Measuring device, information processing device, and analysis device

Abstract

To reduce the burden on users in adding and updating analysis algorithms to maintain the analysis environment when analyzing a mixture of liquids containing particles of solid substances that are insoluble in liquid. [Solution] The measuring device is a measuring device for measuring the impedance of a mixed liquid in which an insoluble solid substance is mixed with a liquid, and comprises an electrode cell having a housing section in which the mixed liquid is contained, and a pair of electrode sections provided inside the housing section for applying an AC signal to the mixed liquid contained in the housing section, the pair of electrode sections of the electrode cell having an inner electrode provided inside the housing section and facing each other, and an outer electrode provided outside the housing section, and comprises measuring means for measuring impedance based on a response signal that flows through the mixed liquid when an AC signal is applied, and transmitting means for transmitting the impedance to the outside.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a measuring device, an information processing device, and an analysis device for analyzing a mixed liquid containing particles of a solid substance that is insoluble in a liquid. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there has been a growing demand for higher functionality and performance in electronic components. For example, in batteries, which are energy storage devices, there is a requirement to strictly control the quality of the slurry used as a material to manufacture the positive or negative electrode of the battery.

[0003] Non-patent document 1 discloses a method for acquiring the impedance of a mixed liquid containing particles of solid substances insoluble in liquid, such as a slurry of battery electrode materials, using a measuring device that applies an AC voltage while gradually changing the frequency, and for analyzing the frequency characteristics of the acquired impedance using a computer.

[0004] In this analysis method, the various parameters of the equivalent circuit are set so that the curve represented by the equivalent circuit approximates a complex plane impedance diagram created based on the impedance obtained by measurement.

[0005] The various parameters of the equivalent circuit differ depending on the materials that make up the mixture, such as the active material, conductive additive, binder, solvent, and dispersant. Therefore, the various parameters in the equivalent circuit can be used as indicators of the state of the mixture. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0006] Zhilong Wang Tong Zhao, z Jiafeng Yao, Yusei Kishikawa, and Masahiro Takei, “Evaluation of the Electrochemical characterization of Lithium-Ion Battery (LIB) Slurry with 10-parameter Electrical Equivalent Circuit (EEC)”, Journal of The Electrochemical Society, 164(2) A8-A17 (2017) [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] In the analysis method described in Non-Patent Document 1, the parameters of the equivalent circuit change if the composition of the mixture changes. Therefore, a new analysis algorithm must be applied to mixtures of new combinations of each material.

[0008] In the research and development of mixed solutions, new materials and formulations are being researched daily from among the abundant variations and combinations of each material, and consequently, the update cycle of analysis algorithms for mixed solutions is also accelerating.

[0009] Therefore, in the analysis method described in Non-Patent Document 1, users had to set up a new analysis algorithm on their computers whenever they wanted to analyze a new mixture. As a result, the burden on users to maintain the latest analysis environment was significant.

[0010] This invention addresses the above-mentioned problems and aims to reduce the burden on users in adding and updating analysis algorithms to maintain the analysis environment when analyzing a mixed liquid containing particles of solid substances that are insoluble in a liquid. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] A measuring device according to one aspect of the present invention is a measuring device that measures the impedance of a mixed liquid in which a solid substance insoluble in a liquid is mixed, and includes a housing portion that houses the mixed liquid, and is provided inside the housing portion. An electrode cell having a pair of electrode portions that apply an alternating current signal to the mixed liquid housed in the housing portion, and the pair of electrode portions of the electrode cell are provided inside the housing portion and face each other. An inner electrode, and an outer electrode provided outside the housing portion, measuring means for measuring the impedance based on a response signal flowing through the mixed liquid when the alternating current signal is applied, and transmitting means for transmitting the impedance to the outside.

Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the measuring device as one aspect of the present invention, when analyzing a mixed liquid in which particles of a solid substance insoluble in a liquid are mixed, the burden on the user for adding and updating an analysis algorithm for maintaining the analysis environment can be reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a mixed liquid analysis system in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the measuring device and the slurry housed in the electrode cell. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an external perspective view for explaining an example of the electrode cell. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the electrode cell viewed from the Z direction. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view for explaining a state in which an electrode cell is set in a connection device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram for explaining an analysis device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a table stored in a storage unit provided in the analysis device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram for explaining the functional configuration of an algorithm execution module. [Figure 9] Figure 9 illustrates the complex plane impedance diagrams generated in the generation module and the equivalent circuit analysis module. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an equivalent circuit used in equivalent circuit analysis. [Figure 11] Figure 11 illustrates an example of a Nyquist plot that the analysis result determination unit determines can be analyzed. [Figure 12] Figure 12 illustrates an example of a Nyquist plot that the analysis result determination unit determines cannot be analyzed. [Figure 13] Figure 13 illustrates an example of a Nyquist plot that the analysis result determination unit determines cannot be analyzed. [Figure 14] Figure 14 illustrates an example of a Nyquist plot that the analysis result determination unit determines cannot be analyzed. [Figure 15] Figure 15 illustrates an example of a Nyquist plot that the analysis result determination unit determines cannot be analyzed. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a flowchart illustrating the processes performed in the mixed liquid analysis system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] [Mixed Liquid Analysis System] <Entire System> The mixed liquid analysis system 1 in an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0015] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the mixed liquid analysis system 1 in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] The mixed liquid analysis system 1 is a system that applies an alternating current voltage with progressively changed frequency to a mixed liquid (hereinafter referred to as slurry) in which an insoluble solid substance is mixed with a liquid. It measures the impedance from the response current that flows through the slurry when the alternating current voltage is applied, and calculates an index representing the dispersion state of the slurry as an example of the slurry analysis result from the measured slurry impedance.

