Battery manufacturing process control device

Abstract

According to one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for managing a battery manufacturing process includes an input unit into which at least one selected from a plurality of products and at least one selected from a plurality of processes are input, a display unit that outputs a recipe corresponding to the selected product and process, and a control unit that controls the input unit and the display unit, and recipes are preset corresponding to each of the plurality of products and each of the plurality of processes.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0050137, dated April 17, 2023, and all contents disclosed in the documents of this Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a management device for a battery manufacturing process, and more particularly to a device that prevents an operator from erroneously inputting recipe setting values ​​into battery manufacturing equipment and enables more efficient input of recipe setting values ​​to manage the battery manufacturing process. [Background technology]

[0003] In modern society, the use of portable devices such as mobile phones, laptops, video cameras, and digital cameras, as well as energy storage systems (ESS), has become commonplace, leading to active development of related technologies. Furthermore, rechargeable secondary batteries are being used as power sources for electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (P-HEVs), and other vehicles as a solution to air pollution caused by existing gasoline-powered vehicles that use fossil fuels, leading to an increasing need for development of secondary batteries.

[0004] The process of manufacturing such secondary batteries is roughly divided into three steps: electrode process, assembly process, and chemical process, and each process is further divided into sub-processes.

[0005] Since the manufacturing process of such secondary batteries involves multiple steps, a solution is required to more accurately and effectively manage the manufacturing process, such as by preventing workers from inputting incorrect values ​​into equipment used in the secondary battery manufacturing process and by inputting values ​​in a more efficient manner. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention aims to provide an apparatus for more accurately and effectively controlling the battery manufacturing process.

[0007] However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above problems, and can be variously expanded within the scope of the technical ideas included in the present invention. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for managing a battery manufacturing process includes an input unit into which at least one selected from a plurality of products and at least one selected from a plurality of processes are input, a display unit that outputs a recipe corresponding to the selected product and process, and a control unit that controls the input unit and the display unit, and recipes may be preset corresponding to each of the plurality of products and each of the plurality of processes.

[0009] The management device can operate in a registration mode to preset a recipe corresponding to a product and a process, and in a process execution mode to transmit a process execution command according to the recipe corresponding to the product and the process to a process equipment device for the process.

[0010] The recipe may include at least one parameter to be applied to a process equipment device for the process according to the product and the process, and a target value for each parameter.

[0011] The target value for at least a portion of the at least one parameter may be changeable, and an allowable change range may include at least one of an upper limit and a lower limit.

[0012] In the process execution mode, the display unit primarily displays a recipe corresponding to the input product and process, and when a process execution command is input through the input unit, the process can be executed in a process equipment device for the process according to the recipe displayed primarily.

[0013] In the process execution mode, when a value changed from a preset target value of the displayed recipe is input through the input unit, the changed value can be transmitted to the control unit.

[0014] In the process execution mode, the control unit determines whether the changed value falls within the range of the upper and lower limits, and if it falls within the range of the upper and lower limits, temporarily changes the recipe with the changed value, the display unit subsequently displays the changed value, and when a process execution command is input through the input unit, the process can be executed in a process equipment device for the corresponding process according to the subsequently displayed recipe.

[0015] In the process execution mode, the control unit determines whether the changed value falls within the range of the upper and lower limits, and if the changed value falls outside the range of the upper and lower limits, invalidates the changed value and restores it to the preset target value. The display unit subsequently displays the preset target value. When a process execution command is input through the input unit, the process can be executed in a process equipment device for the process according to the subsequently displayed recipe.

[0016] In the process execution mode, in the case of a parameter for which an upper or lower limit is not set as a change allowable range for the target value, if a value different from the target value is input, the control unit invalidates the changed value and restores it to the preset target value, the display unit subsequently displays the preset target value, and when a process execution command is input through the input unit, the process can be executed in a process equipment device for the corresponding process according to the subsequently displayed recipe.

[0017] In the process execution mode, if a parameter does not have an upper or lower limit set as an allowable change range for the target value, the target value may not be changed.

[0018] In the process execution mode, a value changed from the preset target value is transmitted to the process equipment, but may not be updated to the recipe previously stored in the database.

[0019] In the registration mode, at least one parameter and a target value for each parameter are preset for each product and each process, and the recipe can be stored in a database.

