Monitoring system and its operating method

Abstract

This invention provides a monitoring system and its operating method that can ensure the traceability of positive electrode data by issuing a virtual ID based on the positive electrode's specifications. [Solution] A monitoring system according to one embodiment disclosed herein may include: a PLC that receives specification information of at least one electrode from a first sensor, receives the position coordinates of the at least one electrode from a second sensor, and generates identification information for each of the at least one electrode based on the specification information and the position coordinates; an inspection device that inspects the at least one electrode and generates inspection information; and a controller that matches and manages the identification information and the inspection information of the at least one electrode.

Description

Technical Field

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[0003]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification relate to a monitoring system and an operating method thereof.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0135173 filed on October 19, 2022, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0112601 filed on August 28, 2023, and all the contents disclosed in the documents of the Korean patent applications are included as part of this specification.

Background Art

[0003] An electric vehicle receives external electrical supply to charge a battery cell, and then drives a motor with the voltage charged in the battery cell to obtain power. The battery cell of an electric vehicle is manufactured by housing an electrode assembly in a battery case and injecting an electrolyte into the inside of the battery case.

[0004] Battery cells are classified into cylindrical, rectangular, and pouch types according to the type of battery case. A cylindrical battery cell includes an electrode assembly, a cylindrical metal can battery case that houses the electrode assembly and the electrolyte, and a cap assembly assembled on the upper part of the cylindrical can.

[0005] During the manufacturing process, the laser device can mark a unique physical ID on the Foil of the negative electrode of the battery cell, and based on the marked physical ID, the traceability of each of the plurality of negative electrodes can be ensured. However, since the Foil of the positive electrode is made of an aluminum material and there is a problem that fire, soot, or dust is generated during marking, it is impossible to assign a physical ID. Therefore, there is a problem that it is impossible to ensure the traceability of each positive electrode.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] One object of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a monitoring system and a method of operation thereof that can ensure the traceability of positive electrode data by issuing a virtual ID based on positive electrode specification information.

[0007] The technical problems of the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A monitoring system according to one embodiment disclosed herein may include: a PLC that receives specification information for at least one electrode from a first sensor, receives position coordinates for the at least one electrode from a second sensor, and generates identification information for each of the at least one electrode based on the specification information and the position coordinates; an inspection device that inspects the at least one electrode and generates inspection information; and a controller that matches and manages the identification information and inspection information for the at least one electrode.

[0009] According to the embodiment, the equipment control device receives a quantity count value of the at least one electrode corresponding to the length of the at least one electrode tab from the first sensor, and the quantity count value of the electrode may include a BCD (Binary Coded Decimal) code.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the equipment control device can receive the roll map coordinates of the at least one electrode from an encoder installed on a rewinder provided in a notching device that notches the at least one electrode.

[0011] According to the embodiment, the equipment control device may generate an identifier (ID) for each of the at least one electrode based on the standard information and roll map coordinates of the at least one electrode tab.

[0012] According to the embodiment, the inspection device can receive the specification information of the at least one electrode from the first sensor and add the specification information to the inspection information of the at least one electrode.

[0013] According to the embodiment, the controller can match and manage the ID of the at least one electrode with the inspection information of the at least one electrode.

[0014] According to the embodiment, the controller can match the ID of the at least one electrode with the inspection information of the at least one electrode to generate integrated inspection information for the at least one electrode and transmit the integrated inspection information to the server.

[0015] A method of operation for a monitoring system according to one embodiment disclosed herein may include the steps of: receiving specification information for at least one electrode from a first sensor; receiving position coordinates for the at least one electrode from a second sensor; generating identification information for each of the at least one electrode based on the specification information and the position coordinates; inspecting the at least one electrode to generate inspection information; and matching and managing the identification information and inspection information for the at least one electrode.

[0016] According to the embodiment, the step of receiving specification information of at least one electrode from the first sensor is to receive a quantity count value of the at least one electrode corresponding to the length of the at least one electrode tab from the first sensor, and the quantity count value of the electrode may include a BCD code.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the step of receiving the position coordinates of the at least one electrode from the second sensor may be accompanied by receiving the roll map coordinates of the at least one electrode from an encoder installed on a rewinder provided in a notching device that notches the at least one electrode.