[0017] Furthermore, the mixed liquid analysis system 1 is a system that provides slurry analysis services to users who have registered to use the system.

[0018] As shown in Figure 1, the mixed liquid analysis system 1 comprises a measuring device 10, an information processing device 20 connected to the measuring device 10, and an analysis device 30. The information processing device 20 and the analysis device 30 are connected to each other via a network NW. The network NW consists of, for example, a WAN (Wide Area Network), a LAN (Local Area Network), a mobile phone network, and a short-range wireless communication network.

[0019] An electrode cell 41 for slurry measurement, which contains the slurry, is connected to the measuring device 10 via a connecting device 40. That is, the electrode cell 41 is set in the connecting device 40 and connected to the measuring device 10 via the connecting device 40.

[0020] Figure 2 illustrates the configuration of the measuring device 10 and the slurry contained in the electrode cell 41.

[0021] In the mixed liquid analysis system 1, an electrode cell 41 is used to contain the slurry Xc to be measured. The slurry Xc to be measured is contained in the electrode cell 41. An electrode cell 41 is prepared for each sample of slurry Xc to be measured.

[0022] In this embodiment, an example of slurry Xc is a slurry used as a material for manufacturing the positive or negative electrode of a battery, which is an energy storage device. It is a mixed liquid in which conductive particles such as carbon black, which are dispersed as a dispersed phase Xb with high conductivity, are dispersed in a solvent (an organic solvent containing a binder resin and an active material) which is a liquid Xa with low conductivity.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, the electrode cell 41 has a slurry containment section 42 in which slurry Xc is contained, and a pair of electrodes 43 and 44 provided inside the slurry containment section 42 for applying an AC signal to the slurry Xc contained in the slurry containment section 42. The electrode cell 41 is connected to the measuring device 10 via a connecting device 40.

[0024] The electrode cell 41, via the connection device 40, can apply an AC signal from the measuring device 10 to the slurry Xc and acquire information about the impedance of the slurry Xc based on the response signal flowing through the slurry Xc.

[0025] The electrodes 43 and 44 are for applying an AC voltage as an AC signal to the slurry Xc contained in the slurry containment section 42. The electrodes 43 and 44 are provided on the inner circumferential wall of the slurry containment section 42 so as to face each other.

[0026] <Electrode Cell> Figure 3 is an external perspective view illustrating an example of an electrode cell 41, and Figure 4 is a plan view of the electrode cell 41 as seen from the Z direction.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3, the electrode cell 41 is a measuring cell used to measure the impedance of a slurry, and has a slurry containment section 42 in which the slurry is contained, and electrode sections 101 and 102 provided in the slurry containment section 42.

[0028] The slurry storage section 42 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape and tapers towards the bottom. The slurry storage section 42 is equipped with a cap 100 at its opening. After the slurry is stored in the slurry storage section 42, it is sealed with the cap 100.

[0029] The electrode portions 101 and 102 are composed of conductive rod-shaped members. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the electrode portions 101 and 102 are provided on the side wall portion of the slurry storage portion 42, facing each other and extending along the X direction, penetrating the side wall portion of the slurry storage portion 42.

[0030] The slurry containment section 42 has cylindrical mounting portions 103 and 104 on its side walls that protrude outward from the side walls of the slurry containment section 42 and have an inner diameter approximately the same as the outer diameter of the rod-shaped member. The mounting portions 103 and 104 support the rod-shaped member that penetrates the side walls.

[0031] Electrode section 101 has an inner electrode 105 extending along the YZ plane at an end located inside the slurry containment section 42. The inner electrode 105 is electrically connected to the end of electrode section 101. Electrode section 102 has an inner electrode 106 extending along the XZ plane at an end located inside the slurry containment section 42. The inner electrode 106 is electrically connected to the end of electrode section 102.

[0032] In this embodiment, the inner electrodes 105 and 106 correspond to electrodes 43 and 44 in Figure 2.

[0033] The inner electrodes 105 and 106 each extend along the YZ plane, and function as parallel plates positioned opposite each other with a predetermined distance in the X direction.

[0034] In the electrode sections 101 and 102, the portions located outside the slurry containment section 42 constitute the outer electrodes 107 and 108. The outer electrodes 107 and 108 are exposed from the mounting sections 103 and 104, and are configured to allow electrical conductivity regardless of which position the terminals on the connecting device 40 contact in the exposed portion. The outer electrodes 107 and 108 constitute the terminal portion that connects to the connecting device 40.

[0035] The electrode portions 101 and 102 are preferably filled with metal material on the inside as well, but they may also be hollow inside.

[0036] The inner electrodes 105, 106 (electrodes 43, 44) are formed from an inert metal such as platinum or copper. A response current flows between the pair of electrodes 43, 44 as a response signal corresponding to the AC voltage applied to the slurry Xc. Note that the AC signal applied to the slurry Xc is not limited to an AC voltage, but may also be an AC current.

[0037] <Connection device> Figure 5 is a perspective view illustrating the state in which the electrode cell 41 is set in the connection device 40.

[0038] In this embodiment, the connection device 40 is used together with the electrode cell 41 described above to measure the impedance of the slurry. The connection device 40 comprises a housing portion 200, a housing recess 201 for housing the electrode cell 41, terminal portions 202, 203, 204, 205, and a pair of contact portions 206, 207.