[0020] In the registration mode, at least one parameter can be reset, and the parameter to be reset can be input through the input unit, and the recipe can be updated with the reset parameter and stored in the database.

[0021] In the registration mode, the target value of the parameter can be reset, and the reset target value can be input in the input unit, and the recipe can be updated with the reset target value and saved in the database.

[0022] In the registration mode, it is possible to reset at least one of the upper and lower limits as the allowable change range of the target value of the parameter, and at least one of the upper and lower limits to be reset can be input in the input unit, and the recipe can be updated with the at least one of the upper and lower limits to be reset and saved in the database.

[0023] The input unit may allow selection of the registration mode and the process execution mode.

[0024] The recipes are stored in a database, which may be integrally integrated with the management device or external to the management device and connected by a wired or wireless communication network.

[0025] A history of the processes performed in the recipe corresponding to the input product and process can also be stored in a database.

[0026] The plurality of products and the plurality of processes may be presented as a list on the display unit.

[0027] The management device may be integrated into the process equipment or may be provided separately from the process equipment and connected to the process equipment via a wired or wireless communication network. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] According to the present invention, an apparatus for more accurately and effectively managing a battery manufacturing process is provided, thereby maximizing production efficiency in the battery manufacturing process and improving the quality of the produced batteries.

[0029] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a battery manufacturing process management device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 shows an example of a recipe that can be applied to a battery manufacturing process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 2 shows a flowchart of a method for performing a process execution mode in the management device of FIG. 1; [Figure 4] 2 shows a flowchart of a method for performing a process execution mode in the management device of FIG. 1; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0032] In order to clearly explain the present invention, parts that are not necessary for the explanation are omitted, and the same reference numerals are used throughout the specification to refer to the same or similar components.

[0033] Furthermore, throughout the specification, when a part is said to "comprise" a certain element, this does not mean that it excludes other elements, but that it may further include other elements, unless otherwise specified to the contrary.

[0034] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A battery manufacturing process management device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an apparatus 100 for managing a battery manufacturing process (hereinafter referred to as "management apparatus") according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] First, the management device 100 may be integrated into the equipment (process equipment) 200 for the battery manufacturing process, or may be provided separately from the equipment 200 for the battery manufacturing process, connected to the equipment 200 via a wired or wireless communication network, and control the equipment 200. Various modifications and changes are possible to suit the environment in which the present invention is applied.

[0037] The management device 100 generally includes an input unit 110, a control unit (processing unit) 120, and a display unit 130. The management device 100 further includes a database (database unit) 140.

[0038] At least one selected from a plurality of battery-related products and at least one selected from a plurality of battery manufacturing processes are input to the input unit 110. When operating the equipment 200 for a battery manufacturing process, an operator selects at least one of the plurality of products through the input unit 110 and at least one of the plurality of processes, and inputs these into the input unit.

[0039] The input unit 110 may be implemented as, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, a touch input device, etc. The pointing device may be, for example, a mouse, a touch pen, a touch pad, or a trackball, etc. The touch input device may be, for example, a touch screen, a touch pad, etc.

[0040] The display unit 130 outputs (displays) a recipe corresponding to the selected product and process. The display unit 130 may be, for example, a monitor.

[0041] The control unit 120 controls the input unit 110 and the display unit 130 in cooperation with the database 140. The control unit 120 also controls the equipment 200 for the battery manufacturing process.

[0042] The controller 120 may include at least one processor and memory, i.e., processing circuitry. The memory stores processor-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform one or more operations described herein. The processor may include a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or the like, or a combination thereof. The memory may include, but is not limited to, electronic, optical, magnetic, or any other storage or transmission device capable of providing program instructions to the processor. The memory may include, but is not limited to, a floppy disk, CD-ROM, DVD, magnetic disk, memory chip, ASIC, FPGA, ROM, RAM, EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable ROM), EPROM (erasable programmable ROM), flash memory, optical media, or any other suitable memory from which the processor can read instructions. The instructions may include code in any suitable computer programming language. The controller 120 may include one or more computing devices or servers capable of performing various functions.