[0018] According to the embodiment, the step of generating identification information for each of the at least one electrode based on the above-mentioned standard information and position coordinates may generate an ID for each of the at least one electrode based on the above-mentioned standard information and roll map coordinates of at least one electrode tab.

[0019] According to the embodiment, the step of inspecting the at least one electrode and generating inspection information may involve receiving the specification information of the at least one electrode from the first sensor and adding the specification information to the inspection information of the at least one electrode.

[0020] According to the embodiment, the step of matching and managing the identification information and inspection information of the at least one electrode can be performed by matching and managing the ID of the at least one electrode and the inspection information of the at least one electrode.

[0021] According to the embodiment, the step of matching and managing the identification information and inspection information of the at least one electrode can be performed by matching the ID of the at least one electrode with the inspection information of the at least one electrode to generate integrated inspection information for the at least one electrode, and then transmitting the integrated inspection information to a server. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to one embodiment of the monitoring system and its operation method disclosed herein, it is possible to ensure the traceability of positive electrode data by issuing a virtual ID based on the positive electrode specification information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0023] [Figure 1] These are drawings for illustrating in general terms a battery process system according to one embodiment disclosed herein. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a monitoring system according to one embodiment disclosed herein. [Figure 3]The drawing for explaining the notching process according to an embodiment disclosed in this specification. [Figure 4] The drawing showing the roll map coordinates according to an embodiment disclosed in this specification. [Figure 5] The drawing showing the integrated inspection data according to an embodiment disclosed in this specification. [Figure 6] The flowchart showing the operation method of the monitoring system according to an embodiment disclosed in this specification. [Figure 7] The block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the computing system embodying the monitoring system according to an embodiment disclosed in this specification.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] The monitoring system according to an embodiment disclosed in this specification may include a facility control device (PLC) that receives the standard information of at least one electrode from a first sensor, receives the position coordinates of the at least one electrode from a second sensor, and generates the identification information of each of the at least one electrode based on the standard information and the position coordinates, an inspection device that inspects the at least one electrode and generates inspection information, and a controller that matches and manages the identification information and the inspection information of the at least one electrode.

[0025] The operation method of the monitoring system according to an embodiment disclosed in this specification may include a step of receiving the standard information of at least one electrode from a first sensor, a step of receiving the position coordinates of the at least one electrode from a second sensor, a step of generating the identification information of each of the at least one electrode based on the standard information and the position coordinates, a step of inspecting the at least one electrode and generating inspection information, and a step of matching and managing the identification information and the inspection information of the at least one electrode.

[0026] Some embodiments disclosed herein will be described in detail below with reference to illustrative drawings. Note that in assigning reference numerals to components in each drawing, the same component will, to the greatest extent possible, have the same reference numeral even if it appears in other drawings. Furthermore, in the description of embodiments disclosed herein, if a specific description of a relevant known configuration or function is deemed to hinder the understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0027] In describing the components of the embodiments disclosed herein, terms such as First, Second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used. Such terms are used to distinguish a component from other components, and the terms do not limit the nature, order, or sequence of the component. Furthermore, unless otherwise specifically defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as those generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments disclosed herein belong. Terms as defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0028] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a battery process system according to one embodiment disclosed herein.

[0029] In various embodiments, a battery may include a battery cell, which is the basic unit of a battery that can be used by charging and discharging electrical energy. A battery cell may be, but is not limited to, a lithium-ion (Li-iOn) battery, a lithium-ion polymer (Li-iOn polymer) battery, a nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) battery, a nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery, or the like. A battery cell may supply power to a device (not shown). For this purpose, a battery cell may be electrically connected to the device. Here, the device may include an electrical, electronic, or mechanical device that operates by receiving power from a battery pack (not shown) containing multiple battery cells. For example, the device may be, but is not limited to, small products such as digital cameras, P-DVDs, MP3Ps, mobile phones, PDAs, portable game devices, power tools, and e-bikes, as well as large products requiring high output such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, and power storage devices for storing surplus power or renewable energy, or power storage devices for backup.