[0039] The housing recess 201 is formed in the housing portion 200 with an upward opening, into which the electrode cell 41 is set. Terminal portions 202, 203, 204, and 205 are connected to a measuring device 10 for measuring the impedance of the slurry. Contact portions 206 and 207 are configured to contact the pair of electrode portions 101 and 102 (outer electrodes 107 and 108) respectively when the electrode cell 41 is set in the housing recess 201.

[0040] When the electrode cell 41 is placed in the housing recess 201, the slurry housing portion 42 of the electrode cell 41 comes into contact with the inner surface of the housing recess 201, restricting the downward movement of the electrode cell 41. In this way, the electrode cell 41 is housed in the housing recess 201 to a predetermined housing depth.

[0041] The terminals 202, 203, 204, and 205 and the contacts 206 and 207 are electrically connected to each other within the connection device 40, although this is not shown in the figure. The connection between the electrode portions 101 and 102, the terminal portions 202, 203, 204, and 205, and the contacts 206 and 207 is achieved when the electrode cell 41 is inserted into the housing recess 201 to a predetermined housing depth.

[0042] <Measuring device> In this embodiment, the measuring device 10 is a device that applies an AC voltage with a gradually changing frequency to the slurry Xc and measures the impedance from the response current that flows through the slurry when the AC voltage is applied.

[0043] As shown in Figure 2, the measuring device 10 includes a measuring unit 11 as a measuring means, a communication unit 12 as a transmitting means, an operation unit 13, a display unit 14, a storage unit 15, and a processing unit 16.

[0044] The measurement unit 11 generates an AC signal to be applied to the slurry Xc via electrodes 43 and 44 of the electrode cell 41. Alternatively, when an AC signal is applied to the slurry Xc, it measures the impedance of the slurry Xc based on the response signal flowing through the slurry Xc.

[0045] The communication unit 12 transmits and receives signals between the communication unit 12 and the information processing device 20. The communication unit 12 transmits information regarding impedance measured by the measurement unit 11 to the information processing device 20. The impedance information includes the sweep frequency of the voltage applied to the slurry Xc, the measured impedance Z value of each frequency of the slurry Xc, the initial phase angle θ, and the DC impedance Rz.

[0046] The communication unit 12 receives signals and other information from the information processing device 20 for performing the analysis of slurry Xc.

[0047] The operation unit 13 is equipped with various operation switches that instruct operations such as setting the measurement conditions for slurry Xc. The operation unit 13 outputs operation signals corresponding to these operations to the processing unit 16. The operation unit 13 may be a touch panel provided on the display unit 14 instead of mechanically configured operation switches.

[0048] The display unit 14 displays various settings related to impedance measurement, measurement results, etc., according to instructions from the processing unit 16. In this embodiment, the display unit 14 is composed of a liquid crystal panel or the like.

[0049] The memory unit 15 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing control programs that control each part, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a work area for the CPU (Central Processing Unit), which will be described later. An SSD (Solid State Drive) or the like can be used as the memory unit 15.

[0050] Furthermore, the memory unit 15 stores information regarding the impedance of the slurry Xc measured and acquired using the electrode cell 41. The memory unit 15 is a computer-readable storage medium that records the operation program of the processing unit 16. The memory unit 15 may be configured to be detachable from the measuring device 10.

[0051] The processing unit 16 has a CPU. The processing unit 16 performs processes such as changing the frequency of the AC voltage applied to electrodes 43 and 44, and transmitting impedance information obtained from electrode cell 41 to information processing device 20.

[0052] In this embodiment, the processing unit 16 is comprised of a CPU. The processing unit 16 can also be comprised of multiple microcomputers.

[0053] The AC voltage applied to the pair of electrodes 43 and 44 is supplied from a constant voltage power supply (CV) or a constant current power supply (CC) built into the measuring device 10 (not shown in the figure). The processing unit 16 then measures the impedance from the response current between the pair of electrodes 43 and 44 each time the frequency of the AC voltage is changed in steps, and stores the measured impedance value as a measurement signal in the storage unit 15.

[0054] <Information Processing Device> Next, the configuration of the information processing device 20 will be described. The information processing device 20 is a computer composed of a CPU, ROM, RAM, a mass storage device, an input / output interface, and a bus that connects these components to each other.

[0055] The information processing device 20 receives material information about slurry Xc from the user and transmits impedance information received from the measuring device 10 to the analysis device 30, which is an external device.

[0056] <Analysis equipment> Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the analysis device 30.

[0057] The analysis device 30 is connected to the information processing device 20 via a network NW. In this embodiment, the analysis device 30 is a server managed by the provider (administrator) of the mixed liquid analysis system 1.

[0058] The analysis device 30 is a device that performs analysis of slurry Xc using an analysis algorithm based on material information about slurry Xc and information about the impedance of slurry Xc measured by the measuring device 10 and transmitted from the information processing device 20.

[0059] Material information related to slurry Xc includes, for example, the active material, conductive additive, binder, solvent, and dispersant.

[0060] As shown in Figure 6, the analysis device 30 is a computer comprising a network interface 31 (hereinafter referred to as NW interface 31) as a receiving means, a display 32, an input unit 33, a storage unit 34, and a processing unit 35, and is connected to each other by a bus 36, etc.

