Role map creation system

Abstract

The roll map creation system includes an inspection and measurement device that inspects the electrodes and acquires inspection data and / or measurement data while moving the electrodes, which are represented in a first roll map created in a preceding process, from an unwinder to a rewinder; and a roll map creation device that assigns coordinates to the electrodes and creates a second roll map by matching the inspection data and / or measurement data according to the coordinates of the electrodes, wherein the roll map creation device is configured to create correction data for the difference in length when there is a difference in length between the length (A) of the first roll map and the length (B) of the second roll map.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a roll map creation system, and more specifically, to a roll map creation system capable of ensuring accurate cell traceability even when the length of an electrode roll increases through a roll-to-roll process.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0097671 filed on Jul. 26, 2023, and all the contents disclosed in the literature of the Korean patent application are included as part of this specification.

Background Art

[0003] Due to the increasing technology development and demand for electric vehicles, the demand for secondary batteries is also rapidly increasing. Lithium secondary batteries are widely used as an energy source for various mobile devices as well as various electronic products because of their high energy density, operating voltage, and excellent storage and life characteristics.

[0004] In the manufacturing process of a battery including an electrode process and an assembly process, when problems such as defects occur in the battery, which is a semi-finished or final product, it may be necessary to trace back the entire process. That is, it is necessary to confirm from which process each component of the battery cell to be traced comes.

[0005] In order to more easily investigate the cause of a defect, a solution capable of ensuring cell traceability in a complex battery manufacturing process is required.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is to provide a roll map creation system capable of ensuring accurate cell traceability even when the length of an electrode roll increases through a roll-to-roll process. [[ID=

[0007] To achieve the above technical objectives, the present invention provides a roll map creation system comprising: an inspection and measurement device that inspects an electrode represented in a first roll map created in a prior step while moving the electrode from an unwinder to a rewinder, and acquires inspection data and / or measurement data; and a roll map creation device that assigns coordinates to the electrode and creates a second roll map by matching the inspection data and / or measurement data according to the coordinates of the electrode, wherein the roll map creation device is configured to create correction data for the difference in length when there is a difference in length between the length (A) of the first roll map and the length (B) of the second roll map.

[0008] In some embodiments, the roll map creation device is configured to map any coordinate C of the first roll map to a new corrected coordinate M according to the following formula (1), and the correction data can be configured to include the new corrected coordinate M.

[0009] M = (B·C) / A (1)

[0010] In some embodiments, the roll map creation device can be configured to create an overlay roll map by matching the first roll map and the second roll map using the correction data.

[0011] In some embodiments, each of the first roll map and the second roll map includes absolute coordinates that include both the coordinate values ​​of the electrode removal portion and the coordinate values ​​of the electrode survival portion that remains unremoved, and relative coordinates that include only the coordinate values ​​of the electrode survival portion. The roll map creation device can be configured to map any absolute coordinate C of the first roll map to a new corrected coordinate M according to formula (1), and the correction data can be configured to include the new corrected coordinate M.

[0012] In some embodiments, the roll map creation device can be configured to create the overlay roll map by matching the new corrected coordinates M with the absolute coordinates of the second roll map.

[0013] In some embodiments, the roll map creation device can be configured to update the relative coordinates of the first roll map using the correction data.

[0014] In some embodiments, the inspection and measurement device may include an unwinder encoder and a rewinder encoder capable of measuring the length of an electrode.

[0015] In some embodiments, the length (B) of the second roll map may be the length of the electrode measured by the rewinder encoder.

[0016] In some embodiments, the roll map creation device can be configured such that the correction data is generated after the rewinder has wound up all of the electrodes.

[0017] In some embodiments, the roll map creation device can be configured to add correction data for the difference between the length of the electrode grasped by the unwinder and the length of the electrode grasped by the rewinder to the first roll map.

[0018] In some embodiments, the preceding step may be an electrode coating step, the first roll map may be a roll map for the electrode coating step, and the second roll map may be a roll map for a roll pressing step.

[0019] Another aspect of the present invention provides a roll map creation system comprising: an inspection and measurement device that inspects electrodes represented in a first roll map created in a prior step while moving the electrodes from an unwinder to a rewinder and acquires inspection data and / or measurement data; and a roll map creation device that assigns coordinates to the electrodes and creates a second roll map by matching the inspection data and / or measurement data according to the coordinates of the electrodes, wherein the roll map creation device is configured to add correction data for the length difference to the first roll map when there is a length difference between the length (A) of the first roll map and the length (B) of the second roll map.

[0020] In some embodiments, the roll map creation device is configured to map any coordinate C of the first roll map to a new corrected coordinate M according to the following formula (1), and the correction data can be configured to include the new corrected coordinate M.

[0021] M = (B·C) / A (1)

[0022] In some embodiments, each of the first roll map and the second roll map includes absolute coordinates that include both the coordinate values ​​of the electrode removal portion and the coordinate values ​​of the electrode survival portion that remains unremoved, and survival coordinates that include only the coordinate values ​​of the electrode survival portion, and the lengths of the first roll map (A) and the second roll map (B) may be lengths based on the absolute coordinates, respectively.

[0023] In some embodiments, the roll map creation device can be configured to create an overlay roll map by matching the first roll map and the second roll map using the correction data. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] The roll map creation system of the present invention has the effect of ensuring accurate cell tracking even when the length of the electrode roll increases through the roll-to-roll process.

[0025] The effects that can be obtained from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood by those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure belong from the following description. That is, the unintended effects associated with implementing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] It is a conceptual perspective view schematically showing the state of an electrode through an electrode manufacturing process. [Figure 2] It conceptually shows a roll map created in an electrode manufacturing process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a schematic diagram conceptually showing a roll-to-roll process apparatus and a roll map creation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a schematic diagram conceptually showing the change in the length of a roll map through a roll-to-roll process. [Figure 5] It is a conceptual diagram showing the relationship between an overlay roll map, a first roll map, and a second roll map. [Figure 6] It is a schematic diagram showing relative coordinates and absolute coordinates on a visualized exemplary roll map.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] Preferred embodiments of the concept of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. However, embodiments of the concept of the present invention can be modified into various different forms, and the scope of the concept of the present invention should not be construed as being limited by the embodiments described above. It is preferable that embodiments of the concept of the present invention be construed as being provided to more fully explain the concept of the present invention to a person of average knowledge in the art. The same reference numerals mean the same element throughout. Furthermore, the various elements and areas in the drawings are depicted schematically. Therefore, the concept of the present invention is not limited by the relative sizes and spacings depicted in the attached drawings.