[0030] A battery cell may consist of an electrode assembly, a battery case in which the electrode assembly is housed, and an electrolyte solution injected into the battery case to activate the electrode assembly. The electrode assembly is formed by interposing a separator membrane between a positive electrode plate, which is formed by coating a positive electrode active material onto a positive electrode current collector, and a negative electrode plate, which is formed by coating a negative electrode active material onto a negative electrode current collector. Depending on the type of battery case, the electrode assembly may be manufactured in a jelly roll type, stack type, etc., and housed inside the battery case. The battery case serves as an outer casing that maintains the shape of the battery and protects it from external impacts. Depending on the type of battery case, battery cells may be classified into cylindrical, rectangular, or pouch types.

[0031] According to the embodiment, a battery cell may be manufactured through a series of manufacturing processes including an electrode manufacturing process, an assembly process, and a chemical conversion process. Here, the assembly process may include the process of assembling the positive and negative electrode plates made through the electrode manufacturing process and injecting the electrolyte, and may include a notching process, a winding process, an assembly process, and a packaging process.

[0032] The notching process in the assembly process can be defined as the process of cutting the positive and negative electrode plates to match the battery shape in order to manufacture the positive and negative electrode tabs. After the electrode manufacturing process, the rolled positive and negative electrode plates have their non-coating portions cut off during the notching process, and the rolled positive and negative electrode plates are notched to match various battery shapes.

[0033] The following explanation uses the application of a battery process system to an assembly process as an example. For instance, a battery process system can be used in the notching process within an assembly system, but is not limited to this.

[0034] Referring to Figure 1, the battery process system may include a monitoring system 100, a first sensor 200, a second sensor 300, and a server 400.

[0035] The monitoring system 100 can collect and manage electrode data generated in the battery manufacturing process in real time. For example, the monitoring system 100 can collect and analyze data or graph data generated in the battery process system, such as the progress of the battery process system, whether or not alarms have occurred, temperature, pressure, and quantity.

[0036] The monitoring system 100 can track each electrode to manage data for at least one electrode generated during the manufacturing process of the electrode assembly. First, in the case of the negative electrode, a physical ID in barcode form can be issued from a laser device to the negative electrode tab during the notching process of the battery assembly process. That is, each negative electrode is marked with a unique physical ID during the notching process, and the barcode ID marked on the negative electrode tab can be recognized via a BCR (Bar Code Reader) device. Thus, multiple negative electrodes can each be matched with their physical IDs, and data traceability can be ensured in a higher-level system based on the physical IDs. In the case of negative electrodes, the monitoring system 100 can manage each negative electrode based on the physical ID marked on the negative electrode tab.

[0037] On the other hand, in the case of the positive electrode, the monitoring system 100 can receive data from at least one positive electrode from the first sensor 200 and the second sensor 300 of the battery process system, and track and manage the positive electrode based on the received data.

[0038] Specifically, the monitoring system 100 can receive specification information for at least one positive electrode from a first sensor 200 that can verify the specification information for the positive electrode.

[0039] The first sensor 200 may include a tab sensor 210 and a trigger board 220. First, the tab sensor 210 can determine the specifications of the positive electrode tabs. Specifically, the tab sensor 210 can determine the length, i.e., the pitch, of each positive electrode tab. The tab sensor 210 can transmit the perceived length of each positive electrode tab to the trigger board 220. The trigger board 220 can generate positive electrode tab count information based on the length of each positive electrode tab received from the tab sensor 210. That is, the trigger board 220 can increment the count value for each received length of positive electrode tab. The trigger board 220 can increment the BCD (Binary Coded Decimal) code by 1 each time the count value for each length of positive electrode tab increases. The trigger board 220 can convert the generated count values ​​for each length of positive electrode tab into the form of a BCD code and transmit it to the monitoring system 100.

[0040] Furthermore, the monitoring system 100 can receive the position coordinates of at least one electrode from the second sensor 300, which is capable of determining the position coordinates of the positive electrode.

[0041] The second sensor 300 can calculate the position coordinates of at least one electrode. The second sensor 300 may include an encoder installed on a rewinder (RW) of a notching device that notches at least one electrode. The second sensor 300 can calculate the position coordinates of the electrode based on the linear travel distance of the electrode.

[0042] The monitoring system 100 can generate virtual identification information for at least one positive electrode based on the positive electrode's specifications and position coordinates. That is, the monitoring system 100 can track and manage positive electrode data based on the virtual identification information for the positive electrode generated based on the positive electrode's specifications and position coordinates.