[0043] Processors suitable for implementing the present invention include, by way of example, general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors and any one or more processors of any type of digital computer. Typically, a processor receives instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random-access memory, or both. Elements of a computer include a processor for performing actions in accordance with the instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer also includes one or more mass storage devices for storing data, such as magnetic, magneto-optical, or optical disks, or may be operatively coupled to receive data from or transmit data to such devices. However, a computer need not necessarily include such devices. Furthermore, a computer may be embedded in another device, such as a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile audio or video player, a game console, a GPS receiver, or a portable storage device, such as a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive. Suitable devices for storing computer program instructions and data include, for example, semiconductor memory devices such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks or removable disks; and all forms of non-volatile memory, media, and memory devices, including CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and memory may be supplemented by, or integrated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

[0044] Database 140 may be a database configured to store and / or maintain any of the information described herein. Database 140 may be stored as any suitable type and form of data structure, such as an array, a flat file, a representational file, or any other type and form of database file. In one embodiment, database 140 may store pre-defined recipes, as described below. In some embodiments, the database may be accessed using one or more memory addresses or index values. Database 140 may be accessed by a module of control unit 120 or a network (not shown). In some embodiments, database 140 may be integrated into management device 100. In some embodiments, database 140 may reside external to management device 100 and be accessible via a network. In some embodiments, database 140 may be distributed across multiple different computer systems or multiple different process equipment 200 and may be accessed via a network and / or suitable computer bus interface. Controller 120 may store any or all of the results of calculations, crystallization, selection, identification, or operations as suitable indexed values ​​in one or more databases 140.

[0045] The network (not shown) may further include any number of computing devices (e.g., computers, servers, routers, network switches, etc.) configured to receive and / or transmit data within the network. The network may further include any number of hardwired and / or wireless connections.

[0046] A variety of recipes may be prepared in advance corresponding to each of a plurality of products and each of a plurality of processes.

[0047] The plurality of products may be variously defined as specific detailed model names for each type of battery, such as pouch-type battery, prismatic battery, and cylindrical battery, which are the largest types of finished (final product) batteries, or may be variously defined as detailed components or detailed model names for each component constituting the battery, such as a cathode, anode, separator, electrode assembly, case, etc. Furthermore, the plurality of processes may include various processes for manufacturing the corresponding components. For example, the plurality of processes may include more detailed processes within the corresponding process, such as an electrode process, assembly process, or chemical formation process. The above-described plurality of products and processes are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these and may be applied to various processes for manufacturing batteries.

[0048] A recipe refers to data including at least one parameter and a target value for each parameter to be applied to the equipment 200 for a particular process to manufacture a particular product. The target value for at least some of the at least one parameter can be changed. For example, the target value may be adjusted to accommodate changes in the environment at the time, such as the specific location or time at which the process is performed. The allowable range for the target value includes at least one upper and lower limit. In other words, the target value is adjusted, but only within a predetermined range. Such an allowable range may include only an upper limit, only a lower limit, or both an upper and lower limit. In some cases, however, a parameter's target value cannot be changed. In such cases, the allowable range for change may not be set, and the target value may be fixed. A recipe may also include various information required for the battery manufacturing process, such as the unit, specification type, number of decimal places, and data type for the target value. Figure 2 shows an example of a recipe.

[0049] Meanwhile, the management device 100 operates in two main modes: a registration mode in which recipes corresponding to products and processes are preset, and a process execution mode in which process execution commands according to the recipes corresponding to products and processes are transmitted to equipment devices for the processes.

[0050] In the registration mode, an engineer who designs battery products and processes presets a recipe based on product specifications, parameters required for the product manufacturing process, and input values ​​to be input for the parameters, and registers the recipe in database 140.

[0051] In the process execution mode, the battery product and the worker who actually performs the process read a preset recipe and operate the equipment 200 according to that recipe or a modified recipe.

[0052] At least one selected from the plurality of products and at least one selected from the plurality of processes are inputted through the input unit 110. In this case, for example, the names and codes of the plurality of products and the plurality of processes may be displayed in a list format on the display unit 130, and then the product or process may be selected from the list through the input unit 110. Alternatively, for example, the names and codes of the plurality of products and the plurality of processes may be inputted through the input unit 110.

[0053] The display unit 130 downloads from the database 140 a recipe corresponding to the product and process input through the input unit 110 and displays it first.

[0054] If it is OK to carry out the process according to the recipe, the worker inputs a command to execute the process through the input unit 110. For example, this may be done by pressing a work execution button. When the command to execute the process is input through the input unit 110, the process is executed by the equipment for the process according to the recipe displayed in the primary screen.