[0028] Terms such as "first," "second," etc., can be used to describe a variety of components, but the components are not limited by these terms. The terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the concept of the present invention, the first component may be named the second component, and conversely, the second component may be named the first component.

[0029] The terms used in this application are used solely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the concepts of the invention. A singular expression includes plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, expressions such as “includes” or “has” are intended to specify the presence of features, quantities, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and are understood not to pre-exist to exclude the presence or possibility of adding one or more other features, quantities, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0030] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the concepts of this invention pertain. Furthermore, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries may be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted in an overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0031] Where a particular embodiment can be otherwise realized, a specific sequence of steps may be performed in a different order than that described. For example, two steps described consecutively may be performed substantially simultaneously, or in the reverse order of the description.

[0032] In the accompanying drawings, deformations of shape, for example, due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, can be expected. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention should not be construed as being limited to specific shapes of the regions shown herein, and may include, for example, changes in shape resulting from the manufacturing process. All terms used herein, "and / or," include each of the components mentioned and all combinations of one or more of them. The term "substrate" as used herein may mean the substrate itself or a laminated structure including a predetermined layer or film formed on the substrate. The term "surface of the substrate" as used herein may mean the exposed surface of the substrate itself or an outer surface including a predetermined layer or film formed on the substrate.

[0033] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a conceptual perspective view that schematically shows the state of an electrode as it goes through the electrode manufacturing process.

[0034] Referring to Figure 1, the coated electrode 1 is manufactured by coating the current collector with active material in a coater C to form a coated portion 1a. Reference points can be marked on the uncoated portion 1b where the active material is not coated. In some embodiments, the active material can be coated on both the top and back surfaces of the electrode 1. The coated electrode 1 can be pressed by a press roll in a roll press process and cut along the longitudinal direction of the electrode 1 by a slitter in a slitting process.

[0035] Subsequently, electrode tabs 2 can be formed by punching them out with a press or the like in a notching process. In the above notching process, the electrode tabs 2 are formed separately for each unit electrode, either by cutting them separately for each unit electrode manufactured in the battery cell, or so that they can be cut in a subsequent process. The width of the unit electrode corresponds to the pitch P processed by the press.

[0036] Such electrode manufacturing processes are carried out by a series of roll-to-roll processes in which electrodes unwound from an unwinder are moved and wound onto a rewinder, with these processes being repeated sequentially. Specifically, electrodes are coated as they move from the unwinder to the rewinder in the coating process, and then wound onto the rewinder to complete the electrode roll for the coating process. Next, the electrode roll is mounted on the unwinder in the roll press process and moved to the rewinder in the roll press process. The electrode roll is then wound onto the rewinder in the roll press process to complete it as the electrode roll for the roll press process. Subsequently, the electrode roll is unwound from the unwinder in a subsequent process (e.g., a second roll press process, a slitting process, or a notching process), undergoes a predetermined process, and is then wound onto the rewinder in the subsequent process to complete it as the electrode roll for that subsequent process. Thus, the electrode manufacturing process may include a series of roll-to-roll processes in which the electrode unwound from the unwinder is moved and wound onto the rewinder (a so-called roll-to-roll process) and these processes are repeated sequentially.

[0037] Figure 2 conceptually shows a roll map created in the electrode manufacturing process according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] As described above, in processes such as coating, roll pressing, and slitting, electrodes are advanced in a roll-to-roll manner. A roll map simulates this electrode movement and shows it in the form of bars (BARs). On the roll map, the longitudinal and widthwise positions of the electrodes are shown using coordinates. That is, the roll map is defined on a coordinate plane having two coordinate axes: the longitudinal axis and the widthwise axis of the electrode, and each position of the electrode on the coordinate plane can be represented by the coordinate values ​​on the coordinate plane. Such a roll map stores information about defects, quality, and electrode breakage that occur in the electrode manufacturing process, along with the coordinates, allowing for easy visual understanding of quality and defect data in the electrode manufacturing process at a glance.

[0039] Referring to Figure 2, external defect information such as pinhole defects f1 and line defects f2 is visualized and displayed at the coordinates where the defects occurred. Mismatch areas f3 between coated and uncoated parts are also displayed. Other loading amount defects are also shown, and the area where electrodes were discarded at the outermost edge is also indicated.

[0040] Furthermore, reference points K1, K2, and K3 can be marked and displayed on electrode 1 at predetermined intervals. If electrode 1 breaks and is joined with a joint connecting member, the electrode length will be shortened by the length of the break. As described above, the worker can also remove the point where the appearance defect occurred and then join the electrode. Such situations can also be replicated on the roll map, and the coordinates on the roll map can be corrected. Referring to Figure 2, both coordinates that do not reflect the electrode removal portion and coordinates that do reflect it are shown on a single roll map. The former is called the absolute coordinate (x), and the latter is called the relative coordinate (y). As shown in Figure 2, the relative coordinate (y) and absolute coordinate (x) can be displayed together on a single roll map, but they can also be displayed separately. A roll map represented by relative coordinate (y) shows the state of the actual electrode.

[0041] Such roll maps can be created for each of the individual processes described above. However, in the roll-to-roll process, since the electrode wound in the preceding process is unwound in the succeeding process, the start and end of the electrode are reversed after the roll-to-roll process. For example, the end of the roll map representing the electrode roll of the preceding process becomes the start of the roll map representing the electrode roll of the succeeding process. Furthermore, in the case of double-sided electrodes where electrode active material is coated on both sides, the electrode surface can be reversed, for example, the top electrode of the preceding process becomes the back electrode in the succeeding process. In other words, depending on the winding direction of the electrode in the preceding process and the unwinding direction of the electrode in the succeeding process, both the start and end of the electrode and the surface may be reversed. Since the roll maps for each process are created based on these reversed electrodes, the coordinates of the roll maps for each process are also reversed from one another. Moreover, the electrode length changes as the electrode is cut and joined several times in the longitudinal direction to remove defective or broken sections after a series of roll-to-roll processes. The roll maps for each process may have different coordinate values ​​because they reflect these reversals and changes in length.