[0061] The NW interface 31 transmits and receives information and analysis results regarding the impedance of slurry Xc measured by the measuring device 10 to and from the information processing device 20 via the network NW.

[0062] Display 32 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD). It displays information regarding the administrator's work in updating the analysis algorithm.

[0063] The input unit 33 consists of a keyboard, touch panel, and mouse, and accepts operation input from the administrator regarding the information displayed on the display 32.

[0064] The memory unit 34 includes a ROM for storing various control programs and RAM as a work area for the CPU, which will be described later. An SSD or the like can be used as the memory unit 34.

[0065] The memory unit 34 has a user information table 341 and an algorithm table 342 as an algorithm memory unit, which are either physically partitioned physical areas or virtually partitioned virtual areas.

[0066] The user information table 341 stores information about users registered for the slurry analysis service by the mixed liquid analysis system 1, linked together with the user ID assigned to the user during registration.

[0067] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating algorithm table 342. Algorithm table 342 stores material information about slurry Xc and analysis algorithms for analyzing slurry Xc, linked together.

[0068] As shown in Figure 7, as an example of material information for slurry Xc, the analysis algorithm AL-1 is applied to a slurry containing active material A1, conductive additive B1, binder G1, solvent D1, and dispersant E1.

[0069] The analysis algorithms provided in algorithm table 342 include an equivalent circuit curve that approximates a complex plane impedance diagram created by performing impedance measurements on a slurry for which both the slurry material information and an index of the slurry dispersion state are known, and parameters related to the equivalent circuit when the equivalent circuit curve is obtained.

[0070] For slurries where the indicators regarding the dispersion state are unknown, for example, based on the algorithm table 342 shown in Figure 7, the material information of the slurry and the analysis algorithm linked to that material information can be used to perform equivalent circuit analysis on the impedance measured from the unknown slurry. This allows for obtaining parameters related to the equivalent circuit, i.e., indicators regarding the dispersion state of the unknown slurry.

[0071] In this embodiment, the algorithm table 342 is pre-created from results obtained by performing impedance measurements on a slurry in which both the material information of the slurry and an index relating to the dispersion state of the slurry are known.

[0072] The analysis algorithms suitable for use with combinations of active materials, conductive additives, binders, solvents, and dispersants constituting the slurry, as shown in the algorithm table 342, can be added or updated as appropriate by the operator of the analysis device 30.

[0073] In addition to the above, the memory unit 34 stores various control programs for the processing unit 35 to control the NW interface 31, the display 32, and the like.

[0074] Next, the configuration of the processing unit 35 will be described.

[0075] The processing unit 35 has a CPU. The processing unit 35 controls each part of the NW interface 31 and the display 32 according to various control programs stored in the storage unit 34.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 6, the processing unit 35 includes a plurality of analysis units 50 (1) , 50 (2) , ···, 50 (n) as analysis means for analyzing the slurry Xc based on an analysis algorithm.

[0077] Each of the analysis units 50 (1) , 50 (2) , ···, 50 (n) has an algorithm selection module 511 as algorithm selection means and an algorithm execution module 512 as algorithm execution means.

[0078] The algorithm selection module 511 selects an analysis algorithm corresponding to the material information from the table stored in the algorithm table 342.

[0079] The algorithm execution module 512 applies the analysis algorithm selected by the algorithm selection module 511 using the material information of the slurry Xc input in the information processing device 20 and the information on impedance received from the information processing device 20, and executes the analysis of the slurry Xc.

[0080] In the present embodiment, since the processing unit 35 includes a plurality of analysis units 50 (1) , 50 (2) , ···, 50 (n) in each of the analysis units 50 (1) , 50 (2) , ···, 50 (n) it is possible to execute the analysis processes of a plurality of slurries Xc in parallel.

[0081] FIG. 8 is a block diagram for explaining the functional configuration of the algorithm execution module 512. Also,

[0082] As shown in Figure 8, the algorithm execution module 512 comprises an impedance acquisition module 61, a complex plane impedance data generation module 62, an equivalent circuit analysis module 63, and a dispersion calculation module 64. Hereafter, the complex plane impedance data generation module 62 will be simply referred to as the generation module 62.

[0083] The impedance acquisition module 61 acquires impedance information obtained from the information processing device 20 via the NW interface 31.

[0084] Furthermore, the impedance acquisition module 61 includes an imaginary component generation unit 71 that generates an imaginary component of impedance from the impedance based on the response current sent from the information processing device 20, and a real component generation unit 72 that generates a real component of impedance.

[0085] The imaginary component generation unit 71 generates the imaginary component of the acquired impedance and outputs it to the generation module 62, which will be described later. The real component generation unit 72 generates the real component of the acquired impedance and outputs it to the generation module 62.

[0086] The generation module 62 creates data representing the complex plane impedance from the imaginary and real parts of the impedance obtained from the impedance acquisition module 61.

[0087] In this embodiment, the generation module 62 creates a complex plane impedance diagram as data representing the complex plane impedance, with the imaginary part of the measured impedance on the vertical axis and the real part on the horizontal axis. Note that the complex plane impedance diagram may be referred to as a Nyquist plot.

[0088] The generation module 62 outputs the created Nyquist plot to the equivalent circuit analysis module 63.

[0089] The equivalent circuit analysis module 63 performs equivalent circuit analysis using an equivalent circuit formed by combining elements such as resistors and capacitors.

[0090] In this embodiment, a parallel circuit (RC) consisting of a resistor element R and a capacitor element C is used as one element of the equivalent circuit, and the equivalent circuit obtained by combining these elements is set.