[0043] Furthermore, the monitoring system 100 can transmit the generated virtual identification information of the positive electrode and the positive electrode data tracked based on the virtual identification information to a higher-level system, the server 400. Here, the server 400 can integrate and manage the positive electrode data from the monitoring system 100 with the quality, defect status, and inspection information of each positive electrode. The server 400 may include, for example, cloud computing technology.

[0044] The following describes how the monitoring system 100 generates virtual identification information for the electrodes and how it collects and manages electrode data. While the positive electrode is used as an example in the following description, the system is not limited to this.

[0045] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a monitoring system 100 according to one embodiment disclosed herein.

[0046] Referring to Figure 2, the monitoring system 100 may include an equipment control device 110, an inspection device 120, and a controller 130.

[0047] The equipment control device (PLC, Programmable Logic Controller) 110 can be defined as a control device used for maintaining, managing, automatically controlling, and monitoring a battery process system. For example, the equipment control device 110 may manage the operation of an electrode notching device.

[0048] The equipment control device 110 can receive multiple control signals as input. The equipment control device 110 can process multiple control signals simultaneously or sequentially using its built-in software. The software of the equipment control device 110 can be stored in volatile or non-volatile memory. The software of the equipment control device 110 can process the input control signals in real time.

[0049] The equipment control device 110 can receive specification information for at least one electrode from the first sensor 200. Specifically, the equipment control device 110 can receive information on the length, i.e., pitch, of at least one electrode tab from the first sensor 200.

[0050] The equipment control device 110 can generate count information for at least one electrode, generated from the first sensor 200 based on the length of at least one electrode. Specifically, the equipment control device 110 can receive a quantity count value for at least one electrode from the first sensor 200, corresponding to the length of the electrode. Here, the quantity count value of the electrode may include a BCD code.

[0051] The equipment control device 110 may receive position coordinates of at least one electrode from the second sensor 300. Here, the second sensor 300 may include an encoder installed in a notching device that notches at least one electrode.

[0052] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a notching process according to one embodiment disclosed herein.

[0053] Referring to Figure 3, the notching device 500 can process the electrode by cutting it. The electrode includes a coated portion coated with an electrode active material and a plain portion without the electrode active material. The notching device 500 can process the plain portion of the electrode into an electrode tab by cutting it.

[0054] The first sensor 200 can generate standard information including the length of the electrode tab processed via the notching device 500 and a quantity count value corresponding to the tab length.

[0055] The second sensor 300 can generate position coordinates for at least one electrode. Here, the second sensor 300 may include an encoder installed on the rewinder (RW) of a notching device 500 that notches at least one electrode. In some embodiments, the encoder may be installed outside the unwinder (UW) or rewinder RW of the notching device 500. In other embodiments, the encoder may be built into the unwinder UW or rewinder RW of the notching device.

[0056] The second sensor 300 can calculate the position coordinates of at least one electrode based on the number of pulses input from the encoder. Specifically, the encoder is installed on the drive motor that drives the rewinder RW of the notching device and can calculate the distance the electrode travels according to the rotation speed of the drive motor. The encoder can capture light passing through multiple slits in the rotating plate of the drive motor and generate a pulse signal. The second sensor 300 can calculate the rotation speed of the drive motor based on the pulse signal input from the encoder and calculate the linear distance the electrode has traveled between the unwinder UW and the rewinder RW based on the rotation speed of the drive motor. The second sensor 300 can calculate the position coordinates of the electrode based on the linear distance the electrode has traveled.

[0057] The equipment control device 110 may receive position coordinates of at least one electrode from the second sensor 300, which includes an encoder. In some embodiments, the equipment control device 110 may receive roll map coordinates of at least one electrode from the second sensor 300, which includes an encoder.

[0058] Figure 4 is a diagram showing roll map coordinates according to one embodiment disclosed herein.

[0059] Referring to Figure 4, the equipment control device 110 can receive roll map coordinates of at least one electrode from the second sensor 300, which includes an encoder. Here, a roll map refers to data on the quality, defects, or manufacturing of electrodes in the electrode manufacturing process, displayed on a roll map bar that simulates the electrode in a roll-to-roll state. When a battery is manufactured using electrodes produced in the electrode manufacturing process and a battery malfunction occurs, electrode manufacturing history data is necessary to determine the cause of the malfunction. The roll map records electrode manufacturing history data for a series of electrode manufacturing processes, such as the electrode coating process, roll pressing process, and notching process, and can identify the cause of the malfunction in relation to subsequent processes.