[0042] In the final stage of the electrode manufacturing process, only the remaining electrode portion (the surviving electrode portion) remains, after the electrode portion removed in the previous stage has been removed. Since batteries are manufactured using this surviving electrode portion, if a problem occurs in the final or semi-finished battery, the cause of the problem can be traced by referring to the roll map of the final electrode. Furthermore, by referring to the roll maps of each of the aforementioned stages, the electrode portion that originated the problem can be traced back. Thus, roll maps are a useful tool not only for understanding quality and defects, but also for tracking quality.

[0043] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram conceptually illustrating a roll-to-roll process apparatus and a roll map creation system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Referring to Figure 3, the roll-to-roll processing apparatus 110 may include an unwinder 1111, a rewinder 1113, a processing machine 1115, a first rotary encoder 1121, a second rotary encoder 1125, a measuring instrument 1130, and a process programmable logic controller (PLC) 1143.

[0045] An unwinder 1111 is provided with an electrode roll manufactured in a previous electrode process, and the unwinder 1111 can be configured to unwind the electrode roll. A rewinder 1113 can be configured to wind up the electrode E1 unwound from the unwinder 1111 and processed in the roll-to-roll process. The roll-to-roll process may be, but is not limited to, a coating process, a roll pressing process, a notching process, etc.

[0046] The first rotary encoder 1121 may be configured to sense the extent to which the electrode has been unwound by the unwinder 1111. The first rotary encoder 1121 may be configured to be contact-type or non-contact-type. In some embodiments, the first rotary encoder 1121 may be configured to sense the length to which the electrode has been unwound by the unwinder 1111. This may cause the first rotary encoder 1121 to generate an unwind amount signal UWAS that represents the length to which the electrode has been unwound and to be configured to transmit it to a roll map PLC 1171, which will be described in detail later. The roll map PLC 1171 may be configured to collect unwind amount data based on the received unwind amount signal UWAS.

[0047] The second rotary encoder 1125 may be configured to sense the degree to which the electrodes have been wound by the rewinder 1113. The second rotary encoder 1125 may be configured to be contact-type or non-contact-type. In some embodiments, the second rotary encoder 1125 may be configured to sense the length to which the electrodes have been wound by the rewinder 1113. This may cause the second rotary encoder 1125 to generate a winding amount signal WAS that represents the length to which the electrodes have been wound and to be transmitted to a roll map PLC 1171, which will be described in detail later. The roll map PLC 1171 may be configured to collect winding amount data based on the received winding amount signal WAS.

[0048] The measuring instrument 1130 may be configured to measure the electrode E1 in order to collect measurement data MD of the electrode E1 as it is transferred from the unwinder 1111 to the rewinder 1113. The measuring instrument 1130 may measure the electrode E1 in a scanning manner. In some embodiments, the measuring instrument 1130 may move along the width direction of the electrode E1. In some embodiments, during a single scan of the measuring instrument 1130, the measuring instrument 1130 may move from one end of the electrode E1 in the width direction to the other end in the width direction. While the measuring instrument 1130 is scanning in the width direction, the electrode E1 may be moved in the longitudinal direction of the electrode by the unwinder 1111 and the rewinder 1113.

[0049] The processing machine 1115 described above can be any processing device capable of performing, for example, a coating process, a roll pressing process, a notching process, and so on. For example, if the roll-to-roll process shown in Figure 3 is a coating process, the processing machine 1115 can be a coater. For example, if the roll-to-roll process shown in Figure 3 is a roll pressing process, the processing machine 1115 can be a roll pressing device. For example, if the roll-to-roll process shown in Figure 3 is a notching process, the processing machine 1115 can be a notching device.

[0050] In some embodiments, when the processing machine 1115 is a roll press device, the processing machine 1115 may include a pair of rollers configured to apply a predetermined pressure toward each other with an electrode E1 in between.

[0051] In some embodiments, when the processing machine 1115 is a notching machine, the processing machine 1115 may be a notching press device, which includes, for example, a drive unit configured to move a notching die up and down at a constant period, and the notching die punches the edge of the electrode E1 as it descends to form a lead tab of a predetermined shape (e.g., rectangular).

[0052] The above measurement data MD may include inspection results expressed numerically. For example, the measurement data MD may include the coordinates and dimensions of a notched portion on electrode E1. In some embodiments, the measurement data MD may further include loading amount data of the coating material on the electrode, dimensional data such as the width of the insulating material provided on the coating material and the overlap width between the coating material and the insulating material, and mismatch data between the ground lane on the upper surface of the electrode and the ground lane on the lower surface of the electrode. Here, the loading amount represents the amount of coating material loaded per unit area of ​​electrode E1 and may be the area density of the coating material. The measurement data MD can be processed in a set manner to determine whether the measured portion of the electrode is good or bad.

[0053] The measuring instrument 1130 may include a sensing unit 1131 and a processing unit 1133. The sensing unit 1131 may be configured to sense a physical quantity of electrode E1 to generate a measurement signal MS. For example, the sensing unit 1131 may include a TDI (Time Delay and Integration) camera, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor, and a TOF (Time of Flight) sensor. The sensing unit 1131 may also include an emitter and receiver configured to perform measurements using non-destructive signals such as ultrasound, microwaves, terahertz waves, and infrared rays. In some embodiments, the sensing unit 1131 may also include analog and / or digital sensors such as biosensors, chemical sensors, composition sensors, current and / or power meters, air quality sensors, gas sensors, Hall effect sensors, brightness level sensors, and light sensors. In some embodiments, the measuring instrument 1130 may also include a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a proximity sensor, a door state sensor, a motion tracking sensor, a humidity sensor, a visible light sensor, an infrared sensor, and a camera.

