reference point marking device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the moving marking machine sequentially marks reference points on the uncoated portion of each electrode lane's planned area at a position pushed longitudinally backward one pattern at a time.

6. The reference point marking device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the moving marking machine marks reference points on the uncoated portion of each electrode lane at intervals of a predetermined number of patterns along the longitudinal direction of the coated portion.

7. The aforementioned pattern electrode is a double-sided electrode in which an electrode active material is coated on the upper and lower surfaces, respectively. The reference point marking device according to claim 1, wherein the mobile marking machine is installed on the upper and lower surfaces of the pattern electrode, respectively.

8. The system further includes a position measuring instrument that, when the pattern electrode moves along its longitudinal direction in a roll-to-roll manner between an unwinder and a rewinder, acquires the longitudinal position of the pattern electrode as coordinate data corresponding to the amount of rotation of the unwinder or rewinder, and represents the coordinate data in units of the number of patterns of the coated portion. The reference point marking device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the moving marking machine to mark reference points on the uncoated portion of each electrode lane planned portion at intervals of a predetermined number of patterns in the coated portion, based on the pattern number unit data.

9. The aforementioned marked reference points are The reference point marking device according to claim 1, comprising sequence information of the planned locations for each electrode lane, and the number of patterns or pattern sequence information of reference points along the longitudinal direction of the pattern electrode.

10. The reference point marking device according to claim 8, further comprising a defect marking machine arranged alongside the moving marking machine and a defect marking machine arranged in the electrode width direction, which marks a defect on an uncoated portion provided along the longitudinal direction at one or both ends in the width direction of the pattern electrode.

11. A guide axis is arranged on the pattern electrode along the width direction, The moving marking machine and the defective marking machine are coupled to the guide shaft, The reference point marking device according to claim 10, wherein the movable marking machine is installed so as to be movable along the guide axis.

12. A defect inspection machine is positioned in front of the defect marking machine, which inspects the pattern electrodes to acquire inspection data related to defects, and, in conjunction with the position measuring instrument, acquires coordinate data and pattern number unit data of the pattern electrodes related to the defective location and / or defective section for which the inspection data was acquired. The reference point marking device according to claim 10, wherein the defect marking machine marks defects on the uncoated portion of one or both ends in the width direction of the pattern electrode based on coordinate data and pattern number unit data transmitted from the defect inspection machine.

13. The control unit, Based on the distance between the defect inspection machine and the defect marking machine and the moving speed of the pattern electrode, the time when the electrode portion of the defective area and / or defective section arrives at the defect marking machine is determined. The reference point marking device according to claim 12, wherein the fault marking is controlled to mark the faulty location and / or faulty section at the time of arrival.

14. A position measuring instrument that, when a pattern electrode in which coated and uncoated portions are repeatedly arranged along the longitudinal direction of the electrode moves between an unwinder and a rewinder in a roll-to-roll manner, acquires the longitudinal position of the pattern electrode as coordinate data corresponding to the amount of rotation of the unwinder or rewinder, and represents the coordinate data in units of the number of patterns of the coated portion, A marking machine that works in conjunction with the position measuring instrument to mark reference points at predetermined intervals on the pattern electrode along the longitudinal direction of the pattern electrode, The system includes a roll map generation unit that, in conjunction with the position measuring instrument and marking machine, acquires coordinate data relating to the longitudinal position of the pattern electrode, pattern number unit data of the coating portion, and pattern number unit data relating to the reference point, and generates a roll map by displaying at least the pattern number unit data on a roll map that replicates the electrode moving in a roll-to-roll state, The pattern electrode has multiple electrode lane areas which are formed by slitting along the longitudinal direction of the electrode in a subsequent process, and are composed of multiple electrode lanes. The marking machine is a mobile marking machine that moves along the width direction of the pattern electrode and marks reference points on the uncoated portion of each electrode lane planned to be arranged along the width direction. The roll map generation unit is a roll map generation device that generates a roll map of the pattern electrodes and a roll map of the planned locations of individual electrode lanes based on the pattern number unit data marked by the mobile marking machine.

15. The method further includes marking defects on uncoated portions provided along the longitudinal direction at one or both ends in the width direction of the pattern electrode, and a defect marking machine arranged alongside the moving marking machine along the electrode width direction. A defect inspection machine is positioned in front of the defect marking machine, which inspects the pattern electrodes to acquire inspection data related to defects, and, in conjunction with the position measuring instrument, acquires coordinate data and pattern number unit data of the pattern electrodes related to the defective location and / or defective section for which the inspection data was acquired. The defect marking machine marks defects on the uncoated portion of one or both ends in the width direction of the pattern electrode, based on the coordinate data and pattern number unit data transmitted from the defect inspection machine. The roll map generation device according to claim 14, wherein the roll map generation unit displays both the reference points and defect markings on the roll map based on the coordinate data and the pattern number unit data.

16. A pattern electrode in which coated and uncoated portions are repeatedly arranged along the longitudinal direction, The aforementioned pattern electrode has multiple planned electrode lane areas along the width direction, A pattern electrode having reference points marked at predetermined pattern intervals on the uncoated portion of each electrode lane's planned area.

17. The pattern electrode according to claim 16, wherein the reference point includes sequence information of the planned locations of each electrode lane and the number of patterns or pattern sequence information of the reference points along the longitudinal direction of the pattern electrode.

18. The pattern electrode according to claim 16, wherein the uncoated portion of one or both ends in the width direction of the pattern electrode is provided with a defect marking portion.

19. A roll map is a simulated electrode that replicates a pattern electrode in which coated and uncoated portions are repeatedly arranged along the longitudinal direction, The aforementioned pattern electrode is 1) Coordinate data relating to the longitudinal position of the pattern electrode 2) Pattern number data relating to the longitudinal position of the pattern electrodes 3) Multiple reference points displayed on the uncoated areas between the coated areas at intervals of a predetermined number of patterns. 4) Coordinate data and / or pattern number data of the reference point 5) A defect marking area indicating a defect in the pattern electrode, or coordinate data and / or pattern number data of the defect marking area. A role map containing at least one piece of information from the following categories.

20. The aforementioned pattern electrode has multiple planned electrode lane areas along the width direction, The roll map according to claim 19, wherein the roll map of the pattern electrode includes a roll map of the planned location of each electrode lane.

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