[0055] Meanwhile, as mentioned above, depending on the parameter, it may be possible to change the target value before executing the process. For example, the target value may be adjusted to suit changes in the environment at the time, such as the specific location or time at which the process is performed, and then the process may be executed. To this end, a value changed from the preset target value of the recipe displayed primarily on the display unit 130 is input through the input unit 110. The changed value is transmitted to the control unit 120.

[0056] The control unit 120, to which the changed value is transmitted, determines whether the changed value falls within a range preset in the recipe. As described above, the preset range may be one in which only an upper limit is set by a parameter, one in which only a lower limit is set, or one in which both an upper limit and a lower limit are set.

[0057] If the changed value is within a preset range for the recipe, the control unit 120 temporarily changes the recipe to the changed value. The display unit 130 displays the recipe with the changed value. Next, when a process execution command is input through the input unit 110, the process execution command is transmitted to the equipment 200 for the corresponding process. This means that the process is to be executed according to the recipe with the changed value, and the process is executed in the equipment 200 for the corresponding process according to the recipe including the changed value.

[0058] On the other hand, if the changed value is not within the range preset for the recipe, the control unit 120 invalidates the changed value and restores the recipe to the preset target value. The display unit 130 displays the recipe with the preset target value. At this time, the display unit 130 may further display an alarm message indicating that the changed value is incorrect, or may output an alarm warning sound.

[0059] At this time, the operator can change the input value in the recipe and input it again. When the input value is changed and input again into the input unit 110, if the input value falls within a preset range, the recipe including the changed value is displayed on the display unit 130 as described above. When a process execution command is input into the input unit 110, the process is executed in the equipment 200 for the corresponding process according to the recipe including the changed value.

[0060] Alternatively, the process can be performed according to the target values ​​preset in the recipe without changing the input values ​​and inputting them again. When a process execution command is input through the input unit 110 without changing the input values ​​again, the process execution command is transmitted to the equipment 200 for the process, and the process is performed by the equipment 200 for the process according to the preset recipe.

[0061] In the process execution mode, values ​​changed from the preset target value are transmitted to the process equipment (facilities, process equipment devices) and the process is executed, but the value is not updated and saved in the recipe previously saved in the database. In other words, changing and saving a value from the preset target value (i.e., updating and saving the preset target value) is possible in the registration mode. This is because in the process execution mode, the preset target value is temporarily changed (adjusted) to take into account special environmental changes limited to the time of the process or to adapt to minute environmental changes at the time of the process.

[0062] To permanently change the preset target value, that is, to save the recipe with the changed preset target value in database 140 and subsequently use the changed recipe in subsequent processes, an engineer (designer) must change and update the target value in registration mode.

[0063] On the other hand, if an operator inputs a change value for a parameter whose target value is not allowed to be changed, the input unit 110 may be set to not input a change value, or even if a change value is input in the input unit 110, the control unit 120 may invalidate the change value and restore it to the preset target value.

[0064] When a process is performed in the equipment device 200 for the process, the recipe applied at that time may be stored in the database 140. Information on the recipe (preset recipe or modified recipe) applied at that time may be stored in the database 140, along with information on the environment such as the process date, time, temperature, and pressure at the time of the process, and management information on the factory, line, and equipment where the process was performed.

[0065] In the registration mode, an engineer (designer) can reconfigure parameters. For example, parameter items that are no longer needed can be deleted, or new parameter items can be added. Pre-set input values ​​for parameters can also be adjusted and saved. In the registration mode, if a pre-set target value is changed, the changed value is saved in the database 140. That is, when the recipe is subsequently loaded in the process execution mode, the changed target value (i.e., the updated and saved target value) is displayed on the display unit 130.

[0066] 3 and 4 show a flowchart of a method for performing a process execution mode in the management device 100 of FIG.

[0067] At least one selected from a plurality of products and at least one selected from a plurality of processes are inputted through the input unit 110 (S110).

[0068] Next, a step (S120) is performed in which a recipe corresponding to the product and process input through the input unit 110 is downloaded from the database 140 and displayed first. At this time, the recipe includes at least one parameter to be applied to the equipment 200 for the process and a target value for each parameter.