[0054] The roll-to-roll processing apparatus 110 described above may further include an inspector configured to inspect the electrode E1 in order to collect inspection data. The inspection data may include quality judgments and process events related to parts of the electrode E1. For example, the inspection data may include appearance data of the electrode collected by an image-based inspection device such as a vision machine, data on breaks and seams in the electrode, data on parts of the electrode that have been sampled, data on parts of the electrode that are scheduled to be scrapped, data on scrapped parts of the electrode, data on the quality of the coating and insulating materials on the electrode, data on reference points indicating the position of the electrode, and defect data such as pinhole defects, crater defects, line defects, crack defects, side ring defects, island defects, fold defects, wrinkle defects, puncture defects, and indentation defects. The reference points may be formed at predetermined intervals on the electrode, and the position of other elements on the electrode may be known based on the reference points. The inspector may be any one of a color sensor, a seam sensor, a reference point sensor, and a vision machine.

[0055] The measurement data (MD) and inspection data described above may be time-series data. The measurement data (MD) and inspection data can be temporally ordered. Temporal ordering is a key characteristic of time-series data, where events are organized in the order in which they occur and arrive for processing. That is, the measurement data (MD) and inspection data can be stored based on the time when the measurement and inspection were performed, and the measurement data (MD) and inspection data can be associated with time. Furthermore, the measurement data (MD) and inspection data can be associated with the position on the electrodes, as determined based on the aforementioned reference point.

[0056] The processing unit 1133 can be configured to collect the measurement signal MS sensed by the sensing unit 1131 in order to generate measurement data MD. The processing unit 1133 can be connected to the sensing unit 1131 by wire or wireless connection.

[0057] The rollmap PLC1171 may be in operative communication with the first rotary encoder 1121, the second rotary encoder 1125, the measuring instrument 1130, additional measuring instruments, and additional testers via a wired or wireless data network. The data network may be unidirectional or bidirectional. The data network may be embodied by a public network and / or specialized network using a physical channel, WiFi, Bluetooth®, and / or other frequency bands. The first rotary encoder 1121, the second rotary encoder 1125, the measuring instrument 1130, additional measuring instruments, and additional testers may be configured to collect data from equipment, workpieces, semi-finished products, and finished products within the roll-to-roll process machine 110, or to generate signals for data collection.

[0058] The roll map PLC 1171 can be configured to transmit coordinate data CD to the processing unit 1133. The processing unit 1133 can be configured to associate measurement data MD with the coordinate data CD in order to generate coordinate-related measurement data CMD. Generally, measurement data MD can be processed based on trigger points. Examples of processing of measurement data MD may include saving the measurement data MD, manipulating the measurement data MD (e.g., generating coordinate-related measurement data CMD), and transmitting the measurement data MD.

[0059] As a non-restrictive example, the trigger point for processing the measurement data MD could be the completion of scanning. For example, the sensing unit 1131 can scan the electrode in the width direction of the electrode, and after each scan, the measurement data MD can be saved, processed, modulated, and transmitted. In other examples, the trigger point may be the completion of multiple scans, or the completion of a portion of a scan.

[0060] The processing unit 1133 can be configured to transmit coordinate-related measurement data CMD to the roll map PLC 1171. The roll map PLC 1171 can be configured to transmit coordinate-related measurement data CMD to the process PLC 1143.

[0061] The coordinate-related measurement data (CMD) transmitted to the process PLC 1143 can be transmitted to the first server 150 via the process PLC 1143 and the equipment interface (EIF) 145. The process PLC 1143 and EIF 145 can relay data communication, including the measurement data (CMD), between the first server 150 and the roll map PLC 1171. However, the roll map PLC 1171 can also be configured to transmit the coordinate-related measurement data (CMD) directly to the first server 150.

[0062] The process PLC 1143 can be configured to control the operation of the unwinder 1111, the rewinder 1113, and the processing machine 1115. The process PLC 1143 can also be configured to generate signals for the operation and interruption of the unwinder 1111, the rewinder 1113, and the processing machine 1115.

[0063] In some embodiments, the roll map PLC1171 and the process PLC1143 may each be part of a first PLC1140, which is a single PLC.

[0064] To control the roll-to-roll process shown in Figure 3, a communication line can be installed between the process PLC 1143 and the first server 150 via the EIF 145. This allows for data transmission via the process PLC 1143 to save resources required for installing a communication line and streamline data processing and management compared to the case where the first rotary encoder 1121, the second rotary encoder 1125, and the measuring instrument 1130 directly transmit the unwinding amount signal UWAS, the winding amount signal WAS, and the measurement signal MS to the first server 150, compared to the case where the roll map PLC 1171 directly transmits the measurement data CMD to the first server 150.

[0065] EIF145 may be a device for communication between the process PLC1143 of the manufacturing equipment and the first server 150, which is a higher-level server.

[0066] In some embodiments, the first server 150 can store a first roll map created for a preceding process. The first roll map may be created by the first server 150 for the preceding process, or it may be created by the roll map PLC of the preceding process. The first roll map represents the electrode rolls wound in the preceding process, which are then provided to the unwinder 1111 for the roll-to-roll process shown in Figure 3.

[0067] In some embodiments, the first server 150 may include a roll map creation unit configured to generate a second roll map. The second roll map may be a projection of process data of the electrode E1 on a plane that replicates the electrode E1 moving between the unwinder 1111 and the rewinder 1113. In this case, the first server 150 can function as a roll map creation device.

[0068] In some embodiments, the roll map PLC 1171 may include a roll map creation unit configured to generate the second roll map. In this case, the roll map PLC 1171 can function as a roll map creation device. The following describes the case in which the first server 150 creates the second roll map. However, the roll map PLC 1171 can also be configured to create the second roll map in the same, equivalent, or analogous manner as the configuration related to the first server 150 creating the second roll map.