[0060] For example, the roll map can be displayed on a bar-shaped roll map bar that simulates the actual electrode being placed and moved in a roll-to-roll manner between the unwinder UW and rewinder RW of the notching device 500 during the electrode notching process. Alternatively, the roll map can be displayed on the screen in synchronization with the electrode path moving between the unwinder UW and rewinder RW of the notching device 500.

[0061] The second sensor 300 can generate position coordinates, i.e., roll map coordinates, of at least one notched electrode moving between the unwinder UW and the rewinder RW.

[0062] For example, the equipment control device 110 may receive "220.37" as the roll map coordinate of electrode (3) shown in Figure 4 from the second sensor 300. Also, for example, the equipment control device 110 may receive "189.78" as the roll map coordinate of electrode (2) shown in Figure 4 from the second sensor 300. Also, for example, the equipment control device 110 may receive "90.04" as the roll map coordinate of electrode (1) shown in Figure 4 from the second sensor 300.

[0063] The equipment control device 110 can generate identification information for at least one electrode based on the specification information for at least one electrode received from the first sensor 200 and the position coordinates for at least one electrode received from the second sensor 300. Specifically, the equipment control device 110 can generate a virtual ID for at least one electrode based on the specification information for at least one positive electrode tab received from the first sensor 200 and the roll map coordinates for at least one positive electrode received from the second sensor 300.

[0064] The inspection device 120 can inspect at least one electrode and generate inspection information. Here, the inspection device 120 may include, for example, a vision inspection sensor. Here, the vision inspection sensor uses an industrial camera to discriminate the shape, size, characters, patterns, etc. of the object to be inspected, like the human eye, and can inspect the physical defects, presence of missing parts, or quality of the product. The inspection device 120 can use the vision inspection sensor to inspect the quality of at least one electrode and generate inspection information. Specifically, the inspection device 120 can photograph the electrode, acquire the captured image, and analyze the image of the electrode to inspect for defects or quality. Here, defects may include not only defects in the electrode and electrode quality, but also a variety of defects such as misalignment and size defects.

[0065] The inspection device 120 can measure the pitch of multiple tabs formed by notching with the notching device 500.

[0066] The inspection device 120 can receive specification information for at least one electrode from the first sensor 200. The inspection device 120 can add the received specification information for at least one electrode to the generated inspection information for at least one electrode. The inspection device 120 can transmit the inspection information for at least one electrode with the specification information for at least one electrode added to it to the controller 130.

[0067] The controller 130 can receive specification information for at least one electrode and virtual identification information for at least one electrode from the equipment control device 110. The controller 130 can also receive specification information for at least one electrode and inspection information for at least one electrode from the inspection device 120. The controller 130 can match and manage the virtual identification information for at least one electrode received from the equipment control device 110 and the inspection information for at least one electrode received from the inspection device 120. Specifically, the controller 130 can match and manage the ID of at least one electrode and the inspection information for at least one electrode.

[0068] The controller 130 can match the ID of at least one electrode with the inspection information of at least one electrode to generate integrated inspection information for at least one electrode.

[0069] Figure 5 is a diagram showing integrated inspection data according to one embodiment disclosed herein.

[0070] Referring to Figure 5, the controller 130 can generate integrated inspection data by integrating the notching time of at least one notched electrode, the virtual electrode ID, the ID of the Lot fed to generate the electrode, and the roll map coordinate information. Here, the ID of the fed Lot refers to the lot number of the electrode roll when the electrode roll is placed in a roll-to-roll state between the unwinder UW and the rewinder RW.

[0071] The controller 130 can transmit the generated integrated inspection information to the server 400. Here, the server 400 may be, for example, an SPC (Statistical Process Control) device. Here, SPC is a management method that efficiently operates a process using statistical methods to achieve the quality and productivity targets required in the process. The server 400 can statistically manage the integrated inspection data for at least one electrode obtained via the controller 130, verify it based on the electrode quality and electrode position coordinates, and monitor the manufacturing status of the electrodes together.

[0072] As described above, according to one embodiment of the monitoring system disclosed herein, a virtual ID can be issued based on the specifications information of the positive electrode to ensure the traceability of the positive electrode data.