[0091] The equivalent circuit analysis module 63 generates impedance characteristic data showing the frequency characteristics of the real and imaginary parts of the impedance of the initial equivalent circuit based on the parameters of the initial equivalent circuit to which the RC parallel circuit is applied. The equivalent circuit analysis module 63 sequentially changes the parameters of the equivalent circuit so that the generated initial impedance characteristic data approaches the measured data of Xc.

[0092] The equivalent circuit analysis module 63 outputs the parameters of the equivalent circuit as analysis results, which yield impedance characteristic data that matches the measured data. In this way, the equivalent circuit analysis module 63 performs equivalent circuit analysis using an equivalent circuit to which an RC parallel circuit is applied.

[0093] In this embodiment, the equivalent circuit analysis module 63 creates a Nyquist plot based on the set equivalent circuit as impedance characteristic data.

[0094] Figure 9 illustrates the Nyquist plots created in the generation module 62 and the equivalent circuit analysis module 63. Figure 10 shows the equivalent circuit used in the equivalent circuit analysis.

[0095] The solid line in Figure 9 is Nyquist plot A, created by the generation module 62 based on impedance measurement data. The dashed line is Nyquist plot B, created by the equivalent circuit analysis module 63.

[0096] As shown in Figure 10, the equivalent circuit is obtained by connecting in series a parallel circuit RC1 consisting of a resistor element R1 and a capacitor element C1, a parallel circuit RC2 consisting of a resistor element R2 and a capacitor element C2, and a parallel circuit RC3 consisting of a resistor element R3 and a capacitor element C3.

[0097] The Nyquist plot B shown in Figure 9 was obtained by performing equivalent circuit analysis using an equivalent circuit.

[0098] The equivalent circuit analysis module 63 repeatedly modifies the parameters related to the resistor element R and capacitor element C in each parallel circuit of the equivalent circuit so that the Nyquist plot B overlaps with the Nyquist plot A obtained from the generation module 62.

[0099] The dispersion calculation module 64 acquires and analyzes the Nyquist plot generated by the equivalent circuit analysis module 63.

[0100] In this embodiment, the dispersion calculation module 64 calculates the resistance value of the dispersed particles Xb based on the resistance of the resistor R calculated by equivalent circuit analysis.

[0101] The algorithm execution module 512, which has the above functional configuration, creates a Nyquist plot A from the impedance measured by the measuring device 10 and received via the information processing device 20. At the same time, the algorithm execution module 512 creates a Nyquist plot B using an equivalent circuit in which a parallel circuit RC consisting of a resistor element R and a capacitor element C is one element, with the equivalent circuit analysis module 63.

[0102] Furthermore, the algorithm execution module 512 sets the parameters of the circuit elements of the equivalent circuit so that Nyquist plot B overlaps with Nyquist plot A. This allows the dispersion calculation module 64 to calculate the dispersion of slurry Xc.

[0103] The processing unit 35 further includes an analysis result determination unit 52 and an algorithm update unit 53.

[0104] The analysis result determination unit 52 is the analysis unit 50 (1) ,50 (2) ,···,50 (n) It functions as a determination unit that determines whether the analysis results satisfy specific conditions. The analysis result determination unit 52 determines whether the results of the analysis performed by the algorithm execution module 512 satisfy specific conditions. The analysis result determination unit 52 determines the quality of the analysis results based on the created Nyquist plot. An example of the determination process is as follows.

[0105] Figures 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 illustrate an example of a Nyquist plot generated by the equivalent circuit analysis module 63.

[0106] In the Nyquist plot shown in Figure 11, the low-frequency side is represented linearly. This indicates that the interface between the electrode pins of the electrode cell and the slurry consists only of electrical double-layer capacitance. In this manner, a Nyquist plot showing multiple relaxation processes represented in arcs, and with a linear divergence on the low-frequency side, is determined by the analysis result determination unit 52 to be suitable for equivalent circuit analysis.

[0107] The Nyquist plots shown in Figures 12 to 15 represent types of equivalent circuit analysis that the analysis result determination unit 52 determines cannot perform.

[0108] In the Nyquist plot shown in Figure 12, the low-frequency side does not diverge linearly. This indicates that the interface between the electrode pins of the electrode cell and the slurry is not solely due to the electrical double-layer capacitance. Furthermore, the Nyquist plot shown in Figure 13 shows a single relaxation process.

[0109] In the Nyquist plot shown in Figure 14, no arc-shaped portion is observed in the curve. This indicates that the frequency characteristics of each relaxation process are similar. Furthermore, in the Nyquist plot shown in Figure 15, the characteristics above 2 kHz overlap with a portion of the straight line on the low-frequency side. This indicates that relaxation processes are not included in that range.

[0110] If a Nyquist plot is obtained that does not show multiple relaxation processes represented by arcs, as shown in Figures 12 to 15 above, and the low-frequency side does not diverge linearly, the analysis result determination unit 52 determines that equivalent circuit analysis cannot be performed.

[0111] In this case, the analysis result determination unit 52 sends an error signal to the information processing device 20 and generates a signal prompting an update of the analysis algorithm.

[0112] The algorithm update unit 53 generates a signal to prompt the updating of the analysis algorithm itself, or a signal to prompt the generation of a new algorithm capable of analyzing new slurries, when the analysis result determination unit 52 determines that the analysis result does not meet certain conditions.