[0069] The second roll map described above can be generated in lot units formed by winding and cutting the electrode E1. The second roll map may include data relating to the lot specifications. The lot specifications may include, for example, the lot number, the length of the wound electrode, the width of the electrode, and the material and composition used for processing the electrode.

[0070] In some embodiments, the preceding step is an electrode coating step, and the roll-to-roll step shown in Figure 3 may be a roll pressing step. In this case, the first roll map may be a roll map for the electrode coating step, which is the preceding step, and the second roll map may be a roll map for the roll pressing step.

[0071] In other embodiments, the preceding step may be a roll pressing step, and the roll-to-roll step shown in Figure 3 may be a notching step. In this case, the first roll map may be a roll map for the preceding step, which is the roll pressing step, and the second roll map may be a roll map for the notching step.

[0072] The first server 150 can match the coordinate positions of the generated second role map with the coordinate positions of the first role map. This will be explained in more detail later.

[0073] According to an exemplary embodiment, the first server 150 may be a data processing system that supports various activities necessary for managing the manufacturing of secondary batteries, such as work schedule management, work instructions, quality control, and work performance aggregation. The first server 150 may be, for example, a Manufacturing Execution System (MES). The first server 150 may be configured to input, process, output, and communicate data necessary for electrode assembly, such as notching, cutting, and stacking processes.

[0074] In some embodiments, the first roll map may include information regarding the length of the electrode wound in the preceding process. In some embodiments, the electrode length (A) of the first roll map may be the length measured by a rotary encoder provided on the rewinder of the preceding process. In other embodiments, the electrode length (A) of the first roll map may be the length measured by a first rotary encoder 1121 provided on the unwinder 1111 of the roll-to-roll process apparatus 110 shown in Figure 3.

[0075] The second roll map described above may include information regarding the length of the electrode wound up by the rewinder 1113. In some embodiments, the electrode length (B) in the second roll map may be the length measured by a second rotary encoder 1125 provided on the rewinder 1113.

[0076] The length of the electrode (A) in the first roll map described above is not necessarily the same as the length of the electrode (B) in the second roll map described above. The electrode E1 can be subjected to longitudinal tension as it moves from the unwinder 1111 toward the rewinder 1113. As a result, the length of the electrode E1 measured on the unwinder 1111 and the length of the electrode measured on the rewinder 1113 may be different from each other.

[0077] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram conceptually illustrating the change in the length of the roll map after the roll-to-roll process.

[0078] Referring to Figure 4, the first roll map before the roll-to-roll process and the second roll map after the roll-to-roll process are arranged side by side.

[0079] The first roll map described above is a roll map created for an electrode that has undergone a preceding process in the roll-to-roll process shown in Figure 3. The second roll map described above is a roll map created for an electrode that has undergone the roll-to-roll process shown in Figure 3. The first roll map may have a first length (A), and the second roll map may have a second length (B).

[0080] As described above, since the second roll map is subjected to tension in the longitudinal direction through the roll-to-roll process, the second length (B) may be even longer than the first length (A). The difference in length between the first roll map and the second roll map may be (BA). Because the length of the first roll map (A) and the length of the second roll map (B) are different, it may be unreasonable to directly associate the coordinates on the first roll map with the coordinates on the second roll map in order to find the corresponding position on the second roll map for any given position on the first roll map.

[0081] The electrodes represented in the first roll map can be said to change in length uniformly and proportionally as a whole through the roll-to-roll process shown in Figure 3. In other words, as the roll-to-roll process is performed on the electrodes represented in the first roll map, it can be assumed that a constant tension is applied to the electrodes as a whole, and in that case, it can be estimated that the change in the length of the electrodes also occurs proportionally.

[0082] Taking these points into consideration, it is possible to map a position on the second roll map to any position on the first roll map. Specifically, we assume that a change in the length of electrode E1 causes position P1 on the first roll map to move to position P2 on the second roll map, with position P1 on the first roll map having longitudinal coordinate C and position P2 on the second roll map having longitudinal coordinate M.

[0083] Assuming that the second roll map is even longer than the first roll map, we can consider that the longitudinal coordinate C of position P1 has also moved proportionally to the longitudinal coordinate M of position P2. That is, we can consider that the proportion A:B=C:M holds, and the longitudinal coordinate M of position P2 can be found as shown in equation (1) below.

[0084] M = (B·C) / A (1)

[0085] The roll map creation device described above can be configured to map the longitudinal coordinate C on the first roll map to the longitudinal coordinate M on the second roll map. In some embodiments, the roll map creation device can separately create and save the coordinate M, which is a new corrected coordinate, as correction data.

[0086] The above correction data can be provided in addition to the data of the first roll map. In some embodiments, the data of the first roll map may include coordinate data, measurement data, evaluation data, coordinate-related measurement data, etc., in a time-series manner. The above correction data can be stored in addition to the data of the first roll map. The above correction data can be stored in the first server 150.

[0087] The above correction data can be generated after the electrodes have been fully wound onto the rewinder 1113 shown in Figure 3. Only after the electrodes have been fully wound onto the rewinder 1113 can the measurement of the electrode length (B) of the second roll map by the second rotary encoder 1125 be completed. Subsequently, the above electrode length (B) can be used to generate the correction data.

[0088] In some embodiments, the roll map creation device can be configured to create an overlay roll map using the correction data. Figure 5 is a conceptual diagram showing the relationship between the overlay roll map, the first roll map, and the second roll map.

[0089] Referring to Figure 5, the overlay role map described above may be a role map that has been integrated into one by matching the first role map and the second role map described above. The overlay role map described above may be a role map that has been created in addition to the first role map and the second role map described above.

[0090] In some embodiments, the overlay roll map can be created by the roll map creation device. In some embodiments, the overlay roll map can be created by the first server 150.

[0091] The roll map creation device described above can create an overlay roll map by mapping the longitudinal coordinate C of any position P1 on the first roll map, as well as coordinate data, measurement data, evaluation data, and coordinate-related measurement data corresponding to position P1, to the longitudinal coordinate M of the corresponding position P2 on the second roll map.