[0073] The monitoring system can issue a virtual positive electrode ID in the same way as the negative electrode tracking system, transmit data to a higher-level system, and provide an environment for ensuring traceability and analysis of both positive and negative electrodes.

[0074] Furthermore, the monitoring system can integrate and manage all cathode data generated and collected during the notching process, including not only cathode inspection data but also equipment data, in a higher-level system.

[0075] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the operation method of a monitoring system according to one embodiment disclosed herein.

[0076] The operation method of the monitoring system 100 will be explained below with reference to Figures 1 to 5.

[0077] Since the monitoring system 100 may be substantially the same as the monitoring system 100 described with reference to Figures 1 to 4, a brief description will be given below to avoid repetition.

[0078] Referring to Figure 6, the operation method of the monitoring system 100 may include the steps of: receiving specification information for at least one electrode from the first sensor 200 (S101); receiving position coordinates for at least one electrode from the second sensor 300 (S102); generating identification information for at least one electrode based on the specification information and position coordinates (S103); inspecting at least one electrode and generating inspection information (S104); and matching and managing the identification information and inspection information for at least one electrode (S105).

[0079] In step S101, the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) 110 may receive specification information for at least one electrode from the first sensor 200. The Programmable Logic Controller 110 may be defined as a control device used for maintaining, managing, automatically controlling, and monitoring a battery process system. For example, the Programmable Logic Controller 110 may manage the operation of an electrode notching device.

[0080] In step S101, the equipment control device 110 can receive multiple control signals as input. The equipment control device 110 can process multiple control signals simultaneously or sequentially using its built-in software. In step S101, the software of the equipment control device 110 can be stored in volatile or non-volatile memory. The software of the equipment control device 110 can process the input control signals in real time.

[0081] In step S101, the equipment control device 110 may receive specification information for at least one electrode from the first sensor 200. Specifically, the equipment control device 110 may receive information on the length, i.e., pitch, of at least one electrode tab from the first sensor 200.

[0082] In step S101, the equipment control device 110 may generate count information for at least one electrode, generated from the first sensor 200 based on the length of at least one electrode. Specifically in step S101, the equipment control device 110 may receive a quantity count value for at least one electrode from the first sensor 200 corresponding to the length of the electrode. Here, the quantity count value of the electrode may include a BCD code.

[0083] In step S102, the equipment control device 110 may receive the position coordinates of at least one electrode from the second sensor 300. Here, the second sensor 300 may include an encoder installed in a notching device that notches at least one electrode.

[0084] In step S102, the second sensor 300 may generate the position coordinates of at least one electrode. Here, the second sensor 300 may include an encoder installed on the rewinder (RW) of a notching device 500 that notches at least one electrode.

[0085] In step S102, the second sensor 300 can calculate the position coordinates of at least one electrode based on the number of pulses input from the encoder. The second sensor 300 can calculate the rotational speed of the drive motor based on the pulse signal input from the encoder, and can calculate the linear distance the electrode has traveled between the unwinder UW and the rewinder RW based on the rotational speed of the drive motor. The second sensor 300 can calculate the position coordinates of the electrode based on the linear distance the electrode has traveled.

[0086] In step S102, the equipment control device 110 may receive the position coordinates of at least one electrode from the second sensor 300, which includes an encoder. In some embodiments, the equipment control device 110 may receive the roll map coordinates of at least one electrode from the second sensor 300, which includes an encoder. Here, a roll map refers to a display of data related to the quality, defects, or manufacture of electrodes in the electrode manufacturing process on a roll map bar that simulates an electrode in a roll-to-roll state. When a battery is manufactured using electrodes manufactured in the electrode manufacturing process, if a defect occurs in the final battery, electrode manufacturing history data is necessary to determine the cause of the defect. The roll map allows for the identification of the cause of defect in relation to subsequent processes by recording electrode manufacturing history data for a series of electrode manufacturing processes, such as the electrode coating process, roll pressing process, and notching process, based on the roll map coordinates.

[0087] In step S102, the second sensor 300 can generate position coordinates, i.e., roll map coordinates, of the position of at least one notched electrode as it moves between the unwinder UW and the rewinder RW.