[0113] If a signal is generated by the algorithm update unit 53, the administrator creates an equivalent circuit curve that approximates the complex plane impedance diagram created by measuring the impedance of a slurry, using a slurry for which both the slurry material information and the indicators regarding the slurry dispersion state are known, and generates a new analysis algorithm. Alternatively, the administrator updates the analysis algorithm.

[0114] Furthermore, the processing unit 35 includes an authentication unit 54 that, if it can verify that the information processing device 20 is an information processing device pre-registered in the mixed liquid analysis system 1, authorizes the information processing device 20 to input material information regarding slurry Xc.

[0115] In this embodiment, the analysis unit 50 (1) ,50 (2),···,50 (n) The analysis result determination unit 52, the algorithm update unit 53, and the authentication unit 54 are functional configurations implemented by the CPU. Each of these units may also be provided as a separate physical configuration.

[0116] With the above configuration, the analysis device 30 can communicate with the information processing device 20 to obtain the impedance of slurry Xc from the information processing device 20 and perform analysis of slurry Xc using the selected analysis algorithm.

[0117] Furthermore, if the analysis result determination unit 52 determines that the Nyquist plot created by the algorithm execution module 512 cannot be used for equivalent circuit analysis, the administrator can create an equivalent circuit curve that approximates a complex plane impedance diagram created by measuring the impedance of a slurry using a slurry for which both the slurry material information and the slurry dispersion state index are known, and generate a new analysis algorithm. Alternatively, the analysis algorithm can be updated, that is, the algorithm table 342 can be updated.

[0118] [Analysis of mixed liquids (slurry)] Next, we will describe the analysis process of the mixed liquid (slurry Xc) using the mixed liquid analysis system 1 equipped with the above-described configuration.

[0119] Figure 16 is a flowchart illustrating the analysis process performed by the mixed liquid analysis system 1.

[0120] As preparation for measuring the slurry, the slurry Xc to be measured is prepared and placed in the electrode cell 41.

[0121] In step S1, the information processing device 20 transmits a measurement start instruction to the measuring device 10 to initiate the measurement process. The measuring device 10 receives the measurement start instruction and, in step S2, performs the measurement of the impedance of slurry Xc.

[0122] In step S3, the measuring device 10 transmits impedance-related information to the information processing device 20. The impedance information includes the sweep frequency of the voltage applied to the slurry Xc and the measured impedance information of the slurry Xc (Z phase, θ, DC impedance Rz).

[0123] In step S4, the information processing device 20 stores the received impedance information in memory.

[0124] In step S5, the user of the information processing device 20 enters a pre-registered user ID in order to make the analysis device 30 available via the network NW. In this embodiment, as an example, the slurry analysis service becomes available by logging in using the user ID to a website for slurry analysis provided by the administrator who manages the analysis device 30.

[0125] When the analysis device 30 receives a user ID via the website, in step S6, the authentication unit 54 compares the user ID stored in the user information table 341 in the storage unit 34 with the user ID transmitted from the information processing device 20.

[0126] In step S6, if the user ID cannot be matched (step S6: No), in step S7, a message indicating that access is denied will be displayed on the website. Alternatively, a signal prompting the user to retry logging in with the user ID will be generated and sent to the information processing device 20.

[0127] In step S6, if the user ID is verified (step S6: Yes), in step S8, the analysis device 30 sends permission to access the slurry analysis service.

[0128] When the information processing device 20 receives permission to access the slurry analysis service on the website, in step S9, the information processing device 20 transmits information regarding the impedance of slurry Xc measured by the measuring device 10 to the analysis device 30 for each measurement sample.

[0129] In this embodiment, the impedance information sent to the analysis device 30 is updated on the website of the slurry analysis service accessed by the information processing device 20.

[0130] Next, in step S10, the information processing device 20 enables input of material information regarding the slurry Xc to be measured on the website. If there are multiple measurement samples, material information regarding slurry Xc is entered for each measurement sample.

[0131] In this embodiment, as an example, a method can be applied in which the material information for the relevant slurry is selected in a pull-down format from among several material information options pre-prepared as choices on a website on the network NW that can be viewed by the information processing device 20.

[0132] The results of the material information selection operation performed by the information processing device 20 from a dedicated website are sent to the analysis device 30.

[0133] In step S11, the analysis unit 50 of the analysis device 30 (1) ,50 (2) ,···,50 (n) Next, the algorithm selection module 511 selects an analysis algorithm corresponding to the material information from the table stored in the algorithm table 342 (Figure 7).

[0134] In step S12, the algorithm execution module 512 uses the material information of slurry Xc input to the information processing device 20 and the impedance information received from the information processing device 20 to apply the analysis algorithm selected in the algorithm selection module 511 and perform the analysis of slurry Xc.

[0135] Once the analysis is complete, in step S13, the analysis result determination unit 52 determines whether the equivalent circuit curve satisfies specific conditions using the determination method shown in Figures 12 to 15.

[0136] If certain conditions are met (step S13: Yes), in step S14, the analysis device 30 transmits the dispersion of the slurry calculated based on the equivalent circuit analysis to the information processing device 20.

[0137] On the other hand, if certain conditions are not met (step S13: No), in step S15, an error notification is generated and sent to the information processing device 20, and a signal is generated to prompt an update of the analysis algorithm.

[0138] The information processing device 20 receives the analysis results from the analysis device 30, and in step S16, the information processing device 20 displays the analysis results.