[0092] The overlay roll map described above may include coordinate data, measurement data, evaluation data, and coordinate-related measurement data on the second roll map. Furthermore, the overlay roll map may further include coordinate data, measurement data, evaluation data, and coordinate-related measurement data on the first roll map corresponding to each coordinate data on the second roll map.

[0093] Any position on an electrode and the length of an electrode on a roll map can be represented by coordinates on the electrode. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing relative and absolute coordinates on a visualized exemplary roll map.

[0094] Referring to Figure 6, the roll map representing electrode E1 has a form that extends in the longitudinal direction and can have longitudinal coordinates depending on its position in the longitudinal direction. Electrode E1 can have absolute coordinates (AC) and relative coordinates (RC) in the longitudinal direction.

[0095] Regarding the absolute coordinates (AC) of electrode E1 shown in Figure 6, the right end of electrode E1 can be represented as 0 and the left end as 100. However, it should be understood that this coordinate setting is for convenience only, and ordinary engineers can arbitrarily assign coordinates to electrodes as needed.

[0096] Incidentally, defects F may occur during the manufacturing process of electrode E1. To remove these defects, the portion containing the defects can be removed. Removing the portion containing the defects shortens the overall length of electrode E1 accordingly. Figure 6 shows an example where a defect F occurs between coordinates 45 and 48 on the absolute coordinate system (AC), and the section between coordinates 45 and 48 on the absolute coordinate system (AC) is removed.

[0097] In order to remove the interval between coordinates 45 and 48 on the absolute coordinate system (AC), a first cutting portion C1 can be formed at coordinate 45 on the absolute coordinate system (AC) to cut the electrode E1 in the width direction, and a second cutting portion C2 can be formed at coordinate 48 on the absolute coordinate system (AC) to cut the electrode E1 in the width direction.

[0098] By removing the section between the first cutting section C1 and the second cutting section C2, that is, the section between coordinates 45 and 48 on the absolute coordinate system (AC), the first cutting section C1 and the second cutting section C2 can be connected to each other. As a result, the point at coordinate 48 on the absolute coordinate system (AC) is aligned with the point at coordinate 45 on the absolute coordinate system (AC), and thus has relative coordinates 45.

[0099] If there is no removed interval between coordinate 0 and coordinate 45 in the absolute coordinate system (AC), then coordinate 45 in the absolute coordinate system (AC) can also be coordinate 45 in the relative coordinate system (RC). However, since the interval between coordinate 45 and coordinate 48 in the absolute coordinate system (AC) has been removed, coordinate 48 in the absolute coordinate system (AC) can also be coordinate 45 in the relative coordinate system (RC). Furthermore, the interval from coordinate 48 to coordinate 100 in the absolute coordinate system (AC) will have coordinates from 45 to coordinate 97 in the relative coordinate system (RC). In other words, the relative coordinate system (RC) has coordinate values ​​that are reduced by the length of the electrode that was removed earlier compared to the absolute coordinate system (AC).

[0100] In other words, the absolute coordinate (AC) of electrode E1 can include both the coordinate value of the electrode removal portion R of electrode E1 and the coordinate value of the remaining electrode surviving portion S. On the other hand, the relative coordinate (RC) of electrode E1 can include only the coordinate value of the electrode surviving portion S.

[0101] Referring again to Figures 4 and 5, the length of the first roll map (A) and the length of the second roll map (B) can be lengths based on absolute coordinates (AC). Therefore, when matching an arbitrary position P1 on the first roll map with the corresponding position P2 on the second roll map according to equation (1), the length of the first roll map (A), the length of the second roll map (B), and the longitudinal coordinate C of the arbitrary position P1 on the first roll map can all be lengths and coordinates based on absolute coordinates.

[0102] As described above, the correction data can be provided in addition to the data of the first roll map. In some embodiments, the correction data can be stored correlated to the corresponding coordinates of the first roll map.

[0103] In some embodiments, the roll map creation device can update the relative coordinates of the first roll map using the correction data. In some embodiments, after reading the absolute coordinates corresponding to each relative coordinate of the first roll map, the roll map creation device can calculate the absolute coordinates of the second roll map corresponding to the absolute coordinates of the first roll map using the correction data. Subsequently, the roll map creation device can read the relative coordinates corresponding to the absolute coordinates of the second roll map and map them to the relative coordinates of the first roll map.

[0104] Referring again to Figure 3, the first server 150 can generate a visualization command VC for visualizing the second role map. The first server 150 can transmit the visualization command VC to the display device 160, which can visualize the second role map and display the visualized second role map.

[0105] In some embodiments, the processing unit 1133 may be configured to transmit coordinate-related measurement data CMD and / or coordinate data CD to the second server 180. According to an exemplary embodiment, the coordinate-related measurement data CMD and coordinate data CD may be transmitted to the second server 180 via the eIoT 170. The eIoT 170 may be a device for communication between the processing unit 1133 and the second server 180.

[0106] In some embodiments, the second server 180 can be configured to store and process electrode measurement data MD. The second server 180 can manage the quality of electrode processing by continuously monitoring the electrode processing based on the measurement data MD. According to an exemplary embodiment, the second server 180 may be a statistical process controller (SPC). By collecting and analyzing manufacturing data in near real time, the second server 180 can identify problem conditions in a timely manner and provide alarms to operators before potential problems occur.

[0107] The third server 190 can be configured to store coordinate-related measurement data CMD transmitted from the first server 150. The third server 190 can be configured to store measurement data MD transmitted from the second server 180. If the first server 150 is an MES and the second server 180 is an SPC, they may be unsuitable for long-term storage of coordinate-related measurement data CMD, evaluation data ED, and measurement data MD. The third server 190 could be, for example, a data warehouse and can store coordinate-related measurement data CMD, evaluation data ED, and measurement data MD for long periods based on the product quality assurance period, etc.