[0088] In step S103, the equipment control device 110 may generate identification information for at least one electrode based on the specification information for at least one electrode received from the first sensor 200 and the position coordinates for at least one electrode received from the second sensor 300. Specifically in step S103, the equipment control device 110 may generate a virtual ID for at least one electrode based on the specification information for at least one positive electrode tab received from the first sensor 200 and the roll map coordinates for at least one positive electrode received from the second sensor 300.

[0089] In step S104, the inspection device 120 may inspect at least one electrode and generate inspection information. Here, the inspection device 120 may include, for example, a vision inspection sensor. In step S104, the inspection device 120 may use the vision inspection sensor to inspect the quality of at least one electrode and generate inspection information. Specifically, the inspection device 120 may photograph the electrode, acquire the captured image, and analyze the image of the electrode to inspect for defects or quality.

[0090] In step S104, the inspection device 120 can measure the pitch of multiple tabs formed by notching with the notching device 500.

[0091] In step S104, the inspection device 120 may receive specification information for at least one electrode from the first sensor 200. In step S104, the inspection device 120 may add the received specification information for at least one electrode to the generated inspection information for at least one electrode. In step S104, the inspection device 120 may transmit the inspection information for at least one electrode with the specification information for at least one electrode added to it to the controller 130.

[0092] In step S105, the controller 130 may receive specification information for at least one electrode and virtual identification information for at least one electrode from the equipment control device 110.

[0093] In step S105, the controller 130 may also receive specification information for at least one electrode and inspection information for at least one electrode from the inspection device 120.

[0094] In step S105, the controller 130 may match and manage the virtual identification information of at least one electrode received from the equipment control device 110 with the inspection information of at least one electrode received from the inspection device 120. Specifically in step S105, the controller 130 may match and manage the ID of at least one electrode with the inspection information of at least one electrode.

[0095] In step S105, the controller 130 may match the ID of at least one electrode with the inspection information of at least one electrode to generate integrated inspection information for at least one electrode. In step S105, the controller 130 may integrate the notching time, virtual ID, Lot ID of the input to generate the electrode, and roll map coordinate information for each of the at least one notched electrode to generate integrated inspection data. The input Lot ID here refers to the lot number of the electrode roll when the electrode roll is placed in a roll-to-roll state between the unwinder UW and the rewinder RW.

[0096] At stage S105, the controller 130 can transmit the generated integrated inspection information to the server 400. Here, the server 400 may be, for example, an SPC (Statistical Process Control) device. Here, SPC is a management method that efficiently operates the process using statistical methods in order to achieve the quality and productivity targets required in the process.

[0097] In step S105, the server 400 can statistically manage the integrated inspection data for each of at least one electrode obtained via the controller 130 and monitor the manufacturing status of the electrode, which can be confirmed based on the electrode quality and the electrode's position coordinates.

[0098] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a computing system embodying one embodiment of the monitoring system disclosed herein.

[0099] Referring to Figure 7, a computing system 2000 according to one embodiment disclosed herein may include an MCU 2100, a memory 2200, an input / output I / F 2300, and a communication I / F 2400.

[0100] The MCU2100 may be a processor that executes various programs stored in memory 2200 (for example, a program that determines the specifications of the positive electrode) to perform the functions of the monitoring system 100 shown in Figure 1 above. Such programs can process various types of data.

[0101] Memory 2200 can store various programs related to operation. Memory 2200 can also store operation data.

[0102] Multiple such memory 2200s may be provided as needed. The memory 2200 may be volatile memory or non-volatile memory.

[0103] As volatile memory, RAM, DRAM, SRAM, etc., may be used for memory 2200. As non-volatile memory, ROM, PROM, EAROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, etc., may be used for memory 2200. The examples of memory 2200 listed above are merely illustrative and are not limited to these examples.

[0104] The input / output interface 2300 can provide an interface that connects input devices (not shown), such as keyboards, mice, and touch panels, and output devices (not shown), such as displays, with the MCU 2100, enabling data transmission and reception.

[0105] The communication interface 2400 is configured to send and receive various data with a server and can be various devices that support wired or wireless communication. For example, programs for resistance measurement and anomaly diagnosis, as well as various data, can be sent and received from an external server separately provided via the communication interface 2400.