[0139] According to the mixed liquid analysis system 1, through the above steps, the analysis device 30 can obtain the impedance of slurry Xc measured by the measuring device 10 from the information processing device 20, and calculate the degree of dispersion of slurry Xc using an analysis algorithm selected based on the material information input by the information processing device 20.

[0140] [Effects / Effects] Next, the effects and benefits of the mixed liquid analysis system 1 in this embodiment will be explained.

[0141] In the slurry analysis method described in Non-Patent Document 1, the parameters of the equivalent circuit in the equivalent circuit analysis change if the slurry composition changes. Therefore, it was necessary to change or update the analysis algorithm each time a new combination of materials such as the active material, conductive additive, binder, solvent, and dispersant was created.

[0142] In contrast, the mixed liquid analysis system 1 shown as an embodiment of the present invention comprises a measuring device 10 for measuring the impedance of slurry Xc, an information processing device 20 connected to the measuring device 10 which receives material information about slurry Xc and transmits impedance information from the measuring device 10 to an external device, and an analysis device 30 which performs analysis of slurry Xc based on the material information and impedance of slurry Xc.

[0143] In the mixed liquid analysis system 1, the impedance of slurry Xc measured by the measuring device 10 is transmitted via the information processing device 20 and the network NW to the analysis device 30, which is the administrator's server, and is analyzed by the analysis device 30.

[0144] In the mixed liquid analysis system 1 of this embodiment, the analysis algorithm is stored in the analysis device 30 connected by a network NW. Therefore, even if there is a need to change or update the analysis algorithm, users do not need to change or update the analysis algorithm on their individual computers. The administrator can centrally change or update the analysis algorithm using the analysis device 30.

[0145] Therefore, according to the mixed liquid analysis system 1 of this embodiment, when analyzing a slurry, the burden on the user in terms of adding or updating analysis algorithms to maintain the analysis environment can be reduced.

[0146] Furthermore, in the mixed liquid analysis system 1 of this embodiment, the process of analyzing slurry Xc is performed by the analysis device 30, so the measuring device 10 only needs to be equipped with functions specialized for slurry measurement. This makes it possible to suppress the cost increase of the measuring device 10.

[0147] In the mixed liquid analysis system 1 of this embodiment, an electrode cell 41 equipped with electrodes 43 and 44 is used for measuring slurry Xc for each sample to be measured.

[0148] Therefore, the conventional procedure of removing the slurry from the measuring container, cleaning the container, and refilling it with another slurry when switching samples for measurement is eliminated, improving the user's operability in slurry measurement.

[0149] In this embodiment, the inner electrodes 105 and 106 are parallel plates arranged opposite each other with a predetermined distance between them in the X direction. Therefore, even when the slurry container 42 is filled with slurry, the inner electrodes 105 and 106 (electrodes 43 and 44) ​​can maintain a constant distance between electrodes in the slurry container 42. This improves the accuracy of measuring the slurry impedance.

[0150] Furthermore, since the electrode portions 101 and 102 have rod-shaped members that penetrate the slurry storage portion 42, the process of attaching the rod-shaped members to the slurry storage portion 42 can be made easier for manufacturing workers.

[0151] Furthermore, the slurry containment section 42 has cylindrical mounting sections 103 and 104 on its side walls that protrude outward from the side walls of the slurry containment section 42 and have an inner diameter approximately the same as the outer diameter of the rod-shaped member. This suppresses the tilting of the rod-shaped member when assembling the electrode sections 101 and 102, and makes it difficult to change the relative positions of the pair of inner electrodes 105 and 106 (electrodes 43 and 44), thereby improving the accuracy of measuring electrical characteristics.

[0152] In the connecting device 40, the contact portions 206 and 207 are configured to contact the pair of electrode portions 101 and 102 (outer electrodes 107 and 108) respectively when the electrode cell 41 is set in the housing recess 201. By using such a connecting device 40, the electrode portions 101 and 102 for measuring the impedance of the slurry can be easily connected to the measuring device 10.

[0153] As described above, the mixed liquid analysis system 1 in this embodiment has less variation in measurement conditions caused by user operation during slurry measurement, and enables slurry measurement under stable measurement conditions.

[0154] In the analysis device 30 of this embodiment, material information related to the slurry and the slurry analysis algorithm are linked and stored in the storage unit 34 as an algorithm table 342. This makes it easy for the administrator to update or add analysis algorithms.

[0155] The analysis device 30 is equipped with an authentication unit 54 that authenticates the input of slurry material information to the information processing device 20 if it can verify that the information processing device 20 is a pre-registered information processing device.

[0156] Thus, by requiring user registration in advance to use the mixed liquid analysis system 1, administrators can manage the material information and impedance information used in the mixed liquid analysis system 1 in association with the user.

[0157] Furthermore, the mixed liquid analysis system 1 in this embodiment offers advantages that address the specific realities of slurry analysis. These advantages are as follows:

[0158] When analyzing a slurry, multiple samples are extracted from a single sample source, and impedance measurements are performed individually on each sample. Therefore, to improve the accuracy of slurry analysis, it is necessary to increase the number of samples extracted from a single sample source, and to measure the samples at multiple points and in large numbers.

[0159] However, it will take "(predetermined measurement time) × (number of samples)" time to complete the measurement of all samples obtained from a single sample substrate.

[0160] Since users want to analyze multiple samples for each type of slurry (sample base), the number of samples becomes enormous, especially when measuring different types of slurries, and the measurement time increases proportionally with the number of samples.