[0108] The processing unit 1133, roll-map PLC 1171, process PLC 1143, EIF 145, first server 150, eIoT 170, second server 180, and third server 190 can be embodied in hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, the processing unit 1133, roll-map PLC 1171, process PLC 1143, EIF 145, first server 150, eIoT 170, second server 180, and third server 190 may include computing devices such as workstation computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, and tablet computers. The processing unit 1133, roll-map PLC 1171, process PLC 1143, EIF 145, first server 150, eIoT 170, second server 180, and third server 190 may also include any one of the following: a simple controller, a complex processor such as a microprocessor, CPU, or GPU, a processor composed of software, dedicated hardware, and firmware. The processing unit 1133, roll map PLC 1171, process PLC 1143, EIF 145, first server 150, eIoT 170, second server 180, and third server 190 can be implemented, for example, by a general-purpose computer or application-specific hardware such as a DSP (Digital Signal Process), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0109] The first server 150 and the second server 180 can generate a second role map and an intermediate role map. Since the first server 150 stores and processes a lot of general manufacturing control data other than the second role map, the second role map stored in the first server 150 can include processed and simplified coordinate-related measurement data (CMD) instead of raw measurement data (MD). The second server 180 can store raw measurement data (MD) to operate as an SPC. The second server 180 can transmit measurement data (MD) corresponding to a selected portion of the second role map in response to a command from the first server 150.

[0110] The intermediate roll map may further include measurement data MD related to the second roll map. That is, in addition to the second roll map mentioned above, the intermediate roll map may further include measurement data MD, which is the original data. The measurement data MD can be associated with the second roll map based on time values. This allows the intermediate roll map to provide additional insights regarding workpiece quality, process performance, OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) drill-down, anomaly detection, traceability, preventive maintenance, and predictive alarms.

[0111] The first server 150, the second server 180, and the third server 190 may include physical servers or cloud servers. The first server 150, the second server 180, and the third server 190 can provide data and analysis results to workers through various frameworks. The framework may include protocols to support data transmission so that the display device 160 can visualize the data through a user interface and provide updated visualizations when new data is calculated by the first server 150 and the second server 180. The protocols supporting the above data transmission may use HTML, JavaScript, and / or JSON.

[0112] The first server 150, the second server 180, and the third server 190 can include a variety of APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) for storing data in databases and other data management tools. These APIs can also be used to retrieve data in the databases of various data management systems. The data management systems can provide access to the databases, pull data from them, retrieve data, and generate metrics. Here, metrics are tools for visualizing data. Metrics include time-series generated measurements and can be used for application monitoring and generating status alerts.

[0113] The roll-to-roll process apparatus 110 described above can embody a plug-in architecture with an API for data acquisition to provide plug-and-play connectivity for measuring instruments 1130, additional measuring instruments, and additional inspection instruments. This allows resources at a specific process step and site to be easily transferred to other processes and sites, or new resources to be easily introduced at each process step and site.

[0114] The data network between the elements of the roll-to-roll processing apparatus 110 described above can include a variety of communication channels, including unidirectional, bidirectional wired, and wireless communication. For example, the data network can include industrial protocol networks such as OPC, Modbus, and ProfiNet. The communication channel may be dedicated conduit communication such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), IEEE 802 (Ethernet), IEEE 1394 (FireWire), or other high-speed data communication standards.

[0115] In some embodiments, the roll-to-roll processing apparatus 110 may further include a manual input system that allows an operator to input manufacturing data. The roll-to-roll processing apparatus 110 may also allow operator data input using an input tool and computer-based input of manufacturing data, such as Excel file scraping.

[0116] According to some embodiments, the operation of the processing unit 1133, roll map PLC 1171, process PLC 1143, EIF 145, first server 150, eIoT 170, second server 180, and third server 190 can be embodied as instructions stored on a machine-readable medium that can be read and executed by one or more processors. Here, the machine-readable medium can include any mechanism for storing and / or transmitting information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computing device). For example, the machine-readable medium can include ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), magnetic disk storage medium, optical storage medium, flash memory, electrical, optical, acoustic or other forms of radio signals (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.) and any other signals.

[0117] The processing unit 1133, roll map PLC 1171, process PLC 1143, EIF 145, first server 150, eIoT 170, second server 180, and third server 190 may consist of firmware, software, routines, and instructions for performing the operations described above or any processes described below. For example, the processing unit 1133, roll map PLC 1171, process PLC 1143, EIF 145, first server 150, eIoT 170, second server 180, and third server 190 may be instantiated in memory.

[0118] The processing unit 1133 can be embodied, for example, by software configured to receive coordinate data CD, generate coordinate-related measurement data CMD, and transmit measurement data MD, coordinate data CD, and coordinate-related measurement data CMD.

[0119] The roll map PLC1171 can be embodied by software configured to collect coordinate data CD, receive coordinate-related measurement data CMD, and transmit the coordinate data CD and coordinate-related measurement data CMD.

[0120] The process PLC 1143 can be embodied by software configured to generate control signals for controlling the unwinder 1111, rewinder 1113, and processing machine 1115 based on the product ID and product recipe, and to receive and transmit coordinate data CD and coordinate-related measurement data CMD.

[0121] The EIF145 can be implemented by software for relaying data and information transmission between the process PLC1143 and the first server150. More specifically, the EIF145 can be implemented by software configured to perform flow control, error control, synchronization, sequence control, addressing, multiplexing, routing, and format conversion of communications between the process PLC1143 and the first server150.

[0122] The first server 150 can be embodied by software configured to transmit product ID and product recipe to process PLC 1143 and generate the second roll map based on coordinate-related measurement data CMD.

[0123] The eIoT170 may include software configured to collect, store, process, and transmit time-series data such as measurement data MD, coordinate data CD, and / or coordinate-related measurement data CMD.

[0124] The second server 180 can be embodied by software configured to store time-series data such as measurement data MD, coordinate data CD and / or coordinate-related measurement data CMD, monitor the process based on the above time-series data, coordinate data CD and / or coordinate-related measurement data CMD, and transmit the above time-series data, coordinate data CD and / or coordinate-related measurement data CMD in response to requests from the first server 150.

[0125] The third server 190 can be embodied by software configured to receive and store coordinate-related measurement data CMD, evaluation data ED, and / or measurement data MD, and to retrieve coordinate-related measurement data CMD, evaluation data ED, and / or measurement data MD.