[0106] Thus, a computer program according to one embodiment disclosed herein can be recorded in memory 2200 and processed by MCU 2100 to be embodied as a module that performs each function of the monitoring system 100 described with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0107] The above description is merely illustrative of the technical concept of this disclosure, and a person with ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs can make various modifications and variations without departing from the essential characteristics of this disclosure.

[0108] Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only, and not to limit, the technical concept of the disclosure, and such embodiments do not limit the scope of the technical concept of the disclosure. The scope of protection of this disclosure should be interpreted by the claims, and all technical concepts within an equivalent scope shall be interpreted as being included in the scope of rights of this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0109] 100: Monitoring System 110: Equipment control device 120: Inspection device 130: Controller 200: First sensor 210: Tab Sensor 220: Trigger Board 300: Second sensor 400: Server 500: Notching device 2000: Computing Systems 2100:MCU 2200: Memory 2300: Input / Output Interface 2400: Communication I / F

Claims

1. A PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) receives specification information for at least one electrode from a first sensor, receives position coordinates for the at least one electrode from a second sensor, and generates identification information for each of the at least one electrode based on the specification information and the position coordinates. An inspection device that inspects at least one electrode and generates inspection information, A monitoring system including a controller that matches and manages the identification information and inspection information of at least one electrode.

2. The equipment control device receives a quantity count value of the at least one electrode corresponding to the length of the at least one electrode tab from the first sensor. The monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the quantity count value of the electrode includes a BCD (Binary Coded Decimal) code.

3. The monitoring system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the equipment control device receives the roll map coordinates of the at least one electrode from an encoder installed on a rewinder provided in a notching device that notches the at least one electrode.

4. The monitoring system according to claim 3, wherein the equipment control device generates an identifier (ID) for each of the at least one electrode based on the standard information and roll map coordinates of at least one electrode tab.

5. The monitoring system according to claim 4, wherein the inspection device receives the specification information of the at least one electrode from the first sensor and adds the specification information to the inspection information of the at least one electrode.

6. The monitoring system according to claim 5, wherein the controller matches and manages the ID of the at least one electrode with the inspection information of the at least one electrode.

7. The monitoring system according to claim 6, wherein the controller matches the ID of the at least one electrode with the inspection information of the at least one electrode to generate integrated inspection information for the at least one electrode, and transmits the integrated inspection information to a server.

8. A step of receiving specification information for at least one electrode from the first sensor, The steps include receiving the position coordinates of at least one electrode from the second sensor, A step of generating identification information for each of the at least one electrode based on the standard information and the position coordinates, The steps include: inspecting at least one electrode and generating inspection information; A method for operating a monitoring system, comprising the step of matching and managing the identification information and inspection information of at least one electrode.

9. The step of receiving specification information of at least one electrode from the first sensor is, A method of operating the monitoring system according to claim 8, comprising receiving a quantity count value of the at least one electrode corresponding to the length of the at least one electrode tab from the first sensor, wherein the quantity count value of the electrode includes a BCD (Binary Coded Decimal) code.

10. The step of receiving the position coordinates of the at least one electrode from the second sensor is, A method for operating the monitoring system according to claim 9, comprising receiving the roll map coordinates of the at least one electrode from an encoder installed on a rewinder provided in a notching device that notches the at least one electrode.

11. The step of generating identification information for each of the at least one electrode based on the standard information and the position coordinates is: A method for operating the monitoring system according to claim 10, comprising generating an identifier (ID) for each of the at least one electrode based on the standard information and roll map coordinates of at least one electrode tab.

12. The step of inspecting at least one electrode and generating inspection information is, A method for operating the monitoring system according to claim 11, comprising receiving the specification information of the at least one electrode from the first sensor and adding the specification information to the inspection information of the at least one electrode.

13. The step of matching and managing the identification information and inspection information of the at least one electrode is, A method for operating the monitoring system according to claim 12, comprising matching and managing the ID of the at least one electrode with the inspection information of the at least one electrode.

14. The step of matching and managing the identification information and inspection information of the at least one electrode is, A method for operating the monitoring system according to claim 13, comprising matching the ID of the at least one electrode with the inspection information of the at least one electrode to generate integrated inspection information for the at least one electrode, and transmitting the integrated inspection information to a server.

15. An electrode having an identifier (ID) generated by the monitoring system described in claim 1 or the operating method of the monitoring system described in claim 11.

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