[0161] Generally, the state of a slurry changes from moment to moment. Therefore, while measuring multiple samples extracted from the same sample substrate one by one, the slurry state of the sample awaiting measurement will change.

[0162] Therefore, in conventional slurry analysis methods, there was a dilemma: it was difficult to increase the number of samples when trying to measure multiple slurries under the same conditions, and it was difficult to standardize the measurement conditions between samples when trying to increase the number of samples to improve the accuracy of slurry analysis.

[0163] In contrast, in the mixed liquid analysis system 1 of this embodiment, the processing unit 35 comprises multiple analysis units 50 (1) ,50 (2) ,···,50 (n) It is equipped with the following. For this reason, the analysis device 30 performs the analysis processing of multiple slurries Xc using the analysis unit 50. (1) ,50 (2) ,···,50 (n) Each of these can be executed in parallel.

[0164] Therefore, the mixed liquid analysis system 1 in this embodiment makes it possible to increase the number of samples and to standardize the conditions of the mixed liquids being measured. This improves the accuracy of slurry analysis.

[0165] [Other embodiments] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments only represent a part of the application examples of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention to the specific configurations of the above embodiments.

[0166] In the example described using Figures 2 and 4, the inner electrodes 105 and 106 are rectangular, but the shape of the inner electrodes 105 and 106 is not limited. They may be polygonal in shape, not just rectangular. Furthermore, the inner electrodes 105 and 106 do not have to be planar; they may be curved along the inner wall of the slurry containment section 42. They may even be formed as hemispherical curved surfaces.

[0167] In this embodiment, as an example, a method was described in which the material information for the relevant slurry is selected in a pull-down format from several material information options pre-prepared as choices on a website on the network NW that can be viewed by the information processing device 20. Alternatively, the material information may be directly input.

[0168] In this embodiment, the authentication unit 54 and the user information table 341 may be provided as separate processing units (servers) from the analysis device 30 connected to the network NW. In this case, user registration information and material information and impedance information related to the slurry can be separated and managed on separate servers.

[0169] According to this, even if a malicious user were to obtain another user's user ID, they would not be able to access the actual data (material information and impedance information related to the slurry), thus improving confidentiality.

[0170] The steps up to step S4 are for measuring impedance between the measuring device 10 and the information processing device 20, and therefore do not need to be executed sequentially in chronological order with the subsequent steps from step S5 onward. The information processing device 20 may store the impedance information received from the measuring device 10 in its memory and perform analysis processing at a different time. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0171] 1. Mixed Liquid Analysis System 10 Measuring device 11 Measuring part 12 Communications Department 13 Control section 14 Display section 15,34 Storage part 16,35 Processing Unit 20 Information Processing Devices 30 Analyzer 31 Network Interface (NW Interface) 32 displays 33 Input section 36 bus 40 Connection device 41 Electrode Cells 42 Slurry containment section 43,44 electrode 50 (1) ,50 (2) ,···,50 (n) Analysis department 52 Analysis result judgment section 53 Algorithm Update Section 54 Certification Department 61 Impedance Acquisition Module 62. Complex Plane Impedance Data Generation Module (Generator Module) 63 Equivalent Circuit Analysis Module 64. Variance Calculation Module 71 Imaginary Component Generation Unit 72 Real Component Generation Unit 100 caps 101,102 Electrode section 103,104 Mounting part 105,106 inner electrode 107,108 outer electrode 200 Housing section 201 Recessed housing 202,203,204,205 Terminal section 206,207 Contact area 341 User Information Table 342 Algorithm Tables 511 Algorithm Selection Module 512 Algorithm Execution Module

Claims

1. A measuring device for measuring the impedance of a mixed liquid in which an insoluble solid substance is mixed with a liquid, A storage section in which the aforementioned mixed liquid is contained, The electrode cell comprises a pair of electrode sections provided inside the housing section for applying an AC signal to the mixed liquid housed in the housing section, The pair of electrode portions of the electrode cell comprises an inner electrode provided inside the housing portion and facing each other, and an outer electrode provided outside the housing portion. A measuring means for measuring the impedance based on the response signal that flows through the mixed liquid when the AC signal is applied, A transmitting means for transmitting the impedance to the outside, Having, Measuring device.

2. A measuring device according to claim 1, Each of the pair of electrode portions of the electrode cell has a rod-shaped member that penetrates the housing portion. Measuring device.

3. A measuring device according to claim 1, The housing portion has a mounting portion that protrudes outward and through which the electrode portion is inserted. Measuring device.

4. A measuring device according to claim 1, The device further comprises a connecting device for connecting the electrode cells, The aforementioned connection device, A housing recess for housing an electrode cell having a cylindrical portion, The electrode cell comprises a pair of contact portions configured to contact each of a pair of electrode portions provided on the electrode cell, The contact portion is positioned to contact the electrode portion when the electrode cell is housed in the housing recess to a predetermined housing depth. Measuring device.

5. An information processing device connected to the measuring device described in claim 1, which stores impedance information received from the measuring device in a storage unit and receives material information relating to the mixed liquid, Prior to the measurement process of the measuring device, a measurement start instruction is transmitted to the measuring device. Information processing device.

6. An information processing device according to claim 5, The impedance received from the measuring device is transmitted to the outside. Information processing device.

7. A receiving means connected to the measuring device described in claim 1, which receives impedance information and material information relating to the mixture from the information processing device described in claim 5, The system includes an analytical means for performing an analysis of the mixed liquid based on the material information and the impedance. Analysis device.

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