[0126] However, this is for illustrative purposes only, and the operation of the aforementioned processing unit 1133, roll map PLC 1171, process PLC 1143, EIF 145, first server 150, eIoT 170, second server 180, and third server 190 can also be controlled by other devices that execute computing devices, distributed computing devices, processors, firmware, software, routines, and instructions.

[0127] (Second Embodiment) In some embodiments, the roll mapping device may not generate correction data if the length of the electrode roll measured by a rotary encoder provided on the rewinder of a preceding process is substantially the same as the length of the electrode roll measured by a rotary encoder provided on the rewinder of that process (e.g., a second rotary encoder 1125).

[0128] In some embodiments, the roll map creation device may not generate correction data if the length of the electrode roll measured by a rotary encoder provided on the rewinder of a preceding process differs from the length of the electrode roll measured by a rotary encoder provided on the rewinder of that process (e.g., a second rotary encoder 1125) within a predetermined error range.

[0129] In some embodiments, the roll map creation device may not generate correction data if the length of the electrode roll measured by the first rotary encoder 1121 is substantially the same as the length of the electrode roll measured by the second rotary encoder 1125.

[0130] In some embodiments, the roll map creation device may not generate correction data if the length of the electrode roll measured by the first rotary encoder 1121 differs from the length of the electrode roll measured by the second rotary encoder 1125 within a predetermined error range.

[0131] As described above, embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, but any person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can modify and implement the present invention in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Therefore, any future modifications of embodiments of the present invention will not depart from the art of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] 110: Roll-to-roll processing equipment 145:EIF 150: Server 1 160:Display device 170: eIoT 180: Server 2 190: Server 3 1111: Unwinder 1113: Rewinder 1115: Processing machine 1121: First rotary encoder 1125: Second rotary encoder 1130: Measuring instruments 1131: Sensing Department 1133: Processing Unit 1143: Process PLC 1171: Roll Map PLC

Claims

1. An inspection and measurement device that inspects the electrodes and acquires inspection data and / or measurement data while moving the electrodes represented in the first roll map created in the preceding process from an unwinder to a rewinder, A roll map creation device that assigns coordinates to the electrodes and creates a second roll map by matching the inspection data and / or measurement data with the coordinates of the electrodes, Includes, The roll map creation device is configured to create correction data for the length difference when there is a length difference between the length of the first roll map (A) and the length of the second roll map (B).

2. The roll map creation device is configured to map any coordinate C of the first roll map to a new corrected coordinate M according to the following formula (1), and the correction data is configured to include the new corrected coordinate M, as described in claim 1. M=(B・C) / A (1)

3. The roll map creation system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the roll map creation device is configured to create an overlay roll map by matching the first roll map and the second roll map using the correction data.

4. Each of the first roll map and the second roll map includes absolute coordinates that include both the coordinate values ​​of the electrode removal portion and the coordinate values ​​of the electrode survival portion that remains unremoved, and relative coordinates that include only the coordinate values ​​of the electrode survival portion. The roll map creation device is configured to map any absolute coordinate C of the first roll map to a new corrected coordinate M according to the following formula (1), and the correction data includes the new corrected coordinate M, as described in claim 3. M=(B・C) / A (1)

5. The roll map creation system according to claim 4, wherein the roll map creation device is configured to create the overlay roll map by matching the new corrected coordinates M with the absolute coordinates of the second roll map.

6. The roll map creation system according to claim 4, wherein the roll map creation device is configured to update the relative coordinates of the first roll map using the correction data.

7. The roll map creation system according to claim 1, wherein the inspection and measurement device includes an unwinder encoder and a rewinder encoder for measuring the length of an electrode.

8. The roll map creation system according to claim 7, wherein the length (B) of the second roll map is the length of the electrode determined by the rewinder encoder.

9. The roll map creation system according to claim 7, wherein the correction data is generated after the rewinder has wound up all of the electrodes.

10. The roll map creation system according to claim 1, configured to add correction data of the difference between the length of the electrode grasped by the unwinder and the length of the electrode grasped by the rewinder to the first roll map.

11. The preceding step is an electrode coating step, The first roll map is a roll map for the electrode coating process, The roll map creation system according to claim 1, wherein the second roll map is a roll map for a roll press process.

12. An inspection and measurement device that inspects the electrodes and acquires inspection data and / or measurement data while moving the electrodes represented in the first roll map created in the preceding process from an unwinder to a rewinder, A roll map creation device that assigns coordinates to the electrodes and creates a second roll map by matching the inspection data and / or measurement data with the coordinates of the electrodes, Includes, The roll map creation device is configured to add correction data for the length difference to the first roll map when there is a difference in length between the length of the first roll map (A) and the length of the second roll map (B).

13. The roll map creation device is configured to map any coordinate C of the first roll map to a new corrected coordinate M according to the following formula (1), and the correction data is configured to include the new corrected coordinate M, as described in claim 12. M=(B・C) / A (1)

14. Each of the first roll map and the second roll map includes absolute coordinates that include both the coordinate values ​​of the electrode removal portion and the coordinate values ​​of the electrode survival portion that remains unremoved, and survival coordinates that include only the coordinate values ​​of the electrode survival portion. The roll map creation system according to claim 12, wherein the length of the first roll map (A) and the length of the second roll map (B) are each lengths based on the absolute coordinates.

15. The roll map creation system according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the roll map creation device is configured to create an overlay roll map by matching the first roll map and the second roll map using the correction data.

16. A step of saving the first roll map for the preceding process, The steps include saving a second roll map for the process to be performed after the preceding process, The steps include creating correction data for the length difference when there is a difference in length between the length of the first roll map (A) and the length of the second roll map (B), How to create a role map, including [specific details].

17. The method for creating a roll map according to claim 16, wherein the step of creating the correction data includes the step of mapping any coordinate C of the first roll map to a new correction coordinate M according to the following formula (1). M=(B・C) / A (1)

18. A method for creating a roll map according to claim 16 or 17, further comprising the step of creating an overlay roll map by matching the first roll map and the second roll map using the correction data.

Images