[0069] If there are no changes to the recipe, for example, if there is a change in the target value (S130), when a process execution command is input at the input unit 110 (S140), a step (S150) is performed in which the process is executed by the equipment device 200 for that process.

[0070] If there is a change to the recipe, for example, if a change to the target value is input (S130), step S160 in FIG. 4 is executed.

[0071] The control unit 120, to which the changed value has been transmitted, performs a step S160 of determining whether the changed value is within a range preset in the recipe.

[0072] If the changed value is within the range preset in the recipe, the changed recipe is displayed on the display unit 130 (S170), and then steps S140 and S150 are sequentially performed.

[0073] If the changed value is not within the range preset for the recipe, the control unit 120 performs step S180 of invalidating the changed value and restoring the recipe to the preset target value, and then performs step S120 of displaying the recipe on the display unit 130 again, and sequentially performs steps subsequent to step S120 shown in FIG. 3.

[0074] 3 and 4, for other explanations of the method for performing the process execution mode in the management device 100 of FIG. 1, explanations of parts that overlap with those described above for the management device 100 of FIG. 1 will be omitted, and reference will be made to the explanation of FIG.

[0075] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention defined in the following claims also fall within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 100: Management device 110: Input section 120: Processing unit (control unit) 130: Display unit 140: Database (Database Department) 200: Equipment (process equipment)

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for controlling a battery manufacturing process, comprising: an input unit into which at least one selected from the plurality of products and at least one selected from the plurality of processes are input; a display unit that outputs a recipe corresponding to the selected product and process; a control unit that controls the input unit and the display unit; Including, a management device in which recipes are preset corresponding to each of the plurality of products and each of the plurality of processes;

2. The management device A registration mode in which recipes corresponding to products and processes are preset; a process execution mode in which a process execution command according to a recipe corresponding to a product and a process is transmitted to a process equipment device for the process; The management device according to claim 1 , wherein the management device performs the following steps:

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

4. The management device according to claim 3 , wherein the target value is changeable for at least a part of the at least one parameter, and an allowable change range includes at least one of an upper limit and a lower limit.

5. In the process execution mode, the display unit primarily displays a recipe corresponding to the input product and process; 5. The management device according to claim 4, wherein when a process execution command is inputted through the input unit, the process is executed in a process equipment device for the process according to the recipe displayed on the primary screen.

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

7. In the process execution mode, the control unit determines whether the changed value falls within the range of the upper limit and the lower limit, and if the changed value falls within the range of the upper limit and the lower limit, temporarily changes the recipe to the changed value; the display unit subsequently displays the changed value; The management device according to claim 6, wherein when a process execution command is inputted through the input unit, the process is executed in a process equipment device for the process according to the subsequently displayed recipe.

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

9. In the process execution mode, For parameters for which no upper or lower limit is set as the allowable change range for the target value, When a value different from the target value is input, the control unit invalidates the changed value and restores it to the preset target value; the display unit subsequently displays the preset target value; The management device according to claim 6, wherein when a process execution command is inputted through the input unit, the process is executed in a process equipment device for the process according to the subsequently displayed recipe.

10. 7. The management device according to claim 6, wherein in the process execution mode, for a parameter for which no upper or lower limit is set as an allowable change range for the target value, the target value cannot be changed.

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

12. 3. The management device according to claim 2, wherein in the registration mode, at least one parameter and a target value of each parameter are preset according to each product and each process, and a recipe is stored in the database.

13. In the registration mode, at least one parameter can be reconfigured, The parameters to be reset are input in the input unit, The management device according to claim 12 , wherein the recipe is updated with the reset parameters and stored in a database.

14. In the registration mode, you can reset the target value of the parameter. The target value to be reset is input in the input unit, The management device according to claim 12 , wherein the recipe is updated with the reset target value and stored in a database.

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

16. 3. The management device according to claim 2, wherein the input unit allows selection of the registration mode and the process execution mode.

17. The management device according to claim 1 , wherein the recipes are stored in a database, the database being either integrally integrated with the management device or connected to the management device externally via a wired or wireless communication network.

18. 2. The management device according to claim 1, further comprising a database that stores a history of processes performed in a recipe corresponding to the input product and process.

19. 2. The management device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of products and the plurality of processes are presented as a list on the display unit.

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

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